style

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?

Men! Red Carpet Chic Decoded!

The Red Carpet is a great place to learn but if you are too lazy to research or maybe too busy to do so, you might consider enjoying a glamorous red carpet coverage on TV or at least let us do it for you.  

The Golden Globe Awards 2014... Yes, it's this time of year already, and what better place to witness the masterpiece creations of all renowned designers, tailored to fit those million dollar celebrity bodies.

 

Despite the Fact that the ladies were stunning and studding, the guys decided to take a stand this year and captivate our interest as well.

 

Leonardo DiCaprio, Bradley Cooper, Matthew McConaughey, Chris Hemsworth and Usher were just a few of the fellas that did not want to go unnoticed!

WHAT HAVE WE ANALYSED?

1. Velvet...Velvet...VELV-IT!

Mathew McConaughey stepped up his style in an emerald green shade velvet jacket, while Chris Hemsworth owned it in a mid night blue velvet jacket. Gentlemen, show off your shoulders frame and step away from dull tuxedo jackets this winter, it's this time where you get the chance to be playful with your jackets....VELV-IT!

 

2. "Is this black?… I can't tell..." "NO! IT'S NOT BLACK AT ALL"

Despite the fact that black is a color that we are not even allowed to discuss when it comes to classics, this winter keep away from it!

This winter you have a much diverse selection around you, from daring textures to jaw dropping patterns, choose a suit that makes you stand out!

 

3. Oxblood, blues & 50 shades of grey!

This winter when picking a suit keep those three colors in mind. Opt to wear an oxblood color tuxedo, stray from the pack in blue suits of all degrees and shades --think bright blue all the way to navy blue--- and lastly remember that dull is not the grey color anymore, grey this winter can be matched with hmmmm...Grey. Combine several shades of grey for a modern twist of chic.

I'm more than happy to share with you these time saving tips, if you get stuck in working out those tips, do not hesitate to drop me a message at maya@ranasaab.com and I'll get back to you as quick as blink!

Contributed by Maya Sebai

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

Time to Sparkle 'n' Dazzle all the way to your finger tips!

The festive season is upon us and it’s the best time to reflect the jolly spirit from your wardrobe to your finger tips. Now is the time to add some sparkle and glitter to take your outfit from basic to glam. With Metallic colours big on the trend list, you can transform any outfit by styling with the right dose of shimmer with your bag, shoes, jewellery and nails. Repeat the sparkle with one accessory like earrings, a statement necklace or arm candy but never wear all at once, as you don't want to go overboard and risk end up looking like a walking christmas tree! Another tip, super shiny nail polish looks chicest on short, naturally shaped nails. If you are sporting those super long nails, then keep the glitter for one nail only, usually the ring nail!

The same goes the other way round, if you prefer to dazzle with an embellished dress, keep your accessories in one solid color and go easy on the bling elsewhere. You can either go loud with your nails and make a statement with the right festive colour from glistening gold to opalescent silver or play it down with a solid neutral from the deep, rich reds and blues to the ever elegant nudes to achieve the perfect balance.

Go loud with your nails, make a statement with the color, and show off your festive spirit  with Sally Hansen Holiday range.

Like all Complete Salon Manicure shades, these opulent new additions deliver seven benefits of a salon manicure in a single formula. In addition to providing a Base Coat, Strengthener, Growth Treatment, Color and Top Coat with every stroke, Complete Salon Manicure delivers gel-like shine and chip resistance for the ultimate multi-tasking manicure. And the best feature? Their precision brush is designed to fit the curve of your cuticles and hug the contours of your nails, for better at home application  and superior wear. So even the clumsy can treat their nails to some at home pampering!

OPI latest  range of colours have an amazing variety that will match your festive mood too.

Remember, your choice of colour will either brighten up your look or down play your outfit. Go for off beat colors and try something new for the party but always choose the color that complements your skin tone first. Warm colours like Gold, oranges and anything yellow based goes best for warm skin tones and Cool colours like silver, star white and anything blue based goes best for cool skin tones. Sounds complicated? Get your colours done and be prepared to shine!

