Category Archives: Luxemi Inspiration

3 Ways to Wear a Crop Top

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.

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.

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.

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!

Images courtesy of Glamour Magazine and StyleBistro.

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Filed under Celebrity Style, Designer Style, Get the look, Indian-Inspired, Luxemi Inspiration, Luxemi Style, Style Icons, Style Secrets, Trend Alert, Trend Update, Uncategorized

Luxemi Founder Picks – Swapna + Swathi’s Favorite Indian Fashion Statements

There’s nothing Luxemi loves more than hearing about our Luxe fans’ latest fashion obsessions. And now it’s our turn to give you a little inspiration! Here are the Luxemi pieces that Luxemi’s co-founders, Swapna and Swathi, can’t live without.

Swapna’s top Luxe picks:

best indian designer fashion 2012 2013

I love the regal, glam vibe of this Blue and Purple Davry Saree. I wore this saree to my brother’s wedding with Luxemi’s Gold Sequin Blouse by Wild Orchid and absolutely loved how it looked and felt! You’ll love it too once you feel this luxurious crepe silk!

Another of my favorites is our Bronze Stretch Satin Halter Blouse by Kavita Bhartia. Every girl should have this super versatile piece in her closet. It’ll breathe new life into your old sarees and, as an added bonus, the stretch means it will fit you like a glove.

When I spotted this Gold Gungaro Necklace, it was love at first sight. It’s a nod to old-school temple jewelry with a modern twist, and looks great layered over Eastern and Western outfits.

Swathi’s top Luxe picks:  

best indian fashion 2012 2013

I absolutely love our Red Brocade Salwar with Sequins and Gota Work. It’s just the right mix of red and orange, and the bib style adds just the right amount of flair. Plus, gorgeous brocade makes this piece feel extra-special.

If you haven’t heard the news, Pantone’s 2013 Color of the Year is emerald, which is yet another reason to rock Luxemi’s Gold Earrings with Striking Emerald Quartz. These earrings will give you the perfect pop of color near your face.

It’s hard to find a Satya Paul saree I don’t love, but this Foil Printed “Club” Pallu Saree is definitely one of my favorites. It’s slim and sexy with a touch of flash. And did I mention that you don’t need to pleat the pallu?

We’re always happy to swap fashion advice with our Luxe fans. Contact us via Facebook, Twitter or email to tell us all about your favorite Luxemi looks and Indian fashion statements!

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Luxemi Spring 2013 Photoshoot – Behind the Scenes in Soho

We wish we could have had all our Luxe fans with us last week when we took over New York City for Luxemi’s spring photoshoot — that’s why we made sure to document the two-day trip just for you. Here’s a behind the scenes look at our Soho adventure and the fabulous fashion photos you’ll be seeing around Luxemi soon!

designer saree sari near new york city skyline

lehenga lengha model mallika mathur designer indian clothing

After touching down in NYC, the Luxemi team set up shop in Soho and the amazing Pod Hotel. We had photographer Mike Fortner, hair/makeup artist Jenni Higgins, saree stylist Kavita Shah and PA Sunishi Tolia on board to make sure our gorgeous model and our sarees shone. The team killed it!

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Even a dark sky and the threat of rain couldn’t keep us from capturing some amazing photos of the beautiful Vasanthi Sara (who has shined in some exquisite  Vogue photoshoots!) in Luxemi. Our unofficial themes were “gypsy bride” and “modern Indian,” and Vasanthi totally rocked both vibes during the two-day photoshoot.

indian fashion mustard yellow saree sari

indian model satya paul new york city soho

indian bride Mallika Mathur lengha lehenga

And did we mention the gorgeous Luxemi accessories? We call this the bauble bar.

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We can’t wait to share the rest of our photos and the stunning new sarees we have coming your way for Spring 2013. Be sure to check the Luxe Report each week for more Luxemi news, fashion advice and trend reports to keep you looking chic this fall and winter!  

