It’s your first celebratory night out, post-pandemic (or post-vaccination). Where will you go and what will you be wearing? What is your full-on, dream look for this night out?
If this happens during the Oilers season, I will be at the arena or a sports bar, decked out in my Oilers jersey, my orange and blue Converse (I wear one orange shoe and one blue shoe at the same time) and orange lipstick. For a night out, I will be sporting my Emmy Deveaux bodycon dress, black high heels and the boldest red lip. My signature night-out look is a red lip, so it’s a must. I will hit up Cactus Club (it holds a special place for my girlfriends and I) and then go walk the Walterdale Bridge and take a bunch of photos.
Is there a special accessory that completes your look? Does it have a story?
A designer purse. I could be wearing sweats and a hoodie but add a Gucci or a YSL bag and, all of a sudden, it’s a killer look.
Is there something you’ve worn through the pandemic that you never want to see again?
Not really. I’ve been fortunate enough to go into work every day during the pandemic so I’ve had to get out of my sweats for at least half the day, lol.
Did you cut or dye your own hair during the pandemic?
Nope! One of my best friends owns her own salon and she warned me! I had grey hairs growing, but I just embraced it. Wasn’t a big deal. Some days I would use a spray cover up, but mostly just showed off the grey.
Has there been something you’ve been putting off doing during the pandemic, that you can’t wait to do?
Shopping trips! I get a few requests from women asking for fashion advice, or saying they would love to go shopping with me. I would love to plan shopping dates with a small group of them and help them pick out a handful of outfits.
What is one thing you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
I learned that I am stronger than I give myself credit for. Working in news already has its challenges, throwing in a pandemic took it to another level. It was a mentally hard year for me, but I found ways to adjust my thinking. I was also proud of how far I’ve come trying to deal with many different things thrown my way. I am stronger for being able to weather the pandemic storm.
Did you clean out your closet, edit your wardrobe during the pandemic?
I did a massive clean-up of my closet. In fact I started an Instagram account called The Closet of Nahreman, where I sell a lot of my clothes. I’m constantly changing up my wardrobe adding new pieces for work and for play. Because of my job, I’m buying everything from blazers and heels to yoga pants and tuques. I still have to dress up during a pandemic.
Is there an Edmonton or area boutique that’s your first destination when shopping for clothes?
Emmy Deveaux. It fits my body like a glove. I am curvier and finding things that fit me is really hard. Her pieces are edgy yet sleek and sexy. Her boutique is so visually pleasing and the customer service is top-notch. I love the work that goes into creating her pieces. She’s absolutely a genius when it comes to designing clothing. I’m also a big fan of Sweet Jolie. This is a company that not only carries amazing pieces, but the owner, Nicole, has created an incredible community in Edmonton. It actually feels like you’re family, instead of just a customer. SJ shines a spotlight on so many causes in our city. And, again, amazing customer service!
Nahreman Issa is one of Edify Edmonton’s Best Dressed of 2021
This article appears in the April 2021 issue of Edify
