Kurta-Pyjama "Old & Fashionable"

Kurta-Pajama a two piece garments adorned by Indian men is a traditional attire, one of the basic clothing of the Indian men.

The first garment is a kurta that is like a loose long shirt almost reaching the knees, whereas the second one is the pajama or pyjama, which is a lightweight drawstring trouser.

Though mostly worn on formal occasions these days, kurta pyjama can also be worn casually. Infact, there are many Indian men who wear this dress as their sleepwear.

Normally, they are loose and comfortable drawstring pants, made of light fabrics. However, in places like Britain and United States, they apply to sleeping suits, and consist of a loose front-buttoned jacket and a trouser. These days, pajamas or pj’s signify anything, from flamboyant beach trousers to airy boxers. More often than not, any item of male sleepwear today is synonymous to a pajama. Even though, everyone loves to move around in them, few know of their history and origin.

Only soft material fabrics are used for making kurta pajama as it is supposed to be a comfortable loose fitting dress. Though good quality cotton is the most common material used for making kurta pajama, other fabrics like silk and satin are also used. Normally adults prefer wearing the kurta and pajama in neutral shades, as they give a very dignified look. Children, on the other hand, wear this dress in varied hues and patterns. Kolhapuri chappals are the most preferred footwear for this type of attire.

The word ‘pyjama’ traces its etymological origin to the Persian word ‘payjama’ meaning ‘leg garment’. However, it was first incorporated into English from the Hindustani language.

In British ruled India, British men during the seventeenth century wore pyjamas as casual attires while relaxing. However, they soon gained ground in the west during the colonial era, and became popular as sleepwear, with designs inspired from similar traditional Indian
and Persian garments. In India, pyjamas from important clothing items of women and Sikh men. In addition, with the adoption of wearing pajamas by Englishmen, their popularity soon perforated all across the globe.


Today, pyjamas not only serve the function of sleepwear, but also considered as fashion garments by many. People harbor no inhibitions to flaunt themselves in their favorite pairs of pj’s in public. We all know how popular and happening a ‘pajama party’ turns out to be these days. Don’t we? That is just one way of indicating the popularity of pajamas.

These days pyjama comes in different fabrics, from comfortable cottons to luxuriant silks or satins. They are also available in a variety of details and patterns. Besides, in places like North America, wearing pajama pants are considered more modish than legging around in hot
pants.

What's in this Summer for Gals?

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The scorching summer sun is finally here, and it's time to heat things up a bit with this year's summer styles. Summer fashion is cool, trendy and vibrant with more accent on colour, prints and rustic style. With an emphasis on fabric, denim, tailoring, and patterns, this summer is all about being simple, getting colorful, looking relaxed, and going out in style.

Here are presented to you the latest Fashion Trends in Summer.

Colour In this Summer

Summer's new color palette includes brights, pastels and, as always, white. There's a virtual rainbow of colors-beautiful shades of turquoise, emerald, lavender and fuchsia. Solids are mixed with patterns: Look for polka dots, stripes and florals. The colour pink is also dominating this season. White is the by far the most versatile color this season, as it goes with neutrals as well as the bright, clear pastels.

Accessories In this Summer

Accessories make a lot of effect on your wardrobe. This summer accessories flirt with colour. Handbags are witty. Sandals are strappy. Jewellery is coral and sun glasses have a tint of shine. All these adds up to a pretty season and a great way to express your individuality.

Skirts In this Summer

Skirts are in with different styles, prints and fabrics. For those who have long legs go in for mini skirts and wrap around skirts and flaunt those sexy legs. Those who are on the bulkier side can opt for long flowing skirts with floral prints which are trendy and in-vogue. Flaunt your sexy curves on a boyish figure with a body-hugging cut.

Pants In this Summer

For those who love wearing pants, this season is excellent to flaunt your sexy curves with pants to suit your body and figure. The trend toward eclecticism and femininity is perhaps best expressed this season by one of the season's must-haves - the cargo pant. Capri pants are also in and give the

Image by Juushika Redgrave via Flickr

much required comfort and flexibility. Cropped pants and stretch pants in a variety of fabrics is another trend which comes in comfortable fits this spring. Whether your thighs are thick or thin, a loose cut can give you a flattering fit.

Tops In this Summer

Go in for a camisole top to show off your toned arms and play up your bust. They come in various colours, fabric and styles. Those who have a perfect figure can go in for body hugging cotton tops. Going with the Indian fashion, kurta's are the in thing this summer. It's also the perfect style to hide tummy bulges and a large chest. Sleeveless, strappy tops are also the best bet this summer which comes in floral and other prints.


