Overdressed

In the bag

2012-01-29T09:23:00.000+03:00

The wonderful Plhong Flores wanted to know what's in The Overdressed bag! We agreed naturally, how can we say no to someone so sweet?!

Let's just hope you're not too disappointed by the fact that the contents are so scarce!

See the whole post on Plhong's blog here.

Photography by @plhongflores

Talents of Arabia: Razan Al Azzouni

2012-01-23T08:07:00.000+03:00

Before an official collection even came into existence we loved Razan Al Azzouni's work as is evident from the tag that is attributed to her right here.

Now, four collections later, we can't say that we've changed our mind. In fact her work just keeps getting better and better. The proof is in her latest Fall Winter 2012 collection.

We have the pleasure of being the very first to photograph these gems. So sit back, relax and enjoy bits of a collection that will take you by storm.

First though, a background. Razan attended The School of Museum of Fine Arts and TUFTS University in Boston, Massachusetts. While there, Razan studied sculpture, screen-printing, and paper making. It is not a coincidence then that Razan treats designing clothes as a form of sculpture. Her focus is shape, and femininity.

For this collection specifically, Razan found inspiration in the 18th century as is evident from the silver embroidery dressed up with tiny pearls! Razan wanted to liven up winter colours with something more "happy" hence the pastel palette used in parallel with rich winter materials like organza and velvet.

We've chosen key pieces from the collection below, it is by no means a complete picture of the brilliance of the whole thing nevertheless, it is so breathtakingly enjoyable!

For orders and inquiries contact sales@razanalazzouni.com

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Photography by Plhong Flores @PlhongFlores

Overdressed Closet: Parts One to Ten by The Oniomaniac

2012-01-19T11:22:00.001+03:00

It was so much fun having Miss G of The Oniomaniac over! Our apparent OCD-ness kicked in however, because the gowns had to remain in their covers and on their wooden or satin hangers!

Nevertheless, this is Overdressed letting loose...Enjoy the full post(s) here. A huge thank you to sweet little Miss G!

The Overdressed Closet: How to Look Overdressed Without Overindulging- Notes on a Pro by THE ONIOMANIAC

2012-01-18T16:51:00.000+03:00

You all know of the blogmance going on with Miss Ghesquière of The Oniomanic. Well, check out her notes on The Overdressed Closet!

What's not to love, this girl has the best sense of humor, and style...

Follow this link for How to Look Overdressed Without Overindulging- Notes on a Pro

Caramel Mocha

2012-01-16T10:13:00.000+03:00

Just when you thought it was getting nice and warm, we're back on winter track at a cool 17 degrees. Island winter.

We found a caramel coloured vintage (from the 80s) perforated suede shirt, and couldnt resist making it a little overdressed rodeo!

We pulled out a mocha fur gillet for a nice mix of textures, added turquoise and gold for an haute Ralph Lauren cow boy look and some reptile for good measure!

Bronze Ladies

2012-01-12T09:30:00.001+03:00

Anything that has to do with metallics we welcome! Why? Because who can resist a bit of shiny in the morning?

The top in question is Zara (it comes in silver and gold as well) worn over a jersey asymmetrical Moschino dress and stacked cuffs. We love stacking cuffs, its not the most convenient thing to do but whoever said convenient was pretty?

As for the dress, Moschino does not fail in giving us "cute". Look closely there are little ladies printed all over!

Get your ushanka on

2012-01-09T10:00:00.001+03:00

We love to inject a little bit of Russian culture into our winter dressing, because let's face it, Russians know how to do winter...

So when we were transported to sub zero conditions we had to be prepared. Enter this beautiful grey, brown, beige Ushanka.

We dressed the ushanka up with green beaded earrings, alpaca bell sleeve Erdem coat and Jimmy Choo Edna boots (idea stolen from here).

Needless to say there's not much to be seen but the important thing is once you have a Ushanka on your head, you will never be cold!

This in the Press: Elle Arab World

2012-01-08T09:59:00.000+03:00

Elle Arab World names TheOverdressed.com one of the "Best 6 Blogs"!

2012: Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T08:00:00.003+03:00

It's an Italian tradition to wear red on new years eve to bring good luck and prosperity to the wearer. We decided to adopt the tradition in an overdressed way!

You must begin with a bang after all...so we dressed this little silky Erdem number up with diamonds from BJC, and because no day is complete without a nice cup of Italian coffee, why not start the new year totally alert?!

To begin 2012 we dedicate this post to all our wonderful Overdressed readers. We wish you, first and foremost good health, happiness and plenty of love. Stay true to yourselves, and remember that there is always something out there for you to be grateful for, because without appreciation and gratefulness there can be no happiness.

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All jewelry by Bahrain Jewelry Centre (BJC) on ground floor of Al Aali Mall

Photography by Phlong Flores

OVERDRESSED TURNS TWO!

2011-12-29T10:00:00.008+03:00

It’s Overdressed’s second birthday and a birthday party calls for an opulent, overdressed, and dazzling party outfit!

We couldn't think of a better way of celebrating our love of overdressing than being in a navy blue gold laced, sequined skirt by Razan Al Azzouni, a gold Prada top and feasting on delightfully sugary birthday cakes.

It has been a fulfilling year for The Overdressed, appearing in New York's JC Report, being named one of Harper's Bazaar Arabia Best Dressed, and hosting a hugely successful fashion event to name a few of the things we are proud of.

However image and fluff aside, and on a more personal note, it has been an insanely odd and difficult year. Yet, there's always so much to be grateful for no matter how difficult anything seems. I'm eternally grateful to my family who support my every move and encourage my "overdressing" because I get it from my amazing grandparents who had the most immaculate style! May their souls rest in the highest heavens.

My irreplaceable friends, some of whom call me to check what on earth I'm wearing before we go out so I don't make them look under dressed!

And of course, and especially, all my wonderful Overdressed followers who come up to me with their smiling faces and tell me how much they love The Overdressed. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for priceless moments like these and for appreciating what I do.

Wishing you all health, happiness and love.

Love,

Overdressed

***

Photography by Plhong Flores

Peter Pan Collar

2011-12-26T09:18:00.000+03:00

Lately it's been all about the collar. Collarless, add on collar, high collar, school girl collar...you catch the drift.

Photo Credit: Phlong Flores

This Balenciaga jacket is over sized, meets no collar, Peter Pan type collar. Mouth full! Nevertheless, it is quiet a simple piece best worn buttoned up! We wanted to stick with a modish '60s look so we paired it with green Topshop trousers, long Saboo sapphire, ruby and emerald earrings and use your imagination for a flick of eyeliner.

Saboo, you must know, is the most magnificent Indian jeweler whose pieces can be found at BJC.

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All jewelry worn by Bahrain Jewelry Center (BJC) located on ground floor of Al Aali Mall

Skirts and Sweaters: Part Two

2011-12-22T09:49:00.000+03:00

The reason we say part two, is because Skirts and Sweaters: Part One exists here!

The dressy skirt, slouchy sweater combination is prudishly cool! Comfortable, but still maintaining a level of elegance, which is always necessary...

Photo Credit: Phlong Flores

This time the dressy skirt is a silk pleated Lanvin creation, worn with a black Erdem cable knit sweater, and oval onyx and diamond earrings from BJC.

We will need many more skirts and sweaters if the weather remains consistently cold, not to mention more jewelry from BJC...but we want that even when it's warm!

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Bahrain Jewelry Center (BJC) is located on the ground floor of AlAali Mall. Happy shopping!

