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I was pretty excited that Papa Spaniel’s sisters in Pakistan were having shalwar kameez made for me for the Mehndi (henna party), in addition to earrings and bangles for the wedding (I’ll tell you about the jewelry in another post). Well, Papa Spaniel has returned and brought all the pieces with him. Of course, as is bound to happen when you leave hardcore shopping completely in the hands of your sexagenarian aunties, you might not always end up with exactly what you wanted!
Since I was born and raised in Southern California without a lot of exposure to my South Asian heritage (only Papa Spaniel is Pakistani; Mama Spaniel is fourth generation Russian/Polish/Hungarian), and have always dressed… well, like the California girl that I am, I have no idea what is fashionable or current in Karachi right now. But I do know what I like, and I was really hoping Papa Spaniel would come home with something like one of these.
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The idea was bright colors, fun patterns, and modern fit. I got… one out of my three requests. It looked a lot like this, only with a tighter cuff around the ankle and evenly spaced one-inch diameter embroidered flowers spaced every six inches over the top.
(source)
Like I said, I don’t know Pakistani fashion, but I do know Spaniel fashion, and this ain’t it. I got the bright colors, but with simple and old-fashioned patterns… and it didn’t fit at all. 
Apparently there was an error transmitting my measurements, and I actually can’t even lift my arm because the sleeve is so tight around my bicep (that, or my guns are just too impressive) ;). Needless to say, I won’t be pulling out the too-tight granny-outfit for the Mehndi, or any other event.
Thankfully, Mama Spaniel came in to save the day, and found this dress for me on sale at Macy’s.
(source)
It’s just an American-style dress (familiar enough to be comfortable) with a little hint of the Eastern style I was going for. I’ll be sporting it with some gold jewelry (that I have yet to find). It also fits well enough for me to flex my biceps with impunity and without fear. Always a plus!
Oooooh, I love the dress your mom found, it’s awesome!!
The dress your mom found definitely looks like it has a little bit of the eastern style but it’s very sophisticated.
Ohhh I love the dress your mom found!!! Could you pair them with like fantastic vinyl-y type leggings? I definitely don’t think it needs it though!!
Thanks ladies!
@crebre80: I’ve tried it with black tights and it’s super cute that way if I find the right shoes (haven’t managed that yet), but I never thought of vinyl-type leggings… the dress is also a bit longer on me than on the model (it actually comes to my knees… she must have 3,000 mile-long legs because I am no shorty 
) so I’m not sure if I’ll do leggings or not.
Ha! I’m sorry your aunties weren’t up on the current modern shalwar kameez fashion but I think the dress you are going to wear is fantastic!
what a bummer the dress your aunts sent didn’t work for you but wow at the dress your mom found!
@miss spaniel: gotcha!! Okay if it’s longer I definitely think a great pair of gold strappy stilettos would be awesome, are you getting the henna done to your feet as well though? Maybe some gladiator type sandals or even some super awesome ballet flats would be great and easy to take on and pull off…
Awww, those pants outfits are really cool - but the dress is a great stand in, good find!
Have you ever checked out http://www.eshakti.com/ ? They’ll custom make you stuff like what you had wanted. Pretty reasonable prices. I like the Macy’s thing, but just wanted to throw that out there.
wellllll at least the poor fit is a good excuse for why you’re not wearing it, eh?
The dress your mom found is great ~ glad she was supportive of your choice to keep looking!
love the dress and would say totally rock it if you are only doing henna on your hands and arms.
if you are getting henna done to your legs, however, then wearing a dress can get a bit tricky since you’ll have to a) still still for a long time without b) sharing a bit more than you’d like with all your guests. leggings will solve the problem but then you have to figure out whether you want to wear them while the henna dries or cut ‘em off.
before getting married, i had been to lots of henna parties and never thought about this. then i was the bride and wearing a lengha choli with a long skirt and even then i was pretty thankful for the spanx shorts on underneath because those henna ladies don’t mess around about moving your leg whatever way they want.
@stephk23: I hadn’t heard of it before, but am looking into it now. 
Thanks!
@daydreamwanderer: If it would have fit… I don’t think I could have gotten out of wearing it!
@cb: Good point. I may look into some capri-length leggings, or at least some shorts!
I. Love. That. Dress! Would you share the designer or a link to the dress online if its available? I want to stalk it Great find by your mom - its so hot for a mehndi party!
whew, glad everything worked out (if anything, maybe a little lucky that the original one didn’t fit at all?). can’t wait to see you in the awesome dress that your mom found!
I love the dress! It’s going to be so cute with your jewelry and henna!!
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Mrs. Spaniel, Los Angeles Age and Occupation: 28, Law Student Fiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Psychologist Wedding Date: March 2010 Venue: Calamigos Ranch About Me: I'm a third-year law student trying to balance graduating with starting my career, keeping up a relationship, and, oh yeah, planning an Old World, multi-cultural, "mountain lodge" wedding for 180 guests! A South Asian Jewish girl getting ready to marry my handsome Catholic Dane, I'm hoping to blend our cultures in our wedding just a bit more gently than by providing samosas as appetizers and offering æbleskiver for dessert. (Although that would also be awesome.)
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