Februry isuue

FEBRUARY 2014 - 15 L.E. VOLUME 9, ISSUE 5 WWW.IDENTITY-MAG.COM

IINNNE!R W AD

AT THE O W T FOR SONS A E S FOUR LAZA P E L I N AGE 16 SEE P

WHAT YOUR OUTFIT SAYS ABOUT YOU

How to...

SPOT A CHEATER GET RID OF VALENTINE STRESS BE SUPER CHEESY ON VALENTINE’S SURVIVE A TERRIBLE RELATIONSHIP CELEBRATE THE 14TH IF YOU’RE SINGLE

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ValEntinE’S Day iS nOt Only aBOut rOSES, hEartS anD CanDlElit DinnErS. FOr thE yOunG at hEart, what’S nOt tO lOVE aBOut ValEntinE’S BrunCh at thE GarDEn PrOmEnaDE anD all-yOu-Can-Eat SuShi at tOrii, whErE thE atmOSPhErE iGnitES thE SParkS OF lOVE. traDitiOnal rOmantiCS will lOVE Our rOOm anD SuitE PaCkaGES with DinnEr at Jw’S StEakhOuSE, riStOrantE tuSCany Or Saraya GallEry in thE EnChantinG GEzirah PalaCE, Or at EGyPtian niGhtS, inCluDinG BrEakFaSt. an ultimatE PriVatE trEat FOr an intimatE CanDlElit DinnEr FOr twO awaitS thE mOSt lOVinG in thE GranDEur OF EmPrESS EuGEniE’S quartErS.

ITS ALL ABOUT THE

L I P S

ROLL OUT IN RED FOR VALENTINES DAY WITH THE PERFECT LIPSTICK FROM FACES! ROLL OUT IN RED FEBRUARY 1-15FOR VALENTINES DAY WITH PERFECT LIPSTICKDAY FROM ROLL OUTTHE IN RED FOR VALENTINES FEBRUARY WITH THE PERFECT LIPSTICK FROM1-15 FACES! FEBRUARY 1-15

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FACES!

EDITOR’S NOTE

On The Cover

J

PHOTOGRAPHER MOHANAD KOJAK MODEL RACHEL SIMPSON FASHION STYLIST MOHANAD KOJAK MAKEUP & HAIR PACE E LUCE COVER DESIGN MOHAMED MAHER

anuary 25… another day of crossroads. For the last 3 years, it has become a symbol. A symbol but with variations: 2011 a symbol of freedom and a better country 2012 a symbol of unattainable freedom 2013 a symbol of lost hope and lost revolution 2014 a symbol of stupidity Voilà! Stupidity is the name of the game! Everyone wants to prove a point, a point no one wants to know…

People on the streets want to live, peacefully, happily without fear. Fear of the unknown! They have been baring with us for 3 years with no means of living or sense of security. They are fed up. They want to live a normal life.

I can’t really blame them; on the contrary I understand and sympathize. Everything needs to standstill. A pause, give the people time to breathe, to digest what’s going on and try to understand. There is no point in going against the wind, there are times where you have to bend or you will break and I am afraid it will be sooner than later.

Rola Kamel

FOUNDER & CEO FOUNDER & CEO ROLA KAMEL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF NAWAL ISMAIL SENIOR EDITOR SANDRA RIZK ASSOCIATE EDITOR AHMED HASSAN INTERN AISHA YOUSSEF RELATIONSHIP EXPERT MARWA RAKHA FASHION STYLIST FARAH ELSAYED FASHION EDITOR OF THE MONTH NAYERA YASSER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS MOHAMED MAHER & NEVINE A. ABAZA FITNESS SPECIALIST NORSHEK FAWZY PHOTOGRAPHER MOHANAD KOJAK MODEL RACHEL SIMPSON FASHION SHOOT STYLIST MOHANAD KOJAK MAKEUP & HAIR PACE E LUCE GRAPHIC DESIGNER MOHAMED MAHER MARKETING AND ADVERTISING MANAGER RIHAM YEHIA MARKETING COORDINATOR NOURHAN YEHIA WEBSITE COMPANY AFAQ DESIGNS DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES SKY NET & AL AHRAM PRINTING HOUSE SAHARA PRINTING COMPANY IDENTITY MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTORS ASHRAF FOUAD & ESSAM IBRAHIM Identity Magazine was founded in 2005 by Rola Kamel to enhance every aspect of a woman’s life style helping our female readers to discover and improve their own identities.

Published by Beezarre Publishing Ltd. Themistokli Dervi, 6 Papyros Building, 4th Floor, Flat/Office D5 – P.c 1066, Nicosia, Cyprus.

The Subscription rate to Identity is 180 L.E. for one year (12 issues) by Al Ahram, Tel: 02-27703190 Contact us at: 26A Montazah St., Zamalek, Cairo-Egypt. Tel: 02-27361187 Mobile: 0122-9401071 email: sendus@identity-mag.com www.identity-mag.com

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IDENTITY MAGAZINE EGYPT

8 IDENTITY FEBRUARY 2014

IDENTITYMAGEG

MEET THE TEAM

How do you see Valentine’s Day? Set El Kol. Elbig Boss.

Practical.Focused. Cool.

Yabyad yaswed. 3asabeya.

“Ana shayfa eno ba2a emotional abuse. Girls and boys feel neglected if they don’t get a big bash out of the day.

Very attention seeking.”

Rola Kamel

FOUNDER & CEO

Sandy Pandy. Fashion icon.

Stubborn. Messy Virgo. Mean.

Animal lover. Funny. Determent.

Sarcastic. Reliable. BigMac.

Elgawhara. Kind. Generous. Loud laugh.

To the rescue. Funny. Suspenders.

Mafeesh tarkiz.

“It’s an awful day! It reminds single people that they have no one to celebrate with and force couples to celebrate it 3ashan khayfeen el tani yedaye2! It should be banned.”

“I feel happy and excited when I walk around the streets and everything is colourful, especially in Zamalek.”

Sandra Rizk

Mohamed Maher

SENIOR EDITOR

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Hamada Dettol. Fashionista.

Mo2aw7a. Perfectionist.

Clean freak. Ambitious. Over confident.

“It’s a fake holiday 3ashan yekhalo el nas teshtery useless stuff that they will never use. It’s very forced; kol 7ad lazem yeb2a cute and nice and bubbly and ukkhhh… too cheesy!”

Ebony 500. Bubbly.

She makes us laugh.

Entertaining. Outer Space. Defensive.

We can’t imagine our office without her.

Ahmed Hassan

Mama Riri. Saviour.

Stubborn. Hard worker.

Telefonat. Felooooos.

Generous. Mo7tarama.

“Mabaheboosh w youm rekhem but when I receive my gift, I’m the happiest person alive hehehe.”

Riham Yehia

MARKETING & SALES MANAGER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Ousha. Fashion lover.

Lazy. Airhead. Creative.

Lives in an imaginary world. Funny. Pretty.

“It’s nice if you have a significant other because it spices up your relationship and it gives you an excuse to celebrate.”

“Dabadeeb. Youm benlaza2 fih f ba3d.”

Aisha Youssef

Nourhan Yehia

INTERN

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA EXECUTIVE

10 IDENTITY FEBRUARY 2014

CONTENTS DRESS BY MOHANAD KOJAK

10 BEHIND THE SCENES IDENTITY’S LIST

12 V-DAY GIFTS

14 FASHIONISTAS TALK

16 WHAT’S ON IDENTITY-MAG.COM HOW TO…

18 HOW TO BE SUPER CHEESY IN

LOVE & LIFE

FASHION REPORT

24 CAIRO’S SWEETHEARTS 26 HOW TO SPOT A CHEATER 28 GET RID OF VALENTINE’S DAY

40 14 EMERGING FASHION

STRESS! INTIMACY

29 KEEP THE INTIMACY ALIVE IN A LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP

VALENTINE’S DAY

BEAUTYHOLIC

LOVE ADVICE

30 SMILE TO THE WORLD 32 ASK IDENTITY’S STYLIST

19 LEARN TO LOVE YOURSELF PAMPER YOURSELF

20 6 SINGLE WAYS TO CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY FOR HIM

21 MAKING HIM FALL FOR YOU HEALTH MATTERS

22 GUILTY FREE FOODS CULINARY ART

23 BREAKFAST IN BED

FASHION EDITOR FOR A DAY

33 CONVERTING SAAB’S HAUTE COUTURE TREND ALERT

34 ART-FULL FLAIR FASHION BAZAAR

35 EGYPT’S ONLINE FINDS FASHION FEVER

36 WHAT’S UNDER THERE?

38 WHAT YOUR OUTFIT SAYS ABOUT YOU 12 IDENTITY FEBRUARY 2014

DESIGNERS IN 2014

43 RIGHT NOW: WHAT’S TRENDING FASHION HISTORY

44 DESIGNERS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD OF FASHION POINT OF VIEW

46 STEPS TO HELP YOU KEEP YOU SANITY IN A FAMILY GHATHERING

48 CLOSER INSPECTION 50 SURVIVING A TERRIBLE RELATIONSHIP I HOLLYWOOD

52 MATCHMAKING

53 CELEBRITIES YOU WOULDN’T WANT TO DATE

54 TALK OF THE TOWN 55 PLAYGROUND 60 FASHION HOROSCOPE

BEHIND THE SCENES

On Set

GETTING READY FOR HAIR & MAKEUP

PHOTOGRAPHER MOHANAD WITH MODEL RACHEL

At Events

O f fi c e Play CONTRIBUTING WRITER NEVINE ABAZA CHECKING HER DESIGNED ARTICLE

AT MACARONI & CHEESE

AISHA OUR NEW INTERN MOE GOT A MASTER’S DEGREE! WOOHOO!!

