Pretty Fancy Things

I recently started working on a little venture where I will be selling beautiful, unique handmade items for babies and kids.  


The idea popped up a few months ago when I started looking around Dubai for cool decor items for my son's room, and wasn't too impressed with what I found.  So I turned to the Internet and found all kinds of treasures.  I've also been well aware of the handmade "movement" happening in other parts of the world, where people are re-gaining appreciation for pieces made by hand and heart, usually with a story behind them, rather than a cookie cutter type machine.  Even bigger stores are starting to stock such items made by crafters from places in Central America or Asia, please note I said crafters, not sweat shops.  That's the other attractive aspect of buying handmade, you are helping sustain small communities or encouraging people to develop their crafts, you are helping stay at home moms make an income with their crafts, and in many cases you are also helping the environment.  


So I've decided to be a part of this movement, in a city where the more famous the brand or the more expensive the item the better. But I believe in every piece that I have sourced.  Every piece is unique, thoughtful and fun. I've chosen things that make me wish I was a kid again, things that have put a smile on my face.  Things that confirm to me I'm a wicked mom.  And I hope other parents will feel that way too. 


Here's the flyer for my first sale which will be an open house on January 8th.  I will be selling decor items, clothing, toys and accessories.  If you happen to be in the U.A.E. come check it out. I will post some pictures of the day soon.  I'm really excited about this, fingers crossed!

Merry Xmas to all!

Wishing you all Happy Holidays!

Images: A Beautiful Mess, Heyyoyo, Marthastewart.com, My Sweet & Saucy, Blackeiffel

What I fancy this week

It's the festive season, so here's what I'm in the mood for at the moment.

1. Pixie Market Black Lace blouse - very sexy and versatile.  I would probably pair it with a nice pair of jeans and kick ass heals.  A simple pencil skirt can look super cute too.

2. Nina Ricci Fold-over flap bag - a timeless piece with a nice funky twist.

3. Foley + Corinna metallic lace strapless dress - This is very pretty and with the ruched detail and large waistband, it can be flattering on anyone.

4. Gryphon sequin band jacket - I love this piece.  Yes there are tonnes of sequined jackets out there, but the cut of this one is perfect, the collar, the 3/4 sleeves and the length.  You can slip this on over PJs and still look glamorous.

5. Lanvin black glossy calfskin asymmetrical shoe - sigh.

6. Herve Leger Low V Dress in Shadow - Dear Santa, I've been very good this year.  Promise! Can you please send me this dress and a quick and easy diet to lose the weight to look good in it? 

P.S. I promise I'll be a little more colorful next time!

Images: Pixie Market, Matches, Shopbop.com, Lanvin.com, Forwardforward.com

Hate a bad movie, love a bad boy

I watched The Tourist last night, and was totally disappointed.  Johnny and Angelina in a film together sounded almost as good a treat as winning an all expense trip to Italy and having full access to the Nutella factory for a week.  I may be pmsing, sorry.  Anyways...  after the Golden Globe nominations, I got even more excited.  But... I hate being disappointed.  


First of all Angelina was super annoying.  I'm the first person to admit that she is totally stunning, but I thought she looked awful in this film, and acted even worse.  She was too posey, pouty, stiff and had the worst English accent I've ever heard.  It's a shame because she really is beautiful, but the woman needs to add on a few pounds.  She looked like a zombie trying to walk in too tight of a skirt half the time.  Then there was the rest of the film.  It's one of those where you can't tell whether it's meant to be a comedy or an action flick, cause there wasn't enough humor or enough guns and explosions.  The chemistry between the two of them was as hot as Montreal this time of year. And the acting as a whole was awful.  And (spoiler alert), really she can fall in love in 2 days, really?  


But then there's Johnny.  There is one scene where he lights a cigarette and walks off in a white tux, that's when a smile just crept onto my face and was planted there for the next hour or so.  Here are some pictures from his latest photo shoot for Vanity Fair's January 2011 issue. Enjoy.

Images shot by Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair thru Zimbio.com

Harder is better you say?

I've mentioned my adoration for Madonna a few times in past posts, and anyone who knows me knows how serious I am about that.  So you can imagine my excitement when I heard about her latest venture - Hard Candy Fitness.  Madonna is going to be opening fitness centers around the world, the first one just opened in Mexico City.  What's great about this is it's not just any celebrity endorsing a totally random project with just her name.  Madonna is very well known for her super fit body and dedication to working out, so I for one think she is definitely credible in doing something like this.  The plan is to open a bunch of gyms in countries like Brazil, Argentina and Russia.  Of course I really hope Dubai is part of the plan!  Check out the photos of the first branch, which I've sourced from the Hard Candy Fitness facebook page.  Love it!

