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    How to Make Your Puffer Coat Look Effortlessly Cool

    When it come to trends, it isn’t often that what’s in coincides with what’s actually functional. Usually you have to make some kind of sacrifice to your comfort to really pull off a trendy piece, but an exception to that rule has miraculously happened this winter. Enter: the puffer coat.No, a puffer coat isn’t exactly known as a fashion statement; they’re practical and necessary. But the fashion Gods have decided that in 2021, puffer coats are also on-trend.
    Throwing a puffer coat on is usually the last step in a getting-ready routine; you throw them on top of whatever you decided on wearing and call it a day. But now, we’re styling our outfits around our puffer coats, instead of vice-versa—and the result is an effortless coolness that will keep you both warm and stylish until the first day of spring. 

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    puffer (currently on sale) / puffer (plus-size) / pants / sneakers / bag / sweatshirt

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    puffer / puffer (plus-size) / joggers / sneakers / sweatshirt / sunglasses

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    puffer / puffer (plus-size) / jeans / T-shirt / boots

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    puffer / faux-leather pants / sweater / boots

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    puffer / jeans / jeans (plus-size) / hoodie / boots / beanie

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    puffer / joggers / joggers (plus-size) / graphic tee / sneakers / sunglasses More

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    Our Favorite Wardrobe Essential From Target Just Came Out in 14 New Colors—and It’s $4 Right Now

    Last summer, I discovered something that truly changed my life. It was so simple, yet also the perfect summation of everything that was missing from my wardrobe. It’s flattering, versatile, the perfect cut, comfortable, and most importantly, incredibly affordable.So Jess, what the heck is it?! It is Target’s A New Day Ribbed Tank. The obsession started when I purchased just two tanks—but, by the end of summer, I owned six. I am telling you: that’s how good they are. Many of our editors also own them, and they all own more than one. You just have to trust us that once you put it on, you’ll never want to wear another tank again. 
    Although this tank is a summer wardrobe staple, I managed to continue to wear mine all through fall and winter by layering them with sweaters, cardigans, and jackets—proving that it is truly the most versatile piece in my closet.

    Now fast forward to last week, and something appeared on my “For You” page on TikTok that made me audibly gasp. There it was, the famous Target tank, back and better than ever—not only in a ton of new solid colors, but also in TIE-DYE (!!!!). I sent the TikTok to my coworkers faster than I could even say “pastel tie-dye.” 

    As if all of that wasn’t amazing enough, it also comes in sizes XS-4X, is available in 14 colors, and is currently on sale for $4. Yes, $4. Less than the price of a Grande Cold Brew. Stock up now before they sell out! 
    Get your credit card ready, because you’re going to want one in every single color:

    Source: Keely Geist

    Source: Abigail Yonker

    Source: Jessica Welsh More

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    5 Colors You Need in Your Wardrobe This Year

    Whether you’re celebrating it or completely ignoring its presence, it’s a brand-spankin’ new, shiny year. And while it doesn’t exactly look different than the last just yet, in my opinion, the difference is that there feels, somehow, like there’s more to look forward to in 2021—and one of those things is dressing in absolutely anything (anything!) that isn’t a groufit.Sure, it’s still getting dark at 4 p.m. and winter is really only just beginning, but 2021 is bringing us new color trends that feel anything but dull and dreary. And whether you’re wearing them for your couch or on an extra-long walk to Starbucks, they’re pretty much guaranteed to brighten up any outfit and pull you out of any wardrobe rut you might be in (and aren’t we all in one?).
    Have some fun, put away your neutrals, and add one of these pieces to your closet shelves.

    1. Light Green

    If you go on any store’s website right now, odds are one of the first things you’ll see are bursts of a light, fresh green. While sage and olive were all the rage for fall and winter, their brighter cousin is coming onto the scene for 2021.

     

    2. Pastel Yellow

    It’s no surprise that a variation of Pantone’s color of the year, “Illuminating,” has already made its sunny way into stores, and getting a glimpse of it makes us crave the brighter days ahead. A light yellow blazer? Sign us up.

     

    3. Lavender

    Sure, this might be the color your bedroom was when you were 12, but we’re all adults here, which means lavender can actually be done right. Has anyone ever felt sad when wearing this color? I say not.

     

    4. Mid-Tone Brown

    If the pastels are too much for you to wrap your head around just yet, you can hop onto a color trend by opting for a neutral, mid-tone brown. It’s flattering on just about any skin tone and is a step up from the creams and beiges of seasons past.

