Confashions From Kuwait

I'm excited about the launch of Liudmila's debut collection at AlOthman . The creative talent behind the brand emerging designer Najeeba Hayat, was able to put herself on the shoes fashion map thanks to her tireless commitment and dedication. She studied shoe design for almost 6 months and really worked hard on every aspect related to the brand, from the design, to marketing, to budgeting, to promoting the shoes, all on her own! AlOthman Boutique will launch  Liudmila  S/S 2015 shoes collection this Wednesday April 1st at 6pm at AlOthman boutique located in Salmiya, Salem Al Muabark Street, Maryam Complex (Basement). Pass by to meet the designer Najeeba Hayat and be the first to shop her debut collection. Liudmila  began with the belief that the future of footwear lies in creating desire and fantasy while respecting a woman’s mobility. Made in Italy,  Liudmila  singles itself out by a focus on lower-heeled styles. All of their heel styles fall un...

When it comes to new handbags of the season, I think I'm totally playing favorites with Ralph Lauren's  new Ricky Drawstring bag! It has been spotted carried by celebs like Jessica Alba, Margot-Robbie, Jessica-Chastain, and Julianne-Moore all around town in NYC and with a slew of outfits, and given the roomy and practical style we can’t say we blame them!  Handcrafted in Italy and designed with the attention to detail known throughout the Ricky Bag collection, the Ricky Drawstring is a fresh interpretation of Ralph Lauren’s iconic luxury tradition. According to rep  Ralph Lauren's rep, the  Ricky Drawstring  bag is available in luxe nappa leather, alligator and python, as well as three sizes and a range of classic and seasonal colors, from Antique Gold to Bright Orange to Cadet Blue, each Ricky Drawstring Bag features a chic contrasting lining and a removable top handle and cross-body strap. So is that the promise of the return of th...

What is this beauty?!!?  A large Ricky Drawstring with wood lock and dark olive alligator skin bag. Enough said. 

A Quick Outfit of the Day post: Skirt by H&M , Oh la la flats by Charlotte Olympia , high-low top by COS , and black cashmere cardigan with white lines by Chinti & Parker at Blaq Concept , and polka dots scarf from Zara . 

Some Wall Inspiration spotted at cafe of The Shop at Blue Bird in London's Chelsea area on King's Road. I'd like to do something similar for my home. 

The two things that I like the most about Harrods in London are the furniture area and the toys section.  Harrods Furniture Department, comprising the Third Floor of the store, boasts an unrivalled selection of the world's most luxurious furniture and home accessories, and the latest within modern interior design and accessories. I knew I wasn't going to buy anything at that moment, but I went for inspiration for my home. The  lighting selection was just phenomenal and I also loved the dinning table shown in the photo below with its geometric table stand. I didn't bother to check the price tags, besides I have a looong way to go when it comes to furnishing and interior design. So for now, I'll settle for taking pics only. 

Normally when I travel, I try to avoid commercial big hotels simply because I feel they lack character and coziness. In my last trip we chose to stay at Number 16 , a cute and cozy boutique hotel located in a residential street in South Kensington, away from the huge tourist crowds, and close to the V&A, Hyde Park and even Harrods (around 10 to 15 minutes walking). The hotel really felt like my own London residence. The staff were simply wonderful and very helpful, they managed to find us bookings in the most over-booked restaurants. The room, although it was comfortable and spotless clean, it was a bit tiny, but that didn't bother me personally as I spend most of my time outside anyways. We stayed in a Deluxe room, which was a bit smaller than I expected but nicely decorated and very well maintained.  I especially loved the garden, although some parts of it were under construction, it was so beautiful and comfortable.  Would I stay there again? At a hear...

It seems that Uterqüe were inspired by Dior's much-replicated and overly exposed embellished sneakers. Honestly I prefer those over Dior's! Spotted them at the brand's store in Marina Mall. 

