Sooooo something really cool happened to me. Me as in Bambi, not me as in me, I got an email from someone working for Nokia who offered to send me the new Nokia N9 for a 2 week free trial. I'll tell you about it later, but for now, I just wanted to say that it's such a beautiful phone. Very slick. I love it. I'll tell you more bout the phone after my trial is over. But for now I came across a cool article.. "If Luxury Brands Designed Cupcakes" I think it's a great idea, and yes that's exactly how I would've thought they'd turn out. Check them out.
There's on more but I can't seem to find it. The Betsey Johnson one. It's really cute. Anyway, I'll be trying my hand at cupcakes today.. Or tomorrow.. Or maybe for Christmas? I'm not sure considering my time is not really mine anymore.. It's all for work. If only work were a man. Anyhooo.. where were we? Ahhh yes.. Cupcakes.. Yes.. Not just any cupcakes.. no no! RED VELVET cupcakes. Woohoo.. I'll let you know how they turn out.
And for today's song choice... Because listening to The XX works any time of day, everyday, no matter what mood you're in because they're just that amazing...
See? Improvement. 2 posts in a week. I'm so proud of me. But today, my post is not really my own. A friend of mine, who is so much more than a friend and no I don't mean lover to all you dirty minded folk out there (I'm one of you, so heyyyy :) ), sent me an email yesterday. And it was one of those emails where feelings were put into words in a way that isn't a stretch, isn't just words or metaphors or an attempt at poetry, even though it's quite poetic in its own way. The only reason I wanted to share is because I know at one point everyone was there and can relate somehow.
I've thought about writing for a while now, but I always felt I was giving in to my weaknesses once again. Every night my thoughts wander back into my memories of him, and every night I scold myself for allowing that to happen. At the risk of sounding cheesy and emotional, I'm going to go ahead and get this out. At some point in time, when I'm happily married with 5 kids, a nanny, and a husband going through his midlife crisis, I will look back at this and smile (or so they say).
As children, our parents always knew when and how to discipline us, especially when we used strong words like, stupid, dumbo, and hate. Hate was a big no no (stupid and dumbo were too, but dumbo was an elephant as well, so that helped my case). Hate, on the other hand, was in a league of its own. When I'd frantically kick and scream like any youngest child would, I'd express my deep hate for whoever got in my way of getting whatever it was that I wanted. Of course, naturally, my mother would ignore me and say: 'the reason you hate so much is because you love that person enough to hate them,' I never knew what she meant by that. To end this part of my anecdote sadly, now I do. I never thought I'd hate (or love so deeply to wish for hate). When I disliked someone, hate was not on my: ' list of words to use when someone pisses you off.' I always thought it was too harsh (and heard my mom's voice in the background). I'd be lying if I said I wasn't still in love with him. I've loved him to the point of hate (here's hoping). I've loved him so deeply that now, I pray everyday that hate knocks on my door and says, 'hey okay, it's enough, you can hate him now'. I do know however, that I hate how I think of him every night. I hate waking up hoping he has a 'lovely' day (and will secretly think of me and call). I hate that now, he barely acknowledges my existence (or my past existence in his life for that matter), and I must admit, I hate that he's moved on (happy for him but hate it). Too much hate for one paragraph? Yes, I think so.
It's a lie to say I hate him because I don't. If I did (or at least didn't care for him) you wouldn't be reading this nor would I be up at this hour trying to write a confession to myself. But the truth is, I hate that the memory of him lies down next to me, every night, its head on my favourite pillow, and puts me to sleep. I hate it so much that I wish it never to go away no matter how many tears fall on my next favourite pillow. That personified memory of him is what keeps loneliness away sometimes (we are on a first name basis). Question is, if I let go of this, if I stop hating him (or loving him, they're both the same to me now) will the enormous rock on my chest be lifted? Will I wake up with a smile on my face that isn't connected to his memory? Letting go is my goal, and though I may act like I'm ready, I'm nowhere near.
