The Talk #76 - September 2015 by TheTalk Magazine

Issue 76 / September 2015

TRINKETS

Providing an array of fashion jewelry

Welcome Back Home, its Time……

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September Back to reality! After working hard throughout the year, having a summer holiday is the best remedy to release the stress that accumulated and to bring back the energy to continue the rest of the year. September is the month to start work fresh, powerful and more determined. On a personal level, I believe that every September holds a story. Sometimes it is a new habit, a perception or a new discovery. I believe that after travelling (especially if it is to a new country or a different culture), we come back with a piece of the place we visited; a piece of a new culture that we directly or indirectly embed into our personality or character. Travelling is the only thing that you spend money on but makes you richer. It enriches your minds and souls and pushes you into “change”– it is always a new beginning and new beginnings are always a good way to get yourself out of your routine and add a dash of flavor to your life. Here’s to a new and fresh beginning for all of us!

Until next time, Hind Nassar

Operations Manager

THETALK / September / 2015

T I S S OT C H E M I N D E S TO U R E L L E S AU TO M AT I C . P OW E R M AT I C 8 0 M OV E M E N T W I T H U P TO 8 0 H O U R S O F P OW E R R E S E R V E , MOT H E R - O F- P E A R L D I A L A N D S C R AT C H - R E S I STA N T SA P P H I R E C RYSTA L . I N N OVATO RS BY T R A D I T I O N .

TIS SOT.CH New Street: 22453927 :‫ • الشارع اجلديد‬Marina Mall: 22244839, 22244882 :‫مارينا مول‬ New Street: 22453927 :‫ • الشارع اجلديد‬Marina Mall: 22244839, 22244882 :‫مارينا مول‬ 22433500 :‫سوق شرق‬ Salmiya Souq: 25718224 :‫ • سوق الساملية‬Souq Sharq: 22433770, Salmiya Souq: 25718224 :‫ • سوق الساملية‬Souq Sharq: 22433770, 22433500 :‫سوق شرق‬ ‫مجمع‬ 22406795, 22453863 :‫بهبهاني‬ The Gate Mall: 22056366 :‫ • اجليت مول‬Behbehani Complex: :‫اجليت مول‬ • Behbehani Complex: 22406795, 22453863 :‫مجمع بهبهاني‬ The Gate Mall: 22056366 22597727, 22597728:‫ـري‬ :‫األڤنيوز‬ Laila Gallery: 25719780/1 :‫ • ليـلى جاليــري‬The Avenues: ‫ • ليـلى جاليـ‬The Avenues: 22597727, 22597728 :‫األڤنيوز‬ Laila Gallery: 25719780/1 ،‫(سوكو‬ ‫ تيك توك‬The Avenues): 22200726 :(‫ األڤنيوز‬،‫تيك توك (سوكو‬ TIK TOK(SoKu, The Avenues): 22200726 :(‫ األڤنيوز‬TIK TOK(SoKu,

CONTENTS

CONTENTS 09-015

24 28 Issue 76 / September 2015

TRINKETS

Providing an array of fashion jewelry

THETALK / September / 2015

A Word With THETALK 24. Lina Bakir 28. Dr. Edita Gasparyan 38. Nejoud AlYagout 76. Musaed AlMutairi

Trend Alert 48. 49. 58. 59.

On The Cover 14. TRINKETS

D.Y.I

67. Simple Acne Mask

Remember His Face 68. Taylor Hill

Health

84. 10 reasons why Avocados are good for you!

THETALK Street Styles 40. Kuwait Street Styles

Travel

86. Sicily

THETALK Inspiration 44. Statement Earrings 46. Velvet

Reviews

96. Restaurant Review 98. Book Reviews 100. Movie Reviews 101. Horoscopes

Celine Harvey Nichols Take A Look 5 Items All Trendy Girls

CONTENTS Published by :

Tel: (965) 2572 0810 Fax: (965) 2572 0860 email: thetalk@ph7-kw.com www.ph7-kw.com Editor-in-Chief NOUF AL-HAJRI Publisher ZEINA MOKADDAM

BPA Audited from 2011 to 2013 Circulation: 10,000 Copies Readership: 40,000+ as per PARC 2012 Studies Operations Manager - THETALK HIND NASSAR Senior Editor YASMINE BANDAR

Managing Editor SIMON BALSOM Senior Graphic Designer CHADI MOUFIED Head of Photography Maher Al-Nouri Editorial Photoghraphy Khaled Sandid Production Manager Nidal Al-Shaker Legal Consultant KHALED AL-KANDARI Press Agencies - Afp Interview - Viva Press (Uk) Images - Gallo-Getty Distribution Company: International Media Group Printed In Four Films

Reproduction in whole or part of any matter appearing in TheTalk is prohibited by law without prior written approval of the publishers. Opinions expressed in TheTalk do not necessarily represent the views of the publishers and editorial staff of the magazine. The publishers do not hold out any guarantee as to its accuracy, neither do they indemnify any loss arising through use of the information.

60 12

THETALK / September / 2015

VISIT OUR WEBSITE ON: WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

on the COVER

TRINKETS

Providing an array of fashion jewelry Trinkets is the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading fashion jewelry retailer offering the widest range of jewelry from a variety of international designers. Trinkets prides itself in catering to the authentic, young, spirited, energetic, confident and modern customer, by providing a large array of cutting edge and inspirational jewelry in classic, casual, and sporty styles that caters to a diverse age group.

THETALK / September / 2015

WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

on the COVER

or the fashion-conscious urban woman, Trinkets brings the latest in designer fashion jewelry from internationally renowned brands such as Michael Kors, Aigner, Emporio Armani, Tommy Hilfiger, DYRBERG/KERN, Just Cavalli, DICI Milano, Diesel, Fontenay Paris and many more. Trinkets currently runs more than 33 stores across the GCC, in Kuwait, KSA and Iraq. In Kuwait, Trinkets stores are located in The Avenues Mall (Phase 1 & 2), Marina Mall, Al Bairaq Mall, Al Muhallab Mall, Al Kout Mall, Al Fanar Mall, The Gate Mall, Souk Sharq, 360 Mall, Airport and Promenade Mall. International Brands at Trinkets MICHAEL KORS - His signature design style—luxuriously casual and simply elegant— embodies the past, present, and future of American sportswear. He has perfected a formula for casual elegance that combines simplicity, ease and luxury in a purely American way. Right now, luxury sportswear is as much about practicality as it is about indulgence,” says the ever-pragmatic Kors. “Comfort and flexibility are what matter most to a woman today, no matter who she is or how much she can afford to spend on her wardrobe.” For the latest collection of jewelry from Michael Kors, visit your nearest Trinkets store today.

THETALK / September / 2015

MICHAEL KORS

EMPORIO ARMANI

EMPORIO ARMANI â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Armani Group is one of the leading fashion & design groups in the world and was established in 1975. Emporio Armani started manufacturing watches in 1981, with many associate brands including Giorgio Armani, Armani Collezioni, Armani Exchange, Armani Junior and Armani Casa. Trinkets is proud to showcase exquisite brand designs from EA that are known to be sophisticated, stylish, fashionable, innovative, and unique. EA focuses on trends and its jewelry collection is known for the variety it offers to both men and women. DICI Milano â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Trinkets brings you Dici Milano, a brand known for its affordable luxuryfashion designs. The brand delivers authenticity, sophistication and distinctive elegance while adapting to the latest global fashion trends. With Italian roots and the striking and evocative artistic talent of its chief designer Gabriele Guidi, DICI has become a watch & jewelry icon, known for the perfect fusion between design, glamour and fashion for both women & men.

DICI MILANO WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

on the COVER

KENZO

KENZO - Founded in Paris in 1970 by Takada Kenzo, this luxurious French jewelry brand is known for its Jungle inspiration and designs. They have been shaking up the ‘jungle’ world of fashion with a range of inspiring accessories. Trinkets is proud to present to its consumers, Kenzo, a brand that has always worked towards a multicultural world, a world of colors and beauty with an inexhaustible source of inspiration. AIGNER - Exclusive international brand dedicated for discerning men and women. Trinkets has a range of Aigner leather goods, fashion clothing and accessories offering a complete world of carefully blended products. The Aigner emblem stands for the high quality standard set by the company and its employees; for the customer it represents authenticity, lifestyle and satisfaction. The brand’s vision focuses on superior quality and timeless values.

THETALK / September / 2015

AIGNER

FOSSIL FOSSIL â&#x20AC;&#x201C; An American lifestyle brand with its presence in more than 80 countries, Fossil had been founded in 1984. Fossil prides itself on its commitment to American vintage inspiration. This commitment has allowed for a strong retail presence globally. Trinkets offers the most remarkable collection of Fossil jewelry, catering to men & women who to add a subtle sense of style and flavor to their wardrobe.

ESCADA ESCADA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A German brand established in 1976 and founded by Margaretha and Wolfgang Ley in Munich. In 2012, Escada first launched its line of watches and jewelry. Escada is known for being a sophisticated, independent, fashionable yet elegant brand for women with a special taste. Drop by your nearest Trinkets store, for the hottest ESCADA jewelry line including earrings, necklaces, rings, key rings, pens and accessory sets. DICI Milano (Gents): Recently launched by Trinkets, Dici Milano Gents offers a unique collection of accessories (pens, cufflinks, wallets & sunglasses) and jewelry (rings, bracelets & necklaces) for men.

DICI MILANO (GENTS)

WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

on the COVER

JUST CAVALLI

JUST CAVALLI - Launched in 1998, Just Cavalli was dedicated to a new generation of free spirit, with its eclectic, highly imaginative style. Its collections focus on the constant use of innovative materials and experimental graphics, the traditional ‘heritage’ of the Cavalli fashion house. Trinkets has been successfully capturing the Cavalli heritage and making it available to their customers in the Middle East. NINA RICCI – Founded in 1932 by Mari Adeland Niely, the brand which is one of the legendary figures in fashion world, is now representing femininity via a sophisticated luxuriousness yet intentionally relaxed style. Ninna Ricci is available in all leading outlets of Trinkets.

