Family Entertainment Blog

What is the latest in-fashion trend for Indian men? Don’t have an idea? The answer is yet so simple. It is none other than those glittering pieces of jewellery and other adornments. It’s shocking, but it’s true!! Gone are the days when most of the Indian men boast of having a rugged and macho look. It’s the 21st century and Indian men are shedding their orthodox beliefs to rather come out with a fresh, masculine image. With increasing urbanization, most of the Indian population is being inspired by the western culture. Today’s men aren’t an exception too.
 
In India, people also have yet another misconception that jewelry can only be worn by the rappers, rockers, gangsters & gay men and not by the common men. It’s not true as well. The latest trend in men’s jewellery in India is a bit more on the classy side and thus it can be easily worn by the Indian man. This trend is basically for those men in India whose age ranges from 20-40 years.
 
Nowadays, most of the Indian men are finding jewellery as a perfect way to enhance their sex appeal and masculinity. Taking inspiration from the Bollywood and Hollywood hunks, Indian guys don’t hesitate in portraying themselves in an entirely new, adorned look. They are indulged into buying and wearing jewelry and other accessories like finger rings, earrings, pendants, necklaces etc. with extreme self-confidence and enthusiasm. No surprise, the men’s jewellery industry saw an unimaginable growth of 20 percent in the past few years.
 
Presently, a wide variety of attractive and glitzy, men’s jewellery and other accessories are on offer in the Indian markets. These are:
Finger Rings
Wearing a ring by men is not a recent trend in India. A large male population in India has been wearing them in various forms, since past many decades. Either in the form of wedding rings or rings studded with precious and semi-precious stones, suggested by an Astrologer. The rings which are specially designed for men in pure gold or silver are sleekly sculpted into masculine shapes.
 
Bracelets
Another accessory, men would prefer wearing is a bracelet. The latest bracelets, available in the Indian markets for men have been designed using materials like brushed steel and even rubber. This is to infuse in them, a rugged look and a macho style.
 
Necklaces
There was a time when Indian males couldn’t even imagine themselves wearing a Necklace as a matter of losing their self respect. But, the time has changed now, up to an extent that men are not only wearing necklaces, but they are wearing charms on them, as well.
 
Earrings or Ear Studs
Earrings and ear studs are also amongst those jewellery items, which the Indian men prefer wearing the most. The choice ranges from diamond studded earrings or ear studs in materials like gold and silver.
 
Besides, the Indian men are also highly inclined towards wearing cool pendants and bulky, hip-hop belt buckles.The Indian men have become highly fashion conscious and have realized that jewellery and other accessories are a must for adding to their appearance and overall personality. In other words, jewellery has become an integral part of Indian men’s wardrobe and will retain this status in the coming years as well.

Patiala salwar kameez, the all-time favorite dress of Punjabis, has become popular with the course of time, not only in India, but also in other countries of the world. Nobody ever thought that Patiala, a small town in Punjab, would become famous by this modest dress. From the village girls to hot chics of cities, Patiala salwaar kameez has been adopted by every female to look traditional as well as fashionable.
 
Interesting Story behind Origin
Like any other item, this dress too, has its own historical background. In the earlier times, the king of Patiala used to wear this dress for different reasons i.e. to be comfortable and for his distinguished appearance. His dress can be described as a pleated and baggy type trousers (salwar) combined with a long loose, full sleeved tunic (kameez). That’s why; it came to be known as Patiala salwar kameez.
 
Distinguishing Characteristics
Formerly, the wearer of Patiala salwar kameez was considered as rich, since such salwars require double length of dress material to get stitched. Coming to the point, Patiala salwar encompasses pleats of cloth stitched together, which meet at the bottom. The fall of its pleats goes back, giving the salwar a baggy look. Like any other traditional salwar, this salwar also has a belt and a long channel for drawstring at its top. The kameez or long tunic is knee-long and absolutely comfortable to wear down to proper fitting.
 
Current Trend
The women have customized this traditional dress to look gorgeous. The evolved form of dress observes no definite rule for sleeves, neck designs, front and back neckline depth and cuts. Patiala Salwar Kameez can be made using different materials - cotton, georgette, crepe, silk, etc. However, it looks best in materials having their own fall. Moreover, the dress is embellished with different works or embroideries to suit the occasion.
 

Embroidery is the art of forming beautiful intricate designs and motifs on fabrics with different colored threads. One of the most famous forms of embroidery is the Punjabi embroidery. The traditional embroidery of Punjab is known as Phulkari. The name itself means growing of flowers. Thus, the motifs and patterns of Phulkari essentially contain floral designs and motifs. Bright color combinations are used for the floral patterns and they can be seen in almost all traditional attire.
 
Historical Background
The exact origin of Phulkari cannot be traced back to the point of precision. One may find references to Phulkari as early as 2000 years back in the Vedas. In the popular Punjabi folklore Heer-Ranjha, the art of Phulkari has been mentioned by the poet Waris Shah. The Phulkari gained its present form way back in the 15th century in the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It was evolved in many different forms and there was one different design for every occasion. The knowledge of this art was passed on from one generation to the other and it was not for sale at that time. Phulkari was considered auspicious and was generously used in wedding trousseau.
 
