Snapshots of Venice

All my life I have dreamed of going to Venice - I was always fascinated by the idea of a city built over water. Last month, I finally had the chance to go and OMG it is SOOOO worth it! Imagine a city with absolutely NO cars - just boats and lots of bridges to cross over the canals.  It feels like you jumped back in time to a city filled with romance and history (and ALOT of tourists!). Here are a few snapshots of my trip....

 The buildings are literally built ON water canals - you either cross from side to the other on the small bridges or take a boat if the distances are longer 

 Over time the inhabitants covered some canals with bricks to make narrow passageways

One of the highlights of my trip was riding in a gondola 

 Everywhere you look there are super fun & colourful masks being sold. 

They wear them at the Venice Carnival every year 

 This store sells leather items made in the SAME factory as HERMES... I found bracelets with the exact same leather as HERMES ones but without the logo & at a fraction of the price! 

 San Marco Square by night - it is simply breathtaking! One side is 700 years old, the other is 300 years old. At night, all the coffee shops have live orchestras playing beautiful music. Tourists either sit in the coffee shops or dance in the square outside of each shop. Really beautiful :) 

Have you ever been to Venice? 

4 Days in Saint Tropez

I just got back from 6 really fun weeks in the sun in Europe! I took a mini trip to Saint Tropez on the French Riviera for four days and I thought I'd share my trip with you. While it isn't my MOST favourite summer destination, the shopping is fantastic and the food is delicious! Partying is tons of fun and staying there for a few days is a very well-rounded vacation. You can do a million things in one day - just expect to splurge because everything is super expensive! After all, it IS the destination of choice for the International Jetset and superstars! :)

Here are a few of the highlights of my trip 

I absolutely LOVE the beach there!

Super Yachts dot around each of the beaches with their owners stopping by for lunch 

Hermes Birkins and Kellys are the bags of choice by most women - in the most exotic of skins.

This mini Kelly is in a size that is extremely hard to find! 

Bagatelle is the newest beach to open this year

Their 'Vegetable Platter' is delicious!

EVERTHING is hyper-inflated in Saint Tropez!

This 'Tomato Salad' consists of 2  plainly chopped tomatoes in a bowl

It cost 21 euros (AED 105) - 

If I bought them in the supermarket, I could have gotten 10 kgs of tomatoes for the price of 2! 

You can find a sheesha EVERYWHERE (at the beach, at the hotel, in bars) -

They are a lot prettier than in the Middle East & a whole lot more expensive! 

Shopping is an absolute JOY! 

CHANEL & DIOR are housed in cute little villas 

Chanel has a swimming pool inside, & Dior has an outdoor cafe

(wutisfashion.com)

The town has local fruit & veggie stalls, designer boutiques, vintage shops, furniture shops and multi-brand stores all stuck together in the narrow streets.

You never know what store you will come across next and its very easy to get lost!

(www.elle.com)

Byblos Hotel - Saint Tropez's oldest boutique hotel 

Poolside cocktails before dinner are A MUST for some people & outfit watching!

(www.selectyachts.com)

One of my favourite things to do is have an ice cream or coffee at the port & watch the super yachts docked 

At Villa Romana 

A Stunning sunset

Have you ever travelled to Saint Tropez? 

EXCLUSIVE Summer Interview: Melina Mitri of S*uce

For this week's Exclusive Summer Interview, I sat down with Melina Mitri. She works in PR and Markwting for the fabulous S*uce Boutiques in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. We discussed travelling to France and Copenhagen, and savouring every moment of your holiday. Enjoy! :)

Where will you be travelling this summer?
France and Copenhagen for 3 weddings.

How long will you be staying?

About 2 weeks.

Any plans while there?

I am RIDICULOUSLY excited about the first wedding which will be at a chateau in the Dordogne area in France. It is simply the most gorgeous landscape ever - endless fields of green, green grass, the brightest sunflowers, and the occasional cow. My plans are to soak up all the vibrant colours, nature, and the gorgeousness and imprint the image in my brain for LONG after I've left!

The Dordogne Valley

(www.trekearth.com)

What will you be shopping for on your destination?

I will be checking out the concept stores in Copenhagen, which I hear is a super cool city.

