Sin retoque

Daily Jewelry Inspiration: Statement Rings

Noha Rahhal — Thu, 23 Mayo 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Estimados lectores:,

Hoy, I’ll start a new feature, entitled “Daily Jewelry Inspiration”. I have noticed that most of the blog’s fans on Facebook really enjoy those inspirational photos I share on a daily basis. Tan, it occurred to me that I should dedicate at least one section sharing some random finds along with info related to where you can shop this or that item. Being an Egyptian jewelry fanatic, I’ve thought that you might have the same bling bling obsession. Tan, here we are all set with the first ”Weekly Jewelry Inspiration” piece.

Here, I have chosen some unique statement rings. Personalmente, statement jewelry is usually my first choice when I go shopping. Not only do they help me stand out of the crowd, but they also reflect my personality to a great extent. I can wear a simple plain outfit, but still look daring when I put on my “Sultana” ring (That’s how my friends refer to one of my huge rings). Anyhow, to cut a long story short, here are some amazing statement rings that I hope you’d enjoy.

Nota: If you have any questions or need any help regarding style or shopping, just send me an email: (noha@sansretouches.com)

1) Labradorite/Midnight Vine Encrusted Ring by Alexis Bittar. (Price: 205 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

2) Gold/Pearl Eye Ring by Delfina Delettrez. (Price: 590 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

3) Argento Silver Multi Zebra Ring by Marc Jacobs. (Price: 95 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

Nota: Suscribirse a Retoca Sans here. Siga Retoca Sans en Twitter aquí, o como nuestra página de fans en Facebook aquí.

Arab Designers Top the Charts at Billboard Awards 2013

Noha Rahhal — Wed, 22 Mayo 2013 12:00:37 +0000

Red Carpet events have become an occasion for making fashion statements and getting media attention, whether through choosing very elegant and luxurious gowns, subtle outfits or wacky outfits such as those usually spotted on controversial celebrities, such as Lady Gaga. Billboard Awards is one of those annual events where musicians and other celebrities from all over the US gather to honor the biggest names in the music industry. Este año, there have been a lot of great fashion statements, but luckily Arab designers; Rami Al Ali, Zuhair Murad and Georges Chakra, reigned supreme with their mind-blowing designs which gained positive reviews from fashion critics in the US and worldwide.

Here are the gowns;

Emmy Rossum in a Zuhair Murad gown (Billboard Awards 2013)

Jennifer Nettles in a Georges Chakra gown (Billboard Awards 2013)

Jennifer Lopez in a Zuhair Murad gown (Billboard Awards 2013)

Kelly Rowland in a Rami Al Ali gown (Billboard Awards 2013)

Taylor Swift in a Zuhair Murad gown (Billboard Awards 2013)

Nota: Suscribirse a Retoca Sans here. Siga Retoca Sans en Twitter aquí, o como nuestra página de fans en Facebook aquí.

Sans Retouches Reviews…. The Body Shop Beauty Products

Noha Rahhal — Tue, 21 Mayo 2013 12:03:14 +0000

Estimados lectores:,

Hoy, I’m going to introduce to you some great products I have got from “The Body Shop”. Before digging into the specifics of each of the products I got to try on and review for you, I have to give “The Body Shop” team in Egypt a lot of credit. If you are a girl living in Egypt,then I bet that you have faced some challenges when going shopping for beauty and skin care products. This is mainly because of salespeople’s lack of good knowledge of the stuff they sell. Pero, thankfully, that was not the case with people at “The Body Shop” (Alexandria Branch) and they were not just pretending to be savvy knowing that I’m a Fashion & Beauty blogger, but while standing there in the shop, I noticed that all of those customers who queued in the little shop were actually there asking for advice from salespeople who seemed very knowledgeable and willing to offer their help whenever possible.

The Body Shop Products

I have got a big package filled with Strawberry Body Butter, Extra Virgin Minerals Liquid Foundation, Honey Bronze Brilliance Powder, Baked Eye Color and Madagascan Vanilla Flower Fragrance Mist.

I have started off with trying on the Strawberry Body Butter. Having a dry skin, you can consider me a moisturizer-addict. If you have used dozens of body butters, moisturizers and lotions, you will know how hard it is to find the perfect product that smells good, does not have a greasy effect and most importantly a product that leaves your skin soft and fresh. To my surprise, Strawberry Body Butter is all that. It has a nice texture that glides smoothly on your skin making it feel and smell great. The softness effect should last for 24 hours as it is stated on the package. Though, am not sure about the “24 horas” guarantee, but I can assure you that your skin will feel so soft after using the product.

Strawberry Body Butter from The Body Shop

Yo, then, moved to the Extra Virgin Minerals Liquid Foundation. If you are skeptical about using foundations, especially liquid ones, during Summer daytime, I highly recommend this product for you. Not only did it spread easily on my face without even using a foundation brush, but it contains SPF 2o that surely protects skin from sun rays. You don’t even need to use compact powder to reduce the shiny effect of Extra Virgin Minerals Liquid Foundation, but you can just apply a light loose powder and voila! You will have a great skin ready for your make up.

Extra Virgin Minerals Liquid Foundation from The Body Shop

Having a porcelain complexion, I always shy away from using bronzing color palettes thinking that I’d look weird. It was not until I got introduced to Honey Bronze Brilliance powder from The Body Shop, that I started having second thoughts about having a sun-kissed look this Summer. Heading to the beach, or even strolling down the street, getting a tan, even if a light one, comes with the territory. Así, using the right products can highlight your beauty like never before. This easy-to-use “Brilliance” powder is utterly brilliant! With a brush included, the illuminating powder glides magically onto the skin. I applied it to my cheekbones and was impressed by how I looked afterwards. You can even apply it to your arms or other body parts that you might be showing off. You’d be glowing with beauty!

Honey Bronze Brilliance Powder from The Body Shop

Bien, you can’t have a full bronze- look without smokey golden eyes, can you? I got this Baked Eye Color with two shades of copper. Not being a big fan of all those makeup brushes, I used my fingertips to apply the lighter shade on my eyelids, then applied the darker shade on the outer corner of my lids to create a dramatic look. It looked great; not too gothic as I thought. If it only had one more intermediate shade included, I would have been ecstatic. Pero, still I was super happy with the final result.

Baked Eye Color from The Body Shop

At last but not least, I have tried on the Madagascan Vanilla Flower Body Mist. There were so many nice fragrances to choose from, but the Vanilla Flower seemed to be the closest to my heart. Just don’t get fooled by the little bottle, it have a very STRONG lasting effect that would stay on your body or clothes for hours.

Madagascan Vanilla Flower Body Mist from The Body Shop

That was my review of all The Body Shop products I have got. You can try them out and see for yourselves the difference and good-quality. Just don’t forget to check The Body Shop page on Facebook to stay updated with all their latest products.

Nota: Suscribirse a Retoca Sans here. Siga Retoca Sans en Twitter aquí, o como nuestra página de fans en Facebook aquí.

Estilo en un presupuesto: Designers’ Little Black Dresses Under 500$

Noha Rahhal — Mon, 20 Mayo 2013 12:00:50 +0000

Karl Lagerfeld once said, “One is never over-dressed or underdressed with a Little Black Dress.” Bien, the man got a point! Whether you are heading to a party, concert, business meeting or even a date, you can always throw a little black dress and still look dashing. A single black dress can be accessorized in several ways depending on your mood and occasion. Here are some beautiful little black dresses that will blow your mind.

