Landmark International SS'16 Trends

So, it's fortunately (or unfortunately) nearly spring time which only means it's time for some new clothes! I was recently invited to the Landmark International SS'16 preview - I now want to throw all my existing clothes and get the superb new ones from this preview.

Anyway, highlights for me were that New Look had these wonderful collections inspired by 90s trends, Reiss featured some amazing prints inspired by artist Marlene Dumas, Koton's collection Ole is pretty much a summer dream, Lipsy has collaborated with Ariana Grande on a fun flirty collection,  and finally Yours London has launched swim wear for plus-size & modest!

So now that you're all caught up, let's look at some of this season's trends:

Laser-cut

Lots of laser-cut garments across the lines, not complaining though - it's SO pretty.

L to R: New Look, Lipsy, Reiss

Belted

This is a trend I can get on board with - flattering on pretty much any body type and is classy AF.

L to R: Koton, Reiss, New Look

Stripes

I like how differently each brand has treated the stripes - nothing new but still interesting.

L to R: Lipsy, Reiss, New Look

Florals

Florals is a no-brainer for spring, I'm starting to think florals are pretty much never going to go out of style.

L to R: Koton (Ole), Lipsy, Yours London

Spring/summer is looking pretty good, eh? Time to shop!

Mona xo

2016 resolutions

Another year has come and gone. And also, yes, it has been a while since I've been on here - but hey, new year new me? (just threw up a little bit in my mouth)

This blogging stuff is hard (#firstworldpain) and I often find myself struggling to talk about something fresh, something that's not just another product or trend or whatever else. Don't get me wrong - it's interesting to share that content and I binge-read those blogs but to do that constantly is really not up my alley. 

So, back to the new year, 2016 has been just the same as 2015 so far which isn't necessarily a bad thing! But nevertheless, let's get this out the way. Presenting some damn resolutions:

1. #52booksin2016

So I've taken this on because I've been sorely disappointed with how many books I've read in the last few years and hopefully, this helps kick start something. On that note, please drop me some suggestions - I made a whole deal about making a full list for this and have a grand total of 12 books on there so far.

2. Lose some weight

I've struggled with my weight more or less all of my life and it's about time to try and get a hold on it. I feel like this is everyone and their mothers' resolution so you know how this goes.

3. Less stress

I've come to a not-so-crazy realization that I stress about the stupidest damn things and this needs to stop, preferably very soon.

4. No more nail biting 

I have a painfully chronic nail biting habit and I almost succeeded at kicking this end of last year until I didn't. So, here goes attempt no. 5687.

And that's it. My list is very short and sweet this year, hoping less is more. Let's kick some 2016 butt!

What are some of your resolutions? Share - would love to know what you guys are taking on!

Mona xo

Festive Season Wishlist

The festive season is upon us! Yes, it's only November but I honestly can't wait any longer to partake in ALL them festivities and I'm sure most people would agree. I've been browsing online for some gift ideas (mostly for myself, ahem) and have now fallen in love with many new discoveries, thanks to this 'research'.

So, in the spirit of the holidays, here's my wishlist for the season:

1. YouBeauty advent calendar -  If I could, I would put all them damn beauty advent calendars on this list because each one of them looks incredible. My current favorite from this season is this YouBeauty one - it seems to have a great mix of skincare as well as beauty products from some brands I'm looking to try out such as Rodial, Philip Kingsley, Nuxe etc. Other favorite advent calendars include the Marks & Spencer and L'Occitane calendars.

2. Bakery Charms Pizza Ring - I don't know how you can go wrong with anything you buy from Bakery Charms. All their pieces are winners but have to say, this was my favorite - it was a very close call between this one and an equally realistic cake ring.

3. Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation - Based on several reviews, this foundation seems to be a tough cookie which pretty much stays on no matter what. As someone who lives in Dubai where it's summer for most part of the year, this could be very useful!

4. Skinnydip London Milk iPhone case - I'm not usually one for these obnoxiously giant cases for your phone but this one is just so adorable! I must have it.

5. Diptyque Holiday Collection - Diptyque is no new addition to the candle party but I can honestly admit that I solely want to buy these candles just based on this packaging - SO festive and I'm sure they smell equally delicious! The three scents in the holiday collection are Sapin, Liquidambar and Oliban.

6. Glen Coco Holiday Pullover - Mean Girls + Christmas = shut up and take my money.

7. Clarisonic Mia 2 - I've been looking for something to take my skincare routine to the next level and this product has that's been making quite the difference for many people. It was between this one or the Foreo but after some careful review surfing, the Clarisonic seems to be it!

Apart from this list, I obviously also accept cake, Christmas ornaments and hot chocolate (pretty much all year around).

What's on your wishlist this season? Comment below, let me know!

Mona xo

Solo Bistronomia and Vino Bar

Wine and cheese on a Tuesday night? Hell yes. I feel like I don't even need to write anything more to convince you to head to Solo Bistronomia and Vino Bar for their 'Genius Loci' night.



Located at Raffles Hotel, this night offers 5 wines paired with 5 cheese (and bread for taste) for an incredible price of AED 120 (yes, you are reading this right). This night is basically my happy place. Spending a cozy evening with wine, cheese and friends in the quirky rustic setting that is Solo is pretty much guaranteed to rid you of midweek blues.

