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Dress like an Influencer – by Claire Hastings

Posted on October 3, 2018

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In a year when the focus was shifted to female empowerment, it’s no surprise that the message has also manifested through beauty and fashion choices. Influential women have picked out the best beauty and fashion trends for the upcoming season and they are here to help you dress for the perfect fall look with these amazing tips:

Popular prints

We’re forgetting everything we thought we knew this season – zebra and leopard are back in a big way. Animal prints are seen all over Instagram lately, and the trend is here to stay. Apart from snake, zebra and cheetah patterns, it looks like leopard-print coats and shoes are going to be the biggest hits this season.

Plaid is always a popular trend, and this season is no different. However, you can spice things up this fall by mixing different materials, or even different color plaid pieces together, for the ultimate fashion look.

 

Flares are always in

This season is all about mixing the free-spirited hippy vibe with a polished high-fashion look, for a truly dramatic look. Check out some of the beautiful Ellery pieces, which embody this trend perfectly.

 

Inventive Layering

From a new way to tie your old scarf and trench coat together, to an interesting shirtdress, elegant flats and trouser combination, this season is all about adventurous layering ideas, so don’t be afraid to experiment with a bold new look.

 

Red, red, red

This fiery, powerful color has been spotted all over the social media lately. Although it is not a trend on its own, wearing red as a monochromatic look is definitely a statement trend that is sure to grab all the attention.

 

Power lips

Not only is red popular in fashion, but it is also a recurring makeup trend. A bold bright red lip with a touch of gold highlight on the Cupid’s bow is the biggest beauty trend this fall.

Glossy lips give off a youthful feminine energy this season is all about. That’s why neutral-colored lips (or even colorless) with a delicate sheen are a big hit you wouldn’t want to miss.

Perfect skin

Skin is always in, but this fall it’s all about the prep. Instead of layers of heavy foundation, focus on moisturizers, primers and strobe creams to achieve that perfect, radiant complexion.

Summer’s bronze trend is being replaced this season with peachy pink blushes that gently warm up the face, bring out the cheekbones, and create a radiant feminine look. Bold contouring is finally a thing of the past. This fall beauty influencers are only lightly contouring their cheeks to play up the natural shape of their face and subtly bring out their natural beauty.

 

Beautiful eyes

Alluring, provocative smoky eyes are another great trend to watch out for. Go for dark shades of brown and black, don’t shy away from gels and liners, smudge it out, pair it with a nude lip, and you are ready to rock. If you are a woman who likes to keep her lines simple and eyes defined, then you are in luck. Precisely waterlined eyes are a big hit this season. They allow you to contour your eyes and define their natural shape, and they are a brilliant way of subtly wearing eyeliner.

Summer’s glitter trend is not going anywhere this season. Shimmery eyeshadows, light-catching highlighter, and glittery lips are a great way to brighten up a plain makeup look and an easy way to transform any look from day to night.
Polished, sophisticated tan eyeshadow is the perfect fall trend. Whether you go for a classic no makeup makeup look, or choose to pair them with a bold wine lip, flattering camel and golden brown shades give you a great variety of options to explore.

Corporate chic hair

Hair slicked back into perfect buns and ponytails is a trend you can’t miss this season. If this hairstyle is too clean for you, accessorize it with thin headbands or statement hair clips for a more dramatic look.

This season women are not afraid to make a statement with their bold outfits and eye-catching looks, and who better to truly embody this newly found confidence than the powerful social media influencers.

 

Follow Claire here!

fashion

The Future of Athleisure – by Claire Hastings

Posted on July 30, 2018

With our current state of mind, unprecedented need and inclination towards that perfect amalgamation of comfort and style, it would be easy to profess our undying love to the athleisure trend and even sing it a verse of Lana Del Rey’s song – I will love you ‘till the end of time, I will (wear you) a million years. All kidding aside, the trend that has transcended to what is essentially a global phenomenon and even a lifestyle rather than just a fashion trend, certainly seems to have staying power. However, in these shifty times not even being granted permission into dictionaries can guarantee that something will remain permanent in real life, so let’s take a moment or two to examine what is going on in the fashion world and try to make out whether the future of athleisure is bright or bleak.

