We went to check out Nut & Ptah’s collection at the Broadway gallery last week and we fell in love with the pieces created by the designers to bring in the new year. We love the print on this gorgeous dress, it would look super cute with a slick black blazer. And how amazing is this red clutch? Because it’s red suede, the plastic lining on the inside adds some practical chic too. You can put your lipstick in without having to worry about smudging the bag. It’s always a pleasure to see these ladies because they’re so consistent in their designs and quality. They pay careful attention to the intricate details and always bring the romance. They have a beautiful collection of jewellery too, so check out their Facebook page by clicking here.

Nadine Shami is a young and talented Jordanian jewelry designer, whose career involved different areas of design. She found her true passion cradled amongst diamonds, coloured stones and gold. Being a design student in London has allowed her to be exposed to rigorous academic curricula as well as having a diverse outlook onto the latest fashion and trends. Her love for jewelry not only is inspired from her unique sense of fashion, but is a passion-driven talent that she has acquired from a family of jewelers, ever since her late grandfather established one of Jordan’s most intricate fine jewelry salons – Shawkat Sami Fine Jewelry.  

Nadine Shami Fine Jewelry is being introduced by a collection of exclusively-tailored pieces together named the Flora Collection.

“A little piece of my soul lies in each piece,” says Nadine (pictured above) of her debut collection. 

I think the collection is absolutely beautiful. It’s feminine and so intricately detailed. The designs are contemporary in shape yet very classically elegant in design. The bold colours make the collection young and fresh: perfect for stepping into Spring! Nadine herself is a gorgeous young lady with a very bright future, she’s definitely on our list of designers to watch out for in 2013.

My best friend got married this weekend and it was a magical night. I was having a bit of a “Leger” week, because I opted for a short Herve Leger dress for the pre-wedding party and then a long one for the night of the wedding. I wore a beautiful red and gold Mawi necklace and a Charlotte Olympia box clutch. You can’t tell in the picture, but I’m wearing a pair of incredibly comfortable Jimmy Choo’s. In fact, I lasted 10 hours without any gel pads or blisters! Of course when you’re having a good time, you don’t worry about your feet much. You just keep dancing! The music was amazing: 80′s, 90′s and all the hits of today! Both Arabic and English. The dance floor was buzzing all night. The bride looked absolutely stunning and you couldn’t ask for better weather. We’re always blessed with good weather in Amman. It was truly a night to remember. Congratulations Salwaty. x

I‘m really obsessing over Anita Ko Jewelry. The designer graduated NYU with a degree in art history and decided to launch her own jewelry line in 2006. Demi Moore, Nicole Richie, Rihanna, Rachel Zoe, Kate Hudson and Victoria Beckham are a few of her biggest clients! Her best work features micro-pave diamonds, 18 karat gold, and vibrant semi-precious stones.

Yesterday, I got to play dress up with the talented Shatha Al Dabbass, AKA queen of the cutouts. I fell in love with this figure hugging silhouette and the cheeky cutout that flashes just enough skin, if you know what I mean. She makes to order, so you’ll know it’ll fit you like a glove. Her contact deets are on her wesbite, click here to browse through her Spring collection.

Make like Carrie Bradshaw and always keep your money where you can see it- hanging in your closet. I’ve been asked several times what the most classic bags worth investing in are and I’ve came up with my personal top 5 favourites. What’s great about these handbags is that they won’t ever go out of style and that’s really what you want to look for when you’re paying an arm and a leg.

1. Chanel 2.55 quilted flap bag. 

The 2.55 Chanel quilted flap bag has become the most timeless bag in history. It has been replicated over and over because it’s just that gorgeous. Even the biggest designers in the world have tried to imitate “the flap,” so you’re much better off buying the original. No, it’s not too “traditional” and no it hasn’t “saturated” the market. If anything it might just be your greatest wardrobe investment; Chanel increases its MSRPs every six months to a year by up to $500.

