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Out and About

February 7, 2015, 4:54 am
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So here's an idea. I go to events and I eat at nice places every now and then but I rarely give it much mention on the blog. Let's change that up and give a swift review round up of all the places I have visited lately. Good idea? I hope you think so! Here's the first edition of Out and About.


Le Brunch at IRIS Dubai (Oberoi Hotel in Business Bay)

Brunch is a big deal over here. To be frank, some people go to stuff their faces with rich food and others go to get blotto. If you fall into the latter camp then I would recommend the IRIS Dubai one because the focus is much more on "party" than on delivering endless supplies of grub. You can see this in every aspect of the place - the bar is the focal point, the available food is more of the finger variety and the drinks menu is seriously extensive.




I left the place starving hungry - and a bit merry it has to be said - but I do like that it's quite a casual brunch. Jeans are perfectly fine and although the venue is nice it's not an uber-pretentious crowd. It's not exactly cheap - AED 360 for non-drinkers going up to AED 560 for those wanting "bubbly" but I guess these are standard Dubai prices.

Tips:

  • Bring sunglasses - a) nobody looks good drinking during day time and b) it can get bright due to the open air nature of the bar. 
  • Try the truffle mini burgers - in fact, try them multiple times. Sensational.


FRIOUL at Madinat Jumeirah

This is a BEAUTIFUL French restaurant in Madinat Jumeirah. The view indoors is of serene white linen tables and white leather chairs with an outdoor terrace facing Burj al Arab. It's open for all meal sittings and although I have heard great things from friends about the dinner experience I have only been for breakfast so far.

The menu has all the standard offerings - fresh juices, pastries, smoked salmon etc - but with some twists, namely in the use of duck eggs. I can't get on board with that - sorry, I am the least adventurous food consumer in the world - so I went with a classic: Pain Perdu AKA French Toast and a fruit platter.


Needless to say the French toast was delicious. It managed to find that magical state of being melt in-your-mouth without being soggy. Amazing.

The restaurant is open for business at 8am and it's very quiet. For me that's advantageous as I don't have a personality until about 10am and after at least two coffees so calm and serene is ideal. Maybe next time I will be brave and try the fried duck egg...maybe not.

Tips:
  • Enjoy a table near the entrance or on the terrace - we have about 2 months until the heat makes that an impossibility. 


Monica Vinader and Boutique 1

Boutique 1 is one of those high end stores that curate a well thought out mix of designers. Think Sophie Hulme, Chloe, Victoria Beckham and now, Monica Vinader. The jewellery designer now has a presence in the UAE and you can buy her key pieces from Boutique 1 with the Mall of the Emirates branch offering the best selection.

I went to a launch event one afternoon a week or so ago and met Monica (one of those mwah mwah moments on the way out), had a cake, and got a bracelet engraved.

I was given the Escenia Friendship Bracelet in Rose Gold. It comes dotted with dozens of white topaz  and the signature cord.

I had seconds to decide what to engrave on the back and I went for the lame option - my blog name :)

 

I really love Monica Vinader's pieces. I had one before - the Eternity ring that was one of those "to me, love me" gifts - and I can 100% see myself getting more. All of her key marketing team were at the event and had arms of mixed metal stacks and so that is my goal....an armful of pretty bracelets that are hopefully engraved with more meaning! :)

Miracle Gardens in Dubailand

I FINALLY made it to this place this weekend. It was an unfortunate choice of day as it was absolutely packed but Miracle Gardens is fundamentally a random showcase for a landscaper in the middle of the desert. It is undoubtedly a little tacky in parts but there are also some really pretty structures - namely the umbrella canopy - that make it worth the 30 AED entrance fee.

If you are in Dubai/visiting Dubai I am not totally sure I would recommend going out of your way to pay a visit but if you do, you will definitely come away with some Instagram-worthy shots :)

 




Thanks for reading everyone! 
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February 7, 2015, 6:32 am
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This was not a planned change. One moment I was looking at the latest Blogger templates on etsy and the next I was downloading one of them and then editing my HTML. Welcome then to the new look buynowbloglater.com! :)

If I have to rationalise the change I would give you three reasons:

1) To be more responsive - so much of my traffic comes from Smartphone visitors and although the old Blogger way was functional, it did degrade the experience.

2) To feel refreshed - ever buy workout clothes to motivate you to get off your arse? Well I think template buying also motivates blogging.

3) To reduce the clutter - I have long hated the visual noise that emanates from the sidebar. I always end up packing too much functionality and signposting there and it ends up looking cluttered and messy. A one-column template is therefore a neater solution and I have tried to integrate the elements that used to sit on the right in different ways - by placing the Instagram feed in the footer and by adding a Wishlist page in the primary navigation for example. Hopefully it feels a little cleaner.

Now I mainly wanted to write this post as a warning. I haven't made all the changes I need to yet and it is likely that over the next week things might look a bit iffy and not render perfectly. I'll be working on it :)

In the meantime I feel excited to get blogging again. That whole workout clothes analogy really is the truth. 
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Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

February 9, 2015, 11:38 am
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Yeah I know. I am late to this party. I bet most of you have already tried this haven't you? If ever there was a moment to use the word "amazeballs"...

I love a product that actually works.

As obvious as this may seem I often get disappointed in skincare. I remain iffy about La Mer and I am still on the fence about Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair for example but there is no doubt that this - Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate - works for me.

I don't know why it has taken me so long to incorporate this into my routine:

a) I love oil blends - I love the earnest scent and the fact that they seem to restore moisture levels in one night; and
b) I have a bit of a soft spot for Kiehl's having discovered it pre-L'oreal buy out in the 90's. Although the brand has changed/evolved since that time that old-school apothecary interior and packaging style still "gets me".

I actually think the barrier to adoption was in knowing where this fits. I don't have a complex night time routine by any means - I cleanse, skip toning because I think it's a load of baloney and can't be arsed...and then slap on a serum and moisturiser before crashing into bed - but how does an oil integrate itself within that line-up? Is this really a serum as it claims or does it substitute a moisturiser? #confused

I read conflicting statements online but I think the general trend is to either use this on it's own, or if you suffer with dryness, pair it with your usual moisturiser.  Either way, after a few hours kip you will wake up with a fresh, radiant, even textured face. And I'm not overstating that - I can actually tell the difference between a morning after a night of Midnight Recovery and a morning after a night without. The redness around my nose has subsided, the flakies have gone and I look well rested...which is almost always a TOTAL lie.

