Raphael Stevens

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    Jameela Jamil comes to the defence of Meghan Markle amidst backlash

    Now she’s no longer officially a royal, Meghan Markle is free to express political views, something you need to refrain from whilst a part of the British Royal Family.
    The Duchess of Sussex recently took part in a virtual When All Women Vote #CouchParty, an event to celebrate the 100-year anniversary since women were legally allowed to vote in the USA.

    The former royal encouraged people to vote and also admitted she hoped to see “change” happen come November when the US presidential election take place, however, she did not express any specific views.
    “If we aren’t part of the solution, we are part of the problem,” she said.

    Despite not expressing specific allegiance to a party, the 38-year-old received some backlash over the appearance with the likes of The Sun’s executive editor Dan Wootton and Piers Morgan stating it was inappropriate for Meghan to remain as a royal whilst discussing foreign elections.

    The Queen must strip the Sussexes of their titles. They can’t remain as royals & spout off about foreign elections in such a brazenly partisan way. https://t.co/6uZ3FTbjHW
    — Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) August 21, 2020

    However, actress Jameela Jamil came to the defence of Meghan stating that the royal family should be embarrassed over the Prince Andrew scandal rather than “an American supporting women voting in her own country, and loosely referencing the importance of general democracy which is being threatened here currently”.
    Further defending the former Suits star, Jamil replied to a fan’s question about the vitriol and hate the Duchess of Sussex receives.
    “Because she’s not white,” she responded. “And because she’s smart, strong, opinionated, rebellious, beautiful, happy and has everything they never will. She’s a terrifying threat to patriarchy because she doesn’t fit the stereotype for women.”
    The Duchess of Sussex is now residing in Los Angeles with husband Prince Harry and their son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor after stepping down from royal life earlier this year.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Feature Image: Getty More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Your last chance to take advantage of these 9 fabulous UAE staycation deals

    With travel largely on hold, many have turned to staycations to get away from the familiar surroundings of home.
    There’s been some incredible deals available, particularly throughout the 23rd edition of the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS).

    However, this year’s DSS is coming to a close as it’s on its final week.
    With that, we’ve rounded up some of the best staycation deals in Dubai you still have time to take advantage of. Whether you fancy a cityscape or a luxury dessert getaway, there’s something for everyone.
    Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa

    To truly escape the hustle and bustle of Dubai, head to the tranquil and quiet desert for a few days of relaxation at Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa. The hotel’s current Summer 2020 offer, which runs until the end of August, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner plus the chance to watch the animals that roam the resort, including wild Arabian oryx and gazelles.
    Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection

    With rooms available from Dhs500 per night, the Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection located in Dubai Marina currently has their ‘stay plus F&B’ deal running which allows guests to redeem the price of the room back in F&B vouchers to be used at the Olival and Andreea’s restaurants. This offer is valid until August 31.
    Atlantis, The Palm

    For the ultimate family getaway, nothing beats Atlantis, The Palm. The hotel’s current ‘Weekend Sizzler’ offer includes free daily access to Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium, with prices starting at AED795++, while the Weekday Saver deal includes access to The Lost Chambers Aquarium for AED555++. Meanwhile, for those looking to just take advantage of the aquatic experiences, the hotel is offering up to 50 per cent off with their Unbeatable Atlantis Aquaventure promotion.
    Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai

    Indulge in an island vacation, whilst just being minutes away from the city. Currently at Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai, guests will receive 20 per cent off the best available room rates at the hotel. Not only that, a daily breakfast for two people is included and 20 per cent off the hotel’s restaurants, as well as complimentary access to Cove Beach club. This offer is valid until September 30.
    JA Hatta Fort Hotel

    For a getaway amongst the Hatta mountains, the JA Hatta Fort Hotel is a must-visit. Rates currently start at Dhs369 per night which includes a complimentary breakfast. Whether you want to simply relax by the pool or take part in some adventurous activities, there’s something fro everyone. This offer is valid until September 30.
    Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort

    Right now at the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort, guests will receive 100 per cent of the cost back on their room for spending on food and beverage. The offer is valid until September 30.
    Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers

    Guests will receive a guaranteed room upgrade until August 31 (which excludes suites), as well as early check-in and late check-out. Not only that, a 20 per cent discount will be given off all food and beverages, laundry and hotel transport.
    JW Marriott Marquis

    For sky-high views, stay at one of the world’s tallest hotels – the JW Marriott Marquis. With room rates starting from Dhs400 and 15 award-winning restaurants to choose from, it’s a summer deal you can’t miss.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More

  • 163 Shares

    in lifestyle and culture

    Your last chance to take advantage of these 8 fabulous UAE staycation deals

    With travel largely on hold, many have turned to staycations to get away from the familiar surroundings of home.
    There’s been some incredible deals available, particularly throughout the 23rd edition of the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS).

