Put your best foot forward in 2018

Continuing with my series of Fashion trends for 2018, be guided by some of the experts on how best to put your foot forward into Spring 2018

Here is what Eugénie Trochu had to say in the Vogue Paris in December this year.

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Click on the link for the full article http://en.vogue.fr/fashion/fashion-inspiration/diaporama/en-shoe-trends-fashion-week-spring-summer-2018/46529#tendances-chaussures-printemps-ete-2018_image1

Harper’ s Bazaar Lauren Alexis Fischer”s take on shoe trends for Spring 2018

Alberta Ferretti

Christiano Siriano

Emporio Armani

Fenty X Puma by Rihana

Marco dDi Vincenzo

Prabal Gurung

Sies Marjan

Versace

Alexander Wang

Antonio Berardi

Celvin Klein

Monse

Salvatore Ferragamo

Carolina Herrera

Christopher Kane

Fendi

Prabal Gurung

Giorgio Armani

Peter Pilotto

Ralph Lauren

Marni

Zimmermann

Erdem

Etro

Marco Di Vincenzo

Michael Kors

Etro

Dolce & Gabbana

Click on the link for the full article: : http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/trends/g12178284/spring-2018-shoe-trends/

ELLE- Justine Carreon has this to share…

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Click on the link for the full article :http://www.elle.com/fashion/trend-reports/g12199841/spring-shoe-trends-2018/

My favourite styles

Valentino

Tom Ford

Stella McCartney

Emporio Armani

Bottega Venetta

Philipp Plein

Christian Dior

Peter Pilotto

Prabal Gurung

Erdem

Carolina Herrera

Alexander Wang

Fenty X Puma by Rihana

Monse

Tod’s

Oscar De La Renta

Isabel Marant

Dior

and…..that’s a wrap from me, on the shoe subject for Spring 2018….

Your feedback is extremely valuable and I would love to hear some of your ideas.

Please vote below:

December 30, 2017December 31, 2017

Umm suhailLeave a comment

The Colour Story for Spring 2018

In an attempt to recap all things fashion, I will be sharing a series of posts, highlighting colour trends for Spring 2018. My first post of this series was shared this week (https://umsuhailsblog.com/2017/12/26/2018-fashion-trends/

I hope you will enjoy this series.

So today I share what should have been my first post of the series, however all the excitement about the colours got my fingers clicking away….:)

Colour Palette for Spring 2018

Each season the team at the Pantone Color Institute creates the PANTONE Fashion Color Trend Report; a color overview highlighting the top colors fashion designers showcasing at London Fashion Week, featured in their collections for the upcoming season. With color on the catwalk a key indicator of the color stories which inevitably follows across all areas of design, the PANTONE Fashion Color Trend Report is your easily accessible guide to the season’s most important color trends.

This is what Laurie Pressman from the Pantone Colour Institute had to say in her article about the Spring 2018 colour trends.

Click on he link for the full story https://www.pantone.com/fashion-color-trend-report-london-spring-2018

Underscoring colors continued influence when it comes to trend, the PANTONE Fashion Color Trend Report London Fashion Week Spring 2018 features the top 12 colors for men’s and women’s fashion. Celebrating exploration, experimentation and the consumers desire to mix, blend and create the unexpected, the Spring 2018 palette showcases the unique nuances of color expression for the London market. The report also includes 4 core classics. Transcending seasons and providing a foundation to any wardrobe, these core shades can be built upon in tonal stories or amplified with contrasting hues to create a new level of energy for the Spring 2018 season.

The desire for colorful self-expression is a key take away for Spring 2018. Similar to observations made by Pantone Color Institute’s Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman in our NY PANTONE Fashion Color Trend Report, designers for the UK market are comparably responding to the consumer’s growing appetite for flexibility in color expression by introducing more unusual colors and color stories in their collections for Spring 2018. Overall there is a feeling of optimism and confidence driving a new vitality into fashion trends.

