Fashion Musings of a Dubai Financial Hitman

Let's hit the beach...ummm or the club?

2010-03-01T11:20:00.002+04:00

As I previously mentioned something funky and sexy is happening at Gucci. I was having drinks with Helen (a lovely fashion savvy sweetheart) last week and we both agreed that Frida is injecting some serious sex appeal into the S/S 2010 collection.

Case in point this very heart palpitating (from a male perspective) swimsuit. The shoes and the bag really take this outfit from your casual beach fare to what you would wear on a billionaire's super yacht. Nonetheless the whole thing is quite sexy without being cheap.

I promise to mortgage my life and buy some sort of a boat if someone promises to wear this

:)

Some Dolce goodies

2010-02-23T17:06:00.003+04:00

Really no write up required. Some really nice pieces from Dolce & Gabbana's Summer and Spring 2010 collection. Enjoy!

Gucci bags and shoes

2010-02-23T12:04:00.002+04:00

It had been a while since I had gotten excited about anything Frida had done. That changed when I started scouring their S/S 2010 collection. I will be showcasing many of their pieces (specifically dresses and complete look) but to get you started I wanted to showcase one of my favorite bags along with a couple of ankle booties.

Watch this space for more Gucci looks!

Signor Casadei, you do sparkle!

2010-02-23T11:03:00.002+04:00

I have received a lot of feedback regarding platform shoes recently. Some ladies love them while others strongly show their dislike towards them. Personally I am a big fan of most of the platforms out there and these ones from Casadei are just gorgeous.

Casadei is still run as a family business in Italy and their shoes are not too widely available which would make any pair you own fairly unique. I absolutely love the sparkles on the heel and sole and the Satin Fabric of the shoes adds an alluring shine to any outfit.

These are my faves at the moment

Fendi Beauties

2010-02-21T09:14:00.002+04:00

Over the past years I have seen very few Fendi pieces that I have liked. I am not a big fan of the logo or the aesthetic design of many of their pieces. These shoes however are clearly an exception!

Beautiful color, sharp and clean shape, and a super sexy bow all add up to make an exceptional pair of heels. There are a lot of white heels coming on to the market for Summer/Spring but these really are creme de la creme of the bunch

Lotta Stensson Dress

2010-02-18T10:24:00.003+04:00

Keeping in line with the previous article, here is another lovely summer/beach/garden party/doing shots in Cabo dress that I really like. FYI ladies the fringe cut at the bottom of the dress has a hypnotic effect on the male mind and will allow you to control actions/thoughts of the poor ol boys

Kimberly Ovitz Dress

2010-02-17T11:43:00.003+04:00

Dubai weather hits its perfect range between early March and late April and that translates into lots of outdoor events (ummm beach party anyone?). Good weather commands even better clothes and I think I have found some interesting pieces that will keep you cool and comfortable and also help you turn heads.

This is a beautiful silk dress by Kimberly Ovitz that has everything done right (it is even paired with McQueen boots in the photo!). The silk will almost be as smooth as all the lines boys will drop on you while you wear this ;) enjoy

R.I.P Alexander

2010-02-17T11:21:00.002+04:00

Emma (whom I adore) and I were talking about McQueen shoes last week and then were shocked and saddened when we heard the news. I won't write much about these; you can appreciate the genius by just looking at them.

Python Louboutins!!

2010-02-17T11:03:00.002+04:00

Yes, we get it, everyone by now knows who Louboutin is (even my dad!); everyone recognizes the patent red sole and everyone wants a pair. I even have a few friends who think they are losing cache and are becoming too frequently worn. All of that cannot take away from the beauty that is the new python Loubies!

I have actually seen these in person and they put a spell on you. Beautiful texture, master craftsmanship and a color that could really make a statement. Many people would be tempted to pair these with white outfits but DON'T!!!

These would look fantastic paired with blue jeans and/or dresses. You could also go for black and let the evil/good look work for you.

Jimmy Chooooo??? impressed witchu!

