Not enough shoes!

March 21, 2013Leave a comment

Having over 250 pairs of shoes is driving the man in the house nuts but little diva and I never seem to have just the right shoes every time we step out the door….couple of weeks ago we actually were scuffling over one pair we both wanted and when Eric pointed out that with over 250 pairs around the house, surely we should not be fighting over just one.

See…man don’t get it. We may have loads of shoes but we have phases where we just like that one pair for each purpose and we wear it to the bone…but we also like the comfort of having heaps of choice. Currently Tash and I are into comfy chic so this is a problem that gets out of hand when we both have PMS….dealing with one woman on PMS at a time is bad enough for any man but with two at a go can test the patience of anyone.

So this show diva is currently eyeing The Rockport Company® which is introducing a group of 2013 Spring/Summer footwear collections that is avant-garde inspired, featuring a luminous color palette, silent technologies, and functional materials.

These styles are ideal for your weekend brunch to afternoon cocktails during spring and summer’s first warm weekends….with feminine styles, unique screen prints and the functional and practical elements are perfect to pair with free-flowing dresses or slim or snug fit trousers (I need to lose a few kilos before I do the snug trousers bit)

Meanwhile, the shoe fight continues in my household with males around us seeing no rhyme or reason why women can be so obsessed with shoes…as we let the men mull, we head to see what The Rockport Company® has in store for us.

Saying yes to ‘Prose’

March 20, 20132 Comments

Being a poet, seeing the word prose bring many different thoughts to my forever overactive mind so when I saw the name on a perfume bottle, I had to try it…especially as the bottle was red and I am known for my splashes of red indulgence at home and in my accessories.

Little diva is also into perfumes these days and this fragrance definitely caters to the young and vibrant diva. Not sure how thrilled I am about this as she has already taken over my extensive shoe collection and continually asks if she is inheriting every cool piece of jewellery I wear. But as much as I love Prose, which is a delectable, vivacious, and spirited fragrance, I will share this one with Natasha even if it is in small doses.

Prose emanates a feminine, warm, and playful aroma that is impossible for any young lady to resist – perhaps it’s because this charming contemporary fragrance is infused with delicious scent combinations, featuring the perfect balance between fresh, younger notes, and a more mature, and earthly aroma. I guess that’s why both Tash and I love it…. Not that being 40 means that I am the mature one J

For people who like looking at the ingredients base of a perfume, Prose combines hints of bright and fresh citrus fruits such as orange, melon, and apple, with a fruity trifecta of strawberry, coconut, and sugar – all a brief prelude to an invigorating base composed of a rich laden amber, vanilla, and musk.

Because this nice wonder comes from Ajmal Perfumes, the region’s multi award-winning fragrance house, I was surprised that Prose is priced at AED 100…very affordable and great to buy for yourself and your pre teen and teen divas…my little diva absolutely loves it.

Hey Sugar!

March 7, 2013Leave a comment

I love sugary sweet things…even my name ‘Shereen’ means sweet or is referred to as a synonym for sweets in so many cultures. Hence I always look out for anything that is sinfully delightful and news from Hey Sugar always puts a smile on my face.

With throngs of art lovers descending into Dubai this March, Hey Sugar Bakeshop gets into the spirit with a cool selection of art-inspired, Limited Edition cupcakes.

Munch on the masters as sets of 6 assorted cupcakes will be available exclusively at Hey Sugar’s Jumeirah Location for just 3 days, from the 21st till the 23rd of March….does that give me an excuse to get sugar injected and commit some calorie laden sin? Afterall it is in the name of art!

Lila sparkles in the UAE

March 3, 2013Leave a comment

Lila Jewelry, representing all that is luxurious and sophisticated, launched its new collection at a lavish soirée at The One & Only Palm. The evening witnessed the presence of jewelry aficionados who decided to join Lila at the revelation ceremony of her authentic jewelry pieces with themes of the new range including; Timeless Treasures, Lila’s Obsession and Avant Chic.

