jai ho to jaipur

viewing all the collections from lakme india fashion week has me thinking of and remembering gorgeous india...especially my visit to the city of jaipur, somewhere i had never been prior to my last trip.

jaipur, once the capital of royalty, is the capital state of rajasthan. the rich history of the city cannot be experienced in just one trip...and once you add in all of the city's little charms, it is impossible to not want to visit there again and again.

among all the old palace ruins and pink-hued buildings, are vibrant street bazaars lined with exquisite fabrics and glittering bangles...and close to grand hotels with expansive gardens and five-star dining is chokhi dhani...a place designed to give you the experience of being in a real rajasthani village. the city is simultaneously haunting and lively.

jaipur was in all short, but wonderful, trip. i hope to return soon!

favorite looks -- lakme india fashion week, spring 2010

source: lakme india fashion week

j.mendel -- new york fashion week, spring 2010

soft & romantic, neutral & shy colors, easy-flowing silhouettes...but strong drama in the details. j.mendel gowns command attention without making much noise.

source: style.com

vikram phadnis -- lakme india fashion week, spring 2010

gorgeous designs from vikram phadnis during the spring 2010 lakme india fashion week. it was a very opulent, royal, and traditional collection. especially loved all the layering i saw. each piece had this over-the-top grandeur but still remained very elegant. i always admire how designers combine a variety of fierce colors, fabrics, prints, and embroideries into one cohesive and graceful ensemble. the entire collection was very imperial india...going "back to an era of resplendent royalty not seen in India for centuries"....as a fashion editor put it. my favorite, though? the pairing of trendy gold gladiator sandals with a traditional churidar suit...as you will see in the second pic below. it showed just the right hint of modern spunk to go along with this very timeless & luxurious collection.

source: rediff.com

tough love

source: ...etc

...agreed

source: ...etc

fallin'

slowly starting to embrace the crisp, invigorating fall air

converting statement necklaces on bare skin to statement neck-warmth with cozy scarves.... leather leggings, leather jackets, and leather boots, oh my...pumpkin spice lattes galore...and of course, football sunday mania....

i'm fallin'

sources: coco + kelley, marie claire, le fashion

peek-a-boo

source: musette, style.com, jak and jil

typography

source: the fashion spot