Although the long winter months have finally come to an end I’m still reminded of that horrid cold and attending weddings and parties in sheer saris. My friends and I would promenade to these events in our lovely saris sadly freezing. None of us dare wear a jacket on top! That would just look hideous. Not anymore. Satya Paul’s jacket sari takes it to the next level! Makes you wanna rethink…do it, if you dare!
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…)
I do love to go shopping but only for Indian clothes. The Western counterparts are rather dull and boring. It’s all about labels, whereas in sari land it doesn’t matter as long as it looks great…for the most part at least. Something I just realized, though there are endless styles and colors it really all comes down to the basics. This never happened before but today I somehow didn’t know what I wanted or what to get. There’s just not enough colors to choose from! All other shades are variations of the major colors. What do you do when you run out of blue, green, orange, yellow, red, white, black, pink, purple, and their similar counterparts?
Another sad part of the shopping experience was that there was so much black! Black anarkalis were pouring off the racks and various lengths and shapes. All this made my day one of the major shopping spree a bit depressing. I hope what the weekend ahead brings is much more colorful and exciting!
I went shopping today. It’s been a while. It was my usual search for anarkalis and saris. Saris I find quite easily because I know where to look and frankly because they are a one-size-fit-all. Anarkalis, on the other hand, are quite the opposite. First you have to find your size. Then it may or may not fit! If you’re short, you’re very less likely to find an anarkali because they are way too long for you. I encounter the same problem. To make it all worse I saw some of the most hideous and ugliest anarkalis on the planet! They were anarkali kurtas, which are supposed to come with churidars, but instead came with pants! Are you kidding me?? Since when did pants come back. They are long gone and I hope they never return. When they were popular I once attended a wedding where the bride wore pants! That was just depressing. Anarkalis are being reinvented. You still see some of the traditional styles but more of the uglier, newer ones. So not trendy!
There are some questions that always puzzle and intrigue me. The answers, when I learn them, will fascinate me even more. I am very interested in knowing more about the Indian garment. I wonder if in Bollywood films, do they really pleat the actresses’ saris or do they merely just don an automatic “sari.” I know that in Devdas, the famous blue sari worn by Aishwarya Rai, took several hours to drape. I truly admire the beauty and grace of the nine yard Bengali beauty. The Bengali sari is so elegant and unique. It was upsetting that she didn’t wear that sari for very long in the movie. So much trouble for just a few seconds. What a waste.
Another question that puzzles me on a daily basis is that how, in the movies and on Indian television, do they make their pallu or dupatta firmly adhere to their head?? I know brides do it all the time. However, bobby pins are used many times. I’ve even heard of the use of safety pins…Ouch!! Another technique is to sew little hooks into the dupatta and then slide bobby pins through them, securing them through the head. Sure this is a great idea but I don’t have the time to do this to all my clothes! I wonder if they really do this on Indian television?? Any answers to my puzzling questions will be appreciated.
Going back to Bengali saris I just want to say that it saddens me to see them dissappearing. Everyone is draping the sari in the usual modern manner. Not that I have anything against that and it is perfectly fine but many drapes and styles are very sadly becoming obsolete…which I will discuss more upon later.
…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?
Look what I just found. A two-piece sari. My first thought was if the pallu, as is in this case, is “detached” or seperate then wouldn’t that make it a dupatta and wouldn’t the outfit then be just a ghagra choli? Is it really a “sari”? Whatever it is or whatever you want to call it, it’s worth giving a try for only $69!
It’s definitely a style statement. Nothing “new” though. Just a new name with a contemporary twist perhaps.
…my desi girl, my desi girl. Dostana sure was a stupid movie. Who would have thought a culture once so conservative and full of traditional values would even bring up such a topic, let alone consider it acceptable. The more liberal we become…it means we are losing all our traditional values. In the desi girl song Priyanka wears a halter style choli with a back knot. The following sari was inspired by the one she wore in the movie and can be found in the RAIR Spring/Summer 2009 collection…
This Bollywood style sari can be found at HomeIndia.com for $272. The original sari itself sells for around $365 at Dmi-India.com
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!