    However, this year’s DSS is coming to a close as it’s on its final week.
    With that, we’ve rounded up some of the best staycation deals in Dubai you still have time to take advantage of. Whether you fancy a cityscape or a luxury dessert getaway, there’s something for everyone.
    Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa

    To truly escape the hustle and bustle of Dubai, head to the tranquil and quiet desert for a few days of relaxation at Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa. The hotel’s current Summer 2020 offer, which runs until the end of August, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner plus the chance to watch the animals that roam the resort, including wild Arabian oryx and gazelles.
    Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection

    With rooms available from Dhs500 per night, the Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection located in Dubai Marina currently has their ‘stay plus F&B’ deal running which allows guests to redeem the price of the room back in F&B vouchers to be used at the Olival and Andreea’s restaurants. This offer is valid until August 31.
    Atlantis, The Palm

    For the ultimate family getaway, nothing beats Atlantis, The Palm. The hotel’s current ‘Weekend Sizzler’ offer includes free daily access to Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium, with prices starting at AED795++, while the Weekday Saver deal includes access to The Lost Chambers Aquarium for AED555++. Meanwhile, for those looking to just take advantage of the aquatic experiences, the hotel is offering up to 50 per cent off with their Unbeatable Atlantis Aquaventure promotion.
    Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai

    Indulge in an island vacation, whilst just being minutes away from the city. Currently at Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai, guests will receive 20 per cent off the best available room rates at the hotel. Not only that, a daily breakfast for two people is included and 20 per cent off the hotel’s restaurants, as well as complimentary access to Cove Beach club. This offer is valid until September 30.
    JA Hatta Fort Hotel

    For a getaway amongst the Hatta mountains, the JA Hatta Fort Hotel is a must-visit. Rates currently start at Dhs369 per night which includes a complimentary breakfast. Whether you want to simply relax by the pool or take part in some adventurous activities, there’s something fro everyone. This offer is valid until September 30.
    Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort

    Right now at the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort, guests will receive 100 per cent of the cost back on their room for spending on food and beverage. The offer is valid until September 30.
    Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers

    Guests will receive a guaranteed room upgrade until August 31 (which excludes suites), as well as early check-in and late check-out. Not only that, a 20 per cent discount will be given off all food and beverages, laundry and hotel transport.
    JW Marriott Marquis

    For sky-high views, stay at one of the world’s tallest hotels – the JW Marriott Marquis. With room rates starting from Dhs400 and 15 award-winning restaurants to choose from, it’s a summer deal you can’t miss.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More

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    This Rihanna lookalike is breaking the internet

    We can definitely all agree there is only one Rihanna – a force to be reckoned with in the music industry; beauty and skincare extraordinaire; and fashion icon.
    However, a recent doppelgänger of Rihanna’s has recently emerged on TikTok and honestly, she’s had us doing multiple double-takes as she looks that much like the Grammy Award-winning singer.

    Priscila Beatrice – who is from Brazil – recently went viral on the social media platform after she hopped on a popular trend of showcasing the celebrity you look like.

    The video went so viral, it even caught the attention of Rihanna herself.
    Popular Instagram account, The Shade Room, reposted the video, where it garnered thousands of views and comments, including one from the Fenty Beauty founder.
    “Where the album sis?” the singer commented on the video where Beatrice is dressed up exactly like the makeup mogul. Further trolling her fans, Rihanna added the hashtag #R9 in her comment, which refers to her next album – something her fans have been constantly asking about for the last four years since her last release.

    Like anyone would be, the Rihanna doppelgänger was elated by the singer’s comment. Beatrice admitted on Instagram that she had been “crying with emotion” over the comment, adding that it was a “dream”. To be honest, we would be exactly the same.
    However, while we know Rihanna was trolling us all when it comes to her ninth album, but we’re still not going to stop asking where it is…
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Image: Instagram More

  • 113 Shares

    in beauty and fashion

    6 Brands I’ve Bought From and Loved This Year

    Buying from a new brand can be a little scary if you’ve never tried anything from them before. Maybe their shipping takes a while, or they have a wonky return policy. There’s so much research involved that it seems easier to just buy from the companies you already know and trust. But some of the best items come from brands you’ve maybe never heard of or tried. A few months ago, I vowed to start focusing more on small businesses, especially those owned by BIPOC. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll still buy clothes from H&M, and I’ll never stop shopping at Sephora, but I wanted to see what I could snag from brands that weren’t so big. These are just a selection of the brands I’ve tried recently, why I love them, and my favorite pieces.

