Home Sick

An article for YOU! Magazine, Dubai published in the August issue

Whether new in town or a seasoned expat, there are times when your otherwise peachy life in the Emirate, can suddenly seem stifling. Characterised by endless emails with old friends from back home, watching copious amounts of your national TV channel on satellite network and reminiscing about ‘the good old days’ and all those you left back home, homesickness is but a natural part of life as an expat. If you’re craving Mom’s home-baked pies, or your local neighbourhood restaurant’s authentic cuisine and you simply can’t afford to fork out another plane ticket, check out our guide to the tried-and-tested homesickness busting restaurants and cafes below. Almost as good as being back home, with the luxury of being but a cab ride away!

So you’re missing...A Genuine South African Braai
Try: The Grand Grill, Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa Tel: 04 399 4221
If you can’t be bothered to fire up the braai at home, and fancy a bit of Bobotie, this meat lover’s paradise is the place to park your boots. It may be a little staid in comparison to your typical post-rugby rowdy do, but the succulently marinated meats will more than make up for the civilised atmosphere.

So you’re missing...Properly British Fish’n’chips
Try: The Fish & Chip Room, Jumeirah Beach Residence Tel: 04 4270443
Battered Cod, Iron Bru and open till 4am? Where do we sign up! While several places in Dubai attempt the comfort food of ol’ blighty, The Fish & Chip Room get it pretty much spot on. Expect to pay a little more than your corner fish and chip shop from home, but also be prepared for Jumeirah Beach to whisk away and the sights, smells and sounds of Blackpool to come rushing back on first bite.

So you’re missing...Fresh and feisty ‘Chaat’ from Bombay Street Vendors
Try: Bombay Chowpatty, Karama Tel: 04 396 4937
Craving the spicy, tangy tasty bhel puri that the street vendor down your old home used to knock together using his bare hands? Look no further than Bombay Chowpatty. Complete with filling drinks, side dishes and tasty treats for a snack experience that even the puritan Bombaywalla in you would start dancing a jig to, make your way down to the no frills, no fuss Karama street-front kitchen.

So you’re missing...Your Mom’s German Apple Strudel
Try: Hofbrauhas, JW Marriot Hotel Tel: 04 607 7977
A Bavarian Beer House that serves sauerkraut, Black Forest cake and waitresses in Lederhosen one would imagine Hofbrauhas to be a scripted parody of all things German, but ironically it is a vibrant meeting spot for German expats who miss a slice of home. We especially love the live music and friendly staff.

So you’re missing...Your Uncle’s Friendly All-day American Diner
Try: Johnny Rockets, Jumeirah Tel: 04 368 2339
For a giant hot dog dripping with chilli, a milkshake you can drown yourself in, retro 50’s tracks from a real jukebox and neighbourhood-diner style decor, you’d be hard pressed to find a more authentic Americana experience this far from the good ol U S of A. It may not be an all-day diner and pancakes might be a distant dream, but for a diner experience complete with super-friendly staff, Johnny Rockets is the way forward!

So you’re missing... Chinese Food from the streets of Hong Kong
Try: Lan Kwai Fong, Oud Metha Tel: 04 335 3680
While the location may be millions of literal and figurative miles away from the bustling area of Hong Kong known as Lan Kwai Fong, the namesake restaurant in Dubai is frequently visited by Chinese clientele who flock for the home-cooked feel of the food. Simple, great and with friendly service to boot, Lan Kwai Fong is a favourite with homesick expats and those in search of some taste bud enlightenment.

So you’re missing...Goading on your favourite cricket team at your neighbourhood Aussie watering hole
Try: Aussie Legends, Rydges Plaza Hotel Tel: 04 398 2222
A good-natured, down-to-earth sports bar where the drinks are affordable and the regular patrons will grin at you, and occasionally strike up a conversation may seem like a myth in Dubai, but one such legendary bar exists in Satwa. Aussie Legends promises sport, drink and merriment, with a comforting feel-good factor that will have you reminiscing about home.

