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fashion

Alilia.com Launches In Dubai

Posted on April 27, 2017

Online shopping has to be one of my absolute favourite ways to fill up my wardrobe with season staples and i’m super excited about this new portal! Alilia is a Swedish based brand that is launching its first collection and Ramadan specials here in the Middle East.

Walking into the press day felt like taking a step into St. Tropez. A fully boho-chic white wardrobe on one side, full of embroidery and broderie pieces that can be worn anywhere from weddings to walks on the beach, and a day-night collection on the other side that promotes a more bohemian way of life.

The brand is based on creative designer Ali ́’s eclectic life journey, who has collaborated with some of the leading fashion houses throughout Europe including most recently Zara. “Alilia is a brand that evokes feelings of freedom, memories, creativity and love. The passion and emotion put into every detail results in collections full of timeless pieces. I don’t see fashion in individual shapes and forms. I see women who know they are all unique and will let their story be told with Alilia.”

Have a scroll through all the colorful dress prints and lacy tops, beaded skirts and chic kaftan’s which are made from fine fabrics and feature a real attention to detail. Check out my favourite pieces below…

fashion

Early Risers: Speedo Water Babes

Posted on April 22, 2017

Wake surfing is my all-time favourite pastime, so when Speedo offered to kit out some of our Dubai water-loving babes for an awesome morning out on the boat, we jumped at the chance!

We headed down to Fahrenheit Beachsports with @LeanLivingGirl, @Thuymi, @MissCharFit, @Monkyseemonkydo and @ClaireFalconer_ our favourite surf spot, with a private cove that’s perfect for wake-surfing and no traffic!

For those who haven’t tried wake-surfing (not to be confused with wake-boarding of course), it’s super fun and a relatively gentle sport as the speed on the back of the boat is a lot slower than when you waterski or wakeboard. For some of our first-timers out there, the chilly water was the only barrier as they all found their feet and ‘the sweet-spot’ quickly.

Wake-surfing is less of a workout for the arms too, as you’ll let go once you’ve found your surf rhythm behind the boat. The key with wake-surfing is to not overthink it, and to just enjoy the ride, as whether you remain on the rope or you drop it and you’re able to give carving a little go, you’re going to feel the wave under your board and you’ll get your balance in no time.

Check out the action below with all of us #SpeedoWaterBabes kitted out in their cute summer rashy’s!…

fashion

New In Town: Alexandra Miro Swimwear

Posted on April 14, 2017

Summer’s almost here, which means we’ve skipped the whole ‘get into shape’ season and we’re caught with our trousers down… literally. So when your group whatsapp blinks and someone’s suggested a little Nikki Beach action, rather than avoiding it or coming up with an excuse, brave the tan lines and put on your best swimwear!

In this case, there’s a new brand in town who’s making waves, Alexandra Miro is our new go-to online swimwear brand, designed to fit snuggly to your body, whilst flattering your bosom and torso too! With only 7 styles at the moment, the key is not necessarily individuality, but comfort and luxury combined. Whether you’re a gym-bunny or you prefer the Easter bunny, Miro has a design in mind for you.

Miro’s background is in lingerie so we can be assured that she’s seen her fair share of naked women, and most likely, knows a thing or two about the wobbly bits we all want to hide, so she uses a neoprene fabric, which ‘sucks you in’ where you want it to.

Finding the perfect swimwear has long been a passion of mine, so i’m rather excited about the new beach-brunch season getting underway now… check out her collection here:

fashion

Billabong X Andy Warhol

Posted on April 11, 2017

“I came out of the womb on a surfboard” said Andy Warhol infamously back in his day, so it was only a matter of time before a surf collection was created. Who other than the world’s most popular sun, sand and surf brand, Billabong, to take on his iconic designs and turn them into a unique capsule collection called ‘Warhol Surf’.

The brainchild of the brand’s LAB – a division which supports local talent in a variety of pillars, from musicians to artists, designers, photographers and of course surf icons. The collab with The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts helps to bring to light his little known fascination with surf culture and their convention-challenging styles. Having partnered in the past with Bob Marley and Metallica, Billabong is no stranger to rebellious spirits.

Bikini’s feature florals in muted tones and charcoal backgrounds, all in their signature shapes, including a surf perfect paddle suit. Sunset pastels add a more summery vibe to the halter-neck bikinis and for men, grey and white palm trees on darker t-shirts and board shorts give a subtle nod to Warhol’s 1968 Southern Californian surf video ‘San Diego Surf’.

Available only at selected outlets across the Middle East and Asia, grab your limited edition bikini or rashie down at their store exclusively in The Dubai Mall.

fashion

H&M: Holding Fast Fashion Accountable

Posted on February 21, 2017

I love it when great minds come together and the team at one of the most famous high street brands in the world, H&M, are certainly on the right track. It is estimated that more than 1 million tonnes of textiles are thrown away every year, most of which ends up in landfill sites. So sustainable textiles have to be the future.

Launching their latest CONSCIOUS EXCLUSIVE collection, H&M are without a doubt pushing forward in this industry, with 20% of their pieces now made from more sustainable materials, with the aim each year to increase this share. One of their key elements in this is BIONIC; a recycled polyester made from plastic shoreline waste. H&M notes that they are one of the world’s biggest users of recycled polyester and one of the biggest buyers of organic cotton. Their goal is ultimately to have their cotton 100% sustainably sourced by 2020.