The oil itself is quite thin - okay so your face definitely looks shiny after application but it's not something that will ruin a good hair day if you get a whisper of it near your hairline. The lavender, geranium, evening primrose oil and squalane (whatever the hell that is) blend is light and quickly absorbed.

For me this is 100% worth the price tag. Having said that we can be certain that a cheaper product, containing a similar nourishing blend of essential oils, would have the same positive impact. Heck, some reviews on Make Up Alley strongly assert that you could just as easily concoct your own version - sans preservatives.

As much as I like the idea of perusing the shelves of an organic supermarket and picking up my own oil blends that will not be happening any time soon. For one, this 30ml bottle is probably going to last me a very long time - I have used this consistently and we are still only a teeny bit down in the bottle.

Now before I sign off with a "you should totally get this guyssss" ending I will say that I have read some negative reviews: not every skin type invented gets on with this so if you are considering a purchase get a sample from a store or counter. This is something that Kiehl's will happily do - unlike other brands - and once you do I would love to know what you think!

PS. This is £36 for the 30ml bottle in the UK....and next up for me will be to try the eye cream!
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Bitchy polish

February 10, 2015, 10:39 am
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Some nail polishes are born bitchy. They demand undivided attention and at least three coats before they will be coaxed to reveal an opaque finish. As much as I want to hate them, it’s the end result often makes me cherish these shades the most.

One of the polishes that would surely fall into this category is China Glaze’s Spring in My Step.  A 2014 release, this peachy-pink cream, conjures up the strongest emotions of both love and hate.

I have mentioned it before, hauling it along with Flip Flop Fantasy (also a bitch) and whined then, as I will now. It’s not easy to work with. You need nerves of steel and fixed concentration in order to apply the requisite three layers.  

One coat and all I see is streaks. At this point I am ready to reach for the acetone. Two coats and I can start to see why it might all be worthwhile, although evenness remains a further coat away. Then, three coats later, all is forgiven and I declare the polish my new “all time favourite”.

When I think about it I have a lot of polishes that are like this – they require effort and patience but they deliver on the shade front. And they are nearly all in the pink family. Here are some that immediately come to mind:
  • Essie Fiji– Queen Bitch.
  • Essie Romper Room– I adore this shade and have been on a mission to buy it for myself (if anyone finds it for sale in Dubai please alert me!) because it’s a white-based pink that looks incredible…once you battle the three-coat requirement.
  • Essie Ballet Slippers – blimey, this is becoming a “slam Essie” session, but this is also a shade that you have to hold your breath for.
  • OPI Mod About You– a cherished shade suspended in a formula that ends up “blobbing” on my nails, appearing too thick but yet not always opaque enough.
  • Christian Louboutin Tres Decollete – almost certainly not worth the price (it’s a fairly standard shade) and especially when the formula is not opaque.

It would be so much easier if I didn’t love those pale pink nail polishes so much. Although I whine about the formula and the process of applying it, which is a big deal for someone as shoddy with application as me, I get over it as soon as the work is done and the colour is on. It’s the simple things in life that make me happy and pretty nails counts as one of them.


What polishes do you love to hate?
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Out and About #2

February 14, 2015, 10:49 am
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So you start a new series on your blog about all the exciting stuff you do during the week and then what happens? You end up doing naff all, that's what. I'll try my very best to make the next edition eventful but for now, let me cobble together a few highlights.


The Picnic Brunch at 3 in 1/Vida Downtown












How quaint I thought. A brunch that involves a whicker basket, a blanket and sharing plates! I booked for two and headed there for the 1pm start time on Friday.

Vida is one of my favourite hotels in Dubai. It's more understated (read: tasteful) than the average with the decor peppered with natural materials and greenery. It also generally serves up great grub, with both Toko and La Serre (one of my favourites) also housed within the property.

3 in 1 is the all-day dining buffet restaurant and the home for the Picnic Brunch. Now there were a few things that were apparent as soon as I arrived:

  • The dress code, stated in the booking confirmation email, is total BS. Closed toe shoes and no shorts my arse. People were wandering around barefoot and there were plenty of shorts from both male and female guests alike.
  • The picnic idea, complete with whicker basket, is a little pointless. Unless you have reserved a cabana (100 AED extra) by the pool and are therefore located far from the buffet, there is no reason for you to cart your food and drink in a basket to your table. For us it would have been less than 10 steps distance so we would have looked like right numpty's loading up our whicker for the "long" trip back to the table.
  • It's pretty confusing - so you have the buffet, you have a wine selection (where you can just pick up entire bottles and take them to your table by the way...talk about a highlight!) and then you have these "chef baskets". These are not baskets, just a selection of sharing dishes. But here's the thing, you can't just order one dish - you end up with all of them. So say you want the chicken skewers - and only the chicken skewers...well tough luck. You'll get them as well as the seafood selection. It's designed to be family style and I get that but it also leads to so much waste.

Having said all this I really enjoyed this brunch. It's relaxing, with a mix of couples, small groups and larger parties and unlike the Iris brunch I talked about last week, the food is plentiful and great quality. It's also not ridiculously overpriced - 2 of us (1 alcohol/1 non-alcohol) was 560 AED in total. That's not bad. I have been to brunches that cost that per person so for those seeking a casual brunch with lots of sharing plates and a good wine selection, 3 in 1 would be a good choice.


Shoe shopping at Level Shoe District


I often find myself in Level - the world's largest shoe shop - within Dubai Mall. I don't often buy anything because the brands tend to be high end as oppose to affordable but I do like to try :) 














At the moment I am obsessed with the Miu Miu leather slip-ons. I saw them on the MyTheresa website and liked them for two reasons:

  • They have a pointed toe with metal detail
  • They are a great casual shoe to be worn with cropped black trousers (I have these ready and waiting) and a nice, attainable alternative to the Chanel espadrille which I flat out refuse to pay for. 

