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Summers are predominant season in the South East Asian region and can be unforgivably ruthless to our outings. So we have too choose our outfits diligently. As for this part of the world where I live now, summers although not as much cruel as in Indian subcontinent can be tricky time to choose comfortable yet stylish outfits.Remember every summer Ma used to take out her pastel colored sarees which were considered "too light" for the rest of the year. Even the biye bari or the other evening parties would be attended in pastel shaded lace or silk. We used to see considerate change in colors worn by our teachers in school (YES! we always used to be very attentive towards their wardrobe 😜😜😜). So gradually it became a norm for us to take out our lighter shades for summer time and darker and richer shades for winter time. But as times have changed so has the experimentation with different color pallets. Now we see a lot more of candy shades among summer collections which in the past were considered a big no for adult outfits 🙈🙈 because of their blinding effects 😂😂. So lets have a look on what are the best combinations we can try out for our hot and humid days.

• Indigo Blue and White

There are sarees that can instantly brighten up your days. The color and feel of it is exudes a stylish vibe on any day you chose to wear these sarees. Indigo blue and white combinations is one of them. They give a youthful charm to your look. Dress it with your silver jewelry for richer look.

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• Neon Green and Pink

The Neon Green and Pink is a bright combination that stands out. It gives you smart, younger and a comforting look for the summer day time.

• Yellow and pink

As its summer you can look out for cotton or chanderi sarees with light work on them. Yellow and pink or red combination looks very soothing and rich at the same time. Pull up your hair in a tight bun and accessorize lightly with a statement earring and some kohl in eyes...voila! your party look is done for a scorching day.

• Royal Blue and Black

Royal blue is the color that never goes out of fashion. Dull royal blue with black is a hot property right now and can be wore both at day and night time parties.

• Red, Black and White

Red and white has always been a hot favorite traditional combination but adding a hint of black in it gives it a gorgeous makeover. A cotton red black and white saree can be ideal for your afternoon "ghoroa" (cozy) parties.

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• Orange and Yellow

Orange is an outstanding color which gives an instant brightness to a look and also emulates the fiery summer sun. A orange and yellow Linen saree can give a classic citric look for any day.

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  White and Gold

White sarees can never go out of fashion. White and Gold is considered to be the perfect blend of traditional yet contemporary. 

• Grey, Pink and Black

Grey has always been underrated as a formal color, but recently it has been used to create vivacious ethnic wear by combining it with pink and black. Pink gives that well needed pop of color and makes it perfect for summer wearing.

• Green and Black

Green and black sarees are always a big turn when worn rightly. It gives a extremely rich look and you can carry it from day to night.

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• Navy and Candy Pink and Orange

Navy with Candy pink and Orange is a hot favorite this season. This combination brightens up the atmosphere around you and can be carried both in day and night.

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Let us know if you have a favorite color combo for summers and we'll add it to our list :). Like and share the post if you love it and connect with us through our Facebook  and Instagram page

No matter how long the winter is... spring is sure to follow.... 

And its knocking on our doors already, the season of love,  color and sunshine.  After the dry and dull winter months, spring comes and spreads riot of colors in nature and in our mind. It is rightly said that Spring is the nature's way to say let's party. Indians throughout the world welcomes spring with the colorful Holi or Dol jatra festival. Holi means shops sprawled out on the streets with vibrant gift hampers, colors, water balloons and, of course, those fancy water guns. You could smell the aromatic gulaals everywhere!So we introduce our this years' second spring look by wishing every one of you a safe and Happy Holi. If you're interested you can look into our first spring saree look here.

Look of the day

As spring symbolizes color and life,  we have chosen a  vibrant neon green Khaddi saree. It looks as fresh as nature and with the bright "Abir"(gulal) pink woven border. The saree woven in a rich banarasi pattern, is suited for any kind of spring celebrations, both night and day. In addition to that the saree is light in weight and very season appropriate. I bought the saree from my last visit to Kolkata, the fresh and bright color combination and the floral border caught my eyes. So made sure to keep shoulder pleats wider to highlight on the saree border. Draping of a saree makes a whole lot of difference on how it is presented. 

I have paired the saree with a vibrant makeup as well, fuschia pink lipstick and highlighted eyes. Kept the hair simple loose. The golden batua bag and gold and emerald stone studded jewellery matches perfectly with the gorgeous saree. You can always tone down or up the look by opting for heavier jewelry or lighter makeup, depending on your comfort level and the occasion.

