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    How We’re Wearing Fall 2020 Trends at Home

    When quarantine first started, I pictured myself sitting calmly at my desk, put-together in an outfit I’d wear to the office, sipping my coffee and feeling like Carrie Bradshaw. That lasted for about four hours, and the next six months were full of wearing the same outfit day in and day out (sweatshorts and a men’s henley, if you must know).As much as I want to be a person who wears thought-out outfits while I work from home, the reality is that is rarely the case. Comfort comes first, but at this point in 2020, many of us are bored out of our minds and forgetting what it felt like to be a human being. But here’s the good news: you can still incorporate fall 2020’s best trends into your at-home outfits—just in a different way than you would if you were still going to the office every day. 
    This is how we’re upping our fall mojo and stepping into our best quarantine selves, one cozy, trendy piece at a time.

    Faux fur

    jacket / leggings / sweater / boots

    Prep

    sweater / pants / mules / necklace

    Fringe

    sweater / jeans / slippers / “what day is it?” mug

    Jewel tones

    sweater / joggers / sneakers / blue-light glasses
     
    ’90s plaids

    jacket / leggings / turtleneck / chelsea boots More

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    Madewell Just Released Their Fall Collection & We’re Obsessed

    If you ask us, the best outfits consist of a mix of classics and a nod to a few trends. Combining timeless pieces with a couple that are of-the-moment makes any outfit feel like you know what you’re doing, but aren’t trying too hard.The store that hits that nail on the head time after time is Madewell. They have denim and button-ups and bags that will never go out of style and that we wear year after year, but always release trendier pieces as new seasons come and go—and fall 2020 is no exception. 
    Madewell’s new fall collection is—dare I say—their best yet. From unique takes on this season’s preppy trend (hello, polo sweaters) to the hottest boots of the year (hint: they’re knee-high), Madewell’s fall collection is what fashion dreams are made of.

    a few of our favorites

    Source: Madewell

    Source: Madewell More

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    The Outfit I Constantly Get Complimented on—and How to Recreate It

    I love simple outfits with a touch of “wow”—well, that’s what I like to think. My friends would likely disagree as they believe some of the things I put together “do the most.” To the eye, my looks might seem well thought-out, but since I was in my early 20s, I have lived by a few simple fashion rules: line your closet with high-quality basics, invest in alterations, and the most important rule of all, add your own flare with an accessory or two (this includes fun shoes). When I saw the responses to my white button-down and mom jeans on a TEG Instagram post, I was flattered. How could a simple white button-down and denim yield such a positive response? Sometimes it’s the outfit that takes minimal effort that receives the most fanfare. This is how I found the pieces to nail this minimal, flattering look.
    Let’s start with the basics. 

    The denim
    Finding the right pair of denim is the key. You want the denim to hug and accentuate all the right places. As I’ve aged (which I love btw), I have gained weight in my butt, hips, and thighs. My new figure has made finding the right pair of jeans to fit my curves a challenge. Typically, when I find a pair of jeans to fit those areas, I end up with a massive gap in the waist area. Not cute.
    I still enjoy a good pair of skinny jeans, but I have found that the mom jeans to be my latest obsession. What I love about the mom jean is that they are usually made with 100 percent cotton. Not to mention, they are loose in the thigh but hug the butt and waist just right. I tried on at least 15 pairs of jeans from fast-fashion retailers to luxury brands to find my ideal fit. Express jeans so far have been the standouts. Their mom jeans fit me just right and don’t lose their shape (unlike other brands where the denim becomes excessively baggy after a few hours of wear.)
    If you do find a pair of denim that fits perfectly in all but one area, look into alterations. A quick adjustment can make the difference between an ill-fitting pair of jeans and denim that makes you feel your best. 

    The button-down
    I love a good white button-down. However, the fit and fabric must be two things: oversized and unstructured. The oversized, lightweight material makes it easy to play with how you wear your shirt. Having the ability to tuck in, tie, or wear the shirt freely gives you at least three different looks. My favorite white button-downs are from Zara, Madewell, and Everlane. 

    The accessories
    Accessorizing is what makes a look special. You don’t have to be extravagant (though that is also encouraged). I wore a simple gold necklace and a pair of banana earrings I found on Amazon to add my own unique spin to a look featuring two classic pieces. I like to think of gold necklaces are a little pop perfect for any outfit. My gold necklace was handmade by Puerto Rican artisan, Michelle Llavona. 

