More stories

  • in

    21 Gifts for Your Most Fashionable Friend

    We all have that person in our lives: the friend, sister, or cousin that you absolutely dread buying a gift for year after year. Why? Well, she’s just a little bit too cool.Finding a gift for the ultra-fashionable, on-top-of-every-trend person can be impossible to know where to start. Do you opt for a fun accessory? An out-of-the-box piece of loungewear? The possibilities are endless, but not all of them are equal. 
    We’ve scoured the depths of the internet for the coolest, most foolproof gifts to get your most fashionable friend—from a cheeky graphic tee to a matching set she’ll live in. We promise: for once, she won’t be using that gift receipt.

    Shearling Slingback Sandal

    Update your friend’s slipper game with the coolest ones of the year. Available in 8 colors, these slingback slippers from Ugg are worthy of wearing for years to come.
    (8 colors available)

    Unfortunate Portrait
    Haute Yoga Tee

    Finding a cool graphic tee isn’t easy, but this one stopped us in our tracks. A cheeky fashion pun? Sign us up.

    Boy Smells
    Hypernature Neopêche Scented Candle

    Not only is this one of the most popular scents of the year, but the gorgeous packaging from this up-and-coming brand will be something the cool girl in your life will have front-and-center in her apartment.

    Wool Blend Beret

    “Emily in Paris” made it popular for the season, but berets are here to stay. This is a perfect, safe accessory to gift, and will be a perfect thing to swap out their go-to beanie for.

    Brinker & Eliza
    Booyah Mask Chain

    Masks aren’t exactly the accessories we were hoping for this year, but until they’re gone for good, we might as well be making them as fun as possible. This chain can be attached to any mask to make it a little more fashion-forward.

    The Gracey Bag in Croc Green

    It’s not easy to find a cool bag that not everyone has yet, but this one from a small, Black-owned business is worthy of wearing everywhere. It comes in every color under the rainbow, but we vote for this emerald green.

    DEZI EYEWEAR
    On Read Sunglasses

    Desi Perkins’ eyewear collection was one of the coolest accessory releases of the year, and this pair from her most recent release is at the top of our wishlist. You can’t go wrong with these.

    Abercrombie & Fitch
    Vegan Leather Mini Puffer

    This cropped puffer comes in every material and color under the sun, and anyone who needs to wear a coat this winter would be thrilled to have one in a faux-leather or faux-fur option. Dressing for winter just got a lot more fun.

    Stella and Haas
    Circle Initial Necklace

    You can’t go wrong with a gold piece of jewelry, and this initial necklace shows that you went above and beyond with a little customization, plus can be layered and worn with just about everything.

    Jennifer Zeuner
    Carmine Enamel Ring

    Depending on the type of girl you’re buying for, this fun enamel ring can be bought in a neutral, or used as an opportunity to gift a little pop of color.

    Etsy | Flawless Drips
    Purple Satin Face Mask

    You don’t know how much of a game-changer a satin mask is until you have one, and this is the gift that will keep on giving (hopefully not too far into 2021). We currently have our eyes on this fun, lilac color.

    Oma The Label
    The Simone Ring

    Give the gift of adding to your friend’s ring collection with this one from one our favorite Black-owned brands. It strikes the balance of being a statement, but also being classic enough to wear for years.

    Custom Clear Watch Band

    Anyone who wears an Apple Watch knows that it isn’t easy to make them particularly fashion-forward, but this clear watch band is one of the coolest we’ve found.

    Siren Teddy Faux Fur Coat

    Everyone and their mother is on the teddy coat bandwagon this year, but we love shorter, sweatshirt option that can be worn day in and day out.

    A Hot Pocket of Conversation Knit Lounge Set

    The matching set unintentionally took over this year, and this one with a slouchy sweater and wide, knit pants doubles as both loungewear and something your fashionable friend will love to style when she leaves the house layered underneath a go-to jacket.
    Our editor loves this plus-size lounge set too!