I'm not saying that he's Mr. Perfect (he was at some point in time), but he was perfect for me (was is a keyword I should remember). I know I should let go, and that I sound desperate and lonely and slightly pathetic and weak for holding on, but, but I have no justification for my actions, my brain and heart are conflicted on this matter. Loving him is no longer an option because the love that was, doesn't exist anymore, and no, I didn't give up without a fight (he did). I fought hard, but kept getting hit in the face with all the doors he'd shut as I tried to reconnect. Sounds like a bastard right? Well, I'll leave it to you to judge, I can swear at him all I want, but I never mean it and I always smile as I call him all the bad adjectives in the world, like I'm teasing him (psycho much!). My friends say that the day will come, that 'it will hit me when I least expect it', that 'you'll meet someone out of the blue, and that will help you forget him'. Sorry but I want to know when that happens, so I can be ready, I don't want 'least expected', it didn't work out well the last time I met (and fell for someone) out of the blue. How am I doing myself justice (and Mr. Out of the blue) if I use him to forget another, I don't think that's fair, but that's just me. I can go on and on and on about the pain that was left behind, but seriously, it's not as bad as it was at first. It's controllable (at times). I know now what my other meant. In order for me to hate him, I must have loved him to the point where love was no longer an option. So in the end, love turned into hate, but not hate towards him , but hate towards myself for still loving him after all he put me through. Wow, there's a revelation. Time to move on now.
No conclusion. Heartache is an unfortunate bitch. Please don't mind my language, heartbreak does that to you. An aching heart's only cure is time. But sometimes, like the above case, no matter how much time passes by, the heart does not heal. Why? No closure. You need closure to be able to move on, without it? Your mind starts to analyze and before you know it you're infected with thoughts of that person, alongside the "why? What happened? What did I do? Was it me? Was there someone else? etc..." It consumes you. Take our advice, closure is the most important thing in a breakup. Make sure you understand the reasons, you don't have to agree with them, you just need to understand them to be able to move on.
As for music, I thought this was quite appropriate maybe? I happened to listen to it last night while I was reading the email and it just kinda worked. Soundtrack of the story.
I can't believe how long it's been. Shame on me. SHAME SHAME SHAME! But I do miss blogging. I really do. I think I've just been uninspired lately, but today I saw something I loved and I couldn't help but share. A while back I wrote a post about ways to wearing a scarf.. Today I'm posting about ways to wearing a man's shirt. We all love wearing men's shirts. Well not sure about you, but I for one love it. But this is different. It's ways to wearing a man's shirt CREATIVELY.
Pretty cool no? Yup I tend to fink so. If you try it, let me know how that worked out for ya.
And for song of the day, again I go back to George Azzi and his incredible covers; Here's one, Chris Isaak's Wicked Game. Awesomeness!!
Hello hellooooo... It's Thirsty Thursday which means 'staying-in' is not an option (even though that's exactly what I want to do), so we're still figuring out what the plans are for the weekend. Bu it definitely includes at least one, or all of Sky Bar, Pier 7, White and possibly Iris at sunset. It's funny you see, my friend and I were trying to decide on where to go tonight after attending QContemporary Gallery for the debut of BLINK, a collaborative installation by Raneem Farsi and Qaswra Hafez (major excitement), when my mother sent me a link via e mail. Surprise surprise, another CNN video about the Beirut nightlife, and rooftop clubs in general. (all the above clubs were mentioned). Obviously as I was watching it I was praying that I not be in the video.. Not that I would be doing anything bad, but it is a nightclub, and my own mother sent me the link, it's just weird. So, without further ado, enjoy the video. And to all hose who have never been here.. this is Beirut!
Happy Eiddd.. A week late I know but better late than never I always say. I've been quite busy with Aysha (PrettyFashionForward), Pino, Tala (Marking Beirut) and so many others in town for the holidays, and from the weddings I've attended this weekend (notice the 's' in weddingS), that I'm having a hard time going back to a routine life. I believe it HAS to be movies and dinners ONLY this week. Because if my liver and feet decide to form an alliance against me I am pretty much screwed. But (cue sarcastic tone) enough about the ever-so-fascinating life of yours truly, and let's get down to business.
