Indian style – That Madras Mom

April 29, 2023

Z in Indian women fashion

We have finally reached the end, does this mean the trends end here? No way. We already know that it keeps changing with time. But I know that you can find a lot of ideas from the posts here and give it your own twist and voila you may even bring out a trend sooner.
For Z we are going to be exploring zari. Wait does that even need an introduction here in India? No right. A type of thread that is either gold or silver wire which adorns traditional fabrics like sarees, lehengas, and dupattas, the zari is an integral part of the textile and fashion industry.

A popular choice for traditional events like marriages and other religious occasions the zari adds a touch of elegance and opulence to the fabric making it appear rich and luxurious.
The Persian and Turkish artisans introduced the zari concept during the reign of the Mughal emperors. This art was refined during the Mughal era and perfected to be made into garments for royalty. The zari became an integral part of the attire for Royalty in the Mughal era.

Skilled artisans require precision and attention to detail when they work on this labour-intensive process of weaving the zari. The gold or the silver wire is twisted with cotton or silk making it durable and then being woven into the fabric to create embroideries and embellishments. It is then woven into patterns and motifs.

Zari adds a touch of luxury and elegance to the garment when it is used to create intricate patterns, designs, and motifs on sarees, lehenga, and traditional wear. A simple zari motif can make a normal-looking dress appear grand.

Banarasi zari is one of the popular forms of zari work. Banarasi saree has intricate zari works which make it one of the most luxurious sarees in the country. The banarasi saree with zari is one of the finest fabrics in India. Real gold or silver is used in the zari for Banrasi sarees and has intricate motifs, designs, and patterns for a grandeur look.

Zardosi embroidery is another popular form, where the zari thread is used along with beads and sequins. It is a painstaking process that requires a lot of patience and precision. Since it is handmade it takes a lot of time to complete a single piece of fabric, that depends on how complex the design is.

Even today skilled artisans work tirelessly to create exquisite pieces with stunning designs and motifs which are the hallmark of the Indian fashion Industry.

This post is part of #blogchatterA2Z 2023.

April 27, 2023

X in Indian women fashion

We have discussed fabrics, weaves, colors, and works; for X, let us discuss sizes. Be you a size XS or 3Xl or more, Indian women’s fashion trend is all game for everyone. With designers creating a multitude of pieces for plus size, we now have options that let you amp up the style quotient.

We have moved on from a period where we were told that there are no sizes beyond XL, to a period where we crossed that this store does not cater to the plus-size category. Gone are the days when it raised eyebrows when we mentioned an XXL. We have now come to the period where we find plus size clothes as comfort wear. Who does not love an oversized shirt to crash at home?

Social media has played a major role in letting people know that body positivity awareness must spread. People should not feel shy about how they look and in fact be bold to dress up and show up. Body-positive, plus-size influencers on Instagram had a major role in bringing in the shift among the masses. Be it their styling ideas, sourcing of garments, or even the way they carry themselves gave people the confidence to be proud of what they are.

Gone are the times, people sit at home thinking that they do not have anything to wear or have run out of options. The fashion industry has opened doors to a new segment of plus-size fashion that not only caters to women in plus-size but also to wear who wanted to dress comfortably.

Women began to love themselves for who they are. They are now confident in their own skin and do not worry about the eXtra in their sizes.

As a bonus note, here are a few tips if you are plus-size.

Opt in for light fabrics like chiffon, georgette, or satin. Be it the blouse or lehenga. Heavier fabrics can make it go wrong.
Vertical and diagonal stripes work great and do not settle for horizontal or broad borders.
And as for the blouse neckline go for a deep V-neck or plunge neckline.
Three-fourth or full sleeves will work great and give you the right fit.
Corset pattern for lehenga and saree is a trend that helps hide the belly and helps in shaping you up.
Go for free-flow pallu and do not pin it up and as for the pleats on the front, go for minimal ones.
Dark color gown with a sweetheart or deep V-neck works perfectly well for plus-sized bodies.
Choosing the right kind of clothing with make you look eXtra special even if you are on the eXtra large or plus-size segment.