2. The Classic Alexander McQueen Knuckle duster clutch

I personally think that this bag is very underrated. If you’re looking for the perfect evening clutch that will never go out of fashion and will keep coming back season after season with bigger and bolder designs of the same style, this is the one. With its beautiful and intricate detailing, it’s a statement piece that’s sure to stand the test of time. And if you bought yours before the tragic passing of the great Alexander McQueen back in 2010, then you’ve probably got yourself a family heirloom right there. Go for a versatile colour, like black or cream.

3. The Lady Dior

Dubbed the “IT” bag since 1995, the Lady Dior has become the most iconic leather good in the history of the Dior House. Each one of these babies requires a minimum of eight hours to construct and the work of seven craftsmen! Being the epitome of French design, this bag was made famous when it was given to Princess Diana as a gift by France’s First Lady, Bernadette Chirac, back in 1995. And the most amazing part of this bag? The cannage pattern featured on the bags is inspired by the Napolean chairs used during Christian Dior’s very first fashion show back in 1947. There you go: you’ve even got your self a good conversation starter too.

4.  The Kelly by Hermes (formerly known as the Sac à dépêches)

The Kelly bag requires 18 to 25 hours of handicraft made by a single artisan. Isn’t that enough to want to buy this beautiful work of art? The metal-wear is all made of solid gold too. Back in 1954, Alfred Hitchcock allowed his costume designer to purchase Hermes accessories for his film “To Catch a Thief,” starring Grace Kelly. Apparently, she fell in love with the bag and within months, a pregnant Kelly was shielding off Paparazzi with it to hide her growing bump! This picture was featured in Life Magazine and immediately became the most popular handbag in the world. It wasn’t officially renamed until 1977 though. It’s practical too- oh wait. Who cares?

5. The Alma bag by Louis Vuitton

For those of you who aren’t big fans of monogrammed prints like myself should know that the Alma bag comes in an array of colours and skins. It was created back in 1934 and has recently been given a facelift! It was designed by Gaston-Louis Vuitton and was originally named “The Squire”. It later became known as “Champs-Élysées” before finally settling on “Alma”. If you’re looking for a bag that’s practical and will complement your entire daywear wardrobe with a touch of elegance, then this beauty is sure to do the job.

I had the pleasure of being photographed by the talented Banan Alawneh last week as part of one of her personal projects. This is one of the shots she took and dabbled with! We love the result.

Check me out in the December issue of U magazine Jordan as the “super six” embark on a journey to celebrate our love for Gucci in collaboration with Time Center. Watch us as we showcase a beautiful collection of fine jewelry and watches just in time for Christmas! Stay tuned for the ultimate Gucci experience.

I’ve got my eye on a beautiful bamboo watch, maybe a little “To:Me From:Me” christmas present  is a good idea! Because I sure have been good this year.

Xoxo

Hey guys. Pick up the December issue of Viv mag out now and check out my monthly blogger page for Christmas gift ideas and December outfits! I hope everyone’s looking forward to this month’s warm festivities. xx

If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas gift this December, look no further! Head down to Time Center and choose from a wide selection of Gucci watches and jewelry. My favourite is this beautiful black bamboo watch!

1. You spend too much time worried about the vapid opinions of jealous, little people. What you have to know is that nothing will define you unless you let it. You are only whoever you decide you are. You are not a democracy. There is nothing that anybody can say that will change who you are, unless you take it to heart and you let it.

2. There is no designated time for anything in your life. You don’t have to have your first kiss at any certain time, you don’t have to get married in your 20′s and you don’t have to do anything just because other people think it’s best. In fact, you will be much better off if you just do what your heart says. The day you stop caring what other people think is the day their opinions don’t mean anything, because you’re not there to give them weight.

3. What’s important is that you have to be kind to people, and you have to do your best. Learn to put other people first. Learn to not freak out over little, petty things. There are much bigger problems in life that you will one day have to worry about, and while I know your 9th grade drama seems like the be-all-end-all trust me, it’s not.

