Currently Coveting :: Playful Pastels

Hello all, 

I am writing this post from my brother's apartment in sunny ol' London. Yes, that was a joke. I am freezing. I'm told it's warm for this time of year, but I've never been good with cold weather, and after 18 months in Asia, it feels like the arctic.

I am sat wearing leg warmers and a fluffy Russian hat. (in edition to regular winter clothes #keepitclean) as it is cold, cold, COLD! I won't have to worry about styling any resort wear for myself for the next few weeks. But ...if … like a lot of my friends you happen to be in warmer climates – this post is for you!

I've had such great feed back from my styling posts on instagram that I decided to expand them to a blog post, and include more details about the products. 

So, here we go... 

I am currently coveting - pastels!

Playful Pastels

I adore this Dolce & Gabbana swimsuit. The piece is lined and structured in a retro style. It reminds me of a ballet leotard and therefore fond memories from my childhood ballet lessons.

Check the double stitching.

 

The shorts are Rag & Bone's cotton-chambray shorts. They have an adjustable drawstring, elasticated waist and convenient side pockets. making them perfect to throw over swimwear to cover up whilst eating or en route to your adventure. 

The shoes are by Manebi, a Spanish company, that specialises in handmade espadrilles with unique designs. I love the colour of these shoes, and the laces give them a 'sporty twist' that espadrilles don't usually have. You could definitely rock these shoes during the day, and well into the night. 

You can wear two swim pieces in one day right? I think you could - a quick costume change never hurt anyone. The colours of this Etro bikini are so pretty, and would coordinate fabulously with the accessories. I also like that it has an adjustable back and bottoms so you can ensure a great fit.

This bikini is also reversible. You have the above Etro signature print, plus a green and blue graphic print. It's two bikinis in one!

I've also included this beautiful bag by Kara - an NYC based brand that I recently discovered. It's made from lavender leather and has two straps; so you could wear it as a back pack, or just slung over one shoulder. So elegant and perfect for storing your sunglasses, purse and other necessities.

 

The sweat shirt is Adidas by Stella McCartney. This Antique Rose piece would be perfect to throw on once the temperature starts to drop. That way you can sport the 'preppy' look into the evening. It would also work well as a post gym jacket.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post. All constructive feed back is welcome, just comment below!

STOCKISTS

SWIMSUIT :: Dolce & Gabbana   BIKINI :: Etro   SHORTS :: Rag & Bone  

Bag  :: Kara  SWEATSHIRT :: Adidas by Stella McCartney

If you would like a glimpse into my life then feel free to add me on instagram - this is my personal page It mainly features pictures of food I've cooked / ordered, and pictures of me and my friends enjoying life. 

My lifestyle page is  @lifeofhaylanhall This is where I post pictures related to luxury living, resort wear, high end design and motivational quotes for fellow boss babes. That is until my own bikini collection launches early 2016, then this will be the business page. So follow me and join my adventure!

Love

EHH

xxx

Top tips to make your flight more awesome

I love to travel.

But I hate to fly.

The thought of hurtling through the sky encased in a metal tube, 1000's of feet above the ground terrifies me. I hate knowing that my life is in someone else's hands, and if something goes wrong, there's not a lot I can do about it.

I know statistically that if anything were to go wrong, it's most likely to happen during take off. Once we are at cruising level and the seat belt sign turns off - my anxiety returns to a somewhat normal level.

I recently read Travis Barkers autobiography which detailed his experience of surviving a plane crash where he lost four friends. Amazing book from one of the worlds best drummers – but as I am flying home this weekend, I wish I'd chosen a different week to pick it up.

Many people love flying, I'm just not one of those people. So this blog post is all about the little things I do to make the flying experience as stress free as possible.

Seat Guru

Enter your flight details on this website and you can view the seating plan for your plane, and read individual reviews for each seat. Reviews include details of the proximity to the toilets and gallery, missing windows, and compromised leg room – all aspects that may decrease your flight enjoyment. With this information, you will never pick a bad seat again. Unfortunately there is no prediction where the screaming babies will sit - or where the single hotties will be. They should look into this...

Unfortunately it doesn't show who you will be sitting next to

Upgrade Yourself

If you are flying long haul, then business and first class are the best ways to fly. If you have yet to make your millions or your company is on the cheap side you can always try your hand at 'blagging' a free upgrade. I followed this advice and got upgraded to business class on my flight from Dubai to Bangkok. #score If economy is full, they will start bumping people up to business class. Make sure you always collect your air miles as frequent flyers will always be looked on more favourably – it also helps to dress the part. Not convinced? Just ask Jennifer Aniston...

