Saturday, July 14, 2007

Indo Western Women Fashion

In the present era of westernization, Indian women have become pretty conscious about their looks. With more and more women entering the workforce it has given a great impetus to the fashion industry. Modern woman of the 21st century doesn't want to lag behind in any field be it fashion. Everybody has the desire to look attractive inviting attention from others. The latest trend that is boasting of its style is that of Indo-western fusion women wear which is classic and stylish just apt for the workingwomen.

Fashion is something that you can associate yourself with. The beauty of Indian women lies in bedecking herself and attiring something that always reminds her of the culture to which she belongs. Well, this explains the reason why Indo western women fashion is creating sensation everywhere. Indo western lady apparels give the contemporary look with essence of Indian culture and tradition. It is a hip-hop style that is happening but at the same time a great comfort to wear.

Haute couture fashion has taken a lot of twists and turns from traditional ethnic styling to modern western to the balanced Indo-western.trend. As it is said, 'Extreme Of Anything Is Bad'. The best is to be balanced in life. This applies to attire style too. Ethnic is too old and western is ultra American, the best is to go in for a blend of both Indian cum western which is simple, sober yet elegant and graceful.

Indo-western wardrobe style looks amazing on Indian body type and embellishes the beauty of Indian women in the most modest manner. Bold and beautiful can opt for some wild Indo-western design with deep necks and long slits.Kurta can be replaced with a nice short jacket style top. To complement young women wrap up a nice embroided Dupatta with beautiful Leharia prints around their neck. This indo-western wear makes use of rich brocade, beautiful motifs and vibrant colors.

Ethnic embroideries of different regions are extensively used like Phulkari embroidery of Punjab, Leharia print of Gujarat, Mirror work of Rajasthan. Other designs include Meenakari, Kundan, Resham, Zari and Zardosi patterns. Short kurtis cum kurtas in pastel colors are very in and are selling like hot cakes in the market.

The intricate designs made by Indian craftsmen were at one point of time just a freetime activity but today has become the source of earning millions and making a name for oneself in the fashion world. Indo western styling has given a chance to many fashion designers to earn name and fame through their creative thinking and innovative application. So, young ladies out there what are you waiting for. Shop for some elegant Indo western wear.



http://www.indobase.com/fashion/women-fashion/apparels/indo-western/indo-western-fashion.html

Friday, July 13, 2007

Clothes Shopping Tips

Some tips from my experience on when to shop for clothes to help make your shopping trip relaxed and more enjoyable.

BEST TIME TO SHOP

Being a seasoned shopper (like many women!), I have found the best time to shop is first thing in the morning when there is more parking available, the shops are less crowded and shop assistants are generally friendlier, more helpful and in better moods.

HAVE A SPECIFIC GOAL

Rather than trying to cram in a whole range of items which can turn a shopping spree into a shopping circus, focus on one or two things only. That way you can remain focussed on the task at hand, find exactly what you are after, and return home feeling positive and happy with your successful purchases.

Be aware that although shopping can be great fun, a whole day of shopping can be quite exhausting. This state of mind is definitely not conducive to clear, rational thought and you will buy things you will later regret if you attempt to shop in this way. Believe me, it is very easy and tempting to continue a shopping trip despite your body (and feet) protesting!

BUDGET

Not a good idea to shop when you are short of money - this will only encourage poor decision making and create additional stress which is easily avoided. Best to save up for purchases in advance and then go out shopping knowing you can afford to do so without a guilty conscience. Maxing out your credit card soon destroys the shopping high, and everything else if you are not careful.

TIME TO AVOID THE SHOPS

The chaos of the lunch break - avoid it like the plague. Not only will you be fighting for a place amongst every other person who has whipped out during their lunch break, you also have to contend with stressed out, grumpy, famished, over worked shop assistants who have been on their feet all morning without a break.




http://www.beautystaffs.com/wedding-dresses/Clothes_Shopping_Tips%20.asp

5 Tips to Better Clothes Shopping

Shopping can be a pleasure or a chore. However you look at it, use these five tips to save money and look your best.

1. Dress well. In order to spend less and buy wisely, dress up in comfortable clothes. It's the same concept as going to the grocery store on a full stomach.

2. Shop with a plan. Know exactly what you need and how much you can spend. Write it down. Create a budget.

3. Keep an ongoing list of needs in your closet. As you dress each morning, note items needed to better complete outfits.

4. Before you make a purchase ask yourself, "Does this match my wardrobe in terms of color, style and price? Is this on my needs list? How many ways can I wear this item?"

5. Shop first at high-end mass merchants, outlet malls, and off-priced stores for basics such as tees, shirts and pants. You'll then have more money for seasonal updates like jackets or accessories.


http://www.beautystaffs.com/wedding-dresses/Better_Clothes_Shopping.asp


Thursday, July 12, 2007

Halloween Costume

Halloween Costume


After you have finished with decorating your house, it is time for you to get in to your Halloween costume. Vampires, zombies, witches, Dracula, the Mummy, and Frankenstein are popular Halloween costume ideas for adults and children alike. With Halloween parties at office or the club, adult Halloween costumes are also hugely popular. Pick up ideas for Halloween couple costumes. Sexy, spooky and even downright silly costumes can be worn on Halloween. Be it scary Halloween costumes or cheap Halloween costumes, read on to find interesting tips and tricks!