I’m sitting here wondering why people tend to think that saris are impractical and that they won’t be worn like let’s say for instance salwar kameez. Now this is so not trure. Millions of women in India wear saris every single day and have been doing so for ages. There is nothing more practical and comfortable than a sari. It’s so unique and free flowing. Very versatile in its drapes and styles. Practically available in everything from cotton to silk and everything in between. Then why is it that people say saris are “hard” to wear. Or, that they are uncomfortable. The worst one I hear, is that they’re “reserved” for special occasions. I don’t think so.
Just take pants, for example. The come in many shapes and forms. Just as jeans are for everyday wear and nice slacks for more formal occasions. The same goes for saris. There are formal saris made from pure silk and covered in embroidery and then there are plain cottons. Lately, the sari has really made a comeback. There was a time, some decades ago, when women “ditched” the sari for a more “comfortable” salwar kameez, especially for those women who went to work outside the home. Then of course, came the business suits, even for women in India. Things have changed once again and many women…even in the West, are wearing saris to work! Surprised? Don’t be. Who says saris are immpractical? If you don’t want to wear them that’s one thing but that doesn’t make the outfit itself unsensible!
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!
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?
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…)
It’s already April! Seems like although the winter was long this year, spring came and went quite quickly. Now it will be summer soon and before we even know it the sun will drench us in its warmth. (more…)
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?
Would you dare to dress like a model? Pull off sari drape never seen before? Out do the bride at her own wedding!? Or even be “overdressed.” There are not many daring women out there but there are a few. Thanks to these trendsetters who give us new styles and set highly fashionable trends. Being daring creates a huge impact on society. Would you rather be a leader or a follower? We want to know, how daring are you? Are you a trendsetter? A fashionista? Or, do you prefer to stay in the background? Share your thoughts.
WOULD YOU WEAR THIS??
If you’ve been following my blog you’ll know that I was debating as to what to wear last night. What would be most appropriate for the occasion…my new, stylish, and trendy lengha-sari with eye-catching colors and sparkling designs or my eggplant, traditional party-wear in pure crepe silk embellished with kundan embroidery. Now, though I love both, I wanted to wear the lengha-sari. It’s so new and “in” right now plus for many it’s something they’ve never seen or heard of before. Now the dilemma was that I felt I would be a bit overdressed for the occasion. At least some would think so. Finally, I decided why should I care. It’s important to be confident in oneself. It’s important to do what makes YOU happy and who cares what the world thinks. The world is full of jealous and ignorant people who know nothing except hatred and criticizing. Sometimes we tend to fall into their traps and not appear in public the way we really want to. I must say, though, I’m quite proud of myself for overcoming this. I’ve done it once so now I can do it again and much more confidently!
And yes, if you’re wondering I may have been overdressed in the eyes of some people but in my eyes they were the ones under-dressed! After all, these types of things are merely just nothing but opinions. However, the best part of the evening was being the best dressed and to me that feels great. Sometimes getting too much “attention” can be annoying or uncomfortable but in the end it can also be pleasant and rewarding. You see, suddenly everyone wanted to talk to me and be my friend. Random people who never noticed me before in the same crowd started walking up to me and introducing themselves. They all wanted to know who I am and comment on my sari. Now I hate to brag but I didn’t mind that bit of extra attention. So the moral of my story isn’t really anything to do with the lengha-sari but more so about being confident in who you are and appearing in front of others as yourself. You may think it will have a negative affect but you never know…you could make new friends and it really doesn’t hurt to get notice. If you respect yourself and your culture then others will also respect you!
If you have any interesting or similar story, please feel free to share!
