Poised, polished and appropriate - all words to describe this summer's latest trend. Not the most exciting, of course, but then again neither are the Middletons. But before you write the look off as uninspired or unobtainable, take a minute to think things over.
Think for a moment of a world free of unsuitable high heels and uncomfortable strapless bras. Think of a world free from Spanx, spray tans, neurotic layering and the general everyday slog. Instead think of a risk-free life, a self-assured one of composure and dignity of manner. Think about long walks in the park without the fixture of a permanent grimace. Think about ease and finesse, of stolen glances with a romantic stranger across afternoon tea. Which, come to think of it, sounds like an altogether rather appealing version of life.
So how do we achieve this? Well, for a start, poise is not so much a style as it is an art, and despite what the punters may say it's one that can, in fact, be learnt. The number one rule is modesty. It may be obvious but hemlines shouldn't rise above the knee and décolletage must be kept well under wraps.
When it comes to footwear think the unthinkable - practicality. Poise doesn't wobble or flounder or throb. Platforms are out (too risqué) as are straps as thin as dental floss (too sultry). Instead opt for a midlevel heel with a built-in platform.
Stick to heavier fabrics that keep their shape. A good test is to roll your dress, jacket or trousers into a ball and hold it tightly for a minute or two. A garment that will hold its shape should not wrinkle on unravelling.
If you are going to invest, choose a well-fitted jacket as this will be a key note to work around. Another trick is to go with one "flash" item; a smart YSL tote bag sets the mood for the rest of your look, even if you picked it up in the discount basket at Marks & Spencer.
It's also important not to appear too severe - one sharply tailored garment per look should be enough. Not everything has to be high end - the key is to mix and match. Look to midlevel brands such as Jigsaw and Reiss for cut and quality. No one apart from you will know the huge topaz rock on your finger is made of glass.
Hair and make-up should be neat and unassuming, and accessories should be kept simple. You want to look like someone who cares enough about your appearance to look good - but not so much that you are superficial.
As I said, this isn't quite what dreams are made of - not exactly a fashion moment. Which perhaps is the point. It's a brave (and I predict extremely short) attempt at anti-fashion. So enjoy it while it lasts.
M-ometer
This week's highs and lows
INES'S LITTLE DIARIES We love watching this muse's videos on www.rogervivier.com.
BRIDAL OVERLOAD Now it's the model Anja Rubik who needs a custom-made Emilio Pucci dress. Yawn.
A/W 2011 COUTURE SHOWS Fresh off the catwalk, our fave couturier, Alexis Mabille,wows us again.
IN THE PINK Why is the designer Chris Benz sporting neon pink hair?
NAOMI FOR GIVENCHY The ever-dramatic supermodel rocks the new Givenchy ad campaign.
Company%20Profile
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Citadel: Honey Bunny first episode
Directors: Raj & DK
Stars: Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kashvi Majmundar, Kay Kay Menon
Rating: 4/5
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ALRAWABI%20SCHOOL%20FOR%20GIRLS
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COMPANY PROFILE
● Company: Bidzi
● Started: 2024
● Founders: Akshay Dosaj and Asif Rashid
● Based: Dubai, UAE
● Industry: M&A
● Funding size: Bootstrapped
● No of employees: Nine
The years Ramadan fell in May
How to donate
Text the following numbers:
2289 - Dh10
6025 - Dh 20
2252 - Dh 50
2208 - Dh 100
6020 - Dh 200
*numbers work for both Etisalat and du
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
The bio
Job: Coder, website designer and chief executive, Trinet solutions
School: Year 8 pupil at Elite English School in Abu Hail, Deira
Role Models: Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk
Dream City: San Francisco
Hometown: Dubai
City of birth: Thiruvilla, Kerala
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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Company%20Profile
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Singham Again
Director: Rohit Shetty
Stars: Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Deepika Padukone
Rating: 3/5
Cricket World Cup League 2
UAE squad
Rahul Chopra (captain), Aayan Afzal Khan, Ali Naseer, Aryansh Sharma, Basil Hameed, Dhruv Parashar, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Waseem, Omid Rahman, Rahul Bhatia, Tanish Suri, Vishnu Sukumaran, Vriitya Aravind
Fixtures
Friday, November 1 – Oman v UAE
Sunday, November 3 – UAE v Netherlands
Thursday, November 7 – UAE v Oman
Saturday, November 9 – Netherlands v UAE
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
SPECS
Engine: Two-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 235hp
Torque: 350Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Price: From Dh167,500 ($45,000)
On sale: Now
GRAN%20TURISMO
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COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
WHAT%20MACRO%20FACTORS%20ARE%20IMPACTING%20META%20TECH%20MARKETS%3F
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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In numbers
1,000 tonnes of waste collected daily:
- 800 tonnes converted into alternative fuel
- 150 tonnes to landfill
- 50 tonnes sold as scrap metal
800 tonnes of RDF replaces 500 tonnes of coal
Two conveyor lines treat more than 350,000 tonnes of waste per year
25 staff on site