Confashions From Kuwait

I'm excited to see more blue chip companies getting involved in the fashion world, taking advantage of the opportunity to kick-start or expand their business. First it was ABK , and now NBK is taking the lead. Starting from the first of Ramadan, and all through Ramadan, Villa Moda will be giving a special "C ash Back Voucher" discount to all NBK customer who shop at Villa Moda AL-Manshar during Ramadan. The customer must simply present their NBK debit or credit card to avail of this 10% cash back discount . Customers will receive vouchers worth 10% of their purchase which they can then use at any Villa Moda branch. So let's say you spend KD 1,200 KD @ Al-Manshar; you will receive vouchers worth KD 120 which you can then use at any Villa Moda store. Nice! Brands that are featured in Villa Moda Al-Manshar : Etro, Issey Miyaki, Juicy Couture, Tsumori Chisato, Tory Burch, Robin’s Jeans, 7 For All Mankind, Etoile, As Known As, Alice & Olivia, Max & Co., MCM, S

The Villa Moda Movenpick Luxury Sale is an event all savvy shoppers and bargain hunters look forward to as it's a chance to get the best deals from the most wanted designer labels. The sale will showcase clothes and accessories from Spring/Summer 2008 collection and some going back to Fall 2007 collection (and even older). Believe me when I tell you there are some real bargains as all items will discounted with a whopping 60% or more. The event will start tomorrow Saturday and will be open to the public 10 AM to 10 PM. And all throughout Ramadan from 10 AM until 2 PM and from 7:30 PM until 12:30 AM. The women’s section will be in a tent just outside the Mövenpick. As for men’s, it will be in the Villa Moda Shuwaikh warehouse just behind the building. Signs are displayed for directions. You better be quick and go and grab all you want in the very first days before the good stuff/sizes are gone.

You are invited to attend Chic by Shatha Al Nemah Ramadan's Collection of Darraa'at which will be held at Dar Al Awadi from Friday 29th Aug till Tuesday 2nd Sept. The exhibition will open Morning from 10:00am to 1:00pm and evening from 5:00pm to 10:00pm. Ramadan opening hours will be morning from 11:00am to 3:00pm and evening 8:00pm to 11:00pm.

NET-A-PORTER is still running its summer promotion. You can get an additional 20% discount on many select sale items for a limited time only. Today's promo pick is Rodnik jacquard dress. I love the minimal quirky design of this dress. Reminds me of the 80's but with a modern silhouette. Wear it now with patent colored accessories, and when the weather gets colder, pair it with colored opaque tights, peep-toe shoe-boots, and layer it over a long sleeve fitted top. Was around KD 230, now it's approximately KD 96 (with the promo code). Make sure to enter promo code summer at checkout to get the extra 20% off . Hurry, the promotion ends on 31st August .

Several months ago I posted about Alia Designs , a Kuwaiti talented designer of traditional clothes and dresses. Back then, I liked one of the items featured on her website. This time I'm going ga-ga over her latest Ramadan collection of Kaftans and darraa'at! Especially the one shown here on the first picture. Looks very young, comfortable, and oh-so-perfect for after futoor! For inquiries please visit the website or call (+965) 642-7400.

About my Villa Moda Exhibition post , pass by anytime from August 25th - 29th to see their collection of Kaftans from international & regional designers. Check out the limited edition Kaftans by Liberty of London designed especially for Villa Moda!

You are invited to attend an exhibition of Ramadan caftans and Darraa'at at Bait Badrah on Wednesday and Thursday 27th and 28th of August 2008. From 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, and from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Aseel and Eman Al-Fahad You are invited to attend " Siyoof Style ", an exhibition of Ramadan caftans and Darraa'at at Bait 32 at Audailiya on Saturday and Sunday 30th and 31st August 2008 mornings and evenings. Muneera Al-Fozan You are invited to attend " Grape ", an exhibition of Ramadan clothes at Bait 32 located at Audailiya on Tuesday 26th August 2008 and for 3 days only. Mona Al-Abdul Razzaq

If you're still looking for a Caftan or Darraa'a for Ramadan, then head straight to DarUSHA . They have new and limited collection for Ramadan. The collection has an eclectic gypsy style that is both colorful and comfortable. Choose from pretty stripped caftans with whimsical bohemian edge and irresistibly cute Balenciaga-like harem pants paired with colorful scarf (chimaq) and a fitted top. DarUSHA is located at Qibla, behind the Church. Beit AlMazar (17). For any inquires, please call (+965) 246-6570. For more pictures, and info, you can log to DarUSHA facebook group: darUSHA.

In anticipation of the holy month of Ramadan, you are invited to an exclusive Kaftans exhibition at Villa Moda Shuwaikh , Free Trade Zone, starting today at 7:00 PM until Friday 29th August.

