Category Archives: Style Secrets

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.

Leave a Comment

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

Top 5 Summer Trends from Lakme Fashion Week 2013

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.




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.




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.




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.




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.

</br>

All photos courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2013.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Indian-Inspired, Killer Accessories, Luxemi Style, Runway Shows, Style Secrets, Trend Alert, Trend Update, Uncategorized, Weddings

2013 SAG Awards Best Dressed – Strapless, Dior and Navy Blue Trends

Hot on the heels of the 2013 Golden Globes, this year’s Screen Actors Guild Awards was definitely all about Old Hollywood glamour. Here are the SAG Red Carpet looks we’re awing over.

dior at 2013 sag awards

screen actors guild award winners 2013

Is it just us, or are we having a case of Dior déjà vu? Jennifer Lawrence and Marion Cotillard, who both rocked red Dior gowns at the Golden Globes, wore dresses by their fav designer again last night.

Jennifer Lawrence, who won Best Actress at SAG and the Globes for Silver Linings Playbook, wore a strapless navy blue Dior Couture dress paired with a stunning Chopard necklace.

19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards best dressed

And Marion Cotillard (Rust & Bone) was a complete showstopper in her strapless Dior Couture gown, which featured an elegant bow at the waist, a white bodice and a full skirt that made her the belle of the ball.

19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards best jewelry lorraine schwartz

Another A-Lister who rocked navy blue was Amanda Seyfried, who was nominated for her role in Les Miserables. Her mermaid-cut Zac Posen dress was gorgeous, but the real statement here was her long Lorraine Schwartz necklace. Also wearing bold blue was Nicole Kidman, whose lacy Vivienne Westwood gown added some much-needed embellishments to the Red Carpet!

If you’re feeling this navy blue trend, we recommend you borrow Luxemi’s tonal saree with a sequin border. It’s got just the right combination of subdued bling and rich color. And if you’re in a salwar mood, try the ultra sophisticated bell sleeve zari salwar. It will have you feeling blue in the best way possible.

homeland sag awards 2013

We’re always searching for Naeem Khan on the Red Carpet, so we were psyched to see Homeland’s Morgan Saylor wearing one of his Pre-Fall 2013 gowns, which features hand-beaded embellishments throughout its bodice. We would’ve loved to see her in silver heels, though!

freida pinto and boyfriend red carpet photos

freida pinto fashion

Between all the navy blue and black (Anne Hathaway and Tina Fey both wore LBDs), we were really craving some vibrancy. Freida Pinto gave the Red Carpet a much-needed pop of color in her fuchsia Roland Mouret gown. We’re crazy about this dress’ flattering draping and cute black bow detailing. Between this fashion-forward fuchsia and her highlighter yellow dress at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, Freida is quickly becoming our favorite color icons. Looking to make a hot pink statement of your own? Try Luxemi’s bhandhani saree with a gota border.

jt red carpet photos

best dressed men sag 2013

And ladies, in case you haven’t noticed (or heard the new single, Suit & Tie), Justin Timberlake is back! The singer rocked a silk linen Tom Ford suit with a checkered pattern we totally love.

With the 2013 Golden Globes and the 2013 SAG Awards now over, we’re counting down the days until the Oscars. Be sure to check back for our coverage on the 85th Annual Academy Awards, and until then, get in the Oscars spirit by checking out our top fashion and jewelry picks from last year’s show.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Celebrity Style, Style Icons, Style Secrets, Trend Alert, Trend Update

Bombay Express De Chanel Makeup Line – Chanel’s Golden Age of Indian Fashion

Chanel has definitely been enamored with India lately, and its new Bombay-inspired summer makeup line is the latest indication that the love affair is still going strong. If you were swept away by Chanel’s Paris-Bombay Collection, you’ve got to check out the Bombay Express De Chanel cosmetics line.