Clare Tough Collarless Jacket

2011-12-19T10:59:00.000+03:00

Collarless jackets are so elegant, we love that this one is made with 3/4 sleeves and meters of the most beautifully spun merino wool! Who but Clare Tough would make something so luxurious and also practical?

It's the type of thing that you can dress up or down...this time we went half way. Dressing it down with jeans (yes yes we know it's jeans), a silk ecru shirt and high voltage jewelry!

Photography Phlong Flores

The deep colours not only make the jacket a winter essential, but make it a perfect palette to enhance the coloured stones of our favorite H.Stern chandelier earrings and rose ring from Bahrain's favorite jeweler, Bahrain Jewelry Centre, or as the frequent shoppers call it BJC!

My abaya is cooler than yours...

2011-12-17T15:22:00.000+03:00

The countless times we've stopped beautiful girls minding their own business to ask where their abaya is from is embarrassing. Nine times out of ten the answer is Saudi, once it was Qatar. Great thank you so much.

We will now stop bothering girls minding their own business because we have a stunning abaya of our own, it kind of puts all the abayas out there to shame because...one it's shiny, two it's navy blue and three it's by Saudi designer Razan Al Azzouni who's known for making the most beautiful delicately feminine clothes.

We are so in love with it, it cant just be used for going to Saudi, we are tempted to turn it into an evening dress, and don't be surprised if we do!

Photography by Phlong Flores

To order a Razan Al Azzouni abaya contact sales@razanalazzouni.com

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All jewelry Bahrain Jewelry Centre Al Aali Mall

Navajo

2011-12-12T10:19:00.000+03:00

Southern United States culture is intriguing, the whole Arizona, Navajo, New Mexico culture is so rich and beautiful it has naturally been injected into main stream fashion.

So when we came across this Navajo-inspired sweater (Topshop Men believe it!) it was purchased instantly! And as it feels like Siberia these days, the sweater is paired with the warmest black corduroy trousers, also Topshop, Escada cape and you know the shoes…Prada ones we have been living in.

You ask about the necklace? That’s one heavy bad boy, but really made the outfit pop. No idea where it’s from or how it ended up with on this outfit…

Winter Doll

2011-12-08T15:44:00.000+03:00

There is no excuse for dressing down, not even in this "cold" weather. For a night out take inspiration to dress yourself up like a winter doll in a black lace dress, deep blush heels, and fur stole. Think Moscovites going to the Bolshoi Theatre!

Keep the textures rich and warm, velvet is a favorite, and throw in some volume for good measure!

See no winter blues here only rich black lace...

Silk route

2011-12-05T11:34:00.001+03:00

Since it's been unarguably freezing the past two weeks we've worn clothes we didn't even know we had!

This silk printed Erdem jacket with a heavy gold front zipper happens to be one of them. It's perfect for day time because it overdresses any grey sweater (THE best sweater colour), and works perfectly for night time over a black dress, or if you're overdressed...more printed patterns!

Photo Credit: Phlong Flores

On this particular occasion the silk jacket was worn over the warmest Miu Miu sweater and MiH jeans while roaming the narrow streets of Muharraq one sunny morning, and we happen to run into an Arabulous man and his dagger t-shirt!

Arabulous paints the stereotypical Khaleeji girl!

2011-11-28T10:26:00.002+03:00

Our culture is so rich in old heritage that we are compelled to adopt more richness from other cultures. You know, because more is more!

The high heel is the number one rich adaptation. Heels with abayas, heels to the beach, heels to the market, but heels to the desert? Yes, heels to the desert.

Arabulous, whom we introduced you to right here, have created a line of t-shirts to illustrate our culture. Some of the t-shirts are tongue in cheek and if you, like most Arabs, have a sense of humor you will appreciate the abaya, Louboutin, and sand mix!

ARABULOUS!

2011-11-24T08:13:00.000+03:00

Heritage is something everyone wants to hold on to, but sometimes it can be a little heavy incorporating something like a "Mirtahsha" into our daily lives, right? Wrong!

Arabulous, is a concept created by sisters Lulwa and Munira Al Khalifa, which incorporates heritage into the 21^st century. The sisters are both artists in their own right one is a dreamy creator the other an executor.

Munira, the dreamy one, says “we came up with the idea because we have a rich and opulent culture that cannot be forgotten just because it’s dated to be wearing something like a heavy gold necklace or a gold dagger as casual wear.” Lulwa, the executor, adds that “I have experience making national awareness t-shirts as a graduation project for my degree in graphic design, so it was natural to come up with further concepts to put Bahrain’s beautiful heritage forward and translate it into an urban environment.”

So what started as a little oh-my-god-that’s-so-cute-can-I-have-one project to Lulwa and Munira sitting in a pile of t-shirts selecting the best cotton to print and print and print to meet everybody's desire to put Bahrain forward.

And although it may not be your grandmother’s “mirtahsha” what could be more fabulous than flaunting a 21st century version everyday? Totally fabulous Arabulous!

T-shirts are sold at Bon Bon Al Aali Mall and cost BD 17.000 (that’s nothing for a gold necklace)

Arabulous will also be at Market 338 on Thursday November 24 from 5pm to 10pm and on Friday November 25 from 3pm to 10pm on Friday

Talents of Arabia: May Jewelry

2011-11-21T09:24:00.000+03:00

When talent, hard work and love are put into creating pieces of elegance we appreciate. Cue May Al Qassar, 26, founder of Kuwait based May Jewelry.

After having obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, May moved back to Kuwait and started designing jewelry long before launching her business in 2010. Jewelry design is innate to May she says “it makes me happy and I have always been very pedantic while choosing stones, their size and of course the overall design of the piece.”

"Noon" bracelet custom made by May Jewelry

What started as private commissions supported by family and friends has grown into a successful business with a strong GCC customer base all coveting May’s designs. However, as the business grows May insists that it is still a “one woman show” because “I design jewelry that is personal to me and fall in love with every piece I create.”

Personal shines through everything May does from her designs to the packaging. You know she cares about it all "I try my best to use recycled materials for my packaging, and I use any excess gold I have left for my next design."

Not only does May do things personally she does them perfectly too, with her goldsmith May says that “we have done, redone and redesigned many pieces until we perfected each and everyone.”

So essentially, from May Jewelry you get a piece of perfect simplicity.

Nice and toasty with Clare Tough

2011-11-14T08:09:00.000+03:00

Taking advantage of nature and being outdoors is one of the most beautiful things one can do, especially if it means capitalizing on the use of your cashmere! We pull out a major woven black and white cashmere piece by the queen of fine knit, Clare Tough, and pair the cozy cardigan with grey Topshop leggings and our Barbie white Sergio Rossi shoes.

Outfit on the left is ShopBop Basics consisting of T by Alexander Wang top, leather Chloe wedges and tangerines!

Stay warm (cashmere), stay healthy (tangerines) and keep overdressing (heels, heels, heels) this winter!

Overdressed curates Green Bar Rosewater Launch

2011-10-31T08:14:00.003+03:00

It was the perfect mix of fashion and beauty when Green Bar launched its Middle East Rosewater collection at Sufana Boutique Moda Mall.

Mannequin dressed in one shoulder rose dress by Au Nom de la Rose

The rose scented day was buzzing with curious women wanting to know more about the new addition to the addictive organic beauty brand. Featuring rose waters from Morocco, Turkey and Oman, Green Bar's Reem Al Khalifa was busy explaining the benefits of using organic rosewater as a natural astringent and more importantly it being a product of the region that is naturally extravagant!

Green Bar's Rosewater Collection

Packaged Rosewater Collection

Meanwhile, Overdressed curated the shop floor, displays, and windows. Schumacher, Missioni, Hotel Particulier, and Red Valentino were just some of the brands we had at hand to play with and style some very beautiful shoppers!

