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Hope everyone has had a decently relaxing (as far as one can be relaxed in 2020) holiday! I'm still at home enjoying a much-needed week off, so I've been watching a lot of television (why yes, I've already inhaled Bridgerton) and filming TikTok videos for fun.
For Christmas, my family gifted me some super cute clothes, so I did a little try-on video to show them off! Check out the new clothes I received and let me know what you think. I'm so excited to style all these in the new year.
Shop The Outfits:
For when you want the comfort of a pair of sweatpants but want to look put together and cool, there's nothing better than a sweatshirt dress. Funny enough, I bought the one I'm wearing in the above photo for my Ariana Grande Halloween costume last year, but it's quickly become one of my go-to pieces for when I want to look cute running weekend errands without putting too much of a fuss into my ensemble.
If you're anything like me, this year has taught you to embrace the joys of comfortable dressing more than ever before, so perhaps you also want to add a sweatshirt dress or two to your closet! Check out a few cute styles that I found!
Shop Sweatshirt Dresses:
What does a Fashion Barbie's holiday wish list look like in a year that has largely upended her typical approach to fashion and style? I'll be honest that making this list was rather challenging this year, not only because I'm making Drake happy by wearing less (as in like, fewer new clothes) and also going out less (because of a pandemic) but also because, since online shopping is one of the few ways I can momentarily boost my serotonin these days, I've more or less purchased all the things I actually want to wear already. Take for example this rainbow sweater I found at Anthropologie. In any other year, I'd bookmark it and send it to my family for an easy Christmas idea. But this year, waiting 2 months for a sweater sounded awful, and Anthropologie was having a 40% off sweaters discount anyway so I got it for a great price. Sorry, Christmas list, but instant (or at least faster) gratification wins every time.
That being said, there are some things that I've taken note of that I might appreciate as gifts, so enjoy, family and friends, my 2020 Holiday Wish List:
H&M Oversized Shirt Jacket
The 'shacket' has been trending all fall long, and I know it's a cool outerwear piece that is also practical for California's milder climate.
I Want To Be Where The Normal People Are by Rachel Bloom
When Crazy Ex-Girlfriend ended, I was sad but excited to see what creator and star Rachel Bloom would do next (if you haven't watched, I highly recommend, it's so fun and the songs are incredible). Lucky for me, she just came out with a book of essays that I cannot wait to read.
Ancient Greek Sandals Thais Sandals
As a San Diego girl through and through, I spend most of my days, even when it is considered sweater weather, wearing sandals. My current go-to slides from Madewell have eroded to such a point that my heels are literally falling off my shoes, and I've determined it is probably time for me to seek out a new pair. I've heard nothing but rave reviews from Ancient Greek Sandals and let's be honest, I trust them on name alone to make a chic, classic sandal style that will last forever.
Out From Under Kya Fleece Jogger Pant
If I'm going to be working from home indefinitely and bringing loungewear into heavier rotation, might as well make it pink, right?
Mare Mare Maria Tunic Dress
Continuing on the magenta color story (I think it's one of my power colors, to be honest) I think this dress from Anthropologie is so dreamy. I also like it in blue!
& Other Stories Relaxed Belt Mini Dress
Another chic dress option is this sweater dress from & Other Stories. Honestly, I'd be fine with probably anything from their catalogue, I'm obsessed.
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Secrets Full Size Set
This lipstick is supposed to be universally flattering and literally everyone who likes makeup raves about how great Pillow Talk is. Let's try it and see!
& Other Stories Chunky Sole Leather Chelsea Boots
I'm absolutely loving the chunky boot trend and think this is a style I can rock without ruining my feet completely, and I think they'll look really cool with all my girly dresses.
Diptyque Baies Candle
If Christmas isn't the time to ask for fancy candles, when is?
Marine Layer Signature Lined Hoodie in Ash Heather Stars
I've been looking for a new hoodie to wear while working from home (sometimes I get chilly!) and this sweatshirt is both versatile and features just the right amount of Lindsey style with the multicolor stars.
AGOLDE Cherie High Rise Straight Jeans
I own a distressed version of these jeans but they've unfortunately distressed a bit beyond wearability (namely, a big hole on the butt) but I absolutely love them and how they fit, so I love this cleaned up version of the same cut.
Shop The Wish List:
I hope you are ready to fill up on turkey and pie, because you're going to need plenty of fuel for the amount of online shopping that will take place over the weekend! The combination of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals is being heralded this year as "Cyber Week" since, unlike in years past, most of the deals and discounts will be found online. Fine by me, as the thought of fighting people over flatscreen televisions at 5am in the middle of a Target has always sounded like a nightmare, coronavirus or not. But if all I need to do is sit upright in my bed, open my laptop, and get to clicking, well...even I'll participate!
I've already shared how I plan to find the best deals all season long, but if you need to cross some items off your gifting check list, there is no better time to do it than this weekend. Just about every e-commerce destination is bound to have some sort of deal going on, but to make it easy on you, I'm rounding up the key sales that I'll be checking out. I'll keep it updated as I find more sales, so be sure to check back for new deals throughout the weekend.
