” La simplicité fait la beauté ” . Fabulous Fit and Fun's Interview with Firas Abou Hamdan!

” La simplicité fait la beauté ” (Beauty lies in simplicity) is the statement summarizing Firas Abou Hamdan’s beliefs and ideals. He is one of the major players in the Arab Fashion specially in Kuwait where he debuted his career.

Designer Firas Abou Hamdan. (Picture Provided by Firas)

Firas Abou Hamdan, a name that is taking the fashion world by storm. Born in Beirut- like Elie Saab, Firas is destined to be a household name world wide.

Influenced by his Father,  a fashion designer for men, Firas used to spend most of his childhood helping his father in his atelier. With time he discovered that his passion for that 'fashion' so to speak , grew. Firas says 'my father was my inspiration that pushed and motivated me to become who I am now'.

Firas, who speaks three languages: Arabic, French and English took time out of his busy schedule to speak to Fabulous fit and fun. During our interview (which took many telephone calls and emails - Sorry Firas!)I was struck by the fact that Firas was So humble, honest and accommodating, not to mention a meticulous fashion designer and a kind human being.

Firas who is 34 years of age, took me back to
 his childhood,

 " growing up in Lebanon was as though you live in a fashion house, Beirut was and is still headquarters to everything related to art, beauty and fashion.

Beirut is the only feminine capital in the MEA that's why I find her to be a beautiful women who knows how to be elegant in every way ... In addition I find that the Lebanese women are the most well dressed women in the world Thats why I am now a fashion designer ".

Firas studied and graduated from a Lebanese fashion college CAMM    ( college artistique de la mode moderne ) he has also designed a collection of bags and shoes and is now preparing for a new one (collection of bags and shoes including wedding accessories).

The most important thing when dressing a woman according to firas is the 'combination of simplicity elegance & seduction, each elegant, beautiful, well dressed & fashionable woman inspires me.'

Firas: "My favourite fashion looks from The Oscars 2015 was Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad mermaid gown And from The Golden Globes 2015 Was Amal Alamuddin Clooney in a simple black gown."

A dress from the 'Glow' collection designed by firas abou hamdan.

Firas, who has worked with many Lebanese Singers like Sarah Al Hani, Sabine, Mirva Kadi ... And lately with the Egyptian Actress Nelly Karim, Now boasts his newest collection- called 'Glow' it contains long and short colourful dresses, in beautiful pastel shades - a truly magical and magnificent experience for any woman to wear.

" In this collection I focused to show the beauty of body by using a special materials and fabrics ( flowers & Leaves ) that was especially made for Glow.

Each collection has a theme, that's why I have chosen a virgin forest as location because I want to show how a  woman can be fresh & stunning in a natural place ."

Gorgeous Gown from the 'Glow' Collection.

One of my favourite dresses from the 'Glow' Collection.

Firas who has also had his fashion house in Kuwait and often travels to Dubai to dress Brides in his magnificent Designs says "fashion is an art of beauty and creativity. It is not something that exists in dresses only, fashion has no limits, it is the way we live ... All that pushed me into this field"

To contact Firas please use the Details below.

http://firasabouhamdan.com

Ghassan Boulos Bldg, 1st Floor Sin El Fil Lebanon

 Tel: +961 1 495 717 Mob: +961 3 464 717  Info@firasabouhamdan.com

 www.facebook.com/firasabouhamdan

 Instagram: firasabouhamdan Twitter: Abouhamdanfiras

Written by: Mishka Osman

Nailed It

As a lot of my FabFitFun readers would know and my Instagram followers too   ( @fabulousfitandfun ) , I have always been a fan of 'Bare is Best' Nails. (click here to read article).

Blogger of Fabulous Fit and Fun, Mishka Osman, wearing a Dark shades Nail.

Recently I have taken the plunge and decided 

to go all in and try new shades, don't get me

 wrong  I will always be a nude, barely 

there, nail colour person , but where's the

 fun if you don't live a little?