So what does one wear to an event that boasts such floral beauty? A hand embroidered Razan Alazzouni creation, that's what.

Dress worn with polka dotted Spanx tights, and Prada shoes.Razan Alazzouni collection stocked at Sufana Boutique

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Many thanks to Sufana and our wonderful guests. Thanks to Rozan Ahmed, PR extraordinaire, for her invaluable help and support. Thanks to Shaikha, Aysha, and Nichola Saunders for all their Green Bar help and most importantly thank you to my beautiful mother for having the best taste on the planet!

EVENT: Green Bar Launches the Middle East Rosewater Collection

2011-10-27T11:33:00.000+03:00

This one is for the beauty junkies.

Green Bar is launching the very luxurious Middle East Rosewater Collection on Saturday October 29, 2011 at Sufana Boutique Moda Mall, Bahrain.

Turkish, Moroccan and Damascus rose waters make up the floral collection, and to bring it all together a selection of fashion pieces, curated and styled by The Overdressed will be on display and for sale.

Overdressed wears Lauren Moffat dress available at Purple Patchouli

For more information please send your requests to: info@rozanahmed.com.

Big Bow

2011-10-24T09:03:00.001+03:00

A bow on a blouse is the equivalent of a bow tie for men!

We fell in love with this hot pink (colour of the month right?) vintage Yves Saint Laurent blouse. It has a crazy 1970s vibe to it, but hits high on the feminine note with the silk and bow. We keep it soft, pairing it with navy blue Ralph Lauren skirt and pastel pink Prada shoes.

If this were the 70s this would be considered appropriate corporate attire.

Photo: Overdressed for theoverdressed.com

Who wears the pink pants in the family?

2011-10-20T09:24:00.000+03:00

We've been obsessing heavily over the perfect shade of vintage YSL pink, that perfect mix of bubble gum and pastel. However, compromise is inevitable when your obsession is vague...Nevertheless, we totally fell in love with these pink jeans from Topshop, the colour is so 80s ra-ra inspired!

Sticking to the 80s theme we paired the pink jeans with black and white polka dotted Dolce & Gabbana top and black patent "love of our life" Prada heels.

Photo: Overdressed for theoverdressed.com

Not quiet the YSL pink we were looking for, but a substitute we are more than happy to rock!

Ahoy Sailor!

2011-10-17T08:03:00.000+03:00

Some looks are just so timeless, elegant, and sophisticated. The sailor look is just that, and classy might we add!

This Prada "tessuto tecnico" dress boasts a boat neck (yes, just right for the sailor look), giant gold buttons, and pleats in all the right places!

The shoes are Louboutin, yes, you've seen them a million times before because we love nothing more than using and reusing things we love!

Photo: Overdressed for theoverdressed.com

The perfect black pump

2011-10-10T09:38:00.000+03:00

Let's face it, we all love things that are fun and beautiful. But sometimes necessary and useful come to mind.

Prada, always has the answers because it makes things that are necessary AND useful-the whole package. That's why we love this simple black patent pump.

It is everything a shoe should be plus it comes with a pale pink silk dust bag....what's not to love?!

Pastels & Parasols

2011-10-06T10:15:00.002+03:00

We couldn't wait to rock Louis Vuitton's incredible SS12 look with their perfect pastels and white parasol.

So we're rocking the look FW style with a black Sicilian parasol, Erdem's pastel splattered Mathilda dress complete with scattered Swarovski crystals...and for all that glitters you definitely need a parasol!

For the love of leopard!

2011-10-03T08:07:00.000+03:00

Leopard is the best thing in the world! It is an overdressed neutral pattern that goes with every single colour under the sun!

So, you can just about imagine our delight when we spotted (pun intended) these beauties at Topshop. As leggings they're easy to wear, versatile and really comfortable...

Go ahead get catty and comfortable, just remember to keep it classy!

Jacket Shop

2011-09-29T08:26:00.000+03:00

Jackets can be worn at any time of year because of the variety available. There's everything from the linen summer jacket down to the puffy ski jacket!

Somewhere in between we found this 80s coral jacket with the coolest gold toggles. We paired the coral creation with American Apparel leggings and Louboutin open toe boot for the full 80s effect-not to mention skipping the blow dry!

Too early to wear a jacket? Just think of it this way if the fashion editors are in their winter best at Paris Fashion Week in blazing 30 degree heat (and no Ac) you can surely be too!

Photo Credit: Plhong Flores for theoverdressed.com

This in the press: Aspatricias Brazil

2011-09-27T23:02:00.001+03:00

Aspatricias from Brazil covers The Overdressed! Read the full story (in Portuguese) here!

Dark Night

2011-09-26T08:02:00.000+03:00

Although we love happy vibrant colours, dark dramatic shades rule this fall! Even Erdem, the king of all things soft and subtle, has tapped into the dark side this season.

Erdem's Astrid dress is beautifully dramatic, it needs nothing more than some Chanel Rouge Noir, a gold mesh clutch from Shana, a flick of black eyeliner and you're ready to fall into the night!

Photo Credit: Overdressed for theoverdressed.com

Dior Couture

2011-09-25T12:44:00.001+03:00

Brace yourselves ladies, your fashion lives will not be complete until you own this Christian Dior Couture book!

Boasting photographs of couture gowns by famed fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier, and text by Ingrid Sischy former editor-in-chief of Interview Magazine you know it's pure fashion gold from cover to cover!

The book comes out on December 6, 2011, buy yours straight from Rizzoli !

And the count down begins....

Photo Credit: Rizzoliusa.com

Pucci, Pucci, Pucci!

2011-09-22T08:00:00.003+03:00

Expressing our love for Pucci prints is befitting during Milan Fashion Week, and at any and all times thereafter!

Although we cannot wait to see what Peter Dundas has up his sleeve this week in Milan, Emilio Pucci is known for its timeless prints.

The retro prints evoke a sense of old glamour and summer fun, be it 1999 or 2012 a Pucci print is a Pucci print and we can never get enough!

Photo Credit: The Overdressed for theoverdressed.com

Piaget: The Book

2011-09-19T10:00:00.001+03:00

We have admitted that we're a little jewelry obsessed so here's something to indulge your senses. Piaget is one of the most outstanding jewelry and time piece manufacturers of our time, renowned for their innovative Tourbillon watch movement and art of enameling.

The house, since being found in 1874, has maintained the highest standards of creation and passion for innovation. Adding elegance and intricacy to watch making Piaget prides itself by cutting and setting precious stones in their own Geneva workshop for the most exquisite watches and jewelry.

Photo Credit: amazon.co.uk

And because Piaget deserves all the praise in the world, Assouline have composed this beautiful book complete with mouth watering photos of amazing jewelry. It's enough that the cover makes us want to dive into the book nose first!

Buy the book from Amazon here.

Khaleejesque Interviews The Overdressed

2011-09-19T08:18:00.002+03:00

"If, in a parallel universe, bloggers were magazine editors, then The Overdressed would be Anna Dello Russo, no doubt about it. Like the aforementioned Dello Russo, Dana Al Khalifa (the blogger behind The Overdressed) has a passion for fashion and a love for colorful, exotic and eye-catching designs." -Khaleejesque, continue reading the whole interview here.

The Lady Dress

2011-09-15T13:32:00.000+03:00

Dresses are the most flattering item of clothing (when properply made). God knows Erdem knows a thing or two about making amazing dresses such as this...

We are loving the fact that Erdem introduced body hugging dresses, yet still remaining super ladylike with below the knee hemline, elbow length sleeves vibrant prints, and just before you think there's nothing playful about the dress you get a scoop back! Genius!

