Fast Fash

I bring good news to all you online fashionistas out there! For our Look of the Week/Must-Have Mondays today, I will be featuring the hottest online shop in the Middle East, Aura-B.com!

Click the image to be redirected

Yes, you heard that right. I've been checking them out recently, and I found a lot of their items awesome and very stylish. Aura B. is a one-stop online fashion and art shop which houses 83 designers in one shopping platform. They sell Men's, Women's, and Kid's wear, as well as accessories. They also sell unique art pieces for your home.

What more can you ask for? As much as I think that shopping is a form of exercise, in this busy world, sometimes we really need all the time that we can get. And sometimes, that would not leave us time to do our shopping. So, like many online shops out there, Aura B. is truly a blessing.

Here are a few (understatement) of their items that I really loved:

The color is delicious! It makes me think of roses and apples! I would love to wear this on a girls' night out!

Fashion Flame Dress by MYTH

$301 (1108 AED

I'm just crazy about jumpsuits right now! And Aura B has a lot of them in all lengths and sizes!

VINTAGE BLOOMER JUMPSUIT by INES

$160 (589 AED)

FOREST BLUES JUMPSUIT by MARSHMALLOW

$115 (423. AED)

I would love to wear this very unique jumpsuit! It's not like the usual ones.
You can actually wear it to a day or night out, or even to work.

"No 52" Jumpsuit by POCA POCA

$192 (707 AED)

You know how much I'm obsessed with bows!

HIDDEN BOW DRESS by INES

$113 (416 AED)

416  AED

Another jumpsuit, I know!

NOIR JUMPSUIT by MARSHMALLOW

$123 (453 AED)

453  AED

 Warning: Bow obsession will start here.

I've been obsessed with bows since forever, and it just so happens that Aura B has a lot of bow ballet flats to choose from! So, I'm being a little biased here, but aren't they pretty?:-)
Top-Bottom, L-R: Merlot by INES (493 AED/$134), Bagatelle Ballerina by INES (515 AED/$140)
La Prairie de Mamie by INES (644 AED/$175), Avenue Montaigne by INES (1288 AED/$350)
Saint Trop by INES (552 AED/ $150), Romantique by INES (589 AED/$160)

And how could we forget these?
Top-Bottom, L-R:
 Joanna Laura Constantine

WRAP BRACELET 

$37 (136. AED),Joanna Laura Constantine BUTTERFLY RING (508 AED/$138),
Joanna Laura Constantine 

PEARL NECKLACE WITH RIBBON 

(1030 AED/

$280 

),

 BRAZZLE 

TEARDROP BRACELET (423 AED/$115), 

BRAZZLE SUPERSTAR BRACELET (386 AED/$105 )

They have a wide selection of clutches, totes, shoulder bags and even laptop bags! And they're all stylish!
Top-Bottom, L-R: Love and Label KRISTA CLUTCH  (1376 AED/$374), Chantal & Mounaya RUFFLED BAG  (1638 AED/$445),
Chantal & Mounaya BB BAG (1803 AED/$490),KNOMO VICHY 13" LAPTOP BAG  (1236 AED/$336)

And how cute are these scarves? Did you notice that they have pockets? Cool, right? :-)
ALL ARE 331 AED/$90 EXCEPT FOR THE BOTTOM RIGHT 442 AED/$120

So, what are you waiting for? These are just a few of their many items that are available for sale now on their website. To register, just click: http://www.aura-b.com/sign-in

Shopping is made easy with Aura B! You just have to follow these instructions and you're off to go!

At aura b. it is very simple and quick to find what you want. Just follow these five simple steps as an example:

1. Hover over the department you would like to shop, eg. Women, Men or art. Click of the one you want and a page will appear. Select a category from the list- “Dress” for example and sub category if needed.
2. You can then choose to view items based on factors such as designer, price and color from the left navigation bar from the left hand side. We will then show you all items meeting that criteria.
3. Click on the products you’d like to view to get a closer-up look and more views.
4. To purchase a product, choose your required size and color from the drop down menus and click “Add to Shopping Chest”.
5. Finally follow the on-screen instructions at the checkout – once you’ve done this we’ll deliver your brand new goodies direct to your door. Easy!

