Kiran Bahl

Hello all. With the weather warming up, everyone is outdoors, and that means clothes and jewels for this month can get lighter, brighter and much easier to handle.

With humidity and pollen levels rising, comfort becomes a huge factor in most peoples� wardrobes. A light kurti, or cotton/linen embroidered ethnic top, paired with jeans, khakis or capris is the perfect fashion staple (a similar look extends to menswear too!). Just be sure the kurti is fitted, and not too frumpy looking. Kurtis almost always look flattering on anyone! Designs have changed as well. Gone are the traditional double-shaded patterns. Abstract designs/embroidery, sequin work, bold colors and light, solid colors with little work is the trend, especially now in American fashion as well!

Another now famous Indian fashion staple is still HOT worldwide. Skirts! Long, flowy skirts are it, ladies, which is great news! They�re always flattering on every body type, and any light, fitted top matches any skirt at all times! A fashion don�t, however, is to mix a kurti with a long skirt. The look becomes too grungy, and makes you look sloppy.

Keeping in mind how hot it can be here in Florida, hair is all about being hassle-free. A ponytail suits everyone�s face frame beautifully. Lower ponytails are in, and �bedhead� or the �messy look� is popular as well (wow, even for formal occasions!). This means casual waves and fly-aways are in. Hair should be the most effortless thing.

For get-togethers or picnics, ladies, continue focusing on lighter, more embroidered churidaars and shalwar kameezes. Colors such as lime green, fuschia pink, bright orange and neon yellow are in much demand, and look great on darker, more wheatish complexions. Black, surprisingly, has become the �it� color of spring, prominent in all kinds of clothing, ranging from suits to saris. The trick to wearing this otherwise heat-inducing color is to keep the material light. Cotton, linen, and gauzy materials can keep things much cooler. Saris are becoming more and more lightweight and sheer, but at the same time, heavier and heavier in work, including a fancier ready-made blouse to contrast the simpler pallus. Spring doesn�t always have to equal casual. The new saris offer bright, bold colors, and lots of embroidery, and flash! Keep jewelry light, with the exception of bangles � Not only do they make us women feel sexier, more is merrier now.

Gentlemen, you already have the general lightweight and comfortable trends in mind. Keeping this in mind, again, opt for a linen kurti with slacks for a sexy but casual look. An easy kurta pajama look in white or baby blue can make you feel and look super. Unfortunately, currently the popular color black is just reserved for the ladies, men can just stick to their pure white ensembles.

Everyone, enjoy the weather! Live to the fullest on these longer, sunnier days. 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.