Nota: If you have any questions or need any help regarding style or shopping, just send me an email: (noha@sansretouches.com)

1) Black Crepe Annabel Dress by Rachel Zoe. (Price: 370 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

2) Black Metallic Floral Lace Dress by DKNY. (Price: 450 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

3) Black Ruffled Front Dress by Steffen Schraut. (Price: 470 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

4) Black Pleated Sleeve Brigitte Dress by Steffen Schraut. (Price: 405 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

5) Black Stretch Cotton Boat Neck Dress by James Perse. (Price: 290 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

6) Black Embellished Pointelle Dress by Catherine Malandrino. (Price: 375 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

7) Black Ruched Strapless Dress by DKNY. (Price: 450 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

Nota: Suscribirse a Retoca Sans here. Siga Retoca Sans en Twitter aquí, o como nuestra página de fans en Facebook aquí.

Boho Sharky: Bringing Funkiness to Our Enchanting Roots

Noha Rahhal — Sun, 19 Mayo 2013 12:51:23 +0000

Estimados lectores:,

Hoy, I’m bringing you photos of the latest collection by the Egyptian-based brand, Boho Sharky. Reham Essam, Creative Director behind the ever-growing local brand, has focused mainly on tops and mini dresses with Arabic-inspired motifs, such as Damask, Evil Eye and Fatima Hand. What I personally love about the collection is how Reham infused the Arabic motifs with other elements, like the skull as you will see below. Para mí, the tops are totally wearable and comfy with such bright colors and figure-flattering cuts.

Here are some shots from the collection;

From Boho Sharky’s Spring/Summer 2013 Colección

Nota: Suscribirse a Retoca Sans here. Siga Retoca Sans en Twitter aquí, o como nuestra página de fans en Facebook aquí.

Estilo en un presupuesto: Designers’ Fashion Jewelry Under 200$

Noha Rahhal — Wed, 15 Mayo 2013 12:00:42 +0000

Estimados lectores:,

Hoy, I’m bringing you some designers’ fashion jewelry all under 200 $. All of them are funky, stylish and a bit edgy. Neons, skulls, macrame…., etc, lo que sea! Those are the trendy motifs this season that you would find in a lot of places. Sometimes, you’d find similar stuff but you might get struck by the poor quality or even by the high prices. Tan, here you will find amazing picks that are for good prices and of a great quality.

Nota: If you have any questions or need any help regarding style or shopping, just send me an email: (noha@sansretouches.com)

1) Sacred Valley Turquoise Bracelet by Lizzie Fortunato Jewels. (Price: 188 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

2) Sacred Valley opal Bracelet by Lizzie Fortunato Jewels. (Price: 188 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

3) Tequila Sunrise Bracelet by Venessa Arizaga. (Price: 115 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

4) Puerto Escondido Bracelet by Venessa Arizaga. (Price: 150 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

5) Dotted Net Ring by Andra Neen. (Price: 185 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

Nota: Suscribirse a Retoca Sans here. Siga Retoca Sans en Twitter aquí, o como nuestra página de fans en Facebook aquí.

Eccentrically Elegant with Julien Abboud!

Noha Rahhal — Tue, 14 Mayo 2013 15:51:20 +0000

Estimados lectores:,

Hoy, I’m glad and honored to share with you an interview I was so lucky to have with one of the best and most talented couturiers not only in Lebanon, but in the Arab region. His style is all about elegant eccentricity. This “out-of-the-box” approach has helped him gain a lot of acclaim and stardom since his participation in “Project Fashion” TV show which aired on Future TV (Líbano) and featured a fierce competition among a lot of creative contestants who were eager to win the title and start off in the ever-changing fashion world. Luckily and thanks to his hard work, he won the title and started with paving the way for his own fashion house. Señoras y señores:, meet Julien Abboud.

Julien Abboud

Thank you Julien for this interview! Tell me about your collaboration with Haifa Wehbe, how did it come through? And how do you feel about the whole experience?

Bien, it was not a planned collaboration at all! It all started when I was in an interview on LBC where I introduced the Haifa Barbie doll which gained a lot of acclaim and press attention. Next thing I knew was seeing Haifa in the exact same dress in her latest clip MJK. Honestly, I was so thrilled and overwhelmed with joy for I have always aspired to dress stars like Haifa Wehbe whose recognition of my work is very flattering.