Sadly during this trip they were not in stock in my size but I saw them in person and they were far more elegant than the photos on the MyTheresa website would lead you to think. I cannot wait to get them…just looking for a reason to reward myself now :)

Ali McGraw Yoga Mind & Body


I first used this yoga video about 10 years ago. I think I actually owned the VHS version of it!

Thank Goodness for YouTube because now I have this in my life again as of this week.



There is something magical about Yoga Mind and Body. It is the most relaxing routine out there with beautiful cinematography and an easy, achievable flow that anyone can get started with. I have been doing this every couple of days, typically at the end of the day, and it's 50 minutes well spent.

The strong soundtrack and soothing voice of yogi Eric Shiffman who leads the practice takes some getting used to - prepare for housemates/loved ones to take the mickey - but stay with it! If you haven't done any yoga for a while this is a welcome reawakening.

And that's my highlights…what did you get up to this week? Any yoga video recommendations?

I'm off for walkies now - have a great weekend all!

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Cute or creepy? Moschino Toy

February 21, 2015, 11:57 am
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Is it very reactionary of me to say that I find this perfume a little unsettling? I must be a very sensitive flower :)

I think Moschino creative Jeremy Scott’s intention was to get people talking and what better way than to package a perfume within a cute teddy. To access the diffuser all you have to do is rip teddy’s head off. How cute/weird!

It’s certainly an original idea – although perhaps one that will terrify small children and those with a sensitive disposition – and destined to be a talking point.

However, it will be the packaging that is talked about and certainly not the perfume. It’s curious that something as visually outlandish as Toy houses such a supremely generic scent.

Officially it’s a unisex aromatic blend of bergamot, lavender, cedar, sandalwood and musk.

First of all, there are not many men I know that will be willing to put this in their man bag no matter how much they claim it’s for both sexes and secondly all I get once it dries down is a bit of cedar and a bit of lavender. It’s not unpleasant at all – with a good woody base - but it has to be said that neither is it that memorable. It merges into memories of various mainstream Calvin Klein scents  and maybe even an occasional shot of D&G Light Blue. Not bad but nothing new in the fragrance world.

If the world was full of millions of Katie Perry’s then I think this would be a best seller purely based on the way that it looks but I can’t see it becoming an iconic fragrance based on the perfume alone.

Still, over the last couple of weeks I have wavered between finding it insanely cute, clever and a little creepy. It definitely makes a change from the usual glass bottles we are confronted with at the department store and has injected a bit of fun into my perfume collection. Is it worth the £80….probably not (doesn't that seem like an awful lot?!) but I guess you could argue that a purchase of any bottle gives you three things:

a) A teddy
b) A fragrance
c) A t-shirt to put on small animals :) 


What do you think? Cute or creepy?





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Spring Shopping

February 21, 2015, 1:08 pm
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Spring 2015 Wish List
If I put it out to the universe that I want everything featured above in my wardrobe do you think that it will all one day magically appear? Here's hoping!


This is my latest impossibly expensive/impractical shopping list. Out of everything featured here I will probably end up buying 2 things - the shoes and the other cheapest item which is the Whistles dress - but if budget was no object I would be ordering all of this stuff…right this very moment!

1. See by Chloe Washed Silk Mini Dress 
This is currently on TheOutnet (Net a Porter's online outlet store) and the only things holding me back on ordering are:

a) How short is mini?
b) Will this make my arms look fat?

I love the colour scheme and the bow tie back but I keep hesitating when it comes to checkout. If anyone happens to have tried this on please let me know!

2. Valentino scalloped shorts
Valentino shorts! I mean come on now…. these do look impossibly lovely on the site model though. Well tailored and with scalloped edging that looks hardy - unlike my ASOS pairs that turn to curl and frey after a couple of wears. Maybe one night I will drunk-shop and you will see them in a future OOTD.

3. Chloe polka dot tulle skirt
Another Outnet item that has been generously reduced from over £1000 to (ahem) £400. Damn. It's still too much for me to pay for a skirt. I think it's absolutely gorgeous though and if it was £200 cheaper I would probably buy it because a skirt with that apparent weight and detail doesn't get replicated well on the high street. I keep thinking how good this would also be for work meetings because it's entering midi territory in length….basically I keep thinking about every reason under the sun to justify it :)

4. Whistles dress with utility pockets
I am almost certainly going to buy this. I have been returning to the ASOS site to check it out and although I am slightly concerned that it might be transparent it's nothing that a slip couldn't sort out. The colour is very Spring and will look great underneath a light jacket (like my Zara pastel green one) or perhaps the Sonia Rykiel one at number 9 :)

5. ASOS Freed Sandals
The cheapest item in my wish list and the dead cert - I will be getting these. They are sturdy sandals made pretty in the choice of colour for the straps and the jewels. I love the idea of wearing these with white jeans for everyday. Yep, I am going to get these ASAP!

6. See by Chloe Silk Top
I love the colour of this top and again, the idea of pairing it with items like white jeans, in the summer. The only thing that has held me back so far is that front tie detail. It seems to sit at vag height on the model and typically that's not an area of my body I like to draw attention to. Anyone else?

7. Stella McCartney Zanda shorts
I swear I will never give up the hope of looking good in a pair of shorts. These seem to be that ideal midi length - not plebby but not arse revealing either. Let's face it I will never buy these but they look good with all the other items in the collage :) Maybe Topshop will come up with a good dupe...

8. Sophie Hulme Mini Tote Bag
This bag is haunting me. The colour is perfect - I believe they call it Oat and it's a soft nude/pink - but it's the shape that I cannot firmly decide on. I have tried it on in Harvey Nichols, prancing around in front of a mirror and in real life it actually works well. It's a bit different to the standard tote but still roomy enough to accommodate the day essentials. I'm keep thinking about it because although Sophie Hulme is considered "affordable" designer, it's still a sizeable chunk of change to spend on a bag.

9. Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Twill-paneled coat
A good coat or jacket can take you anywhere. This is my reason for considering this one. I am living in hope that Zara bring out something similar as to me this looks like something they would replicate in that light summertime fabric. Fingers crossed!