4. I know a big concern is whether or not you’re attractive, whether or not you’re fat or skinny, whether or not the music you listen to is “cool,” but here’s the thing: you’re seeking an answer that doesn’t exist. You are only as much or as little of any of those things as you think you are. But what’s more important is that you have to realize that there are a thousand things that are more important than being “cool” or “beautiful.” Find those things, and take pride in them instead. They won’t fade with time.

5. One of the absolute truths about life is that people will forget what you did, they will forget what you said, but they will not forget how you made them feel. I cannot stress this enough. Listen to Maya Angelou.

6. It’s okay to not be okay. You don’t have to be happy all the time. Life is not supposed to be a joy ride every single day. It’s okay to have a broken heart or hurt feelings or to be anxious or nervous. It’s resisting these things that give them their choke hold on you. Let it be a beautiful and sad part of the story, but only a page or a chapter here and there, not the whole book. One day you will realize how important these dynamics are.

7. You need to work on having a little more blind faith in things– yes, I know, this seems counter-intuitive to all the messages that you’re receiving from society. But there is a difference between taking control of your life by pursuing things that are important to you and learning when to let go and let whatever is supposed to be unfold by itself. It’s a little anxiety-inducing to be blindly led by the universe, but please, please take my word for it: you will be led to far greater places than you could even comprehend to take yourself. Trust it, and go with the flow babe.

8. Stop being afraid of being who you are. At the end of the day, people can hate on you as much as their little cold hearts desire, but what it should all really tell you is that there is some gaping insecurity within them that forces them to be mean to you. You are a bad ass. You are a fantastic person. You are going to do great things, even thought you don’t feel like you’re worth anything right now. Stop trying to hide who you are or cover it up because you think if people attack your armor they won’t affect who you really are. But the truth about that is you are allowing them to control your ego because you’re not in tune with your true self.

9. Learn to sit back and enjoy the ride. Immerse yourself in the joy you find in lazy Sundays. Eat your favorite foods. Do the things you love to do, and don’t feel bad because it’s not “cool” or something. You have to realize that just because your life doesn’t look like someone else’s doesn’t mean it’s less than theirs. In fact, embrace the fact that your life isn’t anything like anybody else’s, it’s personally tailored for you. So put on that suit and wear it like the beautiful woman you will one day become.

10. You don’t need love, now or ever. You will have your heart seriously broken a few times, but you know what? You’ll pick yourself right the hell up and become even more fabulous than you were before. Do not settle. If you have your own love, and by that I mean you’re okay with being with yourself and you can find happiness in your life as it is, you’ll realize that you are waiting for someone else to come and make your life worth living. But here’s the truth: people will come and go. Love will fade and reignite and you will be headed for nothing but problems if your love for someone is contingent upon what they can do for you. Embrace your independence now, and keep your head high always. There are far better things ahead than you can even imagine.

I don’t see the hidden wedged sneakers taking a back seat any time soon. And these these Nike metallic high top sneakers are bangin’.

I’m having a Gucci moment with this 18-karat gold bamboo ring. It’s pictured here with my vintage Gucci bamboo chain and horse-bit buckle bag from way back in 2000 (Hand-me-downs is only one of the perks of being a baby sister) . Just goes to show you that the Bamboo trend will never lose it’s momentum or its allure.

Treat yourself this December and pick up your bamboo ring at Time Center in Amman.

Xx

I hope everyone in Amman enjoyed the day off today! Being snowed in, I got the chance to reply to your emails and touch base with you all. I’m so sorry, December is incredibly hectic. Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Love,
Hannah.

Wearing: Moncler.

So much has been happening with Chanel lately! From assigning Kristen Stewart the new face of the brand, to Karl causing havoc with his Navajo prints and American Indian-inspired accessories at his show in Dallas. Apparently many groups disapproved of the Pre-fall themes calling them “offensive” and “racially insensitive”. I don’t usually like to get involved in stuff like this and I consider myself apolitical,  but I don’t see why it was taken so offensively.

Sasha Houston Brown, a 26-year-old member of the Santee Sioux Nation,  said that “Chanel should have learned from previous Native-inspired fashion offenses by Urban Outfitters, Victoria’s Secret, and H&M, which should have provided the label with clear-cut lessons before staging its show”.

