November 29, 2012

Treat Yourself this National Day!

Today I have a fun topic to share with you, one that I have been researching all week and having a great time in the process!

With National Day just around the corner, bakeries and sweet shops have gotten creative and are offering their own versions of patriotic treats. Here is the best of what I found. Trust me when I say that it took A LOT of willpower not to take a sample from each store and INDULGE! 

I decided instead to let you choose for yourself which ones to try! It's a difficult choice as they are all mouthwatering! 

While you browse through the photos, think of me saying... OMG YUMMMM!!! :)

P.S. Click any of the shop names under the pictures and you will be directed to their websites with location details and phone numbers.

STORES IN ABU DHABI

HEY SUGAR BAKESHOP has one of the best readily available selections in my opinion.
Clockwise from the top: cupcakes, biscuit lollypops, cake, cake pops

KITSCH CONCEPT is offering these cupcakes with the flag and 
others with icing in the shape of a rose that need to be ordered in advance



(order in advance)

API CAE GOURMET cupcakes

PARTIPERFECT CATERING is offering cupcakes and cookies 
(You need to order 3 days in advance)

ARLEQUIN is going retro with these push-up cakes in the colors of the National flag.
Remember the push-up ice-cream we used to eat in the 80s?
Really cool :)

PATCHI is offering chocolates in many different arrangements

BATEEL is selling chocolates with the U.A.E flag and 
arrangements of dates and chocolates

STORES IN DUBAI 
MAGNOLIA BAKERY at Bloomingdale's in Dubai Mall is keeping it simple and letting the yumminess speak for itself! 

BLOOMSBURY'S has intricately designed cupcakes 

Now sit back, take a bite and ENJOY!

The pics above are of the treats I personally found in these stores. You can call to inquire if they have other options. 

Which ones are you favourite? 



November 28, 2012

Outfit Du Jour

I usually post pics of my outfits when I'm going out to dinner and fancy occasions. Today I thought I'd post an outfit I would wear everyday. I mostly like to mix designers and high street brands together with statement jewellery for a unique look that no-one else will be wearing. I am also big on flats and don't EVER wear heels during the day, I don't know how women bear them all day!






McQ Alexander McQueen top, H&M sweater, Zara harem pants (again!), 
Lanvin flats, LeiVanKash Flower ring



November 27, 2012

S*uce video for National Day!

So remember how last week I was calling on all Abu Dhabians to send their favourite pics of Abu Dhabi to S*uce for their National Day campaign?

Well the video of the crew from S*uce singing 'We Built this City' with all of the pics is ready. IT'S AMAZING!!  I must say that besides their great fashion sense and taste, they can add Great Voices to their resumes!

Watch the video below- I'M OBSESSED! Great show of solidarity with our home, the U.A.E :)



Don't you love it?!!



Getting my hair done by Marie Robinson!

 I LOVE her!!

The before shot - my hair was too brassy
 I went in asking for slightly darker and more natural highlights for the upcoming winter

What is supposed to be a long and tedious process was actually fun.
The crew from NYC had lots of great topics to talk about that my 3 hrs flew by!

The hairstylists that came from the Marie Robinson Salon in NYC
Marie is the one in the pic with me

The Belle Femme salon in JBR is very modern and hip

The AFTER shot- slightly darker and more natural hair.
Exactly what I asked for :)

The colourists and stylists from the Marie Robinson Salon in NYC will be at Belle Femme JBR in Dubai until November 28. You will be OBSESSED! with your hair after they are done with it!!




World Luxury Fashion Week

In an effort to promote The Avenue, the shopping centre with luxury boutiques at Etihad Towers, World Luxury Fashion Week was created. Showcasing fashion shows to exclusive clients and customers from Abu Dhabi over five course dinners, the Fashion Week will run for four days from November 25 to 28. 

Last night, I attended the opening and watched three fashion shows: two for Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture and one for Garrard Jewellery (the makers of Kate Middleton's sapphire wedding ring). Here are some snaps I took of the evening:



Models in JPG creations from the first fashion show 

The lineup of the second fashion show
All of the dresses were very interesting- all typically Jean Paul Gaultier

The best part of the evening had to be these three singers. 
They sang opera in French, Italian and English and made a skit that got all the guests involved and laughing in their seats
They had incredible voices and were very entertaining!

The reception area outside of the ballroom

BMW is the main sponsor of yesterday's event and showcased a beautiful new car

Pieces from Garrard Jewellery

The jewelled wing is one of Garrard's more famous pieces 


In our gift bag, there was a voucher for AED 50,000 to spend towards a Hastens mattress.
 I wonder how much a new one costs!!
My mother in law is trying out the mattress above :)

Over the next few days, there will be fashion shows by Ermano Scervino, Carolina Herrera NY, Nina Ricci, Paule Ka "Black Carpet", Walid Atallah, Herve Leger, Amato by Furne One and DAS collection. 

It looks like The Avenue is off to a great start- maybe we will finally have somewhere decent to shop in Abu Dhabi! 

Have you been to The Avenue? What did you think of it?

November 26, 2012

Outfit Du Jour

Tonight I went to the World Luxury Fashion Week at Etihad Towers (more about that in tomorrow's post!). Here is what I wore...








Theyskens' Theory Jumpsuit, YSL statement necklace, Valentino bag, Jimmy Choo shoes, 
Christian Dior limited edition Marilyn nailpolish 


November 25, 2012

Up Close & Personal: Gazl of PEARLESQUE BOUTIQUE



Vintage, Vintage... it is all about VINTAGE these days! Why are we more interested in buying pieces that are old rather than buying the new? Why are we willing to spend as much on an old vintage designer item as we are on a new one? What is Vintage's appeal?? 

