Puma's Spring/Summer '17 Collection Launch

I've talked about my never ending love for Puma previously. It's a favorite of mine and I eagerly look forward to each collection they launch. There's something about Puma that other brands within the same segment just don't capture.

You can't replicate Puma. Their uniqueness most likely comes from the DNA of the brand and how it has drastically shifted the needle when it comes to sports and athleisure wear. I've been using Puma for a long time now and it's one of the few brands that actually motivate me to work-out constantly. I mean, how wonderful is their women's sports and training collection?

Puma launched their Spring/Summer '17 collection and my favorite? Easily the Swan Pack range. It's not because it is endorsed by a celeb, it's the design and color palette that caught my attention and made me fall in love with it instantly.

Tommy x Gigi: Tommy Hilfiger's Best Collaboration Yet

I fell in love with Tommy Hilfiger when I bought a jacket a couple of years ago. I loved how it complimented my favorite pieces and made the entire outfit look quite beautiful. Later, I went on to purchase a watch, which even my mum loves and wears.

Over the years, I've noticed the Hilfiger collection not only improve but also stay ahead of trends be it in clothing, shoes or accessories. I particularly love Hilfiger shirts- they're quite versatile and comfortable. I love the Fall collection because that's my favorite season of the year. Does anyone remember when the brand collaborated with Zooey Deschanel? They had some beautiful pieces that were sold out real quick!

Having said that, the most recent collaboration with Gigi Hadid is, in my opinion the best. I love how the current nautical theme is brought to life whilst infusing Gigi's sense of style.

The Food Byte: Sugar Factory, Dubai

When 2016 bows down and the curtain is raised for the next year, I will proudly state that 2016 was the year I discovered some great places to eat. It's surprising because I'm a picky eater but with two of my friends transferred temporarily to the city of gold, Dubai all the way from San Fran stumbling upon food venues became an adventure.

Long gone are the days where I gravitate towards tried and tested restaurants. I also tried more seafood this year than ever before (no, seafood will never be a favorite of mine, just wanted to put it out there). I also happened to discover cafes catering to the sweet tooths (me!) in Dubai- these are cosy cafes that are perfectly secluded from the world. I still have more than a handful of places to visit!

And with this in mind, I present to you a not so secluded gem of a candy store and restaurant, Sugar Factory. Even if you don't have a sweet tooth, this venue will end up in your top places to visit on a weekend. 

Lipsy Spring/Summer '14 & Kardashian Collection Launch In Dubai

Lipsy is one of the brands that I would usually window shop and be on my way. It felt like it was a store I would go shop in when I had a party or an occasion to attend. That was until now.

The launch of the Spring/Summer '14 collection saw a palette of lace, florals, jewel tones, monochrome and pastels in the form of dresses, tops, trousers and more. People who know me, know that I love lace and florals. The collection offered different catwalk trends reflected in the cut, fall, fabric and design of the pieces.

While the Pandora segment featured jewel tones and contouring dresses...

The Patisserie range featured gorgeous printed florals against a contrasting black background. I love this!

Then, there was the Monochrome range. I'm so glad Lipsy went beyond the usual stripes for this range. How pretty does the floral monochrome dress look?

The Flower Press range featured 3D flowers 'pressed' onto clothing, lace, embellishments, pastels and more. I'd call this Lipsy's prettiest collection..

How gorgeous is that lace dress against black? If you aren't a fan of lace but still want to try it out, check the below dress. Minimal lace against monochrome.

The collection also featured gowns with embellishments and accessories.

Lipsy also launched the Kardashian Kollection featuring a bevy of Spring designs reflecting the dressing style of the Kardashian sisters.

My favorite pieces from the collection:

Do you have a favorite?

The Lipsy Spring/Summer '14 and Kardashian Kollection is available at Lipsy stores across the UAE.

Reiss Launches Spring/Summer '13 Collection in Dubai

One word to describe the pieces of clothing I saw at Reiss's Spring/Summer '13 collection launch: 'gorgeous'. From long flowy dresses to jackets and peplums, the display had me making a mental wishlist of all the things I wanted.

