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    The Fall Trends to Invest in—and the Ones to Buy on a Budget

    When new trends start becoming popular, it can be hard to gauge whether or not it’s worth hopping on the bandwagon. Will it be something that sticks around, or will it be old news by the time our online order arrives on our doorstep? Give us a crystal ball and call us your wardrobe fortune tellers because after lots of research and with a little bit of gut instinct, we’ve mapped out exactly that: which trendy pieces you should invest in this year versus which ones you can save a little bit of your hard-earned cash on. Not every trendy piece requires making an investment-level purchase on, but when it’s something that’s going to be around for years to come, it’s a different story. 
    These are the trends worth adding to your closet this season, and which are going to be around a lot longer than just that:

    Invest: Chelsea Boots

    Last year, chunky combat boots were all the rage, and this year we’re seeing a slight variation on the trend with chunkier chelsea boots being the shoe of the year. If you play your cards right, the version of these could be an edgy staple in your wardrobe for years to come.

     

    Save: A Sweater Vest

    Of all the surprises 2020 has brought, one of the top is that we’re actually excited to wear sweater vests. This is a trend that’s probably going to come and go with the year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it while it’s here; get yourself an affordable one and layer it over a white button-up for a preppy twist on your classic cardigan look.

     

    Invest: A Shearling Coat

    Shearling is the fall piece that’s almost more of a closet staple than a temporary trend, and as the years come and go, we see them come back again and again. If you’re buying yourself one piece of outerwear, it should be a cozy, shearling coat that’s going to last you for years to come.

     

    Save: Something Collared

    Big, bold collars are the twist on tops that are conquering this fall, and whether you want yours to be ruffled or adorned with pearls, this is one that you can save on this year with a more affordable option.

     

    Invest: Knee-High Boots

    While knee-high boots are trendy this year, there really isn’t a year that you can’t wear them; they’re a closet staple in and of themselves. You’ll never regret having an amazing pair in your wardrobe, and this is something you should be getting wear out of far beyond 2020.

     

    Save: A Shoulder Bag

    Tiny shoulder bags have completely stolen this year’s bag spotlight, and while you probably will be wearing yours for months to come, you just don’t need to spend a ton of cash on one for it to be well-made and versatile. These affordable options will give you everything you need from them and more.

     

    Invest: A Plaid Blazer

    In the same vein as shearling coats, plaid blazers are the trend we just can’t get rid of. This should be a piece you reach for year after year, and having one that you love is key to wanting to do that.

     

    Save: A Shacket

    The shirt-jacket hybrid that we’ve been living in this year is a fun, more masculine piece to add to your wardrobe, but the majority of them don’t cost an arm and a leg. With just about every color, texture, and pattern under the sun, you’re sure to find one that you’ll get a ton of use out of that doesn’t break the bank.

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    10 years after its Dubai Mall launch, Bloomingdale’s is taking another big step

    IN PARTNERSHIP: For the last decade, Bloomingdale’s has firmly made its mark in the Middle East.
    Having first launched in Dubai Mall 10 years ago, which then led to its launch in Kuwait’s 360 Mall, this new decade marks a big next step for the luxury department store.

    In the next chapter for Bloomingdale’s Middle East, its new e-commerce platform has now launched, which also marks its expansion into Saudi Arabia. Furthering their online offering, the popular department store has also introduced an iOS app for the region, meaning you can shop right on your phone – it doesn’t get much easier than that.

    Not only will shoppers have access to the most sought-after brands at their fingertips, but the delivery time for pieces will be minimal. For those based in the UAE, same-day delivery will be available and for Kuwait and Saudi, express shipping is available.
    If waiting for your delivery is even too long, customers in the UAE and Kuwait can skip it altogether by opting for Bloomingdale’s Middle East’s two-hour click and collect service.
    Shoppers will be spoilt for choice whether they’re looking for the latest pieces from luxury brands including Saint Laurent, Chloé, Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Balenciaga and Valentino, as well as contemporary labels like Needle & Thread and Nanushka.
    You’ll also be able to treat yourself to the best skincare has to offer from the most sought after beauty brands including Dr. Barbara Strum, Dr. Lancer and EW favourite 111 Skin. Bloomingdale’s is also making it incredibly easy for shoppers to refresh their makeup bags with buys from top brands like Givenchy Beauty.