The Best Cyber Week Sales:
& Other Stories
Receive 25% off everything through 11/27
Alo Yoga
Up to 70% off site-wide through 12/1
American Eagle
Receive 40% off + free shipping for a limited time
Anthropologie
Take 30% off everything and receive free shipping on orders $50+ for a limited time
ASOS
Up to 70% off almost everything when you spend over. $50 with code MOREPLSYAY
Banana Republic
Take 50% off site-wide through 11/28
Equipment
Receive 30% off site-wide with code THANKS through 11/30
Express
Take 50% off site-wide through 11/28
J. Crew
Receive 50% off your purchase with code FRIDAY and an extra 60% off sale styles. You can also receive a complimentary pair of cashmere-blend socks when you spend $125+ with code HAPPYFEET. Through 11/27
Joie
Receive 30% off site-wide with code THANKS through 11/30
Lulus
Save anywhere from 25% to 90% off site-wide with code FRIYAY25 through 11/27
Madewell
Receive up to 50% off with code VERYMERRY through 11/29
Net-A-Porter
Up to 50% off, plus an extra 15% off select items, for a limited time
Nordstrom
Up to 50% off select items and an extra 25% off clearance items through 12/1
Quay
Buy one pair of sunglasses, get one pair free
Sephora
Up to 50% off select items through the weekend
Shopbop
Receive 20% off your order if you spend $200+ with code SHOP20 through 11/29
Tory Burch
Receive 30% off orders of $250+ with code THANKS through 11/30
Shop My Sale Picks:
Which sale are you most excited to shop this weekend?
For all things holiday on The Fashion Barbie, click here.
As you know, I'm a lover of bright colors and lots of them! They bring me joy and can brighten things up when the weather, or the world, is looking gray. For me, there's no better way to spread cheer than to showcase some fun colors and incorporate them into your outfit, your home, and beyond.
A Few Favorites:
I purchased this rainbow dyed sweater from Anthropologie during a special sale a few weeks ago and it is amazing! Not only are the colors so fun and bright, but the knit is really soft and cozy.
I've used Swell water bottles and am always impressed with how long my water stays ice cold! This pastel marble print is just too pretty.
I've been wanting a Pat McGrath eyeshadow palette for forever, and finally bought this one and couldn't be happier! It's Pat's first 18-color palette, and also comes at a cheaper price point than her typical palettes, but the colors are just as dazzling as her signature shadows.
Shop Colorful Gifts:
Be on the lookout for more gift guides throughout the next few weeks!
Not everyone may look upon a neon pink turtleneck and proclaim it a wonderfully versatile layering piece, but then again, not everyone is a Fashion Barbie. Believe it or not, I've been searching for a chic pink turtleneck for quite some time, but I wasn't able to find the perfect shade—until now.
Of all things, Emily In Paris urged me to continue my search, as one scene featured Emily rocking a very chic pink sweater that reminded me of my quest. Unfortunately Emily's exact sweater was Chanel, which is a bit out of my price range, but I headed to ShopStyle to see what else was out there on the interwebs.
H&M turned out to be my savior, offering up this stylish knit for under $15! It's super lightweight, making it easy to layer with dresses, shirts, coats—you name it!
Inspired by the bright colors, I pinned my hair with matching hair clips and swiped on the brightest lipstick I could find, and dressed up in two very different outfits to showcase just how versatile even a bright pink piece can be.
Sporty
With a statement piece this bold, you don't need to do a whole lot to make a cool outfit. I paired my pink mock neck with high-waisted wide leg jeans from Zara and my Air Force Ones that I wear most every day. It's simple but looks so cool, and can I just say how much I have missed wearing flare jeans? Let's bring them back!
Get The Look:
Preppy
Get The Look:
For my girly girls, another way to style this piece is to pair the top with a retro houndstooth jacket and a cute mini skirt. Since the top is so fitted, it's fun to play with proportions and add an oversize jacket.
Either way, this top will turn heads.
Which way is your favorite?
It's the best time of the year: gift guides!
While 2020 has been far from normal, I for one am excited that the holiday season is here (and a little shocked it's already here, as time has become very abstract over the past few months). I know that this year, shoppers will be more conscious about finding great deals and beautiful gifts that don't break the bank, which is why I'm excited to share my gift guide finds with you. Great gifts don't have to cost a fortune (although you know I love to share a fun designer find or two) and I hope that over the next few weeks, you'll be inspired with these gift giving tips. Don't forget to explore my post on finding the best holiday deals and planning ahead, too!
First up, it's time to talk sweaters! Is there any better holiday gift than a cozy knit sweater? I don't think so. I almost always have a sweater or two on my personal wish list, as brands come out with fun seasonal designs this time of year that win me over. And whether you are looking for a luxe cashmere knit that will last a lifetime, or a trendy style at an affordable price, there's something for every budget. Check out my picks!
$25 & Under Sweaters
Under $50
Under $100
$100 & Over
With 2020 being, you know, 2020, I'm planning to do all of my Christmas shopping online for the first time ever.
Typically, I love bopping through the malls in December, browsing the stores for the perfect holiday gifts, but with coronavirus cases rising and an inability to easily browse (and touch) in-store merchandise, I feel a lot safer checking things off my list online.
Between coronavirus concerns as well as budgetary restraints, there are a lot of tips to keep in mind when shopping this holiday season. My main advice is to make a plan and get ahead of things. but here are some other tips on finding the best deals and completing your holiday gift list on schedule:
Full disclosure: I've featured a few affiliate links and may earn a commission on those links!
Plan Ahead
Shipping delays have been the norm since the outbreak of coronavirus, and expect delays to increase during the holidays. With cases increasing by the day, more shutdowns could be coming, and most Americans are probably looking to online shopping for the bulk of their holiday purchases. Online stores will have detailed information on shipping deadlines, but just to be safe, I would order everything no later than 2 weeks out from Christmas.
And don't forget about important shopping holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Brands will start announcing sales details any day now, so take a look at your favorite retailers and see if any items on your list might go on sale. Just please refrain from shopping in-person on Black Friday. It's a nightmare most years, but this year it is sure to be a feeding ground for COVID. No thanks!