    Aside from accessorizing with jewelry, shoes can be the shining star
    You can’t see my feet in this photo. However, since I was on a boat in Florida, I swapped my boots for platformed Teva’s. I never thought I’d be a Teva girl, but the orange platforms had me at hello. During the colder months, I wear this ensemble with a pair of knee-high boots over my denim to give the look a little oomph.  
    Wearing classic pieces doesn’t mean boring. If you love prints, wear a pair of leopard booties. Are statement accessories more your thing? Find a pair of vintage earrings you love. Do you like to mix it up? Mix and match all of your favorite statement pieces. When you have a simple canvas, you can have the freedom to explore your creativity.  More

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    The 10 Shoes Every Woman Should Have in Her Closet

    What makes or breaks a look quicker than a killer pair of shoes? They’re the queen of accessories, the cherry on top of every outfit—and sometimes, they can be just as important as your outfit itself.Shoes are the ultimate investment—if you do it right, you can wear them for years and years to come. You don’t need a million options; you really just need a few that you can wear with a wide variety of outfits. If you skip out on fast fashion and trendy pairs, you can instead choose timeless options that you know you’ll be just as excited to wear when you pull them out of storage next fall, too.
    Build your ultimate shoe capsule wardrobe with these 10 shoes, and you’ll never feel like you need another pair.

    A classic white sneaker has the ability to make any outfit look cool, polished, and effortless. We’ve already talked about how you can wear them with just about anything, and they’re appropriate for any season. Once you get a pair you love, it’ll be hard to put any other shoe on.

    Having a perfect LBB in your arsenal is as important as a good LBD. They can—quite literally—be paired with anything, from jeans and a T-shirt to a business-casual outfit for work. Opt for an ankle-high pair in the heel height you’re most comfortable in.

    The loafer came onto the scene a few years ago and now has us wondering how we ever lived without them. They immediately make an outfit look more sophisticated and put-together, and since they’re completely flat, are a chicer alternative to a ballet flat. If you’re a loafer newbie, a classic black pair is your best bet; if your closet is already stocked with loafers, get a pair in a fun color or print to spice up your basics.

    There’s nothing better than having a chic slide sandal that you can slip on any time the weather’s warm without giving much thought to it. They’re the upgraded, adult version of your Old Navy flip flops.

    Over-the-knee boots go in and out of style as the seasons come and go, but a boot style that’s always a good choice? One that hits just beneath your knee. They can be paired with anything from your favorite Spanx leather leggings to a short skirt, and always add more to an outfit than any short boot could. Opting for a pair in either leather or suede will ensure that they’re timeless enough to be worn year in and year out.

    There’s nothing worse than having an interview or wedding coming up and needing to run out the night before because you don’t have heels to pair with your outfit (just me?). Having a pair of heels (that you can walk in) in a neutral color that you can wear to any and all heel-worthy events is a rite of passage as a woman, and it’s better to get one pair you really love than a poor-quality pair you have to keep replacing (I speak from experience).

    Sometimes you’re getting ready in the morning, and after you throw on all your go-tos, you wish you had a little something extra to spice it up with—and that’s where a statement bootie comes in. They’re as effortless to throw on as your black options, but they take your looks from “I threw this on” to “I strategized this the night before.”

    A good pair of strappy sandals is arguably the most versatile form of warm-weather footwear—you can wear them with anything from denim shorts and a T-shirt to with a dress to a wedding. They’re wearable, versatile, and will add a little “oomph” whenever you need it.

    Even with a great pair of nude heels on your shoe rack, you’re likely to have events pop up here and there where you want a heel that gives you a little something extra—even if you aren’t a heel girl. For events where you’re wearing something neutral and don’t want to look like you’re heading for a meeting, a pair of statement heels is the solution.

    For errands and dog walking and weekends where you don’t change out of a sweatshirt and leggings, a pair of sporty, casual sneakers is your best friend. Luckily for us, they’re no longer hard on the eyes like they were in our middle school days; sportier sneakers are as in as the other nine shoes on this list. Colorful, neutral, patterned—pick whatever makes your heart sing. More

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    September’s – ‘The Power Issue’ with Her Highness Sheikha Latifah Al Maktoum

    Words & Creative Direction: Amy SessionsPhotography: Ziga MihelcicMakeup: Melanie Meyer at MMG ArtistsHair: Ania Poniatowska at MMG ArtistsProduction: Kelli MaddockFashion Assistant: Camille MacawiliLocation: With Special Thanks To Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club
    Welcome to The Power Issue.
    We would like to thank Her Highness Sheikha Latifah Al Maktoum for the honour of allowing us to present her as our cover star for this prestigious edition. Shooting the cover at sunrise was not only the backdrop for an incredible shoot but allowed us to share time with one of the most dedicated, hard-working and inspiring women we’ve ever met.
    We spoke with Her Highness, the daughter of Sheikh Ahmed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum and Sheikha Hessa bint Rashid Al Maktoum, sister to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to find out what it takes to keep your mind in champion mode.

    We are also exceptionally proud of this issue as we partnered with NET-A-PORTER, a powerhouse of a company.  In this issue we have exclusive interviews with a long list of incredible women, one of whom is Alison Loehnis, President NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER.
    In the issue we also have exclusive interviews with Sheikha Dana Al Khalifa, Her Highness Sheikha Intisar Al Sabah, Her Royal Highness Princess Lamia bint Majid Al Saud, Her Excellency Dr Maryam Mohamed Fatma Matar MD PhD and many more inspiring and powerful women.

