Samar la de Beirut

Quick Skin Care Tip

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Naim) — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 10:22:00 +0000

My Dearest Beauties,

I don't even remember where I heard that we should wash our faces using cleansers for a whole a minute or more. It is supposed to help the medicinal components of your cleanser break up and act better on your skin. I have crazy oily and problematic skin and I always get treatments from my dermatologist, I usually end up getting good results but she never pointed out that if I take an extra minute of cleansing I would see better results.

Anyway, I have started to do this a little over two weeks now. I can say that my face has not changed drastically (maybe because of the little amount of time) but during the day I feel like my face gets oily at a slower pace and that on those days that I wear makeup; I find that my makeup stays flawless for a longer time. Not only, does it stay put longer but this also, helps my pores appear tighter.

I am not a doctor and I am not even sure how this works but I can tell the difference (oily girls will understand). Try it! It only takes your typical face cleanser and a minute or two to spare.

The cleanser I use on my face day and night; for those of you that are curious is the La Roche Posay Effaclar Foaming Gel, which was recommended to me by my dermatologist.

Photo retrieved here

Click on the links if you are interested in knowing more about the cleanser and the range.

See you later lovelies,

Samar

Shape Wear Discussion

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Naim) — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 07:49:00 +0000

My Dearest Beauties,

I thought it would be fun if we had a little conversation about shape wear and how good it is when it works and how catastrophic it is when it doesn't. I think I have suffered from shape wear malfunction, I mean who hasn't; it isn't the easiest task to get right from the first try. Sometimes the cut is not right and some other times it is too big or too small!

So I will share my tips with you and hopefully help you make your path to the right shape wear shorter:

1. Size is everything. Let the salesperson help you get the right size, and if they have a pair you can try on, then don't hesitate to try it on and feel it on your body while you move and even when you have clothes on.

2. The right cut. Think, what is my problem area? Do I wanna smooth or tighten? Is it my thighs, my belly or both? There are so many options out there, you will definitely find out a new body part.

3. Don't forget about comfort. I have to admit, shape wear will never be as comfy as your onesie but then again it's providing support for long periods of time. Try to go for the one pair that gives you the results you're looking for without making you feel like you're gonna puke when you get a bite. When it is too big it will gather under your clothes and give you no results, and believe it or not; it will do the same when it is too small. Again, this is pretty much dependent on the two points above and the one below.

4. Invest. We all like to get a deal and if you happen to find the good shape wear at the discount rack then go ahead and stock up. Otherwise, save yourself the trouble of buying many cheap pairs and invest in one that will give you comfort and great results.

Those are the main points I think about when I'm about to purchase a new pair of shape wear shorts which are my fave, because again, high waisted shape wear shorts is what I mostly use under my clothes. My favorite brands are Wolford and Spanx. I have tried both, and both have worked wonders for me. They are investment pieces but if you take care of them and wash them gently they will serve you a good amount of time.

These are the pairs I own from both brands.

Retrieved from Wolford

Retrieved from Spanx

Make sure to press on the links below the images to check out the names of these garments and others.

What are your thoughts on shape wear?

Much love,

Samar

Designer Profile: Jean Pierre Tohme

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Naim) — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 09:05:00 +0000

My Dearest Beauties,

I present to you Jean Pierre Tohme an up and coming 23 year old Lebanese designer that specializes in couture gowns. I had a little chat with him and thought I would share the details so you can get to know him a bit better.

1.Tell me a little about yourself.

My dad was a freelance tailor in Ghazir that was well known for his strong patterns. As I grew up I used to spend most of my time at the atelier, observing, cutting whatever piece of fabric I liked. My dad didn't really like it because he would have preferred me to be an engineer or a doctor but not a fashion designer because he knew that the industry was and is saturated with competition and to make your own way is very difficult. I still wanted to become a fashion designer so when I graduated school, I enrolled in CAMM. My first year at CAMM was very easy because I knew the names of fabrics, I knew how to sew and cut garments from scratch. That's when I got the idea of a couture lab, because I was looking for ways to make fashion from anything and everything, I wanted to make the clothes wearable and commercial even if they were made from unusual things. Even though I was doing well in university, at the beginning of the second year my dad started to get sick and financial difficulties started to come our way, on the parallel and thankfully I started getting clients from nowhere, so I started supporting my work and my family which was not easy at all, but my faith was always strong. So I was doing school, doing freelance and supporting my family and my father's treatment all at once, thankfully it all came together almost effortlessly, I would start a dress and I wouldn't even know how or when I'd be all done with it.