     

    5. Cornflower Blue

    If this color doesn’t make you look forward to spring days, I frankly don’t know what will. The airy, easy-to-style hue is an upgraded-but-still-tame addition to any wardrobe.

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    Kylie Jenner wore this Dubai-based designer for the final filming of KUWTK

    Kylie Jenner has been known to champion Arab designers on a number of occasions.
    Most recently, the makeup mogul adorned a Dubai-based designer to mark the final filming session of Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

    Sharing some photos to Instagram over the weekend, Jenner was wearing an all-cream outfit. “Last day of filming,” Jenner captioned the post.
    She accessorised the ensemble with the Ida bag by Dubai-based brand L’Afshar in beige croc.

    Born and bred in Dubai in 2013, the brand has become hugely popular around the globe, especially amongst other A-listers, too. Kendall Kenner, Beyonce, Bella Hadid and Queen Rania are all big fans of the designer bags.
    As for the long-running Kardashian-Jenner reality show, it was announced by Kim Kardashian last year that KUWTK would be coming to an end after 14 years.
    In a statement posted to her Instagram Kardashian said, “It is with heavy hearts that we’ve made the difficult decision as a family to say goodbye to Keeping Up With The Kardashians.”

    “Without Keeping Up with The Kardashians, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she added. “I am so incredibly grateful to everyone who has watched and supported me and my family these past 14 incredible years.
    “This show made us who we are and I will be forever in debt to everyone who played a role in shaping our careers and changing our lives forever.”
    Given that it’s been widely reported Kardashian is heading for a divorce from husband Kanye West, we’re intrigued to see what the final season of KUWTK will have in store for us.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Kylie Jenner Instagram More

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    Aerial art – EW’s January cover star Mayassa Al-Tajir

    January’s – ‘The Positivity Issue’ – Download Now
    Words & Creative Direction: Amy SessionsPhotography: Žiga MihelcicFashion Assistant: Sarah Joseph
    Aerial artist, fitness enthusiast and wellness expert, Mayassa Al-Tajir shares with us her positive approach to life.
    How does your morning routine set you up for a positive day?

    I am more Lark than Nightingale, so the morning is my favourite part of the day. I usually wake up at 5:30am without an alarm, just so that I can steal an extra hour of me-time before the day actually starts, this helps me feel grounded. I always start with a large cup of English Breakfast tea while I draw as I love the history of art, so I spend my first hour in the morning sketching, shading and enjoying the quiet, while the rest of the house sleeps. I feel that positivity and productivity come hand in hand, we are never happier, when we feel accomplished, and so I always start my day this way.
    You follow a holistic approach to health and fitness- how did you discover this path?
    This is a tricky question because sometimes I feel like I haven’t quite made it down the path as yet. I have always been looking for the path, searching, as most of us do for fulfilment, belonging, a sense of purpose, all those heavy anchors that bind. In the end, it did turn out to be a holistic approach, I just didn’t realise it at the time. I think it started after I had my second child, I had a tough pregnancy, and difficult birth, which left me with no core, I had severe diastasis recti and back issues. Both ailments were just something I was not willing to accept, so after grieving the loss of my core, I decided it was time to heal. I took up yoga, after which I followed my love for the aerial arts, and now I have a very strong core. Now each step I take, I am motivated to stay strong and keep my core safe.

