ICONIC IFTAR Ramadan 2015

Dear Readers

I am excited to share with you some snips and snaps from the annual Ramadan Iftar event organised by ICONIC Middle East.

The venue, as usual was top notch: Sheraton Ballroom, located behind the Corniche Road, Jeddah.

I arrived early and had time to browse through the summer 2015 collection which is available in stores now, perfectly timed for your Eid or summer holiday shopping.

The ladies collection had gorgeous pieces from the resort chic collection with floaty dresses that could easily go from day to night with a statement necklace. The ICONIC Summer 15 collection showed influences from the 50s mid-century romance with primary colours such as red and yellow being used in embroidery, broad cuts and crochet detailing. A nod to the sixties was evident by the use ivory, green and black. Whereas the 70s shone through in eclectic prints and t-shirt designs.

Some of my favourite pieces are below:

Season mush have: Emerald green overlapping detail jumpsuit

Effortless chic printed sling backs

Add bling with leopard print mini dress

Super stylish Snake skin (faux) stilettos

Below you can see some items from the ICONIC Summer '15 collection for men, concentrating on a monochrome pallete of basic black,white and grey.

The grand buffet had something to satisfy very palette, from the Middle Eastern mezze platter, to Lasagna to Beef Stroganoff.

Here's the team that made it all happen.

Over all it was a wonderful event, can't wait for ICONIC's next collection!

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more updates.
XOXO

Breakfast at Le Concheur: A Review

Mouthwatering desserts at Le Concheur

Dear Foodies,


I was meeting up a friend for breakfast on a Saturday and I chose Le Concheur as the venue as I'd heard good things about it from the Jeddah Foodies group on Facebook.

Where

Its located  unassumingly on Prince Sultan Street in Rawdah Dist, but the minute you walk in the bright airiness of the place takes your breath away.

Review

Le Concheur has brought the famous Belgian chocolate to Jeddah!

There's an array of scrumptious looking chocolates, pastries and fresh bread sitting in the display that is sure to make your mouth water, and your eyes dance at the prettiness of it all.

Le Concheur interior

We sat upstairs, the decor is very white, bright yet clean and polished at the same time so it doesn't have the diner feel. My only complaint was that it was very chilly- North Pole cold, and I was dressed for Jeddah's sunny climate so I was a completely frozen chicken by the time I left.

Gorgeous crunchy green salad

We ordered french fries (don't ask I have random cravings), a gorgeous green garden salad  for my friend and beautifully light Belgian waffles topped with  fresh mixed berries and cream  dusted with a generous helping of powdered sugar for me.

Belgian waffles with  mixed berries

It deserves another picture it was that good !

The waffles were so light and airy,  almost delicate, you didn't end up with  an overstuffed bloated feeling after eating them. A must try.

I also ended up indulging myself with a Caramel flavoured smoothie, while my friend had fresh juice.

Decadent Caramel Smoothie

This is the place to go to on your cheat day, you won't regret it.

I look forward to trying out their other items on their breakfast menu soon inshallah.

Have you tried out Le Concheur yet, do let me know what you had.

Rating 4.5/5

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ICONIC SS15 Collection: Press Day at Park Hyatt Jeddah

Amazing views from the Sohba Ballroom at Park Hyatt, Jeddah

Dear Fashionistas,
Last Thursday I was invited to attend a private preview of ICONIC Spring Summer 2015 Collection at the Sohba Ballroom in Park Hyatt Jeddah. Read on as I reveal the great fashion finds the collection has in store for you..

Nautical theme- love the white embroidered dress with crochet lace

The theme was nautical featuring  stripes ans  key pieces in red, white  and blue. There were also sporty influences with many pieces featuring jersey material, numbers or a more playful cut. I could easily see myself lounging at a resort in one of their embroidered summer dresses with crochet lace detailing, as it has such  a light and airy feel to it.

Lemon yellow and sky blue were the rage

Emphasis was placed on simple elegant cuts, with carefully crafted detailing to add embellishment, I love this embroidered jacket as it can easily be used to dress up other more casual pieces in the collection.

