FASHIONISTA AT FORTY AND AFTER

Fashion statement, financial independence and social changes.

Fashion is associated with young people.Most of the fashion shows are eager to have  younger models . We at Pushpneer believe that every women is a fashionista in her own right.

Think of your grand mother in that right pallu saari with big bindi , long hair either tied in simple bun or long pranda wali "choti" ,bright kohled eyes and the beautiful smile, she was a fashionista!
Our fashionista is not expected to follow the fashion trends. She is the one, who is happy and confident wearing what she feels like.

With so many platforms to interact with the world, exposure is bound to happen which ends up in lots of learning of styles and trending options. It also creates fusions of different cultures. Fusions and such interactions opens up different (eg.-indo-western) styles of clothing on the Indian street. Yes, we are not talking about ramp fashion as it's mostly left at ramp or once in a while seen on celebrities. As more and more women are becoming financially independent, they have become confident of trying dresses which are far cry from Indian traditional dresses like sari, salwar-kurti or lehenga, choli with duppata. Skirts, frocks, mid-length maxies, full length gowns, capries, shorts, tights etc are becoming preferred dresses for women. The two major factors of shifting to these styles is comfort and confidence of making choices. Many first generation financially independent women have taken this as an expression of freedom to do what they want.

I remember a very interesting observation made by a university professor in a university in a small town in Haryana in late 70's and early 80's. The girls from the villages have their first haircut, which is generally a boy-cut within the first week of being in hostel. Next comes the change in wardrobe. One jeans and few tops was affordable for most of the rural students within a month from the pocket-money, they were provided. Within six months, the changes were very drastic and positive. The changes, which education must brings in. A confident women, who is doing the things which she always wanted to do but was never allowed.

A home-science college was opened in the university campus to bring in the girls from the villages to the fold of education. Women were always a suppressed lot in Haryana as society is strongly patriarchal. It was difficult to convince the parents of girls to send them to co-educational institutions, so a girls college was the best option , which a university can offer to change the fortune of girls/ women in the area.

In the new session, we used to see lots of girls with oiled hair tied in one or two plaits with ribbons from rural Haryana roaming in groups on the university campus in the typical rural dresses of salwar or ghaghra paired with short kurti with pockets and a duppatta. With in a week, the girls used to get the smartest and "in" hair cut. The easiest change that can be brought with minimum risk and financials. Hair-cut in those days was from two to five INR in the beauty parlours in the university campus. Few more months in the hostels and transformation was admirable. The total wardrobe changes and the changes in  language, confidence and carrying themselves with ease was remarkable. Many were my friends too. We used to discuss and laugh  together at the changes they make in their lifestyles. The girls said they have learnt to breathe now. it was so suffocating at home, where all moves were guided and guarded by father or brothers. Youngsters are mostly open to experimentation.

Most of the women in their late 30's or 40's have been witness to these changes of more educational opportunities, work opportunities, financial independence , opening economy and social changes towards progressive trends. This generation was the torch bearer and has mostly paved ways for the future generation to have personal freedom.


Now in cities, we can see women in late 50's and 60's wearing knee length frocks, shorts without giving a damn to anybody. This self expression of freedom and "let's do it" feel is still missing in smaller cities for women. The major reason is the conservative societies, which have not changed much in giving women the freedom and safety, they deserved. It's the weakness of menfolks in such societies rather than the strength of the women which curbs a women right to live life the way she wants. Education is the tool which brings in the key to independence, confidence and living life on own terms.

Indian society is very judgmental and nosy. They take it as their right to interfere and be opinionated about  the actions or decisions of  anybody or everybody. It takes lots of courage here to follow one's heart here. It's good to see so many women rising against such mentality and following their hearts. Who can forget the Phogat sisters, coming from the conservative society of most conservative state, Haryana to make a name in world sports scene? There are numerous examples.

It's painful to see the exploitation of girls/ women by men. The recent incident of molestation of a girl on the streets of Rampur, a city in Uttar Pradesh, inspite of the "romeo squad" put in place by the UP government clearly shows there is no fear of law in the people. The law and order and other systems, which help in having a safe society have been misused by the successive political people, thus giving rise to a corrupt police force who work only for the agendas of politicians and not for the citizens, for whom the force is answerable. Few of the 6 molesters have been arrested , as per the latest reports. I have seen a video of the family of the girl, who were asking for justice. What is the justice? Few years of jail to the wretched men.. who knows, if some one brings the age certificate of being under 18, then he will be released again into the society  as an experienced criminal and as they say, experience makes a man perfect. Next time, he may rape, instead of molestation.

