Location: My Saks SS12 Contemporary event – Dubai, UAE

Day 4 with Myfashdiary’s NYFW contributor, Melissa Liebling-Goldberg, Editorial Director, Gilt.com

It’s not often that I walk away from a day at the Tents and think, “I have got to buy more belts.” But today, it was all I could think about. From wide corsets at DKNY to sleek buckleless cinchers at DVF to double-wraps at Victoria Beckham, belts are popping up on top of dresses and coats for a slim, fitted silhouette for Fall 2012. Celebrating a women’s shape? Yes, please!

Even the black piping that’s turning up as a graphic accent on coats and sheaths help to outline the figure, and pantsuits are cut with slim waists through double-breasted jackets. And it’s a thrill to see feminine clothes presented without a trace of sugary sweetness or wilting wallflower. In bold reds, sexy maroons and creamy winter whites, these are clothes for the adult women who can afford them — and the occasions they need them for, including work. That’s a novel thought, right?

I myself would like one of everything from the DKNY show today. The belted puffer jacket, the leather sleeved coats, the off-the-shoulder black dress, the snow leopard sweater, I could go on and on. With a yellow tax in the background, it was truly clothing that appealed to a New York woman, and that definitely included me (and my row of oohing and aahing editors).

For more, check out www.gilt.com/uk

Click here to view the embedded video.

As you might have heard, one of my favorite boutiques in Dubai (& one of the most innovative in the Middle East) – Symphony Boutique, brought style icon, Miroslava Duma & famous streetstyle photographer, Tommy Ton to shoot their SS12 campaign as well as guest host an event at their boutique. I have also shared a lovely video by Rupert Chesman, which highlights the behind the scenes coverage of the campaign. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it to the actual event but I did get the chance to speak to Miroslava on this project… Check out the pictures and video above too! I spoke to her about the project, the Middle East and her top style tip

Hi Miroslava! what an exciting collaboration – you + Tommy Ton + Symphony! what did you enjoy most about this project?
I loved working with my dear friend Tommy Ton because he is just a genius – he can make anyone look amazing, much more beautiful than live. It was also so nice to collaborate with Symphony and to wear all of their gorgeous pieces which are coming to the store for SS12. I met so many incredible young women at the charity dinner and in-store events with Symphony also. It was great fun, and definitely inspiring trip!

Have you ever been to the Middle East before?
Yes many times! I first visited Dubai eleven years ago with my parents – and you can imagine how much is has changed since then! I love Dubai; my husband and I often visit for our holidays along with our son George.

What is one style tip you swear by?
Im actually now experimenting with fashion and my tastes change very quickly but there is definitely one style tip that might help everyone – even though a real fashion might never be comfortable you should always dress the way you feel yourself confident with the clothes. If its something ultra fashion but you don’t feel 100% sure in it-better take it away.

For more, check out… Symphony, Ground Floor Fashion Avenue, The Dubai Mall,

 T: 04 330 8050 www.symphony.ae

Location: Styling Impression Boutique – Doha, Qatar

Day three from NYFW AW’12 from Myfashdiary’s NYFW contributor, Melissa Liebling-Goldberg, Editorial Director, Gilt.com/uk

Ever look at the runway and think, “Where exactly does one wear that?”

Today was filled with work-appropriate suits, knits you can’t wait to wear to brunch and evening dresses that beg for sexy nights out. The overall lines of the season are so clean and unfussy that one can picture the pieces moving seamlessly into a closet. Standout pieces in my mind for day included a neon-tinged spin on a Fair Isle sweater from Mara Hoffman, a navy and black silk varsity jacket at Tibi, and every pair of pants in the Prabal Gurung show.

Pants! Remember when you used to have as many of those in your closet as dresses? There is no silhouette that I think is more flattering on the vast population of women than a slim flare (thank you Tom Ford for imprinting that in my mind in the ’90s) and Prabal’s take on the fit was divine. His dresses were also amazing, but we’ve come to expect nothing less of him. I was also unexpectedly wooed by Rachel Zoe‘s corporate raider-worthy pantsuits. Boxy double-breasted blazers and peacoats look especially fresh now too.

While it’s not a season ruled by prints, I was charmed by the black and white birds soaring across Peter Pan collared blouses at Tibi – so easy to pair with all the Spring neons as a transition to fall. And layering turtlenecks under dresses at Jill Stuart may not be the most original styling idea, but it sure is an appealing one that’s easy to imagine going from the runway to your daily life.

