Sunday, July 6, 2008

Store of the Week - Bargello (Jewellery)

Bargello is an online retailer who sells everything from beautiful Indian clothing for men and women to classic furniture. However, what impressed me the most was their collection of costume jewelry. The pieces are so unique and so well crafted that they look authentic. I instantly fell in love with these and I'm sure you will too. The items are extremely expensive so beware of that, but they're so stunning and unique that it's a must for any bride seeking something truly breathtaking.

So, let's start off with their bridal collection first.

Bridal Collection

Carnelian Neckalce Set



"Traditional kundan set consists of a heavy necklace, pair of earrings, teeka, and ring. Pair and round stones setting.

925 Sterling Silver
24kt gold plated
Semi precious stones
Fully handmade
Available in required colours"

Price: U.S. $749.95

Regal Bridal Set



"Traditional set consists of a necklace, dolna (Pendant on long chain) pair of earrings, maatha patti (Head piece) and hath ungla (Wrist to finger piece). Emerald green stones. Delicate design. Kundan pendants.

925 Sterling Silver
24kt Gold plated
Semi precious stones
Setting work in silver
Fully handmade
Available in required colours

Price: U.S. 1,199.95

Heavy Polki Bridal Set



"Traditional heavy polki set consists of a necklace, pair of earrings, jhoomer and teeka. Comes with a complimentary ring.

925 Sterling Silver
24kt Gold Plated
Swarovski crystals
Polki Stones
100% hand made"

Price: U.S. $799.95

Zircon Necklace Set



"Amazing zircons set consists of a necklace, pair of earrings and teeka. (No bangle) Comes with a complimentary ring. Long Earrings with beaded support.

925 Sterling Silver
Rhodium Plated
White and coloured Zircons
Setting work in Silver
Fully handmade
Available in required colours"

Price: U.S. $849.95

Zircon and Swarovski Bridal Set



"Zircons and swarovski crystals set consists of a necklace and pair of earrings, jhoomer, haath panja, and teeka. Comes with a complimentary ring.

925 Sterling Silver
24kt gold plated
Swarovski crystals
Studded zircons
100% hand made
Additional accessories available"

Price: U.S. $849.95

Traditional Bridal Set



"Zircons, Swarovskis and Semi precious stones set consists of a necklace, pair of earrings, and teeka. Comes with a complimentary ring.

925 Sterling Silver
24kt Gold Plated
Swarovski crystals
White cubic zircons
Semi precious stones
100% hand made
Additional accessories available"

Price: U.S. 649.95

Evening Wear Collection

Crystal Kundun Necklace Set



"Traditional antique gold kundan set consists of a necklace, pair of earrings, teeka and ring.

925 Sterling Silver
24kt Gold Plated
Crystal Kundan
Swarovski crystals
Fully handmade
Available in required colours"

Price: U.S. 649.95

Firoza Necklace Set



"Zircons set consists of a necklace, pair of earrings, and ring. Amazing zircons setting. Red floral pendant. Semi precious pair shaped stones. Swarovski crystals setting in central pendant.

925 Sterling Silver
Rhod chromium plated
White cubic zircons
Swarovski crystals
Semi precious stones
Fully handmade
Available in required colours"

Price: U.S. $599.95

Pearl Necklace Set



"Pearls necklace and earrings set. Zircon studding on pendant motifs. Long earrings with pearls studding and tassels.

925 Sterling Silver
24kt Gold plated
Fresh water real pearls
Real white cubic Zircons
Fully hand made
Available in required colours"

Price: U.S. 599.95

Mughal Inspired Necklace Set



"Gold and antique white cubic zircons set consists of earrings, heavy necklace, and ring. Comes with a complimentary teeka. Exclusive of bangles shown in the picture. Please contact customer service for bangle price.

925 Sterling Silver
Small motifs having 24kt gold plating
Rhodium and platnium plated
White Cubic zircons studded
Dark brown semi precious studded gemstones
100% hand made
Available in required colours"

Price: U.S. $749.95

Check out Bargello's Jewelry section for more.

New @ Seasons India

Here's a look at the latest pieces from Seasons India. The clothes are beautiful, elegant and modern!

Indian Swan Princess





"Styled to perfection in modern silhouette, bodice styled, hip length blouse is teamed with elaborate panel designed lengha."

Price: U.S. $1192.68

Pretty in Pink



"Soft-stretch net blouse is teamed with subtle, lace saree customized in short pallu concept."

Price: U.S.
$463.41

Burgundy Bliss



"Power dressing - sharp tailoring and soft detailing are showcased in empire line cut ensemble - burgundy brocade with panelled net ghera delicately worked in kundan work stitched with gold tissue and natural acru crepe-de-chine churidar and sheer net dupatta."

Price: U.S. $166.10

Deep Wine



"Style meets glamour - dazzling chiffon in deep wine tone saree with spectacular stonework buta in contrasting turq resham and nine yard resham border with turq frill edging teamed with fully embellished matching choli."

Price: U.S. $286.59

Check out Seasons India for more.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Desi Fashion Awards 2008

The Desi Fashion Police wants to recognize and award your great fashion sense. These awards aren't for Bollywood stars or models, but for the readers of this blog who think they have an eye for fashion and the ability to wear it with attitude and confidence.