THETALK / September / 2015

NINA RICCI

MAJORICA - In 1890, the company internationally known as MAJORICA, S.A. began producing pearls. MAJORICA leads the world fashion with its organic man-made pearls. A MAJORICA pearl is a commodity as rare as a natural pearl. Through their association with Trinkets, MAJORICA offers women in the Middle East stylish classic yet modern jewelry with colorful leather added to its pearls.

MAJORICA

TOMMY HILFIGER – Hilfiger’s first ever retail business was founded in 1969 in upstate New York, and since then the brand has grown to be an expression of the very best of the Amercian lifestyle. The new Tommy Hilfiger jewelry collection is designed for confident, effortlessly stylish women of all ages, who like to enjoy themselves. Trinkets offers the coolest collection of Tommy Hilfiger jewelry in the Middle East.

TOMMY HILFIGER WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

THETALK / September / 2015

WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

A word with thetalk

on The 6th “Night of Dreams” she speaks “music” Lina Bakir

teadfastly recognized as an annual favorite amongst Kuwait’s musical events, Lina Bakir’s “Une Nuit de Rêves” returned most recent May for its sixth magnificent version. A full house of 750 reportedly enjoyed a magical fusion of well-known classics and contemporary music and song from the Arab and western worlds this year adding more to its glorious status. Who could speak better of the event than Lina Bakir herself? And who could deliver an adequate speech about music more plainly than a music devotee? We met Lina 24

THETALK / September / 2015

Bakir and indulged in a very good conversation about her passion as a pianist and her pride in taking the show to higher levels this year. Can you give me a brief about the event? First of all, my company’s name is “Une Nuit de Rêves” which means “A night of dreams”. It’s a title that I gave my concert because, all along, I’m the one who has always wanted to become a singer, I wanted the limelight, the red carpet, and the glamorous life that a lot of us cannot

achieve when you have come from a conservative background where it is believed that the higher you go in your social structure, the harder it becomes for you to carry out what you really want to do when it comes to the artistic side of life. As a concert pianist, I was encouraged to produce something special in Kuwait and so we started as “Une Nuit de Rêves” six years ago, it was a fusion of all kinds of music like jazz, blues, opera and classic performed in different languages. I was sure that the public in Kuwait will

“Music is a language and it’s through language that you express yourself and everything else”

love to hear something as special as this. Over the years, we grew bigger and bigger and people would wonder what we might present every year. I have always wanted to do something between “burlesque” and “Moulin rouge” and there has been continuous self-pressure to meet with the public’s expectation that was growing every year in parallel to our success. How did you deal with the growing success? We received remarkable feedback from the public, attesting that the concert is by far the best they have seen in their life – it was both flattering and challenging at the same instance. I had to always be careful enough to present a step higher yet maintaining the respect of the culture. Why did you call the concert “The Act” this year? We live in a world of dreams; every one of us has

an act within them. When you sit with someone, you may not necessarily be yourself because you have to portray yourself in a certain status. What makes us travel the world to see different shows around the world? I think a part of us always wishes that it was us on stage; we as humans have the tendency to relate. There is always an act within us that we like watching someone else perform, in other words, we always are keen to turn the dreamed world we have in our minds into a reality that we are part of. Moreover, every song I chose to include in the concert told a story. Did you face any changes in terms of culture and taboos? We have been told that we exceeded all the expectations projecting the act in the best way possible. It is the responsibility of the producer and the director, being me, to face those challenges and project all that I want in a very presentable, respectable, and decent way.

I always make sure that I deliver a respectful show to the public because the point is to make people love what we do and always be there on our journeys. How many attendees were at the show this year? We were total 800 – we had 750 attendees and we were 50 on stage. Did the number grow over the years? We definitely could go for a lot more, but we don’t have the room in the ballroom. I still don’t know how to market for my concert as I’m an artist whose major concern is to present a good show. We also had some issues with the concert as far as people telling us that our concert should be extended up to 4 or 5 days. I think every person in Kuwait would love to come to this concert if they knew about it. Yet, we are satisfied that we always have a full house. WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

A word with thetalk

Do you feel ready to get this concert to a level where everything is bigger? I’m definitely ready if we get sponsors who are eager to sponsor the show. We have been told that we don’t compare to many famous concerts because we go way beyond them according to people who attended our show. We are not giving a concert but a concept; it is not just about the concert and the good voices nor about the choice of songs performed during the concert, it is rather about Lina’s little details from the napkins to the chocolate to the program – it’s truly a concept that portrays my personality. How do you feel about such feedback? I love hearing it but I always like to stay humble; I’m always protective of my baby. I’m not sure how well I adjust to the fact that some people steal our ideas, a lot of people take pictures of the show and post them on their own sites. You as an artist might overlook those hazards because you are a pure artist who is merely delivering a good show, right? Although I’m an extravert as a person, I’m pretty private when it comes to my own show. Was I ready to expose my show before? Yes, because I’m 100% sure of what I’m doing and that if you have come to my concert you would attest that you have not seen anything similar in your life. The pressure is definitely on but I never realized that people would come specifically from outside Kuwait to see our concert. We are happy about this the most. Moving on to your love for music, when did you know you had something for music? When I was a child, I always wanted to become a singer. Coming from a certain background, I know it was impossible that my parents would allow me to pursue a career in that area. The second dream was to become a concert pianist and teach piano, I even remember when graduating as a pianist I was offered a job to play piano in a hotel lobby for three hours – it was a good pay, but when my parents heard that, it was their worst nightmare since I was allowed to teach and play piano privately only. I was discovered when I was 16 in Marbella at a pool by the producers of famous singers, my father never wanted me to take it out professionally 26

THETALK / September / 2015

because of the fear of what could come next, society, culture and so on. What happened? The public started pushing me to expose my talent and I thought why not? It’s like I needed that push to get going. That push was very well deserved and very well received because we got to have amazing sponsors. I am a little snobbish when it comes to who comes as a sponsor, major companies are also very protective, so when I approach my sponsors it’s because I’m protective of my project just as much as they are protective of their’s and that’s where we are today. Are you a self-taught artist or did you study music? I took piano classes all my life and got my bachelors in piano pedagogy. I started teaching ever since. I knew that this was going to be my path – I love children and I love teaching and this is how it started. Did you grow up listening to certain artists and admiring certain voices? My favorite ever since I was a little child was Charles Aznavour, Shirely Bassey, Tom Jones, Michael Bublé and many others. Do you have a favorite piece of music? “If you go away” by Shirely Bassey, “Hier Encore” by Charles Aznavour and “Historia de un Amor”. I like diversity in music and this is why I believe people like my concert – there is the fusion factor in my concerts. Besides piano, do you have other favorite instruments? I have always loved the violin when I was younger but I believe I’m leaning more towards loving the cello because it’s a sad and dramatic instrument. I have appointed an instructor to teach me the cello and the hope that maybe I can perform something during my upcoming concert playing the cello, and I hope I would fulfill this because I’m always teaching and I have noticed that I never take time for myself. What would the best description that you can put for music? Music is a language and it’s through language that you express yourself and everything else. WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

A word with thetalk

Dermatologist & Cosmetologist Dr. Edita Gasparyan

r. Edita GasparyanÂ is an Armenian dermatologist and cosmetologist who works as a skincare and laser therapist at Health Care Clinic. With over 15 years in laser and skincare, she believes in good skin and its strong link to glowing beauty and her greatest goal is to maintain satisfaction amongst her patients. THETALK met her to discuss her professional background and her experience in cosmology and dermatology in Kuwait. Tell me a bit about yourself. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a dermatologist and a cosmetologist at HCC in Kuwait. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Armenian .I grew up in Armenia and completed my education and graduated from the University of Hay Busag in Republic Of Armenia. What is your major and where did you study? I studied Dermatology and Cosmology in Armenia. What inspired you to be a dermatologist? I decided to become a dermatologist in order to help people as much as I can to have the softest skin with much less problems which can change their lives. It is always a great fulfillment to make my patients satisfied and happy about how they look. What is the accomplishment (in your career or otherwise) of which you are most proud? I am very proud of working in both dermatology and cosmology. This is a highly competitive field and as I said, it is wonderful to be able to make people feel better about themselves. What has been the greatest difficulty you have encountered? I have been working in the field of beauty for more than 15 years in Kuwait. In the beginning, I found it very challenging because I could not speak Arabic .However my determination pushed me into learning the Arabic language in order to communicate with my clients and answer their questions, when it comes to the treatment so that they can get the best results.

THETALK / September / 2015

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do”

What do you feel is the key to your success? The smile of each patient, their satisfaction after achieving the best results that they and being up to their expectations from me were all factors behind my success for the past years. What beauty and skin care products one should not live without in Kuwait? Since we are living in Kuwait – a country with a very hot weather, we should always protect our skin from the heat by using sunscreens, moisturizers, skin untagging and peeling products so as to have a healthy and good looking skin.

What type of treatments do you perform at the clinic? I have experience in laser hair removal for more than 15 years, as well as white hair, acne scars and stretch marks removal. I use the latest laser machines for full body and face tightening and a machine for fat burning and slimming the body.

face). I also wish they could discover a treatment that prevents white hair from going with aging

What would you like to see be developed in the realm of skin care next? I wish they could invent a machine that gives permanent treatment results for Melasma (the patchy brown discoloration of the skin on the

What are your hobbies? Playing piano, it has been my hobby since I was 7 years old.

What is your motto in life? The only way to do great work is to love what you do .If you haven’t found it yet, keep searching .Don’t settle for less than what you aim for.

Instagram: @dredita Mobile: +965 660 15 220 WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

strike a pose

H&M STUDIO AW15 Collection Elegance and futurism are the words that best describe the H&M Studio collection for Autumn/Winter 2015. Zip-up jackets and coats and slender pants set the sporty mood on the H&M Studio limited-edition collection of key seasonal pieces, with futuristic shimmer from lurex knits and dresses, along with functional pieces like turtle neck sweaters and zip-fronted jumpsuits.