Unique shades for the London runway convey themes of energy, sophistication and serenity. There are multi-dimensional and grounded hues, while others exude a vibrant breath of fresh air. The color story is wildly divergent and we see a kaleidoscopic bounty of uplifting shades and feel-good tones. That doesn’t mean that we don’t continue to look for more neutral or classic shades. Whether on their own or providing the landscape for complex color mixes, core basics are an essential for any season.

Along with this recognized freedom to explore and experiment with more color, fashion, and the people who interact with it, no longer want to feel limited by traditional color guidelines. Gender and seasonal borders continue to be non-issues when it comes to color. Untypical spring shades that make for complex and original combinations, communicates the consumer’s desire to experiment with color all year round without any restrictions. The color story for Spring 2018 is a perfect reflection of this new sentiment.

About the Spring 2018 Top 12 Color Palette

The Spring 2018 palette encourages a sense of fun and playful release. With an air of complexity and distinctiveness, we find ourselves in a sanctuary of color that is ideal for some more unique and dramatic color mixing.

About the Spring 2018 Classic Color Palette

For many consumers, classic color is the mainstay of the wardrobe and the foundational core upon which they start building their own personal style. The core classic shades play a critical role in any wardrobe, and we wanted to highlight the nuance of these classic colors for the spring 2018 season.

Read the full story by @lauriepressman on https://www.pantone.com/fashion-color-trend-report-london-spring-2018

And….

The Colour of the year 2018 – Ultra Violet – Pantone 18-3838

Inventive and imaginative, Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come.

“A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.”

For more info on the colour of the year 2018 https://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2018

Clearly colours and “moodboarding” are one of my favourite things to do, so I have created a collage of moodboards with some of the trending colours for spring 2018

I hope that you’re enjoying the colour story, why not submit your colour story board and have it featured on my blog?

December 28, 2017January 3, 2018

Umm suhail2 Comments

Spring 2018 – Fashion Trends

Here is what the experts say on what to expect from the world of fashion in 2018

See what they say!

By Annabel Rackham

Entertainer Reporter at BBC News –http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-42365361

By: Jess Wood

Marie Claire UK: http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/fashion/summer-fashion-trends-2018-553795

By: Ella Alexander

Bazaar: http://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/shows-trends/g38445/spring-summer-2018-fashion-trends/?slide=7

By: Audree Lopez

Stylecaster http://stylecaster.com/nyfw-trends-spring-2018/

10 fashion trends to stop wearing in 2018

If you love something, let it go (until it comes back a few years later)

By: Bazaar – http://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/shows-trends/g13914167/fashion-trends-out-2018/

December 26, 2017December 31, 2017

Umm suhail1 Comment

Marsa Malaz kempinski – An Oasis of Art Masterpieces

With its 281 rooms including 73 suites, 2 Presidential and 2 Royal suites, personalized butler and the breathtaking panoramic views over the Arabian Gulf, white sandy beach and 8 individual pools, Marsa Malaz Kempinsiki is incomparable to other hotels.

Bespoke artworks in each room, reflecting the region’s rich heritage and history, are part of what gives the hotel its distinctive and authentic Arabic feel. Integrated into the distinct Arabic theme of the hotel are subtle Venetian influences inspired by the piazzas of Italy; much of the hotel’s artwork forms part of a huge collection of Italian art – installations, sculptures, paintings and fabrics.

From floors, walls, light fixtures, headboards, chairs to tables chandeliers – everything has been beautifully designed, skillfully crafted – the hotel is an architectural marvel. Add to this the array of modern Arabian art throughout its premises and you have a destination to behold.

Throughout the rooms and suites of the hotel, you’ll find Arabic influences in the opulent fabrics, the lanterns and glassware, and unique collections of artwork on display. Furnishings are Syrian-inspired and hand-crafted with mother of pearl elements embedded in each piece, including the headboards. In total, there are more than 600,000 shimmering pieces of mother-of-pearl and over 1800 styles of mosaic across the entire hotel.

