Last Updated on December 5, 2013 by Babita
A couple of weeks back I was shopping at Charlotte Russe outlet here in NJ. I saw these crops tops and I was immediately drawn towards them. For those who know me, will agree that there is no way I can rock a crop top. However, I saw the potential. I decided there and then that I would use it as a Sari blouse.
Those who are not familiar with a sari, let me introduce you to them. South Asian women mostly wear saris. The sari itself is a piece of fabric which measure anywhere between 6 to 9 yards. It is the most versatile piece of clothing. It is available in different types fabrics like cotton, chiffon, Georgette, nylon, polyester and silk. They can be very simple or very elaborate with golden thread and beaded embroidery. They are can also be draped in different ways. There are three components to Sari. First it is the Sari itself. The next is the blouse and the third is the petticoat.
Since this post is more about sari blouse, I will try to explain it in few words. The blouse actually resembles a crop top. It is used to cover the bust area. It is usually matched exactly to the sari in terms of color and fabric. My mom’s generation of women would wear their blouses conservatively. Since the last decade or two, women have been sporting trendier and edgier patterns. If you go to India today, you will find women wearing sleeveless blouse, halter neck blouse, strapless blouse and so on.
For a seamstress or tailor, the sari blouse is one of the most complicated patterns to make and sew. It does not matter what size you are, the fit has to be impeccable. The fittings of the armhole, arm length, bust, shoulder, waist etc., should be perfect. It takes years to master sewing a sari blouse. In India, skilled tailors are abundant. Over here in the NJ, that is not the case. To find a seamstress skilled in sewing blouse is difficult, and not to mention expensive. So when I saw these Charlotte Russe crop tops, I thought they would work perfect as a Sari blouse. I bought three crop tops and will be going again tomorrow to get some more
Check out the pictures below and let me know if you liked the crop top sari blouse.
This first crop top is pretty basic. I liked this one because it has some studded details on the shoulder and near the armhole.
I paired it up with a similar black saree I had and you can see they work beautifully together.
I found the next two crops tops in Wet Seal. This black and white diamond print crop top can be easily paired with either a black or white sari. I love the net detail on the top.
I just fell in love with this royal blue crop top with sleeve. I don’t have a royal blue saree, but I could not resist the fabulous cut out detail in the back. I wish I had found this in emerald green.
If any of my Indian readers feel tempted to rush out and get your own crop top sari blouse, I have a tip or two for you: Buy one or two sizes smaller. These tops have enough stretch in them. One more thing to note is, they are not available in a lot of colors. Pick and choose all the basics and the color that you will be able to make the most of.
Jalapeno with Chicken Stuffing
its too good babs… idea of using these crop top as blouse is fatabulous!!!!!
I love Sari’s. My mom brought me one back from India.
Thanks for sharing an awesome and trendy alternative
for saree blouses…. Will surely pick up a few ….
Ohh, I love that royal blue one as well! So cute!
Having lived in the Middle East recently sari’s became a part of my every day experience for over 2 years. I love them, I had a few made, and I would never rock a crop top with out one. 😉
I love the metallic detail in the first crop top, I can see how it really goes with that sari
these are some awesome changes. I love what you have done with these saris.
What a wonderful substitution for having to get one made and tailored. I love the way it works with what you have already too.
My oldest daughter would love this crop top Sari blouse. I really like the black diamond pattern and the back on the purple blouse is super chic. We will have to check out Charlotte Russe, I know she has enjoyed shopping there in the past.
These are so beautiful! And I love the first outfit!
The first one is my favorite and I love the saree that you paired with it. Very nice!
This is so beautiful. I love the intricate beads and how delicate the material looks. I would wear this in a minute.
I really love the first one. Love the studded detailing. I haven’t been to Charlotte Russe in a very long time. My daughter used to love shopping there.
I also like all of them. Thanks for sharing!
I really love those! We have a very large Indian population here where I live and I have friends who wear saris. Some of them are so cool,I just love them!
Lovely clothes and styles, I like those brown ones, I never shopped at Charlotte Russe but all the items look very unique.
Oh I really like that top. Pretty , elegant and stylish
My daughter loves to shop at Charlotte Russe. She would like these tops.
love love love the black crop top sari blouse.
See, now I need to know where this Charlotte Russe outlet is. I’m in NJ too and love finding unique items to pair with traditional ones.
They are in Jackson Outlet. It is minutes away from six flags…
I love all of these! I am not a seamstress (I can barely manage hemming), so I had no idea these sari blouses were so difficult for those who actually can sew. What a smart idea to use the crop tops!
What a smart idea! I absolutely love the first & last top!
Those are so cute, I love Charlotte Russe- especially their prices.
I really like the crop top and black sari combination. It’s very stylish! Great tips on purchasing a crop top.
Those are too cute. I love the first best.
Those crop tops do seem perfect to wear with a Sari-however they would also be great to wear under a v-neck sweater when people like my Mom want to have their necks covered but can’t find that kind of sweater any more! Will be telling her about these!
I really like the blue one the best too! I couldn’t pull off a crop shirt, but these are so cute!
OH I adore the Sari blouses! They are so beautiful and elegant!
I like the crop top blouses and it is about time that women get trendier. I think I like the first one the best. Very pretty
I love the first one. I haven’t been to Charlotte Russe in a while, but now I think I need to go see if they have some new stuff in that I’d like.