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    October’s – ‘The Bravery Issue’ with Khulood Thani

    October’s – ‘The Bravery Issue’ – Download Now
    Words & Creative Direction: Amy SessionsPhotography: Greg AdamskiHair & Makeup: Melanie MeyerProduction: Kelli MaddockFashion Assistant: Camille Macawili
    Welcome to ‘The Bravery Issue’.

    In this issue, we celebrate bravery in all its forms, from taking a leap of faith to daring to be different and striking out on your own.
    For our cover shoot we partnered with Fendi, a brand known for breaking the mould and carving out its own design direction, just like our cover star Khulood Thani.

    In this issue we also speak to Sheikha Amal Al Maktoum who teaches us what it takes to take a leap of faith and launch your own brand and entrepreneur Ghizlan Guenez demonstrates the bravery of starting again and Captain Salma Al Baloushi, the first Emirati female to rise to First Officer’s rank at Etihad, speaks to us about what it takes to become a woman of firsts in.

    We also have exclusive interviews with Elizabeth von der Goltz – Global Buying Director at NET-A-PORTER, Holli Rogers – CEO Browns Fashion & Chief Brand Officer at Farfetch and Kate Blythe-Pearson Chief Marketing Officer at Mecca, all incredible women demonstrating bravery to follow their gut in both business and life.
    ‘Sharp Solution’ and ‘Brave Beauty’ take a look at a more extreme approach to your usual beauty routine while LIYA and Marei1998 deliver daring new design aesthetics worth investing in for FW20. In ‘The Brave’ we spoke to some of the most incredible women we know to ask what bravery means to them.
    For many, the bravery to start, to try and to dare, even if this leads to failure is still an achievement that should be championed.
    “If he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.” – Theodore Roosevelt.
    October’s – ‘The Bravery 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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    Best Dressed Guest: 30+ Dresses and Masks to Wear to a Fall Wedding

    Unless you’re somehow a regular in the gala scene, weddings are one of the few events of adulthood that allow you to get dressed to the nines and feel like absolute gold. 2020 can stop a lot of things, but if you’re attending a socially-distanced wedding this fall, it shouldn’t stop that feeling—it just has one teeny, tiny addition: a mask.Instead of dreading pairing a mask with a wedding look, swap your mindset to thinking of it as another opportunity to make a statement with an accessory (if the Real Housewives of New York could do it, so can we). 
    Of course, if you’re invited to a wedding anytime soon that you’re thinking about attending, you should only attend if you’re absolutely comfortable. Read up on your state’s COVID-19 guidelines and consider whether or not they’ll be followed at the wedding. Those getting married in 2020 are facing a hard choice in whether or not to keep their wedding dates, but you as a guest should never have to feel uncomfortable in order to attend. 
    If you do decide to safely attend a wedding, put away your disposable mask for the night, and instead pair a fabulous fall wedding guest dress with a mask that will actually make you want to wear it (yes, they do exist!). 

    Masks More

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    The Best Under-$100 Shoes for Fall

    If I’m being honest, I jumped the gun and ran out of summer about six weeks ago, while the temps were still in the 80s and people had yet to celebrate Labor Day (not that you’d be able to tell from my apartment, which had the AC blasting at a crisp 65 and Folklore playing on repeat).But, ladies (and possibly a gent or two, one of which is probably my dad), according to the calendar, fall is officially here. It’s 57 degrees in Chicago today, the leaves are starting to change, and pedicures are no longer a necessity—it’s closed-toe shoe weather.
    Besides Trader Joe’s petite pumpkin-spiced frosted cookies and my “Leaves” candle from Bath & Body, fall shoes are without a shadow of a doubt the best part of the season. Everything from chic, fun sneakers to ultra-cool boots take your basics from blah to “Who is she?” faster than you can queue up Hocus Pocus. But you can save your fears for the spooky movies you’ll watch all season, because we found the most versatile, investment-worthy fall shoes of 2020, all under $100—you’re going to want to see these.

