fashionista

Ready for some deep tanning? Let’s help choose your swimwear first!

With so many trends hitting the racks every summer, shopping for swimwear can be a hard chore. To make your life easier, we have listed some basic design styles to look for to help you land the style that flatters your figure the most. Oh and we got you covered all the way to your sunscreen!

Small bust with large bottom or wide hips

 

If you are heavier on the bottom and small on top, you can easily balance your proportions by going for a padded bra in a patterned design, such as an ethnic print in line with the seventies trend. The twist bandeau style is your best friend if you have a flat to small chest. As for colors, bright or light colors are your go to choice to make the area look visually larger- add embellishments, frills or ruffles on top and you’re almost full busted!

Halter styles will enhance a small bust, it's also big on the Seventies trend right now, which makes it an ideal buy. The old faithful triangle style is suited to almost everyone - showing off both what you do and don't have. 

Keep the bottom part quiet by going for a darker solid color with no accessories. Stay away from straps and any design detail that will draw attention to your bottom. A full cover bottom is not always an ideal choice as it may make you look bigger. Look for semi coverage on the back but don’t take all the way to Brazilian bottoms. 

Bigger on top and smaller at the bottom

If you are heavier on top, keep the bra simple and clean, by choosing one that fits you perfectly in a darker solid color. Look for structured styles with hidden bust support for maximum hold.

Choose a bikini bottom with a fun print in a bold color, add frills or fringes if you’re the fun type. Another option is to go for horizontal stripes on the bottom to balance your top part. If you have short legs, stay away from boy short styles and loud colors and designs on the bottom. Take the attention away from your largest part by directing the eye elsewhere. Heart shape necklines, wrap styles and diagonal designs and prints will help to create softer lines around the bust and break up the volume a bit making you look slimmer all over.

#toastwoman #jets #laperla 

#toastwoman #jets #laperla 

Show off your curves in a Fifties silhouette - high-waisted bottoms and a retro bikini top will fit the bill perfectly. A high-waist will also help to hide any insecurities you may have with your stomach. 

 

#soutbeach #jets #plumerias #beach #coverup

#soutbeach #jets #plumerias #beach #coverup

Next, think of the cover-up style that you would like to go for. You can choose from the vast kimono trend to see through tunics. Get one in a neutral color if your swimsuit is already loud or a statement color and design if your swimsuit is basic.

Some accessories add an individual style, but don’t over clutter. Your sunglasses should do the work, an anklet or a dainty necklace if you want to but nothing more. 

Your flip-flops or sandals should coordinate with the style you’re wearing as well. Keep it sweet and simple for the beach. Nude colors will elongate your legs. Platforms may work if they’re not too high. High heels will not, they only look funny and out of place – like in an X-rated movie.

 

#beachmakeup

#beachmakeup

Beach Makeup is not an option as even waterproof will eventually smudge and go greasy. A lip stain can do. Believe it or not, men are not attracted to a contoured made up look by the pool. That goes for any glitter or shimmer on your body as well. Protect your hair with UV hair oils and a stylish hat. Wetting it before hitting the pool or the sea will save it from extra damage, as the strands will absorb less chlorine or salt when wet.

Last, your sunscreen should be your base, as you should never step out of the house without wearing it first and reapplying after swimming or showering. Try a tinted option matching your skin color if you are big on coverage, it works better than chalk white too. Finally, carry yourself in confidence -life is a beach, own it!

 

@fashion: my first makeover experience on a TV show!

I have just finished working on a TV fashion makeover last week and I am so excited to share with you what goes into producing a TV show from the behind the scenes work to the final result that I personally loved! Hope you enjoy the process and don't forget to watch the video at the end of the post :) Here is Mounia, a gorgeous soul, who just didn't know - or as she put it - doesn't have the time - to reflect her beauty to the world! The picture of her on the left  is what she sent me from her office, before the makeover. My first impression was that she looked tired, old and frumpy! Getting to know her on a personal level I can tell you she is anything but that!

mounia before_after
mounia before_after

Mounia is a hard working 37 year old career woman with 2 gorgeous kids, who leaves to work at 6am in the morning and comes back home anywhere around 7pm. She often has after office work events to attend to and as she doesn't have the time to commute back home to change, I took that into consideration putting together the outfits below. Her days off on the weekend are spent with her kids and so practical comfort is key here.