Worn with Ms. Proper Louboutin wedge and vintage Chanel bag, shopping for shampoo never looked so classy!

Green Go

2011-09-12T10:20:00.001+03:00

Colours are totally therapeutic. A hint of pastel makes you feel feminine and fresh while an electric shock of any colour will give a burst of energy that keeps you going.

Case in point. This electric green Sandro tuxedo jacket is a dream that kept going!
The effects it has on you, your mood and energy are amazing!

The silk lined jacket with leather trimmed pockets is worn with Sandro white crepe pleat detail t-shirt and jeans (yes, jeans), silver Prada bag and a smile!

One of those outfits that you just want to wear for days...

Clare Tough toughens it up!

2011-08-26T14:46:00.001+03:00

There will be a flurry of fall winter campaign outfits from New York to Milan and everything in between come fashion week(s).

So, as a fashion show attendee you know you absolutely cannot go wrong showing up in tight leather pants and stilettos.

Coincidentally, that is exactly what Clare Tough featured in their fall winter campaign! And while you're trending trend on forward and checkout Clare Tough's spring summer collection at New York and Milan Fashion Week.

Voila, totally fashion week ready!

Clare Tough leather pants are worn here with knitted Clare Tough cashmere sweater, hexagon crystal necklace from Prada, and red suede Orlan Louboutin.

Please contact overdressed@theoverdressed.com for showroom details.

Follow this link to see more of Clare Tough on The Overdressed.

Farm Girl

2011-08-22T16:48:00.001+03:00

On or off trend, the farm girl look is a long time favorite. So, Orient 499 strikes again in its ability to produce something traditional yet totally cool with this pale yellow and rose print dress (it's a jalabiya but at this point who's counting).

The dress is worn here with Mauro Volponi yellow suede wedges and striped floppy hat for the ultimate day time comfort, and quiet befitting for harvesting dates on palm trees!

The Jalabiya Skirt

2011-08-18T16:49:00.003+03:00

There's been a hundred thousand variations of the jalabiya, sometimes we think the more traditional the better, until we found something totally out of the traditional realm, the 'jalabiya skirt'.

The skirt, hailing from Jeddah's Jasmine Box, is so perfect as a jalabiya substitute. We're in love with the Afghan inspired floral print and silver coin waist band. Add to the fact that all it needs is a simple white t-shirt and you're ramadan soirée ready...plus the look totally works in the south of France!

Cherubs

2011-08-16T11:05:00.000+03:00

Here is a close up of the rediscovered Cherry Chau necklace featured in Lurex & Lace post which you've all been asking about it!

In the Press: Savoir Flair

2011-08-11T10:18:00.000+03:00

Rarely do I write in the first person, but I wanted to thank Savoir Flair and their wonderful team for including The Overdressed in their fall winter Blogger's Edit.

Take a look at my favorite FW trends, and browse all of Savoir Flair's Fall Winter Edit here.

Lurex & Lace

2011-08-10T17:35:00.001+03:00

What sane person can think of anything, but a white cotton dress in this sweltering 40 degree heat?

We'll tell you who...fashion and its friends. Shops are literally glittering with fall winter trends and they are blinding! Especially Prada, where we picked up this bronze lurex sweater.

It is already our favorite fall staple worn here with Alice by Alice Temperly lurex leggings, Dolce & Gabbana lace top and Sergio Rossi pumps.

We are loving this fall winter because it's offering us two of the most beautiful things something shiny, lace and hopefully cooler breeze!

Mama Africa

2011-08-03T17:26:00.000+03:00

We would like to start with wishing all our wonderful Overdressed readers a Ramadan Mubarak!

Ramadan is synonymous with one big fashion garment: the jalabiya. The prints, embroideries, varied lengths and themes are just a few things to play with in the myriad world of the jalabiya.

We, however, are head over heels in love with this 'just above the ankle' tribal African print jalabiya from none other than Beirut's Orient 499.

Aida Kawas and Frank Luca of Orient 499 have joined forces to create something modern, yet traditional. The result is countless numbers of jalabiyas to chose from in vibrant and subdued colours and beautiful patchwork embroidery. Our favorite is this tribal African print with gold thread patchwork and an unlikely modern length.

The added comfort of this jalabiya makes us wish we could wear it during the day, although we do think it's best reserved to be taken into the night!

Police Line up: are you the real criminal?

2011-07-14T08:54:00.003+03:00

Counterfeits, where do we start with them?

We live in times that are driven by wanting and needing things that are above and beyond our means and capabilities. This drives people to go to unimaginable lengths to be accepted by society, to be the same, to have that coveted 'status'.

So much so that people are willing to commit a criminal offense by participating in the counterfeits market.

Photo Credit: Plhong Flores for theoverdressed.com

Police Line Up: who's the criminal?

There's been so much copying of designers bags but unfortunately Hermes' Birkin has been a counterfeiters dream product because he thrives on the fact that you are unable to pay/wait for a real one! This is not the worst thing that could happen to you! Whatever happened to being different and having your own style? Whatever happened to loving something nameless just because it is beautiful? Why have we all become conformists to society?

On another note, whatever happened to dressing your age? The reason the counterfeits market is so big (and successful) is that every single 25 year old wants a Birkin...REALLY...if you're not 40, for the love god do not carry a Birkin you just look like you're trying so hard!

The point is ladies don't steal, paying for a counterfeit product is essentially stealing in disguise. There's so much beauty in the world, just open your eyes a little more and try a little harder. Fashion is fun, but dont be blindly guided by trends and dont be saddened by the fact that you dont own something, because somewhere along the line you will eventually own a Birkin, and a real one for that matter.

Bringing counterfeits to the attention of theoverdressed.com readers has been the idea of a girl who tells it like it is, Miss Ghesquiere of http://theoniomaniac.blogspot.com/ Thank you Miss G!

White Trousers

2011-07-04T10:46:00.001+03:00

Whether its the Bahamas or London white linen trousers make for a summer wardrobe staple.

Ladies, stay cool in an urban environment and work the white trouser look with pastel coloured cotton and silk mix top, stacked bangles and a kitten heel-they are unfortunately in!

Cotton and silk mix top, linen trousers, and shrug worn as scarf all Clare Tough

Gentlemen, you too can jump on the white trouser trend just like this legendary stylish man who happens to be the late Mr. Overdressed.

Bahamas circa 1960

The Revival

2011-06-27T10:02:00.001+03:00

Nothing gives us more joy than the revival of beautiful things!

In fact we found the perfect "on trend" revival piece given that Zara's shelves are stacked up to high heaven with silk polka dotted Dolce & Gabbana-esque pyjama pants.

We modify the trend from pyjama pants to shirt dress...

This 90s powder blue silk polka dotted shirt dress is revived with a purple Hermes belt (see the opposite side of the belt here!) Loeffler Randall sandals and handmade chunky gold necklace so that it's summer 2011 cool with a hint of revived retro chicness.

Photo Credit Plhong Flores

Guy Bourdin

2011-06-20T10:03:00.001+03:00

Its been a while since we posted about our favorite home accessory: the coffee table book.

This one in particular is quiet special, Guy Bourdin has been hailed as one of the greatest fashion photographers of all time. His career was launched when he was introduced by an editor of Vogue to Charles Jourdan, subsequently, Bourdin shot most of Jourdan's campaigns between 1967 and 1981 followed by a series of commissions for Chanel, Issey Miyake, and Versace.