Copenhagen

(www.cnntraveller.com)

Do you usually pack heavy or light?

I usually pack about 5 kgs below whatever the limit is - to leave room for shopping :)

What will you pack in your suitcase?

Lots of shorts, little light dresses, and my Bensimon espadrilles from S*uce (They are SO comfy!) My luggage are super cool cases that I bought from Tokyo.

BENSIMON Espadrilles 

My very fun and colourful luggage from Tokyo

What are your summer beauty essentials?

Clockwise from Top Left: 

Bright red NARS lipstick 

BOURJOIS Blue Eyeliner 

(I chanced upon this eyeliner and BELIEVE me, it's the best I've ever tried!)

KIKO Purple Mascara 

GORGIO ARMANI Baby pink cream Blush 

What will you be reading this summer?

Summer Reading and the perfect Beach Bag (S*uce's shopping bag):

RUSELL BRAND - My  Booky Work 

What will you put in your carryon for the flight?

Mini Dettol hand sanitizer, Mini Hello Kitty tissue, IPHONE with my pre-prepared summer playlist ("Breach- Jack", lots of Daftpunk, Justice, and songs from the ZAYAN AW13 Playlist - available to download HERE), & a little notebook for random thoughts and notes. 

Any Travel Tips? 

Make sure you have two pairs of super comfy, super broken-in shoes. Don't forget to savour every moment, every sight and every sound!

Exclusive Summer Interview: Dr. Lamees Hamdan of Shiffa Skin Care

(www.coutts.com)

For this week's Exclusive Summer Interview, I sat down with Dr. Lamees Hamdan. She is the founder and creator of SHIFFA Skincare in Dubai, a company that sells award winning beauty products, and a mother of four young children. This summer, she will be travelling to four countries in four weeks. Read about her fabulous tips to packing light, the amazing SHIFFA products that she will be taking along, and great recommendations of things to do in Paris! 

Where will you be travelling this summer? 

Bodrum to spend Eid with my parents, our farm in France with my in laws, then Paris, then Forte Dei Marmi for a friend's wedding, Lake district in the U.K. and finally London for a friend's birthday party! It was supposed to be a boring summer - funny how things suddenly change!!

How long will you be staying?

4 weeks.

Any plans while there?

In Paris I go to a great Italian restaurant called Cibus on Rue Moliere, L'atelier de Joel Robuchon and  Jean Paul Hevin for chocolates. I love going to the marches for fresh food and flea markets. I will be visiting museums and my favourite, Institute de Monde Arabe. I will also be signing up for a walking tour of the 16eme Arrondissement for its Art Deco Buildings. 

Clockwise from top left: 

Restaurant Cibus (Link) 

L'atelier de Joel Robuchon (Link) 

Jean Paul Hevin (Link) 

Institute de Monde Arabe (Link) 

What will you be shopping for on your vacation?

I will not be doing any serious shopping - I don't like to shop when I am with my kids. I would rather be at a park, a museum, or EuroDisney. I have actually become an online shopper. With so little time, I don't have time to shop around! I love anything that can be customized or monogramed - they make great gifts :)

All of my family members have customized passport holders by Smythson

(These are ABSOLUTELY Fabulous!)

Who will you be travelling with?

Summer is all about family.

What will you pack in your suitcase?

I usually pack very, very light! It's challenging because on this trip I will be on a farm, in a major stylish city with sightseeing and fancy dinners at night, and at a wedding! I will only take 2 bags: one for day and a clutch for evenings and a cashmere lined rain jacket from Loro Piana. 

Shoes: 

I will be packing a pair of nude heels by Michel Perry

nude ballet flats by Lanvin (Link)

Chanel jelly slippers

I always pack everything into Victorinox rolled duffle bags (Link)

Never black or red as they are too common 

Summer Dresses:

I love Bottega Venetta for dinners 
Marni works for both daytime and evenings out with heels

What are your summer beauty essentials?

In the summer you need great skin, because makeup is so minimal. I use a Shiffa cleanser, moisturizer, and body lotion and sheer lipstick by Bobbi Brown.

