And if my ever fabulous tailor tells me to go there to find a chuni to match my suit – I gotta trust that she’s got my back. I only checked out their Brampton location, but they’ve also got a location in Scarborough if you’re that way inclined.

-Babie

Jagjit Textiles & Fabrics

99 Kennedy Road South

905-453-8100

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And then, we wait and wait until you find out weeks if not months later that your outfit err relative is back from the motherland. You squeal with joy as you so generously offer to “help them with their bags” or pick them up from the airport and wait for that signal to check out the goods. That’s where it can go 1 of 2 ways – so amazing that it’s EXACTLY what you want (less likely) or absolutely beyond a shadow of a doubt bears no resemblance to what you described, but apparently is cutting edge on the fashion scene in India right now (oh so very likely). That’s right peeps you have just experienced the Taychee situation.  They really should have support groups on this.

Having gone through this myself recently, I got:

• An outdated saree, like we are talking so 2008.
• A gorgeous anarkali, that was clearly a few sizes too small.
• A 3D suit where the dupatta, chunni and pajammi are 3 totally different colours. It’s funny cuz I remember trying to rock this many moon’s ago, but it didn’t seem to go over very well because I looked completely mismatched and now this is top fashion – go figure!

So instead of storing these unwanted outfits deep down inside one of my very own taychee’s, I thought I’d let my inner DFF shine through, so…

• That outdated saree is now being converted into a funky anakali with a bold printed material underneath to totally change the look of the material.
• My tight-up anarkali is now a size that fits me where I can actually breathe. Since there wasn’t any material inside to let it out, and I couldn’t find the exact shade of material to match, I found a complementary material to add to both suits of the suit – like a vertical border.
• With the 3D suit, hey if Miss. Pooja can pull it off so can we, so the next wedding I go to – I’ll be as colourful as ever!

I promise to share pix soon, right now my tailor is doing her magic – bless her little heart.

Have you got something that you really wish was left behind in the pind or transformed it into something so fab, if so reply to this post – we’d love to hear from you.

-          Raman

Photo courtesy - click here.

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While I haven’t seen them in any stores here yet, I’m pretty sure you can bring out the desi Martha Stewart in you and make your own, or if you’re really lucky, your tailor will be more than happy to oblige (just smile and ask really nicely).

Enjoy your new found dangly bits, cus you know I’ll be rockin’ mine this summer.

Warning: Small children are most likely going to attempt to rip them off your suit while you are stationary (who wouldn’t?). We recommend you maintain a constant state of motion and keep them guessing, or if all else fails get a fly swatter (kidding!).

-Babie

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Why: If you are anything like me, you are always on this website stalking… errr… looking at new trends. Lo and behold some fab new lengah and saree looks have just come in!

Where: Seasons India

You normally see this kind of top paired with a lengah, but it totally works for sarees too!

This cute velvet mini jacket with matching velvet trim on the saree gives this a simple and elegant look.

Long kameez's with lengahs are very in right now and paired with a side slit gives this outfit a hotter look.

 Photo courtesy: http://www.seasonsindia.com/

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Archana Kochhar

Payal Singhal

Jatin Varma

Lakme Fashion Week is also somewhat of a debutante ’s ball for some like Payal Khandwala, a creative artist and designer we’ll definitely be watching out for.

We’ll bring you as many inspirational images from the fashion shows as we can, to help get you all primped for Bhangra-groovejet-summerlicious-weddings-rock-it-’til-you-damn-well-lock-it-down-glam Fest 2012 (now say that 10 times fast).

For more info check out http://www.lakmefashionweek.co.in//

-Babie

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In the olden days of India – the ones our bibi’s fondly tell tales about when all we asked was if they liked their new sweater vest for Christmas – Zari meant hand-made and gold stitched clothing done for royalty. Zevar in hindi or urdu means gold jewelery. Put the two together and you have a store carrying clothing fit for royalty – in other words, fit for fashionistas.

With the first store opening in the Middle East in the early 90’s and then expanding to three stores in Dubai and two in Abu Dabi, Zari & Zevar have recently expanded to Toronto – their first location in none other than our very own Bramalea City Centre. Owned by Shweta and Dhiren Bhatia, the store guarantees every single piece to be unique and exquisite. It doesn’t get better than this. Think about it, an indian store in a mall… it just doesn’t get better than this!

Zari & Zevar is the first to place an Indian boutique in a western mall. Since opening in April 2011, the store has definitely made a name for itself. Shweta and Dhiren put a lot of passion into delivering the perfect pieces for their customers. Every outfit is handpicked by Shweta, who occasionally tweaks styles to create her own designs as well.

Their motto “light, white and bright” is carried throughout the whole store. Bright lights with white walls and floors enhance your shopping experience and makes it easier to find your dream suit or saree. “You should be able to see every individual piece in its own beauty,” says Dhiren. “We understand that our customers want to touch and feel the outfit and see it sparkle.” A lot of Indian stores have outfits crammed together in the plastic packaging. It’s also not encouraging when you can tell the aunty behind the counter is getting annoyed with you because you make her take out and open every single piece, hoping that what your looking for is buried in the walls of plastic packaging. Well DFFs, you no longer have to do that. Take as much time as you want to stare at and analyze the pieces in Zari & Zevar…actually you won’t be able to take your eyes off the way they sparkle. I sure couldn’t.

A lot of outfits are hung on hangers for customers to come in and easily look at, so you don’t have to worry about getting yelled at for reaching behind the counter to open a package because the aunty is now ignoring you. Prices are clearly labeled to help you find what you are looking for right away. Zari & Zevar carry different price ranges so there’s something for everyone. They also carry various selections of jewelry from bridal wear to Victorian jewelery and even westernized pieces.

