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Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
If you are searching for a new swimsuit this summer and have a smaller chest (don't worry, I'm in the same boat) I highly recommend shopping for a style that gathers along the neckline like the style pictured above. I recently got this top from Montce and found it to look so flattering. The gathering provides extra texture and dimension, but the fit stays close to my body and doesn't feel like it's gaping open.
Below are some similar styles:
When Carey Mulligan stepped onto the Oscars red carpet, she instantly skyrocketed to the top of Best Dressed lists with her classic look. She wore an elegant black and white Balenciaga dress that was a recreation of a 1951 design. It was a fitting reference back to the era of her Maestro performance (for which she was nominated) and celebrated the simple glamour of 1950s Hollywood.
Many of you agreed with me on social media that Mulligan's was one of the best looks of the evening, so imagine my delight when, while scrolling through Revolve's new arrivals, I came across this dress that looked like its modern-day, cocktail party counterpart:
Are you heading to the Eras Tour this year? While I have to wait until the grand finale of Taylor Swift's upcoming tour, the shows start this week and plenty of swifties will be wearing their finest Taylor-inspired outfits inspired by her incredible career so far.
Need some inspiration? I've created a collection of different Taylor eras and favorite outfits to inspire you! Click on each photo to get the style of that era and enjoy!
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| Fashion Magazine | Zara | Versace 2014 | Year Of Ours |
Somewhere between fifth grade and now, I stopped wearing skorts (aside from the athletic variety for tennis and golf) and they went out of style anyway. For years, I had to pick a side of the shorts vs. skirt debate every day. It was devastating.
Over the past few months, I've noticed that the skort has had a major resurgence. It began in the athleisure space with inventions like the Exercise Dress (of which I own 2) and now has blossomed into a full-blown movement. It helps that the micro-mini skirt trend is a thing and that not all of us (namely, anyone with a butt) are comfortable rocking ultra-minis sans some sort of booty coverage. The skort has thus become the perfect workaround for girls who want to wear the trendy styles without flashing the entire world.
So join me in embracing the skort once more. I've even rounded up some styles for you to shop and try the trend for yourself!
Athletic Skorts
Fashion Skorts
Early 2000s Skorts
Yes, it's that time of year once more! Here are the items on my Christmas wish list in case you want a little insight into what I'm loving right now or need some last-minute inspiration for your own wish list!
Reformation Portia Top
I've recently learned that I look good in brown, and I can't say no to a cute & romantic top from Reformation.
Outdoor Voices Exercise Dress
Will this encourage me to work out more? Probably not. But in case I want to play tennis or just want to look like I'm coming from a workout class, I think this dress is so cute and a way to wear a dress and stay totally comfortable.
Clare V Purse
The Kate Spade crossbody bag I've had since high school finally gave out a few months ago, so I've been searching for a stylish replacement since. This one would do quite nicely.
Verge Girl Sweater
How groovy is this sweater? I can already see it pairing quite nicely with my gingham pants.
I'm trying to buy more non-black shoes, and I like this chunky loafer style.
& Other Stories Blouse
I'm always pursuing my dream of looking like a chic French girl, and this top would help. Just picture it with a pair of high-waisted flare jeans.
Note: When you click on the links the items say they're sold out since they're technically not available to purchase yet. If you click the "View Item On Nordstrom" link, you'll be redirected to the product page and can add it to your wish list there.
And just like that, we're over the halfway point of 2021 and looking towards fall with the arrival of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! Last year I was in such a slump about the state of the world that I don't know if I even looked at the catalogue, but I'm feeling more peaceful now, as I hope we all are, now that I'm seeing friends and family in person once more, going out to fun restaurants and bars, even attending a music festival this past weekend; after this hellish year and a half, I'm ready to get dressed again.
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is always an interesting one for me because, despite the excitement that unfolds around it, the clothes themselves are not that flashy. In fact, I look to the Anniversary Sale as my stock-up shopping time—the moment to add new wardrobe staples like jeans and boots to my fall closet. It's a good moment to take note of the fashion basics that you're lacking, or just need updated versions of, and find some new classics that you'll wear for years to come.
I bookmarked a few of my favorites from the sale, which you'll see below. I found myself gravitating towards the printed dresses, which can be dressed up for a return to the office or a night out, as well as straight leg and flare jeans. If you buy just one thing during the Anniversary Sale, I always suggest a new pair of jeans. They have such a great selection.
As always, I also bookmarked a few coats and jackets that make no sense for my Los Angeles lifestyle but are dreamy nevertheless. If you live in a colder climate, please let me live vicariously through you and try out one of these coats.
I also added a few beauty favorites that are available at special prices, including a jumbo size of my favorite Dry Bar dry shampoo.
