A cup of Assam Tea

       New England has been wonderful these days, weather-wise. I love how the sultry summer beautifully transitions into fall, with its vibrant leaves, rich flavors, cozy boots, and layers. Lots on my mind, as India celebrates a glorious festive season thousands of miles away, and I feel the festive vibes here.  Buying balloons with my  Dad , the jingling of colorful bangles in the stores, and how our small town decked up are now distant memories.   Celebrating festivities in India has its own charm, whether it's the food, the hustle and bustle, or the natural transitions. Nevertheless, I love to dress up for Indian festivities. As you may know, I have a fondness for old and classic pieces. There is so much potential to dress them up in many ways, and it never fades with time. I am always attracted to pieces that have a vintage appeal. I love this old pair of back Mekhela chadar . Even though black is usually not considered a quintessential festive co...

Two years had passed by, and normal seemed like a distant dream. However, after two years, things slowly but surely began to return to normal. We are ready to welcome Spring festivals with all their glory as spring approaches. If you read my blog, you know that April marks the beginning of a new year in my birth state, Assam. We, the Assamese community in different states in the USA, celebrate the Assamese New Year and Bohag Bihu. This time, we visited Boston, where a vast Assamese community celebrated Bihu with great enthusiasm, featuring numerous cultural programs and a variety of delicious food. Visiting the Bihu festival in Boston after a two-year absence was an absolute joy. Meeting friends old and new was a fresh breath of air in our mundane Monton life.  Here comes the best part,  the outfit... I wore a  Muga   Mekhela Chadar  with lotus motifs in orange and maroon colors, and my hair with some weaves, teamed up with Assamese traditional jewelry and a Sab...

In my current homeland, here in New England, summer is almost over. However, in my other homeland, India, this is the hallmark of the festive season. The festive season unfolds with good food and chances of dressing up. However, COVID-19 has changed everything, including the way we celebrate festivities. The other day, one of my friends invited us to an Indian festival. I decided to step out of the mundane and dress in something special. Then this pair of green mekhela chadar came to my mind. A quintessential and classic for any Indian wardrobe. Even though this mekhela chadar is traditional, the thick border gives it a very contemporary look. It has a gold peacock motif design. I decided to pair it with a set of muted, statement gold earrings and a large, statement bangle, along with a gold watch. I did a hair bun and wrapped my hair with flowers. For makeup, my lips are in a bold red color, and my eyes are filled with dark kohl.  How do you like this look? Do let me know. Have a...

You know my love affair with mekhela chadar is never-ending. As I grow older, I find it even more comfortable to wear. Last weekend, the Greater Boston Assamese community celebrated Bihu  with prompt and enthusiasm. Like  last year,  we attended again this year, and I had another opportunity to wear my mekhela chadar.          I got this mekhela chadar at  the Assam Convention,  where one of the designers, Jahnavi Swargiyari, showcased her designs.  A simple yet elegant mulberry silk mekhela chadar in bright yellow color, just great to celebrate Bihu and Spring. The mekhela chadar features both silver and gold designs. The bright yellow reminded me of Assam, especially the dotted mustard fields of Majuli  and dreamy daffodils in New England. I chose muted antique finish gold jewelry for earrings and a stack of bangles, and added a few turquoise enamel bangles with it, a turquoise bindi, and a turquoise potli bag for a spl...

      The last couple of days had been really warm here, almost felt like mid-July. Not that I don't like warm days in New England when we always complain about the long winter. Yesterday the temperature dropped to a little chili. Feeling of the Fall is always wonderful. I felt like as if I am in India, Assam my home state. Felt like waking up in the morning walking on the lawn barefoot, foggy and hued and with all the festive buzz around. Now I am in New England, missing Indian festivities, so thought of posting a custom made Mekhela Chadar grey and orange, which I got from Assam when I visited last time from Xipini By Kanishka Gogoi Mahanta. A very contemporary appeal with a traditional touch. I accessorized it with antique finish gold jewelry. The outfit is ideal for both day and night. Also, the melange of the two colors, the brightness of orange and mildness of grey portraits the balance of fall  between summer and winter.       As you al...

"Fashion Changes, But Style Endures" COCO CHANEL Introduction:      Avon Diamond Executive President, India, Meghali Das is from Assam, India. No need for any elaborate introduction, she is the Secretary of North East Fashion Council (FNDC), India and is known for her great aesthetics for handloom and handicraft. Her subtle yet elegant style is impactful and inspiring. Presenting her and her style... 1. What is your style?       Meghali Das: I do not follow fashion. My comfort is my style and I always go for what suits me than following a trend. 2. Your top three favorite looks?      Meghali Das:  Totally ethnic, be it mekhela chador or saree with matching Avon jewelry. I love my handbags and a very good collection.  Love to wear skirts with knee high boots in winter depends on where I am going, weather, climate, and occasion. Blue denim and white shirt. 3. Eye makeup or Lipstick or...

My mekhela chadar memoir is vivid and vibrant. I was probably five when my paternal grandmother died. But, I still remember her pristine everyday mekhela chadar look. A cotton silk crisp mekhela and a handwoven cotton chadar with a cream or ivory blouse. Her inner simplicity is reflected in her attire. On the other hand, my maternal grandmother, who carries a tea garden heritage, always wears a silk mekhela and a cotton silk chadar with a small border, typically in brown, green, or gray colors. Throughout the day, her pleats remain in the same place and position; her mekhela chadar reflects a strong woman who has stayed strong throughout her life. As I grew up, I discovered every woman's inner world with her mekhela chadar. My art teacher, who used to wear beautiful mekhela chadars with intricate embroidery, revealed her sensitive inner world to me. Back home in Assam, our domestic help, Hiramoni, wears her mekhela chadar or saree effortlessly and quickly throughout the day.  ...