Trash and treasure
For those expats who have discovered a disappointing lack of garage sales and flea markets in the UAE, today could be your lucky day. The Sheraton Corniche is hosting its first secondhand flea market, and it's all for a good cause. It aims to raise US$250,000 (Dh918,000) for Unicef's education programmes in Pakistan and Romania. Get ready to go bargain hunting: private householders will be selling their wares, and the hotel will also be selling its unused items.
Second-Hand Charity Flea Market, 9am-2pm, Arzanah Ballroom, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Corniche Road, 02 677 3333
A touch of French
A girl can never have too many shoes - and we at M are pretty sure this also applies to bags. This quirky French chic boulangerie bag by The Courtauld Gallery is the perfect versatile holdall. Make even jeans and a white T-shirt look interesting, or take along as a reusable shopping bag and do a good thing for the planet.
The Courtauld Gallery Small Boulangerie Bag, Dh180, available online at Culture Label, www.culturelabel.com
Designer drawers
This made-to-order chest of drawers, covered in Timorous Beasties wallpaper, is a timeless yet modern piece that can be passed down from generation to generation as it will only become more beautiful with age. Buy only if you think you can withstand the jealousy of all those who set eyes upon it.
Bryonie Porter Chest of Drawers Pink Toile, Dh5,113, available online at Mydeco, mydeco.com
Pharaoh fashion
Our new muse has got to be Cleopatra: the sharp, dark bob (à la Kiera Knightley), heavy eyeliner (think Moschino A/W 2011-2012) and of course chunky gold accessories. This rope necklace from Topshop does the trick nicely without a neck-breaking effort. The light-as-a-feather piece adds enough "wow" factor to a round-neck top to make us a feel like the celebrated queen of Egypt.
Dh120, Topshop, Marina Mall, 02 681 8242; Dubai Mall, 04 339 9802; and elsewhere
Turning point
For the past few seasons our inclination towards brogues and ankle boots has taken over our shoe cupboard. However, these ballet pumps from Miss Selfridge are making us reconsider our flat shoe options. The nude colour combined with a dainty bow and chain are great for the day with rolled-up combat trousers and for dressing down an evening dress. The slight pointed toe also gives a nod to the A/W 2011-2012 trend.
Dh240, Miss Selfridge, Dubai Mall, 04 339 8016
Marni returns
Nothing could cheer us up more than the re-opening of Marni in the UAE this week. The Italian brand's eclectic prints and bold structured pieces are must-haves for anyone looking to earn some fashion points. If the price tag doesn't look too appealing, then start off with something small. Our first purchase was a perspex geometric necklace six years ago that is still trendy enough to wear now. That's what makes each piece so special - the fact that you actually do get plenty of bang for your buck.
Marni, Mall of the Emirates, 04 354 9417
Calling all male yogis
Abu Dhabi is stuffed full of classes for women only, but a new dawn is upon us. Starting this month there will be yoga classes for men at the Abu Dhabi Health and Fitness Club, run by the lovely yogi Ria Haffar. "I got so sick of watching men walk into my classes, see all the women there and run out again," she tells us. "So I decided to start a class just for them. Yoga is great strength training, fitness, stretching and more. I think men will love it." We think so too, but ladies be warned, they may get hooked and you will have to miss your own yoga class so you can stay at home and look after the kids.
Yoga for Men, every Sunday at 6.30pm at the Abu Dhabi Health and Fitness Club, Dh50 per person per hour, 02 657 7777