Had a long day and you just want to escape from the hustle and bustle of K-town and the crowd? Then you may like to pop in at the Living Room lounge located at Marina Waves. A new destination with a modern concept of contemporary stylish ambiance and a breathtaking beach view. The ideal place to chill out with your girlfriends, listen to great music, and have some drinks and snacks. I'm completely awed by the interior design of this place. I think it would be a magical location to host private events when the weather is cooler. The opening of Living Room Lounge will be on Tuesday 26th Aug . Opening hours are from 10 am till 12 midnight. For more information or reservation please call (+965) 22 44 653.

You are invited to attend Kushtuban Exhibition of Ramadan caftans at Bait Siddra on Wednesday and Thursday 27th and 28th of August 2008. From 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, and from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Noura Al-Jassim & Manal Al-Zimami This fall is classic and exclusive with collector's must haves of belts, timeless hair pieces, and latest necklaces at Beit Alcedra (Noura Room) from 24th to 26th August 2008. From 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, and from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Nouf Al-Beshara

Remember my previous post on NohaNoor ? A Kuwaiti brand with talent and taste. Well girls, mark your agendas, because NohaNoor will be hosting an exhibition for their new Autumn/Winter evening dresses collection on 15th September . Once the time and location is set, I'll keep you posted. Here's a preview of what you'll find.

Precious pearls, soft quilted leather, and classic black & white are the distinguishing characteristics of Chanel’s luxurious Pre-Fall collection recently arrived at the brand’s boutique at Salhiya Complex. From the items available in-store now, I instantly fell in love with this Chanel Pearl and Charm necklace. A timeless fun piece of jewelry to spice up your look for fall. And of course my heart skipped a beat when I saw the black evening heels embellished with Chanel’s signature pearls (shown below). These babes, around KD 295, would look smashing’ with opaque tights. Pure opulence! And of course, there’s the always classic 2.55 in 3 various colors, simple & elegant plain pumps stamped with Chanel’s logo, and another quilted 2.55 look-alike, but to me feels more practical and somewhat nicer than the 2.55. So which of these would you consider buying?

There has never been a better time to stock up on your fall clothes collection or buy your designer wardrobe staples like now. As I mentioned in my previous post, NET-A-PORTER is having further 20% discount on many select sale items for a limited time only. So I have decided to scan through the NET-A-PORTER Sale and pick out the best versatile pieces from the world’s most covetable designers and share it with you dear fashionistas. Today's 1st promo pick is Stella McCartney Double-breasted trench coat . A classic piece of outerwear that is comfortable and stylish. Can be worn with jeans, pencil skirts, and dresses. Was around KD 416, now it's approximately KD 200. Make sure to enter promo code summer at checkout to get the extra 20% off.

You are invited to attend Fadha Fashion Exhibition for Ramadan Darraa'at from Sunday 24th until Wednesday 27th August at Bait Sharq, adjacent to Amiri Hospital. For inquiries, send an e-mail to f.fashion@windowslive.com .

Experience Tulipia's Ramadan dresses at Bait Badra on Tuesday, August 26 , 2008 from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Due to road constructions enter from Starbucks parking or from Gulf road "American Hospital" entrance. For inquires, please contact Rana Al-Saeed by e-mail: r_alsaid@hotmail.com or call (+965) 245-1313.

Credit Card? Check! Internet? Check! My fashionista GF on speed dial for my "Should I or Shouldn't I?" fashion related questions? CHECK ! Get ready for the unmissable NET-A-PORTER Sale clearance event! Everyone can enjoy an extra 20% off selected sale items from the world's most covetable designers, including Chloé, Oscar de le Renta, Stella McCartney, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo and many more, until 31st August . Simply enter the promo code 'SUMMER' during checkout to take advantage of this limited-time offer. Click here to enjoy NET-A-PORTER Sale .

Remember last year when I posted about Q8Lollipop's cute Gergaia'an creations ? Well, this year they're back with even more new creations and additional services. Q8 Favors , their new brand name, can create for you the most distinctive pieces of wedding favors, baby shower favors, and Gergeia'an favors. They also carry a limited collection of bed covers for hospital receptions. You may buy or rent the collection of your choice. Contact them for some helpful hints and ideas for all occasions. You can also e-mail them at order@q8favors.com .

Beauty Junkies rejoice! The famous retailer of perfumes and cosmetics and the leading beauty chain in Europe and US, Sephora , will be opening soon at The Avenues Phase II. Personally, I like Sephora not only because of its tempting cosmetic selection, but mainly because I don't feel pressured by sales associates to buy stuff that I don't really need. I can actually touch and try the products without having the sales associate stalking me around and giving me some unnecessary comments about my skin/make-up. I think Sephora will make it big here if it sells its high-end cosmetics which are unavailable at other beauty stores/pharmacies in Kuwait. Does anyone have any product recommendations or favorites?

I admire the Olsen's effortlessly unique style. I don't necessarily love every single item they wear, but I love how they have their own individual style. And what Mary Kate wore for Elle's July cover shoot was no exception. MK looked divine in a sky blue silk chiffon trapeze dress with metallic jacquard underlay by Stella McCartney . The black Alaïa belt and layered necklaces added a modern edge to the feminine romantic dress. If you plan to purchase this dress, you need to spice it up with accessories a-la-MK-style. Worn alone, the dress looks.... bla. Stella McCartney's chiffon jacquard dress can be found on Net-A-Porter and it costs around KD 645 .