The Airport Lounges

I am a member of Priority Pass. This is a subscription service that gives you access to over 850 airport lounges world wide. The lounges are the perfect place to relax and refresh before a flight and take advantage of the complimentary drinks and food. As a nervous flyer I find a drink (or two) helps relieve my air plane anxiety and tones down the feeling of impending doom. I'm not a fan of airplane food either so having a tasty meal before I fly means I don't have to play Russian roulette with the in flight meal menu. The lounges are also a great place to shower if you've had a long journey to the airport or just want to take advantage of the spa and beauty treatments on offer. 

Facial Wipes

As soon as I get on a flight I like to take my make up off. The air craft atmosphere is incredibly dehydrating so this allows your skin to breathe and ensures you don't touch down with dried out 'cake-y' make up. The wipes are also great to have to combat sticky fingers, or any spills that occur during turbulence.

Herb Day Cleansing Tissues, The Face Shop

Facial Mist

I always like to have a facial mist handy. It keeps your skin from drying out as well as a welcome 'pick me up' during long flights. This L'Occitane spray is my favourite as it has a lovely aromatic smell. 

Angelica Hydration Facial Mist, L'Occitane

Comfy Clothing

If you are going to be sitting down for an extended amount of time, comfortable clothes are a must. My flying uniform is leggings and a comfy top. I get cold very easily so I always bring a cardigan in case the air con is overpowering. Thick woolly socks are a favourite of mine too as they keep my feet toasty and I find sitting without shoes more comfortable. I bring the socks in my handbag and put them on once airborne, just in case flight socks aren't provided. 

Falke Ladies Striggings Cable Knee High Socks

Coconut Water

I love coconut water. It's even more hydrating then regular water so perfect to replenish your liquid levels whilst flying – think about it – less time will be spent in the airplane lavatories or queuing for the lavatories – plus it tastes great I always pick up a few cartons before boarding. Don't do it before security or you will be asked to toss your coconuts. 

Vita Coco, Coconut Water

If you have any other flying tips then please comment below. I am wishing you a safe and pleasant flight for all those travelling home for the holidays.

EHH

xxx

Currently Coveting :: PRISM London

There has been a distinct lack of posts on my blog recently. 

I apologise. 

I've been going through a 'less than peachy' time. I guess no one feels like sharing their life with anyone when it seems like everything is falling apart.

Well I've managed to super glue that shiz-nit back together.

I've cut loose the idiot screwing up the launch of Haylan Hall swimwear, and I've moved house to a happy home - complete with an awesome house mate (he's making me fresh coffee as I'm typing this, too cute right?) so I'm back to my usual self and ready to take over the world. #evilcackle

I'm going to start a weekly post titled 'Currently Coveting' which details my latest discovery - whether it be fashion, food or 'what ever the hell got me hyped that week.'

After experiencing first hand how much time, energy and money goes into launching a product, I have so much respect for anyone striking out on their own. I've also found myself paying more attention to the design and quality of items on offer - as well as the background of the company producing them. As consumers, I think we often underestimate the power we have to 'vote with our money' when choosing who to purchase from. With this in mind I'm making a conscious effort to support fellow entrepreneurs and purchasing from them. #SorryZara

So this week I am Currently Coveting :: PRISM London

I came across the brand while perusing net-a-porter.com It was this bikini top that caught my eye. 

Praslin in Terracotta

I love a good under wire top that can be bought separately from the bottoms - AKA a bikini that actually fits me. Plus, the straps are removable which is perfect to avoid tan lines when one is sun bathing. I think it would look amazing accessorised with gold jewellery if you were heading to a beach party.

So not content with finding one beautiful piece, I googled and found the PRISM website. Turns out they have lots of other lovely items too - and all named after dream holiday destinations.

Lanikai & Formentera in Mint

St. Barts in Champagne

Praslin & Biarritz in Antarctique

St. Tropez & Hollywood in Pink Speckle

...a bit of Ol' history

PRISM was launched in 2009, originally as an eye wear company. It was Founder/Creative Director Anna Laub's obsession with functionality and attention to detail that inspired the minimal aesthetic quality in her products.

Brooklyn Sunglasses - available for pre-order

The range then expanded to beachwear and swimwear to beach bags and espadrilles; all the while maintaining the same ethos – to make luxury products that are equally functional as they are beautiful.

These have to be my favourite pieces from the SS15 collection. The colour is so opulent. Perfect with a golden tan. 

I love the simple clean lines. Viewing this collection gave me the same sense of serenity I get whilst shopping in Muji. It's that minimalist, 'I don't need anything but the essentials, because I am always enough' ethos. I like that.

I will be checking out the PRISM store in London when I'm back, for sure.

