We're Baaack, But Now We Have To Go

Kinda, Sorta Back

Well, we're back, and sick!?!  What happened? We go on a GREAT vacation and bring back a lousy cold.  At least we had a good time.  So, unfortunately, our little break has to be extended until we're better. Sigh :-( Back to bed with a lot of orange juice.

On Hiatus

Time Off

Well, we got a lot of things going on for the next two weeks and decided to take a break from posting.  Hey, too much is happening right now: an office move, new semester, and vacation, all in no particular order. So, what does this mean? We will be on a break until August 28.  

Until then have a great time until we get back, hopefully with original content!!! And if you really need a saree fix, please visit the sites we have links to.

See ya August 28!

Half and Half Saree

Think Kerala With Colour

Yep, the above title pretty much explains what is a half and half saree.  The last post described the Kerala Saree, and that is what it is, but with a large dose of colour.  Instead of cream and white, you got a lot of colours going on.  

Ummmm, how many times can we repeat ourselves?  

Anyhow, the half and half is worn mainly on the east side of India and the Kerala is worn on the southwest side. And, I'm pretty sure the lehnga choli is worn everywhere else. Okay, I was being sarcastic on the last part.

As expected, there is a large amount of pictures and videos online of half and half sarees, and be sure to check out everyone's favorite station, YouTube for wearing tutorials.

So, if you want the saree look without worrying over the lengths of fabric, go ahead and try the half and half, besides, it is a stepping stone to the saree.

Mundum Neryathum

 The Kerala Saree 

The mundu neryathum is traditionally white or cream in colour and consists of two pieces of cloth, which have a coloured strip at the border. The piece of cloth that drapes the lower garment is called the mundu. The piece of cloth that is worn as the upper garment is called the neriyathu. The neriyathu is worn over a blouse diagonally from along the right hips to the left shoulder and across the midriff, partly baring it. The remaining loose end of the neriyathu is left hanging from the left shoulder resembling the ‘nivi saree’. (source)

So, my questions are: Why not wear a saree or a ghagra choli? Aren't they basically the same? A simplified answer is this: the Kerala saree is the regional dress of southwest region of India, and every region has/had evolved their own version to fit their needs.  Isn't that the beauty of India in itself?

P.S.: Sorry about the absence of Wednesday's post! We were out sick, and now we're baaaack!

Peacock + Sarees = Stunning

Blues, Greens and Golds

Ahhh, the peacock, a bird admired/envied for its display and historical significance to India, hey, who can blame them for choosing it as their national bird. The male is breathtaking when those eyed feathers are put on display, and the iridescence makes it even more impressive. Don't believe us? Compare a "normal" coloured peacock to a white one and see which one is more impressive-that's all subjective because the white peacocks are just as breathtaking in themselves-but that's another story.

True the sarees are shades of those colours, but what makes them peacock, besides the colour,  and motifs? To put it simply, it's the combination of those colours that gives the saree that touch of charm, and a little bit extra with gold and silver.

 

Sonia Jetleey Saree

Khadi Sarees

Independence Weaves

Khadi has been on our minds for a while, and we're not sure why. Maybe it's the historical background (like the saree doesn't have history), the simplicity of the fabric or seeing a lot of khadi on the runway. Anyway, we've been looking at Khadi sarees and we're pretty impressed. Of course, we like anything to do with sarees, but that's not the point of this post!

Khadi is a very versatile fabric, keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter because of the airpockets in the weave. And we like that, because it can be used anytime of the year. The material, like any other, comes in and out of fashion and, of course, khadi is enjoying the spotlight.

The designs vary from contemporary to traditional (typical of sarees) and prices can range as low as $9(USD) into the hundreds and more.

One thing to remember, for an authentic Khadi it should be in cotton. Hey, Ghandi didn't weave manmade fibres! There are also acceptable combinations of cotton and wool, and cotton and silk.  

As always, we urge you to add a Khadi saree to your wardrobe! And, yes, we are going to buy one today!

Gaurang Saree

Guarang Saree

Vidya Balan in Khadi. Love the shot with coffee mug!

P.S.
We purchased a Khadi saree! Will give a review of the fabric when it comes in.

To Art Silk or Not To Art Silk?

That is the Question!

Finally got two new sarees, yipee! And once again our saree company of choice produced some beauties.  Both manmade: one is faux georgette and the other art silk.

We mentioned art silk sarees in an earlier post, in regards to should we or should not purchase. Well, after some thought and a lot of checking the bank account, one was ordered-teal art ghicha silk. The verdict is: Yes, add art silk.

Like any fabric, there are pros and cons, but those opinions are just that, they are our own, and everyone's opinion is thankfully different.

Here's what we like about art silk from our point of view:

• variety of design, from contemporary to traditional
• the fabric has texture
• doesn't require pins, fabric pretty much stay put once it's draped
• no silkworms were killed in the production

Of course, the last point is subjective because the Art Silk is a manmade product,  and who knows what goes into the material. However, that's another subject and, besides, we're going to stick to our cotton handlooms.  Ooooh, cotton handlooms.

The Art Ghicha Silk Saree 

Yep, art silk

Yep, art silk, again

WE NEED YOU!