The girl, who has undergone all this must be under so much trauma. Will she ever be able to forget and move on, giving the kind of society, she lives in? We need  five fold action to create a safer society.
1. Strict laws
2. Strict and honest implementation of laws to create a fear in outlaws.
3. A proactive, reliable and sensitive police force
4. Creating a respectful approach towards women in general.
5. A non interfering government (politicians and bureaucrats)

Will there be a day, when India will have safe systems of police and governance so that common people feel safe ?

The fashion flavour this festive season!

With festive season round the corner, its time to put the fashionable foot forward. The lines between festive, formal and casual wear are blending seamlessly, its time to bring in some interesting variations in festive ensembles. The cuts, fabrics and silhouettes take the centre stage.

It's time to admire the beauty of Indian hand made products. Indian block print cloth, pretty ikat weaves and batik dyed mulmul cloth are great choices to celebrate the festivals. Indigo block printed cloth is the flavour of the season. The colour itself stands out. Funky silver jewelry will add the glitter to the ensemble.

Usually, bright colours are associated with the festivities. Try blush pink, white, pearl blue this season and you are going to be the shining jewel in all the get to-gathers. Avoid heavy work and let the weaves, colour combinations and simple straight cuts be brought the centre stage. You will be surprised to see the way you receive the compliments. Such simple and light dresses compliments the personality unlike heavy dresses, full of embroidery, layers, frills etc which overshadows the personality of the wearer.

It's also time to experiment with the looks. Try indo-western gowns, long frocks in Indian prints, weaves and unusual colours.

 Most of the time, people compliment as- the dress is looking very pretty. Kahan se li?  Not many gets compliments like - wow, you are looking so pretty. The dress is looking so good on you.

Do you want to change the way, you receive compliments? Shift to PUSHPNEER for our simplicity in designs, simple cuts, un-fussy silhouettes, breathing natural cloth and no two pieces are similar.

Have a look at some of our creations.

THE SENSIBLE FASHION

Hi folks,
It has been real long time since we met.I have a great news to share with you. I am going for my first exhibition and am thrilled! Creating designs and then showcasing them to the gorgeous people around has it's own excitement.

Since decades, I have been designing dresses for the women I am close to. I have a designing sense and am not a trained designer.  This allows me to roam freely in the design galleries without knowing the defined rules and restrictions, which designers know.

I have chosen cottons with Indian ethnicity. Block printed cotton, ikkat weaves and dyed mulmul is my chosen cloth for my Autumn 2016 collection, named URVI, means EARTH. It's a tribute to Indian artisans and Indian heritage by PUSHPNEER.

I am in love with  sleek designs and simple cuts in straight lines which accentuates a woman's personality as a whole. URVI dresses has vibrancy of designs by colour combinations, some forgotten collars' styles , freshly dyed batik and shibori prints and ikat weaves .

Pushpneer's endeavor  is to bring in the conservative women to appreciate the fusion fashion and join the tribe and enjoy the freedom these Indo-western dresses provide to the wearer. Our collection boasts of long maxi gowns, calf and knee length dresses, tunics, pinafores and some unusual skirts and lehengas.

Have a peekaboo in our collection. We are open to positive criticism to improve!

Our Indigo-Intention 

The skin soothing dresses with a relaxed silhouette . The effortless dressing by PUSHPNEER is all about casual styles .

I will share some more designs in my next post.

Till then, dress well, enjoy life and be happy with yourself!

LBD

The social changes in urban Indian society after freedom over the years and the world exposure through internet and other platforms have changed the way women  lived their life. The freedom women now enjoys in every sphere of life is an achievement of the struggles, they have gone through ages.This generation has been the most emancipated.

In 1970s and  1980s, the most common and appreciated dress for Indian women was salwar kameez, saris and jeans-top in metropolies. In smaller towns, it was mainly the salwar kameez, churidaar pyjama or saris. Young girls were experimenting with frocks, skirts and little black dress.  LBD was popular mainly at places, where western exposure is available. I have lived in university campus, where international faculties were  living on campus. I had the exposure to LBD.

LBD was the abbreviation for little black dress and was promoted as a dress for young and thin girls way back in early 1900 years in USA and European countries.

LBD is actually for any woman who is young at heart! 