EHH
xxx

Web: www.prismlondon.com/

Store: 54 Chiltern street, London, W1U 7QX, UK

REVIEW: Cove Beach, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai

I finally made it to Cove Beach at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel this weekend. I've been meaning to pay a visit to this beach club after it opened earlier this year but, in Dubai, there is always another new venue coined 'the it place' or another fancy restaurant opening so one's social calendar gets filled rather darn quickly.

Anyway, Mr A has a standing reservation at Cove every week; so Miss Y, Mr M and I decided to join him for some rose in the sun. 

Well hello there...

 

We walk into Cove - the relaxed chill-out music is at a perfect volume level and you can't help notice the well-heeled and stylish clientele. Dubai – the Cove is clearly where the beautiful people are at.

We meander past the swimming pool nestled under the restaurant stairs and where eight bronzed, six-pack clad 'Adonis types' are posing with their cocktails. I'm enjoying the view, but am also slightly intimidated – like I accidentally stumbled into the Brazilian football team's locker room.

Perhaps a drink first....

We wander through and find Mr A and his friends. We order a bottle from Cove Beach's original Rosés de Provence.

Aerial view of Cove Beach

I'm admiring Miss Y's coral Vix bikini and make a mental note that it might just be time to treat myself to a new bikini.

I'm really impressed by this place. It has everything. The beach; a pool; music; several bar areas; and a restaurant where families, and couples, are enjoying a leisurely lunch. I wander down the beach and look out over the Arab gulf. The sun bounces off the Burj Al Arab making a stunning back-drop. 

I see you Burj!

Pool & Restaurant -  minus the Adonis's (sorry)

Restaurant Interior

I check out the menu, which is a tantalising trip around Italy and the south of France. Grilled fish, steak, as well as fresh pastas and inspiring salad combinations. I silently curse myself for eating before I arrived.

Over 30 minutes have passed and my rose hand is still empty. It's really not busy enough to warrant this kind of wait.

I inform Yvonne that should I die waiting for our drinks I wish to be buried in the wine cellar located in the back of the restaurant. She agrees. Patience is a virtue I am still working on...

The wine arrives but not glasses. DOH!

We eventually get the glasses and sample the rose – which is lovely. Thankfully, after that wait.

The rest of the table ordered food (and I believe the whole menu) and it all looks delicious. Brightly-coloured fresh ingredients and creamy pasta dishes. 

Looks almost good enough to eat ;-)

More food!

Mr M and Miss Y place their order and we sit around enjoying the sun and soaking up the atmosphere. 

The beef

It's a slightly older crowd than Blue Marlin and Eden – and the atmosphere reflects this. All they need to do is sort the service out and the day would have been perfect. Its a beautiful venue with a lovely vibe. 

 

You can almost see the six-packs from here!

... almost

View from the water

Cove Beach's atmosphere is described as “better than your favourite beach restaurant between Cannes and Portofino. So, put your darkest shades on, as we re-interpret the Riviera glow.”

It's a pretty accurate description.

I am very much looking forward to visiting again - hopefully next week.

EHH
xxx

Cove Beach

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Web: www.covebeach.com

Facebook:  CoveBeachDubai 

Instagram: @CoveBeachDubai 

Twitter: @CoveBeachDubai 

The Hamptons Cafe

Um suquiem 1, Villa 12, Road 8, Dubai

Web: www.hamptonsdubai.com/

Facebook: TheHamptonsCafe

Twitter: @HamptonsCafeUAE
Instagram: @TheHamptonsDubai

Opening times: Sunday - Saturday 8am - 1am 

- See more at: http://www.emmahaylanhall.blogspot.ae/2015/09/lunch-at-hamptons-cafe.html#sthash.Jr0HNYVM.dpuf

The Hamptons Cafe

Um suquiem 1, Villa 12, Road 8, Dubai

Web: www.hamptonsdubai.com/

Facebook: TheHamptonsCafe

Twitter: @HamptonsCafeUAE
Instagram: @TheHamptonsDubai

Opening times: Sunday - Saturday 8am - 1am 

- See more at: http://www.emmahaylanhall.blogspot.ae/2015/09/lunch-at-hamptons-cafe.html#sthash.Jr0HNYVM.dpuf

REVIEW: Lunch at The Hamptons Cafe

Emma is not a morning Bear.

I don't do mornings unless I have to.

If there is a legit reason to be up before the sun then I can manage that. Valid reasons include

1. holidays
2. holidays
3. holidays

I therefore thoroughly impressed myself by making it to an early morning yoga class ON A WEEKEND with Mr G.

After conquering our Bikram session, like true morning bosses, we jump in the car, aka the 'G mobil', and set off to reward our healthy yogi bodies with an epic breakfast. We swing round the marina and pick up Yorkie from her place and try to decide on a suitable venue worthy of our presence.

Yorkie: My friends have been raving about this new place called 'The Hamptons'

We 'google map it' and find that 'The Hamptons Cafe' is a 15 minute car ride from marina.