A clever way to shop

I'm really excited to share this with you.  Yet ANOTHER way to shop!  And, check this... brought to you by the masters of the universe as we know it today - Google.  Boutiques.com was launched last month, and I can't wait to see how big this thing will be. This is how they describe the site:

The way it works is that you create an account or a boutique.  You get asked a few questions about your personal style, which is not only fun, it also gets you thinking about what kind of look you really aspire for.  After you answer these questions, the google geeks (who we love of course) generate a selection of pieces that fit your style.  Ta da!!   You can then browse through them to shop (direct links to retailers) or save them as a sort of wish list for yourself and to showcase your style to others.  You can also browse the boutiques of others, including celebrities like the Olsen twins, Olivia Palmero and Nicole Richie as well as designers, retailers, fashion bloggers and other trend setters from all over the place.  You can also follow people, or have your own followers a la Twitter.  So if you like Polyvore (which you must if you love fashion), you will love this.  


I'm sure this site will keep improving and offering more unique services with time, but for now, go and play :)

I'm back!!

I feel awful, I can't believe its been over two months since my last post.  I wish I had some super exciting story to explain my absence but it's simply been a mixture of preoccupation and laziness.  But that's it, I'm back. Promise. Moving On.


I just finished watching an episode of Gossip Girl, and I really need to know if I'm totally abnormal or if there are others like me out there.  I'm sure I will piss off a few people with what I'm about to say, but guys... how stupid is this show?! 
And no, it's not only because I can't stand Serena van der Woodsen and the way she mumbles.  The storyline keeps spiraling into silly, cheesy, childish and incestuous plots that can compete with the Bold and the Beautiful easily.  And what pisses me off even more is that I keep watching.  I shake my head and look at my watch occasionally, but then I keep watching!  Ok, so the fashion is absolutely fabulous, I would give my right arm to have Serena or Blair or even Vanessa's wardrobes, and yes... Chuck Bass is HOT, but really this show is a joke.  


Here are some reasons why G.G. should just stop.
1. The plot lines seemed ever so slightly acceptable, in terms of how silly they were (not with how outrageous their lifestyles were!) when they were in high school, but now they are in college.  Let's just say that if I were part of the Columbia or NYU faculty I would resign immediately for the embarrassing association.
2. Do these people suffer from amnesia?  They can't possibly fall in love with a different character, who was in love with their ex and their best friend's ex each season.  I confused myself just typing that!
3. I like hearing about the rich and famous like most women do, to get a glimpse into their glamorous lives and daydream. But if I ever have a daughter who thought anything on this show is close to being reality or appropriate or cool I would have to send her to boarding school... in North Korea or someplace far far away.
4. Each character faces about 15 scandals a season, yet it doesn't seem to affect their ever so important 'social standing', strange?
5. Did I mention how annoying I think Serena is with her voice, and her childish pout?  I was shocked by Blake Lively's performance in The Town, the girl does actually have talent.  
6. The only characters that were meant to be somewhat normal, i.e. the Humphreys who lived in frowned upon Brooklyn, ended up being the weirdest of the bunch!  Why is the dad always hanging out in cashmere sweaters with a very Ken-like hair do?
7. Where are these bars in New York that let all these minors drink like there's no tomorrow?  I remember when I was in college, being carded if I even walked past a bar in New York.  


I also want to point out 1 thing.  I'm not going on about this because I'm some prude who doesn't think teenagers should be shown having sexual relationships on TV.  Actually, there's a British show called Skins, which I'm a fan of.  Skins is also about high school kids, ok sure, they are not from the fancy Upper East Side, but they are teenagers and the show is very controversial.  The show covers all sorts of topics that include tonnes of sex, drugs and drama.  It just worries me that a show like Gossip Girl is such a hit, especially with teenage girls.  


I came across these ads a while ago, they're quite old actually.  They really created a buzz at the time, a lot of people found them offensive, a lot of parents complained, etc.  I thought they were quite clever.  Too bad the show isn't clever at all.  Xoxo!

  

What I fancy this week

1. Winter Kate Silk Chiffon Kimono Dress - Maxi dresses are so easy to wear, and this is a great transition to the slightly cooler weather here in Dubai.

2. Balmain Chain Fringing Drummer Jacket - Very cool, love the color.

3. Judy Shirt by Lollys Laundry - Animal print? Check. Looks great with jeans or black harem pants? Check. Looks even better under an oversized grey cardi? Check.