Reiss took me and a handful of other bloggers on a yacht cruise to showcase the collection. I got to learn Reiss's history, some info on how Kate Middleton shops at Reiss (read on to find out!) and see firsthand the amazing pieces that exude opulence and bold fashion.  I've also been named as one of Reiss's brand ambassadors!

The Spring/Summer '13 collection boasts of colors and prints that are eye-catching and trendy, clean cuts and sheer fabrics.

The boxy jacket when paired with a floral skirt (think hydrangea, lotus and poppy prints) makes the entire outfit feminine yet bold. Don't you love the color of the jacket? It's bang-on for this season.

Reiss brings pastels back with this beautiful sheer top that is just about perfect for day or night. It's one of my favorite looks.

Subtle ruffles and intricate detailing make their mark on clean cut tops and dresses.

And here are the two dresses that caught my attention and are definitely making their way to my wardrobe. On the right is my first favorite- an absolutely beautiful piece known as 'Giselle' that is available in 2 colors: white with a black kaleidoscope print and a green to blue (not necessarily turquoise) version. This particular version you see is exclusive to the Middle East region while Europe and others have a shorter version. There are very few dresses that instantly make me go, "Yea, I'm buying that" and this was one of them.

On the left is Reiss's take on pleats and peplums (I love how this peplum version doesn't look like you've stuffed pillows around the waist/hips). Known as 'Semra' , it is a powder blue sleeveless dress. There was so much talk about how this is the perfect dress for the horse races this month- hello Best Dressed Woman?

Along with this came a new wave of accessories- from totes to oversized clutches and heels, Reiss has you covered for this season.

The Spring/Summer '13 collection is now available in all stores across the UAE. I've been informed though, that certain pieces (Giselle for example) are selling out quick.

And here's a little secret on the shopping habits of Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge. Kate is known to wear quite a few Reiss pieces and her choices are incredible. She can make a dull grey look chic. Remember this picture? She's wearing a Reiss dress and everyone went crazy about it.

Here's what Reiss's brand manager, Alberta told me about how Kate shops at Reiss. When she picks up dresses or other pieces of clothing, she doesn't necessarily wear them in that season. That's why when she is spotted wearing one, people rush to the store(s) and aren't able to find it. Then based on demand, Reiss manufactures those pieces again but in limited quantity. I've been told Kate has recently picked up a yellow floral print dress that she has yet to wear. I'm guessing this will make an appearance after the baby has arrived so keep an eye out!

Thank you to the Reiss and Emirates Woman team for a wonderful event. It's one of the best I've attended. Now, I'm off to buy that Giselle dress.

Mikyajy's New Brand Ambassador: Myriam Fares

About 2 weeks ago, Mikyajy (well known regional cosmetics brand) sent across an invite to launch the new face of the brand. My mind immediately went into 'think mode' and I came up with a number of (Arab) celebrities that could be possible contenders. With that in mind, I scrolled to read the remainder of the invitation and that's when I spotted the silhouette of the brand ambassador. And I knew for sure who it was. She is gorgeous, cute and I remember singing to 'Nadini' whenever it came up on Melody TV. She reminded me of Shakira with that music video. In fact, I sing along to it (the chorus more like it) till date if I hear it- it's French and Latin to me but hey, it's a catchy tune.

So D-Day finally arrived for Mikyajy and the launch took place in a setting that looked like backstage.

And of course, there were giant lipsticks suspended in the air- adding fun to the setting.

And we waited for the big reveal...

Aaaaand here's the new face of Mikyajy- the gorgeous Myriam Fares. I LOVE her hair!

She talked about how she loves makeup and is excited by this collaboration. We also got first look at Mikyajy's ad featuring Myriam.

I'm not sure which designer's dress she wore but it looked beautiful- the design was more like watercolors put together against a black canvas. She paired it with sky high Louboutins.

 She mentioned that her favorite makeup from Mikyajy is Black I. It's a favorite of mine too because I LOVE smokey eyes. Black I is everything black from eye pencils to eye shadows and mascara.

Here she is with the founder of Mikyajy, Kamal Osman Jamjoom (left) and the brand's director Jim (right).

 

How beautiful is Myriam? I want her hair!

 

I can't wait to see more makeup looks on Myriam from Mikyajy. Congratulations both! I'm totally happy I got a chance to see the singer up close thanks to the Mikyajy team.