50 Shades of Pink

Pinks for Weddings

Sonam Kapoor in an Anamika Khanna saree.

We've had posts on alternatives to the Western European wedding dress-which I call the "exploded cake"-and realized we missed a colour: pink. Yes, pink.

For westerners, a pink wedding dress can be tricky: too light it looks childish, too dark, it's a prom or hideous bridesmaid dress. Besides, I've only seen it work once: Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel's wedding.

However, India got it right. India, which I love to call the "nation that is not afraid of colour" has used pink in all of it's splendid hues: palest to peachy to magenta to Rani (a bright hot pink).

So, if you want a fusion wedding and don't want white-like me-and you're not feeling cream, then go for a pink.  If you're unsure, go for a light pink, and for the bold, go Rani.

Bengal and South Cotton Sarees

Beautiful South Cotton Saree

"I couldn't believe anything could rival my love of Bengal handlooms … until I came across South Cotton sarees." 

South Cotton Sarees

Cotton sarees in the southern part of India are known for being soft, having good texture and a lot adornments. These sarees are because of their light weight, airy feel and all-day comfort. Many women prefer to wear a cotton saree on account of the feel and comfort. 

The South cotton saree is quite popular as summer wear for being suitably light and comfortable. They come in a vast range of colours and adornments, and can easily go from workplace to a formal dinner.

Handloom clusters of south India are known for unique weaving, regional motifs, traditional zari or thread borders with very elegant pallus.

Narayanpet sarees with their renown checked fields.

South Cotton from Craftsvilla

The Appeal of South Cotton Sarees

Pure, mercerized (which is strong and have a lustre), gicha and unbleached cotton are some variants used in weaving. South Cotton sarees are cheaper than pure silk and easy to maintain. Cotton is a moderately strong natural fibre that is soft, airy, comfortable, and has little to no lustre. It has good acceptability for any colour of dye, affords good comforting feel, keeps the body cool in summer and warm in winter. 

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The Sexy Belly Factor

The Saree and the Uptight American

A saree, to many uninitiated Americans, is confounding: a length of fabric draped to cover and expose the belly.

That's the problem-the belly.

The saree covers legs and accentuate hips, but as for the torso-oh my, the belly is exposed! And for many Americans, that is a HUGE no-no. You just cannot expose the belly, no matter what size you are, in public, besides the only place to expose a belly is at the gym or beach (only if you have washboard abs).

So, what does this mean? It's all about culture.

However, it's amusing to see Americans freak out when they see a woman in a saree. The panic button is hit, because you cannot show the belly. However, in parts of Indian culture, the belly is celebrated-note key word "parts" since India is made of of hundreds if not thousands of unique cultures-and we think that can be a good thing.

So, what is being said?  The saree is as sexy as hell-o my good friend. And if a woman wants to don one, go ahead and look as beautiful as you can be. The saree accentuates and at the same time presents a demure look to the wearer.

Simple saree, but it's the short choli that brings it all together.

Covered up yet looking beautiful.  The fascinating enigma of the saree.

Vidya in an extravagant outfit.  Love the saree, choli, jewels and hair.  Excellent!

Vidya Balan (one of my fave actresses) in a hot red choli.  It's the choli that has the wow.

Vidya Balan in a saree and jewelry.