Indian Saree Shopping

The Saree brings to mind visions of yards and yards of sensuous material draped in alluring styles to complement the Indian woman. This unstitched garment is folded, tied and pleated in a graceful and elegant manner that makes the Indian saree a timeless garment - one that is worn by women of all ages and sizes. The Indian subcontinent offers a cornucopia of sarees, be it the elegant chiffon sarees or delicately embroidered sarees. No bridal trousseau is complete without the vibrant silk sarees. Rich Kanchipuram Sarees, the rich traditional south Indian silk sarees in vibrant colors are the chosen favorite with many brides. The Benaras silk saree is yet another popular choice for weddings. Every region has it own special weaving and design techniques that result in a collection that can leave saree shoppers confused and mesmerized. Online saree stores offer you a wide range of sarees, from the comfortable cotton sarees to print silks and georgette saris to rich Benaras silks and colorful bandhanis.

Indian Saree
The word saree is said to have its origin in the Sanskrit word Chira that means cloth. The Indian saree has stood the test of time. It is still a preferred garment for most women in India, though other Indian garments such as salwars and churidhars and western wear are popular too. The saree is draped in different variations, in keeping with the region. From the nine-yard saree worn in the days of yore to the present day 6-yard saree, the saree can be worn in flattering styles to adorn a woman's body. Sarees come plain or with printed floral designs or geometric prints. The pallu is that part of the saree that comes over the shoulder. The saree blouse has also underdone a metamorphosis. It has become a fashion statement in its own right. Elaborate embroidery, flattering sleeves and necklines can be selected.

Wedding Saree
The bridal saree is bought with a lot of care. Wedding sarees can range from a few thousand rupees to even a few hundred thousand rupees. Silk sarees are the preferred choice of most Indian brides. Smooth and sensuous, the silk saree is the quintessential wedding saree that is found in rich colors that are a feast for the eyes. Rich Mysore silk sarees or pure Kanjivaram sarees can be selected in a variety of color combinations and prints. The intricate zari work on the borders and pallu set them apart. Mysore silk sarees tend to have minimal zari work and work well for other formal gatherings. Bridal sarees from Rajasthan encompass elaborate embroidered sarees in vibrant shades. Designs can be ethnic or modern.

South Indian Saree / Kanchipuram Saree
The south Indian Kanchipuram saree has its origin in the town of Kanchipuram near Chennai, which continues to be home to hundreds of weaving centers that specialize in silk sarees that are characteristic to the region. Created in a wide array of colors that contrast well with their gold thread borders, these South Indian sarees can be worn at weddings, parties and social gatherings. Traditional motifs like peacocks, swans, mangoes and leaves continue to be popular. New patterns such as reproductions of paintings and other artistic creations on the elaborate pallus are also seen.

Benaras Silk Saree
The Benaras silk saree is popular for its rich and intricate weave and zari work. The pallus of these sarees tend to be ornate and densely woven with gold thread. Banaras silk sarees are a popular choice for wedding sarees. The glitter of gold jewelry stands out well against the rich hues of the Benaras silks.

Online Saree Shopping
Buying sarees is no mean job - you need to sieve through different types, depending on your needs and budget. Georgette, chiffon and crepe sarees are more flattering to the figure and make a heavier woman appear slimmer. Short women must avoid buying sarees with big borders. Crisp cotton sarees come in a variety of prints that look elegant on slimmer women. Crepe sarees are judged by their sheer lightness whereas silks are gauged on their weight. Printed silk sarees with traditional floral and paisley prints work well for the office as well as formal gatherings. Tanchoi sarees and rich Jamdanis are formal wear sarees that can be picked up from online saree boutiques. You can get the sarees with matching blouses stitched to your requirements. Dhakai sarees from Bengal hold pride of place in weddings. The Tangail saree is yet another Bengal creation that has a pattern running through every alternate weft thread. Ikkat prints are also another form of the tie and dye method. These sarees are available in silk and cotton. Chanderi sarees can be selected from online saree stores. You can pick them in cotton or silk. The plain ones have stripes and floral patterns. The silk chanderi sarees have an understated elegance, with fine zari and thread work running through them.

Bandhani Saree
Vibrant colors, unique tie and dye designs and rich embellishment - such is the stuff that bandhani sarees are made of! Simple bandhani sarees in cottons are ideal for the Indian summers. Drape a silk or chiffon bandhani saree set off with mirrors or sequins or zari and you can be the cynosure of all eyes at any party or wedding. Bandhani and bandhej sarees are typical of the Rajasthan and Gujarat areas.

Embroidery Saree
Indian embroidery comes in different styles and designs. You can opt for heavily ornate zardosi embroidered sarees or the zari embroidery done in different parts of the country. Embroidered sarees are sometimes set off with brocade, mirror work and cut work in patterns so exquisite and detailed that they are a masterpiece in themselves. Delicately embroidered pastel chiffons are ideal in a bridal wardrobe. Different types of stitches are used while embroidering sarees. You can pick up intricately embroidered sarees, depicting episodes from legends, birds and animals. Kantha embroidery of Bengal is done on cotton sarees as well as tussar silk sarees.