So you’re missing...some delicate French pastries and a truly satisfying Cappuccino from Paris
Try: French Bakery, Jumeirah Tel: 04 343 6444
Mille Feuille pastry to die for and a cappuccino that definitely didn’t come out of a paper sachet, French Bakery in Jumeirah is the place to go for homesick French expats. The bakery has a cosy and inviting ambience and while the location doesn’t necessarily lend itself to typical Parisian cafe culture, one pastry is all it will take to help you imagine you’re back on Champs Elysees.

So you’re missing...a cheap, quick and tasty Falafel Sandwich from the man with a cart in Beirut
Try: Al Mallah, Satwa Tel: 04 398 4723
For wholesome comfort food that is ready in under ten minutes and gives you the feeling of being back under the skies of beautiful Beirut, Al Mallah’s falafel sandwich is hard to beat. The ingredients used are always fresh and you can tell the difference. Simple to make and mess up, where other fast food places fail, Al Mallah does it best.

So you’re missing...Filipino Grub from Aunty May’s kitchen
Try: Bulwagan, Karama Tel: 04 337 4029
For Dubai’s abundant Filipino population, Bulwagan in Karama is almost as authentic as their Aunt’s kitchen. If you’re missing some pancit canton, and want to leave with another whole new group of friends, Bulwagan is the place to go for tasty food served up in a sociable restaurant where everyone knows your name, and if they don’t, they find out by the time your gulaman sago- a gelatine and tapioca desert- is done.

Your Guide to Life in the UAE

An article written for YOU! Magazine acting as a short guide and cheat sheet to life in the United Arab Emirates

Stop press, its here! A list of rules, regulations and informal tips we recommend every new and old UAE resident must know. Packed with handy tips and advice to keep on hand, we recommend pasting this on your refrigerator!

1) All you need to know about the Salik Toll in Dubai

Salik utilizes the latest technology to achieve free flow operation with no toll booths, no toll collectors, and no impact to traffic flow, allowing vehicles to move freely through the tolling point at highway speeds. Each time you pass through a Salik tolling point, the toll of AED 4 will be deducted from your prepaid toll account using advanced Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.

You can purchase your Salik Welcome Kit from selected branches of: Emarat petrol stations, EPPCO/ENOC stations, ADNOC stations, Dubai Islamic Bank, and Emirates Bank. You should receive an SMS as a reminder and you should top up your account through one of the various methods available like the web, participating banks or petrol stations to avoid a violation and fine of AED 50 per occurrence. In addition, a late payment penalty of AED 10 will be assessed every month until payment.

You can now top up using Salik recharge cards valued at AED 100 and AED 500 to top up your Salik balance in a convenient and easy to use way.

2) Your National Identity Card explained

Instead of having multiple identity cards like driving licences, work permits, employee cards, passports, e-cards, the UAE Federal Government created a single national identity card in April 2006, with in-built smart features including biometrics and advanced ID features that will eventually eliminate the need to carry multiple cards. At a later date, it can be used as a travel document within the GCC. Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA), a federal government organization, has already rolled out the first phase and second phase of the national identity card, as part of a comprehensive three year plan to provide National ID cards to three categories: UAE nationals, GCC citizens living in UAE and other UAE residents.

Registration is currently open for UAE nationals, GCC citizens working or residing in the UAE, expatriate government staff and professionals (anyone with a degree) in the private sector.

For registering your family, you must ensure that your child has his/her own passport. Domestic staff in your household are not included and separate dates will be announced for their registration later. You must be either a UAE national, a GCC citizen working or residing in the UAE, or a UAE resident and above 15 years of age. The card is valid for lifetime for nationals (with renewal every five years) and validity for other residents depends on the validity of the visa. However, the same card can be used, once the residence visa is renewed.