With more than 50 chandeliers from simple, chic designs to colourful and extravagant, each making a statement. In the lobby – “The Tree of Life” extends branches crafted from glass adorned with 12 multi-coloured hummingbirds made from mouth-blown Murano glass with three glass flowers hanging at the bottom, representing love, life and happiness.

Below the “Tree of Life” is a Spanish art installation, the pearl-granate. The piece has its own story, rather than a pomegranate, the pearl-granate fell off the “Tree of Life” and cracked open. The hummingbirds tried to pick the fruit, albeit unsuccessfully, as the inside are pearls rather than actual fruit seeds.

Murano glass chandeliers hang over the grand staircase, hand-made by glass-blowers in Venice. Altogether, they are made up of over 44,000 pieces that took six weeks to assemble, each forming the shape of an oyster shell in a colourful homage to Qatar’s pearl diving heritage.

The “Flowers and Butterflies” and the Bronze sculpture of a Quranic verse by famous Iraqi designer Ahmed Bahrani

Ahmed Bahrani also created a bronze horse sculpture in front of the hotel. The 18 meters tall sculpture honours the tradition of the Arabian horses and the importance the breed has played culturally, not only in Qatar, but in the region. Its intricate detail, sculpted with defined muscles emphasizing on the horse movement, took more than four weeks to install (made of 23 pieces and weighs a more-than-sizeable 45 tonnes).

What better way than to spend an afternoon tea with your girlfriends at Café Murano surrounded by such beautiful conversational pieces. Scattered Murano vases and “the Silver Samurai” by none other than the Czek artist Jiří Šuhájek – this 1990’s art piece made of Murano glass and steel reflects the winter season.

You can find more of Jiří Šuhájek art pieces on display throughout the hotel. The El Faro boasts 4 of his paintings, which combine different materials, colour splashes and gold paint.

Head to the Spa by Clarins reception, where dreamy glass installation ‘The Coral Tree’ is located, crafted from 600 hand-blown pieces of bohemian glass in different shades of blue.

Six uniquely-decorated plant pots have been covered with a beautiful combination of cracked turtle shells and mother-of-pearl.

Installations by Ahmed Allawi grace the corridors of the hotel

Ali Hassan – famous for his distinct canvas paintings – also has his works on display.

Other popular artwork can be found throughout the hotel.

The next time you visit Marsa Malaz Kempinski , whether for an afternoon tea or dinner, look around you and be mesmerized by the remarkable art collection. It will be an afternoon you will never forget.

December 25, 2017December 25, 2017

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In conversation with Ghada Al Buainain

GHADA AL BUAINAIN is a fine jewelry brand specially created by young Qatari designer Ghada Rashid Al Buainain who believes in the power of jewelry, and the transformative quality it has on any outfit. The brand aims to create a distinctive urban design drawn from ideas emanating from the region.

Ghada looks at jewelry from very different perspectives. Her perception of jewelry makes the brand unique. Combining her ideas with the shapes of unconventional material resulted in the brand’s first collection “Pipe In Gold”.

Ghada started designing jewelry in 2012. Within two years, she had designed her first collection, based on a mechanical character, made up of four main pieces. She then began refining her interest in jewelry by reading, taking online courses and persistent training and application. She then went on to add new pieces to her collection, some smaller pieces that can be substituted depending on the individual’s preferences, called “fittings”.

“My thoughts are inspired from the environment around me, I love transferring the feelings that I get when I see the beauty of everyday objects and transform them to touchable pieces” said Ghada. Aptly, her next collection was called Digital Garden.

US: When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career as a jewelry designer?

GB: I was in my early 20s when I realized that I wanted to pursue a career as a jewelry designer. I loved making random stuff using my hands and from there began my love in making jewelry.

US:: Who have been your mentors in this industry and what is the best advice they have ever given you?

GB: My best mentor is my best friend. We used to talk about fashion and jewelry since we were teens. She is a fashion designer, she began really early and her experience with clients was really helpful.

US: : What is your favorite part about being a jewelry designer?

GB: That I am able to create pieces of jewelry that tell stories. Another thing is seeing my creation on my customers and seeing the happy to use it.

US: What materials do you work with and what do you find so appealing about using them?

GB: I prefer using solid gold in most of the pieces I designed. I find it appealing because of its shine and it really complements the “industrial” style of my jewelry.

US: What was your biggest fear when going out and starting your own line?

GB: I was afraid that people will not like my design creations.

US: Where do you go for inspiration when working on a new line?

GB: Some people travel for inspiration. I go to the hardware store for inspiration. I have not changed the store since I began designing, and every time, I visit it, I find something new.

US: : How do you want women to feel when wearing your jewelry?

GB: My jewelry is made with the contemporary women in mind. I want them to feel empowered, strong and confident.

US: What advice would you give to young people who look up to you and want to embark on a career in jewelry design?

GB: I want to tell them to trust and believe in themselves and not to be afraid to ask for advice when they need it.

US : How important is Doha Jewelry & Watches Exhibition (DJWE) for you?

GB: Participating in DJWE is important for my brand because of the exposure that it provides to individual designer. Another thing is being able to meet new customers in the right environment.

US: What have DJWE 2017 given you?

GB: I was able to present my collections to a huge number of new clients and, with the media coverage, my brand received a lot of attention. This helped to promote my jewelry brand for the rest of the year.

US: Do you think that these kind of initiatives give you support in your field?

GB: Yes, it provided a big push for my brand as stated above. The support we received during the last DJWE helped us to reach more organizations in Qatar and improve our brand for Qatar.

US: How did your participation at DJWE 2017 reflect on your work?

GB: I received a huge number of new clients. Some of them did not have the chance to get jewelry during DJWE but they got themselves some after the event. Our sales increased by 20%.

US: What can we expect to see in the upcoming DJWE2018?

GB: I expect that this DJWE will be a very special one, because of what Qatar is going through this year. I believe that the DJWE young Qatari initiative on its second edition will be stronger, and from my end, I will make sure to do all I can to make it a success.

US: What are your plans for the future? Would you look at collaboration with other designers?

GB: My plan for near future is to set up a small boutique in Qatar. Also, I might look towards working with other designers or artists.

US: Your message for 2018?

GB: My message is directed to my brand and my small group of employees – Never stop dreaming and keep working towards achieving our goals.

For more information about Ghada Al Buainain:

Email: ghadarahsdalbuainain@gmail.com

Mobile: +974 55052041

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gajewellery/

business card transparent

December 20, 2017

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Actively Repurposing …

Repurposing is a great way to keep things out of the trash and give your home a little décor boost, with very little effort and time, you too can you can repurpose trash into something useful.

This is my first DIY project post, I hope that you will enjoy it and share your own DIY projects. If we all do our bit to keep things that can be repurposed, it will help ease the burden that we put on mother nature,

I saw these tomato boxes at the greengrocer and I took some home and repurposed them for my outdoor showers .

I gently sanded the boxes, applied clear varnish just one coat, and attached it to the wall.

I used the same boxes to create storage in my farmstyle kitchen.

I gently sanded it and gave it a very light coat of paint, instead of varnish

These boxes are so versatile, from platers to storage boxes,, use your imagination and repurpose it.

The next time you visit your greengrocer , look around you and think “outside the box”

To share your DIY projects, email to : umsuhailsblog@gmail.com

December 20, 2017December 26, 2017

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To The Men in Uniform!

Despite the illegal blockade imposed by some of the neighbouring countries, Qatar has shined, showing its resilience, its resolve to retain its own identity and maintain its independence and sovereignty.

From interviews, to images and debates on TV and the internet, almost every resident and citizen alike expressed their support for this beautiful land: #weareallQatar, praise for the outstanding leader #Tamimalmajd and chants of the National Day slogan – “Promise of Prosperity and Glory”

With all the excitement surrounding Qatar’s National Day, this year’s celebration certainly had a different take.

