August 14, 2013

Evil Eyes for Fall 2013

Evil Eyes at Creatures of Comfort 

I think designers have taken inspiration from us Middle Easteners, because there were evil eyes ALL over the Fall 2013 catwalk! They are bigger than the evil eyes we are used to and not necessarily blue. There is no need to wait for Fall before you can wear this trend. They can very easily be incorporated into your wardrobe from NOW. I'm absolutely OBSESSED with this trend and can't wait to start sporting eyes all over my outfits! Happy Shopping Ladies :)  

Here are a few of my favourites:







Which pieces do you have your EYE on??

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August 13, 2013

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.


My very fun and colourful luggage from Tokyo

What are your summer beauty essentials?

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

What will you be reading this summer?
Summer Reading and the perfect Beach Bag (S*uce's shopping bag):

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!


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August 11, 2013

Get the Look for MUCH Less- LOVE!

Lanvin Fall/Winter 2013 Runway Show
(Source: www.style.com) 

Love is in the air this Autumn! Alber Elbaz sent his models down the runway at Lanvin wearing huge gold necklaces with statement words on them - Love, Cool, Happy and Help. My favourite? LOVE! I knew that they would immediately be a hit. Wearing words either pasted on the front of your tops or on your jewellery sends a strong message. Even to people walking by but don't know you. Why not send out the gift of love? I'm OBSESSED with these statement necklaces and will be wearing them from NOW - I can't wait for Fall! 

I think single word necklaces will look best against a plain background (black, navy, a block colour) and not a printed, busy one. You can wear them alone to make a statement or paired with many other necklaces, similar to the Lanvin runway show.

This trend will probably a passing one and will only be a hit for one season. There is no need to splurge on a designer necklace... even if it IS Lanvin! Here are a few economic alternatives to keep you ahead of the Fash Pack this upcoming season :)

SPLURGE!!
Material: Brass & Pewter
AED 3,650 ($990)


SAVE!! 
AED 47 ($12.90) 

SAVE EVEN MORE!!
Material: Metal
AED 22 ($6)

A fun way to wear your LOVE:

Material: Alloy
Available Colours: Fluorescent Orange/ Yellow/ Green 
AED 55 ($15)

Do you like the LOVE necklace trend?

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August 8, 2013

What to Pack for After Sunset Chic

With Eid holidays commencing today and your summer holidays about to start, you might need some inspiration for what to pack. I spend a big chunk of my time travelling so I think I could be of some help :) Yesterday's post was all about what to pack for daytime chic in both beach and city destinations (Click here for a recap). Today it's all about evening glamour! 

Pack dresses or skirts that are light and accessorize with colourful heels, fun clutches and statement jewellery. It's hot in the summer so I don't recommend putting on too much makeup or you might get sweaty and shiny. A great bronzer, some blush, black eyeliner and bold lips are more than enough. If you are not tanned from the beach  or walking the cities during the day, put on some Jergens Natural Glow for a gradual natural tan. Top it all off with shimmery NUXE Huile Prodigieuse. 

Most importantly, have a GREAT time :)

AFTER SUNSET

JERGENS Natural Glow (Link) - a gradual, moisturizing self tanner
NUXE Huile Prodigieuse OR (Link) - to give your skin a  subtle shimmer

Eid Mubarak Everyone! :) 

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August 7, 2013

Daytime Chic on your Eid Holidays

Eid holidays are starting tomorrow -Yay! Are you travelling anywhere special? What are you going to pack? I usually find it easier to pack whole outfits rather than putting lots of items into my luggage and then matching them on my trip. Here is some inspiration for what to pack for beach and city destinations to look chic during the day. Enjoy and Happy Packing! :)

BEACH BEAUTIFUL
Beach destinations are about lounging on the beach or pool with a great book, and friends or family for company. Don't be fooled though - people dress really nicely even when on the beach! Wear a great dress to go to the beach and wear it to lunch or to continue to beach parties (a la Ibiza or Mykonos). Wear a cool swimsuit and instead of a coverup, choose light linen pants or a long skirt. It's a nice twist and will get you lots of attention! Don't forget your sunscreen and a hat - the sun is strong out! 

I SWEAR by this oil spray which keeps my hair super soft and manageable after swimming. It also  protects my hair from UVA & UVB rays

DAYTIME CHIC IN CITY DESTINATIONS
City destinations are usually all about sightseeing, visiting museums and parks, eating out and of course shopping! Wear outfits that are comfortable and made of light materials. I highly recommend carrying a bag that is easy to carry and fits alot. The LAST thing you want is to lug around an uncomfortable, heavy bag! The Selma Bag by Michael Kors is a great option. It has been carried by lots of celebrities to run their daily errands this summer. (Click here for my post on the Selma Bag). 
Wear sunscreen, always keep well hydrated and take tons of pics! 
LOUIS VUITTON City Guides 
Stay Tuned for tomorrow's post where I will give tips on what to pack for Evening Glamour!

