With warmer temperatures comes higher hemlines. And we’re not just talking about your pants and skirts.
Crop tops are making a comeback from their 90s heyday. This isn’t a look for the timid, but if you’re willing to experiment, the crop top promises some va-va-voom for your spring wardrobe. Poppin’ trendsetters like Miley Cyrus and Diane Kruger have stepped out in this trend, and you can too!
And here’s a novel idea: we’re thinking our sari blouses are so gorgeous, why limit them to your special events? Get some extra use out of ‘em and put an ethnic flair on this trend for something equal parts chic and head-turning. Luxemi has shared tips in the past for how to pull this look off, but here’s some fresh inspiration and advice.
TIP 1: BLAZE SOME TRAILS WITH A BLAZER.
Button up that blazer if you’re feeling some chills, or let it hang carelessly open for some sass.
Yes, that workplace staple is a savior come sundown. Whether it’s happy hour or a date with that special someone, err on the side of sophistication with a simple blazer and jeans. Alternate ideas: a shawl or well-tied scarf can be a trendy, unique take on this look.
TIP 2: OPPOSITES ATTRACT.
Get some extra mileage with slouchy clothing partners.
You’ve got tons of choices when pairing tops with potential bottoms, but aim to not overexpose with a mini-skirt or your skimpiest shorts. A little coverage goes a long way in being sexy without looking like you’re going to a rave. This might be a good time to pull out those MC Hammer pants you can’t get rid of or those slouchy gauchos. P.S.: Fitted crop tops couple beautifully with baggier pieces. Just ask Miley.
TIP 3: WHICH WAY TO THE GUN SHOW?
Doutzen Kroes knows how to do it: enough skin to scintillate without getting scandalous.
As in: check out your arms. If you have a sleeve on that crop top, you can afford to go higher on your hemline. Shorter sleeves means a maxi can be your go-to. Think balance: you’re cutting hemlines on one piece, so consider lowering the other.
Here are a few pieces we’re keeping in mind for our next night out. Search “blouses” at luxemi.com for a complete selection of blouses for your next saree and/or soiree!
Mute the rest of your outfit with this bright bubblegum pop of color.
We’re dreaming of pairing this golden wonder with a flowy embroidered skirt for a glam hippie vibe.
A crop top can be tastefully sensual when paired with the right supporting clothing.
Images courtesy of Glamour Magazine and StyleBistro.
It’s spring, and you know what that means, Luxe fans – it’s time for a fashion overhaul! Sunshine means bright colors, shorter hemlines and experimentation galore. Luckily, last week’s Lakme Fashion Week turned out some real trendsetters. Here’s Luxemi’s exclusive glimpse into what you should be wearing this spring – and how to get the look.
TURBANS/HEADGEAR
Maybe this is because of the unbearable heat of a sticky, humid Indian summer. Or maybe the head is the next frontier of fashion. Whatever the case, Lakme churned out some creative ways to dress up your noggin – from vibrant turbans that recall desert shepherds to stick-on halos to fishermen-inspired straw hats. Top your mop for an easy way to dress up a lazy day or take your outfit to a whole new level.
Tarun Tahiliani’s collection featured origami-inspired turbans that looked like flames. Take that, Katniss.
Lazy Sundays require only a straw hat to be chic. Simple, effortless, and easy peasy.
Feeling royal and princess-y? Dress up a gown with regal headpiece studded with jewels and become the belle of the ball.
Toughen up a girly sari and braids with a halo that’s more funky fashionista than demure angelic.
Karishma Shahani’s show featured a turquoise turban to offset a gypsy chic flowy dress.
SARI BLOUSES – REINVENTED
Blouses have continued a cycle of reinvention this year. Designers have refocused attention from sleeves to include different lengths that go from tunic inspired to accessorizing with a bling-y belt. Or how about working just a single, sheer sleeve? From bikini tops favored by the latest Bollywood siren to proper collared shirts any office would be lucky to hire, the blouse is getting a mad makeover.
Why do dresses get all the belt love? Snap on this encrusted piece just below a high-cut blouse and you’ve got a belly chain that’s moved your sari from the trenches of drabness.