    And as this year has been the year of all things interiors, the Bloomingdale’s e-commerce platform gives you access to top homeware lines like Cutipol, Wedgwood, Bloomr, L’Objet and Eichholtz.
    In addition, to ensure your little ones don’t miss out, you can treat them to coveted brands like Stella McCartney, Boss, Dolce and Gabbana, Fendi, Givenchy, Moncler and more.
    The Bloomingdale’s online platform is now live and offers delivery across the UAE, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. For more information, visit the bilingual e-commerce platforms – UAE: www.bloomingdales.ae, The Dubai Mall, +971 80056; Kuwait: www.bloomingdales.com.kw, 360 Mall,  +965 2208 4932; Saudi Arabia: www.bloomingdales.sa, online only. 
     – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    6 Ways to Wear Your Plaid Blazer

    While we’re suckers for new, shiny trends, there’s really nothing like those pieces in your closet that are familiar and dependable; the ones that you reach for year after year and that never do you wrong.One of the pieces at the top of that list? Our plaid blazers. There’s really nothing they can’t do, and when the six cooler months of the year are in town, you can bet that we’re wearing ours multiple times a week, everywhere from the office to drinks with friends to date night. It makes up the bones of our fall capsule wardrobes—and we’ve never, ever regretted having one in our closet.
    Since we’re leaning into our capsule wardrobes a little heavier this year, we’re finding new and improved ways to style our plaid blazers this year, and while we aren’t ones to toot our own horns, we think they’re better than any year past.

    1. With a sweater, jeans, and boots

    blazer / jeans / sweater / boots / bag

    2. With a sweater dress and knee-high boots

    blazer / dress / bag / boots

    3. With a graphic tee and leather leggings

    graphic tee / leather leggings / blazer / white sneakers / bag

    4. With all white

    jeans / sweater / necklace / boots / blazer

    5. With a graphic sweatshirt and chelsea boots

    sweatshirt / beret / jeans / chelsea boots / blazer

    6. With a sleeveless sweater and corduroy pants

    sweater (perfect for under jackets!) / corduroy pants / loafers / bag

    Our favorite plaid blazers

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    10 Holiday Gifts You Can Buy Now and Save a Ton of $$

    The holidays are right around the corner, having us scrambling to find the best gifts at affordable prices that won’t break our budget. Prepare in advance for a successful holiday season with some inexpensive gifts you can buy now that will save you a few extra dollars and time shopping. Offering amazing discounts on top designers and brands, Gilt City, an online shopping and lifestyle site, has you covered this upcoming holiday season, with the best in throw blankets, menswear, and more that keeps your budget in mind. They offer a variety of gift ideas that will sure to make your loved ones grateful this holiday season! 

    Buy a gift that your favorite homebody can wear and cozy up in this winter. Affordable gift options like sweatshirts and hoodies are always a staple in any wardrobe for the winter. Add to your loved one’s wardrobe this holiday for less with some warm tops to lounge around in. With Gilt City, you can find loungewear gifts at an affordable price from brands Eberjey and more at $50 off your $150 purchase. For that price, every family member can have a matching pair! 

    Give the gift of affordable beauty this holiday with skin creams, oils, and moisturizers that won’t make a dent in your gift-giving budget. Gilt City has tons of brands that offer budget-friendly (and skin-type friendly) beauty products, like moisturizers, repair masks, and even products to de-stress the skin like the instant refreshing oil from Elemis, at up to 50% off merchandise credits when you shop. It’s the perfect gift for your loved one’s next in-home spa day. 

    Take that outdated tie box set or cologne out of your shopping cart and give the man in your life something he can wear with no fuss. Gift him some wardrobe staples he can mix and match to wear to work, in the home, or on date night this winter. Menswear that’s easy to wear and maintain shouldn’t be costly; Mizzen + Main has a collection of machine-washable and dress and casual shirts, pants, pullovers and more, at up to 60% off merchandise credits through Gilt City, which makes shopping for the man in your life this holiday season stress-free. 

    Subscription boxes can sometimes feel like re-gifted boxes of hand-me-downs after being picked through and taking out all of the good stuff, but with boxes like Rachel Zoe’s CURATEUR, gifting one of these boxes will be the premier, affordable gift for your loved one. Gilt City makes it easy to purchase one of these subscription boxes, filled with products from top beauty and fashion brands at only $69.99 (normally $99.99) with a free gift with purchase (a little holiday gift for yourself too!). 

