Birthday, Dance & Fashion!

Society with Ruchi

LA was not the only place buzzing this past weekend with party fervor. Houstonians had many good reasons to party! Whether it was a birthday to celebrate or dance to the tunes of their favorite DJ, party goers enjoyed the weekend in full swing.

Indo American Political Action Committee (IAPAC) President Mini Timmaraju celebrated her birthday in style on Friday, Feb 25, 2011 with her friends from all walks of life. The birthday happy hour took place at Cafe Bello on Westheimer with the theme ’38 is Great’ and it definitely was a great party as guests not only enjoyed happy hour cocktail specials but complimentary food. The best part: Birthday girl Mini instead of receiving gifts decided to give back to the community on this special occasion. She had insisted on the invitation “No gifts please” but instead she encouraged her friends to make a contribution to the League of Women Voters here in Houston. “They do incredibly important work and I am thrilled to support them in some small way through this event”, says Mini.

The Executive Director of League of Women Voters of Houston Area Christina Canales Gorczynski was present at the event and very thrilled with Mini’s generosity. Established in 1920, the League is a highly respected citizens’ organization that researches issues from many points of view and takes action on the local, state and national levels affecting the families and communities. To make a contribution visit here and for more information www.lwhouston.org.

Spotted celebrating were ABC 13 Anchor/Reporter Miya Shay, Kim Padgett along with Marcus Mann a renowned contemporary artist. Also present Sanjay Bapat, Rogene Calvert and many others with impressive resumes, political connections, and philanthropists.

Further down Westheimer near Royal Oaks the newly opened Moghul Restaurant’s M Lounge dazzled with desi party animals as DJ Samia did it again. The DJ gal rocked the show and kept the party going with her energetic personality and upbeat choice of bollywood music. She made the crowd dance to her tunes all night and Moghul Restaurateur Mobi Siddiqui attended to the needs of his guests. The lounge is quite tastefully designed for such dance party events with a very spacious patio and enough indoor seating arrangements. The dance enthusiasts shaked their hips to ‘Khambat Ishq’ Sonu Nigam’s Bijuria Re’ and the famous Don classic number ‘Paan Banaras walla’. An absolute two thumbs up to DJ Samia but not much of a thumb up for the fashion scene. However, a few did justice to the evening with black one shoulder tops and a spring coral necklace, tight black jeans with a hint of sparkled vest, and a few mix and matched ethnic looks with their western outfits.

Speaking of fashion, ‘Haute’ off the ramp designer trunk show and exhibition with Indian and Pakistani wear hosted at the Sugarland Texas Marriott Hotel on Saturday Feb 26, 2011 put a smiley face on many South Asian shoppers as they enjoyed a perfect girly afternoon chit chatting and trying different designer outfits and jewelry. This Spring Collection 2011 trunk show event highlighted AURA by Noureen Dhanani (Designer Sarees), Rupika’s Jewels by Rupika (Designer Diamond Jewelry), Zahra’s Armoire by Zahra Abbassi (Designer Pakistani Suits), and A. R. Designers by Arefa Merchant (Evening Bags and Fashion Jewelry). Casual kurtas with floral prints might have been a popular choice but Aura by Noureen did steal the show with her unique saree designs shying away from the usual heavy stone and sequined embroidery. Aura’s collection stood unique with her choice of colors mixing bright red with a hint of navy blue border with zari, teal green with hot pink embroidery. A Silver strap backless blouse with sea blue zari work on georgette was a steal. “My sarees are a combination of classic and contemporary, using design elements such as fabrics or embroidery,” says Noureen.