Photo by Alexandru Acea on Unsplash

 

The corporate loosens the strings

The attire of the corporate world looked a lot like the attire worn in movies such as American Psycho. Men wore sharp suits and women wore pencil skirts, blouses and smart fitted blazers, usually topped off with classic pumps for a full professional look. Now, while some companies are still sticking to a strict business dress code, those more in tune with the wants and needs of the younger generation of employees have loosened the strings a bit. Going to work in a nice pair of jeans and smart sneakers topped off with a simple tee and an oversized sporty blazer has become common in many a workplace, and the strings are even looser in millennial-owned companies like Facebook where you would probably be laughed at if you showed up wearing anything resembling corporate attire.

According to BBC, The Society for Human Resource Management tracks how many employers allow workers to dress casually every day, and that figure rose from 32% in 2014 to 44% in 2016 – and let’s keep in mind that the athleisure trend has grown in popularity over the last year and a half, so these numbers are most likely much higher now. So, if the corporate world is willing to bend the rules continuously, it’s safe to assume that athleisure will be safe and sound, at least in the office.

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The emphasis on health and fitness

With the increased popularity of new kinds of sports activities invented by millennials which don’t include only your run-of-the-mill lonely workout time but group activities as well, it’s safe to assume that athleisure isn’t going anywhere in the athletic world either. People want their gym clothes to be functional and made from exercise and sweat-wicking fabrics, yes, but they also want to look good and presentable in front of their peers, and if the mood strikes them, head out to lunch, brunch or just run errands after their workout. This is why a great number of traditional sportswear brands such as Nike, Adidas and up-and-coming Mint Athletic are constantly creating alluring athletic apparel that can be worn to a workout session while leaving you prepared for a last-minute call to lunch. The wellness-oriented population, which is increasing all the time, highly appreciates this mixture of comfort and style, and as long as the fitness and health frenzy is alive, athleisure will be here as well.

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The evolving nature

As we all know by now, athleisure isn’t only about upgraded sweatpants, tracksuits and sleeker sneakers. The trend is constantly evolving, and even luxury brands have dipped their toes in the athleisure pool. Some are creating what can only be described as elegant athleisure, given all the luxurious and not-for-the-gym elements of attire and footwear designed by couture brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Stella McCartney. Even the ever-elegant Chanel came out with a line of sneakers featuring their staple fabrics and patterns, and these will definitely not be used for the gym. High-end designers are taking the athleisure game to a whole new level, mixing tulle skirts with sweatshirts, couture dresses with sneakers – every mixture between sporty and elegant garments you can imagine, they’ll put it on the runway and actually make it wearable.

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The bottom line

Given the fact that athleisure is non-constricting and allows for other trends that are seemingly diametrically opposed to it to come on board and play, we can say with almost absolute certainty that the trend will not only survive but thrive. As long as women can get all dolled up for a date and wear tennis shoes instead of feet-killing heels and look ultra-fashionable, and as long as a man can look smart wearing a hoodie under his blazer when he heads out to work, the trend will remain strong. On top of that, we rely on the so far proven innovativeness of designers to provide us with new and inspiring renditions of not only singular garments but also combinations and mixtures that include athletic pieces we, as consumers, will be here to embrace and rock.

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Follow Claire here!

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Australia Fashion Week Resort 2018 Trends – by Claire Hastings

Posted on June 14, 2018

Although resort trends and collections don’t bear the same significance as those presented during the spring and fall fashion weeks, they actually have a much bigger commercial significance. Namely, not only are the pieces presented on resort runways more timeless and devoid of the trendiness that often marks the other collections, they actually have a bigger staying power, and not only in our wardrobes but in stores as well. Aside from their more timeless vibe, these are the perfect layering pieces that you can rock both in the hotter as well as the cooler season, due to both the fabric choices that allow for chic layering and the timelessness of the pieces themselves. This is why it’s extremely important to see what these collections have to say, because chances are, they’ll be in our wardrobe arsenal for much longer than pieces from those more coveted lines. Of course, it’s also time to bring the Australian design talent into the spotlight and ultimately make Sydney a fashion capital of the same importance as the rest of them.

