Fugly Bridesmaid Sarees

Why do brides always dress their bridesmaids in the fugliest things? This seems to be a cross-cultural phenomenon. Brides all over the world feel that it's necessary to have the bridesmaids looking as trashy and tacky as possible, even brides who normally have good taste. I guess the 'bridezilla' comes out and the attention must always be on the bride herself. Here's the thing bridezillas of the world, dressing your bridesmaids in fugly clothes takes the attention away from you and diverts it onto them. Fugliness always attracts attention and if your bridesmaids look like they just got caught in a pigsty explosion, no one's gonna look at you on your big day!

The Pot of Fugly at the End of the Rainbow

These have got to be the ugliest sarees I've ever seen. I can't imagine the thought process that led to the bride deciding on this design for the bridesmaids. She must've really, really hated them. Either that or she looked like a train wreck herself and she wanted to divert the attention onto the bridesmaids on purpose. I hate tie-die sarees in general, but these give even tie-die a bad name. They look like the kind of balloons I used to see at birthday parties. You know, the ones that looked like they were factory defects.

Oldmaids not Bridesmaids

These sarees are way too shiny to be allowed! Let's ignore the blidning effect the sarees have for a second and consider the entire look. I hate it, and I mean I absolutely hate it, when people wear a saree as if it's a bed sheet. If you don't know how to wear one properly and neatly, then get someone else to do it for you. Otherwise, don't wear one at all. You're just making yourself look like an idiot. Secondly, WTF is up with those blouses? You couldn't find matching blouses to go with those fugly sarees? Those saree blouses look like they were rejects from a poor widowed great-grandmother somewhere in an Indian village. Ughh.

Cow Shit

The sarees aren't that bad in terms of design. Yes, they're really cheap bridesmaid sarees, but at least the bride picked a tolerable design. What makes you turn away from this sight is the colour. First of all, there are two different colours. If you're gonna have a gazillion bridesmaids, make sure you can find them all matching sarees! Otherwise, you're gonna have to reduce their numbers and get the ones left something nice. Don't worry about offending someone, they'll probably be extremely thankful they wouldn't have to wear the fugliness you're making the bridesmaids wear. What's the worst part about all this is the horrid colour. One is a tolerable green and the other looks like the colour of mutated crap. I know Desis have a special bond with cows, but does that mean you gotta dress your bridesmaids in cow shit? Nasty!

Bringing Sexy back - Saree Blouse Designs for the Back

Ever since I put together the 'Comprehensive Saree Blouse Design Guide' people have been wanting me to post up more fabulous design ideas they can use. So this is going to be a series of 'ideas' posts starting with back designs, then continuing onto sleeve designs and then finishing with front/neck designs.

So without further ado, here are some sexy saree blouse back design ideas. Make sure you usher your grandma out of your room before proceeding to scroll down. Click on the images for a larger version.

Swirl Back

Peeping Tom Back

Bejeweled Back

Crosshatch Back

Peeping Tom Double Window Back

'The Little Girl's Top' Back

Jeweled Sexy Back

Curtained Back

Jeweled Peeping Tom Back

Designer Jeweled Sexy Back

Three Jewelled Backs

Enclosure Back

Bridal Back

This is just an example of the fact that design ideas for saree blouses can come from anywhere.

Positively Cutout Back

Jeweled Halter Back

Lined Back

Jewelled Brazier Back

Paisley Back

Stringy Back

All Over the Place Back

Small Windowed Back

Sweetheart Back

Barely There Back

Corset Back

Designer Multicolour Jeweled Back

Flipped Back

Jeweled Strung Through Back

Well, I hope this helped you on your search for the perfect sexy backed saree blouse. Need more ideas or have a great design you want posted here, drop me a line.

The Best Half-Saree Design I've Ever Seen

This is by far the best half-saree design I've ever seen. Everything from the dupatta to the blouse design to the cut of the skirt to the colours to the silver embellishments, I love. Too bad nice designs like this weren't around when I was a teenager, otherwise I actually would've worn a half-saree. I guess it's still not too late!

It's very pretty, softly feminine and extremely posh all at once. Click on the image for a better view! Check out the bling on the skirt border, such a neat idea.

Here's a closer look.

Have a good look at the design of the blouse! Isn't it totally adorable?

Another view of the same fabulous design. I can't find anything to criticize about it. I absolutely adore this half saree. It's going on my favourite designs list!

Trend Watch - Bejeweled Waist

Innovative jewelry placement seems to be one of the themes of the season. A trend that I very much appreciate and have been advocating for a while. Whether it be belts or belly chains, they help accentuate an hourglass figure, present a trim waist line and enhance the bust and and hips. Here are a few of my favourite examples of bejeweled waists.

Traditional Gold and Turquoise Ornament

I know I've fervently spoken out against hip ornaments, but this is different. this is a showstopper piece and will look good no matter where you wear it. It stands out against this cream coloured saree, but because of it's elaborate, luxurious quality, you can probably get away with wearing this piece with any saree (as long as it has gold embroidery). Make sure you only wear it to an appropriately lavish event or your own wedding! It's not something you should wear to your local SASA formal.