This post is part of #blogchatterA2Z 2023.

April 24, 2023

U in Indian women fashion

The Indian women’s fashion trend depends on weaves and garments and how women carried themselves. Women in films whom I would say were the first role models we look up to even today for fashion inspiration. Though at times like today, we have social media at our fingertips, when we refer to a trend, we most often mention the name of the celebrity who sported it.

Urmila Matondkar

The ‘Rangeela’ girl as we know her made all of us even women who went in awe looking at her on screen. Be it her beauty or hair, the costumes she wore had a lot to speak about. Manish Malhotra, the designer also mentioned that there were copies of her costumes post that movie on every street. The movie that made him win the Designer of the Year award. Her designs in the movie ushered in fashion trends and became a style statement.

The peplum skirt, knotted tops, black saree, and red leggings were an instant hit among the womenfolk of the country. Her smart casuals looked very glamorous and became a trendsetter. Her gharchola and the bandhani in the song made the weave much more famous and preferred for the ghaghra. Her tangerine skater skirts, the pleated skirts were such a hit. Though it is nearly 28 years since the movie was released, the trends she set are still timeless and are great fashion inspiration for a confident woman.

Uppada

Tracing back its origin to the 18th century, when the country was ruled over by the East India Company, the weave is from the Uppada town in Andhra Pradesh. A traditional handloom technique is known for its intricate designs and fine texture; the weave is a testimony to skilled craftsmen.

The Weaver population from Uppada migrated to Peddapuram where they happened to learn the weave of Jamdani from the Bengali weavers. They incorporated their techniques into jamdani which brought out a new weave called the Uppada. It is lightweight and the sheer texture gives a grandeur look and is most sought after for making traditional garments.

The weavers take great pride in their artistry which is time-consuming, complicated, and labor-intensive. A diverse range of patterns with motifs that include nature and geometric designs in vibrant colors make the weave unique. Gold and silver zari threads are used for extra richness to the woven fabric. The intricate designs and elaborate borders on the pallu are the highlight of the uppada weave. The metallic thread in the body adds grandeur to the fabric.

Another unique feature is the texture of this weave which is lustrous and has a sheen which is because the warp is made of pure mulberry silk and the weft is a combination of silk and cotton that is responsible for the shine.
The uppada weave has received the GI tag from the Government for its uniqueness and authenticity which is another reason for its boost in the global retail market. It is a weave that is cherished by the connoisseurs of handloom textiles and is even passed through generations as an heirloom.

This post is part of #blogchatterA2Z 2023.

April 21, 2023

S in Indian women fashion

A vibrant and diverse tapestry of culture, heritage, and style is what Indian Women’s fashion is about. The defining aspect of Indian women’s fashion is the diversity of traditional clothing that varies across geography.

Salwar Kameez

The history dates to the Mughal era in the 16th to 19th century and consists of tunic and loose-fitting pants. Often has embroideries and embellishments to make it look more elegant. Paired with a dupatta it adds a touch of elegance and can be draped across the shoulder or over the head. The comfort it offers is the key reason that most people prefer to wear the salwar kameez. It is apt for hot and humid climate because of the loose fit of the pant that allows ample movement.

It suits all body types and is versatile to be worn for any occasion. It holds significant cultural and regional significance. The same salwar kameez has different distinctions across geography. For example, in Punjab, it is of vibrant colors and in Lucknow, it has chikankari work.

Sambalpuri ikkat

A traditional textile art that originates from Odisha is the Sambalpuri ikkat. Intricate patterns and vibrant colors make it a unique tie-and-dye textile art that has rich cultural significance. It involves a complicated process of resist dyeing that is done before weaving onto the fabric. The process is labour-intensive and requires skill and precision. The intricate patterns have motifs inspired by nature, geometric designs, and symbols depicting tradition. The colors used are vibrant and are derived from natural dyes.