Yes, I've blogged about my obsession with shoes before and a lot. Maybe it's the old lady in me but what can I say? I love me some shoes! Every season I end up buying more shoes than I ever need, and I think this Summer season I have hit a new record and I'm too embarrassed to share! I thought I'd share some foot candy that caught my love and attending during my stay in London. So here goes the never-ending list starting with these beautifully studded gladiator sandals by the one and only Alaia , shown in the photo above (similar styles here ).   I love how Marsèll shoes offer a carefully handcrafted, worn-in look, and these cut-out style stole my heart! Shop for similar styles here .   Balenciaga's mesh and neoprene sneakers are paneled with black leather and this cool strap detail. Find them here .  The timeless Charlotte Olympia heels More from  Balenciaga Can I have them all please?!! Celine slippers

Yesterday I passed by S aed Akhak Charity  event, which is held at the Sheraton Hotel on a yearly basis to raise money for humanitarian activities. We were looking for a Mother's Day gift, and let me tell you, it's such an amazing feeling to buy a gift that actually gives back to those in need during these worrisome times, any item purchased from participants of the charity exhibition a portion of its proceeds will be donated to humanitarian charities. This opportunity to "shop for a cause"is a great way to spoil the ones you love and feel good about it.  What I like about  S aed Akhak  is that they offer a good mix of participants, so you have booths that sell home accessories and furniture, and others that sell discounted jewelry and beautiful caftans, and other booths that sell yummy (but very overpriced) homemade food. We ended up getting my mother a gorgeous yellow sapphire earring from a local jeweler.  Follow  S aed Akhak  on instag...

If my heart could only be poured out in one blog post, a looooong and detailed post would be created dedicated to a talented and a big-hearted person I deeply admire and who continues to inspire me on different levels and forms in life, Kuwaiti artist  Tamara Al-Samerai . I won't talk about the personal side at the moment, I'd rather focus on her professional achievements. Born in Kuwait in 1977 and trained as a painter,  Tamara Al-Samerai’s  art practice encompasses painting, illustration, photography, animation, video and installation, often mixing the conventions of each medium. Her images are sensual, layered and deliberately unpolished, exuding an ethereality that withholds as much as it reveals. Most recently, confrontation and fear have been a recurring theme in her work, often manifesting themselves in the form of demons and monsters. Al-Samerai lives and works in Beirut and is represented by Cairo-based art gallery  Gypsum Gallery ....

During my stay in London last week, I spotted this beautiful Chanel gigantic pearl clutch at Harrods in London and I wasn't too surprised to see that it was priced at £7,000+. The thing that annoyed me the most is that it doesn't even fit an iPhone! Why would someone charge an arm and a leg for an impractical clutch?! But I have to admit, it really really did look nice! But I'll pass.... Thank u. It is worth mentioning that this design was introduced to the world during the Chanel Resort 2015 Fashion Show, which was held in Dubai last May 2014. And in other Chanel's new collection coverage, these sandals with Birkenstock-inspired soles look so comfy and chic. Must add to my wish list.

Spotted these cute as a button (no pun intended) sneakers at RED Valentino . They remind me of my grunge days in the early 90's when I was into alternative rock. And that's so random but did you know that RED stands for Romantic Eccentric Dress, as well as the Valentino's trademark color? Here you go, you learned something new today.

How cool is this cropped jacket I spotted at Zara the other day?! The piece is covered with Palestinian inspired embroidery and would look so uber-cool paired with a maxi jersey dress with a side-slit and a pair of biker boots? Oh! And in case you didn't know, I am now on Snapchat , so you can add me by my user name: confashions.

One thing that I went crazy over during my shopping spree in London were  Anya Hindmarch's  leather stickers. I wanted to buy the entire collection but had to stop at 4 stickers, for now. I'm such a sucker for quirky cool accessories! Anya Hindmarch's exciting collaboration with Charlotte Stockdale of CHAOS FASHION. The collection of luxurious embossed leather stickers was inspired by Anya’s schoolgirl version of personalisation and can be used to sticker up anything from your handbag to your purse or phone. You can shop the stickers online here , here , and here . 

