Henna Party!!

My first henna.

Clothes Shopping, Kathmandu Style

Today I finally got to go Nepali clothes shopping!!!  After many times trying, there were no other errands that had to get done or else and no bandhs (strikes).  We went to Assan and New Road, streets chock full of clothing stores.  We went into one and the shop keepers immediately began pulling out sulwar kurtas (tunic and pants).  You pick the fabric you like, they take your measurements and in a week you get a nice outfit, made just for you!  There are a lot of decisions to be made once you decide on the fabric.  You need to choose a neckline, a back line, length of sleeves, length of tunic and type of pants.  I got the sweetheart neckline, a scooped back neckline, short sleeves, just above the knee length and pants that flare a bit at the bottom.

Then we went to Wonderfab and they do have wonderful fabrics, a bit on the pricey side but very good quality.  I picked out four cotton prints I liked and paid for the material (cotton, about 200-250 rupees/meter). Then we went down the street to a tailor and he took measurements and asked the same questions.  I am getting a variety of neck lines, short sleeves and mid-thigh length for my kurtas (tunic tops).

All in all, for five handmade/hand tailored pieces of clothing, it came to about $15 a piece.  Not bad.

Men, there are shops to fit you for tailor-made suits.

I feel an addiction coming on :-)