Confashions From Kuwait

One of the biggest thrills about Caftans season isn’t just the launch of new caftans by “big” names that everyone knows and loves. Caftans season is a chance to scout out the latest and greatest in emerging talents. This season was no exception, I have been introduced to so many new local and regional brands and young talents that I never knew existed. Qatari-based brand 1309 was launched last year, but because I had already stocked up on caftans before the launch of their debut collection, I didn't get the chance to buy from their collection. This year however, I made it my mission to order since I knew that their design aesthetics would surely mean presenting something that won't disappoint, and guess what? They did meet and exceed my expectations. I think that 1309 is really having a moment. It managed to create pieces that well-dressed girls everywhere are starting to talk about. This season I fell in love with their Arabic calligraphy embroidered pie...

Can you guess what I'm trying to say? :) One of my favorite velvet slippers by Stubbs & Wootton . The brand is known for its iconic slippers and laid-back qualities, it portrays much-lauded tongue-in-cheek creations in the form of symbols, which reminds me, I need a new pair for the new season. They're unbelievably comfortable and I'm not the type that has the ability to keep shoes in great condition unfortunately, no matter how hard I try. My flats, especially summer flats, rarely last to the next season. 

It was the explosion of florals on this Preen by Thornton Bregazzi long sleeves peplum top that caught my fashion radar last season. Pretty silk blooms all hand-stitched, decorated with small beads and silk threads, made this top my perfect pic for parties and formal events. I paired mine with a pair of cropped black satin pants and some colorful jeweled earrings. 

Another local brand I've been obsessing about lately is Zahr Al Ward . A month ago I saw on her instagram a sneak peek of a caftan she's working on decorated with these adorable golden dragonflies. According to Wikipedia, in China, people associate dragonflies with prosperity, harmony and as good luck charms. Of course in my case I like them made out of metal. That's as close as I could get to any living creature (excluding humans of course). And also Kuwaiti culture, this insect is actually associated with positive vibes and good news. So if you happen to see one, that means you'll be hearing good news from family or friends. I'll share a proper photo of the caftan soon, but you can view the designer's work here .

As we start the holy month of Ramadan month, the word “Caftan” suddenly becomes unavoidable,  usually uttered in the same context as pre-futoor yoga cleanses, Ghabqa's (a meal that takes place after midnight and to which guests are invited to share Suhoor, the last meal before fasting), and futoor (breaking your fast) menu! And because I feel a bit sluggish most of the time, I’d much rather be lounging in something billowy and comfortable, especially that avoiding carbs and sugars during this month is a pain! Luckily, in Kuwait, the options for a caftan are endless!! And even though a large number of local caftans brands are very repetitive, crazy colorful/mixed and unmatched (in a bad way), and attention to detail is their rarest quality, we do have a good number of local brands that exceed the expectations and are ahead of the local bunch in terms of quality, design, and creativity. Those designers are the ones I'm proud of and personally follow their latest updates. I...

I just realized that the focus in this photo is more on my Marques'Almeida frayed-hem denim top than my  Charlotte Olympia's 'Patty' sandals , the main subject of this post. Anyhow, I promise to take a better picture next time. Alternatively, you can click here .  These are the most comfortable heels I have bought the past couple of years I think! I stood in them for hours in an exhibition I participated in last month and I honestly didn't feel tired at all! And this is coming from someone who just cannot tolerate the pain and agony of wearing heels everyday. I first fell in love with them because they fabric is covered in bandana-like paisley-prints and works really well with any denim pants or denim skirts. You can purchase them online here .   

When I posted this photo of my new Nº21 layered satin slippers , I didn't think it would cause such a commotion! It was my most liked instagram post like ever! It got re-posted at least 4 times, and I got asked about all the time. I was beyond flattered and happy, and I have to give credit to my stylish sister who discovered them first, and when we saw them in Selfridges in London last March she strongly urged me to try them on! I;m so glad she did. I fell in love with them so much, which made me buy two (maybe more! *girn*)  pairs of them in different colors! Something I don't normally do!! And you know what? I don't regret buying them at all, the shoes are very comfortable, insanely chic, and very unique. And guess what? You can buy the last pair in size 37 online here ! Catch them before they're gone!

Man I look so grumpy here! Why the sad face?!! I probably wasn't too impressed with the selection at Aïshti at the Avenues and decided to take a semi-selfie of my favorite Acne Studios piece . A one-piece striped stole. The design is like nothing I've seen before! Mind you though, it's not the most practical, I feel like my shoulders are tied while walking, but it's all good, as long as it adds that chic flair to my outfit. You can view a better photo of this piece here .

I've been craving fringed boots ever since I saw Isabel Marant's Fall 2011 knee-high ruched and fringed pair. I remember I looked for them everywhere! They were a big hit and got sold out like hot cakes!! So this season when Aquazzura introduced a new fringed pair of boots, I just had to have them (and I did!)! They add a little fun and boho-flair to any outfit! Of course because this year the weather hasn't been as cold as we were hoping for it to be, I didn't get to wear mine as much.  The  Aquazzura  fringed boots are pointy, but quite comfy because of their loose-cut. And they're flattering too! which makes them perfect to wear with skirts, grungy dresses, leggings, and skinny jeans.

I'm loving how the fringes trend is moving and shaking its way into my closet, and this H&M fringed skirt is my latest addition. I'm pairing it with button-down shirts, knitted tops, and denim jackets. Nothing beats the feeling of finding such items while shopping high-street stores.  Here I was trying on the pointy flats of Nicholas Kirkwood at AlOthman , I'm thinking to go for the black pair as they're quite comfortable and easier to wear (in terms of color pairing). 

