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Saree Woes 2

Our earlier discussion on Saree Woes really perked up my spirits. A big thanks to all of you for pepping me up.

Okay, here's the good news. There was an unexpected late night party that I had to attend in Gurgaon. To be honest, I haven't had the time or energy to attend any such parties after Adi was born. I was sure I wouldn't have the confidence to make conversation with the glitterati, let alone feel confident to carry off wearing a saree. This is one of those parties where you have to be dressed very formally.

Well, at the end of a working woman's day, you hardly feel ready to attend one of these parties looking like a moron, right? So, with very little preparation and very few hours left, I called on all the gods in Heaven to help me look a little younger and prettier since I don't have the magic to look young all on my own.

Although I was tempted to wear one of my awesome Kancheevaram treasures, I knew it would be very difficult to drape it without any help. And after the pep talk you all gave me, I was determined to accomplish it on my own.

So, I chose a very elegant silk saree - green colored - and it had lovely floral work on its pallu in shades of light green and white. No bling, no glitter but it is very chic. I managed to drape it pretty well because it was light, flowing silk and didn't weigh me down. I am not one of those women who look dazzling and pretty so I decided a little bit of effort is required to look good at a party like this. So, for the first time, I wore light green eye shadow on my lower eyelids, then put black kohl over it and same with the upper eyelid. It was done very lightly as my hands were really shaking with no confidence. The effect was pretty good.

A lovely gold necklace and two simple gold bangles were my only accessories. To complete the look, there was a simple ethnic gold and red colored bindi. Well, there was no time to admire myself as I had to rush to leave.

Mr. H (for husband) was looking very young and dashing. Dressed in a black suit, crisp white shirt and a very supercool tie with shades of black and navy blue, he looked like a dream come true and I wondered if people will call me 'Aunty' at the party!

So, together, we dashed to the party. When I reached there, I saw lots of beautifully dressed women. They all wore sarees and looked perfectly made up. I felt glad I had made the effort, too. I hoped no one would mind that I hadn't painted my toes. Well, I never like doing that so I didnt bother with it. Besides, I end up splattering most of the polish outside the nails!

At the party, some ladies wore lots of accessories and bling, glittering sarees. Strangely, I was comfortable with myself. I noticed that I felt good about the way I had dressed and that gave me a lot of confidence. I didn't need anyone to tell me I was glowing because I knew I really was.

There were soft drinks being served, goblets of red wine and white wine and an array of snacks that were being served by uniformed, smartly dressed bearers. The scent of expensive perfumes filled the air. Conversations hummed, softly, around us. 

It boosted my confidence that I got a lot of admiring glances and compliments.I have been walking around like a complete plain Jane for years now, not bothering to look or feel young when going out. Making that effort takes up time and I never have enough time on hand but for this party, I found time, made the effort and felt so good about staying confident and very ladylike in the saree.

And why ami stating this here?

Because I took the comments of each one of you with a lot of enthusiasm and seriousness, reflected on each and that really pepped me up to make that effort for myself.

I felt buoyed up by all of you and that reflected in my actions too.

Thank you, all, for helping me feel that yes, I can do it - I can be a lady:)



Comments

Pramoda Meduri said…
hi Swapna,

well captured ..it was a very nice experience of urs i think...Could understand how much u involved in it..:)

I too love to wear saree..:)

Congrats on getting the award..:) kee writing..
Rohit said…
Hi Swapna

just read the first and second part..loved the first part ..my sis is terrified of wearing a saree because of the reasons you mentioned in the first part and and some other reasons which are completely fictious ..lol..Congarts on getting it right this time.
SoulSpace said…
Thats the way to do it!
Lavanya Sriram said…
Hi,
am happy for you :) it reals feel nice when we know that we look good and we know that. It no use others saying so,if we dont realize it. but once we realize it and are comfortable with ourselves, it does not matter whether others think so or not. isn't it?
and no offense meant, but, i was surprised to read that you are working. Somewhere down the line i got the impression that you are SAHM.
Faiza Ali said…
Congrats on getting it right this time. Loved reading both the posts :)
Deepthi_Alvares said…
Loved all your posts, especially, "Tales of Housework".

How I wish I could steal the description you've given to your blog name "To gather, savor and absorb all that is pure and pristine to our lives". It's lovely.
Swati said…
yippe ! hip hip hurray ! congrats , your happiness is so clear from your post :)
Deepak Tiruwa said…
Hi.Swapna I'm first time on ur blog...really liked it an the post

orkut in your sidebar
Ash said…
Thanks for the love shared through the lovely comment u left..... Hmmm... a writer...Gr8 going....Hope to c u around more often...