14 IDENTITY FEBRUARY 2014

CANARY YELLOW

V IDENTITY’S LIST

1

1

2

2

DAY

Gift List 3

3

4

We all appreciate gifts! Picking the right gift not only shows care but also thoughtfulness.

Whether you want to go big and spend on a luxurious item or will go with a more budgetfriendly approach; this list will give you some ideas on what to get for Valentine’s Day!

For her

1 Chloe Shoulder Bag 2 Roberto Cavalli Gold-tone Crystal Earrings 3 Gucci Patent Leather iPad Mini Sleeve 4 Versace Quilted Cosmetics Case 5 The Bodyshop Gift Bag - Coconut

For Him

5

1 Uniform Wares Watch 2 Gucci Made To Measure Gift Set 3 Loro Piana Cotton & Suede Woven Belt 4 Dolce & Gabbana Burgundy Wallet 5 Philips Senso Touch Shaver 16 IDENTITY FEBRUARY 2014

4

5

FASHIONISTAS TALK

What would you wear on a date?

“I would wear a white short fit sleeved lace dress , because on a date I don’t want to look too casual like I didn’t put any effort into how I look and at the same time I don’t want to look like I am trying so hard to impress. White cause it’s sort of a neutral colour that doesn’t reflect a strong statement and sleeves because I wouldn’t want to show a lot of skin on a date, leave some for the imagination.

And lace because it’s trendy and looks good on me. “

Sama Eissa

FASHION DESIGNER AT “SAMA”

“Due to the nature of my job my fashion style in general has evolved over the past few years into comfy, functional clothes. Jeans or black pants with a comfy knit top for example with, boots and rarely any accessories at all, also a big bag is a must to keep all my gadgets in.

To get ready for a date I usually exchange my boots for a nice pair of heels, put on a few accessories and exchange my big bag with a clutch.

Of course this is depending on where we are going.”

Batool Al Daawi

PHOTOGRAPHER- FILMMAKER

“Working in the luxury and PR industry is all about pushing the fashion and creative envelope! As demanding as the industry is, I always have to plan ahead even for my daily wardrobe, gazing at my closet with an eye on my watch. So it’s all about carrying that extra pair of heels and that special piece of jewelry to turn my outfit around!

When it comes to a date, I always make sure I’m comfortable in my own skin wearing something that expresses who I really am.”

Rana Kandil

“Well that’s an easy one for me. I always like to go simple yet sophisticated; you want to catch his attention but definitely not show off TOO much. So I would have to say a basic bodycon dress and I would add a flirty twist to it; a statement necklace or a fun scarf and blazer, depending on the season. And of course, can’t forget the most important part..high heels! My advice for anyone struggling to put together just the right outfit for a big date, one word... SIMPLICITY! Do it the right way through a cute yet simple ensemble that shows off your personality.”

SENIOR PR AT AZZA FAHMY JEWELLERY

18 IDENTITY FEBRUARY 2014

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WHAT’S ON IDENTITY-MAG.COM

A DINNER FOR TWO AT BELLA; THE HEART OF ITALY AT FOUR SEASONS NILE PLAZA! HOW MANY ARTICLES ARE IN OUR “GIRL TALK” SECTION ON WWW.IDENTITY-MAG.COM ?

From the beautiful décor to the absolutely delicious meals and flavours of Tuscany, your valentine’s dinner will be as special as a romantic trip to Italy.

What are you waiting for? Send your answer now to sendus@identity-mag.com for a chance to win an unforgettable Valentine’s day experience!

BEST WAYS TO ATTRACT A MAN Got your eye on a cute guy who doesn’t seem to notice you?

Try these tips guaranteed to capture his attention!

HOW 30 FAMOUS PEOPLE AGED OVER THE YEARS Not all of these celebrities aged gracefully...

STEP BY STEP TO PERFECT GLOSSY RED LIPS Follow these steps to get irresistible looking lips

r’s e z i n a m o A W Tricks Tips &

all about Talking as if they’re knew nongirls he , crazy, and en victim; mistak e. He was a him, iativ rstand apprec ’t unde g/lacking n ld u o issin they c were m Telling or they g he needs. m his hin m –fro somet out the to show b a s il ivedeta rspect all own pe bitchy they w o you h were!

7 PHRASES MEN HATE FROM WOMEN “We need to talk...”

20 IDENTITY FEBRUARY 2014

HOW TO...

HOW TO BE SUPER CHEESY ON VALENTINE’S DAY

WEAR RED!

Isn’t it obvious? What other colour should you wear on valentine’s day other than the celebrated colour of the day! It’s also a great camouflage since everything everywhere is red!

Even better, pair up with your partner and wear the same colour and even designs. Note: this will only sicken rational spectators.

WALK AROUND WITH A RED TEDDY BEAR IN YOUR HAND.

Fluffy, red, and looks super weird, what better way to be super cheesy than to walk around with a cheesy plush toy?

Don’t put it down for a second like you’re a baby and its your blankie, and you sure will make some people feel sick in no time.

WALK AROUND ALL DAY CUDDLING AND HOLDING HANDS.

Don’t let go. Even if its awkward, plain weird, and super inappropriate, just keep at it like you are inseparable conjoined twins.

BABY TALK.

The best thing about being in a relationship is that you get to be all tacky and yet super cute. On a day that is haunted by tackiness and cheesiness like Valentine’s day, it is very easy to turn into a stinky cheesy person who makes people in need of urgent ventilation. Planning on making people sick? Here are some tips on how to do just that!

Some basic nicknames can be handled and some romance is sweet, but just a tad more than that (butterfly kisses, snuggling, meowing, and what not) and you shouldn’t blame anyone if they accidentally puked all over you.

STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CROWD, IGNORE PEOPLE THAT ARE TRYING TO PASS, AND JUST HUG!

Its often sweet to see a couple hugging. But it is just painful for everyone and often plain awkward to be hugging in the mid of the crowd while people are trying to pass but you are blocking their way because you are busy hugging or kissing your other half! Dare they break your hug with an anger rage?

Someone just might!

22 IDENTITY FEBRUARY 2014

TRY TO SETUP ANY SINGLE PERSON YOU SEE IN SIGHT WITH ANY SINGLE PERSON YOU KNOW (OR DON’T REALLY KNOW, MAYBE JUST HEARD ABOUT).

What better way to make people sick from head to toe, with goose bumps and all, other than being that couple that tries to constantly set people up? Setting up two people just because they both happen to be humans is just a dreadful nightmare! Do that (especially around Valentine’s day) and you will surely see people running for their lives.

CONSTANTLY REMIND YOUR FRIENDS THAT THEY ARE SINGLE AND ACT LIKE A PARENT.

There’s nothing more gruesome than recently engaged or married couples trying to convince their friends that they should find someone and settle down. If you are trying to push your friends into committing suicide add to that “I just want to see you happy”, that ought to do it.

COME IN ONE PACKAGE.

Always talk “we” not “me”, and not in concept, just literally do that as though you are one person! You might as well go to work meetings together, after all you are the same thing, aren’t you? Combined with all of the above you will have stomachs rumbling and heads spinning in a second!

NOTE: this is jut for fun. Enjoy every cheesy, tacky, ridiculous moment of the relationship. To maintain some of your couples’ adorability just try to tone things down a bit and keep most of it at home, behind closed doors.

Every stomach saved from rumbling counts.

Nevine A. Abaza

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

LOVE ADVICE

LEARN TO LOVE YOURSELF! I have dated many guys who seemed to absolutely adore me but I always had a feeling of dissatisfaction. Not because they weren’t great but because I always wonder why do they love me? I never feel like I am worthy of their love and attention. So my question for you is, how can I love someone when I don’t even feel I deserve their love?

DEAR DISSATISFIED,

Let me rephrase your question: Why would anyone love you if you are incapable of loving yourself? The way you feel about yourself is a form of low self esteem. People who have low self esteem either fail to attract the opposite sex, fail to maintain the attention and initial attraction of the opposite sex, or succeed in attracting one wrong partner after the other because deep down they do not feel worthy enough of love and happiness.

The bright side in your case is that you are aware of your low self esteem; you question why anyone would fall in love with you. Men are attracted to you because, to them, you seem like a nice person worthy of their time and effort. My worries are: some of those men can see through your insecurities and are going to take you for a quick ride, others are going to take you for granted and treat you inappropriately because you will allow it – because you feel that you do not deserve to be loved and respected - , and the really good ones will lose interest in you the moment they realize how you feel about yourself.

Think of three tough situations that you have handled brilliantly and be proud of yourself! Relive those situations and offer yourself the gratitude you deserve.

YOUR ONLY WAY OUT OF THIS TRAP IS TO HEAL YOURSELF! MAKE PEACE WITH YOUR FAULTS AND FLAWS! LOVE YOURSELF! THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO DO THAT:

Read those lists over and over until you believe that you deserve to be happy and that it is an honor for any man you desire to be your partner!

Go to a group of sincere friends and colleagues who know you well enough and ask each one of them to tell you 3 good things about you.

The top 5 things that are common between all those people are true and you should believe them.

Write down 5 unique things that you could offer to your partner – things that you think make you special.

23 IDENTITY FEBRUARY 2014

Think of 5 people you have supported through tough times and think of how lucky they are for having you in their lives.

Write down 5 things that make you successful at work and feel proud of your achievements.

Write down 10 things about yourself that you wish your daughter or your son would inherit from you.

Marwa Rakha

RELATIONSHIP EXPERT

6

PAMPER YOURSELF

Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s IF YOU ARE SINGLE!