10. Self-Portrait Azalea Midi Dress
This dress is from a new brand - Self-Portrait. I saw them launch on Net a Porter a few weeks ago and have since seen them stocked on Shopbop and ASOS. To me it hints at the same aesthetic that For Love and Lemons have but is done in a slightly less slutty way. Each piece looks absolutely beautiful - I am aiming to buy at least one thing from them this summer. I mean, how beautiful is this dress? Sure, your boobs might pop out at any moment but you would look so great in every other respect!

So that concludes the end of my fantasy wish list. If nothing else I feel like I have made a list of the types of things that I want to check out the high street for dupes of.

What impossibly expensive items would you love to add to your wardrobe this season if you could? 
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Something for the weekend?

February 24, 2015, 1:28 am
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Just when I think I have finally matured and grown up, I go and get pastel coloured dots applied to my nails…

Yes, I have embraced nail art. Long gone are the days when the only manicure option considered was a mono cream finish shade. Apparently now anything goes. It all happened when I heard about SOH Dubai.



This little nail salon is located in Galleria Mall on Al Wasl Road and specialises in statement nails. Sure you can get an everyday manicure but should you be in the mood you could also get a cupcake/burger/pizza/Darth Vader etc painstakingly drawn on your nails.

I started with "Damian dots" - an Essie Blanc base covered in a random patterns of dots and inspired by Damien Hirst's paintings.

It took 2 hours to apply and there was a scary moment half way through when I was told how much each nail cost (cue quick mental maths to times said cost by 10) but it was completely worth it. I mean how did they get the dots so even???

Next was "Faded" and this is my absolute favourite. I have always wanted to get this done and I know that in theory it's very simple (you need a sponge and some patience) but there is nothing like a professional's touch.

I mean come on, do we really think I could get it to look like this????


So yes nail art and me are one but...and here's the but...we only get together at the weekend.

As much as I want to say I sport these designs all week long I chicken out, reach for the acetone and play it safe for work days. I just can't have that much personality happening on my hands and I become acutely conscious of being judged as some ditzy bimbo that spends far too much time on what she looks like.

Let's ignore that this assessment is in some ways accurate and let's acknowledge the fact that it is wrong to be prejudged for make up/nails/clothes worn but still, this is the reality for me.

Am I alone here or would you rock some cupcake nails for client meetings? 
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Dark Side

February 26, 2015, 2:18 am
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I can’t quite believe I did this again and more importantly I can’t quite believe that I actually like the result.

Remember the last time I went dark? I was so sad I couldn’t even look in a mirror. I will now admit that a tear was even shed! It was all very dramatic but I just didn’t identify with the person that I saw staring back at me and I swore I would never go dark again.

Well, fast forward a few months and here I am! Just call me YoYo.

I have been thinking about growing out my ombre for a month or so. It’s not that I want to be natural, it’s more that I want my hair to look a little less brassy. This week I was working in Abu Dhabi and the lighting in the office toilets really highlighted the brass. It just didn’t look chic or professional so I shook my head and decided that it had to go.

Is this me growing up?

Because we are essentially the same person (just call us Limone), Simone has also been considering the same change and she did the deed on Tuesday. When I saw her WhatsApp photo I decided to march myself down to Boots at Battuta Mall and get the only dye that I have faith in – Phyto.

Now this is pretty hard to find – it’s not even in every Boots in Dubai – but I swear by it. It fades quickly which sounds like a negative but is a comfort should the colour not come out as you wish. It also doesn’t give you an intense dark finish – I find the result a lot softer than you would typically get with the likes of L’oreal.

Flashback to when I tried L’oreal Brasilia, a dark brown, and ended up with black hair.

25 minutes of cooking time on the head and I was left with the above colour. It’s just what I like – not too cool and with a coverage that isn’t too opaque so I still get the hint of dimension in the ombre pushing through.

Someone asked me on Instagram if this was like my natural colour. To be honest I have no idea! I have been colouring my hair for so long that my grip on “natural” has long faded. I would say though that brunette is probably where I should settle.

My next hair mission is growth. I am itching to get passed the mid-length phase and enter the nipple covering stage. If you know of any magic products that will get me there feel free to let me know.


PS. I had lots of questions about my makeup on Instagram and I am afraid to say that I am wearing the same old boring things. MAC Mythology on the eyes and MAC Boldly Bare liner with MAC Pure Zen on the lips!
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Brows on Fleek? Is that what they say?

March 5, 2015, 9:40 am
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It’s about time! My brows have been a bloody disgrace for a couple of months. This morning they finally received the attention they so desperately needed.

Let’s rewind a bit here because I know so many of you are going to be thinking: “what about that semi-permanent eyebrow tattoo that you had?”. Well friends, all that is left behind is a faint smudge where the definition used to be. It looks dirty and I am so disappointed in the need to shell out £250-300ish (at least) every 3 months in order to maintain the intensity. I can’t say that I think it’s worth it honestly. It’s all very well getting the first application for free but when you really consider the maintenance costs then reality slaps you in the face.

Another reason why I needed some brow help lies in the hands of Librow. I have been using this for about 4 weeks and it has resulted in some scary hair growth in areas that were previously bare.

So I went to the Mothership of brows – Anastasia Beverly Hills.



This salon quietly opened a year ago and honestly I hear very little about it. I have seen some Instagram mentions but no other coverage in traditional media. I think it’s a bit odd because a brand like this deserves to be shouted about. Not only because you can buy all the products here but also because the service was amazing.

No its not cheap – 250 AED (about £45) for the first visit brow style (although that does include a ‘tache wax which is always nice) – but my therapist, Ramona, spent an hour and ten minutes measuring, shaping and tweaking. I wasn’t there under the guises of a review – I was just a regular paying customer so this is very much representative of their standard treatment approach.

I know you can’t really see the end result but trust me…SO. MUCH. BETTER. Shaped, clean and with the right amount of definition.



Obviously in the high of happy brows I made a product splurge and picked up the brow kit that contains all the essentials – the stencils (I am petite arch because I have a tiny little head), brow powder, gel, tweezers and brush.   



I can’t promise to keep up the visits every 3 weeks – if I did it would be as expensive as the tattoo! – but its so nice to have a proper treatment and with a bit of diligence I should be able to maintain the shape.