Bite Me!

Edgy statement T-shirst like the ones above are the current trend, and I expect these will sell out fast.

Ice cream candy colours a nod to the 1960s

Cooling sorbet colours for summer in simple cuts rounded off the collection making it a sure-fire hit among the fashionistas on a budget, who are keen to emulate the colour and design en vogue in the fashion weeks in Paris, Milan and New York.

A jumpsuit for spring

Where would spring/summer be without flowers- the SS15 collection has very pretty feminine pieces in full bloom.

Statement necklaces, animal print accessories are here to stay for SS15.

ICONIC SS15 has animal prints handbags and shoes as seen on catwalks worldwide

Peach and mint green statement necklace- beautiful  colours for this season

I liked these pastel coloured line shirts as part of the men's collection perfect for the Saudi Summer which seems set on making an early entry this year in Jeddah.

Pastel coloured linen shirt perfect for the boys in summer

Finally, a big thank you to the ICONIC team that made this fabulous fashion event possible.

From right to left: Sarfaraz, Rushdee, Ola, Rohit, Tushar, Aly, Abdul Mateen

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Blogged:ICONIC December Shopping Haul ( Jeddah Fashion Post)

Dear Readers,

I am excited to share with you the goodies I bought in my last shopping trip to ICONIC.

Although ICONIC has been in town a while I tend to have my go-to brands which I frequent all the time; After this shopping trip I have decided to add the ICONIC store to my favourite stores list.

So without further ado here are  my pics:

I have been looking for the perfect silky texture printed harem pants, ones that aren't too casual so no jersey material or too bling, so no gold/silver animal print. At last I found the ONE I was looking for in ICONIC.

The geometric print is blend of red and navy blue over a neutral cream background not too busy or bland, it was just right. These roomy pants are  extremely comfortable to wear and yet give a dressed up look, can be worn to work, school, and while hanging out with friends.

I bought an oversize sleeveless sheer white top, to go with it-I loved the gold detailing on the collar, it added an edge to it, and I like the hi- lo cut, it has ample material in the back to cover your bum and maintain your modesty. There are fanned pleats in the back which add to the flowy nature of the top and give it a feminine silhouette.

I love the clink of metallic bangles perfect for accessorizing on the weekend.

Last but not least, these chunky duo knuckle  ring set has received numerous compliments since I got them! I simply can't stop wearing them.

I hope you liked my  ICONIC shopping haul!

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`

Blogged: Nisha’s Flagship Store now open In Andalus Mall Jeddah

NL Nisha's flagship store in Andalus Mall Jeddah

Dear Readers,

I would like to share with a you a quick review of Nisha’s flagship store which has recently opened its doors in Andalus Mall, (first floor next to the pharmacy).

Nisha also (known as Nishat Linen in some countries) is an international textile manufacturer/retailer with numerous branches in Dubai, Canada, U.K and Qatar.

The company is targeting expat customers who would like to shop their native Eastern designs in Jeddah, and Saudi customers with its Western inspired outfits.

Pros:  Bargain price leggings, pallazo pants, animal print trousers,  ethnic style tunics/kaftans,  scarves, and  hair accessories, and rings.

Interesting printed Indian silk fabric, formal ready-to-wear limited collection.

I love these cotton/linen scarves great for when you want to travel.
 

Cons:- I think there are too many items on display, and some of the items are  over-priced for what it is, but with after deducting their seasonal discount they may end up being reasonable.

I hope that Nisha brings their signature bed-linen collection which is popular in Dubai to Jeddah in the future.

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October Short Story: If you enjoy reading, you will love this

Dear Readers,

I hope you have your cuppa tea/coffee and are ready to sit back, relax, and enjoy a sweet short story. I am back in Jeddah Writing Club and the October meeting was a resounding success. We met at the lovely Voila Cafe, acclaimed for its different kinds of hot chocolate. The member's shared amazing pieces, the topic was 'Bookshop' aka every writer's/reader's heaven! My inspiration was the the bookshop owned by Meg Ryan in the movie 'You've got mail' (one of my all time favourite movies). Yes its cheesy, I like cheese! Cheese is good. In moderation..of course.

