Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Sun Dress Womens Casual Summer Clothes

A sundress is an informal sleeveless dress of any shape in a lightweight fabric, for summer wear. The dress is intended to be worn without a layering top, and the design must therefore cut a balance between modesty and allowing sun exposure.
Sun Dress Womens Casual Summer Clothes
The sundress provides a feminine look that may be lighter and more comfortable than a skirt and blouse, or another sort of dress. Modern styles commonly feature very low necklines and short hemlines, but more modest lengths and a variety of patterns are also widely available.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Cotton Kaftan Long Sleeve Tunic Evening Gown Caftan

Cotton Kaftan Long Sleeve Tunic Evening Gown Caftan
In the Ottoman Empire of the 16th century, Caftans of varying lengths were constructed from rich Ottoman satins and velvets of silk and metallic threads were worn by courtiers to indicate status, preserved in court treasuries, used as tribute, and given as "robes of honor" to visiting ambassadors, heads of state, important government officials, and master artisans working for the Imperial court.

Men's caftans often had gores added, causing the caftan to flare at the bottom, while women's garments were more closely fitted. Women were more likely to add sashes or belts. A sultan and his courtiers might layer two or three caftans with varying length sleeves for ceremonial functions. An inner short-sleeved caftan, was usually secured with an embroidered sash or jeweled belt, while the outer caftan could have slits at the shoulder through which the wearer's arms were thrust to display the sleeves (sometimes with detachable expansions) of the inner caftan to show off the contrasting fabrics of the garments. Historically, the kaftan is a mans cotton or silk cloak buttoned down the front, with full sleeves, reaching to the ankles. It was the traditional wear in the Eastern Mediterranean.The caftan may also be worn by women in the US, where it is typically called a muumuu.

It is again, usually not belted and may come in a variety of prints. Some are Hawaiian inspired, and others may have prints that are reminiscent of African designs. The caftan in the US may be cotton, cotton/polyester, or cotton gauze. It is usually worn as a house dress, a nightgown or a swimsuit cover-up, and can be extremely comfortable.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Womens Footwear Handcrafted Beaded and Embroidered Leather Shoes

Womens Footwear Handcrafted  Beaded and Embroidered Leather Shoes
The most important accessory of dressing is the footwear. The commonly shoe-style worn in India is in leather with beaded work, mirror work, thread work and hand embroidery work. Women loves to wear these types of shoes called 'jutis' in India. A shoe is an item of footwear for the various outfits, there is a variety of footwear, but shoes are universal type that has the maximum in terms of choice. From sports to formal to casual, from leather to cloth, there are all kinds of material and styles. Shoes are also country-specific. Shoes are categorized by smooth and supple leather uppers, leather soles, and narrow sleek shape. In India shoes made of leather with hand work by the 'Rajasthani' artist. If you attire in typical Indian traditional style, like a simple salwar kameez, you can opt for Kohlapuri Chappals and Rajasthani Jutis(Eco Friendly) that is simple and sober. Today hand worked women shoes are in big demand. Women shoes come in a variety of colors. It is your choice to match a footwear according to your color of dress.Leather shoes with Rajasthani work are typically thought of as a staple in any woman's wardrobe in India, and come in a variety of colors and styles. According to your need, whichever footwear you opt for, make sure it has a soft sole and is comfortable to wear. Be clear about the purpose for which you are buying shoes. If you are looking out for casual shoes for ladies, you should avoid high heels especially if your job requires whole day standing. For that purpose, flat shoes (jutis) are just apt. Know yourself and in consistency pick up your footwear. If you want to stay comfortable whole day 'jutis' are the best option.
Womens Leather Khussa Jutti
It is often said that, "First impression is the last impression" so adhering to it don't forget to pay attention to your shoes. It is as important as your wardrobe, makeup and trendy handbags. As necessary is to buy women fashion shoes, equally important is to maintain them and keep them clean. Comfort is the keyword you must take care of while selecting your fashionable footwear. Latest footwear trend is of woman fashion jutis. Good fit gives you the necessary comfort and strong grip provides the required support. Good fit must ensure that there is ample space for your toes to breathe. They look fabulous with your casuals.

Monday, March 16, 2009

India Clothing Sari Wedding Saree

India Clothing Sari Wedding Saree
In India, the loom is the sari, measured to the amplitude of this timeless dress which leaves the loom ready to be worn. If we look at the saree, however, what is it except a length of cloth of five and a half metros? The sari is defined by its wearer, the women whose person it adorns: it takes her shape, is pleated to mold her body, its end-piece, the pallu, floats over her shoulder or is brought across the front. In former times, the choice of saree and its method of being worn indicated clearly her social status and where she came from, the pattern and colors often dictated by tradition and occasion.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Ethnic Indian Embroidery, Designs & Styles of Embroidery

Ethnic Indian Embroidered SareeHaven't you ever wondered who makes those embroidered designs on your shirt or on those beautiful cushions? How do they make those beautiful designs with just a needle and thread? There's a high probability that it was made in India, by the skilful hands of one of millions of regular Indian women who have mastered the art of embroidery.