Can I have this mind-blowing Breton top and embroidered denim shorts in a size xx-large please?!! Sometimes I really wish I could fit into kids clothes! Like these piece from the Stella McCartney Kids collection, which I spotted at Harvey Nichols Kuwait the other day. The selection was small but it did offer a few vibrant and playful pieces for the coolest (and pampered) kids in town. I wish Harvey would get more of these really cool kids brands, they used to stock Roksanda , but I haven't seen the brand when I last shopped there. I was thinking, it’s ridiculous that some kids tops or dresses cost more than my Topshop jeans! I don't normally always buy designer clothes for my kids, as I feel sometimes it's a waste of money and they don't have that longevity. What about you? Would you spend your savings on buying designer label clothes for your kids?

I love neutral-colored shoes as much as the next gal. Yes they're practical, have more longevity, minimal chic, and easy to wear, but they can also sometimes be... dare I say, boring? So when I saw these Sergio Rossi embroidered canvas pumps, I felt weak in the knees! The kind of heels to wear with denim looks, monochrome outfits, and African-inspired caftans. I spotted them at the brand's boutique in Salhiya, you can also find them online here .

Anya Hindmarch seriously got her groove back! The last time the brand had its moment was with the launch of I'm Not A Plastic Bag back in 2007 I think! Now, the covetable accessories brand has joined the "waiting list" fashion frenzy with its Stickered-Up selection of clutches and handbags. I personally was a sucker for its beautifully-crafted leather stickers, which can be used to 'sticker up' anything - from your handbag to your phone or notebook - to create your unique bag. I'll share a photo soon of my Anya Hindmarch Georgina clutch and how I humbly customized it. I'm tempted to buy more of these quirky cool stickers too! The Anya Hindmarch bag shown above was spotted at Harvey Nichols Kuwait, in case you're wondering.

I don't usually go for ruffled necklines in fear of looking like a clown, but this Mexican folk art inspired neckline shown on some of the pieces for Valentino 's Resort 2015 collection looked so exquisite. The pieces were embroidered with bright-red florals. This piece would look particularly elegant with golden accessories.  Excuse the bad photography, it was taken from the window display of Valentino in Prestige, The Grand Avenue. 

I am thrilled to announce the winners of  Michael Bublé   and   Drake  Concerts in Dubai competition, which I have announced on my blog last week here . The winner of one pair of upper grandstand tickets for  Michael Bublé  (Thursday 12th March) is: Maribel Mendros The winner of one pair of upper grandstand tickets for   Drake  (Saturday 14th March) is:    Yasir Mohamed Congratulations to the winners!  Your tickets can be collected from the   Time Out Tickets Box Office  the day of the concert. This will be next to the main entrance of the Dubai International Stadium venue. Please note that it  is not possible to exchange your tickets, nor are they transferable or refundable Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate, better luck next time. Please note that selection was done through random.org .  Special thanks to   LOUDER Entertainment  for holding this giveaway thro...

It's about time!! French luxury fashion brand Sandro is finally here in K-town! I was relieved to see that Harvey Nichols Kuwait had actually allocated not one, not two, but three different racks for the go-to Parisian chic brand, which translates to more selection to shop. Head over to Harvey Nichols Kuwait to shop the chic minimalist clothes.

Spotted these jaw-dropping Dior shoes that will make you want to ditch those boring black pumps sitting in your closet (OK! Only temporarily). The interwoven details are just insane! Besides, what gives you more spring appeal than a semi picnic-basket inspired accessory? LOVE!

Statement necklaces as wall decoration?! I love this!!! I spotted it at The One furniture and home accessories store in the Avenues and completely fell in love with it! I'm actually considering doing something similar using my own selection of statement necklaces, and rotate the display every season, you know, just in case I miss wearing one of the necklaces I have chosen for my wall of fame.

My admiration to Marc Cross grew this season when I spotted this new version at Harvey Nichols Kuwait the other day. There's something about these case type bags and the fact that they has no in-your-face kind or logo or monograms. Yes it is now quickly identified by its shape, but it's so classy and subtle. You can tell the amount of quality and craftsmanship that goes into Marc Cross bags, just by inspecting them closely. This version comes in three beautiful colors, which makes it versatile to wear. Definitly adding this to my "Wish/To buy" list. You can also shop Marc Cross bags here .