Dear Confashion: How do I wear High-Waisted Jeans?

Yara: How do I wear High-Waisted Jeans?

A: This season everyone want to Channel their inner Modern Katherine Hepburn with the high-waisted trend. It’s all about proportions daaahling. it's actually very flattering to wear wide high-waisted pants to make the most of an hourglass figure. Just make sure to tuck a fitted t-shirt and a vest or a fitted romantic top (with frills if you like) to balance the look. If you feel it’s too cold outside, then complete the look with a cropped swing jacket or a capelet and high heeled patent platforms.

If you want to try the skinny high-waist look, then expect a lot of green envy from your peers and mall on-lookers as it’s tough to pull off this style and you need the have right curves honey (but not too much of them). Pair the skinny high-waisted jeans or pants with a loose tucked top and flats. Wear suspenders if you want to look daring.

How would you wear your high-waisted pants/skirts?

Event: 4 is 4 U

4 is 4 U men and women accessories, art, and more. Join us at the soft opening of 4 on Thursday 29th November 2007 at 5:30 in Shuwaikh Industrial Area, Mahdi Habeeb Building, next to the new BMW showroom, between Unionair and Alhomaizi Print.

A Tour At Modern Art Museum Of Kuwait

I dragged a friend recently to Kuwait's Museum of Modern Art since I have never been there before and I was always interested to see the inside of this old Kuwaiti building and what kind of "art" was displayed. Honestly speaking here, I didn't expect to see much. I had a very very low expectation. However, the moment I stepped inside, I had a whole new perspective and a whole a lot of respect to the National Committee of Culture Arts And Literature.

I thought it would be interesting to share with you some of the pieces I liked and to give you an idea of what is it all about. Let's just say it's a quick change from fashion related posts and a little bit more into culture and lifestyle.

The museum of Modern Art contains a collection of exquisite works, some of which belong to the 1950's. The museum is located at (Madrisa Al Sharqiya) and it represents a valuable historical and cultural period for the people of Kuwait. Some of the Kuwaiti Artists who alreay have their creations on display incluse: Safwan Al-Ayoobi, Thurayya Al-Baqsami, Abdulla Al-Qassar, and more..

The museum seeks to relate closely artists to the Arab world and museuns of art to represent Kuwait in the autistics field. The Modern Art Museum contains works of various schools besides handcrafts production, (clay, statues, and sculpures).



I loved the mix of old and new at the museum, for example, the elevator shown in the above-pic is made in a very unique and modern look.

Opening hours are Saturdays to Wednesdays. Morning hours from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and evening hours from 5:00pm till 9:00 pm.

Event: Shop For A Good Cause

You are invited to attend a charity event which will be held today 27th November from 10:00am to 1:00om and from 5:00pm to 9:00pm at Zahra Complex, Mezzanine 1. The charity event will raise money to help cure children with cancer at Hospital 57357 in Egypt.

BCBG This And BCBG That

Back in the good old days, I used to be obsessed with BCBG. My Eid attire had to be BCBG, my evening gown? BCBG, My shoes? you got it, BCBG. Now that my sense of style has matured and there is a bigger selection and wider choices within the local market and online, I'm not as obsessed (thank god!! I wouldn't want to be stuck in a style rut!!).

Nevertheless, I still check out BCBG's boutique at Arraya Complex every now and then. Mind you, the BCBG selection in Kuwait is not very impressive. Sometimes I have the feeling that the items on display are 4 seasons old. And sometimes, when they do display the new collection, the common sizes are already sold out even though I only came into the store an hour late from the time they had the new collection on display. And while we're at it, why are they selling their items more expensive than their original prices?

Anyways, here are some of the items that I liked from their Autumn/Winter collection:

This dark grey unconventionally shaped blazer/jacket is just the right thing to carry your look from day to night. I can imagine Mary Kate & Ahsley wearing the same blazer for an occasion teamed with their studded Christian louboutin ankle boots, a loose t-shirt, and a pair of dark skinny jeans. The Jack is sold for KD 158.



We're always on the look out for the next Little Black Dress. The perfect thing to wear for a small dinner. Pair it with huge golden accessories. The dress is sold for KD 103.



This is probably the only decent item from their almost non-existent Runway Fall Collection. I loved the details on the dress, it must have taken them ages for the dress to be completed. Wear the dress with colored opaque tights and platforms to give it a modern edgy look. The dress is sold for KD 182.

Shamael... Wear Them With Pride

I have decided to add a new feature on "Confashions From Kuwait" called "Dear Confashion" on questions received from my readers and fellow bloggers. This will create a nice fashion guide for fashionistas who share the same dilemmas. And it will also give an opportunity for all of us to express our opinions and share some insider info. So let's start with our first question:


Shamael: Is it age appropriate for a thirty-plus year old woman to wear red patent leather boots in public?