Who said that you can’t celebrate a day full of love if you are single?!

If anything, that day is best spent with the closest of (single) friends. So get out your planner and jot down some of these ideas for a fun-filled Valentine’s Day! THROW A PARTY Get all the single people together for a big mixer!

Not only will it be fun but it will be a great chance for singles to mingle and maybe even find someone interesting.

Prepare an awesome playlist and make sure you stock up on snacks!

Love Fest If most of your friends are couples then join in the love fest! Go out with your favourite and closest couple. Accepting that you tag along shows a great deal of love. Maybe turn it into a double date and ask them to bring a single friend for you to meet.

A LITTLE R&R Take some rest from the normal routine and go pamper yourself at a spa, travel for a day to a new place or even treat yourself to an extravagant dinner or gift. As Whitney said: “Learning to love yourself, it is the greatest love of all”

DON’T BOTHER If you are one of the single & proud people then rejoice! You are still single and can happily avoid the mandatory gift and compliment façade.

Enjoy your independence as much as you can, others dream of it.

g, “But the most excitin challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. to love the e n eo m so d n fi n ca u And if yo bulous.” fa st ju s t’ a th l, el w e, you you lov HE CITY EX & T Carrie Bradshaw – S

GO CLICHÉ As a hopeless romantic, a day filled with romantic movies, comfort food and a box of tissues or two will be just the thing for you. Gather your other hopelessly romantic friends and make a cozy, emotional night out of it.

LET GO OF YOUR EMOTIONS Allow yourself to feel sad if that is how you really feel.

Reflect on your past relationships and life, learn from them and make a promise to yourself that you will not depend on a partner for happiness. You will depend on yourself for happiness & if someone comes along to share that with you then that’s just fabulous!

24 IDENTITY FEBRUARY 2014

FOR HIM

MAKE HIM FALL FOR YOU

Give him an eyeful Not of your breasts or legs or any other body part, but of your eyes.

Locking eyes with a guy doesn’t just tell him you’re interested, it can even make him feel like he’s falling in love with you. Why? Because it’s the behaviour of loved-up couples.

Be like him There’s no need to start shaving your chin or scratching between your legs, but focusing on the ways in which you’re alike can help create a mutual attraction.

Always leave him wanting more Create demand by limiting supply. If you end the interaction before he’s bored, he’ll immediately start looking forward to the next time he can talk to you.

Don’t give away exclusivity if he hasn’t yet committed

Smile well and often Your best weapon is always available, completely free, and can’t be overused – your winning smile! Flash a genuine grin as often as possible, whether it’s directed at your guy or not. It makes you look approachable, and it might actually make you happier.

We become totally, emotionally invested in a man when we’re exclusive with him because he has all our time and attention. There’s no way we can stop wondering about where the relationship is going. But the more we think about it and talk about it, the more we push a man away.

Be a positive force in his life Most people can manage to be negative all by themselves, so they’re naturally drawn to optimists and people who try to see the bright side of things. Instead of focusing on what’s wrong with your life or talking about the people who annoy you, try to emphasize what’s right. Moreover, be pleasant in all that you say toward him and avoid gossiping.

Be a positive person in his presence and aim to be positive in general. It’s a lot easier to fall in love with someone who always sees the best in others and doesn’t gripe all the time.

25 IDENTITY FEBRUARY 2014

HEALTH MATTERS

GUILT FREE FOODS The biggest misconception of healthy eating is that its tasteless, We’re here to put that misconception to rest. We’ll share a few recipes of delicious dishes that you can try at home.

Ma7shy.. Yes you read that right, there is such a thing as healthy guilt free ma7shy.

INGREDIENTS: Eggplants/ Zucchini Brown rice Tomato HOW TO PREPARE: Half cook the brown rice add any herbs you want and mashed tomatoes.

Stuff eggplants & zucchini with rice Leave on stove for 20 minutes

Overnight Oats INGREDIENTS: ½ Cup Oats 1 Tbs Honey ½ Cup Rayeb HOW TO PREPARE: Add all ingredients together, leave in fridge overnight

Homemade Granola bars INGREDIENTS: 2 cups Whole grain Oat flakes 6 Tsp of raw honey 1/2 cup flaxseeds 1 cup of smashed nuts (any of your choice) 1/4 cup coconut or olive oil HOW TO PREPARE Pre-heat oven to 155degrees Mix oats, flaxseeds, nuts, oil and 3 Tsp of honey together really well Place in an oven tray into the oven Mix well every 10 minutes for 40 minutes Remove from oven add 3 TSP of honey on top, place in oven for 10 more minutes Remove from oven and press really hard.

Divide into size/shape you want, leave to dry for 1 hour

Chocolate cake... YES!!!

INGREDIENTS: 1 bar dark chocolate or 6 Tbs 100% unsweetened cocoa 2 cups Oats 3 Tbs Honey 1 egg ¼ cup milk HOW TO PREPARE: Pre-heat oven to 175 degrees Add ½ cup of boiled water to the oats, mix well and refrigerate for 10 minutes Melt chocolate in milk Add egg to honey and mix well, then add oats and mix again Add all ingredients together, (you can add cinnamon) Put in oven tray into the oven for 30-45 minutes until a knife comes out clean

26 IDENTITY FEBRUARY 2014

+You can add nuts, berries, bananas or any fruit of your choice. This is the easiest breakfast you’ll ever have.

The rules to healthy eating are simple and almost every recipe can be tweaked to be healthy.

Replace all grains with whole grains (unprocessed) Replace butter with coconut oil if available (if not add olive oil after cooking, do not let it heat) Start Baking instead of frying

Norshek Fawzy

FITNESS SPECIALIST. THE WELLNESS LOG

CULINARY ART

Romantic BREAKFAST IN BED VALENTINE’S EGG IN THE NEST YOU WILL NEED: Heart shaped cookie cutter 1 Toast 1 Egg 1 ketchup packet DIRECTIONS: Use cookie cutter to cut the bread.

Brush the surface of the pan with oil, then place the toast in the pan, crack the egg opened into the hole. Cook the bread and egg until the egg white is fully cooked.

TIP: Use low heat! Otherwise, the bread will be burned before the egg is cooked.

Draw some ketchup hearts and serve.

You can use the leftover heart shaped bread to make a strawberry jam sandwich.

TANGY SWEETHEART JUICE SMOOTHIE Yields 4 servings INGREDIENTS: 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries 1 cup orange juice 10 ice cubes 1 Tablespoon sugar DIRECTIONS: In a blender, combine strawberries, orange juice, ice cubes and sugar.

Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve.

TIP: You can freeze your fresh strawberries and remove the ice cubes to thicken the consistency.

CHOCOLATE DIPPED STRAWBERRIES INGREDIENTS: 100 grams bittersweet chocolate, chopped.

150 grams strawberries DIRECTIONS: In a microwave-safe bowl, or in the top of a double boiler over simmering water, cook chocolate until melted. Stir occasionally until chocolate is smooth. Holding berries by the stem, dip each one in molten chocolate, about three-quarters of the way to the stem. Place, stem side down, on wire rack and chill in refrigerator until hardened.

You can glam up your dipped strawberries by drizzling them with white chocolate or even dipping them in crushed nuts, sprinkles, or chocolate shavings.

TIP: hold the strawberries by the stem and spoon the chocolate over them, its easier.

27 IDENTITY FEBRUARY 2014

LOVE & LIFE

IDENTITY’S

Sweethearts!

We picked some of our favourite Egyptian couples to tell us what they love the most about one another…

“I love his brutal honesty, his courage to completely detach from societal standards and have a mind beautiful enough to make up its own. “

Malak Mansour “You don’t find that many women in the world willing to give you their heart and soul, and on top of that be more beautiful than a goddess.”

Omar ElSabh

“I love that he’s very understanding and open minded, and that he doesn’t mind to negotiate and I can win some arguments with him! He’s a very fair person.”

“The best thing about Suki is the fact that she’s very thoughtful and likes to make everyone happy. I love how she does her best to succeed in her career while being a good housewife at the same time.”

Soha Khoury

Seif Abdel Nour

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“I love how common our interests are. She’s the only girl I know who likes food as much as I do. It’s not easy to find a girl who isn’t just beautiful and stunning, but also very smart and intelligent. And above all, I love how tolerant she is when it comes to my annoying habits ☺”

“My favourite thing about him is how he can turn anything around; if it’s boring he’ll make it fun and if it’s negative he’ll make it positive.

He’s also very loving and caring and I love how much he cares about me.”

Sandra Rizk

Ramez Youssef

“I can’t name one thing I love about this man, he stole my heart from the very first time we met.

But if I had to, I would have to say… his butt!”

“It’s who I am when I’m with her and how she makes me feel. It’s like happiness shines through her and on to me.

And this is not a cliché, this is 100% true, I actually feel her warmth when she’s near.

You know how water feels when you are really thirsty and how the same water feels when you are full?“

Norshek Fawzy

Nabil Rostom

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LOVE & LIFE

HOW TO SPOT A CHEATER

THEY’RE A NARCISSIST Does your significant other think they’re so amazing that they deserve special treatment? Or do they show little regard for your feelings yet still expect to be the center of attention?

Either way it goes, you could be dealing with a narcissist whether you agree or not. There are strictly ego-driven, which means they need someone by their side at all times to idealize, admire and be in awe of them.

THEIR FRIENDS CHEAT We all love our friends to death, and it’s in our humanly instincts to follow in the footsteps of those closest to us. We’re not saying if they tell you to jump you say “how high” but if they’re doing something that catches your attention you’ll either follow or look the other way. With cheating, chances are if one person’s doing it, then everyone’s doing it. No one wants to be the odd man out unless of course you are the rare occasion where you’re completely opposite of your friends, but nevertheless it’s not always about the numbers.