Last, add a piece of your own signature Awesome and carry yourself with confidence and style!

 

Create your own style with Cotton On

If you are not familiar with Cotton On, now is the time to check out their collection and stock up on all those needed essentials and quality classics. This is my go to shop for basics that you build your outfits upon. Think that one simple solid cotton cropped top that you can layer under your blazer and skirt/pants/denim? I got those in all available colours and best part is it's always a catch with their incredible affordable prices and infinite use (I washed them to pieces and the cotton quality still looks great!)

Another favourite that I have everyone asking "where did you get that from?" is the long tank that I double for a slip dress. I use it for endless outfit mixes from layering under sheer dresses, long cardigans and see through skirts.

I am wearing the long tank top here with a sheer skirt and blazer. An all white look that everyone thought was a dress.

And it's not just the basics, you will always find that incredible cute pair of shorts, pants, printed tee, blazer or easy summer dresses which you can style into an individual look! Their lounge wear range is surprisingly huge as well, so go ahead and Cotton on!

They are now opening their 1070th store in Deira City Center on Friday the 20th of September! Be there to avail of a 30% discount and 500 goodie bags to the first 500 shoppers!

In love with Istanbul! Style inspiration

I fell in love with Istanbul- the culture, people, food and music! Here's some place to fashion inspiration from the streets.

Sneak shot of a backyard on the streets of Bebek, Istanbul. Loved the composition and colors!

Green and white worn by celebrities: An example of how I see fashion interpreted from object to design.

Couldn't help but swoon over this little candy shop! The colors and shapes are enough to get you in for a sugar fix!

The child in you: My polyvore candy mania color blocking inspired style

I love graffiti, to me it's the purest expression of art. The mix with the natural greenery, pots and stones here made it for a great shot. Another hidden alley in Istiklal area.

Graffiti: translated into fashion too. Love the mix and match of material here.

What are your style inspirations?

what denim are you?

Denim has been popular since the day it was invented and is still one of the top wardrobe staples. Historically deemed as casual wear, it has risen throughout the years to smart casual and even dressy. All you need to do is find the right fit for you and take it from day to night by wearing with the right shoes and bag for the occasion, mix and match by layering from simple sweaters and tees to fancy blouses and blazers and finally style with the right accessories. Here's some stylish denim style mixes snapped at Bloomingdale's Dubai event & a few tips on how to land your perfect pair at the end of the post. Enjoy!

Karli Vickers is all romantic meets edgy denim style with a feminine silk blouse, candy pink slim jeans and studded loafers all from Zara. Her Alexander wang bag adds just the right bold element. Love her high girly bun too!

18 year old Blogger Fia dyer reflected her fresh trendy denim style by teaming 2 layers of shirts, primark denim over vintage print with a cute topshop black short. She nicely pulled the look together with white doc martins shoes. I love her playful mix of print, fabric & color. Notice how her hot pink heart shaped earrings and bracelets tie in with her socks. Even her ponytail done on the side was playful, showing us "how to stylishly dress for your age" -  It's all in the details ladies! Check out her blog for some more inspiration on her style

Blogger Iman Omrani was there too & I love her unique style at all times. Going for a romantic denim style, she wore her dyed jeans with a lovely white ribbon knitted sweater from Romwe & cute blue ballerinas with ribbons too from zara! Her splash necklace with oval shaped stones and her very feminine wavy blonde hair finish off that feminine look.  Check out her blog for some amazing DIY fashion.

Love how Zhineh wore her amazing back studded knitted sweater bought from London spitafield market, bringing the edgy look together by matching with the shape of her hair tie on that super cool messy bun. Repeating small details such as shape, color, texture or print is what makes a unique style. Truth is sometimes we don't even notice we're doing  it! Am sure many of you don't plan all these details in an outfit, but again, this is how unique style is created.

