Vandaag, 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 [...]]]>

Geachte lezers,

Vandaag, 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. Maar, 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 hours” guarantee, but I can assure you that your skin will feel so soft after using the product.

Strawberry Body Butter from The Body Shop

Ik, 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. Dus, 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

Goed, 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. Maar, 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.

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Vandaag, 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 [...]]]>

Geachte lezers,

Vandaag, 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. Voor mij, 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 Collectie

From Boho Sharky’s Spring/Summer 2013 Collectie

From Boho Sharky’s Spring/Summer 2013 Collectie

From Boho Sharky’s Spring/Summer 2013 Collectie

From Boho Sharky’s Spring/Summer 2013 Collectie

From Boho Sharky’s Spring/Summer 2013 Collectie

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Vandaag, 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., you name it! 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 [...]]]>

Geachte lezers,

Vandaag, 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., you name it! 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. Zo, 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!

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Vandaag, 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 [...]]]>

Geachte lezers,

Vandaag, 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 (Libanon) 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. Dames en heren, ontmoeten 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?

Goed, 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. Maar, 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” vrouw?

De “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 Collectie

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

It was a fabulous experience indeed. Through it, 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.

Wat inspireerde je nieuwste collectie, “Fire beneath Ice”?

I was mainly inspired by emotional states and moods I have been through. In deze bundel, 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” collectie?

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

From Julien Abboud’s Spring/Summer 2013 Collectie

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

Goed, 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 Collectie

Naar uw mening, 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.

Wat zijn uw meest recente updates? Wat ben je bezig op het 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 Collectie

From Julien Abboud’s Spring/Summer 2013 Collectie

From Julien Abboud’s Spring/Summer 2013 Collectie

From Julien Abboud’s Spring/Summer 2013 Collectie

From Julien Abboud’s Spring/Summer 2013 Collectie

From Julien Abboud’s Spring/Summer 2013 Collectie

From Julien Abboud’s Spring/Summer 2013 Collectie

From Julien Abboud’s Spring/Summer 2013 Collectie

From Julien Abboud’s Spring/Summer 2013 Collectie

From Julien Abboud’s Spring/Summer 2013 Collectie

From Julien Abboud’s Spring/Summer 2013 Collectie

From Julien Abboud’s Spring/Summer 2013 Collectie

From Julien Abboud’s Spring/Summer 2013 Collectie

From Julien Abboud’s Spring/Summer 2013 Collectie

From Julien Abboud’s Spring/Summer 2013 Collectie

Nota: Abonneren op Sans Retouches here. Volg Sans Retouches op Twitter hier, of zoals onze fanpagina op Facebook hier.

]]> http://sansretouches.com/fashion/eccentrically-elegant-with-julien-abboud/feed 0 http://sansretouches.com/fashion/arab-celebrity-style-najwa-karam http://sansretouches.com/fashion/arab-celebrity-style-najwa-karam#comments Mon, 13 Mei 2013 12:00:29 +0000 Noha Rahhal http://sansretouches.com/?p=4681 She’s a diva, pop star and a true fashion icon. Dames en heren, today, 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 [...]]]>

She’s a diva, pop star and a true fashion icon. Dames en heren, today, 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.

In 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! Sinds die tijd, 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

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Vandaag, 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 [...]]]>

Geachte lezers,

Vandaag, 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. Dus, 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:

Top: 499 DE (Mango Stores)

Broek: 249 DE (Mango Stores)

Oorbellen: 199 DE (Mango Stores)

Schoenen: 499 DE (Mango Stores)

Koppeling: 249 DE (Mango Stores)

Nota: Abonneren op Sans Retouches here. Volg Sans Retouches op Twitter hier, of zoals onze fanpagina op Facebook hier.

Vandaag, 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. [...]]]>

Geachte lezers,

Vandaag, 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: Abonneren op Sans Retouches here. Volg Sans Retouches op Twitter hier, of zoals onze fanpagina op Facebook hier.