I confess I wrote my piece on the day and the end in the car so as far as writing goes it is nothing spectacular, but I got positive feedback, I think its a good fun read especially if you know the references ;-).

One book at a time

It was a second-hand bookshop, the kind where they let you sit undisturbed in the corner or on the overstuffed couch or the big chair by the window. The kids would be gathered around the owner reading out stories for the little ones sprawled on the rug or bean bags. The smell of homemade chocolate chip cookies wafted through the shop and milk was the fashionable beverage of choice. I used to buy the C.S Lewis Narnia series and sit there reading them. I’d be back again to sell my old book and buy a new one. It was almost like a library. Except libraries were such cold dreary places for adults. No atmosphere.

It was here that my imagination thrived in the fantasy world of Harry Potter,  and Terry Pratchett.  It was here that I went through my tom-boy phase where I read heart stopping thrillers oblivious to those around me. John Grisham, Robert Ludlum, Jack Higgins I read them allwhile sporting my short hair and Doc Marten Boots.

It was again here where I discovered  my feminine side with Jane Austen and what it was to be completely involved in a romance to have words make you tingle and smile .

When I'd finish a book I would often find a little sticky note suggesting what I could read next. Sometimes the notes asked questions: whether I'd like the book why or why not, and to rank it out of 10? Whether I'd experienced something similar to what happened  on pgxx? Whether I’d ever felt that way about anyone? Whether there was a Henry or Edmund in my life? I was supposed to leave the answer in the bookshop in such and such a book (for e.g. The book of answers by Carol Bolt pg 90)

The note at the end of Mansfield Park by Jane Austen  was signed off from Edmund to Fanny, so sweet, I thought.

I found the notes  fantastic... And they added to the excitement of finishing the book. Sometimes there were tiny trinkets or charms tucked into the note in the cover, all in the theme of the book.

As I grew older I bought a book from the Mills and Boons series and instead of the last page on the first page there was a note.

I am VERY disappointed.

I was so ashamed.

I remember I dropped the book and as I was still in the bookshop and I immediately exchanged it for another one...  I didn't know the nameless faceless writer. I thought sometimes it was the lady who owned the shop or her daughter who usually served me that they wrote notes for all their regular customers.

The summer before uni started, I read Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist and I remember clearly the note asked me to hold true to my values and not let others change me, and hoping that the new experiences and studies would not put me off reading for pleasure by next summer.

I had kept the book and taken it to uni with me. As I packed my things at the end of the semester my roommate was helping me and she dropped the book and out fell the note. She read it and with raised eyebrows and a wicked smile.  

“Sooooo who is this secret admirer you've been hiding from the whole year. Who's sends you oh-so- cute messages.”

 I looked up perplexed "What admirer?!"

Then I saw the note on her hand and I shook my head, “No, no they do that for all their customers.” 

And she launched into a million questions,  and I have to admit the more I told her the more I realised it was a bit odd. Maybe for once my roommate’s imaginary romantic scenarios involving me did exist. She was always imagining things like the coffee guy gave us free cupcakes  the whole year coz he had crush on me.

(I told her it was a special offer, she told me the offer ended in September and we were now in June- whatever-she was crazy).

I went back home that summer as usual looking forward to reading and visiting the book shop but a bit more intrigued  the next book on list had been Mansfield Park-again.

Next to it was written, I know you've read this book before but you might want to read it again like an old friend. When I’d read it first I'd wanted to keep Mansfield park but I'd been short of cash and had reluctantly sold it back to the bookshop.So I was quite happy to get it again. I went and picked up the book and hurriedly looked for the note. It said:

I have been an Edmund to you in the only way I could be (given that we are unrelated) through books and little notes. I want to know now that you are all grown up and may I add you've turned into a lovely young woman would you consider giving me a chance to ask you to be mine.

