Hey, Friends!

August 31, 2015

Look at all these cuties! Sorority recruitment took over my life these past few weeks, but it all paid off! Can't wait for an awesome semester
Sorry for the two-week radio silence, my faithful Fashion Barbie readers. Sorority recruitment and the first days of senior year have come and gone, and I've been busier than a bumble bee trying to get everything in order. BUT things are (kind of) slowing down from the last two weeks, so I'm back on the blog and ready to step into fall!

Lots of exciting stuff coming up soon. September starts tomorrow, Fashion Week starts next week, and we will be using the new Vogue Runway website for the first time in order to catch all the action from the catwalks! Can't wait to talk about it with you guys!

- Lindsey

The September Issue Covers, Ranked

August 14, 2015


It's mid-August, which in the fashion world means September, which everyone knows is "the January of Fashion" (thanks, Candy Pratts Price for this iconic quote!). For a fashion magazine, the September issue is the issue of the year, covering all the new fall fashions and celebrating the biggest celebrities, designers, and trends. Most September issues feel like hefty textbooks rather than flimsy glossies—I feel like I'm preparing for an added class when I come back from the bookstore with a foot-high pile of magazines in tow. There are documentaries about Vogue's legendary September issue (seriously though, if you haven't seen The September Issue, do yourself a favor and watch it IMMEDIATELY!). Basically, September is a big freakin' deal.

The most important detail of any September issue, though? Who is on the cover? Only the tippy top of the A-List crowd are in contention for the coveted cover spot, and the final product can make or break the success of the magazine. Designers pray to the patron saint of high fashion (Saint Laurent, obvi) that their designs may grace the cover starlet. In the most important magazine issue of the year, the cover is the most important part of the issue.

This year, cover stars included Anne Hathaway, Taylor Swift, and the Queen B herself (Beyoncé, if you live under a rock). So let's compare all the major US fashion covers and see who is the fairest of them all!

9. Keira Knightley, Elle


This was the only cover that I really disliked. The makeup, the cheesy leather jumpsuit, the pose...it's just not appealing or fashionable. The three different subscription covers are far superior to this one, and I wish they would have used one of those images instead. All three take fun fashion risks while this one just feels flat.

8. Gigi Hadid, W


This is fun and gorgeous—I'll be one to admit that I do like Gigi Hadid—but it's more about the face than the clothes. I like when a big fashion issue focuses on what the cover girl is wearing.

7. Karlie Kloss, Glamour


Karlie gets the same reaction as Gigi. She looks absolutely stunning and there's nothing wrong with the image, it just isn't a risk. Karlie is pretty and dressed in a way that readers may actually dress themselves, and red is the easiest way to draw in shoppers at the grocery store. It's safe.

6. Taylor Swift, Vanity Fair


I absolutely love the graphic quality of this mostly black-and-white cover. Taylor is cute and fashionable, and I love that Vanity Fair styles T-Swift in a look that is outside her usual personal style, a little more masculine and cool. I just wish Vanity Fair didn't have to cover most of the image with text. Let a gorgeous cover shot speak for itself!

5. Katy Perry, Harper's Bazaar


Fun, dramatic, glamorous. This is a great cover, and I hate saying that when Katy Perry is the one on it. Just kidding, I just think there are other celebrities who could have been on the cover. Still, this is a flawless image.

4. Kristen Stewart, Nylon


Now that Twilight is a thing of the past, Kristen Stewart can do what she wants and be cool. Seriously, I've been obsessed with her style as of late. From the textured short hair to her playful mix of masculine and feminine touches, this girl is a thousand times better than some silly Bella Swan. I love how the Nylon cover showcases K-Stew in her signature style, and I think it's just really fresh and perfect for Nylon, which is catering to young, hip readers.

3. Anne Hathaway, InStyle


There's something to be said for simplicity. The fresh-faced look (minus a punch of berry lip color) is risky for a magazine cover, but it just looks so good on Anne! Her pose is captivating and intriguing, and I love the styling. It's simple and low-key and high-fashion all at once.

2. Miley Cyrus, Marie Claire


This is what a fashion magazine cover looks like! Miley looks absolutely beautiful, and she's wearing a gorgeous Marc Jacobs mini dress that is a work of art but also something that will appeal to readers. There's just a touch of Twiggy in there, but this is totally modern. I don't know if Miley has ever looked better.

1. Beyoncé, Vogue


They don't call her Queen Bey for nothing. This is an absolutely gorgeous September issue cover, featuring one of the world's most famous individuals in a stunning Marc Jacobs dress. The wet hair and muted makeup is a fresh styling approach to an Edwardian-inspired gown, and I just think this is a really beautiful cover.

Which September issue cover is your favorite?

Vacation Recap: The Hamptons

August 13, 2015


How crazy is it that summer has come to a close!? Tomorrow, I'll be taking the 5 to the 405 to the 110 (for you non-Californians, that means driving back to Los Angeles) for the start of my SENIOR YEAR OF COLLEGE WHAT!?!?!?!? Seriously, what the hell.

