Fashionably Yours

The world’s oldest perfumes came from Pyrgos, Cyprus, more than 4000 years ago and even today, right now, modern perfumery discovers a hundred different types of scents every month, which come from various roots such as flowers, fruits, spices or even gourmand elements, to name just a few.

What’s even more intriguing about perfumes is that they tend to smell differently on different people and you really never know if you’re a ‘floral’ person or more of the ‘fruity type’ until you try it on yourself! I was on one of these discovery sessions when I came upon ‘Prose’ by iconic perfumer Ajmal, sitting pretty in a striking pink bottle.

Prose by Ajmal

As very young, spirited and fresh scent, Prose evokes a feminine, warm, and playful aroma. What I liked about it was the interplay between fresh, younger notes, and a more mature, and earthly aroma- perfect for me! With fresh citrus fruits such as orange, melon, and apple, with a fruity trifecta of strawberry, coconut, and sugar – it flirts with mid and base notes of a rich laden amber, vanilla, and musk.

Roots of a perfume made from natural ingredients

Great for a girly day out or a quick rejuvenating boost in the coming hot summer days.  Find it at all Ajmal stores in the GCC as a 60ml Eau De Parfum, for only AED 100!

If you’ve been dreaming of the stylish checkerboard prints, Miami’s sunny prints or a pinch of retro in your closet this summer, then head straight to iconic Turkish brand, Koton for a shopping spree! From monochrome to stripes and neons, they’ve pretty much nailed the season’s trends to the T- which means affordable runway style for us!

Spring Summer Collection '13 : Koton

Spring Summer Collection '13 : Koton

The Monochrome theme sees the most attractive silhouettes come to life, as bold blacks are placed effortlessly between whites in lengthwise block lines. Spots and classic ginghams (the now popular smaller checks) refresh the look of notable 60s fashion icon, Edie Sedgewick, while volumized A-line skirts and contrasting gridline patterned mini shorts are combined with blouses and blazers of contradicting thread and textures.  Structured dresses are introduced for both day and evening wear, with modern and striking forms being created using clean whites and glossy, elegant blacks.

The Miami Sun theme captures all the promises of summer as the striking color palettes of warm oranges, palm greens, striking pinks, reds, yellows, turquoise and creams are woven in the gold and silver yarns of glossy jacquard and brocades.

Spring Summer Collection '13 : Koton

Spring Summer Collection '13 : Koton

Koton Spring Summer 13 Collection

The mystery of the Far East will be emulated in the Eastern Colors collection, as dragon red, China blue, exotic orange, rose and yellow are intertwined with rich golden tones. Intricate bird and flower designs will be seen in feminine kimonos, blouses, tunics and robes while textured trousers will contrast beautifully against delicate, silky cottons and sheer fabrics creating irresistible, Eastern-inspired silhouettes.

Koton Spring Summer 13 Collection

I’m loving the new spring summer collection at Koton- bright, beautiful and totally trendy. Grabbing it now!

We must have earned some serious style karma to have been delighted with a fabulous yacht trip around Dubai Marina, with one of the most stylish brands I know, Reiss London, and the essential fashion manual, Emirates Woman Magazine. 10 bloggers from Dubai were handpicked to represent the brand as style ambassadors in the UAE and Fashionably Yours was one of them!

REISS Dubai Bloggers' Spring Summer preview

REISS Dubai Bloggers' Spring Summer preview

Once out at sea, the revelry on-board got even bigger, with an ultra exclusive, curated preview of Reiss’ spring summer collection 2013. Just when we thought it couldn’t get better, out came the stunning pieces! I for one, am bowled over by the simple, minimalist and sophisticated line from Reiss this season.

Bloggers on-board with Reiss Middle East and Emirates Woman Magazine

Moving away from what everyone’s doing- i.e. Monochrome-and-neon, Reiss presented some key colors of the season, with a unique twist, not seen anywhere yet.   What caught the eye in particular, was this V front flared mini skirt, featuring an abstract lotus print, with asymmetric seams- A beautiful, dramatic take on spring’s regular floral print.

Next up, the ‘Jade Top’ presented a delicious surprise. It delighted us bloggers with its versatile, unexpected silhouette. The pastel colored sheer fabric cut in squares, had us all captivated in its layers!

The Reiss Womenswear presentation: Bloggers' exclusive preview, Dubai

Finally, a fabulous printed full-length dress made an impressive entry, with its exclusive, “made for the Middle East” tag. The ‘Giselle dress’ with its frill hem and keyhole detailing on the neck wowed us all with its understated elegance and beautiful cut. The twenties inspired graphic print added a dash of frolic to this simple but classic item.

The Reiss Womenswear presentation: Bloggers' exclusive preview, Dubai

Mint blue or power blue is the color to be seen in, this season. Reiss’ own interpretation was fabulously depicted in the classic pleat technique dress- so effortlessly chic! The Nevada Dress is the very trendy adaptation of the now popular fit and flare silhouette- the double frill hem lends a charming 20’s feel to the outfit.

My favorite from Reiss Spring Summer '13: The Pepper Dress in peppermint blue

I’ve yet to come across a more simple, sophisticated and stunning collection from any fashion brand yet. Reiss’ new collection comes highly recommended and rendered absolutely essential for that effortless chic look this summer. Au revoir, winter, here comes the spring sun!