As I went through my photos and the reminders on facebook of photos taken in previous years, I thought of doing something different this year. With a gallery of over 1000 pictures of the years preceding this one, I felt that it would only be right to give thanks to the amazing men in uniform marching in the National Day Parade.

With armed forces being the subject of fascination and admiration for civilizations, ever since the concept of conquests and victories began, whether it be acquisition of lands or defining boundaries, men in uniform continue to command respect and admiration.

So this year, I wish to pay tribute to the men in uniform who marched in the parade, the men who guard the borders of this beautiful country, the men that patrol the streets and ensure that men and women alike, remain safe.

To the men in uniform, Thank you! 2 simple words, perhaps you don’t hear it often, but do know that you are appreciated.

Without outstanding brave people such as yourselves, the world we live in today would be very different, for everyday that you wake up, your unwavering commitment to keep us safe, putting your life on the line to save others. It takes a special person to risk his life on a daily basis, for people you will most likely never meet.

Thank you for the sacrifices that you make, some known to us and others not, to make sure that we, as residents, are kept safe from danger.

Thank you for being positive role models and heroes to the younger generation.

Thank you for being so selfless.

Thank you to the men who raise their right hand and swear an oath to protect Qatar.

Medals on the uniform tell a story of courage and sacrifice – each medal a unique story.

With this humble tribute, I hope that each and everyone reading this post will take a moment to say “Thank You!” the next time you meet these men in uniform.

Umm Suhail

Images taken off Qatar TV- coverage of the QND2017

December 19, 2017January 11, 2018

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Getting to know Janna Thomson

12 year old Janna Thomson is singing her way to the top. As a winner of the first Qatar National Music Competition (competing in the 11 and under age group, in the solo vocal category, she earned the British Embassy’s “Britten Award”), Janna’s already got her break into the music business.

Discovering her love for singing at the age of 4, Thomson spent a lot of her time singing with her dad, her biggest fan and also the other musical talent of her family who enjoys singing in Arabic. Janna, on the other hand, enjoys singing pop and RnB. Janna’s sister also sings, but prefers acting. What started off as a hobby soon became much more for Janna. She also attended music school in Lagoona Mall for a year, where she learned to play the piano.

Janna’s passion for music comes across so clearly, as she tells me how she spends every chance she gets singing, whether it be at school, home, or anywhere else for that matter! With her dad, Janna practices after doing her homework and studying. They spend time checking their melodies and lyrics.

Janna’s first public appearance was at SnapTV’s “Light Up Stand Up” event last year in April at Sharq Village & Spa. She sang “Heal the World” by Michael Jackson, as well as “Flashlight” by Jessie J. During her second performance, the crowd glowed with mobile flashlights to add to the magic of her performance. Janna admits that she was nervous, not knowing what to expect or how many people she would be performing in front of. When she gets nervous, she explains that breathing exercises help. She also takes a minute or two to close her eyes and transport herself to her “safe place”, to calm down before performing. QNMC was the first competition she entered after that. She has also featured on The Voice Kids 2017.

When talking about balancing school and singing, Janna explains that she gets schoolwork out of the way so that she can focus properly on her singing with her dad.

In the next three years, Thomson sees herself as a young performing artist, with a mixture of normal teen life and that of a performing artist. She’s also working on combining her singing with playing piano.

Janna expressed her appreciation to the organizers of QNMC, for giving her a great opportunity to showcase her passion for singing and her musical capabilities, and for providing an exciting experience. Through this competition, she’s also been able to meet other budding artists who share her passion. She is also enthusiastic to collaborate with other young artists and share ideas.

Follow Janna Thomson on :

IG – http://instagram.com/janna_thomson_

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Jannathomsonuk/

Email:thomson.consult@gmail.com

December 19, 2017December 19, 2017

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Unapologetically passionate about photography…

I admit, I am unapologetically passionate about photography.

