Confashions From Kuwait

Villa Moda Shuwaikh has received new Autumn /Winter 2007 deliveries for Gucci, Prada , Miu Miu , Prada Sport, And Salvador Ferragamo . So stock up on the fall collection before it's too late. M Missoni have also received new pre -fall collection. Their knitted clothes are true investment pieces, and most of the time they don't go out of style. so don't hesitate to splurge.

Passport expiation date?... check . Get Visa from the embassy?... check . A colorful luggage to easily notice it on the luggage arrival runway? ... check . Stylish & comfortable clothes? ... check . Agenda of Where to go and What to do? ...mmm... I'll check with the hotel concierge.. right? WRONG! If you're planning to go to cities with fashion influence such as London, Milan, Paris, Dubai, or New York this summer, then you have to do your homework first. Very few people, ever think of putting an effort to do some research on the cities they are planning to go to. Take it from me, as much as I hate to admit it, it's not always about shopping, shopping, and shopping. There are beautiful and stylish things to see and do in those cities. So, if you're traveling to these places, or any other place, let me know and I'll give you some trendy travel tips. Feel free to post a comment or e-mail me with your destination details. Speaking of traveling, I read in the news...

Here's my answer to Zahra's tag :) My Favourite shoes of the moment are Christian Louboutin Fox Trot shoes . I recently got them online and I'm so glad I did coz they're the latest it-shoes and they're so shiny I can actually see my reflection on them ( perfect for checking out my lipstick when I'm not carrying my mirror ). The only problem I have now is that I haven't worn them yet. They're too flashy for certain places. I'm waiting for the right occasion to wear them.

The moment I stepped inside this store, I couldn't help but sing "So Fresh and Clean" by... I forgot his name. Anyways, The store is called " The White Company " and it has recently opened at the Avenues. The White Company specialises in supplying a wide range of stylish home accessories and clothing, principally in white. There a nice & interesting story behind the name" White ". You can read all about it here . I loved how they have their stock on display. Everything is so neat and clean. Monica would LOVE it (Monica as in Friends). If you're looking for elegant clothes to wear when slacking around at home, this would be the perfect place. Also, your mom would love the kitchen wear they have. I like white. It's simple and you can easily match it with almost everything. Go check it out. You'll feel " So fresh and Clean... ".

Take a moment to look through vintage clothing & accessories on Fashiondig .com . You will find great enduring pieces that will have you looking your finest. We all love a little attention and wearing something original and one-of-a-kind will surely makes the fashion crowd stop and take a look at you. This site entirely devoted to vintage clothing. You can browse through the Mod Shop, the Fabulous 50s, or the always intriguing couture. But bare in mind, old sizes differ from what we are used to now. An old size 42 is probably a size 44 or 46 now. My fave item? This Jeweled Chanel Bag for $395 only!! A Bargain! And if you face any fashion or vintage dilemma, you can always Ask Janet . This is truly one of my fave shopping sites, it's just fun browsing it. Brings back good (and BAD memories).

Yup, it has been confirmed by Arabian Business Magazine (And Yes I do read non-fashion related magz) Barneys New York , the luxury department store chain, has been sold for $825 million to a Dubai-owned private equity firm "Istithmar" while considering other offers for the chain or the entire company. Under the agreement with Istithmar, Barneys NY can weigh other offers made by July 22, and it can explore bids for the whole company through August 11. Barneys NY would have to pay a breakup fee of $20.6 million if it terminates the deal before July 22, and $22.7 million after that. " Burberry " at Al Raya Complex are having up to 40% sale. " Designers Lounge " at Salhiya Complex, Mezzanine 1, have started their sale . " M Missoni " at Al Raya Complex are having 50% off. " Whistles ", at Al Raya Complex, are also having 50% off and I found some really nice casual pieces for the summer AND winter. " Furla " at Al Raya Comple...