EHH: Umm.... that's far guys.

Yorkie: It's not.

EHH. Yeah you are right. Lets go.

We head down the Jumeirah Beach Road and pull up in front of a three storey white building supporting a quaint little sign that reads 'The Hamptons Cafe'

Hamptons Cafe, Dubai

“We are here!!!!” I shriek! And throw myself out of the 'G Mobile' and into the desert sun (I really hate being in cars)

The building is super cute with an old fashioned wedding car sat outside. #picturetime

Me on the outside of a car

After my photo shoot we head inside and are immediately intrigued by the deco. If you spend any longer than 6 months in Dubai you will understand how hard it is to be impressed by anything here. We are inherently spoilt on views, service, and pretty much anything else your heart could wish for.

The Hamptons has a clean white nautical theme is a stark contrast from the usual slick glitzy venues. Smiles from Mr G and Yorkie echo my thoughts - Its so pretty in here! 

We head up one level and are seated at a quaint table by the window and are promptly handed iPads with digital menus. I'm a nerdy tech lover, but if you can't order via an ipad I see little point of them. I'm also not a fan of pictures on menus ...however, the photographic quality is impeccable and the visuals are actually making me hungry. There is a breakfast section, sandwiches, salads, many main courses and desserts. I'm having a hard time deciding. It all looks so good. 

High tech menu time

We order drinks and the presentation is too cute for words.

Jasmine Green Tea. Note the cute egg timer on the left

Coffee for a captain?

Then disaster strikes! We are informed they are only serving from the breakfast menu until 12:15pm That's 25 minutes away! 

AHHHH!

After much (read MUCH MUCH), debate we had all selected dishes not from the breakfast section.

We just did 26 jedi bikram poses in a 40 degrees studio. Do you not understand we want to eat, like, NOW!?

Drats.

We rationally decide to order some bread to tide us over.

A beautiful selection arrives with butter and preserves and they happily served our request to toast a few of the slices with absolutely no fuss.

I take the spare time to explore the venue. First the bathrooms...

Judge a place by the bathrooms?

I then head up to the top floor and the view is beautiful – a panoramic view over the white villas of Dubai with a desert background. #pretty I take some pictures. I come back down and Yorkie decides (after seeing my picture slideshow) we should relocate upstairs as it's surprisingly empty. The waiter then informs us that all tables are reserved. God damn regulars and their 'in the know' knowledge. #nexttime #forsure

Beaten to the best tables

The Hamptons Café describes itself as a venue with “informal, casual etiquette serving creatively fine cuisine with a touch of gastronomic audacity.” with food “rooted in the European and American vein with an underlying touch of the Hamptons casual refinement. These sentiments ring true and are reflected in the food, the venue and also the dress code of their staff.

Mister Manager

After my exploration I sit back down and catch up on the latest with Mr G and Yorkie. The food eventually arrives. The wait was a little longer than seemed necessary (even after the 12:15 lunch time wait) and we were so hungry that ever time the kitchen door opens we were whipping our heads back and forth like tennis crazed Pavlovs dogs.

However, it was well worth the wait...

We drank:

Banana Strawberry Smoothie

Iced Black Americano

Jasmine Green Tea

Skinny Cappuccino

We ate:

Air - dried Spanish beef crostini with aged parmesan, home made onion marmalade, rocket and blue cheese cream

Italian burrata crustini, cherry tomatoes on the vine, home made basil pesto & rocket

Buttermilk fried chicken with home-made slaw and triple-cooked chips

Sweet potato wedges

The ingredients in both crostini dishes were exceptionally fresh and complimented each other beautifully.

I feel icky when I eat too much bread so I ended up scooping my topping off the brown whole wheat toasted crostini. I curse myself for not ordering an entire buratta on its own as the cheese was so creamy and delicious with the basil pesto.

My burrata crostini

Spanish beef crostini

Yorkie loved her air dried Spanish crostini which was picture perfect when it arrived. The buttermilk chicken had a crispy flavorsome batter coating the succulent pieces – and was of such an epic portion Mr G couldn't finish it. I took him up on his offer of a taste and quickly crowned it the winning dish on the table.

Buttermilk Chicken

I would recommend ordering a few dishes for the table, especially if you go for main courses, and sharing them. This way you can sample all the beautiful dishes The Hamptons Cafe has on offer. Or ... you could just come more than once – which is exactly my plan.  

The damage

The Hamptons Cafe

Um suquiem 1, Villa 12, Road 8, Dubai

Web: www.hamptonsdubai.com/

Facebook: TheHamptonsCafe

Twitter: @HamptonsCafeUAE
Instagram: @TheHamptonsDubai

Opening times: Sunday - Saturday 8am - 1am