Confashions From Kuwait

I went clutch shopping at Villa Moda the other day, and even though oversized clutches are the obsession du Jour, getting a small clutch is more suitable and practical for formal occasions. It's something that you would treasure forever. Like this bold Forrest green crocodile print clutch by Bottega Veneta, perfect for the new season's bright colors trend. Besides, legendary exotics like this croc never goes out of style. Now.. let's check out the oversized selection.. Ever since I saw supermodel Claudia Schiffer's Ferragamo ad carrying this yellow python clutch , dressed in white tank top and baggy white pants, and her skin beautifully tanned, and this bag has been on my fashion radar. Unfortunately, when I tried it on, it didn't have the same effect.. hmm.. strange.. I wonder why ! The clutch also comes in coral. And here's the mother of all clutches, D&G red clutch with a buckle. Liked the color but hated the size! The clutch is sooo huge that you ca

After a successful show in February with the encouraging support of the Sadu House and Sheikha Altaf Al Sabah , KAVERI AGARWAL of NIFT new delhi presents the summer range in white and black. an exhibition of dresses, gowns and zeibouns in comfortable airy cottons with trendy hand bloc printing and intricate hand embroidery. The garments are coordinated with exquisite ‘Scarf’ jewellery, Neck-pieces created by a very talented designer of delhi . The event will be held 16 th & 17 th May 2009, Morning 9am to 12pm and Evening 4pm to 8pm At Sadu House .

This week's Goji new additions are all about the diverse ways of keeping it chic and elegant. From Lola Faturoti's colorful dresses and tops, to Yiorgos Eleftheriades monochromatic edgy vest and voluminous dresses and skirt, to Katherine Kwei's clutches and bags with the glorious ancient Chinese practice of the eternity knots. Also credit crunch friendly and easy-to-wear dresses from FETCH, BINETTI and Sally Tseng. Furthermore this time around Goji Boutique is introducing a young talented designer, All by N , whose fabulous scarves will be the talk of the town.

twist is a new fashion boutique, recently opened at Shaab Sea Side, where you will find the latest casual trends, with a 'twist' . Backed with a London College of Fashion education, an eye for detail, and a knack for making “thrifty” look like a “splurge”, twist Boutique owner snaps up the latest fashions, and brings them to you right here in Kuwait. “ My goal in opening twist is to follow my love of fashion design and incorporate what I have learnt at LCF to bring trendy and affordable fashion to Kuwait. I want my customer to walk into my store knowing they will be able to walk out with a fashionable outfit, that not many others will have (due to limited quantities) at an economical price ”. twist is packed with some fun American and European labels like Vava , Tulle, Voom and the fabulous Mink Pink. And its prices are very credit crunch friendly ranging from KD 14 to KD 63, with most around the 30 KD mark. twist is one of those shops that you just want to linger i

If you're looking for something other than a basic sheath and you're on a budget, then check out Banana Republic's latest collection at the Avenues. BR is channeling RM by Roland Mouret this season with two structured dresses in light grey and bright red. Infuse the look with shots of strong hued accessories and a pair of Louboutin heels or platform heels for a modern 40's look.

one-to-nine.com is hosting an exhibition to display their brand new collection of Maternity clothes, baby wear & contemporary baby accessories from April 30th - May 2nd, from 10am -1pm and from 4pm - 9pm @ The Exhibition. The Exhbition is located to the left of Slider Station on 'The Strip' Across from AlSeef Palace, Jibla, Kuwait.Tel.: (+965) 9406-6226.

I came across this store which will be opening soon opposite to New Mowasat Hospital called Edible Arrangements . It will be selling fresh fruit bouquets ( healthy!) and chocolate covered gift baskets. Edible Arrangements bouquets are specially arranged for birthdays, congratulations, business events and client gifts. The bouquets are made fresh with premium fruits arranged in a variety of stunning displays. Each bouquet can be complemented with chocolate dipped fruit including dipped strawberries, dipped daisies, dipped banana slices, and more! Currently Edible Arrangements has 871 stores worldwide. Sounds interesting..

There it was, Dolce & Gabbana's cocktail dress on the window display (pictured here on the right) at Villa Moda . The curve-hugging shape dress is delicately adorned with beautiful ivory blooms. It immediately got me spellbound. And it's even more beautiful up close and personal. Simply breathtaking in design and in cost . Price tag? Slightly over KD 6,000.

