BLACK AND WHITE IS IN!
The weather is heating up, Florida style! Spring flowers, in our gardens and clothing, are a season hit. But notice the graphic effects of black and white all over in runways and shops too, both Indian and American? Yes, black is the new black (again), but adding some bright twists will update your look and keep you ready for sunshine.
BLACK AND WHITE
The brightest way to contrast with black is to go the opposite direction and pair it with white. A pure black salwar kameez covered with white embroidery is not only fashionable now but elegant too. Pairing a white cotton lakhnavi/chicken kurti with skinny black jeans or a black tank top with full cotton white skirt is oh-so-chic!
BLACK AND SILVER
So many of our desi outfits contain a metal base. Silver and gold are the most popular. Combining your black ensemble with strokes of shiny silver could be just as stunning as a black and white look. A black sari covered in silver zari embroidery or silver-gray churidaar beaded with black working is just magnificent.
BLACK AND DIAMONDS
No whites or silver with black in your wardrobe? Go diamonds! They’re shiny, blingy and super dazzling! Black lenghas with diamond/crystal twinkles spread throughout or a black patiala with kundan stonework all over is just lovely.
Can accessories help contrast your look too? Yes! If wearing all black, head to toe, how can you incorporate the white against it with accessories? Easy, use silver or diamond jewelry! Or, pair with a white clutch and heels. Oppositely, when wearing white all over (another new trend coming up!), opt for black bangles, black beaded jewelry and wedges! The look will get you noticed and maintain all class!
Writing and reading of florals, how many flowers on your body are too many flowers? This season, not enough! Indian and American fashion is dictating floral prints all over, from thick flowered sari pallu borders to vintage scenery prints on even the most casual salwar kameezes. If not in the mood to be so bold, you can easily and minimally wear nature. A solid outfit with floral wedges or handbag could be enough. Or a thin colorful border on a dupatta or kurti neckline could be enough. Think creative, think art, and most importantly, think colorful!
Lastly, nails are fun this spring too! Very extreme in patterns, use the clothing techniques described to reflect on your pretty fingers and toes. Black nails with diamond glitters or white nails with black tips look beautiful, and go with most any look. Or, go full on graphic and paint each finger a different pattern of black and white – use polka dots, stripes, and anything else fun.
Keeping florals in mind use a slush of pastel shades on your fingers or a drenched neon palette on your toes. Use two or more shades on nails, including different tip colors for fingers. Or, just alternate hues on toes!
Spring is wonderful. Renewal, freshness, growth and the full-of-sunshine weather – all is perfect! Like the weather, shine on and keep reinventing yourself with style. And, as always, remember to ‘gro with style’!
Kiran Bahl of Gro Styles, “An Indian Boutique” in Tampa, Orlando and Sunrise, can be reached at (813) 843-9040, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.facebook.com/grostyles