Best of the beach
Abu Dhabi can never have enough luxury beach clubs, so we are delighted to hear that the Fairmont here opens its exclusive club in 10 days' time. The club has everything you would expect from a five-star resort but the vast pool that runs the length of the beach is truly special. Membership packages are available for six and 12 months, prices to be announced.
Call 02 654 3333 or visit www.fairmont.com/babalbahr
Design Queen
Even the best had to start somewhere. Whether you want to be the next Alexander McQueen, Ralph Lauren or Coco Chanel, these two design books, one for men's fashion and one for women's, are tailor-made for budding designers and creative types. They feature measurement tools, an index of more than 1,300 brands, guides on body measurements, patterns and flat drawings plus a fabric dictionary and events calendar. An absolute must-have for fashion lovers and in dustry players that is light and small enough for your handbag.
Fashionary, Dh150, Symphony, Dubai Mall, 04 330 8050
A classic beauty
This kitsch case adorned with the famous film star in black and white (apart from Marilyn's trademark pillar-box red lips) is certainly more for show or for storing trinkets than carrying around. The perfect pressie for any film buff or anyone who just loves Marilyn - and who doesn't?
Dh59, Lifestyle, Oasis Centre, 04 515 4302
Designed to smell divine
Mixing iconic design with divine-smelling scents, the Berkeley Square Natural Couture range of luxury bath and soap sets makes an ideal way to spend a pampered hour relaxing in the bath. They come in three fragrances - white amber, white bergamot and lily of the valley - each offers a unique and delicious scent and feel. Available in gorgeous gift boxes with enchanting black-and-white images encapsulating the golden age of fashion, they make you feel as glamorous as the era that inspired them.
Berkeley Square white bergamot lotion and soap set, Dh120, Tips & Toes, www.tipsntoeshaven.com
Dining Divas
Here's a date for the diary. Tuesday night at Okku is the latest night for the glitterati. Mixing fashion, food and new friends, Okku's new "O" Socialista night focuses on style and glamour, providing a perfect venue for a decadent girls' night out. In the exclusive newly designed VIP Lounge on the mezzanine level you can wear your little black dress, let your hair down and socialise in the Manhattan-meets-Tokyo-style restaurant. The music is a mixture of sultry soul and electro-chic, giving you the perfect excuse to break in your new Jimmy Choos as you shimmy around your favourite clutch. Okku has teamed up with several fashion and beauty brands, so each week offers a new chic experience.
Okku, Monarch Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, 04 501 8777
Vintage glamour
Great vintage clothing is hard to find here, which is why we were thrilled to hear that Vintage Parlour - Abu Dhabi's first vintage boutique - is opening. After 12 years of collecting select antique and vintage pieces, Judith Hanley decided it was time she unveiled it to the public for sale. Her collection, which sprawls across several temperature-controlled rooms, contains impeccable pieces from the 1900s to 1970s.
Shopping by private appointment. Visit myvintageparlour.com or e-mail judith@myvintageparlour.com