2010-02-17T10:56:00.002+04:00

OK, if you would like to revisit my thoughts on Choo see the post below. I know I said I wasn't a big fan, blah blah etc, but these heels are art not fashion. Having a pair of these snake skins on your feet would put you in serious contention as my potential bride to be. You will see these ALL summer long and for good reason. They have amazing shape, the colors are very beautiful and they will transform any outfit from mediocre to jawdropping.

Run to a store near you ASAP!

Jimmy Choo, Whats up withchu??

2010-02-02T14:00:00.002+04:00

I am not going to lie, I am not the biggest Jimmy Choo fan in the world. Do not ask me to explain myself I just thought the shoes became a bit blase after initially taking off. But I was pleasantly surprised to see these from the last collection.

The top one in particular has been very popular on the red carpet circuit and oooh lalala parties and for good reason. They are HOT!

Let me know what you think of these

Eighty Six Striped Dress

2010-02-01T14:56:00.003+04:00

There is a definite trend of striped tops, dresses, scarves and even socks at the moment. The right stripes can be very very chic and flattering.

I found this dress browsing around and I really really like it. It can be a very casual beach outfit with flat or sandals or alternatively it can be amped up by thigh high boots or stilettos for a night out.

The kicker is this dress is only USD 66 (yes sixty six dollars!!). Msg me if you want to know where to get it from :)

Black Halo part II

2010-02-01T09:37:00.002+04:00

Methinks I am developing a soft spot for Black Halo dresses. They are really putting a lot of creativity and interesting touches to their dresses that are just enough to give you a personalized look.

This one is all about the detailing on the back. The low rectangular cut, the playful strap across the shoulder and the vavavoom draping effect on the bum bum.

This is one hot LBD.

Dandy Dior Duo Deliver Deliciousness

2010-01-31T16:11:00.003+04:00

Oh good ol' Dior! I can be on either side of the fence on CD but this shoe and bag combo sits well with me. The color, the material (crocodile) the shapes and textures are all classic, elegant and timeless. We all know crocodiles don't come cheap but if looked after properly a classic shoe such as this can become a centerpiece of your wardrobe for many years.

On that note, start saving your money!

Black Halo Dress

2010-01-31T15:25:00.002+04:00

I have always been and always will be a sucker for assymetry and in particular one shouler tops and dresses. I suppose there is a suggestiveness with the one shoulder look that suggests playful possibilities.

This is a number done by Black Halo, a brand that is gaining some serious momentum. The draping effect of the sleeve and its contrast with the tight fit around the waist make for a tasty visual effect. I would have paired the dress with a pair of shoes with some serious POW! factor. But you can do that yourself by going to www.blackhalo.com and purchasing it for your collection!

Grace Hats Anzu Watch hat and scarf

2010-01-31T14:54:00.003+04:00

I know this one has limited use in Dubai but everyone else who experience a real winter will certainly appreciate the importance of a cute hat. These are done by Grace Hats a Japanese company that brings a fresh take to beanies, hats and caps. The detailing on the beanie is really cute and the color would really make you stand out on a gray dull day!

They come in various colors and cost about US$ 70. Go to www.Tobi.com to buy

Elizabeth and James Jumpsuit

2010-01-31T13:33:00.002+04:00

This really really got me. The jumpsuit, the shoes it is paired with and even the stance of the model is attractive to me. You would be able to get a lot of mileage out of something like this. It would work all year round in Dubai, it is in a versatile color, would fit most women and is simply hooooooot!

Now go out, buy one and let me hit on you!

Military lives on! Atteeeeention!

2010-01-31T09:57:00.003+04:00

By now the military jackets that Balmain put out last year have reached legendary status. There are at least 7 knock offs that I know of and everyone still lust after them.

Well Balmain is back at it for their Spring 2010 collection. This one is olive green, has medals, tassles and ample amounts of attitude. It was paired with leather pants for the runway show but dark denim, mini skirts and shorts would work as well.

Just don't ask about the price!

The boots that started catfights; Merci Isabel Marant

2010-01-31T09:41:00.002+04:00

These boots created a frenzy, a stampede and a rush to stores like never before. No joke!