If you're planning to go to Villa Moda's Sale at Shuwaikh then here's what you need to know: If you don't have a Bottega Vanetta Bag then this is your golden chance to buy one at an unbeatable price. The classic hobo shaped woven bag is sold at KD 194. And it's color is pale yellow, perfect for the summer. Don't bother to go to Etro if you're looking for clothes. A bit boring. But they do have a colorful patent belt that will take you through the summer and fall. Sorry girls, the YSL "Downtown" bags are not on sale. But they do have nice shoes collection. I wasn't impressed by their clothes collection though. Ferregamo ? I skipped it. I'll only go there when I turn 45 years old or if I was shopping with mom. Gucci ? Skipped that too for some reason.. Prada , forget their bag collection and head straight to the shoes. From classy chic evening shoes, to everyday casual & hip flats & sandals . Oh and yes, their Turbans are o...

Pink will have a live concert in Dubai on September 5 th , 2007 ? The concert will be held at Dubai Media City. Unfashionable news? I know but felt like mentioning it. I know this is old news for most of you, but I'm going to post it anyways: Villa Moda Shuwaikh and Gucci Al Fanar are having 50% sale . Look for fall investment pieces. BCBG are having their sale too. It doesn't hurt to buy a thing or two, does it? US restaurant chain Hooters , renowned for its revealingly dressed waitresses, could open its first of three outlets in Dubai by the end of the year. A Kuwaiti investor, with franchise rights to Hooters in Dubai, has announced this in UAE's Media. Classy?

Remember when Sara's Bags were in several years back? I remember I first got mine from Beirut at their old store (they have a new funky store at hip Gemmayzeh now). My Lebanese friend convinced me to buy it after seeing the owner of Sarah's bag at Funnel Cafe carrying this colorful boho bag with amazing intricate details. The bag was very cheap back then and unpopular with the Kuwaiti population. And then suddenly BAM! every girl in Kuwait wanted to get her hands on the bag! They even had an exhibition twice in Kuwait and their bags were sold out within 2 hours max. I'm over this trend now but the reason why I brought this up is because recently I saw an Interview on Future TV with Sara's Bag owners and they mentioned that very soon they will be offering their online shopping service. Isn't that interesting? Also, did you know that, in addition to Beirut, their bags are already being sold in UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar ? Looking at Sara's Bag makes you reali...

Add a fresh take and a creative dimension to your daily life with D.BOX , the producers of cutting edge home and office accessories, customized wedding & birthing favors, and exciting corporate and Ramadan giveaways... Experience the D.BOX concept straight from Beirut on TUESDAY JUNE 19 at BEIT BADRA (behind Casper & Gambini - Church Area).

If you’re a local fashion designer and you were flipping through the pages of Vogue and found out that there’s a new designer in town called Marchesa ( Not news to you I know ). And you suddenly decided to carbon copy the designer’s creation because “ You know.. coz people in Kuwait think Marchesa is a new pudding recipe ”. Puuuhleeease don’t assume you’re going to be a hit and may cause a threat to Oscar De La Renta . I found this reportage in Al- Qabas the other day of a Kuwaiti Female designer and I was shocked to see that in one of her designs she actually copied JLo ’s Marchesa gown, the one with gem strings adorning her chest. If you can't come up with a creative creation. Then it’s a sign from God that being a designer is just not meant for you.

Summer Summer Summer Tiiiime.. And you know what that means, Most of you are planning your summer getaway, even if it was for a 2 to 3 days-trip to Sharm, Dubai, or Greek. To me, it's important to look stylish AND comfortable when you travel and not be dragged down by bulky suitcases & luggage that make you stand out like a tourist. Tough? Yes. Impossible? No. During my recent shopping spree to Al Raya complex I found this unbelievably cute suitcase by United Colors of Benetton (Remember how hip their t-shirts were back in the days!?). The suitcase would be perfect for getting away for the weekend or a 3 day vacation. The suitcase is big enough to fit everything you need from your clothes, toiletries to magazines (and a small "sogha"). The suitcase costs around KD 41. There used to sell the bigger sizes of the same colored suitcase but unfortunately they were all sold out. So get the small suitcase now so you won't have to give up your chic ways when globetrotting...

J&I Kaftan SS07 collection will be exhibited at Villa Moda Shuwaikh from Sunday 17 th till Tuesday 19 th of June. I'm telling ya.. The exhibition fever is oooon baby!

