Thanks, guys.
I actually went in to look for classic flaps in caviar or lambskin (I was hoping they might have a red-- crazy dreams!), and while I was browsing it caught my eye. I think that when you find a type of bag that you weren't quite looking for and you really love it anyway, it's definitely one for you.
I tried it on with red, white and black outfits (those are really all the colors I wear), and it looked really well with all of them, so I think it will integrate into my wardrobe nicely.
Dubai is a country, but I don't live there, I was just on vacation. I live in Ireland. I can't speak for the people who live there, of course, but I personally felt extremely safe while I was there; it's a wonderful place.
Dubai has a very large ex-pat population from places like Ireland, England and Australia, so it's very Westernized compared to some countries in the Middle East.
I'm not Muslim myself, so I can't claim to understand the religion, but while I was there I saw lots of ladies wearing many different styles of local/religious dress. And so many of them had fabulous purses! I had such a great time purse-spotting while I was over there.
Plus they have one mall there which has the most amazing selection of stores. Chanel, Hermes, Prada, Manolos... all within two minutes walk of one another...! I drove my poor mum crazy in that place.