Grab a polo instead of your standard blouse and pull on your go-to geek specs for a look that screams chic nerd.
Sexy doesn’t mean showing as much skin as possible. A single, sheer sleeve is even more tantalizing without getting tawdry.
New-age saris take an otherworldly approach with a fishnet blouse that shows off a strapless blouse. Two blouses in one and fearless – we love the clash of demure and seductive.
Who said a sari has to go over your shoulder? Cradle the pallu and show off a spiffy tunic for a cool version of a skirt and top.
URBAN ELEGANCE
Indian street fashion has usually been relegated to two types: the sari or a jeans/kurti combo. Only recently has street fashion become more diversified – we’re talking fusion ensembles that pair parachute pants with Nehru-collared tops, floral embroidered shifts, and a prints-a-palooza. Whether your style veers retro or goth, there’s a little Indian sentiment that can be infused into your outfit.
Don’t think gold and silver can live together? Pile them on as a sewn in necklace on a fiery red dress and watch the magic.
So you have a basic pencil skirt and a top. How to jazz it up? With a fringed and studded belt plus a statement necklace, of course.
Pantsuit, meet jumpsuit. Prevent this from looking like a onesie with minimalistic, strong colors and a statement bag.
Shorts and a tank become dressy when splattered with sequins.
Top a maxi dress with a sequined cap-sleeved top to take an outfit from daytime casual to nighttime elegance.
BLACK AND WHITE
That most classic of pairings evokes films from another era, zebras, and high contrast. Make it a neutral this season for an adventure in fashion. Layer on color through statement jewelry, or try texturizing with lace, brocade, or velvet. Keeping it basic is anything but this season.
Punch up black and white with a red accent!
Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn with a white top tucked into ankle baring pants. Plus points for interesting shirt architecture.
Go from boring to stunning with this simple update to the summer staple shift.
Saris get glam with banarasi work in gleaming thread set against a black background. Simply elegant.
Your nani might have insisted that white saris were for older people. But white saris are fresh, clean, and – with swoops of black – disarmingly chic.
THE EYES HAVE IT
Eyewear isn’t just for nerds and those shielding their eyes from the sun anymore. We’re talking doodads that have rhinestones plastered on them or gold aviators that take the classic into chic territory. Feeling a little adventurous? The runways featured masks and eye patches, but we’re reaching for the nearest neon eyeliners for pupils that pop. Dress up those peepers and see the world differently.
Where in the world are my glasses? No worries – they have a map on them. We’ll stand by eyewear with funky prints like this, no prescription necessary.
Ok, so we won’t be walking out in a mask. But this inspires us to try some thick black eye makeup come summer night for some drama with a slinky dress.
Spice up your sunglasses with red shades, cathedral-esque stained glass, and big jewels for a surefire statement.
We may not reach for an eye patch. But let’s admire how she takes an elegant outfit to edgy new heights with this sparkly accessory.
Put a little mystique with a summery ensemble with some black eyewear; perhaps a dramatic fascinator will help?
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All photos courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2013.
Payal Singhal is making waves in Indian fashion circles
It’s a hard world for Indian fashion out there: you’re walking a tightrope between traditionally intricate motifs and embroidery with minimalistic Western lines and cuts. But Payal Singhal seems to have gotten the balance just perfectly, with industry insiders at Lakme Fashion Week excited about her take on modern Indian fashion.
This isn’t your standard saree shop collection, Luxe fans. We’re talking edgy takes on traditional salwars & anarkalis with tons of lehengas thrown in, all with a healthy dose of traditional “jaali” and filigree work (floral designs dating back to the Mughal empire) for bold global statements.
We’re totally digging the long-sleeve saree blouse (we wrote a how-to-wear guide here before) and Payal’s effortless way to make a saree everyday accessible with a tunic and statement jewelry, as seen below.
So what’s Payal’s thought process in making these effortlessly glam getups? Here’s what the designer had to say about the influences behind her most recent collection, tips for accessorizing outfits, and her uniform for hanging out in the city.
Luxemi: Tell us about your inspiration for this year’s LFW collection and why you felt it was important to integrate swadeshi (locally made) textiles?