new indian inspired summer cosmetics makeup collection chanel 2012

Like everything Chanel does, this isn’t your average makeup line. Pairing airy gold tones with inky black hues, the collection is a high-drama play on light and shadows that transports us to opulent India. Our favorite product is the Route Des Indes De Chanel, a face powder that creates a soft golden glow we love for day or night. Pair that with the line’s Le Vernis Diwali nail polish, a luminous mix of gold and silver fittingly named after the Festival of Lights, and you’ll be ushering in fashion’s Golden Age. A peach-toned lipstick and blush round out the line’s lighter side.

chanel eyeshadow line indian inspired makeup

We’re also loving the Illusion D’Ombre long wear eye shadow, which is a shade somewhere between plum and charcoal. The other standout eye product is the Le Crayon Khol, an intense, inky eyeliner that reminds us of traditional kohl pencils.

sarees salwars indian fashion inspired by chanel bombay express makeup line

The Bombay Express hues are versatile enough to work with a wide variety of sarees and salwars, but these two Luxemi looks (our Gold Sequin Saree and Mauve Georgette Suit with Cutwork and Swarovski Crystals) and the Chanel makeup line are practically made for each other!

Nothing polishes your saree or salwar look like the perfect makeup. And when you’re ready to accessorize, check out Luxemi’s new jewelry collection for more Indian fashion inspiration!

Collection available at Chanel.com.

- Swathi Narra, Luxemi co-founder

Leave a Comment

Filed under Indian-Inspired, Luxemi Style, Style Secrets, Uncategorized

Zodiac Inspired Indian Fashion – Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio (Water Signs)

The water signs are all about intuition, creativity and emotion –the makings of an artful sense of style. If you’re a Pisces, Cancer or Scopio, Luxemi has an Indian fashion horoscope just for you!

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

July birthday inspired Indian saree salwar celebrity fashion

Emotional, sentimental and imaginative, Cancer is cautious and sympathetic when it comes to interacting with others. White and silver tones are closely associated with this quiet, understated sign. If you’re a Cancer, you share a sign with Jessica Simpson, Lindsey Lohan, Maya Rudolph, Blondie, and Meryl Streep. Given Cancer’s gentle soul and imaginative nature, Luxemi loves this Silk and Cotton Striped Saree by Neeru Kumar. It’s a creative spin on classic pin stripes that would appeal to any sentimental, artistic Cancer. Complete the look with these whimsical Lotus with Pearl Ball Earrings.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

perfect indian fashion clothing for scorpios celebrity scorpios

Scorpios tend to have the most magnetic, energetic personalities of all the water signs. Simultaneously outgoing and intuitive, Scorpios are usually associated with murky, dark red hues. What we love about this Maroon Hand Painted Georgette Saree by Satya Paul is that it strikes the perfect balance between subtle and bold. With a deep maroon hue and vibrant lime detailing, this saree embodies Scorpio’s complex nature. It’s a look we could definitely see on celebrity Scorpios like Katy Perry, Anne Hathaway, Rachel McAdams or Emma Stone.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

celebrity pisces fashion indian saree salwar horoscope personalities

Known for dual personalities and artistic flair, the Pisces is the most sensitive of the signs. Often synonymous with the ocean and a sea-green hue, Pisces is the sign of celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Carrie Underwood, Eva Longoria and Jennifer Love Hewitt. Want your fashion to reflect your soft, artistic side? Your inner Pisces will love the artful shift of colors and moods in this Tonal Saree with Banded Sequins.

There’s nothing better than wearing clothing that fits your personality like a glove. No matter your sign, Luxemi has the perfect saree or salwar for you. Need a few suggestions? Check out the Luxemi collection or contact us for more fashion inspiration. And while you’re on the Luxe Report, make sure to check our Indian fashion horoscopes for the other 9 Zodiac signs!

- Swathi Narra, Luxemi co-founder

1 Comment

Filed under Indian-Inspired, Killer Accessories, Luxemi Style, Style Secrets

Indian Fashion 101 – How to Select a High-Quality Saree

Many have asked us, “What sets Luxemi apart?” Aside from fashion-forward designs and incomparable service, the best answer we can give is quality. Here are five easy ways to tell what sets a high-quality Luxemi saree apart from the rest of the Indian fashion pack!

