Reception lengha: Check!

As promised, an update about my reception lengha! So, as I discussed in my previous post, I ventured to CTC West to explore reception lengha options. Based on my previous meeting with Gaurav at Bridalicious, I envisioned a successful shopping outing.

But….I didn’t predict that the first lengha I tried on would be the winner!

Gaurav, who was cuter than I remembered, warmly welcomed me, J, my cousin U, and honourary MOH A into his family’s home. He walked us to the showroom where we were greeted by Gaurav’s lovely parents, two of the most soft-spoken Indian parents I ever met!

CTC West specializes in customization, and they had numerous samples ranging from $1300 and up. Their pieces were beautiful and the room glittered like the engagement ring section at Birks! The samples were arranged according to price range–a transparent and helpful approach that reduces ambiguity and disappointment. I picked up a couple samples in my price range. The first lengha I tried was actually my second choice…it was mauve in a soft brocade with gold and silver embroidery in a whimsical pattern. When I tried it on, it looked amazing!! AND, it was easy to move in–important!!! I felt like “me”…the lengha was  traditional in style, with a mermaid style skirt and a short top, but the pattern was slightly unexpected, which meshed with my clothing personality. I loved it! I didn’t even want to try on the second lengha. When I did, it confirmed that the first lengha was for me. I surprised everyone surprised with my speedy decision, but when I know, I know.

I’m customizing the colour and blouse shape. I’m going with a darker purple and a short blouse with cap sleeves, a low back, and the neck will resemble the pointed-v neck in the diagram below:

I have to wait till August to get my lengha….and I’m feeling slightly anxious!! I chose the colour based on a colour swatch. Because the material is a soft brocade, gold thread is weaved into the material. And so, the final colour of the lengha can be estimated, but the end result with be a surprise nonetheless.

I love the lengha. I love the style. I love the pattern. I love the weight. And I love the price–LBB came in within budget! Yeehaw!

Hopefully, the lengha will be classy and fun, yet sexy…kinda like me…although my level of class really depends on the situation.

xoxo,

LBB

A Fine Balance

I spent a wonderful weeked in Boston. I relaxed, caught up with old friends, ate fabulous food, drank wonderful wine, and bought some cool clothes. I returned with a lighter wallet, but unfortunately not with my wedding shoes. The shoe selection was…underwhelming. I did find these these Louboutins I have been eying at Saks Fifth Avenue ON SALE:

Beautiful Louboutins (image from http://www.barneys.com)

But, after trying them on my size 5, bony feet, they looked sad. Sad. I didn’t think Sad and Louboutin could exist in the same sentence or even paragraph! But, alas, they can. I certainly walked out of several shops frowning like a little girl who wasn’t allowed to get the pretty Barbie with the sparkly pink dress on display in FAO Schwartz.

But, not to worry–I remain optimistic and my search will continue. Holt Renfrew is having their Designer Sale and, heck yes, I will be visiting their shoe department. I am hoping to score the slingback version of these Valentinos:

Worthy of wedding shoes status? (image from http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com)

On another note, I’ve been quite content with the wedding planning so far and haven’t faced many disappointments. Unfortunately, this hasn’t been a good week. Our guest list is finalized and it exceeds our ideal number. When we booked the reception venue, we were told we did not need the whole banquet hall and a divider wall would be put up. Another party could possibly book the other space, but there was a slim chance. With our current numbers, the space could be too tight so we asked for the whole room….but the venue booked another party in the other section for the SAME NIGHT!! We must now share the venue with another party (though we’ll be separated by an ugly partition wall that costs over $1000 to beautify), tolerate a smaller space with more guests, and potentially hear the other party’s music trespassing across the partition wall. I am so disappointed.

I realize these are minor worries, particularly given the fact that fish are drowning in oil and fisherman are falling ill in the Gulf of Mexico, but for now, my wedding is the centre of my universe. I’m going to sit in the corner, cross my arms, pout my lips, and simply indulge myself for a little while.

Inspiration Round 2: Reception Lengha

I was pondering my colour combo while lying in bed this morning, and I started to revert to my original colour scheme: purple and turquoise.  A purple velvet blouse and a turquoise lengha with purple velvet worked into the embroidery would be gorgeous!

All images from http://www.polyvore.com

Or should I just stick with purple and fuschia?

All images from http://www.polyvore.com

I could also go totally different and get a fabulous suit designed like one of these:

I am in love with these outfits. (Designs by Rocky S; images from http://www.vogue.in)

Ok I think I’ll stick with a lengha, but I would love to rock either of the two suits for the sangeet OR I could have an outfit change mid-reception. It could be my dancing outfit. A churidaar is much easier to dance in than a lengha…hmm…the wheels are turning…

xoxo,

LBB