The Picture-Perfect Bride: A Decadent Afternoon Tea from Amna Hakim Photography and First Kiss Films

I know it's kind of a wedding blog cliche to speak in superlatives (I am so excited! I am so thrilled!  I am jumping for joy!) but I am genuinely excited by this next feature.  So I think I am not  exagerrating when I say that I was so looking forward to sharing this post with you today, because it contains a wealth of ideas and creativity.  Afternoon tea is the perfect theme for any bridal event hosted by the English Rose Bride.  These photographs from a concept shoot by Amna of Amna Hakim Photography and Bridget of First Kiss Films are a great starting point for inspiration. 

If you haven't already seen the video, please click here to view it.  It's so romantic and definitely will get your planning gears turning.  To see all the rest of the beautiful pictures from this photoshoot and for the names of all the inspirational vendors involved in this project, from flowers, to fashion, makeup and food, check out Amna Hakim's blog by clicking here.

The Accessorized Bride: The Borla Tikka

Sources from the left: Screenshots from Paheli, a model at Gitanjali Bollywood Night IIJW 2010 via Sulekha,

Satvi Borla Tikka from Art Karat's Paheli Collection, and a silvertone costume jewellery tikka via ebay.

The borla tikka is the most quintessentially "Indian" piece of jewellery in the world.  It get its name from the jujube fruit ('bor'), for the round shape of its forehead piece. Other distinguishing elements to its design are the use of kundan work and the beaded hair strand.  Its highly traditional style is gaining in popularity and was featured prominently in the collection of several major jewellery design houses this past year.

Worth Noting: Guest Blogging at Divanee Weddings

Today I'm guest blogging at Divanee Weddings, a US-based wedding portal for brides-to-be.  Click here to read my post on finding your lengha on a very tight budget.

Divanee Weddings, a sister-site to the Divanee Lifestyle brand, aims to be a full service portal for South Asian Brides planning a wedding, with regularly update features, a vendor directory and a community of like-minded brides.

The Accessorized Bride: Vintage-Style Brooches

A brooch can be the perfect accessory to prettily pin your dupatta or sari pallu in place. I am loving these vintage-style brooches from Monsoon Accessorize.  At less than £12.00 each, they are a steal, and would make the perfect accent to a Victorian themed outfit.

The Inspired Bride: An English Rose

A collection of pastel-toned anarkali suits from Srithi in Birmingham. Source: Love Always, Aisha

When I think of (and subsequently miss) England, I think of the clothes.  Shopping in Canada always carries a bit of a bland taste for me, having been spoiled by the ultra up-to-date trends of the UK fashion scene.  I always resent that every trend comes out in England at least six months before it hits the mall here.  The fusion scene in particular is full of creative genius, and great fashion. Mani Kohli's Chantille Lace dress in my newest inspiration board is a perfect example of the marriage of east and west that Brit-Asians have turned into a subculture.  The soft colurs are very European, but the elaborate beading, the two piece design, and the dupatta, are purely Indian.

Picture Credits from the top left: Chantille Lace Corset Lengha from Mani Kohli's Khubsoorat Collection/Vintage Parasol from Bella Umbrella/MAC Gel Blush in Just a Pinch from the Rose Romance Collection via Temptalia Blog, swatches here/Essie Nail Polish in Petal PInk from the 2010 Bridal Collection, swatches here/Abi Fantasy Cluster Brooch from Accessorize/Tea set and Peonies from Pride and Prejudice inspired shoot via StyleMePretty Blog.

Trendspotting: Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2010 -Part II

Days 4 to 6

This is a continuation for another post which you can check out by clicking here.

Worth Noting: Contest at Avaa! And Asiana Magazine Online

Hey all, just short note to let you know that Avaa UK is having a competition to give brides a chance to win £250 of jewellery from their store.  All you have to do is tell them your romantic story of how you and your hubby met.  Ummm...love romantic stories, this is such a cute contest idea.  Also, they will devote their homepage to you and your hubby for two weeks.  Deadline is September 30th. Click here for more details.

Also, if like me, you have a jonesing for all things British, and all things Asian fashion, you can check out an online copy of Asiana magazine for free!  Just go to Asiana.tv and sign up to read.  So far, I have been too busy to sign up, but hopefully I will get a chance to check it out this weekend.

Love at First Sight: Flowing Dress by Ahmed Bilal

Watching the runways of Paris and Milan, I often get dress-envy as the models glide down the runway in long flowy chiffon and silk dresses.  I rack my brain for some way to incorporate this into my wedding season attire in a way that will not have all the aunties in the room wondering, "Who is that gori?  Maybe (insert name of bride here) invited her neighbours too."  How to wear a maxi dress and still exude the desi-style I love so much.  Each new fashion week, that is my heartache. 