Dress KD 24.90 Trousers KD 29.90 Gloves Starting From KD 13.90 Boots KD 49.90

Available on September 10 at 1st Avenue & Grand Avenue â&#x20AC;&#x201C; THETALK / September Collection / 2015 The Avenues, Salmiya: Salem Al Mubarak street â&#x20AC;&#x201C; opposite Al Fanar Mall

Neck Collar KD 16.90 Trousers KD 24.90 Bag KD 34.90 Boots KD 49.90 Cap KD 16.90

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strike a pose

Trousers KD 59.00 Bag KD 34.90 Boots KD 49.90 Cap KD 16.90

THETALK / September / 2015

Jacket KD 49.90 Trousers KD 29.90 Boots KD 99.00 Cap KD 16.90

strike a pose

Motor Bag KD 99.00 Cap KD 29.90

THETALK / September / 2015

Neck Collar KD 59.00 Trousers KD 29.90 Boots KD 59.00 Cap KD 29.90

WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

strike a pose

Trousers KD 24.90 Boots KD 49.90 Cap KD 16.90

Jacket KD 49.90 Trousers KD 29.90 Motor Bag KD 99.00 Boots KD 99.00 Cap KD 16.90

Photography by Khalid Al-Salih Hair & Makeup by Kyu Care Center WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

A word with thetalk

On her 2nd release Author of “Awake in the Game of Pretending” Nejoud AlYagout

n a world that too often vibrates on the lower frequencies of fear, grief and confusion, love guides mankind to enlightenment. And in awakening, one searches for a more solid place in the human game. Pain and suffering; the cycle of life and death - they appear to be necessary struggles in the quest for self-realization, though perhaps they are not. Who knows? Awake in the Game of Pretending continues the spiritual exploration begun in This is an imprint, connecting readers on a collective scale. Nejoud Al-Yagout revealed the essence of her new release in an interview with THETALK.

THETALK / September / 2015

Tell us the story behind the new book. How did “Awake in the Game of Pretending” come to be? This book is a reflection of what it means to embark on a journey from the self to the Self. Although it is written from a unique perspective, it borrows matrices of perception from the unified field of consciousness. What led up to this book? This book was written after a spiritual crisis. When I became aware of my conditioned mind, the words appeared accordingly. The story of my life led up to

this book and then it evolved into something that was not my story or your story but our journey, individually and collectively. So many factors lead up to a book, so it can be described as a manifestation of stored energy and thought patterns. There are also sections of this book that involve awareness of the concept of mind-dissolution. What were your biggest learning experiences throughout the writing process? One of the things I learned is that writing is the formless manifesting as form. It is surreal that

we can pick up words and ideas from what we would normally define as nowhere. Everything we do connects us to others, so part of the learning experience was realizing that the heart is never overloaded with love. There is always room for more and more love. When I published my first book, This is an imprint, my heart welcomed many new people into its realm. What a blessing! My prayer is that with this new book, more love will seep into my paradigm, your paradigm and our paradigm.

“Love is the realm where doves and dragons surrender”

What was the most challenging aspect of writing the book? The editing process is brutal. Thankfully, there are deadlines. Otherwise, it could go on ad infinitum. What was the time frame for writing this book? This book must have already been written inside me because it only took a few months to write it. Would you have done it differently if you could do it again? Of course. Everything is dissected into infinite pieces retrospectively, until we reach the place where everything is accepted as it is in this moment. Is there a message that you want readers to take away from your book? There is no obvious message. Those on the quest for the Divine will surely relate to the essence of the book, since there are traces of the collective shift in the book. What are you currently reading? I feel that if I mention the book I am currently trying to read, it would not do it justice because I can’t seem to get through it. The book itself is superb. I want to say to it: “It isn’t you. It’s me.” But I don’t know if it will believe me. That line no longer works even when it is true! What are you working on now? I have a book launch for Awake in the Game of Pretending around the corner, so my energy is currently invested in preparing for that. What is your advice for aspiring writers? Get out of the way.You are merely the vessel. We go around labeling ourselves as writers but we are borrowing everything from an unseen realm! Nobody talks about this. It begs the question: Who is really doing the writing? WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

THETalk STREET STYLES

Kuwait

street styles

Time and time again we bring you Street Style inspirations from across the globe. However, we cannot steer away from the fashionable crowd here in Kuwait. Whether it is how they dress to work, lunch, events or parties, whichever the occasion, these trendsetters always look stylishly chic!

THETALK / September / 2015

WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

THETalk STREET STYLES

Kuwait

street styles

THETALK / September / 2015

THETALK inspiration

the street styles

Statement Earrings A new season and a new dose of inspiration! This time we choose the seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trendiest picks and tell you where to get them from. From local to international, we bring you a collection of fashion styles and combinations. As with every season, do not miss out on the fun of experimenting with a new trend! 44

THETALK / September / 2015

Find Them At

Aurelie Bidermann at NET-A-PORTER.COM

Oscar de la Renta at NET-A-PORTER.COM

Daniela Villegas at NET-A-PORTER.COM

CristinaOrtiz at NET-A-PORTER.COM

Etro at NET-A-PORTER.COM

Marni at NET-A-PORTER.COM WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

THETALK inspiration

the street styles Velvet A new season and a new dose of inspiration! This time we choose the seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trendiest picks and tell you where to get them from. From local to international, we bring you a collection of fashion styles and combinations. As with every season, do not miss out on the fun of experimenting with a new trend! 46

THETALK / September / 2015

Find Them At

Jil Sander at NET-A-PORTER.COM

Valentino at NET-A-PORTER.COM

Emilio Pucci at NET-A-PORTER.COM

Charlotte Olympia at NET-A-PORTER.COM

MiH Jeans at NET-A-PORTER.COM

Emilio Pucci at NET-A-PORTER.COM

Gianvito Rossi at NET-A-PORTER.COM

WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

Trend Alert

fall for the season with

CELINE FALL 2015 COLLECTION

THETALK / September / 2015

HARVEY NICHOLS KUWAIT LAUNCHES NEW BRANDS FOR AUTUMN/WINTER SEASON Harvey Nichols introduces new luxury ready-to-wear brands for new season Harvey Nichols Kuwait celebrates the upcoming season by unveiling the highly anticipated Autumn Winter 15 collections in-store. The upscale fashion retailer showcases the key trends of the season by handpicking the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest international designer brands.

WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

Trend Alert

Shoe

love is true love

They say good shoes take you to good places; we agree and affirm that shoes give your appearance an entirely different twist. A pair of shoes that you will adore and not leave the shop without buying â&#x20AC;&#x201C; how often does it happen? We share our favorite picks for the seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hottest heels and flats from net-a-porter.com 50

THETALK / September / 2015

Christian Louboutin Christian Louboutin

Alexander McQueen

Charlotte Olympia

Aquazzura

WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

Trend Alert

Christian Louboutin Christian Louboutin

Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana Gianvito Rossi

THETALK / September / 2015

J.Crew

Giuseppe Zanotti

Jimmy Choo Lanvin

WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

Trend Alert

BAG

Fever

You can never go wrong with the right purse. Whether you choose leather, embroidery, or fringe, the right purse will never cease to accessorize your whole outfit and give it an identity. This collection is an insight of the seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most fabulous and chic pieces by net-a-porter.com to inspire your bag shopping. 54

THETALK / September / 2015

Givenchy Alexander McQueen

Givenchy

Dolce & Gabbana Chloé

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Trend Alert

Fendi Gucci

M2Malletier

Saint Laurent

Stella McCartney

THETALK / September / 2015

Tod’s

Tom Ford

Valentino

WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

Trend Alert

Take a look at

the 2016 2-purse trend The two-purse trend that has been lurking on the runways for the past couple of seasons has officially hit the mainstream. From Fendi, Chloé, Mulberry, and Thom Browne, the two-purse trend is blowing up over all major resort collections this season. But the question is why? Is it to fit your iPhone? Do we need an extra bag to carry our “go-tos”? There seems to be something bizarre about this new take on chic. Take a sneak peak an some of the 2016 trends we found and decide for yourself.

THETALK / September / 2015

A pair of painted pumps in any color

Fashion Feature 3

Statement accessories

A pair of the best denims

5 items all trendy girls need in their closet

While we wish we could stuff out closet with the season’s entire collection and keep up with the latest trends, we know we must choose when it comes to to fashion’s latest designs. We have noticed a few items that all stylish girls seem to keep on heavy rotation in their closets. Each woman might adopt their own unique perspective on these pieces, but they all own them, in one form or another. It is time to start investing in some basics that you will wear and will make getting dressed a breeze. These wardrobe staples are the building blocks of every stylish girl’s wardrobe.

A “really” good coat

A nude dress for every occasiona

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A word a with strike posethetalk

A Jewelry Prince Alexis Bittar

lexis Bittar is an American jewelry designer. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Alexis Bittar founded his own jewelry line in 1988, selling pieces made of Depression-era glass culled from chandeliers. Using Lucite and semi-precious stones and metals, Bittar began selling handmade pieces on the streets of Soho. In 1992, Dawn Mello, the fashion director of Bergdorf Goodman agreed to carry his designs, followed by Saks Fifth Avenue, the Museum of Modern Art, and Harrods. Bittar designed Burberry’s first ready-to-wear jewelry collection, interpreting their trademark plaid onto Lucite. Subsequent collaborations include legendary stylist and costume designer Patricia Field for Sex and the City, the Cooper-Hewitt Museum, Estee Lauder, Michael Kors, Jason Wu, Jeremy Scott, Michael Angel, and Phillip Lim. Tell us about yourself. I am a Brooklyn native, jewelry designer and father. How and when did you start designing jewelry? For 15 years, I had an antique quilt that I would lay out on the street in Soho, selling my handmade jewelry. This was in the early ‘80s, back before what you see now in Soho. No one else was doing it at that time – it was just me and two other vendors. I went from selling on the street to opening my company – it’s been an incredible journey. 60

THETALK / September / 2015

“The more unique and daring, the better”

What makes your collections unique in the industry? I think the market has been primed for a while for accessories that are bold and push the envelope. As the world becomes more commercialized, people are increasingly looking to accessories and jewelry as personal statements of individuality - the more unique and daring that statement is, the better! What kind of women would wear your jewelry? I like to think my designs are accessible to anyone regardless of age or status – that people can love and wear my pieces regardless of how old they are or where they are from is amazing. Where do you draw your inspiration from? I look at historical references, especially antiques. Nature is also endlessly inspiring. I try not to look at jewelry, but look at the latest collections on the runways and see what made an impact and what was missing. I try to get that energy and embody it in jewelry. What are upcoming trends in the jewelry design? I think the market has been primed for a while for accessories that are bold and push the envelope. As

the world becomes more commercialized, people are increasingly looking to accessories and jewelry as personal statements of individuality - the more unique and daring that statement is, the better! Can you talk about your Fine line? What is your inspiration? There’s always an appetite for gems, but in my iteration of fine, we like to stay playful and whimsical – jewelry shouldn’t be weighing you down! Yes, customers love the gems and cuts we use, but some of my most popular fine pieces are extremely simple, sculptural pieces made of sterling silver. WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

Fashion Feature Rosantica Anita Ko

Anita Ko

lppolita

Ileana Makri

Bejeweled

Accessorizing can be fun and can add a touch of luxury, color or sparkle to any outfit. Here are our picks from the dazzling collections that you can find on net-a-porter.com.