When these Isabel Marant Otway boots came out, they created such a buzz that every boutique that carried them got mobbed by ladies eager to get their hands on and feet in the booties. And it seems for good reason as these babies would look hot with mini skirts, dresses as well as leggings.

You will turn quite a few heads assuming you were savvy, resourceful or a martial artist enough to have wrangled these out of some one's hands!

Nicholas Kirkwood Suede Platform Boots

2010-01-13T12:45:00.004+04:00

I am quite partial to chocolate/dark brown as the main color of choice for the winter season. And Nicholas Kirkwood has taken that color and plastered it on one of the most beautiful ankle suede boots I have ever seen. These boots really work well with so many different colors and can be incorporated with jeans, stockings, short dresses, winter jackets, you name it.

One of the best pieces I have seen in recent months.

Matching highlighters optional!!!

2010-01-13T10:22:00.003+04:00

Continuing with my recent trend of focusing on accessories, I present to you these latest creations from Micheal Kors!!!

I know at first glance you might roll your eyes, raise your eyebrows or wonder if my recent sinusitis has damaged my brains. However I assure you that these bags will work!

Pair one with an elegant black dress and proceed to sit back and enjoy all the attention the colors will get you. Again to remember to keep the rest of the outfit relatively simple and quiet

Say Hola! to Sr. De La Renta!

2010-01-13T10:09:00.002+04:00

I have always emphasised the power of unique accessories; they can elevate an ensemble from average to breath taking and give an oomph of exclamation to your attitude. Every once in a while I come across a piece I find so powerful that I would make it the center of an idea and build and outfit around it. This is one of those pieces.

Designed and put together by the multi talented Mr. Oscar De La Renta, this necklace will get you noticed, envied (it's green after all!) and peppered with compliments all at once. The only thing to consider with a piece like this is to keep the rest of your outfit relatively simple. You don't want to get it wrong by having too many loud components competing against each other.

The perfect gym bag?

2009-12-21T16:30:00.002+04:00

Despite popular belief sometimes when I am not lazy enough or "busy at work" I actually manage to make an appearance at the gym. It is during these times when I am struggling to find things to pull or life without killing myself that I wonder about some fashionable gym items.

The gym that I am a member of gives away a free backpack adorned with their corporate colors to all new members and many people actually use these bags. The problem is they are not very spacious, are not well made and are incredibly (with an emphasis on INCREDIBLY) ugly!

I saw this Lanvin bag a while ago and I think it would make a perfect gym bag especially for the professional women who head to the gym at the end of the work day still dressed in office attire.
If you think a Lanvin bag is a bit too much for your gym clothes remember that this bag can also double as an excellent carry on piece for flights or a great weekend getaway item!

And please....throw away those plastic blue backpack!

to buy go to http://www.mytheresa.com/shop/LARGE-FELT-BOWLING-BAG-p-7817.html

Newcomer on the block! all hail Camilla Skovgaard

2009-12-21T15:01:00.003+04:00

A prominent new talent in the world of fashion, Camilla Skovgaard is making quite a splash with her creative take on shoes and accessories. She has already been shortlisted for 2009 British Fashion Awards in the accessories category and her star is certainly on the rise. It is interesting to know that she spent 7 years in Dubai making shoes and accessories for various royal family members before moving on to London to further her experience and education by obtaining an MA in footwear design and creative development

I really enjoy her creative take on the stiletto and am quite fond of her signature sawtooth on the sole as they really make her shoes fierce and "toothy"!!!

I predict she will become quite big in the next couple of years! You heard of her here first!!!

Abstract Hotness for your feet!

2009-12-17T11:52:00.002+04:00

This beauty was brought to my attention courtesy of my partner in crime Ms. Sharob!!! Christian Louboutin has been trying to diversify away from mono-color patent pumps and boots into funkier and more creative pieces. I have to admit that I had been disappointed with most of the new pieces until I saw this.

At first glance these shoes might come across as too loud and busy but wear them with a simple black mini-dress and you will get a pop! factor so loud you are going to have to distribute ear plugs!

