Kiran Bahl

Happy holidays! Ready for the swarms of holiday gatherings and parties all over? Besides Christmas/Hanukkah events, New Year's parties will be a major spotlight, too. Let's prepare to razzle and dazzle our crowds this year and ring in 2008 with ultimate style and class.

To all the ladies: BE BOLD! For every black-tie event you are invited to, swear to wear anything but black, and you'll be in the know. Jewel tones are still very much in, so opt for emerald greens, sapphire blues, amethyst purples and ruby reds. Another pair of stone colors sure to sparkle all season long? Silver and gold � These diamond and amber hues reflect light completely, guaranteeing all eyes on you! Just be sure to remember when wearing silver and gold looks to keep accessories to a minimum or you'll look similar to a disco ball (a major fashion DON'T).

For home or intimate restaurant gatherings, opt for an elegant salwar kameez. To be super-trendy, wear a simple print sari with lots of shiny jewels. The look this time around is to wear a sophisticated, almost simplistic outfit, with head-to-toe jewelry (including glossy hairclips and heels!). So even a solid-colored simple salwar kameez adorned with a heavy jewelry set, bangles and extra long bindi will surpass a fancier look with normal accessories.

To transform into the star of a major party or function (even weddings now are being held during the holidays), high-class, high-gloss glamour is in. A red sari with crushed gold sequins throughout finished with a gold set with dropped rubies or a purple sari with white stones scattered around and iced with diamond studs can blend you together, making you flow with your look. This gelling of clothing and accessories together is quite beautiful and harmonious, but save this almost mono-chromatic style for the party of the year, as it will be most memorable to one and all.

Gentlemen, jodhpuris are the tuxedo-replacement look of winter. From neutrals such as whites, creams and beiges to bolder tones in blues, red and purples, all jodhpuris are good jodhpuris. Black ones, however, must be used with caution, as spring predicts black's comebacks on the runways (save them for next season!). This outfit, complete with blazer and slacks normally in silk, look much dressier in the new darker hues, particularly ornamented with gold embroidery and beadwork. An eggplant colored jodhpuri will stand out 10 times more than an average cream-colored one. It's all in the deeper end of the color spectrum! If sporting a trendier shade, though, don't overdo things and become too matchy-matchy. Shoes, watches and belts should be a neutral brown or black, and jewelry a minimum.

Send us your fashion questions and concerns. Follow the trend! E-mail us at [email protected], and we'll answer any and all your fashion dilemmas! Here's this month's Fashion Drama Question of the month:

Q: Are broches/fancy pins still in? My mom always puts one on to keep her dupatta or sari pallu in place, but it sometimes looks out of place, she's one of the few wearing it. - Rakhi, Riverview

A: Hi Rakhi, and Happy Holidays! Originally, broches were used to replace the bland look of the average safety pin, resulting in beautiful mini-works of art. Even today, they're considered classic and stylish, but unfortunately are overlooked. Small sari pins with sequin, stone, or beaded embellishments are the rave now, smaller in size, and simplistic in pattern. Leave the large animal and floral designs behind � for YOU! The younger generation is using large broches as hair ornaments. Try a large peacock or orchid pin in your hair (to one side only) as a complement to your bun or French twist for a modern flair! You'll be sure to glow all throughout the holidays!

Once again, Happy Holidays to one and all. When attending tons of parties, be sure to have fun, but be cautious, too. If drinking, be sure to have a designated driver at all times. Please be safe, be healthy, and above all, be happy. And as always, remember to gro with style!

Kiran Bahl of Gro Styles, "An Indian Boutique," 2035 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33612, can be reached at (813) 843-9040 or (813) 903-8334.