Dubai's It Girl Goes to Paris!

Well everybody, I finally made it to Paris for University. I have been to Paris before, but this time I am living here! Don’t worry; I will still continue to travel back and forth to Dubai on school breaks, holidays and for work. Dubai’s It Girl will always be around to report about all the fabulousness of the country’s fashion events and culture. My heart will always belong to Dubai!

I thought I would post some photos of Paris and of course a few pictures of me! I love the architecture of Paris and the people are so fashionable, which is to be expected because “couture fashion” was born in Paris. People say that the French are rude, but I find them quite pleasant…maybe it’s because I’m originally a New Yorker! LOL. Anyway…Parsons Paris is a fantastic college to attend. Some great designers have graduated from this school (Marc Jacobs, Isaac Mizrahi, Anna Sui, Donna Karan, Peter Som, Derek Lam, Jason Wu and Tom Ford, to name a few.), and I feel honored to be a student here. The funny thing is, is that I am not majoring in fashion design. My degree program is called Design Management, which is a business degree with emphasis in fashion design. In other words, when I graduate, I will be able to manage/run fashion houses or be the head of a fashion magazine, like Anna Wintour. I still have to take classes in fashion design, so maybe I will create my own line in the future…who knows…the world is mine to what I want with it!

Keep your dreams alive! xoxo

What's In My Wardrobe - Grazia Magazine 2010

As promised, here is a scanned copy of me in this weeks 2010 Grazia's magazine "What's In My Wardrobe." I had a really great time do this, and the staff at Grazia were super! Let me know what you think of my fashion picks in this editorial and don't forget to buy the magazine!  xoxo

Karama Adventure

All Photos taken by 77 Street Productions & Friends.

Make-up and styling done by Anna Deleon.

If you have never discovered the Karama Souk (shopping area) located in the Bur Dubai area, then you are definitely missing out on finding little treasures. They have a variety of souvenir stores tucked away on its colorful streets. You can also find and array of scarves, bags, shoes, jewelry, bedding and a plethora of restaurants and shawarma stands. I always find really nice things when I visit Karama. Maybe next time I’ll see you there! Until then…tell’m I told you! Xoxo
(Jumper is from H&M/shoes are Steve Madden/Tote Louie Vuitton /Black sequence vest f can be found at New Look.)

Color Me Softly:PANTONE S/S 2010 Spring Colors

Washed Silk Ruffle Dress, $960 /Vanessa Bruno Cowl neck sweater, $370 /Deployment Shorts, $195 /BRIAN ATWOOD - GATHERED SUEDE LOW BOOTS, 557 EUR /JIMMY CHOO - CHARITY PROJECT PHOENIX WEDGES, 325 EUR

The world is finally going to be seen in its true colors! Earth tones and palates of natural elements will govern this season’s collections. The top ten Spring/Summer 2010 PANTONE colors are all about calmness, serenity and positive energy. This is a welcomed change from all the black, white and dark grey I’ve been seeing lately. The world needs a splash of color, and I think this year we are going to see some remarkable and artistic fashion creations coming to our stores.

Included in this entry are a few designers, who describe their inspiration and color vision for the Spring/Summer 2010 season. I also put a collage together, in which the clothes and accessories where chosen based on the featured designers PANTONE color motivations. Your feedback is always appreciated, so do not forget to share your opinion with me please. :)

History Has Been Made! The Burj Khalifa

Today, I witnessed history being made! It was a tiring, but exhilarating time for me and my family, as we witnessed the opening celebration of the tallest building in the world, “Burj Khalifa.” Thousands attended, and we all marveled at the spectacular fireworks and water extravaganza that took place to commemorate the event. While driving, the traffic was minimal, and we were able to get a park fairly quickly. However, trying to get through the crowds in Dubai Mall was a bit challenging. Thank goodness we were able to obtain a table at Al Hallab Restaurant, where we had a perfect view of the Burj. The food was excellent, the service was fantastic and the company was priceless! Burl Khalifa is the most remarkable development of its time. I can not wait to see the spectacular views, while shopping and eating in the Burj’s fine-dinning restaurants.

Not everyone around the world is so excited about Dubai’s record breaking building. The Burj stands over 800 meters and many Indian workers spent the last six years of their lives building it. Unfortunately, some construction workers have lost their lives building this modern day monument, as did the men who constructed the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and the Eifel Tower. Truly, the Burj is a testament to man’s hard work and sacrifice, which we should celebrate and not negate.

