Travel

Dubai Diaries Part 2: At.Mosphere

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Forever Rose – inspired by Beauty and the Beast

First Course – Beet Salad with Chocolate Soil

Main Course – Beef Tenderloin

Signature Dessert- Sauteed Bananas with Vanilla Ice Cream and Chocolate Lava Cake

 

I arrived in Dubai on my birthday (Feb 28) and it was quite late so I decided to have my birthday dinner on March 1st. I wanted to go somewhere special. I discovered a restaurant called At.Mosphere through an internet search. Located on top of the Burj Khalifa the tallest building in the world, this restaurant is on the 122 floor and is the tallest restaurant in the world!

The view from the top is truly spectacular as you look down on the night lights of Dubai.  At. Mosphere is a must do in Dubai (in my opinion). It’s literally the best view in Dubai. The restaurant contains a lounge and dining room and offers dining options for high tea, cocktails, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

My birthday dinner was truly an experience to remember. The waitstaff at the restaurant are expertly trained and offer great recommendations regarding the menu options and things to look out for as you sit by the window. One thing to keep in mind is that the restaurant comes with a minimum spend. The prices are listed on the website and tables located near the windows have a higher minimum spend. A typical meal with cocktails and dessert will cost you around $300 but it is well worth the splurge. I chose a 3 course option for dinner but the waitstaff are very helpful in making recommendations according to your preferences. Our waitress had some great tips for us regarding the menu (you can choose from a 3, 5 or 7 course meal as well as a la carte options) options and even recommended a dessert that wasn’t listed on the menu. It was fantastic! She also took us around the front of the restaurant to see the dancing fountain show (located at the Dubai Mall).

At.Mosphere has a strict dress code of smart elegant and most diners were dressed in formal attire, although I did see a few gentlemen in short sleeved shirts. For my outfit I decided to go all out and wore this fabulous red gown 🙂 I figured it’s better to be overdressed than under-dressed. The moment I saw this dress in the window I was reminded of Julia Roberts’ red opera dress in Pretty Woman 😉 I found the perfect necklace to complement this dress at Unique Accessories. It added just a bit of sparkle and didn’t overpower the dress. If you’re looking for a truly unique and elegant dining experience then be sure to check out At.Mosphere at the Burj Khalifa.

 

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Travel

Dubai Diaries Part 1: Dubai Miracle Garden

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If you follow me on instagram you probably know I was in Dubai last week 😉 I decided to get away for my birthday this year and Dubai was a place I’d always wanted to visit. I was there for about 4 days but was able to pack in a lot of sightseeing. I’ll be chronicling my visit to Dubai and my outfits in this new series called Dubai Diaries.

My first stop in Dubai was the Dubai Miracle Garden. I’d heard so much about this place and was told it was a must-see in Dubai, and it did not disappoint. The garden was truly beautiful and I was overwhelmed by the amount of flowers. If you thought Mosaik in Ottawa was great well I’m sorry to say you haven’t seen anything until you see this garden. The exhibits were spectacular and there were plenty of places to grab a quick snack and rest as you toured the garden. One of the exhibits in the garden even set a Guiness world record. The exhibit in the shape of an Emirates Airbus A380 airplane is the  largest flower arrangement in the world.

I decided to play it safe and dress conservatively while I was in Dubai. For my visit to the garden I chose a midi length ruffle skirt  paired with my signature Weekend Fashionista t-shirt in white. I opted for a pair of Lucky Brand wedge heels as I would be doing a lot of walking and I wanted to be comfortable. I tied in the camel colour of my shoes with this Ellen and James rectangle bag. Although I visited during the Winter, Dubai can still get pretty warm during the day so I decided to bring a sunhat to keep cool during the garden tour 🙂

Pro Tip: The garden can get quite busy during the day so it’s best to go earlier in the morning if you want to get some nice photos free of other visitors. I visited the garden around 9:30 am right when it opened.

Admission fee: Admission to the garden costs 45 Dirhams which is about $15 CAD. Remember to keep your ticket as a souvenir.