 

Minimalism comes from Melbourne

It’s no secret that, in Australia, Melbourne does wonders with black and their own version of minimalism. Hence, the appearance of amazing minimal pieces comes as no surprise, and we’re particularly fond of the all-black sandal collection presented by A. Amery. There were classic flat slides, T-bar gladiators as well as crisscross style sandals that wrap at the ankle. They are every minimalist’s dream summer shoe, and we have no doubt that fashionistas from the Northern Hemisphere will jump at the opportunity to snag them, particularly if they’re tired of the platform crocks and other ugly shoes.

 

Away from the body

The oversized and modest fashion trends have been ruling the runways for quite some time now, but we haven’t seen anyone execute the trend in the way that Akira Isogawa has. In the ‘resort spirit’, stripes were present, but unlike in other resort collections all over the world, they weren’t full of ‘sunshine and rainbow hues’. Instead, Isogawa brought dark shades of blue, gray, red, and then a bit of white for good measure and a bit of brightness. The designs are also like nothing we’ve seen so far. The dresses are not made to be fitted, but in an almost deconstructed way with interesting and mild layers, and we particularly love the asymmetrical moment on the sleeves which is both whimsical and bold.

 

When pastel met minimal

One wouldn’t normally associate colors with minimalism, but Bianca Spender did such a wonderful job that it left us completely in awe. There were some traditionally minimalistic pieces such as breathtaking and extraordinary black jumpsuits as well as Australian signature white dresses, but a pop of color caught us off guard, particularly in the form of the royal blue sharp and minimal suit. However, the real surprise was the meshing of minimal yet intricate design with gentle pastel hues. Spender made it quite clear that minimalism certainly doesn’t have to be devoid of color, bold or gentle, and we have a sneaking suspicion that even the die-hard minimalists will be tempted by dresses like these.

 

The best of athleisure

Well, when it comes to Double Rainbouu, the runway was full of, well, everything. From ironic T-shirt logos that had tabloid newspapers’ names instead of the actual brand, to surfer shorts, hoodies, chunky dad sneakers and prints for days. The only thing missing was a great Fendi bag and the over-the-top athleisure mission would have been complete. We can’t say with certainty whether this is paying homage to athleisure or the beach vibes – perhaps it’s taking athleisure to new levels or places – like the beach. Black and simple one-piece swimsuits did make an appearance, accompanied by a murky kimono-looking shirt, which is completely unexpected from the boho and color-loving Aussies, but perhaps it’s time to shelf the boho for a while and move on to something else.

 

True resort

Leave it up to the likes of Ginger & Smart to bring us the resort every real classically stylish vacationer or simple summer-breeziness lover craves. Aside from the whimsical dresses made out of flower petals (which one could easily rock to a classy evening event), the rest of the looks were simply stunning and worthy of the French Riviera. Color-block dresses with a hint of tulle, sharp lines in gorgeous dusty blue shades, classic striped resort sundresses – this is what we’ve been craving. You can almost feel the delicate and breathable fabrics that will look stunning in the warm summer wind, and among all resort collections, this is the one we predict will be the most coveted one.

 

Follow Claire here!

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Boho Summer’s with Dunesi

Posted on June 7, 2018
This summer’s gunna hurt like a mother f**cker, but you can still make sure you look the part. Dunesi is Dubai’s homegrown boutique resort wear brand that is well loved by Dubai’s instagram favourites. The summer collection includes a range of boho chic dresses, printed tunics, two pieces and statement accessories, all perfect for wherever you jet off during Eid.

Also a big supporter of ethical manufacturing, every item in the collection is produced right here in the UAE and only in limited numbers to reduce wastage.

We caught up with Founder and Managing Director, Hanne Ripsaluoma; who is currently dividing her time between Dubai, Finland, Spain and Chile, as travelling and exploring is one of her passions. “I always get inspired in new places, whether it’s a city, beach or a restaurant that I have never been to before” she explains.

