Mommysavers

Frugal Moms Living Well for Less

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Cooking
    • Cookies
    • Copycat Recipes
    • Crock Pot Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Freezer Meals
    • Frugal Recipes
  • Holidays
    • Back to School
    • Birthdays
    • Christmas
      • Gift Ideas
      • Elf on the Shelf
    • Easter
    • Halloween
      • Costumes
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Frugal Living
    • Leftovers
    • Repurposing
    • Crafts
    • Saving Money
  • Hobbies & Home
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Organization
    • Time Management
    • Simple Living
  • Family Fun
    • Date Night
    • Random Acts of Kindness
    • Travel
  • Deals
  • About Us

Frugal Foreigner: The Sari – Not Just a Fancy Dress

May 18, 2011 by Susie Chadwick 8 Comments

Before I came to india, I pictured saris as special occasion-wear – fancy, nice, and expensive.  Now I know better.  “work saris” are sold for as little as 99 rupees (just over $2).  Weddings, church attendance, and holidays bring out fancy wear for all women, but the every day use of saris varies.

To broadly generalize, saris are worn in very cheap materials by very poor women…

Frugal Foreigner: Sari on the street

and in silk by wealthy, older women.  This is my brother's mother-in-law in a silk sari.  She has it tucked into her petticoat as a work sari, but she wears silk every day.

Frugal Foreigner: Sari in silk

Nearly everyone in between (for example, women working in call centers) wears a salwar kameez – a tunic, pants, and scarf set, modeled below by my house helper (she hates to wear saris.  I interrupted the dishes to take her picture, so excuse the water).

Frugal Foreigner: salwar kameez

A sari is a single piece of fabric (around 6 meters), wrapped and tucked (or pinned) over a short blouse.  They come in all kinds of fabrics and patterns and range from super-cheap to very expensive.  Cheap sari…

Frugal Foreigner: Sari on a motorcycle

Expensive sari.  This sari was a gift from my brother's mother-in-law and cost more than my wedding dress.

Frugal Foreigner: Sari on me

Saris can be very useful items of clothing.  You can use the end to blow your nose, clean your child's face, or cover your hair and face during a dusty rickshaw or motorcycle ride.

Frugal Foreigner: Sari on a motorcycle

Oh, and they can double as swimming suits.

Frugal Foreigner: Sari in the poolFrugal Foreigner: Sari at the beach

While we're discussing women's fashion in India, I'll also mention that there are quite a few Muslim women here.  Many of them wear a black hijab, but again, the working women usually just wear a colored scarf over their hair with their Western wear.

Frugal Foreigner: Hijab

Also, nose rings and toe rings are incredibly popular among indian women.  Here is Kannagi again with her nose ring and five ear piercings, including a chain that connects two of them.  Most women also wear a bindi on their foreheads.  This is required for married Hindu women, and though many Christians also follow this custom, Kannagi does not.

Frugal Foreigner: jewelry

If you're new to my frugal foreigner posts, read all about what we're doing in India here! You can read all previous posts in the series here.

Share
Tweet
Pin
0 Shares

Filed Under: Fashion, Travel Tagged With: fashion, frugal foreigner, india, clothes

« 2011 Summer Reading Programs = Free Books!
Muffin Tin Monday: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie »

Comments

  1. Adele says

    May 18, 2011 at 8:15 am

    Thanks for posting this interesting information about Indian dress. I learned a lot!

    Reply
  2. Kimberly Danger says

    May 19, 2011 at 9:52 am

    Thanks for posting, Susie! You look lovely in your sari. Was that one expensive? It’s hard to imagine blowing your child’s nose with something so pretty.

    Reply
  3. Shell says

    May 19, 2011 at 10:07 am

    Thanks so much for sharing Susie~ I am learning so much from your stay in India:)

    Reply
  4. Diane says

    May 19, 2011 at 10:26 am

    Susie, this was so interesting. I am really enjoying hearing about your life in India.

