Purple Patch Chennai

I cant tell you how much I loved my first visit to this store. You should experience the ambience and everything around. All I can say is I have been there just once and smitten ever since. Situated in a typical agraharam-like building with relatively modern touch, you wont even guess there is a store around.

Its so zen-like especially with the big Mango ? tree with a bench to the left once you are in. I could not resist the lush surroundings, so I didn't even think twice before capturing. Although, wish I could share a picture from my personal archives right now. Purple Patch is on the ground floor. Upstairs, I clearly remember seeing Studio Ebony, a furniture studio.

Purple Patch is one such place, your search for all pretty things should end there. In their own words, its a premium and imported garment store for kids. There was just this one girl at the store to help and that was all I needed. I clearly remember 2 rooms, the one off the entrance mostly with their sale inventory, casual wear and accessories. The other room diagonal to the entrance is jammed with party wear. I found beautifully sequinned skirts, but they were too big on my daughter so I had to step back. I found boys range comparatively limited then, but who knows? May be, they upped their inventory later.

I was so glad to find my personal favorite brands like Laura Ashley and Kiddy Mall. One visit to the store, you will never regret. Their customer service is highly recommended as you dont get to see such service these days. Its so contagious, you cant help but spread the love. Please do visit for a pleasant shopping experience and convey our warm regards to dear Ramu sir! Also, dont miss out on those special discounts!!!

Purple Patch
Old No 31
New No 22
Jambulingam Street
Nungambakkam
Chennai
Tamil Nadu
Tel - 044 - 42181616

Timings - Monday to Saturday - 10.30am to 7.30pm.

Lakshmi By Vani Polavaram

If you are into handloom sarees, there is no way you miss Vani Polavaram. Launched on October 2012, her label Lakshmi is all about the sensuality of a saree. Its a heart-felt tribute to the Indian weaves and textiles.

Vani's exquisite range includes Jamdanis, Kanjeevarams, Ikats, Benarasis, Uppadas, Chikankaris, Benarasis, Kotas and Khadis. They are personally designed and handpicked, so the wearer can really appreciate the pain-staking effort. Now, this is what I call designer wear. No offence, I would definitely go handloom any day no matter how tempting the mass-produced sheer yards are! Just a little heads up, I branched out to handloom sarees ever since I saw my cousin and her friend wearing literally the same catalogue saree at a wedding! This is where curated handwoven yards come to our rescue!

My absolute favorite!!!

Here is what you can expect from Vani's collection. Be dazzled with the breath-takingly rich and luxurious weaves of India. The fabrics will surely make you feel no less than a Queen. Boy, am I really glad Vani decided to showcase her collection unique rather than a typical mannequin drape.

Personally, I admire and appreciate Vani's efforts as curating exquisite collection is not an easy task. It takes so much of dedication no matter what people say! End of the day, nothing satisfies your ego the way supporting a cause does! We wish Vani all the very best for her future endeavors!!!

Lakshmi
18 Seethammal Road
Alwarpet
Chennai - 600018
Tel - 044-45032222

Princess Handmade Accessories By Nandhini Anand

I hear it and I can win a marathon! Nothing gets my attention more than the word "Accessories." Try me! I know about Nandhini Anand and her work since mid 2013 and the best part is she has no idea whatsoever! Creepy? Her products always remind me of Kanzashi, a complex Japanese technique involving arrangement of fabric the Origami way. Again, I was born in the wrong era!

How attractive can a simple grosgrain ribbon turn on a silly hair pin! Its all in the hands, pure magic! Nandhini Anand has got one such pair of hands! Its an understatement if I simply say they are cute as a button. It diminishes the intensity of her work.

Nandhini is from Chennai and she puts up stalls at exhibitions. I also noticed she has an e-store on Indie Bazaar. You can get in touch with her through Princess Handmade Accessories or buy from the e-store.

If you are into handmade hair accessories, its easy to differentiate her style. Its just like Kanzashi! The best part is the way she responds to your comments. Let me not spoil by spilling! Read a few comments and you will know what kind of a person she is! Very sweet, modest and gentle!

Nandhini, you are one person with amazing skills. We always wish you a very good luck in your future endeavors! Keep making more and entertain insane mothers like me!!!

