Groomin Guru

Groomin Guru

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Faith hope and....Lungis?, (Also Saris)....An Indian's guide to wedding season

Sup folks, I know it's been a long month without me, but I'm back...

I know my title is kinda lengthy, but....

Summer is still here...it's freakin' almost the end of September but its still in the 100s. But as usual I remember how much of my check goes to taxes...and how much MORE of it would go to taxes if I lived somewhere the weather is chillier and how much more a house would cost....
So i'll continue to live in the BADDEST STATE IN THE WORLD (yeah, the world....just before Kerala).

I need to shred soon and hopefully the weather will cooperate so I can start running again.
Luckily, I wear scrubs to work and my hips can lie all day in them.


Or maybe i'll try to learn how to swim again.
yeah right

BTW....does anybody have any videos/ willing to teach me how to swim?

Also side note: when I say I'm fat people get offended saying I weigh less than them, or my BF% is less than them blah blah blah....

When I say I'm fat, it's that I'm mentally fat. 2 Weeks ago my coworker brought a packet of candy and I ate it all before lunch. It was supposed to last the week.

Do I put in the work to overcome this? Yes.
Is it hard to fight the temptation to not buy a Big Mac for every meal of the day? Yes.


Concerns/Comments from my last post: Of course the girls lashed out that they get it just as bad from bullies for bein chubby. My main concern was society backs them up....while the closest thing we had was the 2-week fad of "dad bod".




START READING HERE IF YOU'RE SELFISH AND ONLY HERE FOR THE GOODS.

In the spirit of wedding season coming to a close, and Onam....

I. Jubas

A. styles

i. Standard
This is the typical everyday juba/"kurta" as they call it in north india. It is easily found in stores in India, or even in America. Straight and to the point. The benefit of this is it is easier to get your head through it after doing your hair.


ii. Side neck (rare)

If you're trying to change it up, try this side neck style. This will most probably have to be tailored as I have yet to find it ready-made. 

This style was popular in the 70's and is something I picked up from a random uncle that I met years ago. 

This is my current go-to style, but I only have a few made. It is slightly more difficult to get this one and angle your head so as to not mess up your hair, but this variation is something that is subtle and makes a good impression. 

iii. Designs, Colors, etc. 
There are a multitude of designs/prints that you can get, but unless you're gettin' married....I'd avoid these. 

What color should you get? Anything but beige. Whatever colors you feel comfortable with for shirts, would be the same for this...no different. 


B. Fit
India is no different than America in this sense. The current fad is a modern or more tapered fit. 
Try to taper mostly around arms/chest and avoid being tight on the belly. This will help if you are wearing a lungi underneath.

This also helps if you're gonna drink/eat alot and gives you wiggle room. 


II. Lungis
All throughout elementary and grade school my friends would ask: why does your dad wear a towel outside?

This was the first time I was able to introduce lungis to my american brethren. 
(side note: I was never ashamed of my father nor did I ever tell him to wear shorts instead)

A. Styles
i. "kay-lee" aka towel

and....
This type is for everyday use. At home, on the streets of kerala. And for me....when I run out of clean basketball shorts to wear at home...I grab my Kaylee. 

These are usually multi-colored and don't have to match anything. Also these are usually tied up 
(so that you can be ready to do work at home/on the fields).

ii. Dhoti/fashionable

B. Colors
The line should match your shirt/juba/kurta (pretty easy)

It doesn't have to be the exact same color. Try to have one of every common color (blue, green, red, black). 
Exception to the rule: Golden/silver line lungis are universal....similar to black slacks. 

C. Wear (most important point)
i. side:
the print should be on your right leg. 
ii. Tie

OR....if you're like me you do this 
wear a belt, and cover it up with the excess lungi cloth above. 

OR. buy the new lungis with velcro to tie and pockets

D. Shoes/Sandals:
What's the rule on shoes?
Let's get this clear, it might seem cute to wear tennis shoes with lungis....but this is our culture and heritage and isn't meant to be made a mockery of.
that is similar to doing this....