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Vintage Saree Photos + Saree History – The Saree is Still Pure Magic

The saree has been enchanting the world ever since the first woman wrapped herself up in its six yards of magic thousands of years ago. Whether it’s conveying a playful vibe at a traditional Indian celebration or commanding the spotlight on the Red Carpet, the saree is still a vision of sensual sophistication. Magic guaranteed.

history of saree sari classic photos

According to one folk story, a love-stricken weaver created the first saree after he dreamt of a beautiful, sensuous woman. He spun long drapes of fabric to mimic the woman’s flowing hair, and infused vibrant colors in the saree to match her personality and warmth. Overwhelmed with how beautiful the garment was, he didn’t stop draping until the fabric stretched to 9 yards. The weaver left the midriff bare, reflecting the Hindu belief that the navel is the ultimate source of creativity and life.

History says the saree dates back to 2800 to 1800 B.C. By then, ancient Indus Valley civilizations were already captivated by its sensuality and magic. Sexy without showing too much skin, the saree has been called “the apparel that covers all yet reveals all.” Styles have changed through the centuries, but there’s one thing we know for sure: the saree’s sensual draping and alluring midriff still have the same magical aura today.

Want proof that the saree’s six yards of magic transcends any era? Check out these gorgeous 1950s snapshots of women in sarees (via Life Magazine).

history of the saree sari iconic indian fashion retro

1920s-indian-saree-sari-life-magazine-iconic-images-photography-black-and-white-fashion

fashion-1920s-trends-best life magazine india photos

Luxemi can help you channel the sophistication and beauty of these women in vintage sarees. Luxemi’s Red Screen Print with Gold Sequins by Satya Paul features the same movement and artistic pattern pairing as the vintage saree in the first photo. For a strong, simple statement like the woman in the white saree, our pick is this Embellished Saree with Contrast Blouse. And to emulate the third woman’s charisma, try this plaid-inspired Giraffe Print Sequined Saree by Satya Paul. It’s got the iconic six yards of magic, plus plenty of sequins hand-threaded throughout.

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And here’s the best part: Women of every body type can capture the saree’s six yards of magic. Luxemi’s collection includes sarees for every occasion and personal style — plenty of magic included.

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Fall 2012 Runway Trends – Interior Design Inspired by Indian Fashion

For Luxemi, interior design is a lot like fashion: both reflect your personality through color, texture, pattern and, of course, eclectic accents. Want your style to transition seamlessly from your closet to the rest of your home or apartment? Here are five rooms inspired by our favorite Luxemi sarees and salwars!

Fall 2012 collections and matching interior design

Given that Tangerine Tango is Pantone’s 2012 Color of the Year, this Modern Striped Leheriya Saree is a great transition piece to wear between summer and fall. For a vibrant living room that mimics this saree’s texture and gold embellishments, we love pairing funky red-orange chairs with metallic accent pieces like a gold ottoman and bronze candlesticks. The room’s off-white molding against a tangerine-colored wall is a detail just as eye-catching as this saree’s gota border with buttas.

interior design inspired by fall 2012 fashion trends cool colors orange

Want to pair your favorite orange hue with a cooler accent color? Luxemi’s Tangerine Salwar with Aqua Embellishments is festive, funky, and hits just the right Bohemian notes. Stick with the same chic color palate for a bedroom that reflects your quirky style. The orange and crème print curtain channels the salwar’s floral bodice embellishments, and the turquoise focal wall and leather chair offer the same stunning contrast as the look’s churridar pants. And did we mention that the white branches act as one of the cutest headboards we’ve seen in awhile?

interior design inspired by fall 2012 runway fashion lilac lavender purple

If your style is super sweet, this Lilac Salwar with Silk Leheriya Border is the perfect starting point for a space that makes you feel lively as soon as you step foot in it. This living room’s lilac rug and magenta pillows recreate this salwar’s light yet sophisticated color palate and hit the same interesting textural notes. The finishing touch? Long, airy lavender curtains that emulate the flow and grace of this sweet salwar.

interior decorating design inspired by fall 2012 runway indian fashion blue and white color palate

The beauty in this Blue and White Moon Jacquard Saree by Satya Paul is its ebb and flow between blue hues. You can add the same artful touch to a living room through patterns and accent pieces. Luxemi loves the contrasting blue patterns on this modern armchair, especially when paired with a glossy blue lamp and white wall art. But our favorite accent is definitely the blue and white patterned pillow, which swirls and curls just like the intricate pattern on this hand-painted designer saree, all the while evoking thoughts of the night.

interior decorating ideas based on fall 2012 fashion trends celebrity black and gold

We can’t think of many color pairings more classic than gold and black, and with a few twists, this quintessential combo transitions perfectly into a 21st Century wardrobe and interior design. Luxemi’s Tribal Saree with Brocade Border has rich brocade work and modern black stripes to make it simultaneously elegant and updated. What keeps this gold, black and white room so fresh is the same attention to patterns and shades. The gold frames and charcoal striped rug pick up this saree’s gorgeous border detailing and tribal vibe, and keep the room looking as light and effortless as you are.

