Confashions From Kuwait

I think half of Kuwait has already been to Dean & Deluca by now. The Gourmet Store, located in the Avenues Phase II, offers a vast array of produce and foodstuffs, including many never previously sold in Kuwait. The interior of the store looked so fresh and clean with its white walls, white tiles, stainless steel shelving and glass display jars. It’s a place where you can easily stay for at least an hour browsing the shelves. Each corner of the store has a different counter: readymade food, sandwiches and cold-cuts, bakery and pastry, cheese, and my fave the candy and coffee display counters (check out the photo of the marzipan shaped like fruits & veggies! YUM!). I think Au Nom de la Rose had a counter too. The service was mediocre, but the quality of food was astounding, we had a goat cheese sandwich with Avocado spread & whole grain fresh toast, and a nice cup of cappuccino. It’s the place for every true epicurean and host/hostess who wants to make his/her events specia...

I have 2 words for you. Well actually four, Behnaz Sarafpour and Proenza Schouler . The new season's selections of those two designers at Al Othman took my breath away. Some of the displayed semi-classic items (like Sarafpour's LBD) were reinvented with details of modernization and femininity. Making them simply irresistible. Al Othman is located at Mariam Complex, Salem AlMubarak St, Salmiya. For inquires, please call (+965) 2-575-4954.

All recessionistas can now enjoy an extra 20% off sale items at Net-A-Porter from the world's most covetable designers, including Chloé, Oscar de le Renta, Stella McCartney, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo and many more, until February 1. Simply enter the promo code 'WINTER' at checkout to take advantage of this limited-time offer.

In Kuwait that is...

I know this is old news to most of you, but it’s such a sight to see. I often drive on Fahaheel expressway and see these gigantic and colorful kites soaring high over the Messila Beach Sky. I never came close to that area until recently. The kites looked even more beautiful up close. Some of the kites were shaped to resemble a turtle, a dragon, or Kuwait’s flag. And I just found out that this (almost) weekly event is organized by The Al-Farsi Kites Team (wtg guys!). It is very refreshing to see different events here in Kuwait. I strongly recommend that you go there with your friends or family members.

The latest addition to Yazi Boutique is Arabic Alphabets on a necklace. I think it looks nice to wear with Kaftans, daraa’as, and ethnic inspired pieces. Prices start at BD 50. Yazi Boutique is located at Al Aali Mall, Bahrain.

Well... temporarily, remember the fire incident at Esprit which Mark posted about a few days back? Well guess which store is located right underneath it? Yup. TopShop is the only store at the Avenues that was majorly damaged by the fire and the only one that is still closed because of it. Apparently, the fire sprinklers at TopShop went on when the smoke came in and damaged the stock entirely. TopShop needs at least 3 weeks for it to be operating again. I was always against TopShop being in the Avenues, it shouldn't have changed its location from Salmiya in the first place. The old location was much nicer, bigger in space, and had better selection for some reason. Anyways, hope they turn TopShop/TopMan to TopShop only this time.

Nothing makes a dramatic fashion statement to well manicured hands like a stack of colorful and chunky geometric bangles similar to these leather bangles which I found at Miu Miu boutique the other day. I liked the ones in the middle, wear two bangles stacked on top of another to spice up your outfit. And yes, these bangles are actually on 50% discount. I can’t remember their prices though (oops!).

Recessionistas looking for beautiful, glamorous, and very very affordable evening gown must shop at GojiBoutique.com and hunt for treasure pieces by Christos Costarello . Moreover, check out their latest fashion pieces in their new arrivals section. And guess what? GojiBoutique have started delivering to the GCC, Lebanon & Jordan on a cash on delivery basis.

I had been nagging my friend for quite some time to go to Souk Al-Salmiya with me as I have never been to it before. After constant harassment, she finally relented. Let me tell you guys, this is the place to go if you want to see the weirdest designer replicas ever! I wouldn’t have guessed that it would make a great (and unforgettable) blog post. I took pictures of all the “interesting” products being sold there. And I chit chatted with a few "charming characters". You know the type, salesmen with painstakingly assembled slicked-back hair and a 5 inch long pinky finger nail (eew!). I had to conceal my smile as it broke across my face when I saw the strange array of products and designer brand replicas being sold. From designer bedding (LV, Coach, Fendi, Dior… you name it, they have it!), to humongous Fendi Flower-shaped hair clip. Simply bizarre! Here are some photos of the brand replicas.. Despite my reservations, I couldn’t help myself when I saw the " I love garlic ...

It’s definitely not a new trend, but the must-have head-adornments are selling like hot cakes lately. Evolving from plain and boring headbands to feathered, bejeweled, beaded, and embellished alluring head pieces on the crowns of Gossip Girl fanatics. I found these Miu Miu jeweled headbands studded with rhinestones and Swarovski crystals at Villa Moda Shuwaikh the other day, and although they’re from the Fall ’08 collection, they are NOT on sale (unfair!!!). These sparkly bands work with any hairstyle and instantly give you that festive look. Price tag? Around KD 80.

If you live in Bahrain and you're looking for stylish gifts for a new infant or a toddler? Then Babymelon is the place to go to. Shop for baby clothes and for great gift ideas for special occasions from the most hip baby brands: Junk Food and No Added Sugar to name a few. Babymelon is located at al Aali Complex in Bahrain‏.

Shop this season's hottest items and have them delivered to your door FREE of charge. Simply enter FREESHIP09 into the promotional code box during checkout before midnight on January 25 to enjoy free shipping.

Remember my post on Créme Boutique‏ which will open soon at Bahrain's Al-A'Ali Complex? Well, I just felt like sharing with you this photo of the boutique's exterior, still under construction. Click on it to enlarge.

