// CATCH ME IF YOU CAN //

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At times I have a tendency to be out-of-sight, out-of-mind. Meanwhile that's happening.. hop on over to my Tumblr for some constant feeds of inspiring pictures and sayings to keep your creative appetite full.

When I'm not there, you can find me on Pinterest where I am constantly replenishing my 30 pin boards full of healthy {and sometimes not so healthy} recipes, style inspirations, interior design ideas, travel destinations and quirky fun bits that are too cool/cute not to pin!

I'm a sporadic Tweeter so, at times you can find me there - but usually I'm posted up on Instagram snapping pictures of my ongoing obsession with coffee and all things fashion and travel - it's hard not to post pictures as if I'm constantly on vacation because, well, living in Dubai pretty much is like being on holiday every day of the week. I know, tough life.

So there you have it, I promise to swing by every so often, but I have a tendency to let my mind and self wander - it's the only way to learn new things!

#livelife
xx,

FASHION FORWARD // Dubai

Friends at home are always asking me about the fashion here in Dubai, finally, I can reveal a bit of a glimpse into what women are wearing here. Considering I haven't dedicated enough time to photographing local style on my own, I've relied on Style.com/Arabia to give you the goods. Over the past weekend, I attended Fashion Forward Dubai, where the local talent came out in full force - from the fashion shows and discussion panels, right down to the attendees; Dubai officially impressed me once again. 

Below are a few of my own photos from the weekend, excuse the quality, I forgot my camera and had to rely on my iPhone... for more snaps from the event, check out my Instagram feed. 

{another Dubai first}

{the outdoor bar & lounge area - I made a pit-stop for a bloody mary}

{the calm before the crowd}

{translation kit required to get through a panel discussion in 100% Arabic - even with the headphones it was a challenge} 

{wearing: "diy" Gap vest, Zara top, H&M skirt and Alaia heels}

Quotes//discussion points that caught my attention at Fashion Forward:

When asked about what inspires his designs + what makes a woman elegant, 

keynote speaker, Rabih Kayrouz, responded with the following: 

{Hopefully I can get the translation right} "لديها الكتفين" literally translating into English as "she has shoulders" meaning, if you're elegant and confident, you walk with your shoulders, and this is what inspires his designs, collections and aesthetic. The design aesthetic of Middle Eastern dress used to be {and from my perspective, still is} based around the shoulders for this reason. When you think about it, when a woman is slumped over and has bad posture, no matter what fabulous designer she is wearing, she doesn't look elegant, nor will she catch your eye. However, the woman who stands tall with her shoulders back will radiate confidence and self assurance. 

{first talk; designer Rabih Kayrouz}

On the challenge of designing Haute Couture vs RTW collections:

"Ready-To-Wear collections are more challenging as you are designing clothing for people whom you do not see - you have no idea who is buying your collection making the process a tricky and risky one, meanwhile Haute Couture requires direct contact with the wearer, resulting in a design that you know will make the client happy."

{first talk; designer Rabih Kayrouz}

{leaving the venue wearing BCBG ring + Miu Miu specs}

I loved these two responses, both equally interesting. Ever since, I've been paying attention to not only the way that other women carry themselves, but I've noticed that I'm correcting my posture much more now! I was a bit surprised to hear the way he answered to Haute Couture vs RTW as I always imagined it would have been the reverse somehow. Ultimately, Fashion Forward was a great event, it was nice to do something different and have a chance to see the local talent all together in one venue. Looking forward for Season 2. 

IMAGES VIA: STYLE.COM/ARABIA | MY OWN

In VOGUE: the {SHOULDER SHRUG}

Forget what your mother told you about putting your coat on one arm at a time - the new trend tries her motherly advice with a rebellious change up of how to don your favourite outer layer.

Slung, draped, cocooned - no longer are the days of classic coat wearing - think Hollywood starlet who has flung on her coat as she makes a quick exit; The girl that can't be bothered but understands how chic her carelessness is and of course, it's absolutely relevant to think "girl on a date outdoors who has suddenly struck a chill with no coat". Borrowing from the boys has just taken a new turn.... 

{Keeping Composure}// 

Avoiding the fatal fall...

::Arms down or gripping the lapels at almost all times

::No waving or quick movements {a smile or head nod is action enough}

::Don't even think of touching your hair with both hands - imperfection is perfection anyway, right?

