My August Style Picks: Debenhams at Dolmen Mall

I have discovered in my short time here that the mall culture is rapidly growing, with the exclusive opening of Dolmen Mall; soon to open, The Mall, and older malls, such as Park Towers and The Forum. We have observed this trend in places like Dubai where people live, breathe and eat at malls, but Karachi is catching on quite fast as well.  Pre Dolmen Era - The shops in malls included local brands, with the exception of sporting brands and Lacoste. Suddenly we are seeing a whole new trend; High Street stores taking over the emerging Karachi market. High Street Stores such as Accessorize, Mango, Monsoon, Next and Debenhams have taken the city by storm.

The venturing of British High Street Stores into the Pakistani market is rather smart. With an estimated population of 21 million, Karachi being the commercial capital and one of the most populous cities in the world, these high street stores are enthusiastic about encashing on the growing middle class that has the money to spend.  Karachi does after all generate most of Pakistan’s tax revenue.  Despite the political turbulence, people are still living lavishing, enjoying life and growing rather conscious of what they wear and where they shop.

The hype around the opening of these stores has been absolutely massive - the talk of the town in fact. People here now have well known British outlets to shop at - no more mailing your cousins or aunts in London or the US with your last minute shopping lists, everything is now locally available. Yes, the prices may differ slightly, but it is well worth the convenience. How many events have we had to attend where we have had nothing to wear, and no where to shop for a nice top? I can speak on behalf of the ladies when I say during my past 8 months here, despite having a closet full of clothes; I HAVE BEEN THERE!! These high street stores seem to be the answer to all our last minute problems. 

Debenhams is the first 'International' department store to open in Pakistan. It is your one stop shop boasting a broad range of Western clothing. The variety here ranges from shoes, clutches, tops, dresses, skirts, cosmetics to swimming suits.

I visited Debenhams during the last couple of days and have picked out a few pieces that I found super stylish and worth checking out if you are looking to update your wardrobe:

I loved this top, think it is so feminine with the scalloped Peter Pan collar and floral print. Not to miss the details: 
 vintage gold flower buttons. (This was around Rs.4000)

 Sheer chain print top. I personally adore chain prints, hence was automatically attracted to this. 
 I like the sleeves as well, looks very chic worn. (This was around Rs.4000 as well)
 Both the tops would look great with the palazzo pants featured below: 

 So palazzo pants are another big trend this season. I think these dull gold palazzo's were stunning,  
and would suit a variety of tops (Priced at around Rs.6000) 

The electric blue wedge was my favourite out of all the shoes. I have a similar pair myself in python and burnt orange 
 suede. If you are looking for something that would go with everything then it would be worth checking out the black  
colour in the same style. Although I feel the electric blue and mint would make any outfit pop (Rs. 6040)

 Aaah, this tie up crop top screams SUMMER!!! It is way way too cute with the island print, helps that its in my 
 favourite colour as well. (Around Rs.4000)

 This waist belt is another must have, with the Chanel-esque leather/chain weaving and gold hardware. Would look super  
worn on a loose dress or kameez even to give it a bit of shape. (Around Rs. 1700) 

This purple faux snake skin leather oversized box clutch was fab. Will add the extra oomph to any regular outfit.  
Everyone needs to have a statement clutch in their wardrobe. (Around Rs. 4000)

Lastly, I present; the black and white dove convertible clutch. It can be used as an oversized clutch or as a purse  
slung over your shoulders via the gold chain. The details are really cute with the gold bow... so girly. 

And this is how crowded Dolmen mall gets at night during Ramadan!!  

Let me know what you thought of the items posted, which ones you would personally buy, which ones you would hate to buy and what you would add to the list!


xxx A 

Alexander McQueen at the Lux Style Awards 2012

I noticed that a lot of the ladies were carrying the Mcqueen skull-head clutch at the 11th Annual Lux Style Awards. These McQueen clutches have become a sought after classic just like the Bottega knot clutch. The different variations and styles of these clutches make for delicious eye candy. Let's take a look at some of the ladies who pulled off these clutches with their outfits beautifully:

 Khadija Shah of Elan is carrying a strass crystal Alexander McQueen clutch in black with gold hardware. I recently ordered a similar clutch off Nordstrom but my clutch has gold/yellow crystals on it. Aaah this is a beautiful choice, and it looks stunning paired with her Elan one shoulder Chantilly lace dress in teal.