Payal: The inspiration started from a book I was referencing for work. It was a book on Islamic architecture where all the textures and patterns were inspired from monuments; the Taj Mahal is the epitome of that. We always use a lot of Indian textiles in our collections because the brand motto is to make Indian clothes with Indian textile, but in a global context.
Luxemi: Describe the Payal Singhal girl – Who is she? Where does she live? What’s her style?
Payal: The Payal Singhal girl can live anywhere, but she’s confident and not afraid to experiment with her style.
Luxemi: What do you think the trends will be for spring/summer wedding fashion this year?
Payal: I think minimalistic, earthy glamour is what will be in fashion this year for the summer brides: cool colors like sand, cream and grey with pops of warm colors like red and yellow and gold tones. It will be more about style than embroidery.
Luxemi: You split your time in New York and Mumbai. What’s your go-to outfit for a night out on the town in New York? Do you change it up when you’re in Mumbai?
Payal: In New York, it’s easy. I usually put on leggings and Frye boots and any wrinkle-free tunic from DVF (something that doesn’t need to be ironed!). I don’t do much different in Mumbai, except switch out the boots for some peep-toe pumps.
Luxemi: Your name is Payal, which refers to the Sanskrit word for “anklet.” What are your rules for accessorizing Indian outfits?
Payal: I always have one focal accessory and don’t over accessorize, so either a statement earring or necklace or ring – but never all 3 together.
Looking to inject a little Payal playfulness in your weary wardrobe? Try pairing an ornate blouse with high-waisted pants. Or drape your salwar in pretty patterns that are elegant yet chic. Neutrals in black, gold and white are anything but boring when your inspiration is the Taj Mahal!
Luxe fans, if you’re anything like us, you’re always blown away by how toned — and energetic! — your favorite Bollywood actors and actresses look during their musical numbers. That’s why we’re loving the new Doonya: The Bollywood Dance Workout DVD. If you’re looking for a fun new way to get your heart pumping and your body in shape, you’ve got to check this out.
Inspired by the vibrant dances of Bollywood, creators Kajal Desai and Priya Pandya designed this cardio and strength-building workout to keep you smiling and having fun — and we couldn’t agree more! It’s available now on Amazon or Doonya’s website. Oh, and did we mention Doonya’s La Wellness Weekend giveaway, which could whisk you away to Los Angeles for a weekend-long fitness adventure?
If this season’s runways are any indication, we’ve got a year of fashion globetrotting ahead of us. Here are the edgy, Eastern-inspired print and textile looks that have us wanting to pack our bags to take a world fashion tour.
We fell in love when we saw all the brocade on Fall 2012 runways, but we’re digging this new trend even more. For Spring 2013, designers are mixing and matching print and textiles in an eclectic, ethnic way that’s a major nod to Indian fashion. Derek Lam, Marc Jacobs, Marchesa, Tory Burch, Elizabeth & James, Vera Wang are just a few of the designers who have sent layered print and textile looks down the runway for spring.
One of Luxemi’s favorite globetrotting looks is this Altuzarra Spring 2013 runway dress. We love how the designer mixes a blue and yellow textile (which looks like it may be embellished with zari) with a perfectly draped gold and white embellished print. And did we mention the fringe?
We’re also loving the Neeru Kumar-esque vibe of this striped knit skirt in Derek Lam’s Spring 2013 collection. By pairing the skirt with a cutout short-sleeve top in racecar red, Derek Lam gives knit a funky, playful twist for the New Year.
The best thing about the mix and match textile trend is that the options are endless! The zari work, buttas, mirror work, bandhani and traditional weaves we love are all getting a new appreciation in Western runway looks this spring, so if you haven’t already been rocking your print and embellished sarees, now’s the perfect time.
Have you spotted any other Indian inspired fashion statements on the runway lately? We love when our Luxe fans drop us a line and share their favorite fashion obsessions!
Who says you have to spend a lot to look chic this holiday season? Here are 10 affordable, fabulous fashion finds from Luxemi, guaranteed to bring all the girls on your gift list a lot of joy — for less than $50!
Want more affordable holiday gift ideas for every fashionable girl on your list? Luxemi’s apparel and accessory collections feature gorgeous borrow and buy items to spice up this holiday season (no matter your gift-giving budget)! And be sure to visit the Luxe Report for your weekly dose of Indian inspiration.