Cotton Saree
Cotton sarees are made in different regions of India. You can pick up a Venkatgiri saree or Pochampalli saree or even a Maheshwari saree. Crisp Bengal cottons are a must-have in any woman's wardrobe. The cool and elegant Kota of Rajasthan or the Cotton prints of South India are also popular. The earthy shades of Sambalpur cottons have their simple charm. The Tangail and Shantiniketan sarees of Bengal are yet another example of the fine weaving history of the country. Kalamkari sarees in cotton also find many takers.

Designer Saree
For those seeking unique sarees, either in print or style, designer sarees can be considered. You can choose one of a kind embroidery work or prints that can make you stand apart from the crowd, albeit at a price. Designers have also come up with modern versions of the saree, in a pre-stitched version or with blouses that range from the flirty to the downright sexy. Sheer georgette sarees or chiffon sarees are flattering to the figure. Teemed up with a well-stitched blouse, a chiffon saree can be worn to a party. The range of colors and designs is wide.

The saree continues to evolve with the times. Each saree is a magical merging of art and aesthetics. Different materials and designs are experimented with. The Indian woman continues to be held in its alluring sway. It is a seductive garment that maintains its timeless elegance, in spite of stiff competition from other garments.

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Dress for Bride’s Mother

Today’s mother of bride is not like the one of yore. She is dynamic, smart and stylish. True, the spotlight is on your daughter…but it’s a solemn and momentous day in your life too. So go ahead and choose a dress that will make you look and feel special. Worry not if you are heavier built, for there is no dearth of plus size dresses for the bride’s mother. Look up tips to select the dress for the mother of bride.

Bride dress mother
Etiquette demands that the dress for the MOB (mother of bride) is chosen after the bride and her bridesmaids have selected their gowns. Then it’s the turn of the mother of the bride to select her dress and inform the mother of the groom. While it is not necessary for the mother of bride and mother of groom to match their dresses, it is courteous to complement your outfits.

You can browse through fashion magazines to select a style that would suit your age and grace best. It will be a long day and its essential that you are comfortable in what you wear at your daughter’s wedding. Bridal magazines can give you an idea of the colors, styles, lengths and prices of dresses for the MOB. Take care to select a style and color that complements your figure. Be it a tea length gown, a chic suit or two-piece dress, the mother of the bride must be comfortable as it is one of the most special occasions in her life. You can choose to select and order a dress online or get one specially made for you by a seamstress or wear a designer ensemble, if you have a larger budget.

Formal wear sections of most apparel stores can help you select a dressy outfit at a reasonable price. Get your dress shopping done well in advance. This will give you enough time to plan the alterations, accessories and other details. Empire waistline gowns lend you a timeless elegance while a tailored jacket will make you look sophisticated. You can go in for a chiffon skirt and short sleeved top with crepe and lace. You can go in for daring necklines if you can carry it off without raising eyebrows!

# If you are the mother of the bride, choose your dress depending on the formal or informal style of the wedding. Discuss with the bride or better still take your daughter when you are shopping for the dress for her wedding.

# Traditionally, white is reserved for the bride. So that rules out white, ivory and off-white. Avoid black and other eye-catching shades. Some of the preferred colors for dresses for the bride’s mother are lilac, blue, pink, yellow and silver. Don’t wear a dress in a shade that will clash with the bride or overpower her gown.

# Choose fabrics that keep you comfortable yet looking good. You can select from chiffon, georgette, silk, organza or crepe.

Plus size dress for bride mother
A-line skirts flatter heavier hips while long sleeved-jackets are ideal for covering flabby arms. If you are petite, avoid long sleeves and high necklines. Camouflage a heavy stomach with a long blouse or even a well-cut jacket. Plus size dresses for the mother of the bride can sport full or mid-length sleeves and sweetheart necklines to complement a heavier figure. If you select a dress as the mother of bride, it will nearly always need to be altered to your specific requirements. You can add additional features such as buttons or metal accents. Try out the dress to see if the side seams, sleeves and shoulders fit you right.


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Winter Wedding Dress

If you have planned a winter wedding, be sure you have an exciting wedding dress to complement the season and the festive spirit. With an emphasis on staying warm and comfortable, your winter wedding dress can be romantic and flowing. Don’t compromise on your dream wedding dress on account of the weather. You can stay warm and still be stylish and look your best for your winter wedding.

Winter wedding dress
Gone are the days when brides preferred only to be wed in traditional white wedding dresses, replete with silk, lace and tulle. Winter weddings are becoming extremely popular and there are wonderful winter wedding dress options available. Wedding gowns in rich fabrics like crushed velvet, duchess satin, crepe, moiré, taffeta and brocade can be created in different styles. Winter wedding dresses can be selected in warm hues of forest green, deep blue, burgundy or black.