    If you’re an eyeshadow lover, it’s likely you’ve heard of Coloured Raine. Their eyeshadow formula is regarded as one of the best because it’s highly pigmented and impactful. They went into Target stores about two years ago, and I’ve been a fan ever since. I recently just purchased a new palette from them, and I have become the meme of the woman who brings a plastic chair to the mailbox to wait for her package. They also have liquid lipsticks and complexion products that I’m dying to get my hands on. Those colors! 

     

    Maelove had been on my radar for a long time, but it wasn’t until I saw their Glow Maker serum described as the better dupe to a Skinceuticals $166 serum all over Reddit that I wanted to try it. I’ve never been consistent with my skincare routine, and this was one of the first skincare products I ever repurchased. I just notice such a difference in my skin when I do and don’t use this product. It adds just the right amount of glow to my combination skin without looking oily or feeling uncomfortable. Plus, I’ve noticed a long-term difference in the pigmentation of my acne scars. The pictures in this story I think really do it justice (I mean, my glow? Give me a break). Watch out for this in many editor empties to come!

     

    I know I said I was talking about small brands, but I’d be lying if I said the majority of my wardrobe doesn’t come from Target at this point. And if supporting small, sustainable businesses isn’t in your budget or you’re plus-size (hello, me!), I don’t see anything wrong with doing what you can, and Target is a favorite. I love that they sell basically everything in an XXL (fits a 16/18), but if I need to size up, a lot of their in-house brands sell plus too. My current favorite for spring and summer has been their Wild Fable brand. Everything is trendy and cute, but the price tag is exactly what I want to pay for those types of pieces. In the spring, I got gorgeous bright-colored sweaters, and I’ve bought a few dresses from this line this summer as well. And don’t worry that you’re getting poor quality since the prices are so good. Some of these prices rival clothes I own from way more expensive brands.

     

    Although CBD was the “it” wellness trend of 2019, it’s become an absolute staple in the mess that is 2020. I’ve noticed the biggest difference in my stress levels, sleep, and chronic pain since I started using Equilibria CBD this year. Everyone’s dosing is different, so I love that Equilibria offers free consultations with a dosing specialist to discuss what will be the best regimen for you. When we originally talked, my main concern was addressing the pain I get with my endometriosis, but a few months later, I spoke with her about needing a little extra help regulating my mood and daily anxiety (a classic tale for many this year, I’m sure). I began taking the Daily Drops twice a day—once in the morning, once at night—along with the Relief Cream and Mindful Soak as needed. I’m obsessed with the Mint Flavored Daily Drops—they actually taste good, and I love mixing them with coffee or my morning smoothie! I even love my Daily Drops as a face serum to help reduce inflammation and redness after using harsh acid exfoliators. Basically, the options with this product are endless.
    Equilibria is a small business based in Chicago (love!) cofounded by two women who wanted to make a product for women. At the core of Equilibria, you can tell they wanted to help women, especially that they market their CBD as good for period cramps, pelvic pain, and more. I have fallen in love with their mission almost as much as I love the products!
    Use coupon code “theeverygirl” for 20 percent off your first order! 

    Equilibria
    Brilliance Box

    The best starter box for someone new to CBD.
    Use coupon code “theeverygirl” for 20 percent off your first order! 

    Equilibria
    Mindful Mineral Soak

    Use coupon code “theeverygirl” for 20 percent off your first order! 

    I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: candles are sometimes considered a beauty product, and for the sake of this article, I am in agreeance. Boy Smells is a small, independently-owned candle line made in Los Angeles I’ve absolutely fallen in love with over the last six months. I snagged Cedar Stack from their Pride collection in which a portion of proceeds go to The Trevor Project. I let it sit on my credenza for about three weeks waiting to burn it because it was just so pretty. The yellow color brightened up my apartment, and the Boy Smells branding is on point. But I finally lit the candle the other day (a little Monday treat), and I fell in love and immediately ordered more. The throw is fantastic—I could smell the candle throughout my entire apartment (not that it’s very big, LOL). I have really grown to love higher-end candles because I love how the scents are layered. This isn’t all hot, sexy man; there’s a hint of sweetness. This candle is so unique, and I can’t think of a single person who wouldn’t love the scent.