During my trip, I checked out Souq Waqif (and had breakfast there!), shopped at the Pearl, The Gate, and Fifty One East, and visited the MIA (Museum of Islamic Art), and Mathaf

I fell in love with the city and can’t wait to go back… I was smitten with everything – I just had to create a scrapbook diary to share with all of you. If you haven’t been to Doha before, It is definitely worth the trip…  oh, and don’t forget to stop by Impression Boutique

Also, if you have a spare few minutes – I suggest you check out Sheikha Al Mayassa of Qatar for a super interesting Ted Talks lecture here

Thank you Impression Boutique for being so welcoming & introducing me to Doha!

Any other Jennifer Aniston fragrance fans?

http://www.sephora-me.com

http://www.atelier-mayer.com

Gilt.com/uk

I’ve always loved the idea of New Yorkers as a black-clad tribe, traipsing through tough urban landscapes of concrete and glass. But the past few seasons of ladylike bow blouses, sweet pastels and downright cheerful primary color shift dresses have rendered that old notion practically obsolete…until now. The layers of grey stripes held together with wide belts over skinny pants at Rag and Bone sang to me, along with the darkly architectural shapes of Jason Wu‘s surprisingly severe red and black sheaths. Even Rebecca Taylor laid aside her softer tendencies for a show filled with textural combinations of layered black and navy with a few killer maxidresses for daytime in dark prints.

Fur continued to reign on the runways from furry booties at Yigal Azrouel and Rebecca Taylor to multi-coloured chubbies at Peter Som to trim on coats on pretty much every runway. Leather pants (and pantsuits) turned up in shades of red, green and black as an alternative to the printed pants that continued on from being one of Spring’s major trends.

As for me, I will go to bed dreaming of Doo.Ri‘s cinched waist, full-skirted dress with just a sliver of skin peeking out from a precise cut-out at the neck. I cannot think of a more sophisticated dress to take me to every occasion in my life – the ultimate in day-to-night dressing. Oh, and I’ll take one of her beautifully structured coats that hint at a cocoon to go over it. If only I had them to help me brave tomorrow’s predicted snowstorm.

With the temperatures set to plummet below freezing this weekend in NYC, there’s no better time to dream of next fall’s wardrobe! So, as much as I try and keep an objective eye towards the runways and think of what all of our fabulous Gilt.com members would like to be wearing, I can’t help but stock my fantasy closet in my own head.

Today I fell in love with the printed dresses at Costello Tagliapietra. Every season, I swoon at the masterful draping and the feminine shape of the duo’s dresses, but this time, I really responded to their florals, which almost had a coral reef feeling to them. All you need to add are black pumps and a great bag, and your outfit is done. (I must say, their two-tone pumps shown with the dresses were awfully tempting too).

The colour block coats at BCBG Max Azria looked fresh – the mixed fabrics made them funky enough to stand out in the coat closet but the tight neutral palette kept them wearable. I loved all the black-based colorblock dresses as well. It’s a trend that I’ve been firmly embracing for months, and I’m thrilled to see it sticking around for another season.

Richard Chai Love had a section of gray stripes that really sang. The sharp tailoring of the pieces lent graphic appeal as well as flattered the shape of anyone wearing them. I would like to sign up for the dress with the navy, belted mid-section as soon as possible. Consider the waitlist kicked off on that piece. I also loved his dark and moody floral pieces – maybe with all the Snow White movies coming out, the dark red rose will have its moment in the sun again.

One trend that I’m going to sit out? Furry purses. As a purse with a green Mohawk that many a 80s anarchist would be proud of made its way down the runway, my seatmate turned to me and mumbled, “My, that’s a major purse.” I’ll just stick to my Giles & Brother safety pin earrings.

Melissa comes to Gilt from PeopleStyleWatch.com and People.com where she began as Senior Editor and rose to Style Director. Prior to her time at People, Melissa held positions with Teen Vogue as the Associate Beauty Editor and the New York Post as the ShopWatch Columnist and features contributor. Before transferring to the fashion editorial side, Melissa had worked on the photo desks of the New York Post, Seed and New York Magazine. An entrepreneur, Melissa has also launched two women’s collections – ASP, a women’s designer clothing boutique and label, and E. 9th Jewelry, a line of Lucite and cameo jewellery. Melissa was educated at Washington University in St. Louis, MO where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a double major BFA in Photography and English Literature.

