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!

Why does everything always come with a price on it? Whether you want quality, craftsmanship, genuineness, or even tradition; they all come with a price! The last topic on ghararas got me thinking…they’re so expensive no wonder no one wears them anymore! Sure, all Indian clothes are expensive…especially in the West, however, some are outrageously over priced! Ghararas are hard to find too. If ghararas only come in fancy wear then its obvious why their price tags are such but even everyday clothes are an added expense. Polyester is cheaper than cotton but who wants even a second of it in these hot summer months? Additionally, everyone claims that the salwar kameez or anarkali they are wearing is silk but chances are its probably not!

Most outfits are made with synthetic fabric and machine instead of hand embroidered and they are still so expensive that you don’t think of looking for the authentic fabrics. That’s one of the problems with readymade outfits. Saris, on the other hand, are great quality and craftsmanship for the price you pay. You can get an authentic pure silk sari and sure you’ll pay the price but at least it’s worth it. What’s better than getting your money’s worth. That’s always a better choice than paying an arm and a leg for cheap synthetics. Unfortunately, we don’t always have a choice.

When most people think of a gharara they associate it with a few other things: Muslim women, brides, formal wear, and most of all grace and elegance! During the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was worn as an everyday attire by upper class North Indian Muslim women. To learn more about the gharara click here: http://www.arzoomag.com/culture/the-gharara-truth/

Unfortunately, the gharara has long diminished as everyday wear. It has become reserved for only special occasions; mainly as bridal wear. Even then very few brides actually wear the gharara. Few people in general wear ghararas. They have diminished but not disappeared!

What do I love about the gharara? It’s actually quite a beautiful attire. A very elegant lengha type outfit split in two. It’s regal and charming. Royal and elegant. The gharara has its own beauty and grace unlike any other Indian outfit. It’s not possible to compare it with anything else since its lavishness can’t be compared with anything else! Just like the sari is unique and amazing, the gharara has its own qualities that make it stand out!

Rashi, Gopi’s cousin and sister-in-law, in the new Star Plus serial Saathiya was always seen wearing Western clothes and never knew how to wear a sari. Now that she’s married her western wear is far from appropriate! So she was bound to wear a sari but the question is how? Since she’s not traditional enough to pleat a sari the lengha sari came to her rescue! This sari combines both the grace of a traditional sari with the elegance of a lengha. Since they’ve become to popular, they are now easy to find as well as affordable. Here’s a sari very similar to one being worn by Rashi:

Lenghas began to replace saris as wedding wear. Some people choose to believe that saris are not elegant when in fact this is not true. Saris are very elegant and perfect for casual as well as formal and bridal wear. (more…)

Due to very POPULAR demand Arzoo Magazine has now OFFICIALLY launched the ARZOO STORE!!

If you see anything on our website that you like and would like to own a piece just email us at info@arzoomag.com

In addition we will be posting additional galleries of clothes such as saris, salwars, churidars, lenghas, and MORE! If you are interested in purchasing something that we add hurry and order soon because stock is limited and due to high demand runs out quickly!

We hope you enjoy our fashionable collections and THANK YOU for shopping at ArzooMag.com

EVERYTHING on this page is ALSO for SALE. Email us if you’re interested!! HAPPY SHOPPING!!

Here’s a unique and new color combination that’s hot this season. Green and white. I’ve seen it in a bridal lengha and it looks very contemporary and flattering.

These lengha saris are so unique! I’ve never seen anything like this before…

I love how one layer overlays the other. The top layer is shorter so to reveal the bottom layer and it consists of sheer fabric. Available in two popular shades.

The pleats are pre-made on the top layer.

This lengha and sari complement each other.

Which do you prefer…the lengha…or the sari? Personally, the lengha is too busy for me. The sari is a lot more elegant and graceful.

Good news for some people is that the fish-cut lengha is back in style! While the rest of us will pass on this trend some of us will take advantage (more…)

It’s been one busy summer with all the weddings. Some so lavish and some not so great. Overall, orange has been very hot amongst the guests. Anarkalis retained their popularity. Saris flooded the room and lenghas shined in bright, hot colors. Ghararas have slowly been making a popular comeback as well. One thing is certain. There have been a lot of blue brides! No, they’re not blue themselves but there is definitely a blue trend. It has made me wonder if brides are wearing blue because they really do love it or just to be trend followers? The modern bride is a rebel. She does not follow traditions!