    Boy Smells
    Slow Burn Scented Candle

    I’ve never seen a review in which someone said they didn’t love this scent. It was formulated in collaboration with Kasey Musgraves!

     

    I have to really give this one to Katie Sturino of The12ishStyle. Katie (I’m a huge fan of her and Megababe, and it does make it better that she’s an Everygirl too!) does a series on her Instagram sharing how things fit on her size 18 body, and she did one all about thongs. I have always struggled with finding good underwear as a plus-size person. Nothing is wide enough, giving me a major front wedgie at all times. Plus, everything rolls down the second I bend over or honestly even more. She gave really high marks to Parade’s underwear, and I ordered two pairs right away. 
    First of all, the ordering experience was really easy and quick. I love that everything is shown on plus-size models too, so I didn’t have to wonder how something would look on me. I also love that everything comes in plus. There are a lot of brands that offer plus now, but it’s only for select items, which is honestly annoying as all hell. I liked that I could order anything I wanted from their site. They also have a ton of options: High-Rise Thong, High-Cut Thong, Briefs, Cheeky, High-Rise Cheeky, and Boyshorts. Everyone has a different preference for their underwear (I’m a big High-Rise Cheeky girl), so there’s something for everyone. I also love that these are comfortable but also sexy. I’m a big lingerie-wearer, and I feel like I can wear these just as much to be sexy with a partner as I do to go to the grocery store in a pair of jeans. They pass every plus-size underwear test in my book.

      More

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    10 LinkedIn Hacks to Dazzle Recruiters and Grow Your Network

    You may have heard it before, but it’s true that your network is your net worth, and the best time to build it is is long before you need to leverage your network for a new job. Since things are hyper-virtual in 2020, making the most of your digital first impression is essential.While there are a number of new platforms emerging to make career connections, LinkedIn remains one of the critical pit stops recruiters will make while scoping you out. Put it to work building new relationships and showcasing your best self with these hacks.

    1. Manage LinkedIn like your other social platforms
    This may feel straightforward, but for some reason many of us think of LinkedIn as a mystical career platform separate from our other digital footprints. To get the most value out of it, you need to actively engage, post, comment, connect, and authentically like and curate the virtual network through your profile.
    Promote yourself to the Head of Digital Strategy for You, Inc. Spend 30 days being extremely strategic about your content. For example, find interesting articles to pull in and comment on, schedule a block of time to crank out peer recommendations, or use the platform to message and introduce people.

    2. Make use of analytics
    Surprised? Yes, LinkedIn has relatively slim analytics for personal profiles, but it can give you some sort of insight about the demographics and sources of your followers and visitors. Instead of a casual skim through who last viewed your profile, pull up the more detailed monthly reporting and get a better understanding of the key words you’re come up against over time, or how connections are interacting with your content.

    3. Think SEO strategy
    Debate rages over whether LinkedIn has SEO implications in the same way we think about other web searches, but good SEO strategy can only help. Clean up language in your job descriptions and use powerful words you’d want on your next role’s description. Maximize the impact of the initial “About” section. It should be a compelling story, not a resume. Name your head shot or any other imagery, and consider adding video or other types of media where relevant.

    4. Use hashtags
    If you aren’t yet convinced that LinkedIn is the working girl’s Instagram, their addition of hashtags last year should do it. Appropriately adding relevant and curated hashtags to your content can definitely up your engagement and get you seen. One study found that inclusion of at least one popular hashtag received almost 30 percent higher impressions than a comparable post without them.

    5 . Connect it to the rest of your social world
    A good cadence of activity on LinkedIn becomes easier if it’s part of your digital routine. Consider connecting it to your other social accounts like Twitter or Facebook to get more bang for your buck. This connectivity can also help you more easily re-share and authentically engage on content.

    6.  Add your LinkedIn URL to your email signature
    If you’re outside of a creative field where you might not have your own portfolio website, fake it with LinkedIn. Include your page as a hyperlink in your email signature. This is especially helpful if you end up sending a lot of emails to external colleagues. It definitely ups the chances of someone engaging with your page, and also prompts an easier way to connect!