Anita Ko

Rosantica

ChloeĚ lppolita Maria Black

Anita Ko

Melissa Joy Manning 62

THETALK / September / 2015

HEARING CARE CENTER - SALMIYA Tel. 25714573 - 97234752

- Sharq

- Kuwait City

- Sharq

- Fahaheel WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

International intoptique Optique

Feel Beautiful

A new nail & beauty salon in Salmiya Element Nail & Beauty salon When it comes to nail salons, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just about the glitter and polish as we no longer look for a good service but rather a whole experience that also include hygiene good pampering. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about going to a place that makes you feel comfortable about both the place and the service that you are having. Element is a new salon that has opened recently in Salmiya that we tried thought was all-great! Lately, we visited a newly launched nails and beauty salon called Element. Located in Salmiya next to Mowasat Hospital, the place radiates tranquility and comfort. The staff is very welcoming and so is the atmosphere of the cozy salon. As you take your seat to get your nails done, there is a whole black wall on the left where you can read all the nail services and treatments that Element Salon offers, along with the price of each. There, you will also get to see the comments and signatures of customers who got pampered recently. There is a feel of comfort as you look around as if you were getting your nails done at your own home. The tools used by the worker were sterilized and sealed and their

THETALK / September / 2015

cleaning was very good and there is a variety of colors by different brands. Before you make that next trip to get a manicure or pedicure, consider trying the services offered by Element Salon. Element also offers other services including blowdry, hair treatments and makeup services.We

will be trying out new services at the salon and we will definitely keep you posted with how our experience is going there, so stay tuned!

@element.salon

Redness Reducer La Roche-Posay Rosaliac CC Cream works as a light-coverage cream that instantly reduces facial redness caused by sensitivity, while protecting against UV rays. Not to mention the amazingly fresh scent and moisturizing abilities!

Dark Spot Corrector Lancôme Teint Visionnaire will land you a flawless finish and visibly transform your skin in just four weeks! This foundation will correct dark spots and reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines thanks to the formula’s active serum.

Improves Elasticity Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm is a multitasking miracle that not only provides the perfect amount of coverage and acts as a hydrating primer, but it also treats to firm skin and fight fine lines in just eight weeks of use!

Revives Fatigued Skin L’Oréal Paris Magic BB Anti-Fatigue works wonders when your skin looks as tired as you feel. This BB cream has color-transforming beautifying beads to revive a dull complexion and leave your skin looking even and flawless over time.

Blurs & Brightens Maybelline Dream Fresh BB is so light; it seriously feels like you’re wearing absolutely nothing! But rest assured, this 8-in-1 skin perfector soothes and hydrates your complexion so that it looks naturally bright and imperfection free.

Makeup products

that are actually good for your skin

Fades Dark Circles Giorgio Armani Maestro Eraser Concealer instantly conceals the signs of no sleep, but also works to fade away the blue tone of dark circles under eyes within two months and moisturize lids for added radiance.

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Feel Beautiful

5 tips on using curling irons

From bombshell hair to lose and tight curls, today’s hair trends can mostly be achieved with the help of a curling iron. In fact, for some ladies, a curling iron has become a part of their everyday hair routine; it is a magical tool that can easily add texture to the hair. However, it can also cause hair damage and breakage if not used properly. Here are some tips on how to use a curling iron while keeping your hair healthy. 1. Moisturize your hair Curling irons can be drying, so it is important that your hair is well-moisturized especially if you are using it often. Some hair stylists though prefer skipping the conditioner on the day you are curling your hair. In this way, the curls will not slide and will just stay in place.You can also do this once in a while. But if the curling iron is your best friend every single day, do not skip conditioner. Heat can be ultimately damaging so you need to moisturize your hair to prevent dryness and frizz.

If your hair is already damaged, use the Rejuvenate Strengthening Protein Treatment after each wash followed by the Hydrate Conditioning Treatment. If your hair is healthy, use the Hydrate Conditioning Treatment after each wash. Once or twice per month, you can use the Rejuvenate Strengthening Protein Treatment followed by the Hydrate Conditioning Treatment. The Hydrate Conditioning Treatment restores moisture lost during chemical treatments and heat styling. It penetrates the hair to provide moisture within the hair shaft. The Rejuvenate Strengthening Protein Treatment rebuilds your hair structure and restores protein lost during chemical treatments and heat styling. It stops breakage, fortifies, and strengthens damaged hair. Remember, when using a conditioner; apply it from the middle section of your hair all the way 66

THETALK / September / 2015

down to the tips. If you have time, let the product stay for 10 to 15 minutes to let the hair absorb the moisturizing ingredients. For deep conditioning, use a shower cap and let it stay for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing. 2. Choose the size of curling iron When learning how to use a curling iron, you shouldn’t buy just any curling iron. The barrel comes in different sizes. Choose one based on the look you want to achieve. 2-inch. If you want that perfect bend at the ends of your hair, use a 2-inch curling iron. It is as if you just got a blow dry. 1 ½ inch. For sexy, loose waves, a 1 ½ inch barrel is the secret. 1 ¼ inch. It is not a popular size, but it can create lovely sexy loose waves. You can also use it for tight waves. 1-inch. If you are buying only one curling iron, choose a 1-inch barrel. It is the most flexible among all sizes. It can be used on all hair lengths and it can create various curls and waves. ¾ inch. For vintage-kind of curls, use smaller curling irons, such as this. 5/8 inch. You need this if you have naturally curly hair. It helps in getting even curls. 3/8 inch. It is for hair with natural ringlets 3. Choose ceramic and tourmaline curling irons Curling irons are made of different materials. The most popular options are ceramic and tourmaline curling irons since they are less damaging compared to others. Ceramic curling iron can heat hair evenly, while tourmaline curling iron has negative ions that seal the

cuticles of the hair to preserve the moisture in it. 4. Set the right temperature A major part of learning how to use a curling iron is choosing the right temperature. Choose the heat setting depending on your hair condition. If you have fragile, colored hair, go for the lowest setting. On the other hand, if you have coarse hair, you can go a little bit higher. Observe how your hair responds to heat and adjust the temperature as you go along. 5. Use heat protectant products Before using the curling iron, do not forget to spray on a heat protectant product. This will help to minimize the damage to your hair. Protecting your hair is an important aspect of how to use a curling iron.

Homemade Protein Mask 1 Banana 1 Avocado 1 Tablespoon of olive oil 1 Egg 5 Almonds

D.I.Y

Simple

Acne Mask

Every lady would shout a “yes” for skin-pampering, and with homemade face mask recipes, she can do it from the comfort of her own home. Finding the perfect homemade facial mask recipe for your skin type can seem daunting, but check out this simple DIY acne mask recipe that includes just two ingredients! This fabulous homemade acne face mask recipe will unclog your pores as well as draw impurities out of your skin.

You will need: • 2 tablespoons bentonite clay • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Put 2 tablespoons of bentonite clay in a small bowl.

Add apple cider vinegar and mix until well blended.

Make sure the mixture is thick. Apply the mixture on your face and leave it for 10 minutes before you wash it with lukewarm water. WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

Remember Her Face

A face of an angel Taylor Hill A

ll-American with a stellar smile and gorgeous eyebrows, Hill hails from Colorado and became the breakout freshman star and all-time favorite on the runways this year, from Chanel to Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Secret.

THETALK / September / 2015

Taylor Marie Hill was born on March 5, 1996, in Colorado andwas discovered when she was 14 in a barn in Granby, Colorado by Jim Jordan, an agent who is also a photographer. In 2013, she was featured on Intimissimi’s catalogue. In 2014, she modeled for H&M and walked the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. That year, she became one of the faces of Rosa Cha with Erin Heatherton, Frida Gustavsson and Barbara Palvin. She was also voted as 2015’s most promising model by Couturesque’s readers. In 2015, Taylor hosted an event for Victoria’s Secret PINK and in the same year, she became a Victoria’s Secret Angel and has also advertised Versus. Throughout her career, she has worked for several fashion magazines including Amica, Elle (Australia, France, Norway),Glamour and Marie Claire.

Aside from slaying it this past Fashion Month by walking in over 20 shows, she also strutted her stuff in the last Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, ruled the runways at Couture Week in January, and modeled for a few fast-fashion brands. And did we mention she just turned 19 years old? This model is more than just a pretty, dimpled face with eyebrows that rival Cara Delevingne’s. Taylor Hill is an It girl on the rise and deserves just as much recognition as Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid — she has even walked in the same shows. Taylor has also walked the runway for 3.1 Phillip Lim, Alberta Ferretti, Alexander Wang, Alexandre Vauthier, Anthony Vaccarello, Armani Privé, Atelier Versace, Barbara Bui (fr), BCBG Max Azria, Bouchra Jarrar, Carolina Herrera, Chanel,

Christopher Kane, Damir Doma, DKNY, Dolce & Gabbana, Elie Saab, Emporio Armani, Ermanno Scervino, Gabriela Cadena, Giles, Giorgio Armani, Hervé Léger, IRFE, Kaufmanfranco, Kenzo, Leonard Paris, Maxime Simoëns, Michael van der Ham, Mugler, Paul & Joe, Paul Smith, Private School, Rachel Zoe, Ralph Lauren, Richard Nicoll, Roksanda Ilincic, Versace, Victoria’s Secret, Viktor & Rolf and Vivienne Westwood.

WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

Got the Time?