Villa Moda will be having a 50% one day sale only tomorrow Sunday 17 th June at Mubarikiya and Al Fanar . So If you're planning to buy an Anya Hindmarch gold metallic bag or some unique tops, head there as early as you can (with a driver if possible if you're planning to go to Mubarikiya because it's close to impossible to find an empty parking lot over there). If you want to save your money for the fall collection, that's even wiser. (who am I kidding!). Happy Shopping everyone!

Dear Mr. Christian Louboutin , Hope this finds you well. I'm a member of the Louboutin Cult . Those scarlet-heeled creations give me a rush! I can easily be convinced to buy whatever design Louboutin creates, even though deep, deep, deeeeeeep, inside my heart I know I look hideous walking in 20 inch heel. But it's all fine with me as long as the soles are red. And you know what? Sometimes I visit this page simply to admire your genius creations. It's a sight for sore eyes. I love you Christian Louboutin for making me look 5 kg lighter the moment I step in my red-heeled Loubs. I love you for making my outfit look dashing. You are simply the best. Forever your slave, Confashion P.S: Why are the soles of your shoes red?

Em Walid is a local brand for collection of darra'at. The designers behind Em Walid are two saty-at-home moms (they're sisters) and they wanted to venture into something they like and have the leisure of independence. So they have decided to design & sell local dresses "darraa'a". Em Walid designers had an exhibition previously and sold around 150 pieces. And they have kindly e-mailed me asking to post about their brand. I must say that the designs of Em Walid are classy and elegant. And from the pictures shown above, the embroidery looks clean and very neat. it might not appeal to the younger crowd as much but I know for sure that my mom would LOVE it. So how about you treat your mother and buy her something nice for the endless "ghabgas" she'll get invited to. The prices range between KD 70 to KD 250. Click here to view all the collection . I like it when designers really put an effort into their work. I hate it when " local designers ...

Zeina Hamawie's summer collection starting Sunday the 17 th , Monday 18 th , and Tuesday 19 th of June 2007 will be exhibited at Villa Moda , the free trade Zone - Shuwaikh . The spirit of the collection expresses lots of glitter, metals, swarovski stones, diamante borders sewn on unusual cuts of blouses. It also contains silk jerseys in gold, silver, and bronze shades. Cotton Voile tops with eccentric chain necklaces, knitted tunics with silk degrade fringes, couture tops for the evening full of sequins, silk satin tops in bright colors, plus a new line of kaftans , tunics, and summer dresses for the beach. And a very limited number of Antic Fabrics of thoubs for the holy month of Ramadan. Phew!! And that long message was sent through SMS !

"What the hell were they thinking!?!" That was my first impression when I saw this monster (bag) called the Raddica Boston Bag by Fendi . It's Raddica-lous that's for sure! I found it on Neiman's website and it costs around $1,600. Didn't the designer of this bag see or read what the reactions were on Marc Jacobs/Louis Vuitton crappy patchwork bag sold for over $30,000? Or are Fendi people trying to catch people's attention by persuading them to carry a " unique-looking " bag that will definitely get you noticed.. in a BAD way? I beg of you, under no circumstances shall you consider buying this horrible bag.

"Dubai private equity firm Istithmar is nearing a deal to buy the famous Barneys New York luxury department store chain. The deal, thought to be worth around $950 million, could be announced this week or early next week, according to the New York Post, bringing to an end negotiations that have dragged on for months. Sources close to the deal cautioned that talks could still break down as an agreement has yet to be signed". Source: ArabianBusiness .com . I've been to Barney NY (heart heart heart) and to me, it excels , by far, all the department stores which I have been to so far (Jeffery's come in second). The purchase of Barneys means soon you'll be spending your hard earned (or not :P) money at yet another location in Dubai. As if we need an excuse to go to Dubai for the weekend. I love you Dubai, I love you Saks, I love you Harvey, and I LOVE YOOOOU Barneys.

