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Ivy Says

Lebanon's Lifestyle, Beauty and Fashion Blog

A Few Michael Kors Fall Faves

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Autumn is here and it’s time for a wardrobe update. Besides basic pieces I choose to invest in a couple of statement coats and accessories; usually a handbag or two that I would basically rotate with my outfits every season.

When it comes to handbags its either satchels or cross body bags for me at the moment, I have enough totes and I’m more inclined towards the ease and flexibility of a cross body and the ladylike feel of a structured satchel. I styled two looks with two Michael Kors bags from the latest Fall/Winter collection.

The first bag I chose is this Gramercy Frame Satchel which has been updated for the season in this gorgeous grey polished leather exterior. I love how compact it is, to fit your most important essentials and really appreciated the fact that it came with a removable shoulder strap that also allows me to wear it as a cross body which makes it ideal for a morning brunch or an evening out sans strap. This is definitely a piece to invest in this season, the style is timeless and the color is easy to wear and goes with almost anything. I chose to style it with a very ladylike dress to give it a classic look and feel but it also goes perfectly with a pair of jeans and a white tee.

For my second bag, I chose this beautiful burgundy Sloan Shoulder bag with a pyramid quilt leather exterior and a gold adjustable chain strap. This color is a huge hit this season and it will also go with almost anything.

I chose to style it with a oversized basic boxy white shirt and a simple pair of jeans, exactly how I would wear it for a day full of meetings. It makes a statement, and has a sufficient space for your wallet, some makeup, phone and even a pair of sunnies. I cant wait to dress this up for a dinner and wear it down with a pair of black or white sneakers.

I hope you enjoyed these two looks and drop me a message to let me know your favorite piece from Michael Kors this season.

Photography by Patrick Sawaya.

Jo Malone Now In Lebanon

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Jo Malone London was always on my list of stores to visit every chance I would get when I was abroad, as I would any Sephora. And like many other people getting to know the brand I was eager to scoop up their iconic candles that I would strategically place on my makeup table, but I quickly came to the realization that there was more to Jo Malone besides that much-coveted Instagrammable candle.

Joe Malone is a well-versed lifestyle brand, with a luxurious collection of scents and fragrances to cater to your home, bath and body. This quintessentially British store has finally landed this year in Lebanon and I’ve been one of the lucky ones here to receive some of their latest releases and newest collections first.

I had the pleasure of getting invited to their new boutique located at ABC Verdun to meet the team who flew in exclusively to walk us through the iconic Fragrance House and experience first-hand the wide-range of lifestyle collection it offers. There I discovered a timeless quality about Jo Malone and a generous philosophy, with a story behind every scent that makes you instantly connect with the brand. I also learned about the years of research that go into the unique and unexpected combination of perfectly balanced scents that can be customized to fit your own taste, an attribute that has made Jo Malone stand out amongst the rest since its inception.

As a homemaker and a person who loves to host, I instantly fell in love with Jo Malone’s concept of styling my home with my own signature scent that would resonate with my guests, a one-of-a-kind mix and match that was unique to my place. I was drawn to the the Linen Sprays which you can spray on to bedsheets, towels and even napkins when having guests over to complement the ambiance. I chose the warm aromatic lavender in the fresh Lino New Vento Scento Surround Spray which I apply on to our pillows and towels to give our bedroom that five star hotel lavish-comfy feel.

I was also keen on trying out popular diffusers and instantly loved the scent of the Pomegranate Noir Scent Surround Diffuser, with the particularly rich ingredients of pomegranate, raspberries and plum spiked with pink pepper and Casablanca lilies. I loved how long-lasting and effective it is thanks to the special reeds they use, and the bottle adds such an elegant touch to our living space.

The English Fields collection was also recently launched, an unexpected collection of cereals and grains that capture the true essence of the beautiful English countryside during harvest season. The full set entails five fragrances created by renowned perfumer Mathilde Bijaoui who I was told actually spent time physically in the actual landscape in order to come up with these scents. I quickly made favorites, a mix of the Primrose and Rye coupled with the Green Wheat and MeadowSweet.

A little goes a long way with Jo Malone I find that one of their colognes can last me up to a year, so if you’re thinking of owning your first fragrance than I suggest you start of with one of their bestselling colognes, especially if simple yet refined is your thing. Besides their bestseller, the warm Peony and Blush Suede, which is a classic for me; I really enjoyed the English Pear and Freesia from their Fruity Collection, it’s crisp, feminine and fresh, like “a walk in an orchard during autumn.”

And can we not forget the packaging. I’m starting to collect the pretty boxes, I don’t have the heart to toss them out, they add such a lovely touch to my dressing room, I especially loved the Beirut-themed pigeon rock one. Such a lovely touch to commemorate Jo Malone’s opening in Lebanon.