Ever since Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana and Marchesa gave their Fall/Winter collections the Midas Touch, the fashion world has been enamored with metallic prints. Here’s the good news for all the Indian fashion enthusiasts out there: Indian foil work sarees are an easy and chic way to incorporate a little metallic into your wardrobe. (And did we mention foil detailing is great for festive season?)
When you wear a foil work saree, you’ll radiate confidence from every detail in the foil work patterning. To create those gorgeous designs, artists infuse gold and silver foils directly into a saree’s fabric, placing and stitching the shimmering materials carefully to shape form patterns and motifs. The result? A festive, fun (and light as a feather) way to make a unique fashion statement.
Luxemi loves how foil work patterns add dimension to a saree and catch the light in a gorgeous way. And they’ll definitely put you in a mood for celebrating this festive season!
We’re dying to wear all the foil work looks in the Luxemi collection, but there are definitely a few worth highlighting for festive season. One of our favorites is this Gold Foil Stamp Saree, which features Egyptian-influenced foil work and a stunning gold border that pop against this saree’s lush Kelly green fabric.
If you want to show off your artistic side, our Tonal Saree with Foil Printing by Satya Paul has tons of movement and super precise foil work patterning against blue ombré georgette. And if you’re in the mood to feel elegant and sophisticated, this Foil Printed “Club” Pallu Saree by Satya Paul is an absolute stunner. Just look at it for yourself and you’ll see what we mean!
Want more ideas for festive season fashion? Craving a new piece of jewelry? Between our collections of buy and borrow apparel and accessories, Luxemi has something to hit each of your style notes.
Ever since Rodarte sent its models down the New York Fashion Week runway wearing matching dragon ear wraps, we’ve been spotting a lot of intricate ear jewelry on the street and the Red Carpet. Here’s how to wrap a little Indian influence into the ethnic ear cuff trend.
The Rodarte sisters won rave reviews for their Spring 2013 Collection, which featured their signature mix of bold textures, fabrics and color. But what we loved was the duo’s use of ear wraps. Although Rodarte created a “medieval fantasy world” vibe with their metal dragon ear cuffs, the celebs and street stylers who have been rocking the cuff since have taken a softer, more eclectic approach to this statement ear jewelry.
We love how socialite Lara Bingle wore this megawatt crystal ear cuff last week to a Red Carpet event in Melbourne. The ear cuff was custom made for Lara by designer Sarina Suriano featuring Swarovski crystals (one of our absolute favorite embellishments!). If this Australian “it girl” wasn’t on our fashion radars before, she definitely is now. How chic is that ear cuff paired with a classic black Camilla and Marc dress?
Another one of our favorite actresses, The Town’s Rebecca Hall, also took an elegant twist on the ear cuff at the Moet British Independent Film Awards. She wore her unconventional diamond drop cuff along with a classic black blazer and top.
Where celebs go, street style often follows. We’re really feeling the earthy twist these street stylers put on the ear cuff. The flower motifs create a feminine, eclectic feel.
For us Indian fashionistas, our version of the ear cuff is the Kashmiri earring. With an elegant wrap-around chain that connects two charms (one dangles in front of your ear, another behind it), these earrings are definitely a vision of eccentric ethnic jewelry at its best.
For a bold Kashmiri statement, Luxemi loves our Kashmiri Kundan Wrap Around Earrings. This pair is stunning all the way from its jhumka bell charms to its delicate flower-inspired kundan motif. The pearls that line the length of this chain add even more elegance to this statement piece.
Luxemi’s other wrap earrings, these Tiny Pearl Kashmiri Style Earrings, have a more festive vibe. With three jhumka charms dangling behind the ear and kundan work in the front, this pair is chic from every angle!
Want more Indian influence in your jewelry box? Check out Luxemi’s accessory collection for earrings, collars, tikkas, hand chains and other ethnic chic jewelry statements.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been more than a decade since the classic Bollywood musical Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (Straight From The Heart) hit the big screen, especially considering how much it still influences Indian film and fashion today! Here’s how to capture the extravagant, opulent spirit of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam in your daily life.