HAS A SUDDEN CHANGE IN BEHAVIOUR One of the best parts of being in a relationship is getting to know someone for who they really are. We pick up their likes, dislikes, and even their everyday habits. That being said, if they suddenly change their perfume or cologne or start dressing in a way you’re not used to, it’s time to open your eyes. Seriously guys, being yourself is the best thing you can be in a relationship and no one should ever jeopardize that. If your partner is all of a sudden paying more attention to the way they look and how many times they’ve been in the gym, they aren’t just doing it for their own health. Chances are they want to look just as good for someone else.

THEY LIE It’s very true, but even the little things count whether it’s a romantic gesture or a little white lie about where you were the night before when you cancelled a movie date. That lie may seem like no big deal at first but a pattern is more than enough to speculate otherwise. In any healthy relationship, your partner should have no reason to lie to you.

Typically, the lies will start way before an affair even comes into question, but keep in mind anyone who lies with ease should not be trusted, period.

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HE’S SEX-OBSESSED Men who use internet porn on a regular basis are more likely to be unfaithful, as the habit can produce a deadening effect on emotions that can hurt relationships. Excessive use of chat lines, sex-texting and porn can leave someone numb to the emotional responses they would feel in a normal relationship.

THEY’RE SELFISH Ever get that feeling that you’ve found that special someone who sees you as the apple of their eye? If so, be cautious. Make sure you two are seeing the same picture because no one wants to be with someone who only thinks of themselves. A relationship takes two people to be successful.

PHONE USAGE Take note if your man becomes increasingly private about his cell phone usage. He may turn his ringer off or take longer than usual to call you back. Try asking to borrow his phone: If he becomes nervous and uncomfortable, then he may be hiding something.

LOVE & LIFE

VALENTINE’S DAY STRESS

Get rid of it!

It is that time of the year again. Streets will be filled with red balloons, gifts, flowers and even outfits that will blind anyone for days. Maybe it is a plot to kill single people softly and remind them that they are no body unless they are with somebody. This can all be very stressful especially for girls but guess what? It is just one day and it will pass! Keep your attitude positive and rethink the following till you rid yourself of V day stress.

It is merely a “Hallmark Holiday” that was created for the purpose of selling all those fluffy, cheesy items that no one would buy on any normal occasion. If you’re single that means you are saving up. Go get yourself a pair of extravagant shoes instead, they will last longer.

If you are in a relationship and the pressure is too stressful, relax! Don’t think of what you’re supposed to do or get or how it should be over-the-top.

Make it thoughtful; the more intimate, the more memorable it will be.

No need to link it to just one person, it’s a love fest and if you think for a minute you will find that you are surrounded by love and THAT is reason to celebrate. Take your closest out for a nice dinner!

You are the ONLY single person in your group of friends? Don’t pity yourself.

You have more time to explore who you are and what kind of person you want to be with. That will guarantee a long lasting relationship!

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IF ALL ELSE FAILS, WHETHER YOU ARE SINGLE OR IN A RELATIONSHIP, A BIG DOSE OF CHOCOLATE AND COMFORT FOOD WILL DO THE TRICK (OF KNOCKING YOU UNCONSCIOUS, WITH LOVE OF COURSE.)

INTIMACY

SET AN INTIMACY GOAL FOR EACH VISIT To make the best of the time you do spend together, take time to plan an “intimacy goal” for every visit. One weekend might be all about staying in bed to develop physical intimacy. Another might be about showing your partner the details of your everyday routine. The next visit might be about meeting local friends. When you design your visits with intent to increase intimacy, the visits will likely feel much more fulfilling, and bring you much closer than they would otherwise.

KEEPING THE INTIMACY ALIVE IN A LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP

SEND PHOTOS OFTEN Taking photos throughout your day and sending them instantly is a quick and easy way to share your daily experiences.

It also adds to the transparency of your daily life, which is a key factor in keeping trust alive. Just always try to look sexy in these photos to remind them how much they want you.

GET PHYSICAL Okay, so you can’t kiss or do any of that other stuff.

That doesn’t mean sex isn’t part of an LDR. Tap into your partner’s physicality over skype and via text.

I don’t just mean straight up sexting, I mean describing your urges to each other in detail, from romantic kisses to the dirtier stuff.

VIDEO CHAT DAILY Even those with the busiest of schedules can make time for a quick video chat each day.

Being able to see one another daily, even for five minutes, goes a long way toward developing intimacy. The consistent visual connections build familiarity and confidence in knowing one another.

MAKE USE OF APPS Viber will allow you to make international calls using data or wifi.

Whatsapp is a great way to stay in contact throughout the day.

Couple is a super cute app that allows you to draw together and send each other videos and pictures, and features a ‘thinking of you’ button that’s especially cute. I also like the thumb kiss part of the Couple app, it’s adorable. Instagram will help them know what you do every day and who you meet. And Twitter will help them know what has been on your mind lately.

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BEAUTYHOLIC

SMILE TO THE WORLD! There are two kinds of people in this world; those who buy a Hollywood smile and those who smile with heart. Both are stunning in their own way and if you can’t afford porcelain veneers then try some of these tricks for a dazzling effect.

The right colour Some colours can make teeth look whiter like the hues of pink and red. They divert attention to your lips and will enhance your smile.

Shades like cherry red, wine, berry, plum, or rosy pink are your best bet.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene Naturally, when you take care of your teeth, it will become healthier and look better. Brush, floss and mouthwash your teeth to perfection!

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Bronzer This make-up trick using a matte bronzer will help make your teeth look whiter and brighter. Apply it in a shape of 3, from the forehead all the way to the chin.

Vaseline Coat your teeth with a layer of Vaseline gel which will prevent stains.

Smize Smile with your eyes!

Faking a smile will show first in your eyes. Use your lips as well as your eyes for a warm and heart-felt smile.

Practice makes perfect: Eat Strawberries: They have a high percentage of Folic Acid which naturally exfoliates and cleans your teeth. DIY: Mash some strawberries, baking soda and brush your teeth for a homemade whitener.

look in a mirror and practice several ways of smiling. Pick the one that you are comfortable and look good in. Lower teeth should barely show, hide your gums and relax your muscles.

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ASK IDENTITY’S STYLIST

Dear Farah, I’m going to be completely honest and straight to the point with you. I have my friend’s wedding this month, and my ex-boyfriend will be there. I want to look so good that he’d regret letting me go (like all girls would have done haha). The thing is, his parents will be there too, I’m going to make a dress, so what could I possibly make that would look sexy, yet a bit conservative so that his parents won’t judge?

Thank you,

Kookie.

Dear Kookie, Let me start by saying this is a tricky one and we’ve all been there. It’s like you’re attracting opposites. I would personally advice you to keep it simple and classy.

If you’re planning on making a dress, don’t go overboard with design, men hate what they don’t understand. You can still keep it trendy by choosing a colour that’s in this season like: Red, Emerald Green or navy. Pair any of these with yellow gold accessories and I think you’ve got yourself a perfect look.

Avoid anything with a plunging neckline, above the knee length and butt-crack backless.

If it was me I would go for a long body conscious silhouette with long lace sleeves. The tight fabric leaves everything else to the imagination and the lace creates a feminine feel to the garment. Impressing both with class.

Farah Elsayed

FASHION STYLIST

SEND IN YOUR QUESTIONS AND OUR STYLIST WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO ANSWER IT! SENDUS@IDENTITY-MAG.COM

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FASHION EDITOR FOR A DAY

CONVERTING SAAB’S HAUTE COUTURE Elie Saab is probably the most popular designer out there and that is why almost any girl in the world would do anything for one of his art pieces. The designer has a special taste and some general lines which he creates his collections around that made his designs unique and easily recognized as Elie Saab.

The designer’s style can be incorporated in our everyday outfits with just a little styling; Saab likes to draw the most feminine pictures while highlighting the woman’s silhouette, his designs are always the centre pieces so he does not use any accessories and the heels are never a focal point. He never incorporates any new trends as he has a classic style with his designs that they can be worn now as well as after a 100 years, also Saab rarely uses more than one colour per dress and his colours are always basic ones such as white, blue, grey, nude-like shades which are the lightest shades ever of any basic colour such as the pale pink/simon, and of course the two colours he is most famous for teal blue and maroon.

Belts are his fixed signature so they are very important when copying his dresses; always add a very thin one just to highlight your waist and pick a simple belt that matches your top. Never wear a statement belt and do not use the belt to add more colours to the outfit.

Saab’s necklines are diverse yet the plunging V line seems to be his favourite. His dresses always have great handmade embroidery that gives them a royal sense. To channel his style get an embroidered V-neck pullover. Sequin pullovers have been trendy for couple of winter seasons now so you should easily find them.

From the waist down, Elie’s dresses either fit the body to highlight the woman’s curves or go bigger to add a royal-bridal feeling; so if you are feeling bold and adventurous go with a tutu skirt for a fun alternative. Also try a high-waist trouser to copy his simple-feminine style. Also if you are going to a night event pair a white shirt with an all sequin maxi skirt then add a belt that matches the skirt and voila you are wearing an Elie Saab dress.

Elie likes to play around with sleeves and he mainly has two styles: capelike or chiffon details. The first can be easily turned into an everyday outfit by wearing a cape and pairing it with a wide-leg jeans or you can always just wear your coat/jacket over your shoulders. While you can imitate the other style with a simple chiffon scarf, just wrap it on your neck and let it hang over your shoulders.