Corporate business
Corporate business

Look no 1. Corporate. Structured Grey jacket on white trousers and blouse with statement accessories.

As Mounia is not a big fan of colours, I tried to take her away from the 50 shades of grey and neutrals she lives in to a lighter basic outfit to start with, all white - perfect for the summer - and showed her how to mix and match different jackets to turn it into corporate. The pop colours were added through accessories, shoes with interesting print and bold coloured bags.

Corporate business casual Etoile La boutique
Corporate business casual Etoile La boutique

Look no 2. Cream and gold jacket on same white trousers and blouse with statement accessories. Perfect for office too.

night look Etoile La boutique Ingie Paris
night look Etoile La boutique Ingie Paris

Look no 3. Leaving from office to business event, all she needs to do is change into this amazing statement coat from Ingie Paris, swap her work bag with a clutch,  and add a necklace!

Day to night
Day to night

Look no 4. Using the same jacket and shoes from look no 2, we created a new outfit with this amazing leather fitted dress from Jitrois. Again, all she needs to transform it into a business event night outfit is take jacket off and replace bag with a clutch!

day look casual Etoile La boutique
day look casual Etoile La boutique

Look no 5. As Mounia won't want to spend her weekends in anything close to corporate or heels, we chose this laid back casual outfit that could take her from lunch with the kids to the mall in style.

reveal look Etoile La boutique
reveal look Etoile La boutique

Mounia's wide smile, the final result of the quick one day makeover, is the best reward I can ask for. I personally don't believe in extreme TV makeovers and drastic changes to impress the audience. What I loved about this experience working with Rulan Al Omari and the team of experts,  is that we agreed that our goal is to bring out the best in Mounia by reflecting her true character : Fresh, young, successful  and a woman in total control!

Mounia's makeover included the work of beauty experts Jaques Hanna for the hair makeover, Samira Olfat for makeup tips and Dr Majd for that perfect smile.

Wardrobe from Etoile La Boutique.

Watch the full makeover in video here

How NOT to shop maternity fashion!

If there is one sad place you’d like to go to at the mall for a crisp dose of depression, it’s the maternity shops. Take one step in and you are drowned with horrible images of how you would look like wearing that frumpy tunic, hideous shirt or even worse - their idea of a dress. Horror images come to my mind looking at those endless rails that should come with a “not suitable for viewers with photo epilepsy “ warning! The only thing you can reach for in a maternity store is a much-needed basic classic pair of denim in a straight (or if you’re luck, skinny) leg with that wide elastic cotton waistband. Maybe some leggings with that same band too. A maternity bra/sports bra, maybe two. And this is where it ends. Literally.

Now to be fair some high street fashion stores’ maternity sections are more forgiving, as I have found a really cool pair of jeans trousers and shorts at H&M and Topshop and a very wide selection online at asos. But maybe I was lucky at the stores, because stepping back and looking at the whole section they have dedicated to “mama” fashion - you will think I don’t want to ever be a mama if mamas look anything like that!

Seriously, why does strict maternity fashion stores have to be so hideous and cheap looking? Ok, pregos do get bigger - mainly around the waist, i.e adorable baby bump and the bust. But that’s it; they don’t grow into a full rounded walking watermelon (I hope) for any designers to design a tent for them to hibernate under!

Ok enough b****ing about the so-called maternal fashion lack of taste or style. Let’s look at the bright side - there is one! It’s right there in your entire favourite, go to stores where you love shopping for your favorite brands and in your own wardrobe .  You can absolutely style that bump by doing a bit of adjustments in the size department, a bit of creativity in the layering department and by learning some amazing line and design visual illusion tricks - the secret holy grail is out!

 

Tops: Go one size bigger to fit that blossoming bump and bust. Bonus tip: As you will develop a round appearance on top, opt for non round necklines and designs, no scoop lines or crew- simple! Go for V necks, boat necks and off the shoulder that show some skin and break the balloon effect! You can even use your own, just layer over a longer cami or tube top worn under. Trick is to pull the tune top so it sits below your bust, allowing more length to cover that bump all the way to your hips. Have fun mixing and matching colors and prints!

