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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!

 

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!

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?

 

 

comma & LIEBESKIND Berlin land in Dubai!

comma & LIEBESKIND Berlin launched in Deira City Center today, bringing the signature Berlin luxury fashion concept to Dubai! With two adjacent stores, you will find at comma a mixture of apparel, bags and accessories, while Liebeskind is only for bags and accessories.

Love the metallic collection of bags, wallets and belts - a perfect investment for FW14 as the metallic trend will be huge and is so much easier worn in accessories. The neon piping on the bags adds the right pop of color to complement any outfit!

The collection at comma is a mix of fresh colors & prints in casual & work wear, where you can find trendy alternatives to the usual office wear. Positioned as a luxury brand, the price point is midway between high street and designer, making it great value for money with the added benefit of quality tailoring and materials.

I have to tell you, the buttery soft genuine leather at LIBESKIND is to die for! Definitely an investment buy as it only gets better with time! I am already a proud owner of one of their bags and will definitely be going back soon!

 

Vintage Delirium!

Any trip is never complete without getting delirium-ed in a vintage heaven! I found this gem of a shop in a recent trip to Milan while I was visiting my sister. Knowing that Madonna, Tom Ford and Tory Burch are fans of the place only added to the sparkle of the experience!

 

 

The showroom, located in a suggestive courtyard of the historic sector of Milan in Brera, offers one of the biggest vintage selections in the world. High fashion fabrics from the 19th Century up to the 80′s; dresses from the 20′s and 30′s which include Callot Soeurs, Vionnet, and Chanel; Pucci, Dior, Cardin, and Balenciaga specimens from the 50′s and 60′s; YSL, Mila Schon, and Versace from the 70′s and 80′s; bags by Roberta di Camerino, Gucci, Hermès... shoes, belts, foulards, ties, buttons, buckles, jewelry and much more!

Playing dress up 20s style!

We could spend days roaming the 2 story showroom, there's a thing about vintage that transforms you back in time and makes you want to own the world! The thing I love most about vintage is wearing the item in a modern twist. I left the showroom a proud owner of a Louis Vuitton clutch and over-sized Christian Dior shades! The staff were super friendly and I definitely would recommend you visit next time you're in Milan :)

Haifa Wehbe styled by Rana Saab

Working with celebrities , I often get the question of "how was she/he in real life? Are they as attractive as on screen? etc..." Well, one thing I can say working with Haifa Wehbe is that she is even more gorgeous in person. Being around her you feel that you're in the presence of a natural Diva! And that makes it all more challenging and exciting - styling someone who is already a fashion Diva in her own right! I will be sharing with you some (ok, a lot) behind the scenes photos and secrets...

... I also get questions on what the job involves, and simply put - it's deciding on a total image and look for each scene starting from outfit to accessories, hair and makeup styles. I must say I love the whole process from putting together a style reference board for the storyboard all the way to production. You may think watching the music video that it looks effortless - and that is exactly what we want you to think! Each look has to appear so natural to integrate with the story - but that flawless image takes a lot of prep and hands on work behind the scenes to get to! A team of no less than 20 is involved in the approval and prep process, endless days of shooting that stretch into the early morning hours with endless supply of coffee to keep you on the go... and well, the experience is all worth it in the end!

The catsuit is my favorite as it takes center stage and shows off Haifa's gorgeous figure in a very alluring way. I must add here that I worked on it with amazing designer Amato and he did an excellent job and had it produced in less than 4 days!

The cast outfits and masks are DIY by me

One of the job's challenges is finding solutions on set and fast! While hanging on the harness and doing all those acrobat moves, the elaborate beading on the catsuit was not so comfortable... so we had to take off the beads from the sides without it running and ruining the outfit or even showing! Extra delicate job - thanks to my amazing assistant on the job Maria Chaghoury, we managed doing it in no time!

Spike and fringe shoulder pads and masks custom made with a tailor from satwa

  Now here's a totally different look that reveals the other side of Haifa - feminine, romantic and dreamy! I got the Jumpsuit from Etoile Boutique designed by Ingie Paris and am still getting questions from fans on who the designer is!

Another outfit designed by Ingie Paris to complete the dreamy scene, the trench dress

Now that's an undercover look that got people comparing Haifa to Angelina Jolie. I say am thrilled as both are gorgeous women

Final scene, Haifa shows off her showbiz side. The dress designed by Charbel Khoury served its purpose of moving with the beat and showing off Haifa's killer stage persona! Over cap from Amato

That's how it feels like working with an amazing team and celebrating a job well done! Kudos to Angy Akly, the director brain behind the amazing video, for inspiring everyone to keep going and give their best! Watch the music video here

Makeup by Bassam Fatouh, Hair by Donato Abrami and Jacques La Coupe , nails by Sally Hansen.

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!

 

My latest mascara addiction! Tried and tested

Given the fact that I always rave for Benefit "they're real" mascara, where I haven't bought another type for over a year -  I have to say that I have finally moved on and developed a new  love for  Le VOLUME DE CHANEL mascara!

Delivering massive volume as the name promises, it uplifts the eyes instantly with one bold yet elegant swift. The effect is visible  from a single coat as it thickens and separates.

You can instantly see and feel the difference with its short bristles buxom brush wand. Plus it wears all day long without smudging, clumping or flaking.

I seriously recommend it for all those looking for added volume and an eye opening effect.

Now here's a little secret - I still use Benefit "they're real" mascara sometimes by applying one coat after using the Le VOLUME DE CHANEL for a false lash effect by night. I've always been a fan for mixing products.

Have you tried it yet?

Sarah Jessica Parker is net-a-porter.com's latest cover star!

Sarah Jessica Parker photographed by Alexi Lubomirski.  Dress by Victoria Beckham; necklace by Monica Vinader all available at www.net-a-porter.com

Love the color on her! Hairstyling and makeup too!

Sarah Jessica Parker photographed by Alexi Lubomirski.  Jacket top by Theory; trousers and shoes by Saint Laurent all available www.net-a-porter.com

Fierce elegance! Would have liked some red lips maybe, what do you think?

Sarah Jessica Parker photographed by Alexi Lubomirski.  Dress by Haider Ackerman; shoes by Saint Laurent all available at www.net-a-porter.com

Love the dress and the photography!

Read the full interview on netaporter.com

 

 

 

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