Steps

1. Book an online appointment or visit an EIDA service centre.

2. Before going for your appointment, fill up this online application formfrom EIDA website and take a printout, using only a laser printer. Or download the UAE EIDA Pre-registration Application download (3.5 mb zipped file) and fill it up offline. Another option is to visit any Emirates Post Office, purchase a special envelope for AED 40, fill up the form inside and submit to the post office. See media update

3. Visit the nearest EIDA service centre and pay the registration fee, while submitting your form.

4. Allow bio-metric and fingerprinting to be done and get your original documents scanned.

5. Congratulations. You will have your National ID card sent to you by Empost after 7-14 days.

Documents & fees: UAE Residents: Original passport. AED 100 per year of visa validity. Additional charges if purchasing form (AED 40) and for Empost delivery (AED 20) Lost or damaged card: AED 300

3) Important Numbers to keep on file

Police	999
Fire Department	997
Ambulance	999
Electricity	991
Water	991

7000 40000 (Ask Dubai from Dubai eGovernment)

181 (Directory Enquiry & Yellow Pages)

Etisalat's Yellow Pages in English & Arabic

800-4-888 (Al Ameen service from Dubai Police)

To report criminal activity or if someone is harassing you

8005111 (Amer Service, Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department Hotline)

04-2215555 (Dubai Rent Committee)

For rent complaints against landlords including excessive rental charges

04-2020299 Dubai Consumer Protection (Himaya)

For consumer complaints to Dubai Economic Department

04-3939777 UAE Central Bank Control & Inspection

For customer complaints against banks

04-3139900 (Unified Labour Complaint)

For labour and work related complaints

04- 2162218 Dubai Weather Forecast (from Dubai Meteorological Office at Dubai Airport)

04- 224 5555 Dubai International Airport
04- 216 6666 Dubai Airport Flight Info

4) How to go about hiring help

A domestic worker’s visa can be obtained by the head of the family (called sponsor, and usually the male), whose salary is not less than AED 6000 a month or AED 5000 + accommodation. Bachelors are not eligible to sponsor hired help. You can only sponsor a domestic worker from the following countries: India, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.

Employment of domestic workers requires work contract

A new unified contract (called employment agreement for domestic workers and sponsors) to regulate the rights and duties of domestic workers was put in place from 1st April, 2007. The contract is valid for one year with options to renew and governs vacation, air tickets, medical care and procedures, in case of breach of contract

Illegal hiring of workers, without DNRD approval may result in fines of upto AED 70,000 as well as imprisonment for one month followed by deportation of employer.

5) Baby Boom

You must apply for a residency visa for a new-born baby within 120 days of his/her birth. If you fail to do this the child will not be allowed to leave the UAE and the legal guardian must pay an AED100 fine for each day over the 120 day period.

Documents Required: Application form; Original passport for the baby (if the baby was added to one of his parent’s passport, take that one) Original + a copy of the baby’s birth certificate (must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Dubai office. Tel: 04-2221144) 3 passport sized photos of the baby; Original + a copy of the attested marriage certificate; Passport copy of sponsor; Copy of job contract for the sponsor or a salary certificate.

Procedure: Go to a certified typing office and have them complete the form for you after paying the fees. Go to the residency section at Naturalisation and Residency Department (Toll free 800-5111), and hand in the documents. The passport with the residency visa will be sent to you through a courier service.

The Dubai Accent

Column Style piece for Desert Fish Magazine, http://www.desertfishmag.com

Let me begin by saying, like all naive Dubaians, I never used to believe I had an accent. An immigration official at LAX airport set me straight. After a gruelling sixteen hour flight to Los Angeles, the last thing I expected as I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes was an immigration official asking me “So, what accent is that you’ve got...it’s pretty interesting.” One thing led to another, as they often do when one is travelling and at their most-vulnerable best, and the next thing I knew, I was being led to be strip-searched and interrogated for three and a half hours, all on the basis of an accent the blessed officer “couldn’t quite place”, naturally arousing suspicion. United States of Paranoia.