4. Leather skirt by tibi - Leather is all over the place right now, and while I wish I was back in my 20s so I can pull off wearing leather pants, I don't mind settling for this beautiful and versatile piece for now.

5. Cropped Blazer in Cheetah by Rachel Pally - this jersey blazer is perfect for "fall" in Dubai.

6. Lace-up leather shoe boots by Balenciaga - I'm in love. These would go with literally everything!

Images: Tobi, Zenggi, tibi, Revolve Clothing, Matches

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Digital Wonders

How clever is this concept of an online only magazine? I'm not sure how long they've been around, but I've recently discovered them and think they are awesome. I get to flip through them just like a regular glossy, I can zoom in, I can click on whatever interests me and I'm immediately directed to it's retailer or designer (a marketer's dream!), it's usually free and not that I'm a tree hugger, but it's environmentally friendly! Of course a big factor for the creators of these magazines is their understanding of the new social media landscape, so lots of talented bloggers get featured which makes the content all the more real.

Here are a few you can check out.

Fashion & Lifestyle:

1. Glossy Magazine - Fashion magazine from London, need I say more?


2. Cellardoor Magazine - Fun read with beautiful fashion and great interviews.
3. Antler Magazine - Fashion, Design and Photography all presented beautifully.

Kiddies:

1. Small Magazine - Covers fashion, crafts, kid friendly recipes, and showcases stylish toys.
2. Papier Mache - Scope out the coolest in kid's fashion and decor while enjoying stunning photography.




Home Decor:


1. Rue Magazine - this magazine has just been launched by two bloggers. You go girls!


2. Lonny - Started by two former Domino staff, this magazine is full of great ideas.

Food & Entertaining:

1. Sweet Paul Magazine - A spin off from Paul Lowe's successful foodie blog Sweet Paul. Yum!

2. Nesting Newbies - Recipes and tips from professional chefs and bloggers too.

What I fancy this week - Fall!

Autumn is my favorite season. Beautiful shades of yellows, oranges, browns and auburns. Long walks enjoying crisp weather. Soft knit sweaters and funky boots. People watching in a cafe while sipping on a cappuccino. Too bad we don't get any sense of that here in Dubai. It's almost October and it was 38 degress (celsius) and still so humid my shades fogged up when I walked out the door today, nice huh?

Here's what Autumn should be like...

Images: By Oer-Wout via deviantART, Sweet Paul, Toast, Shopbop

Good Morning

This just made me smile, so I wanted to share.

Image: jwlphotography via Bodie and Fou

Maxim Shmaxim

A few months ago, men's magazine Maxim released their infamous Maxim's Hot 100 list.  This is a list of the top 100 hottest female celebrities of the year.  Men love it as it's a great collection of pictures of 100 ummm HOT women in 1 magazine, so it simplifies their lives.  I love it (you do too admit it!) because I get to scrutinize these women and compare them to each other, as well as analyse the male psyche.  Every year there are many entries that I 'approve' of and many that I gawk at the thought of them even being considered.  I recently got my hands on this year's list, and I gawked unpleasantly quite a bit, especially at the top 5:

• No. 5 Megan Fox  - OK, she is stunning, she can be part of the top five.  So it's the top 4 that pissed me off.
• No. 4 Blake Lively - Come on!! The way her lips crumple up every time she mumbles something is one of the most annoying things in the world.  Yes she has a fantastic figure and great style, but I still find her borrriiinnngg.  Plus Blair kicks her butt in G.G.
• No. 3 Zoe Saldana - Look... she's attractive, she is.  But give me a break! Did her publicist pay Maxim's editors?  I think she got enough publicity from Avatar no?  
• No. 2 Brooklyn Decker - Yes she has to be hot to be a Sports Illustrated model, but top 5? Don't think so.  Again... boorrrriinnnggggg!  No I don't think all blondes are boring, promise!
• No. 1 KATY PERRY - Seriously?! I mean she's pretty, but this is who you choose to put as the number one hottest woman of the moment?  This is the girl we should be secretly envying? The same girl who wore a dress that lit up on the red carpet?! The same girl engaged to that hairy, skinny guy? 