Lila Jewellery is a newly established fine jewellery brand reflecting a legacy of quiet luxury, remarkable expertise and unparalleled creativity. Each piece is a beautiful representation of the world’s most precious gemstones expertly crafted by the hands of Italy’s most renowned master-jewellers.

Get graphic with Marchon

February 19, 2013Leave a comment

Get ‘graphic’ this season with the hottest selection of sunglasses from S/S 13 collections of Marchon Eyewear, Inc. ,one of the world’s largest manufacturers and distributors of quality eyewear and sunglasses.

The company markets its products under prestigious brand names including: Calvin Klein, CK, Diane Von Furstenberg, Disney/XGames, Emilio Pucci, Fendi, FERRAGAMO, Flexon, Jil Sander, Karl Lagerfeld, Lacoste, Marchon, Michael Kors, Nautica, Nike and Sean John, VALENTINO and CHLOE’.

My favourite as always is Emilio Pucci.

My love affair with Damas every Mother’s Day

February 19, 20132 Comments

My nearest and dearest already know my love affair with Damas, the Middle East’s leading jewellery and watch retailer whose staff make me feel oh so good whenever there is an occasion to celebrate. Whether it’s a birthday or a special event.

So Mother’s day is here and little diva always has something nice for me as I have made her aware that the 8 hours of labour I went through was horrendous and that I deserved a medal for surviving that but a small trinket every tear would suffice. The great news is that Damas has unveiled its 2013 Mother’s Day Collection, featuring four limited-edition pendants designed to show appreciation for the most important women in our lives: our mothers and in particular, moi, the best in the world….well at least I think I’m a cool mum. All the pieces feature the word “Ummi”, endearingly meaning ‘my mother’ in Arabic calligraphy, highlighted by a variety of designs.

The ‘Center of My World’ pendant displays a circular motif, crafted in loops of 18k yellow gold, offset by rings studded with round brilliant diamonds. The ‘Ummi’ lettering is positioned in the centre of the piece, representing the mother’s place at the heart of the family. Show your mother you care with this stunning piece, priced at AED 1,790.

The ‘Heart of Gold’ pendant is comprised of a pear shaped design with the ‘Ummi’ lettering surrounded by a halo of hearts, representing the love surrounding the mother, who is the lifeline of emotion. The design is then encircled by exquisite colored gem stones. This gorgeous piece is priced at AED 2,990.

The ‘Love’s Rainbow’ pendant has a tear drop design, accented by round brilliant diamonds, semi precious stones, and fresh water pearls. The ‘Ummi’ calligraphy is followed by vividly colored, semi-precious stones, and delicate pearls representing the combination of excitement and grace that mothers embody. This piece is priced at AED 2,490.

Finally, the ‘Heart’s Delight’ pendant features the ‘Ummi’ calligraphy with larger lettering, in a mix of white and yellow gold, accented by semi-precious stones, diamonds and fresh water pearls. This heartwarming piece is designed to symbolize the mother as the center of attention, and is priced at AED 1,390.

I wonder which one I am getting …HINT!

Wraith …. From Rolls Royce

February 19, 20131 Comment

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has just published the third official image of its new Wraith, which will be launched at the Geneva Motor Show on 5 March 2013….of course Diva gets a preview of it as the images unveil and I didn’t wanna be mean and not share it with the world. That’s just how giving I am…even if it is a door it should get RR enthusiasts excited I reckon.

The graceful silhouette gives expression to a bold and thoroughly contemporary luxury motor car. Flowing lines hint at the extraordinary power and dynamic promise of the most powerful Rolls-Royce in history, yet also highlight design cues that can be traced through the model generations.

Rolls-Royce Wraith evokes the pioneering spirit and lust for adventure that drove company forefather the Honourable Charles Rolls – the consummate gentleman racer. But like Rolls, Wraith will also be steeped in the trappings of luxury and opulence. When Wraith is present, for that fleeting moment, the world will stand still.