    Sam Edelman
    Laguna Waterproof Chelsea Boot

    The shoe of the year? The chunky boot, and this chunky (but not too chunky) choice is impossible not to please with.

    x Atlantic-Pacific Faux Leather Trousers

    One of the best trends of 2020 was faux leather, but given the nature of the year, we didn’t wear them nearly as much as we wanted to. This timeless pair will be worn for years to come, and we love that they’re a camel color, rather than a go-to black.

    Mauve Beanie

    The number of beanies you can have? It doesn’t exist, especially in this muted, dusty rose color.

      More

  • in

    This fabulous creative duo have collaborated on a new edgy shoe collection

    Footwear designer and former EW cover star Amina Muaddi and famous Rapper A$AP Rocky have been awarded for their style over the years and have now teamed up with A$AP’s creative agency AWGE to create a collection of dream shoes which we can’t wait to get a hold of.

    After launching the creative agency in 2015, an energetic buzz has been built around it as it’s famous for the production of music, videos and even its own series of creative merchandise.
    READ: Amina Muaddi on building a business empire one incredible shoe at a time
    With PVC material and black Nappa leather being the hero material of the latest pairs, the sandals and mules will arrive in a total of four styles with 10 different variations. In addition, the lace-up gladiator style with crystal embellishments will have straps which can effortlessly be wrapped around the legs while also adding a new twist on Muaddi’s signature Begum glass slippers.
    This eponymous footwear designer has previously collaborated with various A-listers such as Rihanna with her Fenty fashion line, later receiving the FN achievement award for her collaboration which is also referred to as the shoe Oscars.
    Adding to A$AP Rocky’s edgy flair paired with the celebrity footwear designer’s aesthetic vision, the collection is sure to gain worldwide traction and will release on an array of global retail platforms such as Net-A-Porter, Browns and many more.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Instagram @aminamuaddi More

  • in

    6 Outfit Formulas That Look Effortlessly Chic

    Sometimes, the very best outfits are the ones we didn’t plan; the ones we threw on before we left the house because we woke up late and didn’t have time to overthink it.More often than not, those looks are a combination of our most basic pieces, free from too much accessorizing or trying too hard to make it work. I rarely admit that less is more… but sometimes, it really is.
    When in doubt, minimal, chic combinations of the basics in your wardrobe can end up looking better than you’d imagine. Basics don’t have to feel underwhelming if they’re done with a little bit of strategy and knowing what shapes and silhouettes look best together.. These are some of our all-time favorite basic outfit combinations, all of which are effortless in a way that will turn heads—and are anything but boring.

    sweater / jeans / coat
    This Meghan Markle-esque combo is simple in the best possible way: a tan sweater combined with a black coat creates a contrast in basics that feels classic and intentional. Paired with light-wash, straight jeans, it’s the perfect casual look for any day.

    button-up / blazer / jeans
    A white-button up and oversized-blazer combo creates a cool-girl vibe that’s effortless in the best possible way. Top it off with simple, gold jewelry and wear it anywhere from the office to a (virtual) happy hour.

    blouse / pants / coat
    A peasant top might not be a traditional “basic,” but we say that this ruffle-detailed, floral one should be. Paired with faux-leather trousers and a neutral coat, it’s the perfect way to style it without looking overdone. 

    turtleneck / jeans / booties
    Is there anything better than an all-black moment? When in a pinch, throw on sleek black pieces together, accessorize with gold jewelry, and top it off with any coat or jacket of your choosing—it’s a winner every time.

    leather jacket / T-shirt / jeans
    You’ve likely seen hundreds of paparazzi pictures of celebrities in this exact combo before, and for good reason: it’s foolproof, cool, and is impossible not to pull off.

    leather leggings / shirt jacket / sweater
    This season, shirt jackets have quickly made it to the top of our wardrobe staples. Paired with faux-leather leggings and a plain sweater, it’s the perfect cozy look that simultaneously looks put-together. More