I want your book to me mine to be read for the first time to be the one to pull apart the uncut pages. I want to read you every day for the rest of my life never will you be borrowed or end up in a second hand bookshop like this one.

I want to touch your brand new smooth white  pages and I will love them even more when they are yellow and dry.

I want to inhale your magazine like freshness and I will love it even more when it is has the scent of an old book.

I know until now you have lived and loved  through books.

But now I want you to live and love with me, through me.

It may not be as perfect as on paper, but it will be more powerful. 
It will be real.

Take your time. If there is someone else or...if you don't want to  I will understand.

Otherwise meet me in the classics aisle on 18^thOctober 5 pm.

I looked around I could spot no guy watching me. I ran all the way home feeling flustered. I felt shocked, annoyed, betrayed. But once I calmed down I realised,that he, whoever he was, had done me no harm, in fact he had only wished me well, helped me grow, molded me into the person that I was today.

Dear readers,

I met him , after all how could I not  and later I  married him.

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Blogged: LOMAR's launch of Abaya line Zero Collection

Lomar's Flagship Rawdah street store, effortlessly chic

Dear Readers,

I had the pleasure of being invited to the reveal of Lomar's newly opened women's Zero Collection ready-to-wear abaya range at their flagship store on Rawdah street ( near Joelle clinic).

I was impressed by the the vast collection which included a variety of different styles available from formal business wear, everyday-wear, sporty, travel and and a special occasion collection. The collection has a contemporary feel, allowing it to fit in perfectly with the fast-paced modern lifestyle while still remaining true to its original roots.

Cutting edge asymmetric abaya designs using colour blocking

I spoke to the Art Director Mona Al Haddad asking her to describe the collection and she captured it accurately as 'elegant, decent and fashionable'. She also informed that they bring in new pieces every week, with more travel abayas and turbans coming soon.

Popular Zero collection designs from the lookbook available to buy at the store

The abayas have been designed to allow versatility in use according to the occasion or personality of wearer. For example, an abaya maybe worn without the belt during the day, and then accessorized with a belt during the evening. A visit to the store is a must where their helpful staff show how different styles can be born.
All their materials are light-weight and  high quality, with a flowing feel adding to the feminine silhouette.

Lomar's Marketing Manager Abubakr Alkaf captured the essence of the brand in the quote below:

"Creating fashion is like casting spells, one has to veer away from  the paved road, concentrate, gather the ingredients and prepare a new enchanting spell once again. " Abubakr Alkaf - Lomar Marketing Manager. 

From left to right: Abubakr Al-Kaff, Marketing Manager and Christophe  Beaufays, Head Designer and Associate Art Director

Lomar's  Associate Art Director and Head Designer Christophe Beaufays has 7 years of experience working with famous French designer Jean Paul Glautier which he has incorporated into the style of abayas at Lomar.
He said that when designing the abaya they ensured that they were modest and fulfilled the functional element of an abaya while adding a bit of edginess or flair to each design to set it apart from others. The would fulfill the needs of the Arabian woman and at tsame time appeal to famous fashion sense of French women.

Abayas wit ha twist: sash bow belt, ombre colour technique, and waterfall two colour frill

The attention to detail in the cut and design of abayas truly blew me away. Even the more simple designs on closer inspection reveal interesting twists. For example this business wear abaya has an elegantly simple colour block design, but when you take a closer look the abaya is not secured in the traditional way using buttons/zips, instead a first slide your hand through what looks a sleeveless dress, while theres is only a strip of fabric at the back,,,you have to see it to understand its hard to explain...check out the pics below. I should have made a video!

From left to right: formal/business abaya with a deceiving simple look, opens up to reveal what looks a sleeveless dress, actually secured by a strip of fabric at the back. 

Lomar also provided bloggers with a promotional voucher which I used to get a jilbab style abaya (it does not come with a tarha/scarf and is technically a dress). It was love at first sight for me, and I absolutely adore it, the lightweight soft fabric, the stylish way it drapes down the sides. It can be adjusted using hidden internal straps to suit your physique, which was was great for me.