Rest assured that your shopping is secured, and all documents that are confidential will stay confidential. For more information on Secure Shopping, please go to: http://www.aura-b.com/secure-shopping

Change of heart? You can always return and exchange the items you bought for a new stock or a totally different item from your previous purchase. Want to know more about their Return and Exchange Policy? Just click, http://www.aura-b.com/return-exchange

Aura B. ships to more than 170 countries in the world. Want to know if you're one of them and how long it will take your item to be delivered at your doorstep? Find out more at,  http://www.aura-b.com/shipping-policies

For more information on anything stated above, please do contact them at: admin@aura-b.com or call their UAE (for UAE residents only) hotline at, 0097156 705 8788.




Easy, right? I really recommend Aura B to all you shopaholics out there who wants to make their shopping easy and convenient. So, log in now and feel the comfort of shopping at your fingertips!




*All the photos and the information have been taken from the official website of Aura B. The Mazuona  is authorized to use all these data by Aura B through an email they have received from the staff of Aura B. No copyright infringement intended. http://www.aura-b.com

What Carrie Bradshaw made me do

Where to begin?

I cannot begin to tell you how much I owe Carrie Bradshaw for this blog. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have the guts to come out of my shell and do the things I love. True, I've always been and always am inspired by a lot of things. But it was her, it was really her that made me do this.

It was September 3 of this year, a week before my birthday, and I just put down the current book that I was reading, The Carrie Diaries. It is the book before the whole Sex and the City started, kind of like a prequel. Carrie Bradshaw was still a senior in high school, coping and getting by just how teenagers should be. And I guess the reason why the whole Sex and the City franchise never appealed to me is because it wasn't for my age group. It was for independent, stylish, and confident 20-something women. I was just an eighteen-year old girl.

But much like everyone else, Carrie Bradshaw was a teenager too. She has experienced what every teenager should experience/is experiencing. Insecurities, lack of confidence, girl friend problems, and of course, boy dramas. And I guess along the way, it was what made Carrie Bradshaw who she is. She wasn't immediately the Carrie Bradshaw that we look up to right now. She was still raw with lots of potential but still lacked experience. But, she knew what she wanted to be, and she didn't let anyone tell her that. And that was something.

My birthday was coming up, and I was about to turn nineteen. At the time I was reading the book, I was wondering what I could do for the last teen year of my life that I will remember forever. So that when I look back, I could be proud of something I did when I was younger. I could tell the world that I didn't miss the chance to do what I love to do. And that's when Carrie Bradshaw enters my life. I put down the book, and I knew what I had to do.

I wanted to be like her. I guess it doesn't matter what I will do. But like her, I wanted to write. What matters was that I would remain confident, independent, and stylish while doing it. And then I thought about the women of this city I see everyday. They are all Carrie Bradshaws in their own ways. And I wish other people would see that too.

I've learned a lot of things from her, both fashion-related and not. But what I would always bear in mind whenever I think of her is her character. No pun intended. She's just confident, and treats everyday as an adventure. She's fearless. She's never afraid to try new things. She's got character. She has grown. She grows. And that was how I imagined a true mazuona to be like.

And good lord, she dresses up good! Even without speaking, her character is reflected with how she wears her clothes. But forget the clothes, the shoes, the make up, the labels, and the prices. I think that if she dresses up in the most plain clothes without makeup, her character would still shine through. Why? It's her confidence.

And that my dear ladies, will never go out of style. It will forever be the greatest accessory of a woman. :-)

So, get out there and try out something new. Do something that you've been wanting to do since forever, but never got around to doing it. Try a new hobby. Get lost, and find your way back. Abu Dhabi is such a great place to try out new stuff. Go somewhere that you haven't been to before. Ditch the mall and head over to the shops by the streets, and you'll be surprised how style can be easily found everywhere.

Each day is an adventure, another opportunity to do stuff and to dress up. Be bold and beautiful. Don't hold anything back.

And no matter what happens, just be you. Not Carrie Bradshaw. Not anyone else. Just you. :-)

Winter Neverland

Winter Neverland by themazuona featuring a slouchy hat

Winter is finally here, or at least that's what they say. But if you're in the middle of the world, the winter season would probably feel like spring. One thing to know about Abu Dhabi is it doesn't get that cold anymore. According to my parents and almost everyone who has lived here for more than 5 years, Abu Dhabi used to get really cold enough for you to wear a coat, scarf, gloves, and probably earmuffs, when going outside. I feel jealous of those people who have been able to experience that. I can just imagine the amount of winter wear I'll definitely buy to keep myself warm.

At this time of the year, I always see lots of shops selling really big coats and jackets. Those kinds that should be sold in really cold places, or those that experience snow during winter. As much as I love seeing them, it's not really advisable for a place with this kind of climate. So, how do you dress up for the winter season in Abu Dhabi?