    Boots

    Source: Mango

    Loafers and Flats

    Source: Madewell

    Sneakers

      More

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    Good American and the power of inclusivity

    September’s – ‘The Power Issue’ – Download Now
    Entrepreneur Emma Grede is all for inclusivity at every level, championing this with her pioneering brand Good American alongside co-founder Khloé Kardashian.
    “Power, to me, means making sure every woman feels heard and included,” says entrepreneur Emma Grede. This is the exact philosophy she has taken with her trailblazing brand, Good American, an all-inclusive label she co-founded with Khloé Kardashian in 2016. “It isn’t just about fashion and trends, our brand is about creating something that helps empower women to feel their best and break down barriers.”
    Having studied at the London College of Fashion, and eventually working for a fashion production agency which led her to working in New York City and Los Angeles, British-born Grede came to a realisation when she was pregnant with her daughter. “I wanted to start my own company that I would be really proud of and that she would be really proud of,” Grede tells Emirates Woman. “When I started thinking about and exploring the opportunity for Good American, it was clear that so many women are ignored by the fashion industry, and I wanted to create a brand that bridges this gap.”

    The idea was there, then it came time to execute it. Having become connected with Kris Jenner during fashion weeks in Paris, the pair always discussed different projects they were working on which led to her casual pitch for Good American and to pin down Khloé Kardashian as her co-founder. “I pitched her in a casual way that was like, ‘Hey, I’m doing this thing, and I’d really love Khloé to be my partner,’ and she loved it but said she’d talk to Khloé,” she recalls. She flew to Los Angeles to meet with Kardashian “and the rest is history, as they say”, Grede says. From the moment they sat down together, it was clear their visions aligned creating the perfect partnership for the pioneering brand. “As soon as I started speaking, she started chiming in with stories,” Grede says. “Immediately, we were both on board with the idea that we were going to create this empowering, inclusive brand.”

    When launching four years ago, Good American’s focus was on denim, but at the helm of its focus was size-inclusivity with the jean sizes from the brand ranging from American size OO to 24. That gap in the market Grede saw was revolutionary – on their first day, Good American sold $1 million worth of denim. “It showed us that there is a huge market of women who have felt ignored by fashion brands,” Grede explains, and there was an appetite for more. The brand has since branched into activewear, dresses, bodysuits, trousers and most recently swimwear. Every single item that is created under the Good American umbrella is in their inclusive size range 00 to 24.
    “Historically, the fashion industry has been built on standards of exclusivity, catering only to specific body types, carrying a small range of sizes and representing a sometimes unrealistic body ideal,” Grede explains. “We continue to pioneer the space by listening to our customers to directly impact our design choices and product launches.” The brand has opened up a new chapter for many women, particularly many curvier women, who have been forced to shop for lower-priced, low-quality products as it’s been the only option.
    The success of Good American hasn’t gone unnoticed by other brands, with Grede noting how they are beginning to recognise the issue of size-exclusivity in the fashion industry. “We still have a long way to go, but we’re excited to see the industry take steps in the right direction while leading the way,” she adds. However, this hasn’t been without its obstacles. “It has been challenging to transform the way the industry views the inclusivity and body positivity movement, and understand that it’s not just a trend, it’s the future of business,” Grede explains, admitting the movement can feel “superficial” at times. “Not all retailers will put their money where their mouth is,” she candidly says. “There are a lot of costs associated: bigger sizes take extra fabric, shooting product on different sized models and more.”
    There was also the hurdle of getting retailers to carry all of the sizes the brand was offering. “Traditionally straight sizes are displayed in one location while plus sizes are offered in a separate section,” the Good American CEO says. “However, this went against the very core of Good American.” It’s not just been the challenge to find partners to work with that will stock their sizes, it’s also about changing the core beliefs of the industry. “I’d say the biggest hurdle is getting more partners and people to shift their mindset, and in turn, shift their behaviour,” Grede says. While it’s been tough, it’s clear they’ve made major leaps and bounds.