If you haven’t discovered the world of Jo Malone I highly suggest you head down to ABC Verdun and get the full experience, ask them to help you combine your favorite fragrances. They’re also the perfect gift to bring along to Iftars this Ramadan. Let me know what your favorite are!

Ivy Says x Baume et Mercier

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This year was special to say the least. I was blessed enough to become a mother for the second time to a beautiful, strong, and sweet baby girl, my Sienna. I finally had the privilege to call myself a mother of two. And it hasn’t been easy, being a full-time mother while keeping up with a demanding blogging schedule, but I promised myself, I refuse to look back after a couple of years and ask myself, how did it all go by so fast? Why didn’t I enjoy my children more? I wish I gave my children more of my time because they really do grow up so fast. I promised myself I would take in every minute, cherish it, engrave its memory in my heart, because life is a collection of precious moments, and we should celebrate each one. On this occasion as we bid this amazing year 2017 goodbye, allow me to share with you a video in collaboration with Baume et Mercier that is very dear to my heart, the best one I’ve taken part in my entire 9 year career of blogging. Thank you Baume et Mercier for always reminding me that life is about moments, this video may be one minute long, but to me it’s a story of the past, present and future moments I wish to spend with my family.

IVY SAYS on PROJECT RUNWAY!

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I’m super excited to share with you a secret that I’ve been literally keeping in for what feels like ages! At the start of 2017, after having my baby girl Sienna I received a phone call, which I think every blogger secretly waits for. I was told that I had been selected to become the Beauty Advisor with global skincare leader NIVEA on none other than renowned TV Show PROJECT RUNWAY Middle East on MBC4.

I was over the moon! Not only would I have a small segment on each episode of Project Runway but I would be traveling on location with the cast and crew of the show, getting to experience first hand the ins and outs of what it is like to be part of this enormous production. It was the opportunity of a lifetime and I was so happy to be on board of a prestigious show that included fashion royalty such as Elie Saab and Afef Jnifen to name a few and a selection of exceptionally talented designers that would be competing for the number one title.

As a blogger who loves makeup and beauty, it was so much fun going backstage with the designers and giving them tips and tricks on how to compliment their designs and makeup looks on the models with some of my favorite NIVEA products. The top three ones I worked with on the show are Nivea’s Double Effect Makeup Remover, Natural Fairness Eye Makeup Remover and Gentle Micellar Water all of which are super practical to use especially when a model needs to change into many looks for the day and needs her makeup to redone over and over again, while still appearing as fresh and as flawless as possible. Throughout the season you’ll get to see just how simple and fast it is to use these Nivea products, as first steps, for retouching or final touches.

We got to travel to many fun locations to shoot with Project Runway which I don’t want to give away just yet and I have to say it was unforgettable. Getting to meet the amazing team that brings it all together and the lovely cast and crew. I wish all the contestants all the luck, the level of talent this season is incredible and I just can’t wait until for the first episode to air tonight at 9pm Lebanon time on MBC4. I hope you tune in and like what you see, and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram here for all my live updates!

IVY SAYS x PUMA

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I’m not one of these girls on social media that’s always in heels, I’ve always preferred comfort when it comes to style, so don’t be surprised if you ever see me shopping in sneakers and a white tee. But that also doesn’t mean I would ever leave the house looking frumpy. On the contrary, it just means that my relationship with what I chose to wear would come with extra prerequisites, my outfits have to flatter me and make me and feel good at the same time, is that too much for a girl to ask?

On a regular day, you would either find me in one of my favorite pairs of jeans, trainers, sneakers or everyday active wear. And no I would not look like I’m off to the gym, it just means that I’m a fan of brands that can effortlessly pull-off sporty and stylish. I also lead quite the active lifestyle, for those of you who know me or followed me pre-pregnancy you probably know just how much time I would spend at the gym, doing yoga or even swimming. And it’s always been that way, in school, I would be on the soccer, softball and swim team simultaneously.

I’m no athlete, but staying fit is something that makes me feel great. That’s why my latest collaboration, feels like such a natural fit for me. I’m happy to announce that I’ll be assuming a new role as PUMA’s ambassador for an entire year. I absolutely love the new direction and collaborations the brand has been making, and it feels like the perfect fit for me. I was lucky enough to first get my hands on some items from FENTY PUMA by Rihanna and most recently Fierce KRM by Kylie Jenner, an uber stylish laceless show designed for working out in as a trainer, but that’s so stylish I had to have it in two colors already. It’s simply slides on, is ridiculously comfortable and just really really looks amazing. I’m not going to lie I haven’t had the heart to work out in them just yet, they’re too good looking for the gym, but then again so am I. (That was a joke.)