Classic colors like ivory and egg cream are always popular. Decide on the style for the wedding gown based on the temperatures in your region. Off-shouldered and halter necked wedding gown styles are best left for summer weddings. If you want to go in for such styles, opt for a sheer body suit underneath to keep you warm.

Create a winter wedding dress with chiffon illusion neckline – it will show some skin yet keep you comfortable. Do not forget thermal leggings or heavy white tights under your winter wedding gown. You can choose silk thermal pants for a sheer lightweight feeling. Long trailing dresses may not be suitable if you have to battle snow and mud. Longer wedding gown styles with long sleeves and higher necklines will keep you warm. Trouser suits can be considered as a bridal dress option. You can add a stylish cape to your winter wedding gown. Fur-trimmed, princess style, long sleeves – the possibilities are many.

A dressy shawl can also set off your wedding gown to best advantage. Embellish your gown and veil with seasonal trimmings; snowflake sparkles, Austrian crystal and silver ribbons. A rhinestone snowflake comb can be a wonderful winter wedding accessory for the bride. Choose from a range of stylish gloves to offset your winter wedding dress. Alternatively go for white satin hand muffs with satin straps. Bridal shoes are the next on the list. You can wear boots on the way to the church and change into your dress shoes once you are there. Choose closed-toe, closed-heel styles. Bridal shoes lined in fabric or leather will keep your feet warm. Use winter accents on the bridal bouquet. Use seasonal blooms such as poinsettias, magnolias, hydrangea and chrysanthemums.

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Women's Leather Apparel

Leather is a sensual and long-lasting natural material. It has been a favorite with garment manufacturers and fashion aficionados alike. Leather apparel is known for its rugged and versatile nature and continues to scorch fashion ramps with alluring styles and designs. Leather garments need to be carefully stored and cleaned. Find out how to care for your leather.

Leather apparel
Traditionally, leather making can be traced back to twelfth century England, which saw the birth of the first tanners guild. After application of a protective treatment, the hide was sent to a tannery. The hide was then subjected to chemical process so as to make it soft and pliable. Changes such as color and texture and finish can be done at this stage. Finally, the leather apparel is created out of this. The way the leather apparel feels to the touch is known as its 'hand'. A garment or apparel with a softer hand is generally costlier. The raw material used to create the leather apparel plays a major role in determining its quality. Each hide has its own genetics and environmental conditions that affect its quality. Inexpensive leather garments are usually made of cowhide, which is thick and heavier in weight. Younger animal hide is smoother and delicate.

Facts about leather
· Leather stretches and moulds to provide a good fit and yet retains sufficient shape to provide support.
· Leather is a breathable and natural material that is wind-resistant.
· Leather is durable and comfortable.
· It can be worn the year round, be it in sunny California or wintry Chicago.
· Leather does not wrinkle easily and makes for good daylong wear.

Leather apparel buying
Choose a leather garment that suits your lifestyle. Pay attention to its lining and style. Look for details such as water-repellant treatment and trimmings. Listed below are some treatments given to leather:
Suede - This is created by buffing the underside of a hide in order to acquire velvet like texture.
Shearling - This is a natural lamb pelt that is usually in suede texture.
Patent - This leather finish is highly lustrous and has a baked-enamel appearance.
Embossed - This is characterized by reptile prints usually heat-pressed on to the surface.

Leather has always been a fashion favorite. Celebrities, film stars and pop music artistes opt for leather fashion - be it leather skirts and halter-tops, jackets, pants or even leather lingerie. Fall leather and suede offer different look to the garments. When coated with Teflon, these garments become water resistant. You can choose leather garments from unusual colors such as pale pink and classic red to warm cognacs and russets. Whether it's for the stylist corporate banker or the motorcycle biker, leather adapts itself. Choose leather garments with care, as they will last you a long time.

Leather apparel care
Leather apparel must be carefully handled and stored so as to preserve it for a long time. Leather garments must be hung on hangers so that their shape is maintained. Enclosing them in plastic cases will cause them to become dry. Leather apparel must not be kept under direct sunlight. Spraying perfume or hairspray on leather apparel can be damaging. Damp leather garments must be allowed to dry naturally. A conditioner can be used to restore flexibility. While cleaning leather articles, it is advisable to choose a cleaner that allows the natural lubricating oils to be retained. Besides, it should not leave behind any greasy residue. Any residue can attract bacteria that can attack your leather article. Leather conditioners can be occasionally used to lubricate the fabric and replenish the suppleness. Use of moisture barriers can protect the leather from rain or other liquids.

Leather apparel is an investment that needs to be taken adequate care of. Each piece of leather article is unique and natural, with its own textures and imperfections. Proper care can go a long way in preserving the natural beauty of your leather garment


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