I sat down with Gazl Al Zalek, the owner of Pearlesque, a cute online boutique based out of Abu-Dhabi that sells beautiful vintage jewellery, to explain it all to me...

Tell me about Pearlesque?


I've always been a vintage piece collector and a fashion lover. I founded Pearlesque in July 2012 and it is an online boutique with the finest vintage items that were sourced from around the globe. It is inspired by the 1950s, 60s and 70s and most items are one of a kind- otherwise only 3 or 4 exist in the world. I sell privately purchased items or collectible vintage items and some of the pieces were family heirlooms, celebrity collection items or prized possessions. 



I also offer daily fashion updates where I aim to inspire women to style themselves with exceptional vintage jewelry, clothing and accessories.



First of all- What is Vintage? How old must a piece be? 

Vintage is anything from the 1920's to the 1970's. 



Why do you only sell Vintage items?


I have always had what I would like to call a FASHION MANIA keeping up with all the fashion updates. I thought, why not bring back those days when ladies truly looked like they came out of a magazine cover? Why not bring back the essence of fashion, the origins of it all?! Starting from that idea and with my passion for fashion, I decided to track down the most stylish vintage items.




'For me, Vintage is not just old but rather a WHOLE STORY- a story that never dies. Each Vintage piece has a story and every woman should have a story in her closet.'

Do you sell anything other than Vintage items?

Yes, I also sell an impressive collection of rare pieces including jewellery designed or signed by Elizabeth Taylor. 



Where do you source your items? Is it difficult to find real vintage pieces? 

Everywhere - our latest Winter collection pieces were sourced from Munich, Salzburg, Venice and Paris. I also buy them online through auctions or websites based in the U.S and London. 

It is sometimes very difficult to purchase Vintage, as there are many aspects that you need to consider such as the date, condition and signature on the item. Also, each piece is from a different location.  


How do you pick your products? 

I look for the most unique, attractive pieces that are mostly signed or stamped. I also look for pieces that would look great on their own, without the need to be paired with any other jewellery.


Who is your target customer? Where do they live? 

My customers are my success. I target fashionistas with exclusive taste who love fashion and the whole Marilyn Monroe look of pearls and glamour. The live in the UAE, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and London. 

Do you plan on expanding your Facebook Page to an online store? 

I am currently considering expanding Pearlesque to sell Vintage and modern pieces as well. For now, customers can order online directly through the page and cash is upon delivery. Soon my customers can purchase items directly online and pay by credit card or PayPal. I deliver worldwide. 

Which pieces sell best? 

Vintage Chanel sells best. Also, big and chunky earrings that stand out or pieces with pearls. 





How often do you update your collection? 

So far I have released 3 successful collections. Every two months I release a collection ranging from 15 to 30 unique pieces. I also randomly post a few pieces on the Facebook Page to continuously provide my customers with new choice. 

Other than your Facebook Page, where can my readers purchase your products? 

At Maison Sez Boutique in Abu Dhabi and soon in other boutiques. In addition, I have special events such as market days, grand openings and exhibitions. These are usually announced on the Facebook Page so stay tuned! 




If you are searching for a unique present for a fashionista this Christmas, check out Pearlesque's collection. There are many great pieces to choose from and you might find the PERFECT gift :) 



November 24, 2012

Get the Look for MUCH Less!

I wrote my first blog post last week about getting the look for much less. Since then, I have discovered that there are MANY items in the high street stores (Zara, Mango, H&M) that were inspired by designer items. I have decided to write these posts more often whenever I find items that are similar! 

Since today seems to be all about sweaters, here is an almost replica that I found...

MARKUS LUPFER sequined collar sweater
Fabric: Merino Wool (this one will be much warmer than the H&M one below)
AED 1,475



H&M sequined collar sweater
Fabric: Polyamide & Viscose
AED 109


How to wear
 I think this sweater would look FABULOUS with a frilly short leather skirt!
 DON'T wear a necklace with this look or it will take all attention away from the sequined collar



Weekly Fashion Cravings Nov 24 - 30

With the weather FINALLY starting to get cooler, I am excited to start making my wardrobe 'winter-ready'! This week I'm craving sweaters and knits and all things cosy. Don't despair, none of my choices are heavy or overly-warm for Abu-dhabi but are all funky and fun. The most thing I hate are boring old sweaters.

Since we only wear winter clothes for about three months out of the whole year, I think they should be super special  with sequins, lace, ruffles, pop art, etc. Here are my 12 choices for the week: 

Happy Shopping ladies :)

P.S. Click on any of the sweater names below the pictures to be directed to their respective online stores 

SPLURGE! (Over AED 1000)

  1. PREEN - Kitten China Print Silk Front Jumper from My-Wardrobe
  2. MOSCHINO CHEAP & CHIC- Wink Cashmere Knit from My-Wardrobe
  3. ELIE SAAB - LS Cardigan
  4. MARKUS LUPFER- Sunglasses Sequined merino wool sweater
  5. BURBERRY BRIT- Embellished wool sweater
  6. MIU MIU- Belted wool sweater that is split open at the back (I'M OBSESSED!) 

SAVE! (Below AED 1000)
Stay tuned for next week's cravings- I'll be covering boots of all shapes and sizes!