Tomboy in the Middle East

Hey ladies! I've been a bit behind on my blog reading lately because I've been on a biz trip to Dubai last week - I'm planning to catch up on your stylish ensembles this week!

Speaking of Dubai, I've been lucky enough that business travel has taken me to the most metropolitan of cities in the UAE more than once and it is always a pleasure to revisit. I can't ever find a good way to describe Dubai in words - it's like the Middle East version of Las Vegas or Miami, sans the alcohol, gambling and not-so-dressed chicks - granted you still can get alcohol and I won't even discuss the other two!

Blazer: J.Crew herringbone hacking (worn here - sim, sim, black)
Shirt: Lands' End Canvas oxford (worn here - sim, sim, deal)
Pants: J.Crew factory skimmer in wool (sim, cotton)
Belt: J.Crew embossed (sim, sim)
Necklace: J.Crew coated stone (worn here - sim, simpler, deal)
Shoes: Vince Camuto signature rekha (same in black patent)
Bag: Dooney & Bourke (worn here - sim, sim, sim)

 

Here are some camera phone pics from my trip and random musings -

World's tallest - the Burj Khalifa, by date and night.

Near my hotel, they set up a small cultural area open to the public. Everyone was welcome to come in, take their shoes off, and catch some shade or a snooze! / Alcohol is only sold in restaurants and bars attached to hotels in Dubai, so locals are heavily into afternoon tea when they are out and about. Which means they are also serious about some good-looking treats - nuts, dried fruits and some almost too pretty to eat chocolates. / Three-story waterfall sculpture in the corner of a mall? Of course! It's Dubai! More is more!

In keeping with the concept of "more is more," these are some of just the normal offerings in Dubai's many malls - the aquarium and indoor skating rink at the Dubai Mall and Ski Dubai at the Mall of the Emirates (yes, it's an indoor ski resort in the middle of the desert, and yes, it literally smells like a fridge in there!).

Modes of transport in Dubai include the water taxis by Old Town - cheap, very convenient and kind of scary to get on and off). / The Metro where you can get a one-day pass for about $4. Stations and trains are very modern and clean - even the station bathrooms are non-cringe worthy - and trains are often faster than taxis if you're traveling during rush hour. However, the trains are pretty much always crowded, so don't be shy about squeezing in - though you could pay more for access to the VIP car (the first car on every train) or if you're a gal with no male company, you can ride on the all-female car (the second car) which is also usually less crowded. / And how materials get moved around throughout the Middle East and North Africa - these tiny cargo ships that load and unload everyday right by Old Town.

The Dubai police showing off their prized Bugatti patrol car - try outrunning that! /  Just some of the modern architecture along the city's main thoroughfare, Sheikh Zayed Road. Everything's so gleaming, new and unusual it's like you've wandered into the future. / Old style charm (built new, of course) right next to the Dubai Mall.