::Sudden movements are out of the question, you're a lady not a bull in a china shop.

::Skip the hugs {be chic, kiss on the cheek}

Where to? // 

So you're not the girl on the street at Fashion Week - #NBD 

{no big deal} there are times you too can pull off the cape-like slung overcoat... 

::Brunching

::In transit - Hollywood starlet, remember?

::Club {coat check, COVERED}

::Date night {no need to borrow from him, you can handle your own}

::Seasonal transitioning {Dubai is currently cold in the shade, hot in the sun, an opportune time}

#OhEmGee What to wear? //

First the DON'Ts and then th DO's

::DON'T wear an oversized or cross-body bag

::DON'T try using an old jacket/blazer that doesn't fit anymore, the look won't work.

::DON'T forget to layer underneath if it's chilly outside - {cold is not cute}

::DO wear a clutch or small top handle bag

::DO 'borrow from the boys' #mannish

::DO plan your inner layers

::DO colourblock {Miroslava Duma has mastered this}

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Don't be shy... try something new, indulge
and translate the style that inspires you to work for your daily routine.
No need to be a fashion show attendee to look amazing daily.

IMAGES: VOGUE.COM | WORDS: MALLORY MCLANE

[LOVE] YOUR LOOK.

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Pops of colour, smoking slippers, distressed denim, red lipstick, layered statement necklaces, suiting, tulle skirts and effortless dressing - As the weather changes here in Dubai, my constant search for inspiration to change up my daily style accelerates. Now, if I could just start wearing my high heels again (currently on hold thanks to a broken foot incident back in November) my wardrobe plans for the season would be much easier! 

#NYFW - COLOUR ME HAPPY

ALL IMAGES VIA

A punch of colour never hurt anybody...

#pickmeup #streetstyle #NYFW

{Thanks Phil Oh.}

DOUBLE OR NOTHING//

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Trending among contemporary designer brands are advertisements that are double the impact. Above are a few of my favourites who pushed the boundaries. Pictured last, 3.1 Phillip Lim's first ever ad-campaign took to the streets for a look that resembles the chaos of New York in high season as editors, bloggers, and models alike scurry between shows to get to where they need to be, meanwhile taking a moment or two to be snapped by the ever so popular street style photogs. Best of all is the placement of his latest tee which I'm sure will be received well by consumers, is the I heart Nueva York, you can count me in as one of the many to flock to buying the tee! 

IMAGES VIA: Who What Wear | Vogue

Any thoughts on the implementation of the new 3.1 Phillip Lim signature? 

I haven't made up my mind yet... 

CURRENTLY TRENDING: BLUE

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After seeking loads of inspiration for "Mission: Apartment Makeover 101" mentioned here, from fashion and interior trends, I started to lose sight of what kind of vibe I wanted my apartment to have. There are too many amazing schemes that can be created and one in particular I had been avoiding... I'd recently been told to stay away from blues when it comes to home decor because it has a tendency to add a bit of a "chill" to the room.. aka "it's far too cold to decorate with!" Well, forget that idea, because I have officially fallen back in love with navy blue and well, all blues for that matter... The key to the balancing act, so I've learned, is to bring in brassy golds, warm wood furnishings, crisp whites and variations of the blue you have chosen as your base, and voila!

Once I saw this image (though burgundy is the focal point)
I knew I had my colour palate down...

other inspirations...

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Pictures soon to come once I start pulling together the apartment 

with the core accessories that will polish off the room. 

::SEEING SPOTS::

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 Only over the past few months did I finally start to build up a true infatuation with leopard spots. I've always admired from afar but never really indulged completely in the classic print as a staple in my wardrobe. Sure, it goes with everything, compliments practically any colour and also adds a bit of glam to anything, be it home decor or an outfit. Yet, I just never quite found a piece I really felt the need to purchase. Until recently...Starting with a pair of Sam Edelman flats at Lord & Taylor back in December [in New York] which is where my little love story with leopard began.

Comfort? check.

Print perfection? check.

Added twist? check.

Reasonable price point? check and check!

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Now, suddenly I've found myself on a Pinning binge, saving image after image that gives full props to wearing leopard + decorating with leopard... All of which lead me to purchase #2. 

A Ted Baker, London pony hair tote. 

Next up? A leopard decorative pillow for my current project: Mission Apartment Makeover 101.

Stay tuned for pictures to follow my mission...