So yeah I’ve styled my white Fierce PUMA’s (now available at Tchooz Shoes) with an elongated white V-neck PUMA cotton top and a pair of black skinny jeans to give you an example of how I turn active wear into a fun casual wear outfit. I cannot wait for the Sophie Webster and PUMA collaboration and I’m very excited to share with you my post-baby weight loss journey in some motivational active PUMA wear that I hope will make you want to get off the couch and hit the gym in style.

My New Summer Hair

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You know how they tell you, don’t worry cut your hair it’ll grow back. I always worried. I think it goes all the way back to my childhood. When I was a little girl, my mother would never tell me I was going to get a hair cut, probably because she knew I would put up a fight. So I would tag along thinking we were going shopping or something and suddenly, I would find myself on the chair I dreaded the most, about to get my long locks chopped off. I remember each time the hairdresser would comb my wet hair, I would be surprised at just how long my hair looked, and then before I knew it, I would see it again on the floor. My beautiful brown locks brushed away and dumped into the bin. I remember the tears as they rolled down my cheeks and I would look at my mother like she had betrayed me forever. But after attempting to maintain my thick wavy hair for years, (while developing biceps along the way), I now understand just how much effort it probably took my poor mother to keep my hair tangle-free and tame. So, if my baby girl Sienna were to inherit my hair, you bet she’s going to be sporting a short do until she’s old enough to maintain it on her own.

I didn’t really have an issue keeping up with my long long hair my entire adult life, but let me tell you, two babies later, it’s been tougher to steal some moments alone with my hair. We’re also spending the entire summer in our chalet on the beach, and swimming is now an integral part of my workout routine, so last week I finally took the decision to get take the chop. And the timing couldn’t be more perfect.

My hairstylist who has been working on my hair ever since I moved to Lebanon, has branched out on his own after 15 years working in one of the most renowned salons in Lebanon, along with his partner and opened up his much-anticipated full-service new concept luxury beauty salon, CoiffeMoi by Riad and Jean. I also worked with him on a very special TV project I can’t wait to share with you soon.

CoiffeMoi is a breath of fresh air, a minimalist white-gleaming lacquered spacious interior surrounded by natural light and a sweeping view of the sea. The sleek surfaces matched with hundreds of blooming orchids give the place an ethereal ambiance making you feel relaxed and in no rush to leave. Riad and Jean make quite the team, each with his repertoire of celebrity cliental under his belt, along with star colorist Julie, who also joined them after having established her own name. They’re attentive, friendly and fun, keen on giving you the attention you deserve and most importantly understand, that they’re clients new or old are there to get their hair styled by them personally not someone else. This I’ve come to appreciate the most.

When I explained to Riad that I’m in the mood for change, he did not try to pull any theatricals on me, but instead, convinced me to transform my hair in stages. We decided to start off with a chop, not too drastic, right below the shoulders and some soft low-lights made by their resident professional colorist Julie. And with each visit, we’ll slowly work our way to a total transformation. I also appreciated that, I was keen on change, but nothing I would regret, so when I go back and ask for shorter hair, I’ll know I’m truly ready. Already, my hair felt, lighter and restored back to me a confidence and freshness I was yearning for. The best part, I can now rock a more natural wet look, instead of spending time getting a blow out every week. I’ll be sharing with you my hair journey throughout the way both here and on Instagram and SnapChat. You can follow CoiffeMoi on Instagram for all the latest tips and trends and to keep up with what’s new.

Meet Me at JamaloukiCon

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You’ve probably been seeing JamaloukiCon all over social media and wondering what it means?

It’s a fashion and beauty festival happening right now in Beirut bringing together some of most prominent names in the industry such as Elie Saab, Bassam Fattouh, Sarah Sampaio and Kristina Bazan to name a few. Organized by the renowned Jamalouki Magazine, one of the leading magazines in the Arab world, this will be the first edition of hopefully many more in the region, that we’re proud to kick off in Lebanon. Some of the biggest brands in the beauty industry have taken part, including a live makeup tutorial by Bassam Fattouh, the official launch of NYX in Lebanon and a makeup show by L’Oreal. There will also be panels and free workshops taking place throughout the days, tackling topics such as the fashion industry, digital influence and entrepreneurship. And finally, MEET and GREETS at the bloggers corner where you can meet your favorite bloggers for an hour.

I’ll be hosting my own MEET and GREET at JamaloukiCon tomorrow, Saturday the 29th of April at 7pm to 8pm and I would LOVE to meet you guys finally in person. This is actually my first official meet and greet, I haven’t had one before, and I’m very excited about it. If you’re an aspiring blogger, a fashion and beauty enthusiast or a simply someone who has been following this blog for years, than I hope to see you there. You can ask me anything you like and I’ll be happy to answer your questions and get to know you guys better. Stick around until after 8pm and I’ll be your makeup shopping guide. So be sure to pass by if you’re there!
Also don’t forget to follow me on @IvySays on both Instagram and Snapchat for coverage of JamaloukiCon.