Thursday, April 30, 2015

April 2015 Outtakes


Outtakes | select photos that didn't make a post

The adventures continued here at code name: drédin. April showered us with opportunities to travel, give back, and be creative! Thanks for helping to make April our most successful month yet with your readership.

xoxo | drédin


Revisit April's Outtakes: (pictured above)
Not Foolin' 
The Palace
Don't Be Shy 
Etihad
The Souk
Mani Monday | Hello Hawaii Ya?

 



Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Steal Yo Man's Clothes

Raiding your man's closet. It's not a new concept. In fact I've seen it many times, from talk shows to magazine articles. Here's the thing...the styling they show is adorable...if your guy isn't over 5'10" and 150lbs.

So if you're like me, and have a man that's not even close to petite in stature (mine is over 6'2" and full of muscles), there is still hope! Let me show you!


This first look is super casual, sporty, and fun. This short sleeved hoodie is perfectly oversized to wear with running tights and sneakers. Add a bright tote for a little extra something.


Now how about boyfriend jeans? Skinny jeans are not a part of my husband's vocabulary when it comes to himself. Straight leg is the best I'm gonna get. The great news is that wide legs are in! All I did was belt these bad boys and add a flowy top to hide the bunched waistband. Add heels and a nice bag and voilà!


Finally, oversized coat? No problem! Push up the sleeves, add skinny jeans, heels and a bag, and you're ready for cocktails with the girls! 

xo | dré 


Look 1 
top | Forever 21
running tights | Nike
shoes | Keds
tote | Taylor Swift gift with fragrance purchase 

Look 2 
top | H&M 
jeans | Kenneth Cole 
necklace | Goodwill 
bag | Olivia and Joy

Look 3
jacket | Gap
jeans | Joe's
heels | BCBG 
bag | Marc by Marc Jacobs 

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

World's Largest Ego



Just like shopping in the souk was on my "Must Do" list, so was visiting the dancing fountain at The Dubai Mall. Before I left the states, my aunt pretty much told me I had to go with how much she talked it up! The Dubai Fountain is the world's largest choreographed fountain with shows every 30 minutes to a new song. It's situated at the world's largest mall and world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

So, do you think Dubai has the world's largest ego? Share your thoughts!

Oh, you might be wondering what song I heard. Believe it or not, it was Michael Jackson's Thriller. Heck yah! Although this isn't the exact performance (or view) I had, check out the wonders of the dancing fountain here. Ego or not, these folks really know how entertain at no expense spared! I had a blast!


xo | din



dress | Forever 21


din's Travel Notes
If you want designer, come to The Dubai Mall. This place is almost exclusive to it. Situated in a highly prominent area of Burj Khalifa (think Rodeo times 10), you will have access to the glamour, dining, and even entertainment! In my case, my friend and I attempted to see a famous Arab pop singer, but the crowd rushed the stage so they had to shut it down. Too bad!


Monday, April 27, 2015

The Souk


Before I went for a party in the dunes, I made a trip to the souk in Dubai. It was one of the items on my "Must Do In The UAE" list. It quickly became one of the experiences I greatly disliked! Walking through, I literally was on the beginning stages of an anxiety attack due to the vendors' persistence. What I mean is that if I so much as glanced at an item, the vendor would say, "You want this one?" Or, if I took a step, they would mirror it, then show me something and say, "You like this one? What color you like?"

I literally had to tell my friend that we had to leave. At least this was after I snagged these fun shoes and a few gifts!

xo | din


shirt | Topshop
shorts | LOFT
sandals | Steve Madden
crossbody | Mossimo
East Indian shoes | purchased from Najmat Deba Garments Trading (near Gold Souq)


din's Travel Notes
Shopping at the souk (or souq) is must-have experience when you're in the Middle East. Throughout these markets you will come across a lot of items unique to the area, several of which are handmade. Of course these are great keepsakes and gift options. As you walk through the market, keep in mind that vendors will promote their items to you. After all, they're there to make a living! You don't need to speak to all of them, but can at least show them a kindness by acknowledging them with a nod. And don't worry, not all souks are anxiety inducing! In fact, the experience I shared was unique to the souk in Dubai.

I didn't have the opportunity to shop at the souk in Abu Dhabi, but it wouldn't have been the experience I envisioned as it had recently been covered. (Think mall over open market.) My favorite souk experience––which completely redeemed Dubai's!––was the souk in Doha, Qatar. I'll share more about that in a coming post, as well as how to negotiate prices. Stay tuned!


Mani Monday | Garden Variety

Your nail game just got turned up a notch with this sassy teal color from Essie's Spring 2015 collection. And despite the name, you won't be referred to as anything other than a trendy fashionista!

Now, it is quite bold in color, so if you work in a strict environment (sad face), then this color is best saved for your toes or the weekend.


I'm not quite sure why my difficulty with Essie polishes continues, but once again it wasn't the smoothest process. With 'Garden Variety ' I found it to be extremely thin causing the paint to drip off the brush. Once I got to the second coat (which was barely needed because the color is so rich!), I was able to find a happy medium between a brush stroke that spilled paint and one that prevented a smooth stroke.

In other words, I 'm a pro and made it work. Just look at this color! How could I not?

xo | din

Also check out my product review on Essie's 'Flowerista'.

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Dune Bash

We sent our location to Stik's sister for good measure!

Ladies and gentlemen, camel riding at its finest. Okay. So I had to share all of these photos because I find them to be HIGHlarious! Cannot stop cracking up every time I look at them. (You're laughing, too; I just know it.) Have you ever rode a camel before? Tell me about your experience in the comments below!

Want another good laugh? Push play on the video below.

(This dune bashing video works best on a non-mobile desktop version of the blog.)


As I mentioned in my last post, one of the items that came with the desert safari package was FREE henna! I got the "mobile" (mo-bi-el). It's named this because it shows when you're on the phone. Hello, hello!

The lady was so talented. She completed each person's design in under 30 seconds. She even gave a little boy a scorpion tattoo! 7elwa?

Once we were all dolled up, we sat down for dinner in traditional Arab style seating and waited for the the entertainment to begin!

Belly dancing
Traditional Tanura dance
Tanura dancer's costume change mid spin
This beautiful Arab man was on fiyah!

Did it get hot or was there a fire thrower performing near our table? 

All of the entertainment in this desert safari package kept me energized. I laughed, ran barefoot in the sand, got painted, was well fed and entertained. Definitely worth the half-day experience, especially at the cost (99 AED)!

So as you can see, there was a huge bash out in the dunes of Dubai. Wanna go check it out yourself? Be sure to consider my travel tips below!

xo | din



top | Topshop
fleur d'lis necklace | H&M
ring | B.Side Jewelry
cuff | T. Omari Leatherworks (also seen here)
pleated skirt | Forever 21
sandals | Steve Madden
backpack | Perlina


din's Travel Notes
Your safari package will most likely include a camel ride. Be prepared that it will most likely be a short 3-5 minute ride max. If you inquire about riding a second time, the camel keeper (the man guiding them) will most likely tell you that you have to pay additional fee. Do not pay it. Most likely he's going to pocket it and, unless you're able to be generous, it's not worth it. The pictures above are from our second ride (we asked fellow tourists to take our pictures versus paying for the not-so-great pictures the company folks were taking). Although we were told we could ride twice, the camel keeper wanted us to pay. After we got down from the camels, we collected our phone and walked to our seats for dinner. He didn't come looking for us. One final thought, animal rights are but a dream. Be forewarned as you'll see these camels working hard for long periods of time.



*The videos in this post play best on a computer desktop version of our blog.

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