Sunday, July 18, 2010

Me and My Sari


About a year ago, my husband and I got the chance to travel to India for a wedding. While there, I took the opportunity to do some research for my Drake's Rakes series. So far Grace and Harry Lidge both lived there. So I hunted down the places they would have lived, and I interrogated every person I came across about the unique customs I saw, the exquisite art, the opulent architecture.

I came home with a bonus. My sari. I had planned on getting something made from the delicious fabric that is sold from every fourth storefront, I swear. But I had been strongly warned away from saris. "Western women are forever getting into trouble," I was told. "They don't know how to put on a sari, which means it tends to fall off at the worst moment." I wasn't about to challenge fate.

My hostess refused to listen. She wanted me to wear a sari and have my hands painted with henna for the wedding. When I told her of the cautions I'd heard, she told me she would have a 'western' sari made for me. So, two days before the wedding, she took me to the tiny town of Rourkela where we visited a fabric store(she almost couldn't get me back out. I swear I heard angels sing in there). Once I picked out my material, we walked across the street to the local tailor, and she asked him to make me a 'western' sari.

I know. You've probably never heard of a western sari. Trust me. Neither had the tailor. He, his staff, and my hostess spent half an hour tugging material around me and arguing. But they must have come to some conclusion. He promised the sari for the next day.

Personally I consider him and his staff genius. They constructed a sari that includes an elastic waist and a zipper so the skirt wouldn't fall off. And unless I undress, you can't tell. Even if I say so myself, it looks great. But then, I contend that every woman looks beautiful in a sari. I've made it a point to wear it when I can, simply because I love it so much. And because I'm not the one who has to wash and iron it myself.

4 comments:

Wendi said...

What a beautiful sari Eileen! And I love the story behind it. :)

Absolutely loved Barely a Lady and can't wait to read the story of Grace and Harry!

-Book Lovers Delight said...

Hi Eileen!

Kudos for a story brilliantly written.

I just finished reading your book Barely A Lady and became an instant fan. I can't wait to read Never A Gentleman - Grace and Diccan's love story.

It would be an honor to do an author spotlight with you on Book Lovers Delight book blog.

If you are interested simply contact:

BkLoversDelight@gmail.com

or leave a comment on Book Lovers Delight.


Thanks, Eileen.


-Karina

神待ち said...

神待ち少女を助けられるのは貴方しかいません。是非近所でウロウロしている少女を助けてあげてください。

逆援助バイト said...

逆援するなら絶対このサイトで間違いないよ!!!すげえ美人が凄い金額でお前の事買ってくれるぜ