I know, I know. There’s been a lot of “Best Of” posts lately. Technically, they are the “Best Picks”, so what else do you want me to call them?! Ugh. #bloggerwoes

After Amazon India Couture Week and BMW India Bridal Fashion Week, there was one weekend us bloggers got a chance to breathe (because AICW and BIBFW were back to back!) This blogger of yours, though, did not breathe enough that Independence Day weekend. It was spent thoroughly enjoying late nights and hectic days…with friends. Followed by a trip to Mumbai for work (post coming up next!) which then led to…illness. Yes, I’ve been sick. For a whole week. And I’m still only starting to get better, it feels. I’m exhausted, cranky, sleepy, achy all the time. Maybe I was overworked. I don’t know. I don’t want to talk about it.

I kept an eye on Lakme Fashion Week as it unfolded online, through the one eye I could barely get to stay open. Overall, I wasn’t as impressed and enthused as I was the previous season (LFW Summer/Resort 2015), but that doesn’t mean we didn’t pick out the best bridal buys from the 40+ shows to serve to you on this curated platter of a post. Enjoy!

Lehengas

Of course – Anushree Reddy nailed what brides love, once again (see this list for where to buy her latest outfits from). Her collection was pretty pretty, although a little repetitive, and I had been hoping to see more lavender hues. But she did share show time with two other designers (Arpita Mehta and Ridhi Mehra) so we only got a little bit to choose from for each designer. Which didn’t really work too well because usually these 3 are in my top 5 designers to check out at fashion week! #firstworldproblems oh wait #thirdworldproblems

Where to wear: Your best friend’s wedding, your cousin’s wedding. Pretty!!!

Surprise, surprise. Another Anushree Reddy lehenga I liked. This was in a very feminine pink, and (over?) sexy blouse. Again, here’s a store list for where to buy Anushree Reddy outfits from.

Where to wear: Apt for your roka or Engagement. Will also do beautifully on your Sangeet. For the blouse, you can tell them to make you one that covers you up some more, if this is too much show for you.

Buy it on Pernia’s

Not a lehenga I would typically like, but I’ve felt my tastes expand lately to include slightly more off-beat styles. I expected even more from Payal Singhal’s show, but this was one of the few I did like.

Where to wear: To your friend/cousin’s Sangeet, Cocktail party or even Reception. Pair with a slightly long sleeve raw silk blouse in literally any colour that complements black and silver (I’d go for hot pink) and drape a lightly embellished dupatta to finish the look.

Best of the Rest: Lehengas

(click on thumbnails to view full size images)

—

Saris

Agreed, there’s nothing Earth-shattering about this Anushree Reddy sari (buy it here). But it’s a perfectly pretty net piece to put in your trousseau.

Where to wear: Anywhere. Any time. Any occasion. It’s all good!

I think this is a dhoti sari, or a pre-pleated sari or some sort. I love the colours, the lace pallu, the sparkling blouse – and the effect it has all put together. Of course, the beauty Nishka Lulla (Neeta Lulla’s daughter) wearing it probably took it to the next level.

Where to wear: To your friend’s Mehendi, or Reception. Yes?

Best of the Rest: Saris

(click on thumbnails to view full size images)

—

Anarkalis, Gowns and Suits

Favourite outfit! This nude shade anarkali jacket by Nikhil Thampi is super pretty, and has this magnetic appeal I cannot even explain.

Where to wear: Perfect to put in your trousseau, and whip out at every event that needs a light formal anarkali. I’d wear it everywhere. My distant relative’s Sangeet, my best friend’s Mehendi, that super fancy dinner party.

Yes, it’s semi-formal. But doesn’t every girl need one of these in her wardrobe? It’s an AM:PM creation – they’re one of my favourite brands!

Where to wear: Another one for your trousseau, for every time you want to step out of the house like a stylish newlywed.

Esha Gupta strutted out in this pretty fabulous Ridhi Mehra gown.

Where to wear: Reception Perfection.

Best of the Rest: Anarkalis & Suits

(click on thumbnails to view full size images)

—

While Lakme Fashion Week this season had a handful of hits, with many, many misses, I’ve been thinking about this entire season of fashion weeks. And to be honest, this time around they’ve been largely uninspiring. Is it just me, or have you also found yourself feeling “blah” about what you’ve just seen in the last 1 month – across all 3 fashion weeks – ICW, IBFW and LFW? Brighter days are here, though. I have been finding some beautiful bridal pieces off the runway, and I’ll be sharing those on the blog in the coming weeks. Definitely excited about giving you more of what you’d LOVE to put in your trousseau! You know, “our type” of clothes 🙂 Cannot wait!

In the meantime, tell me what you thought of this collection of Lakme Fashion Week. Loved? Disappointed?

Which was your favourite fashion week this season – Lakme Fashion Week, India Bridal Fashion Week, or India Couture Week?