Falling For Monochrome
May 17, 2013
Wear: Black, White
What: Skirt & Shoes – New Look / Blazer – She Likes
When: To Work
When it’s Hot. When it’s Cold.
Apr 20, 2013
Wear: Pink, Yellow, Mint
What: Blazer – Splash Fashions / Dress – ModCloth / Cuff – Forever 21 / Belt – ASOS
When: To Work
Style Stalk: High School Throwback
Apr 8, 2013
iStalk with my little eye a ‘Dynamic Duo’ looking straight out of a High School movie. Rarely do my colleagues, Wafa and TK, who are technically ‘Partners in Crime’ at the office, dress similarly as they both have a different sense of style, so how surprised was I to see them in these accidentally coordinated preppy outfits. So I just had to shoot them for my blog’s new segment ‘Style Stalk’. Taken at the terrace of Jumeirah Emirates Towers, the photographs are quite reminiscent of the ‘Gossip Girl’ clique at the Met (Metropolitan Museum Of Arts) Steps in Manhattan.
Candy Pink And Zebra Stripes
Apr 4, 2013
Black and white stripes are in! And though monochrome is far from mediocre, there’s always room to get a little flirty with color. Sometimes all it takes is one statement piece such as a belt, a necklace or clutch in candy pink, citrus yellow or neon lime to complete your look. Here I’ve taken a leather kimono belt and tied it in a not-your-usual asymmetrical half bow in contrast to the straight lines of the dress, while still a nod to the bows on my sandals.
Wear: Black, White, Pink
What: Dress – ASOS / Belt – Bershka / Shoes – New Look
When: To Work
Hot In Here: Spring/Summer Lookbook 2013
Apr 2, 2013
When the sun gets brighter and the weather gets hotter, you know Spring/Summer season has arrived! It’s time to trade in your pants for shorts and your winter frocks for maxi dresses. Give your wardrobe a colorful and vibrant make-over with easy-breezy, carefree pieces in coral, pink and orange, that you can skip, jump and just have fun in. Make ‘em pop with neon and don’t forget your sunnies! 
Photo: Sheldon Rodriguez | Stylist: Faith Rodriguez (The Look Bureau) | Hair & Makeup: Sofia Yaco | Model: Mary Raymond Barrios Velez | Location: FullFrame Photography Magazine Studio
Photo: Sheldon Rodriguez | Stylist: Faith Rodriguez (The Look Bureau) | Hair & Makeup: Sofia Yaco | Model: Magdalena Kulawik | Location: FullFrame Photography Magazine Studio
Photo: Sheldon Rodriguez | Stylist: Faith Rodriguez (The Look Bureau) | Hair & Makeup: Sofia Yaco | Model: Magdalena Kulawik | Location: FullFrame Photography Magazine Studio
Photo: Bistek Photography | Stylist: Faith Rodriguez (The Look Bureau) | Hair & Makeup: Sofia Yaco | Model: Mary Raymond Barrios Velez | Location: FullFrame Photography Magazine Studio
Photo: Bistek Photography | Stylist: Faith Rodriguez (The Look Bureau) | Hair & Makeup: Sofia Yaco | Model: Mary Raymond Barrios Velez | Location: FullFrame Photography Magazine Studio
Colors Of The Wind
Mar 26, 2013
March has been one windy month. It may be an advantage when you’re deliberately going for a shampoo commercial-esque, hair-blowing-in-the-wind effect, but not so if you’re wearing a skirt and can’t get a decent photo without having a ‘Marilyn Moment’. Today was the windiest day of all, and from the photos I took, most of them had me eating my hair or with my skirt blown up like a balloon! But I was keen on this location the greenery would complement the color palette of my outfit. I experimented on color blocking different shades of red, for an effortless gypsy look.
Wear: Burgundy, Magenta, Red
What: Top – New Yorker / Skirt – Mod Cloth / Shoes – New Look
When: To Work
New Look Spring/Summer 2013
Mar 24, 2013
What I love about New Look is that there’s always something for everyone! The clothes are designed with different target audiences in mind, therefore satisfying individual tastes, and most styles are appropriate for any age. What’s more, is that New Look offers you fashion that doesn’t break the bank. This season’s collection is no exception!
The New Look Spring/Summer 2013 Launch was held at The Meydan Beach Club at Jumeirah Beach Residences.
When I arrived, the freshness of coral, cream, dusty rose, lace and floral greeted me at the door. This part of the collection was ultra feminine and romantic. It also included a few smart pieces that could easily take you from work day to first date.
Further down I discovered a trail of tribal prints perfect for the boho chic chick, and midi dresses which are so on trend this season.
Directly adjacent were distressed denim and cowboy-western inspired apparel, for the outdoorsy type of gal, and girls who want to dress-down and have fun but still look good!
Next, came the vivacious swimwear, for all you ladies who are beach-body ready.
What followed was a showcase of bejeweled cocktail dresses and gowns, just in time for prom season.
