Fashionably Yours

I’ve been day dreaming about my travel plans ever since the Dubai summer heat hit us with a vengeance! I’m thinking Spain with my bestie, but then Paris sounds amazing too! Or wait, how about Belgium- with the waffles, and chocolates and diamonds… Oh well so many choices, so little time (um, also limited funds and measly days off work!)

Summer vacation esstentials

Even as I make up my mind and try to save up like crazy, I’ve already finalized my wish list to be packed off with me. Here’s the travel essential ready reckoner that every girl needs this summer-

1. On top of my list is beachwear, but obviously- I recently came across this very sexy Brazilian beachwear brand, Kariza and instantly fell in love with the versatile and gorgeous little things I saw- Picked up this bikini and an amazing sarong-style beach dress which can be worn in over 7 ways! Keep a lookout for the full feature soon- my versatile Kariza summer closet coming up.

Kariza Swimswuit -available at Dubai Mall

2. The Neutrogena Ultra sheer Dry Touch Sunblock — Now sunblock may be a no- brainer to pack for a vacation but it’s extremely important to pick the right one! Ask me, because I was a victim of nasty allergy-inducing sunblock a couple of years ago and came out of the whole experience wiser and super particular about my skin brands.  That’s also when I finally found my savior- The Neutrogena Ultra sheer Dry Touch Sunblock – It’s weightless, waterproof and wonderfully clean. I’ve NEVER settled for anything less ever again.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 45

3. L’Occitane Magnolia & Mure Eu De Parfum:  I literally just opened it up and as it lies here on my table as I blog, I’m wondering how I’m going to be able to keep my hands off this bottle! Swooning over this amazing scent- It’s a blend of flowers and fruit and has a velvety texture to the fragrance, with Magnolia as the top note and musky blackberry for a woody backnote- very evocative and perfect for travel, with its easy to carry, fuss-free packaging.

Magnolia and Mure EDT

4. Davines: Absolute Beautifying Potion
Summer is always tough on tresses, what with the blazing sun and sand and wind in your hair! Add the fabulous Davines Beautifying oil to style, strengthen and bring the sexy back.

Davines Oil Beautifying portion

5. Benefit Fake Up
Now this is one magical little stick you must have in your purse at all times! The Fake Up concealer has been saving my life at early morning meetings after late night weekdays and super hectic schedules here at home- but I reckon it will be super handy to look my best even on vacation! Begone dark circles and after party blues- If I’m on vacation, I better look the part!

Benefit Fake Up Concealer

Happy vacationing!

Harvey Nichols Dubai  unveiled its Spring ’13 looks at Mall of The Emirates last week and ofcourse I was one of the first to arrive! The store never fails to inspire me and this show was no different.

Harvey Nichols Dubai unviels Spring summer 2013 looks at Mall of The Emirates

Harvey Nichols Dubai unviels Spring summer 2013 looks at Mall of The Emirates

The fashion lines stylishly put together at the show including Michael Kors, Chloe, Diane Von Furstenberg, Isabel Marant, Catherine Maladrino and Alexander Wang. New talent including Charlotte Olympia also unveiled her fresh new collections on the runway.

Harvey Nichols Dubai unviels Spring summer 2013 looks at Mall of The Emirates

Harvey Nichols Dubai unviels Spring summer 2013 looks at Mall of The Emirates

I particularly loved the corals and gold, which lends a very glam twist to spring summer style this year. Also loving the floral trousers and snake print everywhere! Hissss-ling hot, no?

Harvey Nichols Dubai unviels Spring summer 2013 looks at Mall of The Emirates

Harvey Nichols Dubai unviels Spring summer 2013 looks at Mall of The Emirates

Oh and before I forget, Mall of the Emirates is celebrating the spring season with a month-long campaign which will see a total of four 50,000 AED shopping sprees to be won weekly! So strap on those flats and get shopping already!

The Dubai World cup fever is raging through the city, as the ladies furiously tear the malls apart for that perfect outfit. Even though I will be giving the event a miss this year, I did find more than a couple of race day ready outfits at Banana Republic, that are perfect to the T! The third edition of the brand’s super chic Mad Men Collection, for instance, has that sophisticated 50’s elegance which can be spiced up and updated with a catchy fascinator for the races.

Banana Republic Mad Men Collection SS'13

Banana Republic Mad Men Collection SS'13

Banana Republic’s Spring summer ’13 collection too, has some outstanding pieces for the races. Think white on whites, vivid colors, kaleidoscopic prints and beautiful patterns. From modern Lido stripes to classic tile patterns, cabana prints conjure up images of the French Riviera’s sun-splashed coastline.

Banana Republic Spring Summer Collection '13

Banana Republic Spring Summer Collection '13

Banana Republic Spring Summer Collection '13

I can’t help but think of Audrey Hepburn’s derby day scene- howlarious! Unlike her character in the movie, make sure you don’t make a faux pas. Remember, no mini dresses (nothing above knee length is acceptable), don’t leave home without a hat or fascinator and don’t, pretty please don’t over-accessorize!

Only Audrey Hepburn as Eliza Dolittle could look this gorgeous in an Over the top dress! I wouldn't push my luck that far...

Happy race day ladies!