When planning for a wedding or any function, every girl looks to the red carpet and the runway for some style inspiration. But every girl also doesn’t have the ability to pay those red carpet and runway pricetags. So what’s a belle to do when she’s lusting after a must-have outfit but is stuck with a limited budget? We picked five of our favorite trends and are showing you how you can quickly and easily get the look you love while paying a whole lot less, thanks to the gorgeous collections at luxemi.

So Fresh and So Colorful

The fastest and easiest way to add a fresh and bright touch to a traditional lehenga is to add a dash of color. Think outside of the usual reds and maroons and look for outfits that incorporate hints of pinks, oranges, and yellows to make a stunning style statement. Parineeti Chopra walked the runway for Maheka Mirpuri’s “Khwab” collection in a sparkling orange and gold lehenga. The bright color added a fresh and glamorous twist to the traditional outfit that we love. You can create a similar look with this brocade lehenga available at luxemi—the bright pink dupatta adds that pop of color that we love. Don’t forget to add loads of gold accessories for even more sparkle!

Neutral Nets

Want to add some subtle elegance to a sleek net saree? Choose a neutral-colored outfit for an elegant and timeless look. Neutrals pair gorgeously with gold embellishments for a perfect bit of sparkle to the toned-down shade. No one does neutrals better than Shehlaa Khan, and plenty of Bollywood’s leading ladies (including her BFF and muse, Sonam Kapoor) agree! Kajol once wore a stunning nude-colored Shehlaa by Shehla Khan saree covered with sparkling gold embroidery for a public appearance—a classic up-do and minimal jewelry were the perfect finishing touches. This gold-sequined saree available at luxemi is all you need to recreate this gorgeously classic look. Add a sleeveless blouse for a sleek and sexy take on the traditional drape.

Graced in Lace

Lace sarees are one of our favorite new trends, especially in the warmer weather! The light fabric is the perfect way to add a quintessential feminine and romantic spin to any outfit, especially one as classic as a saree. Pastels and softer shades especially shine in lace—we are lusting after a light turquoise lace saree Deepika Padukone recently wore to a public appearance. The soft color turns even more elegant thanks to the lace fabric. Luxemi once again saves the day with this stunning purple chantilly lace saree. Keep the jewelry simple for a daytime function or add a statement necklace and earrings for a more formal event.

Royalty in White

One of our favorite takes on the recent anarkali trend has been the growing popularity of angrakha-style dresses. Dating back to the Mughal era, angrakha tops feature a kurta top in which one side overlaps the other and is tied with an ornate tassel. The result is a look that is as regal as it is glamorous. Take your ode to royalty a notch higher by choosing a classic shade like white, the way Bipasha Basu did when she wore a stunning Armaan by Sunaina Puri white angrakha suit. The fitted top paved way for a flowing skirt that had this leading lady looking every part the royal. You can be the princess at any party in this white angrakha suit—gold or silver jewelry will each pair beautifully with this timeless shade, take your pick!

Amaze in an Anarkali

 The anarkali trend is one that’s here to stay, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. This universally-flattering outfit looks good on nearly anyone, and designers can’t seem to get enough of this elegant look. The latest suits are deep in color and high on style—collared necklines, longer sleeves in sheer nets, and tons of embellished embroidery, are just some of the ways designers are taking this traditional outfit and adding a modern dose of glamour. You are guaranteed to see at least one stunning anarkali dress at nearly any Manish Malhotra runway show. His recent collections have showcased a rich color palette—including deep purples, blues, and pinks—paired with brocade borders and sheer long sleeves. For those of us that don’t have Manish available on speed-dial, this stunning brocade and aari-embroidery suit (bonus style points for that asymmetrical hemline!) available on luxemi does the trick when we want to channel our favorite Bollywood style guru.

Need even more style inspiration? Head over to the Shaadi Belles image galleries and start searching, saving, and sharing!

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!

Images courtesy of Glamour Magazine and StyleBistro.

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.

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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!

All Photos c/o WLIFW 2013

Here’s how it works: Register on ShaadiBelles.com and then cancel your plans for the rest of the day. We’re kidding…kind of. Their image galleries are chock-full of photos from real weddings, runway shows, the latest wedding trends, and so much more. You can search by color with their color palette, category, or just enter what you’re looking for in the search box. Whether you’re looking for ideas for your own wedding or you simply want inspiration on how to look your most stylish at the next wedding, their comprehensive image gallery has it all.

The inspiration boards are key if you need a place to keep all your favorite images organized by event or category. Create your own favorite fashion boards and use it the next time you plan on buying or borrowing a new outfit from Luxemi!

What else can you find in the gallery? Everything! From real life brides on their wedding day…

To the latest styles wedding styles on the runway..

To show-stopping bridal jewelry and accessories..

They have it all! Are you hooked yet? Don’t forget to check out the BelleBlog; you may just come away with beauty tips for your wedding day or a color scheme for your mendhi party! So the next time you plan on renting or buying from Luxemi, remember to first “search, save, and share” all of your South Asian inspiration with Shaadi Belles. Just make sure to cancel your dinner plans.

All Photos c/o WLIFW

All Photos c/o Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week