I know I'm making it sound more serious than it is, but look at what is happening to our African American brothers. We are prejudiced against, but luckily are not being hurt as bad.

They are paving the way for us, we need to appreciate/ support their efforts when done peacefully.

Back to the point....America is great because we are expected to be different and accepted for such, no need to mix it up. If we lose our culture/identity, it just becomes a melting pot.

Anyways....no full shoes with Lungis
These shoes/sandals are closed up front but open in the back, these are good. 

The OG sandals: BATA FEATHERLITES 
 
these are my number 1 options. 

If all else fails: 

Also if you tying up your lungi.....make sure to not skip leg day to show your chicken legs 


III. Saris

When I see a chick (ages 24-26) that's able to rock a sari properly without showing too much skin and can walk without looking like they're an infant taking its first steps...

A. Styles

silk/kancheepuram-the original style. Silk with work. Nowadays this is reserved for "older" women since girls start wearing Saris when they're 8 nowadays. This is a classic style that will never go old. Also usually what women choose for weddings. 
Chiffon- embroidered, usually thinner and lighter than silk sari. This is what the "younger" girls tend to wear since it is more malleable, easier to walk around in, and you don't get as hot. 
Georgette- Similar to chiffon (why do I know these terms?)
I think this is called album or some shit? I don't think this is fashion anymore and I'm glad haha. Some type of print on the edge, which won't even be seen if you ain't rockin it properly.




B. Colors- These come in all different colors, ha

C. Fit/Wear
i. Too Tight:
So....some chicks (not necessarily fat) end up wearing these blouses that are WAYY too tight and all their extra skin, etc be hangin out the front and back...



I'm not sayin' you're fat, but just don't try to fit in a blouse that was meant for your little sister..

don't force that stuff in people's faces.

ii. Skinny: flaunt?
Skinny chicks tend to wear open back sari blouses which is okay, but just cuz ur skinny don't mean you da shit.

Some girls are too skinny though.


iii. Blouse: Backne/discoloration
The issue with open backs is that you're letting it all out there. We are all human, but you have to make the decision of whether you're ready to show all of this. I know I'm self conscious about my face acne when it pops up, so if you're confident enough to rock even with the backne...more power to you girl,

iv. Angles, angles, angles.

As in IG pix which you try to look your best (I wouldn't know, I don't have IG), 

Sometimes the way you wear it can look good from the front, but slutty from the side. It is all about being tasteful. 

Also, there is no rule that you have to show alot of skin when you wear a sari to look hot. I mean look at my girl Kajol all draped up....


D. Bindis

this is hot.

this is not....

If you're unsure....just skip it. 



E. Sandals/Heels: Make sure they match

Also, don't wear flats. Some type of heel is necessary here. 



Any and all of this has to be done for yourself and your own self happiness, not to impress or win over anybody. At that point....none of this is worth any of the time or money you spend. 




And as usual....it's all about confidence 

Miscellaneous tidbits:

1. You gotta work hard for the things you want. You can't be crying about being out of shape, while eating Kimchi Fries and Chicken over rice all day. Switch out that ice cream for a fruit cup 
2. I'm always here for tips (not that I'm some body builder fitness model, I'm just your every day guy),
but if you're not willing to follow them don't waste my time or yours. I follow a very basic concept that if followed will provide results. Hard work and faith are the ingredients to success

3. One day I trimmed my beard cuz I messed up one of my lines (yeah even I mess up)...

to which people said I was no longer the groominguru.....which got me thinking. If I shaved my beard off, would I no longer be the groominguru? My followers are so superficial. Guess I will die with the beard (or till I get married and the guru is killed). 

4. Went to Sonu Nigam and Atif Aslam concert....And all I have to say is I don't know who I'd be without Indian Music. I am blessed that my dad grew up and brought me up singing (although I hated it initially). I am also glad that he spent his formative years (17-27) in Bombay, so my Indian music love is a blend of malayalam, tamil (random), and hindi.