My Holiday Wish List

November 28, 2020


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:

All The Black Friday and Cyber Monday Online Sales You Need To Know About

November 25, 2020

The Fashion Barbie Fall Style With Neutral Sweater


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?

2020 Gift Guide: Make The Season Colorful!

November 17, 2020

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!

Hot Pink Two Ways

November 16, 2020


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?

2020 Gift Guide: Cute Sweaters To Gift At Every Price Point

November 11, 2020


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

Finding The Best Online Deals For The Holidays

November 9, 2020

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!