We go for hand embroidery.

high quality sarees are hand embroidered not made by a machine

We all know that there’s no comparison between a piece of clothing that’s handmade by an artisan and one stamped out by the thousands in a factory. When you choose a saree that’s hand-embroidered, you know that its threads and embellishments have been sewn and placed carefully with an artistic eye  — meaning that your garment will have a truly unique design that’s your and yours alone! There’s nothing better than wearing a saree you know has been made with love and attention to detail, which you just can’t get that from a mass-produced, machine-made garment. With Luxemi’s hand-embroidered sarees, you’ll know you’re wearing something that is truly one of a kind. Pictured above? A handwoven Kashmiri saree that artisans spent 5-6 months creating. Now that’s love.

We avoid synthetic blends.

what a high-quality saree looks like

Have you ever spotted a saree with the most gorgeous hand-embroidered embellishments you’ve ever seen, only to be totally disappointed by how stiff and scratchy the fabric feels once you try the saree on? It’s a situation that’s happened to us a million times in Little Indias in every major city. A good rule of is to always go with pure fabrics and avoid synthetic blends that don’t breathe or move! A saree made from pure fabric will feel soft and luxurious against your skin, will withstand more wear and tear, and as an added bonus, it will also give you that gorgeous flow you always see when sarees come down the runway. Luxemi’s collection features mostly pure fabric sarees, and we hand-pick each of our net sarees to make sure they feel soft as lace against your skin! One feel of the soft fabric in Luxemi’s Tied With a Bow Georgette Saree and you’ll know the difference.

We make sure to be wary of color running.

no bleed designer sarees

And while we’re on the topic of pure vs. synthetic fabrics, here’s another major plus of going for a saree made from a pure fabric: it cuts down on color bleeding! When color is applied to a synthetic fabric, it’s much more likely to run, ruining the gorgeous aesthetic of your garment. Color is a lot less likely to bleed when you wash a pure fabric saree, meaning your saree’s pattern or dyes will keep looking just as perfect as when you purchased it! Rest assured, Luxemi fans: we test all our sarees for color running before adding them to our collection! The super chic pattern on this Giraffe Print Sequined Saree by Satya Paul is the garment’s knockout feature — and by testing it for color blurring, we make sure it stays that way.

We check the falls.

Neeru Kumar saree

There’s nothing worse than having the falls on your saree get caught on your shoe or even rip off when you hit the dance floor. What’s the best way to keep the fabric along the bottom of your saree perfectly intact? Look for a garment with falls that are tightly and evenly stitched. Luxemi’s sarees feature high-quality falls that won’t fall off or snag… we make sure of it. Want to see the vision of high quality? Check out this Yellow Deconstructed Bandhani Saree, one of the latest creations from chic Indian designer (and Luxemi favorite!) Neeru Kumar.

We know what quality feels like.

 designer saree high quality embellishments

Aside from fabric, color, embroidery and embellishment, the feel of a garment is critical. If a saree is pure chiffon, it should feel lightweight and flow easily when you take it off the hanger. When you’re checking out a heavily embroidered saree, it should actually feel heavy to the touch. Luxemi makes sure each of the gorgeous sarees in our collection has an undeniable high-quality feel, which you’ll recognize as soon as you slip it on. Trust your eyes, but if all else fails, always trust your fingertips. Not sure what quality heavy embroidery should look and feel like? Use this lehenga saree as your benchmark for saree perfection.

Whether you’re looking for a saree to wear during the upcoming wedding season or to a casual daytime event, Luxemi can help you find the perfect high-quality choice that fits your style. Only the best for our Luxe fans!

