Saris have gained popularity throughout the world; especially in West because these people have no culture of their own. So they like to “borrow” from other cultures and decorate their homes. Many products claim to use (more…)
Although the “modern” way of draping the sari, with the pallu over the left shoulder, remains the most popular it is definitely not the only way to drape a sari. Most of us are familar with other common drapes, (more…)
I placed an order for a NAVY BLUE Saree from UtsavSarees.com. They, first of all, took FOREVER to process my order. Then they sent me the WRONG item. Instead, of a Navy Blue Saree they sent me a BLACK one. DON’T BUY FROM THEM!! THEY ARE LIARS AND CHEATERS.
Luckily I used PayPal and was able to dispute the item and after much trouble FINALLY got my money back. Instead of admitting their mistake and refunding me Utsav was trying to CONVINCE me to keep the item!! I will NEVER buy from them again. If they had taken the item back right away and refunded me immediately I would continue to shop from them but after first hand experiencing how they treat their customers, they are not worth my money and I don’t recommend them to anyone!
Check out these wonderful and unique saris by top Bollywood fashion designer Manish Malhotra. This is a one of a kind collection with flattering colors and embellishments. To place an order or for more information please (more…)
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…)
JUST LAUNCHED!! Arzoo’s latest collection of designer style saris are unique and alluring! You will surely fall in love with this collection. Email us at info@arzoomag.com for pricing and more details on purchasing!! (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!!
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.
Ruffles are really in and we really love them! They give saris a very special and elegant touch.
Ruffles can be big, small, heavily embellished, or just simple.
A ruffled border on your sari is sure to make heads turn.
Even a simple sari becomes more stunning when ruffles are added.
I’ve never seen a blouse like this before:
What do you think of online shopping? I’ve been adopting this shopping method recently instead of the traditional shopping in stores. Especially, for Indian clothes. Sometimes it’s not possible to find what you’re looking for in your area. Therefore, many of us have to resort to online shopping whether by choice or not.
Online shopping definitely has its good and bad sides. There is a lot of variety online. Especially, for saris. Not so much for anarkalis. The bad side is that what you see is not what you always get. For example, I ordered a sari online recently which appeared to be a combination of light pink and purple. When I got it, in fact, this was not the case. The sari was pink but not purple. It was dark pink. It’s pretty but not what I imagined.
Another down side is fabric. You don’t always get the fabric you want. Same happened with me. As for the price, it really depends. Sometimes you can find a great price on the internet. Sometimes they are overpriced. It’s difficult to spend a huge amount online because you’re not sure what you’re getting yourself into.
The sizing isn’t always the best either. Ordering clothes online is always a risk but especially with Indian websites because they don’t always offer returns and exchanges. I’ve found some great stuff online though and would love to order again in the future.
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.
The sari and the hijab…two good things on their own but HIDEOUS when paired together. Yes, I said hideous. The sari is beautiful, graceful, traditional, and fashionable. The hijab is a part of religion and more than just a headscarf. It is also interpreted differently by various individuals. I’m not going to get into that though. Some people wear a hijab or headscarf with a sari. It’s very unfashionable, untraditional, and just plain ugly. I have nothing against hijab but it just doesn’t go with a sari! I mean, just look how stupid it looks:
For the more conservative woman who thinks a sari won’t cover her head, she’s wrong! In fact, our mothers and especially grandmothers were more conservative than us and they managed to cover their heads while wearing a sari. That’s exactly what the pallu is for! It’s purpose is not to be thrown over the soldier Bollywood style. The pallu was always meant to cover ones head when necessary or required and does a perfect job of doing so. There is no need for a seperate headpiece. Especially one that doesn’t belong. In fact, if you wanted to go a step further, you could even cover your face with you wanted. It’s all quite possible when you have six to nine yards of fabric…the possibilities are endless.
Now if you don’t like this look or you feel the pallu is not long enough, I suggest a Dupatta Sari. Many saris come with a matching dupatta. If draped appropriately they do a quite fine job of covering the head and looking elegant as well.
Many saris, not just bridal saris, come with matching dupattas. They are elegant and beautiful. If your sari doesn’t come with one you can always find a matching one. Don’t follow the model though. This may not be the look you’re trying to achieve. Saris usually come with long, free flowing, and large enough sized dupattas to cover your head and drape elegantly over your shoulders.
The dupatta goes with many sari drapes and does a great job of changing up and enhancing any look.
The dupatta sari is not just for brides. Try one today and see what you think.