For those of you who haven’t seen this Bollywood blockbuster, here’s the 1-minute synopsis: When Sammer Rafilini (played by Salman Khan) travels from Italy to India to receive music and singing lessons from classical musician Pundit Darbar (played by Vikram Gokhale), he ends up falling in love with Pundit’s daughter, Nandini (played by one of our favorite actresses, Aishwarya Rai). The catch? Nandini is already arranged to marry a guy named Vanraj (played by Ajay Devgan). Nandini’s father is furious that his student and his daughter have fallen in love, and banishes Sammer from the house. Sammer eventually goes back to Italy, and Nandini marries Vanraj, despite her feelings for Sammer. When Vanraj learns that his wife is still in love with Sammer, he does something unexpected: He takes Nandini to Italy to reunite the two lovers. But through all the tribulation of trying to locate Sammer together in Italy, Nandini and Vanraj grow closer, and Nandini eventually realizes that Vanraj is her true love.
Even as the plot shifts between India and Italy, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali never lets the movie lose its unmistakable grandiose Bollywood feel. Between lavish, traditional dance numbers and extravagant gilded sets, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’s visual look evokes just as much emotion and classic Indian spirit as its plotline.
Want to weave a little Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam influence into your life? Luxemi can help.
The most memorable fashion statement from the film is definitely Aishwarya Rai’s bluish purple crystal lengha and simple yet striking crystal jewelry. Blend Nandini’s rich, traditional style with your modern flair by pairing Luxemi’s Shimmer Georgette “Angel” Lehenga Saree with our classic-meets-mod Silver and Gold Circular Crystal Set.
For a home as opulent as the elaborate sets in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, try incorporating gold pieces like this regal Antionette Fainting Sofa from Urban Outfitters, or this metallic ottoman that doubles as a chic coffee table.
And just in case you haven’t seen the movie for awhile, here’s a scene worth remembering (The Chand Chhupa Badal Mein Song):
Whether it’s through storyline or set design, our favorite Bollywood movies always inspire us. Be sure to check back with the Luxe Report in the coming weeks for more features on how to incorporate the flair of your favorite Bollywood flick into your everyday life!
We’ve got a fashion confession to make: we’ve been counting down the days to Krishna Mehta’s runway show ever since we saw her name on the designer list for Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2012. And Krishna’s latest collection reminds us why we’ve been crazy about her since she first hit the Indian fashion scene: her clothes are the epitome of everyday elegance.
From the rosy colors and romantic silhouettes to the carefully hand-crafted textiles and beehive-inspired up-dos, each look in Krishna Mehta’s new Encore collection had us feeling her unique take on retro elegance. It’s not easy to create a composed collection with colors as scattered on the color wheel as crème, peach, red, purple and black, but Krishna manages to tie each look together effortlessly. The common threads are her signature textiles, luscious layering, and those gorgeous headpieces wrapped throughout each model’s modified beehive hairdo.
One of the looks we’re dying to wear from the Encore collection is this super chic separates pairing featuring an ethereal white lace dress, voluminous pants and an embroidered gold cap-sleeve jacket. It’s a gorgeous layered look that reminds us of Chanel in the best way possible. We’re also feeling the slimming, modern silhouette on this floor-length red jacket. From its mandarin neckline to its intricate embroidery, it’s an absolute stunner for Fall 2012.
You definitely get a sense of Krishna’s versatility from the colors and textures in her Encore collection, but her talent doesn’t stop there: Not only does she make stunning women’s garments, but she keeps Indian men looking sharp, too! Her sherwanis and kurtas use embellishment and color to transition these traditional menswear looks handsomely into the 21st Century.
And in case you need another reason to add Krishna Mehta to your designer radar, there’s her activism. Her block printing organization teaches disabled individuals the art of hand printing and embroidery so they can gain employment closer to home. Talk about fashion with a conscience.
To be honest, the pictures simply do not do this luscious collection justice. Take a moment and watch the video to get swept away by Kirshna Mehta.
Krishna Mehta Video – Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2012
Stay tuned later this week for the Luxe Report’s official Lakme recap post, where we’ll tell you all you need to know about the week’s best designers and chicest collections.
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