MEANTIME

IT’S His & Her TIME... Calibre 101, one of the world’s most extraordinary technical accomplishments Created in 1929 in the workshops of the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre, this prodigious feat of micromechanical engineering has been a watchmaking icon for over 80 years. The momentously eventful period of 1920-1930s was distinguished by cultural and artistic effervescence, technical progress and social emancipation – especially for women. The watchmaking world was slowly but surely shifting from pocket-watches to wristwatches, while ladies’ watches were also taking off. JaegerLeCoultre’s 1924 introduction of its famous Duoplan movement was doubly significant: from a technical standpoint, by proving that daintiness and precision are not incompatible; and aesthetically speaking, by freeing timepieces

THETALK / September / 2015

from their classic round shape. Building on this feat, the Manufacture pursued its research into scaled-down mechanisms and succeeded in miniaturising the Duoplan movement without compromising its reliability. This led to the birth in 1929 of Calibre 101, which was to become firmly acknowledged as the smallest mechanical movement ever made. Entirely in tune with feminine eclecticism, it lent itself to all manner of daring approaches, offering the in-house designers boundless ways of giving free rein to their creative instincts. Its jewellery versions have since then adorned the daintiest and noblest wrists, including that of Queen Elizabeth II of England at her coronation in 1953.

Tissot Lady Collection

The choice of it all It is clear that women want it all, or more particularly the choice of it all. Tissot, who has always been dedicated to providing their customers with what they desire, has created the Tissot Lady Collection to answer those wishes. The Tissot Lady not only exudes femininity with its petal-like hands, bezel and smooth lines but it is also available in various models with different colours and style to answer the diverging

tastes and with a revolutionary Powermatic 80 automatic movement. For women that cherish the mechanical prowess, the Powermatic 80 will still offer the possibility of a time-off and welldeserved break thanks to its amazing 80 hours of power reserve. Honouring women A rose is always engraved on the caseback of

every Tissot lady watch with a quartz movement. It is the flower represented on the Tissot Coat of Arms. Through the representation of the rose, Tissot honours women, their strength and essence and remind them to live life to the fullest. Thanks to the Powermatic 80 movement, it is the first time that Tissot is able to send that message with an automatic piece.

WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

Got the Time?

Limited Edition Tazio Nuvolari 336

A special watch for a special man! Commemorating the skill and courage of Tazio Nuvolari, who shattered the world speed record in his Alfa Romeo in 1935, Eberhard & Co presents the Tazio Nuuvolari 336 Limited Edition, a select timepiece for the select man! This Limited Edition timepiece draws inspiration from this famous episode, where Eberhard & Co. has written a new chapter in the history of one of its best loved collections, expressing the close bond between the watchmaker and the world of classic cars by dedicating to the greatest racing legend of all time the TAZIO NUVOLARI 336 For the first time the Tazio Nuvolari collection includes a timepiece that offers the reading 72

THETALK / September / 2015

of two different time zones, one of the ‘useful complications’ best loved by watch enthusiasts throughout the world. Great simplicity and legibility make the Tazio Nuvolari 336 a classic example of dual time technology, in the pure tradition of a brand that has dedicated over a century to meeting the practical requirements of the most exacting consumers. The watch, produced in a limited edition of 336 pieces, is animated by a mechanical automatic winding movement. The second time zone is displayed at 12 o’clock, while at 6 o’clock there is the indication of the power reserve. The date window is positioned at 3 o’clock.

The movement is housed in a large steel case (45 mm in diameter and waterproof to a depth of 100 metres) which, together with several red details, gives the Tazio Nuvolari 336 a striking look and a winning personality. The great champion’s presence is transmitted by the symbolic number 336, the driver’s signature and the initials ‘TN’ within the carapace, the emblem of Tazio Nuvolari. The watch is notable for its raw cut ceramic bezel, particularly thick at a side view: the result is a pleasing three dimensional effect enriched by hollowed hourmarkers. The Dual Time function is regulated at the 10 o’clock position through a button characterized by an elongated shape and embellished with the driver’s initials.

Tissot PR 100 Quartz Chronometer Rebirth of an Icon The Tissot PR 100 Quartz Chronometer has a timeless design that ensures it will never go out of style. The saga of the popular piece continues. First inspired by the Tissot PR 50 from 1990, this new version is just as resilient, as it is the first time Tissot has produced a quartz chronometer which, impressively, is officially certified by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, attesting to its extreme precision. Quintessentially Tissot

An elegant design makes the Tissot PR 100 Quartz Chronometer popular with both men and women. A sophisticated case is composed of flowing, fluid lines that means the bezel is thicker at the centre, thinning out as reaches the bracelet in a graceful curve. Dial embellishment is kept simple, with indices and the magnifying glass on the dimply date at 6 o’ clock adding a tasteful touch. A bracelet that alternates the links in different metals adds richness

to the watch, keeping the style both contemporary and innovative. There are various models available, including stainless steel or leather bracelets, black dials or silver with rose or yellow gold pvd features. For a touch of luxury, spoil yourself with the exclusive model dazzling with Top Wesselton diamonds.

WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

Got the Time?

PILOT COLLECTION

Three new high-flying references Three powerful, rare and sophisticated new aviator’s watches are joining the iconic Pilot collection from Zenith. Whether fitted with a meteorite dial, housed in a bronze case or displaying a breathtakingly light architecture, each of these new launches is heir to the onboard instruments developed by the Manufacture

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during the infancy of aviation. These inherently exclusive timepieces are endowed with the main attributes of their legendary forebears: a highprecision movement, an imposing diameter, a broad ratcheted screwed-in crown, as well as large Arabic numerals swept over by finely crafted hands. Two models, powered by the famous 5011K pocket-

watch calibre, immediately find their place in the Haute Horlogerie firmament, while the Extra Special or Extra Spécial bronze version displays the resolutely vintage spirit of the famous “Type 20” watches. All three are a vivid reminder of the fundamental role played by Zenith in the conquest of the skies.

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A word with thetalk

All about FW15 for men Musaed AlMutairi

eutral tones, especially pastel shades, are always part of spring/summer collections – but for SS15, the colors themselves became a trend in their own right. Looking ahead to AW15, it seems little has changed, with grey, maroon and royal green. Musaed AlMutairi, the fashion expert, the fashion blogger and the personal shopper at Harvey Nichols Kuwait, is always the right person to refer to when it comes to style and fashion trends as he knows exactly what it takes to step out with sartorial sophistication. We met Musaed AlMutairi would like pass on some of his fashion tricks for the season. What is in for men in the upcoming Fall/ Winter season? By far and away the most popular color at the 76

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shows is gray, beige, white and black. The trend is heading back towards the 70’s and 80’s with loosefitting trousers and shirts with large collars. There also bold colors like red and blue in different fabrics like sheers and silks. Wools and cashmeres are also quite dominant among the season’s designers’ collections this year and most of the designers’ collections are kind of sporty especially when it comes to shoes and hand bags as well as clothes. It is known that autumn and winter in Kuwait and the Gulf region are mild, how can men here be in line with fashion trends worldwide in such a warm weather? Men in the gulf region must choose light and comfy

clothes due to the lifestyle that requires light clothes throughout the year, whether for summer or winter. For fall, however, it is wise to buy easyto-transmit pieces such as cardigans and sweaters with buttons or zippers so that he can wear them as soon as it feels cold and can easily take them off when it feels warmer. I always recommend pieces that allow the skin to breathe like cottons and cashmeres and to avoid clothes that are too heavy like winter coats or jackets with fur collars unless they are traveling to extremely cold places during autumn or winter. What are the most striking colors for fall 2015? The trendiest colors of this season are gray, maroon and royal green.

“The trendiest colors of this season are gray, maroon and royal green” What 3 pieces of advice do you offer to your clients in every season? First of all, choose your outfits according to what goes with your lifestyle, secondly, always buy the correct size and thirdly, go through your closet often so that you don’t buy similar items every year. What should be the main focus for the fall season? The focus, as I mentioned, should be on fabrics especially tree-patterned fabrics which this season’s runways are strongly putting forward. Do you keep old winter clothes such as coats or shawls, for example, or are you always keen on buying new pieces every year? Innovation is always necessary, in everything. However, some items can be used every year like coats and shawls that are timeless and are not necessarily related to a particular season and they come in basic colors like black, white or beige – those items are always in store in all seasons. Can you name three must haves for every stylish man? A denim classic shirt, a leather jacket and a pair of classic dress shoes. What is your favorite perfume during the cold season? I like perfumes that have a whiff of the oud, amber or musk. Any tips for women this season? I advise every woman to pay attention to highwaist pants and heavy fabrics when it comes to vests and gilets for the fall season, in addition, it is very important for every woman to buy a pair of stylish sporty shoes for shopping and walking for long hours. What is unique about this season’s collections are the pieces that have embroidered accessories within them such as stones, feathers, leather and lace. Denim skirts are strongly in this fall. WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

Thetalk Motors

The Fiat Brand

Continues To Expand In Kuwait With The All-New Fiat 500X The all-new 2016 Fiat 500X, now available in Kuwait from Al Mulla and Behbehani Motor Company (MBMC), is the latest and bigger addition to the Fiat lineup in the region, combining the authentic Italian design and engaging driving dynamics that are synonymous with the Fiat brand, together with unmatched functionality, and a full array of safety, comfort and convenience features. «X» represents change and transformation, but at the same time it also represents balance and the crossroads between opposite entities - the «transversality» that the new Fiat model, which finds its ideal positioning at the intersection of various automotive segments that include both young and mature drivers - lovers of beauty who have an eye for vehicles with character, but all with the same desire to enjoy a fulfilling driving experience and express their own personality with a distinctive style. Today, there is a clear, complete option for all of them - the Fiat 500X. “The Fiat 500X will significantly expand the reach of the Fiat brand, both in Kuwait and