Bottoms: Do not walk towards the button, zipper pants or skirts rails - they just won’t do, even in a bigger size. Instead hunt for low elastic waist pants or ones with wide cotton bands. You might be surprised that your regular size still fits if you pull the waist a bit lower. Once you’re mid way in pregnancy then go for a size bigger. Go for peg pants, pajamas style printed pants with an elastic waistband and plenty of legroom and tapered hemlines and sweatpants- all perfect for pregnancy and still so in. Pair with a nice t-shirt and blazer or a denim shirt.

 

As for skirts, cotton is your go to material - with or without a wide elastic waistband. As cotton is naturally stretchable (with a bit of lycra), you can position the waist of the skirt a bit above your natural waistline for a comfortable fit, or below. I still wear my S size cotton straight skirts, they just feel a bit tighter now but not uncomfortable. Again, you can always go a size bigger, important thing is the waist doesn’t pinch or else you’d end up taking it off in public - it does hurt and itch like hell when it’s tight! Go for skirts with asymmetric hemlines as they add interest and divert from the roundness!

 

 

Dresses: You all know that the empire waistline (the one that sits right below your bust) is best for pregnancy, so stock on those. But the usual stretch cotton dresses in maxi or midi work just as fine! They will show your silhouette more as they are body hugging, but in a sexy stylish way. And you can always add a blazer, denim jacket or shirt on top to break that spray on lycra effect. Get one LBD as it will be your savior when you get that next invite to a fancy dinner or event.

Scarves and accessories are THE ESSENTIALS when styling maternity outfits. They add interest, colour and individuality. Even though you might feel too lazy to bother with what goes with what at this stage, do keep some statement necklaces and scarves in bright and neutral colours at hand. You can thank me later.

I can’t promise you will still manage to pull off all your wardrobe items as it does get frustrating at times trying to find a suitable outfit for an important event with a wardrobe full of “am so tiny for your toes to fit in now” closet staring back at you. But with a bit of creativity mix and match you will find that dressing up is still fun and your bump is something to be stylishly proud of!

Image credit asos.com

 

 

 

Here glides the bride... Jimmy Choo bridal collection 2014

Walking down the red carpet? Do it with a Jimmy Choo.

Long recognised for red carpet glamour, the brand has now extended a foot into the bridal aisle - with a tempting wardrobe of beautiful styles from the traditional elegance of ivory satin courts to the Hollywood glamour of Swarovski crystal embellished pumps, strappy single-soled metallic sandals to more fashion-forward seasonal designs.

 

This season sees sparkling embellishment add a more directional edge to classic silhouettes with the pointy-toe pump encrusted with cut-crystal opulence, frosted with glittering micro-crystals. Strappy single-sole sandals also get a dusting of shimmer in molten metallic hues.

For the bride who likes to stay a little more classic, delicate lace panels  adds a touch of fairy tale romance to the platform sandal silhouette. A scattering of silver crystals gives texture to the intricate weaved detailing.

Jewellery moves to the foot with sparkling clusters of precious rhinestones on satin peep-toes  and round-toe  in varying heel heights.

For more dramatic gowns that demand towering heights, platform sandals and peep-toes come served in sumptuous satins, shimmering metallics, embracing hints of Art Deco style in , while single soles  do incandescent shimmer in glitter lame.

Summer and beach weddings can call for a chic flat and the SUTRI sandal in metallic silver or gold strikes the perfect balance of elegant design with practical comfort - they have you covered!

And if that variety in choice for brides isn't enough, check this out: Jimmy Choo offers the same full range of services to brides as it does for celebrities, including Champagne shopping days for bridal parties, shoe re-colouring - both before the ceremony to match the dress, and after the ceremony to ensure the newlywed can wear the special shoes again.

Wedding bells anyone?

Nature unleashed: Jimmy Choo SS 2014 Advertising campaign starring Nicole Kidman

I love it when an advertising campaign captures the soul of the brand and the collection, giving you more than an "in your face" preview of the collection or the celebrity endorsement . You can see/feel that in Jimmy Choo's latest campaign starring Nicole Kidman, whom I oddly only recognised after taking a closer look at the model!