His work, although less known to the general public than his colleague at the time Helmut Newton, set out the stage for fashion photographers of this day and age to recreate themes built on his inspirations from Man Ray and Balthus. Some quiet controversial and disturbing, others sad Bourdin's themes were a result of his childhood, which in return created work that is unrivalled.

Cover of Guy Bourdin by Alison Gingeras & Guy Bourdin, Phaidon 2001

In Between by Guy Bourdin 2010

In the end though fashion and photography are a marriage of completion. Photography sets the scene to make fashion accessible, dramatic and desirable.

So really, what is fashion without photography, and what is fashion photography without fashion?

Guy Bourdin books available on amazon

C'est le mini crochet

2011-06-16T10:39:00.000+03:00

We love nothing more than easy slip on dresses that look pretty, and keep you cool (literally) during the summer.

Such a combination is found in a little crochet beaded button down mini dress from Lauren Moffat. The cut makes it a little warrior princess while the pastel beading adds some french frou-frou.

If we had to a pick a side...we chose warrior princess by stacking up the bangles and slipping into gladiator sandals, even though we're addicted to MAC's Mischievous Mint nail polish!

Lauren Moffat crochet dress available at Purple Patchouli Boutique, Al Aali Mall

Summer Scarves

2011-06-13T09:41:00.000+03:00

Some summer essentials may come your way in the form of dresses, shorts, swimwear and sandals. But we cannot resist an amazing summer scarf!

Why? Because summer scarves are possibly as essential as a good pair of sunglasses! A summer scarf is light and beautifully feminine and can glam up any short-shorts and t-shirt outfit into something more polished, complete and dare we say "overdressed"?

From neutral lace and linen mix to brightly coloured purple and orange Hermes silk scarves here are some of our favorites this summer.

From left to right

White linen and lace scarf, vintage tulle and silver scarf on top of Paul Smith white and grey cotton scarf, sequined lace and linen blue scarf, and on orchid Hermes silk scarves.

Photo Credit: Plhong Flores

The Green Bar Way

2011-06-06T10:26:00.000+03:00

Back from a recent trip to Marrakech for the rose harvesting season Green Bar founder, Reem Al Khalifa shares her pictures with us. One picture in particular stood out as it was so beautifully overdressed with Reem in the middle of a rose field carrying a side fringed Valentino bag-with a rose print ofcourse!

Adding to Green Bar's collection of luxurious body oils such as Apricot and Grapefruit, Amber and Almond and our favorite Frangipani, Reem introduces three Middle Eastern rose waters this August. The Damascene, Moroccan, and Turkish rose collection are of superior quality distilled organically for therapeutic cosmetic purposes that have a higher concentration of essential oil than what is found commercially.

Also new to the mix is Green Bar's flower polish made of powdered roses to be mixed with Green Bar rose water as a natural beautify exfoliant.

Indulge your senses with Green Bar because it's so totally naturally extravagant!

Reem harvesting roses

To allow the roses to breath they are placed in a lace sling.

Who would have thought that harvesting roses would be so overdressed!

For more information visit www.greenbarinc.com for a list of products and to read recommendations on health and beauty the natural way.

Part cupcake, part Jil Sander but totally cool!

2011-06-02T08:19:00.002+03:00

Any girl will tell you that there is no cap on the number of white t-shirts she can own. Therefore, we are always on the hunt searching high and low for the perfect material and perfect cut of a white t-shirt.

Low and behold the cashmere and cotton mix scoop neck of this Clare Tough t-shirt, we fell instantly in love! What we love about Clare Tough is that all the pieces can be mixed and matched with anything in an existing wardrobe old or new.

Case in point, Clare Tough white t-shirt worn here with bubble gum pink 1980s Yves Saint Laurent skirt giving you a post modern part cupcake part Jil Sander look that is totally cool!

Photo Credit: Plhong Flores

Clare Tough cashmere and cotton mix t-shirt available on net-a-porter and Montaigne Market

A Maxi We Love

2011-05-30T09:36:00.000+03:00

The maxi dress has been dropped on us as a summer essential for some time now. But we were reluctant to jump on the band wagon as not all maxi dresses are made equal...We found our match in this Spanish style dress.

With a crochet waist band, and mother of pearl buttons down the center it's anything but another maxi dress. The length too, is just right as are the short sleeves and Tuscan style embroidery, not to metion the blush colour that would make any tan pop!

So we say this summer, cover up with a maxi you love.

Candela NYC maxi dress from Purple Patchouli Boutique Al Aali Mall, also available in black.

Help!

2011-05-26T10:33:00.002+03:00

Saturated colour pixels means one thing, pop art and the drama that comes with it! Undoubtedly then, we are in love with this damsel in distress portrait. Its retro chicness makes us wish we had our own Overdressed comic book.

The comic outfits would look a little something like this: Herve Leger bandage dress worn under a striped Emilia Wickstead sheer coat dress with giant tulip sleeves!

The exaggeration of it all makes us feel in full pop art swing!

Photo Credit: Plhong Flores

Blame Glee

2011-05-23T08:23:00.001+03:00

All too many episodes of Glee, has us thinking we can rock it out, McKinley High style.

The rock chic in us pulls out an electric blue satin Marina Shlosberg dress, distressed sleeve denim vest by Genetic, and the most rock and roll item YSL Tribute heels.

Of course, we didn't forget the guitar and amplifiers-to complete the look only-as its been established that we are tone deaf!

Photo Credit: Fai

Marina Shlosberg silk dress and Genetic Denim "The Rocky Denim Vest" available at Purple Patchouli Boutique Al Aali Mall

Earrings Le Trousseau de Shahrazad contact theoverdressed.com for more information.

Desert Glow for Clare Tough

2011-05-19T08:21:00.000+03:00

No body does relaxed chic like Clare Tough, the master of high quality basics!

What we love about Clare Tough is that the coulours are so earthy and harmonious with the environment (our environment, yours is probably greener!)

So, one is able to stay cool and remain "overdressed" in any kind of scorching desert heat, especially in silk linen pants like these? How could we say no?!

Photo Credit: Plhong Flores

Shredded silk mix cardigan, bustier (as before) and silk blend linen pants all Clare Tough. Available on net-a-porter and Montaigne Market.

Maritime Blu for Clare Tough

2011-05-16T07:45:00.001+03:00

In a world full of “things” we have come across a label that defines modern day essentials that every lady needs. From basic lace t-shirts, to neutral coloured knits, linen pants and over sized cardigans; Clare Tough has taken the world of high-quality essentials by storm.

A Central Saint Martin’s graduate, Clare Tough launched her eponymous label in 2006 introducing sharp cuts, authentic design and re-inventing traditional pieces to complete the wardrobe of a modern day girl on the go.

The brand, now under the design direction of Claire Millar and Anne Schramm continues to push the boundaries of conventional knitwear juxtaposed with leather, lace, chiffon and satin. Each piece is crafted with a uniquely feminine sensibility, and naturally, quiet subtly overdressed!

Photo Credit: Plhong Flores

Silk and cashmere cardigan, stretch crepe silk bustier, and stretch crepe silk skirt with satin detail all Clare Tough available on net-a-porter and Montaigne Market

This in the Press: Fashion We Like

2011-05-15T10:45:00.001+03:00

The Overdressed is in London with Fashion We Like!

Read more about what Jessica Michault has called the "fashion equivalent of the Proust Questionnaire" here!

Power of Memory

2011-05-09T09:41:00.001+03:00

When you see something at a young age it sticks in your memory. Case in point, this Milena Franceso silk dress has been embedded in our memory for as long as we can remember!

To our delight it just so happens that it was never given away or spring cleaned out of it's hard back red suitcase (from where it emerged!).