2. What does fashion mean to you?

Fashion is my life.

4. How long does it usually take you to construct a collection?

When I finish one I immediately start the next without even noticing, sometimes I bring bits and pieces from the current collection to the next.

5. Who are your biggest sources of inspiration?

I'm very inspired my the little things that happen in my life everyday.

6. Who are some of your favorite designers?

Elie Saab because I identify with his story a lot, Stephan Roland and Maison Martin Margiela.

7. Define the Jean Pierre Couture Lab lady.

A lady that feels great in her own skin and that feels like my designs or any other design only make her feel like herself, not anything or anyone else. I love making custom made dresses that define her spirit and her character.

8. What do you believe makes a quality article of clothing?

The process and the time invested in the piece more than the actual material, and the combination of stuff, because out of experience even the best materials used incorrectly will not make a valuable and high quality garment.

Here are some of his designs, but make sure to follow him on social media to stay updated:

Facebook
Instagram
JPCoutureLab

What are your thoughts? Leave them down in the comments!

Much love,

Samar

Product Review: Maybelline Super Stay 14 Hr Lipstick

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Naim) — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 08:25:00 +0000

My Dearest Beauties,

Matte, long wearing and pigmented; I say these are the main characteristics a lot of ladies look for in their lipsticks. Guess what? The Maybelline Super Stay 14 Hr Lipsticks have all of those three plus an amazing color selection and an impressive creamy texture that sets into a beautiful velvet feel.

They have been around for a while now and I think they are a very good option to wear out to work, or a brunch, or even a night out on the town. Their long lasting power is sure not to fail you.

I have three shades that I consider beautiful and pretty wearable. Judge for yourself!

The shades from left to right: Always Plum 260, Stay With Me Coral 430, Non-Stop Red 510

I'm wearing Non-Stop Red

Have you tried any of the shades? What are your thoughts on these lipsticks?

Samar

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram

Valentino Summer Shoe Cray

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Naim) — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 14:55:00 +0000

My Dearest Beauties,

I think that if I had enough money I would purchase all of Valentino's shoe collection, I don't know, something about them is just so special. I feel like other than being of amazing quality, they are just sooo beautiful and easy to simply stare at. I thought I would share with you what pieces I would pick up for summer (all Valentino).

Do you like them, which one is your favorite? The one I would buy in a heartbeat is the chunky high heeled Rockstud Leather Sandal. I think it is easy to style and it is a key piece to elevate any simple outfit.

All pictures were retrieved from Net-a-Porter where you can also purchase them.

Samar

Must Have Beauty Products

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Naim) — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 08:27:00 +0000

My Dearest Beauties,

Call it whatever you want to call it, makeup bag essentials, basic beauty products, or all the makeup I own; these beauty products are the building blocks of your collection and even your makeup routine. I think that some of you ladies that don't really care for makeup own at least one of the products I'll mention.

1. Concealer, because at one point in your life you thought I need something to cover the huge zit on my chin! Concealer is a must have and a savior because if you choose the right shade you get to be flawless in the most undetectable ways. No more under eye circles or blemishes.

Retrieved from www.makeupforever.com

2. Blush, because who doesn't like to look healthy and glowy? I know I do, and as a makeup junky I consider it very important because again I like looking healthy and glowy.

Retrieved from www.chanel.com

3. Eyebrow Pencil/Powder, specially as we get older our eyebrows start to get bald spots that make our eyebrows actually lose their purpose of framing our faces. Eyebrow product is a basic!

Retrieved from www.anastasia.net

4. Mascara, plus eyelash curlers. They go hand in hand, the eyelash curlers open up your eyes and the mascara helps your get darker lashes which will compliment your eyes and make them pop, no matter what.

Retrieved from www.lorealparis.com

5. Lipstick, in any shape or form, go for the formula and and variety of shades that make you feel like a million bucks. Creamy nudes, candy pinks or Valentino red shades, have the selection that works for you.

Retrieved from www.benefitcosmetics.com

These are the beauty products that I consider essential in any lady's beauty drawer, but, I would love to find out what are your must haves, leave them down in the comments.

