How 5 Stylish Women Are Spending The Holidays
TAMARA JABI
SL ME editor-in-chief
“I’m spending the holidays in Dubai with my family. My in-laws are in town and my brother is flying in from Geneva to surprise my parents. We’re such a tight-knit family and can’t go more than a few months without seeing each other, so we are thrilled to be reunited. Spending time together always feels like the best way to recharge, especially during the holidays when the weather is perfect for long beach days and gatherings with loved ones. None of my friends are travelling this year either, so we’ll all be celebrating together. We haven’t made any New Year’s plans yet, but there’s talk of going to a friend’s place to ring in 2025. I’m also excited to use this time to start planning my wedding. Although, as a type A personality, this does feel daunting. At the same time, the holidays offer a chance for self-reflection as we enter a new year. With so much injustice happening in neighbouring countries, it’s a time to be truly grateful for what we have and to cherish the small, meaningful moments with loved ones.
“We don’t have a proper winter season in Dubai, but that doesn’t mean we can’t pretend. I love a good coat, and Abadia's Petra Visible Lining Overcoat is so elegant. Its red colour screams Christmas and all things festive. On the high street, H&M has been nailing it with its festive pieces this year. I’m particularly excited to pair this black lace skirt with a cosy knit for a chic and seasonal look. For those days when I need a more realistic approach to dressing, I’ve just discovered Tiya by Sania Maskatiya. It does the cutest co-ord sets, perfect for a casual lunch by the beach. Finally, I’ve been loving velvet this season; these Lucrecia Red Velvet Flats by Flableus are stunning and ideal for the season.
“My make-up look is all about sparkle and shine for the festive season. The Urban Decay Moondust Space Cowboy Eyeshadow Palette has been a go-to – it went viral for a reason. With six versatile shades, it’s perfect for adding that festive shimmer to any look and I always get compliments whenever I wear it. I’ve also been loving the newly launched Simihaze Beauty Eclipse Lip Balm in Saturn, which gives a subtle sparkle that feels perfect this time of year. I’m also a fan of Moonglaze by Yara Al Namlah, especially the highlighter stick. It’s so easy to apply and blend, adding the perfect glow. She recently had her brand featured at Selfridges in London, and we featured her on our socials – I’m such a fan. As for fragrance, I’ve been obsessed with Chloé L’Eau de Parfum Intense – it’s warm, sophisticated and ideal for festive evenings. I’ve always loved the haircare range by Gisou, and now it has brought out a gift set that includes all the heroes – Hair Oil, Hair Perfume, Hair Mask and Lip Oil. It’s perfect for keeping my hair and lips glossy and hydrated.”
TAMARA’S HOLIDAY WISHLIST
“I love Kamushki jewellery – every piece feels so unique. This bracelet is one of its newest designs and is already high on my wish list.”
“Not only is Dara Hamarneh a homegrown label, but its designs also embody modern sophistication. I’m still a big fan of animal print and this zebra design is so striking. I also love the unique shape of this bag – it’s bold yet versatile. The impeccable craftsmanship and the brand’s commitment to creating timeless, high-quality accessories make this a standout piece on my wish list.”
“I’ve been dropping hints to my fiancé about this necklace. I recently met the founder and fell in love with her pieces, it’s the kind of jewellery you’ll treasure forever.”
“I recently discovered Bettter, a sustainable label that focuses on upcycling and creating unique pieces with minimal environmental impact. This matching set – a structured blazer and chic cut-away skirt – is stunning.”
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@MOONGLAZE
@LuluDahmash | @TaliseSpa
LAMIA DAHMASH
SL ME contributor
“This year, I’ll be keeping it casual. I’m staying in Dubai to celebrate the festive season with friends and family. I love this time of year here – the weather is perfect for beach days, sunset drinks and evening walks. The season is filled with Christmas parties and lunches with friends, which I love joining in on. While I don’t celebrate Christmas, I love being surrounded by the festive energy of friends and family who do – It’s such a beautiful time to come together. I’ll be spending New Year's with my family. I prefer quieter plans, as I like to start the year surrounded by the people closest to me. I like to end the year with mindfulness – focusing on meditation, self-reflection and nurturing positive energy. These moments of calm help ground me and allow me to carry that spiritual energy into the new year with clarity and intention.
“For me, holiday dressing is all about standout pieces and playful details. For Christmas lunches, I’m eyeing the Alohas Vetmin Mini Dress paired with the Boogie Bow Bag by All Things Mochi and Tony Bianco Fantasy Heeled Boots. For New Year’s Eve, I’m planning something a little more feminine, like the Ludovic de Saint Sernin Cleavage Denim Mini Dress with the Blumarine Heart-Shaped Shoulder Bag and Alexandra Hakim Spiral Chili Earrings.