It has a great impact on the economy of the weaving community of Odisha, apart from being of cultural significance. The skill is passed across generations and is a form of livelihood for the people of Odisha, contributing to the socio-economic development of the state.

Siddhipet Golabhamma

Originating from the town of Siddhipet in the Telangana district, it is a mesmerizing art form that is being passed down through generations carrying the essence of the culture of Telangana. Gola bhamma translates to round mother which signifies the round circular motifs that are characteristic of the art form. An eco-friendly and sustainable form of art, it is made using dye from plants, seeds, and minerals.

The circular motifs drawn are by freehand without any template or stencils. The patterns are eye-catching and vibrant depicting subjects from nature, folklore, and mythology.

This post is part of #blogchatterA2Z 2023.

April 20, 2023

R in Indian women fashion

An ever-evolving industry, the Indian women’s fashion segment is constantly influenced by varying trends that come and go. Not only attire but the material that is used also plays an important role in fashion trends. For example, there is a difference between a cotton saree and a chiffon saree. Each is different on its own, be it comfort, durability, and efforts taken to maintain.

Gathered or pleated strips of fabric that aid volume and give an appearance of a frill is called ruffle and that is now becoming a fashion trend. Right from sarees to gowns to even crop tops, the trend has hopped across categories of garments that aid more grace and elegance.

From sleeves, yokes, hemlines, and even dupattas can have ruffles of various sizes ranging from large to small based on the look or the occasion for which the garment is to be worn. The ruffle adds a touch of femininity to the wearer. Elegant in appearance it tends to highlight the curves. It also adds depth and creates movement when worn.

This movement and depth make an eye-catching appearance of the outfit. It gives a vintage and bohemian outlook to the outfit. Its ability to be able to incorporate into various fabrics or patterns makes it versatile. While Chiffon, georgette, and organza that is lightweight give a dreamy effect when a ruffle is added, silk, satin, and velvet get a lot of volume when a ruffle is added since they are more structured.

Designers have incorporated the ruffle trend in most Indian attire and it especially gained a lot of traction when Deepika Padukone wore it for Cannes. Her off-white ruffle saree with pearl collar designed by Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla for the closing ceremony brought this trend alive and much sought-after. Not to forget yet another time when Deepika flaunted a dual-tone ruffle saree to a popular TV show with colors right out of a candy shop was an instant hit that a lot of manufacturers adopted the design to offer it to the masses who wanted to follow their star. If you would want to check out the saree you can buy an affordable one just by clicking here.

This post is part of #blogchatterA2Z 2023.

April 1, 2023

A’s in Indian women fashion

Dating back centuries, Indian Women’s fashion has a rich history. Be it the intricate designs, vibrant prints, or magnificent weaves, Indian women’s fashion is still evolving and offers a diversified range of styles and trends.
Beginning with A, I decided to pick out two styles and two weaves to discuss Indian Women’s fashion.

Anarkali and Angrakha

Being around for centuries, Anarkalis and Angrakhas are traditional attire with a rich history and are still in the limelight of contemporary fashion. Having been worn for special occasions like weddings and festivals to now being part of fusion wear, these Indian attires are not going anywhere out of trend.

Anarkali, a long flowing dress was named after Anarkali, a famous dancer, and courtesan, who wore this attire when she performed for Emperor Akbar. It is said to have originated in the 16th century during the reign of the Mughals. Flaring out from the waist with a fitted bodice extending to the hips, the Anarkali attire is made of silk. Heavily embellished with sequins and embroidery on the bodice, the sleeves of an Anarkali can either be long or short and are usually made of sheer. It can be worn with a dupatta or as a dress in itself with just a scarf to accessorize or layer.

The Angrakha on the other hand, originated in the 18th century in Gujarat and Rajasthan. It was typically designed for men but was later adapted for women as well. Like Anarkali, the angrakha is a flowing skirt that flares from the waist but has a shorter bodice with a slit in the front. It’s usually made with light flowy fabrics like cotton and silk and often embellished with embroidery and vibrant prints for a grandeur look.

