For those of you not in the know I will fully admit that I’m an overweight woman. I have struggled with it all my life and as the years increased so did the distance from my ideal weight. Given that I have lost a fondness for clothes especially in the last 6 years. My approach is more to find something that fits and does not emphasize my issues. Knowledge about the fashion world is a thing of the past. But I must admit this has fueled my obsession for shoes. I do like to help my sister shop though. Feels like playing with a Barbie doll all over again. But now that she has moved to another town for her studies I don’t get that chance any more either. 

     Ok enough with the boo-hoo. There is a reason I’m blabbering so just hear me out. Given all this I feel that I lack knowledge about the world of fashion. I came across a fashion site (read clothes site) on FB called Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop and decided to browse around. They have some pretty neat stuff from different designers in accessories. I headed over to the clothes section to have a look see. And I felt I got smacked in the face. Bikini sari? Karandi? Maillot? Palazzos? Pareo? WTF? Until I saw the pics I had no idea what kind of clothing they were talking about. Felt like Rip Van Wrinkle waking on to a new world which had taken a complete topsy-turvy. Ok I’m not saying that the stuff was bizarre or anything. I only meant to point out the changes that have come in that have caught a person like me completely unaware. And if like me you too are stumped by some of the above I would like to take you along with me as I demystify them for myself. Lets start with the one that has me most intrigued. 

Bikini Sari:

     When I googled this I got a lot of women wearing bikini tops with saris. Not satisfied with such a basic illustration I searched further and came across the name of a designer duo – Shivan Bhatiya and Narresh Kukreja. Apparently this style is their brain child. The entire idea is to provide Indian women a traditional alternative to wearing a bikini on a beach. The garment allows them have the benefit of a swimming costume while providing adequate cover up. It helps to emphasize the feminine curves but preserves the modesty and sensibilities at the same time. Made from fabrics like chiffon, lycra, silk and crepe these garments are finding favor with women whether it a cocktail party or a poolside bash. 

     Personally I love the concept. The garment looks so graceful. I doubt if it can be actually taken into the water for swimming as it seems cumbersome in that sense with all that fabric. But what a novel idea. Though it is not meant for the heavier diva (as usual – humph) but it is definitely an elegant style for someone who can pull it off.