If you are in/visiting Dubai I HIGHLY recommend a visit. It’s in Downtown – in the street behind the Boulevard – and I just can’t see how anyone would ever regret it.

Next treatment on my schedule? The Dreaded Monthly Bikini Wax. Don’t worry though, THAT I shall not be sharing with you.

Have you tried any Anastasia products? 
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You had me at laser cut

March 7, 2015, 10:17 am
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A good old OOTD post. How long has it been since we had one of those round here?

Thankfully yesterday I had a willing photographer in Laura Carlson - every good turn deserves another and as I took her photos she happily agreed to take mine.

The dress is new and it's from the Spring Reiss collection. I spotted it at the Press Day and with the help of a voucher picked it up last week.

It's tiered and with laser cut detail. I bloody LOVE laser cut detail. Show me a garment with some kind of cut out and I will snatch it out of your hands.

What I also liked - and what really closed the deal in the changing room - was the way that the dress falls. Its flattering and supremely comfortable to wear.


The length is a bit different from my typical midi skirt but you know what, I am having an anti-midi phase. I don't know what it is but whenever I put them on I just feel a big old frump. So for now it's legs out.

I wore this outfit to the new brunch at Frioul at Madinat Jumeirah. As much as I love the setting - by the water and with a beautifully decorated interior - the food just wasn't for me. Frogs legs as a starter? No thanks Kermit. I filled up on a veggie main and the dessert platter instead and I was very happy with that.





Dress: Reiss - Link!
Shoes: ASOS Spring Break - Link!
Bag: Givenchy Antigona - (similar) Link!
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban - Link!

I hope you all had a great weekend! I do have some more clothing purchases and bits and bobs to share with you so let's hope I can rope in a willing photographer to help out with those posts! There have also been some beauty developments in terms of a new makeup routine rut so expect much blogging to ensue.

x
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Are body chains slutty?

March 8, 2015, 10:56 am
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Are body chains slutty? If the answer to this question is yes then that's a damn shame because I really enjoyed wearing one today.

I picked up both the body chain and the oversized long-line shirt in River Island and wore them both today for a relaxed start to the week.

It's a "kinda slobby" OOTD. I probably could have elevated it by shame tucking the shirt and/or wearing heels but it is what it is.

Ssh! I secretly like dressing this comfortably!

The flats are new and from a brand called Boden which I have always associated as being the kind of place where toffs buy their weekend wear. This is probably still true but they have a good line in shoes recently and these bejewelled ballerinas are immense! See my Instagram for a close up!

Now the body chain is 100% inspired by HRH Collection. I have been addicted to her vlogs recently. If you haven't seen them then you must head over to her channel right now to consume them. In a YouTube world that is increasingly scripted and fake there is something incredibly refreshing about such an unedited approach.


She has been producing body chains and I agree with her that the hint of them underneath clothes is pretty. My shirt is so oversized that nobody probably even noticed it, but I did and I liked it. That's all that matters right? :)

Shirt: River Island - Link!
Chain: River Island - Link!
Jeans: Zara - Link!
Shoes: Boden - Link!
Bag: Furla - Link!

While we are here I thought I would throw in some other OOTD's that I posted on Instagram. I probably won't take any more pictures of these but I have had quite a few questions on the items so let's address them here:


Top: Zara - Link!
Jeans: Zara - Link!
Shoes: Christian Louboutin Pigalle - Link!
Bag: Givenchy - (similar) Link!

I love this top. It's in Zara right now and is a nice contemporary take on the traditional shirt. It's good for work but also good for more casual outfits like mine. For reference I got the medium - the small was far too tight for my liking and I think this looks better when it's slightly more relaxed.

The jeans are my latest OBSESSION. I would run, not walk, to Zara for these because they are an excellent dupe for Paige's Jimmy Jimmy Skinny boyfriend jeans. I say this because they are a relaxed fit  but they don't make your arse looks awful in the same way that many boyfriend jeans can.


Top: Topshop - Link!
Blazer: Zara - Link!
Jeans: Zara - Link!
Shoes: Jimmy Choo Gala flats (similar) - Link!
Bag: Givenchy - (similar) Link!

The top is in Topshop right now and is a beautiful metallic linen finish. Topshop do a series of these wrap blouses and they are an amazing buy. I have the navy one and now this. The only thing I would say is that this particular model is very boobilicious. I need to add an invisible stitch so that it's not completely inappropriate.


Top: COS - Link!
Jeans: same bloody Zara jeans - Link!
Shoes: Boden - Link!
Bag: Furla - Link!

COS is very hit and miss for me. Sometimes I go in there and all I see is a rack of sack dresses and then it really delivers great basics and accessories. At the moment it falls in the latter camp. This top is another white shirt type thing - clearly this is my jam right now - and I love the voluminous fit and the three quarter length sleeves. Paired with my favourite jeans and Boden flats it was an outfit I really enjoyed wearing yesterday :)

What's your favourite item in your wardrobe right now? 
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"Natural"

March 11, 2015, 10:24 am
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I'm in one of my natural make up phases and I think I am okay with it.


It all started when I changed where I apply my makeup. Before I used to sit at my makeup table upstairs and apply everything in soft light. The effect was akin to a vaseline lens and it's only when I used to check my makeup in the car that I occasionally realised:

a) Just how much I had slapped on and
b) How it wasn't always that flattering.

So I moved. One morning I plopped myself downstairs, at the dining table, with daylight cruelly revealing every pore and fine line. It sounds awful but it's been a bit of a revelation because since then a few updates have been made and I think I probably look the better for it.



a) I don't apply fake tan on my face anymore - I used to put a little bit on my neck and face every few days to give me a "lift" but it was drying my skin out and making me look O.L.D.

b) I have lightened the foundation - I am using By Terry Sheer Expert at the moment in the shade Vanilla Beige. Naturally I am probably between an NC15-NC20 and this is a great match. But...I don't love this product and I wouldn't necessarily buy it again. I will, however, tell you this - it's second skin material. It won't make you glow, shimmer or shine but once you apply it you will look like the improved, even toned version of yourself.

c) I have adopted a light bronzer - I bought this Chantecaille Bronzer in Capri a while ago but never fell in love with it. I felt that it was a weird halfway house between rose and bronze. Now though I think it's the perfect daytime fair skin bronzer. It gives a healthy finish to the skin and looks natural - not muddy or dirty. If you are NC20 or below I would recommend this.

d) I apply half lashes - I don't wear these every single say (#goals) but I am rapidly heading in that direction. The lashes I love are the 143 from Eylure. They are so fluttery and when cut in half make the ideal half lash. They really elongate and uplift the eye.