What is the key direction for your SS18 collection

We wanted to continue with the floaty, boho styles that are perfect also for the summer whether you are in Dubai, Ibiza, Bali or the Hamptons. The latest dresses are made of cotton and chiffon, which are comfortable in the summer temperatures. They are casual yet chic, with our usual breezy twist.

What/where/who are your designs influenced by?

As a brand, it was heavily influenced by the love I have for Dubai and its beaches and the surrounding desert, those continue to be the main inspiration for the designs too. We also want to create clothes that give you that lovely “holiday feeling”, bringing back memories from vacations. We always use bright coloured prints in our range because that’s what we are drawn to in the lovely, constant sunshine that we live in.

Who’s the Dunesi woman

She’s a little boho herself, loves the outdoors, spends time with her family and friends on the beach and eating “al fresco”. She comes from anywhere in the world, cares about our planet, is full of life and wanderlust and is always making memories.

What does Dunesi mean?

I come from Finland and in Finnish “unesi” means “your dream”, we then added D for Dubai and made up Dunesi which fittingly has ‘dunes” in it too… your Dubai dream.

Have you any plans to make the brand more eco-friendly / sustainable?

Being sustainable is a big part of our philosophy. Dunesi is a member of 1% for the Planet organization (one of only two in the UAE!), donating 1% of revenue towards protecting our planet. We don’t use any plastic in our packaging, our delivery packages are made of recycled paper as is also our jewellery range (in collaboration with Agulu Paperbeads). We are also currently looking for and testing some natural materials to use in the next collection.

fashion

Shopsandia: The New Online Beachwear Boutique

Posted on May 27, 2018

We don’t really need another excuse to do some boutique shopping online do we? The ease of it all, the beautiful imagery that reels us in, the lack of changing rooms and mall traffic… so when a new site launches, especially one designed to get me in the water, i’m the first to start ‘adding to cart’.

Enter Shopsandia.com

Stocking some of the most beautiful designs from around the world, by brands you’ve probably never heard of and pieces that certainly aren’t seen sitting poolside around Nikki Beach; Mimi a la Mer, Themis, Cali Dreaming, Frescobol Carioca and Isole and Vulcani to name but a few.

But I love it when there’s a summary of the top picks, or favourites as I get overwhelmed sifting through the pages… so I’ve done the dirty work and I thought i’d help you out with my edit for the summer. From bikini’s to one pieces, there’s plenty of choices online and this boutique does not disappoint.

Here’s my top 5 pics from this gorgeous boutique swimsite:

Amuse Society
Emma Bralette Top

 

CALi DREAMiNG
SOMBRERO TOP

 

SoloBlu
Claudine

 

Mimi a la mer
Lolita – Green Print

 

SoloBlu
LADY DIVA FOLK MEDITERRANEO

 

Mimi a la mer
Mia – Sky Blue Koi

…oh and this one’s reversible too! 😉

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Summer’s Here with Black Coral XO

Posted on May 14, 2018

As the weather heats up at home, you get the feeling that we’ve missed out on a season or two… after all it’s in the early 40’s already. We’re all in the mood for summer, but not ready to face the scorching sunshine that goes with it. If like me, you were looking for a little escape from the sun, that relieves some of the heat-shock with somewhat cooler currents, then I would highly recommend a weekend away in Sri Lanka. Without a doubt it’s the easiest place to pack for too, I only bring with me swimwear and flip-flops! I absolutely love Aussie online boutique Black Coral XO for their summer-personified collections, beachwear and resort wear.

Only four hours away with FlyDubai or Emirates, this Indian Ocean hotspot is the ideal weekend escape. Hop on a late night Thursday flight and be sipping coconuts by breakfast. There are plenty of boutique hotels to choose from along the coastline, but I would definitely recommend heading south to Galle as a base. Unawatuna, Mirissa, Welligama are all great places to look at, especially if surfing is on your list.