    In a year that asks us to draw from the power within to overcome the challenges we face, having insight into how the incredible individuals throughout this issue do just this can provide no better inspiration. Challenges are our biggest openings for transformation.
    Mindset is everything.
    September’s – ‘The Power Issue’ – Download Now
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Emirates Woman More

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    Last Day: Don’t Miss Out On The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

    Truth be told, sales are my time to shine. I screenshot way too many trends and statement pieces on Instagram to be able to indulge in all of them (because, oops, I already spent my budget on iced lattes and Postmates). Therefore, I wait all year to buy athleticwear, fall jackets, winter accessories, quality basics, and of-the-moment trends until the moment that’s finally upon us: the Nordstrom Sale. The prices (and items) are so good, my closet is about 90 percent Nordstrom Sale steals (and the other 10 percent is probably gifts from my mom). This year, it’s broken down based on Nordstrom Card status (what you spend in a year). The opening dates are as follows:
    August 4: Icon access (cardholders that spend $15,000+ per year)
    August 7: Ambassador access (cardholders that spend $5,000+ per year)
    August 10: Influencer access (cardholders that spend $2,000+ per year)
    August 13: Insider access (all Nordstrom cardholders)
    August 19: Public access 
    The sale will run through Sunday, August 30th.
    Sure, hunting for deals is fun, but you know what’s even more fun? Scoring discounts that someone else already scoured for you (I’m all about big reward for less effort). So here’s our early Christmas present/late Christmas-in-August present for you, our faithful readers. Shop all the best items at the Nordstrom Sale below, and prepare for that post-shopping high after you get everything you want for a fraction of the price. 

    LOUNGING

    SHOES WE LOVE

    CLOSET STAPLES

    COATS

    ACCESSORIES

      More

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    All the Fall Fashion Trends I’m Skipping—and the Comfortable Alternatives I’m Wearing Instead

    I’ll be the first to admit I LOVE trends. I find a lot of comfort in trying new things and wearing pieces before everyone else (it’s a whole thing I’m working on with my therapist, OK). But 2020 hasn’t necessarily been kind to those of us who love fashion. While yes, I can certainly dress to the nines for fun, it’s not as exciting when no one is going to see it or the occasion is just sitting on your couch to binge-watch TV. But I’m not letting work-from-home get in the way of rocking fall fashion trends; instead, I’m shifting my focus to ones that work for this life a little more than the previous one I lived in when I actually left my house. I still love a lot of these trends, but I’m finding new ways to wear them that fit my lifestyle better.

    Instead of head-to-toe leather, try comfortable leather-look pieces.

    source: @ayyonks

    Leather will always look badass, and it’s been a solid trend I’ve pined after for about a year now. But the head-to-toe leather looks consisting of stiff pants and squeaky tops and jackets are not exactly my ~vibe~ when I’m sitting at a desk all day long, only occasionally standing up to get more water. Leather feels quintessentially fall though, so I’m adding that trend into my wardrobe with easy basics that feel comfortable, like my absolute favorite Spanx leather leggings. 

     

    Instead of big puffer coats, try lighter, fur-detailed jackets.

    source: @waityouneedthis

    I’m not saying there won’t be a place for giant sleeping bag coats in winter 2020/2021, especially in cold climates. But for the fall and early winter, I can’t see myself getting into that trend. Hear me out: I love wearing a mask and understand it’s essential for public health, but we can’t deny it gets a little toasty up in there. So, I like to keep the rest of my outfit as breezy as possible to make up for the immense amount of sweat coming from the bottom of my face. I’m swapping light jackets instead for the time being. For one, I’m not going outside that much to really warrant something heavy, and I enjoy the look of a light jacket on video calls and when I’m just lounging at home.

    Instead of ’90s grunge, try ’90s minimalism. 

    source: @twentysomethingplus

    I went through quite the emo phase in middle and high school, so as much as I want to love channeling it through the ’90s grunge trend filled with plaid, babydoll dresses, and chunky boots, it’s a little too close to my All Time Low phase for me. Plus, it just isn’t feasible for my current life in which I only leave my house to see my friends every now and then and to go to the grocery store. However, all parts of the ’90s are here, and I’m all for long knit dresses, shades of brown, and cardigans galore.

    Instead of neutrals, try bright-colored monochrome.

    source: @theplussizedprep

    Don’t get me wrong, neutrals will always have a place in my wardrobe, and I think there’s something special about being able to create a wardrobe full of neutrals, in both basics and statement pieces. But I love a good bright, and fall 2020 is the time to embrace it. Whether it’s sweaters and jeans to see friends, activewear, or a loungewear set at home, I’m incorporating color into my entire wardrobe.

    Instead of cropped blazers, try boyfriend blazers. 

    The cropped blazer trend would be a major part of my wardrobe if things were different in 2020, but they’re just not practical or comfortable for work-from-home. Instead, I’m loving the “boyfriend” fit this season. They’re so comfortable, look put-together for every occasion, and are easy to style. Basically, they’re the WFH-approved version of this trend. More