Browsing Tag

Style

fashion

Dress like an Influencer – by Claire Hastings

Posted on October 3, 2018

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

Source

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.

Source

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

Source

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

Source

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

Source

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

Source

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

Source

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

Source

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

Source

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.

Image source

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.

Image source

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.

Image source

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.

Image source

Follow Claire here!

fashion

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

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

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

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

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

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!

fashion

Follow This Summer’s Mermaid Chic Trend – By Claire Hastings

Posted on July 29, 2017

Every summer, new fashion trends pop up or find their way back from the past all jazzed and glitzed up. A great example of the latter is no other than the lovely retro mermaid chic style that will make you look truly mesmerizing wherever you decide to spend these warm summer days. Of course, looking like a mermaid doesn’t mean that you have to slip into a faux tail and lie on the beach all day. This trend is actually a lot more fun and exciting. The best thing is that there are just so many cool aspects of mermaid chic look that absolutely anyone can find their favorite things to do in order to spice up their summer style.
Source

Get colorful

When someone mentions either retro style or mermaids, a burst of color first comes to mind. You can guess that you have complete freedom with your colorful looks when it comes to the style called retro mermaid. Pairing vibrant outfit pieces is definitely a great way to start rocking this trend. However, the colorfulness doesn’t stop with your outfit. Colorful makeup as well as vibrant hair colors make this trend truly fascinating. Especially since you don’t have to stick to just one hair colour.
Source

Glitter up

Obviously, a mermaid trend cannot be complete without the glam and glow of glitter. You may be skeptical about putting glitter on you when the weather is so hot but there are actually special glitter gels that you can use for your skin, your eye makeup as well as your hair! You may not want to swim with this on, but there’s really nothing better to make a relaxing evening or a funky gig at the beach more magical. Of course, it’s not all about sticking glitter to your body. Just like colorful pieces of clothing make a great choice for your mermaid-inspired outfit, glittery and sequined clothes make the perfect choice!

Photo by Maximilien T’Scharner on Unsplash

Show off your mermaid body

What can you do to look like a real-life mermaid as you enjoy the beach and swimming fun during the day? Well, you should definitely look for great swimsuits first. Actually, since the mermaid chic style is so retro in nature, one-piece swimsuits have been all the rage recently. Of course, look for patterned and colorful swimsuits or opt for sequin or pearly ones – these will make sure that you shine like a true mermaid under the sun. Just don’t forget to apply your sunscreen. Speaking of sunscreen, you can actually find products with pearly finishes that will add a special touch to the whole look.
Source

Don’t forget about the jewellery

Honestly, what kind of a mermaid chic trend that would be without appropriate jewelry? Mermaids are said to like shiny and sparkly things and that’s exactly what your jewelry should look like. If you want to swim with your bling, plastic bangles and pearls with shiny and sparkly overlays are perfect. For the rest of your summer fun, you can choose whatever you like. Large statement earrings, dangly necklaces with crystals on them, crystal and turquoise rings and similar hair pieces will bring the whole look together even if you prefer a pastel, less vibrant approach to the whole trend.
Source

Glam up your accessories

To enjoy this particular trend to the fullest, why not transform all your accessories into a mermaid-approved bling? Apart from your jewelry and clothing accessories, there are plenty of things that can help you feel this look even more. For example, choose iridescent or sparkly bags, wallets and purses. Go for whimsical designs and patterns of your beach towels. Heck, even your water bottle can look magical if you get those with crystals inside them. Don’t fear the change, especially if it’s as glamorous, magical and fascinating as a mermaid chic fashion trend. As mentioned, take the bits of this style that suit your personality but can still help you step out of the box. Remember, your inner mermaid should never be stuck inside the box you yourself created for no reason. Embrace all the fun!

Follow Claire here!

Recommended

Have a Great Hair Day

Posted on July 13, 2017

I’m not a very conscientious ‘girl’, that is to say, I don’t spend a lot of time or effort finding out about the latest hair treatments or cuts and i’m certainly not ‘in the know’ when it comes to celeb stylists or beauty trends. I do spend a lot of time washing my hair, thanks to various fitness classes and of course being in and out of the water on an almost daily basis, so I do care about my hair and whether or not it’s healthy and shiny.

One person I do go for advice on all thing beauty related is my sister. With a wealth of beauty editorial positions complete with a beauty APP under her belt, she is my beauty guru. So when she said somewhere is a ‘must’ then it’s a must… and i’m SO glad she did.

Rossano Ferretti salon is Dubai’s hairdresser du jour, where you walk in to their hotel-esque villa on Beachroad, order a fancy tea and they just cut. It’s really a modern yet magical experience, having transformed by straight-ish thick locks into a shorter, more manageable and lighter style.

For the first time ever, i’m happy to leave my hair down, without fear the humidity will have me looking like Monica from friends in the Caribbean! I didn’t go for a colour, as the sun is thankfully kissing my hair naturally, but the cut is a guaranteed blow-dry free shape, created using their signature technique.

Uncategorized

Bohemian Chic in Maje SS17

Posted on February 3, 2017

Spring is in the air, not that we really had much of a winter mind you… but the light spots of rain have helped clean up the sandy sunrises and everything is shiny again. I’m now planning my summer’s in Santorini as apposed to skiing in St. Moritz, so when I got a sneak preview at Maje’s chic SS17 collection, I was sold, their explosion of colour and floaty oversized shapes are what drew me in.

From Marakesh with love… the collection really vibes from their Moroccan-French designer, Judith Milgrom.

Here’s my suitcase full of French:

The beautiful chocolate hue and feminine floatiness of this dress has me drooling. Styled with this off-white hassled ‘M’ bag (a signature of the brand) and i’m breathing in the St. Tropez air already.

A classic with a twist… literally! Loving the wrap skirt and lightweight fabric of this dress.

Rich in colour with a playful feel, a kaftan style that’ll help you go from beach to bar in no time.

Bold, bright and brilliantly yellow. This is the dress of the summer for me.

Perfectly hued to go with every one of the above… This handbag is feels as soft as it looks.

Pineapple earrings are a holiday must-have! The tassle helps make them a little more chic, so i’m sold!

Out in Feb 2017… Check out Maje at Citywalk 2!

fashion Recommended

5 H&M Summer Essentials For a Long Weekend Away

Posted on June 13, 2015

I’m not the most trend conscious person in the world, but I love picking up little classic staple pieces that can be dressed up or down. I’ve found that some of my best purchases recently have come from H&M. With their dedicated Conscious Collection killing it in stores (sold out in a day), I’m learning to look past the main mannequins.

Here’s my 5 favourite pieces from their riviera-ready designs: