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    Our 2021 Trend Edit: What We’re Wearing vs. What We’re Skipping

    In the midst of what has now been almost a year of quarantine, thinking about trends can seem… almost masochistic. What’s the point of investing in beautiful new trends if you aren’t really going anywhere to wear them? Thank you for asking.As we’ve learned this year, what we wear is so much more than an expression for other people to see; it’s who we are, even when we’re just going for walks around the block or to pick up contactless takeout. And with the hope of the new year still here, we’re officially over wearing sweats and ready to bring out our best selves this year—no matter what we’re doing. And if that means indulging in the trends 2021 has to offer, then damn it, so be it.
    As with all things in life, you win some and you lose some, and the same goes for what the fashion gods deem “in” every season. After analyzing the clothes that will define 2021, we can’t wait to wear some of them and are just as excited to be opting to skip it on a few. Want to know what’s going to be filling up your Instagram feeds and taking the front-and-center spots in our closet this year? Look no further.

    Wear: (Not) Your Boyfriend’s Button-Up
    A classic, white button-up is a staple you can never go wrong with, but this season, the closet staple is less “on my way to the office” and more “I grabbed this off my boyfriend’s floor and made it work.” Think: more oversized, less structured.

     

    Skip: Netting
    This year, you should expect to see woven, netted tops, and while we appreciate the summery sentiment, we’re politely saying pass and leaving it to others to pull off. 

    Wear: Bright Florals
    Yes, we know: florals, in some form or another, come to rear their springy vibes every year when the weather warms up. But this year, they’re less subtle and more colorful and bold, and after a year of quarantine dreariness, we couldn’t be more here for it.

     

    Skip: Cutouts
    One of the most-seen runway trends of the upcoming seasons were shirts and dresses with cutouts of all shapes and sizes. You bet it’ll look chic in the street style pictures of your favorite celebs, but it brings back a few too many memories of high school homecoming dresses for us to get on board with. 

    Wear: Statement-Making Coats
    After fantasizing about the coats in Emily in Paris since last October, we couldn’t be more mentally prepared to put our camel coats on the backburner in exchange for some that are more eye-catching. This year, outerwear will be all about bright colors, textured fabrics, and in-your-face patterns.

     

    Skip: Bras as Tops
    If you’re someone who can pull off a chic bra-top under a blazer or jacket, truly, more power to you, but we’re cutting our losses and leaving this one to the Hadid sisters.

    Wear: Waist-Cinching Belts
    Belted blazers have been on our radar for months now, but the waist-cinching effects are going beyond our blazers and on to anything we can throw a belt on this season. There’s hardly anything more flattering than a belt thrown on top of an oversized shirt (like those button-ups we talked about earlier) or a flowy dress, and we can’t wait to wear this one.

     

    Skip: Tie-Dye
    Yep, tie-dye is still trying to make an appearance in 2021, and while we appreciated it at the beginning of quarantine, we’re hoping 2021 brings us on to bigger and better things—and that we can think of tie-dye as a quarantine-only trend.

    Wear: Updated Khakis
    Before you write this one off, hear us out: these aren’t the khakis that are part of Catholic school uniforms or that your mom bought you in middle school. They’re wider, baggier, and overall, chic as hell, and we’re saying yes to it.

     

    Skip: Corsets
    After binging Bridgerton, a corset doesn’t feel like that far-off of a fashion choice, but after a year of sweats, they feel a little too claustrophobic to deal with on a realistic level—we’ll be appreciating these from afar.

    Wear: Oversized Jeans
    It seems that every season, the denim gods are moving further and further away from skinny jeans, and this year is no exception. A step baggier than your go-to straight jeans, these are longer and looser, and the perfect adjustment back to jeans once we’re leaving our homes again.

     

    Wear: Pastels
    This year’s color trends came with a palette that’s a springy dream, and if anything can motivate us to get dressed, it’s throwing on a gorgeous shade of lilac, mint, or pastel yellow. Yes to more color and fun in our wardrobes this year.

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    Our Favorite Black-Owned Accessory Brands to Shop This Month (and Forever)

    Friends, I think I have my mother to blame for the shopaholic that I am today. I know this because when I first started getting into fashion, I wasn’t really into the accessorizing of it all. I had, somehow, resolved that the most important pieces to have in my closest were graphic tees and Baby Phat jeans. Moreover, I imagined that if I had a healthy mix of the former, I could get away with wearing my Uggs, or flip flops, and a North Face backpack with everything. Can you tell how old I was? As I outgrew my Baby Phat Jeans phase, my mom’s closet became my happy place. It was so much bigger than my own and she had so many things: purses, shoes, accessories, you name it. I figured I could get through life without having to buy my own accessories because she had so many, but that hasn’t been the case. Turns out she’s not a fan of people shopping in (or as she calls it “stealing” from) her closet. So, I’ve had to build out my own accessory collection and I’m here to help you do the same. 
    As a proud Black Woman, I don’t go a single day without thinking about the inequities and injustices that Black people in America and worldwide face everyday. It can get immensely exhausting to shoulder that burden and work to fix it while Black. However, something that I am passionate about, and hope to inspire others to become regulars at, is uplifting my community by boosting our economic power. A great way to do that is to invest in Black-owned businesses and services. Below I’ve listed some of my favorite Black-owned accessory brands you can support this month and forevermore. 
    Happy Black History Month! 

    If you want to grab a Telfar bag you’re going to have to be quick and astute! These shopping bags sell out in 10 minutes or less on every single drop. They’re cute, high-quality, and luxuriously affordable (even AOC wears one).

    Cise bags are known for their social and political demands. Written on the bags that sell out regularly, you’ll find statements like Protect Black Women and Protect Black People. Make a difference, but make it fashion. 

    You know that bag in your closet that you keep in the dustbag when it’s not being used? That’s what you’re going to want to do with your Anima Iris. These bags are truly pieces of art.

    If you’re a leather-lover, these bags are for you. Self-taught designer, artisan, and founder of the brand, Valerie Blaise, describes these pieces as, “Passionately made, wearable leather accessories.”
     

    Meet your new favorite everyday bag. Designed to be minimalistic and long-lasting, Tree Fairfax bags are heralded for their timeless designs and quality craftsmanship. 

    If you can manage to snag one of these bags, grab me one too! Brandon Blackwood mixes expert craftsmanship with trendy styles to bring us bags that make a statement and are built to last. I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for the restock of the End Systematic Racism Trunk Bags, but until then take a look at the other art he has in stock! 

    These luxury bags from Lagos, Nigeria, are a trendy pop of color that can spice up any and all outfits.

    Voni Los Angeles bags are heralded for being affordable and innovative in style. You’ll get your money’s worth with these purses because they can be worn in so many different ways.

    Every time The Wrap Life adds a new style to their website, I’m tempted to buy. From headwraps to bandies to turbanettes, they’re my go-to for hair accessory basics that are high-quality and don’t break the bank. 

    Aṣọ Dára was started by a group of siblings that wanted to create a lifestyle brand that reflected the genius and diversity of Pan-Africanism. Fans of Aṣọ Dára love the ability to make bold statements with the headwrap prints and chokers to match!

    Oprah and I agree that these beanies are revolutionary. With silk lining to keep your hair from being tugged at, Grace Eleyae has reinvented the beanie game, ladies! 

    It’s an umbrella for your hair and your face, need I say more? 

    CocoXRobyn has so many trendy accessories it’ll be hard to just pick one. You can also shop for tops, bottoms, and stickers on their trend-forward site. 

    Who knew an accessory could heal the soul?! B.serene hand-crafts crystal jewelry to raise your vibrations, promote self love, and make wellness wearable. I’m guilty of owning about six of these necklaces, because you can never have too much self-love.  

    Layering necklaces is the easy way to take your look from drab to fab. Filosophy makes the beautiful basics you need to elevate your look today and every day. 

    Personally, I’m a gold hoops every day kind of girl, but I do recognize that there are occasions when my hoops don’t cut it. That’s when I need fashion-forward statement jewelry like that of Zuri Perle. 

    I’ve fallen in love with the Pleasure Principle anklet and I absolutely must have it for spring. Wanna twin?

    Watches

    Could it be? A watch worth retiring my Apple Watch for? The elegance and femininity of these pieces are unmatched. 

    Talley & Twine is one of those brands that you’ll blink and own five different watches from. They boast quality, style, and professionalism. 

    Dreaming of a post-COVID getaway? Manifest it with a pair of these—if not because I love them, then because of all the potential Instagram photos.

    I’ve found your next Blue Light frames and they are fabulous. More

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    I Tried The Viral $25 Amazon Leggings—Here Are My Thoughts

    A few weeks ago, after trying to blindly shove a pan into one of my kitchen cabinets that could not possibly actually fit one more pan, I made a move that was decidedly out of character for my unorganized self: every day of the upcoming week, I was going to organize a different room in my apartment.Considering my apartment consists of approximately four and a half rooms, this wasn’t difficult. The fifth day was dedicated to my closets (which are in a hallway, and therefore did’t fall into my “room” categories). Once I got in a groove, I was like a bat out of hell, donating the things I didn’t use and tossing the things I’d been holding onto for way too long that weren’t salvageable. Obviously, the most challenging went last: my closets.
    I already had my momentum going for me, and in an out-of-body experience that I had little recollection of after the fact, I tossed almost all of my leggings. I went from probably 20 leggings down to three pairs. Don’t get me wrong, this couldn’t have been longer overdue—the pairs I got rid of were the ones I never reached for and that slipped and slid down me every time I wore them from either being overworn or just poor quality from the start. It was like a brand new beginning—but one that I wasn’t prepared for.
    I work out around five times a week, which, as someone who does her laundry maybe every 10 days, means that I need way more leggings in my closet than three—and thus began my hunt for affordable, amazing leggings that I could add back to my collection. 
    In what felt like a direct message from the legging gods, over the weekend, I saw our cofounder, Alaina, post about a $25 Amazon pair that she was raving over. They had my size in stock, so I ordered them as fast as I could in the dusty rose shade Alaina was wearing on her Instagram.

    I was already familiar with said leggings—they’ve been everywhere for a while now with people yelling from the rooftops that they’re a dupe for Lululemon’s famous Align leggings. I personally don’t own the Lululemon ones, so I can’t speak on the comparison, but holy cow, when I took them out of the package… I got it.

    In the middle of my kitchen, I ripped my sweatpants off to try them on and truly could not believe how amazing they felt on my body. Literally, the only way to describe the material is that they felt like butter. Prior to having them, I didn’t understand what that meant, but after trying them, I couldn’t imagine wearing other leggings again. But just because they felt good didn’t mean they passed my only test: whether or not they felt good to run in.

    Basically, my criteria for workout leggings involves: A. not sliding down (I don’t even want to have to pull them up once), and B. that they don’t feel weird in the crotch area as I run (as way too many do). I took them for a spin on a four-miler and forgot to even think about judging them, which was a huge pass considering that when I have bad leggings on, that’s all I can think about my entire run. I got back inside afterward and decided I didn’t even want to search for anything better and ordered them in three more colors (which was difficult because they have so many great ones). These check the rare box of being a pair that I both want to work out and lounge in because of their unique material; they aren’t just cotton like so many lounge leggings, and they also aren’t a dry-fit material like most workout leggings—they’re truly in a league of their own. 

    I never have gotten myself to spend three figures on leggings that people swear by, but I feel like now I don’t even have to wonder—I can’t imagine anything being better than these, and I was able to order four pairs (a full closet restock!) for $100. I’ll be living in these until further notice. More

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    20 Shackets You Can Buy Now and Wear All Year

    Last year, while perusing the depths of online shopping from the comfort of my couch, I went to search for a new jacket for fall when something bizarre happened. Under the “jackets” category of the site I was on, there was a new subset: “shackets.”Sure, I had a few pieces hanging in my closet that could be deemed a shirt-jacket hybrid (heavier than a shirt, but not quite as heavy as a jacket), but little did I know this old-but-rebranded concept was going to become one of the most sought-after pieces of the next year. And of all the trends that have weaseled their way into our quarantine-dazed eyes, the shacket might deserve the spotlight the most because of one, simple factor: its versatility.
    The shacket is one piece of clothing that can quite literally be worn for all seasons. Winter? Layer it over a sweater. Spring? Throw it on over a T-shirt for the perfect addition of warmth on a 60-degree day. Summer? You know there’s going to be chilly nights where you reach for it instead of your usual sweatshirt. And next fall? You’ll be patting yourself on the back for already having invested in the perfect piece for a crisp day.
    Whether you want something neutral and classic or more out-of-the-box, buy one of these shackets now, and relish in it as the gift that keeps on giving all year long.

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    February’s – ‘The Love Issue’ with Yasmine Sima

    February’s – ‘The Love Issue’ – Download Now

    Words & Creative Direction: Amy Sessions
    Photography: Greg Adamski
    Videographer: Steve Erana
    Fashion Assistant: Sarah Joseph
    Hair & Makeup: Melanie Meyer at MMG artists
    With special thanks to Al Faya Retreat, Al Batayeh, Sharjah.

