Suvasa

Suvasa, owned by "the house of Dundlode" (the family came from the Shkehawati area of Rajasthan), catches your eye pretty easily as you walk on, or drive by, the somewhat busy Road No. 12. Not only is it ideally located – there are no other such ethnic boutiques in the immediate vicinity - its window display does its job efficiently. Even zealous Shylocks would be bulldozed, not merely beckoned, indoors by the invitation it presents.

Once inside, though, you realize that this window dressing is, literally, a front. Because the naked truth is that this apparel and home furnishings store is rather disappointing.

Scan beyond the good looks; if you visit this store during day-time, pools of sunlight will be bathing every piece on display, enriching their vivid colors. The display racks are sturdy and classical, made with wrought iron and wood. Cane baskets pepper the floors and crushed duppattas peek out, among other things. Even the white walls will seem whiter, adding to the illusion of space.

On closer inspection, the racks are adorned with largely women's clothing (they have a token amount of shirts and kurtis for men), that come with their own set of limitations. Their kurtis, patiala salwars, churidaars, crushed skirts et al are not in variety, which makes mixing-and-matching a nightmare.

Neither do they offer much variety in terms of patterns; Suvasa seems big on big prints, which leaves those women who favor smaller prints, subdued designs with almost no option.

Moreover, at Rs. 500 (plus taxes) for a simple kurti, Suvasa's pricing is quite steep. The store also seems to favor selling sets over single garments (this collection is too small), so if you like a kameez, you are arm-twisted, albeit politely, into buying the salwar and duppatta too (all for approximately Rs. 2,000). Having said that, most of the clothing is well-stitched and finished, and is available in six sizes.

The home furnishings section, which consumes the left side of the store (as you enter), will not give a Fabindia or The Bombay Store very serious competition, but it is more worthy of your attention, and your money. It stocks quilts (the kantha work ones are pretty, priced at Rs. 1,050 plus taxes for a double-size), tasteful bed covers, table mats and napkins, table cloths for square and round tables, napkins, and cushion covers in various sizes starting at 12 inches. There is also a selection of toilet bags. Why this anomaly? We dunno.

If you must buy at Suvasa, it is the home furnishings we recommend you splurge on. For traditional wear, head to a better-stocked boutique, or the nearest Fabindia. Unless, of course, you absolutely love-h the 'bold' look.