Whether you’re incorporating your favorite Indian pattern into an outfit or an interior design, Luxemi loves how fashion brings together color and texture in an artful way. For more eclectic ideas, check out our apparel and accessory collections — they’re filled with gorgeous motifs, patterns and textiles to inspire your inner designer!

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Summer 2012 Jewelry Trend – Charming Celebrity Hand Chains

First it was the headpieces, then it was enamel bracelets, and now it’s the hand chains. We can’t believe how many Indian accessories are trending for Summer 2012! Here’s how to emulate the hand chain look we’ve been spotting on some fabulous celebrities lately.

Indian inspired accessories summer 2012

When Kelly Clarkson released her 2011 album Stronger, the world got yet another glimpse of why this singer is one of the American Idol winners who’s still around. Sure, the record is a classic — but the icing on the cake is definitely the hand chain Kelly is rocking on the album cover. We love the bracelet-ring hybrid’s rich gold color and funky charm.

indian inspired accessories summer celebrity fashion

Alicia Keys always wows us with her Indian accessories (do you remember that gorgeous tikka she wore to Paris Fashion Week?), and her hand harness at the Billboard Music Awards was no exception. Alicia’s intricate gold hand chain added some much-needed visual interest to her simple black outfit.

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We recently spotted Kelly Rowland wearing an Indian-inspired chunky cuff on one hand and an equally Eastern-influenced handc hain on the other. Studded with tiny gold beads, Kelly’s refined hand chain balanced out her heavy cuff and bold gold necklace. (And while we’re on the topic, did you spot Kelly looking fabulous in Luxemi bracelets and earrings in Ebony Magazine? Yet another reason to love this “it” girl!)

celebrity trend hand chains

Luxemi’s new summer accessory collection features two hand chains that will elevate any look to a more eclectic level. For a hand harness with a prominent motif like Kelly Clarkson’s, try this Gold Flower Charm Hand Harness with a smooth gold chain and a vintage-inspired floral charm.

celebrity trends hollywood hand chains

And to take a feminine spin on the hand chain, Luxemi loves this Gold and Pearl Hand Harness. It’s a soft look that mixes well with Summer 2012 trends like florals and sorbet/pastels.

Are you a fan of fabulous Indian jewelry? Then make sure to check Luxemi’s accessories page throughout the summer — we’ll be adding new necklaces, rings and bracelets that we know you’ll love!

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Fashion’s New Eco-Friendly Statement

We love when fashion makes a social statement, and there are few issues that deserve more attention right now than the environment. That’s exactly why we’re enthralled with the new eco-friendly looks that have been popping up on runways around the world. Thanks to these four designers, the green movement and eco sustainability now have a permanent place in our wardrobes.

Samant Chauha day looks eco-friendly

Two eco chic looks from Samant Chauha's Spring 2012 collection.

Indian designer Samant Chauhan has been embracing eco-friendly fabrics and shunning silk ever since his gorgeous, earthy-chic Spring 2008 collection hit runways. We loved how that collection used cotton-linen blends, linen and fibers made from silk waste to create an effect just as gorgeous as pure silk. And since ditching “violent” silk (a process that involves killing silkworms to produce silk), the environmentally-minded designer hasn’t looked back. He says his lines will continue to use non-violent silk so that silkworms don’t die for the sake of our clothing. Our favorites from his Spring 2012 collection are this casual chic button-down white dress with mesh detailing and a gorgeous beaded border, and this stunning beige floor-length dress with a high-cut neckline and delicate, airy fabric that’s the epitome of earthy beauty.

A modern take on khaki from Lecoanet Hemant's Green collection.

It’s refreshing to see a fashion industry darling as well-known as Lecoanet Hemant take a turn into eco-friendly design. The new collection, Green, uses the same clean Lecoanet Hemant design aesthetic we love and applies it to earth-friendly fabrics such as cotton, poplin, khaki and handloom silk. One of our favorites from the Green line is this khaki mini-dress with wrap detailing and an oversized collar that blurs the line between masculine and feminine and work and play.

