Raphael Stevens

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  • 88 Shares

    in beauty and fashion

    The Best Plus-Size Loungewear on the Internet

    “Oh, lounging around the Christmas tree…” that’s how the song goes, right?At the beginning of this year, I loved getting dressed up as much as the next girl; but by now, we know that 2020 had other plans for our OOTD posts. This year, I noticed an immense need to expand the loungewear portion of my wardrobe. I needed (though some may say wanted) more waistbands that didn’t dig into my tummy and blouses that didn’t hug (suffocate) my chest. 
    The good news? Many companies started making cute loungewear. The bad news? A lot of them weren’t making those selections in plus sizes.
    Here’s the truth: the hunt to find cute and comfy loungewear in my size was tough. Luckily for us, challenges like that have never stopped a shopaholic like me; I’ve compiled a list of the trendiest and coziest ‘fits you could dream of. Since we’re friends, I’m sharing them with you below—all you have to do is shop them and get cozy.

      More

  • 125 Shares

    in health and weelbeing

    Do Not Disturb: 5 Vibrators to Spend The Holidays With

    I’ve always been a little bummed about spending the holidays without a significant other. (Why yes, I have been single for every holiday since birth, let’s not discuss.) I’m so lucky to be with my family every year, and I have friends to boot to share the holiday joy with. But there are enough Christmas rom-coms out there to make me wish I had someone to introduce to my family in a chaotic way or worry about what to get them. However, not once have I ever wished that I’d have someone to have sex with, because frankly, my vibrator is better. Listen: it packs so neatly into my luggage, doesn’t require any talks about what to say when my mom asks, “When are you getting married?” and it shuts up the second I click off the off button. Whether you also don’t have a partner or you’re not seeing each other this year, these five vibrators are the next best thing—we might even argue they’re a little better.

    Deluxe Rechargeable Mini Massage Wand Vibrator

    If you’ve never tried a wand vibrator, now’s the time. These magical vibes are entirely for clitoral stimulation, but the large head makes it extra powerful. With seven patterns and 10 intensity levels, you’re bound to find the exact combo you need to have amazing orgasms on your own. It’s available in four colors and USB rechargeable (unlike the original wands you might recognize that plug into the wall—very ‘90s).

    Wild Flower
    Enby Vibrator

    This is the first truly gender neutral vibrator on the market, aptly named the Enby (which is a short term used to describe non-binary). It can be used in a number of ways, making it one of the most versatile vibes I’ve ever seen (and I’m a sex writer—I see a lot of vibrators). You can rub on it, tuck into a harness, place it between you and a partner, and mold it to fit almost any need. It has three speeds and five patterns of vibration and is USB rechargeable—which, if you can’t tell, is a major selling point (who wants to buy batteries?).

    Womanizer Starlet USB Rechargeable Clitoral Stimulator

    This vibrator is a best-seller on The Everygirl, and I can’t even count all the reasons why on one hand. From personal experience, these suction vibrators are the most unique sex toys on the market in recent years because they truly mimic oral sex in a way that makes me worry that finding a partner could become obsolete. This one is special because it’s petite, has four levels of intensity, and is USB rechargeable.

    Fifty Shades of Grey Greedy Girl G-Spot Rabbit Vibrator

    Everyone needs a classic rabbit vibrator in their collection if they receive orgasms from both oral and vaginal stimulation. They can all be pretty similar, but this one caught my eye because it’s luxe and high-quality without an outrageous price tag (sex toys can be astronomically expensive!). This one has two motors for each side, giving you 36 different combinations to achieve your best orgasm.

    Dame Zee Vibrator

    No matter what you’re doing this holiday season, a classic bullet vibrator is nothing short of a good time. This tiny vibe is made from ABS plastic instead of silicone, so it’s really easy to clean, ultra-soft on the body, and can be used with water and silicone-based lube. It’s water-resistant (happy bath season!), and—you guessed it—USB rechargeable. With three speeds, this is all the company you need. More

  • 138 Shares

    in beauty and fashion

    New Year, New ‘Do: 25 Ideas to Inspire Your 2021 Haircut

    There are always a few signs that the new year is coming. Planners stock the shelves. They move all the workout gear to the front of the store. You’re actually considering reading a book instead of binge-watching the new Netflix original. Life feels ever-so-slightly different this time of year. It’s more sanguine, less bleak. Everyone has a bit of cheer in them still, just before we enter the worst-weather days of the year. As you can tell, I’m a fan of the New Year season. There’s change everywhere—just how I like things. But arguably the biggest way to say “new year, new me” without having to actually mutter those cringey words? A new haircut. Our hair is more than just an accessory or a mop on top of our heads; it’s a way we express ourselves. It’s of-the-moment and often shares a bit about who you are to friends, family, strangers, and maybe even yourself (I’ve surprised even myself with some of the hair choices I’ve made over the years). In 2021, a haircut is all of this and more. It’s a way to shed the garbage that was last year… and when you put it that way, well, who wouldn’t make an appointment with their stylist immediately? 
    Whether you’re looking to make a major change, wanting to keep up with some trends, or want a little update for a new year, we’ve found 25 ideas to show your stylist for your next appointment.