Now onto listing the routine in full…I know I said this was natural but my natural is a multi-step process.

Foundation: By Terry Sheer Expert. I slap it on all over and blend with my Louise Young Foundation Brush. Lovely smell but it does transfer and doesn't last a full day.

Bronzer:Chantecaille in Capri - horrendously expensive but lovely light bronzer. I like to think it makes me look like some rich Hamptons-dwelling bird.

Blush:Clinique Sculptionary Cheek Contouring Palette in Defining Pinks - this is a BEAUTIFUL (caps required) highlighter/blush product that we need to discuss in more detail.

Brows: Anastasia Brow Whiz in Caramel (which I can predict is going to last me about 2 weeks because I am going through it at the speed of light) and Anastasia brow gel.

Eyes: No eye base - because I am so rebellious and cool and straight onto MAC Amorous Alloy (LE and no longer available but MAC Antiqued will get you in the right direction) all over the lid and blended underneath. A bit of Benefit liquid liner and then the half lashes go on. After swearing a few times, possibly glueing the corner of my eye shut I then apply Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde mascara and then run a black Bobbi Brown shadow over my upper lash line to diffuse everything and add definition.

Lips:Too Faced La Creme in Nude Beach - a my-lips-but-better nude/toffee shade that feels like a balm. It's one of my favourites and I will be forever grateful to ohaipatricia for recommending it to me :)

I have been told by two separate people this week that I look "younger". I am not sure whether they are:

a) Lying and laughing behind my back or
b) Noticing the fact that the amount of makeup has been reduced.

Either way, it's always nice to tone it down and to look a little more like yourself. The lack of tan has taken a little getting used to but once all the slap is on I can't say I miss it.

So this is my current routine rut and I am determined to stick with it. When the By Terry runs out I am thinking about migrating back to MUFE HD - unless you can recommend a totally flawless/undetectable base that is….:)

Do you have a "natural" look? :)




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Every damn day

March 18, 2015, 7:33 am
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I have turned into one of those people - the ones that wear false lashes every damn day.

There I was in the supermarket buying razors and other glamorous paraphernalia when I saw the false eyelash stand. It was packed with lashes and then…then I spotted the Eylure 143's.

Similar to those Girl Aloud "Nicola" lashes, albeit a more wearable version, I am not sure if I have ever used these before. Regardless of that fact now I use them every single day.

High maintenance much? 

They really are the perfect fluttery false lash, successfully adding thickness and drama without completely overwhelming the eye. I cut them in two and whack half on each eye and end up with something akin to an instant eye lift.



Here are the steps I follow:

  • Buy lots with every supermarket shop
  • Go home and cut the lashes so that you end up with 4 pieces. This will mean that the pack will last at least 4-6 days. 
  • Use half a lash from each side on each eye. This ensures that you end up with a tapered finish, with the longer lengths resting on the outer corner. If necessary I trim the ends gently to ensure a better integration on the eye. 
  • Apply my trusty Duo glue, wait 30 seconds-ish, and then place on the outer corner.
  • Pull them gently so that they start right on the outer lash line for the ultimate lift and add a little mascara to finish.

Done.

I am well and truly addicted and although it's added some serious expense to my routine, I can still get ready in the same amount of time.

I can't emphasise how much these little bits of plastic give me confidence. You may of course disagree but I don't think they look too outlandish - they give just enough drama and definition.

If you haven't tried the Eylure 143 then I highly recommend you go out right now and pick up a pair.

Even the most novice eyelash wearer will be able to cope with applying a half of these on their lash line - trust me I should know! :)

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Draped

March 21, 2015, 10:15 am
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I love a little Forever 21. I might be way beyond the target age group but every now and then they come out with a classic gem that defies the price-tag.

This time round it's the draped trench. I spotted this sandwiched between some cheap and nasty stock last week and proudly marched out with the khaki version.

It's that perfect transitional "piece". All light fabric and draping that I sling over any outfit involving jeans or a short dress.

I love it so much that I decided to go back to Forever 21 this morning and look for the same style in other colours. In all honestly I was looking for the one that LisaLisaD1 has been sporting - a light grey shade - but couldn't find that in my local branch so plumped for the charcoal instead.

I'm so happy with it - and I think I might have to buy my mum a version of it because I think she would love how easy it is to wear during Spring.

I wore it today with my lazy Saturday standard outfit of jeans, tee and flats. The flats are actually new and are Miu Miu rip offs from Senso. I'll tell you this though - 100% more comfortable than the real thing :)


Top: ASOS - similar Link!
Jacket: Forever21 - Link!
Jeans: Zara
Shoes: Senso - Link!
Bag: Furla - Link!
Sunglasses: Celine

I have had the laziest of weekends and have mainly focussed on watching the latest season of House of Cards and reading my latest book. Sometimes you just need to hibernate at home and recharge for the week ahead, right? As soon as I post this I am going to resume the House of Cards and I am contemplating re-dying my hair - it's all gone a bit too warm up in here :)

See you tomorrow! :)



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The Make Up Memory Lane Tag

March 22, 2015, 10:36 am
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There’s nothing better than a nostalgic trip down makeup memory lane. Am I right or am I right?

I was watching Anna’s latest video today and I felt compelled to cobble something together along the lines of a makeup memory lane tag. I can’t tell you how warm and fuzzy this has made me feel. If you want to join in you are more than welcome to add your blog link in the comments and if you have any questions that you think need to make the cut also mention them below and I will edit this post :)

First makeup item ever purchased?
No7 lipstick in Chinchilla. It was murky chocolate poo-brown shade which is apt because I thought I was the shit when I wore it. 

