November, the month of jewels

Every year Bahrain hosts Jewellery Arabia, claimed to be Middle East’s biggest and most prestigious jewelry and watch exhibition. The 22nd exhibition in a row will take place at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre from the 19th to the 23rd November 2013. Admission is free of charge to trade and public visitors but mind that children under 16 years of age are not admitted, even if accompanied by their parents (bling-bling not for naughty kids I suppose!). My favorite participant is Chopard and I was promised that I will get to see their newest collection of watches and jewelry so I will be hopefully writing soon on the highlights of the exhibition.

Additionally, a set of complimentary seminars on precious and semiprecious stones and jewelry shopping are offered, conducted by the Gemological Institute of America, and they seem quite interesting to attend, my focus turns on diamonds and pearls. For the full schedule of the seminars click here

As much as I love precious stones and expensive jewelry, I consider faux jewelry an affordable everyday luxury that compliments any outfit.  Last Tuesday me and Dona visited another -in budget- jewelry exhibition in Saar, or Xmas jewelry party as Liz wished to call it. A costume jewelry designer, Liz Ceaplen, showcased her work of  bracelets, necklaces, earrings and ornamented scarves in a party atmosphere where ladies enjoyed their time having a drink, chatting and shopping Liz’s creations. Nice work Liz!

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Liz wearing one of her beautifully made scarves
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earrings and necklaces
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Liz’s creations
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Lots of colorful bracelets

A “click” with a click from Département Féminin

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Back home and to my routine with lots to share with you from my vacation in the US and Greece. But before doing so, I must write about my latest buy as it had arrived home the day after I left for Greece and it was waiting for me for quite some time.
As soon as I saw the box – a white plain postal box sealed as a castle – I realized it would need my full attention to examine its contents. Something would keep me looking at it for a few hours sitting next to my desk, making me believe I should only open it without any distractions, in pure sanctity. I was asked at least three times: “Won’t you open this box? What is in it?” But I would ignore the voices and keep on with my chores. My feeling paid off – What a delight it was opening it after everybody went in bed. I felt like a kid sneaking under the christmas tree and opening my present early in the morning away from all the curious eyes.
It took a knife and some hard ripping to open the box. Once I opened it a rosy-musky smell reached my nose but couldn’t figure out where it came from, until I saw a little envelope with a beautiful thank you card. Then I had to remove a lot of paper protection from inside the box to find what looked like a smaller box with the shop’s name and logo: Département Féminin. Finally I realized there were two paper bags, one inside the other shaping a box. Inside them there was the final box I was looking for: “Balenciaga.” My Balenciaga Click was here!

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I found Département Féminin when I was looking for a Balenciaga Compagnon wallet. My old one has been torn off but can’t part it, I want it replaced first. I didn’t find what I was looking for, but when I saw this cutie on their website, I simply could not resist. I was puzzled in the beginning as it seemed I couldn’t add anything in my online cart but once I contacted them, Chrystalla was more than simply helpful to explain to me that I would first have to create an account with them and let them know by email before I go on with my order. It couldn’t be easier and minutes later I was checking out with my Balenciaga Click. Shipment arrived on time and their packaging showed how much they value their clients. I had a wonderful shopping experience, as it had been promised by Chrystalla, and can’t thank them enough!
The luxury boutique Département Féminin is situated at Toulouse, France and carries a wide selection of clothing, shoes, bags and accessories from some of the most famous fashion houses and designers. You should definitely have a look at their precious goods and take advantage of their free worldwide shipping service offered until August 31st! Plus TAX-FREE shopping for shipping in the Gulf!
So, what are you waiting for?
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