Use Discount & Cash Back Apps
I can't remember how I first heard about Honey, but I cannot imagine living life without it. It's a Chrome extension that automatically finds and applies discount codes to the sites you are shopping, so if there's an extra discount code you don't know about, it will apply it for you! And even if there aren't any codes that work, you can get credits toward cash back rewards whenever you make purchases.Another app that has become an MVP for me is Rakuten, which gives you cash back on purchases you make online shopping. I get cash back on everything from Madewell to Postmates orders, and it starts to add up! Don't forget to be on the lookout for special offers on their website too, like extra cash back or discount codes.
You can download Honey here and Rakuten here.
Check Your Credit Card Offers
I check my Chase app daily to see what new cash back offers have been added. With just a click of a button, I can get cash back on purchases online and in person, from convenience stores to pizza to luxury retailers. Take a look at your card and see if you have any special offers or rewards available. You might be surprised what money you could earn back just by making your usual purchases!Follow Your Favorite Brands
To entice customers to sign up for newsletters and follow along on social media, brands are hosting newsletter and social media-only discounts and special offers all the time! Make sure you aren't missing out and check your favorites' accounts every so often to discover new deals. If you're annoyed about getting too many promotional emails to your account, you can even set up a promos-only account to keep things organized (and out of your main inbox).
Use ShopStyle to Compare Retailers and Track Sales
Most people know ShopStyle as a way for bloggers like myself to create custom affiliate links and make a commission when readers purchase products, but I also love using ShopStyle as a way to research and compare different styles and shops. These days, most brands are sold at a few different online retailers, so the same item might go on sale at one store while staying full price at the other. Say I find a cute dress from Alice + Olivia; I'll usually search the product name in ShopStyle's search tool so I can see where else the item is sold and if it is available for a cheaper price somewhere else.
Additionally, you can toggle "sale alerts" for items you like so that you receive an email notification when that item gets marked down. With so many surprise sales happening right now, you never know when a favorite item is going to drop in price, so the alerts will keep you informed.
Sign up for ShopStyle here.
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What tips do you have for finding the best deals during the holiday shopping season? Comment below!
I'm going to be honest with you, I'm sad that Halloween is basically nonexistent this year. Obviously there are no parties this year, no trick or treating (not that I've done that in ages), no costume contests at bars...as a fashion lover, picking a costume and dressing up for Halloween is so fun because I get to unleash my creativity. In the past I've gone as Ariana Grande, Eleven, and Chanel No. 3 to name a few of my pop culture inspired ensembles. Back in February when I saw Birds of Prey I had already decided that Harley Quinn's iconic caution tape fringe jacket would for sure be my costume...
Of course, that was before coronavirus became widespread. As much as I would have rocked Harley's outfit, let's be real: that is made for a party, so we'll have to save it for some other time.
However, I still wanted to dress up as something, if only to take pictures for the 'gram (and the blog!) so I did some brainstorming and decided it was the perfect occasion to dress up as my favorite Disney princess, Rapunzel!
Locked in a tower, isolated from friends, growing bored of activities, in a kingdom called CORONA!? Hello, could she be any more perfect for this moment? Knowing that I was heading up to our mountain cabin for a week and that the woods outside would make for an iconic backdrop, I found this costume on Amazon, ordered some fake flowers to clip to my hair, and even brought back my Ariana Grande ponytail extension for round two. I knew there was a reason I kept it around!
Are you dressing up for Halloween? What's your costume?
I've been working from home for 7 months now with no signs of going back to the office anytime soon and the height of my daily social interactions is picking up my ordered-ahead iced latte at Starbucks. I haven't gone to a restaurant in ages, let alone a party. I see most of my friends over FaceTime and Zoom calls. A wild weekend night lately is staying up until midnight watching a classic movie on my watchlist, maybe with a glass of wine and some Postmate-d sushi.
Yup, that's how thrilling my life is these days.
Despite all that, though, I've been putting on makeup almost every day, no matter if I'm venturing out to Alfred Coffee or just sitting at my desk doing work. For one, you never know when a colleague is going to spring a Zoom meeting on you, and let's be real, I have a reputation to uphold of looking put together, even in quarantine!
But beyond that, I genuinely have loved playing around with makeup while hanging out at home. I know it seems a bit pointless to get all dolled up with literally nowhere to go (and don't even get me started on the lipstick + mask dilemma) but it's a small little thing that makes me feel put together for the day and genuinely good in the face of depressing times.
My growing obsession with TikTok (you can follow me here if you want!) and learning all about makeup from incredible creators (a few of my favorites to follow for tips are @mikaylanogueira, @bexcxmpbell and @daniellemarcan) has inspired me to try new products, experiment with bold eyeshadow colors, and extend beyond my typical five minute routine to achieve that "barely there" makeup look.
We know I've always loved a bright lipstick, but I've never been particularly skilled at eyeshadow looks. However, after months of experimentation, I'm now pretty adept at a winged eyeliner and have even tried a cut crease look or two. I've pulled out palettes that have been sitting in my makeup drawer for ages and have followed tutorials for no-heat waves and other fun hairstyles. I even purchased the Revlon blow-dry brush that everyone is obsessed with on TikTok.
Sure, I may not be hitting the town in my fancy makeup, but I can always share my looks to social media and use that as a way to make sure my makeup efforts live on beyond my bathroom mirror. And above everything else, it makes me feel happy, and honestly, I think we could all use a little bit more joy these days wherever we can find it.