Here’s my top 5 favourite swimsuits for your weekend away:

Sweet Disposition One Piece

 

Lazy Palms One Piece

 

Summer Safari One Piece

 

Malibu One Piece

Long Island One Piece

fashion

ba&sh X Ana Heart Yoga

Posted on May 10, 2018

Parisian brand ba&sh are famed for their city-cool collections and fresh yet modern designs, adding a twist to your active wear for the second time with their latest Ana Heart capsule yoga collection. Making our mat’s look pretty with a feminine, pattern-free, contemporary approach for the city yogi who doesn’t want to make a fashion statement, but wants quality and style too.

The mantra: no rules, except those you make for yourself.

 

Ba&sh is the result of a shared love of fashion, led best friends Barbara Boccara & Sharon Krief. Bringing their dream wardrobe to life so that they could share it with other women. A brand truly made by women for women. Loved worldwide, they are now helping to bring the French expression of freedom, modernity and a joyful elegance to our shores down at Citywalk 2.

This is yoga, but with a bit of sarcasm. Athleisure too, these pieces are too good to be kept in a drawer, designed to be worn both inside and outside the studio. You just feel good in it too, it’s flattering, flirty and can even be worn to work. And you can sweat in in more importantly.

Check out a few of my favourites from capsule collection here:

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Elena Makri Mykonos Swimwear

Posted on April 17, 2018

Grecian resort wear inspired by the myths of Mykonos that’s too good to get wet… almost. Elena Makri Mykonos swimwear and resortwear has officially landed in the Middle East and is exclusive to our favourite shopping hotspot, Harvey Nichols – Dubai.

Whilst Mykonos is a more familiar island, it’s actually Delos that originally caught the attention of designer and former editor-in-chief of Vogue Greece, Elena Makri. Delos is located just a few miles away from the more cosmopolitan Mykonos, near the centre of the Cyclades archipelago and is one of the most important, archeologically speaking, in Greece.

Ancient Greece and its mythological narratives are seeing a real revival through films such as Wonder Woman, brands like Ancient Greek Sandals, and there are plenty more treasures of the glory of the Greek civilisation, to be revealed in the Aegean Sea. Elena Makri, as a designer and habitant, is drawn to the legends of the land; the beauty of its artistry and the simplistic luxury of the fashions of this age old world.

Her collection draws on the almost modern expertise and craftsmanship displayed in the ancient murals and statues, ensuring each of her pieces are handcrafted and organic,  paying real attention to the functionality of the finer details, such as gilded broaches and necklaces, to ensure the the adornments are perfectly capable of being worn over and over again.

What will you be wearing in Mykonos this summer?

fashion Fitness

Dima Ayad X Hautletic Reinventing Athleisure

Posted on March 11, 2018

It’s a fairly new debate but one without a real answer – can you wear workout gear to work? Some of the athleisure pieces i own are without a doubt much more expensive than the skirts and tops hanging in the wardrobe, as well as remaining ‘un-used’ gym wise. Hautletic is the hub for most of these luxe pieces and there’s a new homegrown collab that’s stealing the show. Lebanese ready-to-wear designer Dima Ayad and Hautletic’s Priya Bhatia have launched a completely limited-edition range that’s definitely too good for the workout drawer.

A nine-piece collection in the Dima Ayad x Hautletic range celebrates female ingenuity; ‘blending Hautletic’s signature athleisure style with Dima Ayad’s precise understanding of the modern woman’s lifestyle’. It’s the kind of sports gear you could wear into a bar and not feel at all underdressed.

Enter a world of minimals, with abundant greys and blacks mixed with Ayad’s signature seasonal metallics. The floaty shapes are far from unflattering as they cinch in the waist and elongate the legs, whilst giving you a bit of wiggle room too. Picture the perfect ‘tracksuit,’ whilst being being as far from cliche as possible.

“I thought about the journey of the modern woman – from the day to the night. I want her to feel great from the morning to the evening without trying,” Dima Ayad, Designer

“It’s also about the value and versatility of the pieces you invest in. Quality and fit are paramount, even for seemingly ‘easy-wear’ athleisure.” Priya Bhatia, Hautletic

Get your hands on this urban wardrobe only at Hautletic in Galleria Mall, Dubai.