“For make-up, I keep things simple but polished. My signature look always includes eyeliner, but I add a pop of red during the festive season with Chanel’s Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour. For my eyes, I’ve been loving Huda Beauty’s Icy Nude Eyeshadow Palette – the metallic shades are stunning. My go-to festive fragrance is Louis Vuitton Fleur du Désert, I always save it for special occasions like this.”
LAMIA’S HOLIDAY WISHLIST
“I absolutely love this fur vest – it makes me miss winter!”
“If you know me, you know my love for boots – these elevate any outfit with minimal effort.”
“I recently hosted an event with Level Shoes, focusing on the brand’s jewellery. I’ve been dreaming about these earrings ever since!”
“The ‘it’ bag everyone’s talking about – can I get two, please?”
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MUZI SUFI
Fashion content creator & photographer
“This year, I’m splitting my holidays between Dubai and Lahore. I’ll spend a week in Dubai with my kids once school finishes – partly because of work and partly to enjoy Dubai’s peak winter weather. After that, we’re flying to Lahore to be with my family. Living away from them makes these celebrations even more special.
“Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, there’s something so bold about wearing red when the weather is gloomy and it pairs so well with grey. You’ll definitely see me in a couple of red tones over the holidays, including the Muse Top by Say No More. Otherwise, Green is also excellent for the season and I finally have the weather to wear my MCM Lauretos Cardigan properly. It’s such a cool piece to throw over a dress or denim. Of course, sparkle is essential this time of year. My Prada Cleo with Crystals peaks in my wardrobe during the festive season. Another favourite is the Ari Clutch by Aquazzura, which is so stunning it feels like an art piece. For New Year’s Eve, I’ll be wearing the RVN Black Sequins Tweed Dress, which is formal yet it can be styled in many ways.
“I’m navigating towards all things brown, oxblood and grey. I also love chunky gold accessories – which are trending right now. I’m pretty good about not falling into trends, my wardrobe is made up of collectable pieces that will stand the test of time. I actually love Toteme’s cocktail edit – it always gets it right. The colours – greys, blacks and milk whites – are seasonless, but I’ve bought a few pieces from its collection and they are standout pieces. I also love Posse’s holiday collection, it’s really something different.
“My go-to beauty look is always a dark eye and Tom Ford’s Honeymoon Palette has all the shades needed. I rely on Ilia’s Super Serum Tinted Foundation – it keeps my skin moisturised and flawless. Saie’s Glowy Super Gel Illuminator in Rose Glow is one of the best highlighters I’ve come across recently. I especially love it in cooler weather because it adds the perfect shine while moisturising my skin. Rouge Dior 999 in Velvet Finish is my go-to for lipstick – it’s the perfect red for festive occasions. My fragrance for the season is Tom Ford’s Eau d’Ombré Leather.”
MUZI’S HOLIDAY WISHLIST
“I waited too long to buy this and now I can’t find my size – but what a gorgeous piece. Oversized and dramatic, it’s perfect for any occasion.”
“With its subtle peplum with perfectly placed cutouts, this top is so chic.”
“This is the perfect red cardigan – layer with everything.”
“Velvet adds so much depth to black; this top’s neckline is perfect to pair with a pretty necklace.”
“Loewe does sweaters so well, and this subtle, brown-toned wool piece is timeless.”
“I’m beyond in love with this jacket. It has a vintage finish and a boxy fit – glorious.”
“This necklace is a big wish list item. Its length is adjustable to fit any occasion or outfit.”
“This suede Miu Miu bag is perfect – it’s small, versatile and works for day or night.”
“I can confirm the Horseshoe Jeans by Citizens of Humanity fit phenomenally – I’d love them in a dark wash too.”
“I’m loving Dries Van Noten’s fragrances right now, they are all beautiful fragrances with cool bottles to match.”
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@MuziSufi
@Gosha.Flowers
JESSICA CHEDID
SL ME contributor
“Christmas is a sacred time in our household that feels incomplete without my family and loved ones. This year, I’ll be heading to my sister’s place in Abu Dhabi to celebrate with them, as my parents are flying in from Lebanon. As much as I’d love to be back in my hometown, Christmas can be anywhere in the world and still feel special as long as my family is with me. We do it big, I’m talking about home-cooked turkey, a proper feast and drinks to celebrate the night away. This year, I’m especially looking forward to celebrating my parents’ 51st wedding anniversary during our Christmas dinner – it’s become a yearly tradition to turn the evening into a full-on celebration.