The Native Americans suffered a genocide and faced widespread efforts to erase their culture over and over again. But this is the way I see it; taking something with incredible spiritual meaning like the feathered headdress, and bringing awareness to it on a controversial and world renowned catwalk like Chanel’s is impressive not offensive. I don’t think you’ll see people walking around with feathered headdresses next fall. Karl may have been offering a critique of these histories through fashion. Don’t freak out- I said “may have”.

I don’t get offended when I see celebrities wearing the Palestinian Kuffiyeh (not necessarily in solidarity with the Palestinians who suffer at the hands of Israelis every day), it raises awareness about a people who have been suffering for almost 66 years now. I’m pretty sure Karl wasn’t trying to mock anybody’s history or culture, and he’s bound to be a little more careful next time. Won’t you Karl?

Tell me what you think!

I am obsessed with black diamonds and these Gucci Horse-bit earrings are just what I’ve been looking for. They add glamour to absolutely any outfit so keep it simple and let your earrings do all the talking. Pick up your pair at Time Center just in time for Christmas Day!

I’m seeing a lot of white leather pieces with yellow gold accents in the spring 2014 collections! Leather is my favourite material and element when it comes to styling. It just adds that extra edgy ‘je ne sais quoi’. I’m the type of person who wears leather jackets throughout the year no matter the weather. In the summer time, I push the sleeves up. In the winter, I wear my leather jacket with a scarf and and a chunky knit. Leather is so versatile and practical! You can imagine my excitement when I saw all of these amazing white leather pieces.. If you were feeling a little hesitant about wearing leather in the summer, worry no more because nothing’s hotter than white leather.

Moschino

Miu Miu

Sophia Webster

Pair this Charlotte Olympia jukebox bag with your favourite pair of dancing shoes for a night out on the town. Its big enough to fit your essentials; lipstick, plastic, and your phone. What else do you need when you’re painting the town red?

Last year, I put together a list of closet resolutions to help organize and revamp your wardrobes. But this year, my list of resolutions will address personal style and ways to refine it. 2014 might be your most stylish year yet!

1. Wear what you want

I can’t say this enough. Be confident when it comes to your fashion choices and ignore the backlash. You can seek others peoples’ opinions but try not to base your decision entirely on what they think (except for mum, always listen to mum). It’s not what you wear, it’s whether you wear it with confidence or not. Personal style is a matter of self expression; don’t doubt it.

2. Brave the prints

If your closet is monochrome, add a pop of colour. If you always avoided prints, brave an aztec blouse or dress. A breathe of fresh air never hurt anyone. And besides, it’s the new year and that means you get the chance to try new things. It’s the same with fabrics and materials. Dyed leather will add some rock n’ roll chic to your wardrobe. Dramatic tulle will give you a playful edge with a touch of femininity. Don’t go overboard though- leave the glittered ballerinas for your 6 year old niece.

3. New day, new lipstick

You’d be surprised at how many people look amazing with red lipstick, but are too afraid to leave the house with it on! Try a bold lip colour and consult with a beauty technician to pick the perfect shade. I never go anywhere without my favourite lipstick. Somehow, it gives me a boost and brightens up my day. I use Chanel’s Rouge Allure Velvet.

4. Resole your soul
Take your shoes to a cobbler and have them resoled. They’ll feel brand new again. There is nothing worse than a pair of scuffed Louboutins! You can visit www.saveyoursole.co.uk (as seen in Elle, Marie Claire and Cosmopolitan) and buy their gift pack that has everything you need to care and love for your Christian Louboutin shoes. Protect your new shoes or repair your scuffed soles with touch up sole paint – in perfect “Louboutin” red.

5. Vintage dreams.

Keep an eye out for beautiful vintage pieces and try to incorporate them into your look. Vintage pieces add a story to your look and what’s fashion if it doesn’t tell a story? Your grandmother’s pearl earrings will look so chic with a buttoned-up blouse and skirt. And that necklace you bought at Portobello market is always a good conversation starter!