DesiVastra

Light. White. Bright.

We’ve all been there. Store to store, searching for that unique, one-of-a-kind outfit we saw in the latest magazine. You DFF’s know what I’m talking about. As the time gets closer to that special engagement or wedding we’ve been looking forward to, we begin to stress about finding an outfit that will sparkle in the highlight reel. Well ladies, search no more, Zari & Zevar have come to the rescue.

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!

- Jasmine

 

Baby It's Cold Outside

It's been a pretty mild winter in the T dot (aka Toronto), but for most of us dffs it's still a little chilly in our desi wear. Those sleeveless Indian suits and the cold draft that creeps up sarees is a little much for some of us to handle. In some cases, there are a few fashion faux-pas' that surface in the winter months (I admit it). So to give you all a little help on how to still look glam and be warm, yes it is possible, here are a few tips on staying warm in your fine desi fashion:

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