When it comes to gourmet food that doesn't break the bank, our options are limited in the UAE. Sure, there are plenty of wonderful fancy food stores scattered all around Dubai, but we're not too keen on spending about Dh20 on a loaf of bread. So when we heard about Finer Things and their selection of hard to find but decently priced specialty foods, we were thrilled. The shop is located next to the Barracuda Beach Resort in Umm Al Qaiwain and frequented by the country's best bargain-hunters. It holds a variety of high-range products sourced from all over the world that aren't already available in the UAE. Customers can also request certain foods, and the shopkeepers will do their best to get them. Plus, they feature a particular food every month and how best to incorporate it into your meals; in December they flew in a cheese artisan from France who instructed shoppers in how to match cheeses, and on the different milks used to produce them.
Finer Things, next to Barracuda Beach Resort, Umm Al Qaiwain, 06 768 1175
With the festive season a distant memory and our wallets lighter than a feather, January can often be detox dreary. However, investing in key statement pieces is often the best way to boost the versatility of your wardrobe without having to break the bank. This gunmetal Dallas necklace from Shourouk, with its beautiful crystals, can glam up a white shirt or add an edge to a black T. The vertical lines elongate your neck, too.
Dh1,890, Boom & Mellow, Mall of the Emirates, 04 341 3993; Mirdif City Centre, 04 284 0609
On a recent trip to the Dubai Mallwe fell in love with the new Hermès window displays, which feature super trendy graffiti crafted by the German-born artist Darco. His works have appeared all around the world, including in New York and Paris, with exhibitions in London and Sydney. Now in our very own Dubai!
The Danish singer Nanna Øland Fabricus has been on our radar for some time, and now the music world is watching her with eager eyes. The singer/songwriter/producer, better known as Oh Land, has a gothic take on electropop - a cross between Björk's high-pitched vocals and Florence + The Machine's playful drums and ethereal style. She will join a slew of up and coming artists such as Little Dragon and tUnE-yArDs at this year's NME Awards in London in February. Our favourite track from her Oh Land album is White Nights, the cheeriest way to start our week.
After organising our jewellery box a few weeks ago we realised that we were lacking in the wrist-bling department. We usually steer clear of any bangles, bracelets and chunky charms. But with a growing selection of sleeveless tops and dresses in our wardrobe, they are now a necessity. We don't plan on jumping into the deep end (aka wooden bangles and jingly bracelets) just yet, so this Alyssa Norton leather piece ought to do the trick nicely. The New York-based designer made it big eight years ago after designing for Narciso Rodriguez and is now known for mixing materials and using vintage pieces as inspiration, making each piece a true collectable.
Approximately Dh1,995, www.net-a-porter.com
Barbara Boner grew up spending time in Washington, Boston, London, Toronto and Italy. Bags from the graduate of Central Saint Martins in London often reflect her travels, and she created this quirky clutch after a trip to Japan. Made from soft white leather with fringes that boast colours of white, cream and lipstick red, it's a statement piece that's bound to add texture and glamour to the simplest outfit.
Dh2,411, www.boticca.com
Something about the new season reminds us of Pocahontas - loose plaits at Just Cavalli, tribal prints at Burberry and asymmetric shapes at Alexander Wang. The key to this trend is to embrace the bohemian feel without looking as if you're in fancy dress. These perfectly Pocahontas-esque shoes are an example of how to give a nod to the trend and leave it at that. Wear with distressed denim, an oversized jumper and barely there hair and make-up for a fresh take on the look.
Dh2,300, Louis Vuitton, Marina Mall, 02 681 2166; Dubai Mall, 04 341 4462; and elsewhere