Two very dear friends of mine just launched their own fashion related company and website CHOUCHIC (meaning oh so very chic in Arabic) (I told you I have talented friends). If you're not already a member, or haven't even heard of it, you are definitely missing out. So, what's CHOUCHIC you ask? Simple!
CHOUCHIC is a cutting edge invitation only fashion destination. We present you, our CHIC members, with private daily sales of luxury & upcoming top fashion labels, running for a limited period of time. We feature the most sought after brands across the realm of clothing, shoes, accessories, beauty, and lifestyle products.
These items are carefully chosen by our style savvy exports, with the aim to fulfill the CHIC in you -elegance by virtue of being fashionable inside out. CHOUCHIC members are offered generous fashion insider discounts, which all style conscious men & women know not to miss out on. Your precious pickings are hand delivered to your doorstep at the speed of light, and if it doesn't work out, returns are always welcomed back, with your money back guaranteed, no tricks!
Awesomeness no? And they've got great stuff and deals. The best part? FREE SHIPPING! Become a member now and don't miss out on these amazing deals. If you need an invitation drop me a line.
And finally.. for today's song choice.. if you don't know her or this song, prepare to fall.. fall.. fall in love with awesomeness and amazingness that is Lykke Li. Enjoy.
Guess what I found out today. New law bans smoking indoors in Lebanon. Surprised?? I was. Will it work this time? Are they going to be serious about this? Or is it going to be like every other law? Like seatbelts.. speeding.. jaywalking (even though I'm not sure it's a law but it definitely should be).. no parking.. double parking.. taxi stops not sure that's a law either but I'm pretty sure everyone would agree with me when I say it should be enforced along with mopeds not having any restrictions when it comes to traffic signs) . Anyway, here's the article on the Daily Star that I found:
Parliament endorsed a law banning smoking in all enclosed public places, including restaurants, bars, cafes and offices during its legislative session Wednesday.
The law makes tobacco advertising and promotion illegal, including billboards, magazine ads as well as tobacco company sponsorship of events and concerts. The bill also calls for a pictorial warning of the dangers of smoking covering 40 percent of each pack.
The law imposes fines on individual smokers who violate the smoking ban. Hotels are allowed to set aside 10 to 20 percent of their room for smokers. Companies now have a set period in which to implement the new policies.
Lebanon has been obligated to pass tobacco control legislation since the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which the country signed, entered into force in 2005.
Interesting no? Wish us luck! Even though I am a smoker myself, I'm looking forward to coming back home without the stench of tobacco in my hair and clothes.
As for the song selection.. don't mind the irony in the title..
Oh my where does the time fly? Oh how I've missed you, blogging world. I've had way too much going on in my life that's why I've been away for so long.
Anyhoo, it was one of those Sundays after a long weekend of.. well.. it's summer in Beirut and everyone was here from out of town.. you do the math.. and the only thing any of us wanted was to be in the dark where no one can see the effects of the nights before all over our faces and in our slow function.. our best option? Cinema and sushi. While we await the movies to begin and the rest of the weekend survivors to 'convene', we decided to silent our rumbling tummies with some frozen yoghurt from Pinkberry. Enough to settle our cravings and hunger till after the movie. During our very random reminiscence about the summer we've encountered, a very stylish man was rushing to grab his coffee to meet his friend. I stopped him, asked if he minds I snap a photo with my phone he agreed, and was on his way. Please don't mind the bad quality but my phone just had to do at the moment. It was refreshing to see a lebanese with such a great sense of style. He was in such a rush I had no time to get the details of his wardrobe. I do hope there will be many of these 'Sartorialist' moments.
As for today's song selection, he's one of my favourite artists and he's definitely on the road to great success. Ladies and gentleman, Joshua Radin.