    At its core brand principles, Good American, of course, seeks to work with partners that are not only willing to showcase size inclusivity, but also a diverse group of women. This is where Grede and Kardashian took matters into their own hands, going directly to the women they appeal to. “When we were in search of a diverse cast reflective of who our woman is, we launched our first-ever Open Casting for Good American’s first seasonal campaign in 2017,” she says. “The response was overwhelmingly positive and our customers were beyond excited.” Following the tremendous success of the initiative, the Good American Open Casting is now held annually. Furthermore, it’s become a whole movement. “Our Open Casting programme gives women over the age of 14 the opportunity to join our Good American #GoodSquad – a group of real women who celebrate and inspire our commitment to inclusivity, diversity, body positivity and female empowerment,” Grede says. “Our goal is to use these cornerstones to push the fashion industry to be more inclusive, diverse and real.” It’s what has become one of the most enriching parts of Grede’s journey with Good American. “Being able to impact the lives of women has been the most rewarding experience,” she says. “Whether through our Open Casting initiatives, or talking with customers on social, our customers are really the ones shaping our product offerings and the future of Good American. They keep us motivated each and every day.”
    While the Good American name may pertain to the USA, the brand has become a global phenomenon and is particularly well-loved in the GCC region, which is seen by Grede. “We saw that there was an appetite for Good American in the UAE and GCC region through both customer feedback and comments and messages on our social channels,” she says. “While we’ve heard from customers about how much they love our product, we have seen an incredible response to our focus on empowerment, inclusivity, diversity and body positivity. These are the true tenets of our brand and it’s clear that they’re resonating with women all over the world, especially in the UAE and GCC region!”
    It’s been an incredible journey for Grede – who now resides in Los Angeles with her husband and two children – to build a brand from the ground-up not only with an amazing co-founder in Kardashian, but with incredible core values. As for what’s next? We’ll all just have to wait and see.
    September’s – ‘The Power Issue’ – Download Now
    – For more about luxury lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    10 Affordable Trends to Wear With Your Skinny Jeans This Fall

    Skinny jeans: you know them, you love them, you wore them every day from 6th grade to 9th grade. No matter what denim trends come and go (mom jeans, boyfriend-fit, flared leg, etc.), you know that skinny pair in your closet will be there for you season after season, year after year. And since it is, after all, skinny-jeans-and-booties season, we put together 10 trends that pair perfectly with the slim silhouette to update your autumn uniform for 2020.These outfits are so good (and the trends are so affordable), we won’t blame you if your skinny jeans became second skin by December. Look cute, stay comfortable, and save your money for more important things (like PSLs and renting every Harry Potter movie from Amazon Video)–we’ve got you covered with the cutest, most affordable pieces to pair with your skinnies this season. 

    1. Sherpa Jacket

    Source: @crystalinmarie

    Is there anything cozier? We’d even go so far as to say that the sherpa jacket is the it-coat of the season. Luckily for our skinny jeans, the oversized nature of this fuzzy jacket pairs perfectly with a slim silhouette. Some of our favorite affordable brands are embracing the trend this season with versions that are high-quality and comfortable, but won’t break the bank. 

    2. Peasant Blouse

    Source: @fashion_jackson

    Whether the temperatures are already dropping or you live in year-round sunny weather, we’ll have the peasant blouse on repeat all season long. An ivory top with pretty ruffles, feminine details, and puffed sleeves is the perfect fall piece to wear on its own or under your go-to jacket. The ideal pairing for a peasant blouse? You guessed it: skinny jeans, which balance out the proportions of a voluminous top. 

    3. Jean Jacket

    Source: @chrissyford

    In case you missed the memo, head-to-toe denim is not just a killer Halloween couple’s costume (an ode to 2001 Britney and Justin, of course); it’s a fashion trend. The infamous Canadian tuxedo has made its way into the hearts of fashion girls like Chrissy Rutherford and celebrities like Bella Hadid. Keep your jacket slim fit and in the same wash as your skinny jeans for a sleek, sophisticated, and on-trend OOTD. 

    4. Puffed-Sleeved Sweaters

    Source: @raeannlangas

    Maybe it’s because we’ve been wearing loungewear for the past seven months in a row, but style stars are opting for luxe cashmere and warm knit with interesting details. Puffed-sleeves have become so popular, they just might be the #1 trend of fall 2020. And if you haven’t guessed it yet, the perfect pairing for voluminous details is a slim silhouette (AKA skinny jeans) to balance out proportions. Wear with knee-high boots for extra trend points.