I love love love this abyaya I bought it in a eggplant/mauve/brown shade once i take a better pic I will update it here and on Instagram

You can also find a range of quintessential Arabian inspired  accessories such as beautifully crafted musbahs 'prayer beads', Lomar signature fragrance range (in my opinion the Premium one is  the best), and SHIB shoes which look like the traditional Saudi sandals but are actually shoes? and tri-colour matching socks!.

Musbahs, SHIB shoes, and perfumes

I am excited to have this new Abaya brand in Jeddah and look forward to buying their turbans which will be coming soon!

Visit Lomar's website, or their Rawdah street store or follow them on Instagram and Facebook,

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Blogged: ICONIC Iftar event at Jeddah’s Blue Ocean Restaurant, Fakieh Aquarium

Ramadan Kareem!

Dear readers, I hope that your Ramadan is going well and bringing with it blessings galore.

I would like to share with you my review of the ICONIC IFTAR event which I had the pleasure of attending a little while ago.

The Event: ICONIC IFTAR Jeddah 2014

On the Wednesday 2^nd July, ICONIC Jeddah held an iftar event at the recently opened Blue Ocean restaurant at the Fakieh Aquarium.

 ICONIC Jeddah took the opportunity of planning this event in the month of Ramadan with its festive spirit by inviting loyal customers, media representatives, bloggers and students as well as educators from Effat University to the friendly  event which highlighted the company’s cohesive spirit.

ICONIC IFTAR 2103 at Jeddah's Blue Ocean Restaurant, Fakieh Aquarium

The choice of location was superb, allowing guests a prime view of the sunset in the shimmering Red Sea. The Blue Ocean restaurant is spacious and the decor and the views leaves you under the impression of being aboard a ship. The iftar buffet offered a variety of sumptuous dishes to suit an array of palettes, my personal favourites were the mini burgers, chicken Alfredo pasta.

The occasion allowed ICONIC to showcase their EID 2014 collection for men, women and children in perfect time for EID shopping.

ICONIC's EID 2014 Women's Collection displayed at the event

The women’s collection included glamorous wrap maxi dresses, evening gowns, drapey tunics, over-sized sequin tops and floaty blouses teamed up with cigarette trousers for a ultra-chic look.  The key trends in prints were marble, python and abstract floral that steer away from the usual fashion norms.

My favourite items for  women's day wear : 

Floaty embellished summer top SR90

ICONIC 2014 Eid collection python print pencil skirt SR 100

A little bling, a sparkle is synonymous with the festive look and so attention to details is key in the collection with hand embellishments, sequins layered on exquisite fabrics like velvet, jacquard, georgette, crepe, metallic jersey and taffeta.

Favourite women's evening wear

ICONIC Summer Eid 2014 collection embellished gown SR 595

Iconic Summer Eid 2014 Collection Fuschia gown SR500

Favourite men's item

ICONIC 2014 Eid COllection Men's embellished loafers

As my friends know I’m attracted to bling accessories when it comes to EID outfits, ICONIC has a range of chunky statement necklaces, cuffs and show-stopping clutches. I can't decide which one/s I want for Eid!

ICONIC 2014 EID collection bling accessories

A special thank you to  Ms. Hamdoun, ICONIC Senior PR executive as well as the  marketing team  for hosting such a fabulous event. The top management of ICONIC's Landmark Group graced the event and are pictured below.

From Left to Right, Mohammed Rushdee (Head of Operation - KSA) , Junaid Durrani (Marketing Manager),Ola Hamdoun (Assistant PR Manager), Nisha Jagtiani (Director Landmark Group ), Najmul Haq (GM - Western Region), Salem Bahamdain

Hoping to see more events in Jeddah in the future, and I hope they do a fashion show next!

You can follow ICONIC on  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Or visit their website, as well as their stores in Jeddah in Haifa Mall, Al-Salaam Mall and the Dome, Prince Sultan Street. 

To stay up to date with the latest fashion events and trends in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 

you can follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram,