The LOOK- Orange is the new Black.

Unlike the popular TV show of the same name, my F&F outfit for this week is neither vulgar nor scary. :)

My husband and I just recently celebrated our three year wedding anniversary and as a result decided it was finally time to get our Marriage certificate UAE attested. This required a quick trip to the UAE Foreign Ministry and as all you Dubai ladies know, that means covering up if you don't want some strange man gawking at you like you were a three tier gooey hot fudge sundae. 

With that in mind, I decided to put a little edge into a staple spring trend (bright hues) and make this look modest enough for running official errands and versatile enough for either work or play. Take a look at the ensemble below. :)

Orange shift top from Mexx- AED 155. This was a gift and is a double layered t-shirt that consists of an orange vest with a similar short sleeved chiffon overlay on top. This piece is ideal for such an errand as it is comfortable and drapes modestly.

Super skinny black Jeans from New Look- AED 65. Now as per one of fashions basic rules, If your top is baggy then your bottom should always be fitted.  Pairing these super skinnys with the baggy orange top helped me define silhouette as well as stay on trend.

Dark Blue denim blazer by NEXT- AED 250. This piece is one of my style staples for this season! The classic blazer cut and dark denim fabric make it versatile and oh so chic. You can pair this with some jeans and a sparkly tee to run errands or just throw it over a fabulous dress before you head out to dinner.

Black leather ballet flats from Carrefour- AED 30. When I first came to Dubai in 2003, my mum and I stumbled on these cute little shoes at Carrefour. They were displayed in several colours but I decided to buy the black and never regretted it. They gave me five comfortable years before moving on to that great shoe box in the sky and now 12 years later I managed to get the same pair for the same price! I’m hoping to enjoy these for many years to come J

Orange and black hoop earrings from New Look- AED 20 (on sale) 

Snakeskin tote by GUESS- AED 380.  I love how the bluish grey tones of this classy tote offer a contrast to the bright orange and black ensemble. Since the denim jacket is blue it matches the tote in a mismatched way and gives that little extra something to the entire outfit.

White gold and crystal wristwatch by Continental- AED 675. 

Brown matte lipstick from MaxFactor- AED 75

To make this look more corporate, simply exchange the denim jacket for a black blazer and the ballet flats for a pair of black leather stilettos. 

For more information on how you can get this look or something similar contact F&F at dithomas87@gmail.com. 

Stay fabulous!! X

The LOOK- Tiki Tiki, Polka Polka

A friend once told me that polka dots reminded her of her grandmother. Of talcum powder and bingo, cups of tea in flowery tea cups and boxes of aspirin on the counter of an old country kitchen. 

Although lovely memories, she said she couldn't imagine anything with polka dots being described as stylish, edgy or on trend. I decided to take it upon myself to prove her wrong.

Polka dots made their arrival on the fashion scene in the late nineteenth century in the United Kingdom. Originally used to adorn the fabric on children’s clothes and toys, the polka dot gradually evolved to be included on bathing suits and lingerie. Although generally considered to be casual, a few brave souls (like myself) dare to take polka dots into the office. Have a look at my ensemble below.

 

     1.   This cute little black polka dot dress was an impulse buy at H&M. I paid 30 AED for it on sale and believe on full price it is AED 69. The short sleeves make it versatile for formal and informal occasions and the fitted bodice and flared skirt flatter all body types. Throw a formal blazer over it for a more corporate look. 

    

   2. These black ballet flats by ALDO are one of my wardrobe staples! The gold bow detail takes the shoe from drab to fab and is a great addition to any closet. These flats are priced at AED 100.

       

   3. Finally the piece de resistance’ is this beautiful orange   leather bag by David Jones. AED 120 on sale and AED 350 full price, this bag lends a pop of colour to the ensemble. Dubai shoppers if you’re wondering where you can pick up this lovely piece, head down to Mendoza at Ibn Batuta Mall. They have these and others from the D.J line in stock.

    4.   Instead of my traditional Kate Moss lippy, I decided to opt for the brick red hues of this new brand called Sissley. The lipstick is AED 100 and sports a myriad of vibrant hues in its collection.

     5.   For jewelry you can keep it simple with a pair of pearl or silver studs and a dainty pearl necklace.

What do you think? Have I managed to make polka dots stylish and cutting edge? If you want help in getting the same look or would like to share your own polka stories, then please comment and share below. Until next time! xx

Too Hot to Handle?

F&F has some sure fire ways to keep you cool and looking fab this summer.

Whilst I was on my lovely island holiday- drinking cocktails at the beach, eating delicious fresh seafood and alternating my days between reading and napping- UAE has been steadily growing hotter and more uncomfortable by the day.

Since I’ve been back and had to listen to several complaints from friends and family about “the insufferable heat”, I thought a few tips on how to stay cool and look as fresh as a mint leaf would be a great distraction to the soaring temperatures outside.

Rule no 1: Drink LOTS of water!

No this isn’t a hospital infomercial, this is a proven fact! If you aren’t a big water drinker and are prone to dry skin and wrinkles then your problem is most likely dehydration. 

Properly hydrated skin is proven to look healthier and will make you feel better all around!

Dunno how to make sure you get enough water? Have a look at our tips below.

       I.          Have a beverage with every snack and meal.

       II.         Choose beverages you enjoy; you're likely to drink        more liquids if you like the way they taste.

       III.          Eat more fruits and vegetables. Their high water content will add to your hydration. About 20% of our fluid intake comes from foods.

       IV.          Keep a bottle of water with you in your car, at your desk, or in your bag.

        V.          Stay away from fizzy drinks as they contain more sugar and caffeine and will make you more dehydrated. 

Rule no 2: Pamper yourself.

When you are busy and on the go, taking care of yourself often takes a back seat. Instead of breaking the bank on a spa day every few months, use your daily grooming routine to enhance and revitalize your body.