From 1982 to 2011, this dress has remained in impeccable condition and reviving it only does it the justice it deserves.

We wish the necklace, and hot pink bag were still around too!

1982

2011

Photo Credit: Plhong Flores

Splattered Paint

2011-05-05T11:04:00.000+03:00

Sitting on a blank canvas splattered in paint and hammered silver disks reminds us of our finger painting days. Except then we were in white aprons and looking at colourful master pieces.

Now we find ourselves with the opposite effect…although, finger painting in this dress and on that canvas against a graffiti wall would be quiet something!

Photo Credit: Plhong Flores

Wheeling out stripes

2011-05-03T08:01:00.000+03:00

Obviously!

Obviously, we cant get enough! Stripes are possibly as important as the invention of the wheel. An engineering feat which has been transporting us and stripping up the earth ever since its invention.

The effect has inspired many to make art in the horizontal and vertical direction, pretty soon we will all fly and make our stripped marks in the sky just like jet planes do now. But we'll do it in style just like Picasso and Warhol before us.

Photo Credit: Plhong Flores

World of Interiors

2011-04-28T09:31:00.000+03:00

Welcome to the world of interiors!

If there's anything we love more than clothes, it's got to be interiors and furniture. The prints, colour ways, fabrics, textures are all yours (in abundance) to create your very own identity!

We went a little crazy with the carpet colour schemes, as they looked amazing next to Prada's purple, white and black striped skirt.

Matching a whole living room with that skirt would be quiet something...dont you think?

Photo Credit: Plhong Flores

What's up your sleeve?

2011-04-25T08:18:00.002+03:00

Sleeves, apparently, are the most difficult part of a garment to make. Hence sayings like "those sleeves are so Versace, or those shoulders are so Balmain..." Therefore a sleeve, more often than not, identifies a designer and their talent to make a miraculous part of a garment.

On this black lace dress, the sleeves are so Razan Al Azzouni, because only she can embroider what feels like two kilos of lustrous beads and sequins and make it work! They're a statement and set the dress apart from millions.

See what else Razan has up her autumn winter sleeve here.

Photo Credit: Plhong Flores

This in the press: JC REPORT

2011-04-24T20:14:00.002+03:00

We've gone transatlantic with New York's finest JC Report featuring The Overdressed as Trendsetter, read more here.

Where Prada got its stripes

2011-04-21T08:12:00.002+03:00

Prada's cool Josephine Baker inspired summer collection complete with bananas and stripes got its inspiration from a not so unknown source: Christian Dior.

This Dior dress from the 70s, complete with gold and vibrant retro colours, was made in response to the growing popularity of the pattern then, as worn by Picasso and Andy Warhol, and sailors and fishermen before them!

That is to say that what was made as a basic pattern has lived on well after the time it was originally invented. And as an ode to Prada for bringing back the stripes this season, we bring into the picture bubble gum pink Prada shoes!

For your vintage fix visit Atelier-Mayer

Photo Credit: Plhong Flores

Going to South America

2011-04-18T10:55:00.001+03:00

Lace, in all shapes, forms and colours is our favorite fabric! All of this was confirmed when we came face to face with Erdem's spring summer 2011 Margot dress.

Its excellence is apparent from top to bottom in its prudish seductiveness. Perfect for South American wedding celebrations, because you'd definitely want to tango in it!

Photo Credit: Plhong Flores

Erdem: The Interview

2011-04-14T10:20:00.000+03:00

Erdem, one of our favorite designers, never fails to impress and always leaves the fashion crowd gasping in awe of his creations. Here we interview the award winning designer about his beautiful Monet inspired fall winter collection, the Erdem girl and his future plans!

Overdressed: To us, both you and Monet are artists, how are you able to translate one form of art into another without compromising its beauty and accessibility?

Erdem Moralioglu: My work is an organic process, and something that happens quite naturally.

OD: You have the ability to stay true to your aesthetic, every season your Erdem girl evolves. What is the Erdem girl's underlying ideology?

EM: The Erdem Girl is someone who is independent and strong yet still feminine. She really marches to the beat of her own drum.

OD: What sets you apart from many is your use of ultra luxurious material and your printed silks. What process do you go through to make a print? And would you push the boundaries of printing to include printing on another luxurious fabric like lace?

EM: I'm really inspired by everything: my friends, books, art, music, women, travel... I take that inspiration and translate it into my work. I like the idea of mixing innovation with textiles and fabrics, so yes; I would consider printing on lace. Any kind of cloth is a canvas and a new direction for experimentation.

OD: As an avid Erdem fan you know I'm overdressed. How are you able to marry beauty and functionality-well, overdressed functionality?

EM: I leave that up to the wearer, being underdressed or overdressed is about how you wear it.

OD: Finally, you introduced pre-fall collection this year to your ready to wear line, what we are dying to know, is couture in your future?

EM: The future feels very bright and exciting!

OD: We're glad to hear!

Meanwhile, we picked out of favorite look from Erdem's spring summer 2011 collection!

Dianor: Your Golden Face

2011-04-11T08:22:00.000+03:00

We can't think of anything more opulent than gold. Now think of it on your face and lips...Mind you this is not the gold hue you've seen on the market, but this is real 24 carat "Versaille" style gold.

Paris-based Antoine Quesnel-Rene is the man behind, Dianor and golding us girls up!

The gold infused beauty line finds its inspiration from the Roman goddess of women, Diana, and Or, the golden element.

The venture started with a range of lip glosses in five shades to match every skin tone and season. There's Rose for summer, Prune for winter, and Beige, Carmin and Nude for everything in between.

But there's more! We were lucky enough to test Dianor's next product out in June, an all over highlighter available in yellow and white gold. We fell instantly in love as it adds the right amount of sparkle to the face in particular the eyes.

What you can get with sparkling eyes is endless...

Dianor lip gloss retails EUR48
Contact sales@dianor.fr or overdressed@theoverdressed.com

Visit www.dianor.fr for more information

Going on Safari

2011-03-28T09:43:00.001+03:00

Channeling Cleopatra on a safari trip with high waisted 1970s style pleated pants sound like a disaster, but that's exactly what we've done.

Mix Topshop (the pants) with Chanel "era" pieces together with Christian Louboutin Pique give you that cool vintage yet modern look that sets you apart from the "fresh off the runway" crowd.

Try it at Atelier-Mayer they have the best vintage!

Rafael Lopez: Your answer to modern day haute couture

2011-03-24T08:02:00.004+03:00

“There’s this dress…it’s made of gold and brocade and I really want it.”

Hailing from the south of Spain, award winning designer Rafael Lopez is today’s answer to Cristobal Balenciaga. Lopez has returned to his homeland after completing his studies in Marangoni Institute and Central St Martin’s College of Art & Design.

Lopez created this dress as part of an exquisite haute couture capsule for Atelier-Mayer, referencing Goya, Dali, Picasso, Zurbaran, Almodovar and Angela de la Cruz for a modern sophisticated look. He mixes Latin sensuality with traditional history, all the while keeping it international.

The Rafael Lopez style is “the cool of England, the sensuality of Italy, the force of Spain and the chic of France.”

"How can you not want it!?"

Thanks for the memories

2011-03-21T08:42:00.001+03:00

As Christian Dior closes its chapter with the extravagant John Galliano, veteran New York photographer Roxanne Lowit has kept all the memories in a beautiful book entitled: Backstage Dior.

To see behind the scenes theatrical performances during Galliano's exceedingly flamboyant reign all you have to do is flip through 200 pages of magnificent drama!