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Winter Fashion Guide – by Claire Hastings

Posted on January 20, 2018

Winter is a tough fashion customer that is very hard to please. You want to remain stylish as ever, be able to finish work and head out for drinks without having to go home and change before heading out again, and accomplish all of that without freezing. There are of course holidays with family to take into account and all the appropriate outfits to plan, and let us not forget about all those parties and perhaps even quick holiday getaways. Indeed, winter is tricky to maneuver, but that’s why we’re here. To make outfit planning easier so your style never has to give up in the face of harsh weather and multiple events and special occasions.

Photo by Frank Flores on Unsplash

Photo by Frank Flores on Unsplash


Casual Saturday’s
The probability that there are people who don’t live for those wonderful strolls on Saturday afternoons is incredibly low. We all long for that time when the work week is behind us and Monday seems so far away. The perfect outfit for hopping around the town has to consist of a great pair of straight leg, dark-wash jeans that hug your body just right, a cozy turtleneck sweater (so you don’t have to bother with a scarf), a grey coat and a great crossbody bag that leaves the hands free to hold those takeaway coffees or snapping photos. Of course, even casual Saturdays deserve an extra dose of chic, and that can be best accomplished with an amazing pair of embroidered ankle boots that have the ability to elevate any given outfit, but are still comfy enough to spend an entire afternoon in.

Photo by Pete Bellis on Unsplash

Photo by Pete Bellis on Unsplash


High-style Office Attire
One of the best things to strut down this year’s runways is the plaid trend. Plaid has always been associated with professionalism, but unlike the ‘work uniforms’ of yore, designers made it their goal to create plaid-patterned garments that contain the perfect mix of playfulness and office appropriateness. This month put those high-rise pants (Tome) in a pungent yellow plaid pattern to work. You can mix them with a classic black button-down or a simple blouse and a fitted blazer and what you get is an outfit that looks amazing in office light but that can easily be taken for drinks afterwards.

Photo by Pete Bellis on Unsplash

Photo by Pete Bellis on Unsplash


A Quick Getaway
If you live in the part of the world where January means low temps and gloomy skies, the holidays might just be the perfect time to make a break for it and head somewhere warm and breezy. Of course, for this venture, you’ll need to turn up the heat in your suitcase as well, and aside from the pastel swimsuits that will be dominating next summer, make sure you pack only the finest designer resort wear – beach kaftans, luxurious robes, large hats and stylish beach totes. Going away gives you a chance to put your best summer look forward and escape the cold reality if even just for a long weekend.

Photo by Eduard Militaru on Unsplash


If, on the other hand, you’re the type who spends holidays with family, that requires an entirely different attire. Now, there are two ways to go about this. If you have the kind of family who nurtures the tradition of wearing ugly sweaters – well, you will have to go shopping for one. Regular jeans will do the job for the rest of the outfit and as far as the sweater goes, well, there are virtually hundreds of them so just take your pick and if it has to be ugly at least wear it ironically. The other way is of course, the classy way, and this year the chicest family-time appropriate outfit has to be a dark floral dress. As the floral trend has experienced a rebirth of a sort and thanks to the murkier shades it’s no longer reserved for summers only, a long-sleeve long floral dress will look wonderful on those family portraits.

Photo by ARTHUR YAO on Unsplash

Photo by Arthur Yao on Unsplash


My Girl Wants To Party All The Time
If you don’t go to at least one wild party, it’s like the holidays never happened. Now, for several years the traditional winter party uniform has been a glittery sequin dress in every shade possible. Now things are a tad more subtle so instead of going out full disco-ball mode, opt for something slightly more understated and chicer. You can still get your glam on, but choose your battles. The best way to go is with a gorgeous white or black lace dress, (the cut is up to you) and complete the look with a gorgeous silver or gold sequin blazer. Add some glitter on the eyes, and put that red lipstick to use. You’re ready to be the classiest dancing queen there is.

Follow Claire here!