Red remains the bridal color and always will but does it retain its popularity? That depends. Many brides will wear red on their wedding day while making exceptions for other wedding rituals and events. Some will portray only glimpses of red. Many other colors are starting to take over and lead the way.

I’ll admit that red did get a bit boring. Especially brides who thought that if they wore red there was no need to make any effort. Especially, some of the plain, non-bridal lenghas that became the rage. Probably the worst part of the red rage is that even those brides who don’t traditionally wear red began to do so. Contrary to the popular belief, not all Indian brides wear red. Gujarati brides wear the red and white panetar. Which is loosing its place. Gujarati as well as many other brides are dressing less traditionally and wearing red or blue or gold. Instead of saris they are wearing lenghas. Though lenghas are regal saris are not any less elegant.

June and July were the busiest for weddings. However, summer has not yet ended and wedding seasons continues through Fall. I hope I don’t see anymore blue. In addition, those who wear black to weddings should be banned! Brides should learn to look like one and guests should take Fashion 101. Many traditions are slowly disappearing and will sadly become extinct as new ones take over.

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Many times we wear clothes we love not knowing their origination, rich background, and culture. As styles and trends come and go there are some outfits (more…)

Lengha saris were introduced last year but did not make it to popularity as much as expected. This is a strange thing since more and more girls have resorted to “automatic” and pre-pleated saris. (more…)

Now we know you won’t be wearing your elaborate saris to the beach! But this collection is meant to complement the summer season. These bright and alluring colors are very summery. (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?

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I really think the lengha-sari has come to the rescue for all of you out there who still tend to think that saris are impractical or difficult. Personally, I strongly believe that the beauty of a sari is in its pleats. The perfect pleats lend to a perfect sari. I know there are many people out there who act like they “pleat” their saris themselves but in fact, they wear pre-pleated “automatic saris.” If there is one thing every single Indian woman SHOULD know how to do is wear a sari. Now by that I don’t mean put on an automatic or lengha sari! I mean pleat it. It’s really not that hard. Takes just a few minutes. Nonetheless, the lengha sari is a perfect alternative. It will be gone out of style in a few years. Enjoy it while you can. It’s really come to the rescue for those who can’t seem to get on a real sari and it’s a much better alternative to an automatic sari! At least you’re not fooling anyone. With the automatic sari…you’re really just fooling yourself. Doesn’t mean I discourage it. People have their reasons but if there’s nothing wrong with you then why wouldn’t you want to learn an art that has been around for ages. If non-Indians can do it, surely Indians can!

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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…)

Lenghas, Chaniya Cholis, Ghagras, Ghararas, Shararas, or whatever else you choose to don…they come with long and wide dupattas, chunris, odhnis… (more…)

I love to look at Indian clothes online. My favorites are saris, of course! as well as anarkalis and sometimes even lenghas. Though the latter are not very practical for me since I don’t don them often. There are some really beautiful saris available online. The prices can be more or less than you would pay in person and really vary according to site and popularity. However, anarkalis are the hardest. Now if you were looking for a simple salwar kameez or churidar kurta you would require very little effort as there are millions of types and combinations available which can easily be purchased online for a minimal price tag. Anarkalis on the other hand are terribly hard to find. Some are just hideous. Most over priced. If you happen to see or come across any nice anarkalis please let us know!

Most people are under the impression that anarkalis are formal and not intended for everyday wear. Though they can be, due to their elegance, anarkalis are definitely suited for every day of the year. There are a wide range of anarkalis to choose from, whether formal or casual. As far as anarkalis go, I think you best bet will be to purchase them in person. They are almost always difficult to locate online (at least the good ones). You will get even more variety in person. The down side is they tend to run quite a bit long. They are intended this way but it makes it very difficult for short people. If it comes mid-calf on the model, or an average heigh woman, it will probably come down to the ankles on a short person and that’s not how it’s meant to be. My best advice, if you’re short like me, is to buy a shorter anarkali. These are made in the typical style but come only to the knees on most people and will fit perfectly to the mid-calf on anyone who is petite. Therefore, anarkalis are best bought in person where you can try them on, experiment with them, and hopefully get a wide range of choices to pick from!

Saris on the other hand, go either way. Sometimes they’re cheaper online, sometimes in person. Personally, I like to hand pick my saris. I like to feel the texture and try them on. It’s more practical that way because one can’t go by how it will look on the model. Everything looks good on them. If it doesn’t look good on you, accept it and move on to something that does. I hate to see people wearing unsuitable clothes. It just gives off a bad vibe and a terrible impression. If you can, buy your saris in person. Don’t limit yourself. Some really lavish yet inexpensive saris are available online as well. Especially, if you live in an area where there is not any or very limited choice then utilize the help of the internet to get you through all those events.