Much love,

Samar

Super Light Summer Foundation Featuring Maybelline's Clear Smooth All in One

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Naim) — Wed, 21 May 2014 05:36:00 +0000

My Dearest Beauties,

I was lucky to receive Maybelline's new Clear Smooth All in One Shine Free Cake Powder to try out. Even luckier that it turned out to be a winner product. This little powder claims to control shine all day, protect from UV, give fairer skin, conceal and smooth. It really does give you the most natural pretty almost weightless coverage for summer. I do enjoy it a lot, but as a very oily girl I have to blot my face a bit after around four hours specially around my nose.

What I love the most is that it is not only easy to use but it is weightless and even good for your skin because of its 25 SPF sun protection. I see this product as a BB cream in powder form, honestly, for me it even results a lot better because I can't ever use a cream product in the heat without setting it with some kind of powder. I find that during summer the less layers I use on my face the more long lasting the makeup is which makes a good coverage powder with these qualities, hit the problem right on the head. The quality is outstanding particularly when it is paired with it's price point which is only 10.000 LL (6.66$).

Now that I am done expressing my love for the little powder I will walk you through my easy routine. So, after I've washed my face and slathered it with sunscreen I go on and conceal my panda eyes and my spots using Maybelline's Super Stay 24 Hr Concealer (very long lasting). Once Im done working that really well into my skin, I proceed to dip my beloved Ecotools Domed Brozer Brush into the powder and work it in circular motions from the center of my face out. I find that a dense brush is so good at buffing the product into place and making it look super smooth and natural. So that is it for my summer face makeup, easy, quick, long-lasting, natural, and light.

Flash Photo (I look a bit white because of my really thick layer of SPF)

P.S.: I love the pearly pink packaging!

Much love,

Samar

The White Shirt

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Naim) — Fri, 02 May 2014 15:01:00 +0000

My Dearest Beauties,

When in doubt, wear a white shirt! Use it to go to work, to emphasize your tan, to go on a casual lunch date, for an important meeting and even under the heating sun at the beach. The white shirt is a closet staple, in my opinion, a woman should not only own one classic white shirt but also have a couple (or more, because why not?) of sassy variations for those days when she is in the "I have nothing to wear" coma state. It is versatile enough that it will let you give your outfit and look whatever mood you have in mind; I mean white is pure so you're free to draw a smile, look confident, feel sexy or countless other emotions.

I would suggest have four good white shirts and depending on your coloring go for a snow white or an off white. So, get one that fits you perfectly for under your business suit and for those occasions when you want to feel feminine and sophisticated in your jeans or anything else you are pairing it with. A second loose and oversized one that looks like you stole it from a man's closet (maybe stealing one from your man's closet is not even a bad idea) to use at the beach or to pair with shorts. Go for a third one with some kind of embellishments or lace detailing or just any adornment or highlight that's trending. The fourth option, is not exactly a white shirt but rather a white T-shirt, because who doesn't need one to wear on the weekends or to simply pair with jeans to run errands around town.

Moschino Cheap and Chic White Shirt

Saint Laurent White Shirt

Joseph White Shirt

Valentino White Shirt

Helmut Lang White T-Shirt

Haider Ackerman White Shirt (this one would double up as beach attire)

All pictures were retrieved from Net-A-Porter, where you can also purchase all of them.

I know this may sound like a whole philosophy class on the white shirt but believe me it is one good gem in every lady's closet.

Much Love,

Samar

Workout in Style - Spanx Activewear

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Naim) — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 09:45:00 +0000

My Dearest Beauties,

Yes, the heat is approaching and we need to get in shape as quickly as possible. One of the things that might just be super motivating for you is having really cute, comfortable and last but not least forgiving workout outfits. When the outfits fit you right and you feel confident, it is much more encouraging than feeling like your flaws are being exposed and not so fashionable.

I am a big fan of the Spanx body shaping under garments and I just found out they have a whole range of amazing and super convenient workout clothes. They will make you look more toned and put together before you even start working out.

Do you care about looking good in your sweat pants or does your old baggy pair do the trick?

Much love,

Samar

Orange Lipstick Trend - Take Two

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Naim) — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 14:13:00 +0000

My Dearest Beauties,

So, to continue our little discovery journey of orange lipstick for the season, I have Rimmel London's Kate Moss Lipstick in number 13. I believe this color is discontinued (I 'm guessing it was a limited edition) but I still wanted to show you because you can always find a very similar one from the range. These lipsticks are a dream in consistency; they are smooth in texture, smell delicious and last for a very long time. Other than the gorgeous quality the color selection is amazing I can easily go and buy them all because most if not all colors are totally gorgeous and wearable.