First MAC item? 
I was so on trend - 20 years ago - because it was Cyber lipstick, a colour that has made something of a comeback. This was shortly followed by Spice lip liner and MAC clear gloss because I read that Linda Evangelista swore by that lip combo and by buying it I would surely transform into her. 

First MAC/other brand collection?
I distinctly remember this. I was working on a Saturday, finishing off a research report, when I decided to sweeten the deal by getting on the bus and going down to the King's Road and up Sloane Street to Harvey Nichols. It was in the make up hall that I found MAC and the Barbie collection. Until this point I was totally unaware that MAC released 1323242 collections a year and that product turnover was so rapid. The limited edition nature of collections unleashed a powerful retail force that would haunt my bank account for years to follow. 

First high end make up splurge?
I used to pour over magazines and newspapers so any marketing spiel was quickly absorbed by a gullible me. After reading about Hard Candy my 15 year old self decided that this was my brand and that I needed to desperately hot foot it to their miniature stand in Harvey Nichols to purchase a glitter eyeliner. The eyeliner was purchased along with a funky (i.e., ugly) nail polish shade that I mainly bought because it came with a free plastic ring. 

After that I flirted with all the department store brands, spending money earned in my Saturday telesales job, but it wasn't until I read about the opening of a new store in the Daily Mail's YOU Magazine when I was about 19 that my heart fluttered with the same intensity felt in the Hard Candy era. That store was Space NK and soon after I spent an obscene amount on a little boutique brand called NARS :) 

First makeover experience?
I had a foundation makeover at MAC in Brighton when I was about 17. I cringe now when I remember that my non-spotty skin was covered in Studio Fix Fluid and then set with Studio Fix Powder. I was a bit fearful of makeovers after that but I distinctly remember giving into an SA at the YSL counter in House of Fraser/Birmingham. This store was my haunt during university and the SA made a good commission from me/my student loan over the years. My reward for such loyalty was a heavy base, an 80's contour and a smokey eye so intense that it sent me rushing straight to the ladies in search of a tissue to scrub it off. Horrendous! I bought it all though - obviously. 

First makeup brush?
I had a few brush cast offs - Body Shop and magazine freebies that were knocking around my collection but it wasn't until I stumbled across a YouTube video featuring Amy04 that I acknowledged a whole world of professional application tools. A few videos later and I had decided that the MAC 224 needed to be in my world. A few years later and I own more brushes than some make up artists :o

First eyeshadow? 
I was late to the game when it came to eyeshadow. I think this is largely because I had no friggin' idea how to apply it. My most distinct eyeshadow memory, apart from the glorious BarryM dazzle dusts, was dabbling with Bourjois eyeshadow pots. To me these are still epic but it was Blanc Diaphane that I enjoyed the most, slathering it over my lids and my cheeks in an effort to create an ethereal glow. 

First skincare "investment"? 
I seem to remember trying a Garnier cream that my friend Meryl raved about during school but the first real splurge was Eve Lom cleanser. This was purchased in the days when she claimed that this was "all you needed". Since then of course brand popularity has led to a change in message and now there is a whole range of additional products that fall into that "all you need" definition but that little pot of mineral oil still brings back fond memories. 

First nail polish owned?
 It was called Dragon's Blood from the Boots Seventeen line and translated as a blackened purple. So chic. I'm sure it was applied with enthusiasm - all over my cuticles. 

First fake tan attempt? 
I was about 13 years old and decided that borrowing my sister's Clinique fake tan was a marvellous idea. In my mind it didn't matter how I applied it because this was HIGH END and was therefore going to give the perfect result. Imagine my disappointment then when I woke up looking like a brown dalmatian. 

Years later I discovered Xen-Tan, St Tropez and the wonder of a mitt but as my husband will tell you, I still apply it like "it's dark and I have taken out my contact lenses". 

More Make up Memories 

I could actually write this post all day but in order to avoid doing so I will sign off with a rambled list of phrases or products that elicit the feels when I say them out loud or write them down. 

Although I look at the pictures above and cringe at things like my anorexic eyebrows and my jizz coloured lips, I also have to smile. As stupid as it might seem to outsiders there is something about these images, the answers to the questions and the list below that defines a good time and a good feeling and there ain't nothing wrong with that :) 

Thanks to Anna for bringing it all flooding back :) 

GOSH Darling, CHI Silk Infusion, MAC Fleshpot (cos THAT was a good idea!), Coastal Scents mega palettes, Kajal from eBay, Maybelline Moonlit Mauve mineral blusher, GOSH Bananas eyeliner, MAC Impassioned, MAC Stark Naked, NARS Mounia, GOSH lip jams - especially the blue one, Milani Luminous, NARS Sabrina, BarryM Dazzle Dusts, Barry M 101 and 129 lipsticks, MAC Lavender Whip, Bourjois Blanc Diaphane eyeshadow as face highlighter, St Moriz, Enormous Lash, Moonbathe collection, MAC Smoke Signals collection (probably the best one they ever did) and of course, Metro-Chic...
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Massimo Dutti #1

March 26, 2015, 2:32 am
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When Massimo Dutti ask if you want to go in store and pick out whatever you want from the racks, you say yes, right?

This is a store that I have always aspired to shop in. I feel like the clothes served here are designed to appeal to the more grown-up, together version of myself. It's all smart blazers, simple silhouettes and tasteful details.

I went in to the Mall of the Emirates store this week and was given free reign to pull whatever I wanted. Can we just pause for a moment here and consider just how amazing that is…

Whatever. I. Wanted! No brand agenda, no restrictions, anything.

*Deep breath…*

So I went a little crazy and grabbed armfuls of clothes from the new Spring/Summer collection to try on.

This dress was something I had spotted on the website and therefore knew I wanted to try on. I love light tunic dresses like this. You can wear them with flats, heels, on their own or with a little jacket, like this butter leather overshirt that I am OBSESSED with.

I was a bit worried that this would clash with my skin tone - could I be any paler? - but I love it contrasted with the white.