Lenghas…I strongly suggest purchasing in person. Especially, if it’s for a special occasion. Once again, you can go either way and the choice is totally yours. There are set backs to buying online. If the investment is a pricey one then you’re safer off trying it on first. Some shops have really gorgeous chaniya cholis so if you can get to them then you really should.

Online or Offline? What do you prefer?

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Brides! The wait is over! There’s been a long debate; brides have been debating and still do between wearing a lengha or a sari on their wedding day. Both are traditional and elegant. Lenghas tend to be the winner among most brides. Perhaps because they’re flowing and the wide ghagra is perfect for pictures but saris are elegant in themselves. With the popularity of the lengha sari it is the perfect choice for brides. The beauty and grace of a sari combined with the elegance and popularity of the lengha come together for an ideal bridal wear. What more could you want. Personally, it wouldn’t be my wedding day choice because it’s too trendy but it’s not overly trendy and is perfect for many of those confused brides out there. Would you wear one on your wedding day?

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Spring into fashion this year with bright colors, new looks, and regal outfits. Don’t just stick to pastels. Brighter hues will carry you into the summer and ready for wedding season which is right around the corner! This year there’s a craze for lenghas; lengha saris; and stylish, regal outfits. (more…)

A bride’s trosseau is her collection of clothes and jewelry that she takes with her from her parent’s home to her husband’s. (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…)

A couple of months ago we introduced you to the Lengha Sari. Our fashion section has featured some of the latest styles and trendy lengha saris recently. The designs are overpouring and flooding the fashion scene. I was first introduced to the lengha sari at the end of September. At that time it was a mere newcomer. In fact, the most famous sari shop in my city only had a few designs. It was practically unseen online but in the last couple of months this has drastically changed. Lengha saris are pouring off the shelves and easily available on the web. Sure, they come with a price tag. I recommend, checking Little India before shopping online if you’re looking for a decent price. If you wish to splurge, feel free to take a look online. The designs are more intricate, the saris more fashionable, the colors more ravishing, and the choices endless. Either way you choose to shop be sure to get one and expect to pay no less than $200 if you’re lucky. It’s a perfect party wear piece. Trendy but not overly trendy. Remember, saris will never go out of style. Two of India’s most famous outfits fuse together to make this wonderful, long awaited masterpiece. Whether you’re an avid sari wearer or a newcomer; daring or traditional; you will love the lengha sari.

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…)

Dressing up for a wedding is always a fun and memorable experience even if the wedding is not your own. People tend to remember what you wore (more…)

Of course, there are many variations to the salwar kameez. There’s the churidar kurta and of course the infamous Anarkali which is basically a variation of it. (more…)

With Diwali just a few weeks away now is the right time to get that perfect outfit if you haven’t already done so! This year, Diwali falls on October 28. If you can’t decide what to wear or just don’t know what’s in style at the moment, rest assured because we are here to help! Our ultimate what to wear on Diwali guide is here and we’re sure that you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for! (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.

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The time has come to say goodbye to the butterfly pallu sari. Anyone who watches Saat Phere knows that Tara, Saloni’s sister-in-law, was always famous for her butterfly pallu saris and especially the way she draped the pallu towards the front. She practically made it famous. I was wrong to not buy one two years ago when the local sari shop owner insisted I do so! Instead, I settled for a much more classic design in eggplant with kundan work. A true classic, this style would never go out. It was supposed to last me ages. Anyone who is familiar with Indian television, however, knows its influence on the mind. Therefore, I sought to get one myself! To my dismay, this overly trendy sari was no longer in style. Will they ever come back? Who knows! Instead, I was introduced to the lengha sari. It is worn just like a sari but does not require any pleating. Perfect for those who want the look of a sari and easiness of a lengha. This two in one deal is sure to last at least a couple of years so if you follow trends then it’s really the way to go!

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Your culture and background plays an important role in deciding what you will wear on your wedding. It is also important that you feel comfortable in what you wear and it reflects your personality. Either way, it is (more…)

As Summer approaches its end and Autumn nears to fall into place, comes the right time to update your wardrobe. There is nothing more rich and exciting than Fall fashion. (more…)

Online shopping has become a popular trend over the past several years. However, when it comes to sari shopping we prefer to shop in person most of the time. (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…)