Now here's Omar, one stylishly confident kid!  You can't miss his cool nonchalant character that shows even at his age! He's wearing nothing less than a ralph lauren shirt, true religion jeans & making one amazing statement with his roberto cavalli shoes :)

That's Seif, Omar's adorable & equally fashionable brother! I had to run after him for 5 minutes & couldn't get this shot until I found his dad who volunteered to catch him for less than 60 seconds. His sutograph jacket, picollo shirt, true religion jeans & "very fast" Cityshoe are just the cutest combination I've ever seen!

Last, you have to meet the dad who makes sure that style runs in the family!

He's wearing his Tommy Hilfiger blazer over a Ralph Lauren shirt, with straight legged Rock n republic jeans. Love how the handmade shoes from London in white Linen and tan leather piping pull the whole look together.

Now, when it comes to jeans, ironically the question I’ve been asked the most is “ what denim am I ? ie how do I find the right style for my body shape?” Here’s a few tips on what to look for!

To add curves go for skinny jeans. The tapered hemline at the calves gives the illusion of a wider hip and curvier bottom. Bright, shiny and light colors are great for visually adding volume too.

To conceal & balance wider hips, opt for boot cut jeans with a flare at the bottom and make sure that they’re long enough to cover your heels. Avoid boyfriend jeans, low waisted styles & skinny. Only way to wear skinny jeans is to pair with a longer top.

To look slimmer and taller, go for a darker wash. Look for vertical seams to visually add height. Go for straight leg styles to look taller and avoid flared or wide jeans. Stay away from cropped or cuffed jeans as not to visually cut your legs. Wearing high heels is always good to add height too.

So, what denim are you?

Street style | Feminine meets Edgy

Love how Rei from Thailand looks like a fresh spring flower on a winter day!

On the street in Navigli, Italy. Shirt:Zara, Leggings: Designer from Thailand, Shoes: Vintage market, Jacket: H&M, Bag: Zara

Taking her floral shirt clubbing, all she had to do was change into burgundy velvet leggings, pull the outfit together with a blue jacket and change her bag for an evening clutch.

At Sho club, Italy. Shirt:Zara, Leggings: American Apparel, Jacket: H&M, Clutch: Alexander McQueen

Stop wearing other people's jeans!

Are you constantly looking for that next perfect pair of jeans to add to your collection of over 10 pairs? Jeans is an essential wardrobe staple for all the different reasons ranging from practicality and comfort to style. Nothing easier than grabbing a pair of jeans and dressing it up for a night out or down with trendy tees and jackets. But still, I always get questions on how and where to land the perfect pair for my body shape? When shopping with clients, I can make their lives easier by picking specific styles but it's really hard listing all the variances to look for when I don't know what your exact body shape is! My answer has always been that you can't just fit into any brand or size -you need to look at specific details and styles/cuts that will flatter your unique shape starting with the waist, crotch to the pockets and definitely legs width and style. Even the wash of the denim has a great effect in visually slimming or adding a few pounds.

So just last week, I stumbled upon Nomo, a new shop open in Sunset mall and it looked like the answer to everyone's prayers!

Previously found only in Hamburg and Helsinki, it has a lot of promises to offer to the Dubai fashion crowd. As their story goes, NOMO makes computer-assisted made-to-measure jeans. You simply walk in the shop, choose the cut, color, effects and numerous details. Then they will take your precise measurements with their 3D body scanner - YES a body scanner - and your perfect made to measure jeans is only a month and a half dream away! To add to that,they arrive with a guaranteed satisfaction. So I do think the guys at Nomo will keep their promises.

I asked the sales lady if all those specific measurements means no one else can wear your jeans, and her answer was YES - it won't fit anyone but you!

Now even though I am the proud owner of 6 currently worn pairs of jeans,I am intrigued to try having my own personalized jeans. What do you think of this concept? Let me know if any of you tried it too!