Anita Dongre Grassroots collection

Three colorful dresses from Anita Dongre's Grassroots collection.

Anita Dongre’s Grassroots collection is the epitome of effortless, daytime chic. Using sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, the famed Indian designer has reinvented the classic spring dress for an eco-minded generation, complete with feminine detailing and pretty patterns. On her website, Anita says it’s time to put design and eco-consciousness back in synch; we think her Grassroots collection is a fun, flirty start to that journey.

Eco-friendly looks from Stella McCartney

Two eco-friendly looks from Stella McCartney's Spring 2012 collection.

And we couldn’t end this post without mentioning Stella McCartney, who has long been synonymous with earth-conscious and animal-friendly clothing. Her Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear collection puts a feminine, vintage twist on men’s wardrobe staples like the trouser and blazer. And just when you think the collection has hit a plateau, Stella works in a vibrant flowered or striped print to keep you guessing. Our picks? These black and white hounds tooth trousers that hit at the ankles, paired with a classic, bulky sweater with three-quarter-length sleeves and gorgeous color blocking. And for a walk on the wild side, we love this funky pairing of a bold striped poncho with floral shorts that make Hawaiian print cool again. Stella’s fabrics are so lush that you almost forget they’re eco-friendly.

Luxemi loves hearing stories about fashion’s socially-conscious side. Have a favorite eco-chic designer we’ve missed? Let us know! And in the meantime, let these four designers empower you to find your inner sustainable style.

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Luxemi’s Loves: This Week’s Web-Stoppers

It’s a nice little tradition we have going here: Friday, unstoppable snow in our city, and of course, 5 things that made our fingers stop in their track(pad)s from this week!

First off, Kat Graham really gave the term “Star-Studded” Red Carpet a whole new meaning at the Underworld: Awakening Premiere. She looks fiercely awesome in this Falguni & Shane Peacock dress and Ruthie Davis clutch and heels.  Reminds us of a post from last week about bold, edgy jewelry. Stay tuned as we explore this trend next week in a post about Body-Con-esque designers.

Next, on to the other side of the world. We’ve been following the mixed responses to the recent Hermes Sari Launch in Mumbai, and found this quote from a Financial Times article on the debate particularly interesting…

“It is like Indians selling wine in France. To sell a sari in India takes Gallic gall.”

Where do you fall on the issue? Are you terribly opposed to a red blend from Kerala, or do you like the thought of people from different cultures being able to sell any product anywhere?

Speaking of bringing one culture to another, our next love is Entertaining from an Ethnic Kitchen.  This cookbook (or coffee table book if you’re running out of shelf space) is one of our favorites for written Indian recipes — hard to come by if you’ve got a mom who’s got all of her cooking secrets filed away in her brain!  The author, Komali Nunna, was born in Southern India, moved to the US, and shares her recipes, as well as her ideas on entertaining.

While we’re in the kitchen, here’s a fun print that caught our eye.  Enough said.

And finally, we posted about this on Facebook earlier this week, but felt it was worth a closer look.  We sincerely applaud efforts like the one mentioned in The Economist piece, “The Magic Number,” that strive to help India’s poor by circumventing corruption and the middle man through unique measures designed for this specific problem. This Unique Identity Scheme may not fly in Western countries, but could be just the solution India is looking for.

What inspired you this week? Tell us so we can include it in next week’s post!

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Guest Post: New Year, New Rules!

At Luxemi, we’ve been thinking a lot about what we want for the new year. Amazing fashion, of course, but also about how to be better, and more thoughtful, with everything we do.  

We asked NY-based Health and Relationship Coach Kavita J. Patel to share her advice on how to consciously prepare for a new year.

The New Year brings with it new excitement and the possibility for so much. A whole year lies ahead of us, and with it comes a nice new clean slate. But if you are anything like me, that clean slate can feel overwhelming. I immediately get a strong urge to write all over it, and by the end of the year it just ends up needing to be wiped clean again.

Most people around this time ask, “So, what are your New Year’s resolutions?” My relationship with resolutions is mixed—kind of a love/hate thing going on. It’s a brand new, bright and clean year that I have to work with, but I can’t enjoy it even for a moment. I start writing on that empty slate about what I want to accomplish before I know exactly what I want to create for the New Year.

