14 Valentines in February

Here we are, ready to start month two in 2012 and this is the month of the heart, the month of love. In honor of Valentine's day, I'll be bringing you a valentine a day. Some edible, some just pretty, some sweet and some simple and homemade. I hope you find them inspiring you to create a valentine of your own.

No Hate Filmfare 2012 Fashion

If you follow Bollywood news or any sort of Indian news really, you'll know that the Filmare 2012 awards were held in Mumbai this past weekend. 

Here are some of my favorite looks from our chic B-town celebs. 

Deepika Padukone

Image via Pinkvilla

Dia Mirza

Image via iDiva

Karishma Kapoor in Manish Malhotra

Image via iDiva

Wow! Until I typed up this post I didn't even realize that all my favorites were sarees and rather simple non glitzy ones at that. I guess I'm in a less is more mindset these days I guess.

Saraswati Puja Style 2. Yellow Print Kurti Tunic

Yellow Print Kurti via Cbazaar 

This looks like it would be so easy to wear. The lovely yellow color, the contrast pink and squeee....Chevron. Only the hottest trend around.

The Year of the Dragon 2012

Happy Lunar New Year! Hope your your is filled with luck, prosperity and happiness.  I'm making fried rice for dinner and I'm wearing my lucky red tee shirt.  Its these little rituals that bring meaning to everyday.

What about you? Are you incorporating a little bit of festivity in your day?

***Lack of a real post today, brought to you by a crazy weekend***

Weekend Inspiration

image via pinterest

Happy Weekend Friends! I hope your weekend is off to a good start and you have a cup of chai or some mocha frappucino in your hands as you read this. Nothing kick starts the weekend than a yummy caffeinated beverage. Also, a gorgeous hair ornament in gold and bright sunny colors. I wish there were more occasions in life to wear something this beautiful and opulent. I adore the detail in the Bride's blouse and the colors of her saree. Don't you?

I am lucky enough to have some old friends coming into town this weekend so I'll be busy reliving my wild past and giving in to their bad influences (I kid...sort of). I won't have too much time to do a lot of creative work but I'll definitely take pictures. 

{East&West} Instant Noodles

Happy Friday Friends! Welcome to another installment of East & West. In these cold January nights, I often crave comfort food as snacks and one of favorite guilty pleasures is a packet of Instant Maggie noodles ( Don't judge hater, I know you are secretly jealous). Not the new fancy flavors, the original Masala. My husband, who is non desi craves Maruchan Oriental Flavor Ramen. Oriental and only Oriental, thats the flavor for him. Our pantry is always stocked with these flavors.

What about you? Do you have a favorite flavor of noodles? Do you stay away from processed food? Whats your go to comfort snack?

{January Wedding Cakes} Ice Queens

Are these cakes incredible? I think they are too perfect to eat! If you are having a winter wedding, this is a great way to bring the season indoors. I'm sure you don't actually want ice or snow at your wedding (Or maybe you do ). But these cakes capture the beautiful crystalized iciness of a bright white january day. And if you have colors everywhere else, then the white is going to be a welcome respite to your guest's eyes. 

Cake by The Butter End Cakery

Photo: Kristen Weaver Photography

Perfect for: Ms. Chammak Challo Kareena 

Cake by Bobbette & Belle  

Photo: 5ive15ifteen

Modern and Elegant and Feminine, Any of modern Bollywood Rom Com girls- Deepika, Anushka etc

.

Cake by Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal

Photo: Courtesy of Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal

Perfect For: Any Yash Chopra Bride, Romantic, Traditional, and unabashedly opulent

{Vintage Glam} Cat Eye in 3 easy steps

After my dose of Jacqueline Fernandez yesterday, I wanted more glamour. Hello Cat Eye! I rarely wear eyeliner, I'm a lip gloss and mascara girl, but when I do decide to rim my eyes, I love doing a spectacular cat eye.
 The Queen of the Cat Eye- Ms. Sharmila Tagore:

As much as I adore this look,  I think it might be a bit much for me during the day time. I think I'm a more subtle cat eye kinda girl. More like the tutorial below

Easy No? What about you? Do you have a favorite way of doing eye make up? I probably need to change mine up a bit.

{Vintage Bollywood Glam } Jacqueline Fernandez

This morning, I needed a good dose of glamour. Real Glamour- Red Lips, Smoky eyes, Ultra styled hair and then I came across these photos of Jacqueline Fernandez and it make me happy.

The lighting of the photo, the fan, the curls. Sigh! So glam! More pictures from this shoot can be seen here

Oprah Rocks a Saree

On her recent visit to India, Oprah wore a Saree to a  private party thrown in her honor. She looks fabulous! The colors really pop!  You can see better pic at Pinkvilla

Vishnu Goes Modern {Gnaana Calendar}

image via Gnaana

I cannot wait to get my hands on one of these calendars for my family! Who knew Vishnu could be this modern. I love the graphic illustrations inspired by Javanese shadow puppets.