But anyways, to cap off a lovely summer, my mom and I headed to the Empire State for some good old rest and relaxation in the ultimate summer spot, the Hamptons. It was absolutely lovely. The weather was ah-mazing, the seafood was fresh, and the houses were seriously swoon-worthy. Here are some of the highlights of our trip:

Thursday | Arrival in Southampton

Took the early flight out to JFK so that we could make it out to Southampton by dinnertime. For the weekend we stayed at the Southampton Inn, which was perfect because it was right next to town and had bikes that we could rent and ride to the beach!

If you're heading out to the Hamptons with a large group and some money to spare, I highly suggest renting out a gorgeous Dutch colonial and partying it up. Seriously, the architecture was amazing and even an okay house comes with two acres of land.

Flight essentials! Kelsi Dagger purse, Steve Madden boots, and The Sleepy Cottage sleeping mask
Made it to the Hamptons! #TravelOutfit
Urban Outfitters dress and bandana, Madewell jacket and sunglasses, Steve Madden boots, and Rebecca Minkoff purse

 Friday | Montauk and East Hampton

For our first full day in the Hamptons we decided to drive out to Montauk at the very end of the island and check out the historic lighthouse. 

On the way back we stopped by a shack restaurant on the highway (simply titled "The Lobster Roll"—guess what they serve) and had some very yummy—you guessed it—lobster rolls! Then we checked out East Hampton for some upscale shopping and sightseeing. Apparently we walked right by Alec Baldwin and didn't notice. I guess when you live in LA you just become immune to starstruck-ness *flips hair*

The Montauk Lighthouse
Me at the lighthouse, wearing a Free People slip and Rebecca Minkoff purse
Pro Tip: stop at any cute little shack along the highway driving back from Montauk and prepare for amazing seafood 
The classic lobster roll, aka heaven on earth
All the fresh seafood you could ever need 
OUTTAKES | Trying to get a cute outfit shot when it's windy AF

 Saturday | Sag Harbor

On Saturday we made our way to Sag Harbor, which was my favorite area of the Hamptons. It's super historic and down by the water where one can see many a mega-yacht. Seriously, some of them were more ship than yacht. 

Anyways, we stopped for lunch at Page and ate even more lobster (are you sensing a trend with this trip?) and walked along the water. On a whim we stepped into vintage/consignment store the Corner Closet and found some true gems, including a never-been-used Chanel backpack (!!!) that I managed to snatch up. Other favorite items: an Alaïa knit dress, a miniature Kelly, and bejeweled patent leather Prada flats. I had no idea that the Hamptons were such a hotspot for vintage designer clothing, but if that's your thing you should definitely check out the Corner Closet in Sag Harbor and Colette's in Southampton.

A lobster BLT from Page in Sag Harbor (seriously, so much lobster)
Posing by an old Dutch windmill by the water
Wearing Free People dress, Urban Outfitters bandana, Steve Madden sandals and Rebecca Minkoff purse
Blair Waldorf ain't got nothing on me!
White Girl Rosé #yeswayrosé (seriously, I became so obsessed with rosé on this trip)

 Sunday | Southampton and Sag Harbor

On Sunday we mostly just sunned on Cooper's Beach before heading back to Sag Harbor for our last dinner in the Hamptons. I finished The Knockoff, one of the books on my summer reading list, which was a really fun and entertaining read for anyone looking to get into the fashion industry!

The sunset on our last night in the Hamptons
Snagged a mint condition, still-had-the-tissue-paper Chanel backpack from a designer consignment store in Sag Harbor
Wearing an Anthropologie shirt, Urban Outfitters skirt, Madewell sunglasses, and a Chanel backpack

 Monday | SoHo and Washington Square Park

Before heading back to San Diego, we figured we might as well spend a day in the City. We got to our cute hotel in the early afternoon. The Marlton, which My Domaine recommended, totally lived up to their rave reviews. If you're looking for a cute boutique hotel in Greenwich with a hip crowd and a cool history (before it was a hotel, the Marlton House was used as a residence for (then) up-and-coming artists like Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol). 

That afternoon we bopped around shops in SoHo; I managed to find an adorable party dress on sale at Opening Ceremony, and I finally got to step into a real-life Aritzia, the Canadian fashion store that my sorority big is seriously obsessed with.

After a quick photoshoot in Washington Square Park, I had to take a little nap before my mom and I grabbed a late dinner at Rosemary's down the street. 

Wearing an Urban Outfitters tank top and skirt, and Sam Edelman sandals 

Tuesday | MoMA

Our flight out of JFK wasn't until 5pm, so we visited the Museum of Modern Art in the morning before driving to the airport. The museum was a real treat. I got to see Picasso's Demoiselles D'Avignon, a few paintings from Monet's water lilies series, a number of Warhol pieces, and Van Gogh's Starry Night! The art history geek in me was so glad we were able to stop by the museum.

All in all, a lovely weekend with both relaxation and a taste of busy NYC living! I already can't wait to go back!

