Event Alert: Jumeirah Restaurant Week

jumeirah restaurant week 2013 Event Alert: Jumeirah Restaurant Week

If there is one thing that I love about Dubai in recent years, it’s the rapid expansion of the food scene. Dubai is home to some great international restaurants (think Nobu or Zuma) as well as smaller, but just as good hole-in-the-wall joints. Last year Dubai got it’s very own Restaurant Week thanks to the folks at Jumeirah!

For those uninitiated to Restaurant Week, it’s is a popular concept in cities like LA and NYC. Throughout this week, selected restaurants setup a prix fixe (fixed price) menus for lunch and dinner. It allows diners to try out expensive, never-visited restaurants at a reasonable prices. Restaurants can take this as an opportunity to showcase house favorites and win over more regulars for the next year. Continue reading

On the Shopping List: Dior Summer 2013 Makeup Collection

dior birds of paradise makeup 7 300x226 On the Shopping List: Dior Summer 2013 Makeup CollectionWhile Chanel might have the most sell-out makeup collections, Dior’s been putting out some gorgeous collections in recent years. The latest Summer 2013 collection is no exception and is called “Birds of Paradise.”  The collection features gorgeous hues of teal and blue and a new product I’m very interested to try out – the Jelly Lip Pencil!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Image Source: Dior Facebook Page

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.

coco rocha mad men banana republic Banana Republic Mad Men Collection 2013

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.

betty draper fashion mad men Banana Republic Mad Men Collection 2013

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.

Banana Republic Mad Men Lookbook Banana Republic Mad Men Collection 2013

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.

Banana Republic SS13 Lookbook Banana Republic Mad Men Collection 2013

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!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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?

facebook.com 29031 10151414003354725 443403658 n Gap Spring/Summer 2013

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.

facebook.com 402839 10151448442299725 1974348942 n Gap Spring/Summer 2013