You are invited to attend the grand opening of Fortune Cookie Boutique @ Karizma located opposite to Al Amiri Hospital .The event will Feature LIVE Arabic music, delicious sweets, and a surprise giveaway. Fortune Cookie's summer collections will also be shown EXCLUSIVELY to you. It will be a whole new shopping experience. Valet parking will be available. The event will be held today from 6:30-10:00pm.

Even though I was slightly disappointed by YSL's birdcage heels, I quickly recovered the moment I saw these beautiful handbags with eye popping hues of bright purple, fuchia , and blue. And I'm especially head over heels with the Croc Muse Two handbag shown in the photo above. Take it from me, it looks 10 times better in real life. Very bright and beautiful to the touch. I also liked The Easy bag in beautiful butterly leather with ombre effect (shown below). Prices of bags? KD 800.

I wrote about this trend last year in my Birdcage Babe post and now they're finally here at YSL's boutique at Villa Moda . I'm pretty sure that these heels and Louis Vuitton's Spicy sandals were the most featured heels in the media for Spring 2009. Anyways, I tried them on and to my disappointment they were not flattering at all on me. However, the belt looked amazing with baggy masculine inspired pieces. Villa Moda is located at Free Trade Zone, Shuwaikh.

The quirky and cool Pepper and Pistol team sent me their latest Fall 2009 Lookbook. Last year I featured their Summer 2009 lookbook on my blog. Each season they decide on a playful and fun theme to base their collection. This time their collection is inspired by the circus, the sinister clowns, the flying acrobats; it is a show of sequined wonders, chiffon and ruffled silks, and circles and bows, mixed with their novelty custom pinstripe & polka dot prints. Here are some of the looks featured...

You are invited to attend Kushtuban Exhibition of caftans, summery dresses, and tops on Monday and Tuesday 27th and 28th April from 10am to 1pm and from 5pm to 9pm @ The Exhibition located to the left of Slider Station on 'The Strip' Across from AlSeef Palace, Jibla, Kuwait. Tel# (+965) 9406-6226. Noura Al-Jassim & Manal Al-Zimami

Please click on image to enlarge

Building on its heritage of fabric development, Burberry has recently launched a newly expanded denim line for men and women as part of its London Lifestyle Spring Summer 2009 collection. The women’s Spring Summer denim collection has six jean styles – skinny, boot, flare, wide, straight and cigarette all available in high, medium or low rise. The denim collection also features skirts and Capri trousers. Detailing includes tape binding in Burberry iconic colours of white, black and red and Burberry Established 1856 dark nickel or gold plaques on coin pockets. Prices start at 125GBP/195USD The Burberry Spring Summer collection including the denim line is available in stores and on-line at Burberry.com .

Get 10% off Brown Boteek's brand new collection which includes unique pieces by European designers; dresses, tops, shoes and accessories (not including bags) and sample irresistible desserts by November . The event will tae place on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th April. Store hours 9:30 - 1pm and 5pm - 9:30pm. Brown Boteek is located at Tala Center . Between Leila Gallery and Mariam Complex. Salem Al-Mubarak St. For any inquiries, please call (+965) 6660-4545 and 2571-3019.

If you’re in dire need of some exotic skin in your closet but don’t want to break your budget, then check out Zara’s Special Edition python shoulder bag. The quality is pretty good and the finishing is not so flimsy. This Nancy Gonzalez-inspired bag is part of the Special Edition collection featured in Zara’s Spring/Summer 09 ads. Price tag? I think around KD 35. My obsession with this trend doesn’t seem to end….

IMAGE clinical facials are now available at Soho Salon with their new, incredibly innovative aesthetician, Armelle from Paris (oh la la!). Armelle performs all facials and massages with such expertise and passion, each client receives a full consultation and a hand made herbal infusion tailor made to their needs. She performs Reflexology, Thai Massage, Nepalese Massage and has even developed her own, unique copyrighted therapy called 'reflexo-detox'. IMAGE is a medicalised, clinical strength range from the US catering to every skin concern. There is a 4-Layer face lift for those ladies who party and need to look radiant or a whole range of peels and facials to tackle acne, scarring, pigmentation, wrinkles, basically any skin problem can be treated. Soho Salon is located in Fintas, Road 209, Lulwa Tower, opposite egaila beach. There is a "Papa Jones" branch as part of the building. Telephone: (+965) 2390-2077.

