Linen Life

Muted Colors and Soft Drapes

To be honest, I am not a linen person-strictly cotton-since I' don't like the material. To say the least, my experience with linen is summed up with one word: difficult.  I remember khaki and beige, heavily wrinkled  dresses that needed the highest possible setting on the iron-it wasn't fun ironing dresses that weren't mine!

However, I may change my mind. I've heard that linen sarees are lightweight, breathable and elegant. Something that is perfect for hot, humid weather-has been plentiful this spring! There are also claims they are perfect for the office.

Hmmm.

I haven't found anything I don't like about linen sarees. All I have found, so far, are muted colors and soft folds-yet there are always exceptions. Of course, I am a tactile person, and I wanna touch before I buy. Maybe, one day ...

So after scouring the internet I've come across some promising outfits.

Enjoy!

Saree by Anavila.

I can see myself doing just this in an Anavila Saree.

Saree can be found at Jabong World.

Saree can be found at Craftisan. This is my favorite!

Pearls

The "Pearl"-fect Embellishment

Okay, I will admit two things: one, I hate the color white, and second, crazy about pearls. Ironic isn't it? Just combine the two elements, and oh what a lovely storm! Admit it, a saree and choli embellished with pearls will be a wedding dress dream come true (for me), and imagine the gasps.

Besides, pearls-which happen to be my birthstone-and come in a variety of colours (speaking of natural not man-made) from white, cream, peach, pink to deep black.

As a matter of useless movie trivia, pearls played an interesting part in Devdas (2002); like, how could you forgive Devdas for striking Paro with those strands of pearls before her wedding!

Saree from India Fashion Expo.

Saree from Palki.

Saree from Walia Jones.

Vibrant Sarees of Bangladesh

Bibi Russell

Who is Bibi?  Well, you will have to go online to find out about this ex-model, fashion designer from Bangladesh. Russell has been around and about the fashion industry, and her sarees ... well, they are an experience in themselves. To say Russell sarees are not shy about colour is an understatement, the sarees revel in bright, brash hues that seem to embrace life. Honestly, I smile when I see a Bibi Russell saree, they look so "happy."  Is that possible?  Yes, clothes can have a happy look.

So, enough reading, now for viewing.

Taant-alizing

Bengali Tants

I'm in love with Bengali Handlooms. If I was rich, I would have a Tant Shop, just tants and nothing else. There's something about the softness of the cotton, and the simplicity of designs.

It all began with a movie, Devdas (2002). Oh, how I fell so in love with the sarees-and let's not forget the acting of SRK, Ash, Kirron Kher and, my fave, Madhuri Dixit-Nene. I can go on and on about the movie, okay, I digress, back to the sarees.  It's all about the tant-lightweight and simple.

When I was able to get one, I purchased a black and gold.  Sure, it's not traditional, but neither am I.

So, let's have the sarees do the talking.

Bengali drape in the traditional (festival) colours.  Also make up and jewelry is on point.

Tant draped Nivi style.

Tant draped Nivi style, and I just adore the colours and big border.

Bengali drape, for a tutorial view this video from, one of my fave YouTuber, Hennafied.