Confashions From Kuwait

There's a new bag out there and it's giving Wang's Coco a run for its money. Recently I got introduced to a new line of high-end luxury handbags called  Analeena .  The bags are made of the most exquisite exotic skins and have unique details all mastered by Italian craftsmanship.  I had the pleasure of going through their Fall 2010 lookbook and one bag that really stood out was this Rock 'n' Roll Bowling python bag with woven metal seams.  The bag is available in black, dark brown, blue and white, and red & black.  I love that it can be easily worn with all my urban looks to add that extra edge.  Find out more about Analeena  here . 

Even though I still have some items with their tags on inside my closet, all brand new from S/S 2010 collection sob!! it’s time to give a warm welcome (50 degrees warm to be precise!) to pre-Fall collections in K-town (at Al Othman to be precise).  Look at these fierce pointy pump by Christian Louboutin covered in pony skin with gold chain embellishment. They would look smashing paired with sharp tailored pieces.  So, new heels for fall? Check! NEEEXT!   

The Mykita Franz sunglasses, as seen worn by SJP on SATC's poster, are now available at  Eye Boutique . The shades come in silver, bronze, and green.  Pick them up fast as they're selling like hotcakes. Eye Boutique is located in 360 Mall. For more information please visit company page at facebook under EYE BOUTIQUE – KUWAIT .

Whether you're dancing the night away in Ibiza, Bnaider, St Tropez, or even the Sheraton, The Outnet.com has got the key party looks to have you look your dazzling best. From exquisite embellished dresses by Paul and Joe to luxe Emanuel Ungaro draped gowns, plus discounts of up to 70%, it's time to follow theOutnet's guide to hot summer nights!

You probably know by now that Net-a-porter’s fabulous final reductions have kicked off and for a limited time only you can enjoy majorly discounted items from over 200 leading designers. So I went through each and every item on the Sale section and picked 15 of my personal favorites. And they are from left to right: Maison Martin Margiela Ruched leather ankle boots Zimmermann Knotted cutout silk-blend dress Yves Saint Laurent Arty cornaline ring Stella McCartney Lace jumpsuit Miu Miu Bird-print satin wallet Jonathan Saunders Odet block-color maxi dress Jason Wu Georgette petal coat Moschino Cheap and Chic Floral-collar shirt Fendi Wool-blend strapless dress Willow Beaded wool-blend jacket Sigerson Morrison Plateau suede sandals Eun Jeong sleeveless silk-twill tuxedo jacket Markus Lupfer merino-wool skull sweater Proenza Schouler embossed leather sandals Marc by Marc Jacobs Jacquetta stripe mini skirt

Even though Jaeger offers a wide range of women wear with superb quality and somewhat reasonable price tag, I don’t always find lots of items to lust after, which is something good for my so-called savings.  However, I do spot an item or two every season which have an attractive “Buy-Me!” power. And recently, I’ve found this one piece that I really liked from Jaeger’s S/S arrivals. It’s a sheer brocade top, which happens to be an exclusive piece featured in Jaeger's S/S 2010 catwalk show at London Fashion Week. It also comes with a matching pink skirt, full of volume and bounce for that feminine chic look. Price tag? KD 120.

I saw these super cute “wear-with-anything” pair of heels at Mulberry and immediately perked up.  What I love about these heels is that they have the perfect shade of tan and their heel height is ideal for everyday use. Also tan blends well with printed outfits.  And since I’m the type who quickly wears shoes out, I had to have a new pair of tan shoes.  Unfortunately for me, the buttery-soft t-strap heels were sold out in my size (urgh!!).  Anyways, if you’re interested, they’re priced at KD 177 (Nope, still not on sale!) and available at Mulberry Boutique in the Avenues Phase II.  

In case you've been living under a rock (or sunbathing somewhere on the Mediterranean), quite a few bargains are out there with all the seasonal sales going around, so I thought I'd take this opportunity to catch you up on what's going on. Let’s start with Al Othman who is now having sale up to 50% off on its S/S 2010 merchandise. So here are some of my personal favorites… I love this Devi Kroell’s classic fold-over clutch with origami detail, mostly because that it has the right blend or classy, chic, and practical. Plus it can be worn as a shoulder bag using a detachable golden chain strap, but this item is only 30% off. Was KD 539 and now around KD 377 . These Behnaz Sarafpour’s classic cut pant with a super cool one hidden pleat makes it the perfect basic wardrobe staple but with a modern twist. Loves it! Was KD 309 and Now around KD 154 . OK, the photo does not do this fabulous Marios Schwab electric pink, purple, and black number any justice. Neither do