Long black dress when abbreviated is also LBD. This is for the women who have grown up and LBD was part of their growing up years. With years, they have added experiences and fat too. Why should they miss the fun of having an LBD in their wardrobe again?

Its a must in every women's wardrobe irrespective of her age , size and figure. Its all about the attitude to carry an LBD.


Black color is very versatile and can be paired  with any colour to create a new effect. A simple jacket with kutchi hand embroidery has created a very different look as compared to the red and grey shrugs. Combining the LBD with a net jacket creates a party dress.
Have a look at my experiments with LBD!  And have fun creating your own style!

LBD - LITTLE BLACK DRESS

The LBD is an abbreviation used for little black dress. An LBD is an evening or cocktail short dress and with simple cuts. The  little black dress was brought on fashion scenario in early 1920s and intended to be long lasting, versatile, affordable and in neutral black colour. Coco Chanel and Jean Patou were the designer who perceived this dress.

The LBD is considered  an essential to complete the wardrobe of a fashionable women. LBD may be worn with a jacket or ornate jewelry or just like that , depending upon the occasion. As LBD has never been out of fashion and not yet expected to be, it's ideally should be as simple as possible and should not be part of the trends.

It was in 1926, when Gabrielle Coco Chanel published first picture of short simple black dress in American Vogue. It was simple and accessible to women of all social strata. Actually it became a uniform for women of taste.

In 1950s, the LBD returned as a symbol of dangerous woman. Hollywood's  fallen women characters were often portrayed in black halter style dresses in contrast to more conservative dresses which were worn by housewives and others. With availability of synthetic fibers in 1940s broadened the availability and affordability of many designs.

The generation gaps of 1960s created dichotomy in the design of the little black dress. The younger modern generation preferred mini skirt , creating cutouts or slits in skirts, using sheer fabrics etc.

In 1980s and 1990s, LBD again came into vogue. With new fabrics like knits and fitness craze, new fitting and designs and internet windows to access the world made LBD popular in Indian continent.  Combining LBD with different styles of footwear adds another kind of freshness to the LBD style. The resurgence of body hugging clothing, muted colour schemes paved way to the resurgence of LBD in 2000s.

Usually LBD is taken as a dress for young and slim women. But if one has grown up with LBD should one stop wearing it as it's supposedly for the younger lot? Its true that with age, the body shape changes but somethings do not change. LBD is one of them. So wait for the next post to know more about LBD for not so young and slim women.

Till then connect with "PUSHPNEER" ,feel your inner beauty and look beautiful !

https://www.facebook.com/pushpneerfashions/

My Indian Ethnic look.

 A sari, saree or shari is a South Asian female garment that consists of a drape varying from five to nine yards  in length and two to four feet  in width that is typically wrapped around the waist, with one end draped over the shoulder, baring the midriff. 

The sari is usually worn over a petticoat with a fitted upper garment commonly called a blouse The blouse may or may not have  sleeves and is usually cropped at the midriff. 

The sari is associated with grace and is widely regarded as a symbol of Indian, Pakistani, Nepalese, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan culture.

In this sari avatar, I am wearing a jute blended cotton saari in golden/ khakhi colour combination. The fabric is cool and just right for the hot ahmdabadi warm days. 

Its 5.5 metre saree with matching blouse piece. I created a simple round neck, short sleeved blouse. 

I teamed up with stone jewellary in matching colours to add spark to simple and plain saree.

Since sari is just simple, some stone jewellary added some chick. I used red lipstick to add some bright colours to the  look. No eye makeup , just little darkening of of eyebrows, which I think is just right for my age....of 20 + :). How many plusses makes all the difference to makeup styles!

Fashion is freedom to make a style statement!

With access and exposure to the world, the fashion scenario in India sees new western styles, which are mostly adopted and adapted by young people. 

I have not seen many women past their 30s, 40s or 50s experimenting with the new styles like jumpsuits, shorts, frocks, maxies or long evening gowns. One major reason which I have understood after discussing with them is the social pressure and not having an "hour glass figure". 

As far as figure is concerned, its a major issue. Women in Indian society always keeps herself at the end of the que in the family, where her requirements are concerned. This needs to be changed.

Learn to love yourself ! Give importance to your health and spend atleast one hour to yourself! Buy a good walking shoe and start walking. Real walking and not stroll in the park. A little control on diet and atleast 45 minutes of brisk walk will make all the difference. Find a partner to motivate you. Borrow the headphones from your son , wear the shoes and lo... you are on your health path!