Mishka Osman wearing Essie Marshmallow

PALE NAILS WORN BY MISHKA OSMAN. Colour ; Essie - Marshmallow

With autumn just around the corner and a very slight chill filling the air, it’s not only time to start planning your new season wardrobe, but to think about updating your nails with some luxurious autumn/winter 2015 shades too. After all good nails is definitely your best accessory!

This season, it seems anything goes. The Red Carpet and the Runway have covered all spectrum's of nail art and FabFitFun has tried and tested it out just to share with you!

Worn By model on the runway.

Pale nails from bright whites to soft baby pinks were seen on the runway this season at shows like Tess Giberson, Naeem Khan, Alice + Olivia and more. It seemed like many celebrities at the red carpet followed suit.

Chrissy Teigen and Conchita Wurst both showed off the pale nail trend at the Golden Globes, and Emily Blunt doing the same at the Critic's choice awards, As seen below.

From left to right: Conchita Wurst, Emily Blunt and Chrissy Teigan.

Matte metallics were another hot nail trend showcased on Clover Canyon's runway. The illuminating trend was also used as an accent paired with nude hues, reverse French manicures or intricate patterns for such designers as Cushnie et Ochs, Tadashi Shoji and Creatures of the Wind.

Chanel Reverse French Manicure

new york fashion week reverse manicure - non- tradional french manicure

Reverse French Mani

Reverse French Mani

Matte Metallic Nails

One of my very favourite nail trends has been the Reverse french Manicure often done with Matte Metallics, when done in nude or subtle hues it definitely is a must try trend!

While other designers were playing around with the new nail trends -designers like Zac Posen, Jenny Packham and Carolina Herrera were keeping it classic. Some kept with classic red, while others did updated orange-reds or deep reds as well as charcoal and liquorice.

Essie - Scarlett O'hara . Keeping it classic

Essie - Liquorice

Ellie Kemper's crimson colored nails were a striking contrast to her Naeem Khan dress at the Golden Globes. Jennifer Aniston's vampy red nails were inspiring. She also wore red nails to the Critics' Choice Awards. At the People's Choice Awards, Olivia Munn in classic red nails.

Lupita Nyong'o and Camila Alves mix it up with soft french manicures in different shades.

What Nail looks will you be sporting this autumn/Winter 2015? Let us know by emailing us on fabulousfitandfun@gmail.com or tagging us in your pictures on instagram : @fabulousfitandfun

Below are some of my Nail Looks.

Welcome to "Circus" --- A culinary adventure!

 

The name says it all.

 

 

 

Taking a stroll through Covent Garden --- The west end of London which is synonymous for its theatres and drama's, Why not enjoy dinner and a show at the same place: "Circus" an enigmatic but well known London restaurant which is renowned not only for its opulence and theatrics but as well as its fantastic food.

 

Circus, often described as a hidden treasure, is masked behind brown doors.

 

Behind the covert doors lays a fantasy world.

 

 

 

Once behind those covert doors, you will be transported into a decadent dream world infused with acrobats, cabaret, dancing and an award winning cocktail bar for those of you who drink.

 

Circus boasts glamorous interiors making you believe you are in an alternate world of burlesque with its kaleidoscopic mirrors and 'runway' stage which is not only for nightly entertaining but is also used as a banqueting table.

 

 

This pan Asian restaurant which have hosted guests such as Princess Beatrice of York and British pop group The Saturdays will have you salivating at their delicious menu. Who can resist a Langoustine tempura with red chilli and nori seasoning?

Circus is designed to entertain and relax guests while providing succulent pan Asian means, be it from the A La Carte menu of sushi (ranging from 8 to 15 £) or hot meals such as red chicken curry (view menu here). Circus also provides a sharing menu for guests of 4 or more and if all this fantasy does not get you tickling their decadently delicious desserts will. My favourite is without a doubt the doughnuts and Magnums. Circus lets you pre-order your cakes from them for special occasions.



baby veg tempura

 

  

crayfish Salaad

Scallops


The interlinked restaurant , lounge and bar provide an ambience all guests can enjoy whether you are a dinner or drinker-- guests can be rest assured everything will be tasteful as Circus only caters to those 21 and above.