    1. Curtain Bangs

    Source: @etchersalon

    source: @emmajeanclarke_

    Source: @marianna_hewitt

    2. Shaggy Bangs

    Source: @charlottedalessio

    3. Asymmetrical Bob

    Source: @soothingsista

    4. Mid-Length

    Source: @cocobassey

    Source: @emmachamberlain

    5. Long Face-Framing Layers

    Source: @cartercosalon

    6. Chin-Length Bob

    Source: @kristin_ess

    Source: @kimdollxo

    7. Long Lengths With Short Bangs

    Source: @etchersalon

    source: @maneaddicts

    8. Above-the-Shoulder Shag

    Source: @giadoeshair

    9. French Bob With Bangs

    Source: @spacebyalexbrown

    10. Short With Volume 

    Source: @hairbyjordyntaylor

    11. Long, Blunt Length

    Source: @desiperkins

    12. Side-Swept

    Source: @strashme

    Source: @chrisappleton1

     
    13. Chin-Length Layers

    Source: @dualipa

    source: @raeannlangas

    14. Wispy Bangs

    Source: @chrisellelim

    15. Long With Light Curtain Bangs

    Source: @hairinel

    source: @melissa.hurkman

    16. Medium-Length Twists

    source: @chloexhalle

    17. Lots of Layers

    source: @ahncotran

    source: @kristyannehair

    18. Wispy Bob

    source: @harryjoshhair

    19. Short Pixie

    source: @charlotteabetts

    20. Blunt Shoulder-Length Bob

    source: @christaallen

    21. Short Curtain Bangs

    source: @kathrynnewton

    22. Long Twists or Braids

    source: @ava

    source: @lacyredway

    23. Textured Mullet

    source: @barbieferreira

    24. Layered Pixie

    source: @indyamoore

    25. Beachy Layers

    source: @ahncotran

    Source: @nikkilee901 More

  • 138 Shares

    in beauty and fashion

    The Cutest Jewelry Gifts to Give or Ask for This Year

    If there is one gift to give that is always loved by the recipient, it’s jewelry. I truly don’t know anyone who wouldn’t love to receive a beautiful and thoughtful jewelry gift. It doesn’t even matter if the person is more of a minimalist or doesn’t wear a ton of jewelry daily, I would still bet money that there is something out there that they would love and wear. Classics and everyday staples like chain necklaces, signet rings, and hoop earrings are effortless and timeless, so you know that whoever is receiving them will be able to wear the items for years to come. And the personal factor of something like an initial, monogram, zodiac sign, etc. just makes it that much more special. 
    And don’t forget about yourself this holiday season! If you’ve been on the hunt for the perfect layered necklace or chainlink bracelet, what better time than now to gift it to yourself or add it to your wish list. 
    Keep scrolling for 25 of our favorite necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets to gift or ask for this season:

    Necklaces

    Earrings

    Source: @stellaandhaas

    Rings

    Bracelets More

  • 163 Shares

    in lifestyle and culture

    The elegant Dubai venue that is the perfect place to spend Christmas Eve

    IN PARTNERSHIP: Are you staying in Dubai for the festive season this year and still on the hunt for a place to spend Christmas Eve? Not to worry, we’ve found the perfect place.
    To get into the true Christmas spirit, Rixos The Palm Dubai’s elegant venue L’Olivo Ristorante is the place to be.

    With a festive-inspired four-course menu full of Italian favourites with a contemporary twist combined with sweeping views of Dubai’s skyline, it’s the ideal place to spend the night before Christmas with family and loved ones.
    For starters choose from the Christmas amuse-bouche which includes a series of chef-recommended delectable for sharing; tranche de foie gras; the L’Olivo signature burrata; the Christmas oysters; or the smoked prime beef carpaccio.

    Then for the first course choose from a delicious Italian porcini mushroom risotto with truffle carpaccio or homemade lobster ravioli in lobster bisque espuma and rosemary smoke.

    For the main show of the evening enjoy Christmas turkey breast and leg with all the trimmings or slow-roasted barbecue-glazed wagyu beef ribs. However, for those who fancy a lighter option, opt for the grilled sea bass fillet, garlic, kalamata olive, semi-dried tomatoes, baby fennel.
    And, finally, for dessert choose from the deconstructed black forest cake, the chef’s special tableside dessert performance or the modern petit fours. For those who prefer a savoury option, enjoy all that the L’Olivo wine and cheese trolley has to offer.
    Throughout the night guests will be treated to live string music with violin and cello performances.
    Prices for the L’Olivo Ristorante Christmas Eve package start at Dhs309 inclusive for soft drinks; Dhs369 for wine and dine; and Dhs399 for unlimited exclusive beverages which include wines and spirits. Meanwhile, children between six and 12 years dine with a 50 per cent discount and children under six dine complementarity.
    L’Olivo Ristorante, Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites. For bookings please contact: dine.dubai@rixos.com, call 04 457 5454 or visit their website. 
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More