    7.  Time it like a banker
    Since LinkedIn serves the business crowd, post in the windows where folks are routinely phone scrolling for the greatest impact. No secret here—we tend to do our work-related reading between 7-9am and 5-6pm.  
    The first hour can be the most important time for your posting activity. And, how much people engage with it determines if the content will be pushed to the second and third degrees of your network so schedule content deliberately.

    8. Update your headshot
    For all the ways LinkedIn is like our other favorite social platforms, there is one big way it’s not. If your LinkedIn headshot is a blurry selfie from the car passenger seat or you’re hugging a friend at a party, but she’s mostly cropped out, it needs an update. (And sadly, I’ve seen all three of these examples on a recent recruiting spree.)
    No need to get fancy or spend a lot of money here. There is a perfectly acceptable wall in your living room facing some fabulous natural light that will do just fine. Dress for the job you want and set your timer. Gals in creative industries have more flexibility—think  professional, but not sterile.

    9.  Stop saying you’re good at everything
    I’m so guilty of this. A laundry list of different types of jobs over my career means that I feel perfectly justified loading up at the LinkedIn “skills buffet.” Be selective and thoughtful about including the skills where you truly shine. Even more, it’s worth reinforcing the idea that you should only select skills that you want future employers to notice you for. It’s not worth crowding your profile with historical skill sets that don’t have any relation to your future dream job.

    10. Give to get
    Start getting generous with recommendations. You can do these unsolicited, so it’s an easy way to check the box on some routine networking engagement. And this year, couldn’t we all use a nice surprise endorsement in our inbox? Make your recommendation three part; introduce how you know the person, give a tactical example of why they’re great, and close with a positive punchline. Many folks will be compelled to return the favor without you even asking.

    How have you improved your LinkedIn profile and digital networking habits?  More

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    in beauty and fashion

    25 Items We Love That Are Still Available at the Nordstrom Sale

    Nordstrom’s annual Anniversary Sale can feel like an Olympic sport—staying up refreshing your computer until midnight to get the things you want, the adrenalin rush when you finally check out and score the pieces you were dreaming of. But the not-so-fun part? When everything on your wish list is sold out before you can get your hands on it.This year’s Anniversary Sale went a little different, with different levels of cardmembers getting access before others. But just because some of the things you had your eye on are no longer available doesn’t mean you can’t still get some of the best items of the sale. From our office’s go-to faux leather jacket (yes, we have all shown up wearing it on the same day) to boots you’ll wear for years to come to cult-favorite beauty products, here are the pieces we love that are still fully stocked at the Nordstrom Sale.  More

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    London’s famed private members club is set to open in Dubai

    One of the most iconic and exclusive private members club is on track to open it’s doors in Dubai later this year.
    A haven for artistic minds, The Arts Club in London’s fabulous Mayfair area first opened in 1863 and became a frequent meeting point for writers such as Charles Dickens, musicians like Paolo Tosti and artists such as Claude Monet. Today you will frequently spot Rihanna, Beyoncé and Jay Z among the starry crowd.

    Now the famed club is making it’s way to DIFC, the first official international location that aims to attract a similar calibre of members and will be a hub for in-depth debates, workshops, trips, panel discussions and more which are being curated by Head of Cultural Programming, Sybel Vazquez.

    It will be located in a new development in DIFC called ICD Brookfield Place and will be spaced out across four floors. Inside you will find three restaurants including a brasserie and an in-house pâtisserie (who doesn’t want a fresh croissant while writing the next chapter of their novel) as well as an impressive rooftop terrace with a nightclub, cocktail bars, a library, and a cigar lounge. You can also expect meetings spaces, private dining rooms and lounges and even an event space that can be adjusted to any function.
    “As the first international outpost of the Arts Club in London, we will be celebrating its vibrant legacy, reinterpreting its values and traditions, but also reimagining the experience to match the richness and diversity of the region and all the exciting things that are happening here, especially in arts and culture,” the exclusive club’s COO Ajaz Sheikh said.

    Anyone who wants to be a member needs to have some interest and experience in film, music, fashion, theatre, photography and art.
    There are four tiers of membership at the Arts Club Dubai. Full membership will set you back Dhs15,750 a year after a one-off joining fee which is also Dhs15,750. Under ’30s membership is Dhs7,875 (one-off joining fee is the same) while married couples membership is Dhs7,875 with no joining fee required.
    If you want to also have access to the Arts Club in London as well as the upcoming Los Angeles venue, you can add an international tier for additional Dhs5,780 a year.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More