Then at the heart and center, the room was dominated by monochrome (you can never go wrong with the classic black and white), graphic prints and blasts of red.
And the collection wouldn’t complete without the shoes and accessories!
Seeing all this made me want to sprint out of there to the nearest mall! Here are my favorites from the collection, that consists of a lovely basket woven clutch, pretty polka-dot flats and scarf, and outfits I had mentally mixed and matched, which I would have happily picked up and left with, if it was possible.
Now, let’s go shopping!
Mon Atelier: A Cosy Concept Boutique
Mar 17, 2013
Want to go gift shopping and get a little something for yourself on the side? Head on over to Mon Atelier situated in the peaceful neighborhood of Jumeirah I. It houses a unique range of fashion for women, men and children, accessories and vintage inspired gifts. The boutique is set up in a residential-type villa, which conveniently accommodates for the retail side of the business and the production of local-made products all under one roof.
I visited Mon Atelier on a Saturday afternoon. Aside from the ‘Mon Atelier’ welcome mat at the door that added a homey touch, I was pleasantly greeted by the salesperson, just as if I was being welcomed into someone’s home. But even before I had stepped foot into the boutique, I was instantly attracted by the gorgeous red dress designed by Maha Sahyoun at the window display.
As soon as I entered, I had an instant crush on the lime trim denim handbag by Glen Miller for Ann Turk sitting pretty on the shelf right opposite the front door.
The interior reminded me of an old summer cottage, with its wooden trims and antique furnishings. Browsing through, I felt as if I was walking around a massive vintage closet.
Fashion for Women and Men
Fashion for Kids
Gifts & More
I had the opportunity to get an interview with Karim Sayhoun, the owner of Mon Atelier. He was nice enough to take time out of his busy schedule to oblige.
What’s the story behind Mon Atelier?
Mon Atelier is a family owned business inspired by my mother, Maha Sahyoun who is a very creative person.
What inspired you to set up a one-stop-shop for unique gifts and fashion for men, women and children?
The idea to open Mon Atelier as a concept fashion and gift boutique came to me one day as I drove down the beach road. I had already started working with Bogosse and my mom had already started making her hand made cards. It really came to fruition when I came up with the idea of the gym bag which we make in house. At that moment we decided to pursue the idea of having our own crafts people work in the atelier upstairs and have downstairs as the retail space.
Where others would venture into setting up a retail store inside a shopping center, what made you decide to operate from a villa in Jumeirah?
The decision to work in the villa was based on space requirements and on the ability to host events all in one space.
What brands, international and local, do you house? Which is your most popular?
We sell over a dozen international brands right now and I must say that Lucky 7 tees and Bogosse are two of our most popular brands.
Who designs your own collection? Do you do all production in-house?
All the creative work for own brand, our VM (visual merchandising) and our gifts is done by my mom and our team. I of course lend a hand but focus more on the commercial side of the business.
The name ‘Mon Atelier’ means ‘My Workshop’, in that respect, do you entertain requests for custom-made items?
Mon Atelier means my workshop but for the moment we do not offer custom made items. The customization we offer for the moment is limited to embroidering initials on our garments and bags. We offer certain alterations free of charge for our clients of course.
Black And Blue All Over
Mar 14, 2013
I may no longer be able to wear my leather jacket these days (because it’s getting hot in herrre), but leather skirts are still far from becoming old news in the Spring Hall of Fame. With bright and bold colors dominating the fashion-sphere this season, it doesn’t hurt to go back to your basic black and blue for the sake of variety. This look is a little Preppy meets Rock & Roll, in my everyday attempt to redefine work wear for the fashion-forward woman with a taste for individuality.
Wear: Black, Blue
What: Blazer – Forever21 / Skirt – New Look / Shoes – Bershka / Top – H&M
When: To Work
Tangerine
Mar 12, 2013
What I love about blazers is that they make any outfit look smarter, whether you’re dressing it up or dressing down. This Spring, have fun with bright colors such as orange, pink, mint, coral and yellow. Blazers are available in many different prints, but I prefer basic solid colors as they are perfect for layering, complementing prints and color blocking. This look is for girls who don’t have to stick to the corporate dress code all the time. I’ve paired a monochrome ensemble with a bold tangerine blazer and color blocked platform heels, a playful take on work wear.
Wear: Orange, Black, White
What: Blazer & Top – Zara / Shorts – River Island / Shoes – New Look
When: To Work
Leather And Lace
Mar 11, 2013
This is probably the last time I’ll wear this jacket, at least for the season, unless by some miracle the prodigal winter creeps back in. It’s a shame because I really love this cropped creased leather biker jacket, but it’s going to be far too hot to wear it, save for a movie night at the nearest theater. For this look I’ve mixed the softness of lace with the toughness of leather, but brightened up the borderline grunge look with the color yellow, a color I’ve been loving lately (my nails do agree)!