Here are a few of my favorite beauty items I've discovered during quarantine:
A little concealer under the eyes and a dab across any red spots is usually all I need, and it's a real game changer for looking awake and ready on those Monday morning Zoom calls. I love that this concealer covers redness without feeling too heavy or drying, too.
This hot pink lip gloss is great for achieving that "your lips, but better" look, and I'll usually swipe it on before any video meetings or if I'm filming a TikTok!
Okay, I just bought this hair dryer brush last week but I am already obsessed. It makes my hair look like it was done at the salon, and I went 5 days without washing my hair the first time after using this because my hair stayed clean, fresh, and straight for so long!
I am prone to oily eyelids, so I'll often spot eyeliner melted onto my eyebrows halfway through the day. This Stila eyeliner lasts all day, though, and the felt tip makes it easy to draw on smooth cat eyes and other wings. When wearing a mask outside, you gotta make sure your eye makeup is on point since that's what people will see, so this eyeliner is a must.
What's been your approach to makeup during quarantine? I'm curious to hear everyone's thoughts!
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is going on right now, which usually would be a huge deal for me. In years past I've previewed the collection, circled my favorite items from the catalogue, and counted down the seconds until my new fall purchases made their way to my doorstep. This year, however, I couldn't care less about getting a discount on boots I can't wear for 3 more months; the only section of the sale I've even looked through is their pajamas and home goods, and even then I feel no desire to purchase anything.
My ambivalence towards the Anniversary Sale is reflective of my feelings towards shopping as a whole right now. Five months ago my work sent me and my coworkers home, and currently there is no end in sight to my work from home situation, or the end of the pandemic as a whole. I venture out of my apartment rarely and for short periods of time, usually just to the Starbucks around the corner or the grocery store, and while I do love to dress up, dressing up for a run to the grocery store where I try to get in, grab what I need, and get out as quickly as possible, only to return to sitting on my bed in my apartment, seems frivolous. Occasionally I will put on a fun outfit for a TikTok or Instagram photo, but those looks last thirty minutes, tops, before I switch back into a T-shirt and loungewear.
And I know! This all sounds crazy coming from me, Lindsey, THE Fashion Barbie! The girl who wears dresses more often than jeans, who believes it's always better to be overdressed than underdressed, the girl who gets genuine joy out of finding a new item of clothing to love and style and treasure for years to come. Even toward the beginning of the pandemic I was feeling more optimistic about clothes and shopping, encouraging readers to check out Memorial Day Weekend sales and posting cute photos of the fun spring dresses I had hopes about being able to wear out and about by midsummer. But now, in August, the situation feels so much more dire, and with my return to the office now permanently TBD, I feel little desire to spend money on trendy items that might be totally out of date by the time I get to actually debut them outdoors.
Don't get me wrong, I want to like new clothes and feel enough energy to purchase cute new things. With social media becoming one of my few outlets, I’m constantly eyeing fun new trends to try on TikTok and Instagram, from cottagecore romantic dresses to pastel matching sets.
The problem is that, perhaps because my current situation longs for escapism, I keep gravitating toward dreamy maximalist pieces like this rainbow poof of a dress from Selkie or that strawberry dress that’s all over TikTok; dresses that, while fun and joy-inducing, don’t really make sense to wear in the confines of my apartment. The dresses I purchased near the beginning of quarantine have seen the light of day maybe once, and usually just for the purposes of content creation. I realized that one dress I bought back in April still had tags on it because I had only worn it for the purposes of Instagramming it, and while I know influencers do this all the time, it feels disingenuous and almost irresponsible to constantly be flaunting new items that aren’t actually worn out. From my blog’s conception back in high school, I always vowed that the outfits I showcased would be ones that I actually wore out in real life, not just for the purposes of a cool photo. I’ve prided myself on that authenticity, and don’t want to change that now.
Between the pandemic’s major effects on the economy and the fashion industry in particular, along with the Black Lives Matter movement encouraging me to be more mindful about where and how I shop, the idea of constant clothing consumption feels off-putting. I’m fortunate to have a job through the pandemic, but I know that for many people that is not the case, and even those with jobs have experienced salary cuts and other financial hardships. To spend money on clothes that may or may not stand the test of time feels wasteful, and again, if I’m not getting any use out of the clothes for the foreseeable future, why purchase them at all? If I do get the urge to buy something, I don’t want to spend large amounts of money on something because who knows how the economy could change in the near future; but then my options are fast fashion retailers who typically use substandard manufacturing practices and underpay foreign workers. As much as I can, I’m trying to avoid those retailers.
So what am I left with? A vague desire to try new clothes and styles but no true want to purchase anything, out of fears of uncertainty and wasted money. I’m not sure this will last forever, as I’m sure I’ll get back to my usual ways of wearing girly dresses once the pandemic is over and life gets closer to normal than it is now, but I do know that the ways I’ve thought about my clothing consumption has changed how I look at shopping, and I do think that will stick with me for years to come.
This isn’t to say that I’m “over” fashion or have no desire to talk about it, just that I’m putting more of an emphasis on the clothes I already have sitting in my closet and that I’m thinking more mindfully about my shopping practices. I may be wearing more shorts and T-shirts than usual, but even through all of this my love of fashion remains, just reframed to be more conscious of my participation as a consumer and what that means, both personally and for us all.
How are you feeling about fashion and shopping right now? Have your shopping decisions changed during the pandemic? Has your style?