Vandaag, I’m sharing with you some of my top favorite looks from this year’s Met Ball. To those of you who don’t know what Met Ball is, I want to assure you that there is no shame in that, as we- in Egypt for instance- usually focus only on big festivals and ceremonies, [...]]]>

Geachte lezers,

Vandaag, I’m sharing with you some of my top favorite looks from this year’s Met Ball. To those of you who don’t know what Met Ball is, I want to assure you that there is no shame in that, as we- in Egypt for instance- usually focus only on big festivals and ceremonies, such as the Oscars, Emmys…, etc.. Goed, the Met Ball is considered by many Fashion critics as the BIGGEST red carpet event. Every year, it is hosted by Vogue magazine which celebrates the annual inauguration of the Metropolitan Museum’s fashion exhibit at the Costume Institute in New York.

This year, the Met Ball’s theme was Punk: Chaos to Couture. A very tricky theme, rechts? Goed, some celebrities and movie stars have nailed it this year with some gorgeous gowns, others looked posh but did not conform properly with the event’s punk theme, while the rest (many of the attendees) looked as if they were heading to a Halloween party.

It’s been a tough job picking my favorite looks. You will notice that some of the looks are not very “punk-y” as I have judged every outfit as a whole regardless of the context (i.e. the theme of the Met Ball).

Here are my top favorite looks this year;

Blake Lively in a Gucci gown

Cara Delevigne in a Burberry gown & Dominic Jones Spiked Jewelry

Christina Ricci in a Vivienne Westwood dress, Casadei sandals & Harry Winston Jewelry

Elizabeth Banks in an Atelier Versace dress & Brian Atwood heels

Emmy Rossum in a Donna Karan Atelier gown

Heidi Klumin a Marchesa gown & Harry Winston jewelry

Hilary Rhoda in a Wes Gordon ensemble

Kate Beckinsale in an Alberta Ferretti dress

Kate Bosworth in a Balmain dress

Katie Holmes in a Calvin Klein gown

Kirsten Dunst in a Louis Vuitton dress

Kristen Stewart in a Stella McCartney jumpsuit

Rooney Mara in a Givenchy Couture gown by Ricardo Tisci

Sienna Miller dressed in Burberry from head to toe

Sarah Jessica Parker in a Giles Deacon ballgown with Philip Treacy Mohican headpiece

Nota: Abonneren op Sans Retouches here. Volg Sans Retouches op Twitter hier, of zoals onze fanpagina op Facebook hier.

Vandaag, I’m bringing you some designers’ sandals and moccasins all under 500 $. Whether you are at a beach party or out for a casual stroll, sandals are among Summer’s all-time necessities. I have tried to include a lot of options for you so that you can find a pair that matches your [...]]]>

Geachte lezers,

Vandaag, I’m bringing you some designers’ sandals and moccasins all under 500 $. Whether you are at a beach party or out for a casual stroll, sandals are among Summer’s all-time necessities. I have tried to include a lot of options for you so that you can find a pair that matches your unique taste.

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

1) Silver Medea Cut Out Sandals by Ancient Greek Sandals. (Price: 240 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

2) Black Leather Thong Sandals by Edun. (Price: 155 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

3) Black Eros Knot Sandals by Ancient Greek Sandals. (Price: 215 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

4) Blue Woven Rope Moccasins by Folk. (Price: 370 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

5) White Platinum Lysistrate Sandals by Ancient Greek Sandals. (Price: 240 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

6) Gold Ikaria Winged Sandals by Ancient Greek Sandals. (Price: 255 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

7) Pink Metallic Ismene Sandals by Ancient Greek Sandals. (Price: 215 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

8) Lumi Rose Leather Sofia Sandals by Folk. (Price: 355 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

9) Devon D’Orsay Snakeskin Pointed Pumps by Phillip Lim. (Price: 470 $) To shop the item, click on the image.

Click on the image to shop!

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