     
    5. Trench Coat

    Source: @kayla_seah

    Ah, the trench coat: the piece that feels just as Parisian-chic as it is minimalist and cool. The lightweight (but warm) outerwear can be worn from the first day of fall until the last day of spring, making it the perfect investment piece. Luckily for our wallets, you don’t have to spend $$$ to score a high-quality trench. Pair the timeless piece with your skinniest jeans, heeled booties, and a simple tee (or knit when the weather gets cold). 

    6. Plaid Blazer

    Source: @gabbywhiten

    Forget boring black basics! This season, we’re channeling our inner Blair Waldorf (everybody has an inner Blair Waldorf) and switching out our plain work blazers for more stylish plaid versions. Wear with dark wash skinny jeans, loafers, and a thin turtleneck for a work outfit formula you’ll want to wear to the office every day (or when you need to look extra professional over Zoom). 

    7. Buttoned-Up Cardigan 

    Source: @meghandono

    Is it just me, or is every blogger, celebrity, and fashion girl wearing cardigans as shirts by buttoning up the front? Maybe it’s because we’ve outworn all of our pull-on sweaters, or maybe the style just looks so cute, but either way, I’m mad at myself that I didn’t think of this earlier. The best part about pairing this trend with your slimmest pair of pants is that you can opt for an oversized sweater to pair with booties, or wear a tighter, cropped cardigan with heels for a date night look. Either will go with skinny fit!

    8. Graphic Tee

    Source: Wait, You Need This

    Skinny jeans are not only the perfect basic pair of pants, but they serve as an ideal background for statement pieces. Graphic tees are one of our favorite go-to pieces to spice up any outfit while staying comfortable, and a pair of skinnies ensure all the attention is on the tee. Throw on a pair of booties and a blazer or jacket for a weather-appropriate OOTD.

    9. Bright Colors

    Source: @theplussizedprep

    That’s right: bright colors aren’t just for summer. As much as we love neutrals and plaid come fall, rich jewel tones are gorgeous for the season. Think emerald green, bright red, cerulean blue, and bright magenta. Look for them in accessories, sweaters, or floral blouses (because romantic florals are in for fall!). 

    10. Faux Fur

    Source: @stephanietrotta

    Starting September 1, all we want is to be warm and cozy. Lucky for us, faux fur is on-trend in a huge way. And lucky for our skinny jeans, nothing goes as well with an oversized fuzzy coat as a slim pair of jeans (but you already knew that, right?). Opt for a ripped pair to make any glam faux fur a little more casual, and wear with a cozy knit to be as warm as possible. 

    SHOP OUR FAVORITES:

    How are you styling your skinny jeans for fall? More

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    24 Noteworthy Fall Pieces That Also Happen to Be on Sale

    Have you ordered your first hot drink of the season yet? I sure have, and I’m absolutely living and breathing for it. I’ll be honest: I like fall, it’s great and all, but I live for winter and the holidays. But this year, I’m doing everything I can find the bliss in the cooler temperatures, the spooky movies, and—you guessed it—the fall fashion. But we’re not quite living in a typical fall-fashion world right now, so how do I balance my aching need for cozy clothes with the practicality of saving my money for a rainy day (i.e. when I can travel again!)? I shop the sales. And boy have we found a good one! Our editors are new fans of Verishop, an online retailer carrying both brands we already love (like AGOLDE, Girlfriend Collective, and Vince) and new-to-us labels we’re dying to try. Ready to shop fall fashion as much as I am? These fall must-haves are all 25 percent off right now with the code VERIFRIENDS. Time to get shopping!

    use code VERIFRIENDS

    PLUS-SIZE FAVORITES More

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    The Fall Piece You Should Invest In Based on Your Zodiac Sign

    Of all the fall activities, breaking out the credit card and buying a few new pieces for the season might trump them all. There’s nothing like getting out of the house in the best trends of the year—and with the temperatures dropping, there’s no time like the present.But obviously, this year poses a different issue: how do you allocate your fall funds when you don’t know how much leaving the house the season will entail? Spending a ton of money on trends is probably taking a backseat to spending money on comfortable loungewear—but that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in a trendy piece or two. 
    We’re taking out the guesswork for you and are giving you which trendy fall piece you should invest in based on your zodiac sign—even if you’re only wearing it to grocery shop, it’s worth celebrating the fashion that comes with the best season of the year.

