KAPRAY SHAPRAY: Satya Pauls' Bollywood Heroines Pop Print Sari

I do like the funky prints of Satya Paul, bold, colourful and dramatic (even if I wouldn't be brave enough to wear some of them!) I've been seeing a lot of pop-art style and faces-prints on lots of dresses and kurtas/kameezes, not to mention a lot of Masaba and Satya Paul saris, so this sari fits right in with that trend.

The sari has prints of famous and golden oldie Bollywood faces all over, with actresses from their more iconic days, with the rest of the sari accented with a rich purple. I love the colours used here, and I like the idea of having Bollywood actresses make up the prints of the sari - although I'm less sure that I'd wear something like this (or where I would wear it to!)

What do you think of this sari? Is it something you would wear?

Image Source

FEROZA POST: Hand-Made Eid Cards & Oceanic Beaded Necklaces

We've added a few more things to Feroza Online, this week, just in time for Eid which is coming soon!

First up, are these hand-made Eid cards, in sets of three and four, in bright, pretty colours and boho-style patterns, all unique and different from any other:

You can buy the cards here (or just have a browse around and look at the other products too!)

We've also added some beautiful long beaded necklaces, made from beautiful crystal beads in royal blues, shimmering greens and pretty sky blues, which are great for a statement piece (and also hijab-friendly!). Here are just some of the pretty blue necklaces we are now selling.

 

You can buy the necklaces here, as well as have a look at some of our other pretty jewellery!

We will be adding more items in time for Eid, whether to accessorise with your outfit, to give as gifts, or just something for everyday wear, we'd love for you to go and have a look!

Our Shop: http://feroza.myshopify.com/ 

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/ummsalihah/feroza/ 

Twitter : https://twitter.com/FerozaTurquoise

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/feroza.turquoise

HIGH STREET DESIGNS: Summer Yellow & Pink Outfits

It's only appropriate that in the scorching summery weather that there would be colourful, summery outfits in the shops too. I saw these at Seasons, based in East London a few days ago and thought they were absolutely pretty.  I like that they're not too heavy or overloaded with work, so they would be pretty comfy and easy to wear - they would be perfect to wear to a mehndi perhaps, or even for a summer garden party!

GLAMOROUS ACCESSORIES: Kubla Khan Jewelled Clutches by Gilda’s Tryst

How beautiful are these? I've been on the look out for a pretty jewelled clutch bag recently, and thought these were stunning - beautiful stone-encrusted clutch bags sold at Gilda's Tryst, which I thought would be perfect for perhaps a bride or even just for a special occasion.

The prices are pretty steep though, so I've been looking for cheaper alternatives, such as something like this or this - not quite the same, but still some pretty version of clutch bags!

Image Source

BOLLYWOOD ISTYLE: Deepika's Photoshoot for Femina Magazine, Aug 13

I love the old-timey glamour which is happening in this picture, where Deepika looks beautiful while posing for a photoshoot for Femina Magazine. I can see a 1960's sort of influence to this look, which looks both glamorous and modest, and I really think that Deepika pulls it off well. It's also great that she can be quite versatile in her styles, as the previous looks before this outfit in the same shoot is funky and modern, yet quite simple too, which really suits the star.

Image Source

BRIDE COUTURE: Farah Talib Aziz's Bridal Wear Shoot

Saw this today and thought it was just beautiful, the combination of the pretty white dress with the bronzey and pink make-up (by Natasha Khalid in Pakistan) is just perfect. The dress is by the wonderful Farah Talib Aziz Design House, whose outfits I've been eying up recently, and loving a lot. I also love this pretty mehndi outfit by them, something very elegant and feminine!

Image Source

FOLLOWING TRENDS: Patent Purses & Clutches by Ted Baker

I'm seeing a lot of the below colours in the shops lately, nudes, pinks, pastels as well as bright corals and reds, not to mention flower prints, not just on clothes but on handbags and clutches too. I'm really liking this collection of ted Baker purses and clutch bags, which are not too dressy and very pretty, perfect for a dressy night out, smart wear or just a bit of colourful pretty-ness to jazz up an everyday outfit.

While they're not too cheap, they're something different for someone willing to shell out a bit more for a pretty purse - I'm really liking this one!

Image Source

GLAMOROUS ACCESSORIES: Chicciola Rings by de Grisogono

I think these are just beautiful, pretty rings of precious stones by de Grisogono, and while I'm sure they're not exactly cheap, they make some serious eye-candy and definitely look unique - I've certainly never seen rings like these before, their cuts and colours just look amazing.

Someone want to get me a bunch of these as an Eid present, maybe? No?

DESIGNER MODE: Saiqa Majeed

I've seen a few designs by London-based Saiqa Majeed, who is a fairly new designer compared to others, and I'm liking the way some of her designs have been styled and put together, regardless of whether I would wear her designs or not (such as the brown boots in the first picture, very funky!)

I think it's interesting that Saiqa has put a lot of colours, prints and textures together, and it does certainly give a 'fusion' look for a lot of her outfits - which will certainly appeal to the British-Asian generation who are looking for something different.

I think I like the last outfit, in white and blue the most, simply because it looks so striking, and also because it looks flattering - something which would be perfect for a reception or a registry.

What do you think of these designs?

Images from here and here

Iggy Azalea's Bollywood & Eastern Influenced video

Iggy Azalea, an Australian singer/rapper released a new video for her single 'Bounce', which I though was interesting, less because of the song, and more because of her costumes. A lot of viewers have stated that they found this a little insulting, and slightly disrespectful because Iggy Azalea's meant to be in a temple and is dancing, but I think she meant to show the influence that India left on her, and to show it's positive side.