I really recommend all of the Kate Moss lipsticks from Rimmel London! They are amazing value for your money!

For this lipstick I am also going to show you how the color looks on the lips and how it photographs in natural and flash lighting.

Flash Off

Flash On

What are your thoughts on this orange shade?

Much love,

Samar

P.S.: for those of you interested in my blush, I used Dior skin nude tan in 002 Amber and Benefit cosmetics Coralista blush.

Orange Lipstick Trend - Take One

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Naim) — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 14:35:00 +0000

My Dearest Beauties,

Maybelline recently sent me a bag of goodies to try out, and the highlight of all the products was the amazing lipstick! The color is not only on trend but the lipstick formula and scent is delicious (creamy and pigmented). The lipstick is from the Color Sensational range in the color Vibrant Mandarin 914.

It is easy to notice all hues of orange playing the main character as far as lipstick all over magazines and blogs. I thought I would show you my favorite orange shades one post at a time.

I have two pictures for you, one was taken with the camera's flash on and the other with just shiny sunlight. It looks brighter than it actually is in flash photography but beautiful still, in my opinion.

Flash On

Flash Off

Don't be afraid to try orange lipstick just keep looking for the perfect shade that compliments your skin tone.

Much love,

Samar

P.S.: for those of you who are interested on my eye makeup I used: Lid Base: Dali Eyeliner Pencil in Electric Bronze, Lid: Mac Shadow in Mythology, Crease: Mac Shadow in Cork, Outer corner: Maxfactor Mono Eye shadow in Dark Plum 08, Tight line: Dali Waterproof Black eyeliner, Waterline: Samoa Khol Kajal in Cameo.

Product Review: Samoa H2O Lashes Mascara

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Naim) — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 20:37:00 +0000

My Dearest Beauties,

Let me just start by saying that this is straight out a really good mascara. At 15,000 LL (10$), it performs excellently! It is a waterproof and volumizing formula, it really works amazingly at volumizing and maintaining the curl all day long (I'm a straight down eyelash girl, and the only thing that keeps my eyelashes curled is a really goof waterproof mascara). My eyelashes are not only very straight but my eyelids tend to get really oily and a lot of mascaras give me the not so cute panda eyes, this one thankfully is waterproof enough not to allow that to happen; I even tested it at the gym and I didn't get any signs of panda eyes.

One last thing that I surprisingly really enjoy about this mascara is the wand. At first I saw it and thought it was too gimmicky for my liking but the shape of the brush is actually really good at getting those hard to get little hairs on the inner and outer corners of the eyes.

No Makeup & No Curled Lashes

Makeup & Curled Lashes

After Coats of Samoa H2O

I applied several coats without dipping the wand back into the tube to get this much volume and length. Mind that I do like clumpy lashes, but if you don't, just get an old and clean mascara wand and comb through them to get separation. What do you think?

Much love,

Samar

Lush Ocean Salt

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Naim) — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 12:46:00 +0000

My Dearest Beauties,

If you are to try out one single product from Lush, then surely go for the famous Ocean Salt. This facial scrub is magical, to the point that my mum sneakily steals it away from my bathroom, and believe me, my mum is not one to take my obsessions all too seriously!

Whenever you need a pick me up, your skin is feeling dull and you don't even like how makeup makes your skin look, just massage a dollop of this citrusy scrub and I guarantee you will feel and see a whole new you emerging from underneath the dead cells. The best part, it scrubs away but leaves your skin so moisturized and supple you'll think you just got done with a moisturizing mask. I have acne prone skin, and this stuff seems to never trigger break out, it actually takes away all those gross flaky pieces of skin that are left behind by my acne treatments.

I usually do it once a week and when I'm done I just can't wait to do it again! Get around a teaspoon amount onto your fingers and massage it in gentle circular motions all over your face and neck, skipping your eye area.

The product smells delicious, the citrus notes from the lime make you feel energized right away. Make sure not to waste any of it! Every time I use Ocean Salt on my face I use whatever product is left on my fingers onto my hands, I scrub my cuticles, palms and back of my hands. The results are amazing!