    How does movement impact mindset?
    My main form of movement is yoga, which in itself is a very mindful approach to the movement. You are very aware of your body and your muscle movements, and your breath. In the moment of practice, the mind becomes raw and bright, you forget about your giant to-do list, as the mind becomes unblocked. I believe aerial movement needs to be extremely coordinated, you are concentrating all the time, for the flow, at times I feel I am in a math class, trying to memorise different formulas. In short, movement wakes up the mind, when you expel energy you feel energised, and the breath nourishes, and so clarity of mind always comes at the end of the practice.
    What motivated you to start practising aerials and what challenges have you overcome on your journey?
    I started off with yoga, which I believe is the fundamental backbone of any kind of physical exercise. My favourite yoga practice would have to be vinyasa and arm balances, being an artist at heart. I can’t resist the beauty of the poses, shapes, the strength and the grace of the human form. Thereby aerials were naturally the next progression in the journey. I like variety and I like to feel challenged, and the real beauty of aerial arts is that it just doesn’t feel like exercise as I am not a gym person, in any shape or form. I don’t even know how to turn on those gym machines. But in aerials, you combine height, spinning, drops, shapes, climbs, and dance in the practice, it is a very beautiful, inspiring art, where you continually progress on your journey, there is no end, and therefore there is no limit.
    The main challenges have been to balance strength and flexibility, you require them both, and I believe that finding the correct balance between these two fundamental elements is everyone’s Achilles’ heel. You need complete core to be able to lift your own body weight, and sometimes hang on just one arm or one ankle even, and you need to be able to bend, and open your heart and breath inverted. I have never found inversions challenging, but sometimes I have said a prayer or two before doing drops.
    Which inspiring books are currently on your reading list?
    I am a book worm! Currently, I am reading Be Water my Friend the true teachings of Bruce Lee by Shannon Lee, which is a remarkably beautiful book, filled with inspirational quotes and life teachings, while continually focusing on the fact that we are all becoming, and we should enjoy the journey of becoming, despite the obstacles. The cup should be empty, because that is the purpose of the cup, and then, of course, you get to fill it. I am also reading The Secret Lives of Colour by Kassia St Clair, a real dream of a book for any artist, it reveals the history and story of different colour pigments, their symbolism and meaning, e.g. gold is the colour of desire. How beautiful is that?
    What are your health and wellness goals for 2021?
    I never have actual health goals per se, but they usually tie into my aspirations for new experiences. I have a habit of trying to learn or experience a new hobby or activity with each new year. 2021 shall be the year of the horse! I plan on horse riding every week and galloping across the sand dunes. Other than that, I already have an abundant schedule which includes snowboarding and diving every week. In general, I would say I lead quite an active lifestyle, which is a blessing.

    Do you have any pre-bedtime rituals?
    I try to get into bed as early as I can, the earlier, the better. This ritual usually requires me to cause a distraction in order to sneak off early, while everyone else stays up. But apart for an early night, I don’t have any beauty regime per se apart from brushing my teeth. I do always review my to-do lists at night and see what I can tick off for the next day. My to-do lists are biblical, they are categorized from year to month to week. The more organised you are, the more time you have to do the things.
    This issue is ‘The Positivity Issue’ – how do you stay positive?
    Well I always watch a lot of Disney, aside from that, I stay hydrated and active, I make sure that I start the morning with great expectations, I get excited when I finish my morning sketch, and I am happy to meet my friends in the aerial studio, it’s all about the little things, that end up adding up I guess. I am an extremely visual person, so I take a lot of comfort in my surroundings, I love beautiful spaces or places that hold memories. I like to live a life of appreciation, and I appreciate the knowledge that I can learn every day, and I appreciate my personal efforts in that I try to make every day count, nothing should be wasted. It is a difficult trick to make sure that the mind takes nothing for granted, and in this way, everything has a purpose. When I do feel down, I try to understand my mood, and then what strategy I can apply to fix it or clean it. Sadness only comes when we feel defeated, and so I always ask myself “what does it do to your heart?” and I genuinely let it go because I need all my time to do the things I love. I live a life abundant with hobbies and beautiful friends, and they keep me flowing.
    January’s – ‘The Positivity 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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    7 Hailey Bieber Outfits to Copy Immediately

    I feel that I can’t begin this article without a little bit of honesty: for a period of my life, I was not a fan of Hailey Bieber. If you asked around my office, I’m sure my coworkers would go as far as saying I was actually a Hailey Bieber hater. But some things are undeniable, and over time, I realized that one of those things is—whether you like her or not—that Hailey Bieber has incredible style.Time and time again, I’d see picture of her that actually inspired me; an oversized coat, cropped tee, and sneakers? Why wasn’t that what I was wearing every single day? Why wasn’t I only leaving the house in a slicked-back bun and cat eye sunglasses? How could I possibly embody this effortless chicness that she seemingly has? I’m a woman who gives credit where credit is due, and Hailey Bieber (and her stylists) deserve a hefty amount of it.
    No, we aren’t all models with cheekbones you could see from 100 yards away, but that doesn’t mean we can’t replicate the most iconic looks of someone who is. Want to start the year with some style inspiration? Look no further.

    1. The upgraded matching sweater set

    Source: Beretta/​Sims/​Shutterstock

    Is this super practical at this point in time? Perhaps not, but it’s officially on my mood board to wear at some point of 2021. I’ve seen many a sweater midi skirts paired with matching cropped cardigans, but never with one that’s delightfully oversized. Combined with knee-high boots in the same hue and a tan cami? It’s as close as you could get to perfection. 

