Category: Lifestyle features

15th Women’s Exhibition opens at Dubai World Trade Centre

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Womens exhibition 1

The 15th Women’s Exhibition, organised by my dear friend and mentor, Thoraya Al Awadhi, Founder and CEO of Thoraya Al Awadhi Group of Companies will open at 10am today under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development of the United Arab Emirates.

The exhibition is from the 11th to the 14th of December at Hall 6 of the Dubai World Trade Center.

The highly successful Women’s Exhibition serves as a platform to bring together seasoned businesswomen and women entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services as well as create a networking opportunity for small and medium business from the region and abroad.

“We are delighted to host our exhibition, which has grown exponentially year by year at the Dubai World Trade Centre. We are commitment to our exhibitors by bringing to them a bigger venue in a strategic location with more support that helps them grow their business. We hope more entrepreneurs use this platform to create awareness of their products and services,” said Founder Thoraya.

This year’s exhibition has expanded to include fashion, jewellery, spas and wellness to travel agencies, financial services, medical supplies and health products in addition to many other sectors.

PHILIPP PLEIN’S SPRING/SUMMER WARDROBE IS WHITE HOT

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Shereen Philip Plein
I’m going to lose weight – in my own chilled out laid back way of course as one has to make exceptions when there are yummy treats coaxing my senses at Bloomsbury’s. You will know what I mean when you check out their Christmas mince pies and plum cakes. Anyway….the reason I want an hourglass figure is so that I can wear white. I look horrid wearing white when my body turns voluptuous on me so this New Year, I aim to lose weight and wear white.
For inspiration, I am now checking out the Philipp Plein SS14 collection that is now available at its flagship store in Dubai Mall (same venue as Bloomsbury’s of course hence the reason why the demons in my head are fighting).
With the spring/summer fashion hitting the stores now, Philipp Plein reveals a pure and fresh take on the New Year. The new Philipp Plein collection for next Spring/Summer 2014 plays with balance and harmony: all elements conceived to mix and match perfectly, for an impeccable aplomp. Beautiful, avant-garde, high-tech materials demolish any preconceived concepts of luxury in a melting pot without frontiers, for an astonishing dream-like effect. The selection of whites in the new collection makes a perfect start to the New Year….can someone please make a note and give me a good hiding if I don’t wear more white next year!

Ostoorah – what do you think of it?

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Ostoorah by Ajmal

I am going through a fragrance phase…after a dose of musky perfumes in the last 2 weeks, I am ready for a new smell to sooth my senses and I can’t wait to try Ajmal Perfumes new Oriental fragrance, Ostoorah a Unisex concentrated perfume oil which I am told is similar to the strong scents I prefer.

Ostoorah is supposedly designed for those who are deep-rooted in tradition and appreciate fine Oudhy blends. Staying true to its meaning, The Legend – the fragrance  sends an invitation to be a part of the magnificent aura. In the opening, Rose brings a ray of light made sensual by Musk and the unexpected encounter of these two combined with Oudh and Amber and blended together with Sandalwood gives birth to a mystifying fragrance. I am told the intense fragrance engulfs you with its rich, warm, woody feel with playful hints of floral notes.

If anyone has already tried it, I would love to know your thoughts….if  I get my hands on it soon, I will let you know if it is all it touts to be.

Nayomi’s Fain Collection

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Nayomi W13 24

Just had a look at Nayomi’s Fain Collection – its one of these moods I get once in a while where the lure of soft silk against my skin becomes more overpowering than the need to save money for my next track drive.

An opulent and eye-catching collection in luxurious pewter colored satin and rich purple chiffon, Fain is truly captivating with its sheer elegance and exquisite style. Guipure lace embellishments add an element of sophistication to the pieces whilst plunging necklines and daring cuts enable this collection to bring out the goddess in every woman….or the diva as the case may be. Check out two of my favourite pieces from this collection.

NAYOMI~1 

Lolita Lempicka launches Elle L’aime: the essence of true love

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Elle_L’aime_-_Lolita_Lempicka_Shereen

Lolita’s Lempicka’s Elle L’aime Eau de Parfum,  the essence of true love is now available in the Middle East. This new fragrance from Lolita Lempicka, embodies the divine state of love, a whirlwind that transports you to a dreamlike world. It is the perfect fragrance for a woman in love, reminding her of the thrill of this powerful and dazzling emotions. An incandescent white floral Parfum with citrus notes combined with rare, natural extracts including Coconut flower, lime, jasmine, and myrrh.

