It’s Dhanteras today, ladies! And if you are as unprepared as I am for Diwali, here’s a quick checklist of things to do in the next two days.
One: Get your outfit ready
If you’ve bought a new outfit for Diwali, it’s time to get off the packaging and figure out the best way to wear it. How will you drape your sari or pin up the dupatta of your lehenga? Does your blouse or choli fit you perfectly?
Chic tip: Stock up on safety pins and carry some in your clutch for emergencies.
Below: Anita Dongre at LFW W/F 2011; Payal Kapoor at LFW W/F 2011
Two: Choose your jewellery
Polkis are a big trend and they’re here to stay—choose a traditional piece for Diwali. “Indian” designs like flowers, petals and peacocks are fantastic for Diwali.
Chic tip: Younger women could opt for trendier pieces which they can club with jeans and blouses after the festivities.
Below: Earrings from Sia Art Jewellery; Mor-Peacock ring from Toniq
Three: Grab a clutch
If your outfit goes easy on the embellishment, you can choose a blingy clutch with it. Brocade clutches go wonderfully well with Indian ethnic wear.
Chic tip: If you prefer dangling a bag from your wrist or bangle, choose a cute potli.
Below: Nizam clutch from Holii, clutch from Esbeda, potli from Shagufta Quamar at LFW W/F 2011.
Four: Embellish your feet
If you haven’t got a luxurious pedicure done yet, get one immediately. Then step out to buy bejewelled footwear that will you will wear for the entire festive and wedding season.
Chic tip: Can’t find shoes that match your outfit? Don’t worry, shoes need not always be matchy-matchy! Just make sure they go with your ‘look’.
Below: Groom Multi from Steve Madden, sandal from Mochi
Five: Last-minute gifts
Some fashionable gift ideas that suit all budgets (depending on the brand):
- Beauty/ skin care hampers
- Perfumes
- Set of candles/ diyas
- Watches
Below: Juicy Couture light moisturising lotion, perfume: Guerlain Shalimar, men’s watch from Fossil.
Chic tip: I’ve recently turned into an advocate of gift cards or vouchers (giving my cousins gift vouchers for Bhai Dooj). Most well-known stores have gift vouchers, and we stumbled across a site called Gift Cards India, where you can shop for vouchers from an amazing number of brands!
Bonus: Shopping for the festive season
Diwali shopping is a great time to get wonderful options and offers on clothes, accessories, makeup and tonnes of others things. So for fashion lovers, it’s ideal to gear up for the upcoming wedding season NOW!
Chic tip: Pret-amoda.com has some excellent festive pieces. Type in the code bcNVoFAH2I when shopping to get a discount. (Valid till October 26, 2011).
Happy Diwali, everyone!