Banana Republic Mad Men Collection 2013

As if the new spring/summer collection from Banana Republic wasn’t exciting enough, this season Banana Republic brings its third iteration of the much-loved Mad Men capsule collection. And this one is extra special since it features one my favorite models, Coco Rocha.  I absolutely loved the editorial look with Coco Rocha channeling her inner Twiggy.

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I often lament that it would have been great to be born in a different era and the 60s Mad Men era would have been a great time to live in. Considering the variety of silhouettes on the show (think January Jones’ Betty Draper and Christina Hendricks’ Joan Holloway), the collection suitably has designs and cuts for women of all shapes.

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Wouldn’t you love wearing something like this everyday?

The collection’s standout pieces for women are the printed shift dresses (which would work well for the Dubai World Cup) and the cropped striped pants. As much as I love the clothes in this collection, it’s the accessories that stole my heart and are going to wreck havoc on my credit card! The jewelry consists of gold-green and gold-blue chunky necklaces and bracelets, as well as geometric printed scarves.

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And I absolutely fell in love with the two-tone clutch the lovely Mona at Al Tayer PR sent over! This is definitely going to be my new staple clutch.

 Banana Republic Mad Men Collection 2013

And if you’re looking for a more contemporary look, Banana Republic has updated their stores with the Spring/Summer 2013 collection, which features some lovely pieces in white and on-trend nautical stripes. Considering temperatures are ramping up, these would make excellent pieces to add to your wardrobe for the Dubai summer season.

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For a closer look at the new collection and other Banana Republic news, check out their brand new Facebook page. And make sure to head over to Dubai Mall to grab some of the limited edition Banana Republic Mad Men accessories!

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Debenhams Spring/Summer 2013

facebook.com 6601 432216333530248 1350757781 n Debenhams Spring/Summer 2013The temperature is rising which means all the stores are unveiling their Spring & Summer 2013 collections. Last week, I paid a visit to the Capital D Studio in Al Quoz to check out their new collections from Debenhams Middle East.

This preview consisted of a focus on their DESIGN segment featuring their lines by famous designers including Principles by Ben de Lisi, Jasper Conran, Butterfly by Matthew Williamson, Star by Julien MacDonald, Rocha by John Rocha, Betty Jackson, Jeff Banks, Edition, and H! by Henry Holland.

For years, Debenhams has remained a dependable department store to visit for any outfit. If I ever have a last minute occasion, I head directly to Debenhams because I’m sure to find something that works thanks to their mini-shopping mall concept with multiple designers located under one roof. Continue reading

Gap Spring/Summer 2013

facebook.com 285270 10151414003644725 1164603227 n 150x150 Gap Spring/Summer 2013It’s amazing how time flies – just over a year ago I covered my first Gap show with the Spring/Summer 2012 collection.  So how does Gap manage to keep it’s collections so fresh season after season?

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The answer came to me at the Gap Spring/Summer 2013 preview held in DIFC Gate Village a few weeks back. The great thing about Gap is they have all the core concepts down flat. Want well-cut denim and trousers? Try the 1969 collection. Want something fun yet trendy? Try the ultra-bright skinnies, christened the “Skimmers” this season. Need to add something extra? Throw on a leopard print scarf or go for a striped top.

Gap’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection has all the key trends you need in your closet this summer. An element of color, some patterns, and fun accessories. Our picks for this collection would be the new colored khaki collection that are extremely comfortable and feel great to wear. Also worth checking out are the shoes and bags to style up your outfit.

The new Gap collection is now out in stores across the GCC.

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News: COS – Collection of Style Launches in Dubai

2013 02 11 18.47.11 300x225 News: COS   Collection of Style Launches in DubaiWhile I was complaining of certain beauty brands not being available locally, the fashion scene in Dubai is growing and there’s a new entrant to the malls – COS, i.e. Collection of Style officially opens its doors in Dubai this week.

COS is the more up-market cousin of Swedish brand H&M, which is famous for it’s trendy designs. I was invited to a press preview last week in the DIFC Art Village and got a glimpse at some of the pieces to be sold in Dubai.

The clothes were a breath of fresh air with the simple cuts and silhouettes that would work great for layering separates. Fabrics were breathable and will definitely work well with the humid and hot Dubai summers.  COS will also finally bring some more shopping choices in the high-street category, priced similarly to the likes of Zara and Mango.

And men we have some great news for you too as COS will be debuting its full menswear line in Dubai as well. We spotted some great linen shirts and suits in fresh colors so do pay them a visit and change up your attire from the usual denim and black combinations.

The Dubai COS store will be located in Dubai Mall (Fashion Avenue near MAC, Starbucks) and will be its largest store and second store in the region after Kuwait and officially opens to the public on March 23rd. Don’t forget to share your purchases with us!

Red Carpet Coverage: Stardust Awards 2013

Another major Bollywood Awards Night took place this past week – the Stardust Awards 2013. Again we were let down by the lack of major stars. What’s going on with Bollywood this year? I can normally pick out the best and worst dressed off of any red carpet but this one was so “blah.” Let’s see if you agree.

Starting out with the neutrals. Sophie Chaudhray looks very pageanty while Alia Bhatt opted for a simple gown. Considering she’s only 19, I wish she’d take some fashion risks and go for something bright and short. Rageshwari won this round with her body-fitting halter gown – wish I could see a photo of the back detail.

White Red Carpet Coverage: Stardust Awards 2013

(L) Sophie Choudry in Manav Gangwani
(C) Alia Bhatt in Shehlaa by Shehla Khan
(R) Raageshwari Loomba

Not many sarees spotted at this event but of course Vidya Balan came in her trademark Sabyasachi – not her best but not bad at all. Mini Mathur looks very fresh, thanks to the gorgeous cobalt blue saree and top-notch makeup. Definitely a pleasant surprise. Continue reading