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Posted by Deborah Henning

Catch These 4 Spring 2023 Wardrobe Must-Haves

Nail the transition from winter to summer with these staples.

I think spring might be my favourite season; it’s cool enough to wear knit, warm enough to wear skirts, and sunny enough to wear both with sunglasses. There are definitely some spring must-haves in my wardrobe so that I don’t look like I’m transitioning from winter to summer via no-style-ville with a side of wardrobe leftovers.

The Basics

A good wardrobe always starts with basics. When transitioning from winter to spring, it’s important to choose pieces that can be layered and worn throughout the season. Pastels and soft tones are great for this as they can be worn with heavier items in winter and lighter items in spring.

Think nude bodysuit with a crisp white jean and a grey knit layered over the top, Or I go for a chunky knit in a soft shade with a silky skirt, For me spring is all about contrasting weights. I love these bodysuits from Alalya.com; their soft pastel shades are perfect for both layering in winter and on their own under high-waisted jeans for spring.

The Crisp White Shirt

Next up, I always add a fresh crisp white shirt to my spring wardrobe; I mean, who doesn’t love the feeling of a crisp white shirt with everything, especially an oversized one! I always go for 100% cotton to retain the shape and colour and I look for little details that show it’s elevated from a high street staple. Some of my favourites are Massimo Dutti, Deborah Henning, and Emilia Ohrtmann. Here are some of my go-to looks for styling a crisp white shirt.

The 90s Denims

For spring 2023, the 90s denim trend isn’t going anywhere, so I will incorporate oversized baggy jeans with ankle boots or flats and pair with soft summer tones and layer with some metallics. One of my all-time favourite combos is pale denim with pastels shades; loving these fresh white Zara jeans with a slogan Anine Bing sweater for the ultimate casual, ‘off to the shops’ look. I do like to use a contrast to these soft tones with footwear to give a pop of bold. My favourite ones at the moment are the Nicole Slips-Ons from House of Ballerinas; these are a great all-rounder and go with so many looks.

I love the paper bag style denim shape, and this pair goes really well with anything and is super comfortable. I have paired them again with this Emilia Ohartmann Silky blouse; the colour is to die for! I was also lucky enough to find the exact same colour in these leather summer slides from Desert Totes. If I want a more formal white denim look for a meeting or the office, I like to style a slimmer leg that’s usually cropped so it still has a little bit of a casual feel to it, and since we can still get away with knitwear, these paired with a soft stripe are an easy day look for spring. To add a touch of glam and contrast colour.

I’m wearing this look with the Giselle from House of Ballerinas. These are a great choice for meetings, as they have a closed toe and a crystal detail.

Bold Gold

Topping everything off with a layer of gold will do nicely for this fresh season. Layering soft denims, pastels, and crisp whites need that extra bit of sparkle to make your look pop. I’m loving the collection from Anine Bing, especially the Triple Knot Earrings match with the Bold Link Necklace and finished with her Bold Dome Ring. Matches made in heaven!

Use these solid basics and extra metallics to freshen up your spring wardrobe then re-style them with the new influx of summer colours next season, et voila!

Deborah Henning launched her own namesake label in 2014 after working with up and coming brands in the Middle East as well as Alexander McQueen in London, much loved Australian brand Sass & Bide, and British brand Ghost. Follow her on Instagram and check out her website.

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Posted by Dominique Devereaux

Your Ramadan Fashion Guide Is Here

Beautiful style statements for someone you love — or yourself.

It’s that time of year — when the region gets ready for the season and celebration of Ramadan. Many revere religion in the forefront, but also reflect on the importance of relationships with family and friends while wishing them blessings of a beautiful year to come. With the spirit of fellowship, friendship as well as female empowerment in mind, here are a few local brands I found that not only speak to the beauty of the culture but also grabbed my attention as the perfect gift selections this coming holiday season.

But first, what does gift-giving in Ramadan and on Eid symbolise? To honour the patience of fasting, special gifts are given to loved ones. It also lets those you love know you have been thinking of them and want to wish them wonderful blessings in the future.

Now, let’s get to the goods of the gifts.

Trendy Outfit

Jewellery That Fits

When in doubt about what to gift, I often suggest to go with accessories or jewellery as more times than not, it will fit. My first pick is from a Lebanese couple-turned-designer tag team of the brand Trendy Outfit. Lightweight, luxe, and mostly 18K gold-plated, each piece has a unique personality of its own, making it the perfect individualised gift for someone who wants to give with intention.

What truly caught my eye was their attention of details with pieces that represent cultural authenticity, like their Arabic lettering collection. I immediately took notice of their circular Arabic alphabet rings. They are chic but, more importantly, culturally sound. Additionally, they are also adjustable, making them easy to fit anyone. Check them out as well as other ring styles from Trendy Outfit on Instagram.