Green Banarasi Silk Dress by Ahmed Bilal. Source: Ahmed Bilal Net

Along came Ahmed Bilal to fill that void.  This beautiful dress is from his Neha brand, and I assure you, it is not a fleeting summer romance.  The whole collection, which you can view on Asian Fashion Blog by clicking here, is full of such beautiful fusion pieces.  No chudidar, just one long dress that says, Yes, I am an Indian, but I am a woman of the world.  Price:  Ummm...excuse me...you can't put a price on love like this...from Neha by Ahmed Bilal.

Trendspotting: Lycra-Top Lenghas?

From the left, clockwise: Katrina Kaif in a Neeta Lulla design at IIJW, Sonakshi Sinha wears Archana Kocchar at IIJW, a model on

 the runway for Arpan Vohra at Lakme Fashionweek. Source: pinkvilla, apunkachoice, and Lakme Fashion Week, respectively.

I saw this trend three times during IIJW, and thought it was a one-off, and then noticed again on the runways at Lakme Fashion week.  To me it looks like a midriff-baring top with a concession to the more convservative crowd in the form of a lycra insert.  Maybe a little bit lingerie inspired, it reminds me of the material they use in La Senza's bustiers.  What do you think, is this a sexy idea or just tacky?

My Weekend: The Kismet Wedding Show at the International Centre

The Winter Edition of Kismet Wedding Affair Magazine

This past Sunday was the day of the Kismet Wedding Show at the International Centre in Toronto.  After last week's rather fruitless search for good vendors at the National Wedding (bridal?) Show, I really enjoyed this one.  When I first walked in, my initial reaction was that it was kind of small.  But I realized once I got in that that didn't matter.  The organizers had utilized every space carefully and there was a thoughtful selection of vendors that specialized in everything from makeup to special effects lighting. 

Bridal shows are an interesting experience, the vendors are in hyper sales mode, since this is a huge attention grab for them, and you'll find their customer service skills are in overdrive.  So if you are the type of person who loves a sales pitch, and is always looking for freebies and discounts, there were plenty on offer.  Including a discounted copy of the new edition of Kismet magazine, which I already thought was a steal at it's newstand price.

The lenghas that I saw were priced from between $1200 to $1500, according to vendors, with no additional cost for customization, with the exception of one stall, where they charge 250 for customization.  Make-up artists were also hard at work, doing a little work for brides-to-be.  I asked around, and it seems the median range is $150 for a full bridal package including the trial.

I couldn't get pictures, unfortunately, because most business owners want to protect their wares and work.  Hopefully I will be able to get some from the people at Kismet itself.  If I do, I will post them here.  I do want to mention the new issue of the Kismet Magazine, which I really enjoyed.  The last issue was really good, but I enjoyed this one even more.  They had a globally inspired photoshoot featuring loads of different makeup artists and fashion retailers. A swimsuit spread, a runway spread, makeup editorials, and tonnes of relevant advertising as well as articles.  I paid $10 to get into the show, and the guy gave me a copy of the magazine gratis, so all in all it was well worth it.

Trendspotting: Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2010

Days 1 to 3
I love Lakme Fashion Week.  The whole thing oozes with a sense of professionalism and organization that one does not expect from anything organized by desis. I love that designers get an even platform to show their work, and that it's easy to spot raw talent and good design without a whole lot of hype.  If you are an observer of the Indian fashion scene, this is the event to watch.

There are so many amazing designers showcasing their work at this year's show, but for simplicity's sake, and to maintain the direction of my blog, I've decided to focus strictly on the traditionally inspired South Asian design.  Hopefully other bloggers will be carrying a more comprehensive overview of the designs, alternatively, you can visit the official site for Lakme Fashion Week by clicking here.

Designer Bride: Gitanjali Bollywood Night at IIJW 2010

I don't know much about this event except that the clothes are pretty and  many of them are by Vikram Phadnis, although I think I recognize one or two pieces from Shyamal and Bhumika's collection.  The deep browns and cool-toned creams signal a return to fall, but pops of colour keep it from getting too dark and dreary.  Loving the hair, makeup, and jewellery inspiration in this show.  Also, spotting some trends including the chiffon overlay on the last look (incidentally one of my fave designs of the evening), which I have seen in the shops already.

Mixing different textured fabrics, patterns, and colours keeps the look rich without resorting to elaborate embroidery or too much shine. Very modern, very cool.  See you all on monday!

Source: All images via Sulekha

The Accessorized Bride: Bridal Bindis from Avaa UK

I chose to opt out of wearing those stick-on bindis on my wedding day.  Looking at this beautiful bride and the way her creamy skin and black eyes are complemented by the lovely bindi, I'm wondering why...

A stunning bride in an understated cream sari with crystal beadwork

complemented by her white crystal bindi.  Source: Jessica Johnston Photography

If you too are reconsidering your choice to opt out of one, or you have been planning on wearing one all along because you already have impeccable style, here is a selection from Avaa UK for your consideration.

All these bridal bindis are by Jazzy bindis and sold at Avaa UK. Source: Avaa.co.uk