It did make me think though, how would I categorise my accent? Born and raised in Dubai, the Cosmopolitan melting pot that it is infused me with a global fusion of an accent. I told the officer the same thing I tell foreigners when asked about my accent “I’m a French citizen, though I was born in the Middle East where I went to an International School. I watch far too much American television, grew up with a Sri Lankan nanny, have a Canadian sister, Indian parents, a South African best friend and a Mancunian fiancé- of course I sound strange” The best part is, I would be considered decidedly uninspiring and boring in Dubai, with others affected by even stranger concoctions of nationalities, dialects and accents.

The fact of the matter is that those who live around here are constantly bombarded with different accents every single day. Live in Dubai for more than a year and you’ll realise you’re living a multi-national existence rivalled by places like New York and London, famed as cities filled with diverse immigrants. The interesting part is, unlike New York and London, where immigrants tend to stick together and form close-knit communities like Chinatown and Little Italy, Dubai is too small and too concentrated for such segregation to take place for long. There is absolutely no escaping the bombardment of accents and languages that hit a Dubaian as soon as they step out the front door in the morning, making it next to impossible to escape the ‘Dubai accent’.

Take for example a simple day out buying groceries from your neighbourhood hypermarket. As soon as you park your car you are accosted by a Sri Lankan gentleman asking if you would wish to have your car washed as you shop. You head over to pick up a trolley where a friendly South Indian security guard greets you as you enter the crowded hyperspace. You bump into your Australian neighbour as you pick up milk, and after exchanging pleasantries head over to the deli counter where you are served fresh olives by a Jordanian. You buy meat from the Pathani butcher behind the meat counter, and when you can’t find eggs, a cheerful Bangladeshi supermarket stacker directs you in the right aisle. You head over to scan and pay for your items, as your Philipina cashier asks if you would like to pay by cash or card all while a swift, Nepalese boy bags your groceries. You head back to your car, make small talk with a Local policeman giving a ticket to an illegally parked car, jump in and drive home. Over the course of 20 minutes and the simple act of getting groceries, you were faced with 9 different accents. Isn’t it but sociologically inevitable to find this infusion of accents creeping into your own?

The Dubai accent is a mish-mash of Arab phrases, British spelling, American slang and Indian-inspired diction with a generous peppering of Philipino voice inflections and Persian lingo, all blended together with the individual’s home-grown tone. Chameleon-like in its quality to borrow from what it sees around itself, the Dubai accent is pretty much synonymous with the Dubai expat entity itself. It takes defining aspects of the dynamic stuff it is exposed to, and infuses it with one’s own touch, coming up with a unique hybrid accent that leaves many stumped. As one lives life in this crazy little bubble we call Dubai, we don’t just learn to curse in five different languages and say “Good Morning” in another seven, we actually get influenced enough by the accents we hear swimming around us to start sounding a little bit different ourselves. Whether it’s imbibing phrases like ‘yalla, ‘kaisa hai’ and ‘cheers mate’, to being able to sound like a perfect parody of put-on Americanese with an ‘awesome, how you doooin’ that could put a Southern California cheerleader to shame. The Dubai accent is a feisty little fighter, making its mark even in the most fastidious of environments.

So for all those expats who have just moved and plan to stick around for a while, be prepared to expect changes to start affecting your accent after a couple of months. You can run but you can’t hide...The Dubai Accent triumphs over all, from the strongest Kenyan baritone to the most pronounced Yorkshire blend.

If the Shoe Fits

A column-style piece for Desert Fish Magazine, Dubai http://www.desertfishmag.com

It all started one unsuspecting Thursday night at Barasti, enjoying some cocktails under the stars and engaging in some blatant people-watching. An attractive girl in her 20s walks past in a dress I spotted earlier in a high street store. Another cocktail, meet an old friend, grimace over the DJ’s choice of muzak, some more people-watching, oh! What do I spot? Another attractive girl wearing the exact same dress. Shock! Horror! If this was the Oscar’s there would be a cat-fight right about now. As the night progressed into the early hours, friends were made and more people were watched, I counted six girls wearing the incriminating dress from the affordable high-street store. Six! And lest the dear reader wonder if perhaps I was suffering from double-vision thanks to those cocktails, let it be known, the strongest ingredient in there was some sharp Pineapple juice. Six young attractive girls wearing a block-printed, slinky jersey dress from High Street Store du jour. I was appalled! Don’t think I’m a high-street snob either, I found it equally infuriating when a couple of seasons ago a certain identical version of the Louis Vuitton speedy was spotted on multiple arms of fashionistas all over Mall of the Emirates. Where has all the creativity gone?