  • in

    The Everygirl’s 2020 Holiday Capsule Wardrobe

    While there are a million magical things about the holiday season, there’s nothing quite like finally getting to put on those festive outfits that you only get to wear a few times a year. The deep tones, luxe fabrics, and all-around vibes that they bring only come around one time a year—and we’re here to celebrate that, no matter what.Sure, your holiday season is going to be less going to Christmas markets and more lounging on the couch, but that doesn’t mean you should skip out on holiday dressing altogether. We say that you should be making the holiday season as normal as possible for yourself, and for many of us, that includes breaking out the items in our wardrobe that love to make an appearance come December.
    Whether your holidays will consist of your immediate family, socially-distanced family parties, or just figuring out how to celebrate on your own, our 2020 holiday capsule wardrobe has pieces for every and any occasion. Mix, match, and wear these together from now through January.

    ribbed turtleneckwhite button-upburgundy sweaterChristmas sweatshirtcable knit sweaterturtleneck bodysuitblazerbouclé dresssatin dressplaid pantscorduroy pantsleather joggerssherpa shirt jacketplaid jacketwool coatpom hatquilted bagcozy slippersshearling bootsblack bootiessuede heels

    How to Style Your Holiday Capsule Wardrobe

    1. For dinner with your parents

    burgundy sweater / black booties / plaid pants / wool coat

    2. For a night of driving to see Christmas lights

    turtleneck bodysuit / plaid jacket / corduroy pants / shearling boots / pom hat

    3. For a night of holiday movies

    Christmas sweatshirt / plaid pants / pom hat / cozy slippers

    4. For a holiday brunch

    black booties / wool coat / leather joggers / cable knit sweater

    5. For a formal dinner

    blazer / satin dress / quilted bag / suede heels

    6. For baking cookies with your siblings

    corduroy pants / shearling boots / turtleneck bodysuit / sherpa shirt jacket More

  • in

    Work & Play – EW’s December cover star Haya Jarrar

    December’s – ‘The Party Issue’ – Download Now
    The Gift Guide – Download Now 
    Words & Creative Direction: Amy SessionsPhotography: Greg AdamskiProduction: Kelli MaddockHair & Makeup Ania PoniatowskaFashion Assistant: Sarah JosephLocation: With special thanks to Nyx at Gaia DIFC
    Founder & Creative Director of Romani, Haya Jarrar creates unconventional pieces with a touch of the rebellious. Is she on our guestlist? Absolutely.
    What do your first 30 mins of the day look like, your morning routine?

    I check my emails the minute I wake up and respond to all of them before getting out of bed. Then I begin my morning skincare routine and have breakfast before I hit the gym.
    Do you feel more drawn to the creative or the business side?
    Definitely the creative side. I didn’t even know what an income statement is until I started Romani.
    How did you know it was the right time to launch your own brand and what were the stepping-stones to that point?

    You know in life, there’s never really the “right time”. It’s always been my dream to start my own label, so I just went for it. Studying fashion design in university and working in the industry after graduating helped me gain experience and insight which I used to start my own brand with my own identity.

    What has been the biggest hurdle since launching the brand and how did you overcome this?
    Starting as a very young girl in this very big industry was very challenging for me in the beginning. It was a struggle in every single aspect (finding the right suppliers, creating the right designs that represent me, promoting my brand and making sure I’m doing the right thing). With time, you learn that every successful person in any industry has to struggle a bit before finding their way.
    Do you have any mentors or guides and how does this help navigate the right path throughout life and your career?
    My inspiration and motivation in life is the person I aspire to be in the future. I try to work really hard on myself every day and try so hard to improve myself because everything you want in life and strive to achieve is already within you; you just need to carve your way in.
    What do you look for in terms of hiring your own team?
    It’s important for me to be surrounded by a team that understands my vision. That’s the most important thing. I also value a team that is hard working and that has something to bring to the table.
    How has this year impacted the industry both positively and negatively?
    Negatively, as a brand we’ve struggled in terms of production and missing fashion weeks and not being able to showcase our collections and connect with our customers and having to put things aside for a while and delaying production. Positively, it gave us the time and space to sit back, relax and breathe. It made us realize that we were constantly rushing before. Now, we are not rushing anymore.
    How do you approach scaling the business and what works in terms of client retention?
    I want to scale my business by going into more retails stores and I want to also expand to other areas (other than fashion) through Romani. We will be making this reveal very soon!