Your designs are elegant yet are characterized by their uniqueness and sometimes exoticness, how do you make sure that your collections are comprehensible to larger audiences?

I always try to keep on my unique signature in every collection I create. Any of my gowns bring about femininity along with exoticness. Pero, all of the designs are up to modifications; women have the freedom to express their valuable inputs. I’m a couturier in the end, you know.

Who is the “Julien Abboud” woman?

The “Julien Abboud” woman would be someone who is not afraid to shine out and be talked about. She is also a trendsetter, not just a fashion follower.

From Julien Abboud’s Spring/Summer 2013 Colección

Tell me about “Project Fashion”; how did it contribute to your evolvement as a designer?

It was a fabulous experience indeed. A través de ella, my self-esteem has increased a great deal. When I saw how others believed in me, that was very rewarding. The show conditions were stressful, but I have challenged myself a great deal. The show has also enabled me to meet some great people from all over the world.

When you first meet a woman, what is the first thing that attracts your attention about her?

As a couturier, I’d say her body.

What inspired your latest collection, “Fire beneath Ice”?

I was mainly inspired by emotional states and moods I have been through. In this collection, I’ve opted for the soft lingerie style that is very sensual and elegant at the same time. You’d notice that most of the gowns are not lined with skin color tone fabrics, making the designs seem more alluring.

What’s your favorite piece from the “Fire beneath Ice” colección?

The “Resurrection of the Soul” wedding gown as it is all about my style as a designer.

From Julien Abboud’s Spring/Summer 2013 Colección

Lebanon is known for its well-renowned fashion designers, how do you plan to stay ahead of the competition?

Bien, I usually work for my own pleasure. Let’s face it! Fashion is business, but I don’t normally follow what others do, as I believe that comparison is not fair for anyone including myself.

Do you have any favorite local fashion designers?

There are lots of people whom I admire and truly respect. We all strive through the same difficult conditions to find a way in the fashion world.

Is there a certain woman that you want her to wear your designs?

I’ve always had a big admiration for show girls and fashion trendsetters; I guess some of my gowns are perfect for theatrical stunts.

From Julien Abboud’s Spring/Summer 2013 Colección

In your opinion, does the shaky political situation in Lebanon as well as in most Arab countries, affect fashion business?

Of course it does, but we are not just affected by the local events. Sometimes, we get affected by what’s happening around us in the rest of the world, like the infamous economic crisis. On the bright side, such incidents motivate us to challenge ourselves and our skills.

How do you view fashion business in the Arab World?

Fashion is struggling in the region. People still need to be open minded enough to accept all forms of art. On the business level, young designers need sponsors and investors to patronize their works. Public Relations is also a needed field as it helps local brands get more exposure and acclaim.

¿Cuáles son sus últimas actualizaciones? What are you working on at the moment?

As you know fashion is a cycle. I’m working on a new collection that will be released very soon.

From Julien Abboud’s Spring/Summer 2013 Colección

Nota: Suscribirse a Retoca Sans here. Siga Retoca Sans en Twitter aquí, o como nuestra página de fans en Facebook aquí.

Celebrity Style árabe: Najwa Karam

Noha Rahhal — Mon, 13 Mayo 2013 12:00:29 +0000

She’s a diva, pop star and a true fashion icon. Señoras y señores:, hoy, I’m introducing you to the personal style of Najwa Karam; Shams Al Gheneyeh as many of her fans prefer to call her. Najwa, who is a best selling artist with millions of records sold worldwide throughout her artistic career, has started to gain even more attention after being one of the judges at “Arabs’ Got Talent”. Not only has she grabbed people’s admiration through her grace and cheerful attitude, but also through her style.