With the theme "Nature Unleashed" serving as the inspiration, the mood was set in cubist inspired perspectives, pictured in a modern jungle where neon and foliage are juxtaposed to create an energetic and vibrant atmosphere. The accessories were meant to be worn as "second skin" which I believe is evident in her sensual yet confident posing and minimal styling approach.

You can watch the behind the scenes film here

Credits: Photographer Sølve Sundsbø Stylist Ludivine Poiblanc Hair Shay Ashual Make-up Val Garland

 

 

Dressing your mood: Street Style Inspiration

  "Cream colored ponies and girls in white dresses... Vanilla dreams muffins and Snowflakes on my eyelashes... Silver white winters that melt into springs... These are a few of my favourite things". So obviously an all cream look is one of my favourites this season. Translated into fashion: This means white, off white, ivory, cream, beige, eggshell, vanilla & all that's so pure and smells like fresh linen. - When the sound of music meets fashion

 

 

 

 

Completely incomplete. Fully empty. Clearly misunderstood. Seriously funny.

Oxymoron: a phrase in which two opposite words come together. Translated into emotions/mood: Bipolar. Translated into Fashion: Black on white. - Such a modern classic! 

 

 

 

 

"I'm not different for the desperate sake of being different. Only for the sake of being myself." Vivian Stanshall. Being different. Against the grain. That one odd thing that stands out in a sea of normalcy. Called personality. Translated into music: Jimi Hendrix and John Lennon. Translate into Fashion: Signature style - Creative - where it could be as simple as a pop of colour, somewhere...

 

 

image credits: harpers bazaar. Contributor: Rana Saab

Seriously fun fashion: Forever21 turns 10!

You know you have style when you enter a shop like forever21, scan the rails and come out with at least 5 different complete outfits that will take you from breakfast at your favourite cafe to your 9 to 5 job and all the way to the club - in 15 minutes!

Now comes the question(s) "Really"? "How do you find stuff there?" "Isn't it all too casual and for the forever younger?" Well, the answer is simple. "Yes, I find all the latest trends at the most amazing prices and I can put together outfits that are beyond casual, you just need to look. And yes, you can always be forever younger!" Check out the examples here!

Casual chic is what you can turn any outfit into by styling with the right accessories

For the office look, go for simple lines in trousers or pencil skirts and layer with colour, statement jewellery and jackets to keep it interesting.

An all time favourite for the clubbing scene, I always land that last minute shorts or top with a hint of bling to start up the party. Look for details in cut outs, asymmetrical cuts, mesh and texture to add interest to your after dark wardrobe.

And the best news? All forever21 shops in Dubai are celebrating 10 years in UAE with Special styles at stunning prices for 10 days till 10th November!

And if you shop @forever21 in @thedubaimall, @deiracitycentre or @mirdifcitycentre you can strike a pose at their photo booth wearing what you bought for a chance to win AED1000 vouchers!  Be sure to land your perfect buy before the celebration ends!

 

BRAND MANIA

I love people who are true to themselves and confident enough in their own skin to pull off any outfit and carry themselves with poise. I believe everyone should feel great about the way the look and have fun reflecting their best image to the world! No fashion is “in” unless it’s “out” of your unique style. But you are NOT what designer brands you wear! It saddens me to see/hear some people judging themselves and others by their latest “it” buys or lack of it. Since when has high street brands become an indication of a lesser social status? Yes, some people do think that they can not be seen sporting anything less than a designer branded look from head to toe. This is not just wrong, it’s a pity. It only shows that you lack self confidence, style and creativity. Am definitely pro designer brands – we all love the luxury, quality, attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into creating each unique piece – but I wouldn’t buy any piece just because it’s a designer label. I will only invest in it because it looks great and fits perfectly on me – just like any other label. And I specifically hate “in your face” printed logos. We all mix designer with high street and we won’t have to explain ourselves for it! Copying the latest catwalk or window look won’t win you the style stakes. Creating your own unique style will. Look inside yourself and outside your window for inspiration – and am not talking shop windows :) Street style is the truest form of real fashion. Your own unique personality should show in the details of how you style your look. Get inspired by your favorite designers, style icons, movies, songs, books, nature… but please don’t turn into another copy cat fashionista!