    Welcome to February’s – ‘The Love Issue’.
    A year ago, I had a clear vision for Emirates Woman. Thanks to a lot of hard work from a dedicated team and some incredible partnerships, we’ve shown that when you love what you do, focus on your goals and stick to your guns, magic happens.
    For this month’s cover shoot, we partnered with Saint Laurent, a brand very close to my heart in Timeless Appeal. This cover is something I envisioned a year ago and with the support of two very special people T & R and a lot of mutual love, it’s manifested into a reality. I couldn’t be prouder to have you as our cover partners for ‘The Love Issue’, thank you.
    Our cover star Yasmine Sima is every inch as smart as she is beautiful, something that became clear to us during the shoot and is perfectly depicted in her interview Head & Heart.

    We also partnered with Gucci X The North Face, to shoot incredible woman Raha Moharrak, the first Saudi woman to climb Mount Everest in The Adventurer.
    With comfort as key post-pandemic, we look at luxury loungewear and the latest brands emerging in the space driving retail sales with exclusive interviews from Ru & Rocka in Lounge Lover and Old Sport Society in Old School.
    Beauty wise, we focus on the best products to boost your 5am Club routine in Early Riser and the ideal investment buys to relax, unwind and take time out for yourself this month in Self-Care.
    We look at the benefits of Rapid Transformational Therapy in The Power of Self-Love and we asked some of the most inspiring women we know, what love means to them in The Power of Love.
    Throughout this issue, a clear pattern emerged in speaking to brands and individuals alike; that what is done in love is done well. So, do what you love and love what you do.
    February’s – ‘The Love Issue’ – Download Now
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    PSA: Kristin Ess Just Launched 36 (!) New Products at Target

    When I started my job at The Everygirl, I really wanted to fit in. I was a mere intern, and I appreciated the team so much. I watched every video on our YouTube channel, scoured everyone’s personal Instagrams, and read as many articles as humanly possible. (I had a wild amount of time on my hands then.) And one of the first things I noticed was the affinity our team had for Kristin Ess haircare. I immediately got in on it, and after trying my first product (the magical Blow Dry Mist–still a product I use today!), I was a believer. Kristin Ess’s haircare line is full of trendy, high-quality products at a fraction of the cost you’d spend in a salon. Plus, they’re all available to add to your next Target pick-up order. What more could you want? Oh, I know: new products. And KE is here to bring that dream to fruition with a new line of 36 (!! yep!) products that’ll leave you looking refreshed and special for every Zoom meeting, social distanced hangout, and at-home date night you could think of. Don’t worry: we pulled together every new product so you can shop straight from your couch.

    Accessories
    Perfect for zhuzhing up second (or fifth, who’s to say)-day hair or adding a little sparkle to your typical style. 

    Kristin Ess
    The Pearl Slide

    This looks like nothing, but its actually my most anticipated new accessory! Slide it onto any hair tie or elastic to spice up every ponytail, braid, and half-up do you try!

    Color Conditioners
    These are a quarantine dream. If you’re stuck at home and bored with your hair color, these temporary conditioners add a touch of muted color. Plus, they’re also great for touching up your salon color at home. It gently deposits dye to the hair through an ultra-softening, moisturizing conditioner that is free of ammonia and peroxide, making it a much healthier way to color your hair at home. 

    Liters + Minis
    With these liters, you will never run out of your favorite Kristin Ess shampoo and conditioners.  More

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    10 Pieces Fashion Girls Are Wearing at Home This Season

    It has now been 10+ months of gushing over tie-dye, jogger pants, and cozy knit. I don’t know if it’s the inner Carrie Bradshaw wannabe in me, but if I can’t get a change of scenery (thanks to staying at home), I at least want a change of wardrobe. It looks like the fashion bloggers and style stars are with me; the new year brought new trends that are still comfy enough to wear at home or updated versions of the items we’ve been lounging in since March. If you’re ready for a wardrobe upgrade too (or just want some seasonal trends you’ll actually wear), keep reading for the pieces fashion girls are wearing at home this season.
    1. Neutral bike shorts

    Bike shorts are here, and they’re better than ever. Not only are they extremely versatile and one of our favorite items to work out in, but in 2020, they became a wardrobe staple outside of the gym (or, you know, the yoga mat on your living room floor). In 2021, find them in neutral and monochrome colors instead of the bold prints we saw in the summer, and make them weather-appropriate with your go-to outerwear and waterproof boots.

    2. Fitted bodysuits

    Wardrobes that were once full of oversized sweatsuits at the beginning of stay-at-home have transitioned into more fitted silhouettes and body-hugging materials. The best part? Bodysuits can be just as comfortable as the same tee you’ve been wearing for months. Wear it tucked into denim or sweatpants and under a blazer for Zoom calls.