Join Circus for Lunch, Drinks or dinner as chef Andrew Lassetters kitchen team are revealed cooking in an open kitchen, which is a fantastic show in itself.

 

 

Circus is also available for events hire having hosted events for Burberry, Hermes and Louis Vuitton.

 

Circus reveals their performances and entertainers in the evening to ensure there is an element of excitement and mystery.

 

 

This secluded hidden treasure is definitely one of a kind filled with adventure and excitement.

 

 

Circus

27-29 Endell Street

Covent Garden

London WC2H 9BA

+44(0)2074209300

 

www.circus-london.co.uk

 

 

Hope you visit them soon and let us know what you think!

 

 

 

 

 

rise and shine!

 

 

During the last few weeks I’ve learned to love mornings.  There is nothing better than starting the day with the birds, breathing in the fresh air and watching the sunrise over the treetops.  My appreciation of mornings first began a few months ago when I found myself not looking forward to the morning hours as much as I used to. Perhaps it was having such a busy schedule every day and finding myself rushing around almost before the day had started.

 

So I made a point of rediscovering the joy in mornings.   Taking time to appreciate the fresh, crisp air, the wonderful feeling of a new day breaking or a quiet solitary moment were small ways I began to enjoy mornings more.  My appreciation of my morning time is growing as I continue to implement small changes into my daily routine as listed below.

 

 

 

Plan an delicious and nutritious breakfast.  Planning breakfast the night before is an essential.  I’ve been soaking oats the night before and upon waking, I pop them on the stove (or microwave) and within a few minutes I hve a steaming-hot breakfast!

 

Sleep in total darkness.  A good nights rest will aid you in feeling fresh and alive the next morning! Melatonin, the sleep hormone, is produced in the darkness.

 

Drink water before going to bed and immediately after waking. Ending your day with water is one of the best ways to help your body store nutrients and minerals.  Starting your day with water aids your body in rehydrating itself and you’ll feel much more refreshed.

 

 

 

Turn off the phone.  Honestly, we all know why!

 

Plan your day ahead the previous night.   Nothing really stresses me more than going to bed with a million ‘to-do’s’ running through my mind!  Plan your day before you hit the pillow.  If you are like me and think of the things at any crazy hour, keep a pen and paper by your bed.

 

 

 

Spending time in solitary.  One of my greatest joys of the morning is spending what I call ‘quiet time’.  Usually spent alone and in silence, I can gather my thoughts, meditate and plan the details of my day.

 

Wake up to music. Not only do I love the quiet times of the morning but I love to start the day with joy!  I usually start streaming some of my favourite tunes as I’m getting dressed and doing my hair for the day.

-

How do you like to start the day?

100 HAPPY DAYS!! #100happydays

 

I’ve seen this campaign pop up a few times over the last few weeks but only recently researched to see what it was.

Turn’s out it’s pretty damn cool.

It seems we are all short on time – time to see our families, time to concentrate on our health, time to work or even just time for ourselves.

With today’s fast paced society – it’s really important for us to take the time to enjoy the moment we are in.

Personally – I am the worst at this. I always tend to get into something (be it work, study, currently my blog and baking) and I forget all else. I am always working towards something, looking forward and rarely take the time to appreciate the present.

If you’re like me in this way, this challenge is for YOU.

To highlight to yourself things that make you happy or you are grateful for.

It’s not about showing off your amazing, glamorous lifestyle – more a reminder to appreciate what’s around you.

So, what do you have to do?

• Register here.
• Choose your social media platform – Instagram, Twitter, Facebook etc. You can even just submit them to the website if you don’t wish to publicise your photos.
• Post 1 photo a day for 100 days of something that made YOU happy. This can be as simple as a flower you liked or a loved one you’re with.
• Hashtag #100happydays or choose your own hashtag. Mine is #100happydays.

That’s it.

The campaign states that people successfully completing the challenge claimed to:

•  Start noticing what makes them happy every day;
•  Be in a better mood every day;
•  Start receiving more compliments from other people;
•  Realise how lucky they are to have the life they have;
• Become more optimistic;
• Fall in love during the challenge.