Nayera Yasser

FEBRUARY FASHION EDITOR YOU TOO CAN BE OUR FASHION EDITOR PICK NEXT MONTH - SEND YOUR IDEAS TO SENDUS@IDENTITY-MAG.COM

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TREND ALERT

ART-FULL FLAIR

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There is no doubt that fashion is art. What happens when designers get inspired with let’s say Picasso, Monet or even Da Vinci. The result is a powerful merge of fabric, colours and patterns to create a wonderful and timeless piece of clothing.

In every wardrobe there must be this one beautifully designed piece that will put artists and fashionistas in awe and admiration.

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1 Aquilano.Rimondi 2 Andrew Gn 3 Celine 4 Peter Pilotto Dress 5 Givenchy Jersey Top 6 Mary Katrantzou Dress 7 Chalayan Jacket 8 Dolce & Gabbana Jacquard

Shorts 9 Band of Outsiders Sweater 10 Marni Satin-twill Top 11 Cedric Charlier Skirt 38 IDENTITY FEBRUARY 2014

FASHION BAZAAR

Egypt’s

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ONLINE FINDS!

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Available at

WWW.JUMIA.COM.EG

Available at

WWW.COTERIQUE.COM 7

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WWW.VATRINAZ.COM

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WWW.STYLE-TREASURE.COM

1 Haute Hippie Beaded Crapin in Military Green 5,750EGP 2 Msgm Accordian Pleated Skirt 2,050EGP 3 Peter Pilotto Alexa Luna Dress 7,300EGP 4 Ravin Women Footwear 119EGP 5 Sinly Black Suede Sharp Tip Ballerinas with Embroidery & Strass99EGP 6 Burgundy Suede Ankle Boots with Block Heel 299EGP 7 Cross Camel With Gold Lock 545EGP 8 Red Clutch with Studs 175EGP 9 Black Fringe Clutch 305EGP 10 Mandolini Egyptian Basket Earring 250EGP 11 Tash The Panorama Cuff 750EGP 12 Nana’s Jewelry Basket Weave Collar Necklace 550EGP 39 IDENTITY FEBRUARY 2014

WHAT’S UNDER THERE?

FASHION FEVER

Cupid has fired his arrow once again and Valentine’s Day is nearly upon us! Here we come to help you with not only what to wear, but what to wear underneath to make him fall in love with you all over again!

Pure and simple…

This beautiful dress is right on trend with perfect embroidery and what better to wear underneath than this chic, sexy, Agent Provocateur lingerie set?

JOHN ZACK Lace Swing Dress With Deep V Back £38.00 AGENT PROVOCATEUR SOIREE Saadia lace underwired bra £363.46 AGENT PROVOCATEUR SOIREE Saadia lace waspie £524.34 AGENT PROVOCATEUR SOIREE Saadia lace briefs £238.34

Lady in Red… Peekaboo details give Elle Macpherson Intimates’ merlot lace briefs a playful feel. Finished with an elasticated satin waistband, pair this romantic set with a pretty dress like Miu Miu and you’re good to go!

MIU MIU Open-back cady dress £1,573 ELLE MACPHERSON INTIMATES Exotic Plume lace underwired bra £41.71 ELLE MACPHERSON INTIMATES Exotic Plume lace and stretchsatin briefs £23.84

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Sexy & Sophisticated This lady-like Hervé Léger dress is a great choice if you are a practical busy woman who’s running from a meeting to another until it’s time for your date.

Match it with this sexy lace tulle corset and you will surely drive him crazy.

HERVÉ LÉGER Beaded bandage dress £2,490.59 AGENT PROVOCATEUR Demelza lace-appliquéd tulle corset £488.59 AGENT PROVOCATEUR Demelza lace-appliquéd tulle briefs £119.16

The Little Black Dress..

A sure, safe and very popular choice for that Valentine’s date is the LBD. If you are feeling that black might be unflattering, think again – This gorgeous girly-girl black dress will make him long to see what might be hidden underneath.

VICTORIA BECKHAM Silk and wool-blend crepe dress £1,934.65 AGENT PROVOCATEUR Rudy lace and silk underwired bra £137.04 AGENT PROVOCATEUR Rudy lace and silk suspender belt £154.91 AGENT PROVOCATEUR Rudy lace and satin briefs £137.04

The Wild One… Team this gorgeous fully boned sheer black tulle corset (with removable bra straps of course) with the flirty leather bustier dress that is designed to flatter.

MIU MIU Leather dress £2,795.94 AGENT PROVOCATEUR Jet PVC and tulle corset £488.59 AGENT PROVOCATEUR Jet PVC and tulle thong £77.46

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FASHION FEVER

WHAT YOUR OUTFIT Every outfit says as much about you as your actions! You might think “I can wear whatever I want, it’s style!” But the truth is guys see things differently. So before you reveal too much skin, think of what you’re wearing and what that conveys to him before you head out so confidently. Here are some outfits with a reflection on what a guy might think!

Uptight Much

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

Keeping it all closed up and tight won’t get you far either.

BRIAN LICHTENBERG

GUY’S THOUGHTS “This girl is so uptight, she looks like she’s about to explode. Leave your bag for a second, it won’t go anywhere! I’m definitely not up for another nerved up date.”

DOLCE & GABBANA STELLA MCCARTNEY

JUNYA WATANABE

LAMB SHIRT

Tom Boy

Choosing a relaxed boyfriend look might send the wrong signal.

GUY’S THOUGHTS “Oh she is so cool; she doesn’t care about her outfit and looks normal.

I bet we are going to be great friends, I feel comfortable with her.

MODERN Just like I’m out with my VINTAGE dudes” BOOT 42 IDENTITY FEBRUARY 2014

HERMES

SIGERSON MORRISON

SAYS ABOUT YOU SALVATORE FERRAGAMO

Call Girl Dressing sexy is fun but when he starts thinking of you as a call girl, your plan has failed.

GUY’S THOUGHTS “I will definitely tap that! This girl looks easy. I won’t be up all night to get lucky, it will only take a couple of drinks and it will be a fun house.”

THIERRY MUGLER VINTAGE

KATE SPADE NEW YORK

RARE LONDON DRESS

CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA CLUTCH

RENVY FLATS

SAINT LAURENT MINI SKIRT

Pretty Princess It might have been cute when you were 12, but that get up on a grown woman…No No.

JENNIFER FISHER EARRINGS

CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA 43 IDENTITY FEBRUARY 2014

GUY’S THOUGHTS “She is super cute, like a little teddy bear. Oh, check out that woman behind her! Woof, she is hot! I better go introduce myself.”

FAUSTO PUGLISI Milan designer Fausto Puglisi’s label combines Balmain’s opulence with Versace’s in-yourface appeal in a rock and roll sort of way.

His colour-drenched, slightly off-killer line is quickly gaining attention.

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FASHION REPORT

EMERGING FASHION DESIGNERS IN 2014

HUISHAN ZHANG Chinese-born designer Huishan Zhang has been the recipient of a slew of awards for his haute-meets-hip cocktail dresses.

His sleek separates and night time attire are elegant if you’re looking to add a little spice to your party wardrobe.

MAISON RABIH KAYROUZ With a technical, architectural approach to clothing, Maison Rabih Kayrouz’s collections are minimalistic in a paper-doll sort of way. The clothes itself are deceivingly simple, but they’re smart and strategic in a way that flatters a woman’s silhouette without resorting the obvious.

MAKI OH One of the brightest talents out of Nigeria, Maki Oh is a whimsical, inventive designer with a childlike view of what a woman wants to wear – and that’s a good thing.

Lots of tulle, fringe, prints, and baubles adorn her fantastical creations.

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MOKA LONDON Moka London’s forte is really its outerwear, creating beautifully sleek, slick pieces that will make you want to bundle up.

Moka separates also does a fantastic print.

PEDRO LOURENÇO With inventiveness for material technology that goes way beyond your “futuristic neoprene,” Pedro Lourenço melds tulles, lames, satins, and plastics to traditional silhouettes for a collection that is very futuristic.

PIECE D’ANARCHIVE Cool in a tomboy way that you don’t typically find in Paris, Piece d’Anarchive mixes hip-hop, punk, and high fashion in a he-and-she collection that makes us wish we had a boyfriend who was the same size as us.

SKOTISON Having worked with Marc Jacobs and Vena Cava, Skotison’s vibe feels much more sophisticated than its one-year run would imply. With specialfeeling prints that have viral potential, Skotison is one new label you should expect to see big things from in the near future.

STELLA JEAN One of the biggest names to come out of Milan, blockbuster talent Stella Jean uses textiles, aesthetic designs, stemming from the designer’s Haitian roots to create a collection that’s beautifully layered, darkly ladylike, and totally interesting.

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FASHION REPORT VALENTINE GAUTHIER Is it presumptuous of us to call Valentine Gautier the next Isabel Marant? She may not be reinventing the wheel with her designs, but the Gauthier collection is cool and irreverent in that Parisian way that’s easy to recognize, difficult to create, and even harder to forget.

VILSHENKO Russian designer Olga Vilshenko combines an Eastern European eye for folk detailing with a professional woman’s practicality. Look to her for bossy-lady separates, witty professionalism, and some of the most stunning peasant-style evening gowns around.

MATHIEU MIRANO At 21 years old, Mathieu Mirano is one of the youngest new designers in the game. The onetime Parsons student jumpstarted his career with a look book of his very first collection — consisting of just nine pieces — that he shot in his apartment.

JONATHAN SIMKHAI While plenty of ambitious kids realize they want to get into fashion at an early age, few can say they were working by the time they were 14. Jonathan Simkhai had just entered high school when a shop owner in his hometown of Scarsdale, a suburb of New York City, offered him a job after seeing him pick out clothes for his friends.

