M is all about Potbelly sandwiches and a chic read

We're thrilled at the opening of Chicago's Potbelly Sandwich Shop, and staying chic with Fendi's Peekaboo handbag and classic Hermes scarves.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop in Dubai Mall. Duncan Chard for the National

Chicago's famous Potbelly Sandwich Shop topped our to-do list when it opened recently. We arrived at the restaurant at the peak of lunch hour and it was packed with businessmen and tourists all ready to get a crunchy bite of the Windy City. Armed with an Oreo shake in one hand and an oozing toasted roast beef sandwich smothered in provolone cheese in the other, we dug in. Needless to say our sandwich was delicious and fresh and the shake hit the spot - all for only Dh33.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop, lower ground floor, Dubai Mall, 04 325 3090

Creative interiors

Like a moth to a flame, we are immediately drawn to this fabulous cushion. It's instantly recognisable as the work of Pablo Picasso, who once famously said, "Give me a museum and I'll fill it". Well, we say, why only a museum when we can use our own sitting room as a gallery? Woven by traditional French craftsmen on a jacquard loom, this vibrant tapestry cushion cover makes an artistic statement in any home.

Portrait De Dora Maar cushion cover, Dh412, available at www.conranshop.co.uk

The art of fashion

After poring over the book The Hermès Scarf: History & Mystique, we have become quite a fan of the legendary square of silk. We love the fact that Hermès scarves are steeped in history (1937 was the year they were born), and that you can drape them over your shoulders to add an air of glamour to pretty much any outfit.Indulge in the luxury brand's creative and whimsical world with this silk twill scarf from the Spring/Summer 2011 collection.

Dh1,550, Hermès Boutiques, Dubai Mall, 04 330 8385; BurJuman Centre, 04 351 1190

A chic read

We admit it, we are fascinated by the lives of celebrities; who they are, how they spend their time, their sense of style and what inspires them. A coffee table must-have, The ELLEments of Personal Style is a fascinating book featuring 25 case studies of style icons, including Erin Wasson, Milla Jovovich, Anjelica Huston and Christina Hendricks. Packed with beautiful photos, personal portraits and style-inspiration boards, this book gives you an all-access pass and takes you behind the scenes into the workplaces, homes and wardrobes of each of the women it features. Nosy? Us? Never.

The ELLEments of Personal Style, Dh120, Magrudy's nationwide, www.magrudy.com

Trendy and tidy

When we heard that the Italian brand Campo Marzio Design was opening its first boutique in the UAE, we spread the word. Campo Marzio is known for its colourful and stylish pens, leather goods and office accessories and we love the fact that we can become more organised in style. Whether for work or travel, this dapper leather document holder can be used to file all our papers or as a laptop holder, giving us more valuable space in our bags.

Dh400, Campo Mario Design, Shop 34, Souk Qaryat Al Beri, 02 558 0058

Walking on sunshine

With warm weather just around the corner, nothing saves our feet from the baking heat better than a pair of pretty sandals. Nina Ricci's new artistic director, Peter Copping, had us at Spring/Summer 2010 with his first collection for the brand, and these sunny medium-height heels reinforced those feelings.

Dh8,100, Etoile La Boutique, Mall of the Emirates, 04 341 4166

Peekaboo, I see you

Ever since Fendi's "Peekaboo" bag hit the shops it was an instant fashion hit. The everyday bag, which is meant to be worn with one of the clasps undone so you can see the printed lining, ticks all the right boxes: big enough to carry in the day, dressy enough for the evening and monogram-free with a sleek shape (designer overload is so three years ago). This yellow version with classic brown leopard print is also great for spring's colour-blocking trend.

Dh13,650, Marina Mall, 02 681 3553; Dubai Mall, 04 339 9782, and elsewhere