The Process
Traditionally, the Punjabi embroidery is done on handspun khadi cloth. Simple darning stitches are formed using un-spun silk floss yarn known as ‘pat’. For this, single strand threads are made into use. Due to the perfection, intricacy and delicacy in designs, Punjabi embroidery has emerged as one of the most sought after crafts. The stitches may be vertical horizontal or diagonal, depending on the variation and shading that is needed. The process of doing the embroidery is quite exhaustive and only professional and experienced hands can come up with stunning designs. You can find Phulkari on salwar-kameez, shawls, heavy dupattas, stoles, sarees, etc.
 
Phulkari for Different Occasions
 
Chope
This is a red colored cloth that has Phulkari on the borders and edges and is presented to a bride by her grandmother, just before the wedding.
 
Vari-da-bagh
This is essentially a red colored cloth that has embroidery in small patterns all over in yellow, denoting fertility and happiness. Along the border, the patterns are smaller and beautifully designed in different colored threads.
 
Ghunghat Bagh
Ghunghat Bagh, also known as sari-pallau, is essentially used to cover the head as a symbol of respect for elders. There is embroidery on the small border in four sides. A large triangular motif is embroidered at the center of each side, making it look beautiful.
 
Darshan Dwar
The Darshan Dwar is basically a gate at a religious place of worship that offers a clear view to the deity. The embroidery used on the fabric is for the purpose of presentation at temples or adorn the walls at home when the holy book of Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib, is brought inside a house. It follows the theme of a decorative gate.
 
Suber
The Suber is a Phulkari that is worn by the bride during the rites of the marriage ceremony. There are five motifs, one at center and four at the corners. It is decorated heavily and comprises of delicate designs.
 
Chamba
Chamba is a fusion work of Phulkari and is characterized by an intricate design of wavy creepers, stylized leaves and flowers. Also, it may contain designs inspired from daily life and fauna like chilies, peacocks, diamonds, sunflowers, etc. 

Valentines Day DressesValentine’s Day is just around the corner and you are busy planning how you will spend the day with your sweetheart. Tell me one thing, have you given a little thought as to what are you going to wear on that day. It is such a special day and you need to look your best. The time and consideration that you put in for selecting the dress will go a long way in showing how much this day, and the person with whom you are going to spend it with, means to you. We have provided a number of ideas below to help you in dressing perfectly on Valentine’s Day. Just check out the dresses and outfits listed below and take your pick.
 
Valentine’s Day Attire for Guys
If you are going for a date in the evening, black is the color to wear. You can wear black jeans or trousers, with a maroon or wine colored t-shirt/shirt.
If you are going out with your partner for lunch, it is advisable to go for pastel shades. Light blues, creams, browns work the best for the day.
If you are planning to watch a movie with your girlfriend/wife, casual look will be the best. Dress up in a clean pair of denims and team it up with turtle neck tees.
For a formal dinner or a music concert, you are supposed to dress up in formals. A black suit, with a plain, bright shirt will work the best. You can also wear a scarf for jazzing up the look.
If you are planning to dance away the night, funky is the keyword. Dress up in khakis or cargo, teamed with a round neck or v-neck t-shirt. Gel up your hair, wear a bracelet and get ready to party. 
Valentine’s Day Attire for Girls
If you are going out for lunch, avoid wearing bright clothes. It is best to stick to subtle colors like pinks, cream, beiges, blues, yellows, etc. Amongst these, I would recommend pink - girly, yet stylish.
For a dinner date, you can wear the classy black dress that you bought just a few days back. In the evening, you can also dress up in a sexy red dress and make heads turn.
For going to movies, casual clothes work the best. It is the time to take out your best pair of jeans and top it with a figure-hugging t-shirt.
Formals dates, like a formal party or music concert, require formal dressing. You can wear a knee-length skirt and top it with a fitted peasant blouse. You can also go for a one-shoulder dress.
In case you are going to party in a discothèque, shimmery and glamorous is the look for you. A tank top, teamed with cigarette pants and stilettos, will work just perfect.
Always remember to use accessories like stylish belts, fashionable bags, classy earrings and delicate bracelets. Make sure to apply light makeup; it definitely adds to your look.

How you ever wondered why your face look like an oilcake in summers, while some of your colleagues end up looking fresh always?. The answer is very simple; it is all the magic of a compact! One of the basic makeup tools, compact helps give a non-oily and shiny look to your face throughout the day. It is also used after the application of foundation, to give your face a smooth look. Now, you know the reason behind that perfect and fresh look. All you have to do is learn the nuances of applying compact. Just follow the instructions given below and learn how to master that flawless look.
 
How to Apply Compact Powder
The first thing to be kept in mind about the application of compact is that it takes place after the use of foundation and concealer.
At the same time, compact is applied before the use of blush-on, lip makeup and eye makeup.
For application, take the puff and wipe it over the compact. Shake the puff to remove any excess powder.
Now, wipe your face with the compact puff in long, even strokes. Make sure to move from the inside, to the outside.
Make sure to apply compact over your neck as well as the entire area beneath the neck that is visible. Otherwise, your face will end up looking distinct from the rest of the body. 
Take a tissue and lightly wipe your face with it. This is to make sure that you do not have excess powder over your face.
Make sure to keep the compact with you throughout the day. You can easily touch up your makeup, to remove any excess oil from your face and look fresh.