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. 

Source

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.

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.