Original Content for A Saree A Day

We have readers out there, and we are eternally grateful to them. We know there are millions of websites and blogs, but you chose to take a look at us. So, a huge, huge, thank you! 

ASAD is making an appeal to you: If you know an independent saree designer out there, let us know, and, we'll do the rest. Nothing is guaranteed, but if we like what we see,will make arrangements to get a saree for a photo shoot*, and can add it to our collection of wearables, or simply interview the designer for our little blog. And if you know of a small designer on the web, we would love to get the website and take a look around.

We want to help the independent designer out there! And any small effort can build something grand.

Hope to hear from you soon! 

Thanks from the Heart, 
The ASAD Team

New To Me

Gaurang Shah

Guarang Shah

Sigh, another designer seen on the web, but didn't have a name. This time it's Gaurang Shah, and we have to admit it is love.

There are several reasons why you have to love Shah's designs: one, he works with "small" weavers; two, Shah actively preserves tradition; three, designs are simple and timeless, nothing extravagant, but well made; four, works with natural fibres (we have a bias for handlooms); five, currently has an exhibit of his sarees in India (ooooh, want to be in India right now to see the exhibit); six, mixes traditional with contemporary; seven, fearless use of colour, and finally, his muse is the Bollywood celebrity, Kirron Kher (not a size size zero and not under thirty). 

How can you not love this designer?!? There are a few articles on the web about Shah, and it is quite an interesting read, especially for the fact he didn't go to school to be in fashion, but interior design! We will say that was a great switch on his part.  As for the price point, well, as an English saying goes, "If you ask the price, you can't afford it." 

External sites about Guarang Shah

• The Hindu
• Luxpresso
• Guarang the Designer

Guarang Shah's muse Kirron Kher

Natural Vs Synthetic Fibres

Which Saree Material Works For You?

(Yes, Very Wordy)

This past weekend I wore my sarees (no pics, and there's a story why which I will tell at a later time) and I have to say I am now a firm natural fibre type of girl.

I discovered that natural fibres have bite. What is bite? For me, when I drape the saree correctly it stays in place no matter what I do from driving to dancing. Synthetics, not so much. It was like jell-o being nailed to a tree as I fought with the fabric to stay in place without the aid of pins, and no, I will not pin my saree.  

With the Bengal Handloom everything stayed where it belonged and no other adjustments were needed the entire night, even after a one hour drive to the event, and an hour back home. With the faux chiffon, it slid all over the place and I had to adjust and retuck at least five times. 

So, my verdict is cotton and silk, yes, synthetic, no, no, no!

By the way, since I'm plump (fat), it is "recommended" I wear chiffons, georgettes and synthetics. I'm not going to do it. I say, "Wear what you love!" As for me, I will stick with my cotton handlooms!

Natural Fibres
Pros: simple designs stay in place, easy to pleat
Cons: wrinkle easily

Synthetic Fibres
Pros: huge variety of design, wrinkle free
Big Con: doesn't stay in place, must use pins

These are the most basic conclusions I discovered for myself.  Everyone is different and results will vary, so continue to wear your sarees and discover for yourself!

Apologies

What Happened To Friday?

I'm so sorry fellow sareestas (I heard that word somewhere and like it), but I had to go to a conference (interesting), and get out a project during the lunch break. How's that for busy? Well, I've come to realize two things: one, I'm busier than I thought, and two, I need to post only Mondays and Wednesdays.

So, yes, another change to fit my schedule.  Mon and Wed for sarees, in addition to THE project going on. Also, I desperately need to work on original content instead of trolling for pics.  

Enough about me, hope you had a great weekend. And here was something that made my morning :-). It's from one of my fave, fave websites, Saree Times.  If you haven't visited, please, please, please visit the site. They got some great stuff, and get my saree fix from them. 

Of course, Vidya Balan.  Just adorable!

If White and Cream Won't Work

Pink Weddings

a.k.a. I Swear This Is the Last Post This Year On Weddings!

So white, cream and beige won't work for the rebel bride. Well, there is pink, and it is pretty. Western European brides have worn pink for their big day like Jessica Biel to that dude, and she looked amazing.  So why pink? It is a nice colour, compliments many skin tones, comes in a wide variety of shades from the palest to hottest, and makes the parents happy that their child looks innocent.

For now, we'll stick to pale pinks for the sake of the guests that could possibly go blind from the shock of hot pinks.

So, indulge in a little pink for your big day!

And for the rebel bride, here's hot pink for you!

If A White Wedding Isn't For You

Beige and Cream Sarees for Fusion Weddings

Okay, okay, okay, a white wedding isn't your thing but you haven't worked up the courage to wear another colour, or better yet, you have a parent (on either side) not going for your foray into pinks, reds and greens. So, what does the independent, fusion bride do?

Go for creams, off whites and beiges.  

It's not white, but has enough colour to complement a variety of skin tones, and traditional parents are happy-hey, it's give and take. Plus, there's an added bonus to wearing beiges and creams, the colours has an antique look. So, an old fashioned theme wedding either in a mansion, or a backyard garden and   a bouquet of deep red, hot pink or pink and cream roses. Oh, so romantic!

This one has the floral element.

This one is for the rebellious bride!