Shiffa Sweetness Body Lotion (Link) 

Shiffa Aromatic Facial Cleanser (Link) 

White Tea Moisturizer (Link)

What do you usually put in your carryon?

My shawl, Vitamin C effervescent tablets, and air popped popcorn to munch on during movies. I always hydrate with chamomile tea, roobois tea, and water during and after my flight. 

I use Shiffa Healing Balm (Link) on the flight on my hands, face, under my eyes, and on my lips.

 It hydrates, removes puffiness, makes my skin glow, and smells divine!

I always carry a small vial of Aya perfume

Any travel tips?

Travel light and enjoy life :)

If you liked this Exclusive Summer Interview, check out others for Nadine Kanso (Link), Ashlie Johnson (Link), Jen Atkin (Link),  Victoria Waller (Link) & Zayan Ghandour (Link) 

EXCLUSIVE Summer Interview: Nadine Kanso of BilArabi Jewellery

How do you pack your jewellery for the summer? What do you take and what do you leave behind? For this week's Exclusive Summer Interview, I sat down with Nadine Kanso, the designer behind the beautiful jewellery brand BilArabi. We discussed travelling to destinations like Beirut, London and Mykonos, how to not overpack jewellery, and enjoying not having any schedule during summer and switching off. 

Tell me about yourself and your jewellery line?

I am a Lebanese-born, Dubai-based jewellery designer and artist photographer. I started my jewellery line BilArabi in 2006 (Link). It started off with a single ring in the Arabic letter N "noon". I designed and handcrafted it out of 18 carat gold and semi-precious stones. It was a hit! Soon after, I made it in all the letters of the alphabet and women started to express themselves 'Bil Arabi' - In Arabic. Today my line includes rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants and cufflinks that draw on the beauty of the Arabic alphabet, calligraphy, and common expressions. Bil Arabi captures the essence of Modern Arab identity in the 21st century.

Where will you be travelling this summer?

This summer I will be travelling from one place to another. I have a jewellery show at Athr Gallery in Jeddah, London and Beirut for family time, and Mykonos with my husband. I might find time to squeeze in somewhere new like Sicily! 

How long will you be staying?

5 weeks. I am looking forward to some summer fun and relaxation!

Any plans while there?

Each location will offer something different and special. What I enjoy most while on holiday are walks, sitting by the sea, or having a simple espresso in a cafe and watch people passing by, reading a book. Basically having time to do all the simple things without the rush and hassle of our busy daily schedules.

What will you be shopping for?

I prefer to walk the cities, enjoy the beaches and the food rather than shopping. Having said that, I will never say no to something my heart falls for while going around the cities, especially in London!

Who will you be travelling with?

This summer is a combination of everything and everyone - from family to friends to an all girls trip so the mix will be cool.

Do you usually pack heavy or light?

I try to be as practical as I can but with the different destinations and the long trip, packing light isn't really an option this summer.

What will you pack?

EVERYTHING! I will be taking long beach dresses By Malene Birger and Monoplaza that I bought from S*uce. 

I always pack all my chargers and personal items in my Bil Arabi pouches

 They are so practical for travelling

How do you pack your jewellery for your holidays? 

I try not to pack all of my jewellery with me and pick pieces that work both day and night. 2 or 3 sets of earrings with rings to match. After all, a woman always has to have a touch of glamour :)

These T-shirt wrap bracelets are my summer jewellery must-haves. They are always packed in my jewellery pouch for summer as I can change the colors of the ribbon depending on my outfits. They are casual pieces yet eye-catching, eye-candy ones :)

I always pack my 2 rings with the letter N on them. They can be worn both day & night, look like tattoos on the finger, and the letters are not that obvious. People ALWAYS stop me and ask about them! 

What are your summer beauty essentials?

When travelling to beach destinations, body and hair oils are a must as well as sun protection and moisturizer. Always a cool hat.

My favourite summer oils include:

L'OREAL PROFESSIONAL Mythic Nourishing Oil for hair (Link) 

NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Or dry oil with shimmer for body (Link)

What will you pack in your carryon?

My book of the moment The Oil Kings, computer, camera, agenda and paperwork I need to work on. 