I like doing things consciously. I don’t like to create a resolution to exercise more just because that’s what other people say they are doing. It has to deeply resonate with me. So, I want to share with you my 7-step process to CONSCIOUSLY start your new year off with a bang. This will resonate with you especially if you also feel this love/hate thing happening with New Year’s resolutions.

1. First, get into a place that feels good for you in your home. It could be the kitchen table or your bed. Wherever it is, make sure you are comfortable and the area feels peaceful for you.

2. Softly close your eyes, and take 3 slow, deep breaths.

3. Get into a place of feeling centered, which means you feel a physical shift of dropping out of your head and back into your body. If you don’t feel this shift, you can simply focus on your breath as a way to get centered.

4. Take a moment to reflect on your past year and ask yourself out loud: “What were 3 accomplishments that I felt fan-freaking-tastic about in 2011?” Allow your thoughts to lead you to those accomplishments. Don’t force it—trust that they will come to you. If only 2 come or 1 come to you, that’s great too. (Feel free to ask these questions in your own words. Just make sure the core concept is included.)

5. Then, ask yourself out loud: “What were 3 areas in 2011 that I felt stuck and powerless? What were 3 areas that I really wanted something different and couldn’t quite have it?” Again, don’t force it. Allow your thoughts to lead the way, and if you need to take a deep breath because nothing is coming, do that.

6. Then, ask yourself out loud: “Now that I am in 2012 and the year lies ahead of me, and I can do what I want with it, what are 3 things that I REALLY want?” or “What are 3 things that I YEARN to create in 2012?”

7. Lastly, once you have finished and gotten clear on what you want, open your eyes, find your journal or a piece of paper and a pen, and write out the 3 things you WANT. It’s okay if you just came up with one or two. Write out how you are going to support yourself in making those 3 things happen. As women, we NEED support. You cannot do it all on your own, and if you think you can, ask yourself if you have been able to accomplish these things in the past all by yourself.
The answer is probably no, because you didn’t have the support. Take the fast track towards what you want—not the slow and bumpy one.

Know, as you follow this process, that CHANGE is good. If you are on a path to wanting happiness, love, and feeling great overall, then changing yourself is essential to get and create what you desire in life. You have a whole new year to do what you please, and you can make what you want come alive. Don’t let anyone tell you any differently. Here’s to another fabulous, fun, and happy new year.

 Kavita J. Patel is a relationship coach based in New York who creates love breakthroughs for women in her business, Outrageously Happy Relationships. She has been featured in Time Out New York and can be found at kavitajpatel.com or on twitter @kavitajpatel.

What what do you want to create for the new year? Let us know in comments below or @luxemi!

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Luxemi’s Loves: The Top 5 Things That Inspired Us This Week

At Luxemi, we are inspired daily. By fashion, by our fans, by things we see everywhere – whether it’s taking a walk or out painting the town red.  We want to share our weekly inspirations with you every Friday – and hope they’ll inspire you too!  Here’s what we loved this week…

1. Indian-inspired Givenchy vest spied in New Orleans by one of our co-founders for $200, marked down from $1,230 at one of her favorite secret shopping spots.  We love how this vest is both edgy and regal – a versatile piece to spice up any look.

2. Young children learning Bharatanatyam through the movements of animal characters during a Kalapriya educational event at Art Institute of Chicago.  The joy they experienced while learning about yoga and classical Indian dance through the use of storytelling was truly heart-warming. Inspired us to think more about creating stories and the description of storytelling as art.

3. This Marie Antoinette-esque bed by Fabulous & Baroque. It’s a gold leaf hand-carved mahogany piece with beautiful  flowers, leaves and scroll details.  Champagne wishes and caviar dreams, indeed.
4.  New Dior ads featuring the stunning Mila Kunis.  She manages to look effortless and natural, yet incredibly dramatic and luxurious. Simply put: beautiful.

5.  This white chiffon wrap dress that accentuates a perfect hourglass silhouette, which we love here at Luxemi, and is also a great blank canvas for expressive jewelry. While some may say it’s Marilyn Monroe-inspired, we’d like to think that it’s Indian dhoti-inspired instead!

Want more of what inspires us? Follow us on Pinterest, Facebook & Twitter.

Tell us what inspires you in the comments below!

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