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across the Middle East,” said Andrew Bailey, Fiat Brand Manager at MBMC. “It delivers the Italian design and personality that the Fiat brand is renowned for, along with an unprecedented level of equipment, convenience features and advanced technology.” “With comfortable seating for five, world-class craftsmanship and superior ride and handling, the larger Fiat 500X adds a new dimension to the rapidly growing crossover segment.” It takes talent to get yourself noticed in style on the city streets - the unique design of the Fiat 500X Pop and Lounge models do just that, thanks to styling of bumpers that enhances the body colour and to chrome style details that highlight the made in Italy quality. With the 500X you can enjoy every journey in complete peace of mind thanks to the wealth of safety equipment. This includes the standard Lane Assist system plus six airbags and ESC (Electronic Stability Control) system - these features offer maximum protection and minimum stress for an

exceptional driving experience. Forward Collision Warning-Plus advises the driver, via a combination of radar and video sensors, if it detects too great a difference in speed between the 500X and the vehicle in front, meaning that there could be a risk of collision. Should the driver not intervene, the system automatically activates the braking to avoid an impact or to mitigate its effects. The 500X’s LaneSense Lane Departure system uses a camera-based vision sensor to establish the vehicle’s position on the road. If an unintentional lane drift occurs, determined by trajectory change and the absence of turn-signal activation, the system will deliver a visual warning and a haptic warning - the subtle introduction of torque from the electric power steering (EPS) system. If the driver unintentionally drifts too far, the system provides a secondary visual warning. And the Blind Spot Monitoring system uses dual ultra-wideband radar sensors to aid the driver when changing lanes or if being passed by or

passing unseen vehicles. The system notifies the driver of vehicle(s) in their blind spot via illuminated icons on the side-view mirror and with a driver-selected audible chime. The all-new fuel-efficient 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo powered Fiat 500X features a six-speed dualclutch automatic transmission and delivers an output of 140hp. The 2016 Fiat 500X offers up to 70 standard and available safety and security features, including Forward Collision Warning-Plus, LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection. Electronic stability control (ESC) with Hill-start Assist and electronic roll mitigation is standard on all models, as are seven air bags. Loaded with technology and convenience, the Fiat 500X is available with features like Uconnect 6.5 radio with a 6.5-inch (165.1mm) highresolution touchscreen and navigation, Bluetooth streaming audio, a 3.5-inch (88.9mm) full colour thin-film transistor (TFT) cluster display and Keyless Enter-N-Go.

The all-new Fiat 500X was designed at the Centro Stile in Turin, Italy, where designers leveraged the character and iconic features of the Fiat 500 into a larger and more mature package. On the exterior, design elements like double headlamps, a trapezoidal nose, the signature “whiskers and logo” face and the rounded clamshell hood pay homage to the original Cinquecento.

inspired by the principles of streamlined production that reduces the production chain, simplifying assembly operations to bring the 500 family’s newest member into existence, and today available in Kuwait.

The purposeful and distinct Italian design carries through to the interior with clever storage, bodycolour instrument panel, a circular cluster display and iconic door handles. The front-wheel drive Fiat 500X is available in Pop and Lounge trim levels that feature distinctive, elegant styling and are sure to win over young, dynamic, metropolitan customers. The 500X is produced at the SATA plant in Melfi (Potenza, Italy), one of the world’s most efficient production sites in Italy certified by WCM (World Class Manufacturing) certification according to this international production cycle organisation method. The plant at Melfi is an organisational model WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

Thetalk Motors

A successful car

is now even better – the new Audi Q3 The Audi Q3, the youngest member of the successful SUV family from Audi, is a practical companion for everyday – an urban model that feels at home anywhere. Its versatile character makes it attractive to a wide range of customers. The redesigned Audi Q3 has now arrived in the Middle East market. Since its market introduction in early 2012, the Q3 model series has been a successful model for the Audi brand. Over 1,920 models have been sold in the region since introduction. Audi is constantly improving good and successful models, therefore the new Audi Q3 model not only features a refreshed design, it also boasts a number of technical innovations.

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Engine The three TFSI four‑cylinder engines boast higher output combined with reduced fuel consumption. CO2 emissions have been reduced as well. They displace 1.4 or 2.0 liters and produce between 150 hp and 220 hp. All are turbocharged, directinjection units and comply with the limits of the Euro 6 emission standard. Chassis The chassis of the redesigned Audi Q3 combines agile handling with supreme safety, and comprehensive fine-tuning has enhanced comfort even further. Audi drive select enables the driver to adjust key technology modules, including the optional active dampers, to suit his or her personal preferences. Wheels range in size from 17 to 20 inches in diameter, and the suspension has been

tuned for high rolling comfort. Hill‑descent assist is available as an option. Design The premium character of the redesigned Audi Q3 is apparent at first glance. The Audi designers have honed the details of the coupe‑like lines with the characteristic wrap-around tailgate. Dominating horizontal lines up front and in the rear underscore the width and give the Q3 an expressive design. The sculpted Singleframe grille is the defining element at the front of the car. At the top of the two new Q3 trim lines design and sport are the S line sport package, the S line exterior package, the Audi exclusive design package and the Audi exclusive exterior design package.

The redesigned headlights come standard with xenon plus technology and LED daytime running lights.The optional LED headlights are particularly bright and energy‑efficient. Audi offers them in combination with the dynamic turn signals integrated into the likewise redesigned LED taillights.These intuitive turn signals illuminate sequentially within two-tenths of a second from the inside out in the direction the driver intends to turn.

The base model of the new Audi Q3 has a curb weight (without driver) of 1,394 kilograms.The dimensions of the compact SUV are virtually unchanged. It measures 4.39 meters long, 1.83 meters wide and 1.59 meters high.The wheelbase is unchanged at 2.60 meters. Versatile The Audi Q3 offers plenty of space at all five seating positions. Its clear ergonomics and the superior

workmanship underscore the premium claim. In its base configuration, the cargo compartment of the Audi Q3 has a capacity of 460 liters; by folding down the split rear seatbacks, this can be increased to 1,365 liters. Many clever options make the SUV even more versatile and easier to use.These include the luggage compartment package, a pass-through and the power tailgate. Roof rails and a new, extensible luggage compartment cover are standard.

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Grooming

for a smoother shave 7 products That ActuallyÂ Work!

Some men will always make an excuse to dismiss shaving their beards for as long as they can because of all the trouble that shaving comes along with. From razor bumps, fine lines, cracked lips, blackheads and breakouts, these skincare issues can be so frustrating that some men would rather just stay in and hide for the night, or the weekend. Resist the urge to stay unshaved and instead, get your skin in top form with the products we list down here. 82

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2. Cade Shaving Oil This shaving oil is a great substitute for foam when traveling. The oil works to really soften beard hairs and it has a pleasant aroma to boot. 1. Eucerin Soothing Night Cream Use it at night to prevent redness and dry, scaly, flakey, horrible no good very bad skin. 4. Clarins Men Lip Guard with SPF This is a no-fragrance, incredibly soft lip balm that will protect and moisturize with no added shine. It’s great for men who spend a lot of time outdoors.

3. Nivea’s After Shave Balm After you shave, you apply about the amount of your pinky nail on your face and instantly a warming sensation envelops over your skin and it’s very relaxing and it treats broken or cut skin with no stinging.

6. Clinique M Shave Aloe Gel Because of the high concentration of chamomile, this gel is awesome for super sensitive skin.

5. Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Pat this herbal-scented elixir into your skin and it will instantly smooth, soften, and brighten. It has the loveliest consistency of any of the facial oils and guys love it because it sinks into skin effortlessly without leaving a greasy sheen.

7. Body Shop Tea Tree Oil It is said that this oil will banish acne from your life forevermore.

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HEALTH

10 reasons why Avocados are good for you!

Avocado is one of the few fruits that can provide you with a list of various uses and almost endless benefits. Rich in vitamins and nutrients, avocado is one of the healthiest necessities in any healthy kitchen. In addition to the health benefits you gain from eating them, avocados are great when used topically on every inch of your body from head to toe. We have compiled 10 interesting facts about avocados and how this miracle fruit can make you healthier. 1. Proteins Protein helps repair our bodies after workouts and avocados contain high quality protein. Getting protein from avocados is healthier than getting protein from processed foods such as many commercial brands of peanut butter, bread, and cereal. 2. Vitamin E Vitamin E is an antioxidant which helps rid the body 84

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harmful chemicals such as free radicals. Free radicals can cause damage to our bodies’ cells.

butter is great at lightening scars and leaving your skin looking radiant.

3. Heart Disease Avocados contain key acids, which lower LDL cholesterol, the “bad” cholesterol, and increase HDL, which is considered the good cholesterol. Avocados have high amounts of fiber, which lowers the risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and obesity.

7. Regulates Hair Growth Avocados are a great natural moisturizer for the hair. Hair loss begins when your hair is dry and damaged. The moisture and vitamins in avocado help stimulate growth and can control hair loss.

4. Blood Pressure Avocados are the most vitamin- and nutrientrich fruit. One of the most abundant vitamins is potassium, which is known to lower blood pressure. 5. Eyesight Lutein is abundant in avocados, and improves eyesight, protecting the eyes from cataracts and other eye diseases affiliated with old age. 6. Reduces Marks and Wrinkles Avocado turned into a paste and applied with Shea

8. Anti-bacterial and Anti-fungal Butter fruit contains anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, which benefit women in menopause. It aids in insomnia, constipation, ulcer, and nervous problems. 9. Fights Cancer Consuming avocados regularly decreases the risks of various cancers such as breast and prostate. 10. Boosts Immunity The high vitamin E level helps boost the immunity of skin against natural factors and stress.

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THETALK destination

A rich tapestry of art and history Sicily Eternal meeting point between East and West, Africa and Europe, the gorgeous island of Sicily is a linchpin of Mediterranean culture and one of Europe’s most alluring destinations.

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THETALK destination

Sicily is the largest of the Italian islands, separated from the Continent by the Strait of Messina and surrounded by the Ionian, the Tyrrhenian and the Mediterranean Seas. It is one of the pearls of Southern Italy and can be discovered, understood and experienced through a series of itineraries dedicated to areas of interest ranging from nature to history and traditions. Nature seems to have endowed all its wonders to this land: mountains, hills and above all the sea, with its incredible colors, its crystal-clear water and the beauty of its seabed, in no way inferior to those of other seas.

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Here, the Mediterranean Sea, with its many little islands scattered around the coasts of Sicily -The Aeolians, Egadi and Pelagie Islands, Pantelleria and Ustica - offers unique and the intense sceneries, scents and flavors of uncontaminated nature. Last but not least, its great volcanoes are symbols of the irresistible beauty and vitality of this incredibly charming region. Fascination for this region grows with treasured archaeological sites that tell the story of the ancient origins of Trinacria (ancient name for Sicily). The provinces of the region are: Palermo (regional capital), Agrigento, Catania, Caltanissetta, Enna, Messina, Ragusa, Siracusa and Trapani.