 

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Personal

28 Things You Didn’t Know About Me

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It’s my birthday on February 28th so I thought I’d share 28 things you probably didn’t know about me 🙂 And yes I was actually born on the 28th not the 29th 😉

1. I’m an only child – it’s true I have no siblings, I never wanted a sister but I always wanted an older brother.

2. I was all about that bass before Meghan Trainer made it cool – I started playing bass guitar in middle school and played it all the way through high school. I still own 2 bass guitars and I can play the stand up bass as well.

3. I have a pen pal and she lives in Paris (Hope you’re reading this Maheshi :))

4. I live in Canada but I am not a hockey fan – could never get in to it.

5. I speak French and was in French Immersion from middle school all the way through high school.

6. I never travel light- I like to have a lot of clothing options so I usually bring many different outfits on my travels.

7. I’m a shoe-a-holic and have 3 dressers full of shoes. Don’t ask me how many pairs I have I’ve lost count!

8. I love karaoke and even have a karaoke app on my phone.

9. I’m over 25 and still getting ID’d at the LCBO – sad but true and I’m trying to look at it as a compliment.

10. I’m a huge Elvis Presley fan and I’d love to visit Graceland some day.

11. I was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka and moved to Canada twice – once when I was 5 and permanently when I was 8.

12. I’m a published author – you can find my book Cocktails & Conversations: a guide to networking on Chapters.ca

13.  Baking is one of my hobbies (aside from blogging ofcourse) and I love making desserts for friends and family.

14.I don’t have a favourite TV show. I rarely have time to watch TV so it’s hard for me to commit to watching a show every week.

15.I’m a part-time professor at a local college.

16. My hair is naturally wavy not straight.

17. My first pet was a Pomeranian named Toshi, I now have a Yorkie named Chloe.

18. I’m a huge trivia geek, pick me if you’re looking for a trivia team member!

19. I’d love to be a stay at home mom some day, I think it’s really important to take time out for your family especially your children.

20. I ran my own consulting business for 5 years.

21. My first job was a junior camp counselor at a day camp for toddlers; I was 15 so I got paid $50 a week!

22. My favourite colour was and still is pink.

23. I like investing and looking for new ways to save money and grow my investments.

24. I’m a morning person. I start work at 7:30 so I’m up early during the week.

25. My least favourite candy is licorice – never liked it and cannot stand it.

26. Aside from Sri Lankan food my favourite cuisine is Italian 🙂 I went to Italy for the 2nd time last summer and loved everything I ate there.

27. I don’t drink beer- I enjoy the occasional glass of wine but I never liked beer.

28. I’ve never actually finished a poutine, I’m not a huge fan.

Hopefully you enjoyed this list and learned a bit more about me in the process 🙂

 

Travel

Travel Beauty Favourites

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It’s vacay time!! I’m going on vacation again so I thought I’d share some of my travel beauty favourites. I used to travel a lot for work so I’m quite used to packing my beauty products in a clear plastic bag 🙂

Moisturizers

The recycled air inside a plane combined with high altitude can do a number on your skin so it’s important to moisturize when you fly. I like to pack some face cream, hand cream and lip balm with me. I find my face and hands get especially dry when I fly. My current favourite moisturizer when flying is Olay Classic Moisturizing lotion. I have combination skin so this works well for me. I haven’t been able to find a travel size Olay lotion so I usually just carry some in an empty container (hint: it’s in the circular Nivea container ;)). For lips I go with a generic lip balm like Blistex and for my hands I usually go with a generic hand moisturizer.

Pro-Tip: If you’ve ever been upgraded or traveled business or first class you usually receive an amenities kit which contains lip balm and hand lotion.

Makeup/Perfume

I don’t carry travel sizes of my makeup but I make sure all the makeup I take in my carry-on is 100ml or less. I usually take some foundation, my liquid eyeliner, mascara and a lipstick. I use MAC for my foundation, eyeliner and lipstick. I also like to pack some perfume with me just to freshen up between flights. Most perfumes come in travel sizes that fit perfectly in your clear plastic bag.