Dress/Jacket/Shoes/Purse - Massimo Dutti

I am debating whether I wear this on Saturday to the Dubai World Cup. This event is a big deal over here and the brand are sponsoring best outfit at the cup. I am obviously not going to win but, hey, at least I will be happy with what I am wearing :)

Stay tuned for a little UAE reader giveaway at the end of the week :) 
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Massimo Dutti #2

March 27, 2015, 1:29 am
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And now for something a little bit different...

I have never tried palazzo pants on until this point. Scrap that - I may have possibly tried my mum's on for a laugh circa 1989.

They have however made a comeback and when I saw them in store I experienced visions. I imagined myself looking super chic and lonnngggg. I have short, stumpy little legs so anything that would give the look of length in that department seems like a good idea.

I paired them with earthy tones - a simple light pink silk top and THAT buttery overshirt - and heels. After prancing around in them I can conclude this:

1) They do make you look taller (I think)
2) I love this colour palette together
3) I may have swept the floors of the Palm with the bottom of the trousers; and
3) The fluidity of the material works indoors but has the propensity to flap about and distort the look when worn outdoors.  You look narrow and then wide with one blow of the wind.



Trousers/Top/Jacket/Shoes - Massimo Dutti

The other outfit I chose from Massimo Dutti was a dress - which I will post later today - so this outfit was a little more out of my comfort zone. There is something about it which feels very "together" and very grown up - maybe that's why they felt so strange on me :)

Where do you stand on palazzo pants? :) 
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Beauty rambles and whinges

March 29, 2015, 6:00 am
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I think it's time for a beauty post, yes? Prepare for a bit of a ramble and a bit of a whinge!

First up I want to share my love for the palette pictured above - Wet and Wild Color Icon palette in Comfort Zone.

Marnie from Ms Gold Girl thoughtfully included this in a swap package that she did with Simone and I finally got round to trying it out this weekend.

THIS is drugstore gold. Neutral, easy to apply shadows that make eyes shine. I am all about the left hand side, particularly the Eyelid and Definer pans - both of these are BEAUTIFUL on the eyes.

With such a low price point - under the $5 mark - there is some compromise on quality. I used the word "shine" in the previous paragraph and that's what the problem might be - there is no flat matte to play with. This is totally personal preference but I like to whack in Urban Decay Buck as the crease colour to balance it out a bit. Once I have done that it's happy days!



Eyes: Wet and Wild Comfort Zone palette (you can also get this in Dubai/Virgin Megastore!) - Link!
Lashes: Eylure 143 - Link!
Skin: Studio Fix Fluid in NC15 with a wee bit of NC37 mixed in.
Cheeks: Clinique Sculptionary Cheek Contouring Palette in Defining Pinks - OBSESSED - Link!
Lips:By Terry lipstick in 101 Flirty Rosy with a bit of MAC Eye gloss (yes I said eye gloss!) in Pearl Varnish.

The mention of the MAC Eye Gloss brings me to my next point.


These look lovely. They are however bloody terrible.

They make me angry.

When I went to the MAC Trends presentation a couple of months ago, THIS was the product that I immediately craved. Holographic shine on the eye? Hell yeah!


Now I have to admit to not keeping up with MAC collections so it was only until I went to the counter that I spotted that they had been integrated within the Cinderella release. Why such a professional product was placed in such a commercial collection I will never know and that's my point really. These are not for the average make up buyer. To make them work you have to use a synthetic brush and ensure that the applied eyelid never blinks or moves - ever. They are sticky beyond imagination and although I have played around with them the end result is always the same:

1) My eyelids stick together so I am in a permanent mid-blink situation; and
2) My eye make up is totally ruined.

I had hoped they would be more like the Becca Bird of Paradise eye gloss but the sticky factor prevents that from happening.

There is however a way of using them up - and that is by dabbing them on the lips. Not only does this add dimension and a vinyl finish to your lips but the intensity of the stick will mean that your lips stay in tact for hours. Seriously. Hours. My anger dissipates whenever I use these on the lips because the effect and longevity is so strong.

If you fell victim to the concept of these but find yourself unable to work with them on the eyes then do give this a try!

What did you think of the MAC Cinderella collection? 
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Massimo Dutti #3

March 30, 2015, 10:01 am
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So my final Massimo Dutti post sees me in a dress that firmly rests in my comfort zone. And I'm okay with that.

I think one of the reasons I love this dress so much is that it has pockets! Just what is it about pockets that I appreciate so much? It's not as if I don't tote around a handbag at all times is it?

Gently flared hem line, V-neckline and pockets with a flattering stripe print. This is an easy to wear day dress that feels sturdy and supportive. The fabric is quite a thick viscose with cotton lining and it holds it's shape well. It's neither too modest nor too revealing which makes it a dress with a rare balance to it.

I dragged my "willing" husband out to take these final outfit photos. Turns out the Palm is a great place for this kind of activity... I wonder if he will agree to do this again because I could really do with making this a regular occurrence. Fingers crossed!



Dress - Massimo Dutti
Lipstick - NARS Charlotte (insert heart eye emoji!)

When I line up all three outfits side by side I think 2 is the most interesting out of the lot. The proportions and look is just that bit different from what I would normally plump for so this past week has been a reminder that I need to occasionally venture outside my "usual" uniform of jeans and dresses. It's okay to try something you have previously never imagined wearing.


But while I say that with full conviction let's see what I wore on Saturday to the Dubai World Cup shall we….

Number 1 - the white dress! :)


In the end it was perfect because it was HOT and this is an outdoor event that is packed full of people. I was comfortable and the dress made me feel as cool as I possibly could. Seeing as there were flights of stairs involved at the venue it was probably for the best that I didn't wear my palazzo pants - long flowing fabric, heels and stairs generally do not mix very well!

And what did I do at the event? 100% people watching. The Dubai World Cup is the equivalent of Ascot - and there is a curious mix of those who dress in evening gowns versus those who rock up in white jeans and a top. It's ideal people-watching material :)




Thank you for following all these posts! I am doing a little UAE giveaway on my Instagram so if you are based in the Emirates make sure you enter before Thursday.

I was so happy when I saw how many people follow me from the UAE - I had no idea! I'm sure I'll see some of you around - probably in a mall - at some point in the near future :)

See you tomorrow!
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