With Eid being in September this year it is important to find saris in colors that pose a perfect transition between Summer and Fall. (more…)
Rair is a truly rare collection that can be found online at Rair.in, HomeIndia.com, or CBazaar.com. Rair saris and lenghas are different and unique. They are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. (more…)
With this hot summer weather and temperatures only increasing we know you are looking for some really simple, breathable everyday wear. We’ve put together a small collection. (more…)
This question I struggle to answer constantly. I love anarkalis. They’re nothing new of course. An ancient invention that has suddenly hit the runways with great splendor. However, they’re so overpriced! For $200 you get a quite simple anarkali. The anarkali carries with it elegance and grace but what you get for such a huge price tag doesn’t come close enough to the type of lavish outfit you need for a wedding. On the other hand, if you were to buy a sari with the same amount of money you could easily get a very fancy sari quite appropriate to wear to a wedding! A wedding appropriate anarkali would run you atleast $400! Perhaps they are overpriced because they are so popular and they know that we will buy them anyway. Or maybe, because of the amount of fabric used? No, I thought that was it but it isn’t. The sari contains a lot more fabric! However, the anarkali actually has to be sewn together whereas the sari requires very minimal sewing…except maybe the blouse. It upsets me that they are so expensive but then again I still buy them.
What are summer saris? Summer saris are pure and stunning. They’re made from breathable fabric like cotton and silk. They are elegant and fun. Summer saris are bold. (more…)
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 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.
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?
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…)
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…)
I set out to find some new websites for Indian clothes. Sure I came across several. Some are just horrible. They have manequins wearing the clothes. Very few are nice but most are quite repetitive. There are numerous websites selling the EXACT same outfits. Now this is very frustrating because I am in search of new and exciting sites with some of the latest and newest styles. Sadly enough there are not enough good shopping sites out there. There’s a need for something really incredible to fill this gap. Do you know of any good websites?
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…)
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…)
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…
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…)
So, Eid ul Fitr is right around the corner…just weeks away and this year it’s all about saris and anarkalis! That does not mean that you pull out any old sari from your drawer. (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…)
Katrina Kaif said she loved wearing saris in Singh is Kinng. She is usually seen in Western clothes but shot an entire song in saris for the film. Well, at least someone in Bollywood finally realizes the importance of Indian clothes! Or, maybe not? The saris Katrina flaunts in this song are designed by none other than, the one and only, Manish Malhotra! The song was hot in the same location in Egypt where Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol filmed “Suraj Hua Madham” for Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham.
Speaking of saris, it seems that Bollywood has forgotten all about them lately. Remember the 90s? They were full of slim actresses in sheer, chiffon saris. What ever happened to our culture! All you see is jeans and halter tops and sometimes need to be reminded that you’re watching an Indian movie! Bollywood is seriously lacking in their filmmaking. I must say, I have not been the least bit impressed by new releases this year. Let’s just wait and see how the year ends…
Lara Dutta says she’s proud to be single. Isn’t that what all people who can’t find the true love and a decent relationship say to cover up what’s really going on? Well, I think so! When asked in an interview how single she is she responded, “I’m blissfully single.” One of Lara’s upcoming films include Sudhir Mishra’s modern version of Devdas where she plays Paro. “Sudhir Mishra’s Devdas isn’t really a period film. It’s very literate and layered and I’d have to dig really deep into myself to play Paro. She is dark, ambitious and self-destructive character,” says Lara.
Chamku is all set to be released this August. Dharmendra once again stars alongside his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol. He hopes for it to be AS entertaining as Apne. I hope for it to be MORE entertaining than Apne! I must say I was not impressed at all with Apne. What were they thinking? Perhaps they weren’t! Anyway, it seems they have left out Hema Malini once again in their “family movie.” Chamku is a romantic film. That’s a nice change from Apne, I must say. The film stars Bobby and Priyanka Chopra in the lead roles.
Back to Katrina Kaif…she will be seen alongside Bollywood’s Saawariya, who is none other than Ranbir Kapoor, in Prakash Jha’s political thriller Rajneeti. This political saga also stars Ajay Devgan and Manoj Bajpai. Seems to me like Ajay is trying to fit back into the Bollywood “scene.”
Last, but never the least, the news you have been reading this for…India’s master blaster, Sachin Tendulkar, will make his big screen debut with the Marathi film, Vighnaharta Shri Siddhivinayak. The movie is about the miracles of Lord Ganesha and aims to convey a social message. Movie producer, Rajiv Singhvi, prefers to call it a social rather than mythological film. He also mentioned that a number of Bollywood movie stars, who are devotees of Lord Ganesha, will make guest appearances in the film. The film will also have a voice-over by Amitabh Bachchan. Tendulkar will start shooting as soon as he returns from his cricket tour to Sri Lanka.