Here’s what I’ve got with me:

Foundation – Pro Longwear: NC42

Liquid Eyeliner – Boot Black

Lipstick –  Mac-Syrup

Mascara – Buxom Lash

Perfume- Dolce (Travel Size)

I carry some makeup removing wipes and a cleanser – for freshening up while in transit.

Pro-Tip: Most airports have paid entry lounges that you can use to grab a bite, take a shower and catch a few winks between flights.

After Flight Care

Getting some quality sleep on the plane always helps with jet lag so I like to bring an eye shade with me to block out extra light and help me sleep. A few years ago I discovered a product called Liquid Oxygen by O2Spa. Just a few drops under your tongue or mixed with water can help relieve jet lag and improve your energy. I purchased mine on Air Canada duty free but you can also purchase the product through their website. I also pack a gel eye mask to help relieve puffyness under the eyes as a result of lack of sleep. Gel masks can usually be used as a hot or cold option and they’re great for helping you relax post-flight.

Pro Tip: Drink lots of water while you’re in flight and try to avoid alcohol. The altitude combined with the alcohol will leave you feeling dehydrated and you’ll have a more difficult time dealing with jetl ag. Taking a quick stroll around the cabin (when the seat belt signs are off) will also help with circulation and leave you feeling more energized.

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Fashion

Gingham Wrap Blouse

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One of my favourite trends this Spring is gingham! I also love the wrap blouse which is making an appearance again this year 🙂 That’s why I was so thrilled when I found this gingham wrap blouse at Suzy Shier. I bought a similar blouse last year in a black and white print and I got so many compliments on it. When I saw this in their new Spring collection I simply had to get it! This blouse is perfect for running errands on the weekend or jazzing up a work outfit, you can dress it up or down. I chose to dress it down by pairing it with some white jeans, which are also back again this year. I was doing a lot of running around this weekend so I opted for a Michael Kors cross body bag. The navy colour in this blouse makes it so versatile as you can pair it with light and dark colours. What’s your favourite Spring trend – gingham perhaps?

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Fashion

Floral Sweater Dress

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Spring cannot be here sooner! I’m happy to see that many stores have their Spring collections out and florals seem to be on trend! I found this cute floral sweater dress at Suzy Shier which is perfect for the Winter to Spring transition we’re going through right now. The three-quarter sleeves and modest length make this dress work appropriate. I love the floral design on the dress which gives it a Ted Baker inspired look.  I paired this dress with opaque navy tights but you can wear it with flesh coloured tights as well. The best part about this dress is that it costs under $50! If you have a prestige card you’ll automatically get an additional 10% off. Suzy Shier also has some great deals on at the moment so check them out if you’re looking for some new pieces for Spring 🙂

 

Fashion, Lifestyle

Valentine’s Day Wish List

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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and here are a few items that are on my Vday Wish list 😉

 

1. Something in red – This cute jumpsuit is the perfect for a Valentine’s Day date. It’s also a nice alternative to a red dress and provides a bit more coverage if you live in a colder climate like I do 🙂

2. Perfume – I love Dior perfumes. Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet is a light romantic scent perfect for Valentine’s Day.

3. Champagne truffles – Champagne and truffles are great on their own but even better together, and who doesn’t love candy?!

4. Heart purse – This adorable heart shaped purse from Kate Spade is the perfect accessory for Valentine’s Day. It’s also a great way to add a pop of colour to an outfit.

5. Red strappy sandals – I’m a shoe-a-holic and I’ll readily admit it. I simply love these red heels and the bow detail.

6. Tiffany bracelet – What girl doesn’t love something that comes in a little blue bag? This Tiffany heart bracelet is one of my ultimate favourites

7. Champagne – No special occasion is complete without a little bubbly! This rosé champagne from Moët et Chandon is made for Valentine’s Day 🙂

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Fashion

Favourite Basket Bags for Spring

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I know it’s still February but Spring is on my mind! One trend I’ve been noticing when it comes to accessories for Spring 2018 is basket bags! I love the boho chic look of a basket bag. The woven look gives them a lot of texture and they instantly add interest to an outfit. Another trend I’ve seen is pom poms. Believe it or not pom poms and basket bags actually do go well together – as seen in the photo above 😉

Here are 3 of my favourite basket bags for Spring:

Rectangle Basket Bag

This bag by Australian designers Ellen and James adds a touch of boho chic sophistication to an outfit. Whether you’re pairing it with a white linen dress for the day or a black jumpsuit for the night it’s just perfect for Spring and Summer. I ordered this one online. I was pleasantly surprised with how soon it arrived. I had the bag with me in about a week which was great. The workmanship on this bag is really beautiful and it’s very well made. I also love the batik lining inside.