“I personally love wearing a special dress at Christmas – even if I’m just heading to the dining room, I enjoy putting on something nice and getting into the festive spirit. This year, the Zara Silk Lace Burgundy Slip Dress is calling my name – it’s simple but so chic. I’ve been drawn to burgundy lately, and the Bouguessa Nouf Long Blazer Coat would be such a dreamy addition to my wardrobe. The padded shoulders are everything.
“When it comes to make-up, I’m pretty simple, but I love adding eyeshadow for an evening look. Right now, I’m obsessed with the Armani Eye Tint Liquid Eyeshadow in Shade 36 M Wood – it’s so versatile. For fragrance, it really depends on my mood, but it’s likely to be either Animalique by Byredo or Another 13 by Le Labo. Both are unique and memorable in their own way.”
JESSICA’S HOLIDAY WISHLIST
“I love the Mini Jodie and want it in every colour! This gold one has been on my wish list for a while – it’s the perfect piece to pair with a simple black outfit to make it sparkle.”
“I already have the black pair and have worn them on repeat for seven years. They’re so comfy, you can run in them. I’d love the shorter version in this gorgeous burgundy shade.”
This scent is growing on me, it’s powdery, feminine and definitely turns heads.”
“Call me boring, but I love a Birkenstock clog. These have a twist with the gold details, giving them a bit of an edge.”
“Perfect for winter, this balm keeps my skin soft, smooth and fresh all day.”
“The Reflect Mirror Pro is essential for getting ready. It features three dimmable LED lights, giving you a crystal-clear view to ensure you look your best.”
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LEA SFEIR
Brand founder & content creator
“This year, I’m spending the holidays across three countries. First, I’m heading to Paris with my son to see my parents and finish some work. It’s always magical to return home, especially during Christmas. Now that I live abroad, I’ve come to appreciate how lucky I was to grow up in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Being in Paris at Christmas feels like stepping into a dream. After Paris, I’ll head to Matera in Italy to celebrate my best friend Fausta’s birthday. Matera is a stunning city and a UNESCO World Heritage site – a true treasure. Finally, I’ll return to Dubai just in time for Christmas Eve to celebrate with my husband and daughters. Dubai always feels like a celebration during this time of year, with lots of fun events, outings and Christmas activations. With no commitments except spending time with loved ones, I’m also looking forward to some calm family time.”
“For me, the holidays are all about gatherings. It’s the season to be festive, joyful and surrounded by loved ones. I love hosting, but with such busy schedules in Dubai throughout the year, I don’t get to host as much as I’d like. So, during the holidays, I organise a few gatherings with friends and family, including those who don’t celebrate Christmas or might be spending it alone in Dubai. I gather everyone around a beautiful table filled with delicious food.”
“I can never get enough of the Christmas magic, especially when I see the sparkle in my kids’ eyes. I cherish decorating the tree, watching Christmas movies together and the gifting ceremony. I adore the festive food, particularly the French gastronomic specialities: raclette evenings, foie gras, escargots, elevated seafood platters, chapon (a more tender turkey), chestnuts and the bûche de Noël and panettone.”
“I love velvet for Christmas and a touch of sparkle or sequins for New Year’s Eve. I’m not one for head-to-toe sequins, but a little glamour – whether on shoes, a top, a suit or even a bold lip – feels perfect for NYE. Some of my favourite pieces for the season include this Sézane Violeta Dress, this Rabanne Sequinned Dress and this ASOS Velvet Sequinned Top.
“My signature make-up look for the holidays always includes a classic red lipstick – it’s timeless. This year, I might add a touch of sparkle to my lips or eyeshadow for a festive twist. I also love switching up my nail polish for the season, adding a hint of glitter for extra holiday cheer. My go-to red lipsticks are the velvet classics from Guerlain, Chanel and Dior. Charlotte Tilbury is my favourite for eyeshadow – it’s beautiful and festive.”
“My seasonal fragrances are Chanel No. 5, Abysses by L’Artisan Parfumeur, and Clive Christian– elegant, memorable and perfect for the holidays.”
LEA’S HOLIDAY WISHLIST
“I can never have enough white shirts with collars – this one is timeless and classy. ”
“I can’t get enough of Celine’s bags. They’re so refined, with an attitude that can transform your entire look. This bag works just as well with jeans as it does with a special evening dress.”
“I’ve been eyeing up these YSL pumps. I know they’ll boost my confidence the moment I wear them.”
“This vintage jacquard print by Dior is timeless and so classy – it’s something you can wear over and over again. I can imagine passing this down to one of my daughters one day.”
“I love everything Miu Miu – it’s so girly with a touch of drama and vibrant vintage flair. The velvet detail makes it the perfect festive piece.”
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Sézane
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