For the latest installment of our #BestofBeirut series, Savoir Flair spent some time in Lebanon with 27-year-old wife, mother, and blogger Nour Arida. Speaking to us on set, she explained how she would normally get dressed in the morning, saying, “It all depends on how I’m feeling and what my day looks like, whether I’m off to meetings or an event, or just working from home and spending time with my daughter.” That being said, if she’s running around town with her daughter Ayla, you’ll probably catch her in a signature outfit that entails “a pair of denim with a biker jacket and biker boots”.
During our time together, Arida showcased a week’s worth of experimental and edgy outfits, proudly incorporating a few homegrown Lebanese brands into her looks as well. She counts regional fashion retailer Aïshti, where she once worked as a fashion buyer, as one of her go-to spots, and she cites Urban Outfitters, Planet Blue, and Antonia Milano as her favorite shops abroad.
Browse through the gallery below for a closer look at her outfits.
Photographer Patrick Sawaya Photo Editor Maya Itani
Day 1
“I love slits and cool tees, so this look is the perfect combo for me. Plus, Batman is my favorite superhero.”
Nour is wearing an Urban Outfitters T-shirt, Karoline Lang skirt, and Adidas Originals ‘Stan Smith’ sneakers and carrying a Sonia Rykiel bag.
When and how did you find your personal style?
“I must have found my personal style when I was 24. I think this age is crucial in a woman’s life – she changes during this year and finds her true self. How? It was obviously in me all along, but my job as a buyer at the time taught me how to express it.”
Day 2
“This look encapsulates my personal style – minimalist and edgy. The vintage bag is the highlight of the outfit.”
Nour is wearing a Second Street shirt, Zara shorts, and Hermès sandals and carrying a vintage Céline bag.
Does your style reflect your personality?
“Yes, a lot. People who know me will tell you that I live in my own bubble. I’m really soft and feminine in everything I do, but I’m a tomboy and quite tough at heart. And I have come to observe how these traits are easily identifiable in my style.”
Day 3
“I love everything bohemian, and this dress is all the more special to me as it’s a vintage Etro. I would wear it barefoot at a beach party.”
Nour is wearing a vintage Etro dress and Hermès sandals.
Are there any fashion items that you collect?
“I can’t really say that I collect fashion items, but I’m very much into vintage pieces. I inherited some gorgeous pieces from my mom and that’s what I automatically started doing for Ayla.”
Day 4
“This linen shirt is by Greek brand Ratt. I have come to hugely appreciate Greek designers. I think they are underrated and should have a bigger place in the international fashion scene.”
Nour is wearing a Ratt top, Zara jeans, and Hermès sandals.
Who are your greatest fashion influences?
“Freja Beha Erichsen, Agyness Deyn, Alexander Wang, Anthony Vaccarello, and Kate Moss.”
Day 5
“This is exactly what I would wear to go out to a club.”
Nour is wearing a Jessica K top, Mackage trousers, and Gianvito Rossi heels and carrying a Cecilia Ma clutch.
Are you a bag or shoe person?
“That’s a hard one! I love both, but if I really had to pick one over the other, I would say I’m slightly more of a bag than shoe person.”
Day 6
“A cotton dress with an edge – the colorful embellishment on the hood is everything! That’s what I would look like if you bumped into me during the day, running around with Ayla like a crazy mom. Oh, and with a stroller, of course!”
Nour is wearing a TKTO dress and Adidas Originals ‘Stan Smith’ sneakers.
How has your personal style evolved over the years?
“Like every girl out there, I’ve tried everything over the years. I was a tomboy at school, watching soccer and hanging out with guys. Then, I went through a phase during which I would dress up and wear Louboutin heels. Next, both the ‘tomboy edge’ and ‘girly girl’ styles started merging until I was around 24. My style has since become identifiable to others.”
Day 7
“I can finally wear crop tops again since I got my body back after my pregnancy. I would wear this crop top during the day with high-waisted denim, as seen here, or even at night with flared trousers and a pair of heels.”
Nour is wearing a Karoline Lang top, Salt and Pepper jeans, and Superga sneakers and carrying a Marc Jacobs shoulder bag.