Both garments are worn during special occasions such as weddings, festivals, and religious occasions and do have a rich cultural and historical significance of their origin. They’ve become popular choices in contemporary fashion to be worn for formal occasions. Designers have also come up with modern twists making them into fusion wear, wherein the Anarkali can be worn as a floor-length gown and the angrakha is designed with unconventional prints and asymmetric hemline.

These attires have stood the test of time, and women wear them to be in connection with their heritage. Designers have adapted modern tastes giving twists to the attire in contemporary fashion.
This also is proof that these attire will remain popular for years to come and are timeless treasures.

Ajrakh and Arani silk

Known for their intricate designs and high-quality material, the Arani silk and Ajrakh prints are traditional Indian textiles that have been passed down for generations.

Traditionally made, the ajrakh is a type of hand-block printed fabric from Kutch in Gujarat and Sindh in Pakistan. The fabric has been worn by generations of people in that region which dates to 4000 years. Cotton and silk fabrics are dyed with natural colors like indigo and Mudder and printed with intricate designs. It is then washed and dried a couple of times to achieve the desired pattern and color. The result is a fabric known for intricate geometric patterns and vibrant colors.

Considered a symbol of the wearer’s heritage the ajrakh fabric is often worn for weddings and religious occasions. The fabric has a deep cultural significance in the area it is produced. Sometimes used as a traditional remedy for certain ailments, the ajrakh is also believed to have healing properties.

Arani silk originates from the town of Arani in Tamil Nādu. Known for its high-quality and durability, it is used to make sarees and traditional attires. ‘Rehwa’, a process that involves twisting two threads to form a stronger, durable fabric is used in weaving the arani silk. The result is a fabric known for its lustre and softness.

Highly sought after for their beauty and quality, the arani silk sarees are worn during weddings, and religious occasions and are even passed along through generations as family heirlooms. Being produced in the Arani town for centuries it is a major part of the local economy.

Ajrakh and Arani are important in India’s rich textile heritage. Produced using traditional techniques they have been passed along through generations to keep the art of weaving along. Often worn during important occasions like weddings, both have been deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the region of their origin. Prized for their beauty and cultural significance be it the lustrous beauty of Arani silk or the intricate patterns of Ajrakh, people around the world continue to be captivated.

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z 2023.

March 17, 2022March 17, 2022

Outfit ideas for holi 2022

It’s almost time for us to hear ‘ holi hai’ from all around us. Along with sweets, colours the attire for men and women also plays an important role on the holi shopping list.

While you get ready to dance to the tunes of ‘Rang Barse Bheege Chunar wali Rang Barse“, make sure you don’t stay behind in your fashion game. If you still haven’t decided here are some outfit ideas that will help you ace the fashion game during holi.

Sustainable outfit ideas

Lohri outfit reuse

If your still not looking to invest in holi outfit, one good way would be to reuse your lohri outfit. If you’ve already spent considerable amount on lohri outfit why not reuse. This would be a great way to save some on your pocket.

The one that Kareena wore in ‘ Jab we met’ is still an inspired for many.

Denim and shirt

Forget the patiala pants, holi is a great time to restyle your denim pants. Pair it up with white shirt and scarf, voila you have a new outfit. Don’t forget to accessorize accordingly.

Image source : Olga de la Cruz Pinterest board.

New outfit ideas

Chikankari suit

The chikankari suit can never go out of trend, especially the one in white for holi paired with a bandhni Or a leheriya dupatta can never go wrong.

This outfit is elegant and classy at the same time.

Floral suit

If your still sceptical to use the white chikankari go for a floral suit. They’re simple but also serve the purpose.

They come in variety of price range and materials which you could choose accordingly.

Fusion wear

Now here comes my favorite picks. I love pairing my crop top with a lot of options like Palazzo, skorts. Here’s one

The open jacket over the crop top, Palazzo pairing elevates the look.