When I first got to know French brand Zadig & Voltaire years ago, I thought it was just another high-street store selling casual street wear.  But after a closer inspection, I become conscious of the fact that the material used for Z&A’s clothes and accessories were definitely not the high-street quality. Z&A uses luxurious materials like cashmere and fine cotton to give that “affordable luxury” feel to its collection, plus you will feel that the brands gives 100% attention to the detail of tailoring. Mind you, the price tag of some items are far from “affordable” and are in fact quite pricey, but some are also worth the price because you’d be investing in some really cool basics. And the good news is that now most items in-store are up to 50% off. (Yay!) I have gone through their S/S 2010 look book and picked some of my favorite looks. You’ll notice that the colors used are muted, smoky, with a hint of green. As for the overall concept of the designs, think rock'n

Recognize the stylish doll in this photo? Yup! It's Carine Roitfeld, the Editor-in-Chief of French Vogue, posing with none other than our fellow fashionisto and blogger Yousef Al-Taher , one of the creative creators of Be an ICON blog which I featured once here . The fabulous Yousef has attended John Galliano's biannual  menswear spring/summer 2011 collections, one of the most influential fashion designers of our time! The show apparently was inspired by  Charlie Chaplin  and Yousef was kind enough to share the love by sending me some photos of this unforgettable experience.  This has to be one of the coooolest things I have received in my e-mail inbox this month! WTG Yousef! Keep the photos coming!

During my last visit to Villa Karizma, located opposite to Amiri Hospital, I stumbled upon a tiny little store  called " My Handmade " with cute necklaces, brooches, shawls, and other adorable stuff.  And then I was baffled to find out that almost everything in store is actually handmade by a local entrepreneur (and that's according to the sales lady!) So I had to take a closer look at her work and I was amazed to find how meticulous her work is. Just look at these charming mobile accessories and yes the rug too, the details are mind-blowing.   Actually, her meticulousness reminded me a lot of another local handmade brand, which I’d like to refer to as the “pride-and-the-joy” of the local handmade scene, the ibrah girls .  I’m pretty sure that handmade stuff with such quality like these are very time consuming, but are made with love. It’s obvious that her talent is phenomenal and I’m glad that she opened her own place to share these wonderful creations. 

One of the must-go places I always recommend to my out-of-towners/friends for shopping is Boutique 4 . What makes it unique is that it has the right mix of avant garde and chic. It carries pieces from under-the-fashion-radar labels such as Belle Sauvage, LUTZ, Jean Pierre Braganza, Boudicca, and more.  It also stocks hard to find accessories like Jennifer Behr's Lilac spiky turban head wrap (heart!).  So, if you live outside of Kuwait (or have no sense of direction when it comes to Industrial Shuwaikh), you will be thrilled to know that Boutique 4 is just a click away. Boutique 4 has just launched their user-friendly and very crisp online shopping site which you can visit on www.shopnumber4.com . And browse eccentric selection for men and women using your favorite currency.  Shop away!

Settle for second best, budget friendly  Zara . 

Settle for TopShop's clogs...

Sometimes when I step inside certain stores/restaurant I get a feeling like I'm in New York for some reason, like Kiehl's  in the Avenues or Gaucho Grill in Palms (random I know!), maybe it's the music? or the whole ambiance? I don't know.  And now I'm adding Bobbi Brown's branch to the list.  This is my first time to visit the store located in 360 Mall even though I always use their make-up and I like how everything looks neat and well organized. And most importantly, the things I was looking for were not sold out! Finally! 

I spotted this chocolate bar by Nestlé at Sultan Center the other day called Yorkie with an interesting tagline that says "Not for girls".  So I had to research to find out why it's not meant for girls, and according to Wikipedia ,  Yorkie was launched in 1976 to take on female-targeted brands such as Cadbury’s Dairy Milk and provide a chunkier alternative to the slimmed-down Dairy Milk bars.  And in case you're wondering, they do make a special girly version that is wrapped in pink.  

Confashion sings: I'm so excited and I just can't hide it And I know I know I know I know I know I want your office! May I start this last London post (phew!) by stating that I now believe in love at first sight. Siiiiigh, Net-a-Porter … How do I love thee? Let me count the ways Yours truly was invited to a private Net-a-Porter’s Denim boutique pre-launch event, which was held at their brand spanking new HQ located in Westfield shopping centre.  How can someone possibly work and save money when the mall is just a floor away.  Beats me! May the saving force be with you net-a-porterians. Anyways, the event was held to introduce their new online denim boutique, chat with style advisers for some tips, and enjoy their denim presentation of what they had to offer.   So.. Let’s count the ways, shall we? The massive office floor space with white chandeliers hanging above and ceiling to floor windows! (Hire me!)  The fact that the Denim Online boutique allows you to filter 20 deni