DECEMBER 2012
Khaas Baat : A Publication for Indian Americans in Florida
Fashion

’TIS THE SEASON FOR GOLD JEWELRY, HUES!

Kiran Bahl

By KIRAN BAHL

Happy Holidays! ’Tis the season to celebrate, enjoy and be merry with friends and family! With the slew of Christmas, New Year’s parties and more, let’s incorporate one important fashion staple into our wardrobe, the one item that is in demand on every runway, show and celebrity wish list – gold! Shiny, bright and at times super expensive (if it’s the real thing!), gold is back.

Lucky for us, gold is in our blood! As children, south Asians are instilled with the many values of 22- and 24-karat gold jewelry. We surely have at least a couple of pieces that we can use this season in desi wear as well as American wear. World brands Prada, Alexander McQueen and even jewel brands such as Swarovski are churning out ornate gold pieces, in clothing and jewelry alike, Indian looking. Let’s see how we can incorporate gold jewelry and hues into our looks for the brightest styles this party season.

GOLD JEWELRY. Notice big chunky necklaces all over? They’re the latest rage. Pick from one of those gold sets you have stored for that ‘special’ occasion and show it off now. A kurti worn with slacks and a large gold neckpiece, somewhat like a collar, will take your standard look to splendor! A semi-formal anarkali or churidaar will transform with a loosely worn chunky gold necklace. Jhumke, too, have gained popularity. Large gold hoops, umbrella designs and stone or kundan pieces pressed into gold all stand out sunny. The reflection of light onto these gilded pieces will make your face simply glow

GOLD CLOTHING – LADIES. Neutrals are back with a vengeance. Whites, creams, pale pinks and especially beige/gold hues are all over the place, reminiscent of the infamous Manish Malhotra masterpieces in cinema. Beige anarkalis paired with rich purple or blue and gold foil work or black salwar kameezes with gold block printing and sequins are classic party wear that and a trend at the same time. Saris shimmer just perfect with deep colors decorated with gold embroidery, sequins, block/patta work, and even gold foil material as blouse and petticoat material for subtle shine.

Of course, too much is too much. Be wary of dressing head to toe in gold. If wearing clothing mostly in gold hue, opt for minimal jewels in color along with gold. If wearing a large gold necklace or earrings, stick with rich color tones in your clothing, versus neutral shades. Less is more with fashion.

GOLD CLOTHING – MEN. Sherwanis, jodhpuris and kurta pajamas are finally back with rich hues embellished with gold work. For the past few seasons, silver and black sequin work seemed to prevail. Now, tradition is trend! Cream sherwanis mixed with gold brocade patterns, kurta pajamas with gold embroidery/sequin work and even accessories such as mojhris and dupattas interweaved with gold threading is stunning.

Send us your fashion questions and concerns. Follow the trend! E-mail us at kiran@grostyles.com, and we’ll answer any and all your fashion dilemmas! Here’s this month’s Fashion Drama Question of the month:

Q: Can I wear a solid, casual salwar kameez to my friend’s New Year’s party? I don’t dress too fancy.
– Leena, Brandon

A: Hi Leena. Of course, I’d love for you to put your preference aside and doll up for New Year’s. We ladies have the privilege to dress up and flaunt our beauty, so wear those fancy saris or anarkalis. But, to help, depending on the color and fabric of your outfit, we can fancy it up just right. Hopefully, you’re thinking of wearing a solid dark hued outfit. A solid royal blue, black or even burgundy suit can look wondrous with a heavier dupatta and jewels, particularly large earrings and tons of bangles or large cuffs/kadas. Chiffon, silk and brocade materials will ornate you even further, just please do not wear cotton. It’s not an evening or formal fabric at all.

Happy holidays to everybody. Enjoy the parties, enjoy the celebrations. Most important, enjoy with those who make you smile, life’s too short to compromise on true happiness. Be safe and as always, remember to grow with style!

Kiran Bahl of Gro Styles, “An Indian Boutique,” at 2035 E. Fowler Ave., in Tampa, FL 33612 can be reached at (813) 903-8334, and 9456 S. Orange Blossom Trail, in Orlando, FL 32837, at (407) 255-7274 and soon-to-open in Fort Lauderdale at (813) 843-9040.

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