The calendar also has US, Canadian and South Asian (All religions) holidays marked. This is perfect for my blended multicultural household where we celebrate Holi and Easter.

Buy the Calendar at Gnaana Shop

Weekend Inspiration

image via Design-Seeds

Happy Weekend friends! I hope you all have wonderful plans for your weekend. I will be spending time with my husband and toddler and getting caught up with some photo editing and finishing up a few other projects.

I'm looking forward to a few photo challenges next week and also to see if I can make a few things from this week into regular features. If you are reading my blog, thank you so much. I hope you'll come back and say hello again.

{East & West} Opulent Red

Image via Romantic Threads/Etsy

There's something dramatic about Red that just captures the imagination. Passionate and Seductive, the color is the strongest force in both these outfits. Neither shows any skin, its all in the attitude, that makes it sexy.

Necklaces {Gold + Pastel}

Happy Friday friends! Do you all have plans for this weekend? 

Through my living room window, pale winter sunlight is spilling into my home. There are few brown and gold leaves on the trees outside, stubbornly hanging on. And the golden light and fragile leaves are making me think of pretty golden things. Here are my few favorite combinations of pastel strands mixed in with gold. Hope you enjoy them. 

 Taupe Razor Silk Backed Necklace by Ranjana Khan

Silk Cord and Sphere Drop necklace from The Vamoose. 

 Meir Chain Necklace by Amrita Singh

Jonathon Adler's Blue and White Elephant

image via pinterest

I have a special spot for Elephants! My mum says that my very first sentence, roughly translated from bangla was "The Elephant is eating leaves" So maybe thats why this playful and pretty elephant butter dish from Jonathan Adler is making me smile today! Need one for your dining room table? Buy it from Jonathan Adler's online store. And the lucky few who have weddings coming up, make sure to add it to your registeries.

Henna Hands, Clear Hearts Can't Lose!

image via pinterest

Wouldn't that be a fun caption for this photo? I just love this photo! I need to ensure I add this to a list of must take photos for the next South Asian Wedding that I photograph. I know it was posted on Pinterest from Maharani Weddings, but I can't find it on their site. Anybody know the original photographer of this photo? I would love to give proper credit.

Spicy Spicy Idly Chaat

Its cold, its rainy and dark. I want something spicy and easy to make and also reasonably nutritious. Enter VeggieBelly and her fabulous Idly Chaat.

Image via Veggie Belly

This is what I'm making for lunch friends. What about you? Something spicy? Something sweet? What's your lunchtime options today?

Inspiration Today: Dreaming of Sand Dunes

Magenta Gold Clarinda : $850.95~Bargello 

image via Bargello

The muted, dusky yellow, the bright pink, the gorgeous embroidery evokes a dreaminess. This makes me want to be a bedouin and move to the desert and live in a rich opulent tent.

Since I live near the Atlantic seaboard, I'll settle for beach dunes instead.

Embroidered paisley birdies

Embroidered Patch from  Designs by JuJu

These sweet little paisley embroidered birdies are really getting me excited to start a sewing project. When I was a little girl growing up in India, my mom would buy white linen shifts for me that were embroidered with birds like this. They were a perfect airy layer to wear under dresses.

Maybe I'll try to find a similar white frock or baby onesie and see if I can embroider on these little patches.

http://www.designsbyjuju.com/products/dbjj437.aspx

What is more beautiful than South Asian Women?

Nothing. Its not a trick question, just a fact.

Here at Love Suhana, I want to celebrate everything beautiful about being south asian, about products and crafts and art thats south asian and a great way to kick this off is through a list compiled by one of my very favorite bloggers- Filmigirl.

Her list of Top 11 bossest women of Bollywood is sure to make you smile and then cheer and then roas and then maybe sit back down and finish your Chai. Her blog is my desi version of US Weekly and bonus, no Kardashian sister is ever featured on her blog!

Don't forget to check out her other top 11 of 2011 lists as well.

Bollywood Bride: Sonam Kapoor in Thank You

Image via Sonam-Kapoor.net

Sonam Kapoor's Bridal Look in Thank You- Yay or Nay? 

I personally like the look, its a very balanced look between traditional and modern. And the Tika and the kundan style jewellery are very complimentary. 

In the movie, Sonam played a betrayed wife who is helped by Akshay Kumar. It starred Bobby Deol, Irfan Khan, Suniel Shetty and others.

Gown Inspiration: Shilpa Shetty's Tarun Tahiliani Gown

Shilpa Shetty wore  gold bustier stlyle gown at her wedding reception in 2010 designed by famed designer Tarun Tahiliani. The dress below is a great version of Shilpa's gold gown. Instead of rubies, it would look great with emeralds to pick up on the detailing on the gown.

Gold is also a great color for brides who are hosting multicultural events because it is an universal color of celebration.

Gold Swarovski Gown ~Sonas Haute Couture

Indian Bride Traditional

Traditional Indian Bride wearing heavy Jewelry. I absolutely adore the cascading curls. I think thats a great option as a wedding hairstyle.