The fragrance is an incandescent harmony, ignited by rare and natural ingredients which cast an irresistible fragrance trail. Elle L’aime’s top notes create a vibrant and luxurious combination with coconut flower and lime, while sensuous jasmine and bewitching myrrh merge in the heart of the fragrance….how ideal is this for the smart sensual woman 🙂

The totem shaped gold bottle radiantly captures light, symbolizing eternal love to anyone who possesses it. The gold letters inscribed on the bottle resonate the fiery words of love. Elle L’aime stirs the heart, kindling it into a flaming red, the same color that can be found inside the fragrance’s white box.

Every aspect of this fragrance simply radiates with the glow of a woman in love…look for this at Paris Gallery.

The origins of Islamic Art

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dome rock

Dome of the Rock. Jerusalem. Completed AD 691

I’ve always been a big fan of Art Sawa and their next few classes are particularly on subjects I am passionate about. Marta Ameri will touch on the origins of Islamic art on the 23rd of September.

The middle of the 7th century A.D. saw with the rise of Islam the creation of a new religion and of a great military empire.  It was in these early years that Islamic Art developed and coalesced into a definitive style. By looking at early monuments such as the Dome of the Rock and the Great Mosque of Damascus, this class will explore the ways in which the rulers of the first Islamic empires combined existing artistic styles with new Islamic elements to develop what we now identify as Islamic art.

The class will also discuss issues such as how the precepts of Islamic belief affected early Islamic Art, and the ways in which the early Islamic rulers used art and architecture to express their growing power.

If you are in Dubai and interested in Islamic Art history, then learning about at after work may be a perfect start to your evenings over the next few weeks.

Uterqüe presents its new Perception: Autumn Winter 2013/14

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Shereen shabnam Uterque 

After going back to Torrevieja and falling in love again with my Spanish home, I’ve decided to support brands emerging from Spain and in my own little way, helping with the economy of the country I have invested in…and when it comes to fashion, you just can’t beat the uniqueness and pizzazz of Spanish designers.

Uterqüe, one of the leading Spanish fashion brands, is launching its new Fall/Winter 2013-2014 collection through a campaign in which sensations are the basis for inspiration; the touch of mohair and silk, the sound of a heel on wood… a whirlwind of stimuli that reach us through the senses.

Uterqüe presents a confident woman, comfortable in her beauty and extremely feminine without losing an ounce of spontaneity and elegance. She is a woman who knows that accessories are what define her personality and make her looks special and unique.

Renowned photographer Mariano Vivanco’s makes the model in the campaign look serene, powerful and with exquisite femininity.

Uterque_shereen shabnam

The Perception: First Issue campaign is the first of three parts that will be unveiled as the days of the Autumn Winter season unfold, revealing a collection that begins in the darkest blue tones and ends up in shades of fig and make-up.

This Autumn Winter season features a feminine and elegant collection, rich in fabrics and finishes. The accessories line is gaining strength, with fantasy jewellery made with natural stones and agates. It is also a collection committed to Home Made. A large part of the shoes and handbags line is made 100% in Spain.

So people…let’s support the Spanish economy and look superb while at it!

Fall collection at ValleyDez

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An awesome chick, Seema will be revamping my wardrobe soon but with all the clothes that I have, she knows I will not be buying anything to revamp it but more figuring out what I have altogether and how they go with each other depending on my mood. All I hope is that she does not try to coax me to go to Valleydez – This season, Valleydez is all about contrasts; making a statement with bold colours and graphic prints while maintaining a soft femininity through flowing materials, delicate accessories, playful skirts and a selection of sophisticated dresses.

I know if I get there, Seem will have an easy task to get me buying so while I shall steer clear, those with ample space in their wardrobes may want to check the new collection out.

valeey

The colour palette captures the essence of the winter’s dramatic and elegant look with black, shades of pink and purple with splashes of red. Remaining true to what’s a la mode this season, prints and graphic designs are staples- lush bouquets of flowers on long skirts, wild animal motifs, exciting digital patterns on cropped pants, and an aesthetic combination of colour blocking laced with gold accents.

shereen shabnam valleydez

With an exciting variety of collections to choose from, you are sure to find the right pieces to brighten and embolden your winter wardrobe. Scouting the latest in Fashion drop by the shop to get acquainted with some new kids on the block this season such as 75 Faubourg denim, Stark Clutchs, Meli Melo,Project 104, WILBUR & GUSSIE among others.