    Reply
  5. Susie Chadwick says

    May 19, 2011 at 10:47 am

    Oh, you wouldn’t wipe your child’s nose on a silk sari, but a cotton one, sure. The silk is too stiff, anyway.

    The sari I have was around $125.

    Reply
  6. Susan says

    May 20, 2011 at 6:17 am

    My mother received a beautiful sari as a gift from a neighbor many years ago. Is there any particular way to put it on and wear it? She has had it in storage since she received it because we had she idea how to wear it.

    Reply
  7. Susie Chadwick says

    May 20, 2011 at 6:43 am

    Yes, I actually had a difficult time putting it on myself the first time, and after that I left it pinned to make it easier. You tuck it in your petticoat, wrap it around your waist, pleat it, tuck the pleats in, then wrap the rest up over your shoulder and pin it to your blouse. And it’s not as easy as it sounds!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Frugal Foreigner: Indian Fashion for Men | Mommysavers.com says:
    June 15, 2011 at 6:24 am

    […] you enjoyed my Frugal Foreigner post on saris, here’s the male version.  Click on pictures to enlarge.  If you’re new to my Frugal […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




About Mommysavers

Kimberly Danger established Mommysavers.com in March 2000 as a way to channel her creative energy while raising her kids. Initially an online discussion board, the website evolved into a comprehensive platform offering money-saving tips, deals and budget-friendly recipes and tips for frugal moms. Read More…

View My Blog Posts

mommysavers

Helping families live well for less 💰money saving tips 🥘 budget-friendly recipes 💵 frugal living

Kimberly Danger


I just finished organizing the $5 or Less Family M
I just finished organizing the $5 or Less Family Meals into a nice .pdf you can download for free!  These ideas came from our frugal forum members.  The link to download is in my bio.  #cheapmeals #frugalcooking #cheapdinners #frugalfood #frugaltips

Instagram post 17876488349895177
Instagram post 17876488349895177

FRUGAL BITES: Healthy for Less Menu Plans

Healt
FRUGAL BITES:  Healthy for Less Menu Plans 

Healthy eating doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming! Join the recipe group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cleaneatingfixrecipes to find the recipes to go along with this menu plan!

Breakfast: Mexican Egg Scramble
Lunch: Asian Chicken Salad
Snack: Greek Yogurt Parfait
Dinner: Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Quinoa and Roasted Vegetables
Dessert: Baked Apples


📣 Attention Savers: Discover the Power of the $
📣 Attention Savers: Discover the Power of the $5 Savings Plan and Watch Your Money Grow! 💰💪

🌟 Are you tired of struggling to save money? 💸💔 Don't worry, we've got you covered! This blog post reveals the simplicity of the $5 Savings Plan, and you won't believe the results! 😱💥

👉 Learn how brensmom saved $700 in change and turned it into a memorable Christmas! 🎄🎁 Discover the competitive journey of 55quiltlady and her BFF, who fund their annual quilting adventures effortlessly! 🧵💃 Find out how allemee77's daily $5 contribution can accumulate to an astonishing $32,850 by the time her daughter reaches college! 🎓💒

But that's not all! 💡 We've gathered even more inspiring stories and clever saving strategies from our old forum community members, including Stormy, Cookie2, wichwire, Susannah, Smokeybandit, and kgummey. Their insights will revolutionize your approach to saving money and help you reach your financial goals faster than ever! 💪💰

Click the link below to read the full blog post and be prepared to be amazed! ✨✨

👉https://mommysavers.com/5-savings-plan/

💬 Tell us in the comments: What's your favorite money-saving tip? Have you tried the $5 Savings Plan? Share your thoughts and experiences with us! 🤔💬

#MoneySavingTips #FinancialGoals #SavingsPlan #PersonalFinance #MoneyMatters

The ultimate in saving money on gourmet foods… #
The ultimate in saving money on gourmet foods… #foraging. This weekend brings us #morelmushrooms and #wildonions

Instagram post 18284423317140395
Instagram post 18284423317140395

Happy Mother’s Day!
Happy Mother’s Day!