At $1500 they are not cheap but this is one shoe that literally blows minds away.

To buy them click on http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/60226

Motorbike and rocker attitude sold separately

2009-12-16T15:36:00.002+04:00

I am very big on leather jackets this year. Those of you who have seen me around lately would certainly vouch for that fact. As seen on this blog before I also have a soft spot for the military/band jackets that have been coming out lately. Imagine my joy when I saw this piece from French Connection that really combines the two!

With leather jackets fit is critically important. Most people end up buying jackets that are far too big and end up looking like a slouchy washed up biker. You should try on sizes until the jacket is too tight and then buy one size larger.

Pair these with the right jeans and boots and come air guitar with Kavoux!!!

See you at the beach party!!!

2009-11-17T17:10:00.002+04:00

Well, Mr. Kavoux, Loomz and the rest of the gang will be heading to Hed Kandi at the Atlantis this Friday. In order to be prepared for the night of dancing on a beach I thought I'd put up a few pieces of breezy party attire on the blog.

Enjoy!!

Consider me charmed

2009-11-17T16:06:00.002+04:00

I have my own views on jewellery. I usually like understated, abstract pieces that can either make an outfit pop or compliment it. As such I had never been too enthusiastic on charms and charm bracelets (although Estelle would disagree ;)!!!). Tiffany's has a range that I had always thought of as rather blase.

Enter Thomas Sabo! The website allows you to build completely custom pieces by giving you a range of choices in the bracelet, color, clasp type and individual charm pieces. The result is a unique and catchy piece of jewellery reflective of each persons taste and personality.

To make your own visit:

http://shop.thomassabo.com/?lang=en

Are these Shoes worth $2400?????

2009-11-17T15:26:00.002+04:00

The appeal is undeniable. These are very nice heels, are versatile, qualify as quite unique and lest we forget are Louboutins. They will last a very long time, the colors work with black, white, red AND blue and the style is classic enough not to be a seasonal piece. All these great selling points cannot sway me over the fact these shoes cost, brace yourself please, USD 2400!!!

Yes that is right these shoes cost around 400 happy meals or roughly around 10% of Mr. Kavoux's GDP!!! Mr. Kavoux would consider buying one of these only if you can arrange for a financial bailout in the aftermath

Would you be willing to pay these much on a pair of heels???

mmm...excuse me are you in a band?

2009-11-11T11:13:00.003+04:00

Leather pants are tough to pull off. The fit has to be right, you must have the proper legs/bum for them, the pants have to match the rest of the outfit and be made of high quality leather.

If done properly they will blow everyone away and if done wrongly they will make you look like rejects from a Poison groupie convention.

I think leather pants coupled with a short dark denim jacket is a good look this year. I saw this in Dsquared's 2009 fall show and although am not too sure about the corset/top hybrid really do like the rest of the look. It gives off a really rebellious rock attitude that all of us boys are crazy about. Plus it really will show off your legs. Its not for everyone but is a good look nonetheless.

Fender guitars strapped to the back are of course optional

RUN, GO AHEAD, RUN to H&M NOW!!!! Jimmy Choo drops Nov 14

2009-11-11T10:32:00.003+04:00

I have been a huuuuuuge fan of H&M's capsule collections. From Karl Lagerfield, to Comme des Garcons to Matthew Williamson they have all been innovative, cutting edge and very very cheap. I had thought of MW's collection as the best of the bunch; until now that is

Jimmy Choo's capsule drops on November 14th and I have to admit that it exceeded my expectations. The clutch bags and the shoes are indeed very sleek, modern and sexy. But it was the dresses that blew me away. The short blue number and the black string dress are some of the sexiest pieces I have seen this year.

These are indeed capsule collections. If you go a couple of days after they are released you are guaranteed to be out of luck. Head out early and grab them while they last

That Megan Fox!!!

2009-11-11T09:58:00.004+04:00

That wily Megan Fox!!! It's not enough that she is corrupting the subconscious of most male (and female minds) with her sex appeal, now she is influencing fashion trends. Yes, I do believe her Marilyn tattoo has made its way to the fashion zeitgeist.

