styling

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!

 

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

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

Introducing the Man-ual! Every man's guide to all that is style!

Man-ual 1: SS-2014 Season has Gone Pastel-listic!

Roll up your sleeves gentlemen, suits are becoming a playful attire as designers are taking cuts, fabrics, & colors into a new dimension.

We keep assuming that fashion is a wheel, and that trends through out history keep coming back, but I'm happy to tell you that things have changed and we are about to see a bolder approach to men fashion regarding suits.

Taking a look at what Ermenegildo Zegna, Tom Ford, Ozwald Boateng, and many other designers tackled for the coming season, here is what we observed:

1.Sleeves are no more a rack to place four to five buttons in a row, Zegna introduced sleeves with no buttons at all or even long sleeve extensions that wrinkle up around your wrists adding a slight contrast to a simple blazer.

2.Double-breasted blazers that take your simple suit back to the posh 1980's,giving your a structured figure and a classy feel. what is making DP blazer bolder these days is the signature buttons thats add a little twist of modern.

3.Pastel & Light shades and tints of Blue, grey, ash, & beige is all over the runway for SS-2014. Aim for calm colors with a derivative combination for the shirt and tie.

4. White it out! white is no longer the suit color for weddings and occasions only, unleash freshness and chicness with a white suit this summer and give your suit a relaxed luxury feel with a contrasting tie and shoes.

5. Cropped trouser ankles show off that little piece of skin between your trousers and your shoes with cropped trouser ankles, you can even use those crops to showcase your new set of designed socks.

About Maya Sebai-

Maya is a walking visual owl, tackling fashion and style with her design eye for colour, cuts, texture and art. Coming form a Graphic design and multimedia background, she always adds a fresh approach to her layouts. Her love for fashion led her to join ranasaab.com as an aspiring stylist with a focus on men's fashion, an area she feels is under explored and under exposed! With that in mind, she started the MAN-UAL concept. A Manual that Guides men through efficient and time saving fashion inspiration to match their characters. With her enthusiasm for mens fashion, Maya focuses on giving today’s man a sneak peek at the trends and styles that he would use efficiently while juggling his busy life schedule.Aside from men's lack of attention to style, she is also very much affected by reading and believes it’s the most powerful and out reaching technique to evolvement. She is inspired by Ozwald Boateng. For more on MAN-UAL, You can send us a shout out at maya@ranasaab.com and follow on Instagram: @ranasaabstylist

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!

 

Addicted to Red!

Once upon a time, I thought red only came in one shade: red. Down the rabbit hole of Color analysis and makeup and now red is a multitude of shades that keep growing! Great news is there is a red out there for each and every complexion, season & flow! Everyone can wear red - You just need to nail the one that suits you and you will be addicted, I promise. What you really need to know is what undertone (warm or cool ), intensity ( soft to clear) and shade (light to dark) to go for. With an advanced color analysis consultation, you will find the color palette that suits you, as the best color in the world is the one that look greats on you!

ICONIC

The ruby collection from  Dolce & Gabbana is my absolute favorite ! The luxurious formulation of this Classic Cream Lipstick provides bold colour with a smoothness that is simply gorgeous. I am hooked on "Iconic", a shade that is a bit on the warmer and brighter side of red. I wear it for the day in a lighter tint by blotting with a tissue after application to help set the colour and create a softer effect. All you need to take it to night is to reapply lipstick for a more intense color effect.

Ruby Collection by Dolce & Gabbana, ICONIC

And then, a few days ago, I met Lip Maestro from Giorgio Armani at the airport... and well, it was love at first pout!

THE RED 400

This is the first lip stain I have tried with such a comfortable to die for velvet texture and a radiant matte finish. What really sold me is the non-sticky texture which offers hours of hydration and comfort with a color so intense.

My experience with other lip stains is dry, cracked lips and color that fades as you go... not so attractive. As Giorgio Armani put it, this is  the next generation of lip color. I got the shade "400 - the red". I wear it more for the night as it's a bit too intense for day.

What shade of red are you?

 

 

Corporate image styling with the gorgeous Starcom ladies!

I had one amazing workshop with all the gorgeous ladies from Starcom, talking style personalities, "corporate meets creative" new dress codes, body shapes and personal coloring. Enjoy the creative style mood boards from the super talented ladies - reflecting all the different personal styles & colors! Couldn't fit all the boards here, so check the rest on my facebookpage

What's your true color? Discovering your best color shades , undertone and intensity will change your view!

 

Prim is not always prop.er! Ted Baker SS13

Bridging the gap between high street and luxury designer brands, Ted Baker is the go to brand for all that "style is in the detail" with immaculate tailoring and quality fabrics. I love their take on the trends with the signature Ted baker styling - and I especially love finding Ted's hidden messages on each and every item in store! Always feels like each purchase is created just for you! Their SS13 collection is an amazing mix of pop colors, sweet pastels and prints with simple fabrics and elegant silhouettes. Enjoy my picks from their look book with the amazing photography and graphics!

Ted Baker locations ; The Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina Mall, Deira City Centre, Festival City and Abu Dhabi Marina Mall

In love with JIMMY CHOO SS13!

I am totally in love with the Jimmy Choo SS13 ad campaign - the styling, photographic style and of course the shoes and bags!

This nude number is definitely on my list - it's the perfect shoe to elongate your legs and goes effortlessly with  skirts, shorts, dresses and skinny pants in any color! A trendy classic.

Might just gift it to myself for my birthday this month :)

Great work styling the shots - Effortless glamor and right on trend chic all the way...

Watch the Exclusive behind the scenes footage here

British fashion photographer Angelo Pennetta, styled by Camilla Nickerson and featuring  models Valerija Kelava and Anders Velencoso Segura