More stories

  • in

    What to Wear This Weekend

    Even with isolation and minimal opportunity for activity, weekends do, in fact, still exist—and we still need to make the most of them.We’ve dove into how to make weekends feel special while staying at home, and we believe with all our hearts that wearing real clothes is one way to do that. We’re not suggesting anything uncomfortable or sweat-prone—just comfortable, chic outfits that will remind you that yes, something other than your sweatshorts does exist.
    Whether you’re spending this weekend reading on your porch or at a socially-distanced barbecue or just hanging around your house, we have an outfit that you’ll feel like your usual self in.

    1.

    romper (plus-size romper) / sneakers / bag / sunglasses

    2.

    dress (plus-size dress option) / sandals / bag / necklace (budget-friendly option)

    3.

    jeans / tank / sandals / necklace

    4.

    overall dress / tee / sandals / sunglasses

    5.

    dress (plus-size option) / sneakers / straw tote / sunglasses More

  • in

    27 Lightweight Jumpsuits That Feel Like Pajamas but Make You Look Put-Together

    I’m going to be honest: I’ve had it with my work-from-home wardrobe. Every morning when I wake up and put on yet another pair of running shorts paired with a T-shirt while side-eying the things I wore in my former life (read: five months ago), a little part of me dies. But no matter how hard I try, I just cannot get myself to wear things that aren’t comfortable—it’s a true catch-22.This conundrum led me to a groundbreaking, recent discovery: a black, cotton jumpsuit I had hiding at the back of my closet. I stumbled upon it on an unsuspecting Tuesday morning, threw it on, and felt like I had just won the lottery. It’s the true equivalent to a pair of pajamas, but looks and feels like I’m wearing a real outfit—even though I only had to put one thing on my body. When I say I’ve worn it almost every day since, I mean it.
    While we’re sitting on our couches from now until who knows when, we might as well be doing it feeling as confident as possible—and comfortable jumpsuits are the answer to that. Buy these now, and thank me later.

      More

  • in

    Farfetch: How to grow a global brand with Stephanie Phair

    Strategy and style
    Stephanie Phair is what you’d call incredible. Leading, developing and articulating the long-term vision for Farfetch, we spoke to Phair about supporting boutiques in the time of a pandemic and beyond.
    What do your first 30 mins of the day look like, your morning routine?
    I’ve stopped checking emails first thing in the morning, or you go down a rabbit hole, and I end up with a clearer head! If there is anything urgent I would have missed calls. I get myself ready and it’s all hands on deck to get 3 children and us out of the house on time.
    Tell us about your role as Chief Customer Officer at Farfetch?

    My role encompasses the broader customer strategy at Farfetch, the world of Private Client and our customer innovation efforts with Store of the Future. Our customers are at the core of our business and one of our key brand pillars is “amaze customers”. José [Neves, founder of Farfetch] always had in mind that he wanted to build a community and our customers are at the heart of that.
    How did your previous roles at the likes of Net-A-Porter set you up for such a role and what do you think the key thing is to remember if you strive to build a customer-centric brand?
    Net-A-Porter was such a customer centric business and I learnt a lot there. Making sure you constantly look at things not from a functional point of view but from a customer lens is a discipline. The customer doesn’t care that your average answering time is x minutes, they care about what it was for them.
    The recent months have been a challenge – how did Farfetch stay ahead of the curve in terms of inventory and strategy?

    Farfetch was founded at the beginning of the 2008 recession, and born out of a need for brick and mortar boutiques to survive and reach customers worldwide. Today our partners are facing an equally difficult time for trade now as we did then, but our capabilities as a global platform enable us to offer them solutions during this time, because they can still ship from their stores even if their footfall has dropped. Farfetch has hundreds of boutique partners who make our business model so unique and our first instinct was to go back to our DNA and highlight what an important part of our community they represent by launching our Support Boutiques campaign.  When our customers shop on Farfetch, the items arrive from one of 700+ boutiques in one of 50 countries around the world, or from the stores of our many brand partners, altogether representing over 3000 designers – mostly small and unique creators of fashion. The vast majority of these are small businesses (often family-run) many of whom cannot welcome customers into their physical stores at the moment. We wanted to ensure these partners have our full support to be able to continue servicing their dedicated customer base and continue to trade. Now as we see the market begin to come out of the strict lockdowns we saw implemented around the world, we remain steadfast in supporting our partners.
    Which attributes do you find appeal most to customers when it comes to products?
    What customers really want lends to our DNA and what really is authentic to Farfetch -which is curation, aiding in discovery but also the human stories we tell via our community. With Farfetch Communities we spotlight individual points of view across the world which shows how varied and unique the world of fashion can be. Whether it’s our boutique partners, our network of influencers or our own teams, our brand has a lot of heart and I believe that is something our consumers appreciate and connect with.
    How does Farfetch intend to continue to support boutiques globally going forward?
    We will continue to support our boutiques through strong editorial and the ability to let them tell their unique stories but we are also working to integrate technology that better connects the online and offline experiences. If our marketplace can help drive people in to our partner boutiques’ stores for example then it is a win-win.