    As soon as we hear the word “organic” with many skin care products, usually, a hefty price tag comes along with it. This holiday, you can gift mindful, sustainable beauty products that won’t come with the price. Organic beauty brands on Gilt City like French Girl Organics are up to 50% off merchandising credits that comes along with a free gift when you spend an extra $30 on your gifts. Organic doesn’t have to mean pricey; give the gift of beautiful sustainability this holiday for less. 

    We have all been relegated to our homes for the past few months, having to cancel travel plans throughout the year. Give the gift of travel this holiday season to get your loved ones out of the house and into a secluded retreat in nature. With up to 34% off credits to plenty of popular U.S. destinations through Gilt City, modern cabin rentals with travel rentals from Getaway and others could be the perfect gift for your loved ones to getaway safely within your gift-giving budget.

    It’s never a bad idea to give the gift of libations, especially during the holidays. Pair that bottle of wine with a few must-haves for your wine lover with a gift like a wine purifier or sulfite filters that will compliment their next wine-down. On Gilt City, Üllo has an amazing wine purifier and filters at up to 36% off that will save you a few extra dollars for a bottle of wine for yourself! 

    Cozy throw blankets can be affordable and made with quality material too. Give comfy throw blankets this holiday as a great gift for your loved ones to bundle up in, like these throw blankets from State Cashmere, made with 100% pure cashmere. Gilt City now has these blankets for up to 50% off, topping off your gift list with quality-made and affordable throws that will last through each season. 

    Every woman could use another bag. This holiday, get even more creative and thoughtful with these chic lunch bags for the working woman in your life from Modern Picnic. Now at 50% off on Gilt City, you can buy this functional bag ahead of the holiday season at an affordable price to you. Now, your loved one can eat lunch in style!

    Gifts for the home are always a great idea for the holidays. Beautiful handcrafted rugs, pillows, and bathroom essentials like towels are always much-needed items you can give as gifts for the holidays. Gilt City now has up to 40% off these textiles from Folks & Tales, which feature a variety of cozy home essentials to spruce up any loved one’s space.

    This post is sponsored by Gilt City, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More

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    Worth the Investment: 5 Coats That Will Be in Your Closet Forever

    About a year ago, whenever I was buying something to add to my wardrobe, I switched my mindset to focus on its potential cost per wear (each item’s price divided by how many times you’ll wear it). If I was buying something poorly-made that was super trendy that I was only going to get a few wears out of, obviously, the cost per wear would be unjustifiably high. But the things I knew could last for years to come and be worn over and over and over? My cost-per-wear radar would go off, signaling that it was indeed a smart buy.If there’s one item of clothing that continually falls under the “this fits my cost-per-wear model” consistently, it’s a classic coat. Sure, coat trends come and go, but some are simply forever—and those? Those are worth the purchase every single time.
    These are the five coats that will never go out of style, and that will get your cost per wear down to a big, fat $0. Buy these now, and thank yourself for years to come.

    1. A Camel Coat
    There’s hardly a wardrobe staple as quintessential as a camel coat. They somehow manage to make every single outfit they’re paired with chicer (and it doesn’t hurt that I’ve never seen a person who doesn’t look amazing in camel).

    2. A Classic Trench
    No capsule wardrobe is complete without a versatile trench coat. There’s a reason everyone and their mother has one: it’s a timeless, recognizable staple that instantly transforms you into a chicer version of yourself.

    3. A Plaid Coat
    Even if you’re not generally a plaid person, there’s something about a plaid coat that’s just *chef’s kiss.* Perfect for special occasions and everyday wear alike, they’ll dress up your look and give you a Meghan Markle-esque vibe that we’re never opposed to.

    4. A Black Wool Coat
    You probably already have a black coat in some form, but a black wool coat has a certain je ne sais quoi that you’ll be happy to have for pairing with anything in your wardrobe—and for all-black moments—during the cold seasons to come.

    5. A Puffer
    For days you just need to be warm, a chic puffer is a must—preferably in a fun print or color. The best part? You can wear them with anything for office wear and errand-running alike. Pair it with a pom hat for maximum winter cuteness.