The second issue is just in the mind. After wearing sarees and salwar kamiz, it may be difficult to wear a frock or short dress, start wearing a long evening gown or maxie dress. Its the same maxie, with same basics and some changes which most of you have worn in your teenage college days. Relive those days and wear it with attitude and confidence.

I am sure, you will feel the free and fashionable!

Write your own fashion statement and have fun!

Fashion is Beyond Fashion Shows

Fashion shows have become a great platform to showcase young designing talent. I have seen these shows on television, whatever coverage is shown to us as audiences. Whatever the channels showcase, I find most of the designs non wearable for common people on any occasions of life.

I am no body to question the creativity , talent or business done in fashion shows. But I do not find them of any use to people who just love to wear comfortable, stylish and reasonable priced.


 Can you wear a frock like the one in the picture on any occasion in your life?

What is the need to wear a jacket or coat whatever you may call it with saree? It would be much better to wear the saree without this additional burden.

 On which occasion can you wear a blouse like this? Or wear your saree without a petticoat showing a contrast panty?

 I am a proponent of simple, stylish and affordable fashion and hence not at all in sync with fashion shows and high profile designers. My another view of dressing is to cover body and not to expose it unnecessarily.






One can attract glances by wearing a heavy, in trend dress or a well fitted smartly complimening dress, which accentuates positive points of body but appreciating glances will be earned by an overall smart personality. It has nothing to do with high labelled designer stuff.

Spare some time or ask your neighbourhood boutique to stitch a dress thats' unique. Why go for a dress, that you may not wear twice? Support local talent and buy local artisan products. Pushpneerfashions is one upcoming boutique .

The photographs have been taken from google search engine from different Indian fashion shows.

Standout In The Crowd and Fashion Trends.

Its an innate human desire to stand out of the crowd. Its more so, when dressing and looking and feeling good is concerned.
Just ignore the fashion trends and styles. Wear what suits you and makes you happy and confident. This should be the criteria for selecting your dresses. The dress should complement your personality rather than it covers up you.
"The dress is very pretty" , is the most common compliment. This is the compliment for the dress and not for the wearer.  Always look for a dress that enhances your personality and the ease with which one can carry it. Leave the heavy weight dresses for film heroines to shoot.


Its always advisable to wear a dress that enhances your looks and personality. The brands and high price may act as ego booster but not always enhances the looks of the wearer. Invest your time in creating a dress of your choice or if you are very busy, choose a boutique who has enough time and creativity to make a pretty and different dress for you.

Ethnic styles always standout. They also help our artisans. With fusion of latest styles and embroidery and weaving styles of different regions, one can design an excellent dress for any occasion.

Though most of the boutiques will refuse to do this much trouble, there are creative people around who will help you make an exclusive outfit for you.
                       

As for matching jewelry, do not  overdo by wearing all the pieces of the set. If your dress has a heavy designs in front, avoid wearing the neck piece but wear ear rings. If your hairstyle is covering your ears , then go for a bigger neck piece or an attractive bangle set or bracelet.
 You must have been matching your lipstick shade with your dress. Try not to and see the magic of standing out!

Skirts: New Comfi Statement

Skirt is a garment which hangs from the waist and covers part or full legs.Historically, a straw woven skirt dated 3900BC was discovered in Armenia. It has been worn by men and women both, if one goes into history. In south east Asia,men still wear  lungi, sarong or kanga , which are categorized as skirts worn by men. 

During the nineteenth century the cut of women's dresses in western culture varied more widely than in any other century. Waistlines started just below the bust (the Empire silhouette) and gradually sank to the natural waist. 

Beginning around 1915, daytime dresses left the floors for good. For the next five decades, skirts had undergone tremendous incarnations. In 1920s, skirts became short, in 1930s, they became long. In late 60s and 70s, they became as short as possible, while avoiding exposure of underwear. 

Since 70s, trousers have appeared as another option of western fashion style for  women on the fashion scene and was a welcome addition to the women wardrobe. Skirts length varied from short and ankle length styles.

Later on, different types of skirts came on the fashion circle. 

Straight or pencil skirt hanging straight from hips and fitted from the waist to hips by darts or a yoke and having vent for ease of walking was a popular party dress in 70s.

A line skirt, pleated skirts, bell shaped skirts are other variants which became very popular.