    2. The out-of-the-box trench

    Source: RHTY/​starmaxinc.com/​Shutterstock

    I definitely didn’t think that at any point in 2021 I’d be vying for any pair of pants that could be described as “khaki,” but this look has them on my list. This incredible brown, croc-effect trench is surprisingly easy to find a dupe for, and paired with white sneakers and a cropped tee, it’s able to keep the spotlight without feeling too overdone. The yellow bag to top it off? Genius.

    3. The perfectly styled cardigan

    Source: Broadimage/​Shutterstock

    By now, most of us probably have some version of a cardigan in our wardrobes, and if you’re looking for a new way to style it, this long-jean-and-Western-belt combo is where to start. Top it off with heeled sandals, a woven bag (on a budget), and round sunglasses.

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    4. The elevated loungewear look

    Source: SMXRF/Star Max / Getty

    How to style your sweats this winter? With an oversized wool coat, chunky sneakers, and cat-eye sunglasses. Wear it and feel like a celebrity who’s acting like they don’t want to be spotted by paparazzi but actually does.

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    5. The “I just threw this on” look

    Source: Adrian Edwards | Getty Images

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    It might not be anyone’s first instinct to style knee-high boots with baggier jeans, but this gives us every reason to want to try it. Top it off with a crewneck sweater and oversized biker jacket and you’ve got yourself a look.

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    6. The first thing we’re going to wear when we’re back in the office

    Source: Broadimage/​Shutterstock

    With all the blazers we’ve accumulated over the past few seasons, we’re always looking for new ways to style them, and this just might be our new office uniform. These longer jeans and heeled sandals bring a new spin to the black blazer and tan sweater up top, and as always, a sleek bun and sunglasses top it off seamlessly.

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    7. A fun day-off uniform

    Source: Photo by Broadimage/Shutterstock

    Orange bike shorts? She went there, and we’re here for it. Paired with sporty slides, a cropped grey shirt, and gold accessories, it’s the perfect, casual day-off look for spring.

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    An exclusive free Hermès event is coming to Dubai this week

    The Hermès Carré Club has slowly made its way around the world in recent years making stops in Paris, New York City, Milan, Toronto, Singapore and Los Angeles.
    Now, this immersive experience is coming to Dubai this week.

    Celebrating the signature DNA of the Hermès scarf the Carré Club aims to bring the know-how of the carré to people. It’s an interactive and immersive experience into the world of silk, bringing the positive spirit of art, culture and design of Hermès to life.

    The silk carré was created in 1937 one hundred years after Hermès’ initial inception in 1937. It’s since become an icon for the brand resonating the positive power of the fashion house’s signature DNA.
    The Carré Club will have various elements to including the Carré Studio where you can meet some of the artists behind the iconic motifs – including Cyrille Diatkine, Gianpaolo Pagni, Octave Marsal, Theo de Gu and Daiske Nomura. You’ll also see the designers showcase their creative process live.
    There’s also Carré Stories where the tale of the Hermes silk scarf will be told; the Carré Knot where you can learn the art of knotting a scarf; the Carré Park where you’ll see skateboarders fly the flag for men’s silk on skate ramps.

    With it being a fully immersive experience, event-goers are also invited to visit the Carré Café for some downtime and then visit the Carré Click to capture some memories from the event. To finish the amazing experience, you can visit the Carré Mania pop-up store which will showcase a selection of scarves for women andmen, including some limited editions in the event’s colours
    Hermès invites you to the Carré Club which takes place every day from January 15 to January 20, 12pm to 10pm, at Concrete in Alserkal Avenue, Dubai. You can now reserve your free tickets online: hermes.com/carreclub.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    I Tried Eloquii’s Subscription Box—Here Are My Unfiltered Thoughts

    Let’s start with the problem: I never have enough closet space. No matter how many times I’ve tried to Marie Kondo my wardrobe, I still end up with overflowing drawers and negative hanging space. Not to mention, as an apartment-dwelling millennial, my knack for constantly amassing stuff is a point of anxiety that imposes upon my dreams of minimalism.  (Side note: I’ll never be a minimalist—I shop way too much—but a girl can dream, right?) At the beginning of 2020, my best friends and I got together for our first girls’ trip of that year. As we dressed for post-Rumble brunch, one of my besties put on the most expensive-looking blouse. (It should be noted that said friend always succeeds at being bougie on a budget; she’s an icon.) We looked at the label and then back at her, astounded, because we knew she did not drop the $500 cost on a top. That’s when she told us her secret: rental services.  She explained that they’re perfect for curating a closet that you don’t have to move from destination to destination and that they empower you to design your wardrobe around events and travel plans. Consider me sold. 
    I’ve always heard good things about closet rental services, but have never thought they were for me. Maybe it’s the older sibling in me talking, but I like to have ownership over my things and possess them until I’m ready to get rid of them. The idea of renting clothes that I could possibly fall in love with and then have to give back seemed torturous to me.
    However, when I noticed many plus-size influencers talking about Eloquii’s new rental service, Eloquii Unlimited, I was intrigued. I’ve always admired how the company prioritizes and designs for plus-size women, rather than just extending their size offerings to a 1X. But, in the Instagram-sphere, there were many mixed emotions about trying the service, especially during these pandemic times. 
    The good news? I tried it so you don’t have to.