Be sure to check out the sidewalk sale they will be having in the coming months. We’ll be sure to keep you posted. They will also be showcasing some of their pieces in Bramalea’s annual fashion show. Ladies, we’ll need front row seats for this one!

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1. Sweaters – recommended on top of Indian suits for religious events only (eg. gurdwara – akand paat, or mandir – pooja). You could throw in the odd house party, but chances are you’ll be warm enough once all the guests arrive. Other than that, sweaters with an Indian suit are a no-no. And don’t even think of ever wearing one with a saree or lengah (seriously, please stop). Wear delicate cardigans, not big chunky-i’m-going-to-my-friends-house-for-cha-tonight type sweaters. Not every sweater goes with a suit.

Best colours: black, white, cream or light grey.

2. Shawls, pashminas – these are your go-to items for warmth. They look fab with Indian suits, sarees and lengahs. Just make sure you pick a highlight colour in your outfit - it needs to match, otherwise go for staples like a pale gold, grey (doubles as silver), or cream as they will match most outfits and keep you within budget. Don’t put together a busy multi-coloured outfit with a multi-coloured shawl because you think you’re the next big thing – it’s not, you might be, and it still doesn’t make it match.

Best colours: pale grey, gold, cream – they match almost everything.

3. Winter Coat – now we have our ultimate dilemma. Our friends across the pond (aka the UK), gasp at the horror of wearing your winter coat with a suit. Reality is, it’s damn cold outside. We say coats are fine, as long as they are a wool dress coat, NOT parka’s (honestly, this hurts me deeply). Yes put away your Canada Goose for one night – people don’t need to know you dropped an obscene amount of money on one at the upcoming lohri party, plus you don’t want it to go walkies when you get up to get your bhangra on. Opt for a dress coat that is longer (eg. knee length) as it looks much more elegant when the coat is longer than your kameez. For lengah’s and sarees we recommend an almost floor length coat (budget permitting). These are hard to find, but look fab as they cover the entire outfit and don’t make things look awkward. A budget friendly alternative is a shorter waist coat, almost like a blazer, that can be worn with a lengah. Use your chunni as you would your scarf to protect your neck and chest from the cold until you get indoors, then redo your chunni for the big reveal before you make your glam entrance.

Best colours: Camel, cream, or black.

Remember the kameez needs to be shorter than your coat. It’s a cleaner look. Just like most of you wouldn’t wear a long sweater under a short jacket (right?!). Shawls go with anything.

All three looks go well with a lengah. But please don’t wear a short jacket with a saree, not the same! Instead opt for a long coat or shawl.

Stay warm my friends.

-Babie

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It really dawned on me during a recent visit to Minaaz. When I walked into their showroom, owners, Mini & Smita or as we like to call them, the Diamond Diva’s themselves, showed me some new designs and that’s when it really hit me, us modern day DFFs don’t have to separate our shopping experiences anymore ie: go to Indian stores for Indian jewelry and Western stores for everyday jewelry or something for that special occasion. We all lead busy lives and when we want to pamper ourselves its always nice to find new places to make you feel like the princess that you are!

At Minaaz, you can literally pick out something as fancy your wedding set and find something to wear with that little black dress all in one visit.  Our Diamond Diva’s relate to any age group, accommodate any budget and above all show you some pretty top quality bling – we are talking classical, modern, funky and more. You can also customize your designs making your jewelry as original and unique as you are.  Trust us, its worth a drive to Richmond Hill to check out the latest styles.

$399

$349

$599

$999

- Raman

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Why: It’s all about the chic little details with these top picks

Where: Ishq Sarees

How cute is this sheer jacket?

Who doesn't love a high neckline and a mix of colours?

Lots of bling and velvet trim!

Photo Courtesy – Ishq Sarees

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Indian suits come in a variety of styles and many new and upcoming designers are stepping away from the one size fits all mentality. One size does not fit all. It’s important that you try on ready-made suits as not everything can be tailored to fit. Think of it this way, when you buy a dress you buy it in your size, so why not do the same with a suit? With suits that have a lot of embroidery, you may end up losing most of what you love about the suit if it needs to be taken in or let out. Instead, ask the shop owner if they can have the suit custom made so that it is made for you and not the other way around. As well, a custom fit will ensure that all the great details of the style and beadwork will sit perfectly on your body.

Sarees

These look great on just about everyone. Your demeanour and attitude are important when wearing a saree, as that can make it or break it. Be a lady, as a saree is a very sexy and feminine outfit. Make sure you sit properly and practice walking in one if you don’t wear them often. For saree blouses, try different styles and make sure you pay attention to what is happening with your shoulders. For broad shoulders, don’t wear thin straps as those only make your shoulders look bigger. For blouse length, if you’re worried about your mid-section, have the blouse made a little longer to hide any problem areas so that we only catch a glimpse of skin.

Lengahs

Can be beautiful things. The elegance of a lengah makes you feel like a princess! Tops come in various styles and lengths, and skirts can be full bodied or mermaid style. We suggest longer blouse lengths if your midsection isn’t as perfect as you want it to be, as you may end up feeling a little self conscious. For skirts, try on a few styles, you may be surprised which ones actually suit you. The mermaid cut is the most flattering. Test it out by sitting and walking in it as it may need to be loosened or tightened in certain areas. A-line or ball gown skirts can also be fun especially if you have tulle underneath to help give more body. For smaller sizes these may be a little overpowering. A good tailor will be able to help minimize the folds, and bring the skirt more in line with your shape. If you still need some help figuring out what’s right for you, don’t worry. This is only the beginning, as we’ll be bringing you more fashion tips and helpful advice on making your inner desi fashionista shine!

Credits:
Photography: Gaurav Sharda Photography
Graphic Design: Nexstanza Inc.
Hair & Make-up: Make-up Your Allure with Mya

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