Around the hood...

Dhaka- The forgotten story

Nepalese lifestyle has its own uniqueness , tradition and culture. One of the most significant part of our culture is the Dhaka (fabric). Nepalese men wear Dhaka topi on their head as a symbol of pride and as a part of national dress. Women have been using the fabric in so many forms like blouses and shawls. Dhakas were traditionally made by the hand looms reflecting traditional hand weave. The origins of Dhaka goes beyond hundreds of years. The spinning wheel and the weaving loom were used to create the patterns, colors, designs and prints which was of high significance back then. But due to modernisation and globalisation, hand looms are replaced by the machines. Dhaka has been overshadowed by the fancy clothes and fabrics available on the market today. Amidst of all the foreign influence, Dhaka fabric has remained a merry forgotten tradition.  The symbol that carried legacy, values and traditions is somehow in the verge of losing its identity. Like everything, the production of Dhaka has also been evolving since time to time. In earlier days , fabric was made from pure raw yarn that was dyed and woven whereas now polyester is being used. Hand looms are replaced by machines imitating the original look of the fabric offering a much cheaper version of Dhaka.

Well, i ain't complaining about the quality or the machinery. Everything does evolve with time. What bothers me is the dooming of our national identity. Occasional appearances on marriages and festivals wont help either. Dhaka needs a serious recognition. I think it will blend very well, with the tribal/ethnic trend. We can see the tribal trend on everything from dresses, maxi skirt, accessories and even wedges. Fashionistas are ready to embrace the bold patterns rocking the bold prints and colors from runways to streets. There are global influences in fashion from all over the world. If Dhaka is seriously revived and introduced with poise, who knows if it becomes the next big thing on the tribal trend!

My Shoe Crush

Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world -Marylin Monroe.
I believe a lady is defined by the shoes she wears. Regardless of the dress we wear, if we put on the right pair, that's enough for the magic. It is a medium of self expression and boosts our confidence/ power. How do you feel when you are on your 4'' high stiletto?  As far as I am concerned, shoes are the ultimate accessories. Whether they be high or low, shoes complete the look.

 

Perfect for the spring/summer.  Alexander Wang (Joan ankle strap pumps), Heels and flats from Zara, Celine wedges.

 

My Photo Diary 1

Some of my random pictures : )

Weekend look

When i was a kid, i remember making a long princess dress out of my mom's sari ( traditional dress). So when i saw this long maxi skirt, i couldn't resist ......and tadaaaaa...I am on with my weekend look! I am tiny, and  was hesitant on how I would drown in the skirt. But when I tried it on, it gave me confidence and somehow made me feel more "womanly". Maxi skirt has been in fashion like forever, but this year offers variation on long classic maxi skirt with translucent fabric and slit detailing. I cinched my outfit with a narrow belt and paired with a white top. The weather of New York is unpredictable and when the weather gets chilly, i pair it up with my leather jacket. This look can be worn day/night. Just add some accessories, and you are good to go for a hot margarita night. 

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Leather jacket : Zara, Maxi skirt : H&M, Blue heels: Steve Madden, White top: H&M, Leather bag: Vintage (Passed on from my grandma to mom and now to me)

Sun-class : )

Summer is here, with extremely trendy sunglasses this year. It is a necessity for your summer wardrobe and ofcourse for the protection of your eyes from UV rays . Aviators are a rage this year, its edgy and chic at the same time. Oversized glasses were a hit on 2011 and the trend is still going full-on this year too. Retro , cat-eyed, vintage designs with oversized glasses that were popular in the 1960's- 70's are marking their way out in 2012 as well. Bug-eye style, oval, circular, rectangular, square, you name it, and you can find every sizes and shapes in the market today. Retro is so in these days, people are shopping for the rare vintage sunglasses. Ray ban wayferer , horn rim sunglass,  all the vintage inspired sunglasses are marking its trend this year as well.
Black is always stylish, and perfect for all occasions but "colors" is a huge trend this year. White was a huge success last year and continuing its mark. Bright yellow, neon, pale oranges, honeysuckle, brown, peach blonde, turquoise are the continuing trend this year. There are varieties of sunglasses in the market but make sure you hit the right one that matches your face shapes and personality.  So wear these fabs and partay ladies!!!

 Round face :  more angular frames like square will compliment you.

Heart shaped face: interesting colors with simple lines. Go with up swept frames, e.g: butterfly shapes.

Square shaped face: look for more rounder and softer frames and avoid angled shaped sunglasses.

Oval shaped face:  Easiest one, this facial structure works with nearly every sunglasses available in the market. Go for colored one to give that extra oomph, aviators works wonder on you. Lucky ladies, you have a wide range to choose from.

My inspiration :  Prada sunglass gifted by my babe on our anniversary, yes! we continue to cherish our life together and this glam sunglass is just the perfect cherry on the cake.

Face shape: Circular shaped with the length similar to the width.

Best pick: Choose a pair that is more angular; this will help in defining your facial features and flatter your face.

My picks :

Street Fashion

Use your imagination, make up your own rules, be free spirit, when it comes to clothing, its the attitude and the right sense that rules. As seen on the street fashion, nothing is out of fashion, if you wear it with right attitude and creativity <leopard prints, stripes, over sized jackets, button up shirts, spikes, tailored suits, outrageous jeans, color blocking, sweat pants, and the list goes on>. Imagination is endless and so are the styles and clothing.
Women are continuing on the trend of men's shirt dress and raiding on their boyfriend's jeans. While short skirt are still a rage, getting even shorter every time, we can see lots of legs on the street, but hey! women are still rocking that knee length tailored skirt. Dresses with exploding colors, feminine prints and  loose fit are  ideal for the spring. Bold colored pattern, stripes, polka dots, leathers, floral, high collars and laces are rocking as hell. The little black and white skirt is always a must have in your closet. Shorts that looks like riches or rags, are being paired with a simple cotton knit pullovers, tailored jackets or a simple tee.
Girls are parading on the "worn out" denims, colored pants and  silk/patterned shirts.
Spring trench coats with neutral colors ( double faced wool)  can be widely seen on the streets this time of the year.

Images via: The Sartorialist ( the awesomest)