This is what we suggest to you for this summer.Blend this with your very own personalized style and look great.

Fashion for men

Here are some clothing style tips for men that will provide guidelines regarding the right man fashion clothing for different body type. These man-clothing tips can be a great help in adorning you but you must follow the advice seriously.

Short waist men should avoid wearing trousers / jeans at waist. Low waist jeans are not the right type for you. Tucking your top would not be a very good option. Pullovers are apt for your personality. Short lengthy tank tops are a total no because they tend to highlight your short waist. Contrast concept wont look very good as it would interfere with the vertical flow. So a combo of pink shirt and black trouser should not be chosen. Ask your tailor to keep an inch higher on waist while taking measurement.

Long waist men need to do things the other way round when compared to short waisted guys. Guys your perfect fashion style is low waist jeans with a contrasting shade T-shirt tucked inside. Double breast jacket is just ideal for you so as to prevent people's eyes from falling particularly on your legs. So boys now are you understanding how to divert people's attention? Opt for belts with a big buckle.

Men with flat butts should firstly make sure that they wear proper fit pants. Straight leg trousers are just perfect for you because they divert the attention from back and camouflage your body feature. On the contrary there are men with big butts. For them it's important to wear proper undergarments,

If you have a large belly, your wardrobe should have a combination of light fabric and dark color. Light shades tend to accentuate your big belly. You should make it a point to wear a vest as it prevents loose skin flow from taking place. Long sleeve T-shirt is the right kind for you. Avoid low waist jeans.

Even if you are dressed in ethnic clothing there are many options available with you but again as mentioned earlier all types are not meant for you. Shorter men and fleshy guys should wear knee long kurtas. Tall guys can opt for calf length kurta also.
So guys by now you must have got a clear idea as to what would suit you so follow these tips and disguise your bad body features. We hope that next time you go shopping you'll be focused as to what you want & not get lured by styling or designing of apparel.

Malnutrition – The real cause of Obesity

To look thin is in fashion. Fat is beautiful, along with every other shape, size or form. What is important in a discussion of obesity is helping the large woman who also has a heart condition, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, or high blood pressure to lose enough weight to stay alive. I am taking strictly about the necessities of health, and use the term obesity only to refer to fat that is health-threatening. Women who are obese are at greater risk for the above diseases, which have increased seriousness for them in some cases, as well as for cancers of the uterus and breast.

Malnutrition is the major cause of obesity. The body is not getting what it needs, so is continually hungry looking for what's missing. Most women who are obsess were started on the Typical American Diet early, may have had food allergies or were unable to digest the cow's milk and starch they were weaned on.

The problem grows with the child; an adult lacks the physical activity of childhood and the Typical American Diet has also become habit. An abnormal biochemistry develops, with food sensitivities and hypoglycemia. Too few nutrients are supplied in many women's diets to make fat burning possible. "Fat is only lost when energy is produced, therefore weight cannot be taken off until fat is efficiently burned, a process requiring almost every nutrient." A further cause is endocrine/glandular imbalance, much of which can also be remedied by full nutrition, and there are many other theories. For the woman who needs to lose weight as a health necessity, reducing diets are not the answer, but good food is-changing the Diet to give her body what it needs.

Mona-Pali taking Indian Fashion Ahead

In the world of Indian fashion, the designer duo of MonaPali, Mona Lamba and Pali Sachdev, hardly need an introduction. After making a modest beginning in 1985 at the request of their friends, this creative duo has come a long way to establish itself as one of the
most sought after ace line designers in both national and international fashion circuits.

‘India’ lies at the heart of MonaPali creations that incorporates an eclectic mix of Indian culture – an unconventional treatment of textures, mediums, embroidery and prints. MonaPali have revived long-established Indian art forms such as tribal motifs, Kantha, Worli, Madhubani and Pattachitra along with the fascinating use of block prints embellished with terra cotta, ceramic, mouli, ropes and gauze to name a few.

MonaPali has featured umpteen shows in both India and abroad and they are rightly referred to as the ‘Silent Contributors’ in Indian fashion scene. With India being their creative inspiration, MonaPali once again recreated their magic in the first ever Kolkata Fashion Week
2009.

Their ensemble reflects the cultural and ethnic roots of India – almost an eclectic mix of traditional Indian art and craft – would you like to elucidate a bit?

With MonaPali doing overseas fashion shows nearly 7-8 years back, Indian fashion has been a familiar face in the international circuit and with increasing number of designers, it leads to greater display of novelty and creativity.