The costumes were apparently put together and styled by Alejandra Hernandez - I love that Parveen Bibi was one inspiration for the looks, and the fact that a lot of the jewellery and costumes came from India.

First up is this bridal outfit that Iggy is wearing in this video, which has the full jewellery set, matta-pathi and all with red lips and pretty henna. While we don't see a lot of blonde-haired brides in real life, it's easy to see the appeal to non-Asians. I think it is easy to look washed out in such a vivid red, but I think the rapper pulls it off her, and I really liked her make-up which looked immaculate and not too much.

I also noticed a lot of gold outfits and gota-style work on some of her costumes, which I liked because it showed a mixing of trends in Asian fashion, as well as a throw-back to the 60s and 70s; Paired with the singer's almost hippie hair and make-up look, this looks quite pretty.

I also liked the use of white jasmine flowers in her hair(although it's not traditionally worn this way!), and i think again, it suits the singer's colouring and the fact that she has set it off with simple, block colours.

 

I was less keen on some of the other outfits, like this full gold body-suit. While I'm sure it suits the singer's rapper status, I thought it looked a bit OTT, not to mention looked a bit hot to wear!

All in all, while some argued that this might be a little patronising to Indian and Desi culture, I don't think this is the singer's intention, while I agree that rap might not be the first thing which comes to mind when you think of Bollywood, it's interesting to see the singer's take. There has always been controversy over non-Asians in the Bollywood and Asian fashion scene (such as the TOWIE girls on the Asian Woman magazine, Selena Gomez's bindi controversy, or even Madonna's use of henna in her Frozen video!) but I think that just as there are people against it, there are also supporters of non-Asian women following trends.

Personally, I'm still on the fence on this one, I think Iggy Azalea looked great in this video, but I also think there's a few silly moments in it which could be done without!

All images are from Iggy Azalea's Bounce video

Ramadan Mubarak !

Ramadan Kareem everyone, I hope this is a special month for us all, and that between all the samosay, pakoray and fruit chaat, you make the most of this blessed month.

-- Curly Fries

FEROZA POST: Afsana Kundan Rings

We've added a new product to Feroza Online this week - some beautifully coloured large kundan rings, which you can have a look at here. We love the rich, deep colours of each ring, and the fact that they sparkle too - definitely something to bling up a pretty outfit!

Have a look and tell us what you think!

Our Shop: http://feroza.myshopify.com/ 

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/ummsalihah/feroza/ 

Twitter : https://twitter.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/feroza.turquoise

Aisha Lenia and Shahbaz Shigri's Wedding

Aisha Lenia Akhtar is a Pakistani model and actress whose work and photoshoots I have had a glimpse at before, particulatrly her bridal make-up and jewellery photoshoots. She got married recently to fellow actor and celeb Shahbaz Shigri, what looked like a fun ceremony.

I haven't seen much pictures of the entire wedding at all, but the few I've seen looks quite fun - such as the mehndi picture below which shows the bride looking very pretty (you can see more images here)

I LOVED this film-style poster for the mehndi, which looked really cute and different, and definitely something to take inspiration from. I've seen a few mehndi-posters like these on other blogs and weddings, and it's cute to see here because they're both actors (definitely something to copy for an upcoming mehndi or birthday party!)

I've only seen a couple of the wedding pictures of the bride on her wedding day and her reception, but she does look very lovely, and her bridal look is one which I find very beautiful. I'm not sure who the designers of her dresses are, but I'm sure I'll find out soon enough!

Photography taken by Jahanzeb Khan Photography and belongs to their Facebook group

I also loved her nikah pictures, which took place last year (which you can see here), which had her wearing a really pretty grey and deep red dress which looked simpler yet very pretty (although for some reason shw
reminds me a little of Bollywood actress Manisha Lamba!)

I'll be keeping an eye out for more pictures, but I did think this was quite sweet, and the bride certainly looks beautiful on her special day.

OUTFIT OF THE DAY: Mints, Creams and Speckled Scarves

I thought I'd do a different type of OOTD today, seeing as it's summer and I haven't had a lot of occasions to wear Asian outfits. I went to a barbecue yesterday (taking advantage of the beautiful summery weather!) and thought I wear something more suited to the weather. Although you do get summer cottons and fabrics, such as lawn, for the summer time, I'm not a huge fan of these (lawn, for example, can be a bit sheer and also sticks to the body too much!), so I'd rather wear loose outfits.

These are the things I put together (I didn't remember to take a picture of the outfit together before I wore it, so replicated it on Polyvore!): a mint green maxi skirt with a silk cream camisole and simple black and white scarf.

And this is me wearing it! I found this quite cool to wear, it would have been nicer to wear a lighter cardigan or a blazer even, but I don't have one at the moment (I'm on the lookout for one at the moment).

Skirt - River Island

Camisole - River Island

Scarf - Dorothy Perkins

Pumps - H&M

I loved how comfortable this skirt is, and how pretty the colour looked (I did get a lot of compliments on the skirt, which looked very flowey, and felt girly in a nice way!) I don't wear maxi skirts very often, but for the summer they're perfect (plus you can pretend you're wear a lengha for the day!)

How was your weekend? Did you wear anything different?

Bollywood Moments...

That moment when you sneak out of your own engagement to have a sneaky ciggy. 

I have a suspicion that this is a Manish Malhotra outfit, worn by Katrina in a scene from Jab Tak Hai Jaan, as it has the signature look to it that a lot of his outfits do, not to mention the classic colour combination of blue and red.

While I like the outfit, it doesn't look very different to me, and it's doesn't really have a wow-factor to it. That said, it still is very pretty, and it can easily be copied for those wanting a similar look (and it looks more credible for a movie, rather than an overloaded bridal look!)

 Image taken from Jab Tak Hai Jaan