Where to go The Ionian Coast The Ionian Coast is dotted with Sicily’s superlatives – the island’s highest volcano, Mt Etna, is here; the queen of all resorts, Taormina, perches on a cliff top; and it’s home to Sicily’s second-largest city, Catania. Catania is the region’s centre, a wonderful and shabby city with a great pulse and active street- and nightlife. Its fish market, La Pescheria, is one of Sicily’s greatest sights, and the baroque architecture of the city’s historic centre is beautiful, if somewhat battered. Halfway up a rocky mountainside, regal Taormina is sophisticated and exclusive, a favorite of holidaying VIPs and day-tripping

tourists. Brooding menacingly on the city’s doorstep, Mt Etna offers unforgettable hiking, both to the summit craters and around the woods that carpet its lower slopes. Central Sicily Sicily’s wild and empty interior is a beautiful, uncompromising land, a timeless landscape of silent, sun burnt peaks, grey stone villages and forgotten valleys. Traditions live on and life is lived at a gentle, rural pace. It’s an area that encourages the simple pleasures – long lunches of earthy country food, meandering through hilltop towns, enjoying the scenery. The newly reopened Villa Romana del Casale, in Piazza Armerina, is a must-see, and the

handsome town of Caltagirone has some stunning ceramics and an awesome staircase. Enna, a busy provincial capital, boasts a striking medieval centre and some great hilltop views of the surrounding mountainous region. Northeast of Enna, a string of hilltop towns make for excellent touring. Catania For all its noise, chaos and scruffiness that hit the visitor at first glance, Catania has energy to sell and a beautiful, Unesco-listed historic centre. Grandiose black-and-white palazzi tower over baroque piazzas and the city has one of the most vibrant fish markets on the island, together with hundreds of bars, and eateries that cater to the

city’s fun-loving (largely student) population. All the while, Mt Etna broods on the horizon, its powerful presence adding a thrilling edge – and a beautiful backdrop – to Sicily’s second-largest city. Palermo Sicily’s main city is draped in a mantle of unpredictability and adventure: its streets are chaotic, its buildings are magnificently disheveled and its residents – many of whom have a penchant for rule bending and a healthy suspicion of outsiders – can be an inscrutable lot. To gain an initial understanding of the city’s unique culture, start by wandering the streets of the old city. The mix of architectural styles points WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

THETALK DESTINATION

to the wave upon wave of invaders who have claimed the city as their own, as does the look of the locals. Put simply, there’s no one style or people in this urban melting pot, and there never has been. Syracuse & The Southeast With its outstanding classical ruins, beautiful baroque towns and sandy beaches, this is Sicily’s top draw. The temptation is to stay in Syracuse, hanging out in the piazzas and sunning yourself on the seafront, but drag yourself away and you’ll be rewarded with some of Sicily’s most charming towns. Noto, Modica and Ragusa are the star performers with their baroque treasures and gastronomic delights – ice cream in Noto, chocolate in Modica and one of Sicily’s finest restaurants in Ragusa – but the countryside is also worth exploring. Prehistoric tombs stud huge rocky ravines while birds and seekers of peaceful 90

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beaches can find paradise at the Riserva Naturale Oasi Faunistica di Vendicari. The Sicilian food From cannoli to arancini, Sicilian food is worldfamous—but if you’re headed to the island yourself, prepares to be overwhelmed at just how varied and diverse Sicily’s cuisine really is! Thanks to its hot-potato history (everyone from Arabs to Normans governed the island), Sicily’s cuisine represents a complex layer of cultures. Plus, the island itself is incredibly fertile; produce grown on Sicily includes olives, oranges, lemons, eggplants, tomatoes, pistachios, almonds, grapes, and more—not to mention all of the seafood fished right off the coast. The result? A cuisine that’s fresh, varied, and absolutely delicious!

When to Go April to early June and late September to October are the best times to visit, as the temperatures are not as sweltering as they are in the summer. However, April to June are the months when school buses packed with children visit the most important sites. Easter is considered high season. The real tourist boom picks up in mid-June, when schools are closed. From July to mid-September, the coastal areas are crammed. Unless you plan to spend time at a seaside resort or on an island, avoid August if you can: The heat is unbearable and most establishments in the cities are closed. From late October to mid-December, things are quieter, there are fewer tourists in the cities; sites and attractions do tend to close earlier. Things pick up again briefly during the Christmas holidays (Dec 20-Jan 7), when many shops and museums have extended hours. Otherwise, between November and February, hotels and

Fact sheet Capital City: Palermo (680,810) Sicily Population: 5,051,075 (2010 est.) Ethnicity: Italian restaurants in resort towns are closed, and the temperatures take a plunge, especially in the mountainous areas. High season on most airline routes to Sicily usually stretches from June to the beginning of September and around holiday periods (Christmas and Easter). Shoulder season is from April to May and from early September to October; low season is from November 1 to December 19 and from mid-January to March. Weather Sicily enjoys a relatively mild climate; high temperatures begin in May, often lasting until sometime in October. While the summers can be very hot and dry, the spring and winter months often bring on torrential rains. Surprisingly, even Sicily has its cold waves in winter, with temperatures falling below zero, especially inland. As of late, it’s not been uncommon to see

minimal snowfall in Palermo. Although humidity is not stifling, save for the big cities, there is one element that can be brutal: the wind. Being surrounded by three seas Sicily is exposed to all of them, from the scorching sirocco from the Sahara or the blustery north winds that cause trees to uproot and do serious damage. Sicily Hotels The high-quality hotels tend to be limited to the major cities and resorts of Palermo, Catania, Taormina, Siracusa, and Agrigento, along with the odd beach resort. However, there’s recently been an explosion in the development ofagriturismo lodgings (rural bed-and-breakfasts), many of them quite basic but others providing the same facilities found in hotels. These country houses also offer all-inclusive, inexpensive, full-board plans that can make for some of Sicily’s most memorable meals.

Language: Italian Largest Cities: (by population) Palermo, Catania, Messina, Siracusa Time zone: Central European Time Zone (UTC+01:00) Climate: Sicily’s climate is predominately Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot summers. Average temperatures range from the low 50’s (10°C) through winter, to the mid 80’s (30°C) during summer Dial code: 091 WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

Kuwait Exclusives

ELIE SAAB

La Collection des Essences Exclusive launch at Harvey Nichols Kuwait

Lebanese designer Elie Saab and master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian have combined their unique talents to create La Collection des Essences - a collection of perfumes as sumptuous and unique as a Haute Couture gown. With the same uncompromising approach he applies to magnificent and rare fabrics, Elie Saab meticulously selected the most remarkable ingredients. Guided by the Couturierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flamboyant vision, the Perfumer elevated rare ingredients, transforming them into dazzling essences. His remarkable expertise and constant inventiveness magnify Elie Saabâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emblematic style. La Collection des Essences expresses a supreme elegance and concise refinement that blends light and color, depth and subtlety, volume and transparency. Four bold and exclusive statements with precise, dense and dazzling formulas, La Collection des Essences can be worn by both women and men. La Collection des Essences is now exclusively available at Harvey Nichols Kuwait. 92

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MOHAMED NASER AL-SAYER & SONS OPENS NEW LEXUS QUICK SERVICE CENTER

Mohamed Naser Al Sayer & Sons, one of the Al Sayer Group Holding Companies announced the commencement of operations of the new Lexus service center facility located at Shuwaikh. Mr. Faisal Bader Al Sayer,Vice Chairman of Al Sayer Group cut the ribbon marking the inauguration of the brand new facility. Main attendees of the event were Mr. Simon Frith Business Director Lexus Division, Eng. Sherief Sabry Deputy GM Lexus Service, in addition to representatives from other business divisions of

the Group and distinguished members from the press and media. Explaining the significance of the new facility Mr. Faisal Bader Al Sayer,Vice Chairman of Al Sayer Group said â&#x20AC;&#x153;we have always paid the utmost attention to feedback and suggestions from our customers and the main objective of establishing this new Quick Service Center for Lexus is to serve our valued customers better. This is a customer oriented facility with modern and stylish interior designâ&#x20AC;?. WWW.THETALK-ONLINE.COM

Kuwait Exclusives

Sporty Futurism and Starburst Shine from H&M Studio for A/W 2015

H&M Kuwait has recently launched its Studio A/W15 collection in its Grand Avenue branch. The collection features sporty energy, utilitarian futurism and starburst shine,. Zip-up coats and jackets have a modern freshness, while rollnecks are a season’s essential, along with lurex sweaters and pants -both straight legged and flared. The collection is layered of effortless pieces with a 94

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tomboy feel that will be available across 200 stores, as well as online, from September 10. “I love the attitude and energy of H&M Studio for autumn/winter 2015. Sporty zip-ups are perfect for the street, while rollnecks give a layered look. The shimmer of lurex makes it a season to celebrate, whether it’s day or night,” said Ann-Sofie Johansson, Creative Advisor at H&M.

Restaurant REVIEW

Before Chocolate Café choclate before anything...

armth, affection, amiability, comfort, indulgence… These are some of the things that you may experience sitting at home; the place where you feel most comfortable. Well, what if we told you that you can have all of that and much more outdoors? Before Chocolate Café made that very possible. Now, imagine this for a minute: In front of you lays a piece of perfectly made Swiss chocolate and, as you look around, you can see the crowd and hear the noise. The stress of your day has been piling up on your shoulders as you decide to have this chocolate goodness just to relax you a little.You

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finally take that bite and, as the flavors burst in your mouth and the chocolate immediately brings a smile to your face and the crowd seems to have gone silent, you stop and realize that there is one question in mind: “What was I thinking about Before Chocolate?” Located in the heart of The Cube Mall in Salmiya, Before Chocolate Café is quite hard to miss! Whether it is because of its location or its extremely inviting atmosphere, one can’t help but stop by and see what is in store for them. The question here is: What exactly is ‘in store’ for the customers?