A: Haven't you heard? 30's is the new 20's! You're still young and you can almost pull off any hip trend there is easily! Just look at Halle Berry and Jessica Biel.

I don't entirely believe in Age-Appropriate dressing. It's really about your personal style and how to make the most of what you've got. The trick is to become more sophisticated in what, how, and when to wear some trends as you grow older. Your red patent boots would look fabulous for a night out at a fancy restaurant or for a dinner party. Wear them for a brunch/lunch at the Avenues or Marina Mall with a leather jacket and a mini-skirt and you'll end up looking like a desperate Liza Minelli.


And here's exhibit (A) Naomi Watts, who's going to turn 40 in a couple of years. She rocked a pair of Jimmy Choo’s red hot ankle boots at a recent event in London and she looked absolutely amazing!

So honey, wear them without worries. Pair them with skinny jeans, midi skirts, wide pants, or simple dresses. And most importantly, wear them with pride and confidence.

Treat Your CCAD Syndrome

Sometimes, a fashionista goes through a "CCAD" syndrome. "CCAD" stands for Casual Chic Attire Disorder. This is a serious fashion condition which I'm sure many of you have suffered from. No matter what you do, you just can't seem to find the right stylish thing to wear for going out with the girls on a Saturday brunch.

I once pretended that I'm Patricia Field on a fashion mission to dress up Carrie for her Sunday brunch at the meatpacking district (Carrie would be me in this example as well. Sick I know!!). Little did I know that not anyone can mix and match "a la Patricia Field's style". And certainly, not everyone can pull off Carrie's style. Looking casual chic can be hard and challenging. It's achievable, but requires some work.

Lucky me, I found some fabulous M Missoni casual chic pieces at the brand's boutique at Arraya Complex for the low-maintenance fashionista in you.

I instantly fell in love with this modern semi-capelet with a vintage feel. The lining of the capelet adds a splash of color to the beige wool front. It comes with a fitted top made from the same material/print of the lining. But I wouldn't go for it. Pair it with high-waist jeans and a fitted high-neck top with a self-tie forest green or purplish scarf to keep your neck warm. Finish the look with an over-sized clutch. Capelet is priced at KD 187.



This top is more suitable for curvaceous women who want to look comfortable and chic. I liked the mix of two different prints. The supercute silk top can easily work with almost all your winter outfits. For casual outings, pair the hippie-chic top with slim-cut jeans and a long cardigan in a neutral color. Put on your patent leather platforms or flats and you're good to go. For formal occasions, wear it with a midi-skirt, a structured doctor's bag, and tuck it in to give some definition to your look. The top is sold for KD 182.



Once you try this cozy chunky shawl/poncho on, you wouldn't want to take it off. It's very easy to wear and an investment piece which will be worn every winter season. Pair it with skinny jeans and flat patent leather boots or ankle boots, a huge hobo bag, and you're all set. The poncho is sold for KD 328.


M Missoni boutique is located at Arraya Complex. Call them on (+965) 2997728 for any inquires.

Exhibition: Indian Exhibition of Shawls & Jewelry

Munna Bhasin invites you to view the 2007/2008 collection of the most luxurious Indian shawls, the chic-est of designer jackets, and exquisite pieces of Jaipur Jewelry on November 26th, 27th, and 28th. Opening hours are from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The event will be held at Audailiya, Block 1, Abdullah Al-Hajri Street, House 19. Please use the side entrance.

Black Patent Bags at Villa Moda

Even though I still believe that "IT" bags are overrated, that doesn't mean I'm not including them in my daily babblings. So, if you're searching for a black patent handbag, here's what's in store now.

The Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Patent bag. The bag has been worn by celebs such as Hale Berry and Ashley Simpson. To me this bag is mediocre. It does not make a statement and it's simply a "Muse-Wannabe". However, I actually think that the shape of it is practical. And.... That's about it. If you like the Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Patent bag it can be yours if you have KD 530 to spare this season at the YSL boutique at Villa Moda Shuwaikh, Free Trade Zone.

Now here's a bag i wouldn't mind wearing for the rest of my life! Bottega Veneta has taken the signature woven leather look and jazzed it up a little with patent leather. The Bottega Veneta Patent Shopping Bag is simply Devinne. Unfortunately, I was unable to find a photo of it. But it looks exactly the same as the one shown in the picture above on the left but in black patent leather. This one manages to join the "Investment Pieces" category as the design of it never goes out of style. If you feel like dishing out... ahem... KD 2,155, then the bag is alllll yours. The bag is available at Bottega Veneta boutique at Villa Moda Shuwaikh, Free Trade Zone.

Get Groovy With See by Chloé

The weather has gotten crisp and slightly chilly, the shahtoosh's and pashmina's are being worn all around town, and Eid/Christmas holidays are just around the corner, which only means one thing… flaunting your fall purchases!

