My outings in a saree… Lack of

As already discussed in Introduction, I have only worn my sarees in public on only a handful of occasions. Tonight, is going to be another occasion, but sadly I am not leaving the house. My loving boyfriends parents happen to be coming to my home tonight for dinner, which happens to be a curry. Not my doing the Boyfriend is cooking. He has suggested that I wear my recent Organza purchase. Just the thought of it has put a little grimace on my already wrinkled face. My boyfriend’s parents are amassing. They are the sort of parents that only exist in happy house hold text books, they are the parents I never had, they are still together for a start, they love and care openly and not just when something bad happens. They live down the road and I consider them to be some of my closest friends. There is a huge age gap between us of course, and this whole Indian fashion thing I have going on I’m sure they are not overly frilled about and find it just a little bit too strange. The lack of interest shown by his mum is reflected in her silence, and all I get from is father is “where is your dot on the forehead?” It can’t be helped, they are of that generation just missing the big hippy movement and did not have the privilege of being a bit more adventitious and open minded. Also, I’m not too sure I have the strength again to defend the Bindi yet again!

 The times I have worn the saree I have been adorned with complements, which when I get normally say in the times at work I have made an effort with normal office clothes on the rare occasions my tool box is not required for a certain job, these complements are dismissed or thrown back with “Can’t you see how fat I look in this!” or “I don’t feel nice” or “Well done your right they are not overalls!” or “P*** Off you pervert!”. To have a complement about me wearing my saree means so much to me, not one is forgotten and always treasured. I have had complements from all sort of people of all ages and it would be nice to conduct a study.


A lot of Indian women have loved it. Commented on how well I where it and where I got it from who dressed me


A lot of Indian men said I looked beautiful. One wanted me to join a saree design project, but after I told him I had a boyfriend I would love a Sari designed for my wedding day, funny enough I never heard from him again


Some white women said it looked lovely


White men, nothing, not a word, just strange looks, kind of like a face sucking on a lemon. My neighbour had a fantastic opportunity to comment but instead just stood in the shared hall way with a look on his face shouting “What the Hell are you doing!”

 The best complement I ever received was from a 12 year old Indian girl who told me how jealous she was of me as she was too young to wear a saree. I did feel for her, and hope that when she is of age, she still wants to wear a saree.


To be honest. Only one-opinion matters and that is of my boyfriend. He took me on knowing that I had this passion, and he has fully accepted it but kindly reminds me that I am not in fact Indian. I guess if he hadn’t of accepted he wouldn’t be my boyfriend. It is fantastic having someone now to help me choose the right colour and design, another opinion. A lot of my early sarees have a lot of work in them, lots of ‘Bling’ and sparkles, with his help I have found that even the simplest saree can look like a million pounds on me. He is even better at pleating them than me!


I feel for me, a chunky white girl, to wear a saree has to be for a special occasion but I simply do not have enough of those. My next special occasion is to the Theatre to see The Peoples Romeo Tara Arts Presents - The People's Romeo, The Drum - Tickets for Asian events, clubs and nightlife. Latest Asian theatre and concerts. Buy tickets online.


After that Nivrati celebrations which I have been kindly invited to attend the dance, then there is this year Christmas do which regardless of dress code I will be wearing a saree.


I’m sure I’m just being a bit impatient, these are excellent opportunities to were a saree most have the Indian twist, but for me its not enough. I simply want to be in one every day!


Looking at the practicality of it, it would be impossible. I’m an engineer. Steel toe capped boots will not look great. Working at heights, the harness will seriously crumple up everything. Normal working, my Pallu would possible get caught up in some equipment heat exchanger fan and write of some very expensive equipment but more importantly the saree would get damaged. Anyway, the hard hat and high visibility jacket would simply not go.


And with like most infatuations, hobbies and interests, if you perused them 24/7 would they still be as much fun?


So for now, my Sarees are reserved for those special occasions and for behind closed doors. If I could get the courage I’m sure they could have the odd weekend with me now and then.