ADAM SELMAN If you don’t recognize this designer’s name, you probably recognize his muse, patron, and walking billboard, Rihanna. Selman found his fashion soul mate in Rihanna, and now creates most of her tour and music video outfits. Expect riffs on the pop star’s off-duty staples like crop tops and printed maxi dresses—plus a Cara Delevingne sighting.

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FASHION REPORT

Right Now:

AnimalShaped Bags

MOM JEANS

WHAT’S #TRENDING IN 2014

2013 is over, which means a whole new generation of trends will be born. So, we gathered our top 10 predictions for 2014 and share them with you all because, well, we’re awesome like that.

HAPPY ASHLEY SS14 ASHISH SS14

PETER SOM SS14

BABY PINK

ARTINSPIRED PRINTS

MARBLE PRINT

FYODOR GOLAN SS14 ALEXANDER WANG SS14 OSWALD HELAGSON SS14 BAGGY SHORTS CHANEL SS14

SWEATSHIRTS OVER SKIRTS

Haider Ackermann SS14

ATHLETIC SOCKS

WEDNESDAY ADDAMSINSPIRED DRESSES NECK SCARVES HONOR SS14

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PRADA SS14

FASHION HISTORY

COCO CHANEL Coco needs no introduction–her influence today is as strong as ever, as the house she founded remains one of the most coveted and respected labels in the world. She was one of the main leaders when it came to slim line shapes and corset-free frocks. She also made the LBD a style staple, invented the quilted handbag and was the first to sport a ‘fashionable’ suntan.

DESIGNERS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD OF FASHION Just like anything in life, fashion went through a progressive timeline that allowed it to become what it is today; a way to express an individual.

Let’s take a look at some of the most influential designers who forever changed the world of fashion!

PAUL POIRET Inspired by the athletic frame of his wife Denise Boulet, he designed draped dresses and trousers for women in 1903; which was very controversial for his time to the point of causing riots in the streets of Paris. Poiret also invented the first t-shirt dress, robe culottes (a very early version of the jumpsuit), the decorated window display and the first PR stunt of its kind, where half naked waiters served 900 litres of champagne to 300 guests at an Oriental themed banquet.

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BARBARA HULANICKI Hulanicki’s Biba store, full of affordable miniskirts, floppy felt hats, feather boas, and velvet trouser suits, became synonymous with the glamorous, rock n’ roll style of the period. More importantly, she gave a 15-year-old nobody by the name of Anna Wintour, her first job as a sales assistant.

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG As everyone knows, Furstenberg was instrumental in revolutionizing womenswear with the introduction of her famous wrap dress–but her work as the president of Council of Fashion Designers of America, nurturing young talent and helping to set healthier standards within the industry, is equally as important.

ELSA SCHIAPARELLI She infused a level of humour into fashion; a precursor of what we call today avant-garde fashion. Elsa excelled at tailoring and was really influential in the development of structured jackets for women.

MIUCCIA PRADA From the nylon handbags in the mid-80s that made her famous to Spring 2012′s critically acclaimed fiftiesinspired collection–is truly inspiring. Suffice to say she will remain an iconic designer for decades to come.

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD We can thank Westwood for bringing modern punk and new wave fashions into the mainstream.

Without her, safety pin shirts, sky-high platform shoes, plaid pants and, of course, expertly draped dresses would not nearly be so chic.

KATHARINE HAMNETT Not all influential designers are couturiers. Hamnett’s slogan t-shirts at the time they were revolutionary. They continue to be copied by countless designers today!

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YVES SAINT LAURENT Invented the power suit.

Yes, we of course have Madonna, Sex and the City and the best part of the 80s and early 90s to thank for power dressing inspiration, but they’d have all been nothing without Yves Henri Donat Mathieu Saint Laurent’s first ever female tuxedo in 1966.

POINT OF VIEW

CLOSER INSPECTION Relationships: the fulfilling element of an otherwise empty and unsafe life. We, as humans, by nature feel the urge to seek a partner. We vary from one another by how we need it or even define it. For example some want only the intimate aspect of it, while others seek the companionship of a lifetime. I have been surrounded by friends who have been in relationships, went through break-ups or desperately seek someone they have been ‘waiting for’. However, I never understood the pressing need to find someone and be in a relationship. If anything, those in a relationship often envy single people for their freedom and independence.

R

elationships are tricky. More often than not, people find themselves stuck in consuming, abusive or dull relationships that they are too afraid to let go of for fear of not finding someone else.

Even when –and if- they break-up, it’s like a fog has been cleared and they can suddenly see. See what their friends have been saying all along. “He is a cheater”, “he never loved you”, “She’s just a social climber” and the classic “He is not good for you” are all phrases that seem to always be dismissed by someone in a relationship.

It’s like when two people turn into a couple, they are in their own bubble. They keep circling around each other the entire time and jumping around their problems, until one day they have to face each other and deal with it.

What if every person in a relationship just takes the time to pull out of the bubble and look closely at what’s inside; inspecting every aspect of the relationship as if you are looking at a tailored dress that needs some –or a lot- of adjustments.

reshaped when in a relationship to the point that without their partner, they wouldn’t really be able to recognize themselves. So now I want you to think, is that really a healthy relationship?

For some people it is very hard to think logically when in a relationship.

As they say, their emotions take control of the wheel and they can’t seem to switch gear into thinking mode. I believe those who do that are the ones able to analyze a relationship for what it really is.

It is scary and definitely not easy, to start poking and looking for holes especially when in a long term relationship. Some people are actually too scared to change anything and they are afraid of having to deal with their own issues alone.

There are those who are built or

Reaching that critical point in a relationship where you are forced to consider certain things, I beg you; don’t just listen to your heart. Life is not a romantic movie where everything will magically change after you run towards each other and kiss. People fear change and so they only change when there is no other choice. Before you get to that stage and wake up one day unable to recognize yourself, take a step back and look at the big picture.

PUT ON YOUR TRENCH COAT, SASSY WIG AND CLUEDO SKILLS TO GOOD USE AND CLOSELY INSPECT YOUR RELATIONSHIP AS WELL AS YOUR NEEDS AND WANTS. The result may not be what your heart desires but at least the ending outcome wouldn’t be thinking “If only I had looked closely”.

Ahmed Hassan

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

50 IDENTITY FEBRUARY 2014

POINT OF VIEW

SURVIVING A TERRIBLE RELATIONSHIP

R

elationships come in all shapes and sizes.

No matter what the relationship is like there will be moments of bliss, pure happiness, and strong love, as well as moments of disenchantment, lack of passion, and disagreement; that doesn’t make the relationship bad, it makes it normal. A bad relationship is more intense, it takes the worst of all relationships, the struggle, frustration, disagreement, and makes all the very depressing and hurtful parts of relationships extended and more extreme, keeping the pain ongoing, continuously pulling you in and down, sucking the life out of you. In a bad relationship you can find yourself running out of work during working hours because you just had a fight so intense with your partner that you start breaking down at the office, and suddenly find yourself driving on the highway with a panic attack that almost kills you because you almost got sandwiched between two huge trucks during your unexpected first time attack.

But this doesn’t stop here, its only a dot that leads you to a pool of dots, every dot an extreme incident just as disturbing, or even more so. A bad relationship will convince you that this is normal, that this is just because your love is stronger and

so the pain is stronger, but thats not true. Strong love would never abuse you, hurt you, cheat on you, manipulate you, or physically terrify you. In order to move on from this nightmare relationship you have to start realizing that it is not the circumstances that caused this situation, you have to start seeing the pattern, and start understanding that this is in no way good for you, or for anyone.

Why do People Stay in Bad Relationships?

This could have something to do with the Stockholm syndrome. Stockholm syndrome is a psychological phenomenon in which hostages have positive feelings, and empathy for their captors, sometimes to the point

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of defending them. But Stockholm syndrome doesn’t only occur in hostage situations, according to D. G. Dutton and S. L. Painter Stockholm syndrome can be seen as a form of traumatic bonding, which does not necessarily require a hostage scenario, but which describes “strong emotional ties that develop between two persons where one person intermittently harasses, beats, threatens, abuses, or intimidates the other”. Ian K. Mackenzie explains that one commonly used hypothesis that explains Stockholm syndrome is based on a Freudian theory that suggests that the bonding is the individual’s response to trauma in becoming a victim; Identifying with the aggressor is one way that the ego defends itself, when a victim believes the same values as the aggressor,

they cease to be a threat. Chances are that abusive partners are nice and loving long before they start showing their true colors. Adding love in the equation with Stockholm syndrome could be the answer to why it is that people stay in bad relationships, beside fear of what may happen if you leave your partner, fear of being alone, and simply not knowing how to handle the situation or deal with it.

Identifying A Bad Relationship

With every normal relationship you will find yourself changing in certain ways, adapting in someway to better deal with your partner, and that happens in all relationships. And in every relationship there will be pain, sadness, and sacrifices, but there is a clear line between normal endurances that are healthy for a relationship, and abnormal destructive ones that are just plain bad for anyone.

You need to stop and really evaluate the relationship. Are you being controlled?

Manipulated? Does your partner make you feel bad about yourself? Does your partner guilt you and highlight your flaws to take control of the situation? Are you ridiculed, undermined, or even called names? Does your partner criticize your friends and drives people away from you?

Are you afraid of your partner’s temper?