Adult Halloween costume

You can dress up as anything and be accepted at a Halloween party. You can even create a personal version of your favorite character, something out of the regular. A huge variety of costumes is available for men, women, teenagers, kids, toddlers and even dogs and cats! It’s that time of the year when people can let loose some of their restrained dressing and get spooky, wild, sexy or even downright wicked.

Some of the most common costumes for women include the sexy witch, bride of Frankenstein, Gothic queen, pirate wench, fallen angel and of course the famous Elvira costume. Playboy bunny, sexy gun slinger and little red riding hoods are a few other costumes which you can try out. You can try a sexy nurse costume for Halloween – a surefire way to get the heads to turn your way!

Elvira, the mistress of the Dark costume includes a form fitting black gown with a plunging neckline and a belt with a dagger. There is a long slit on one side of the dress for that sexy look. You can teen this up with a sheer black hose and a pair of black high heeled shoes. Wear bee hive styled wig, paint your nails black, your lips blood red and get set to rock the town with your devil may care attitude.

The Evil Jester, The Phantom of Venice, Tombstone Cowboy, Lord of Darkness, Sorcerer, Dracula, Hellboy, Werewolf, Frankenstein, Beetlejuice, Jack Sparrow, Jack Skellington, Pimp Daddy, scary skeleton and the Mummy are some of the hot Halloween costumes for men.

Scary kid Halloween costume

Kids and toddlers look very fetching when dressed up in Care bear costumes, French mermaid costumes, Baby Eeyore costume and other Disney characters. But care should be taken that kids and young children’s costumes should be fire proof and eye holes should be large enough to offer clear vision. Swords, knives and other accessories should be made of soft material to prevent any accidents.

Most boys prefer to dress up as comic book heroes like spider man, superman, power rangers, Mr. Incredible batman as well as firefighters, commandos or cowboys. Animal costumes like dragon, dinosaur, bear and spider are also great Halloween costume options. Girls look very pretty dressed up as angel, princess, Barbie princess, Cinderella, fairy, doll girl, cat girls and bat girls.

Pirates, cowboys, witches and wizards are popular child Halloween costume options. These have been traditionally characters that children can relate to. Pick these cheap Halloween costumes or even consider renting them out.

Halloween couple costume

If you want to make a startling couple at a Halloween party, go in for timeless classics like Flinstones or Beauty and Beast. Other options for couple Halloween costumes are Batman and Catwoman, Cinderella and Prince Charming and Tarzan and Jane. Caveman and cavewoman costumes for Halloween can be made with animal print fabrics. Cut the skirt in a jagged hem. The guy can carry a club and both can go in strappy sandals or even barefoot. Another option for couple Halloween costumes is to go for the Arab Sheik and Harem girl look. Be it Bonnie and Clyde or Uncle Sam and the Statue of Liberty, you can be sure to have loads of fun!

Wear these Halloween costumes to a masquerade ball, theme night or a neighborhood Halloween party….and spook the others away!


http://www.targetwoman.com/articles/halloween-costume.html

How to wear a Saree

Yards and yards of exquisite fabric, attractive prints and different textures – Indian sarees continue to hold their own against ever-changing fashions and generations of Indian women. Draping the sari is an art that can take some getting used to. Learn to wear a sari in a manner that is flattering and elegant. Wear it to a party, wear it to work, wear it for any occasion and watch the heads turn as you sashay into a room with a rich Indian saree.

Various regions of India have their own unique style of wearing the sari. The Gujarati style of wearing a saree requires the pallu to be draped artistically in the front rather than over the shoulder. Sarees with eye-catching magnificent pallus are best worn in this style. The Bengali style of wearing a sari has no pleats and the pallu has a bunch of keys that falls over the shoulder. The Coorgi style of draping a saree involves tying the pleats in the rear and a small portion of the pallu is placed over the shoulder. The Maharashtrian nauvari style of draping a saree involves wearing the nine yards of fabric in a style that is traditional to the region. In Tamil Nadu, certain sections of society wear the nine-yard saree in a wrap around style sans pleats

1. Tuck the plain end of the saree into the petticoat and continue tucking till you take a complete turn from right to left. Adjust the lower end of the saree to the height required. Ideally wear your footwear so that you drape the sari to the right length.

2. Create pleats with the sari. About 6 – 9 pleats would do with most saris. Here it is essential to see that the pleats are even and fall straight.

3. Tuck the pleats into the waist petticoat, taking care to see that the pleats are turned towards the left.

4. The remaining portion of the saree must be turned once around the body and then draped over the left shoulder.

5. Arrange the pleats on this part of the saree and then pin them up on the left shoulder to prevent the pallu from falling off.

Before draping the saree, ensure that you wear a well-fitting blouse and petticoat. Do not wear a flared petticoat. Getting a fall stitched on the saree bottom ensures a better drape. While some women prefer to wear the top portion of the saree loosely over the shoulder and allow the rest to fall gracefully, others pin up the front pallu in pleats for a neat look. Use a pin to secure the pallu on the blouse to prevent the sari from falling in front.


http://www.targetwoman.com/articles/wear-saree.htmlv


Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Indian Saree Shopping

Indian Saree clad Woman

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.

http://www.targetwoman.com/articles/saree-shopping.html



Dress for Bride’s Mother

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.


http://www.targetwoman.com/articles/dress-for-mother.html#