Ash...
(http://asha-oceanichope.blogspot.com/)
So glad you were able to feel so comfortable being you - it took me a long time to realise just how important it was for me to be comfortable being me. Love the new look blob by the way, very eye catching.
prerna said…
How lovely.. Glad you got it all right and beautfiul!!
lostworld said…
Flitted here for the first time.
Read part 2 and then went on to read part 1 and a few other posts.. Loved the way you narrate! I used to be a tomboy too & could relate to your 12th graduation day experience ;-)
Cheers!
anupama said…
Dear Swapna,
Good Evening!
i enjoyed reading your post.i could relate very well as i had to attend a party on last sunday and two are coming up!my nail polish remained in my handbag!i was lazy to put it.
i had experienced whe we dress well,we feel confident and we can hold our heads high and walk!
who won't appreciate second glances?
at times we must take time to pamper ourselves.:)
wishing you a cool lovely evening,
sasneham,
Anu
Rohit Dassani said…
U must have really looked stunning!!
Malar Gandhi said…
Oh dude, thats really kool to speak out frank. I guess we are kind of similar...I too paint outside out nails always, he he...so always leave them just buffed. Kancheepuram silk is a perfect choice, it suits everyone. Yeah confidence and comfort is more important than bling, glitter, jewelery etc.
Anya said…
Thanks for your visit :-)
You are welcome its just fun !!!

Interesting blog you have
its lovely to read :-)
Shruthi said…
congrats! glad you feel more confident :) I can relate to your Saree woes and of being a tomboy. my family dreaded the day of my sister's wedding coz I had to be in a saree for almost the whole day. but it was alright, i could just about manage :P

I love the way you narrate Swapna. great blog.
I have blogrolled you (hope its OK with you) don wanna miss any of your other posts :)
@Pramoda: Thanks so much.

@Rohit: So sweet but I doubt if your sister's fears are fictitious but I suggest that you help her to overcome those fears.

@Storyteller, Swati, Naurica & Faiza:YAY! Thanks! Can't tell you how thrilled I am to get the feedback.

@Lavanya: Thanks, nope, I'm a 24x7 working mom, juggling endless tasks and enjoying it too:)

@Deepthi & Ashkuku: Thanks so much. Hope you visit again.

@Petty, Prerna, Anupama and lostworld: Thank you all, i feel so encouraged by your sweet and thoughtful feedback.

@Rohit Dassani: Finally, a male voice in appreciation, thank you, thank you.

@Malar: Was wondering why no one paints nails as clumsily and now I feel so comforted that I've company. I am mean!

@Anya: Welcome and hey, thanks!

@Shruti: I'm honored.
SE said…
hi swapna...thanks for stopping by at my blog and for the comments too!!. I am glad you loved the recipes, do try them !!

I read your post,I can understand how you feel.Congrats on getting it right this time
workhard said…
Hey thats a real nice description.. just the confidence itself would make u feel good...

Work from home India
San!!! said…
hi,you have a nice blog to follow esp i felt little stressed in getting on to the background of the blog n the font.They don't compliment each other.Happy blogging.Good to know a lot about you.
Siddhi Shirsat said…
hi swapna...thnx for visitng and commenting on my blog...
your blog is 2 gud...nice thoughts and experinces...i am adding you in my list...do visit again...
Uma said…
Way to go Lady!
SUFFIX said…
Enjoyed reading, nice narration, thanks for sharing!! All the best to you.
Thanks, Siddhi, Uma, SE, Workhard and Suffix, hope to see you all commenting again!
Unknown said…
Hii

read ur comments posted to Nilesh's blog (First class passenger --- abt train journeys). interesting ..
u can have a check on my blog : http://surwil.wordpress.com
Would like to hear your take on some of those issues .
chitra said…
Nice to know everything went well and from now on do not hesitate. just go ahead and keep trying. All the best .
Nat said…
Thanks for dropping by...ur right! we do have some major similiarities! - wearing sarees makes me palpitate too!
R. Ramesh said…
hey friend thanks ya...btw,,waiting 2 c yr next post...:)
Great to hear from you all - Madhu, Nat, Chitra, Ramesh!
Anonymous said…
No picture??? I am sure you looked lovely..
Gomathy S said…
I believe that every girl will relate to your post..No girl can be perfect always :)

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