Are you being ignored when you speak? Is your partner overly jealous and possessive about normal things? Does your partner control your financials? Does your partner continuously cheat on you? Are you being withheld from going to places that are normal? Are you or your family, children, pets, or anything you care about being harmed or threatened? Does your partner push, hit, punch, throw objects when angry? Does your partner hit you? Does your partner use physical force with you? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions then you probably are in a bad relationship. Should you try to make things better? Only if you have been together for a couple of years or decades, there is new extreme stress in your lives, and your partner has never acted that way before, then you should contact a professional and try to work things out. But even if that is the case, if things don’t change soon, you should break off the relationship because things can only get worse, much worse.

How To Survive

When coming out of such an abusive intense relationship chances are you have been damaged, psychologically, emotionally, or even physically. You will need time to heal, understand what you went through, accept it, deal with its nightmares, time get back on your feet, and re-find your self.

BLOCK THEM FROM YOUR LIFE. If this is an option you can do go ahead and do it right away. Stop sympathizing or empathizing with them, quit the fear, they are bad for you and you need to keep as much distance as possible no matter what.

COME TO PEACE WITH YOUR FLAWED DECISIONS. It’s alright that you were in a bad relationship, no matter how long, the important thing is that you are out of it; you can now learn from that relationship and move on to a better healthier life.

BECOME SELFISH. You will need to recover, and you will have to make that recovery your priority. Focus on what is best for you and meeting your own needs, rather than focusing on what anyone else needs. You need to understand that this coming period is a rehabilitation period, give yourself the chance and the time, you need it, and more importantly you deserve it.

DON’T OVERWHELM YOURSELF. During that bad relationship you might’ve lost a job, unhealthily lost or gained weight, lost friendships, lost confidence, lost your identity, and more. You need to take things one step at a time, you can’t fix everything at the same time. Seek support from family, friends, and professional help. Work on getting yourself back together one step at a time.

Identify your weaknesses and work on them. stand up for yourself, say no when you need to, and refuse situations you are uncomfortable with.

FIND PEACE AND SERENITY. Cut down stressors from your life no matter how small they are. Give yourself some time off, maybe go on a retreat, or simply go on a relaxing trip. Even when you are stuck at home find what brings you peace and do it, pray, practice yoga, meditation, painting, dancing, hiking, playing music, driving, whatever it is do it. Try to do it every day if possible.

FIND FRIENDS THAT WILL SUPPORT YOU. If your current friends don’t support you, or you’ve lost them along the way, find new friends that will be there for you, supporting you throughout your recovery, helping you get back on your feet and stay strong.

TALK ABOUT IT. Open up and share your experiences with others.

Sometimes saying things out loud helps put things in perspective and helps you in dealing with them.

Hold back on dating. You need time to heal or else you will stumble in your next relationship. Take some time off dating, work on yourself, and really get back on your feet before you start seeing anyone new. If you don’t you might harm yourself again, or even worse, harm your new partner. “One should be capable of being alone, utterly alone, and yet tremendously blissful. Then you can love.” Osho.

Don’t Judge, Just Help

It is so easy to think that this will never be you, that you will never let yourself stay in such a bad relationship, and that you won’t be fooled, but it could happen to anyone. Can you see someone you know passing through this? Advise them to seek professional help. Don’t judge or ridicule them. Don’t congratulate them for getting out of the relationship.

Support and help them, full stop.

Nevine A. Abaza

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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I HOLLYWOOD

MATCHMAKING Whether we’ve seen them in a movie together, presenting side-by-side at an award show, or chit chatting at the club, there are some celebrities who we catch out and about together and think, hmmm why don’t they just date? And so we decided to go ahead and play matchmaker!

KRISTEN STEWART & IAN SOMERHALDER Speaking of vampires and things of that nature, there are quite a few recently single vampires out there.

While we loved Ian with his cute co-star, Nina Dobrev, they recently split, leaving him single and ready to mingle.

Kristen pretty much sealed her fate with R-Patz a year ago by hooking up with that director, and now according to the tabloids, he’s done for good. They both seem like the quiet, lets-only-speak-with-sexy-smolders (or lip-biting in Kristen’s case) type and are both rumoured to be top picks for the 50 Shades Of Gray movie. If they get cast together, we predict them getting quite cozy.

MILEY CYRUS & JUSTIN BIEBER Well isn’t this pairing just perfect? They both grew up too fast in the spotlight, they both have been caught smoking some questionable substances, they’re both currently in a “I’m praying that the rest of the world forgets we were once Disney kids” state. The list goes on. Back in June, Miley was actually rumoured to be dating the Biebs, but she quickly let everyone know that wasn’t the case by reminding us she’s still engaged. That’s too bad, because we can picture it now: her twerking in a crop top, him singing/rapping shirtless.

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ARWA GOUDA & ASSER YASSEEN Ever since they both starred in the movie “Zay El Naharda” back in 2008, rumours kept flying around about them dating. Sadly, the rumours weren’t true, although they were seen plenty of times together just the two of them, turns out they are just really close friends. But who knows? Sometimes the best relationships start with an innocent friendship, right? Fingers crossed.

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CELEBRITIES YOU WOULDN’T WANT TO DATE!

There is a couple of total and complete douchebags in Hollywood that even us, regular people, wouldn’t consider dating.

This month we’ve picked out the 6 most celebrities that we’d pass on.

JOHN MAYER Oh, John Mayer, we already knew you were a douchebag.

But still, you felt it necessary to remind us of this. His recent Playboy interview showed just what a bigoted (use of the n-word and assertion that he wouldn’t let his precious pecker go near a “disgusting” black woman) misogynistic (calling women whores), homophobic (use of the f-word) bastard he really is. Mayer is about as worthless as the “hood pass” he imagines he has.

JENNIFER ANISTON There is an underlying suspicion that Jennifer Aniston rarely gets to date three without saying “I love you”. She’d then continue declaring this love on a daily basis, always making sure that the compliment is reciprocated, roughly for the rest of the three weeks before you tear your own skin off your face and tell her to sod off. The tipping point would be you absent-mindedly forgetting to put an “x” on a text.

Why would you do that?

TOM CRUISE There is no doubt Tom Cruise makes some of the best films in Hollywood. He is one of the very few actors who have a slim amount of flops in his career. Unfortunately, anywhere outside of a movie set, Tom is a complete douche. We think we’ll stay away from the Scientology weirdos thank you.

Lady GaGa To save face and counteract Lady GaGa’s preposterous outfits, you’d have to make every single evening “fancy dress”.

Your pals might enjoy this for a short while, but by the seventh dressing up party in just three weeks, they’d probably rebel. And then they’d twig – it’s not for fun, your weird girlfriend actually dresses like a cock.

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BRITNEY SPEARS Britney Spears - good looking, yes. Totally mental, also a yes.

Hence most of your day would conceivably be spent comforting Britney, telling her that everything is going to be just fine. Breathe.

She needn’t be so edgy.

But the real cock-punch would come when she meets your friends for the first time, during a standard get together in a local pub. She’s a pretty girl and no mistake, they’d all agree, but why did Britney Spears keep bursting into tears?

TALK OF THE TOWN

Getting you up to date on the hottest happenings & gossip around Cairo!

NINO’S We’re high on sugar! The beautiful cupcakes taste as good as they look!

Also try the Oreo Cheesecake Cookies, they are to die for! YUM! Place your order now: 0102 314 7888

WEL3A MAADI The Shisha hotspot has finally opened in Maadi! Located right on 9 street, next to Cilantro and under the heavy smoke there it will be. The crowd favourite spot is attracting a rather large crowd who are not so fond of the smoke-free green environment and are more interested in flavourful Shishas!

If you are one of them, then this is the place to be.

ZOOBA

LORD OF THE WINGS

BURGERFUEL

The popular Egyptian street food chain is now open in Maadi, of course, right on road 9.

Breakfast at Maadi will never be the same.

Soon landing in Egypt, at Citystars Mall; yet another place that promises to serve flavour-rich wings! You no longer have to drive to Zamalek for a meal of hot wings.

The international chain is just about to take over the “burger scene” in Cairo; picking Maadi as their spot for their first venture into the Egyptian market.

There is still no news of when the place will be open for business but after passing by it, it looks so modern and neat! Get ready to taste the perfectly engineered burgers soon!

MIRAI The newly opened Mirai joins Leftbank and Sequoia on the Nile bank; offering an eclectic selection of Asian food.

The Teppanyaki counter, sushi bar & the hot kitchen will certainly satisfy your need for Asian cuisine.

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PLAYGROUND

ACHRAF EL ACHMAWI A judge by day, a writer by night, Achraf El Achmawi is fastly becoming one of Egypt’s favourite writers. His first novel, Zaman El Debah, was written ten years ago but the writer was too scared to publish it, until he met Anis Mansour who asked for a draft to read. After three weeks and after almost losing hope, he got a phone call from Anis and that’s how it all started. Today, we meet with the brilliant writer after releasing his last book “El Morshed”.

First, tell us a bit about how it started...

After receiving the long awaited call from Anis Mansour, he asked what my job was and was surprised to learn that I am Judge. His advice was that I am wasting my time at the courts and I should immediately publish my novel. In no time, I was contacted by several publishers who offered me exclusive contracts, but I went with ALMASRIA ALLEBNANIA & signed a five years contract.

As a Judge it’s obvious that I studied Law at Cairo University & my first book was ERA OF HIENAS ( ZAMN AL DEBAH) a story of fiction at Jungle where the main characters are the animals but playing the roles of many humans at this era and age.

What kind of books do you like to write and why?

I mainly write political novels with a social edge from our time and the near past. I never ask myself why, I just put pen to paper when the ideas start to flow.

Is your latest book “El Morshed” based on a true story?

It is based on real events yet I didn’t reveal the full details or actual names but it’s very much true in every sense.