    Aries: Fringe

    Source: style mba

    Aries are fearless and comfortable with who they are, which makes a statement piece the perfect item to invest in for fall. This season’s fringe trend is perfect for them, be it in the form of a chic jacket or versatile bag.

    Taurus: Something Preppy

    Source: @lillyandgrant

    Tauruses love to be dressed to the nines, and overdressing is a part of their nature. With rich colors and textures, fall 2020’s preppy trend is perfect for the self-care sign.

    Gemini: Faux Leather Pieces

    Source: @thekittyluxe

    Geminis are a little wild and even more indecisive—which makes a faux-leather piece the perfect, versatile addition to their wardrobe.

    Cancer: Jewel Tones

    Source: @fromheadtocurve

    These summer babies love to bring the bright, happy tones of their birth month to their wardrobes year-round. Opt for a jewel-toned piece instead of the dark, moody colors of the season.

    Leo: Animal Print

    Source: @trulyjamie

    Leos have a knack for taking an intimidating trend and making it wearable, and the out-of-the-box animal prints of the season will do just that. With zebra prints and even cow prints popping up this season, leave it to a Leo to pull them off.

    Virgo: Shades of Nude

    Source: @crystalinmarie

    Shades of nude that encompass all skin tones are everywhere this fall, and they’re a perfect way for the classically-dressed Virgo to hop in on a trend without needing to get too out of their comfort zone.

    Libra: A Bold Print

    Source: @thekittyluxe

    Libras are known for staying away from the drama, but that doesn’t mean they don’t like to incorporate eye-catching elements to their outfits. Their breezy, life-of-the-party personalities make a piece in a bold print the perfect fall investment.

    Scorpio: Plaid

    Source: @simplytandya

    Scorpios are mysterious and intense, and true to their dark, emotional nature, fall 2020’s grungy plaid trend is a Scorpio’s dream.

    Sagittarius: Shearling

    Source: @jennytran

    Sagittarians are outgoing and happy and down to try pretty much anything, and although they draw attention with their personalities, they also like to draw it with what they wear. A trendy, shearling jacket that they can wear everywhere will keep them from feeling bored by their outerwear this season. 

    Capricorn: Tweed

    Source: Kathleen Barnes | Carrie Bradshaw Lied

    Capricorns are work and goal-oriented, which means anything that they can take from their job to their (virtual) happy hour is what they gravitate toward. Adding something tweed to their wardrobe is the perfect way for the sophisticated sign to reflect their personalities through their style.

    Aquarius: Dark Floral Prints

    Source: @styleidealist

    Aquarians are a little bit zany, and we love them for it. A funky, dark floral print will bring the water sign’s personality shine through all fall long.

    Pisces: Colorblocking

    Source: @carnationsandlace

    Of all the signs, Pisces would never shy away from color, and “neutral” isn’t a part of their vocabulary. They play with trends and make fashion an art, and no trend encompasses that more than colorblocking. Mix it in with your basics for an easy, go-to outfit. More

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    Elie Saab Jr welcomes first child with wife Christina Mourad Saab

    Lebanese designer Elie Saab’s son has just revealed the ultimate surprise – he’s now a dad!
    Elie Saab Jr took to Instagram on Wednesday evening to announce the news he and his wife Christina Mourad Saab have welcomed their first child together.

    The new father posted two photos on social media with Christina while he held their new bundle of joy – a baby girl.

    “Baby Sophia Saab, 02.09.20,” he captioned the post, revealing that their baby girl Sophia was born earlier this month.
    The arrival of baby Sophia would have come as a surprise to many as the couple never confirmed they were expecting.
    The couple married last year in July 2019 in a lavish wedding in Lebanon – in the Faqra mountains.

    No corners were cut in the four-day wedding festivities for Saab Jr and Christina and, of course, the bride’s extravagant wedding gowns and outfits were all designed by her father-in-law himself.
    Now, just over a year later, the couple has now started their family together with bay Sophia.
    Congratulations to the Saab family!
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Elie Saab Jr Instagram More