Embroidery is an art. It is the expression of a woman's deepest urge to create. In India, embroidery has reached high levels of sophistication. The stitches and motifs used are challenging even to the most skilled needlepoint expert. However, the women who stitch the beautiful designs you see on garments, home decor, wall hangings, and other such Indian items, have made it a part of their daily lives. The gorgeous embroidery is the natural expression of their creativity, with beautiful results.

Embroidery in India is centuries old. In the olden days, wearing beautifully embroidered clothes was the privilege of the maharajas and emperors. Gold, pearls and precious stones used in the embroidery was a sign of wealth and prestige. When these expensive materials were substituted by glass beads, wires, and mirrors, the common person also got access to the wondrous effects of embroidered clothes. Even today, we find these common materials- beads, wires, mirrors- used in imaginative ways throughout Indian embroidery with spectacular effects.

Because India is so large and diverse, embroidery has a distinct look and technique in every region. Each region uses different motifs, different materials and different stitches. However, in all needlework in India, the needle is pulled away from the worker.

Each Region has its own style of Embroidery

Ethnic Indian Embroidery
In Bengal, the kantha stitch is a close darning stitch done in white thread. It depicts life on the move: folk stories, dancers, temples, deities, and animals. Because it originated in Bengal which is a coastal state in eastern India, the fish and the lotus are popular motifs in this style of embroidery. No two designs are ever alike for each embroidery artist fiercely tries to create her own unique pattern and not imitate others. Kantha saris, quilts, handkerchiefs, and pillow covers are popular. Check out the kantha stitch on these wall hangings and cushion covers.
The Banjara tribes of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh have their own style of embroidery as well. They use a lot of glass or mica or mirrors, which are thought to frighten away evil spirits who are afraid of their own images. Bright colors and beautiful stitches around the mirrors are characteristic of this style of embroidery. Beads and shells are also commonly used. Stitching mirrors, beads and shells into place requires complicated needle work, which the tribal women are skilled at doing. Purses, wall hangings and clothes are commonly embroidered in this way
The embroidery of Gujarat and Rajasthan is the richest in design, stitch, and bright color combinations. The women of these dry areas make up for the lack of color and vegetation around them by embroidering a garden of colors and designs! Legend goes that, in Gujarat, the god Krishna freed thousands of women by killing an evil demon. These women hailed from different parts of the country and brought with them different kinds of needlecraft. This is why this region has the widest variety of embroidery styles.
Kutch embroidery especially flourished under the patronage of the princely state. Here, embroidered items were traditionally given as dowry for a girl's wedding. The techniques of embroidery are handed down from mother to daughter. A massive earthquake in 2000 destroyed the Kutch region. Embroidery from this part of India is now very difficult to find. Indian brings you embroidery from Kutch, such as exclusive wall hangings embroidered with care and talent.
Embroidery and applique are often used together as well. In the craft of applique, bits of material are joined together to produce stunning effects. Indian craftspeople use remnants of colourful saris and spare cloth for their applique. Torans or door hanging fringes are some of the most elaborate embroidered and applique items available in India. They are hung in every Indian home for a warm welcome.
In Karnataka, kasuti embroidery draws inspiration from the surrounding architecture. The designs are like the domes of the temples, called "gopura". Animals are also popular motifs, including peacocks and, of course, the Indian elephant.
The Kashmir valley, now a war torn region, used to be a natural paradise. Full of flowers and maple trees, this northern region of India has some of the most exquisite craft work. Check out the floral embroidery from Kashmir on these bed sheets. Shawls are the most popular embroidered item in cool Kashmir. Some are embroidered with such skill that the pattern appears perfectly on both sides of the shawl. These are called "dorakkhas".
Punjab is famous for its phulkari work in floral patterns. This is a rich and colourful craft associated with the Jat tribe of Punjab. The phulkari veil is the prised possession of the village girl who wore it as a part of her wedding trousseau. It would traditionally be made by her mother, with love and affection. Bed covers, robes, stoles and wall hangings are embroidered in this style, especially in red, maroon and navy blue.
In Uttar Pradesh, the Chikan embroidery is said to have been introduced by Noor Jahan, the Mughal queen. Some of the patterns are believed to actually be her own! It is a dignified, subtle and feminine style of embroidery, difficult to do and attractive to wear. The grace and sophistication of chikan is unmatched in any other style of embroidery. It is best done on fine muslin cloth. Scrolling leaf and vine patterns are popular, as are paisley designs