For adults only
If you invest in one single item to update your lounge this year, then make sure it is a chaise longue. A "grown-up" piece of furniture, it creates the perfect environment for reading or sleeping by supporting the back and raising the legs. This chaise longue was designed by the French interior designer Charlotte Perriand in 1928. Deemed one of the most important furniture designers of the mid-20th century, she was known to create interiors that were both comfortable and functional. Made from chromed tubular steel with a calfskin covered seat and leather-covered headrest, it can be adjusted from an almost-upright to practically horizontal position. Afternoon naps are just a step away.
Dh16,183 available online at www.conranshop.co.uk
As clear as black and white
Over the past two seasons Salvatore Ferragamo has turned its image around from a classic Italian accessories brand to an ultra-cool fashion house. What pushed the brand to the forefront of fashion headlines was Lady Gaga wearing a head-to-toe Ferragamo houndstooth look. It may very well be this black and white print that shakes up the brand, but whatever it is, we love it.
Clutch, approximately Dh9,145, Salvatore Ferragamo, Dubai Mall, 04 330 8590 and elsewhere
Creature cases
Cases for your iPhone, BlackBerry, MacBook and the like are 10 a penny these days, so how about something more funky than classical chic? Well these creature phone cases are certainly just that. The new whimsical cases by Case-Mate for the iPhone 4 and the BlackBerry Curve include fun and lovable animals to scary monsters. We love the quirky designs and the unique phone protection - such as elevated moulding for a better grip - that each character provides. Making a statement in the office is guaranteed.
Case-Mate cases are priced between Dh55 and Dh220 and are available in Carrefour, iStyle, Jacky's, Plug-ins, Sharaf DG and elsewhere. Call 04 347 5343 for further details
More than a string of pearls
If you didn't get the memo, collars are big news this season. So huge, in fact, that the trend has already filtered down to the high street. For those of us who can only dream of that patent leather Louis Vuitton collar, this pearl version from Topshop will do the trick nicely without breaking the bank. Pair over a round neck black dress and chunky heels for a demure approach to the catwalk trend.
Dh120, Topshop, Marina Mall, 02 681 8242; Dubai Mall, 04 339 9802 and elsewhere
We love you Alber
There's just something about Mr Elbaz's beaming face, kooky glasses and smiling eyes that cheers us up. Not only is he hailed as one of the fashion world's all-time cutest characters, he also managed to turn Lanvin into every woman's favourite brand overnight. This T-shirt from Deer Dana is one of many starring fashion designers such as Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld. But for us, it's Alber forever!
Dh390, S*uce, Marina Mall, 02 681 8650; Village Mall, 04 344 7270; Dubai Mall, 04 339 9696
For the love of lace
We do not approve of this season's excessive-lace-over-the-face fad. However, we are big fans of the luxurious fabric and decided to go for a subtle touch rather than wreak havoc by not actually being able to see. Cecile Boccara's hair pins have got us hooked - great for pinning back our fringes on sticky days and for adding a feminine touch to a formal updo. The equally brilliant headband comes as lace on a string and can be used as a necklace or bracelet.
Dh430 (black pin); Dh565 (beige pin); Dh650 (headband), Boom & Mellow, Mall of the Emirates, 04 341 3993; Mirdif City Centre, 04 284 0609