Forget about blurry me, look at all the beautiful wine and cheeeese!  🙌🍷#SoloDubai

A photo posted by Mona (@monagir) on Aug 25, 2015 at 9:51am PDT

Being a newbie with really understanding wine and its ways, it was great that someone did walk us through the different wine and cheese pairs. Bonus - just in case you don't remember the pairings over the course of the evening, the place mat had them listed as well which was such a nice little touch.



The service was wonderful as was all the delicious wine and cheese. I don't think I'm equipped to describe either further so I think you should definitely go find out for yourself! However, I should say that I especially loved the final pairing of the dessert wine with the blue cheese.



So, that's your Tuesday night sorted, you're welcome! If you fancy indulging your sweeth tooth, they also have a wine and chocolate night every Sunday. I'm undoubtedly heading back to get me some good Italian grub and most definitely, for some more wine.

Solo Bistronomia and Vino Bar
Raffles Hotel, 3rd Floor
Tel: 04 370 8999

Have any wine and cheese night recommendations for me? Leave a comment below or tweet me @MonaGir!

Mona xo

#TMTurns1 Giveaway: Herbline Essentials

It's no secret that Herbline Essentials is one of my favourite brands for skincare - they are part of my nighttime skincare routine as well as one of my favourite face masks.

There are so many natural brands in the market but what I love about HE is that their products are quite reasonably priced, they have ranges for all kinds of skin types and they work! So, if you are looking to try out some of their products, this would be a great time as they have some amazing bundle offers on their website for a limited time and they offer free delivery across the UAE!

But if you're looking to try your luck, I've teamed up with Herbline Essentials to give away products worth AED 500 to one lucky winner! (I almost wanted to keep this for myself)

The products included for this giveaway are:

- Neem and Brahmi Facewash
- Aloevera and Honey Under Eye Gel
- Apricot and Honey Face Scrub
- Aloevera and Liquorice Skin Protection and Healing Cream

Below are all the deets on how to win these lovely products:

The entries for this giveaway will close on 30 September 2015 and the winner will announced shortly after. The competition is open to GCC residents only. Good luck!

Mona xo

The Monalogues Turns 1 + Jarful Giveaway

I'm excited to have a new day to celebrate - today is my blog's first birthday! Happy birthday to my little nook on the WWW! #TMTurns1

One year ago, I launched the Monalogues and I have to admit that this blog has grown beyond anything I had planned for. It's nice when you surprise yourself and that's exactly what's happened here. So, thank you to everyone who has taken a minute to visit this blog!

If you're new here (welcome), or if you'd like to reminisce with me, here are some highlights:

My first official post - Online Shopping - UAE Edition

My most popular post to-date - Subscription Box Roundup - UAE Edition

My personal favourite - Why road trips are the best

My first blog award nomination - Nominated for a Liebster Award!

So, in celebration, I have a couple of giveaways planned for this month starting off with a birthday staple, CAKE!

I've teamed up with the lovelies at Jarful to give away a set of 6 cupcakes!

Jarful is your quintessential cake in a jar. Apart from being painfully cute, they are delicious-o and perfect even as favors at parties/events. I love their classic cupcakes but they also have flavors with a local spin such as Nutty Baklava, Nutella Kunafa and Turkish Coffee Cardamom. You can find their full menu and all the other deets on their website, so head on over there or find them on Twitter & Instagram.

Now, I know you definitely want these! So here's the lowdown on how to enter:

The entries for this giveaway will close on 16 September 2015 and the winner will announced shortly after. The competition is for UAE residents only. Good luck!

Mona xo 

Dirham Store Challenge

I'm always up for a good challenge and this post is inspired by the Macklemore Thrift Shop Challenge by YHL. Since the thrift shop situation in Dubai is slim pickins, I decided to hit up the next best alternative for thrifty finds - Dubai's version of dollar stores a.k.a the 1 - 10 DIRHAM STORES! (dum dum dum).

It looks a little something like this, a familiar sight to those living in Old Dubai:

Armed with AED 20 ($5.45), I ventured out into the wild wild world of dirham and discount stores. While I was prepared for items that would possibly just serve comedic value, SPOILER ALERT/PLOT TWIST: I was pleasantly surprised!

So, boys & girls, presenting my whopping 20 Dirham haul:

1. Starting off with a classic (and my most expensive purchase), I scored a small notebook and bonus, it has a doggie on it - need I say more?

2. Up next is an ultra-cute camera pouch which is perfect for smaller cameras and can also be used store other items such as stationery etc.

3. My favourite find - the oh-so-popular mason jar which is surprisingly expensive in the UAE. I found this for a mere AED 3! I am now living my hipster life vicariously through this jar.

4. Keeping in line with the hipster theme, I also found me some mustache suction hooks for hanging some of my jewelry and so on. Fun right?

5. And last but but not the least, a find to trump all finds, this glorious popcorn tub! I'm always eating popcorn out of the bag and this has given my popcorn its rightful place (until I inhale it) + I feel like I'm at the movies!

Ringing up all my purchases, it brings us to the grand total of AED 20! I think I scored myself some pretty sweet deals, what do you think? Let me know in the comments below or tweet me @MonaGir.

If you'd like to take up this challenge (do it), the rules are pretty simple: your budget is AED 20 or its equivalent in your currency and that's it. Do tag me or comment below with what you find!

Also, The Monalogues is turning 1 very soon (eek!) and I have some surprises coming up in celebration - watch this space!

Mona xo