Sanam Chaudri is carring a black woven leather union jack clutch. This clutch would be a match for just about any outfit. Very classic and understated. I am not usually a fan of the union jack style but I have to say in woven leather it looks fantastic.

Some more McQueen clutches I have been lusting over, from the 2012 S/S collection:

Absolutely adore the twist Sarah Burton has taken on these classic McQueen clutches. The pearl box clutch is on my lust list for 2012. The beaded black and white clutch is to die for as well. Drooling over hereee. 

xxx A 

Lana Del Rey - New Face of H&M

All I have to say is WOW!!!!!! I love Lana's old school glamour, and that is exactly what she is bringing to H&M for fall - The new age 60's Hollywood look. I love how she is styled, with her big backcombed hair and peach over sized jumper, skinnies and statement earrings whilst sporting a sensually jaded expression. I cannot wait to see more pictures. I absolutely adore her look and have previously blogged about her style too. Everyone more or less dresses similarly (I'm no exception) but she has a different look to offer which makes her stand out massively. 

xxxx A

Lux Style Awards 2012 - Best Dressed Ladies

The first thing I did today was log on to my computer to check out pictures from the Lux Style awards that took place last night (10th July 2012) in Karachi, Pakistan.

Sanam Chaudhri won the title for 'Best Dressed', well deserved and I love her line, all her pieces are so different to the run of the mill designs that are present at most boutiques.

Below are pictures of some of the other ladies I thought looked fab:

Amina Sheikh stole the show, she was put together flawlessly. Her dress - designed by Maheen Karim, was perfect, from the colour, to the cut, to the way she carried it paired with her simple black peep toe heels. Her jewellery was by Sherezad Rahimtoola. She looked beautiful.

I also loved Mathira's dress with the 3-D butterflies by Ali Xeeshan. Although her make up looks a bit smudged and the fitting of the dress is slightly off. I think her whole look could have been styled better, I do like the dress on its own though, it's divine, very Matthew William-esque with the butterflies and printed flowy fabric. (If you know me you'll know I have a thing for butterflies.)

 Maheen Khan - elegant as always, so stunning and graceful in black with a string of pearls around her neck.

Stylists Maha Burney and Raana Khan look super. Maha in her nude Maheen Karim gown with a crystal clutch, minimal accessories. Raana is wearing a sequined dress by Sadaf Malaterre, once again she is minimally accessorized. I personally am not a fan of the overdone look. Raana's hair is to die for - the short cut and the loose curls. Sanam Chaudhri is in the middle, in a black Grecian one shouldered dress with a very chic up-do.

How funky do the Pond's Gold Radiance girls look? Love the Pond's presence at all big events. Marketing at its finest.

More for later,
<3 <3 <3 A

All the pictures above are by Osama Saeed (osi photography)

Another Louboutin Post: The Louboutin Manicure!

Oh my!!!! This such a fun look. Want to try it asap (will post pics), but till then:

What you need to get this look: black and red nail polish and top coat. Standard nail polish colours that are easily available. You will also need Q tips and nail polish remover.

What you need to do: Use the red nail polish first on the inside of the nail, don't worry if it gets a bit messy, just pull the tips of your skin back and paint away. It might be helpful if you get someone to do your right hand for you/or left depending on whether you're left or right handed. Let it dry and paint the top black. Use the top coat for a glossy look.
Once it has dried, dip the Q tip in nailpolish remove and use it to remove the red messy bits off your skin.

xxxx A

(Images: courtesy of google)

Cinderella's Louboutin's Revealed!

Hello world wide web,

Remember my post about Christian Louboutin designing Cinderella's glass slipper here?

Well, they have been unveiled and are truly magnificent. The fine craftsmanship entails lace, swarvoski crystals and butterflies. So feminine and dream like. I want a pair... just for staring purposes. Will keep it in a glass box in my closet <3

 

Swoooooooooooooooon.