How do you see the writing industry in Egypt? Do you think it’s improving?

Certainly on the rise, a number of new writers - mainly young ones - are showing great potential, so yes it’s improving and I am proud to be part of this growing scene. However, we need a long time to catch up with our long history of great writers.

What inspires you to write?

I like to take long walks whenever I travel and during such time I get inspired to write and continue to do so whenever I get the chance outside my busy line of work. I feel bad when I read a boring novel or book and therefore this is another source of inspiration and obligation towards my readers.

If you were on a desert island and could only take one book with you, what would it be?

That would be my next book ☺

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Do you have any writing rituals?

Blank white papers any time, day or night, and only in pencils. I must also be bare footed and all alone wherever I am, I can’t take any noise be it near or far. The only exception of course is my lighter and sound of me sipping the coffee.

OUT & ABOUT

GREAT GATSBY NYE AT EL GOUNA Beyond Entertainment by Tamer Banna teamed up with Pier 88 and Club 88 by Giovanni Bolandrini and the crew over in EL Gouna to throw a one-of-a-kind New Year’s extravaganza at the new Ancient Sands compound in the normally tranquil seaside resort. With a Great Gatsby theme, and the crowd dressed to the nines (1929 to be specific), DJ Amr Hosny and DJS Mat.Joe had no trouble getting revelers to the dance floor, as he spun only the slickest and sexiest tracks. With surprise performances by Ibiza based singers Nalaya Brown and Petyon, as well as the Italian Circo Nero, a fabulous fire show and Ibiza sexiest dancers, it was quite the spectacle and one we won’t soon forget.

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OUT & ABOUT

DUSIT THANI LAKEVIEW CHOSEN FOR DG SPECIAL AWARD Once again, Dusit Thani LakeView has been chosen for DG (Dear Guest magazine) Special Award “Service Quality Performance” for the year of 2012. DG festival is one of Egypt’s best festivals solely dedicated for choosing the best of the year attended by trendy figures from different influential trends of the society.

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OUT & ABOUT 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF SPONSORING AL AHLY SPORTS CLUB

MAADI AND ALEXANDRIA CITY CENTRES ANNOUNCE WINNERS OF THE MERCEDES C180 AND CASH

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VALENTINE’S DAY

YOUR ROYAL VALENTINE’S CELEBRATION AT THE CAIRO MARRIOTT HOTEL Valentine’s Day is a day when couples across the globe celebrate love in a special way. Be it by exchanging gifts or cuddling with each other, this is the day when people who are in love spend quality time with each other.

It is a festival of romantic love where many people give cards, letters, flowers or presents to their spouse or partner, but at The Cairo Marriott hotel, you will be able to give much more to your beloved ones. Love is in the air on Valentine’s Day at The Cairo Marriott Hotel, and they will definitely make it happen for you.

Options are numerous for all ages and budgets; the Cairo Marriott Hotel is offering a package for a one night accommodation and dinner at one of our signature restaurants with a unique set menu tailored for that special day. Choices are diverse from the JW’s Steakhouse fine offerings to the succulent Ristorante Tuscany Italian specials and from the royalty and romance of Saraya Gallery to the authentic atmosphere of Egyptian Nights. Your deluxe room, special dinner for two at any of the above dining destinations and breakfast the following day are all for only 2000 L.E including service charge and taxes. Ask for the special deal to be upgraded to a suite.

Up for a day time romance where better than enjoying the sun in they royal gardens? The Garden

the Torii for 250 L.E all inclusive per person.

Fed up of all types and looking for a place where you are all alone with your other half away from all the eyes in the heart of a palatial setting of a historical love story? The Cairo Marriott is creating this opportunity for you in the Gezira Palace, build by Khedive Ismail to impress his darling, Empress Eugenie. They offer you an exclusive private dinner for two in Eugenie’s quarter, bedecked with red roses and softly lit by candles and complimented with a lavish menu.

Call them no later than February the 9th to stage your romantic platform for your private Valentine’s night to remember with all the treats that come along with it.

Promenade Café is offering a Valentine’s brunch for 250 L.E all inclusive per person.

Want to say it in Japanese and looking for something different, young, and trendy? Why don’t you try the ALL YOU CAN EAT sushi night at 61 IDENTITY FEBRUARY 2014

The Cairo Marriot Hotel has it all this February 14th! Make all your dreams come true and create some unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

VALENTINE’S DAY

Celebrate this special day at...

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL CAIRO AT NILE PLAZA Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza is offering an incredible room rate LE 1000 for 2 persons including breakfast only, and one spa massage! Call +2-27916923

RADISSON BLU CAIRO Radisson Blu Cairo would like to invite its dear guests on their day of love “Valentine’s Day” at the Filini Italian Restaurant. We propose Filini as the real gift on such a day for your beloved ones where the romantic, the familial and the friendly atmosphere engagements for all kinds of love.

CONRAD CAIRO Conrad Cairo will run a raffle among the diners at the Oak Grill and Kamala restaurant where two couples will have the chance to win a two nights’ complimentary stay at the hotel. For reservation call +20.2.25808000 HILTON ZAMALEK Enjoy a lavish 4 courses candle lit dinner including: a heart cake shape and romantic surprise for your lady while listening to your favorite love tunes. Book a room to be upgraded to one of our luxurious Nile suites; with breakfast in bed.

KEMPINSKI Kempinski Nile Hotel invites you to spend a romantic evening and a one night’s stay in luxurious accommodation for two in a Nile Deluxe Room at a special Valentine’s rate of EGP 1,699. For reservations and more information on other packages please call us on +2027980000 or visit our facebook page.

SHERATON MIRAMAR EL GOUNA Sheraton Miramar offers “SHERATON’S COUPLES TREAT” for you and your loved one. Wrap up your evening with a Valentine’s candle lit dinner at our La Piscine restaurant.

RADISSON BLU ALEXANDRIA Show your loved one how much you care with the Valentine’s Day dinner at Radisson Blu Hotel, Alexandria. Enjoy the perfect romantic dinner tailor made within our different restaurants along with the live entertainment for only EGP 500.00 per couple.

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SONESTA

DUSIT THANI LAKEVIEW

Come and spend a memorable night with your valentine at “La Gondola” with a charming candle-lit dinner, and experience an unforgettable valentine occasion, while enjoying a selection of gourmet Italian choices in a truly romantic atmosphere with our house band playing your favorite tunes.

Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo offers a bouquet of sweet deals from tempting overnight packages till late check-out.

Rediscover romance and treat your loved one to an intimate candlelit dinner at Izumi Sushi Bar, the Branzino open buffet or dine out at Ruen Thai restaurant featuring Valentine’s Day special menu alongside enchanting violin tunes. Or better yet, pamper your loved one with our lavish massage packages.

FAIRMONT NILE CITY Indulge in Asia’s delicacies at Saigon Restaurant and Lounge’s with a set menu dinner on the jazzy beats of Ahmed Harfoush, Egypt’s premier jazz entertainer, accompanied by the angelic voice of Noha from The Riff Band or treat yourselves to a candle lit dinner at Napa Grill Restaurant with Ellie of London only for L.E. 400++.

“Heart Beats” at O Bar brings you Cairo’s one and only R’n’B and hip hop master, DJ Feedo. Do not forget to ask about Fairmont Nile City’s “Valentine Royal” package. For more information or reservations, please call 24619494.

TOLIP HOTEL

RENAISSANCE Spoil your partner and book the best romance package in town. Enjoy 25 minutes massage treatment of your choice at the Mandara Spa, a breakfast at Citron, a delicious set menu dinner at Chinoix, accommodation and free parking all inclusive for only LE 2330.

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Tolip Hotel Alexandria is dedicated to guests who are looking for a real feeling of comfort and elegance at a five star accommodation.

The hotel’s unique location directly in front of the panoramic view of Mediterranean Sea will make you live the ultimate feeling of royalty and romance in the air If you are a hopeless romantic ask for the incomparable honeymooners packages , the grand opening ceremony of the hotel will be on the valentine’s day comes with irresistible promotions on all the hotel facilities.

Tolip hotel Alexandria is dedicated to make your stay the romantic gate way of a life time!

FASHION HOROSCOPE

SCORPIO You will have perfect inspiration for adding stability to your life in all areas show that off in Mason by MICHELLE MASON dress.

SAGITTARIUS Your optimism and philosophy will find greater resonance in ROKSANDA ILINCIC than usual and your sociable nature will be an inspiring factor.

CAPRICORN Feel the growth of your ambitions and stubborn determination in EMMA COOK multiple-print dress to do things your own way.

LEO You are overwhelmed with a feeling of discovery and learning new things channel that in this mirror-embellished MARKUS LUPFER dress.

PISCES Your efficiency will be spot-on and your thought processes will gain depth which is emphasized in this ANTONIO BERARDI masterpiece.

ARIES You’re able to make advances in your social life in a relaxed manner and your creative flair will be enhanced in this orange ISSA dress.

TAURUS New contacts will be very favourable for the expansion of your career. Dazzle them in MICHAEL BY MICHAEL KORS!

AQUARIUS Your ability to keep your cool where your emotions are concerned will be a lucky factor especially in PETER PILOTTO dress.

Cancer You will experience a heightened sensitivity and an increase in your seductive powers particularly in LELA ROSE satin dress.

LIBRA Your personal need for creativity will tend to emerge more spontaneously in ALBERTA FERRETTI dress and this will help you find a better life balance.

GEMINI You will gain control of events in your life in this JONATHAN SAUNDERS dress but you will have to make effort in your love life.

VIRGO You will express your emotional enthusiasm more readily in MARY KATRANTZOU beautiful print dress.

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