Tips for Your Spring Fashion

• Spring is the season of "growth", thus season of bright colors. But it doesn't mean you'll always have to wear them or you'll be comfortable carrying them. If you want to wear dark or muted colors, do can a pop of brightness in your accessories like makeup (a bright lip or eye-shadow) or, bag  to balance things out.

• Try out different spring prints. Floral is the most popular spring print,and a floral printed, woven or embroidered saree looks so apt this season.You can try mixing things up by wearing a contrasting print or solid colors with it.

• Avoid thick fabrics and try breathable fabrics to feel your best.

Hope you have a colorful spring!! 

If you're interested please look into our other traditional saree posts. 
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Outfit Details:

Saree: Adi Mohini Mohon Kanjilal, Kolkata, India

Jewelry set: Gift, source unknown.

Batua bag: Metro Plaza, Kolkata, India

Why should you own a handloom saree !

Handloom sarees are a recent rage in the market especially after the revival initiative taken by Government of  India and the big designer houses like Anavila or Gaurang Shah. But they are certainly not a new invention, we all must be very well versed with these age old simple handwoven sarees our grannies draped. They rocked their  age wearing these handwoven sarees at home or parties. Some of us have even inherited these treasures from their cupboards and am one of the lucky ones 😇.These handloom sarees give me a nostalgia, as if I can still smell the sweet talcum powder my দিদা (grandmother) used to put on, the soft feel that put me to sleep. I love collecting handloom outfits be it in silk, cotton or khadi.

As the name suggests, Handllom sarees are entirely woven by hand and takes labour of 2 to 3 craftsmen over 3 to 10 days to complete an average saree. And that's what makes it special for me. I am attached to their touch of love and warmth woven through the threads.

If you still are not sold on having a handloom saree, you just need to go through the following points and thank me later 😊😊

• They are woven from 100% natural fiber:

As a genuine handloom saree is woven from 100% natural fiber, they are "breathable", absorbing perspiration, comfortable and unlike synthetic fiber they don't cling to your body.  They are good for your sensitive skin as well. Natural fibers are made from renewable resources and are biodegradable. So if you are a concerned about the environment, yes you made the right choice by buying and promoting natural, handloom fabric.

• Support the employment of thousands of skilled weavers:

The age old handloom industry in different parts of the country has been dwindling in recent times owing to competition from the colossal manufacturers. So every handcrafted and handwoven stuffs we buy, it would contribute to the livelihood of these extremely talented artisans and keep them motivated to carry forward their traditions and art.

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• They are works of art on fabric by artists:

Handloom drapes are the best choice for you even if you don't care too much about the above mentioned reasons and worry about the buck spent right. These exquisite weaves are masterpieces themselves, unique and not mass produced. So confidently boast about your exclusive handloom buy.

• Treasures to pass on:

If cared and loved, these handlooms lasts more than a lifetime. I have inherited my dida's Dhonekhali  and dhakai sarees which are difficult to come by these days and also carries a lot of emotions for me. They are way more precious to me than any designer high brand drapes.

• Just because they are IN trend:

What if you care a dime about any of the aforesaid and just want to be stylish and flaunt at any recent party. Hold on and hover over the pictures of recent celebrities flaunting handloom sarees at different occasions. 

Before you thank me for convincing you to buy a handloom saree, here's another important information. Please do avoid pseudo-handloom sarees sold these days by many giant manufacturing centers. A genuine handloom or handwoven saree should come with a Goverment of India's Handloom Mark as in the picture

Handloom mark

Here's my latest buy, a rich, handwoven Begumpuri cotton saree.

For those unaware of Begumpuri sarees, they are handwoven cotton saree, typically having bold lines and geometric pattern running across the body. These are woven in Begumpur (in Hoogly, West  Bengal), a small village within the clusters of villages weaving Dhonekhali sarees. These Begumpuri sarees usually don't need starch, are extremely comfortable and long lasting. Wonderful for formal work-wear or any small gathering or parties. You can dress this up or down with accessories for day or night time wear.
This Begumpuri saree is from Roopveda, an online store having some exclusive collection of handlooms.

 I have paired the saree with a dancer-motif blouse (which is a special one for me because it is a gift from my sister and also depicts my love for dance). i have kept the jewelry minimum for a daytime wear. Have also added a big red bindi , red lips and traditional sankha-pala to go with the traditional ghoroa look😁

Outfit Details:
Saree: Roopveda, search for @roopvedaonline in facebook
Blouse: Material from Gouranga Bastralaya, Gariahat, Kolkata
Jewelry: From various gold shops around kolkata.
Shoes: Bata. Kolkata