Dolce & Gabbana have produced a few stunning pieces for their 2010 line. There are dresses, skirts, tops all with black and white Ms. Monroe motifs on them. My two favorite pieces are featured here.

I really like the dress, its very 1950s (appropriate given Monroe's rise in that decade) and would look good both in formal and casual settings.

However i absolutely LOVE the skirt. I would have paired it with a black top too. In the show it was paired with black heels and stockings but would work well bare legged and with a variety of shoe colors (I in fact would put a pop of color on the feet!)

Standing on a sewer vent and having your skirt blown up is of course optional

I've got my eyes on your thighs

2009-11-05T12:44:00.003+04:00

Ankle, mid knee, calf, knee length; these are all boots of yesteryear. The way to go this year is thigh high numbers like the ones above.

You can wear them with mini dresses as well as on top of skinny jeans. It might take a leap of faith (not to mention courage to try them on for the first time but this look really has proven a hit when I have seen it out!

Ruthie Davis Bullseye

2009-11-05T10:04:00.003+04:00

Ruthie Davis does some great shoes. They are usually loud, different and sexy. I think I'm a sucker for hot pink accents on a lady.

I am really curious to see what you all think of this number.

You can find the rest of her collection at:

http://www.ruthiedavis.com/collections.htm

When I was a young boy my father took me into the city to see a marching band...

2009-11-05T09:34:00.003+04:00

Yes, I am aware that this jacket costs around 6000 Benjamins, BUT come on!!! If this doesn't scream out rocker chic with a dash of rebellion mixed with punk attitude with a big dose of sex appeal then nothing will.

This jacket in a white tank, low rise jeans and amazing stilettos is what my bride will be wearing!!

*IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER*

Wearing this jacket will result in 12 pick up attempts, 3 marriage proposals and at least 2 stalkers. Buyer beware!

How do you spell fashion on a budget?? Z-A-R-A

2009-11-03T17:59:00.002+04:00

Yes I have heard all the excuses before: Their stuff falls apart, the clothes shrink if you wash them, the stitching is not done well, I don't score with girls when i am wearing them blah blah blah

Well if you want to get fashion at this price that looks exactly like the original AND lasts for a few years then your money is better spent buying a magic lamp with a genie inside.

Case in point is the above photo from Zara's A/W 2009 line. The blazer is inspired by Tom Ford's latest lapel take on tuxedos and if you want the original well shell out ~ 4000 US kahunas.

The denim vest is a Dsquared number slightly mutated and lord knows they ain't cheap.

A lot of guys and gals out there are also designing distress leather boots and if you don't want to shell out north of 500 US Mr. Washingtons then well buy these ones.

In fact I think will get this outfit, put one of my notorious pins on it and head out on town and paint it some random shade of crimson.

MUHAHAHAHAH....

F1 worthy sandals!

2009-11-03T09:28:00.004+04:00

Although this weekend's Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix was all about deafening engine noise, rocking concerts, phenomenal track & facilities, and spending a wonderful time with coz and all his friend, Mr. Kavoux still managed to capture something else he liked.

I was preparing myself to perform another masterful air guitar solo (oh yes, I air guitar like Joe Perry's long lost son) to Aerosmith at their concert. Lo and behold here comes Romi the Roman inspired Rocker!!!

If you are going to stand on large pieces of gravel for three hours listening to music you better be wearing flats. If you want to look really great while doing that you've gotta call Romi and somehow get your hands on these sandals.

errrr....rock on Romi!!!

Finally! the right fit!

2009-11-02T15:15:00.004+04:00

Guys, if you are reading this, pay close attention. Ladies, if you are reading this drag your guys to the screen, hit them upside the head and make them pay close attention .

Read my lips:

FIT IS HALF THE BATTLE!!!