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| Is the age of the #GIRLBOSS over? |
When I attended the Los Angeles Women’s March in January of 2017, the day after Trump’s inauguration, I felt a mix of emotions flowing through me; I was angry with our country, worried for the rights of immigrants, women, people of color, the LGBTQ+ community (basically anyone who was not a straight cisgender white man), but also empowered to see how many people came together to march and stand up for what they believed. I was living a few blocks away from City Hall and walked there by myself, not knowing what to expect at all. When I saw the crowds of pink knit hats and protest signs spanning as far as I could see, I broke out into tears. Here we were, hundreds of thousands of frustrated Americans, channeling our anger into this outpouring of love and support. Donning an all-pink outfit and surrounded by thousands of fellow Nasty Women, I felt that we were onto something beautiful.
This was 2017, the peak of the Girl Boss era. Hillary Clinton was the ultimate icon for a generation of She-E-Os, taking her bold pantsuits and meme-able sass just about as far as a woman could possibly go. What is winning the presidency if not shattering the ultimate glass ceiling? She was the champion of a whole class of entrepreneurial women who weaponized millennial pink graphic designs and donned brightly-hued pantsuits with stilettos and blowouts, corporate badasses who owned their femininity rather than hiding it, as older generations of businesswomen had done. And despite losing the presidential election, in corporate America, the reign of the Girl Boss seemed inevitable.
Emily Weiss of Glossier. Jen Gotch of Ban.do. Yael Aflalo of Reformation. Sara Blakely of Spanx. On and on and on. You know the Girl Boss when you see her and her brand. She’s fashionable and cool, but never trying too hard. She dolls out career advice on Instagram and usually on her own podcast series too. She’s either written a book that combines career highs and lows with personal reflections, or she’s working on the draft now. She is a strong advocate for feminism, and her brand is all about championing women.
You’d think such a woman would advocate not just for white cisgender women, but for all women and non-binary people who should fall under the protection of feminism.
Instead, half of the aforementioned women (namely Gotch and Aflalo) stepped down from their posts this month after numerous allegations of racist behavior and toxic work cultures. Leandra Medine of Man Repeller, The Wing co-founder and CEO Audrey Gelman, and Refinery29 co-founder Christine Barberich have all also left their posts after similar complaints of racist behavior and work environments. The behavior of these women is absolutely unacceptable, but to the outside viewer, these allegations came as a bit of a shock. Their brands and social media personas would all have you believe these women were champions of intersectional feminism, but this year has proved that the Girl Boss’s digital persona of championing diversity and intersectionality is just a facade.
The Girl Boss wasn’t how you acted as a businesswoman, but how you branded yourself.
The term “Girl Boss” first rose to prominence with Sophia Amoruso’s 2014 autobiography #GIRLBOSS, which led to a short-lived Netflix series as well as an events and media business of the same name, all off of the idea that Amoruso is exemplary of how a woman in a position of power should behave. Let’s ignore the fact that she nearly ran her first company Nasty Gal (the one that made her a Girl Boss to begin with) into the ground, being bought for scraps by Boohoo and hanging on to this day only by running permanent ‘50% off everything’ sales. Amoruso is a talented woman who is responsible for Nasty Gal’s quick rise to prominence, but her true talents lie in her ability to market herself and her brand, not her proficiency as an executive. If you really examined the rise and fall of Nasty Gal, Amoruso wasn’t much of a boss after all, and there are the toxic workplace complaints and wrongful termination lawsuits to prove it, but no matter. What really mattered was how Amoruso made herself appear. The Girl Boss wasn’t how you acted as a businesswoman, but how you branded yourself.
A slew of female founders followed in Amoruso’s founder-to-celebrity footsteps, becoming the spokespeople for their companies and creating brand identities that weren’t just selling a product but a whole lifestyle. Jen Gotch opened up conversations about mental health with Ban.do, discussing her bipolar disorder and selling “I Cry At Work” T-shirts, blending personal ideology with branded products ready for consumption (and culminating in a book for Gotch as well, a memoir entitled The Upside of Being Down). Reformation highlights sustainability and the importance of ethically-made fashion that is also, you know, cool. The brand often featured their Los Angeles factory in campaigns and marketing materials. The creation of The Wing in 2016, a women’s club with locations around the country, felt in many ways to be a direct response to the 2016 election and our desires to keep the momentum of Hillary’s campaign going; a place for women and gender non-conforming individuals of all races and sexualities, to come together, network, and have a space all our own. How could these beacons of feminist ideology, mental health, and environmental awareness be such disappointments when it came to being genuine advocates of the Black Lives Matter movement?
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| Intended to stimulate conversations about mental health in the workplace, Ban.do's "I Cry At Work" T-shirt now hits differently when considering the numerous allegations of racist and toxic behavior at the company's offices |
In short, we were bamboozled by pretty marketing and a co-opting of feminist ideals to sell product. And if you feel disappointed that you didn’t see the signs earlier, I feel you. I fell for it all. I’ve purchased Ban.do planners for years and have applauded Jen Gotch’s honesty and vulnerability when it comes to mental health issues. My closet is filled with Reformation pieces. I read Refinery29 and Man Repeller articles on a regular basis. I became a Wing member last June. I believed that these companies, who featured diverse women on their social media and aesthetically-pleasing quotes from feminists and civil rights leaders, believed in the message they were plastering across their platforms. But if the person—and the company culture as a whole—beneath the facade was known for racist remarks, discriminatory hiring practices, microaggressions, and other toxic behavior, the celebration of women and diversity now starts to ring hollow. Were these women just marketing themselves as paragons of the 21st century female founder, using the language and imagery that women of diverse backgrounds would shell out money for, all while hiding their true feelings of discontent for anyone not like them (in other words, white, thin, and well-off)? That I fell for any of it makes me uneasy.