The newest model in the pinnacle car maker’s range features a luxurious, contemporary interior to complement the dynamic poise of its exterior styling. Luxury and hand-craftsmanship work in harmony, thanks to the inclusion of softest ‘Phantom-grade’ leathers and expanses of open pore wood named Canadel Panelling.

This contemporary finish presents an interior space that hints at the interior of an ultra-luxury yacht. The horseshoe sweep of Wraith’s cabin also echoes the cove at Le Canadel in the South of France where Sir Henry Royce and his design team spent their winters.

Every possible interior detail has been carefully considered – and beautifully executed…watch this space for more images. 🙂

Indulging in colours with OMEGA Ladymatic

February 18, 2013Leave a comment

Image from OMEGA Ladymatic

I’m back to obsessing over watches…. after justifying that wearing a Salvadore Dali or Roberto Cavalli once every few months is totally acceptable for diva extraordinaire, I reckon now I can safely look further hunting for my next timeless treasure! The fashion-forward design of the Ladymatic collection, paired with the innovative OMEGA Co-Axial calibre 8520 within each of its timepieces, has become even more impossibly exquisite with the newest models featuring bold, attractive dials…the best bit is it comes in colours I normally would not look at but somehow, these caught my eye: There is the:

Seductive purple.
Unique pink mother-of-pearl.
Striking blue mother-of-pearl.
Enchanting shaded grey.

Known for its captivating look, the Ladymatic has been a prestigious example of the brand’s style and invention since its launch in 2010. These striking OMEGA Ladymatic timepieces have a 34 mm polished stainless steel case with white, black or rose ceramic between the decorative wave and inner casebody. Each is presented on either a matching satin-brushed leather strap or a polished stainless steel bracelet.

The dials, with their enchanting Supernova pattern, are made even more brilliant with 11 diamond-set indexes in facetted 18K white gold diamond-shaped holders, and there is a date window at the 3 o’clock position. The polished alpha-shaped minute, hour and seconds hands are crafted from 18K white gold and the minute and hour hands are coated with white Super-LumiNova. A domed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides protects the evocative dials.

The “Brilliant Omega Cut” diamond found on the screw-in crown is complemented by the wearer’s choice of a dazzling bezel with diamonds arranged in a snow-set pattern, or the pure and elegant polished stainless steel bezel. The officially certified chronometers are so reliable, these babies come with a full four-year warranty….are you sold yet?

Stunning new McLaren P1 supercar images at BIC

February 13, 2013Leave a comment

Somehow, nothing exciting ever happens when I am in Bahrain which has now become a weekly visit at times and yet, the moment I leave, all the fun begins and exciting events and shows happen….naturally it was just my luck that I leave Bahrain on Monday and then get then on reaching Dubai, get the Middle East debut pictures in Bahrain of the stunning new McLaren P1^TM, the next generation ultimate supercar from McLaren Automotive in my inbox….tragic ain’t it!

Designed with one aim in mind, to simply be the best driver’s car in the world, on road and track, the McLaren P1^TM is one of the decade’s most highly anticipated cars….i remember meeting the cool dudes from Mclaren at Royal Mirage last year for drinks and all they could talk about was the P1^TM.

Inspired by Formula 1 engineering, it will offer exceptional aerodynamics, amazing performance and bespoke design for every owner.

The new images of the striking design study were taken at the Bahrain International Circuit – the home of motorsport in the Middle East. Bahrain is the Middle East base for McLaren, and is also home of its majority shareholder, Mumtalakat…. At least we will get to see this car in UAE soon as McLaren Automotive and Al Habtoor Motors’ executives will welcome VIP guests to its UAE unveil at the Habtoor Grand Beach Resort and Spa….soon!