1. Get a sturdy jacket.
This can either be a blazer, cardigan, or even a jacket, specifically those that have wool content. Wool can be blended with cotton, linen, or polyester. So, it wouldn't be too hot or too cold for you. I suggest wearing blazers with jeans, and cardigans with leggings or tights. But, I doubt that you can still wear tights in this weather. So, why not opt for the lovechild of jeans and leggings or more popularly known as jeggings, if you want something that wouldn't look too bulky on you?


2. Invest in some scarves.
You can buy scarves in any length, design, color, and shape. But much like the jacket, you should take note of its fabric. As always, wool is a must. It doesn't necessarily have to be 100% wool. It depends on your preference. Most of the time, you don't need to wear a scarf, especially in the morning. So, you can always use it as an accessory. Drape it around your bag, and put it on during the night.



3. These boots are made for walking.
The reason why I love the winter season is because it's that time of the year when wearing boots will not raise eyebrows. In Abu Dhabi, it is advisable to wear boots that reach until mid-calf and not more than that. But then, the most important point is that you can walk in them. Flat boots, high-heeled, leather, suede.. It doesn't matter. I actually prefer suede boots, usually ankle-length.

If you're not a boot-lover like me, you can always wear socks with your stilettos. It's very stylish nowadays. Opt for dark socks under light heels, and light socks on dark heels. Just play with it!

But when all else fails, wear your trusty sneakers.


4. You sock.
This is not optional. Choose the wool ones again. H&M has a good selection of socks, leggings, and tights for winter. I usually buy mine from them, and I wear them all the time. They're very comfy!


5. Accesorize!
No matter what season it is, never ever forget to accessorize! It is a sin to go outside your house without, at least, a pair of earrings. :-)

EUniformity

Dress by Juana (Philippines), Gray Boyfriend Cardigan by Inspire, Black Booties by Pimkie
Accessories: Grandmother's heart locket, Bag by Sisley

Sorry for the very tired face. This week has really been an exhausting one for me. Anyway, I totally forgot that today was Wardrobe Wednesday, hence the outfit. This is my typical outfit, or at least it's the template. It's like my 'school uniform'. Short dress, black leggings, boyfriend cardigan and my locket. Except for the shoes, I usually wear ballet flats. That's why it was a surprise when my friends saw me running in heels. :-)

I hope you liked my Wardrobe Wednesdays entry today. I know it's not much, but I'm not going to stop trying. :-)

Oh, before I forget. For those people who does outfit photos a lot by themselves with a tripod, can you give me some tips? I tried doing it a while ago. But, I can't just seem to find my angle. Please don't hesitate to leave a comment, as usual. I will really really appreciate your help! Thank you! 


Photo courtesy of Mercy Imoudu. Thanks dear! :-)

Kismet

 First of all, sorry for posting this late! Something came up so I failed to finish it last night. Anyway, yesterday was one of the most heartbreaking days of fashion ever. I went to the Abu Dhabi Mall to pick up my newly-purchased Nikkor 50mmf1.8 lens, and to check out the LANVINXH&M Collection as well. But much to my dismay, the sales people of H&M told me that the collection was sold out within the first hour. :( It was really sad. I really wanted to get the shirts and the blazer.

I spotted Hessa at the H&M entrance. We actually went inside at the same time, and asked for the Lanvin Collection. We were both flabbergasted about what happened. And then her gilet caught my eye. I just had to ask her if I could take a couple of photos. We ended up talking about everything from the Lanvin collection, Abu Dhabi's fashion scene, Twitter and Tumblr accounts, and even cameras. She was really nice to talk to. And I'm so happy that I met her! So, this entry's for you Hessa! :-)

Hessa Al-Khalifa, 23

 

Bag: Alexa/Mulberry

Ooh, what's that on her hand? Is that the official The Mazuona business card? ;)

Fell in love with her gilet from Sinequanon!

Lovely earrings too!

Spotted this Malaysian lady by the H&M store also :-)

 

 

 

I guess I could say that my first 'Tuesdays with Mazuonas' went well. See you again next week for more 'Tuesdays with Mazuonas'!

Keep Calm and Carrie On

Keep Calm and Carrie On by themazuona featuring rhinestone jewelry

If it was summer, and it wasn't too cold to wear a white summer dress, then I'd bet that a lot of Abu Dhabi fashionistas would be channeling their inner Carrie Bradshaw and donning on this beauty with those knock-you-dead-heels, and that McQueen clutch. Well, I would.