Hottest Wedding Trends of 2012

Wedding Aisle in the 2012's hottest pantone shade

Bridal Guide published their "Hottest Wedding trends of 2012" recently! The hottest trends are a gown with color, props for photos, creative catering like food trucks and vibrant mix and matching of decor. The full article can be read on Yahoo Shine

Priscilla of Boston Destroys Wedding Gowns

I was disheartened to read Priscilla's of Boston, a U.S based wedding gown manufacturer, owned by David Bridal would be so thoughtless and wasteful that they destroyed hundreds of wearable quality wedding gowns. This was to prepare for their retail locations closing all over the nation.

More about the story can be read here on Yahoo Shine!

I wish they would have donated the gowns!

Red and Gold Mermaid Wedding Gown

Indian Inspired Mermaid Gown by Jovani. Contact your local bridal shop for prices. Stunning! I think this would be appropriate for a reception as well.

Red and White Fusion Wedding Gown

White Wedding gown with a red lace asymetrical styling. Elegant, Modern and perfect for Indo Western Fusion weddings

Suhana Kitchen: Stainless Steel and Copper Wok

Hammered Metal Wok via Analogue Life - $140.00

Analogue life is a  Japanese Housewares shop with an emphasis on Japanese and South Asian hand crafted items. These woks are hammered from copper and steel and are hand made in Indonesia. 

Suhana Home: CB2 Hopscotch Rug

CB Hopscotch Rug -$199.00

Doesn't this CB2 rug evoke memories of a childhood summer? .I think this would be perfect in a modern nursery. I can't wait to put this in my son's nursery and play hopscotch with him soon!

Ranna Gill Fall Winter 2011

Perusing through Ranna Gill's Fall 2011 collection, I was immediately drawn to this midnight blue short caftan dress! Stunning isn't it? I like how the model is styled too.

You can see the whole collection at Ranna Gill

Modern Chrysanthemum Centerpiece {DIY}

When I was planning my multicultural wedding in the states  I looked for ways to incorporate chrysanthemums, those bright orange staple of Indian weddings  into my decor. Unfortunately because of the season, I wasn’t able to incorporate any in mine.  I saw this centerpiece on HWTM Blog and I think it would be a great modern update to a traditional Indian decor. It would be a great centerpiece for a wedding, dinner party, diwali decoration or any other festive occasion

Image via HWTM

Instructions for the DIY Centerpiece can be found on Hostess with the Mostess Blog

Red Centerpiece

Red Two Tone Recycled Pillar Holders from Pier 1- $23-26

Perfect for a celebration on a budget! On sale now at Pier1 for under $30.00 The Red is modern yet traditional

Red Bridal Shoes

Love these shoes with the burberry plaid from The Wedding Wardrobe.  Would be so cute with a white dress or a traditional lehenga

Love Suhana

Saree by Hermes

Oh Wow! French Fashion house Hermes has launched an exclusive Saree collection for their luxury store in Mumbai. It a limited edition offering, but I hope they continue it. I am loving the looks. 

Punk Rock Kurti Tunic

Gracious Grey Net Tunic from Cbazaar- $110

So, I'm hosting a dinner party this sunday and wanted to wear something a little different. I came across this kurti at Cbazaar. Doesn't it seem edgy and cool and kinda punk rocker chick ish? And of course without the pricey Shane and Phalguni designer price tag! You gotta love this!

P.S I would do different hair than this though. I teased up pony tail perhaps? What do you all think?

Saraswati Puja Style- Mustard Kurti Tunic

Mustard Net Tunic from Cbazaar $103.00

This month my local bengali community is hosting a saraswati puja. Traditionally, the color of the puja is yellow and most women wear traditional cotton yellow sarees. However, I'm  not comfortable wearing those kind of sarees. So I was thinking of this as one option. Will post more as I think of them.

6 bridal Hairstyles perfect for a fusion wedding

Images via The Golden Age

Wedding Movie: Bittoo Boss

After the success of Band Baaja Baarat, it looks like there's another movie coming soon about Indian wedding vendors. In this case a videographer. The film has created quite a controversy already with its bold theatrical trailer. The censor board refuses to pass it, but it has already leaked out to the media.

Here is the original version:

What do you guys think? I personally find it humorous and a little tongue in cheek. I'm actually quite looking forward to watching this

Chocolate Henna Cake

image via http://www.flickriver.com/

Twist on a classic henna cake! The peacock design is stunning and the wihte against the chocolate really pops. This one also works really well for a sangeet or a mehndi ceremony

Petal and Confetti Bags

Check out this Wedding Send Off Kit from Save On Crafts! How cute would this look to give your guests cute little organza bags filled with rose petals and confetti to shower on the couple as they exit the mandap or while you take your pheras. I didn't see it in red, but they did have some other fun colors.

Flowers in your Hair

Traditional and Modern Hairstyles with flowers

I didn't have flowers in my hair. But I think in retrospect, flowers in my hair would have been lovely. I love both these ideas. The red rose seems perfect with a more formal and traditional saree or Lehenga and the white is fresh and modern.

What do you think?