Seems we all have same fears with india trip... Each India trip brings sour and sweet experiences. Last batch of indian clothes or suitable jeans/tops here i want to take along - that i brought from last trip is outdate or not suitable for indian weather or for some relatives like in- laws. My in-laws are very outdated so whatever indian clothes are wear should be fine. However, with weather and size changing each time, either 1-2 set of clothes is hard to wear or torn and i am too tired to dress up with hair, bindi, bangles so they do not like me. Then my parents - girls are my parents side are tooo modern for me. They know every thing and do everything, and change clothes, like clothes ;-). So I open my suitcase, they laugh at me... I do not dress up well. Lets go to shopping, buy this, this is modern, this is what women wear these days even if they are fat/old. Basic tee shirts bought for here (US or outside), simple in cottons or less poly, are easily 20$. And they would mostly be simple and not great fitting ofcourse. If I buy 5 T shirts just to wear at home at my parents house, i spend 100$ and i will be laughed at. IF I buy fancy top/blouse from here, they would definitely be poly, which can not be worn in indian weather or then neckline/etc will be make hard for indian wear. Comments about - all i have is black grey black grey.. blue. I myself feel, indian, even maid is dressed up better and colorful for me. Wearing lipstick to sit in home, it can not do that. Everyone takes liberty to come and comment at my clothes or getup..except my old parents. i guess it is part of life we have live through. They got access to latest fashion cheaply. We got access to many other things - including safety ( in many ways - girls safety) They have maids to take care of many things. We are maid here...managing everything. They have family/relatives to show off, we do not. Women here - also used to be like this long time ago... modernization has changed many things. Then, if you notice, or have desi female friends, who have big circle, they would be somewhat same. I know friends who do not go out without lipstick or hair blow dry. So its circumstances or sorroundings that make us like this.
Very well said..kudos! three things I completely agree.. 1) Indian dresses are way colorful and American styling is cool and sleek.Personally I like the elegant and neat colors of USA. 2) yes they have access to latest fashion with less cost and pretty stuff too.. 3) Only in desi gathering even in USA..all this peer pressure comes up! Thank god I don’t have these potlucks anymore lol Everytime India trip comes..my metal pressure increases Here I don’t even think twice what to wear! there in India..my mom does not allow me to step out if am not neat or bright enough and well combed hair and fresh faced..
Another funny thing.. though nighties are not pretty it is very comfortable. Last time it was late evening and I was too lazy to change..so stepped out in my nightie with a duppata and bun tied hair (coz it was too hot) and went for a walk. My uncle got so mad and told me that people will think am a house help.... I was like..hmm..”now I have to bother about what people think?”.. I feel ladies in India are always dressed so well and makeup etc most of the time coz out of peer pressure and how society perceives them….sometimes it will be good to relax though
My friend is a part of a huge kitty party in her hometown in India.It seems ladies bluntly comment on her weight if she puts on some..she has undue peer pressure to look good..and she is in a diet all the time
exactly... peer pressure is good in some cases, it helps you grow. Stay upto in fashion. People change per their envrionment and sorroundings. Like when i was in india, i was still sloppy but better than now. Now I have just one set of clothes outside, that i always fetch whenever going out, and goes back to hook as i reach home till its in washing. Not that i do not have full closet of clothes, just no time to think about what to wear. I also do not have circle to compete with ..I miss that when i attend some indian gathering like diwali where are all ladies are in their latest trends and they talk what they got from india, when they got.
True..don’t know which is good or bad in USA I don’t find the need to be in trend nor do I have the circle where I can dress up and show off.I feel more relaxed and Infact I have clothes in my closet 5 years old..even in winter no matter what I wear..cover it up with a jacket..so having everything and freedom to wear what I want BUT no interest to try
You can checkout Myntra and order few in latest trend before you board your flight to India. And your Indian wardrobe is all ready when you land. If you don’t like or have sizing issues you can initiate the return where they come and pick it up.
This is exactly my dilemma too! I am someone who wants to have a good circle of friends to hang out, shop around and dine out but it’s very hard to find in US with the similar mind set of people. I like dressing up, wearing trendy clothes but I lose interest because I don’t have that clan around. I envy the Indian crowd and always yearn to go back to India but husband’s career is set up here! Now I am afraid I will be turning 40 in 2 years and will end up not having to live the life I always wanted it to be. I don’t even know if I am thinking right!
I went to India last month, and the guard in my building ask my dad if his granddaughter is here. ( total because of my clothes and height do help too ) A moment of pride for me but mom was embarrassed like hell. ( silly ) Did I mention I don't care? as long as I feel "decent" and comfortable. But if we go out for dinner or any event/function ( which is a lot ) , I give my parents a sigh of relief and wear the best salwar suits or sarees they chose to give me ( yes I'm a parasite too )