    Do you have particular brands yourself that you buy into?
    I have always loved more classic, clean lines. The Row, Toteme, Frame – I’m happy to go hi-lo and sometimes throw in something crazy and colourful. Farfetch is such a great place to discover brands.
    How do you manage to succeed in both roles (Farfetch & British Fashion Council) and do you have any mindfulness practices that help when the challenges come from every angle?
    I prioritise in order of urgency, work as hard as I can, but recognise that there are only 12 hours (or 16) in the day! I am lucky to work in an industry that is about selling nice clothes and storytelling and so perspective is really important too.
    What is luxury today?
    It is health and quality time. I think this coronavirus pandemic has taught everyone how to appreciate the small things.
    Do you see any buying patterns in terms of global sales and if so what?
    We are certainly seeing demand change according to where on the path to easing lockdown a region finds itself in. We are also seeing an increase in homewares, active wear and comfortable fashion as you might expect.
    How do you approach client engagement and retention?
    We have a number of different avenues when it comes to engagement and retention. We are focused on always innovating our online customer experience and user journey, by being able to offer our customers an unrivalled assortment from the best brands and boutiques around the globe. We do look for opportunities where we can bring the offline experience to life by immersing our customers into the world of the many boutiques that sit on the platform and through consumer facing events where we can connect with the Farfetch community.  Our loyalty programme, Farfetch Access, allows us to cater to and personalise our offerings to each of our customers as their buying profile develops from one tier to the next. Once our customer reaches the Private Client tier, one of the very personalized services we offer them is a personal stylist and access to the Fashion Concierge service where you can buy unique one-of-a-kind pieces from brands that we don’t stock on our platform.
    How crucial do you see tech and innovation in luxury versus the personal touch or is it the two combined?
    When it comes to the online shopping experience, we know that customers are more hyper connected than ever. They have their pulse to newness and emerging trends so it’s very important for us as a brand to create inspiration and aid customers in that discovery. Furthermore, when it comes to the offline versus online journey, the digital aspect of the consumer journey is so important. Due to the current climate, consumers’ habits have certainly shifted towards online shopping. I believe that customers today expect a far more seamless, effortless and efficient experience when they shop online. Additionally, customers are incredibly knowledgeable and do their research before purchasing an item, so they want to know that they are being offered the highest quality products at the most competitive prices.
    Which Instagram accounts do you follow for inspiration?
    I follow a lot of interior Instagram accounts. I believe that fashion is not just about clothes anymore but fits into wider culture and this helps frame the broader perspective. The World of Interiors, The Modern House, Great Women Artists are some.

    Do you have any pre-bedtime rituals?
    I do check my phone, which is not great!
    What effect has social media played in the growth of Farfetch?
    Social media has been a great platform through which we have seen the extensive growth and extension of Farfetch Communities – it’s limitless. It has also been a platform through which we were able to remain connected to our customers throughout this pandemic. We were able to bring our customers into our boutiques and were able to give our boutiques the chance to talk to the customers and tell them of their experiences throughout these unprecedented times.
    What advice would you give to your younger self starting out?
    Don’t be so impatient. It will all come in time.
    Did you have a mentor and if so what was the most valuable piece of advice they gave you?
    I have worked with many wonderful women (and men) who have all been mentors in some aspect, from Anna Wintour to Natalie Massenet and Mark Sebba, the CEO of the Net-A-Porter Group I am very lucky that I have worked with some of the best in the business.
    If you were not Chief Customer Officer at Farfetch, which other role would you choose career-wise?
    I love my role – so much to do and I get to work with smart kind people all over the world.
    This issue is ‘The Summer Escape’ – where would you like to escape to?
    I am actually really looking forward to visiting Dubai again when it’s safe to do so. My last few trips have been very quick so I would really like to spend some proper time in the city and connect with the community out there.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Images: Supplied, Instagram, main image from the Emirates Woman  ‘The Summer Escape Issue’ cover shoot. More