A Gem of a Gift

Statement necklaces are always nice as they can be worn either casually or formally. This first piece (also from Trendy Outfit) is a gorgeous green stone necklace with subtle soft multicoloured beading, and was striking amongst the sea of gold. They also offer coordinating sets with matching earrings and a bangle.

trendy outfit green necklace — *Photo credit: Dominique Devereaux*

trendy outfit gold necklace — *Photo credit: Trendy Outfit*

The Girl With the Gold Earring

Their offering of gorgeous earrings was far from understated. Not only were they a variety of shapes and styles but they were also crafted from incredibly lightweight materials and like the necklaces- make a statement all on their own. What makes them even more special is that they are handmade, which means that each stone is different. From a leaf motif to pairs that are bit more simplistic in style- here are my top earring picks that would make a great gift.

I am a huge fan of hoops and cannot begin to tell you how many pairs of hoops I own, from simple to beaded to bejewelled and every style and size in between. Hoops just have a certain level of style that can stand up and alone with any silhouette, and because they can be paired with so much they make the ideal gift. I was so excited to not only see Trendy Outfit’s selection of hoops but to grab a pair of my own that were lightweight and in the aforementioned leaf motif. They too come with a coordinating bracelet and ring.

trendyoutfitleafhoops — *Photo credit: Dominique Devereaux*

Trendy Outfit, online, pop up at Umm Al Emarat Park, Abu Dhabi on weekends, and Lebanon Pavilion, Shop 19, Global Village, Dubai. @trendy_outfit.ae, +971 50 873 8582. Prices range from AED 200 to AED 550 depending on style.

Tresto2

Traditional style that speaks to both culture and class is always on a gift list. These brands are female-led and offer abayas as well as alternative modern modest styles that are not only versatile, but very Ramadan ready.

When selecting a gift that is clothing-oriented, consider the favourite colors, preferred cut, and personality of the recipient. This makes the present extra special knowing that you truly thought about their taste and preference.

Give the Gift of Style

While perusing the most recent edition of Market Outside the Box (MOTB) in Dubai, I came across a brand filled with interesting pieces that were made from gorgeous, detailed fabrics, but also had a personality of their own. Created six years ago out of a necessity for something new and fresh to the market, Tresto 2 makes pieces that adhere to age, shape, and season. However, their customer’s happiness about how they look is most important. They believe that modesty gives women the elegance and feeling of regality they look for during Ramadan season.

With a variety of dresses, coordinated pieces, abayas, and passionate designer Sally (who I am confident can assist in locating the perfect gift) you’re in great hands with Tresto2. Now, for a few of my favourite pieces.

*Photo credit: Dominique Devereaux and Tresto2*

Tresto2, regional pop ups/exhibitions1 and online. @tresto2, +971 50 539 2871. Prices range from AED 300-800 depending on style and details.

Aalya Abaya

In a recent visit to the local Abu Dhabi exhibition, La Diva, I met with the lead designer of Aalya Abaya. What I appreciated most was the versatility of her pieces, specifically the reversible abaya style. It can be customised from a vast selection of any two colours you’d like. This is where true personalisation comes in, which is perfect for gift giving. Imagine presenting your loved one with a custom abaya made of their two favourite colors.

Aalya Abaya, by appointment only in Abu Dhabi. @aalya_abaya, +971 503 357 487.

Casual.UAE

At the La Diva exhibition, I also met with Fatima, the lead designer of the Casual.UAE. What really caught my eye was that her brand had the most wearable and carefully curated collections I saw that evening. Each piece represented the brand’s name — casual — but in a polished and clean way. I was thoroughly impressed with several silhouettes and couldn’t help but to grab a jungle green coordinating set for an upcoming desert glamping trip with some local friends turned family. The set was a drawstring hooded, medium-weight floor length silhouette with a matching abaya for layering warmth and to keep me stylishly in alignment with cultural customs.

She also has lightweight linen co-ord sets available in an array of colours. This is a definite great gift for that person who appreciates being a bit more subtle in their attire. What makes the Casual.UAE brand even cooler is that she has kept the men in mind as well. Check out this luxe suedette layering piece on Instagram and you can even personalise it as well.

Casual.UAE, Dibba, Fujairah, ships region-wide. @casual.uae, +971 563 087 017. Prices range from AED 150 and up.

Whether you opt to give pieces of jewellery, style, or even more importantly, your time to others this upcoming Ramadan and Eid season, it is my hope that you will receive the greatest gift of all and that is inner peace. Wishing a blessed and restful Ramadan and an enjoyable Eid to everyone celebrating here in the region and all over the world.

Dominique Devereaux is a UAE-based designer, stylist, and head of House of Devereaux, which specialises in custom-made power suiting and separates, and offers a range of services from custom design to closet re-organisation, personal/virtual styling, and professional brand development. Follow @houseofdevereaux on Instagram.