I've always loved Carrie's style whether she's wearing it down or up. And I believe that it's not just her dress that gives off the stylish vibe, it's her confidence. After all, it is the greatest accessory. And Carrie Bradshaw sure is nailing it. :-)

This won't be the last that you'll see of her. Watch out for a full entry on Carrie Bradshaw at next Sunday's Style-spiration! :-)

The Mazuona Revamped

Today marks the start of The Mazuona's second month. And I know that it seems silly that I'm actually celebrating it, but I am. Every single day that this blog still exists and that I haven't given up on it is really a miracle. So like I said on a previous post, to celebrate its second month, I'd be coming up with ideas that would spice up this place a little bit, if not more. :-)

Due to my recent burned out experience also known as Blogger's Blocks, which fashion bloggers (and bloggers in general) are very familiar with, I had to seek help from the Independent Fashion Bloggers. No, they're not a rehabilitation center for bloggers who experience this, they're even better. I read and went through each of their entries about tips on how to overcome the blocks, and found that they all have a common solution: an Editorial Journal/Calendar.

As I have mentioned on the said previous post, an Editorial Journal is sort of a to-do list. But instead of assignments/projects/chores, we have blog posts, or at least the topic that you would want to write about for the week, or even a month. When I started this blog, I didn't have an idea that such a thing exists. If I'd known, then I probably wouldn't be stressing over what to write next, or feeling pressured that I'm not updating as often as I should.

And how will this editorial journal help me to keep this blog alive? It will basically just keep things organized for me, and interesting for you guys. So, during the Eid holidays, I exhausted my creative juices and came up with an editorial journal that I will, more or less, follow through until this blog dies. I came up with various types of posts that I will write about every week that explores different topics. Of course, this is still subject to change. I don't like staying in a routine for too long. But for now, I'd like some stability. ;-)

So, without further ado, I present to you the official Editorial Journal of The Mazuona:

Style-spiration Sundays
To start off the week, I will be discussing the people, places, and even objects that inspire me. After all, this blog is made out of and for inspiration. Like what Gabriel Garcia Marquez said, "Inspiration gives no warnings." I believe in that so much. Anything can inspire us! And I would love to hear what inspires you too. This blog is not just about me. If possible, I will also ask the people who has inspired me to share their inspiration with you.

And if you are interested, I would love it if you will share with me your sources of inspiration via email/comments. :-)

Must-have/Look of the Week Mondays
A fashion blog wouldn't be a fashion blog if we don't have this kinds of posts from time to time. I will be alternating between sharing 'Must-haves' and 'Look of the Week' simultaneously.

The 'Must-have' will feature particular pieces/accessories/shoes/bags/makeup/beauty products that I believe every woman should possess. This items are classy, timeless, and stylish. They are definitely trademarks and symbols of a true woman. You can also share with me those items that you think is a must-have. :-)
Prices and where to buy them will be included, if possible.

The 'Look of the Week' is a collage of outfits that I will put together to come up with a total look. And to help me with that, I created an account in Polyvore, a site that enables you to create look/outfit collages. It's really fun! Because it helps you to develop your creativity while playing with and expressing your style.

Click the photo to be redirected to Polyvore.com :-)

What you can do at Polyvore
Exciting and fun, right? :-)

I'm sure most of you know about this website, but if not, create your account now and share your looks with me! I would love to feature your creations here! :-) If you like the outfits on the sets/collections, you can click each piece to know where you can buy them and for how much. Easy as 1-2-3, right? :-)

Tuesdays with Mazuonas
The main purpose of this blog is to feature stylish women of Abu Dhabi, specifically those women we can find going about their daily businesses in the streets. But for a lot of reasons (excuses), I still wasn't able to do that. I'm not giving up on the idea entirely. I still believe that the readers should see and be inspired by this women the same way they inspire me.

So, every Tuesday, I would spend a little bit of my time exploring the streets of Abu Dhabi to take photos of mazuonas that I would find as I go along the way. I see a lot of them everyday, but I am always too shy to ask. But I hope that this time I wouldn't be. It would be such a waste if you won't get to see what I am blessed to see everyday. So, wish me luck! :-)

Wardrobe Wednesdays
I've always been shy taking outfit photos mainly because I think I'm not skinny enough. Majority of fashion bloggers, especially those who blog about their outfit photos, are from approximately size 6-12. (See Lookbook.nu) Plus-sized bloggers has been an on-going issue in the fashion blogging world for quite a while now, and I still haven't shared my opinion about it. Wait for it!