That all sounds pretty great doesn’t it?

The campaign says they’ll even send you a little 100 page book with your 100 happy days at the finish line of the challenge – pretty cool huh?

So what are you waiting for? Register now and start being happier.

confidence is key

“If you’re not happy single, you won’t be happy taken. Happiness comes from within, not from men.”

 

 

 

Being single should be one of the most enjoyable times in your life. And whether you are single right now or not, we all should be at some point in our lives.
The freedom, the choices, and the options are endless. As long as you have the confidence to claim it and celebrate it, you’ll spend your time living the exact life you want. Follow this checklist and you’ll be exuding confidence that will knock everyone’s socks off and leave you enjoying every single minute.

Own It

 

Yes, you’re single and thank goodness! Make a conscious choice everyday to revel in the benefits of being on your own. Instead of allowing your married friends or family members to pity you, have a lovely comeback that exudes your confidence and sense of humor. This will immediately demonstrate that being single is just as much of a choice as being married. After all, the possibilities are truly endless, and who knows what intriguing bachelor you might meet tomorrow.

 

Accept All Invitations

 

 

The beauty of being single is that you don’t have to coordinate schedules. With that in mind, accept all invitations, even if they are to an art exhibit you haven’t the foggiest idea about. By keeping an open mind and stepping into new and different situations, you are exposing yourself to new avenues for inspiration and networking with all types of people. These connections could lead to a new job, a new travel destination, a new friend, or maybe a potentially a new love. Consider it a broadening of your education, and welcome it. Who knows when your knowledge of Andy Warhol paintings may come in handy?
 

Pursue Your Passions

 

Feel fortunate to have the opportunity to explore what makes you lose all track of time. So often people choose a profession at an age when they don’t even know what makes their heart sing. While you may already have a career that is well on track, don’t be afraid to start up a blog, open a small business or explore your hobbies more deeply. After all, a confident woman is a woman who knows herself.

 

Be Well-Read

 

If you want to feel confident enough to strike up a conversation with almost anyone, know what to talk about. Knowledge comes from doing as well as reading. So pick up that best-seller you’ve heard so much about, gather your girlfriends up and start a monthly book club. If nothing else, it will be a great excuse to catch up.

 

 

 

Know Your Style

 

Nothing exudes more confidence when it comes to first impressions than a woman who walks into a room with her held high and donning fabulously tailored clothes. Regardless of your shape – tall, short, pear, apple, whatever, rock what your mother gave you. If you have amazing hair, take it up a notch by asking your stylist to add just enough pop of highlights and a bit of layers to make even Jennifer Aniston envious. If you have curves to challenge Brigitte Bardot, feel free to flaunt them – a little less in the day and a touch more at night.

 

 

 

Let Go of Limitations

 

The biggest mistake any woman can make is to want something but be too fearful to attempt to achieve it. For example, you might have a beautiful voice, but if you don’t have the gumption to stand up and sing, no one will know. Stand up. Facing your fears builds your confidence. Facing your fears demonstrates that often times the task itself isn’t so daunting after all. It’s the build-up in your head that makes you believe it will be so much more difficult.

Again, as I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I realize that many of my readers are either married or involved with a person they deem to be very significant.  Ultimately, healthy relationships of any kind are the goal whether it be at work, with our family and friends or with our significant other, but I would encourage all of us to be supporters of single women so that we might project it for the amazing experience it can be.  Some of us will choose and have chosen to make this a permanent state, while for others it is only temporary. The idea to always keep in mind is the quote stated above. Happy and contented people create fulfilling and healthy relationships.  Take the time to revel in the opportunity when it presents it self and don’t run away from it, but instead embrace it.

 

 

 

“Being single used to mean nobody wanted you. Now it means you’re pretty sexy and you’re taking your time deciding how you want your life to be and who you want to spend it with.” – Sarah Jessica Parker

 

Have a beautiful Friday everyone, and if you’d like to share your experience of being single and what you were able to revel in and enjoy, I’d love to hear.  Please do share.