With global slowdown hitting Indian shores, is Indian fashion industry facing the burnt of recession, fashion per se, in case of bridal wear,for example, if there is a wedding in any family then its budget may vary regarding the bridal ensemble, nevertheless, wedding will
take place. People will not stop buying good clothes.

MonaPali at the Kolkata Fashion Week were inspired from the roots i.e. India. Their creation concentrated on traditional Bengal – where saree was worn without blouses. We showcased traditional sarees worn without blouse but with belts.

Some common Myths about Exercising :

1.You Will Burn More Fat If You Exercise Longer at a Lower Intensity.
This is the biggest myths that one has. The most important focus in exercise is the amount of fats that you burn while you are doing that activity. The faster you walk, step or run, for example, the more calories you use per minute. However, high-intensity exercise is difficult to sustain if you are a beginner or you have not exercised for a while, so you may not exercise very long at this level. It is safer, and more practical, to start out at a lower intensity and work your way up gradually.

2. If You're Not Going to Work Out Hard and Often, Exercise Is a Waste of Time.
This kind of thinking keeps a lot of people from maintaining or even starting an exercise program. Research continues to show that any exercise is better than none. For example, regular walking or gardening for as little as an hour a week has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.

3. Yoga Is a Completely Gentle and Safe Exercise.
Well this belief is very wrong. Yoga is an excellent form of exercise, but some styles are quite rigorous and demanding both physically and mentally. As with any form of exercise, qualified, careful instruction is necessary for a safe, effective workout. Some exercises if not continued and abruptly stopped can cause serious health risks.

4.Regular Exercise Will Help You Lose Weight Quickly.
This is also a wrong belief. In reality, genetics play an important role in how people respond to exercise. Studies have shown that a group of people who have been following the same set of exercises response differently and weight loss is also different.

5. Exercise Alone Will Keep Your Weight In Check.
This is the general misconception. Weight gain or loss is depends on various factors, including dietary intake and genetics. All individuals will not lose the same amount of weight on the same exercise program. It is possible to be active and overweight. However, although exercise alone cannot guarantee your ideal weight, regular physical activity is one of the most important factors for successful long-term weight management.

A Book on Indian Saris

Image by youngrobv (Rob & Ale) via Flickr

The book 'Design for India: Indian Saris' is celebrating the meaningful engagement of contemporary Indian design in saris with the
traditional handloom industry of India.

It is penned by author Vijai Singh Katiyar, Senior Faculty, National
Institute of Designs, Ahmedabad. He researched for two decades on the
visually delightful book which rediscovers the handwoven sari, an
iconic traditional product of India for its conceptual strengths that
are relevant to the contemporary scenario.

Katiyar informed that sari exports account for 7 to 8 per cent annual
growth, adding, the garment has registered a growth mostly in the UK
and USA where there is a sizable NRI population.

Baroness Shreela Flather formally inaugurated the book at the Nehru
Centre yesterday describing it as a "real feast". The book launch
coincides with the 'London Book Fair' where India is the theme country
this year.

The book is co-published by NID and the Wisdom Tree, New Delhi.

Kanjivaram Silk Sarees-Truly Fashionable

Image by Zahid H Javali via Flickr

Among all kind of Indian saris that come in variety of textures,
colors and designs, silk saris form an integral part of Indian Fashion
Trends.The Kanjivaram silk sarees are woven from pure mulberry silk.
They are of enviable texture, luster and durability and finish. The
sarees come in an array of dazzling colors and are available in every
imaginable design and variety.The rich weave and feel of kanjivaram
silk saris hold everyone's attention. Be it simple contrast border
silk sarees or those with gold zari dots and patterns, the kanjivaram
silk sari continues to hold place of pride among the various silk
sari-varieties of the country.

Kanjivaram silk is preferred as bridal sarees for its durability and
grandeur in Southern India.

History of Kanjivaram Silk Sarees

Historical records reveal that it was during the reign of Krishnadeva
Raya that silk weaving rose to eminence in Kancheepuram. During this
time, the Devanga and Saligar weavers, who were reputed for their
weaving skills in silk transmigrated from Andhra Pradesh and settled
in Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu.The rich kanchipuram silk sarees date
back nearly 400 years when they were woven in the temples. Probably
the most superior and famous of silk in the world is the ‘Kancheepuram
silk’ of Tamil Nadu. The town is also known as ‘Silk city’ because the
main profession of the people living in and around Kancheepuram is
weaving silk sarees. In fact, more than 5000 families are engaged in
the silk industry.

The temple city of Kanchipuram is renowned from antiquity for its
distinctive weaving style.