It made me think about fashion in Dubai on a deeper level. Cities like London, Milan, Paris and Tokyo are heralded as much for their designer togs as they are for the avant-garde individualism represented by young people in their ‘street’ togs. The advent and unbridled popularity of blogs like ‘The cool Hunter’ have represented that the fashion-conscious aren’t just interested with what the couturiers are creating. Fashion is intensely and increasingly influenced in a down-up manner. With the Punk and Mod movement in the 60s hitting London, designers like Vivienne Westwood claimed with great authority that Punk was all about the people. Her collections were as much about young fashion students ripping their jeans and wearing knuckle-dusters as jewellery as her mind’s own creative ministrations. With it’s newly launched fashion week, multitudes of designer boutiques and fast-fashion troves where does Dubai’s burgeoning fashion scene stand in terms of a defined street style?

If the episode at Barasti is anything to go by, Dubai’s street style may have a long way to go. Asking several fashion friends in the know they all lament over Dubai’s lack of originality. “Everywhere I go I see people following trends, I hardly ever see anyone starting a trend or following a path less beaten to inspire a trend”, says Natalie Robehmed, “When I visit London I may see many girls wearing exactly what style.com says is ‘in’ for the season, but I also get to experience some innovation and creativity, people stepping outside the box”

From the ornate Harajuku girls of Tokyo, to the ethnic beauties of Mumbai, the well-coiffed Parisians to the eclectic East Londoners, the beachy keen babes of Miami to the head-to-toe black New Yorkers, every city has their signature style that doesn’t just take its inspiration from trends but also works of practicality and circumstantial conveniences. Taking inspiration from history, culture and making sure to keep the weatherman’s warnings in mind, a street style is derived by a need to experiment with one’s look, be creative and not worry about breaking or making fashion rules. Taking the plunge into the unknown can be intimidating but it sure beats having the same dress and the same pair of shoes and the same handbag as your equally fashionable friend.

Though perhaps we fashion-cynics are being a little harsh. Dubai is a pretty young country, and it does show some evidence of having particular aspects to its fashion personality that can be deemed quintessentially Dubai. Stalk a neighbourhood mall and aside from the perfectly trendy, you’ll soon notice a few quirks that make Dubai’s street style an emerging persona. O.T.T Swarovski crystals, glitzy stilettos, a little bit of leopard skin here, a few beachy-keen summer dresses there, lots of sheer black Abayas, the most bling version of designer Sunglasses one can lay their hands on, super-sized leather totes in loud colours...you may have to squint and look hard, but a gleaming street style is just waiting to emerge. Perhaps it’s a beacon of hope for those waiting patiently for a fashion revolution here in Dubai, but there is hope.

So it all rests on you. Stop going for the tried-and-tested, take a chance! If your heart tells you you’d love to wear a pair of wellingtons under an abaya, go crazy! Feel like ditching your trustworthy little black dress combo? Wear your mum’s old wedding dress and accessorize with a smile- you could well be the mascot for Dubai’s street style revolution.

A very important person once told me he believed every city was a shoe. If East London is a pair of re-issued patent leather Doctor Martens, Paris is a pair of smart, Prada loafers and Mumbai is a pair of Kohlapuri ‘Chapals’, what would Dubai’s shoe alter-ego be? The truth is the shoe would probably be a particularly glitzy pair of heels, decadent, luxurious, hella expensive and just a little bit too much.

University Bound

An article on a University-bound high school graduate for YOU! Magazine, Dubai

Natalie Robehmed, the talented, effervescent eighteen year old head girl of Dubai College, chats with us about her last few weeks in school and the nerve-wracking University application process.