You can get the best designs out there, buy the wrong size and look like a hobo. In men's fashion the fit of the dress shirt is one of the most overlooked factors. Guys as a rule only check the fit of the neck. If its the right size around the neck it must be the right fit right? WRONG!!!!!!! This is why I see men walking around DIFC with puffy shirts tucked into pants that makes them look like the michelin man.

GQ's November issue has a fantastic spread on how a shirt should fit. Check the link below:

http://www.gq.com/style/wear-it-now/200911/taylor-lautner-fitted-shirts-twilight

*THE SECRET TIP:????

- If you want fantastic slim fit shirts on a budget head to H&M (GQ tip)
- If you want better quality slim fit shirts check out Brooks Brothers' super slim line (GQ tip)
- For the best fit of all head to Bespoke at the DIFC where for 450 DHS (~ 120 USD) you can get a tailor made shirt. They will measure you properly, have a phenomenal range of fabrics, can customize your shirts and will keep your measurements on file (Mr. Kavoux tip)

What to wear for a li'l stroll

2009-11-02T10:21:00.003+04:00

This is one of the pieces that recently stopped me in my tracks. This is from Chanel's latest print ad campaign. What caught my eye was the detailing of the buttons on the front of the jacket as well the cool fringes on the sleeves. I really think this jacket if matched with the right jeans and heels could turn heads, make men drool and incite them to use very cheesy pick up lines. Caveat emptor!!!

Does this make me look green???

2009-11-02T10:13:00.004+04:00

No, it's not an optical illusion. What you see before you is 3000 (read three THOUSAND) Lacoste croc logos stitched together by the very creative Campana brothers who hail from Rio. Apparently only 12 of these will ever be made so they probably will be errrr...hard to get a hold of!

I am still unsure how comfortable this would be but you cannot doubt the creativity and utter coolness of the shirt!

Absolut rocks your drinks!

2009-10-29T16:00:00.006+04:00

Weeeeeeeell!!! I saw this on the back cover of this month's wallpaper magazine and had to check it out myself. Yes it is what it looks like; a leather case with badass rock n' roll studs for your absolut bottle. This rock edition bottle is the brain child of the artist Alex Trochut and you can all bet your sweet bottoms the next time I serve any of you a drink the source will be one of these babies.

go to www.absolute.com/products/rockedition to see more pics and some fun vodka cocktail recipes.

Don't drink and drive!!!

YSL Tribute Pumps

2009-10-29T15:40:00.005+04:00

Everyone with whom I discuss these shoes either hates them or loves them. There really seems to be no middle ground on this one. Comments range from "Louboutin rip offs" to "hate platforms" to "stripper shoes" to "OMG, where do I buy these" to "mgnfhbnsksks (that's a girlfriend of mine drooling).

Bottom line is these shoes will be more comfortable than your average pumps, will last you a very long time if properly maintained and will get you noticed with a DIFC based fashion junkie

So there, I said it, I love them!

Post your own comments

Tribute to Loomi's pins

2009-10-29T09:52:00.006+04:00

I'd love to take credit for cooking up the idea for this lil touch I have been putting on my jackets lately. But that would be cheating and I don't want my pants on fire. It all started with an innocuous pin that Loomi brought back from London. White little number with the word 'Genius' in purple. So I wore that on my suit all day and hey what do you know, it worked. So a few google searches later and I stumbled upon Www.prickie.com; the mecca of pins. Their collection's depth is astounding and it took me a good couple of hours to see through everything. The end result was a few really cheeky pins to go with my cheeky monkey personality (coincidentally one of the pins actually says cheeky monkey!)

2009-10-28T18:13:00.002+04:00

So... Here I am. A financial engineer, plying my trade in world capital markets embarking on publishing my thoughts on the world of........ errr fashion!

This has been in the making for a while. Everytime I have dressed a friend for any occasion, made a comment about a passerby's shoes (that's for you Malee) or have brought out my latest spin on fashion rebellion I have been encouraged to share it with my network.

So let the adventure begin. I am not here to reinvent the wheel, but here to share what I find sexy, trendy, rebellious, outrageously kitch, or ridiculously cute.

I look forward to sharing my passion and making some new friends