Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
When I first landed in Bahrain and started to frequent the malls I was confronted with a whole new world of fashion brands that we do not carry in Canada.
I had not heard of half of the stores, some of them I didn’t even know how to pronounce. I quickly found a few fail-safe places that I knew would have my size, quick rotation of trends and have a ‘back to the sale rack’ opportunity.
Now that I am hunting for deals, I get to explore new shops each week and while some readers will know of them, others will discover new ones with me as I go along.
This week, the talented Natasha Daniel, pictured below, came out with me to find stylish outfits for less. With a Fashion and Design degree from Sydney Institute and Technology, she is well equipped to offer help and advice.
Natasha runs her own company called Gilliana by Natasha G and is in the business of changing the way we look at our clothing, helping to bring confidence to the wardrobe.
Her services include styling, rebuilding, revamping and she will even help you part with that 15-year-old outfit you have been holding onto. But don’t worry, if you feel guilty for throwing out Grandma’s sweater she will help you change that into something brand new (and no, not a wash cloth!).
Natasha owned her first Yves Saint Laurent at 10 and Louis Vuitton at 12, so I knew she was legendary.
In honour of American Independence Day we went into Tommy Hilfiger for its ‘50 per cent off’ sale running until Sunday. With their classic cool and twist to American prep it was a perfect tribute to the ‘red white and blue’. I could just see myself sitting by a harbour wearing the breezy outfit Natasha compiled.
She found a lady’s crisp white jacket over a navy blue chiffon blouse and red cotton trousers that could be worn perfectly with boat shoes. The whole outfit would regularly be priced at BD224.700, but was on sale for BD149.700 … that is close to 67 per cent off for timeless Americana gear.
Natasha’s fashion tip: Keep heels, flats and a blazer in the car in order to be ready for any situation, be it a sudden call to dinner, a meeting or a shopping date.
We didn’t have to look far in order to find an outfit for our male counterparts a manikin close by was wearing a perfect outfit and all on sale. Polo shirt BD49.9 down to BD36.5 and white shorts BD39.9 down to BD 29.9. This whole outfit Natasha paired was regularly priced at BD89.8 but down to BD66.4 in the sale.
I actually kept thinking the manikin was a person; I have been fooled by a manikin or two.
Neon green lights and a turtle insignia mark the new store that just opened in Seef Mall called Carpisa. I needed to check out this Italian brand that carries a four season collection in fashion bags, suitcases and small leather goods.
We found a whole wall of Carpisa bags all under BD20 in a variety of colours that can be used for office, beach, casual, evening or shopping.
Natasha’s fashion tip: These bags are a classic design so they will not go out of fashion and great for multiple uses. We were also intrigued by a plastic set of bags in lemon yellow, stormy grey, rose pink or turquoise only BD15 for a day bag and BD4 for the clutch.
This store gets my ‘deal of the week’ approval for price point. You can also grab a matching keychain or belt on your way out for all under BD6.
Details of Above: Tommy Hilfiger sale 50 per cent off until Monday
Carpisa bags on wall regularly priced under BD20
Other deals I am privy to: Ralph Lauren, Paul Smith, Tagz, Michael Kors, and Tory Burch offers up to 50 per cent off until end of July- Bahrain City Centre
Geox and Lacoste offers up to 50 per cent off until the end of July – Bahrain City Centre & Seef Mall.