While some people naturally have dry skin, for most, it's brought on by showering too much, using the wrong type of soap, or from living in an especially dry climate. 

Therefore, Stay away from using soaps and try to substitute with a body wash. Another key to staying cool and keep your skin young is to be sure to moisturize your skin day and night. 

Below are some of the products I love to use in my daily beauty regiment.

Body Wash- ‘A beautiful day’ by Bath and Body Works

Face Wash- Johnsons gently exfoliating face wash.

Face moisturizer- Johnsons face cream

Body Lotion- ‘Country Chic’ by Bath and Body Works or Cocoa butter by Vaseline.

Rule No 3: Dress light

It seems to be a work style staple here but wearing black can greatly increase your chances of getting hot and sweaty (and I don’t even mean in a good way). 

In the same way, thick or heavy fabrics like wool, fleece and even satins and silks trap heat more and will make you feel perspire more. 

Stick to light colours and fabrics with loose fitting shapes to maximize comfort. Make sure tunics, summer dresses, shorts and flary skirts replace all the leggings, jeans and other warm clothes in your closet and you are guaranteed to live out the rest of the summer in style and comfort. 

Hope these tips are enough to keep you cool and fresh during the scorching months ahead. As always if you have any questions, be sure to drop us a comment below! Until next time xxx

The LOOK- Hello Summer!

With the temperature rising way past the 90's this week,stores have locked away their woollies and put out their bikinis while people seem to have discarded their boots and ballet pumps for more sensible sandals and flip flops.

My family has been on holiday for the last few weeks so to celebrate their return my husband and I decided to

take them out to dinner. One look at the soaring temperature and the idea of eating al fresco was quickly vetoed and instead a noisy yet filling dinner at the Dubai Mall was decided.

Now Dubaiyans will agree with me that going to Dubai mall,

be it for a casual bout of window shopping or dining, one must strive to look their best! With this in mind I tried my hand at some comfortable causal chic. Take a look at my outfit below.

  

 1. Multicoloured printed Kurta dress from India (street fashion)- Approx AED 50-100.

A friend of mine gifted this to me and it is actually a kurta. Since I’m short and the sides of the Kurta does not have slits I decided to wear it like a dress. If you are a tall person then you can just as easily combine this with a pair of skinny jeans or shorts depending on where and what look you are going for.

 

      2.   Sandals with rhinestone detail from ALDO- AED 60 on sale. AED 130 full price.

  3.Yellow drop earrings from No Limit(Sri Lanka)- AED 5.

  4. Brown eyeshadow  from INGLOT- AED 50.

  5. Lobello lip stain- AED 10.

  

  

   I decided to keep my make up light and airy so as to combat the sticky weather outside. The breathable cotton fabric of the Kurta kept me oh so comfortable and able to enjoy my meal. 

   To complete the ensemble, I added a white tote bag (just because it was the easiest way to carry the mountain of things I always have with me). To glam up this look exchange the flats for a chunky wedge or silver stiletto and the tote for an embellished clutch.

  

   As always i'd love to hear your thoughts on today's look so be sure to like and leave me a message at the bottom of this post. Do the same if you want to discuss how to get a similar look for yourself. 

    Until next time! xx

Dress to impress your date.

How to snag your perfect man with the perfect outfit.

In the highly competitive world of dating, first impressions are absolutely everything. How you walk, what you say, how you eat and most importantly how you dress can give you a clear advantage over your dates other potential partners or vice versa.

This week we’re going to be looking at a few dating scenarios and what are the ideal ways to attire yourself before you set out on them.

  1.   The Daytime Date

The Daytime Date is anything that you and your intended are going to get up to during the day. Examples can range in anything from breakfast or brunch to something more adventurous like going to the beach or sailing. Therefore it is important to keep indoors and outdoors in mind before raiding your closet for an outfit.

If you’re doing something indoors remember to keep things subtle and feminine. Opt for a simple skirt, flowy or fitted depending on your shape and a fitted top or blouse or summer dress with ballet flats or sandals.

 

If you’re heading to the park, beach or spending your day sailing, then great cut jeans or shorts and a sexy fitted top are your safest bet. 

For footwear go with strappy sandals or colourful flip flops for that extra oomph! 

2.  Cocktails anyone?

If you’re meeting your Casanova for a drink then it’s totally alright to go Va Va Voom on him. Dress to kill in a fitted LBD (little black dress) or something bold and sexy that's sure to grab your dates attention. 

Just keep in mind shoes and accessories should be muted to complement your bold dress. Black LBD’s can be paired with bright shoes and accessories to give it that extra pop of colour whereas if you were to wear something bolder like a red or blue dress then the shoes and accessories should be either nude or metallic depending on how much you want to dress up.

Don’t want to be too over the top? Then opt for kitten heels and simple accessories to keep your look sexy and current. 

  3.  Fancy Dinner time

   If you’re date insists on pulling out all the stops and taking you to dinner somewhere where a bottle of sparkling water costs as much as a facelift then don’t panic! You can get dressed up enough without giving up food or a place to live.

   Think romantic and go for dresses that draw the eye. Something bright or embellished with skyscraper heels would look fabulous at a high end dinner or at a trendy club.

  

  

   If you’re someone who’d rather wear trousers then try on a sexy jumpsuit. Now there are many different types of jumpsuits but in my opinion the most flattering type is the one with a fitted bust and free flowing trousers. 

    

  

   All these fabulous items of clothing can be found at the following stores:

- - River Island

- - Zara

  - Forever21

  - New Look

  - Koton

  - H&M

   

    Rules set and the wheels in motion, ladies go out there and get your man! I’m going to trust you all to keep it Fierce and Fabulous as I know you will!Until next time x