  • in

    10 Items to Wear When It’s Over 90 Degrees (But You Still Want to Look Cute)

    I don’t know how it happened so quickly (I’m still confidently writing “May” as the current date), but we’re officially nearing the end of summer, when faux tans are flawless, swimsuits are in constant rotation, and the temperatures are hot (like fry-an-egg-on-the-sidewalk kind of hot). Since we can’t always stay at home with our head in the freezer and still want to look cute for Zoom meetings, errand-running, or socially-distanced hangouts, we have some tricks up our sleeves to look cute when the temperatures start soaring. Here are 10 of our go-to items to wear when it’s way too hot to wear anything else.
    1. A breezy skirt

    Source: Wait You Need This

    When it’s so hot that you start sweating the second you step outside, you might feel tempted to go for shorts again. However, a breezy, loose skirt is not only a little more airy and cool than a pair of shorts, but will look even chicer. Pair with any tee and your go-to sandals. 

    2. Overall shorts

    Source: @accordingtomandy

    If your denim cut-offs have been worn every day for the past two weeks and you’re lacking style inspiration, switch to a pair of overall shorts instead (it also doubles as a super cute bathing suit cover-up). Bonus tip: when it’s even too hot for a tee, try a sports bra or crop top underneath. All the cool kids are doing it! 

    Abercrombie & Fitch
    Beachy Romper

    3 colors available and 30% off!

    3. A graphic tee

    Source: @gabrielegz

    Graphic tees are not only in style but are a timeless staple in the wardrobes of cool girls everywhere (and will be a way bigger upgrade from your typical basic tee). Style it tucked into denim shorts with a thick belt and your chunkiest booties for an outfit that’s as cool (literally) as it is edgy. 

    4. Statement earrings

    Source: @missalexlarosa

    You know when it’s so hot that you need to put your hair up in a ponytail or a bun just to survive the heat? A pair of really chic statement earrings will make the updo look like a style choice, rather than a there’s-so-much-sweat-on-my-neck-it’s-not-OK kind of choice. 

    5. Culotte Jumpsuit

    Source: Fashion Jackson

    When you don’t feel like shaving your legs (because we all have those days), the answer to wardrobe conundrums on the hottest of days is an of-the-moment jumpsuit with flared, cropped pants. Wear with strappy heels for a dressed-up look, or sandals for a daytime affair. 

    6. Crop top

    Source: @kayla_seah

    I know what you’re thinking: crop tops!? I haven’t worn one of those since my last frat darty! But hear me out. Crop tops are no longer reserved for college freshmen and Britney Spears superfans who never left the 2000s. Crop tops are ladylike, stylish, and mature. Oh, and they’re perfect for staying cool in hot weather. To rock the trend in a more grown-up way, pair with high-waisted shorts, pants, or midi skirts, and keep the neckline on the higher side.

    7. Lightweight button-up 

    Source: @lolaomonaija

    A long-sleeve might not be the first thing that pops in your head when you walk outside and think, oh sh*t–it is freaking hot. However, a button-up in a lightweight fabric like cotton or satin might be better at hiding pit stains than typical T-shirts (just saying!). Tie it up, roll the sleeves, and wear with a pair of shorts for the easiest, breeziest outfit ever. 

    8. Long sundress

    Source: @petiteelliee

    What do you wear on a socially-distanced date or a backyard barbecue when it’s 90 degrees outside? You don’t want to sweat too much (duh), and you also want to look good without, IDK, passing out. The answer, of course, is a breezy, flowy, sundress. Shorter mini-skirts are typically tighter, and therefore more restrictive. A flowy dress that hits at the knees or goes to midi length will not only allow for more air circulation (super important when thigh chaffing is at risk, AKA the case for the vast majority of human women), but will look pretty for any occasion. 

    9. Linen Pants

    Source: @missenocha

    There’s something about linen that reminds me of luxurious summer vacations in the South of France or the coast of Italy (not that I frequent there, but I’d imagine I’d wear linen pants if I did). Linen is perfect for summer because it’s a lightweight fabric that absorbs sweat. Wear with a tee or over your bathing suit as a chic cover-up. 

