Abu Dhabi's Hidden Gem : Caramel

Being a foodie and all, I never pass up an opportunity to try out a new restaurant in Abu Dhabi.

Especially when it's one I've had the opportunity to indulge in earlier in Dubai.

Caramel : A chic american lounge at The Collection, St.Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

My take : An opulent setting and delicious food that gets your taste buds buzzing

As we chatted in the lounge area, we were treated to a refreshing mocktail that screamed fruity goodness.

After moving to the dining area, a selection of delectable dishes started pouring in.

For starters we had Baby 'Gem" Caesar Salad which tasted a lot like a regular Caesar salad (45 AED) but with the eventual presentation twist.

The Tuna Pizza with pickled shallots and a drizzle of truffle oil (130 AED) is something I will definitely be back for.This was in my opinion the star dish of the entire meal.

My second favorite was the TNT shrimp(120 AED): golden crust,creamy sauce and a succulent shrimp can do no harm.Who mentioned a diet?

Something a little more asian was then served: the Chicken lettuce bites ( 75AED) , a tad messy but loads of fun to make consists of a platter of baby lettuce, chicken stuffing and some sauce you get to DIY.

For mains, we enjoyed cooking our own thin slices of meat on a sizzling hot rock (120 AED).

To follow we indulged in seared chilean sea bass(150 AED) and Pan Seared lamb loin (125 AED)

However, what's a lunch at Caramel without the infamous Kobe Beef Sliders (120 AED) cooked to perfection ?

To end the meal on a sweet note , we had spiced apple cobbler (49 AED)and chocolate chunk brownie (49 AED) which I did not try for personal (food related) reasons.I can tell they were pretty good from the delighted expressions everyone else had on.

I did try the Baked Alaska (45 AED)  - the astonishing presentation definitely matching the succulent , creamy interior.

This venue is one to watch after Ramadan. I will definitely be back to enjoy some of my favorite dishes.

The staff is very professional and courteous and the ambiance very delightful in the evening.

A meal will probably set you back by 200-300 AED, a suitable cost for a high standard dining experience.

Concert attire

One of my favorite summer outings are outdoor concerts - it's always a pleasure sitting on the lawn and listening to some good tunes.

This year in Abu Dhabi, we are treated to a show by Justin Timberlake - the pop icon.

Suit and ties aren't the go to pieces for us girls.

If you haven't planned your outfit, don't freak out yet.

I've put together an easy going, coachella /boho look to show off .

Comfort is key in the midst of a heavy crowd - staying cool is also a plus.

Sivvi.com can deliver all these items , the day after you place an order.Virtual shopping at its best.

I'm also in love with all the brands they stock , I'm talking Emma Cook, Halston Heritage , L.A.M.B ..

For this outfit you'll need:

- printed loose Aztec shorts , comfy and eye catching

- a plain breezy colored top to calm the look

- Classic converse (heels?ha)

- a headpiece by a hip new brand called Aura Headpieces (love me some local designers) , flower crowns are so 2012.

- stack some dainty rings for a discreet & cute way to compliment your mani

Grab your tickets & head to the du arena -

I know I will - birthday eve celebrations call for a concert .

Competition : Win a 6 month GlamBox subscription

       

The amount of beauty products that are released weekly are massive.

One of the biggest struggles is having to pick which ones to try out and stick to.

Just like everything in the UAE, there's someone that does all the dirty work for you.

When it comes to Beauty & skin care, GlamBox has got you covered.

Just by subscribing to a package online, you receive monthly boxes filled with goodies from a huge range of brands such as Thierry Mugler, Inglot, Nuxe, Benefit , Neutrogena etc..

Most of the boxes are curated for Local beauty needs and based on particular concepts.

The April box I received was all about protecting your skin from the sun & taking care of it.

April's Box :

- Hawain SPF 50 moisturizing sunscreen , great for a day at the beach and oh so lovely scent

- Caudalie hand and nail cream , very moisturizing and soothes the skin

- Caudalie skin perfecting serum, the tint and consistency is too light for my skin which made it obsolete 

- Glambox's brush ,works wonders for blending blush 

-  Dove body cream , smells heavenly and leaves my skin glowing 

- Inglot silver eyeshadow, essential shade for smokey eyes

- herbaline essentials fairness cream, even though it may appeal to a certain demographic it doesn't to me.

GlamBox currently has amazing offers going on:

- When checking out use the code : GlamMyriam to receive 20% off your total

- Get a 12 month subcription for free , you just pay for the shipping and handling !

This week, I'm running a competition with GlamBox.

Fashion Laboratoire is giving you the chance to win a free 6 month subscription to Glambox worth 449 AED!

All you have to do is like Fashion Laboratoire on Facebook & follow me @myriam_fl on Instagram

Also comment below 

Your name, email address and why you love GlamBox.

Serbet

Who says you can't look as good as that sorbet you just Instagramed?
The Pastel palette has been growing on me for the past few weeks.
Styled properly, it can take you from day to night in the freshest way.

It's pretty hard to step away from the dollhouse and high tea image but when paired with the right pieces this look is a no-brainer.

There are many ways to wear pastels.However you must keep in mind that :

1- Too many pastel colors in one ensemble is a big No No.
2- Layering or pairing different shades of the same pastel color isn't for everyone.

To start off you can incorporate some accessories into your outfit.
Also,do invest in mini bags this season in brights or pastels.( This Wang beauty is to die for).

The more adventurous ones, read on.

To achieve the perfect look you can go for a pastel piece with a bold piece.
Pastel pink and a bold fuchsia is a great combo.
On another note, pastel yellow looks great with a royal blue touch.

For another look you can pair two pastel colors together (evidently not green and yellow though).Pair pastel pink and pastel blue to look put together and spring ready.The light blue skirt from Topshop is a must have!

If you would rather play it safe, neutrals are the answer.White is the perfect canvas for pastel and so is tan.Try pairing this T by Alexander Wang top with a ruffled white skirt for a crisp look.

Finish off your look with metallics such as a silver mirror shoe or a thin belt.

" P.S
      This trend is not inspired by Pop culture as E! would probably make you                 think.
      As much as people want pop culture to have a say in the fashion world , I'd             keep Kanye West as far away from couture houses as possible. Chacun son
      truc. "

- A little peak into an upcoming post.

Pastel and brights

Pastels are big this spring.And I'm absolutely obsessed.It's also the main color palette for my new collection.
In this post I'm wearing a pastel yellow crop top & a pleated tulle skirt by yours truly.
The Celine trapeze adds a pop of color to the ensemble.

A bridge , Chanel and sequins

Backdrops like these

 All the streetstyle inspo I've been collecting has been based on ' a shirt tied around the waist'.
Tartan is a must for this trend.
Let's not forget the lovely background courtesy of the grandiose Emirates palace.

Tartan Shirt , leather shorts & heels - Zara
Belt - Moschino
Pouch - Celine