For many, the Burj is a symbol of freedom. As I watched the faces around me, I felt their joy, their hope and their pride. I know that the global financial crisis has hit us all hard, but do we have to lie down and die, or complain about it all the time? Well I’m here to tell you, that I’m not going to let my dreams of being "fabulous" everyday of my life die because of the problems that surround me…and you should not either! My advice to everyone is to live life fashionably well, love with all your heart, and let the color of your dreams come alive. This is what 2010 is all about!

Thank you Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashed al-Maktoum for your vision, and for making something extraordinary and beautiful!

I welcome all comments. Signing out…Dubai’s It Girl!

The New Prince of Fashion: Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi

This humble and talented Sheikh may have his beginnings as Emirate royalty, but now he rules the runways of London Town! Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi is one of the fashion designers to watch. His SS2010 collection is all about youthfulness and Pop-u-lar-ity, which is exactly why celebrities, such as Lady Gaga, Florence Welch and Cheryl Cole are choosing to wearing the “QASIMI” couture label. Khalid’s dramatic and elegant style reflects the current trends of fashion today, as well as the idealism of fashion in the future. There is no doubt that this Sharjah born Sheikh will take over the fashion world by storm. I can’t wait to see what he will “wow” us with next at London Fashion Week this New Year.

I’m sure Sheikh Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi would love to hear what you have to say about his designs, so don’t forget to leave a comment :). You can visit his website at www.qasimi.com

No Glass Slippers Here 2010

Shoe Designer Camilla Skovgaard

Even though shoe crafter, Camilla Skovgaard, began her career in Dubai making couture footwear for the regions princesses, ( i.e. Sheikh’s wives and daughters), there are no glass slippers anywhere to be found in her phenomenal AW2010 collection! This award winning designer’s minimalistic yet sophisticated style is anything but understated. The feminine conscious engineering of Camilla Skovgaard edgy heels and wedges are the perfect combination of what I call the three C’s− Current, Comfortable and Classy. It’s no wonder why famous fashion designers, such as Matthew Williamson, have paired up with Camilla for New York’s Mercedes Fashion Week.

I love her shoes so much because they make sense! Any intelligent fashionista will love to wear her shoes as well. Plus, who wants glass slippers anyway? They probably hurt your feet and most likely don’t come with a Prince Charming guarantee! LOL

Camilla Skovgaard’s shoes can be found at Harvey Nichols Emirates Mall, Villa Moda Atlantis/DIFC and online at www.camillaskovgaard.com. Check her website to see the entire collection and list of other locations around the world.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010!

Well, 2010 has arrived, and it ended with a BIG surprise for me! I was chosen as one of 2009 Dubai’s Best Dressed in Grazia Magazine’s December 23, 2009- January 5th, 2010 issue. I can only hope to do it again in the future, but all thanks goes to my readers and all the fashionistas, designers, models, PR executives and magazine editors who helped me have a successful blog in 2009! I believe the UAE and the world, for that matter, will offer me more opportunities to blog about what's new the fashion arena of 2010. So, look out for more of the fabulous and the fashionable in “Dubai’s It Girl” this New Year!

Sweet Dreams in a Garden

I have some great items in my closet, that I barely get a chance to wear these days. It is not often that I get a chance to play dress-up, so I decided to put some of my things together from my closet and take an amateur photo shoot at my home in Dubai. The outfit is supposed to be sweet and classic. I think I pulled it off, but you be the judge of that! Now I'm off to afternoon tea! xoxo

Trench Coat from KOTON in Mall of the Emirates/White dress was baught in St. Vincent on vacation in 2005/Tights are from Forever 21 at the Mall of the Emirates/Shoes are from Nine West in City Center Deira Dubai/Gold belt is from H&M/Red Ribbon is from one of my blouses/Pretty English Tabby cat…mine!

