Getting Organized!

I am a very organized person- I like things categorized and in their specified place. Shoes go in the shoe cupboard, handbags go in the bag cupboard, towels in the towel cupboard and my many toiletries also have their own cupboard! Batteries go in one drawer, bulbs in another etc. You get the gist - I can be quite obsessive about it! 

My towels are organized in coloured wicker baskets from ZARA HOME according to their function: 

bath for me, bath for my hubby, floor mats, guests, gym, kitchen, and makeup 

Items in my office are organized in these IKEA baskets. 

One for me, one for my hubby and one for Miscellaneous

Lately though, I've been getting extremely frustrated when it comes to choosing my accessories. I usually save the small dust bags that jewellery come in and if they are more expensive items, I like to save the boxes. Jewellery is my absolute favourite accessory to buy so you can only imagine how many boxes and bags I have collected over the years! Somehow, they all suddenly piled up and I can't differentiate new items from old ones or find any of my favourites. I end up wearing the same pieces over and over.

Today I went to DAISO at Al Wahda Mall, a Japanese discount store that sells everything under the sun! There I found really cute coloured baskets that I felt would be perfect to organize my jewellery and  that I needed to share with you guys! 

The multi-function baskets are ADORABLE and are available in many colours and sizes:  

white, pink, fuchsia, purple, beige, black, and dark blue

I categorized the baskets by necklaces, earrings, and bracelets and rings and hung the very delicate chains on a stand so they don't tangle. 

The baskets were each arranged in 3 columns so that I could find things more easily

The best part about this whole exercise was finding things I completely forgot about that I used to love! I feel SO much better now that my jewellery is organized and I look forward to picking out accessories for my next outfits!

How do you like to organize your things? 

Outfit Du Jour - ONE piece in TWO ways!

Red Givenchy Shorts

(Click here for a similar skirt)

You know those days when you have SO many things to do and events to attend and for some reason they ALL seem to fall at the same time?! I had that kind of a day today and needed one formal yet not too dressy outfit for a luncheon event, and another more formal and funky outfit for a fashion event. I had half an hour between both functions and the distance between both places was about 15 minutes or so. I decided that the only way I could pull it off was to wear statement red shorts and change everything else! 

DAY OUTFIT FOR LUNCHEON

During the day, I wore light colours with the shorts and ankle boots for a stylish, yet less formal outfit.

Sweater: 3.1 PHILIP LIM Sweater
Ankle Boots: SEE BY CHLOE ankle boots 
Bag: VALENTINO white rock-stud shoulder bag
Ring: SAINT LAURENT arty ring
Earrings: AMRAPALI small drops

EVENING OUTFIT FOR FASHION EVENT

To dress up the shorts, I changed into high heeled shoe boots and carried a clutch. I wore a darker top and sweater with lace panelling and put on more makeup, mascara and red lipstick.

Top & Sweater: VALENTINO
Shoe Boots: VALENTINO
Clutch: VALENTINO rock-stud black clutch
Ring: ALEXIS BITTAR 

I discovered today not only that it is possible to get dressed at the speed of light but also that each piece in my cupboard can be dressed up or down depending on the accompanying accessories, shoes, bag, and positive attitude :)

Which outfit do you prefer?

Up Close & Personal: Roxana from SunglassCurator.com

It is ALWAYS sunny in the U.A.E and you need to wear sunglasses no matter what the season. I usually only buy 2 pairs of sunglasses a year- one for Spring/Summer and one for Autumn/Winter and I don't experiment with the style. If I find a pair that suit my face, I'll buy  similar ones for the next season. However, I have recently realized that sunglasses are just as much an accessory as jewellery, shoes or bags. A funky pair can be a topic of conversation and can really get you noticed! I discovered that some people even buy 3 to 4 pairs a season depending on their outfit and the occasion. 

OSCAR DE LA RENTA 26 C2

I came across the Sunglasses Curator (www.sunglasscurator.com), a website based out of Bucharest which sells really cool designer shades for both men and women. They sell limited edition, hard to find, designer brands, and truly exceptional pieces for people who have a deep appreciation of sunglasses. For the rest of us, they offer tips on which styles will suit your face, the trends of the season, look books, and what the celebrities are currently wearing to help you make an informed decision. Basically, they are your one-stop shop for all things sunglasses! 