One of my favourite fall fashion finds are these 70's inspired loose fitting short dresses by See by Chloé (as seen here on Beyoncé). Both dresses are available at Al Ostoura's Lime Light store at Salhiya Complex, Mezzanine 1. And are being priced for KD 140 and KD 145. You can also purchase the dress shown on the right from net-a-porter.com. The price on Net-a-porter would be pretty much the same with the shipping charges and all.

The dresses would make the perfect attire to wear for your casual chic outs and abouts. Be daring and contrast the dress with colored opaque tights like yellow mustard, or fuchsia. If you're not into attention grabbing colors, then pair the dress with grey or black opaque tights. Finish the look with a pair of patent flats or laced high-heeled Oxfords. Groovy Baaaaby!

Correction: The dress worn by Beyoncé is not See by Chloé. It's actually Milly and is available on ShopBop.com. Apparently, both look very similar in print and design. Thank you Eve for correcting me. And my apologies to my readers for the unfashionable mistake.

The Deadly Collaboration Of Roberto Cavalli and H&M

WARNING: the following post contains politically incorrect language and offensive photos. Do NOT read if you value your impeccable high style standards or if you’re a born-again Audrey Hepburn.

Ever since I got sucked into the fashion world, I was never wild about Roberto Cavalli’s creations. I was vocal in my disgust that even if (and that’s a BIG IF) I saw a Cavalli item that looked decent, I would never admit it. I wouldn’t want my BFF to hold anything against me!! I’d just shrug my shoulders, give her the “Who-would-actually-buy-THAT?!” look and move along.

So imagine my shock when first heard of the collaboration between H&M and Roberto Cavalli. Welcome to Tackyville. What’s even more surprising are the marketing initiatives which has given so much press exposure and thousands of KDs on something that’s not worth all that hype.

Anyways, to cut a long story short, I went to H&M to check the so-called “hit” collection only to find out that the collection has been sold out within 3 days of releasing it. 3 days ONLY! And what was left were single 4-5 hideous pieces featured here on this post which are now on their way to Dubai to be stocked and re-sent to factory (Why would anyone want to do that!!!!)

So I asked the friendly salesman to show me the remaining pieces before they get sent, just to quench my curiosity. He went to staff’s private room and showed me the pieces. The first thing I said to myself was “Those H&M guys must be laughing all the way to the bank for fooling people to buy that Cavalli crap!!”.

The designs are not different from what you always see in any cheap high-street chains. The quality of the material used and the stitching is beyond terrible. And the pricing is simply ridicules. The only item that was OK was the white tuxedo jacket which was also featured in Elle magazine (November issue). However, it still didn’t look all-that in real life. Here, you be the judge.

Bottom line, never let the media misguide you on what’s hip and stylish. Always trust your sense of style and use it.

Get Your Coco Fix

If you’re looking for something that gives you a refreshing change from the international chain stores found in our bigger than ever expanding malls, then I found the right place for you.

Tucked away in a small corner inside Salhiya Complex’s mezzanine floor is a little store where sleek modern meets shabby chic. The store is called Coco Ribbons.

Coco Ribbons is not for the faint-hearted. It’s for people who like bold colors and vivid prints, and all other cool stuff that require a sense of humor and a taste for a vibrant lifestyle. It offers a formidable blend of European labels, including Day Birger et mikklesen , ARROGANT CAT (exclusively sold at Coco Ribbons) , BRECHER EMDEN BAGS , MAME, NOLITA.. and much more.

Another exclusive brand to Coco Ribbons is NOLITA POCKET & RARE KIDS which caters for boys and girls between the ages of 2-14 who want to get noticed in funky fashion.



Coco Ribbons is one of those places where you won’t feel ripped off. The items are sold using the same price scheme used in the UK or US. So whether you buy it from London or Kuwait, it will all be the same price. No high margins here.

“I see myself as a customer of coco ribbons, not a boutique owner. So I’m always taking into consideration the variety and quality of the collection, and the pricing of each item.” Stated Coco Ribbons owner.

So any future expansion plans on the horizon? “We are now planning to open another branch of Coco Ribbons locally which would carry newer brands and unique items. Also, we’re considering expanding throughout the gulf region. Our first choice is Dubai” Added Coco Ribbons owner.

Coco Ribbons have just received their new fall collection and here's a taste of what you'll find in store...

Coco Ribbons’s opening hours are from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. And from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Saturdays to Thursdays.

Psst! Can You Keep A Secret?

If you're a true shoe-aholic and a die-hard Pierre Hardy fan, then you'll be excited to know that Villa Moda will be having this glamorous french brand in-store soon. How soon? Soon enough to pair them with your summer 2008 dresses and pants. I feel butterflies in my stomach already!

Yes, you can go and celebrate now.