    10. Embellished sandals

    Source: Hello Fashion

    When all else fails and it’s so hot that you can only manage throwing on a tank and denim cut-offs, no worries: statement sandals have your back. No matter what you’re wearing up top, a pair of sandals with a bold print, embellishments, or seasonal fringe will show off your style. 

    What are your go-to pieces when it’s really hot outside? More

  • in

    Your fabulous Eid Al Adha gift guide

    The upcoming four-day weekend already feels like a gift, but there is more than one way to make someone special in your life feel extra amazing this Eid Al Adha.

    We have put together a stylish edit of gift ideas across fashion, beauty, jewellery, watches and even sweet treats – no celebration is complete without a little sugar.
    There are even a few items to treat yourself to – it is pay week after all. From must-have Bottega Veneta shoes to a dazzling selection from Chaumet, we wanted to make sure that whatever you choose to splurge on will feel special for months to come.
    We have also included the latest launches from the world of beauty, including a hardworking concealer from La Prairie and a striking eyeshadow palette from Givenchy that you’ll love creating impactful evening looks with.
    Happy shopping!

    Taller Marmo dress at Ounass.com

    Dior Bobby bag

    MICHAEL Michael Kors Extra small crocodile embossed leather “Cece” bag

    Tyler Ellis Perry Small Peridot Green Satin Gold clutch bag

    Bottega Veneta shoes at Ounass.com

    Axel Arigato sunglasses at Level Shoes

    Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole secret watch

    Zenith watch at Watchbox

    Necklace from Damas Hope collection

    Pandora Pave Daisy Flower Collier necklace

    Lana Al Kamal Jewelry necklace

    Earrings from Gucci’s Lion Head fine jewellery collection

    Tiffany T wire bracelet in rose gold with mother of pearl and diamonds

    Chaumet Bee My Love white gold with diamonds ring

    La Prairie Skin Caviar Perfect Concealer

    Sisley Eye and Lip gel makeup remover

    Givenchy Beauty Le Neuf eyeshadow palette

    Balm, Golden Oil and Cream from 79 Lux

    Rasasi Nebras Al Ishq –Wahaj fragrance

    Rituals Precious Amber scented candle

    Bakhoor at 2XL

    Eid Mu Baa Rak selection of mini cupcakes at Sugargram

    BloomingBox – Flower assortment

    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied, main image Chaumet More

  • in

    12 Trends LA Girls Are Wearing While Staying At Home This Summer

    If there’s any city to look to for style inspo when you’ve been wearing leggings and a T-shirt for the past five months, it’s Los Angeles. Of course, it is the city that is home to every Kardashian and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast, but it’s also the city that has nailed the effortless-but-trendy and relaxed vibe that’s so iconic to southern California. There’s no vibe better when you cannot be bothered to wear pants, but you’re tired of having both nighttime and daytime pajamas. Here are 12 trends that the ladies of Los Angeles are wearing, even while staying at home this season:
    1. Boyfriend Bermuda Shorts

    Sorry Daisy Duke: while short shorts will always be a staple in our summer wardrobes, the it-denim of summer 2020 is knee-length, distressed, and slightly baggy. It’s like mom jeans, except warm-weather appropriate. Wear yours with a fitted tank to balance out the bagginess, or a feminine floral to make them more fashion-forward than grungy. 

    2. Silky Pieces

    By now, you’re probably over your sweatsuits and basic tees, and you need something a little lighter than fleece or cashmere. The fix? Silky pieces that look as luxe on Instagram or Zoom calls as they are comfortable to lounge in all day. There’s a reason it was a go-to for Elizabeth Taylor: wearing silk is the next best thing to wearing nothing at all. 

    3. Neon Colors

    Summer is always the season where we pull out our brightest colors, but this summer, we need an even brighter boost. Neons are no longer just for accessories or details; LA girls are doing bright colors from head to toe. Think citrus shades, neon accents, and electric combos. 

    4. Ribbed Dress

    Call it the athleisure trend or call it the stay-at-home order, but everybody is wearing ribbed. The ribbed tank took over our Instagram feeds, ribbed knit became the unofficial hero of 2020, and now, the comfy fabric has made its way into our summer wardrobe with easy, breezy, fitted dresses. 