I totally understand that we should NEVER confuse passion with hobby- hobby is something that one does outside work, for relaxation, such as walking, listening to music, reading or visit an art gallery, being passionate is doing something that simultaneously relaxes you and drives you crazy.

Personally, photography is a powerful tool that allows me to express myself, capturing moments to share, the way I see things around me, the excitement felt when finding interesting things in ordinary spaces and giving me the privilege of revisiting moments long after I’ve have forgotten everything.

A hobbyist photographer will be satisfied with the magic of a great image. A passionate photographer will relentlessly continue pursuing the magic regardless of any circumstances that ordinarily would stop a hobbyist.

When I started photography out of interest, it was all “so awesome”. I felt like a child with a new toy discovering new possibilities, pretty soon, I grew unimpressed with my own shots. I guess that’s what happens when you constantly look at works of professional photographers. From then on, it was all “uphill”, In my free time I went about exploring places, trying new angles, looking to capture that perfect moment.- most days I would get zero keeper shots, on good days I would get 1 or 2.

Despite the challenge, tI knew this was just something I really wanted to do. It wasn’t easy in account of the overwhelming randomness of the streets and the huge possibility of people thinking I was inappropriate, asking random people permission to take their pictures.

Countless times I had given up, my camera lay there almost as an object d’art, a feature of my lounge décor, just as many times I picked it up and clicked away. Time and again, I asked myself “why am I doing this again?” It was just so hard, yet I kept at it, something inside me driving me to try harder each time, I guess that’s where passion comes in.

Passion will push you to your limits. It demand sacrifices and make it hard on you. But you don”t mind the hard work, because you know it will make you better. And when it pays off, it will surprise you with opportunities you’ve never even dreamed of. Trust me.

Ultimately, for me, when you’re doing something that you really like, you might as well try to be very good at it. Otherwise, what’s the point, right?

I created this page on my website to share my photography journey – some of my favourite pictures.

I do hope that you will enjoy this page and I would love to hear your feedback.

I will be updating this page regularly as iIfilter through my files…. 🙂

All the pictures featured on this post were taken with a Nikon Coolpix L840 courtesy of Salam Stores

Location: South Africa

Scan the QR and download my app:

Follow me on IG:https://www.instagram.com/ummsuhailsblog/

December 18, 2017December 18, 2017

Umm suhail2 Comments

Let’s make time for our girlfriends and be there for each other!

In a world that’s growing to be increasingly competitive, “Girl Power” is a necessity. We need to be there for each other more, focus on empowering each other and lending a helping hand, rather than end up tearing each other down.

Having time out with the girls is one way I stay sane. We get together, vent, laugh, cry and just take time out to celebrate and love each other. We may not see each other every other day, but that limited time that you have to share with souls who can relate to you on some level, and perhaps add a new perspective on things, makes all the difference.

Life is busy. If we’re not at work, we’ve got family obligations, house responsibilities, we’re struggling to keep fit, rushing from one errand to the next, standing in queues, picking up or dropping the kids off… the list really is endless!

Where, amongst all these to-do’s does “girl time” feature, and how often?
– And if it’s not there at all?
Honey, we need to talk.

Ideally, family should be your primary support. However, for expats, family is usually far away. That’s where you and your girls provide additional support for each other, like a second family. So many shared stories, some though ones some happy ones, what better way to celebrate each other than a girl’s night out to catch up and have some laughs.

So, the venue was Mawasem at the Hilton Doha.

We had so much fun, the laughter was a clear indication of the excitement we felt seeing each other. The chef’s at Mawasem did not disappoint, The food was great and the desserts…well….simply yum! The service was equally good

Photo Credit: @Aamina Mather @Khadija Mayet @Fazeelah George

An evening well spent at Mawasem! Organized by: @Aamina Mather and @Rukayya Khan

Thank you Hilton for the discounted Spa Vouchers

December 3, 2017

Umm suhail3 Comments

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