It is always great to find an amazing bag on sale, especially as many models are reinvented every season just in a different material or color. I put together some of the best ones available at the moment. Shopping with good conscience, have fun:
Over a year ago, a dear friend of mine handed me “50 Shades of Grey” in English and said: “You have to read it, it is so sexy.” Busy as I was, I put it to the side without being too interested in it. During my summer holidays in the States, I observed that almost every woman at the pool was reading this book and magazines were full of reviews. Most of my girlfriends had already been talking about it. So I was starting to wonder what was this “50 Shades of Grey” thing I kept seeing everywhere? A few weeks ago, when I caught the stomach flu, I refrained from my prejudices and gave it a try. Being honest, I admit that I have become Fifty Shades of Grey crazy and have read the three books extremely fast. Somebody said to me recently in astonishment: “But you are a journalist, you cannot like that book!” Another woman exclaimed while I was reading: “You are so lucky, you still have the third book to finish”. Tastes differ.
The story of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele is extremely unrealistic, cheesy and platitudinous but it is so captivating, truly entertaining to read. Personally speaking, E.L. James has summarized what women like to dream about. The story is about an extremely good-looking billionaire (other women start stuttering when they see him) who has only eyes for the woman he loves, who bizzarely enough has all the time in the world to be with his wife (the zillions of dollars just earn themselves), who is the best lover you can imagine (always putting her satisfaction first and is on hand 24/7), who doesn’t want to have a prenup, “as all of his belongings are hers now, too”. Christian, who was adopted and had a horrible childhood, enjoys the BDSM lifestyle in bed but Anastasia is able to change his vision of life (women always like to think that they could change the man of their dreams).
Writing this, I have to smile because it sounds so bad, it is definitely a kind of “mommy porn”, but please give it a try. It is absolutely captivating. At least, you want to know what everybody is gossiping about… and in 2013, the story will hit the cinemas.
Since last season, theslipper shoehas been on every fashionista’s style radar and there is no end in sight. Prada has just launched a stunning capsule collection that is screaming “BUY ME”. The new Prada slippers feature a range of distinctive details and novel combinations.
The classic form with leather sole is developed in multiple variations, each with a powerful identity. Here are five proposals:
Slipper in iridescent velvet with embroidery in satin thread.
Slipper in three-color sequins. The embroidery recalls iconic Prada flowers and lozenges.
Slipper in brushed leather with metal studs and hand stitched paillettes.
Slipper in patent leather with plex embroidery and hand stitched paillettes.
Slipper in two-color patent leather.
Those beautiful slippers are in stores now. Prices range from CHF 410.- to CHF 860.-.
See you at Prada…
Valentine’s Day is coming up soon and you might be looking for the perfect outfit to wear on a romantic date. Amanda Seyfried looked pretty amazing at the 16th Annual Hollywood Film Awards Gala in Los Angeles sporting a scarlet red bodice dress from Prabal Gurung’s Resort 2013 collection combined with trendy metallic accessories. A look that would prove your style prowess and that is in stores now.
Fashion Designer, Leyla Piedayesh, famous for her knitwear designs, has teamed up with Cybex to create a limited editionCallisto 3-in-1 travel system. Piedayesh, also a mother, took up the challenge as she knows too well the importance of having a pram that is not only highly functional but also compliments your style.
Callisto Lala Berlin SRP £360
The Lala Berlincollection features skulls in a striking hand stitched design with a cute baby twist of bows, bow-ties, eye-patches, prams and dummies. The range includes the city pram, travel system and luxury buggy along with stylish tote bag and small footmuff. Additional accessories are also available. For more information, please click here.
My trip to Qatar surpassed all expectations. Dohahas reminded me a lot of Dubai 10 years ago, even better, modern and of course, full of luxury. Located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, all eyes are on Middle East’s new hot spot as the Qatari will host a large number of the venues for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. According to the British Telegraph, Qatar has the second highest income per capita in the world and you can see it everywhere.