Available on amazon.com

Eisa Balenciaga

2011-03-17T12:53:00.002+03:00

We love historic tales, so when we met this Balenciaga dress we couldn't help but listen to Carmen Haid, of Atelier-Mayer tell the story.

The dress is labelled Eisa. It so transpires that in Spain Cristobal Balenciaga designed under his mother's name, Eisa, for the Spanish aristocracy in Madrid, Barcelona and San Sebastián.

Sadly though, the Spanish Civil War forced the closure of his Spanish operation which he moved to Paris, under the name of Cristobal Balenciaga, joining the likes of Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli. His first catwalk show, under the Balenciaga name, took place in 1937 at his Avenue George V atelier. So, really this dress is a collector's item and a piece of fashion treasure.

Contact Atelier-Mayer to know whether you are lucky enough to own it!

Overdressed hosts Atelier-Mayer

2011-03-14T08:37:00.001+03:00

On Saturday March 12 Overdressed hosted an exclusive private luncheon for Atelier-Mayer, an online retailer for luxury vintage fashion and accessories in Bahrain for the very first time.

The private ladies' lunch was set in open atrium where "pop up" vintage corners were created for Chanel, Hermes, Pucci and Yves Saint Laurent amongst other vintage treasures like Pierre Cardin, Lanvin and Edwardian bijoux.

Staying true to vintage heritage classical violinist Theresa Finzi, granddaughter of famed British composer Gerald Raphael Finzi, enchanted the atmosphere with Haydn, Mozart and Vivaldi.

Lanvin polka dot dress and black lace 1955 Christian Dior Haute Couture

Rafael Lopes for Atelier-Mayer vintage brocade and gold dress, strapless 1970s blue velvet Bouchette dress, mesh gold and black vintage dress and white 1970s Azzaro dress, amongst a selection of extraordinary vintage clothing.

Chanel, need we say more?!

Edwardian and art deco vintage jewelry

Yves Saint Laurent's moroccan inspired collection

The gold counter and snake skin Louboutin

A very stylish and happy shopper in vintage Chanel bustier and black boucle jacket.

In the end though, no one left without a gift! The fabulous goodie bags included Camilla Morton’s newly launched Christian Lacroix fairytale book, a selection of exclusive Overdressed postcards, a special Atelier-Mayer gold leaf lipgloss inspired by Klimt, typical Austrian Salzburger Mozart chocolate and Michel Cluizel's Les Macarolats!

And although we have always loved vintage, we love it even more now, so to that we say...out with the new in with the old!

*****

Special thanks to the beautiful Carmen Haid of Atelier-Mayer for the beautiful selection of luxury vintage, and to the flame haired beauty Philomena Schurer for cooly assisting frenzied shoppers. Also, a huge thank you to the fabulous Rozan Ahmed for keeping our twitter followers constantly updated about the event and the internet buzzing with vintage details!

Football Americano

2011-03-10T08:25:00.000+03:00

If ever you find yourself on a patch of grass and there's an oddly shaped object flying about, it's a "football" all'Americana. Go well equipped so there's no holding back...We've gone prepared with American football gear inclusive of mask and arm brace, not to mention the all essential bi-coloured Celine boots, and denim!

Yes, denim, we ended up with the dress from H&M because we really can't resist pretty things!

In the Press: Harpers Bazaar Arabia Best Dressed 2011

2011-03-08T13:28:00.005+03:00

Although this isn't our usual Overdressed photo shoot post, we wanted to share with you that Harpers Bazaar has selected us for its 2011 Best Dressed Issue.

I would like to express my thanks to the Harpers team for a fun shoot, hence the overzealous smile, and to Razan Alazzouni for her extremely beautiful (and overdressed) fall winter outfit. And a huge dose of gratefulness to my good friend Rozan Ahmed, who is a power lady, in all senses of the word.

The accompanying interview made my friends call me in hysterics about its accuracy. I hope you enjoy a little glimpse of the more personal "overdressed" me.

Sweet Moschino

2011-03-07T08:13:00.000+03:00

Moschino was the 80s outrageously cool kid. Now its back and sweeter than ever in its pastel shades, and ladylike cuts.

Still playful, still outrageous, Moschino is here to stay and marks it arrival with a huge bow!

Grey Gold

2011-03-04T17:44:00.000+03:00

We absolutely adore and cannot live without gold! However, grey (and not to mention black) always keeps gold classy rather than trashy.

So, we pile on the gold accessories on this beautiful raw silk dress by Emilia Wickstead and rough it up with black raffia Dolce and Gabbana booties and a gold venetian mask, naturally!

Overdressed hosts Atelier-Mayer in Bahrain!

2011-02-24T09:57:00.001+03:00

Overdressed and Atelier-Mayer announce their private luncheon in Bahrain next month. The event will be full of vintage delight, and beautiful surprises. Of them this...Christian Lacroix and the Tale of Sleeping Beauty: A Fashion Fairytale.

The fashion world was shocked and saddened by Christian Lacroix's 2009 bankruptcy in the midst of the financial crisis. To some it even signaled the death of couture!

There are no words to express the "genius-ness" that is this book. The world of Lacroix has been forever immortalised in this fairytale memoir...and is a definite future vintage.

A Secret Garden

2011-02-21T10:52:00.000+03:00

To escape reality to a secret life of lush gardens with mazes and fairytale is what we all want to do.

In Erdem's spring summer Bianca dress you can do just that, close your eyes, shut the world out and travel to a secret garden.

We wish the Erdem studio best of luck for their fall winter fashion show today!

Be your Valentine

2011-02-14T06:46:00.000+03:00

This Valentine's day love yourself as much as love and drape yourself in something fabulous and ultra luxurious! Be it silk, satin or lace look and feel the part to fall in love with yourself.

We are making red and lace our favorites...but before you dress indulge in some Green Bar!

In bloom

2011-02-10T09:36:00.000+03:00

We found these fabric flower cut out earring in a stripped brown and white box. A long forgotten gift from Henri Bendel!

As they are the star feature we kept it simple (or as simple as Overdressed goes) with a black lace and organza Erdem top and a pleated creme vintage skirt.

Now, we are ready for a garden party, afternoon tea anyone?

B is for blue back Balenciaga

2011-02-07T10:34:00.001+03:00

The back of a dress is our favorite part of a dress. If it looks good in the back then it must look good in front right?

Balenciaga does this well in a Grecian style blue back!

Gardening is a sport!

2011-02-03T09:01:00.000+03:00

So lady like and so chic, gardening is the one thing no one does anymore.

Gardening-done here in a 1979 grey stripped silk top and skirt by now depleted designer, France Havena, creates the perfect gardening afternoon outfit.

You wonder why no one makes clothes like this anymore?!

Claude Montana: Fashion Radical

2011-01-31T11:26:00.000+03:00

80s and 90s fashion is big, beautiful and opulent, all of which is documented in Claude Montana's book Fashion Radical.

The book features 146 of Montana's haute couture sketches for Maison Lanvin from 1990 to 1992. During his period as the maison's couturier he received two consecutive Golden Thimble awards, you would wonder why...

Says Montana about couture: "women today dream only of practical fashion. I want them to be divine. With haute couture, I'm moving towards divinity."

Do we love this man or what?!

Image: amazon.co.uk

Available from Amazon

Amazing Alexander

2011-01-27T10:41:00.004+03:00

Your grandmother would own a cardigan with leather covered buttons, but the sleeves wont be so exaggeratedly enormous nor would she wear the cardigan with leggings and a mesh top from Topshop! That is why we love Alexander Wang, the cool New Yorker who twists classics!

Object of Desire

2011-01-24T10:55:00.000+03:00

Louis Vuitton make things that make us cringe but they also make things that make our hearts flutter. A perfect example is this little candy clutch: Minaudiere Berlingot from Cruise 2011.