    3. Colorful Knitwear

    So the weather (and groundhog) still says winter, but fashion girls are clearly ready for spring (aren’t we all?). Personally, I’m longing for colors like baby blue, pastel pink, and light yellow to brighten up OOTDs. To work with the cold temperatures, style stars are opting for warm knits in spring colors. For bonus trend points, opt for colorful knit in sporty styles like a half-zip.

    4. Plaid button-ups

    Is it just my Instagram feed, or has an oversized plaid button-up become the most popular item this season? It’s like Blair Waldorf’s headband’s younger, cooler, and more casual cousin. The casual shirt could go lumberjack chic or I-Woke-Up-Like-This glam, depending on what you wear with it. Throw it over your sweatpants and a tee for a cozy outfit, or dress it up with jeans, booties, and jewelry.

    5. Claw clips

    Who knew that the accessory your mom used to wear when running errands in the ’90s would become the it-accessory today? Whether it’s tortoiseshell and plastic or metal and geometric, claw clips are not only the #1 hair trend of 2020, but will continue to be on-trend through 2021. Thank the fashion gods for making low-maintenance hairstyling officially cool. Toss hair in a half-up style or twist into a DIY french twist for a chic, effortless, and easy hairstyle that will make a statement.

    6. Split leg pants

    So long, skinny jeans! Can’t say I’ll miss you too much (but will still probably wear you whenever nights out become a thing again). While it’s early in the season, fashion girls everywhere are rocking the split leg pant so much, it might just be the trendiest pair of pants this year. Think of them like a slightly flared pant, with a slit up the front for a more elongating, flattering, and unique look. Find the split leg style in comfy black trousers or jeans you’ll want to wear all year long.

    7. Blazers

    OK, so blazers are always in style. But this season, fashion bloggers and style stars are less interested in blazers with their work uniforms and have been pairing them with athleisure instead. So next time you’re leaving the house and need a light jacket, throw your favorite blazer on top of your sweatsuit set or leggings and tee.

    8. Matching sets

    Speaking of matching sweatsuits sets, if my sweatpants don’t come with a matching sweatshirt that’s equally as cute, I don’t want it. To wear your sweatsuits the fashion-girl way, opt for colorful options or luxurious materials like knit, and pair with a long coat or jacket in an opposing color. You’ll be warm, comfy, and stylish until spring.

    9. Loungewear Dresses

    After almost a year of wearing the same leggings every day, it’s no surprise fashion girls are over the same boring pieces (aren’t you?). That’s why loungewear dresses are officially a thing (because why should leggings have all the fun?). Think: breathable but fitted dresses in buttery fabrics and comfortable materials that make you feel like you have nothing on at all. The dress will be so cozy, you’ll want to wear it every day, but will look so put-together, you’ll look like you’re expecting company (even if the only “company” you’ve had in 12 months is the pizza delivery).

    10. Off-the-Shoulder Sweaters

    If you haven’t gotten the idea yet, fashion girls are transforming winter basics to be a lot more interesting. The off-the-shoulder neckline is just as comfortable for lounging around the house as your favorite comfy knit, but adds a more unique detail and a little hint of skin (in case you happen to have a Zoom date later, if you know what I mean). Try it dressed up with a skirt or jeans, or wear it around the house with your go-to comfy pants.

    What trends are you wearing this season? More

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    50+ Valentine’s Day Gifts to Spread Some Love This Year

    I’m a pretty positive person overall, and I almost rarely write off someone for one thing. Heck, my best friend hates the one thing I love in this world (the Jonas Brothers), and I still allow her in my presence. But there’s one type of person that I just know I won’t jive with. They irritate me to no end, and I have very little room in my life for them. And that, my friends, is the kind of person who hates Valentine’s Day. Y’all, I have been single for every single Valentine’s Day of my entire life, but it surely hasn’t stopped me from putting together a snazzy pink and red outfit, making cards for my best friends, putting hearts on every single thing, and making enough treats to put a small army in a sugar coma. It’s like Halloween in which it’s a holiday strictly about ~vibes~, and I refuse to deal with the joy suckers of the world who’ve decided that love is only meant to be between a couple and can’t enjoy it.
    Nonetheless, as you can see, I take V-Day very seriously. I love gifting the people in my life (as well as myself) with something special every year, whether it’s a sweet card, a new beauty product they’ll love, a fun activity (see #2!), or something sexy just for me. No matter who you’re buying for, we gathered a list of the best Valentine’s Day gifts to give regardless of your budget. Time to spread a little more love! 

    For girlfriends, best friends, coworkers, and yourself: 

     

    For the guys in your life: More