DesiVastra

A Hidden Gem

Now you should all know by now that we DFFs love a good bargain, especially for the essentials - lining, chuni's, etc. We found our hidden gem in Jagjit Textiles & Fabrics located in Brampton. From the outside it may not look like much, but step into their world and your eyes won't know where to start. Jagjit Textiles is perfect for that hard to find colour of lining or that chuni that you need to match a suit. They've got other fabric by the yard for simple everyday suits and loads of gotas (border trims) to suit any fashion designers taste. Like we always say, don't judge a book by its cover. You may not find that wow-glam-lengah here, but if you're in the market for lining, chunis, and gotas - Jagjit Textiles is your girl, or boy (are stores considered male or female?). Whatever. It's a bit of a rummage, but the treasures are worth it. 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

The Taychee Incident

Ladies, we are far too familiar with this scenario – The Taychee (translation – Suitcase) Incident. It starts off when we find out someone we know is going to India and they ask us that magical question that every girl just loves to hear “beta… what would you like me to bring back for you from India?” As you go on to describe the latest fashion trend to your beloved relative who’s probably thinking “what have I gotten myself into… and more importantly, where’s my chai?!?” you continue on oblivious to any sign to stop talking.  Some of us even take it a step further and stalk every single India site and cut out pages from fashion magazine showcasing your lil dil’s desire to ensure they understand exactly what you mean.

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.

 

Larkaniyaan

Mama Nagra came back from the motherland (yay!). I have to say I’m very impressed with her picks this year, well done mama, well done. In addition to my all star suits, she also brought me back the latest new accessory – larkaniyaan (I got those while my little niece got a taychie full of goodies – jealous, me? Nooooooo). These little Christmas ornament like things are the hottest accessory at the moment. They can be put on the ends of the ties at the back of your kameez (or saree blouse), or they can be sewn onto the slit at the side of your kameez for some Punjaban-running-through-the-kaayth-and-even-when-you’re-sitting-making-roti bling action. Since they are great little additions that can easily be sewn onto your suits, they can also be easily removed when the next best thing comes along (or if you want to put them on your Christmas tree – just sayin).

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

 

What's in season at Seasons?

What: A sneak peak at Season’s 2012 fashion collection 

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/

It's Not You - It's Lakme

It's that time of year folks, where shortly the days will be getting longer, the birds will actually be chirping, and nail salons everywhere will be busy booking pedicures for those of us that were in serious foot hibernation (fo' real). Lakme Fashion Week is on now until the 6th of March - the place to be in India for Summer/Resort wear 2012 (or online if you didn't join the winter migration like half of my family - sigh). This year's line up features an array of well known Indian designers, as well as a fresh new crop looking to make their mark. While we can't list all of our favs (we will show you as many as we possibly can), here are a few to watch out for based on past collections:

 

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

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

Prepare to be Dazzled

I’ll be the first to admit that I get a tad carried away when I see a particular blue box wrapped up in perfection with that white satin bow. True story… my heart kinda skips a beat as I squeal with joy in anticipation of what’s inside this infamous box. No matter what it is, I just know that it will be love at first sight. But when I stop and really think about it, I sometimes wonder, do I really love the jewelry design or am I just in love with the brand? Kinda similar to one of our earliest posts on Prada vs. Satya Paul.

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.

MINAAZ – A Statement in Diamond Jewelry.
15 Wertheim Court, Suite 508, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3H7

905.886.2323

‘Like Minaaz on Facebook to check out more styles

 

 

 

 

 - Raman

      

The Ishq Factor

What: Stylish Anarkali’s

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

What To Wear

Indian fashion is just as size conscious as western fashion. There are outfits that flatter every shape and size - it’s just a matter of finding what suits you. We’ve taken three models: petite, average, and curvy to help you figure out what will compliment you the next time you’re out shopping for an Indian outfit. We’ll show you before and after photos to help you see that size really does matter! There are so many unique body types but we can’t cover them all in one shot, use this guide to help you pay attention to different details that will enhance your figure.

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