Of getting married anytime soon, but I just love the back of this dress! It’s just so elegant, with it’s low scooped back, and I love the way the skirt billows out as the couple walks away from the photographer to start their new life. To be honest, I just want the dress to swan around in my living room while I drink tea from my vintage cup and saucer I brought back from Portobello Road.
Yes I’m fabulous like that!
Update 4/19 – Here are two articles written by fellow bloggers; giving their own opinions regarding Dubai and the Johann Hari article, which apparently caused a big to do when it was first published. There are those who are for and against Hari’s article and what actually goes on in Dubai. the comments in both of these blogs are particularly interesting. Christopher Saul read my post and took the time to write a comment (thank you!), asking me to reconsider my current view about visiting Dubai. This post has generated really great dialogue; whether I agree or disagree, it’s great to hear the thoughts and opinions of others. Talking to each other is what helps to make this world we live in go around.
http://www.alanfurth.com/dubai-and-i/
http://christophersaul.wordpress.com/2009/04/11/comments-on-johann-haris-dark-side-of-dubai-article/
For my next birthday, which is a very special birthday (not that all birthdays aren’t special, just that this one is particularly special to me) I wanted to go to Dubai with my sister as an extra special birthday treat. I have friends who have visited; who have told me stories of how lavish and beautiful, and extremely hot it is. My friends told me how they were treated like royalty from the moment they stepped off the plane, to their fabulous hotels, the man-made beaches; the dining and super expensive and amazing shopping, everything was at their fingertips. What they didn’t tell me; what they themselves did not know is what’s behind the scenes in Dubai, what the tourists never see.
I was forwarded an article which was written in 2009 by Johann Hari of the Independent Newspaper (a UK publication). What I read was disturbing and a major eye opener.
I did not know about the maxed out British expats who went to Dubai seeking their fortunes and then when the bubble burst they lost everything; I read about the British woman who was homeless living in her Range Rover after her husband got sick (this is Dubai!!). I did not know about the men from Bangladesh, Pakistan and India who had to pay approx $2000 for a work visa, who were promised $400 per month for an 9-5 p.m. construction job (which was far more than they could ever make in their own countries) but were instead paid $90 per month and forced to work in 110 degree heat (most times higher) with barely any breaks, and for much longer hours, how about 15 hours a day! Is this not a form of modern-day slavery?
I did not know these men had their passports taken away the minute they landed in Dubai because the first thing they had to do was work off paying back the fees it took to get them there, which they are now in debt to loan sharks back home. They live in crowded camps, with 8 or more men sharing one room; far away from the tourists, where they are bussed in each day to construction sites and then bussed back out again. And now that the bubble has slowed construction in Dubai, all of the European and American construction companies have moved out, leaving half-finished buildings and these men to fend for themselves. How do you fend for yourself when you have no money and your passport has been taken from you? The company which brought you there has now left and taken your passport with them, and your embassy will or won’t do anything to help you.
The suicide rate among these migrant workers is horrifying, the people there are so used to a daily suicide that the bodies are just scraped off the payment and life goes on in its everyday luxurious and extravagant fashion.
I could go on and on in this post, but you’ve really got to read this article, to really feel what is going on there. The reporter wrote a really thought-provoking piece; it is truly mind-boggling. We all think of Dubai as this wealthy enclave, catering to every whim of their visitors, untouchable by hardship, well apparently that isn’t so. Why has there not been more of an outcry about this?
I know a lot goes on in the world that I don’t know about, I understand that there is a lot I don’t see, but I could not in good conscience visit a place and enjoy such luxury knowing that thousands of men are experiencing continued hardship and enslavement for my enjoyment. I understand that this article was written in 2009 and my research has shown continued problems (I’ve attached more recent articles below), I just don’t think I could now enjoy my next birthday in Dubai knowing what I know now, just on principle.
So after all of that, where do you suggest I go to celebrate this milestone birthday instead?
You’re thoughts and comments on this post would be greatly appreciated.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/may/27/dubai-migrant-worker-deaths
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2006/11/dark_side_of_du/
Update 4/17 – just found out from @justsitpretty this bag is called the Kristin Elevated Satchel and it’s no longer available in aqua… Bummer! eBay here I come!!!
I just discovered this amazing aqua coloured Coach bag which I found on @justsitpretty’s Pinterest board. Do you hear me screaming just have to have!!! I am obsessed with this colour. This bag is simply gorgeous!!! It is 11:11 pm at night. I’m going to track this baby down tomorrow.
I wanted this dress, but of course, they were sold out and would not remove this one from the window, which was my size...
Happy Monday dahhlings, I hope you had a beautiful and fabulous weekend.
After a really crazy day on Saturday, I decided to be spontaneous and venture down to Georgetown in Washington, DC, with its chic stores and cobbled streets (side bar – never ever go into Georgetown in clog heeled sandals). Going into Georgetown is always a harrowing experience, hence why I hardly go down there. Georgetown was fun and a mistake at the same time. It was great because I got to visit some of my favourite stores, Anthropologie, Zara, Cusp and Hu’s Shoes among others, and do a little shopping; now here’s the downside; Georgetown’s crowded cobbled streets are not meant for heels of any kind, it is strictly a flat shoe kind of town.
Those same cobbled streets will cause your feet to start screaming and you’ll also be spending most of your time conducting a high wire balancing act on those cobble stones. On top of all of that, there were what appeared to be thousands of people, most of them college kids on spring break, and then there was the awful traffic with drivers trying their absolute best to run you over. If you’re going into Georgetown to shop, you’ve got to go early and be out of there by noon (remember this was a spontaneous decision on my part). You’ll also find that Georgetown is like a black hole, it’s a hassle getting down there (no metro and driving is a nightmare, your only sane option is busing it, the Circulator is best); and definitely hard to get out of (can I get a bloody taxi please!!!).
