Well that’s not really a choice. Unless, you have some kind of disability you really should be pleating your sari and not looking for some kind of easier alternatives. In fact, there are various pleating tools out there (to be discussed later) that can help you pleat a sari the same way pins can help you hold a sari in place. Now that’s pretty cool. So, therefore, there is not excuse for not being able to pleat your own sari.

I am always offended when someone asks me if I have wrapped the sari myself or if it’s wrapped or “belted.” Why would you even bother wearing a sari if you’re not wrapping it. What is the point of wearing a sari then. That obviously says you are not comfortable in it and if that’s the case then perhaps you should wear something that you feel better about wearing.

The beauty and greatness about wearing a sari is being able to transform all those yards of fabric into an elegant and sophisticated dress suitable for any occasion. It’s an art that is represented through clothing. If you can’t wrap a sari then consider a lengha which is just as elegant and you can even buy a lengha that has pleats in it to make it look like a sari!

It’s so hard to find long sleeved lenghas! That says everything there is to say on the topic. If you get lucky you’ll come across one every now and then but then you may not even like it. Long sleeved sari blouses are in style right now but lenghas are leaning to the traditional. Perhaps if there were more of a demand for them they would be more widely available. I remember buying a lengha few years back and it came with a blouse piece so I could have my choli customized to my taste. However, the piece still wasn’t large enough for long sleeves so that was limiting. How often do you really wear a lengha anyway? There aren’t really simple ones out there. They are mostly for bridal or wedding wear. Perhaps if the lengha was popular as an every day dress then it would be available in more sleeve lengths and styles. What do you think?

(more…)

I believe I have both a love and hate relationship with lenghas. I love them because they are beautiful, elegant, and fancy. They are perfect for formal wear and especially weddings. Many brides wear them on their weddings. Lenghas are very graceful and feminine. Every woman should own at least one.

What’s there left to hate? Well, they’re not made to be very practical. They’re always fancy. You don’t see any lenghas for every day wear now do you? The prices are very high and you don’t get around to wearing one unless it’s either your wedding or a close family member’s. They almost always come in short sleeves. So what if you prefer long sleeves then tough luck for you. There are a few full-sleeved cholis out there but they’re hard to find. Lenghas are beautiful and elegant but not practical and affordable!

Most lace saris you will find are frankly “fake.” Authentic lace is handmade of pure silk and sometimes linen. Chantilly lace is a handmade bobbin lace named after the city of Chantilly in France. This tradition dates (more…)

I hate the stereotype of saris being sexy and revealing when that’s not true at all. I’ve always preferred the longer length, long-sleeved blouses. Yes traditionally cholis are short with short sleeves but there’s reasoning behind that. Since then styles have evolved so much that there really is something for everyone.

I found this extra long sari blouse that I really like so I wanted to share. It’s not only conservative but stylish as well. I’ve seen this same look achieved with a tank top but this is even better. I’m not so stunned by the collar but I think this look does carry a nice grace.

(more…)

I am a huge fan of new and interesting choli styles. The traditional ones tend to be my favorites but some of the newer trendier styles are quite lovely and fascinating as well. However, when I saw this I was quite stunned. It is hideous! I don’t know who would wear this but it sure is UGLY! I mean what is it supposed to be anyway? Is she wearing her clothes backwards? Whatever it is, it’s in no way appealing.

No, I’m not referring to getting married! In fact, I’m talking about tying the knot on the choli or sari blouse. The most popular blouse style right now is with the dori, or string. These tye-back blouses are attractive and beautiful. How low you choose to keep your back neckline is really up to you but be sure to have your tailor add one of these little strings for you. It’s a special touch that will really complete any look!

(more…)

There are many different types of lenghas and their variations. Although lengha is the general term used there are many other uses referring (more…)

…that depends how you define a sari. A sari, as most of us know, is pleated with a pallu usually thrown over on of the shoulders. Now with the lengha sari and two-piece sari it makes one wonder what a sari really is. After much thought and consideration I’ve come to my own conclusion of what makes up a sari. Six to nine yards of free flowing fabric. Pleats. An attached pallu. This means that the “two-piece” sari is out of the question. I’m not sure I have yet understood its concept anyway. You mind as well say chaniya choli, lengha, ghagra choli. However, the lengha sari is a different story. It does have an attached pallu, several yards of free flowing fabric, yet no pleats. So I supposed it’s a halfway cross between a lengha and sari, hence the name. A real sari consists of pleats. So now comes a question, to be answered another day, how do we define the automatic sari?

(more…)

Wedding season is almost a month away but the invitations have already started pouring in. I’ve already set dates for two weddings in May, (more…)

The choli, whether paired with your favorite sari or on its own, can be as simple or elaborate as you please. When traditional cholis come to mind we think of short length cholis with short sleeves and its variations. (more…)

The Indian wardrobe is longer just Indian. Let’s face it, we all have a wide collection of Western clothes, accessories, and shoes. (more…)

The year is almost over! What better way to end the year then in style. Now is the perfect time to stock up on the latest trends that will not only (more…)

Lengha, ghagra, chaniya choli…or whatever you want to call it, is rarely worn around the house or to a dinner party or other small function. Right? When was that last time you cooked a meal in a chaniya choli? Try to recall the most recent time time you pranced around your house in a lengha? Never! This is the answer that brings us to the point being that the lengha has been reserved only for more lavish occasions such as weddings and festivals. But why? Ghararas, native to Lucknow, have close to disappeared from the planet or only reserved for brides. Sure, no one is saying to walk around everywhere you go in that lengha choli you received in your trosseau! Of course not! Then? All over Gujarat and Rajasthan women adorn themselves in vibrant chaniya cholis every day as they work in the fields or do housework. Then why don’t we? Perhaps there is an ongoing wait for someone to start this new trend by wearing lenghas on casual occasions as well. This brings us to the problem, which is probably the root of it all, that it is difficult to impossible to find a casual wear lengha! They just don’t make them anymore. Sad but true…the lengha will forever remain formal from now on.

(more…)

Over the years styles my have changed and designs may have come and gone but the everlasting sari has brought forth many new styles, drapes, and cholis. Ofcourse, the sari has evolved from what it once was to what it is now. The question, however, is what sari are you? A sari represents the woman wearing it. It should reflect oneself and personality. It is widely known that no sari is the same. Just a change in drape or fabric goes a long way. So, if you’re Gujarati and you drape your sari with the pallu in front then perhaps that indicates that you’re traditional. Same goes for the Bengali sari or any other drape; most of which have disappeared either completely or become unique to certain rural areas. The modern and most common style of wearing the sari has become a classic. Even though most women choose this style it does not make them all the same. In fact, if you cover your head with your pallu then chances are you are more conservative and religous. On the other hand if you dare to bare with backless cholis and sheer fabrics then perhaps you are too revealing or maybe seductive? Is the sari itself sexy or the way it’s worn? Remember, the sari says it all. Six yards of fabric wrapped around a woman reflect who she is. That’s what makes the sari so amazing and a style that will never go out. So, what sari are you?? Share your thoughts…

(more…)

Choosing the right lengha style and color should not only depend on one’s personal taste but also on the type of figure and complexion you have. It is very important that (more…)