Just for fun, here is who I would have selected as top 10 (in no particular order):

1. Jennifer Connelly - She can look angelic, smart and sexy all at once
2. Rose Byrne - Elegant and classy
3. Marion Cotillard - Sexy and sophisticated with attitude, ah ze French
4. Milla Jovovich - I saw her sitting in a cafe, zero makeup, wow!  Oh and she's one of those people who have 50 talents, actress, musician, fashion designer
5. Angelina Jolie - Ok she may need to gain a few pounds but she IS half of the coolest couple ever!
6. Jessica Biel - She has grown on me in the last year.  J.T.... yes she is up to your standard
7. Freja Beha - The 'IT' model of the moment.  She oozes coolness, Tom Ford agrees.
8. Jessica Szohr - This girl is so stunning AND she's dating Ed Westwick a.k.a Chuck Bass a.k.a. my latest crush.
9. Rosie Huntington Whiteley - I first saw her in a Burberry campaign a couple of years back and still think she is one of the most beautiful women ever.  There must be a flaw... ugly toes perhaps?
10. Scarlett Johansson - She looks better and better with every film she's in, did you see her in He's not that into you or even in the latest Mango campaign?

A few of these have been on "my list" for a few years, which makes them even more special.  They just get more beautiful with age!  A few are new entries like Jessica Szohr and Marion Cotillard.  What makes these ladies top my list, other than the fact that they are gorgeous is that there is something classic and natural about their beauty and the way they carry themselves.  Also, I want to look like them. 




Images: ABC Entertainment News, The Cinema Source, The Hit List, Supermodels.nl, Jessica Szohr

Nursery blues

Yesterday I thought I was super lucky. I thought I managed to get through the key milestone of Y starting nursery seamlessly.  It was his second day of nursery, and it was relatively painless.  He didn't cry when I left, but when I walked in to pick him up he cried a little while hugging me.  The day before he apparently only cried for 10 minutes then proceeded to be his usual Tasmanian devil self.  Today however, was the third day.  I was warned that it will get worse before it gets better, that he will throw proper fits when he realizes that this is a recurring event that he never agreed to.  When he starts to think that mommy is so evil, that she can cheerfully drop him off at a place with new big people who try a little too hard to make everything sound exciting, and a bunch of other unfortunate smaller people who are as lost as he is.  The third day is when he realizes that life as he knew it, is over.  


It wasn't all that easy on me either.  The first two days I was the calm, collected mom who gave a quick kiss and hug and walked away.  Today, he started crying as I was walking away and I felt awful!  It's so hard to keep walking knowing the little guy is tearfully looking at my back, wishing and praying I would turn around and rescue him, wishing I would be his hero.  I'm hoping I can still be his hero, maybe if I find a way to wipe this day from his memory? 

Emmy Awards 2010

I feel bad that I've been M.I.A. in the last few weeks.  I've been traveling around.  My best friend had her wedding in Lebanon (Congrats again Carol!!!) so I was quite busy with that, plus the internet there wasn't as accessible as I would've liked.  In any case, I'm back.  Just in time for the Emmy's.  I have to say, I was super thrilled that Modern Family won best comedy, it's a brilliant show with a perfect cast.  I was also happy that Jim Parsons won best actor in a comedy, as Dr. Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory.  I have a HUGE crush on Sheldon! Does that make me weird?  And of course, I was super happy that Top Chef won best reality show instead of Amazing Race, if you haven't watched it and you love food, you have to check it out.   Ok, so that's my two cents on the awards, now on to more important stuff.


Christina Hendricks in Zac Posen.  She made curves hot again, VERY hot.  This dress is a perfect compliment to her figure as well as her colors.  It's feminine and hugs the body in all the right places. 

Anna Paquin in Alexander McQueen - I have mixed feelings about this army/matador inspired gown.  I actually like the top part, but find everything from below the chest very unflattering.  

January Jones in Versace - While I wouldn't be caught dead wearing this, I like it on her. The girl's got guts.  It's playful and very modern.  It would've been cooler without the long train though, I hate trains.

Lea Michele in Oscar de la Renta.  Mermaid hem with tonnes of ruffles and it's still gorgeous! Stranger things have happened I guess.  Love that her hair is so natural to balance the glamour of the gown.

Rose Byrne in Gucci.  I love her.  She's great in Damages and I think she is absolutely stunning. The 70's inspired gold accents, and the sexy cut outs work really nicely together without being OTT.  Not sure about the hair though, a little too 'just got out of bed'?

Julie Benz in Pamella Roland.  While she totally bores me on Dexter, I found this really beautiful. Very simple with a nice touch with the cutout at the waist.  

Eva Longoria in Robert Rodriguez - This is probably the most unflashy I've seen Eva ever, which is a good thing.  Doesn't she get bored of the mermaid hem?  

Julie Bowen in J. Mendel.  My husband always thought she was cute on Modern Family and I never understood why, until now.  She looks fantastic here.  Love the gown (obviously I'm a fan of this color) and love the simplicity of her look.

Toni Collette in Valentino.  This is so lovely.  It's dramatic and simple at the same time.  Very unique.  Love it. 

Images: InStyle.com, American Superstar Magazine