I hope you all had a fantastic weekend, I certainly did, minus the trek to Georgetown. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, there was no need to stay in. It appears we’re going to have this weather until at least Wednesday. We’ll see what mother nature decides to throw our way after that.
Wishing you a fabulous and glorious week!
Update 4/24 – Now available on Converse.com
I’m not really a sneaker type of girl, my sneakers are strictly for running. I will say I do think these Missoni for Converse Chuck Taylor’s are kind of funky; I’m especially taken with the pink and green ones.
I’d wear these with a white shirtdress, a low slung belt and a big cross body bag for a day of shopping in Georgetown. These babies are a limited edition and only available while stocks last, starting April 14.
Available only at Missoni boutiques – $200.
It’s our favourite day again ladies; and I’ve found the most perfect and simple cocktail which you will make for yourself tonight after a long week at the office (insert sublimal message here). The makers of Grey Goose have created a new flavour called Cherry Noir and they’ve concocted this simple recipe.
To all of you I say… Cheers and Happy Friday! Remember you deserve it.
Give the cocktail a slight stir with the straw prior to serving to mix the ingredients, but do so gently, so as not to release all the carbonation.
For more Grey Goose cocktails click here: http://www.greygoose.com/cocktail-recipes/Black-Cherry-Cola
There is an exhibit in the southeast gallery at the Grand Palais in Paris for the photographer Helmut Newton, who is well-known for his sensual and racy photos. Do you remember a fabulously naked Grace Jones curved around a body builder; the stark contrast in skin tones creating a brain searing image to remember; or a smoking Linda Evangelista standing in the middle of a NYC street, among many others. A lot of Newtons work appeared in publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair and other high-end media. Well to coincide with this exhibit; the most gorgeous red lipstick has been created, you know I’m in heaven.
The lipstick named Funky Ruby by Terry is only being sold exclusively in the US at Barney’s, and retailing for $49. A strong red pout always screams “I’m sexy and I’m confident” so, with its elegant casing, scripted monogram and beautiful colour this is the ideal match for a Helmut Newton exhibition; after all the man was all about sexuality in all of its many forms.
I think I’m going to satisfy my red lipstick fetish and order one!
Helmut Newton exhibition at Grand Palais: http://www.rmn.fr/english/les-musees-et-leurs-expositions-238/museums-paris/expositions-340/helmut-newton-grand-palais
Have a fabulous Hersday Dahhlings!
Related articles
Update 4/12 – I just found out this jewelry box can be found at Anthropologie and retails at $298… Wow!!
I was just browsing around on Pinterest and found this interesting jewelry box, and thought it interesting enough to post. I think I’m going to try to find one of these.
Update 4/11: It’s seems everyone is in love with my green Longchamp bag, which has overshadowed the pink clutch. Thanks to everyone who complimented it. Unfortunately this colour came out about 3 years ago, therefore it is no longer available. Longchamp always creates an extra special colour each season. The colour I love right now is the orange, which will be a lovely pop of colour for the summer. See collection here: http://www.longchamp.com/en/le-pliage-women-255.html
This was supposed to have been yesterday’s post, but it was a long and crazy day of wearing many hats. There are lots of exciting things happening, I’ll fill you in when everything has been confirmed.
I’ve added yet another vintage handbag to my ever-expanding collection. I received my lovely new vintage clutch from Adrian Company Vintage, who are located on Etsy. Thanks Olga for the speedy shipping. The clutch is a gorgeous bubble gum pink and really soft. This bag is definitely from the 70’s with its chevron stripe and wrist strap.
Do you remember your mum going out and carrying one of these? If you ‘re a child of the 70’s like I am, then you certainly do! It’s going to be one of my go to bags when I’m having a Diana Ross 1970’s moment.
Adrian Company Vintage has a lovely assortment of vintage clothing and accessories on Etsy; beautifully curated at great prices.
Visit them at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/AdrianCompanyVintage?ref=ss_profile
Have a fabulous hump day Dahhlings!
Sending you spring tulips, to celebrate your fabulous Monday
Happy Bank Holiday Monday, to my UK family and happy Monday to everyone else. I hope you’re having a wonderful and fabulous Easter. I hope you spent yesterday with good food, family and giving thanks to God. I had a fantastic weekend, accomplished quite a bit. We’re having gorgeous weather here today, I’m sitting at my desk looking out the window, with the trees swaying in the breeze.. This is the life!! This is the type of weather that inspires me to be super creative. It’s absolutely lovely.
My line of iPad cases are coming along quite nicely, and selling briskly I might add, I haven’t even posted them online yet, and they are going like hot cakes. I’ve been sending pics to clients and they are snapping them up. The new batch will be available shortly, I’m just waiting for my bamboo tags to arrive. More colour combos also on the way.
If you would like further details, please email me @ lana@maylana.com. The cases will soon be available on my website www.maylana.com and also at the Maylana’s Closet Etsy store; which I am building as we speak. Worldwide shipping available. All major credit cards and PayPal accepted. (Hey I’ve got to do some self promotion while I’m blogging 🙂 It’s a great marketing platform). 10% discount to all fellow bloggers/followers once collection is online.
And remember ladies…
And if that doesn’t work…
My Home Town!!!
Have a fabulous Monday Dahhlings!
Maylana's Chronicles 