Floral Cut Gold 'Oddiyannam'

This is such a stunning piece of jewelry. What a sumptuous and beautiful way to give the traditional southern 'oddiyanam' an art deco twist! I'm totally in love with this number. If I ever get married, it'll be just so I can wear this during the ceremony.

Golden Empress

Perhaps this is a look only Shilpa Shetty can pull off, but nonetheless, it's worth trying out. The mesh work is quote an innovation as far as Desi ornaments go.

Stitched-On Waist Ornament

Not only is this such a gorgeous colour and design, I adore the empire waist line created by this pretty little trinket. It's definitely a look that will work for most people. It's simple, it's sexy and it's one of the most 'in' looks! I love, love, love!!

Belted Saree

I'm usually the first person to trash the idea of belting a saree, but after I saw this I'm not all that adverse to the concept. Yes, not all belts work and you shouldn't belt most sarees, but it works well here. The saree is a very simple one, but the colour is very rich and the embroidery gives it a very traditional Indian feel. The jeweled leather belt serves as a nice counter point of modernity and oomph to the traditional ochre saree. It definitely works well here.

Online Shopping - Store of the Week: Malanijewelers.com

Malani Jewelers has the finest collection of diamond and gold Indian Jewelery I've seen. Their designs are extremely elegant, sumptuous and beautiful. Everything from fine diamond necklaces to thick gold kadas to regal Victorian sets, this online retailer has got it all! You'll be feeling like royalty in no time wearing any of their pieces. It'll also coast you a king's ransom, but it's allways nice to dream.

They also have a location in Dallas, TX so if you're in the area and have a small fortune to spend, drop by!

18 Karat Gold and Diamond Three-Piece Necklace Set

Description

-18 Karat Gold Three-Piece Necklace Set studded with 1.29 Carats of Diamonds and Semi Precious Stones.
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22 Karat Gold Three-Piece Antique Necklace Set

Description

-22 Karat Gold Three-Piece Antique Polished Necklace Set with Semi-Precious Stones. Total Weight of 121.4 Grams.

Price: $4,859.00

Diamond Bridal Set

Description
-32 karats of diamonds
-225 grams of white gold

Price: $26,300.00

Signature Diamond Necklace Set

Description

-41 karats of diamonds
-240 grams of white gold

Price: $54,000.00

Gold Bridal Necklace Set

Description

-Antique gold bridal necklace set
-400 grams of gold

Price: $13, 500.00

18 Karat Gold and Diamond Three-Piece Necklace Set

Description

-18 Karat Gold Three-Piece Necklace Set studded with 1.34 Carats of Diamonds, 43 Carats of Yellow Topaz & Tourmaline.
-Total Weight: 65.3 Grams.

Malani Jewelers

Comprehensive Saree Blouse Design Guide

I posted the dos and dont's of saree blouse designing yesterday so it will be a basic guide for what not to do when selecting a saree blouse design. However, for those of you who need visual aid for designing saree blouses I thought I would put together this comprehensive saree blouse design guide.

When I say 'comprehensive' I do mean 'comprehensive'! This guide will be split into three different categories. The first is the 'Basic Saree Blouse Designs' category. I think the title is self-explanatory. The second category will be called the 'Contemporary Saree Blouse Designs' and will feature hip and happening designs as well as a how-to guide for achieving each look. The third category is the 'Designer Saree Blouse Ideas' column. These will feature some of the hottest designs and a how-to guide for achieving each look.

Basic Saree Blouse Designs

Here are a few simple, elegant and timeless designs that should get you well on your way to looking like a million bucks.

Here is a simple, contrasting, well cut saree blouse. There's nothing fancy about it. It's your basic, everyday saree blouse, but because it's structured so well, it looks fabulous. The basic sweetheart neck can be widened according to taste and occasion. The see through sleeves and the silver trim add a little bit of flair to this timeless creation.

Achieving this looks is quite simple. All you need is a bit of silver trim (or any other metallic hue that matches your saree), contrasting georgette fabric and cotton lining.

You can find trim at any local fabric store.
Here's what it will look like.

This is an extremely simple and yet extremely sexy back design that any tailor should be able to duplicate. You don't need anything fancy, just the fabric that came with your saree for the purpose of being made into a blouse. The knotting at the top not only adds a little flair of pizazz, but also keeps the blouse from falling off your shoulders.

When in doubt about where to have the saree blouse opening, always choose to have it on the back. It will make the front (the part that most people will see) look smooth and simple. This basic scoop neck looks so good because it sits just right. This is where a good tailor can come in handy. When you have fabric bunching under your arms or the neckline is too loose, it looks extremely unprofessional no matter how good the original design is. The short ruffled sleeves add a touch of playfulness to this look.