Checking out some of Monet's water lilies series
Prints of Marilyn Monroe by Andy Warhol 
Shoes sketches (!!!) by Andy Warhol
Back home! 

Shop Lindsey's Vacation Looks:

How to Style a Bandana

August 11, 2015

Image via Sea of Shoes
You've probably noticed a recent resurgence in the bandana as the accessory du jour. Everyone seems to have paisley print tied around their neck, wrapped up in their hair, or even printed on their clothes. Even I broke down and bought a $5 red bandana from Urban Outfitters. The great thing is, a bandana is no big investment (seriously, five dollars is the same as one fancy Starbucks coffee) but there are endless ways of styling it.

So, if you've got a bandana and don't know quite what to do with it, here's some outfit inspiration just for you!

Blair Eadie of Atlantic-Pacific
Pernille Teisbaek of Look de Pernille
Leandra Medine of the Man Repeller
Jane Aldridge of Sea of Shoes
Julie Sarinana of Sincerely Jules
Via Style du Monde
Via Style du Monde
Vanessa Hong of The Haute Pursuit 
Sonia Evers of The Not Vanilla
Danielle Bernstein of WeWoreWhat

Shop Bandanas:

How do you style your scarves and bandanas?

Velvet Touch

August 10, 2015

Emilio Pucci | Christopher Kane | Giorgio Armani | Toga | Delpozo
Last week I talked about the Middle Ages influencing the runways of Fall 2015, and today we see that trend continue in terms of a recurring texture, luxurious velvet in rich shades. Slowly but surely we are seeing fashion evolve from minimalism and again appreciate luxurious materials and stunning details.

In the past, velvet has conjured images of childhood Christmas parties (not exactly the epitome of fashion) but that is a thing of the past thanks to the stylish designs of today's fashion designers. Christopher Kane, in particular, has taken velvet to the next level with cool iridescent colors and velvet accents. Emilio Pucci and Delpozo both took on-trend wide leg pants to new heights by doing them up in velvet.

If you're looking to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe, I suggest starting off with cool separates—think velvet blazers and wide-leg pants—before working up to chic party dresses. Or, if you just want a hint of velvet in your look, there are plenty of velvet shoes and purses to choose from!

Shop Velvet Pieces:


Will you be rocking velvet this fall?

Trending: Early Modern Europe

August 7, 2015


By now you are probably sick of the 70s. Flare jeans, suede, bohemian influences...ugh, soooo over it. Find a new decade to obsess over, designers! But while the 1970s may be tiresome now, the 1570s are gaining influence. That's right, hop in the nearest delaurian you find and travel back 500 years for the latest in fashion.

I'm talking ruff collars, rich colors, and detailed silk and embroidery. Kate Middleton is so out as a fashion icon. Try Queen Elizabeth I for some truly inspirational style. Seriously, girl could rock a high collar and full skirt like no one else. Try an embroidered cape or ball gown for a modern day Elizabethan look. Just don't forget to pluck your hairline back and powder your face to resemble a fashionable ghost.

If you're a serious, demure kind of lady, perfect! Go for the full on Gothic look. No, I'm not suggesting going into Hot Topic and wearing skinny jeans; I'm talking black velvet cloaks, heavy gold religious jewelry, exaggerated bell sleeves.

Or, when in doubt, just plaster a Renaissance painting to your skirt like they did at Givenchy this season. Just make sure you know the title and artist of the painting and probably what Bible verse or mythological scene it is depicting. No one likes a poser. #TrueRenaissanceFansOnly.

Renaissance Style on the Runways

Altuzarra | Giles | Alberta Ferretti | Vivienne Tam | Roksanda Ilincic
Givenchy | Christian Dior Haute Couture | Simone Rocha | Philosophy | Alberta Ferretti

Get the Early Modern Look: 


Will you be rocking the Early Modern look this fall?

Get The Look: Camille Over the Rainbow

August 6, 2015

Camille Charriere of Camille Over the Rainbow is wearing a MiH T-shirt,
Acne skirt, Totême sandals and scarf, and Céline sunglasses
A T-shirt by itself is a beautiful blank canvas, ready to be transformed into literally anything with the help of some well-placed coordinating pieces. Add a pair of light-wash jeans and you have yourself a quintessential Americana outfit. Mix with a fancy silk ballgown skirt and you're a modern-day Cinderella. Seriously, you can do anything with a simple white T-shirt.

For the ever-stylish Camille Charriere of Camille Over the Rainbow, she has concocted a fabulous outfit centered around a plain white tee. Paired with a silk neck scarf, a utilitarian navy skirt, and summery rope sandals, this is a perfect look for an August day. She chose to wear it while biking around, but it could work just as easily for a weekend brunch or a picnic in the park.

Bonus: if you switch out the rope sandals for pointed pumps, you have a stylish work outfit. See! The white T-shirt is totally versatile.

Get the Look For Yourself:

Quay sunglasses | Madewell tee | Nordstrom Earrings | Kate Spade purse
Giorgio Armani scarf | Zara skirt | Nomadic State of Mind Sandals

What do you think of Camille's look?