BuiltByWendy .com is a site created by Wendy Mullin . She has a reputation of designing edgy & cute clothes. The clothes on this site are oh-so-girl-friendly! You will certainly find the majority of her exclusive tops, dresses, skirts, and pants original, if not outstanding. The only drawback is that you can't place your order immediately online. You' d have to contact them by phone/e-mail (shown below) with your order details. My fave item is the gray sailor-like top. So perfect for outdoor lunch on Thursdays/ Fridays/ Saturdays. So here's the contact details for online orders: Jenny Gossmann 718-384-2882 orders@builtbywendy.com

This Morning I found out that a new store called " 109 " has opened in a complex called " Al Ghawali " located at Shuhada'a Street, Kuwait City (Opposite to Al Raya Complex). So I headed there to get a glimpse of the store and get my hands on it's stock before anyone else ( as usual.. My shopping fever was at it's height ). But when I got there, it turned out that the store will open this Saturday the 16 th June. I have also found out that the store is owned by the same group that owns Fashion TV Arabia .. Interesting huh? 109 will be selling brands such as Exte , versace , Just Cavalli , C'n'C Costume National, GF Ferre , and Galliano . I wonder if it's going to be hip enough to compete with other trendy boutiques. So I guess we'll just have to wait & see.

Remember my previous post " I can see through you " and how I embraced the see-through bags for certain occasions? Welllll , my best friend has caught the Lucite & see-through bug. She fell head over heels in love with this bag. It's a Fendi bag and they're selling it at Salhiya for around KD 460 . Honestly? I'm not quite loving this bag. It feels... shady .. So should she or shouldn't she? And in other news: ESCADA SPORT is having a sale. The store is located at Salhiya Complex Mezzanine 1. Monsoon & Accessorize are having 25% off in Sharg , Marina, Avenues, and the airport. Mango is having up to 40% off.

I know that oversized clutches might not be that practical, you can't just throw them over your shoulder and go. But I'm sooo loving this look! And deep down my heart, I truly believe that the oversized clutch could work, as long as you don’t cram the poor thing with junk and you treat it with a little TLC. and also, if you don’t make it the bag you reach for when running your errands. ( shbuga ?!) Recently I paid a visit to my friend Jimmy at Al Salhiya , and I liked what I saw. Liked it too much. I was a bit hesitant on the color though. Black is too.. well you know black for the summer. And I love the white but it doesn't go with my clothes for this summer. I want a vibrant color. I remember seeing the same bag in cobalt blue somewhere and I just wish I could get my hand on it… It would be the bag that I'd carry everywhere ( well almost ). I won't give up and I'll keep on searching. Oh! and by the way, the bag costs around KD 309.

The latest IT couples in the fashion world are Tod’s and Sienna Miller. Beginning in August, Sienna Miller will star in Tod’s Fall ad campaigns. She is the first celebrity spokesperson for the brand masterminded by none other than the hot shot designer Derek Lam. I think Sienna is a remarkable choice for the house, considering the amount of media exposure she gets and her quirky sense of style (which is rarely a hit). And Guess who's following the lead of Ms. Moss & SJP? Yup, Sienna has collaborated with her sister to create Twenty8Twelve . The line has already generated buzz as the first standout celebrity line. The collection will be for the Autumn/Winter 2007-2008. Pictured here are some of the designs of the collection. Okay it's not horrifying, but it doesn't excite me either. It's not anything we haven't seen before and the colors are slightly… blah. My niece can do a better job that that! Seriously. I wonder if Sienna will star in Twenty8Twelve’s campaig...

Fellow Fashionista's behold... a new store is in town and I have a long review for you: Located at Mohamed Thunayan Alghanim St., Closet Candy is the new fashion haven for every true fashionista looking for casual chic clothing. Its small storefront and narrow street makes the place easy to miss when passing by, but you will do a double take when you glance at the store's window display. Closet Candy Owner Dana Al Khobaizi has had passion for fashion ever since she bought her first copy of Teen magazine. "I found myself on the look out for up & coming designers in contemporary fashion, and realized that my knowledge of contempo fashion exceeded those around me". "The fashion market in Kuwait was missing that spirit of shopping in a "stand-alone" boutique that carried the latest trends from the hottest lines... outside of a mall. I mean, what's more fabulous than walking into Closet Candy where all items are in fact candy for your Closet!” she ...