Colors of Lebanon

In the midst of the garbage and frequent uprisings, stands a more colourful, happy, and lively country. This staircase is located in one of the most upscale cities of Lebanon's mountains, Broumana. Boasting gorgeous panoramic views of Beirut as well as serene pine forests, this city is a must visit.
In this post, I put together a monochrome outfit from New Look, and spiced it up with a Coral coloured Louis Vuitton Capucine. I'm a big fan of mixing both high street brands and high end brands. You can always make high street items look good if you style them right. 

The Kaftan Series

On my recent trip to Japan, I learnt that not everything in the Japanese culture revolves around sushi and kimonos. How often do we limit our views of a certain culture to that of the preconcieved stereotypes that surround us. There is more to a culture than the way its people dress or what they eat.

The only way to really understand it is probably to experience it. One aspect I'd like to share from my journey is the natural beauty of Japan. Merging both my love for fashion and Japanese aesthetics, this post takes you on a trip to the most beautiful places Tokyo and Kyoto have to offer.

The kaftans featured in the pictures are one of a kind designs I worked on with my tailor. I might produce a couple more if they catch my readers' eye.

Locations : Meiji Shrine Tokyo, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Kyoto and Golden Pavilion Kyoto.

Industrial Dubai

I'm currently infatuated with mini bags. They're so cute & they fit all my essentials. This one is an A4 Papier Balenciaga that screams Cara/Alexa grunge and functionality. Both this patchwork zara sweater and these zipper detailed heels from Aldo add a rocker twist to this otherwise girly off-white skirt (also Zara). Okay, too much Zara, but can you blame me? 

Tone on Tone

Less is more. Learn it. Preach it. Live it. 

As an arab, growing up around women who favour opulence and everything shiny, It only felt natural to dress a little over the top. Growing up, I realised that everything should be worn in context. Leaving the sparkle for nights-out, I stick to casual looks with a little twist during the day.

In this post, I'm wearing a very functional GAP shirt (Whose quality is the best among high-street giants). Tone on tone with this Stradivarius midi skirt and a little pop of pink, with this cute miss Sicily (Dolce & Gabbana) I recently purchased on my trip to London.

Photos by Diana Chehade

#MyDubai Winter

After being away for a couple of months, I've decided to get back into the blogosphere. I started university this September, and it has been very difficult to blog alongside classes. Now that I've got everything sorted, Fashion Laboratoire is going to be relaunched.

Expect lots of new features : More places to try and more things to do in both Abu Dhabi & Dubai.

Today I'm leaving you with 5 things you need for winter in the UAE -

A Cosy grey sweater that looks great and that will you keep you warm without breaking the bank.

A Neutral coloured bags - very functional. Camel, a go-to colour for all seasons, looks especially great in the winter when paired with dark hues.

A floppy felt hat - Paris à Dubai.

Dark Plum lips are a must this season. A statement lip pulls the whole look together.

A Perfect sent for those warm nights in. 

To-Do List For This Week

SHOP
Karl Lagerfeld's self named brand is now available in the UAE. Head to Galleries Lafayette for a quick fix of cutting edge , accessible-luxe pieces that embody the designer's own iconic view of fashion : cool but sophisticated, with a signature rock-and-roll edge.

DINE
The world's much loved afro-portuguese restaurant, Nando's, is now open at Abu Dhabi's World Trade Centre. Their plump and juicy chicken is PERRi PERRi tasty! Perfect for takeaway or dine-in at their cosy new location.

UNWIND
As the UAE turns pink for the month of October, the Nail Spa joins forces with Breast Cancer Arabia. Support the cause and get your pink hearts & ribbons nail art done at The nail spa! You could even win a year's worth of mani-pedis by posting your pink polish selfie.

PLAY
Last week, I headed to Bounce Middle East in Al Quoz for Neutrogena's stress buster mondays. You'd be surprised by how tired you'll feel after 15 minutes of bouncing around. It's a really fun alternative your usual, boring workout. Book in advance and go with some friends for an unforgettable experience.

Undo the damage this summer

 

After flying out to Miami,Orlando and London in the span of two weeks I saw how difficult it is to maintain my hair,face and skin whilst traveling.The humidity,change of weather and oily foods cause break-outs,oily skin and dry hair.That's why it's important to make an effort as well as a few changes.

1- Bye Bye dry hair , Hello glossy & frizz free locks

I have always had long hair of curly/wavy nature that has never been easy to maintain.

The water and the humidity in the UAE cause hair to dry out and become brittle.
After pinning some hairstyles on a Pinterest board, I opted for a current summer trend : The LOB(long bob).
With a smile on my face (that's a first), I chopped it all off at Marquee Abu Dhabi.
Ella, the hairstylist knew exactly what I wanted - long layers and a shoulder length.
Marquee is a lovely salon located at the Eastern Mangroves. Retro Decor, state of the art technology and a great location : it's definitely one of the best.
My hair now feels a lot lighter and only takes 15 minutes to wash (as opposed to 45 minutes to an hour).
My top pick from the extensive menu of services is the variety of hair facials by Kevin Murphy (an Australian hair guru) which restore shine and heath to damaged, dry hair and reduce frizz. Do pop by and get one to revive dull hair after months' worth of sun exposure and chlorine at the pool.

 

2- The key to flawless and glowing skin


 


1 - Nothing is worse than direct sunlight and UV rays.Protect the skin you're in with Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen (SPF 30, 45 and 55), AED 67.82.It's water-resistant, it feels weightless and has a matte finish on your skin.

2 - Pantene 1 minute ampoules : 60 seconds in the shower you won't look back on.I've tried it and the effect is rather noticeable - shiny (but not greasy) , soft and manageable hair.

3 - Keep that shine under control with hardworking Neutrogena Visibly Clear® Pore & Shine facial wash. AED 44.86. That’s all you need for a flawless-looking complexion this summer !

4 -  Fresh, organic and environmentally friendly... these are the qualities that you want in the beauty products you use on your skin in today’s world.

Made from 95% Aloe Vera juice, the Hydra 5 Gel , AED 129, provides deep moisturizing action and helps seal this in for a longer lasting effect.Hydra 5 ensures protection against pollution, dirt and dryness and is also a soothing after-sun gel.