On the first day of the year, I went shopping at Doha’s Villagio Mall, which was overly impressive. Reminiscent of the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace and the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian in Las Vegas, the mall has got a changing sky that gives shoppers the feeling of being outside and a canal that runs through the center of the mall with gondola rides for guests. Every designer brand you can think of is represented, such as Bottega Veneta, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Montblanc among others. There is even an amusement park in the mall.
This beautifully crafted fragrance is inspired by the thoroughly British tradition of “High Tea” – the mid-afternoon ritual that’s such a sought after experience in London’s most prestigious hotels. Where Earl Grey tea is accompanied by petite, wafer-fine cucumber sandwiches. In this inventive and unconventional cologne, the top notes burst with bergamot – the same ingredient that gives Earl Grey tea its distinctive, fruity aroma. Its then that you discover the crunchy, counterpoised with the sweet base of beeswax, vanilla and musk. Ravishingly reviving.
Available now as Cologne 30ml (CHF 68.00) and 100ml (CHF 130.00).
In Switzerland exclusively at Jelmoli Zurich and Globus Geneva.
To create your bespoke scent, spritz and layer with Grapefruit for instant freshness or with Nutmeg & Ginger for warmth with a spicy vibrancy.
During my stay in Doha, I needed high sun protection for my winter pale skin to prevent damage from UV radiation. As temperatures are so perfect in December/January, you can spend hours in the sun. With the help of this trio, I have enjoyed it in complete safety.
FACE: Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Fluide Extreme by La Roche-Posay
This tinted water-resistant fluid is perfect for sensitive skin providing you with a little bit of bronzy glow you are missing after those winter months.
CHF 27.90 (50ml)
BODY: Aroma Sun Expert for Body SPF 50 by Decléor
A protective hydrating milk that protects the skin while moisturizing (Melon Extract, Argan Oil) it at the same time. Thanks to the DNA Protection Complex (Vanilla and Jasmine Extracts), it helps cells to prevent premature aging. It boosts skin’s natural defences (Essential Oil of Rose) and reduces reactions caused by sun exposure (Rea from Tahiti). Personally speaking, I have never used such an easy-to-apply milk with a non-greasy texture but such a high SPF.
CHF 47.- (150ml)
AFTER: Capital Soleil After Sun Cellular SOS Repair Balm by Vichy
A rich but non-sticky texture that works well for the whole family by calming down the skin after sun exposure. This specially designed formula works to repair damage by restoring the skin’s cellular defense capital. Willowherb Extract even soothes over-exposed, painful and red skin so that a sunburn can transform into a beautiful bronzed tan.
CHF 26.- (100ml)
Starting from today, you should keep your eyes open for a very special window installation that will roll out across more than 70 Gucciboutiques around the world (unfortunately not including Switzerland) and will remain until mid February. For that project, Frida Giannini collaborates with renowned Japanese Manga artist, Hirohiko Araki, who has created an exclusive Manga (Japanese comic strip) story inspired by the Italian house’s beautifulCruise 2013 collection.A multi-media campaign will complement the window installation, including the publication of the full Manga story exclusively in Japan’s Spur magazine.
Commenting on the collaboration Giannini said, “This has without doubt been one of the most enjoyable collaborations I have worked on. The characters that Hirohiko has conceived combine an energy, sensuality and appeal that brings my Cruise collection to life in such a fun and compelling way. I am quite sure his window installations will stop people in their tracks in cities around the world as they immerse themselves in the fabulous fantasy world he has created.”
Entitled “Jolyne, Fly High with Gucci,” Araki’s Manga tells the adventure of Jolie Kujo, a student who inherits a keepsake from her mother’s Gucci collection. Propelled by the mystery behind her vintage treasure, she embarks on a journey that transcends time.
The restaurant Parisa, one of my favourites that I visited in Doha, belongs to the Sharq Village and Spa. Traditional Persian dishes are served with a contemporary, modern twist. The perfect ambiance to suit the mood of my outfit.
I kept my make-up very easy, a little bronzer on the cheeks (24 Karat Shimmer Brick by Bobbi Brown – Limited Edition), mascara (Lash Queen Sexy Blacks by Helena Rubinstein) and red lips (Diorific 040 Marilynby Christian Dior– Christmas look 2012).
On my nails: Coral Blame by Tom Ford.