Skinny Jeans

I love skinny jeans! But as much as I love them, I have a hard time finding a pair that fit me right. Either the waist is too big, or the thigh area too small, or the length is not long enough! Thank God, I was able to find a great pair at Stradivarius this past weekend. They are still a bit loose in the waist, but they fit right everywhere else. And I love the fact the fabric is stretchy. If you know where to get a great pair of skinnies or just have a fantastic pair of jeans....then please let me and the rest of us know. Share the wealth of fashion knowledge please! LOL

Kids on the Catwalk

On December 29th, Samsaara Boutique will be presenting the new Spendthrift collection for Women and Children, by designers Falguni & Shane Peacock. Ten of Dubai’s cutest kids will walk the runway, hand in hand, with their socialite moms all dressed in Spendthrift!
The new Spendthrift collection is a bold and brash expression which only the Peacock’s can pull off; and by adding the kid’s collection they are presenting another dimension to their extensive repertoire. Unfortunately for some, this event is by invitation only, but if you happen to be one of the lucky one’s to have received an invite to this event…then this is one show you don’t want to miss!
I think it’s great to see young people getting involved in fashion. What do you think? Well, hope to see you there, at the cutest runway show of the season in Dubai!

My Look For The Grazia Shopping Diaries!

So...Recently I had a photo shoot with Grazia Magazine for the Grazia Shopping Diaries feature! Here is a sneak preview of some of the items I chose from my closet. The dress, bag and necklace all came fro a fabulous new boutique in Dubai called “Valleydez” located in Wafi Center. You will love the couture and trendy collection Vallydez has for all you fashionistas who love to be different! Don’t forget to pick up Grazia Magazine to see/read all about the latest fashion, celebs, and local events happening in and around the UAE…Oh…and to see yours truly, “Dubai’s It Girl” of course! Let me know what you think! xoxo
(Dress, Foundation Addict (can be found in ValleyDez) / Shoes, New Look)

Kipling Fashion Show At Dubai Mall

The other day, I just happened to be at Dubai Mall (shopping :), when I stumbled upon a fashion show in progress. I wasn't sure what exactly was going on, until I met the PR person for the show. I found out that this was a runway show for Kipling's new bag and luggage collection! The models looked very cute sporting the handbags and toting the luggage down the runway. The best part of all was when I received a gift bag with a sweet little green Kipling clutch inside, and I wasn’t even an official guest! I guess it pays to be in the right places at the right times! Check Kipling bags out in Dubai Mall, and let me know what you think. Here’s to shopping!

Emirates Woman: Rihanna in The Diamond Issue December '09

If you haven’t picked up Emirates Woman December’s Diamond issue yet, then you are definitely missing out! This month the Queen of the Fashionista’s herself, Rihanna, is on the cover of EW, looking ever so fabulous. Not only is there an exclusive cover story featuring Rihanna, there is also 100 plus pages of “BLING” accessories that can fulfill every girl’s dreams! But Wait...Emirates Woman takes it even further by giving away a yellow diamond worth DHS 100,000 to one lucky reader. WOW…I don’t know about you, but I bought my issue already, so that I can win that yellow diamond and wear it to the Rihanna concert on New Years Eve in Abu Dhabi…
Hey dreams can come true!

Tc,
Nia B

I'm Back with a Bang-Featuring Me in VIVA Magazine Dec 09 Issue

You all have no idea what I’ve been going through to finally start blogging again! Well, the HTML mess of it all is over, and I am back with a bang! LOL

This month I was featured in VIVA magazine (on the last page) as the December’s “Girl About Town.” I am so excited about this because this will invite new readers to my blog, (I hope), even though they forgot to mention the blog web address. I guess you can’t have it all, all the time! I’m just happy to have made it on the pages of VIVA. Make sure you guys pick one up. The issue has a lot of cool stuff in it for everyone to get inspired for the holiday party season. Let me know what you think…and HAPPY HOLIDAYS! xoxo

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY

Hey everyone,

I have been having some technical difficulties with my blog lately. I assure you that this problem will be taken care of very soon!

Thanks for visiting!

Dubai's It Girl 2009 Holiday "Must-Have" Picks Features-Kanzi!

Hello everyone! The holiday season is upon us, and now is the time to shop for that perfect holiday frock! Over the next few weeks, I will be featuring my picks of “Must Have” holiday clothing/items from local designers in and around the UAE. The UAE/Gulf is filled with so many talented designers, and it’s time that the rest of the world be introduced to these fabulous talented designers that we know and love…don’t you think!

*Please note: The order of my picks does not reflect any preference of any kind. All featured designers are all fabulous and deserve to be on the Dubai’s It Girl “Must-Have” holiday list!

First Featured Designer on the Dubai’s It Girl “Must-Have” List is…Kanzi!