This year, supermodel and philanthropist Natalia Vodianova starred in their campaign too, so don’t think that the pieces are in any way lacking style, just because they use a different material…

fashion Fitness

When Speedo Got Sexy

Posted on February 14, 2017

No we’re not talking banana hammocks here either… the Speedo brand has long been synonymous with swimmers and the more athletic water warriors, but it’s had a bit of a refresh with its H2O Active collection and I have to admit, i’m a fan!

We jumped in to the nicely heated outdoor pool at Fairmont the Palm to put the collection to the test. They have an aqua-cycle class i’ve been dying to try out so it was a great way of seeing what all the hype was about.

The collection itself ranges from multi-strapped bikinis with spliced waistbands, to one-pieces with added bra tops and open backs and also includes water wearable leggings! I chose the one-piece for a bit of added warmth in case it was a bit nippy that early in the morning.

Check out the H2O Active range for yourself:

#GetSpeedoFit

fashion

The Outnet: Luxe Activewear

Posted on January 17, 2017

For someone who has just cleaned out their activewear drawer, the January sales come as a bittersweet reward. I’ve now currently divided my leggings into sweat-worthy, workout suitable and travel appropriate. So when The Outnet.com (an online designer discount haven) emails me to say HEY, come check out our new luxury activewear, what am I supposed to do… not look?

Styling it as an ‘essential,’ this shiny new workout wear with golden logos has me reaching for my wallet before i’ve even clicked through the emailer. But in all honesty, the clothing that see’s the most usage in my wardrobe is the ones I care the least about sweating in… i.e. older collection/print, slightly too loose (or tight) and would maybe consider painting a house in (the formula for all my clothing that is to either remain hanging or be forever drawer-ed.)

So just where will these new pieces go? My theory is that if I can picture it with a large jumper, boots and a nice wooly scarf, they are ski-suitable and will end up on the travel appropriate pile, just like a plethora of other leggings that I have saved away for those ‘special occasions’ (once every 2 years!). But if you expect me to actually workout in them, then they need to be softer than soft, skin-like and not remotely see-through in a downward dog, so realistically – after the high-calorie holiday – not required right now.

Channel your inner Cara Delevigne and travel luxe in these shiny new pieces:

fashion Fitness

New Year, New Workout Gear

Posted on January 5, 2017

Ever feel like your workout wardrobe is better than your evening one? I certainly do… but that means it’s time for it to get a bit of a karmic cleanse too (I mean who wears neon to the gym anymore!?). I always wear my newest gym gear, because like everything, when it’s new, I feel confident in it. Admittedly there’s a few colour heavy/trendy pieces mixed in with the more classic black leggings, but all in all, I can honestly say I’d be happy to downward dog in just about everything in there.

Even though it’s my current favourite gym wear, it’s worth recycling the pile every so often. If you can’t work out what to throw out, turn the pile upside down and see if you go for those forgotten leggings next time you book a class or if you pull from within the pile itself!

For me though, a workout isn’t just in the gym! My swimwear also gets a refresh every January – to whittle out those few favoured bikinis that are turning a little see-through…

Check out my fave new pieces you can buy online in the U.A.E!
THE UPSIDE paddle suit from Sun & Sand Sports

DHARMA BUMS leggings from yApparel

BODY LANGUAGE capri leggings and crop top from Sun & Sand Sports

fashion

Dedicating Time With D1 Milano

Posted on December 7, 2016

There’s elegance in perfect simplicity.

What started as a marketing thesis by Dario, who currently heads the company with sister Alessia and long-time friends Alessandro and Mattia, quickly gained ground as one of the Italy’s fastest growing fashion accessories brands. Born in Milan during the MFW 2013, it’s now present in the world’s leading fashion stores, and here in the U.A.E it’s exclusive to Harvey Nichols!

D1 Milano is actually pronounced ‘The One’ and is known for its rubberised style, which has a huge following in Asia. Launching their first local pop-up at SOLE DXB this year gave them an urban edge, as their affordable luxury collections were in high-demand, having just launched their exclusive and lim.ed. ‘Dubai’ watch too.

Here’s what I was wearing…

fashion

Ray-Ban: Eye Candy Redefined

Posted on November 21, 2016

If we think about it… accessories are much more than just eye candy, they are adornments of culture, individuality and status (anthropologically speaking). But more than that, they help us to defy authority and regiment by interjecting elements of our personality outwardly.

I can try to rationalise why I have 400,000… earrings, rings, necklaces at home, but really, we buy accessories because they make people notice that little extra bit of effort you put in, that little added detail. Out of all my hoarding, i’ve got a real penchant for sunglasses, they frame the face and automatically make people (me) more attractive I think.

Which is why Luxottica’s press day at the gorgeous Culinary Boutique hotspot on Beachroad had me wishing I had more heads to wear them all on! Ray-Ban is a brand in particular I feel suits my lifestyle well. There’s an element of heritage, style and yet we’re not dealing with full on face-furniture 😉

Timeless style, authenticity and freedom of expression from its debut in 1937, I think their pieces are particularly perfect for the beach – bar scenario which is most of my weekends at the moment. Here’s my favourite pieces from the Ray-Ban at Luxottica round up:

And of course… my pair:

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