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    We Tested This Cult Favorite Sports Bra—Here Are Our Thoughts

    The world is full of recommendations left and right. Whether you’re texting your friends about which restaurant to try for a first date, asking your mom what she thinks of your new hairstyle, or googling the reviews of a new foundation you have your eye on, someone’s first-hand account of something is typically only a few clicks away. But the best recommendations are those that come out of nowhere. When someone is so excited about something that they have to tell you right away, whether you asked for it or not. We really stand by that praise at The Everygirl. Heck, it’s how we’ve found some of our favorite products, from Spanx’s leather leggings to our favorite haircare product Maddie found on a beauty podcast. Today’s story comes from a recommendation from a good friend of ours (perhaps we’ll call her a BFF). After texting about trying some leggings from Aerie, she announced that her favorite sports bra in the world comes from there. I mean, we couldn’t not try them? 
    So, Maddie and I placed an order for Aerie’s Strappy Back sports bra (in different colors because we’re different gals—duh), and here’s how it went. Hint: we both kinda fell in love.

    Maddie

    Finding an amazing sports bra is a bit of an anomaly; I always hear people complaining about their sports bras, but very rarely hear someone compliment one. My biggest challenge with finding a sports bra that I love? Finding that Goldie Locks, juuuuuuuust right amount of support that holds me in but doesn’t leave me feeling like Mulan when Li Shang discovers she’s actually a girl and she’s sitting in the snow with her torso wrapped up to hide that she has boobs (just me?).
    I’m a 34D, which I like to think of borderline-large boobs. Are they objectively big? No, but they’re big enough that holding them in is a concern when I’m working out. My workout of choice is, unfortunately for me, running, which makes finding an amazing sports bra even more difficult because of the level of bouncing around that comes with it. I can honestly say that in my 24 years, I have exactly 0 sports bras that I love, so my loyalty could go to any one that impresses me.
    The second I took this bra out of its package, I knew I was going to like it based on how it felt alone. The material is, to me, a hybrid between cotton and the dry-fit, slippery material a lot of bras come in. It has some padding, which I personally prefer, but not too much by any means. Check and check.
    You know how it’s trendy and cute to wear a sports bra as a top with high-waisted leggings? I’ve never understood how people could do that until I tried this. This bra is right in between being a bra length and a crop-top length, and felt like I could get away with wearing it to a barre or yoga class. It held me in the perfect amount so that I didn’t feel too exposed nor constricted—it fit me, quite literally, perfectly. Plus, with all the criss-crossing straps in the back, it’s cute as all hell.
    After testing this out for workouts, since it’s a medium support bra, it isn’t the best in the world for running, but it’s perfect for barre or pilates or yoga or anything of the like. It’s so comfortable that I want to pick a few more up in different colors to make it my everyday, lounging bra too—something I can’t say for any other sports bra I have with any real amount of support. It hits a completely unique mark for me out of all of the sports bras I’ve ever had—and it’s less than half the price of the ones I own that I like half as much. The hype for this one is absolutely real, and I can’t imagine finding another sports bra I like this much anytime soon. 

    Beth

    Since we started working from home, I’ve been searching high and low for a comfortable bra that didn’t make me look frumpy but was comfortable to wear all day long, and it got bonus points if I could seamlessly transition it to working out during the day. I’d ordered a few here and there, and nothing knocked my socks off. I love Fabletics sports bras, but they have quite a bit of support, so I only really like them for working out. But a bralette is way too little support to work out in. You see my dilemma? 
    When I ordered this bra, I wasn’t really expecting it to be something I could work out in. It looked way too comfortable for that. “More of a bralette than a sports bra” is what I envisioned. But upon receiving it, I immediately changed my tune. Based on the material (which Maddie described loving too), it’s really flattering and sweat-wicking, making it a great workout bra. But it also is comfortable enough to wear just lounging at home. I’m typing up this review wearing the sports bra with a pair of sweatpants, and it’s honestly WFH bliss. But I have plans to work out as soon as I finish this, and I don’t plan to change either. That’s the golden ticket of bra comfort if you ask me.
    For reference, I wear a 38E bra and am currently between wearing an XL and XXL at American Eagle. I ordered the XXL in this, assuming larger was better than smaller, and I’m glad with my choice. The XL would have been much more compressive, and I love this for just hanging around the house even more so than working out (and even then, I’m not a runner or jumper in any way, so I rarely need anything with lots of coverage). 
    I ordered the white color because my current sports bra collection consists of entirely black bras (I like versatility, OK), and I love it so, so much. It’s so cute with every pair of leggings, sweatpants, pajamas, and any other random pair of pants I own. The white isn’t see-through at all, and cups inside the bra don’t cause any nipple outlines or anything of the sort. Basically, you can order this rest assured that you’ll be covered up whether you’re on a run outside, on a Zoom barre class, or just hanging around the apartment with your roommates.

    Other Aerie sports bras we have our eyes on: More