Moya By Rashmi Singh

Moya in Rashmi's own words - is Irish, which simply means "GREAT." A hard core Zeitgeist of Indian art and craft, I thrive on the rich heritage of India. Label Moya houses a range of products from lifestyle accessories to home furnishings and apparel. All have a signature style of depicting regional art from different regions of India with an eclectic mix of pattern and fabric. I believe all my products are pieces of art, which need to be treasured. It is only for a few, a few who understand art and take pride in wearing what they wear and understand the story behind it and want to experience it. Its about creating a sustainable platform that brings together the creative and the skilled without complicating what is simple and never simplifying what is complicated. We are trying to create a platform where skill meets design and art meets fashion.

Beautiful message in a picture!!!

Moya is an eclectic mix of craft with a lot of PASSION!!! We believe that design can find its expression in variable ways with one supporting the other; Handcrafted, Recycled or Mechanised. A mix of all worlds. Sustainability is a must. Having worked with popular fashion brands in India, Rashmi owes them her technical and industry know-how. Her flair for Indian art and craft comes from her NID Post Graduation from Ahmedabad, where she knew she was destined to be!!!

Vibrant stoles with pain-staking handwork!!!

I came across Moya from Sunday Soul Sante. Moya came close to my heart as it emphasises on handmade products. I couldnt wait to spread the love, so forgive the crude message as it doesn't justify their true efforts enough. Art being their genre, Moya transfers the same on to apparel, accessories and home furnishings! Moya accepts custom orders, corporate gift orders and also personalized hampers!!! If you have something you cant get out of your mind, I can assure you Rashmi Singh will make it happen sooner than you think...

My favorite!!!

Block prints always fascinated me. It got crazy only after my stay in the United Kingdom. I came to know how people literally worship our exclusive prints. Moya does beautiful block prints on lamp shades, canvas totes, canvas shoes, laptop bags and on everything else you wouldnt even dream about. Madhubani is their speciality, as you can find it across their page on every second product. Rashmi, I can see the colors of India in Moya! All in all, Moya is a wonderful concept, which is an understatement. I hope and pray they break the market with their future endeavors!

P.S - Handmade products come with privileges like exclusivity, but there is always the question of the price tag. Its not an easy task to get things done by vocalization. Its hard for both the curator and the designer, but end of the day every product is born out of love and also anxiety. I cant stress this enough! Go handmade and make the difference...

All Things Beautiful By Savithri

All Things Beautiful is an online boutique from Chennai dedicated to handmade hair accessories and jewellery by Savithri Srinivasan. Any mother with a daughter would obviously get attracted to this page like a moth to the flame. Her page is vibrantly loaded with adorable hair accessories.

Alligators with grosgrain ribbons

I believe ATB recently ventured into terracota jewellery, but honestly they do not look like their first batch. They also have a limited inventory of clothing, mostly frocks for girls. I am really glad to come across her page. If at least one mother's search for handmade accessories ends here, our purpose is served.

My...my...

Some people let their work speak and I believe Savithri falls under that category. One glance at her products, especially the hair accessories makes me regret to be born in the wrong era sans talented people and social media.

Ain't she a beauty???

Savithri makes hair bands, hair bows and tic tacs with satin and grosgrain ribbons. She also makes beaded jewellery i.e. necklaces, bracelets and earrings. The good news and the best part is the customization. I understand she also puts up stalls at exhibitions in and around her locality. I am not sure when her next exhibition is, but I will definitely update the upcoming event.

Pearl hair bands with satin tie, can double up as necklace!!!

If you are proud mums of pretty princesses, definitely have a look at All Things Beautiful. I can assure you will never regret. Kindly do mention Saree Soirée if you are heading towards her page already.

Shilpa Reddy, The Bewitching Beauty!!!

Sophisticated and fragile, Shilpa is probably the only Reddy girl ever to be featured on the Kingfisher Calender. Oh boy, the list goes on and on! She was crowned Gladrags Mrs India in 2004. She is a philanthropist, fitness freak, expert and a nutritionist.