Aptly named after the colorful french berlingot candy it is just as sweet. The clutch comes in a simple rectangular shape, but the intricate stripes of resin and Mother of Pearl makes it a collector's item.

Now mademoiselle, the choice is yours rose clair ou rose fonce?

Keep it under wraps

2011-01-20T07:57:00.000+03:00

While the 80s is known for many things-subtly is not one of them! But Yves Saint Laurent remains true to elegance even in the florescent 80s with this black and blue wrap dress.

In fact, black and blue never looked so good especially with puff sleeves which gives this floral dress its cool 80s vibe, all the while remaining elegant in silk.

So we say, whether you're going to a party or out running errands keep it under wraps.

For an amazing selection of vintage Yves Saint Laurent go to Atelier Mayer

That 70s Show

2011-01-17T08:12:00.000+03:00

Elegance and comfort combined create a shirt dress, so there's never really an excuse to give into track pants! We belted this Erdem shirt dress with a perforated Hermes belt, which in itself is quiet retro: red on one side purple of the other.

If Jeanne Lanvin thought shirt dresses were cool enough for the 70s, Erdem definitely thinks they're cool enough now.

Candied Apples

2011-01-13T07:32:00.005+03:00

When Miu Miu launched its cruise campaign early winter nothing caught our eye more than the sweet, fun and fresh look of polka dots and pink apples!

So charming and bubbly we pair it with a grey cotton skirt by Razan Al Azzouni and cobalt blue Fendi shoes.

Befittingly, the screen of an iPad works just as well as a reflective surface for all those apples...

Sufana Boutique and Ce Soir Moda Mall stock Razan Al Azzouni.

For everything Miu Miu go to net-a-porter.

What's old is new

2011-01-10T09:44:00.004+03:00

In a world full of brand new shiny products we can't help but go back to where it all started: real proper atelier couture. And there's only two places you can find items with soul: your mother's honeymoon suitcase and Atelier Mayer.

Starring a bubble pink cropped Chanel jacket in impeccable condition from Atelier Mayer we mix old and new. In the mix are high waisted Reiss pants, Dolce and Gabbana polka dotted shirt and our favorite Paris-Londres Chanel shoes.

The shoes, we have a feeling, are future vintage!

Bergdorf Love

2011-01-05T10:16:00.006+03:00

Book shopping is probably more dangerous than shoe shopping. Books are beautiful, heavy, expensive and the choices are endless!

Our favorite publisher has to be Assouline. Tucked away on rue Bonaparte, Paris you'll find a magical little shop front, push the door open and marvel in its treasures.

You will want to buy everything there, but the latest piece of obsession is Windows at Bergdorf Goodman. Because Bergdorf has the most beautiful shop windows Assouline has accumulated the best in a coffee table book.

Image: www.amazon.com

Unlike shoes, Windows at Bergdorf will set you back quiet a bit, at $1,000 you can buy the window and its display!

PS You can now follow us with bloglovin

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OVERDRESSED!

2010-12-29T08:20:00.006+03:00

Today Overdressed turns one!

We celebrate this overdressed occasion by wearing our favorite dress in the world, Rumina, from Erdem's fall/winter 2008.

It's a been a beautiful year for which we are grateful, and we would like to thank all our fans and followers for their continuous love and support.

There's much more high fashion coming your way so stay tuned, because the best is yet to come...

Love always,

Overdressed

Chain Reaction

2010-12-25T22:18:00.004+03:00

For months we've been looking for polka dot tights, and none other than the reliable Shopbop had them ready to ship from Missouri to Bahrain in a day! Efficiency is greatly appreciated.

So, we brought out what we've been dying to wear with polka dots, namely, a scarlet coloured tulip skirt by Erdem and Bottega Veneta boots.

Yet somehow when you get the bottom half right the top half just does not want to work. And no matter how many times you keep changing, it's a chain reaction and will never work!

The thought of chains reminds us of one black Chanel jacket-with chains! Not only does it work, it also gives off a totally urban New York look, all the while keeping it feminine with vintage pearl Chanel earrings.

Too bad the way to JFK is snowed under...

Colour, colour-in, colouring

2010-12-20T11:53:00.004+03:00

One of the pleasures of being a little girl was having dolls, doll houses, doll clothes...the list goes on.

Not now though...now little girls get sketches of art deco designed stage costumes by Erte to colour in!

Image: amazon.co.uk

Image: www.eranostra.com

Not just that, Hermes has followed suit to prep the chicest little girls for the future world of Hermes by this coloring book: Hermes 4 Mondes.

Go ahead, colour away!

Stained glass

2010-12-13T10:24:00.006+03:00

Mindful to those who have the misfortune of not being able to wear cruise until you board an eastbound plane and fly for 7 whole hours, for us its which cruise dress, and when?

And speaking of east, this Erdem dress has quiet the Middle Eastern feel to it with its stained glass colours in red, blue and black.

The colours make us think of domes and bazaars so it's only right to add more East with turquoise beads, and coincidentally, a screen of arabesque geometric shapes makes it all the more vibrant.

Now we want to carry around the iron screen to complete the look...

Rock n Rolla

2010-12-08T13:21:00.004+03:00

Leather always seemed to be too tough to be elegant, until the pink of this Prada dress proved to be one sugar cubes too many and needed roughing up!

Enter chained leather and exaggerated shoulder Lou de Beauregard jacket. The jacket, is beautiful enough in its own right, but paired with red suede Louboutin shoes and an ebony cuff, gives the dress that rock n roll kick it needs to make us properly Overdressed for the grit and grim of a Rolling Stones concert!

We decided then, that as a standalone leather is not the most elegant material, but chained leather and wavy hair in just the right doses can be Overdressed enough...

Red Velvet

2010-12-06T11:05:00.003+03:00

We heard someone say that red is the new black, and frankly we can't agree more. Now imagine red on velvet done by the master of the colour red, Valentino, who turns to the darker shade of the colour.

The dress, featuring a floppy front bow applique and velvet trimmings makes it both fun and festive. No doubt that with crazy shoes, and giant earrings anything in red velvet will solve an "I don't have anything to wear" statement.

So with that, Christmas and our national day just around the corner, red is definitely the new black!

Dress by Valentino Red available at Sufana Boutique Moda Mall

Grey Gray

2010-12-01T08:06:00.003+03:00

The colour grey has a bad reputation in England, yet there is something quiet intriguing about it. Perhaps it's the fact that grey makes other colours pop out, making it a cooler than white canvas.

Also, grey doesn't belong to a season, so wearing it in December will not shock. It is probably why most designers' cruise collections feature it...like this Erdem dress.

So with December and its countless occasions here in full swing, dressing up is a must. We took to combining cruise with a dose of hard winter by adding a grey Pellissimo rabbit skin stole to the mix with a pink Angela Caputi necklace and grey Dior shoes.

Now, the question arises, which one of the December occasions does this look belong to?

Pellissimo rabbit skin stole available at Sufana Moda Mall

Caviar on Ice

2010-11-27T15:30:00.003+03:00

Given that it is party season on each continent we find it quiet befitting to dress in sequins, and finally being true to our Overdressed self!

Even though we want to be dressed in head to toe sequins, black sequins are sometime a bit too "Presidents black tie ball."

To avoid the look of any political gala, this Komlan dress is balanced with a grey wool skirt and Miu Miu leopard pumps making you appropriately dressed for a party on each continent, and because a "caviar on ice" look is a hit everywhere.

Komlan dress available at Sufana Boutique Moda Mall