Can’t wait for the Arzoo shopping spree next week. We’re going to visit every little nook and crevice of Little India to find the best trends, bargains, deals, and favorable finds. Here’s a little glimpse of what we plan to bring you…

First we would like to check on the status of the anarkali. It seems to still be in but is all that fabric reasonable for summer! Sure, it is if you find the right type. Breezy cotton casuals and sheer chiffons are the best picks. Be sure to look for those on your shopping trip as well.

Of course, we can’t forget how much we love saris! That’s because nothing screams India more than saris. That brings us to a questions we’ve been addressed…why are we shopping in Little India and not India? Well, the answer is quite simple. Arzoo Mag is published right here in the United States. Not everyone can afford the time and money to take a trip to India. We always resort to Little India when in need for a bit of culture. This, however, can be limiting. If you’re city’s Little India is big and abundant then you’re lucky, if it’s small you become even more limited, and if you don’t have one…well then don’t worry there is always the world wide web.

Because Little India can be limiting and small we plan to bring the best of it for you. Where to search, and how to find good deals will be included. It doesn’t matter what city you’re in. The basic guidelines will always remain the same. For example, let’s end with a little tip for those of you going shopping soon…stay away from boutiques…it will save you a lot of money and their variety is very limited. Head straight to the big shops FIRST. They have a lot more variety and choice and lower prices. If you don’t find anything there then the boutiques will come to your rescue. There are two types of boutiques…the really high end expensive ones and the more laid back cheaper ones. I’ve often visited the huge sari stores over pouring with saris, shalwars, and chaniya cholis but to my dismay found nothing I like or in my size. Sometimes the boutique really does come to the rescue. So let it come to your rescue by saving it for last!

(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.

Perhaps you have come across this situation and wish to share your thoughts. You walk into your favorite sari store in Little India and they of course claim to sell designer clothes such as Manish Malhotra, Ritu Kumar, Satya Paul, Ritu Beri, Deepika Gehani…and so on. Now how do you really know that the particular sari they are trying to sell to you was designed by Manish Malhotra? Or is this how they get those $300 out of you!? The question is not whether they’re telling the truth but rather how do you know if they are or not. As a matter of fact, there is never a “label” portraying the designers name. The message is simply passed on my word of mouth. It is hard to believe. Sure some may be telling the truth but there are definitely imposters out there! So what do you do? Where do you shop? How do you know? Share your thoughts and advice!

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…)