Just a silly pose by yours truly and my shopping partner, fooling around in our soft cashmere beanie hats featuring a ribbed texture and the softest fur pom pom at the top. I'm not into wool hats that much since we live in a warm sizzling hot climate, but I would totally invest in this classic design by Giambattista Valli , spotted at AlOthman . It would come in handy for winter trips with cosy oversized knits and skinny denim, wouldn't you agree? You can find similar styles here and here .

If you have been following me on instagram , you have probably seen some of the images featured here posted on my insta. These were taken the second day of Ramadan when the entire family usually gathers to greet each other for the arrival of this blessed month. I don't know about you but I so enjoy our family gatherings, It really feels good to have a genuine family that supports you through think and thin, connecting with cousins, bonding moments, everybody talking at the same time, aunts complaining about our obsessive use of iPhones, kids running around causing chaos, so much love (and sarcasm) in the air! Besides, it's where you find all the good home-made food! Anyhow, allow me to share with you what I wore on the first official Ramadan family gathering, I chose to wear a striped caftan designed by the talented local designer Reem Al Mudhaf of NoonoPink , as shown in the photo above. Scroll down for more photos of some of my family members and what they ...

With Summer in full swing and the swimming season upon us, I had to shop around for chic beach-ready accessoires to embrace the sun and the waves in style. One brand I always check out is Sensi Studio , a fun and colorful accessories brand hand-crafted by local artisans in Ecuador.  So I browsed the selection at Harvey Nichols Kuwait and fell in love with this straw hat with red paint-like doodles. You can never go wrong with a straw hat to protect your skin, especially that I stopped sun-tanning my face for a while now to protect it from unwanted early wrinkles. And where to keep your beach essentials? like mobile, lip balm, sun block, and co? In one of these adorable straw clutches by  Sensi Studio  too! I'd personally carry it on and off the beach!  What about you? Any new purchases to update your beach look?

Having perfect, close-up style feet for the most luxurious slippers of this season planet is not easy, and in my case impossible. I know that my toes do NOT have what it takes to model a pair of new shoes, but I'm hoping that you'd be too mesmerized by the beauty of these Celine knotted leather slippers. The leather looks fresh to death, and the best part is that they're beyond comfortable!  I've searched for these babies everywhere and they were sold out, remember my previous post here ? My sister was in London last month and found them in my size at Harrods ! How cool is that?! I was over the moon! They're officially my Summer shoes this year.

There's just something about pearls I connect with. I have a thing for them. They way the pearl gleams against ray lights, the timeless appeal of it, and the many many ways you can accessorize with, like with shoes. I've been waiting for these beyond gorgeous  Nicholas Kirkwood  heels to hit K-town for like forever. So when they finally arrived I felt like on cloud number nine. The mini pearl-trimmed suede pumps comes with a gigantic floating pearl heel feature. It feels very Chanel-ish. I immediately paired they with my pearls embellished boy-friend jeans, I wasn't planning to go for a matchy-matchy look, so I toned it down with a plain tee and a wrap-around neck shawl.  You can shop these  Nicholas Kirkwood   heels here or at Harvey Nichols Kuwait .

I'm slightly obsessed with my recent purchase, ecru's alphabet charm. I wanted to buy the first letter of my last name as well but it was in silver too, I prefer to have them in clashing colors, so I settled for the first letter of my first name only. The embroidered alphabet charms  make a great gift idea as well for people who love an appreciate the beauty of our language.  ecru  is currently stocked at AlOthman Boutique in Salmiya and some items can be purchased online here .

As you may already know, last week Bahrain held one of the most prestigious jewellery exhibitions in the region  Jewellery Arabia Show , which I was very lucky to attend it for the first time. You can view  previous post here . The night I arrived to Bahrain, I was invited to  Jewellery Arabia  2013 Gala Dinner, which was held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. So around 9PM, TheOverdressed , one of my favorite fashion bloggers in the region, picked me up from the hotel and off we went to the gala dinner. Needless to say she looked absolutely gorgeous in her emerald green crepe wool dress with flounced hemline and decorative beaded button from  Erdem . She cleverly paired it with a shrunken jacket by the same brand, and a matching Nancy Gonzalez  clutch. As for me, I chose to go for my Simon Rocha  gigantic one side ruffled skrit, paired with my favorite Alaia sandals, layered pearl necklaces, a crepe black top by COS,  and m...

I just found out through Sassi's insta account that a close-up shot of what I was wearing on the launch event of  Denim Room  was featured in Style.com Arabia as part of their coverage of the event. The furry monster and I very flattered! Thank you. 

Can you think of a reason why I SHOULDN'T love this Totally super-duper adorable heart Karl raffia Clutch with the cutest crochet Karl figurine? No? Right, yeah, me either. It's so light and roomy enough to carry your essentials, and I can use it also inside my oversized handbags. You can find it at Boutique 4 . I just got it as a gift from two loving and stylish friends. I heart you girls! 

Ever since Chanel released the Camellia high top sneakers featuring a cluster of camellias with their iconic double C’s on one petal, and I've been contemplating whether I should get them or not. And after a long journey of searching for those black on black pair specifically, because they also come in an ugly shade of beige and black, my sister finally found them for me in the states. And when I first tried them on, I was smitten by their beauty, HOWVER, I had, still have, doubts about their practicality and the fact that will I ever get my money's worth for buying these pair. I can't tell now because the weather is still warm and I prefer wearing sneakers when the weather gets colder. So for the time being, I'll be taking mental notes of what to wear with them.