Being plus-sized doesn't bother me, at least not aesthetically. But, it does bother me health-wise. The point is, I'm kind of insecure about it.  I can get really conscious, especially when I know that there are people who can see it. But I think that if I try it and do it long enough, then I can get rid of  that insecurity and eventually, build up my confidence.

And I've been dying to share my closet with you! I think I have a lot of interesting pieces that might help you out in one way or another. This is also my way of advocating for plus-sized women, that they can also be stylish and comfortable in their own skin. :-)

Tips-y Thursdays
Fashion tips, Style tips, Beauty tips! Everything can be at your fingertips every Thursday here at The Mazuona! I will be researching a lot, and maybe ask out people from the industry who I know will be able to help you fashionistas out there with your highs and lows in fashion, style, and beauty.

This way, you won't have to buy magazines. You just have to visit this blog for your queries. If you have any specific problem/question/just anything that you need help with, please do send me an email! You know the drill. :-)

Formspring Fridays
This is another 'collaboration' with a third-party website, Formspring.me. Formspring.me, is a website where you can ask questions from the users. I have created an account, and placed a widget on my sidebar so that you can ask questions without going to my formspring page.

Every Friday, I will answer your questions, and post the answers here. Questions that are NOT in any way related to Fashion, Style, and Beauty will not be answered.


I'm pretty excited for next week. I can't wait to start all the entries. As you can see, almost everything is interactive, which means that there will be a lot of interaction between you and me. I hope that you guys won't be shy to ask questions, post comments, and share your thoughts with me. I would really appreciate that, and I would be more than happy to help you in any way I can. So, like I always say, please don't hesitate to talk to me. Give me suggestions, comments, and ideas!:-)

Unfortunately, as you may have noticed, I don't have anything for Saturday. I wanted to put one, but I figured that this would be a rest day for me to reboot and recharge for the coming week. After all, God also took a rest on the last day after He created the world, right? :-)

I am looking forward to the coming weeks, and I hope that you guys will enjoy reading the upcoming entries as much as I will enjoy writing them. Thank you again for all the support!



Always love,
Eura❤

HAPPY FIRST MONTH, THE MAZUONA! ❤

I can't believe that this blog has reached the end of its first month! What with all those blogger's blocks I've experienced along the way, I actually thought that I would just end up closing this after a few entries. :-)

But, A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who supported me, for without all of you I wouldn't be motivated and inspired to continue what I'm doing.

To start off, I would like to thank my family who has endured so many nights of tinkering keyboard sounds,and shuffling feet. I know how you guys must be annoyed every time you wake up at two in the morning to the sound of my typing and the lights in the other room still on. I'm really sorry. My ideas are really best 'cooked' at night. ;-) But still, thank you for the undying support, and the comfort of having a home to go to at the end of every day, and let's not forget the delicious home-cooked meals. :-) And most importantly, thank you for the love. :) I love you guys forever and always!

And how could I forget my family back in Manila who, despite the distance, has managed to extend their love and support through visiting and promoting this page, 'liking' my Facebook photos and the page, and all the comments! Thank you guys! You make me miss you all the more. I love you!

To all of my friends in Manila who have shown their support by visiting and liking the page as well, thank you very much! I miss you guys. And I hope that we don't have this distance, so I can take photos of all of you everyday. I miss hanging out with you! I wish I could tick off your names one by one, but you are just too many to mention. Haha! :-p Love you guys!

Of course, to all my friends in Abu Dhabi and Dubai (my Prestige Jet Titas and Titos, Khawarizmi Friends and Fashion Design Classmates, Family Friends, Friends in the Photography and Fashion Industry of the Middle East) who has pushed me to do this, you all are my inspiration. Thank you for the never-ending support! You know who you guys are! Thank you for the encouragement, motivation, and the inspiration! Without you, The Mazuona will not be what it is now. I love you all! :-)

And of course to my readers/followers/blog friends, thank you for making my days a little bit brighter with the increasing number of traffic! I promise more interesting blog content and less blogger's blocks. Hopefully. ;-) I hope you continue to support this blog! You guys are amazing! Remember that this blog lives for you. :-)

To my heavenly Father, thank You for this opportunity. Thank You for blessing me with all these wonderful people who continue to support my dream. Without me, this blog is nothing. Without you, I am nothing. I love You, Lord. :-)

So, I guess that's it. I hope the cupcake is real though, so we can truly celebrate. I wish I could give each and every one of you cupcakes! But for now, I hope that lots and lots of virtual hugs and kisses would suffice! Let's hope for many cupcakes and many more months (and eventually years!) to come. Cheers! :-)


Always love,
Eura❤