Picture from lushlebanon,com

Head over to the Lush store to try it or get yourself a sample, but if you trust my judgement then just order it online and have it delivered to your doorstep from www.lushlebanon.com. It is one of those products that will become a favorite and a must have. As soon as, I run out I am at Lush getting some more.

Ocean Salt is said to be one of Angelina Jolie's beauty secrets, well who thinks she doesn't have spot on skin!

Much love,

Samar

Proenza Schouler PS11 - The Investment Cross Body Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Naim) — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 19:14:00 +0000

My Dearest Beauties,

I have been crushing over these bags for quite a bit and I finally decided that it is a must to share my love with you guys. I think this is an oh so worth it bag, if you are looking for a special cross body piece. They have a sturdy look that come in three different convenient sizes; tiny, mini classic and classic. They come in the neutral black and caramels, but you will be blown away when you see the amazing color modifications that are applied on it every season. All pictures were collected from proenzaschouler.com, make sure to click and take a look at all the colors, they are so pretty!

Cross body bags are among those that you will find yourself reaching to most often, especially because of their practicality and versatility. They give us the freedom of having unoccupied hands and arms, while we stay looking fairly cute! Either throw the tiny one across the body on your casual outfit days or go for the classic sized one hanging from your shoulder with your competent looking work clothes to give yourself a unique twist.

You can find Proenza Schouler designs at net-a-porter.com or at Plum concept store at Down Town, Beirut.

I like these very much, in every size and color. What about you?

Much love,

Samar

Inspirational Lyrics for My Dearest Beauties

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Naim) — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 21:02:00 +0000

My Dearest Beauties,

Don't set barriers for yourself, always shine from the inside out. You have it in you to show the best version of you!

I thought I would share the lyrics of Little Me song by Little Mix, it is so inspirational, I hope you enjoy the lyrics and the song, see the video here.

She lives in the shadow of a lonely girl

Voice so quiet you don't hear a word,

Always talking but she can't be heard,

You can see there if you catch her eye,

I know she's brave but it's trapped inside,

Scared to talk but she don't know why,

Wish I knew back then

What I know now.

Wish I could somehow

Go back in time and maybe listen to my own advice.

I'd tell her to speak up, tell her to shout out,

Talk a bit louder, be a bit prouder,

Tell her she's beautiful, wonderful,

Everything she doesn't see,

You gotta speak up, you gotta shout out,

And know that right here, right now,

You can be beautiful, wonderful,

Anything you wanna be,

Little me

Yeah, you got a lot of time to act your age,

You can't write a book from a single page,

Hands on the clock only turn one way,

Run too fast and you'll risk it all,

Can't be afraid to take a fall,

Felt so big but she looks so small,

Wish I knew back thenWhat I know now.

Wish I could somehow

Go back in time and maybe listen to my own advice.

I'd tell her to speak up, tell her to shout out,

Talk a bit louder, be a bit prouder,

Tell her she's beautiful, wonderful,

Everything she doesn't see.(Know that right here, right now)

You gotta speak up, you gotta shout out,

And know that right here, right now,

You can be beautiful, wonderful,

Anything you wanna be, oh,

Little me

Little me,

yeah

Tell you one thing I would tell her

I'd tell her to speak up, tell her to shout out,

Talk a bit louder, be a bit prouder,

Tell her she's beautiful, wonderful,

Everything she doesn't see.

(You got to) you gotta speak up, (You got to) you gotta shout out,

And know that right here, right now,

You can be beautiful, wonderful,

Anything you wanna be,

Little me

I'd tell her to speak up, tell her to shout out,

Talk a bit louder, be a bit prouder,

Tell her she's beautiful, wonderful,

Everything she doesn't see.

You gotta speak up, you gotta shout out,

And know that right here, right now,

You can be beautiful, wonderful,

Anything you wanna be,

I'd tell her to speak up, tell her to shout out,

Talk a bit louder, be a bit prouder,

Tell her she's beautiful, wonderful,

Everything she doesn't see.

You gotta speak up, you gotta shout out,

And know that right here, right now,

You can be beautiful, wonderful,

Anything you wanna be,

Little me

Time flies, don't let it be too late.

Much love,

Samar

Quick Outfit of the Day: New York, Paris, London

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Naim) — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 10:21:00 +0000

My Dearest Beauties,

You guys, by now, know that I love the effortless look that gives that subtle feel of chic.