I have a weakness for Bottega Venetta's classic intrecciato leather especially when the leather is re-invented in apple green, bright orange, and cobalt blue to suit the next season's fondness for all things colorful and bright. Bottega Venetta's cruise collection is simply irresistible. I seriously wanted to buy at least 5 items. And I'm especially in love with this unbelievably chic blue turquoise leather cocktail clutch with pleated ruffle detailing. It will surely add a jolt of color to any outfit. Bottega Venetta's boutique is located at Villa Moda Shuwaikh, Free Trade Zone.

Villa Moda Shuwaikh have received the new cruise collection for Gucci . But hold your horses, not all the selection is to die for. It's Gucci after all. However, you can't go wrong with a classic Gucci white wide-legged pants to kick start your cruise shopping. It's a wardrobe staple and a lifetime fashion investment. I also liked the " shape " of the printed 70's tunic top, but I just can't stand the print on the tunic. The leather jacket is to-die-for and has an amazing fit but I wouldn't buy it now. And don't miss out on the orange evening gown on display (not pictured). Looks very Saint-Tropez-ish.

My passion for classic movies and especially the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s starring the forever chic Audrey Hepburn made me fall in love with this Audrey Hepburn pop art poster painting which I've found at IKEA the other day for a mere KD 25. The cheapest and easiest way to revamp your boring walls.

NET-A-PORTER's Sale Extravaganza just got even better! Today, hundreds of new items have been added to the already fabulous end of season sale alongside further reductions on existing sale products.

You probably know by now that Alber Elbaz created six Miss Lanvin porcelain hand painted dolls with Taiwanese ceramics company Franz . The series of dolls from Lanvin feature seven silhouettes from the S/S 08 Lanvin collection as well as the bridal capsule collection. Each of these cute little dolls are produced in a limited series of 800, numbered and signed. Miniature Dolls by Lanvin will be available at Browns Fashion (you need to add your name to their waiting list daaahling). However you can get them now at Villa Moda Bahrain AND they're on 50% discount. HOWEVER, the price tag of these cute dolls is not cute at all. It is retailed at BD 400. And that's the AFTER sale price.

I went to Saks Fifth Avenue store in Bahrain. The two-level store is located in City Centre Mall and has a collection of American and international clothes designers for Men and Women as well as jewelry, accessories, handbags, fragrances, cosmetics, intimate apparel, bridal, and children's apparel. However, I was slightly disappointed by the small selection, maybe because all items were on sale? Or the number and variety of brands were limited? Anyhow, my favourite section at Saks - Bahrain was Saks's world-famous 10022-SHOE salon (shown in the photo below). It had the same look & feel of the NY's shoe salon but of course not the same space. The Shoe Salon had really nice selection and they were all on sale! I have been told by Saks Sales Assistant that they will be hosting numerous special events throughout the year such as fashion shows and personal appearances by designers. Now that's something I'd be interested in! In addition, they currently offer in-st...

one-to-nine.com is an online boutique based in Kuwait, it caters to the need of the modern mom-to-be and her baby. Their website describes the business as the following: " Any woman who has been pregnant would recognize the challenges of maintaining her sense of style during those remarkable nine months and the wonderful time after that, and this is where we come in, we strive to offer our customers the best in contemporary brands from all across Europe and the U.S.A ." one-to-nine.com promises to offer stylish, unique, and exclusive collections that will be delivered in an equally fashionable manner. Expect to receive your order packaged in a way that rivals to the quality of net-a-porter's. Unfortunately, only 2 sections are available on their website for the time being, which are the accessories section and the nursery section. The rest will be launched soon. For more info on ordering, please click here . It's nice to see decent-looking and professional online ...

This Large Chanel heart-shaped canvas tote in cotton towling and vinyl is one of the bags available now at the boutique.

The is my last pick from Al Othman’s Fall sale. Treat yourself with this timeless chic shirtdress with a self-tie belt from the it-brand Halston . Take your cue from the runway and layer the dress over a turtleneck in the same shade. Combine with knee-high boots and a messanger bag. Was KD 359, now KD 179.500 .

I have a love/hate relationship with Hermès. I love the Birkin (but not when I see it in the Avenues at least 6 times in one day! Or at very formal events), I love Lindy, Kelly, Jypsiere, JPG, HAC, Kelly Longue, Clic Clac bangle, scarves.. etc. But I hate the attitude of it's staff, not all of them of course. Some of the sales people I met in different Hermès Boutiques were extremely friendly and down to earth. But the majority had a major attitude. Maybe that's part of the brand's identity? Anyhow, The 170-year-old luxury brand is now available in Bahrain's Moda Mall. It seems that Hermès has not been affected by the recession like other fashion houses. Because I saw 2 kellys in store that were snatched up immediately the next day. And sorry girls, No birkins are available for now.

Click on the image to enlarge.

If we had a proper Kuwaiti version of Kentucky Derby, I wouldn't hesitate for a second to wear this fun, flattering, and fashion forward headband/hat. I found it at Accessorize and it is being sold for KD 14.

Temperley London has opened the doors to their first store in the Middle East. The boutique is 2500-square-feet and is located in Dubai Mall . Thanks to one of my kind readers for sharing this photo and info with me.

The Jack Rabbit Concord bag is the latest addition to GojiBoutique.com's collection. This amazing oversized leather tote turns into a shoulder bag when folded. It is picked up by the likes of Lucy Liu, J Lo, and Agyness Dyne to name a few. The style of the bag makes it a fabulous and practical choice for everyday use. Wear it coolly like a kelly or casually over the shoulders.