This is just another illustration of what a simple, the deep back (quare this time) can do to spice up your saree blouse. Add a knot at the top to keep the shoulders from falling off and you're good to go.

Contemporary Saree Blouse Designing

So you're not a beginner and you know what works. Now you want to know what kind of designs are in now and how you can get that look. This is fairly simple....if you know a few trade secrets.

Knots

Simple front and back knots (ties, bows, etc.) are all the rage. These are extremely easy to achieve and will have you looking like a pro star.

Here's a basic knot for the back. The neck is a simple 'U' and the knot is so easy to reproduce that most tailors will have no problems with it.

I know most of you aren't going to be ripping off your pallu and singing duets in the Alps. However, front knots will looks super hot with net and other sheer sarees. Keep the knot small and simple so it doesn't bulge against the saree.

Here's a knot, well more of a bow, that's a little more elaborate than the ones above. If you want to try this look out, make sure your saree blouse material isn't too stiff. Most georgette materials should be able to handle this kind of knotting. Also, this bow takes more fabric than the average knot so be sure to provide your tailor with plenty of it.

Here's another simple knot. This one should be the easiest to reproduce with minimal effort on your tailor's part. It's also a little bit more conservative, if that's what you want to achieve.

Off-the-Shoulder

Another hot look right now is the off-the-shoulder kind.

This is the boat neck off-the-shoulder look. This is the most common one you'll see.

This is the sweetheart neck off-the-shoulder look. The sleeves are attached separately almost like a band. Although the border of the saree is used here, you can use other kinds of trim if your saree's border isn't suitable for this look. Here are a few examples.

Wide, patterned trim.

This one is my favourite. It's a simple off the shoulder blouse with the added touch of spaghetti straps. You can find all kinds of trims and sequins at your local fabric store to use for the straps.

Halter Neck

Halter necks are highly fashionable now. You'll see them on all the Bollywood leading ladies. Here are a few different kinds of halter necks. Just remember not to wear a necklace with your halter saree blouse.

The classic halter. No special instructions necessary.

The 'V' halter. You can use your saree's border for the 'V' if it's small enough. Otherwise you can use trim.

The crossed halter neck. Again, you can use your saree's border for this, but if you want to add more personality to your look you can opt for wide, sequined trims from your local fabric store.

Strings

Strings have been in for a while now and they still haven't gone away. There are many different looks, but here are a few that are guaranteed to work.

You don't necessarily have to tie the strings. Have the opening of your blouse in the front instead of the back and you won't have to worry about tying the strings.

This is a classic look that a lot of people try, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't. It's classic because it works well.

So you've done these looks with the strings and you're getting tired of it. Here are a few ideas to add some pizazz to your worn out string look. Why not use upholstery cord instead of making the string out of your saree blouse fabric? It saves your tailor time and you'll end up looking sexier. Or go string-happy with matching or contrasting rat tails. Your local fabric store should have both.

Use these metallic or colour cords.

Designer Saree Blouse Ideas

You can achieve designer quality looks without the designer. Your local tailor and some imagination is all you need. These looks below will have you looking like you belong in a Bollywood movie premiere!

The Pallu

One way to achieve a designer look is to tuck the pallu of your saree at your waist instead of throwing it over your shoulder. This way, you can design the saree blouse in many different and unique ways. Here are a few ideas.

This is such a great look. You can dress up a simple saree with a super sexy blouse like this. You can buy this kind of blouse fabric from any Indian clothing store. All you need are some floral trim and a string of pearls, which can both be bought at any fabric store.

This double colour crossover blouse will have you looking like a million bucks. You can use whatever fabrics you have, but bright, vibrant colours will work best. Also be sure to match them to your saree. Use cord or trim for the straps and you'll be looking like a Bollywood starlet. You can try this blouse with a sheer or net saree as well.

Use these kinds of trim as straps for your blouse to achieve that designer look.

Hot and Sexy Professional Looks

This hot number looks stunning and is also fairly simple to achieve. All you need is sheer nude fabric, silver trim and a butterfly (or another kind) clasp. All of this you can find at your local fabric store.

Instead of boring spaghetti straps, try jewelled straps instead. You can use a string of pearls, beads or stones. If you can find flat ones, even better.

Here's a risque look that's bound to turn heads. All you need is sequined fabric, see through straps and a little bauble. Use an old, unused neckalce if you have it.

Sleeve Designs

What's one way to dress up a traditional Kanjeevram saree? With a sexy blouse, of course. These sleeves are fabulouse and you can do them in any length and shape.

Try an inverted 'V' sleeve. Add a little sparkle with a few drop beads.

Try a cap sleeve like this one here instead of a regular sleeve. It's hot, it's sexy and it's definitely in!

I'll post a more comprehensive sleeve design style guide another time because I think it needs it's own post. There are too many designs and variable to take into account, but these will do for now.

So I hope these helpful tips will guide you well on your saree blouse designing endeavours. Now you have no excuse for looking like a Desi fashion disaster.

Trims from M&J Trimming