Doll me up
The brains behind the recently launched Rubbish magazine, based in London, have brought out the inner child in us with these finger puppets. If you have little ones and want to make sure they get a fashionable upbringing, then look no further. Not only are the puppets adorable, they're also based on fashion figureheads, including Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of American Vogue. Perhaps some of her legendary coolness will rub off on your children.
Dh560, S*uce, Marina Mall, 02 681 8650; Village Mall, 04 344 7270; Dubai Mall, 04 344 7270
Well heeled
Out with the old, in with the new. The sales have been a lot of fun and our wardrobes are full to bursting, but this is the time of year when new styles start to appear in full force. One collection that is roaring into "I must buy this" pole position is the new Charlotte Olympia To Die For shoes. A funky take on the standard dolly shoe, these leopard-print pony skin numbers have a bright red heel and a floating island platform. If these shoes don't scream "look at me" as you head into the autumn season, we don't know what will.
Dh3,815, Symphony, The Dubai Mall, 04 330 8050
Globe trotting
The mood for interiors is growing more decadent. These beautiful Perano globes are hand-made and painted with precise maps and elegant stands. No more searching online for that forgotten place - instead we are gracefully turning our majestic globes. We especially love the Celestial Perano, which depicts the 88 recognised constellations (and about 3,000 stars) and their associated mythological figures. All we need now is a chaise longue and peeled grapes.
Perano Pair - Terrestrial and Celestial - Dh36,865 if bought as a pair or Dh20,487 each if bought separately. Shipping worldwide available. See www.bellerbyandco.com
Going for gold
We do love a beautifully crafted handbag, especially one that can take us from day to night in a heartbeat. The brand Poupée Couture has been on our radar for some time - the Lebanese designer specialises in embellished clutch bags that look ultra modern when paired with soft leather and small crystals. This season we are steering clear of gaudy over-the-top accessories, so take a lesson from the runway and keep it simple.
Dh1,260, Boom & Mellow, Mall of the Emirates, 04 341 3993; Mirdif City Centre, 04 284 0609
Hot lips on the phone
When it comes to tongue- in-cheek accessories, we are on it! We have all our bases covered with kitsch rings and slogan bangles, but we were missing a bit of punch on our phone. This Diane von Furstenberg version looks great on the new white iPhone 4, so every call is sealed with a kiss.
Dh75, Diane von Furstenberg, Mall of the Emirates, 04 395 1600
Flavours of Venice
Waterways, romance, architecture and artworks. For chef Tessa Kiros, Venice isn't just a place to visit, it is also a place to fall in love with the culture and its culinary fare. This book is a real gem for those who adore food and are passionate about indulging their senses. There's no doubt you'll find yourself drooling over the mouth-watering chapters which include Eating in Venice, Cicchetti (small bites), Antipasti, Zuppa/Pasta/Gnocchi, Risotto, Secondi, Contorni (sides), and Dolce (sweet things). With over 105 recipes and 120 colour photographs of the beautiful city, it's an ideal way to spend an afternoon; curl up and flip through with a glass of something chilled and escape to the city of Venice.
Venezia: Food and Dreams, approximately Dh85 available online at amazon.com