If you love wearing abayas or jalabiyas, then you will definitely love the creations by Kanzi.
Established in 2008 by Sheikha Amal Al Maktoum and Raghda Taryam, Kanzi, designs exclusive abayas, jalabiyas, evening wear and custom made wedding dresses. Meaning “my treasure” in Arabic, Kanzi symbolizes style and luxury. This highly successful brand was setup under Ruwad, a government entity that supports young businesses in the emirate of Sharjah.

On November 25, 2009, Kanzi showcased two beautiful shimmering Swarovski encrusted designs at the exclusive Saks Fifth Avenue’s ‘Snowflake Spectacular’ event.

The stunning royal blue jalabiya is made of chiffon and silk, boasting various shades of Swarovski crystals from light sapphire to silver satin. The exquisite abaya is made from a blend of silks, featuring complete crystallized shoulders of different shades and shapes of Swarovski crystals, including cosmic and galactic oval. Unique black leggings, also encrusted with different shapes of crystal, complete the look of the abaya.

Their collection is currently stocked at the Kanzi boutique, Sharjah, and Saks 5th Avenue Dubai and Bahrain.

For Kanzi purchase enquires or details please contact:
Kanzi Boutique
Catherine Teodoro
Email: info@kanziboutique.com
Telephone: 06-5441118
Fax: 06-5441119

Dolce & Gabbana's New Make-up Line & Legendary Make-up Artist Pat McGrath Comes to Paris Gallary, Dubai Mall

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the launch of Italian designer duo Dolce & Gabbana’s luxury make-up line at Paris Gallery, Dubai Mall. It was simply magic! I absolutely loved the different colors of eyeshadows, lipsticks, blushes, and nail lacquers. They also have a range of twelve different color foundations (wet or dry) to match the skin tone of any woman! The names of the products were also brilliantly labeled, with eyeshadows called "Guilty" or "Elegance" and lipsticks named "Drama" and "Devil." And did you know that the Dolce & Gabbana make-up line launched "only" in four countries/six locations around the world, and Dubai is one of them?!...and I dare not forget to mention that the line's packaging has pure metal gold! WOW!

This was definitely one of the best experience of the year thus far for me, as I also had the pleasure of meeting the #1 make-up artist in the world, Miss Pat McGrath (Above is a photo of me and Ms. McGrath chit-chatting.) I have been a fan of hers since the age of twelve! Pat McGrath, who has worked at the Dolce & Gabbana shows for more then 10 years, was instrumental in the development of the line, as she assisted Dolce & Gabbana with the creation of this luxurious make-up.

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana‘s inspiration for this new venture is the modern 1050’s Hollywood starlet-glamorous and sensual, always with a confident and provocative edge. Without a doubt, they brought a fresh idea to the “make-up” table and have taken the definition of luxury cosmetics to a new level. EXTRODINARY!

http://www.dolcegabbanamakeup.com/

I needed to smile, so I called on Betsey Johnson's S/S 2010 Collection

After a Dooms Day movie, a death of a supermodel, and bad Chinese food, I needed a pick-me-up to make me smile…so, I went back in Fashion Week time and found Betsey Johnson’s 2010 spring runway collection, which was held at The Plaza Hotel (NYC) this past September.

I absolutely love her work! Any girl can wear her clothes, plus they are fun, feminine and beautiful! How can you “not” feel good about yourself when wearing a Betsey Johnson creation? I only own one of her dresses, however I plan on adding more to my closet very soon! Anyway, the collection really gives me hope that there are still some things you can smile about, and there is still come originality in life! Thanks Betsey…I’ll love you forever!

Victoria Casal Couture Boutique Opening & Hello Kitty's 35th Birthday!

Well, 35 years of Hello Kitty’s on-going success is a testament to how special the “Kitty” is herself, and now Victoria Casal has teamed up with this most famous feline to bring Dubai a fabulous collection of items for everyone! I know you will love the boutique, so drop by and visit…and don’t for get to take a little “Hello Kitty” gift home for yourself or for someone special!

R.I.P. Daul Kim

1989-2009

"Korean model Daul Kim, 20, was found dead in Paris this morning, NY Mag's The Cut reports. Her cause of death has not yet been confirmed, but sources told the magazine she had committed suicide." So Sad!

We still don't know why this beautiful supermodel is dead, however we will remember her for all the beauty she brought to this world while alive. Suiside is never the answer...there is always a solution to every problem, but we will never really know "why" if this is the truth in Daul's case. She will be greatly missed!