She owns a self-titled fashion label Shilpa Reddy. She is a yummy mummy, but certainly deserves privacy in this matter. She is the brand ambassador of Roshni, an NGO that raises awareness and also supports people who battle against mental health issues.

She comes from a conservative family, but looking at what she accomplished today all I can think about is her supportive family. Whatever she is today, she probably owes to her family. No wonder she is so emotional whenever she talks about them. I watched her on Lakshmi Manchu's Talk Show where she talks about the right diet. Seems she prefers honey or brown sugar to the common man's sugar. Honestly, I wouldn't make it to the next week if I follow her diet.

Hot mama!!!

Shilpa Reddy's label is simply a true reflection of her personality. Elegant, graceful and not too loud! Its pretty evident, but not on-your-face kinds! Her label is literally going global. On October 31st, her Autumn / Winter Collection 2014 will be showcased on Eiffel Tower by Jessica Minh Anh. Atta girl, I am really proud of you and your work.

Courtesy - Shilpa Reddy Studio

You definitely deserve the crown and the glory as well! Lets save the future posts exclusively for her upcoming collections! The name "Shilpa Reddy" rings bells in my heart as its my bestie's name, too!!!

Manchu Lakshmi Prasanna, The Exotic!

In a good way, I believe Lakshmi is too hot for the South Cinema. The only daughter of the most versatile Tollywood actor Mohan Babu. She is a proud graduate of theatre / performing arts from Oklahoma University, actress, model, producer, philanthropist and television host! Did you know she had a limited edition perfume on her name "Iconoclast By Lakshmi Manchu"? Although, I wonder why "Iconoclast"!

Exotic, see!!!

She is definitely the Jill of all trades. Most recently, she is blessed with a beautiful girl! Seems she is the first surrogate mother from Tollywood, but lets not discuss such delicate issues here. They are too personal to be rambled about! Yummy mummy club welcomes you, dear!

She is crisp clear in voicing out her opinions. Her presence in the social scene is evident since her visit to India for her elder brother's wedding. She definitely deserves a mention in every fashion blog. She is so mystic and exotic, it doesn't require a professional lens to see that! Her style is kind of feisty with a dash of ethnic! She can carry a dress and a saree with similar ease. No wonder people watch her shows for her wardrobe. I cant resist, but let me save her jewellery posts for the future! The way she hosts is very cute, especially when she puts the guest in soup.

Watch her in the short film Thank You For Washing especially if you are a germaphobe like me! Her expressions are really hilarious. Love you for that, Lakshmi!!!

Shreedevi Chowdary Nekkanti, Our Coco Chanel...

What an apt title and tagline for our darling Shree! She reminds me of the line, "Why should boys have all the fun?" She is a business woman who is serious about her money! She wants an empire, in her own lines! She is the vibe of Hyderabad social scene, especially charity shows. See, fashion for a cause. Now, thats something noteworthy. I also assume she is a producer of lifestyle and fashion magazine AGL.

Ain't she a beauty? Gosh, I sound like a man!!!

Picture perfect!

I am not her stalker, but just an ardent admirer! You too can admire and appreciate her through her facebook page "Shreedevi Chowdary." She is the first woman who made me realize I am crap! There! I never thought I would say it, but I finally said it! One should really admire how much effort and time goes in doing what she does! 

Sparkles!

She is full of energy and giggles! She pops, she sparkles and she buzzes electricity! She can don Kanjeevaram and Chikankari in the same frame with elan! I believe nobody can capture her at her best than Amit Khanna or Devi Satish! Let me stop this madness here and leave the research to you. I will move on to the real post.

The inner child!

All giggles!

Shree is one of Gaurang's muses from Hyderabad. From what I read, her jewellery for the photo shoots are sponsored by MBS Jewellers, Hyderabad. Now, Gaurang's wardrobe and MBS jewellery is one hell of  a combination for someone royal and regal. Guess who fits the bill better? Shree, it is!!! No wonder she graces every fashion blog and website!

Turquoise magic?

Shree and one of her friends, Deepthi Rajesh came up with their own label "Shree & Deepthi"in early 2014. I have no doubts about their label's future especially when Shree models their range. By the way, Deepthi Rajesh is famous for something else, too! She deserves a seperate post, darlings! Good lord, spoiler alert again!

