When we heard New York’s reigning socialite and debut author Tinsley Mortimer was in town, we hightailed it to her hotel to play dress up and chat chick-lit.

Before entering our set for the day, Voi restaurant, Tinsley’s wardrobe arrived – enough to charter a private jet we might add. It becomes clear, Tinsley is not one to under pack and we’re thrilled as row after row of candy-coloured cocktail dresses are displayed for us to fawn over.

All glossy blonde locks, gleaming skin and pocket-sized proportions, the author slash handbag designer is anything but the girl-next-door. Oozing movie star glamour, Tinsley happily obliged when we asked her to play doll for the day and show us her favourite party looks.


Sequin peplum dress by Fendi
Black heels by Fendi
Watch by Glam Rock
Jewellery by Lia Sophia


Orange crystal dress by Lorena Sarbu
Gold heels by Brian Atwood
Jewellery by Kenneth Jay Lane


Powder blue crystal dress by Lorena Sarbu
Silver heels by Christian Louboutin


Draped gold down by DAS
Cocktail ring by River Island

Over coffee and croissants, EW sat down with NY’s favourite bubbly blonde to discuss books, beauty and how to look your best for parties…

How do you feel about being dubbed a ‘socialite’?

It can have a negative connotation but I understand that people want to put a label on me. However it’s hard because I do actually work and have always had jobs. I don’t lead this life of leisure and luxury by just lunching and shopping all the time, I would love too but I don’t!

How would you describe your personal style?

I’m a total girly girl. I love dresses in bright colours with puff sleeves and sparkle. If I could live in a hot pink gown, I would.

What’s in your clutch on a night out?

I wear false lashes so I always carry Duo eyelash glue. I also love the Bobbi Brown Concealer, Dior Show Blackout Mascara and a pink lip-gloss.

What’s your quick-fix trick to looking groomed?

The Klorane Dry Hair Shampoo is brilliant, it adds volume and texture. It also makes your blow-dry last an extra day.

What’s your pre-party preening routine?

I’ll put on some music, have a hot bath and take my time and if it’s a big event I’ll go to the hair salon but I usually do my own make-up.

What style advice do you swear by?

Never leave the house unless you feel beautiful. I see so many girls fidgeting, tugging at their tops or pulling up their dress and asking ‘do I look okay?’ and you can tell it’s ruining their night. So always feel good in what you are wearing. For me, that usually means a strapless cocktail dress as I’m smaller on top than bottom.

What’s currently on your party playlist?

Anything that’s fun dance music, David Guetta is great and I always listen to Rihanna’s latest tracks.

What is the best party you’ve ever been too?

Definitely the Vanity Fair Oscar bash in Hollywood. Everywhere I looked there was a major star, your turning around and there’s Madonna and there’s Angelina Jolie. It’s funny, celebrities are always so much shorter than you would think, I was tall next to some of them!

What spots have you hit whilst in Dubai?

I was in Mahiki on Tuesday night which was fun, I had the Treasure Chest. I’ve also been to Okku and of course Mall of the Emirates – I just had to see this indoor ski slope! I’ve been so busy working that I want to come back for a holiday and really experience everything.

What’s next in line for you?

I’m focusing on my book and reaching an international market. Next I want to take it to New Zealand, England…everywhere! I would love to write more and the novel has an open ending, so maybe a sequel. My main character in the book, Minty has a lot more stories to tell so perhaps we’ll do a Minty comes to Dubai!

Southern Charm by Tinsley Mortimer is available exclusively to Jashanmal Bookstores Dhs119 (04) 3406789

Photography Vikram Gawde
Stylists Annah Cuthbert and Elizabeth Whiston Dew
Assisted by Alexandra Venison

A special thanks to Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on The Palm Jumeriah