Where are you headed for University and what will you be studying?

I’m going to be studying Philosophy at Heythrop College, University of London or at University College London. I haven’t completely decided yet!

How did you decide on this course?

At first I was considering pursuing an Art foundation course, as I have always really enjoyed Art and am taking it at A-level. However, when I thought about what excited and interested me the most about studying Art, I realised it was examining the reasoning behind what I created. ‘Why does this form exist in this way?’ ‘What does beauty mean?’- I realised Philosophy ties into all the questions that made Art enjoyable for me. I decided on Philosophy as it was such a varied, interesting and diverse subject. I knew it would keep me passionately interested for three years, something that was vital to my choice of course.

What would you say were the main highlights and drawbacks of the entire University application process?

It has definitely been a busy year filled with anticipation! As everything is online, the actual application procedure is not as daunting as it may seem, and I genuinely enjoyed the entire process. One of my main highlights was attending a rigorous interview at an esteemed institution, where I had to constantly think on my feet and prove I was truly zealous about studying Philosophy. The two day interview process opened my eyes, and though I wasn’t offered a place, it left me 100% convinced about my choice of course.

I’d say the drawback to the entire process for my friends and I would definitely be the high amount of stress involved! Whether qualifying for the correct fee status, or getting offers for places on oversubscribed courses, the entire process is wrought with anxiety.

With hindsight, what is one piece of advice you would give to the Year 12s as they start thinking about their final year of school?

I would definitely say start thinking in advance. The year creeps around faster than you can expect and it is a good idea to start thinking about courses and Universities you would be interested in. Competition is getting fiercer and fiercer and just good grades don’t get you anywhere these days. Make sure you have stellar extra-curriculars, a fantastic personal statement and lots of enthusiasm for what you hope to pursue.

What do you hope to do in the future?

I would like to continue with education for a while, perhaps a Masters and then most likely, get into teaching. I love the idea of being a teacher.

What are you going to miss the most about Dubai?

Everything! This is my home and I love it. Life is so easy here, and I am going to miss that. I am really looking forward to experiencing London, but I know I will definitely miss Dubai and the carefree existence we have here!

Finally, have you got a message for your fellow classmates, about to begin a new chapter in their lives?

I’ll keep it short and sweet: stay in touch!

Dubai Art Gallery Round Up

An Art Gallery Round up for YOU! Magazine, Dubai, UAE

Dubai’s burgeoning art scene is catching the fancy of culture-vultures all around the Emirate. No longer do we need our fix of fine art and photography from anywhere further afield than local Arty-neighbourhoods of Al Quoz, Dubai International Financial Centre and Al-Bastakiya. This month we review two galleries located in DIFC’s Gate Village, an invigorating Art hub that is worth a day trip.

ArtSpace
Founded in 2003 by Maliha Al-Tabari, ArtSpace was born out of the need to promote Middle Eastern art in the country. ArtSpace is dedicated to promoting Contemporary Middle Eastern Art and Artists. Every three weeks, artist’s artworks are exhibiting, ranging from paintings to sculptures, catering to the taste and trends of the sophisticated Dubai art market and the gallery’s discerning worldwide collector base. With the promotion of Middle Eastern art at auction houses like Christies, Artspace has placed itself at the forefront of an art movement that is taken a keen interest in the region’s works. The space is manned by qualified personnel who are helpful and informative. The space itself is sleek, contemporary and minimalistic, allowing the exhibits to speak for themselves without added frills and fuss. Having features intriguing artists like Ahmed Mater and Adel El Siwi, ArtSpace is a great starting point for those unfamiliar with contemporary Middle Eastern Art. Dedicated to promoting art in the region, the Gallery caters to the needs of both artists and art enthusiasts alike, but the gallery has gone beyond the boundaries of simply holding exhibitions and provides consulting for art investors as well as offering corporate art services to institutions. Artspace is a must-visit that promises to keep Dubai’s Art scene flourishing with possibilities.
Contact details:
Gate Village, Building 3 DIFC
Tel: 04 3230820, Fax: 04 3230821
info@artspace-dubai.com
www.artspace-dubai.com