 Which outfits did you prefer - beach or city chic?

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August 6, 2013

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: 

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
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.


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) 

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August 4, 2013

Happy 1st Birthday My Small Obsessions!


Today is quite an emotional day for me - my pride and joy My Small Obsessions is 1 year old! One year ago, I was sitting in France on my summer vacation and decided that ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! I needed to follow my passion and started a lifestyle blog with a focus on Fashion. I had no IDEA how I was doing and could not foresee how popular and well-recieved my site would become. I poured my heart and soul into this venture and now 282 posts and topics later, it has become something that I am extremely proud of!


 I would SINCERELY like to thank all of my readers for regularly visiting my pages, Liking my words, and your highly valued feedback. I honestly do it ALL for you. My Small Obsessions would have been a long forgotten dream if not for your support and loyalty. THANK YOU!

 Since it's inception, my pages have been viewed over 88,000 times! I am part of My Wardrobe.com's affiliate program and have held events for My Wardobe, Mochi, West LA Boutique and Pearlesque. I am Sugar Urban Nails' Brand Ambassador in Abu Dhabi and was one of the bloggers to launch REPLAY at Dubai Mall. I have been featured in Grazia, Time Out Abu Dhabi, Sky News Arabia Live Morning Show,  and Savoir Flair to name a few. (Click here for a link to all of the press I have received). I must say - it has been one HELL of a year! 

On this special day, I thought I would take a trip down memory lane to see the most viewed and liked posts this year. 
Here is a recap of all your favourites!

Your ALL time favourite Post:
CELINE Bags for Spring/Summer 2013 (Link)
(I didn't realize how much women loved CELINE till I saw how often this post gets read! Atleast 50 times DAILY!!)
Your favourite Outfit:
Zayan Dress at the launch party of S*uce Gifts (Link)
Your Favourite Beauty Post:
What are BB Creams? A Comprehensive Guide (Link)
Your favourite Food Post:
Homemade Mixed Berry ice cream Bars (Link)
I don't blame you- these were YUMMY!
Your favourite Interview:
EXCLUSIVE Summer Interview: Celebrity Hairstylist Jen Atkin (Link)

Your favourite How to Wear Post:
How to wear Floral headbands (Link)

Your Favourite 'Get the Look for MUCH Less' Post:
ISABEL MARANT & ASOS (Link)


Happy 1st Birthday My Small Obsessions! 
Here is to MANY more years of interesting Posts and Topics -I'm not going ANYWHERE! :)

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August 3, 2013

My Favourite Face Mists

It's REALLY hot out and every time we go outdoors, our faces get all sweaty and dehydrated. Super unattractive and annoying! The solution? Face mists! They keep you refreshed and cool, calm, hydrate, replenish, and subside skin irritations. They are an instant pick-me-up! A fact I just discovered? They are used by makeup artists for setting makeup and getting dewy faces. 

Most mists come in small, light bottles that can be carried in your handbag to keep you refreshed all day. Go ahead and invest in this beauty product. It'll keep you cool and beautiful all summer! 

Here are a few of my favourites and tips on how to use them properly:

EVIAN's face mist has always been my favourite- it revives over-heated skin, 
removes perspiration, and keeps your makeup looking fresh throughout the day. 
This spray is the most natural one on the market and is the easiest to find


This mist is made from soothing, natural floral water sourced from Grasse in France. It smells DIVINE! 
It is alcohol free and the cooling blend is perfect for prepping skin before serums and creams, setting makeup, or refreshing skin all day. 

This refreshing mist helps to heal, rebalance, and hydrate dry skin. 
It is perfect for skin that has been exposed to the sun.
It's also La Mer - enough said! 

HOMEMADE Citrus Face Mist 
If the idea of spending money on a face mist seems over indulgent to you, you can easily make one at home. It is just as effective and probably more fresh than a store bought bottle.  
This mist should only be used to cool you down and not over your makeup.


TIPS for GETTING MORE out of your face mist:

  1. Store your bottle in the fridge so the mist is extra refreshing and cooling on your skin
  2. Let the mist sink into your skin for 2 minutes and then blot off the excess
  3. To get more out of your face cream, spray mist on your face and immediately put your face cream on top. The moisture from the cream will get locked in.
  4. Apply the mist over your makeup. It will remove the powdery feel and give you a healthy, dewy look. 
  5. Always hold the spray away from your face like in the pic above

Do you use a face mist? Which brand is your favourite?

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