In recent years, the traditional Indian sari has gotten a bit of a makeover. Typically, this garment is made with two to nine yards of fabric, and is wrapped around the waist and draped over the shoulder, exposing a bare midriff. They’re ideal for hot summer days in India, and are a popular piece of fashion for women. Modern saris, however, have gotten a bit of a facelift and have become a bit more contemporary and mainstream.

Modern Mismatch

Some of the styles we’ve seen have been described as having an “urban gypsy” feel—with overlapping yet mismatched prints, bright colors, and unique styling. Take, for example, this Anupama Dayal sari.

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With its full skirt, stripes, embroidery, and other design elements, this looks like a sari, but not the kind we’re used to seeing.  It’s a unique take on a traditional look, and it’s gorgeous.

Slim-Fitting and Collared

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This dark burgundy number by Pernia Qureshi is a bit of a departure from the norm. While it has familiar elements, such as draping and a bare midriff, the shape of this sari is a bit more streamlined than the typical look. With different textures of fabric within the same outfit, a monochrome silhouette is achieved, however the accents of embroidery and a high collar make this particular sari stand out from the rest.

Interesting Prints

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Yogesh Chaudhary did a complete 180 with this look, turning crowd expectations on their side when presenting a brightly colored, unique-printed sari.  Bright blue, yellow, and orange are accented with ivory and black details, and the sari is edged with metallic gold. A looser blouse that covers the midriff has replaced the standard blouse. We could wear this look every day, couldn’t you? Or at least if we weren’t wearing it…we’d want to wear something like it.

Mix and Match AND Bold Prints

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This look, from Nachiket Barve, is seriously intriguing. With a form fitting, wide-necked blouse topped off with stripes, tie dye, a multicolored trim, and three dimensional embroidery. There are so many elements that catch the eye on this sari, yet it doesn’t overwhelm.

Modern Trends with Classic Styling

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Finally, check out this sari. Neeta Lulla is behind this look, which features classic stylings of the over-the-shoulder drape, but the blouse has a peplum look to it, a trend that’s been very popular over the past year or so. Long sleeves and darker tones lend a somewhat gothic feel to this garment, while still keeping the overall look restrained and alluring.

Which of these is your favorite? What’s your dream sari?

Last month’s Renault Star Guild Awards, presented by Star TV and Renault, honored the best and brightest small screen and big screen stars. Salman Khan hosted this year’s event (as well as last year’s), and Bollywood stars including Shraddha Kapoor, Shahid Kappor, Sonakshi Sinha, and many more walked the red carpet. Winning Best Actor and Best Actress were Farhan Akthar and Deepika Padukone, respectively. But as with any other award ceremony, fashion took center stage. Check out our favorite looks from the event.

Classy and Cool

Vihesh Bhatt turned up to the awards in a double-breasted suit and printed shirt, but what really stole the show was his lapel pin. A buttonhole flowerpin from Lanvin takes this look from basic to bodacious.  While we’re not typically fans of double-breasted suits, he’s pulling the one off well, and the suit is overall mostly well-fitted. It was easily one of our favorite looks on the red carpet for this event.

Gilded and Glamorous

Kareena Kapoor stuns with this all-gold gown. Setting off this statuesque dress is a simple hairdo and a bold lip color for a look that was simply, classy, and sexy, all at once.  The lines of the darker gold accent the actress’ figure, as well, making this a unique and demure look.

Channeling James Bond

Ranvir Singh appeared on the red carpet looking stylish as ever with a textured, luxe jacket and bow tie. The jacket is from Gucci’s pre-Fall ’13 collection, but we wouldn’t see a problem with anyone wearing this jacket out of season.

Metallic Elegance

Pictured here with her mother Tanuja, Tanishaa Mukherjee wears a long, flowing pale gold ensemble, shifting a gold look from body hugging to something completely different. We love seeing more traditional looks on the red carpet, don’t you? Tanishaa’s mother was awarded the lifetime achievement honor at this event.

This year’s big winners included the film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag,  which earned seven awards,  and Aashiqui 2, which earned 4. Stars honored included Salim Khan, Shraddha Kapoor, and Prasoon Joshi. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag tells the story of Milkha Singh, an Indian athlete who was a championship runner and Olympian. It has received positive reviews and performed very well at box offices. Currently, it’s the fifth highest grossing Bollywood film of 2013 in India. Have you seen it?