Leave a Comment

Filed under Indian Fashion 101, Luxemi Style, Style Secrets, Uncategorized

How To Style A Salwar For A Western Event

Heather Sperling In Her Revamped Salwar

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something…  revamped! As you can see in this picture of Chicago fashionista Heather Sperling, all it takes is a little creativity to transform a very authentic Indian outfit into something you can wear for a regular night out on the town.

When we asked Heather about her look, she explained that her mother had purchased the salwar when they were living in Mumbai in 1990 (see, it’s something old and borrowed). To give her vintage salwar a chic twist, Heather ditched its matching dupatta and mustard-yellow churidar pants and instead wore black tights, lace-up high-heeled boots and a statement belt (something new!). The result? A completely revamped look that we love.

Taking it a step further, Heather uses the matching dupatta as a scarf to spice up a LBD. One salwar, two stellar outfits!

Want to recreate Heather’s look? Try pairing a salwar with these Sterling Silver Engraved Hanging Earrings (only $28 to borrow!) and a multistrap, J. Crew Belt!

Engraved Earrings From Luxemi And A Multistrap Belt From J. Crew

Do you have a salwar or saree you’ve reworked into a Western outfit? Send us a picture and be considered for a feature on The Luxe Report!

Leave a Comment

Filed under Luxemi Style, Style Secrets

Revive Your Wardrobe With Wild Orchid Mix and Match Blouses!

Looking for a way to spice up your existing saree collection? Luxemi’s collection of Wild Orchid Mix and Match blouses by designer Karuna Kaithan are just what the doctor ordered. Kaithan’s designs are the perfect blend of sophistication and fun and are made of luxurious, tailored fabrics that feel like a second skin.

Each Mix and Match blouse comes in a variety of sizes (from 34 to 42) so you can achieve a perfect fit that accentuates your shape! Have you taken a browse lately through your mom’s massive closet? We’re sure she’s got a treasure trove of vintage sarees that are to die for! Wear the Silver Brocade Blouse (pictured above) to update one of your mom’s classic sarees and make it your own. Ready to elevate one of your more simple, LBD sarees to new fashion heights? We have a feeling the Gold Sequin Blouse (pictured above) will do the trick. You can even refashion your lehengas by switching out your old choli’s (tops) with Wild Orchid blouses. Think of all the glorious pieces you own that were worn once, and then sadly relegated to the back of your closet out of fear of committing the cardinal sin known as “repeat.” Take the plunge into your closet and mix and match with a Wild Orchid blouse until you’ve crafted a look that is completely fresh. Not only will you look great, you’ll feel great about being so creative!

Since they come in a variety of price points and in several versatile, metallic colors, you’re sure to find a Mix and Match blouse that’s perfect for you. Looking to give an outfit you’ve borrowed from us an extra special kick? Purchase a Wild Orchid blouse along with your rental and you can rest assured knowing your look is absolutely one-of-a-kind.

Wear a Wild Orchid Mix and Match blouse and breathe new life into your closet… one reimagined outfit at a time!

Leave a Comment

Filed under Luxemi Style, Style Secrets

DIY: Don’t Leave Home Without Your Headpiece!

Head Pieces Galore! (clockwise from top left, Alicia Keys, Nicole Richie, Isabel Lucas, and Fergie)

Jewelry isn’t limited to your neck, ears, and hands these days. The latest way to adorn yourself is with a bejeweled headpiece. It’s the perfect way to add a little glamour to your ensemble. For a fresh modern look, pair a headpiece (or tikka as it is called in India) with a simple necklace, a pair of earrings or wear it solo. Don’t forget: headpieces are not just for wearing with your Indian clothes, you can rock them with other favorites in your closet as well. Whether you’re going for boho chic like Nicole Richie or red carpet elegant like Fergie, make sure to remember your headpiece before walking out the door!

Be creative! You can use a chain, necklace and even an armband (like the one below) as a decorative piece in your hair. Visit Luxemi to buy from the collection or borrow from the closet for your own statement headpiece.

Kundan Armband with Red Stones

5 Comments

Filed under Killer Accessories, Style Secrets, Trend Alert