Summer Read: The Oil Kings by Andrew Scott Cooper(Link) 

Nadine Kanso's jewellery brand BilArabi is sold in the U.A.E at S*uce, Bloomingdales, and Harvey Nichols. 

Click HERE for more info 

EXCLUSIVE Summer Interview: Celebrity Manicurist Ashlie Johnson

One of my biggest beauty dilemmas during my summer vacations has always been my nails. It is really difficult to find a decent nail parlour in Europe that does as good a job as the ones I am used to in the U.A.E. I always wondered how women keep their manis and pedis looking fresh throughout the summer, especially on beach holidays with all the salt and chlorine! 

For this week's Exclusive Summer Interview, I sat down with Chanel Celebrity Manicurist Ashlie Johnson (Link). She counts Gwyneth Paltrow, Eva Mendes, Kate Hudson, and Jessica Alba as clients and does their nails for events and photoshoots. We discussed travelling to beautiful Costa Rica and the products she uses to prolong her manis and pedis. Enjoy :)

Where will you be travelling this summer?

Costa Rica. I've always wanted to visit the rain forest and practice my surfing. It's meant to be the ideal spot. 

Rio Celeste waterfall in Costa Rica's tropical rainforest  

(Source: www.cardelmar.co.uk)

How long will you be staying?

Two weeks

Any plans while there?

I don't think there is much shopping to do in the jungle! I'll mostly be in the water or hopefully exploring the jungle animals and taking photos. I'm not aware of any 'hot-spots' or places to dine at, so meals will be very low key. Fresh and healthy.

If you find shops, what will you be shopping for?

I love to find awesome local jewellery when I go on vacations. It is easy to travel back with them and they make unique gifts for friends. 

Wooden Costa Rican Jewellery

Who will you be travelling with?

I'm going with a great girlfriend of mine who turned me onto paddle boarding last summer. But then we got the bug to surf this summer! There are some great surf camps in Costa Rica so we are hoping to get better :)

Do you usually pack heavy or light?

I went to Paris for my first time in May and I packed heavy but for a beach vacation, I pack light. All you need are swimsuits, coverups, and flipflops. That's what I love about the beach.

What will you pack in your suitcase?

I will pack one swimsuit for each day I'm there. I love to collect them so I have a lot! Light dresses that can work day or night, Ancient Greek sandals, Havaiana Flip flops, some cool necklaces, and definitely my camera. 

Beach Vacation Essentials: (Clockwise from Top Left) 

ZIMMERMAN Oasis Bikini (Link) 

ANCIENT GREEK Sandals (Link)

HAVAIANAS (Link)

KARMA silk dress (Link)

What are your summer beauty essentials?

SUNSCREEN! It's a must- I have light freckled skin and blond hair so I tend to burn. I also pack a big hat to block out the sun. I also can't live without my Sheila Stotts hair brush- nothing will get through the knots without damaging my hair. I also pack L'oreal's Nature Therapy Moisture Conditioner. I have tried every conditioner UNDER THE SUN and this is the only one that leaves my hair shiny and soft even after being in the salt water. 

L'OREAL Nature's Therapy Mega Moisture Nurturing Creme (Link)

SHEILA STOTTS hairbrush (Link) 

Any tips for extending your Manicure and Pedicure in the summer?

I always pack a nail file and Top Coat. If you chip a nail, file it with your nail file and then apply a top coat every 2 to 3 days to keep your polish perfect. I also bring along Dr. Hauschka's Neem nail oil pen. It is a spill-proof way to travel with your nail oil. Apply this each night to keep your nails and skin hydrated. 

Dr. Hauschka's Neem nail oil pen (Link)

What's your preferred nail polish color this summer?
Chanel's Azure polish for summer- it looks just like the reflection of the sea!

CHANEL Azure Nailpolish 

Any Travel Tips?

Always make sure that whatever you pack, you can carry yourself. There is nothing worse than not being able to get your bag on a plane or train when in a mad rush. Also, keep your travel info and documents in an easy access compartment in your bag. You don't want to waste time searching for things like your passport! 

If you enjoyed this week's Exclusive Summer Interview- check out Jen Atkin's interview last week (Link Here). She is a celebrity hairstylist who works closely with Ashlie Johnson :)