A novel Olympia Le Tan clutchbag.
A novel Olympia Le Tan clutchbag.

M is all about: Literary influences



The Wizard of Oz

Everybody who has read the book probably noticed that Dorothy's shoes were, in fact, silver, not red - and this year's A/W 2011 collections are booming with all things metallic. Bags, shoes, accessories and even clothing are glossy, shiny and molten-looking. At the top of our must-have list are these Mary Janes from Miu Miu, perfect when paired with spotty socks and a simple frock.

Approximately Dh1,535, check www.net-a-porter.com for availability

Boardwalk Empire

One of this year's coolest TV series is based on the novel Boardwalk Empire, which is set in Atlantic City, New Jersey during Prohibition. It has also has some of the best costume design ever to be seen on the small screen. We couldn't get enough of the characters' 1920s clothing: pin-striped three-piece suits, bow ties, fringed dresses and headpieces. These rings are part of a set called The Gang by Marmar and contain all the key elements to being part of the Boomtown crew. Dh2,775, S*uce, Marina Mall, 02 681 8650; Village Mall, 04 344 7270; Dubai Mall, 04 339 969

Confessions of a Shopaholic

How many of us Googled "Denny & George scarf" when we first read Confessions of a Shopaholic only to find out that the designers are purely fictional? Fear not, as this classic Brides de Gala par Hermès silk scarf, emblazoned with its famous bridle print and dip-dyed green (a nod to the film version) is not only real, but also surely an inspired substitute for the literary version. Our heroine Becky Bloomwood, famous for landing in hot water, financial and otherwise, transformed herself into an internationally acclaimed personal finance columnist known simply as "The Girl in the Denny & George Scarf" after her indulgent purchase. Who will you become with your Hermès scarf?

Dh3,570, Hermès, BurJuman Centre, 04 351 1190; Dubai Mall, 04 330 8385

Memoirs of a Geisha

Heartbreak, love, falling cherry blossoms, an exotic and pictorial Japan - we oohed and aahed while reading this bittersweet novel for the first time. The plight of the beautiful Sayuri, one of Japan's most celebrated geishas - a woman who is performer and courtesan, slave and goddess - had us both smiling and crying. Now even our homes can have a touch of a geisha, with this cute dish brush cleverly dressed in a "kimono" kitchen cloth.

Dh68, Harvest Home, The Jumeirah Centre, 04 342 0225

Peter Pan

If the runway collections are any indication of what to wear come winter, then Peter Pan collars are a must. We're not talking about the kind that you wore as a little girl; this season the trend is for adults. This gold necklace version will work over a casual shirt and skinny jeans for day (make sure to button the shirt all the way to the top), and over a round neck dress for evening.

Approximately Dh5,300, Louis Vuitton, Marina Mall, 02 681 2166; Dubai Mall, 04 330 8060; and elsewhere

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake

On the eve of her ninth birthday, Rose Edelstein bites into her mother's home-made lemon-chocolate cake and discovers she has a magical gift: she can taste her mother's emotions in the slice. We love this heartwarming, zesty tale, and are tickling our style taste buds with this adorable Tiffany cupcake charm. It's adorned with coloured gemstones set in 18k yellow and white gold. Dh5,510, available online at www.tiffany.com