Did you know that today at 7:00 PM at Villa Moda Shuwaikh will be the boutique preview opening of Dries Van Noten ?

Ask any hip and avant-garde fashionista about Beirut's best shopping destination, and the answer would be simply Plum . Located discreetly at the heart of Downtown's Saifi Village, Plum carries luxury brands like Lanvin, Alaia, Nina Ricci, Derek lam, Philip Lim, Givenchy, Louboutin, Pierre Hardy, Thomas Wylde, and Devi Kroel to name a few. It also features cutting-edge labels hard to find elsewhere like Tsumori Chisato, Charles Anastase, Sacai, Rodnik, Golden Goose, Toga, and David Szeto. So what's the big deal about that? If you're stuck in Kuwait this summer, you can still do some Plum shopping at 2 AM in the morning. They have recently launched their online shopping site Shop.PlumConcept.com . And currently, they ship to the following countries: Lebanon, Bahrain, K.S.A, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, U.A.E, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Iran, Yemen, Morocco, Libya, and Iraq. Unfortunately, they are only displaying their sales collection for the time being. But still, there are some

New deliveries for Dsquared , Vivienne Westwood , Maison Martin Margiela , Rue Du Mail , and shoes by Nicholas Kirkwood have arrived at Villa Moda Shuwiakh, Free Trade Zone.

Ever since I saw this clutch featured in Vogue (or was it Elle) magazine and I've been visualizing it paired with my cocktail dresses. It looks like a big piece of jewllery. Two weeks later, I found this beyond gorgeous Celestina Red abalone shell clutch listed on Net-a-porter’s “What’s New” list. The clutch uses the most beautiful natural materials, which means that no two pieces will be exactly the same. Bear in mind though that the clutch is just big enough to hold your essentials like keys and your lipstick. Not sure if it fits your mobile though. AND it comes with a small mirror inside. Cute ! Price tag? Around KD 294.

The new Burberry advertising campaign is launching worldwide this month. With this campaign, Burberry goes back to its roots in the use of black and white imagery and focus on outerwear. The campaign, which was shot by Mario Testino , features a young British couple: model Rosie Huntington-Smith and actor Sam Riley in Kensignton Gardens in London, in a series of romantic images with a very British feel. Unfortunately, due to publishing restrictions, I'm unable to post the featured photos in a larger size. However, I was lucky enough to get access to such info. So you can say this is only a small sneak peak of what you'll see in key publications worldwide. The Autumn/Winter 2008/09 collection was inspired by the attitude, silhouette, colour, texture, nostalgia and poetry of the evocative paintings by British Northern artist L.S.Lowry.

Would you dare to wear a jumpsuit? Since it's a one-piece, a lot of fashionistas think that the jumpsuit is one of the most difficult items to pull off. But contrary to what you may believe, the jumpsuit ( with a little bit confidence ) CAN be a surprisingly easy piece to wear. It only needs to be styled in a certain way that won't make you look like a studio 54 queen nor like a prison inmate. I found this jumpsuit at TopShop and I loved it instantly! It has the right fit and color. Pair it with patent colored high-heels, chunky colored necklace or layers of Gold chains a-la-Chivenchy-style, and wear your hair in a high-sleek pony tail or let it down in loose waves. Whatever you do, don't wear it with your converse sneakers. You don't want to look like an extra in Billy Joel's "Uptown Girl" video clip.

If you're still one of those people who can’t get enough of Juicy Couture’s tracksuits, then head to Villa Moda Alfanar and Al Manshar . They have received new deliveries for Juicy Couture Fall 2008 for men and women.

Last week I discovered a new Kuwaiti talent who designs and produces her own clothes line under the name NohaNoor . I viewed photos posted on her Facebook group for some of her creations. Impressed would be an understatement. Her clothes have a mixture of 50's and 60's era with a distinctive contemporary twist. They look beautifully and very well-made. I think NohaNoor brings something fresh & new to the (Kuwaiti) table. It is refreshing to see that there are still creative designers out there, who don't copy looks from runways and sell them for an arm and a leg in a cheap looking exhibition. The photos featured here give you a tiny peek of NohaNoor's Autumn/Winter 2008 collection. If you have any questions about the collection, you can e-mail NohaNoor at loolee.bob@gmail.com .

New Cacharel Autumn/Winter collection by Eley Kishimoto is now available at Cacharel's stores at Arraya (+965) 299-7727 and Althuraya (+965) 571-1071.

I have a weakness for Bottega Veneta's intrecciato woven leather. So my heart skipped a beat when I saw this beautiful and perfectly sized everyday bag at Villa Moda Mubarikiya. The combination of black, dirty pink, and red weaved & colored leather give the bag timeless chic style. Price tag? Around KD 480 ( Yes!! For a Bottega bag! ). A small price to pay for a great investment piece which you will cherish for years to come.