The Empty Quarter

Heralded as Dubai’s premier Fine Art Photography Gallery, The Empty Quarter is a modular, dynamic space showcasing emerging and established photographers. “We believe photography speaks to people in different ways” says Elie Domit, The Gallery’s creative head, which explains the underlying motivation in presenting exhibitions that cover varied themes, from architectural, environmental and fashion photography to landscapes and more ambiguous conceptual subjects. The Empty Quarter aims to support initiatives undertaken by the artists by inviting guest photographers for workshops and debates to encourage engaging with the work in diverse ways. Upon entering, the eternal words of Ebn Al Rumi clearly marked on the door set one’s creative instincts alight “Forms from the viewless spirit leaps to light”, this gallery is a treat from the word go. From the white, open lines maintained throughout the gallery, to the etchings on the wall- The Empty Quarter is a space that lends itself to be bisected as the exhibits require. The end result is a visual feast that stimulates even the most amateur of art appreciators. Located in the hub of Dubai’s Arty-scene, directly opposite ArtSpace, The DIFC Gate Village is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon being inspired and soaking up some culture. What stands out about this gallery for us? The unique coffee table and collector’s books on fine art and photography that include unique finds like the bright red shoebox housing The Andy Warhol Polaroids, a fantastic place to pick up a gift for a photography-loving friend.

Contact details:
Elie Domit (Creative/Partner)
Mob. 050 5533879 elie@theemptyquarter.com
www.theemptyquarter.com
Gate Village, Building 2 DIFC P.O. Box 506697 Dubai, UAE
Tel: 04 3231210, Fax- 04 323 1524
info@theemptyquarter.com

Top Ten Wardrobe Staples

An article on Top Ten Wardrobe Staples for YOU! Magazine, Dubai.

Whether you are a stylish fashionista who likes to keep up with the trends, or a no-fuss fashion neophyte who struggles to keep up with what’s ‘in’, You! Magazine identifies ten wardrobe staples that transcend fashion’s seasonal changes. Kit your wardrobe out with these ten basics and you’ll be fashion-ready for everything, from a stroll on the beach, to a black-tie ball.

THE WARDROBE STAPLES:

* The crisp white shirt

A timeless classic, the crisp white shirt is a necessity in every wardrobe thanks in large part to its absolute versatility.

* The fitted blazer

Perfect to add structure to an otherwise casual outfit, the fitted blazer is a formal wear saviour that adds panache to any outfit.

* The perfect pair of jeans

Many women dedicate their lives to find a pair that fits just right, whether pear-shaped, hourglass or athletic, find a pair that fits like second skin and never let go.

* The black trouser/pencil skirt

Depending on your preference, the good pair of black trousers or a form-fitted black pencil skirt is one item that will find the most wear in your wardrobe.

* The summer dress

Floaty and feminine, the summer dress flatters all figures and keeps you cool and kitted out for the heat.

* The black dress

The LBD never goes out of style, and each season is updated in a myriad assortment of shapes and cuts. However you choose to wear it, keep it handy for spur of the moment formal occasions.

* The flat sandals

Making a raging comeback, and perfect for those who can’t handle swaying on elevated shoes, flat sandals are available in an assortment of styles.

* The high-heels

Whether you’re a high-heel novice, preferring to stick to your comfy kitten heels, or an addict, tottering away on super-high stilettos, every woman needs one pair to fall back on.

* The 'IT' bag

A good bag always finishes off an outfit well. A bejewelled clutch or the latest leather luxe ‘IT’ bag, however you choose to wear your bag, make sure it coordinates with your outfit.

* The sunglasses

A must-have in the U.A.E in terms of a style statement as well as protection from the glaring sun. Classic styles like the Aviator withstand trends and keep you stylish all year-round.