    How it works

    Step 1: Add as many items as you like to a shopping cart, called your “closet” on the site. You have to add at least 10 items (which is possibly the easiest thing I’ve ever been asked to do). 
    Step 2: Eloquii will send you four items from your online closet based on what’s available.
    Step 3: Wear it. ‘Gram it. Return it. 
    Step 4: Repeat as many times as you like. There are unlimited returns for just one monthly fee of $79.

    Here’s what I got:

    I tried this one on first because I knew, from the very first time that I laid eyes on this dress, that I would love it. In the wintertime, I am always looking for warm dresses that mean I don’t have to wear pants.  First, I paired this with my Sheertex tights and some black booties for a classic sweater dress look. Then, I was inspired—I went for another look, wearing this piece like an oversized sweater with jeans and some statement heels. Loved it!
    This sweater dress wasn’t too thick or too thin, so I could wear it just lounging around the house or layer it with a cute coat for outdoors. I fell in love with this piece (and so did a bunch of my Instagram friends), so I might just have to rent it for the rest of the season!
    Wearing: size 18/20.

    I added this item to my closet because I was feeling especially celebratory—it’s a new year, after all! When I first put it on, I have to admit, I was wary about it. You have to be a powerful lady to pull off shoulder pads, but that’s exactly what I felt like. Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised that this glittery top didn’t deposit glitter all over my face and body. Thank goodness!
    I don’t know if the jeans I wore were the best fit for this look; however, I’ve had my eye on a pair of Spanx Patent Leather Leggings that I think would pair well with this, some eggshell booties, a red lip, and an up-do (to show off the shoulder pads).
    Wearing: size 18.

    When I tried these pants on, I almost teared up. “Why would you cry over clothes,” you ask? These are a prime example of the type of trendy pants that I’ve always wanted to buy from department stores, but they never have my size. I love Eloquii for prioritizing bodies like mine and giving us all the trendiest options. These pants felt just as high-quality as they looked when I picked them out. Thank you Eloquii for making quality, stylish options for us curvy girls. I think I’ll get the matching blazer in my next trade! 
    Wearing: size 18.

    I have to be honest: I’m not sure what propelled me to add this to my closet in the first place. It’s very much outside of my style comfort zone, but maybe that’s why this rental experience is so great. I don’t think I’d ever pick this up at the store, and I almost didn’t pick it out on the website. When I pulled it out of the box, I was still a bit doubtful. As a plus-size girl-turned-woman, I’ve always been told to stay away from oversized, baggy, unflattering outfits, and I think that “advice” occasionally rears its ugly head. However, when I put this on—even though I felt sort of like a character from Gumby—I felt fabulous, chic, and stylish. 
    It fit a bit larger than I’d hoped—which is rarely the case for me—due to the fact that I ordered a size larger than I would normally because I’ve been scorned by jumpsuits in the past. My advice (if you order something similar): order your actual size; the fit is pretty true to the description. 
    While I don’t know that this is something I’d wear often, I do know that I’d love to strut my stuff in it at least once. That is the beauty of being able to rent and return.
    Wearing: size 20.

    The conclusion

    After trying my first rental box ever, where do I stand on rental services? Let me start by saying that I just texted my aforementioned friend to tell her how right she was. I’m so happy that I tried this out!
    I’m always shopping for specific occasions and then never wearing those clothes again, and honestly, that’s a major bummer and cash-burner. I am definitely sold on renting and returning clothes. I can see myself using this service as the world begins to reopen, and I have more activities to dress for. I’ve already started adding pieces to my Eloquii Closet that I can see my future self wearing on vacation, to weddings, to brunch, and around the office. I’m definitely looking forward to trying out other rental services to see how they compare, but they have some big shoes to fill (no pun intended). Eloquii Unlimited has a seamless service, stylish and high-quality offerings, and, above all, such inclusive sizing! 
    I’m now a rental service convert, and I think this epiphany will save me money and closet space in the long-run. More