The beige jumpsuit is yet another favorite that I’m crushing on ever since I was on the lookout.

How can you leave skirts and top if your talking fusion wear and especially Indian prints.

Now that we have an idea about outfits, let’s talk accessories.

Coolers, sunglasses, goggles

Your eyes need special care during holi, so that you keep them protected away from dry colours, water and dust. Choose one that’s stylish and serves the purpose.

Bandanas

Haircare is yet another important area to concentrate during holi. Make sure you cover it with cloth or bandanas.

Kolhapuris

Flip flops or open sandals are most comfortable especially with water play. You can also accessorize with kolhapuris. You could also make them grand with tassels.

Tips for safe holi

Moisturize well, apply sunscreen.
Oil hair with coconut+ castor oil, and tie it up.
Cover with cloth or bandana.
Post play, apply oil on skin before shower to remove colour. Use cleansing balm for face.
For hair use comb to remove dry colours.
Wash off with regular shampoo and conditioner.
Colour might still be there but will go off in subsequent washes.
Don’t forget to use a hair mask. The next day.
Don’t use heavy makeup for few days.

‘This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with RRE Studios and ShowCase Events.’

October 30, 2020October 30, 2020

Desi style pasta – no onion no garlic

We all know that pasta is an Italian dish. Be it the white bechamel or the red arabiatta, the flavours are mouthwatering and definitely would make you want more.

Garlic and herbs like oregano , basil take the level of taste to another world. They can taste bland but rich and flavourful with cheese and nutmeg.

But did you also know that you can make it in am Indianised way. Yes no basil, no oregano just Indian spices that can make mouthwatering pasta .

I did come across a lot of recipes named desi style pasta. It was navratri, a no onion no garlic time for us. Dinner options were making my head spin. I need a filling, lipsmacking dish that doesn’t require much effort or time. I also remembered the code no onion no garlic.

I had some uncooked pasta in the pantry waiting to be picked. So I decided to fulfill its wishes. That packet of pasta would be dinner tonight.

So here goes my desi style no onion no garlic pasta.

Ingredients

Pasta -200 GM’s
Salt as per taste.
Olive oil – 3-5 tbsp
Tomato chopped – 2
Capsicum chopped -1/2
Chilli powder-2 tbsp
Pepper powder-1 tbsp
Sugar -1/2 tbsp
Coriander powder – 2 tbsp
Tomato sauce -1 tbsp make sure you get the no onion no garlic variant
Coriander leaves for garnishing
Water to boil pasta
Juice of 1/2 lemon

Method:

Boil the water required for cooking pasta with a tbsp of salt and tbsp of olive oil.
Once water starts boiling add in pasta and cook till Al dente.
Drain and cool the pasta. Make sure they don’t stick to one another.
In a pan add 3 tbsp of olive oil.
Add chopped tomatoes,and sugar.
Cook until tomato is mushy.
Add chilli powder, coriander powder and pepper powder.
Cook for 3-4 mins until raw smell of spices go away.
Add chopped capsicum.
Cook closed for 2 mins.
Adjust salt. Add tomato sauce boil for a minute.
Add in the cooked pasta. Give it a mix.
Squeeze half a lime and turn off gas.
Serve hot garnished with coriander leaves.
This can be served with just hung curd.

This pasta is spicy cause we use chilli and pepper powders together. As a variation instead of the three powders you could also add sambar powder.

The spice of the chilli and pepper, tanginess of tomato, sourness from lime make the pasta taste absolutely lipsmacking. You only need curd for a side. But of you are someone who loves spicy food, then you should definitely try this out.

Most importantly this has no onion no garlic so you can also make this during festivals or when you’re breaking a fast.

I paired this with capsicum and mushroom tempura and paneer capsicum stir fry. These again do not have onion and garlic. Do let me know.in comments if you’d want me to share those recipes.

I’m taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s #MyFriendAlexa.