A regal return
One of our all-time favourite couturiers is back, and this time he's going high street. Christian Lacroix (whose last collection showed more than two years ago) has teamed up with the Spanish fashion giant Desigual for an autumn collection fit for a queen. Lacroix has used his classic style of bold colours and flashy prints on blazers, coats and Ts for a more wearable aesthetic. We're not sure what we love the most - the printed leggings, the military jacket or the patchwork scarf.
Desigual, Abu Dhabi Mall, 02 671 9975; Dubai Mall, 04 399 9408
Perfectly pale
This season's pastel palette has us in a frenzy of fresh outfits. Chloé is always our go-to brand when it comes to all things beige - they get that 1970s pale just right every time without washing you out. So this bag (in all its peachy taupe glory) was an instant hit with the M fashion team. The buttery soft leather bag can be worn across the body, on the shoulder (with the strap knotted as in photo) or as a clutch with the strap tucked in. Pair it with head-to-toe pale hues and bold lips or eyes for a flash of colour.
Dh4,435, Chloé, Dubai Mall, 04 339 8200; Emirates Towers, 04 330 0700
Picture perfect
The original of this limited edition Audrey Hepburn print by James R Mylne was drawn, much to our surprise, using nothing but blue spray paint and a ballpoint pen. At 55x40cm, it's certainly a step up from the cheesy sketches of celebrities bought by tourists off the street. Show it off in your living or dining room and be the envy of all your friends. But hurry, because almost half of the 100 prints have already been sold.
James R Mylne Limited Edition Print, Dh1,060, available online at Mylne's blog, www.jamesmylne.co.uk
Sweet BabyCakes
We at M would not be surprised if Alamira Noor Bani Hashim told us she is Superwoman. Harvard graduate and urban planner for Masdar City by day, and baker of beautiful and mouth-watering treats by night for her cupcake business, BabyCakes. And she doesn't limit herself to cupcakes: mini cupcakes, ice cream cupcakes and regular cakes, lollycakes in every flavour imaginable, and if it's not on her list, you can make a special request. Best of all; acccording to our fashionable cake sources in the US, the lollycakes (left) are the new cupcake, even if they're almost too beautiful to eat.
BabyCakes, Dh10 for regular cupcake or lollycake, available online at BabyCakes' Facebook page or by e-mail request to babycakesshop@gmail.com
Earth-friendly fashion
These beautiful coral-inspired sarongs by Sophia Rogge can be worn just about any way you can imagine - as a scarf, a beach wrap or even as a light shawl. They're perfect for presents (though we won't blame you for wanting to keep them all to yourself), and there's no need to feel guilty about spending right after your summer holiday. Why? Because besides the sarongs being reasonably priced, 10 per cent of the money from sales goes towards the charity Corals for Conservation. With coral facing extinction by 2030, how can you not afford to buy one?
Sophia Rogge (Kaleida/Blush) Sarong, Dh273, available online at Sophia Rogge, www.sophiarogge.com
Everything in its place
As self-declared neatness nerds, our best friend is Tupperware. You should see just how much we put those plastic boxes to use: to store cotton wool, separate lip glosses from lipsticks, organise jewellery and, of course, pack our lunch. So you could imagine our excitement when we came across these containers at the recently opened Paperchase. They're not only adorable, but also a perfect size to store smaller meals, accessories and beauty bits.
Dh59 for a set of four, Paperchase, Mushrif Mall, 02 673 7804; Dubai Mall, 04 434 1541; and elsewhere
Just cute enough
It's rare to find brooches that don't scream "twee" - there's nothing worse than trying to make an overly cute fashion statement. This one by the Central Saint Martins graduate Disaya Sorakraitkitkul has just the right amount of sweetness and quirkiness. The fine lace print combined with the clashing peach and blue do the trick nicely.
Dh750, Disaya at Bloomingdale's, Dubai Mall, 04 350 5333