Like the Women’s March in 2017, this month’s Black Lives Matter movement has inspired me that change is possible, although difficult, and worth fighting for. It should not have taken this long, or the devastating loss of life that the Black community has experienced not just this past month but for years, to reach this turning point, but watching the ripple effects of the Black Lives Matter protests hit all industries, including the fashion and beauty world, has been incredible. These industries absolutely need to expand their definitions of beauty, and that starts with creating inclusive workplaces and encouraging diverse representation in magazines, online, on television, and so on.
With the mass exodus of so-called leaders like Jen Gotch and Yael Aflalo, I’m hopeful that the companies they started can move toward inclusive and respectful businesses, both in the way they market products to their consumers and the way their businesses cultivate a welcoming and positive corporate environment that accepts employees of all backgrounds. Moving forward, it won’t be enough just to wear the mask of the intersectional feminist and social justice advocate for the sake of reaching consumers. These brands must truly reflect that image both externally and internally, starting with diversifying their workplaces.
The age of the Girl Boss may be over, but all that means is that we are paving the way to celebrate true feminist business owners who actually embody the ideals that they publicly project. From these past few weeks, I’ve learned about so many incredible Black-owned businesses founded by women who are genuinely passionate about sustainable fashion, clean beauty, and redefining what the world sees as beautiful. For example, UOMA Beauty founder Sharon Chuter sought out to create a truly inclusive beauty brand, including 51 shades of foundation so people of every skin color can find their perfect match. Another beauty brand, Hanahana Beauty, provides natural skincare products that are ethically sourced from Ghana. These brands aren’t just wearing the mask of ethical, intersectional feminism; these tenets are built into the very foundations of these brands.
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| UOMA Beauty's ad campaign shows how wonderful and diverse the beauty industry can be |
This isn’t to say that white business leaders can’t be true allies. Emily Weiss’s brand Glossier recently announced they would be giving $500,000 in grants to Black-owned beauty businesses, as well as another $500,000 to organizations combating racial injustice. Glossier is one of the core brands of millennial culture, and Weiss every bit in the mold of the Girl Boss, but she has clearly recognized her power and her privilege, and she is using that privilege to help amplify underrepresented voices in the industry. There is a way forward for such entrepreneurs, one where they not only talk the talk of intersectional feminism but also walk the walk and create actions that echo their marketing sentiments, fostering truly inclusive workplaces and celebrating diversity in all forms.
Long live the new generation of women who will change the world.
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| All dressed up! |
Even while staying home and limiting time outside, my love for fashion and getting dressed up hasn't gone away! True, I've been wearing more T-shirts and leggings than usual, but I've also been donning dresses and playing with makeup to take some fun at-home photos and brighten my mood.
That being said, I've been online shopping more than ever before and wanted to share a few tips I have on how I discover new brands and places to shop online. With literally thousands of e-commerce sites out there (and new ones popping up each day!) online shopping can be an overwhelming experience, but I've found a few ways to discover new clothes and places.
Transparency note: I use affiliate links and may make a commission off of link clicks and purchases.
1. Influencer Recommendations
I follow certain influencers for a reason; their style and creativity inspires me, and I trust their opinions and recommendations when it comes to finding new clothes. I've discovered countless new brands through product tags, brands that I never would have heard of if it weren't for Instagram. With Jean and Lirika Matoshi are two of my recent favorite finds that I discovered through influencers I follow.
P.S. if you like my style, follow along on Instagram for more!
2. Browsing Online Catalogues + Edits
Some of my favorite sites like Revolve and Shopbop have an overwhelming amount of options to choose from, so I love looking at their curated edits to see the trending items and on-the-rise brands that their buyers love. Beyond your favorite online retailers, there are so many online catalogues you can use to discover new brands and shop online, including buy now pay later online catalogues. These are good options for affordable shopping, since you can split the payment up over time.
3. Pinterest
Pinterest is one of the best discovery tools out there when it comes to finding new places to shop, so don't overlook it if you are in need of new ideas! Not only is the app full of inspirational photos and swoon-worthy style ideas, but they've also stepped up their shopping functionality so you can often browse and shop for items directly on the app. Pinterest can even share "similar items" to photos you bring up, so even browsing an inspirational photo could lead you to discover a new, shoppable style.
4. ShopStyle
If you read my last post on finding the best online deals, you'll know that I love using ShopStyle to compare and price check the same items at different retailers. It is also a super powerful search discovery tool that I use constantly for both work stories and personal life! ShopStyle's search function is best for when I know what I'm looking for (for example, a red dress) but not sure where to go from there. You can simply type in "red dress" and boom, thousands of results will appear! I'll usually set price limits, but you can refine by different categories and subcategories, colors, retailers, and so on. Seriously, it's the best.
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And those are the secrets to my online shopping successes! Leave a comment below and let me know what your favorite tips are for discovering new brands and e-commerce sites online.
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| Wearing a Faithfull the Brand dress |
I write this on the first of many "summer Fridays" although it sure doesn't feel like summer, not really. The sun is shining and my emails are slow, but what fun is it to stop working and head home early when you're already home!? Oh well.
Even though summer 2020 might be a little stranger than usual, some things stay constant no matter the state of the world, and Memorial Day Weekend sales are certainly still a thing. My mom has already texted me about a pair of Madewell sandals that I have to get (these ones, FYI, at a 30% discount) and like, I guess all that money I've saved not going out to bars or Coachella or whatever could go to some cute new pieces that I'll get to wear...eventually.
So whether you are itching to buy some fun summer clothes in the hopes that stay home restrictions will soon start to loosen up, or you just need more sweatsuits to tie dye, here are the best sales out there as well as my favorite on-sale pieces:
Transparency note: I use ShopStyle affiliate links and may earn a commission on link clicks or purchases.