I loved the use of installation art next to each of Al Othman's mannequins! I think it says something about the store or the boutique from a creative aspect. It is very rare to see such artistic elements in shops in Kuwait. Villa Moda has original displays every now on then. Now the rest of you... work on it! Show us your creativity!

Denimfactoria is a Spanish denim brand. The brand's first collection consisted of only two styles that flew off the racks on some of Madrid’s best boutiques. An interesting part of the brand is its concern for the environment. Every time a client purchase a pair of jeans she will get a reusable woven bag with a cool illustration printed on it. They do this in hopes of reducing the use of plastic and paper bags plus it’s a free cool bag which can be taken everywhere. To find out more about Denimfactoria , click here . If you're a boutique owner and interested in this brand, please send an e-mail to info@denimfactoria.com .

Matthew Williamson for H&M finally hit the stores today in Europe. One stylish reader sent me photos of the store's window display in London the night before, which was already promoting items of the collection. She told me that there were already a couple of girls camping outside the store in hopes of buying from the capsule collection. The photos are not that clear but here they are... Speaking of which, when will the collection be available in Kuwait? Does anyone know?

Ken, Barbie doll house, Barbie's convertible, Barbie's zillion outfit.. You name it, I had it when I was a little girly girl. So it's only natural that I almost jumped off my seat when I got this announcement about Barbie's first-ever women’s bath and body collection to fete the icon's 50th anniversary (swoon!!) Barbie by Cake is a brand new bath and body collection that is kissed with an exclusive and signature Barbie scent. The collection is tucked into beautiful boxes decorated with vintage Barbie flare that will inspire women everywhere to reminisce and celebrate iconic Barbie. Barbie by Cake is now available right here in Kuwait at Beauty Bar . Order now before they sell out!

Dubai Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2009 wrapped up an incredible four day fashion extravaganza two weeks ago. Over the course of the week guests were treated to different display of local and regional talents, including the likes of Walid Atallah and Aly Fawaz, who presented sparkling, Swarovski-encrusted floor-length couture gowns; Amir Adnan who romanced the crowds with his creations; BodyAmr, who had the best designs on the runway (picture above); HSY, whose embroidery-heavy Rouge Royal collection caused raptures of appreciation, whilst Emirati sisters Reem and Hind Ali Beljafla had the audience jump to its feet when their Emirati flag-incorporated abaya emerged onto the catwalk. Metallic gown by BodyAmr Black full length gown by Vikram Pandis Pants & top by Raakhee Raipanchola Thank you to Dubai Fashion Week's press team for sharing this info and photos with me.

OK Recessionistas, mark your agendas! For tomorrow is the unmissable BRANDS BAZAAR at the Hawalli Palace Ballroom at Hawalli Park ! Major discounts, huuuge reductions, and unbelievable offers from luxury high end designer brands, including: MaxMara, Kenzo, Just Cavalli, Jimmy Choo, AL Ouj, G STAR RAW, BERTONI, Versace, Dior accessories, the biggest brands sold at Al Othman, watches, and many many more! Girls.. we are talking bargain Loubs for KD 48 and KD 72 ONLY ! I can't believe my eyes! And MaxMara's classy chic clothes ( please show MaxMara's signature heavy coats! ) The event will be held for 5 days only from 10:00am to 1:30pm and from 4:30pm to 10:00pm.

Yup. Net-a-Porter's latest Spring/Summer Accessories Guide is in Arabic. It was sent to Net-a-Porters' clients complimentary. Check out a sample of the inside pages. Thanks to one of my stylish readers for sending me these photos.

Eclectic Boutique is the latest addition of Kuwaiti online boutiques. They provide hard to find and new designer labels with exquisite sense of style. According to their website, they are going to introduce new brands of young designers from around the world, which will be unique and elegant at the same time. Even though their collection is limited, some sections of the website is still under construction, and they had some technical glitches, I found the site interesting. My fave is the Future Classics Goddess Geometry Dress shown below for KD 104. The site is worth visiting.