Browsing Tag

Summer

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.

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

Sunglasses: it’s a Sunday, Somewhere state of mind

Posted on August 21, 2017

Question: How many pairs of sunglasses is it acceptable to own? I may have over-accessorised in this department but let’s face it, you can never have too many right?

Being introduced to a new brand is always exciting and with sunglasses, there are just so many choices out there. I have fallen head over heels for the new Sunday Somewhere brand in Magrabi, Bloomingdales, whose frames have been worn the world over by the likes of; Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Ruby Rose, Gigi Hadid, Beyonce & Solange as well as Cara D and a lot of Victoria Secret models, so we’re definitely in great company!

Sunday Somewhere is very much my kind of brand, it’s for the avid traveller, the person who just can’t sit still. The idea behind the brand is that it’s a Sunday, somewhere state of mind – so there’ll always be time to rest, but for now – head to the airport and play travel roulette. Pick a city you’ve never been to and simply explore. The next holiday is your story to tell…

Check out some of my favourite styles:

My favourite!

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!

fashion

Lusting After: Qatar’s HZ by Hissa Zainal

Posted on May 15, 2017

There’s nothing that screams summer more to me than floaty dresses and leather sandals. So when I was introduced to Qatar based designer Hissa Zainal’s new collection, I was immediately taken back to a sunny day in Europe last summer, watching the world go by from a small cafe in France.

HZ by Hissa Zainal is a ready to wear label and the brainchild of Hissa Zainal, a young and creative Qatari who’s also an award wining fashion designer. Since the release of her debut collection, Prologue, Hissa’s work has been featured in fashion magazines across the region and we can see why!

HZ by Hissa Zainal is a resort collection for SS17 inspired by the warmth of the sun, the salty ocean breeze and fragrant vivid blooms, combining fresh tones with relaxed silhouettes, creating a fun and feminine aesthetic.

Fabrics are light and feature a mixture of cotton and denim, which is perfect for those long hazy evenings. The collection is made of embroidered sheer overlays, featuring statement cutouts and ruffled sleeves add a very dreamy feel. Embroidered flowers, hand illustrated by Hissa Zainal add a beautifully detailed touch to the dresses too.

See what I mean…

fashion

Swimming in Rose Gold

Posted on May 4, 2017

I believe a good fitting swimsuit is worth its weight in gold…

This is the kind of swimwear you instantly see yourself lounging around a pool in, somewhere exotic, like St. Barth’s for example. It’s swimwear that will definitely get you noticed and for all the right reasons too.

Norma Swimwear was launched by entrepreneur Merve Kardes, in 2014 in Istanbul. Her partner Cemre Kardes Inan, who studied interior design, joined the team and added a very characteristic architectural perspective to their unique designs. Not only are their pieces extraordinarily intricate, they are also beyond comfy.

They describe themselves as avant-garde yet wearable. I couldn’t agree more as I put their beautiful ‘La Favourite’ one piece to the test behind the boat wake-surfing last weekend too. Using Italian fabrics and certified rose gold accessories in their designs, the swimwear doesn’t warp or elongate (my personal worst), it’s also proved to be able to endure repeated exposure to sunlight, salt water and chlorine and the only care you’ll need to take is to hand wash it, like with most luxe garments.

Check out some of my personal favourites here:

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

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:

Recommended

How to Look Good in a Bikini at Any Age

Posted on January 31, 2017

Relaxing travels, lounging on a beach and enjoying life in general is something we all appreciate regardless of age. Still, social and aesthetic norms can sometimes create an unjustified obstacle when it comes to your desire to soak up the sun, while reading a good book under a palm tree. Your physical appearance may make you feel uncomfortable in such surroundings. In order to avoid that, take a look at the following tips – with a few healthy habits, your age won’t stop you in having great beach body and attractive confidence while rocking a bikini.

Skin care
It’s essential that you step up your beauty and skin care routine. Your skin’s elasticity and texture change as you age, which is why products that worked for you in your 20s and 30s won’t do much good later on. Using the right products regularly, will surely improve your skin and prevent dryness. What’s more, sunscreen should be a staple in your routine. Even during winter months, sun can damage your skin, which makes an effective sunscreen an important part of your skin care. You can also experience various beauty benefits by using DIY face masks. Half an avocado and one tablespoon of honey effectively moisturize, rejuvenate and brighten the skin.

Light exercise
You don’t have to engage in challenging exercises if that’s not something appropriate for your age. Still, regular physical activity is essential for your health as well as muscle strengthening and body toning. In that respect, you can take up walking as a daily habit, discover the benefits of swimming or try some aerobic exercises. These workouts will boost blood circulation, release toxins, brighten up the skin and make you fitter without putting too much strain on your joints.

Choose the right swimwear
Your age is not the factor that you need to consider for choosing the right swimsuit – your body shape is. Regardless of age, you should always strive to wear garments that flatter your body type. For example, high-waisted bikini bottoms are perfect for people who want to hide lower tummy, while low-cut bikini bottoms are great choice if you have wider hips. Moreover, strapless bikini tops would look fabulous on smaller bust. On the other hand, bra-like fitted tops would offer proper support for big-busted ladies.

Great beach look
There’s a lot more to your beach look than the right choice of swimsuit. If you want to draw attention to your face, wear your hair down and style it in a way that suits your face shape the best. On the other hand, wearing your hair up will accentuate other areas such as your shoulders and bust. What’s more, accessories such as sunglasses and sarongs can complete your look in a flattering and interesting manner. Therefore, let yourself enjoy the process of getting ready for a lovely beach day.

Boost your confidence
If you find certain aspects of your body straight up bothersome and you’re positive that you can’t hide these shortcomings with effective swimwear and exercise, there’s nothing wrong with opting for plastic surgery. For example, undergoing abdominoplasty, also known as tummy tuck, will effectively remove and tone your sagging skin in the stomach area. If this is what you need to retrieve your self-esteem, feel free to go for it. You can also engage in some confidence-boosting exercises that include self-encouraging mantras. As you meditate, say sentences such as I’m beautiful, I’m strong, I love myself out loud and let them sink in.

In essence, you will find the confidence that you need within yourself. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t use other means to help you find it. Taking proper care of yourself and loving your body enough to make levelheaded decisions about plastic surgeries will put you at the top of the world. And rocking a bikini will be both natural and comfortable.

Written by: Claire Hastings

fashion

6 Swimsuits We’re Coveting This Summer

Posted on August 2, 2016

Summer means swimwear! Everyone right now seems to be in Greece/Spain or the South of Italy soaking up the (normal) sunshine, but even though it’s actually too hot to go outside in Dubai, i’m still scouring the shops for one pieces to wear round the pools as I test out my Privilee card!

Shopping online is a lot easier for me, but I’m not your average body shape – smaller ribs, wider hips and a bum that my mum isn’t even sure where it came from, means two things – I have to work harder to keep it all together AND I do not suit these high riding bikini bottom styles that are everywhere right now… nor for that matter do I look particularly symmetrical in the harry high-pants either.

Swimsuits are my ultimate piece of summer apparel. When I go shopping, their stylish simplicity means I’m not fighting the crowds looking for two different sized pieces that match! Also, with the bodysuit making a resurgence this season, I’m perfectly on trend pairing my one piece with a pair of high waisted shorts too.

Here’s my current covets from some of my favourite brands:

Acacia Swimwear

Sapia.Kang

H&M

Billabong

Vitamin A by Amahlia Stevens

L*Space

Older Posts