I sat down with one of the owners of the website, Roxana Marcu, to find out what really goes on behind the scenes at the Sunglasscurator.com 

Tell me a little about your website 

SunglassCurator.com was born out of pure love for fashion in general and sunglasses in particular. Ever since I can remember, I have adored sunglasses as they are definitely one of the most important and impactful fashion accessories that one can wear. They create mystery while also talking discreetly about one’s personality. We wanted to create an online destination where people who share the same love for sunglasses can find a truly exceptional selection of exclusive designer eyewear. We launched our online store in June 2012 and we have a showroom here in Bucharest, where we are based.

KSUBI BELLATRIX 

What was your inspiration to start a website dedicated to sunglasses?

It has always been very challenging for me to find the perfect pair of sunglasses. I always knew that I wanted to help people find the perfect pair :)  

How do you select the designers you will stock?

Our decision is based on the brand image, character of designs and ability to deliver high-quality products. With an ever-growing list of potential collaborating brands, we strive on creating a rather eclectic mix of designers from eyewear pioneers to very-recently launched ones. 

LINDA FARROW LUXE 119 C10

Sunglasses are very hard to buy in person and I usually have to try on many pairs before I find the perfect one. Being an online site, how do you deal with this issue?
We rely on having well-informed customers who know the shape and styles of sunglasses that suit them. As online shoppers ourselves, we went through similar situations, so we provide our customers with as much information as possible. We categorize our shades based on size and shape to make it easier to search through the styles which will suit your face. If they still don't fit, you can return them till you find the perfect pair! 

    USHER wearing DITA Eyewear sold on the website

     Your website is very different from the average online retail seller. You have interviews with the designers of your sunglasses, style trends of the season, etc. Do you feel this makes your image more of a sunglasses EXPERT rather than a regular retailer?

     Every single frame in our store is 'handpicked' by our team of curators who are always on the lookout for models that have something special. We want people to fall in love with our frames, the same way we do. It is very important for us that our clients have all the information on hand when choosing a frame such as: a guide on what shapes of sunglasses are suitable for his/her face, information on the designer, the current fashion trends, what people that they admire wear etc. 

What are the trends for Spring/Summer 2013?

The main trends are below. Read more about them here 

 Coloured frames - mainly in pink & Geometric frames - round and square shapes

Decorated and printed frames & Classic shapes - cat eyes, aviators and oversized 

Minimal eyewear

Do you ship internationally? What is your return policy like?

Yes we ship globally and since our launch, we have had orders from 4 different continents, with some excellent delivery times, if I may add :)  Our return policy is standard and in line with all major online retailers. 

      

Which shades are you personally coveting from the website this season?

 I love every single pair on the website but considering that I am a huge fan of oversized sunglasses, these are my favourite: 

     

    LINDA FARROW LUXE (link)

    This is truly an exquisite piece with its oversized butterfly shape and python wrapped frames

MOO PIYASOMBATKUL Noir Desire 2 (link)

These frames will enhance any look instantly with their delicate and unique baroque details

                                             RITA ORA wearing the MOO Noir Desire 2

DITA PARADIS (link)

I love the colour and shape of these frames

A-MORIR LORNA GOLD

These are both romantic and glamourous! 

 Visit sunglasscurator.com to buy a truly exceptional pair of sunglasses! 

Which style of shades do you usually wear? 

      

Get the Look for MUCH less!

Sports-Luxe is one of the key trends this season and high-top wedge trainers, in particular, are having their moment. They are at the top of every fashionista's wardrobe wish-list and are selling out FAST! Wear them to dress up your casual outfits and look chic no matter what the occasion! I would even buy them in different colours depending on your outfits. I scoured the stores looking for the perfect pair according to any budget. 

SPLURGE! 

ISABEL MARANT high-top wedge sneaker

Material: Suede and leather

Available colours: Beige & Black

AED 2,150

SAVE!

ASH wedge trainers

Material: Suede and leather 

Available Colours: Neutral, Caramel & Black

AED 925

SAVE EVEN MORE!

ZARA studded sneaker

Material: Polyester & cow leather

Available colours: White, Brown & Black

AED 425

AND SLIGHTLY EVEN MORE! 

(I'm telling you- they are EVERYWHERE this season!)

ALDO Chism wedge trainers

Available Colours: White, Camel, Red Suede, Black Suede

AED 410

Happy Shopping Ladies! :)

Outfit Du Jour

Pants & Top: Maison Martin Margiela for H&M
Necklace: Mawi Anniversary Collection
Headband: Marie Hayden
Bag: Christian Louboutin
Shoes: Chanel

Nathalie's Cafe in Abu Dhabi

Yesterday I attended the opening of Natalie's Cafe next to the Park Rotana Hotel in Abu Dhabi. My first impression upon entering in was, 'What a beautiful and happy space!!!'  The cafe is very inviting and from the entrance, you are greeted with homemade food showcased in glass containers and the whiff of freshly baked muffins and desserts. The food is laid out in the most mouthwatering way that you want to try everything on display! 