En 2012, Najwa has been chosen as the First Arab Ambassador for L’Oreal Paris in the Middle East. And what a real ambassador she is! Desde entonces, her style has gained even more attention; we all remember her fabulous Zuhair Murad gown which Najwa wore to last year’s Cannes Film Festival. Known for her big passion for his designs, Najwa and Zuhair have made a very elegant fashion duo, as she has been spotted several times wearing his gowns during her worldwide tours and concerts. Najwa has also collaborated with other designers, like Tony Yaacoub who created some marvels that suited Najwa’s taste and well-known preference for embroidered, sleek and often mermaid style gowns.

Here are some of my favorite looks for Najwa Karam;

Najwa during a musical tour in the USA & Canada

Najwa in a peacock-themed gown during a concert in Sweden

Najwa is not usually spotted in black, but she looked great in this one

Najwa during 2012 New Year’s Eve in Lebanon

Najwa Karam dressed by Tony Yaacoub

Najwa dressed by Tony Yaacoub

Najwa dressed by Zouhair Murad

Najwa Karam dazzling in an emerald green sparkling dress during a concert in Wahran (Algeria)

Najwa in a to-die-for gown

Najwa in one of her concerts sparkling in blue

Najwa is known for her love for bright colors!

Najwa in a beautiful gown

Najwa Karam on “Dancing with the Stars”

Najwa Karam during Cannes 2012 Film Festival (Gown by Zuhair Murad)

One of my personal favorite looks for Najwa Karam

Nota: Suscribirse a Retoca Sans here. Siga Retoca Sans en Twitter aquí, o como nuestra página de fans en Facebook aquí.

Shop the Look… A Casual Smart Outfit for a Comfy Hangout!

Noha Rahhal — Sun, 12 Mayo 2013 12:00:45 +0000

Estimados lectores:,

Hoy, I’ve created a colorful chic look for a comfy hangout that would be perfect for a “Girls Night Out” or any simple outing where you don’t have to dress up, but still want to look good. Pop colors are in this season, but I’m afraid many people would take it to the extremes. Así, I prefer adding a touch of neon to your outfit through a piece of accessory; be it a scarf, statement necklace or even a nice clutch as in this look.

Shop the Look!

Shop the look:

Superior: 499 LE (Mango Stores)

Pants: 249 LE (Mango Stores)

Pendientes: 199 LE (Mango Stores)

Zapatos: 499 LE (Mango Stores)

Embrague: 249 LE (Mango Stores)

Nota: Suscribirse a Retoca Sans here. Siga Retoca Sans en Twitter aquí, o como nuestra página de fans en Facebook aquí.

Estilo en un presupuesto: Designers’ Night Dresses Under 1000$

Noha Rahhal — Thu, 09 Mayo 2013 12:00:32 +0000

Estimados lectores:,

Hoy, I’m bringing you some designers’ night dresses all under 1000 $. All of them are midi-dresses which are perfect for cocktail parties and posh parties. Some of the pieces are highly practical and absolutely timeless like the little black dresses which can be accessorized in unique and various ways on different occasions. Others are trendier and a bit edgier, all depending on your own personal preferences.

Nota: If you have any questions or need any help regarding style or shopping, just send me an email: (noha@sansretouches.com)

1) The Flounce Dress by Veronica Beard. (Price: 795 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

2) Sleeveless Leopard Print Dress by 3.1 Phillip Lim. (Price: 695 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

3) Short Sleeve Fitted Dress by Stella McCartney. (Price: 770 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

4) Sleeveless Fitted Ruffle Dress by Stella McCartney. (Price: 800 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

5) Double Strap Color Block Dress by Alexander Wang. (Price: 795 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

6) Cap Sleeve Dress by Alexander Wang. (Price: 475 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

7) Charla Sleeveless Dress by Erdem. (Price: 840 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

8) Sleeveless Lace Dress by MSGM. (Price: 535 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

Nota: Suscribirse a Retoca Sans here. Siga Retoca Sans en Twitter aquí, o como nuestra página de fans en Facebook aquí.