Raghda Al Essa, the owner of this beautiful place, has been able to turn this place into a café that has many possessions such as her own vintage collectibles that will keep the customer interested and curious throughout his/her visit. Furthermore, the high quality of Swiss chocolates and the wide variety of choices available will always keep you coming for more ensuring that you have had the opportunity to try everything at least once. The menu is designed so carefully and with so much thought that you simply cannot go wrong. You are able to go there for your ‘caffeine fix’ with their espressos and why not mix it with their

signature milk or dark chocolate? Also, if you are hungry, their chocolate cheese roll or the freshly baked croissants are some of the different choices that you can have. Want a snack? That is not a problem at this boutique with their chips dipped in chocolate! Don’t let all of that chocolate talk distract you from their magnificent selection of sandwiches that are prepared freshly just for you. If I stopped here, then it would be no problem for many of you but, of course, there is more to go! You can customize the cookies or brownies to your own liking so that you can guarantee you have the dessert that you are most looking forward to indulging in. Hazelnut or honeycomb

toppings, different types of chocolate sauce, and other savory delights are ready for you to create the perfect dessert. Before Chocolate café offers you a warm and cozy atmosphere mixed with an exceptional chocolate selection and a gourmet menu that will keep you asking for more. One visit to them will never be enough as it promises to keep you coming back and bringing more people along each visit. Instagram: @beforechocolate Twitter: @beforechocolate FaceBook: @beforechocolate Website: www.beforechocolate.com

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BOOK REVIEW

The season’s best selling Books Destiny: Step into Your Purpose

Remember feeling a pull, sensing a divine guide that was leading you to the right place or person? DESTINY, that inner compass, directs you to fulfillment of your highest purpose. When you reflect on your life, you may be amazed that your greatest moments resulted from circumstances that you did not control or initiate.You were destined! Stepping into your destiny means fulfilling the role you were created to play in life.You thrive and find the great elixir of contentment when you have the courage to pursue your true purpose.

The Gratitude Diaries

Relying on both amusing personal experiences and extensive research, Kaplan explores how gratitude can transform every aspect of life including marriage and friendship, money and ambition, and health and fitness. She learns how appreciating your spouse changes the neurons of your brain and why saying thanks helps CEOs succeed. Through extensive interviews with experts and lively conversations with real people including celebrities like Matt Damon, Daniel Craig, and Jerry Seinfeld, Kaplan discovers the role of gratitude in everything from our sense of fulfillment to our children’s happiness.

THETALK / September / 2015

We Never Asked for Wings

From the beloved New York Times bestselling author of The Language of Flowers comes her much–anticipated new novel about young love, hard choices, and hope against all odds. For fourteen years, Letty Espinosa has worked three jobs around San Francisco to make ends meet while her mother raised her children—Alex, now fifteen, and Luna, six—in their tiny apartment on a forgotten spit of wetlands near the bay. But now Letty’s parents are returning to Mexico, and Letty must step up and become a mother for the first time in her life.

A Spool of Blue Thread

From the beloved Pulitzer Prize–winning author—now in the fiftieth year of her remarkable career—a brilliantly observed, joyful and wrenching, funny and true new novel that reveals, as only she can, the very nature of a family’s life. “It was a beautiful, breezy, yellow– and–green afternoon.” This is the way Abby Whitshank always begins the story of how she fell in love with Red that day in July 1959. The whole family— their two daughters and two sons, their grandchildren, even their faithful old dog—is on the porch, listening contentedly as Abby tells the tale they have heard so many times before.

The Road to Character

In his most eye–opening and deeply personal book yet, David Brooks— New York Times bestselling author of The Social Animal—tells the story of ten great lives that illustrate how character is developed, and how we can all strive to build rich inner lives, marked by humility and moral depth. In a society that emphasizes success and externa achievement, The Road to Character is a book about inner worth.

Rising Strong

Social scientist Brené Brown has ignited a global conversation on courage, vulnerability, shame, and worthiness. Her pioneering work uncovered a profound truth:Vulnerability—the willingness to show up and be seen with no guarantee of outcome—is the only path to more love, belonging, creativity, and joy. But living a brave life is not always easy: We are, inevitably, going to stumble and fall.

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Movies

movies showing this month

The Transporter Refueled

Cast Ed Skrein, Ray Stevenson, Gabriella Wright, Loan Chabanol

Everest

Cast Jake Gyllenhaal, Keira Knightley, Josh Brolin Director Baltasar KormĂĄkur

Director Camille Delamarre

Genre Adventure, Drama, Thriller

Genre Action, Crime, Thriller

Synopsis A climbing expedition on Mt. Everest is devastated by a severe snow storm.

Synopsis A reboot of the story of transporter Frank Martin.

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Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials

Cast Dylan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien , Kaya Scodelario. Thomas BrodieSangster Director Wes Ball Genre Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller Synopsis After having escaped the Maze, the Gladers now face a new set of challenges on the open roads of a desolate landscape filled with unimaginable obstacles.

Black Mass

Cast Johnny Depp, Benedict Cumberbatch Corey Stoll Director Scott Cooper Genre Biography, Crime, Drama Synopsis The true story of Whitey Bulger, the brother of a state senator and the most infamous violent criminal in the history of South Boston, who became an FBI informant to take down a Mafia family invading his turf.

Hotel Transylvania 2 Cast Adam Sandler, Kevin James. Selena Gomez Director Genndy Tartakovsky Genre Animation, Comedy, Family Synopsis When the old-old-oldfashioned vampire Vlad arrives at the hotel for an impromptu family gettogether, Hotel Transylvania is in for a collision of supernatural old-school and modern day cool.

Horoscope Brought to you by

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 23)

Horoscopes ARIES (Mar. 21-April 20) We very well know that we get out of life what we put into it. If we aim at nothing, then we will get nothing.You are in a situation that requires you to decide what you ‘’want’’ from it.You have an opportunity to boost your finances, comfort levels, love and admiration in your world if you are prepared to give effort toward a particular plan that doesn’t excite you greatly as of now. The choice is yours but the opportunity will not wait forever. Seize it now. Great opportunities that would shape your future are in for this month’s time, Aries.

CANCER

(June 22-July 22) In the same way songs have the ability to go round and round our heads incessantly, a particular issue is constantly occupying your mind. It is likely you are finding it difficult to shake a certain thought despite your efforts to do so. Perhaps though, there is a reason why you are unable to shake it. Maybe this has something to do with a certain issue being only partly resolved.You have been waiting for more information to be made available to you. It is coming. With the Sun in your sign glad tidings are forecast for the month ahead, Cancer.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

When we experience revelations, they can be quite intense or intimidating. We prefer to be enlightened in our own way and time but when we experience Eureka Moments, they can be disconcerting.You appear to have been influenced in a strong way by a recent event in your family life.You also appear to have had to come to terms with something faster than you have preferred. Soon, you will see why you had to learn as much as you did in such a short space of time.You would have your home full for the month ahead with guests arriving from all quarters.

Something that was delayed during its dormant period is showing signs of progressing now in your life for this month. With each passing day, something that seemed unattainable will become increasingly within reach. That would be an auspicious event at home or the higher studies of a child in the family. Whatever it is do not take your goodness to your head. Lay low for turbulent times are ahead,Virgo.

PISCES

TAURUS

(Feb. 20-Mar. 20)

(Apr. 21-May 21)

You are being encouraged to make full use of your Piscean intuition now.You can accept a situation as it appears if you wish to. All of the key components to make a decision based on apparent fact are available. If, however, you are prepared to apply imagination and trust an instinct or two, then you will see the reality of a situation. Work a little bit harder to see beyond the obvious and you will find a way forward that was not apparent previously. Long distance travels would keep you engaged for most of the month.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You know, instinctively, when you are right about something or someone.You take on board to a point the thoughts of others regarding certain issues but even when strength in numbers exists toward a belief, you are unable to disregard your own hidden beliefs toward it.You are about to be proved right about something those around you have had different feelings toward.You can expect both relief and respect to come your way, very soon. Life would be full of ups and downs for the month ahead. Be prepared for a roller-coaster ride.

LIBRA

(Sept. 24-Oct. 23) It is easy to enter into an argument with someone else. Simply oppose a point of view they hold dear. Make it clear that you believe they are wrong. Have no basis prepared for why you believe they are wrong and you can embark upon a heated dialogue. The best way to counteract an argument is to present indisputable facts in a sensitive way. If you can do so now, then you will cause an unnecessary and tense discussion to cease from happening. There are also other important things in life that need your constant attention, Libra. Be prepared for the rainy days ahead.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) Everyone possesses imaginations. Many people don’t know how to apply them. They prefer to see things as they are or insist upon being doubting until solid evidence to the contrary is provided. Someone in your world is being inflexible and unimaginative. They are refusing to look beyond a situation that you wish they would be more willing to consider. If it is logic they want, then give it to them. You can get them to adapt by doing something their way.

Decisions you make for the period now would have serious effects later on in life.You are now having to revisit a decision you made some time ago that you have, until now, believed didn’t require any further thought or re-look. An issue is about to be resolved, once and for all. Property related talks might take the forefront in your life for the month. Children and elder members in the family would keep your hands busy for the whole month ahead.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You have different wishes, goals and ideals in life. Wishing for something to happen can take a lifetime. Desiring something is usually driven by a sense of urgency. A goal is, as the word implies, something that must be achieved within a specific timescale. Perhaps, with that in mind, it is time to turn a ‘’wish’’ into either a desire or a goal. By doing so, you will accelerate considerably your ability to achieve it.You would be financially stable for the month ahead. Beware of unwanted conversations that might land you in trouble for now.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) You Scorpios love to tell others what they think or how something ought to be done.You love to be asked but, if you are struggling to conceal your desire to make your thoughts known, then you will often do so without being asked. Do you really care about what others think about something important to you now? You should not.You are armed with much more accurate information than they are now for the month period.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21-Feb. 19) For the month you would be encountering obstacles. Are they being put in your way by unseen forces as a joke? Perhaps you believe the cosmos is enjoying watching you struggle with life. The fact is, obstacles you are encountering are not being placed in your way to delay progress within a key area. They exist because they are intended to help you to stop, think and assess a situation in ways you might not have done otherwise and this, you can trust, is something you will be grateful for.

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