Wear: Yellow, Black
What: Jacket – H&M / Top – Cotton On / Dress – Rare London
When: Casual Sunday
Splash Fashion League Spring/Summer 2013
Mar 3, 2013
Ready. Set. Spring! The Splash Spring/Summer 2013 Collection was a showcase of manic monochrome and neon brights. The fashion show took place in a Sports Arena setting and the event followed an official game ceremony to a tee, with an opening anthem and a half-time show. From casual wear to glamorous evening wear, the Splash fashion show had it covered. My favorites were of course the monochrome ensembles that made it down the runway, more specifically the black trim white blazer, the chessboard 60s shift dress, the dogtooth shorts, the peplum hem white skirt, and finally, the silver cocktail dress with a glitter bodice and chiffon skirt.
By the end of the show, Sheldon (my husband) and I realized that we had been spot-on with the monochrome and sporty trend that evening, with me in horizontal stripes and him in a blue varsity jacket.
Striped Search
Feb 28, 2013
Spring is upon us. Let the sun shine, but let’s hope that the cool breeze stays with us for a while longer! I love happy spring colors, stripes and monochrome (yes, there I go again). Put them all together into a wardrobe casserole and voila! I have paired a striped one-shoulder sleeveless top with a striped high-waisted skirt, then topped it off with a one-button blazer. The bright stripes and bold blazer makes the outfit playful yet smart. And for the grand finale, as if the outfit isn’t girly enough I’m wearing a pair of bow platform heels.
Wear: Pink, Turquoise, Black, White
What: Blazer – Splash / Top – Bebe / Skirt – Jane Norman / Shoes – New Look
When: Lunch Date
Pour Me Some Lime
Feb 27, 2013
Oh sweet Spring. Welcome citrus blasts of color! So I spoke too soon, I thought I’d never be able to pull off neon, but I went from a skinny neon belt, to a neon skirt, to neon nails and now a neon blazer, and I have to tell you, it’s growing on me! And here’s a tip, usually when you roll up the sleeves of a blazer they tend to roll back down. To keep my sleeves rolled up, I folded the edge of the 3/4 sleeves of my dress over them.
Wear: Lime, Black
What: Blazer – Forever 21 / Dress – Boohoo / Shoes – New Look
When: To Work
The Bow And Chain
Feb 23, 2013
Once in a blue moon, I take my pants from out of the closet and adorn myself with gold jewelry (as I normally go for silver or black or none at all). For this look I took a textured blazer and tailored trousers, paired it with a black and white striped basic tank top, keeping it casual chic and on trend (monochrome is really big this season). To glam up the ensemble I accessorized it with gold handmade jewelry (complementing the buttons on my blazer) to add some softness to the edgy look. The bow necklace is my favorite statement piece! And to add a bit of color I propped myself up in red platform stilettos.
Wear: Black, White, Gold, Red
What: Blazer – Stradivarius / Necklace & Bracelet – MoneeElizabeth (Courtesy of KTRStyle) / Trousers – Bershka / Shoes – Steve Madden / Top – No Label (From Carrefour) / Bag – Jimmy Choo
When: Splash Spring/Summer 2013 Fashion Show
The Corporate Navy
Feb 19, 2013
The contrast panel trend may not have spread like wildfire as the popular peplum, but it is an ultimate favorite of mine! The effect of a contrast panel is highly flattering to the female form, a visual slimmer that cinches the waist and adds emphasis to the curves. It’s most effective if the darker panels line the silhouette of a dress. This navy and cobalt blue dress is a perfect example. Trade in your corporate navy blue pant suit for a contrast panel sheath dress, and you’ll thank me later!
Wear: Blue, Black
What: Dress – Dorothy Perkins / Shoes – New Look / Bag – No Label (From China)
When: Work
Pop Of Yellow
Feb 16, 2013
Yellow, in it’s brightest shade has a way of making anything pop! If you’re feeling overzealous and want to bathe in color, pair yellow with blue, fuschia or purple.
Wear: Blue, Yellow
What: Dress – ASOS / Shoes – ASOS
When: To Work
The Modern Vintage
Feb 10, 2013
Black is my white, as cream is to my coffee, and I’m as little as my little black dress. I’m an 80s baby but I groove to music that dates back to the 50s. I don’t own anything vintage save for some jewelry I’ve had since I was a child, but I do love vintage-inspired looks.
Wear: Black
What: Dress – Koko / Necklace – Boohoo / Cuff – New Look / Shoes – Koton
When: Dinner Date
A Minty Taste
Feb 7, 2013
Pastels all around. A clear indication that Spring is here. Though in this part of the world we don’t really have Spring (just Summer and whatever we can get of Winter), but we like to tag along with the latest season trends from across the globe anyhow. My favorite shade of pastel is Mint, it’s as cool as a cucumber and easy on the eyes. Pastels mixed with white or nude create the perfect combination for a Spring look.
Wear: Mint, White
What: Blazer – Splash / Dress – H&M / Belt – ASOS / Shoes – Carrefour
When: To Work