The Best Memorial Day Weekend Deals:
- URBAN OUTFITTERS: Take an extra 30% off sale items; up to 40% off dresses, shorts, and swimwear. Through 5/25.
- ANTHROPOLOGIE: 25% off clothes, accessories, and shoes. Valid through 5/25.
- MADEWELL: 30% off all dresses and sandals using code HAPPYTOGETHER.
- J. CREW: Up to 60% off your purchase with code HISUMMER.
- MODCLOTH: 30% off full-price items and extra 40% off sale items with code HOTDOG. Valid through 5/25.
- NASTYGAL: 60% off sitewide.
- & OTHER STORIES: Up to 50% off select styles.
- REVOLVE: Extra 20% off select sale styles.
- LOU & GREY: 30% off summer must-haves. Valid through 5/26.
- FOREVER 21: 20% off purchases over $75, 30% off purchases over $85, and 40% off purchases over $150 with code MEMORIALDAY2020.
- TORY BURCH: 25% off select styles with code TOGETHER. Valid through 5/26.
- THEORY: 30% off sitewide. Valid through 5/25.
- COS: 25% off your purchase when you spend $200 or more. Valid through 5/25.
- SOLID & STRIPED: 25% off sitewide with code MDW25.
- WAYFAIR: Up to 70% off sitewide. Valid through 5/26.
- RAY-BAN: 20% off sitewide and free shipping. Valid through 5/31.
My Top Picks:
*Heads up: some of the links I'm sharing here are referral links*
1. Download An Apps Like Honey To Find Discount Codes
I can't remember how I first heard about Honey, but I cannot imagine living life without it. It's a Chrome extension that automatically finds and applies discount codes to the sites you are shopping, so if there's an extra discount code you don't know about, it will apply it for you! And even if there aren't any codes that work, you can get credits toward cash back rewards whenever you make purchases.
You can download Honey here.
2. Use ShopStyle to Compare Retailers and Track Sales
Most people know ShopStyle as a way for bloggers like myself to create custom affiliate links and make a commission when readers purchase products, but I also love using ShopStyle as a way to research and compare different styles and shops. These days, most brands are sold at a few different online retailers, so the same item might go on sale at one store while staying full price at the other. Say I find a cute dress from Alice + Olivia; I'll usually search the product name in ShopStyle's search tool so I can see where else the item is sold and if it is available for a cheaper price somewhere else.
Additionally, you can toggle "sale alerts" for items you like so that you receive an email notification when that item gets marked down. With so many surprise sales happening right now, you never know when a favorite item is going to drop in price, so the alerts will keep you informed.
I know it sounds straightforward, but so many people don't take advantage of special offers that brands will advertise through newsletters and social media. Constant email campaigns can be annoying, but it helps to occasionally check out alerts from your favorite brands so you can stay updated on sales and promotions that are running. A lot of brands will host special sales or share exclusive discount codes that are only available to newsletter subscribers, so sign up to your favorite ones so you can stay in the know.
4. Follow Sample Sales
The last time I was in New York, my coworker and I stumbled upon the greatest discovery of all time: a Reformation sample sale. Gorgeous printed midi dresses and chic tops at a fraction of the original prices? Sign me up! I walked away with two midi dresses for less than the price of one full-price piece. While shopping, I realized that the sample sale was run by a company called 260, and they organized sample sales for all sorts of brands in LA and NYC, so I started following them on Instagram to stay updated on upcoming sales in LA.
With the beginning of quarantine, you'd think that sample sales would be on hold, but actually, 260 has started hosting online sample sales so now you can shop them from wherever you live!
You can view their list of online sale events here.
5. Take Advantage of Cash Back Programs
Getting paid to shop? It sounds too good to be true, and yet, cash back programs exist! I've started using Rakuten religiously, and love how many brands are on it. With all the online shopping I've been doing while staying home, the rewards are already starting to add up. Urban Outfitters, Nike, Shopbop, and even Postmates are all partnered with Rakuten, and the site also shares special offers all the time. You can install a Chrome plugin so Rakuten can automatically remind you if a site you are shopping is eligible for cash back, too.
I also highly recommend checking out any offers available through your credit card or debit card company. I've gotten cash back from purchases at Rite Aid, Domino's, and Amazon Fresh through my credit card, some with up to 10% back, so take a look at your card's current offers for additional ways to get rewarded for purchases you are making anyway.
You can sign up for Rakuten here.
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What secret tips do you have to find the best deals?
*Disclaimer: this post is sponsored by Basic Invite. All thoughts & opinions expressed are my own!
This past month I’ve been thinking a lot about how we connect with one another. In a time when we are unable to physically spend time with friends and family, finding ways to maintain our relationships in other ways is so important. Like most of you, I’ve been utilizing technology to stay in touch, but I’ve also found myself taking a more old-school approach with personalized cards and stationery, and Basic Invite has become my new obsession for creating custom cards to send to loved ones.
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| Some of the cards I designed using templates from Basic Invite. |
With my birthday coming up, I decided to create a cute birthday brunch invitation (this was designed pre-quarantine, of course) as well as some thank you notes to send to friends and family. Growing up, handwritten thank you notes were always expected after birthdays and holidays, and I’m a firm believer that they are extra special to receive.
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| Exploring the Basic Invite website |
For my birthday thank you cards, I was actually a big fan of the original color scheme, so I kept it pretty close to the default colors, but I did customize the notes with my name for a personal feel. And of course, I played around with some different combinations just for fun (there are over 180 colors to choose from, so the possibilities are endless!):
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| The original color combination in the middle, plus some other options I played around with. Can you tell I like a pink and green scheme? |
For any design, you can request a printed sample to be sent to you before placing the final order so you can assure the color, paper, and all other details are exactly to your liking. This comes in handy for anyone worried about getting their invitations or stationery just right!