The five categories include:

1. Best Dressed
For overall fashion sense and coordination.
2. Best Accessorized
For adding that extra style and panache to an outfit.
3. Best Saree Blouse Design
For the overall design of a unique and flattering saree blouse (neck, sleeves/shoulder and back design)
4. Best Hair
For the most elegant, glamorous and beautiful hairstyle.
5. Most Unique Style
To recognize those that not only have great style, but the ability to make it truly their own through innovative design and/or accessorizing.

The deadline for consideration is August 1st 2008 and the results will be announced August 8th 2008.

You do not have to send in your whole picture. If you don't feel comfortable sharing your identity, by all means feel free to crop or adjust the image in such a way as to hide your face or distinguishing features. If you want to be considered for Best Saree Blouse Design or Best Hair, please send in close ups. You don't have to indicate which category you want to be considered for unless you specifically have a preference. Images will be considered in all 5 categories. If you think a friend of family member has great Desi style and fashion sense and would like to send in their image, please indicate so in your e-mail. E-mail images along with your name or alias to desi.fashion.police@gmail.com.

Disclaimer: Your images will not be used for any purpose other than to be considered for the Desi Fashion Awards. Your images will not be used in any other blog entries during the consideration period or in the future. Your images will not be shared with any third parties. Only those winning images will be posted in the Award announcement post and any honourary nominees.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Desi Fashion for Kids

Gone are the days when your mom dressed you in an extremely frilly and puffy pink dress you could hardly carry and itched like hell. Kids fashion has improved tremendously in the last few years and anything adults wear is always made in the mini version. However, there are somethings that are just inherently inappropriate for children, especially those outfits are are meant to accentuate the adult body. Having seen parents dress their kids like tulle stuffed baby dolls or showgirls in waiting, I've decided to put together a guide on the latest and cutest in children's Desi fashion.

In some of these images you'll see kids with make up and high heels, these are two things kids really don't need when they're 6 years old so disregard that and just look at the outfits. :D

Children's Lengha Cholis

These are and have always been the outfit of choice for kids and now there are a ton of options to choose from. They range from extravagant and expensive to simple and cute. The one thing to remember is to buy clothes that actually fit your kids. I know that kids grow up fast, but you really don't want your little girl to wear a choli that's hanging off her shoulder. If you're worried bout cost, buy a size larger and get it altered so as they grow, you can let out the fabric. Just make sure it fits, not snugly, but appropriately.

Red and Blue Lengha with Short Choli



This is such a cute little outfit and it's very age appropriate and fashionable. Notice where the lengha waist line falls. It's Bollywood meets Disney and looks absolutely cute and it's perfect to wear to any large Indian gathering such as a wedding or wedding reception.

Pretty in Pink



This is a really pretty and simple outfit that's perfect for a Desi birthday party or even a small wedding. It's trendy, it's modern and it has a very nice Desi touch to it. When you don't want to overdress your kids, but are not sure what would be appropriate, this is the outfit to turn to.

Here Comes the Flower Girl



This is a very fancy and elegant outfit that's prefect for a flower girl. When there's a function that requires something very traditional and elaborate, this is the outfit of choice. The outfit is a little small for the model, but it looks very cute.

The Little Fashionista



I absolutely love this outfit. This is perfect for the little fashionista in your house. It's trendy, it's modern and the design and embroidery are just stellar. The detailing is what makes this such a great outfit. It's age appropriate and great for any Desi event.

The Diva



This is a very atypical lengha choli. The fabric, the design and the embroidery are all very different and it makes for a unique and fashionable look. This is a great outfit for the older kids who are starting to become a lot more choosy about what they wear.

Lady in Red



I'm not a fan of kids sarees so I find this a really pretty and age appropriate alternative. It's such a stylish outfit with flare and pizazz. It's a great outfit for weddings and wedding receptions. It's one of my favourite outfits and you can't really go wrong with red. Also, you don't have to worry about your kids losing their chunnis.

Children's Anarkalis


As it is the case for adults, it's the same for kids. Anarkali suits are the latest and greatest in kids fashion. You usually can't go wrong with these. Here are a couple of interesting looks.

Traditional Anarkali




This is your typical Anarkali suit and here it is in a kids version.

The Little Princess




This is such a cute little outfit and it's perfect for kids of all ages and for any Desi occasion.

Indo-Western Kids Wear

Another popular look for kids is Indo-Western wear. There are many different varieties and looks, but here are a few that are appropriate for Desi parties.

Beige Party Dress




This is the modern alternative to the frilly, tulle filled dresses I had to wear growing up. It's a great outfit for parties and is light enough for a kid to wear.

The Princess Outfit



This is yet another alternative to the frilly dress, but a lot more formal. It's a great looking outfit, but I'm not really sure what it would be appropriate for, but perhaps a wedding reception.

It's Frilly, but Cute



This is definitely a frilly dress, but it's got such an elegant and modern flair that makes up for all the frills. It's a cute outfit for kids under 10 and probably something that would be very appropriate for a wedding reception.

Ready to Party



This is such a cute and simple little party ensemble.

Check out Homeindia.com and Sareeworld.com for more kids looks.