The neighboring regions viz. Arani, Kumbakonam and Thirubhavanam also
form an integral part of the silk weaving industry. The mulberry silk
comes from Karnataka while the gold zari comes from Surat.
Interestingly, since the maximum length on a traditional loom is
18-yard warp, it ensures that not more than 3 silk saris can look
alike. Nimble fingers weave yards of magic with color and design to
give you silk material that can also be fashioned into garments such
as lehengas, pavadais and salwar kameez.

The unique feature of Kanjivaram silk saris is its special weaving
technique - one that uses three single threads of silk yarn along with
zari. This accounts for its durability and lustre.

The Kanjivaram silk sarees is noted for its double warp and double
weft. In a genuine Kancheepuram silk saree, the border, body and the
pallu are woven separately and then interlocked together. This joint
is woven so strongly that even if the saree tears, the pallu or border
will not detach.

The gold in the motifs in Kanjivaram silk sarees is incorporated by
dipping the silk threads into liquid gold and silver. This enhances
the ethnic beauty and value of silk. Some of the traditional motifs
featured in the Kanjivaram silk sarees are ‘rudraksham’, ‘malli mogu’
and ‘gopuram’, ‘mayilkan’ (peacock’s eye), ‘kuyilkan’ (nightingale
eye) borders.

Contrast colors for pallav and borders are a hallmark with most
Kanjivaram silks. Earlier, designs for these Indian silk sarees were
restricted to conservative stripes or gold dots. Motifs represented
various elements of nature such as birds, leaves and flowers.

Today, the kanjivaram silk saree has undergone a metamorphosis. It has
kept pace with modern prints and its rich and magnificent grandeur
continues to lend a festive touch to any occasion. Today you can find
designer silk sarees with embroidery or even embellished with cystals.

The other popular silk saree varieties are the Benaras silk saris or
Patola silk sarees.

Be it wedding sarees or festive sarees, Indian silk sarees are a class
apart! They are truly fashionable.

Bandhini & Lehriya Sarees

The Indian Fashion shows glamorize on the exotic Indian work of art,
with exquisite handwork beadwork, and tie-dye fashions. Designers are
taking indian fashion and incorporating it into western culture. Yet,
the most traditional handwork sarees are the most sought for.

Every region of India has developed its own unique sari style, which
differs in terms of fabric and weaving style. The reservoir of sari is
simply superb encompassing variety.

Today we shall look at the sarees, belonging to region of Gujrat and
Rajasthan popularly known as Bandhani Sarees.

The word Bandhani comes from the Hindi word Bandhan which means tying.
Bandhini have been the most popular fashion wear in north-west India.



In fact, the Gujarati saris, the Panetar [white sari with a red
bandhini border and the Gharchola [traditional red bandhini sari
crisscrossed with woven gold squares enclosing bandhini motifs were
traditional wedding wear.

Now however, contemporary colours and designs interprets the
traditional bandhini saris in old rose, jade green, peach etc. with
zari borders. Single color sarees and odhnis with white spots are also common. The most famous of this type is the Gujarati sarees called Garchola. It is usually red, but occasionally green, and is divided into a network of squares created by rows of white tie - dyed spots or woven bands of zari.

Bandhani sari is classic style of Rajasthan and Gujarat. This sari is made by hand, that involves tying and dying of cloth. The sari is tied and died in such a manner that it produces elaborate patterns and designs on the fabric.

Red, black, pink, yellow and green are mostly used in Bandhani sarees. All the colors used are bright and contrasting with each other. After all, Rajasthan is famous for its vibrant colors. Nowadays, as pastel shades are growing popular, you will find even pastel shades on
Bandhani work. The trend has caught Bandhani in its grip too!

You can get various designs in Bandhani like squares, stripes, dots,waves, tear-shaped dots etc. Also, popular designs such as Lehriya, Ekdali, Shikari and Mothda are also made by the process of tie and dye. You can even find flowers, bells, plant shapes, mountain patterns in tie and dye.

These are various types of cloths on which Bandhani work is done like silk, cotton, muslin, handloom, voile etc. For dying the cloth, vegetables dyes or synthetic dyes are used. Embroidery work is further done on the Bandhani to give it a decorative look. You will also find zari work, gotta etc. For weddings, silver and gold embroidery is done on the Bandhani, giving it a rich look.

Leheriya (pattern of the waves) is another popular design of Rajasthan. In Leheriya, only two colors are used. These two colors are used alternatively. Wave like stripes are formed by using these two colors. Leheriya is worn throughout India, especially in Northern India.

Traditionally, only bright colors were used for Leheriya, but Leheriya is catching up with fashion. Now, you will find pastel and English shades in it too