LEGENDARY TIFFANY DIAMOND IN DUBAI

December 12, 2012Leave a comment

Diva with Michael J. Kowalski, Chairman and CEO of Tiffany & Co

Women in Dubai were in seventh heaven yesterday…they got to see a spectacular diamond and jewellery exhibition by Tiffany to celebrate their 175^th Anniversary. Tiffany & Co. marked 175 years of design excellence with ‘A Legacy of Diamonds’ exhibition, featuring jewellery from the Tiffany Archives, surrounding the company’s greatest icon—the 128.54-carat Tiffany Diamond….i can’t express how beautiful this piece of jewellery was…breathtaking would be an understatement!

We also saw a contemporary collection of handcrafted jewellery featuring the gemstones the company first introduced—along with the world’s rarest colored diamonds. The Tiffany Diamond is the finest and most beautiful fancy yellow diamond ever discovered. Its transcendent beauty symbolizes Tiffany’s diamond heritage. In honor of the company’s anniversary, the priceless gem was reset in a dazzling diamond and platinum necklace of a graceful and modern elegance. Over a year in the making, the design of white diamonds totals over 100 carats and features 20 Lucida® diamonds and 58 brilliant-cut diamonds, with a mounting of 481 sparkling stones, each hand cut and set by skilled artisans.

I had a quick chat with Michael J. Kowalski, chairman and chief executive officer of Tiffany & Co who, much to our delight sees Dubai alongside Tokyo and Beijing as an international luxury retail destination and highlights the importance of this market to Tiffany’s global strategy.

Going back to the yellow diamond….it was discovered in the Kimberley diamond mines in South Africa in 1877, the 287.42-carat rough stone was acquired the following year by founder Charles Lewis Tiffany. The acquisition underscored Mr. Tiffany’s reputation as the “King of Diamonds” and made his enterprise the world’s diamond authority. The rough stone was cut into a cushion-shape brilliant weighing 128.54 carats. Cut to maximize its extraordinary color, the diamond sparkles as if lit by an inner flame.

The Tiffany Diamond was a highlight of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago and the 1939–40 World’s Fair in New York City, and has been exhibited in museums worldwide. It is the centerpiece of the Legacy of Diamonds exhibition, which is based on three themes.

The Gilded Age (1876–1916) showcases the diamond jewels that Tiffany created during this opulent era, along with a diamond and emerald brooch from the French Crown Jewels that the company purchased in 1887. Inspired by Nature highlights the natural world as an important theme of Tiffany design, with archival botanical illustrations and the jewels they inspired, such as a chrysanthemum brooch of diamonds and pearls and an enameled orchid brooch that were included in Tiffany’s gold medal exhibit at the 1889 Paris World’s Fair. New York Glamour illuminates Tiffany as the crown jewel of the city, with diamonds that reflect the streamlined contours of its Art Deco skyscrapers.

If you are a Tiffany fan, you may want to explore the Legacy Gemstones of Tiffany, a collection of jewelry featuring the gemstones Tiffany introduced to the world: shimmering pink morganite, discovered in Madagasgar and named for American financier and gem collector John Pierpont Morgan; lilac-pink kunzite from California, named for Tiffany’s eminent gemologist Dr. George Frederick Kunz; tanzanite, found in Tanzania and coveted for its color that captures the blue of the ocean with flashes of violet; and tsavorite, also from Africa, distinguished by a rich green hue and invigorating spirit.

Tiffany’s fancy color diamonds are a marvel of nature, wondrous to behold. These most sought-after stones are distinguished by evenly saturated color and a cut that fully reveals their natural charisma. Among them are Tiffany Yellow Diamonds with a tantalizing colour that is as pure as sunlight; pink diamond rings that bloom like roses and blue diamond’s of an electrifying hue.

Mounted in custom settings of exquisite craftsmanship, these sparkling diamonds and gemstones are the latest jewels of a great tradition and the epitome of modern glamour and luxury…diva likes. Now where’s that Loverboy of mine – I reckon a trip to Tiffany is in order!

The Tiffany Diamond – Photo Credit: Carlton Davis

Globalista Extraordinaire

TEEN lifestyle in the UAE, SPAIN, UK and FIJI ISLANDS

Category: Retail Therapy