How is everyone today? I was just wondering, is it normal for someone to forget how to blog after a certain absence? Because I feel like I'm a newbie, when I first started. Ahh, how time flies. I wish I can go back to university days. But enough small talk, and let's get down to business. One of the daily emails I get from WhoWhatWear really caught my attention. Every once in a while they browse the web and the streets for women with great style and the 'chosen one' is one ever-so fabulous Blair Eadie, 25. Where do I begin? Step aside peoples, a new style icon is emerging. Her style? Layering and mixing patterns and prints to create an ensemble that demands appreciation. From the colours, to the accessories, to the hair-do, Ms. Eadie is quite meticulous in her choices.Paying attention to the tiniest detail, she always comes out looking polished and immaculate. She actually looks like a cross between Sienna Miller and a modern day Audrey Hepburn.
I'll stop with my awe-struckness (yes yes one of those words), and I'll let you judge for yourself. I picked out a few of my favourite looks:
And for today's song choice, it's easy, I just got it from a friend, and yes it's oldish but I love it. It beckons summer to make an earlier appearance this year.
I can't believe how long it's been and I can't believe how busy I've been with a little thing called LIFE. From travelling, to entertaining to work to weddings and events. It's been insane. But I'm back.. And hopefully I'm here to stay. Well not technically but I will do my best to be more blogger active.
Anyway, I came across this video and I thought it was brilliant. There aren't enough ways to wear your scarf, and if you're a scarf lover like myself, you'll love love LOVE this video, 25 ways to wear a scarf. Thank you Wendy's Lookbook.
God damn Rebecca Black ruined Fridays for me. I can't say "it's Friday" without the song getting stuck in my head. Back in the day whenever I would get excited about it being Friday R Kelly's Thank God it's Friday or Krayzie Bone's Fridaywould come to mind. Pretty gangsta eh? Well I was a fan.. Not anymore because they don't make them like they used to. Ahh Bone Thugs.. I loved! But now.. It's Rebecca Black! Things will never go back to the way they used to be. *sigh* Anyway, a little warning.. I might throw a little tantrum every Friday until it wears off.
It's FBFF and today I get to choose 5 spring trends that I'm looking forward to. There are many but I'll try to pick 5 of my favourites .
Wide Leg Pants: I love 'em. Day or night, party or beach. Doesn't matter. The variations from sequins, to neutral to denim and even floral, with heels, flats, clogs.. I'm crazy about this trend. Here are a few of my faves.
Left to right: 3.1 Philip Lim, Marc Jacobs, Zara, Zara, Vintage
Flared Jeans: Oh the excitement. I'm loving this trend and everything about it. I'm just going to post a post that I really think shows you how they should be worn. Love Michelle William's look. Just love it.
Florals: I don't do flowers. I also don't do pink. But this season, I'm doing both.. To those who know me, this may come as a shock, but pick up your jaws people, and embrace the girly me.
Left to right: H&M, Luisa Beccaria, Zara, Banana Republic, Paul & Joe
Crayola: (yes yes I know I know they're called block colours, but I like Crayola.. it's perfect in every sense of the word). Bright, solid colours, No print or stripes, or lace or embroidery. Just 1 item.. 1 colour.. mixed with a different item.. and different colour. This is for the bold and the freak. Alas.. behold the beauty of crayola colours.
Left to right: Jil Sander, Diane Von Furstenberg, Prabal Gurung, Marc Jacob, Nina Ricci
Blue Jean Baby: L.A. ladyyyy.. seamstress for the bannddd.. Ok enough Elton, more denim. Last year's trend is back with a big bang this season with more options. Now as big as skittles-coloured jeans are this season, I'm still crushing on the original blue.
Elie Tahari, Derek Lam, Celine, D&G
Well if you haven't figured it out already, my song choice of the day is Tiny Dancer by Sir Elton John. Only this video is a clip from one of my all time favourite movies, Almost Famous. Best part of the movie. Enjoy!
