my five: purses!

while in university, i used to have a slew of fun purses.  it was either a phase, or i got lucky finding unique items at not-so-original chain stores.  one of the purses i had was a chartreuse green purse with a bamboo frame and handles - so pretty.  i got a lot of compliments from complete strangers for that.  that purse no longer exists.. it eventually broke because i used to use it to carry my notebooks for classes or a textbook from time to time.  one of my other favourite past purses looked like a cuban cigar box.. and now, i don't see anything i like.

so then i google'd..


UM Bags
UMs developed from two creative challenges: The first, to make use of the unique properties of wool felt - its density, texture, pliability, and strength. And the second, to transform a flat surface using only the simplest of operations.




Quote Pleated Bag Leather and Canvas
Deliberately placed random pleating creates a relaxed, eye catching and attractive bag. Roomy, feminine and a little bit edgy. We really like it! This bag closes with a snap across the top keeping everything securely inside. There is a panel pockets on the inside.



Leather Clutch
This lovely clutch is made of high quality eco leather in light gray with pink flower patterned satin lining. It's uniqueness comes from beautiful rose in XXL size. The main body as well as lining have been reinforced with non-woven for additional strength and protection. This clutch is perfect for an everyday use as well as a glam party or wedding. There is definately enough room to carry the necessary (mobile, purse, tissues, keys, diary, mirror etc…). The clutch comes with a beautiful organza bag for a better care of the clutch.

Book of the Month Clutch
Whether you're adding to your library or simply starting a collection, we think you'll agree—the classics have never looked so good. Features laminated silk twill with metallic cowhide trim
clasp closure, interior zip pocket and 6 credit card slots, custom woven pinstripe silk faille lining in chocolate and cream, 14-karat light gold plated hardware, and kate spade new york embossed signature on hardware




Handmade, silk-lined clutches
Original handmade design-led clutch purse bags and accessories, featuring peacock feathers, exotic bird prints and floral blooms.

from sumthings, greedy girl

custom saris from india

for our sagai, i arranged to get a sari made. i had found a style i liked on seasons, so i sent the picture to our family friend in india who owns a sari shop. it was an almost nail-biting process because you don't know how it's going to turn out.  so here are my unsolicited do's and don'ts about ordering a custom made sari from india:

colour choice
is there a colour chart your india contact has that's locally available? i was lucky enough that d'uncle's sisters live here and have a swatch chart available. if a colour chart is available, then send a picture of the swatches you picked when you email the corresponding colour numbers. this way you both are on the same page and can avoid a horrible mistake.

if no colour chart is available, cut sample pieces from a fabric store and email pictures of them. since colours vary from one computer monitor to the next, post the samples so that they have a physical reference.

before finalizing a colour, make sure you take a picture of it to see what it looks like on camera. for example, some reds look more orange in photos.

style
if the tailor hasn't made a sari in the style you're looking for, then make sure they make a prototype using scrap fabric. this helps ensure they make the final sari properly. you don't want them to go in making it blindly and end up with a mess of a sari because they gave up half way through. my sari was partially done this way because there were weight concerns with the pleats. (the pleats don't tuck in, they just hung.) due to timing issues, my sari was rushed in the end. i wanted the palov to be butterfly, but they made it a weird shape that didn't fall straight at the bottom.

embroidery
if there's a specific embroidery you want, then send zoomed in pictures as well as overall pictures of what you want. this will guarantee they can see it properly and pay more attention to what you want. as much as i liked the embroidery in the picture, i didn't have the luxury of zooming in so they could match it exactly.

fabric
in regards to fabric, there are some fabrics that pins don't go through easily. it's a specific kind of georgette which i can't remember the name of.  just make sure you try to avoid that.

timing
to avoid the timing issue, you should ask for the sari 4-6 weeks before the event to avoid delays at customs.

given all this hoopla, i really did like my sari.