There are seating areas both indoors and outdoors which look very comfortable and inviting. Nathalie's offers you the option of sitting at a counter on barstools or spending your afternoon lazing about in a rocking chair. If you are in a hurry, grab a delicious salad or sandwich from the 'Grab & Go' display. No matter what your needs are, this cafe will cater for them. For me, the most important aspect is that meals will never be boring after visiting Nathalie's. Everyday, there are five different wholesome and yummy salads, healthy soups, and hot dishes to choose from so we can keep going back for more! 

This is definitely a cafe that was needed in Abu Dhabi and I can't wait for similar places to open!

The space is very happy and inviting and would be the perfect place for lunch or afternoon coffees

 Healthy homemade food is on display in the 'Grab & Go' fridges filled with fresh sandwiches and at the counter 

The food truly speaks for itself! The wholesome salads, sandwiches, hot food items and desserts all look mouthwatering! What's even better is that each item has a tag next to it with a calorie count to help you make better food choices and not over-indulge

Yumm!! 

 Throughout the cafe are inspiring quotes 

Natalie's is located at the Twofour54 Tower in Khalifa Park next to the Park Rotana Hotel

 in Abu Dhabi. 

Visit their website here

See you there! :)

Funky Workout Gear

With the hectic December filled with dinner parties, alcohol and way too much sugar behind us, all I see in the mirror is new fat coating my stomach and thighs. It's definitely time to get back into shape!!! Three things motivate me to go back to the gym: a great playlist, new workout gear, and an appointment with a friend or personal trainer. I decided that out of the three, I need a few new pieces for the gym to really encourage and inspire me to move my butt! 

Activewear doesn't have to be boring - be creative and you can look as stylish in the gym as you do elsewhere. Complete the look with colourful trainers and a really cool bag and you can easily wear your gym outfit to run errands or join friends for lunch or coffee. 

My favourite brands are Lululemon for pants (they make my ass perky and my legs look skinny!), Adidas by Stella McCartney for stylish yet functional clothes, and Swetty Betty for accessories.

P.S. As always. click on the names of the items below the pics to go to their websites where they can be purchased or better viewed

Here are a few items I'm currently coveting:

STELLA McCARTNEY makes the coolest workout clothes for Adidas

Aren't these tights really different?

Red mesh tights and Grey nylon tights

ADIDAS by STELLA McCARTNEY run loose tank

This is currently on sale and can be found at Adidas stores in the U.A.E

Green glow in the dark tights and the Astro Wunder Under Crop by LULULEMON
Even after washing Lululemons a million times, they retain their colour, shape and elasticity.
This is  the only brand that makes me look slim at the gym! Definitely worth it.
You can choose from many different cuts and flares of pants and tops

It's ALL about stripes this season!
No limits tank by LULULEMON

Flaunt it Dance Vest at SWETTY BETTY

I love the lace panelling at the bottom of this black tank.
I plan on layering it over a coloured tank or sports bra

Your sports bra is just as much part of your gym outfit as your tights and top. Funk up your outfit by layering coloured bras under tank tops. 

SWETTY BETTY makes really cool coloured ones with great support

The Mat by LULULEMON
If Yoga or Pilates is your sport of choice, then this is the mat for you.
With its extra cushioning and support, it will make those poses a lot more comfortable!

SWETTY BETTY makes really cute, girly gym accessories.

Clockwise from top: Sneaker balls to keep your trainers, gym bags and boxing gloves smelling of green apples, Pink Skipping rope, Pink re-useableWater bottle, Gloves- these are super comfortable and the velcro fastening makes them easy to put on and take off, 

NIKE Lunarglide 4 ID
NIKE makes bright and comfy running shoes that can be customized to your taste

I am extremely tempted to purchase these Chanel running shoes!
Perhaps they are more fashion than function?

What do you wear to workout? Do you have any favourite brands?

Outfit Du Jour- MONOCHROME

Today I tried out Spring 2013's new Monochrome trend that is all over the catwalks. Here is how I wore black and white :)
P.S. I couldn't find anyone to take photos of me so I took them on my own - I hope they are ok!

Monochrome Sweater: Alexander Wang
Lace top: Valentino
Leather pants: Helmut Lang
Ring: Alexis Bittar
Necklace: Philippe Audibert Paris
Shoes: Chanel (Coloured shoes, red or pink or something that pops, would also work really well with this look!)