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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.

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Posted by Deborah Henning

Your Essential Travel Wardrobe Is Here

All the essentials for a stylish trip, with or without the kids.

Travelling can be a stressful time, so why not make it as enjoyable as possible? As we enter the travel season, I’m here to help you make your airplane rides chic and comfortable. With some of my favourite pieces from local and international brands, you’ll be ready for any destination in style.

When dressing to fly there is such a range of styles, from just out of bed to fully suited and booted — I like to go somewhere in between, rocking a super comfortable yet stylish vibe. A look I love for flights is wearing a silky slip dress with chunky boots and knitwear layered over the top; this look is fashionable and comfortable, perfect for long hauls.

Cool and Comfortable Chic

Another look I love for travelling are ankle grazer trousers and a comfortable top. My absolute go-to is my draped back sweater; this is one of all-time favourite pieces. With organic cotton and uber-soft jersey, it ticks all the boxes for stylish travel with ultimate comfort.

The third favourite combo is the tone-on-tone sweatpant outfit — you can chose a cropped sweater or an oversized and roll up the sleeves to give it some shape. Additionally, to style it into true-cool chic lounge style, layer it with a biker jacket or oversized blazer. The on-trend black cap of the moment will also compliment any colour combo.

I love that casual wear has had a huge influx over Covid as so many brands have now stepped up a gear in their style offering while simultaneously making oversized jersey a completely acceptable day-time look.

Black knit and Cream Silk skirt Pinterest — Black knit and cream silk skirt @pinterest

Deborah Henning Draped back Sweater — Deborah Henning Draped Back Sweater

Sweatpant combo with leather biker jacket @pinterest

When shopping recently, I can across this three-piece set from Massimo Dutti and I was absolutely sold! This look comprised of three pieces of knitwear, which can be worn separately with other looks too and I have never felt so comfortable! It was like wearing pyjamas but looking flight chic. This is how it looks on the left online and how it was on me.

Then I decided to take it up a gear; you could style it with a bold white blazer and a leather bag for all your flight essentials. This will definitely be my next airport lounge look!

Casual Knitwear 3 piece, Massimo Dutti — Casual,Knitwear three piece, Massimo Dutti

Deborah wears Massimo Dutti Knitwear — Deborah wears Massimo Dutti knitwear

Styled with white blazer & leather bag — Sweatpant combo with leather biker jacket

Bags To Go

Bags can be the bane of your life when travelling unless you get ones that really suit your needs. Pre-kid, I would love checking in all my bags and only carry a small bag with my passport and documents in; this way there’s less opportunity for me to lose things or leave them behind.

A great all rounder is this travel sleeve from Olivia & Co — big enough to hold your phone, documents, tickets and passport and discreet enough to feel stress-free in the airport. Now that I have a two-year-old in tow, I need places for snacks, books, toys, wipes, and just about anything else I can think of to stop him banging on the pilot’s door at 32,000 feet (this actually happened). So, I use the Suveno Diaper Bag which is a backpack shape and holds everything you need, including three bottles.

There are so many travel bag options out there for parents. I definitely researched too much when trying to find a good one; this has done the job and fared quite well considering how much it’s been used.

For the adult backpack, I use the CamSafe backpack from PacSafe — these are high quality anti-theft bags that use anti-slash fabric, have tons of lockable pockets, key and wallet attachment areas, as well as block your cards from being skimmed. You can also lock it to the table at a bar or restaurant, which may sound excessive but you can never be too sure in a new city.

These are not the most fashion savvy looking bags but they are quite minimal and understated, so I let it pass considering the benefits they offer. In addition, I have put an Apple Air Tag into the bottom of the bag, so in case it does get stolen, we can track where it is.

Practical Essentials

If, for some reason, the backpack isn’t enough for our in-flight packing needs, I absolutely cannot take a hold-all and trudge it around the airport; my back aches, my shoulder aches, they have one big space and no compartments. Trying to find my laptop at security in between eye masks, shades, neck pillows, and healthy snacks is literally the worst! So instead, I opt for a four-wheeler roll-along hand luggage-size case.

This way, I save my back and shoulders and can easily locate things when opened at security. I really like the latest Clifton collection from Antler. They come in a cute colour palette and have a hard case which is a must for me.

When it comes to accessories, I keep a few essential items to make my trip more enjoyable; The basics I take are flight socks for good circulation, a hydrating face mask to stay nourished, some nutritious snacks and a water bottle.

WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

There’s a good reason why those headphones come free on your flight: they’re annoying, noisy, and terrible quality. Noise-cancelling headphones can help you drown out any background noise on the plane and have been one of my best purchases over the years. I use Sony ones but I hear good things about Bose too.

Travel packs are something that have been mentioned to me, but I haven’t tried yet. For my next trip, I’ll be purchasing some to help the packing organisation and separating kids things from mamas to help with sanity when we’re moving around a lot.

Lastly, my must have for the plane a giant lovely cosy knit — I’ve got about 10 styles as I actually LOVE knitwear, even in Dubai! I have bought from COS and All Saints mostly, but recently I found this gem from Mikutas which I adore. I am always cold on the plane and usually we’re landing somewhere colder than Dubai, so these are also fab for the airport and ride to the hotel.

Whether you’re going on a business trip or a pleasure cruise, looking and feeling your best while traveling can help you make random connections with strangers — which I love doing on planes. Also, being organised with the above items helps reduces the stress, especially when travelling with little ones.

May your next trip be stylish and stress-free!

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.