Kiran Bahl

Spring is here, and as allergy season is cutting us a break (finally!), don�t we just want to be outdoors all the time? Be inspired by nature and take these latest fashion cues being displayed in runways and shows worldwide.

Think of the sunny, breezy days. Churidaars, yes, are still in, but ladies, airy saris have taken a step forward. They have remained their elegant selves, but a few changes have transformed them into true treasures to behold. For example, wear your sari in a light, pastel color with the pallu hanging down your back. Leaving the pallu loose, tie a belt of leather, suede, or even ribbon of contrasting color around the bottom of your bust, creating an �empire waist� look �flattering and bold indeed!

Another look extremely popular now is the sari dress. More �fusion wear,� this look is a blend of the traditional sari and evening gown. Perfect for formal evenings, Hermes, Michael Kors, and Falguni & Shane Peacock have taken a gown and added a ruched �pallu� from one hip diagonally hanging over the opposite shoulder. It�s elegant, it�s classy, and how now!

Now imagine a field of flowers, a gushing waterfall, or the sun rays peeking through a dense forest. Beautiful, isn�t it? Your clothing should reflect this too! Saris and kurtis with artwork-inspired prints and motifs are the rage, and being reflected even in accessories as well, from sandals and wedges to jewelry and kadas (wide bangles). Hand-painted saris and salwars, as a result, such as from Satya Paul or Monisha Jaisingh�s collections, are back in fashion, big time.

What is the most important trait of spring? The sun! It�s no wonder then why yellow has been the most prominent color choice for designers everywhere this season. Surprisingly, yellow can even work for the very fair complexioned lady. From pale shades to traffic-stopping neon hues, yellow is the new black.

If you�re not quite ready to take on the color yellow, do not worry. Try accessorizing and complementing your outfit with this shade, and you�ll be just fine. Just remember not to wear black, mixing with yellow, as the bumblebee look is definitely a fashion don�t.

Send us your fashion questions and concerns. Follow the trend! E-mail us at [email protected], and we�ll answer any and all your fashion dilemmas! Here�s this month�s Fashion Drama Question of the month:

Q: Your last issue told your reader to wear armbands as a fashion statement, but my arms are larger, and most armbands don�t fit around my arm. Solutions, please! - Karina, Tampa

A: Hello, Karina. Yes, runways have been sporting armbands, and guess what? You can wear them, too, without worrying about the size. Choose armbands with ties at the ends that are more adjustable to any size. If you already have the ones with the chains around them, don�t add an extender chain around it, as it�ll look like you�re trying too hard to make it fit. Instead, get ride of the chain portion with a clamp or even scissors in most cases, and replace with a ribbon or thread. This should work wonderfully.

So to refresh, remember, yellow is the latest in color, nature- inspired artwork is the latest pattern trend, and saris fused with belts or made into sari dresses are the rage. And not fear yellow (many of you do, I know!). With these tips and the right attitude, everyone will look fashion fabulous! And as always, remember to gro with style!

Kiran Bahl of Gro Styles, �An Indian Boutique,� 2035 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33612, can be reached at (813) 843-9040 or (813) 903-8334.