    5. Pajama Sets

    For all of you Everygirls that could never get enough of a good pajama set, good news: they’re still going strong. Trade your flannel for more stylish and seasonal fabrics like jersey, cotton, or linen. Oh, and if you really want to do PJs like an LA girl? Pair with your favorite bling (no one would ever guess that you woke up like this). 

    6. Head-to-Toe White

    Fashion bloggers and style stars are so obsessed with white this season, I’m predicting the all-white trend will extend past Labor Day (screw the rules!). Try mixing off-white or cream with stark white, or wearing all of your coziest white pieces at once (trust me, it’s a fool-proof formula). 

    7. A Puff-Sleeved Blouse

    Even if your version of “getting dressed” meant joggers and a T-shirt for the past five months, it’s never a little too late to spruce up your work-from-home (or grocery-shopping) uniform with an of-the-moment trend. Trade your typical tee for a puffed-sleeve version, and you’re Instagram-ready. 

    8. Feminine Florals

    Florals? For spring (I mean, summer)? Groundbreaking. Miranda Priestly may not think it’s revolutionary, but women in LA are still rocking summer’s favorite print from the comfort of their own home. Luckily for us, floral prints are as pretty, bright, and comfortable as ever.

    9. One-Shoulder Dress

    OK, so what do you wear when you want to look like you have your sh*t together up top (like say, for a Zoom meeting), but can’t be bothered to be anything but comfortable on the bottom? That’s right: a flowy, one-shoulder dress. Plus, you’ll look hella chic when hosting your friends for a socially-distanced barbecue. 

    10. Shoulder Pads

    The ’80s are back, but this time they’re way more practical. A relaxed tee with a shoulder pad has been worn by so many it-girls, it’s basically the item of the season. Of course, that’s wonderfully convenient since it’s just as comfortable as the old camp T-shirt you’ve been wearing for days now (yep, I see you). 

    11. Knotted detail

    When in doubt, make a knot. No, that’s not a sailor’s motto; it’s wardrobe advice (OK, yeah, that was cheesy). Fashion girls everywhere are knotting their tops (and skirts!) to add more interesting detail to an otherwise simple outfit. Buy a knotted top or tie your favorite loose T-shirt or button-up. 

    12. Printed Bike Shorts

    What can’t bike shorts do? Not only are they extremely versatile and one of our favorite items to work out in, but they’re officially a wardrobe staple outside of the gym (or you know, the yoga mat on your living room floor). Dress up a printed version with a basic tee and ladylike accessories. 

    What’s your favorite of-the-moment trend to wear at home? More

  • in

    These Summer-Friendly Loungewear Sets Are Here to Cure Your Isolation Blues

    It is day 1,394,888(?) of quarantine and I am challenged to find the words for how I feel. “Stir-crazy” doesn’t seem to cut it. “Bummed” doesn’t do it justice. Truly, the only word I can use to bring light to my current emotional state is “blah.” In an attempt to add some *zest* to my life, I’m channeling the Tiger King period of isolation. You know, the part where we all emptied the grocery stores of yeast to make bread, questioned who killed Carole Baskin’s husband, downloaded Tik Tok after we promised ourselves we wouldn’t, and waited anxiously for our cozy, winter-friendly loungewear sets to arrive. I won’t say that I’m tired of my March-friendly lounge sets, but I will say this: summer is upon us and I am sweating. It’s humid as hell in Chicago and as much as I’d like to walk around naked at all times, I have windows and my across the street neighbors simply do not need to see that. My solution? Finding the cutest loungewear sets on the web that are hot-weather approved and cute AF. Read on to shop the summer-friendly sets I’m adding to my cart to bring joy back to my quarantine:

      More

  • in

    25 Pieces of Breathable Workout Gear Because We Can’t With This Heat

    Whether you’re generally an outdoor workout person or not, the past few months have probably forced you to be one. Gone are the days of freezing-cold gyms and cool towels being placed on our foreheads by a yoga instructor after a brutal yoga class—these days, our exercise options are limited, and usually, that means taking them outside.Lately in Chicago, it’s been 90-something degrees every day (with a typically high dose of humidity), which means we’re sweating through everything on our bodies quicker than we can complain about it being hot out. Thick leggings and workout tanks are no longer an option—we want our workouts to be as enjoyable as possible, and that means wearing lightweight, breathable clothes.
    Ditch the days of finishing your workout with dripping wet clothes stuck to your body—these pieces are made for the heat.

      More