Location: Traveling! Doha, Qatar – London Heathrow

The place to eat:
-Chez Janou and La Stresa in Paris
- Asanaebo and Dan Tanas, in Los Angeles

The place to pamper myself:
-Facials from Frankie Paige in Los Angeles
-Massages at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills

The place to shop:
-Gem Palace in Jaipur
-Loveless in Tokyo
-Resurrection, Curve, Satine in Los Angeles.
-Maryam Nassir Zadeh and New York Vintage in NYC

The place to party:
I love any location with good friends, good music and a great cocktail menu

How to Enter:
-Answer the following in the comment box below:

what are your Valentines day plans?

*please write the name of the city you are in when answering the question

Sephora are giving away some amazing prizes for Valentines day (a trip to Paris is one…)  http://www.sephora-me.com

Location: Casual day in London – London, UK

Click here to view the embedded video.

On My Plate: Dial Restaurant and Bar by MFD food editor, Tamara Samman

Dial Restaurant and Bar is a European-style cuisine situated in an urban and central location in Covent Garden.  The bar area is relaxed, lively and bustling; whereas the restaurant area is dedicated to a more private and secluded vibe.

Perfect for: A romantic date or a night out for some drinks by the bar with a friend or two.

Interior: Dark wood, chic purple velvet chairs and flower-printed sofas that complement the charming ambience.  The dim-lighting enhances the cosy atmosphere in the restaurant overlooking the streets, shops and people!

Myfashdiary’s Orders: Antioxidant juice with berries, lime and mint; Roast Pumpkin and Lamb’s Lettuce Salad with Caerphilly Cheese and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds; Sautéed Gnocchi with Broccoli Florettes, Baby Spinach with Lemon Herb Butter; Apple Tart with Toffee Sauce.

Service: Hospitable and approachable staff that were really informative with the dishes present on the menu.

Price: Its prime location levels up to its affordable prices.

Fun Facts: Dial Restaurant & Bar serves breakfast daily (buffet and A La Carte), as well as Afternoon Tea!

Location:

Radisson Edwardian Mercer Street Hotel
20 Mercer Street, Covent Garden
WC2H 9HD, London, UK

Telephone: 020 7845 8607

Timings:
Bar: All day until 2am

Breakfast:
Monday – Saturday: 7am – 10am
Sunday: 8am – 11am

Lunch: 12pm – 2:30pm

Afternoon Tea: 3pm – 5pm

Dinner: 5:30pm – 10:30pm

I am so excited to finally announce and share some exciting news with all of you I am the face of one of my favorite Dubai based designers, Aiisha Ramadan‘s S/S’12 collection – starred in the s/s’12 lookbook and campaign film! They are not out… but Harpers Bazaar Arabia had the exclusive behind the scenes! Check it out in the current issue If you’re not in the Middle East, check out the scan above!

Stay tuned for the full lookbook and video

Check out Aiisha Ramadan’s amazing work @ http://www.aiisha.com

Location: Dinner at The Market, W Hotel – Doha, Qatar

The Valentine’s Day Chocolate Facial.  The treatment started off with a soothing moisture granular peel scrub.  Followed by, a Diamond Microdermabrasion was used to exfoliate the dead skin cells before applying the Rejuvenating Chocolate Peel Off Mask.  Whilst the chocolate mask was being applied on my face and my neckline, the chocolate aroma was almost impossible to resist!  I was amazed at the fact that my face felt smoother after each step of the treatment.  Ending the treatment with a face and neck massage was unquestionably the ideal finale , or you can say – the cherry on top! Not only was it a soothing and relaxing facial that was tremendously mouthwatering, but the result was impressive considering how soft my face felt as opposed to prior getting the facial. The perfect pampering treatment for Valentine’s day!

Recommended Therapist: Manel

PS There is also a Valentine’s Day Chocolate Wrap!

Silkor Villa
Beach Road
Dubai, UAE
T: 04-348 0500
http://www.silkor.com

Click here to view the embedded video.

As you might know, I dropped down to Doha, Qatar last weekend to Guest host an event at super cool boutique at the Pearl – Impression Boutique! Impression stocks brands such as Markus Lupfer, CCskye, Dannijo, Rachel Gilbert, Tibi, Noir, and Fyunka to name a few… I styled the windows & mannequins, as well as the models at the event, and had the chance to meet my readers in Doha – who were super cool and chic women. It was so nice meeting all of you… I was really impressed with the fashion industry in Qatar – They are so innovative and have great attention to design, as well as being a super supportive nation – everyone supports everyone! Enjoy the photos I took at the event as well as a video produced by Style House.

Look out for a future feature on my Doha Diary!

Thank you Impression Boutique – had so much fun!

https://www.facebook.com/ImpressionBoutique

Location: Tour around Doha, Qatar!