Deepika Padukone is one of the hottest Indian actresses and models around right now, and her fashion sense is stunning. Padukone, born in Copenhagen and raised in Bangalore, has three projects scheduled for a 2014 release—Kochadaiiyaan, Finding Fanny Fernandes, and Happy New Year. Aside from her professional life, though, we’re loving her style. Check out our five favorite looks of hers.

1) Black and White and Red All Over

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For the Big Star Awards, Padukone wore this gorgeous, one-shoulder Naeem Khan gown, which despite being swirls of black and white, wasn’t too overwhelming.  She topped this look off with a slicked back, sleek hairstyle and bold red lips. Somehow, Deepika pulls off looking sophisticated yet funky all at once.

2) Black and Gold Elegance

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At Amitabh Bachchan’s 70^th birthday party, she went a more traditional route, wearing a black and gold, elegant and ornate churidar by Rohit Bal. Showing off her distinct style as always, she sets this look off with strappy shoes, bold lips, and this time, a wavy updo. Stunning!

3) Sunset Hues

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Again in more traditional clothing, here she’s wearing a Jade from Karishma and Monica saree. With heavy golden embroidery on the edges and gorgeous pink, peach, and orange gradient hues all over, paired with statement earrings and plenty of bangles, she’s a vision. Deepika has been ranked the 29^th most beautiful woman in Hollywood Buzz’s list of the world’s most beautiful women, and looking at this picture, it’s not hard to understand why.

4) Jewel Toned Lace

We’ve previously mentioned how much we love lace cut-outs against bare skin, and this is no exception. At the 19^th Annual Screen Awards, Deepika rocked this Dolce teal dress. Seemingly innocent at first glance, this gown is both short and long thanks to the illusion of coverage offered by the lace. It’s one of our favorite looks she’s worn—is it one of yours?

5) Turquoise Allure

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This dress from Guari-Nainika looks innocent from the front but much racier from the back. The quasi-peplum look in front accents the actress’ curves, and her fabulous braid pulled forward keeps her back bare and hard to miss. A daring look, that’s for sure, but we think she’s absolutely pulling it off.

What are you favorite looks that Deepika Padukone has worn?

You want to look great every day of the year—that’s not surprising.  But on Valentine’s Day, when you want to impress your partner more than usual, there are a few things that can make your look extra special.  Check out our top tips to look stunning for your Valentine’s Day date.

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Clothes

Of course, you want to look beautiful. So picking something to wear that flatters your figure is key, but it’s important to feel comfortable, as well. In other words, if you’re not usually the type of person to wear bright colors, this might not be the time to bust out a bright red mini dress. Pick something that feels like “you,” but dress it up a bit. Accessorize with a red or pink belt, wear a different shape of dress (A-line instead of sheath, etc.), or mix up the textures and fabrics of your outfit. Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel gorgeous. You can also go for a dramatic look by pairing a simple black top with a red skirt or pants, or wearing a bright pink dress or skirt. You don’t have to wear brights, though—you could also choose pastels or neutrals and, if you still want a spark, add a pop of color in your shoes or accessories.

Makeup

When you think of Valentine’s Day makeup, you most likely picture red lipstick. While that’s a popular choice, pink lipstick is also a great choice. Choose neutrals or fun, fresh pastel pinks and purples for your eyes—don’t use red, as this tends to make you look like you’ve been crying.  You can also wear metallic on your eyes, such as coppers and pinks, for a sultry look. One thing to remember about makeup is to always keep the look balanced – if you put on a lot of eye makeup, keep your lips neutral, and vice versa. Too much overall and you could end up looking a bit overdone or like you are trying too hard.

Jewelry

As for jewelry and other accessories, the sky is the limit for Valentine’s Day looks. If your outfit is over the top, though, try to keep your accessorizing a bit more simple. For instance, if you’re wearing something sparkly, big dangly earrings may overpower the look—instead, choose something a bit more subtle. Alternatively, let the jewelry do the talking if you’re wearing a conservative outfit. Like with your makeup, it’s all about balancing the look.