In late 70s and early 80s, maxi-skirt was another fashion innovation. Wraparound, mid calf length skirt were also became very popular with girls because of their comfort and ease to wear, specially in hot and humid weather of summer and monsoons in India.

Skirts have again appeared on fashion scene with a bang. Earlier only young women and girls used to wear them because socially and it was not accepted as a dress for the women of all age groups. But now, the acceptance of such western outfits have increased in India due to global exposure through television, films and travelling. Its a comfort outfit whether one is at home, on shopping or in a party. 

So, go ahead and add few of this garment to your wardrobe. Feel the change in the way you dress up.You can wear it with a short T shirt or a long kurti. You can select the top and the type of skirt according to your figure and body type. If you are heavier at hips, go for straight skirt but not hip hugging. Similarly, if you have beautiful slim legs, go for knee length or shorter skirts, if not, go for maxi skirt. And our Indian lehenga or ghaghra is also skirt. Enjoy your makeover by adding a skirt to your wardrobe. i am sure, you will love the style and comfort!  Have fun with fashion!

Leggings - Comfort & Style.

The knitted legging is the new name of the "slacks" which was in fashion in seventies. The  women now in their forties and fifties must have the feel of wearing them when they were light weight and had the dream figure of
36 -26 - 36.

The latest entrant into the wardrobes of women and girls is leggings. Another smart and comfortable leg-wear is "jegging", which has the wearing comfort of a legging and smartness of a jeans.

Leggings have taken the market by storm as these are very comfortable to wear and gives a chick feel to the wearer. When combined with a pretty kurti, it becomes a smart outfit which one can wear at workplace, shopping, travel , party or picnics.

Earlier leggings were available in solid colours but now these are available in multi-coloured designs, which can be worn with contrast or matching coloured tops and kurtis.

Heavy women must wear long tops.

A short top or T-shirt makes it a western style.

Leggings add versatility to the wardrobe.
 It can be combined  with ethnic style
 tops or western tops.







Though, the leggings or jeggings have entered the wardrobes of almost all kinds of women and girls, the wearer must select the upper garment depending upon their body structure.

 A vertical stripped legging will
create an illusion of slimness.

Very heavy women with layers of fat on hips must wear long tops to cover the hips. Women with heavy thighs are also advised to wear knee length tops to keep thunder thighs under cover. Its advisable to cover heavy or obese body parts of the body to look slim and feel good.

 Last but not the least, please make sure neither your panty line nor your front lines are not visible . It is important while wearing light coloured leggings like white, offwhite, cream or light pink.

Such colourful designs are
favourite of young girls.

There is an ample choice of footwear, which one can pair with leggings. You may wear smart stilettos, flat slippers, floaters, sports shoes depending upon your comfort or the place you are at.

Follow Fashion Trends - Don't.

The styles and fashion trends shown on ramp and films are not always wearable, though they may look good on the models or through the eyes of camera. 

So, what should one do to be fashionable and to look good ? 

One need not follow blindly the fashion trends or styles introduced in fashion shows or films. 

Its of utmost importance to analyze one's body structure and look for clothes and styles which enhances the positive points of the body. 

Anarkallis are the latest style in Indian ethnic styles. They look divine on the models or slim and tall actress 

 like Sonali Bendre or Deepika Padukone. Its very much natural to have a desire to add at-least one  anarkallis to the wardrobe. Before investing any money, its important to explore the kind of anarkallis available in the market.
 The heavily embroidered and heavy flare are mostly seen in the formal parties or celebrations like family marriage. These again suit very slim, tall women who can wear heels comfortably. They are on a higher range as far as cost or design is

concerned. You may not be able to wear it very often. that means you may not be able to get value for money. Besides this, I feel draping in heavily designed or embroidered garments may have eyeballs rolling in your direction, but they only admire the dress and not the wearer, most of the time. It may not be true for models or filmstars because they add value to the dress because of their star power. But it may not be true for an ordinary women. So, one must select a dress which enhances your personality rather than overshadowing the personality.

Since anaarkallis are in fashion and everybody is wearing them, a women with heavy body should not be denied the pleasure of wearing it. There are anarkallis with less flares and lighter work available in the market. They can opt for these and feel glamorous. 

Looking good and feel good is every body's right and every one is beautiful in her own right. The only exercise one needs to do is to look for clothings which suits on them and their pocket.

Money can not buy style. You can yourself make it or ask "Pushpneer Fashions" to help customize your styles.

You can mail us at : pushpneerfashions@gmail.com