    There’s a rebelliousness and unconventionality to the pieces you create – was this part of the brand DNA from the outset?
    Yes. Usually, from what I see, a lot of designers base their designs on what buyers are looking for or what is the norm in the region. For me, I wanted to create designs that represent my identity and me from the beginning.
    Which pieces are your best sellers and do you notice differing trends globally in terms of sales?
    The Sylphina jacket. It’s very dear to my heart since it’s the first piece I ever created for Romani. And luckily, it is our most popular piece.
    How has social media affected the luxury industry and which platform has been most useful?
    It enabled us to become closer to our customers and helped us understand them more. Instagram has been the most useful by far.
    Do you have any pre-bedtime rituals?
    Recently, I got into meditation. And it works so much better for me at night than in the morning. Also, I really enjoy a nice walk to clear my mind right before bedtime.
    If you were not on your current career path, which other role would you have chosen career-wise?
    I believe I was born to create. If not fashion design, then definitely interior and furniture design.
    This is ‘The Party Issue’, where and how will you be celebrating this season?
    I think I will be somewhere cold, cosy and Christmassy with my husband and family.
    What should you gift the host when attending a dinner?
    A candle is always a good idea.
    What’s your secret to surviving party season and still looking flawless?
    Lots of water, exercise, vitamins and a healthy routine.
    What is your go-to party outfit?
    Either a Romani dress or Romani suit. You can never go wrong with a Romani suit.
    What is on your wishlist this festive season?
    Bottega Veneta boots, an Alexander McQueen knit…
    December’s – ‘The Party Issue’ – Download Now
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

  • in

    12 accounts you should be following on Instagram for party season inspo

    December’s – ‘The Party Issue’ – Download Now
    A curated list of who to #follow this month.
    Rene Caovilla@renecaovilla

    Dressing women from the feet up since the 1950s with beautifully designed creations. Rene Caovilla crafts pieces of art with an emphasis on heritage and quality.
    Valentino@maisonvalentino

    From strict tailoring to flowing dresses and separates, Valentino continues to dazzle for FW20.
    Retrofete@retrofete

    Founded by Ohad Seroya and Aviad Klin, Retrofete is known for its party season-appropriate sequin dresses.
    Haya Jarrar@hayajarrar

    Founder and Creative Director of Romani, Haya Jarrar bring a rebellious edge to her ready-to-wear label.
    Laura Bailey@laurabaileylondon

    Modal, writer, cultural ambassador for the British Fashion Council and brand ambassador for Chanel, Bailey has a honed eye for style.
    Jo Malone@jomalonelondon

    Unexpected combinations of ingredients made British lifestyle brand Jo Malone famous for its elegant yet playful fragrances.
    Gilda Ambrosio@gildaambrosio

    Gilda Ambrosio co-founded The Attico alongside long time friend Giorgia Tordini, adding an edge to classic glamour.
    BYFAR@byfar
    Taking reference from the ’90s this brand is sustainable as well as fun.
    Camille Charriere@camillecharriere

    Journalist and Broadcaster, Camille Charrier delivers her own sense of half British / half Parisian style.
    Fiona Leahy@fionaleahydesign

    Bringing dream dinners to life, Fiona Leahy creates incredible tablescapes for royalty and rock royalty alike.
    Alighieri@alighieri_jewellery
    Founded by Rosh Mahtani, Alighieri offers jewellery collections inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, where each piece corresponds to one of the poet’s 100 works.
    The Arts Club Dubai@theartsclubdubai

    The Arts Club is one of the most luxurious and famous private members’ clubs in the world. The London-based club is now happily opening its doors in Dubai’s DIFC.
    December’s – ‘The Party Issue’ – Download Now
    The Gift Guide – Download Now 
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More