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| My customized creation! |
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| My exact tie dye sweatshirt is sold out, but I'm sharing some other options with you! |
Dozens of tie dyeing videos on TikTok and Instagram have tempted me to try my hand at creating a psychedelic sweatsuit of my own, but the mundane logisitical issues (mainly, where does one acquire tie dye materials, and what if I mess up or don't like the end result?) have kept me from ordering supplies on Amazon. There is, alas, a simpler solution: buy an affordable and pre-dyed item on the internet!
Seriously, there is tie dye everywhere at the moment, and in a vast array of cute styles, colors, and designs to fit your fancy. All these pieces that I found are under $100 (and a lot are event under $50) so you can stock up on some cool home-friendly items that aren't too pricey.
Shop Tie Dye:
It's hard to think about fashion right now. I love it—getting dressed each day is part of why I get so excited to wake up—but lately the world of fashion seems even more frivolous than usual. How can I think about pretty spring dresses when going outside requires a face mask? How can I dream about spending money on clothes when people are losing their livelihoods and loved ones all over the world?
It is a strange, strange time that we are in, and I know that looking cute is at the bottom of our priorities right now. But still, I can't help but think about how much joy fashion brings me, and how I hope that when our time of social distancing comes to an end (which, god, I hope is soon) I'll be able to spread some joy through fun and colorful outfits. Maybe it will cheer people up, or even just cheer myself up. I hope that's okay.
Anyway, here are some of the things that I hope we'll be dressing up in very soon. Leave a comment, let me know how you are doing, how you are hanging in there while working from home, whatever. I'm here for you! I may be wearing sweatshirts more than usual (I know, social distancing has changed me) but I'm still the fashion-loving Fashion Barbie and I hope to continue spreading positive energy your way!
Post-Quarantine Wish List
Like most of you, I've been holed up at home for the past several weeks in an effort to limit the spread of coronavirus. As a social girl who actually enjoys going to work, socializing with coworkers, and of course going out to restaurants and bars with friends, this has been a period of adjustment.
However, with two weeks of work-from-home officially in the books, I've found ways to perfect my routine and my setup, including adding a few things to make my desk the ideal working space (before social distancing entered our lexicon, my desk was largely overflow storage for sunglasses, purses, lipsticks, and other assorted Fashion Barbie faves).
If you are still trying to get into the swing of things and finding your work-from-home groove, I figured it might be helpful to show my home office setup and some of my tips to make home life productive!
Here's what I did to perfect my home office setup:
Define your work from home space:
For me, leaving my apartment and driving to the office makes it pretty clear to my brain that it's time to get work done. When you work from home, you can simply wake up, grab your laptop, and begin your day without ever getting dressed. For me, this is a recipe for disaster (Netflix is just a click away), so instead I knew that I had to create a defined work space within my room. Just the act of sitting at a desk mentally gets me into that working mode, so I cleared off my desk (it's this one, to be precise) of all the lipsticks and purses and other miscellaneous items and created the setup you can see today in these pictures!Find a cute desk chair:
Yeah, I didn't even have a chair to go with my desk, that's how little I used it for anything other than storage space. Luckily Amazon had this super chic chair (they came in a set of 2 so I gave the other one to my roommate) to complete my desk. I'll admit it's not as good for your posture as a fancy ergonomic office chair would be, but it's cute and it beats sitting slumped over in my bed all day.
Set up a monitor display:
When my company gave us the go-ahead to work from home, they let us take home our computers, both desktops and laptops. I typically work off of a laptop that is hooked up to a monitor display, so I brought the whole setup home—monitor, mouse, keyboard, laptop—so that I had a big screen to work off of. Working from my laptop on weekends occasionally is fine, but I knew when we went home that we were going to be home for a while, so having the large monitor screen is wonderful. I might even order one to keep at my apartment full time!Stay organized with calendars:
With not much to do besides hang out inside, get work done, and binge watch TV shows (who else has been simultaneously fascinated with and disturbed by Tiger King?) I have found the days blending together. I'll often ask myself, "Um, what day is it again?" A desk or wall calendar helps alleviate some confusion! Lucky for me, my grandmother gifted me a cute kittens wall calendar for Christmas, so I hung that up beside my computer to keep track of dates. I also use a Ban.do planner to write down tasks and to-do lists.Surround yourself with favorite scents:
I freakin' love candles. A good scent can change my whole mood, so just lighting a few fragrant candles can lift my spirits with all the general craziness happening all around us. I've been on a rose kick for a while, so I took advantage of Nordstrom's recent sale and bought a duo of Voluspa rose scented candles. I also keep a rose facial spray that I'll spritz on myself and around the room to freshen things up, and L'Occitane hand cream to keep my hands moisturized after washing my hands so often.
Add personal touches:
Work from home offers the freedom for you to design your work space however you see fit, so take advantage of it and add in little touches that bring you joy! I keep my markers in sight so whenever inspiration to draw strikes, I'm ready to go. I also have a photo album of polaroids to remind me of fun memories with friends (can't wait to see them again) and an Eiffel Tower sculpture and matryoshka doll that my mom gave me; just little things that remind me of friends, family, and world travels while I'm stuck inside. I also keep my favorite books in the desk shelves, as well as storage containers for sunglasses and jewelry.
Shop My Desk Essentials:
What tips do you have for the perfect work from home setup?
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