Delicate as Daisy

Pristine as Pearl

Courtesy - Shreedevi Chowdary

Shree is never-ending like FTv! One post is definitely not enough for a woman who is capable of giving models a run for their money! Good work, Shree! Love...

Tibarumal, A Must Visit Jewellery Store In Hyderabad!!!

If I had only one chance to visit a jewellery store, it will be Tibarumal. I am not from Hyderabad, so geographically it was not possible for me to buy anything so far from them. But, never say never :)

Courtesy - Tibarumal

Like they say, you dont have to eat every grain to see if its cooked or not. Same applies to Tibarumal Jewellers. Come back for a visual feast, thanks to Tibarumal. Lets not talk much and spoil the fun, shall we?

You can contact Tibarumal here...

Gaurang, A Blessing To The Handloom Industry!!!

I am aware of the label "Gaurang" by Gaurang Shah since early 2013. All I know about him is his work, so I am still working out on my research. No offence, but he is the South-Indian Sabyasachi. Only, it gets much better every season. I wont get too deep into the details as I know the next thing you do after reading this post is dig for Gaurang Shah. Apart from his striking cute smile, his designs are to die for. People, including me find them very expensive. When I say expensive, they are like crazily expensive. But I guess customization comes with certain privileges where price tag is one of them. His work is so distinctive you can easily identify.

Courtesy - Gaurang

How cute can a picture get???

Ever-graceful Kiron Kher, bubbly Taapsee Pannu, "the real Indian woman" Vidya Balan as muses and Mamata Reddy to adorn the walls on his stores with her distinctive Kalamkari patterns, now you know what to expect when you visit the store. He works with two other like-minded people Mira Sagar@Vaya and Bappaditya Biswas@Byloom. This trio works for a good cause and its definitely something we dont get to see often. Gaurang collection features Uppada, Kanjeevaram, Paithani, Kota and Banares. He also works on Khadi, which made me notice his work upfront. Up until Gaurang, Khadi for me was something from my granny's wardrobe. Now thanks to him, I am dying to own a Khadi saree. Oh yeah, he makes salwar suits too! You can visit Gaurang stores in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bangalore and save the best for last, Chennai which opened yesterday probably!

How could I forget the most stylish Shreedevi Chowdary Nekkanti from Hyderabad? She dons so many feathers in her hat, so I will probably save that for an exclusive post. I am telling you, she is not to miss! She is the beauty with one hell of a wardrobe loaded with probably all possible designer labels from around the world. If its a saree, I see her mostly in Gaurang as they are very distinctive on her.

Moving on, you can either visit the store or contact Gaurang here...

Welcome to Saree Soirée!!!

Saree Soirée, with due respect, is a tribute to fashion, beauty and talent with special emphasis on South India. Knowing there are zillions of blogs on the web constantly feeding us with wonderful information, we started Saree Soirée for reasons close to our heart. Sounds cliche, but we want our blog to be very useful and appealing to all genres no matter what. Let's say our goal is to enlighten you and be your LITTLE BLACK BOOK.

Saree Soirée blogs about people, fashion trends, talent and everything worth your time. We treat everybody with same due respect. We make people feel truly honoured and privileged for what they do. Do not judge our blog just because some people here do not need introduction, not to mention promotion of their work. Our main intention is to bring every talent to limelight. You might not know where who is what unless you learn or read or discuss!

We know we are new on the block, but we also believe every journey has that first step. We want to be a part of your precious journey. Success never comes overnight, so we really appreciate if you can talk to us about your journey right from the baby steps. We promise you are our celebrity as its in you the talent lies.

Feel free to contribute and beautify our blog further. Do enlighten us on what's happening around. Entrepreneurs and start-ups are more than welcome to promote their work on our blog. Your valuable suggestions are always a blessing! Drop a mail and spread the love!!!

Disclaimer – Personal blog written and edited by the author alone. Unless specified, all images and copyrights belong to the respective owners. We give credit whenever and wherever its due. If you are not happy about any aspect whatsoever, kindly mail us on sareesoiree@gmail.com. We will do the needful ASAP.