The top ten for 2013: What’s hot and what’s not

Follow the fash-pack in 2013 London – Caroline Kent Arabstoday has devised a list of must-dos in style, beauty, and fabulous living for the upcoming year. Read on for the top ten products, designers and dining on our radar for 2013. -What we'll try: The new all-in-one miracle product
Developed in by the ever forward-thinking beauty experts of Korea and due to hit shelves in London in 2013, the CC cream is an improved and refined version of the BB or 'blemish balm' cream. It is a 'Colour Control' system, which treats and covers uneven skin tones with a lighter texture which allows for smoother application with a less oily finish, while remaining extremely nourishing to the skin. It also contains a high SPF rating to ensure protection from damaging UVA and UVB rays.
-What we won't try: Keratin Straightening Systems
Experts have long been concerned about keratin treatments also known the 'Brazilian blow-dry'. But as of 2013, the biggest manufacturers of the treatment will issue a warning about the carcinogenic effects of the formaldehyde gas that is emitted when the product is mixed.
-What we'll eat: 'Dude food' is going down
Loading up on carbs and meat is seen as so much more acceptable in the face of recession. Hands up if at some point in 2012 you have uttered the phrase "If I'm paying £20 for a plate of food, I want it to last until next Wednesday"? Be ashamed. And then be pleased to find out that dude food, all be it corn-fed and organically grown, will fizzle out in 2013. Wave goodbye to Pitt Cue co., Patty and Bun, and MEATliquor.
That's not to say this new breed of reasonably priced and non-judgmental democratic dining will die out, just that there will be some more refined options. 2012 was the year cuisine to a cue from the USA, but 2013 will see us head south of the border. Self-assured and unstuffy, the haute food for this New Year is South American. We'll see you in Soho at Peruvian kitchen Ceviche or haute-Mexican La Bodegra Negra.
-What we'll wear: Emerald City
It's official, the design-industry colour authority Pantone announced the top colour trend for 2013 is Emerald Green. Pantone described the choice as, "Lively. Radiant. Lush. A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony." After 2012's tangerine, green will probably prove to be a more universally appealing choice in the worlds of fashion, interiors and design, which all use Pantone's trend-forecast internationally to inform their tonal choices in the year ahead."It is the most abundant hue in nature-the human eye sees more green than any other colour in the spectrum," Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, said in a statement. "This powerful and universally-appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors."
-Who we'll wear: Huishan Zhang
Born in Qingdao, China, Huishan is a graduate of world-renowned Central Saint Martins in London. During his time studying, he worked for a year at Dior, including six months in the couture atelier before founding his label upon graduation. He describes his signature style as "Chinese tradition meets Western influence and modernity." Arabstoday describes it as: confident, feminine, cultured and elegant. His time with Dior was evident throughout his spring/ summer 2013 collection so prepare to lust over his designs for autumn/winter at the upcoming London Fashion Week
-Where we'll see and be seen:
In Beirut, it's all about Ferdinand on Mahatma Gandhi Steet; a tiny, hip, Hamra bar which oozes character from its' red-walled interior. If their famous cocktails go to your head get stuck in to their gorgeous food, Arabstoday recommends the burgers topped with blueberry jam- surprisingly yummy.
Meanwhile in London, according to party planner Jason Scott, we should get on the waiting list for members clubs No.6 Eight and Blacks. Scott also revealed: "1980's themed Maggie's down Fulham road will be big. It's all about retro-chic and the golden age of clubbing for 2013. For nostalgia there are few places better than China White or The Playboy club." For Dubai-ites he recommends the theatrically themed Cirque du Soir, "it's all about 'the experience' for party people this year, and for that you can't beat Cirque de Soirs' midget waiters and fire-breathing cage-dancers!"
Travel blogger Kevin Sayers recommends our Marrakech readers head to the Churchill Bar at La Mamounia "few hotels are more glamorous and romantic than La Mamounia. After a facelift from French architect and designer Jacques Garcia (the man behind the Hôtel Costes in Paris) the hotel is back on top. Soak up the site of hundreds of 300-year-old olive trees as you stroll though the gardens, which date back to the reign of Sultan Sidi Mohammed bin Abdallah before retiring to the sultry Churchill Bar for live jazz, cigars and whisky. It's tarty, dark, and a little bit too much You'll love it."
-What we'll watch: The Carrie Diaries
After bidding a fond farewell to Gossip Girl in 2012, The Carrie Diaries is the new upcoming American television drama everyone is talking about. A prequel to the HBO television series Sex and the City, the series takes place in 1984, when life wasn't so sweet for a young Carrie Bradshaw, played by Anna-Sophia Robb.
-What we'll attend: Less is more
The Art fair merry-go-round spun out of control in 2012 with satellite pop-ups and spin-off auctions seemingly occurring every week. Its expected dealers will cut back spending on fairs in 2013. This year will be about niche internationality- we recommend picking what you really want to see from the newbies on offer from frieze this coming year: Melbourne, Rio and Lima, we're coming for you.
 -What we'll talk about: The baby boom
Kate Middleton, Kim Kardashian, Claire Daynes, Jessica Simpson, Gisele Bundchen. As the list of yummy mummies expands everyday it seems increasingly likely that an amniotic sac will be the hottest accessory in 2013.
-How we'll get in shape: The Beauty Detox
US nutritionist Kimberly Snyder created food-plans for Drew Barrymore and Fergie with complex and strict green-centric principles (zero gluten or dairy) as outlined in her new book, The Beauty Detox Solution. Dita Von Teese is an outspoken fan of the regime and recommends trying it alongside pilates. It's not a diet (we all know by now that diets are unproductive and unrewarding) but instead it's billed as a 'lifestyle choice', the focus isn't on counting calories or losing weight but on achieving glowing skin, shiny hair, and healthy digestion. The food-pairing rules (starch only with vegetables, protein never with starch, fruit on an empty stomach) take a little getting used to but eventually become second nature. However, we might give the 'no coffee' rule a miss.