Saree Dreams

The omnipotent Fashionista, at Desi Fashion Police (check out her blog for inspiring and informative posts about desi fashions), has a sampling of some very nice designs.

This design and has nice curves and one might argue that it is visually pleasing. However, in my view, a design like this fails to perform its essential function of keeping you looking at your best.

The main problem is that it is not secured completely, that means that in a short while the appendages that look good in this picture are going to start wilting and come away from the body. They will be sticking out like devil’s fingers.

It’s not that it might happen, you know that it is going to happen! The above blouse needs an extra anchor at the bottom to make sure that the fabric stays close to the body.

Moreover, this blouse violates the fundamental laws of fashion physics, which says that never ever rely on a single hook to hold your garment. The blouse that fits now, may not fit you after you have had way too many gulab jamun at the wedding; and then the little hook will betray you like the first woman that shows up in the James Bond movie.

A fashion or style that does not function, is like carrying a counterfeit coin; it will fail you at the worst possible moment.

Source

There is just right, slightly overdone, and too too much. Well, take a look at the sari picture below and you know where we are going with this one!

Urvashi Sharma donned a highly tailored sari with a lot of very detailed trim, designed by Archana. The “onion pink” colored sari has teal accents. The main abomination is the pleated frill edge along the borders. I do understand the need for designers to innovate, to keep saris looking fresh and appealing, but frills have not traditionally gone well with saris. The jewelry looks ok even if a bit heavy for such an over ornate sari. The strapless blouse has a highly ornate lower band which almost looks like a necklace. This blouse with a plain colored silk sari could be a knockout!

I know, I have been there. Saree is perfect but it needs a splash of color; but adding a bright color chunni is not the solution! Managing saree is hard as it is, don’t add another free flowing piece of fabric to it. You can add a heavy shawl sometime, because it stays in place; but don’t go the easy route.

Thanks to Bollyone for the images

Many of the recent collections that I have seen, seem to have added a new textured element to the blouse design.

The halter part of the blouse and sometimes even the trim brings in an element that is not a part of the saree but is used to enhance and complement the colors.

I recently pointed out another blouse design which takes a similar approach. See here, here

I have a suspicion that this will catch on.

How to properly accessorize an outfit is a question that women face every day. There are a few simple rules that can make the difference in a well put together look.

1. When in doubt about an accessory, don’t!
2. Focus on one accessory and play it up. If you are wearing chunky earrings, tone down the other accessories. Wearing lots of oversized jewelry can distract from the face and the outfit.
3. No matter what the fashion, it is best to pick accessories that flatter the face and body type. For example chokers work best with long slender necks.

We have often talked about over accessorizing. Actress Sameera Reddy has had bouts of it like in the picture below right, where all of the jewelry is way to heavy and does not quite go with a chiffon sari and strapless blouse.

The picture of her in the white sari shows an ideal choice of jewelry. She is wearing oversized silver danglers, but a relatively modest pendant and chain. The matching silver bindi adds an extra oomph!

Click on picture for a better view

Interesting blouse but the jewelry is clearly distracting.

Here is a saree where jewelry actually blends in and enhances the saree.

Perizaad Zorabian in white saree.

Also notice how she is twirling the saree on her right hand.

Jewelry just seems like a part of the outfit and adds to elegance of the white saree.