NOVEMBER = THANKSGIVING

Why not make it a practic
NOVEMBER = THANKSGIVING

Why not make it a practice to express gratitude daily, not just on Thanksgiving?  What we focus on expands.  It's so easy to see all the negativity in the world, especially online. Is anyone interested in joining me for a daily gratitude photo challenge?  If we focus on the little things that we are grateful for, our whole world changes. The blog post about it and.pdf of the checklist are on mommysavers.com .
#30daysofgratitude2018 #mommysavers #gratitudejournal #30daysofgratitude #attitudeofgratitude #begrateful #30daychallenge #bethankfuleveryday


@oreo bat cookies for halloween with @wiltoncakes
@oreo bat cookies for halloween with @wiltoncakes candy eyes- I made 24 in just half an hour. Instructions on Mommysavers.com .
.
#halloweenpartyideas #halloweenfood #halloweenfoodideas #wiltoncakes #wiltoncakedecorating #oreocookies #halloweentreats #halloweencookies #halloweencrafts #frugalmom

Did you know that Hallmark has a line of cards at
Did you know that Hallmark has a line of cards at @dollartree? they’re just 2/$1!! .
.
#dollarstore #dollarstorefinds #frugalliving #frugalmom #savingmoney #dealsandsteals #bargainshopper #abundancemindset #frugalfinds #moneysaving #moneysavingtip

what you need is already there #abundance #abundan
what you need is already there #abundance #abundancemindset #prosperity #attractwealth #frugalmom #frugalliving #lessismore


Spider cookies with @wiltoncakes candy eyes 👀 🕷 -Instructions on Mommysavers.com

#halloween #halloweentreats #halloween🎃 #halloweentreats🎃 #halloweencookies #halloweencookies🎃👻 #halloweencooking

Some of the items I picked up @aldiusa for my late
Some of the items I picked up @aldiusa for my latest #familyfriendlymeals #menuplan. You’ll find it on Mommysavers.com .
.
#aldifinds #aldihaul #aldiusa #familymenu #cleaneatingrecipes #frugalmom #frugalmomlife #frugalliving #eatingonabudget

It’s true. Mom, that’s why you bear the brunt
It’s true. Mom, that’s why you bear the brunt of all your child’s troubles. #momming #mommingainteasy #adultingishard #momlifebelike #momlife❤️ #mommingishard #mommingsohard

Ghost 👻 Popcorn Balls on Mommysavers.com #hallo
Ghost 👻 Popcorn Balls on Mommysavers.com #halloweentreats #halloween🎃 #halloweenpartyfood #halloweentreats #popcornballs #popcornball #halloweenpartyfood

Copycat Halal Guys chicken and rice – on #kimcooks
Copycat Halal Guys chicken and rice - on #kimcookstheworld tomorrow #NYC #streetfood #halalguys

Sushi night
Sushi night

Feast tonight. I even made krumkake! #norwegianfo
Feast tonight.  I even made krumkake! #norwegianfood #feast #food

Swedish meatballs #swedishfood #foodstagram #food
Swedish meatballs #swedishfood #foodstagram #food #sweden #meatballs #kimcookstheworld

Cornish pasties #food #foodstagram
Cornish pasties #food #foodstagram


Load More



Follow on Instagram


Tags

21 day fix menu plan 21 Day Fix recipes 80 day obsession activewear air fryer amazon another use for baby tips clean eating clean eating fix clean eating recipes clean eating recipes crock pot recipes Clean Eeating copycat recipes crafts crock pot meals exercise family night frugal activities frugal fun frugal living frugal recipe gymboree healthiness eat healthy cleaning healthy living healthy recipes healthy snacks heathy recipes holiday toys Instant Pot kids celebration kids party kohl's deals marriage new years parenting tips reuse Shakeology stocking stuffer ideas stocking stuffers Target deals teacher gifts vegan zulily

Copyright © 2023 · Delightful theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 · Delightful Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in