Fashion
DO’S, DON’TS BEFORE FESTIVAL SEASON BEGINS!
Happy summer!! It’s a more laidback time of year and we aren’t complaining one bit. This is almost a month of preparation for the upcoming festival season from next month onward. Here are some quick dos and don’ts to kick start your festival wear!
TAILORED FEMININE PANTS
Do get yourself palazzo suits. Pants are not just for the boys! This new wave of suits has a long or short kameez paired with flared palazzo pants, in solid or print patterns. Dupattas are full and flowy, too.
Do also opt for the newly revived sharara outfits. These suits are similar to the palazzo suits, but the pants flare from the knee below and are usually more ornate in material and workings.
Don’t choose the kurti and leggings outfits you are so used to seeing. If only wanting to wear a kurta, not a suit, opt to pair the top with jeans or even easy palazzos or slim pants. More modern and chic too!
TRADITION IN JEWELRY
Do keep the gold jewelry look of the season. Old is indeed gold. Thick, wide chokers are trending with jhumka earrings.
Do wear big earrings and a big tikka – together. Jewelry sets are normally consisted of earrings and a necklace, but tikkas (forehead pieces) have been around just as long. The updated now look are large earrings with a matching tikka. Definitely, showorthy.
Don’t over jewel. A jewel set is good. Add some kadas or bangles, or maybe a pair of anklets, and that’s better. Now, also add a waist belt, armbands, nose and toe rings and extra necklaces? No. You should shine head to toe in your style, your jewelry shouldn’t.
UNEXPECTED ETHNIC TOUCHES
Do add kundan or mirror work to your ensemble with a clutch or dupatta trim encrusted with these stones. Even a multicolored embroidered satchel or capelet will work beautifully into a neutral colored outfit.
Do wear mehndi. It’s not only pretty, but the plant paste is cooling to your skin, too, perfect for the heat outside. Try a mehndi ‘tattoo’ on your arm as an armband, an ambi or rangoli design on your shoulder blade or ‘anklet’ around your ankle, for an edgier look and feel.
Don’t use Indian hairpieces. I’ve been seeing hair ‘roses’, flower crowns and clips everywhere in designer ads. For some reason, they just don’t add appeal to a classy Indian look. Stay away from them, and instead, opt for an easy Indian braid or low bun.
Enjoy summer, laugh lots and as always, remember to ‘gro with style’!
Kiran Bahl of Gro Styles, “An Indian Boutique” in Tampa, can be reached at (813) 843-9040, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.grostyles.com