Wearing:

All Saints Leather Jacket

Banana Republic T-Shirt

Rich and Skinny Coated Jeans

Topshop Eagle Necklace

Tiffany & Co. Sunglasses

Bimba & Lola Bracelet

Mango Bag

NYX Monte Carlo Soft Matte Lip Cream

Topshop Shoes

What did you think of this outfit?

Photographs by Sarah Mrad

Much love,

Samar

Emilio Pucci's Winter 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Naim) — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 15:45:00 +0000

My Dearest Beauties,

Fashion week makes me feel like I have crazy and super flexible ever changing taste. Sometimes I'm gravitated towards extreme simplicity (most times) and other times, I fall in love with these elaborate looks like the ones from Pucci's runway. I picked some of my favorites even though I could have put a lot more among these that I will be sharing with you today, then again the meaning of favorite would become redundant. I compiled all of these pictures from style.com, so if you're interested to see the rest of the looks head over there and continue to fall in love!

The prints, the coats, the boots, the embroidery, what is not to love? I would love to have so many pieces of the collection in my wardrobe. The hair also looked amazing, that laid back and young look which makes you look like you didn't put in any effort. You can also notice the immaculate makeup; fresh but flawless skin with just enough contouring to give dimension and sophistication.

What do you think of this collection? Do you agree? Is there any look that would like to rock?

Much love,

Samar

Quick Outfit of the Day: Dress and Trench

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Naim) — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 20:52:00 +0000

My Dearest Beauties,

Royal blue is one of my favorite colors, it is fun but it is also on the more neutral side, I find. The trench is a staple piece that wraps the look together and keeps you warm and cozy.

Wearing:

TSC Hat

Burberry Trench Coat

TKMaxx Dress

Mango Bag

Deena & Ozzy at Urban Outfitters Boot

Topshop Belt

Calvin Klein Tights (The Best after Wolford's)

Rayban Sunnies

Damas Necklace

I have a bit of a love affair with the hat and the flared cut of the dress. What do you all think?

Photography by: Sarah Mrad

Much love,

Samar

Quick Fitness Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Naim) — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 10:52:00 +0000

My Dearest Beauties,

I am the worst when it comes to keeping up with diets, fitness routines, and all the deal. I have antecedents (big words, I know) of obesity and till this day I struggle to keep up with diets. Thankfully and fortunately I have learnt to control it a lot better than before. Since I am already putting all this on the table, let me also say that I am not claiming to be an expert on fitness or health but what I'm about to share are little things that have made a difference in my struggle to keep all the weight I lost off.

One of the those things that I often do to keep myself motivated is to challenge myself. How? Well, I think to myself I want to do an X amount of an exercise, I do it at anytime (usually in the morning before breakfast) in the Kitchen! Yep in the kitchen! I feel like this pushes me forward, as crazy as it sounds. I just remember myself killing it in the kitchen whenever I feel like over snacking and all my anxious wishes to over snack banish. I actually end up walking out of the kitchen with a happier outlook on the situation.

The other thing that I do and that I learnt from my nutritionist, Magie Tamraz, is that working out in the morning before any meal and just after your good glass of water is the best time to exercise. I know it is very hard to schedule your workout routine at that time, but the effort will do a whole lot of difference because in the morning and before meals you go straight to burning fats. Doing cardio or just a good 20 minute fitness routine before starting your day made a lot of a difference in my body. I feel more active overall but I also feel like my body reacts better to any food regime I am adopting.

Happy kitchen squatting ;),

Samar

Victoria Beckham Ready-to-Wear

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Naim) — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 07:29:00 +0000

My Dearest Beauties,

I'm obsessed, but then again, it is easy to be! Look for yourself, I picked out some of my favorite looks from the runway. The chain closure of the coats, the hints of print on the pleated skirt and the sharp lines that define femininity in the simplest of ways. The female silhouette is defined but not over exposed which leaves the Victoria Beckham lady looking perfectly elegant.

The collection was complete taking you from the chic day time looks to the amazing crisp cream night time dress at the end. The Manolo's looked perfectly paired with the uh-mazing tailoring of the pieces that the theme carried along the runway.

What are your thoughts on the collection? Are you as in love as I am? Click on the link to see the whole collection Victoria Beckham. All the photos were retrieved from style.com.

Much love,

Samar

Quick Outfit of the Day: Tweeded at Marangoni

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Naim) — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 06:31:00 +0000

My Dearest Beauties,

This is one of the two looks that I had on for the photo shoot at Istituto Marangoni. It was supposed to be for a casual chic day time occasion.