Bollywood, the Indian film industry, means more to Indians than Hollywood does to the Americans. It has always been an integral part of our lives, country, and culture. (more…)
As wedding season comes closer, I begin to wonder. What will I wear? It’s not a matter of not having enough clothes but more so of what to wear when and matching jewelry and accessories. The usual dilemma of course. The biggest problem I encounter is whether I will be overdressed. In my opinion, of course not! There is no such thing to as being overdressed for a wedding. I will obviously be appropriately dressed. Then what’s the bigger problem? Well, even though I will be appropriately dressed for the occasion, everyone else will be underdressed! That poses a huge problem and threat because if everyone else is underdressed then that does make me overdressed. Doesn’t it? Ok, so I’m obviously feeling a bit threatened here. Now is it my fault that people are cheap and don’t want to go buy nice things for themselves? Or, is it my fault that they don’t own anything decent? Or that they have bad taste! What’s wrong with people I say. Is it just not “in” anymore to deck out. Or maybe people are too overoccupied with matching jewelry and shoes and makeup that they no longer actually pay attention to the fabric they are wrapping themselves in. Only time will tell what will become of our culture.
Give it a thought! In the meantime, I must go decide what to wear to tonight’s big event 
I’m thinking of my new lengha sari. The colors are bright and the embroidery sparkles. I may even settle for a classic partywear in eggplant with kundan work and a pricetag worth even more. What do you suggest?
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…)
Gujarat is situated on the western part of the Indian sub-continent. It derives its name from Gujaratta, which means the land of the Gurjars. (more…)
Look around your home and whether you are Indian or not it’s highly likely that your home has some or something Indian in it! Whether it’s basmati rice, a made in India tunic, or even a pillow; India is everywhere (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…)
With the coming of the new year comes the need for elegant, glamorous, and trendy evening wear. (more…)
The New Year is just days away. With 2009, it’s time for some changes. New beginnings, new articles, new fashion trends, and a NEW Arzoo Mag. Watch for the new and improved Arzoo Mag starting January 1st, which will feature more BLOGS!, better articles, new writers, tons of new fashion, and guides to get you going for the whole year. Our biggest section, WEDDING, will be equipped with great advice and planning for the wedding season. Here’s a sneak peak…
Fashion Forward for Spring and Summer. Featuring our Desert Safari Collection…right in time for the warmer months. Sophisticated cotton saris. Trendier churidars. Loads of new recipes. January’s Food Section: Endless Biryanis. Beauty Secrets of the Stars! Bollywood’s all new releases. Will Bollywood improve in 2009 to make up for it’s 2008 loss? Or, will it stay the same? What new stars will be joining the industry next year? Complete Guides on Travelling to Gujarat and Rajasthan. More galleries and pictures. A look at our culture: traditions and customs and the history of it all. Plus…don’t miss our newest additions to the LIFESTYLE section featuring an Author of the Month for every month to come plus Book Reviews. Keep reading Arzoo Mag to answer all your questions and learn more!
Want to be a part of the Arzoo Team? Just contact us to join!
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…)
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…)
It may be widely justified that some decades ago women stopped wearing saris and opted in for the more “comfortable” salwar kameez. Who ever gave them the idea that a sari is not comfortable? Thousands of women, in India, have always worn saris and continue to do so quite comfortably. However, this urge to wear salwars was perhaps associated with the women working outside of the home movement. Yes, this brought huge change and with it the loss of traditional values and fundamentals. Salwar kameez, originally only worn by the people of Punjab and surrounding Northern areas, has now become the most common part of any woman’s wardrobe. The question yet to be answered is has it replaced the sari? Ofcourse not! It has not replaced the sari so much as empowered it or become more common. Perhaps for casual wear it is justifiable to say that it has, in fact, replaced the sari but only in certain age groups. Lifestyles have changed and with it fashion has always evolved. The true charm and gracefullness of a sari can never be replaced by the dull and boring salwar kameez!
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…
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!
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…)
There are many different types of saris throughout India and over a hundred ways to drape them! Certain types of saris are very distinct to the region where they’re from. Others are more popular. Here are all the (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…)
