Shop Talk.

Despite the seemingly unending appetite for gigantic malls in Dubai, there are still some who prefer the old-fashioned way of shopping - popping into small-scale boutiques for more manageably-sized collections and a friendly personal service. So, jostling for attention between the never-ending rows of cosmetic surgeries and spas on Jumeirah Beach Road and Al Wasl Road, you'll find villas converted into mini fashion emporiums, where you even get to park right outside (very important in Dubai). And, if you thought these were for just the super rich who like to dress in head-to-toe couture, then you could be in for a pleasant surprise - SoirEe Nestled in a row of villas on Al Wasl Road, you'll find a new addition to the boutique scene, with Soiree. As the name suggests, the majority of the offerings are evening wear, but it also thankfully covers the dreaded 'smart casual' wardrobe crisis. What is it? It's owned and run by Dubai resident Mariya Kassam, who doesn't let a masters degree in International Relations and Diplomacy and a stint working for the UN in New York, get in the way of her passion for fashion. She saw a gap in the market to bring both well-known and up-and-coming designers from her native Pakistan to the shoppers of Dubai. With casual, party and evening wear on the ground floor, and the full bridal wear collections on the first floor; it's a delight for anyone interested in the fashions of that region. The Twist Although everything is ready-to-wear, Mariya carries only one size in each garment. This is all well and good if you are the handy size 12 that they are come in, but with three inches of extra fabric in the seams, Soiree's on-site tailors can suddenly produce a size 16 by letting out the seams, or a size 8 by nipping them in a little. If it still won't fit, then the store can arrange for the right size to be made back in Pakistan and shipped over in double quick time for no extra cost. This all sounds a little expensive, and although the bridal wear can run into several tens of thousands of dirhams, the less formal collections still match for value any evening wear you can pick up in a mall. The casual range Mariya tries to offer a 'fusion' theme to her collections - traditional wear with an eye to the modern. Although most of the designs can be worn as a stand-alone dress, they come with matching trousers and stole for more formal occasions, or can be teamed with jeans for a more western style. You'll find a good selection of shift dresses with embroidery and sequin touches at the necklines from many of the designers including Sania Tabani and Nadya Shah. Prices are around dhs1,500, while the shorter kaftan styles which look great with jeans range from dhs550. Talking of which, pick up a pair that have been embellished within an inch of their lives (with tassel belts for good measure) for dhs880. Team your new outfit with sequinned leather flats for only dhs250, designed by Nadiya Kassam. The Bridal Range The store stocks everything from beautiful dresses, saris, tunics and jackets that can be worn by the wedding guests to intricately designed traditional dresses, known as Shalwar Kameez. Beautiful raw silk tunic-style dresses, with precious stones embroidered into the designs are a pricey dhs4,900, or choose the velvet and crystal designs from Maheen Karim. If it's the full bridal wear that you're looking for, then you'll find great styles with modern twists (think neutral colours and softer pastel shades) in made-to-flatter designs. Weddings don't come cheap though, so expect to pay anything from dhs15,000 upwards for the whole outfit. If you like one of the designs, but prefer it in another colour, then Soiree can work with the designer to come up with your dream outfit. Where and When Situated on Al Wasl Road - between Emirates Bank and Safa Park (Abu Dhabi bound). Open from 11am to 9pm. Closed on Fridays. We help you hunt down the hottest BUYS in TOWN... Age gracefully It is common knowledge that your lifestyle plays a key role in determining how your skin ages over the years. But so too does your daily beauty routine. Thankfully, many beauty products today are formulated to penetrate deeper beneath the skin, for a firmer and younger complexion that lasts. Revitalift from L'Oreal claims to do just this, and actress, Andie McDowell swears by it. Elastin is the skin's secret weapon in its fight against the ageing process, and the ingredients from New Revitalift Elastine from L'Oreal works to protect and strengthen these fibres on several levels. Find L'Oreal at most pharmacies and beauty department stores GET DOWN TO GAP With the shopping festival in full swing, pay a visit to Gap to check out its latest collections and sale prices. From trendy woven tops, to jersey sweaters, trousers, jeans, skirts, and dresses for the girls, and casual T-shirts, shirts and combats for the guys - Gap offers funky colours and completely wearable styles. Check out the new store at Dubai Mall. Gap is also located at MOE and Deira City Centre LOUNGE IN STYLE For underwear you want to wear, check out the latest collections at Women'secret. Offering comfortable pajamas, trendy slippers, baby doll night dresses, bras and knickers in every shape, style and colour, as well as around the house tops and bottoms, Women'secret has something special for every taste. Pop into the new store at Dubai Mall and see what bargains the Shopping Festival throws your way. Women'secret is located at most major malls

2009 Al Sidra Media LLC

Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company