Pom Pom Beach Tote

This straw beach tote from Forever 21 is a great find. If you’re looking for a bag that’s affordable, on trend and stylish then this is the bag for you. I believe it’s inspired by the JADE Tribe basket bags. This bag is a great alternative to a designer bag and costs under $50! It’s also a larger size and works well as a carry all too. The bag also comes with orange pom poms if you’re looking for something more daring.

Circle Evening Bag

I picked up this circle evening bag at Simons. It originally came in the natural colour, pictured above and a black. Unfortunately this bag is sold out but I have linked a similar bag in the Shop This Post links below. This bag is perfect for a night out on a Spring or Summer evening. I love the circular shape which is so in right now. The gold strap also adds an extra bit of elegance 🙂

 

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Fashion

Polka Dots and Pearls

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I’m noticing two major trends that seem to be in for Spring this year, polka dots and pearls! I found the cutest outfit at Suzy Shier this week. This adorable polka dot t-shirt is comfy and cute. The ruffled sides give it a feminine flair. I paired it with these pearl trimmed skinny jeans . To break up the black and white colour I added a red belt and a pair of red tassel earrings. If you don’t live in Canada but would still like to get this look I’ve added some similar pieces here 🙂

 

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Fashion

Colour Pairing

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I don’t know if you’ve noticed but I love dressing up and putting outfits together, kind of a given since I have a fashion blog right? I’ve had a few people ask me about colour pairing and how I put my outfits together so I thought I’d share a few tips. These aren’t hard and fast rules but rather just what works for me, if you’re a play by your own rules kinda girl go for it and experiment away 🙂

  1. Pick a colour

I like colour in general but when it comes to outfits I prefer to choose one staple colour around which I build my look. In the example above I’m wearing a bold red business suit. Clearly red is the colour I’m building around here. I decided to choose accent colours that will offset the red. For a bright contrast I choose a crisp white blouse but you can also wear this suit with a black blouse. The accent colour or shade should complement your staple colour. For example I wouldn’t pair a bright yellow blouse with this suit. For the shoes I stuck with the white shade but wanted to add a bit more neutrality and interest so I chose a black and white patterned pump. The shoe also adds some texture to the outfit.

2. Break up your prints with solid colours

Something I love just as much as colour is a great print. Whether you’re choosing a printed top, skirt or pants prints are a great way to add interest to an outfit and express your personality. Being an island girl it’s no surprise that I love a good palm print. I paired this palm print top with a pair of white pants. White is a great solid colour to break up a print. You can also pair a good printed top with jeans or any other solid coloured bottom. This particular top works with jeans or a dark green bottom as well. I found these super cute palm print mules which I wore with this outfits as it brought the palm print back in the feet. To add a bit more texture to this outfit and keeping with the tropical theme I added this bamboo bag from Cult Gaia. Sometimes it helps to have a theme to your outfit as well.

3. Add a pop of colour to monochromes

A pop of colour goes a long way when you’re jazzing up a monochrome outfit. I love these red tassel earrings as they add a cute and flirty pop of colour to this grey and black outfit. Grey and black are very close to each other on the shade spectrum so pairing these colours can be challenging as your outfit can tend to look dull. The bright red instantly throws off the monochrome nature of this look. Whether you choose to add your pop of colour with earrings, a necklace, a great pair of shoes or a cute purse is up to you but remember to brighten up your monochrome looks 🙂

Another tip is to add texture to your outfit. You can do this by adding accessories such a great purse, jewelry or shoes. If you’re looking for more information about which colours go together and which don’t you can find a colour wheel here 🙂 Don’t forget to make sure the colours complement your skin tone as well 😉

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