After all the shopping for the wedding, we realized that we have 4 suitcases already full for 2 people and we have enough load for another 4 suitcases. There is no way, our minivan can take all this luggage and besides we were concerned that customs may take more time clear us. Our daughter was waiting for us and had to leave that evening, we decided to courier the items. The courier guy cand packed everything himself.
He suggested that we remove the price tags but some were not removed. Now it is 24 days, the packages are sitting for customs clearance. We are very worried whether it would be released in time or do we have to buy everything. We also heard horror stories that customs, while opening the boxes have slashed the sarees inside the boxes and they became worthless. That aspect is worrying us; even if we get the items, do we get them intact! How long should we wait and whom should we approach?
Will let you know, if we are able to get the items back or our kashtams (troubles) with customs continues!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Shopping in India
We needed to get clothes for ourselves and for our friends and relatives. We made a list and realized that we may need about 84 sarees and few kurtas/sherwanis. We did look around in USA and realized that www.utsavfashion.com is a reasonable place to consider. We looked for Nallis silks, but was very far in California.
Being a control freak myself, I wanted to make sure that the stuff we give for the wedding should be handpicked and should be appreciated by those who receive them. Hence, we decided to make a trip to India. I had just 10 days time to shop and invite my close relatives, besides visiting Tirupathi for Lord Venkateswara's blessings. Some of my relatives were in Kurnool and Adoni. It was an uphill task.
Commuting in Hyderabad is like a gist of life. It has ups and downs and frustrations and elations. It is difficult to see many shops in one day. Hence, we needed to make a priority list. Many of our local friends and relatives in Hyderabad helped us with the list. Fortunately, my brother's colleague knew a wholesale shop in Old city. believe it or not, we spent from 12pm to 8pm in just one shop and spent about Rs1 lakh just in one shop alone. He was very reasonable and we saw a huge price difference between major retailers and this shop. Which is that one. Post a comment and I will let you know!
We also purchased the wedding saree for Snigdha and Radha at Sai Kanchi Silks at Ameerpet and Banjara Hills. be prepared to take cash as most of these places do not take credit cards or will give you discounts if you pay by cash. You need to decide if you want half zari or full zari (pure silver threads).
Bangles and kundan jewellery is better purchased in general bazar, secunderabad or Begum bazar in Hyderabad. If you have contacts in old city near Charminar, you could be very lucky to get a variety for a much better price.
We chose Manyawar for Sherwani and kurtas and we were very pleased with designs and the price. You could still get a bettre price ain Old city at Maqdum.
Shawls and wedding favres are very reasonable again in General bazar and Begum Bazar.
We chose one day to visit my uncles and cousins to distribute the cards. I should thank my brother and Sowmya for providing all the help and commuting needs. My sister was a great help as she came with us for shopping and helped us choose a good shop as well as good clothes. She was awesome. My vadina and Bharathi helped in several ways. Basically, you need many particpants and their help for successful completion.
Being a control freak myself, I wanted to make sure that the stuff we give for the wedding should be handpicked and should be appreciated by those who receive them. Hence, we decided to make a trip to India. I had just 10 days time to shop and invite my close relatives, besides visiting Tirupathi for Lord Venkateswara's blessings. Some of my relatives were in Kurnool and Adoni. It was an uphill task.
Commuting in Hyderabad is like a gist of life. It has ups and downs and frustrations and elations. It is difficult to see many shops in one day. Hence, we needed to make a priority list. Many of our local friends and relatives in Hyderabad helped us with the list. Fortunately, my brother's colleague knew a wholesale shop in Old city. believe it or not, we spent from 12pm to 8pm in just one shop and spent about Rs1 lakh just in one shop alone. He was very reasonable and we saw a huge price difference between major retailers and this shop. Which is that one. Post a comment and I will let you know!
We also purchased the wedding saree for Snigdha and Radha at Sai Kanchi Silks at Ameerpet and Banjara Hills. be prepared to take cash as most of these places do not take credit cards or will give you discounts if you pay by cash. You need to decide if you want half zari or full zari (pure silver threads).
Bangles and kundan jewellery is better purchased in general bazar, secunderabad or Begum bazar in Hyderabad. If you have contacts in old city near Charminar, you could be very lucky to get a variety for a much better price.
We chose Manyawar for Sherwani and kurtas and we were very pleased with designs and the price. You could still get a bettre price ain Old city at Maqdum.
Shawls and wedding favres are very reasonable again in General bazar and Begum Bazar.
We chose one day to visit my uncles and cousins to distribute the cards. I should thank my brother and Sowmya for providing all the help and commuting needs. My sister was a great help as she came with us for shopping and helped us choose a good shop as well as good clothes. She was awesome. My vadina and Bharathi helped in several ways. Basically, you need many particpants and their help for successful completion.
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