Some of the last Blog thoughts of Daul:
"how can you be smart
when its love
i already accepted that i relate to nothing
past is heavy but past is past and
i can only try to understand
egoism
too much self importance
perhaps
luxury of time
perhaps just series of bad events which were only beautiful
the irony
the facade we put on
penetrating time.
but not egoism.
it is relative but different.
i just know
the more i gain
the more lonely it is
but when people grow together
its something that is not easy but is nice
and that is something,
relative.
staying relative is hard
staying honest is hard
i know i'm like a ghost
i have nothing
but myself
and potential, to me is the question of will
thats why i am present to you"
posted by daul at 7:34 AM November 5th 2009

Emirates Woman of The Year Awards 2009!

I had a wonderful time at the Emirates Woman of the Year Awards ceremony last night. Here are a few pictures of the event and congrats to all the award winners. The winners were selected by Emirates Woman readers through a new online voting system, which represent the UAE’s most inspirational female talents from artists to visionaries, achievers to humanitarians. I will be posting some interviews I did with two of the nominees shortly. This was a great event, and I am so happy that women are being recognized in Dubai for their efforts. Thank you so much...Emirates Woman Magazine!

The winners of the Emirates Woman of the Year Awards 2009 are:
Emirates Woman of the Year 2009
Maria Conceicao - The Wings of Dhaka
The Achievers – Business Category (Sponsored by Philips Consumer Lifestyle)
Farah Foustok - The First Lady of Finance
Artists – Art and Culture (Sponsored by The London Centre for Aesthetic Surgery)
Sarah Belhasa - The Fashion Entrepreneur
Humanitarians – Charity (Sponsored by House of Portier)
Maria Conceicao - The Wings of Dhaka
Visionaries – Lifestyle (Sponsored by bareface)
Padma Coram – The Entertaining Philanthropist
ADCB ‘Ambition Award’
Emma Cresswell
www.emirateswoman.ae/awards

LANVIN-Harper's Bazaar Fortnight of Fashion

This was an event sponsored by Harper's Bazaar Magazine, which was part of their "Fortnight of Fashion Month", held in October at Dubai Mall . Lanvin, a clothing line I love, opened their doors to the fashionable people of Dubai to view the latest season of designs. It was wonderful to see all the men and women's line on models walking around the store, and the fashion show was lovely.

If you haven't visited the Lanvin store at Dubai Mall, then you really should run down there and take a look before everything is gone! I will be waiting with bated breath for next season's collection to hit Dubai! I Heart LANVIN!

Amanda Wakeley - Designer Clothes Collections - Ready To Wear

Recently, I received an email from the Amanda Wakeley Ecommerce Team announcing the launch of the new Amanda Wakeley Estore. After visiting the Estore and looking at Amanda Wakeley’s ready-to-wear line, the Bridal line and the Jewelry collection, I was totally amazed by the craftsmanship of the jewelry designs and the use of rich fabrics to make these incredible clothes and bridal gowns! I loved, loved, loved the fitted tweed jacquard coat and the hand knitted dress from the F/W 2009 collection. These modern pieces are so fabulously chic- I will definitely be wearing both when I go to Paris in January!

Now that the Estore has launched, anyone can go online to shop and buy Amanda Wakeley’s collection of ready-to-wear clothing, classic bridal gowns and exquisite jewelry. Also, rumor has it, that Amada Wakeley will be collaborating with a highly coveted, young, footwear designer in the near future…exciting stuff, so look out for that! I have also included a video of the London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010 runway show, so that you can have a sneak peek of what will be coming to the online store very soon! Enjoy, and don’t forget to visit Amada Wakeley’s brilliant new Estore!

Amanda Wakeley - Designer Clothes Collections - Ready To Wear

Nina Ricci Event!

All Photos by Nia B, "Dubai's It girl"

Nina Ricci is now featuring its S/S 2010 collection at DIFC, Villa Moda. I had the privilege of attending the runway show for the Spring/Summer 2010 seasons début in Dubai, on November 9th, 2009. The designs were very nostalgic with the light colors, soft fabrics, lace and feminine ruffles. The shoes were unbelievably beautiful, and everyone seemed to love them! I had too many favorites to pick from…I just hope I can add a Nina Ricci design to my closet collect before it all sells out!

I also wanted to mention that my new friend Rene, who was one of the runway models, looked absolutely fabulous! This runway show was the crème de la crème of runways shows this year…stunning models, beautiful atmosphere, beautiful people and Nina Ricci…what more could you ask for! Well done!