Wearing:

TSC Hat (don't know the brand)

Tiffany & Co Sunglasses

Banana Republic Tweed T-Shirt

Topshop Belt

Mango Bag

Salsa Jeans

Deena & Ozzy at Urban Outfitters Boots

It is a simple look but I loved it and most importantly felt super comfortable and confident in it.

Much love,

Samar

Purple Pineapple Pot

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Naim) — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 15:22:00 +0000

My Dearest Beauties,

As their slogan says, Learn Something New, Purple Pineapple Pot offers a wide variety of workshops for you to learn something new in one go. So, if you are interested in a certain industry and don't know how to get more familiar with it, Purple Pineapple Pot can help you get a good intro to your curiosities. You may even be thinking of starting a new business but you don't have the proper training and enough confidence to jump into it; well, these one lesson workshops can help you get closer to what you want to achieve in life. You will not miss any lessons and you will not have to rush after work to catch your class on time, all you have to do is sign up on line and attend an all day workshop during the weekend.

Visit www.purplepineapplepot.com to get to know them better. If you are at it and would like to attend the Bridal Image Workshop (I was lucky to be invited to attend it), then make sure to enter the discount code BIW#18307, it is only active for the first three people who use it. So, I suggest you hurry up and make the most out of it!

I am getting married soon and this workshop will be extremely useful to me. It will be covering body shape, facial analysis, color assessment, personality & style, honeymoon wardrobe, and makeup.

Go like their Facebook page to get all the updates: Purple Pineapple Pot

Much love,

Samar

Product Review: Clinique Chubby Sticks

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Naim) — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 13:24:00 +0000

My Dearest Beauties,

The Clinique Chubby Sticks are, in my opinion, a product for those type of girls that love the effortless and the "I didn't bother but still look beautiful" kind of look. Anyone can rock them, really, because they are a tinted lip balms that come in the most practical packaging. Don't worry about sharpening because they are twist up jumbo pencils that are easy to throw on your lips and purse. These are so cool that you don't even need a mirror.

The Chubby sticks are very sheer but with slightly build-able pigmentation. They are moisturizing on your lips and they give you that "my lips but better" kind of look.

I personally really enjoy them and have the following three shades.

07 super strawberry, 11 two ton tomato, 13 mighty mimosa

The chubby sticks have been around for a while now, have any of you tried them? What are your thoughts? Is there any specific shade you recommend me?

Much love,

Samar

Styling Experience at Istituto Marangoni London - Job Interview & Night Out Looks

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Naim) — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 11:12:00 +0000

My Dearest Beauties,

I was in London doing a little, but pretty cool, short course in fashion image and styling at Istituto Marangoni. Our final project was to style one of our class mates. We were supposed to give them the perfect outfit for a job interview and one for a night out.

As a professional stylist it is all about giving your client clothes and outfits that will make them feel confident and stylish without giving up their own style. You are supposed to make the most of what they already have taking into account their lifestyle and day to day activities.

Milagros whom I consider a good friend now, is a young 18 year old lady that goes to university in Buenos Aires and loves simple outfits that have a touch of interesting.

These are the two looks I gave her. Job interview first and night out second, I hope you like them!

Would you go for something similar? Tell me in the comments!

Much love,

Samar

Travel Essential: Cross Body Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Naim) — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 08:20:00 +0000

My Dearest Beauties,

If you are traveling the world, running around a new city solo, and are not lucky enough to have a private driver to show you around you most probably will have to commute using the public transport. Holding a heavy over packed handbag is not the most practical when you have to run in and out of the underground trains and stations while also holding all your shopping bags, water bottle, umbrella, etc, etc, etc... That is the recipe for a crazy night of body pains. In some cases, we are even worried that some of the places we visit are not so safe and we not only have to hold our huge bags but also take care of how we hold them

The key is to buy yourself a cross body bag that you cannot over pack but can still fit just enough of your essentials. Make sure, it closes with a zipper so that you don't spill any of your valuables out. You can now run freely and can also hold many more shopping bags :).

Cross body bags are chic and you could find them everywhere from Topshop to Zara, Rebecca Minkoff to Tory Burch, Chanel and Hermes. Some of them are so useful that they even double up as a night time bag or clutch.

For some of you avid travelers this is old news but I hope it, still, lights a bulb for some of you out there.

Much Love,

Samar