I'll be curious to see what clothing categories succeed the most at this year's sale. Is athleisure the new dominant dressing style now that we've worked from home for a year? Will dresses and heels make a resurgence as people eagerly socialize once more? We shall see!
And heads up, the sale hasn't started just yet (early access begins on July 12, with general access beginning on July 28) but you can browse all these clothes and add them to your wish list until then.
Shop My Anniversary Sale Picks:
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| Wearing Aerie swimsuit top and bottoms |
Summer is here, my friends. I've gotten sunburnt despite wearing SPF 70, dove into freezing cold water because it seemed like a good idea as I was sweating in the sun, and had my fair share of hard seltzers already. I've also been wearing more swimsuits than I have in quite some time, enjoying the fact that the beach and lake are at my fingertips along with the reopened pool in my apartment complex. Naturally, I've been on the hunt for some cute swimsuits to rock this summer!
As much as I love a cute swimsuit, I don't always like how expensive they can be. Seriously, why are water-friendly strips of fabric pricier than most of the dresses in my closet? I do not understand it.
So because I'm all about looking cute this summer but not spending half my paycheck on some skimpy bikinis, I've rounded up some of the cutest on-trend swimsuits that are all under $100 (to the best of my ability, I've tried to make it that full sets are no more than $100, but don't hate me if they go a little over) and grouped them by trend so you can rock the hottest styles this summer.
Pink Bikinis
Look, I've been on the hunt for a cute pink swimsuit for several years now, so I say it's a trend! The piece I'm wearing in the photo above is from Aerie and us a fun neon that makes even pale old me look tan, so would highly recommend!Groovy Prints
As you know from my summer trends post, I'm all about the psychedelic swirls and hippie-inspired designs right now. They look so cute on swimsuits!
Gingham
You can never go wrong with sweet and preppy gingham prints.
Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny
These are not my favorite style, but flossy string bikinis are all the rage on Instagram right now, so if that's your vibe, here are some cute and affordable options.
Sage
I think this color is so stylish and cool. It's been a big trend all over, but I think it's a neat alternative to a neutral hue for swimwear.
As I write this, I'm two weeks removed from my second Pfizer shot and ready to hit the town. You know, I know, we all know that this past year has been no walk in the park, but for the first time in a while I'm feeling a sense of reserved optimism and my eye for fashion is reflective of that bright spirit.
After a year of wearing T-shirts and leggings for a majority of the time, I'm ready to have some capital-F FUN this summer. I'm talking plenty of color, fun geometric prints, playful shapes, and outfits that are ready to party. I'm also taking into consideration my newfound appreciation for comfort, opting for knit fabrics, breezy midi dresses, and flat shoes that will keep me comfortable as I ease back into "normal" (if that's even a thing anymore) life.
Here are some of the trends and styles I'm keeping an eye out for as I fill up my summer wardrobe:
Disco Stylings
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Thanks to disco-tinged music from Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, Kasey Musgraves, and so on, it feels like the psycadelic stylings of the '70s are hip once more. Pucci-inspired prints are about to be everywhere, and I'm ready for it.
Colorful Jewelry
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This trend is a little controversial (you either love it or hate it) but I for one think it's so fun and an easy way to add color to even a simple jeans & T-shirt ensemble.
Bridgerton-Blue Midi Dresses
Yeah, I'm still on that Bridgerton style train. I was searching forever for the perfect blue midi-length dress to wear for my Bridgerton-themed picnic (I ended up wearing this dress) but I still might purchase one if I find the perfect in-budget option.
Rectangle Sunglasses
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You know I love a trendy sunglass style!
Not-Skinny Jeans
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I love my skinny jeans forever, but I'm not opposed to rocking straight leg, flare, and loose styles either.
Halter Necks
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Halter necks are so cute for summer, and you know what, my collar bone looks great in them!
Silk Scarves
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I will be proudly rocking the Pucci scarf I have sitting in my closet and tying it 1000 different ways thanks to TikTok styling videos.
Shop Summer Trends:
Through the past year picnics have been one of the respites from the awfulness of the pandemic, serene moments of sunshine, fresh air, and charcuterie boards. It's no wonder cottagecore styles have become so popular this past year.
I for one have been all about gingham at the moment—and truth be told, I've been on the gingham kick for a few years. But a few months ago I purchased a cute pair of pink gingham pants from Verge Girl after seeing trendy teens on TikTok rocking similar styles, and I love them. So much so that I rounded up a few other gingham pants below:
If you're loving gingham as much as I am, get to shopping and rock the trend for yourself!
Shop Gingham
Sometimes you walk into Target in hopes of finding Clorox Wipes and body wash and walk out with a cute new pair of pants!
I'm going to be perfectly honest with you: I am not a pants person. I feel most comfortable in a flowing midi dress and often feel like pants are fussy, ill-fitting, and unflattering (or at least, it's hard to find pants that flatter both my waist and my thighs). After almost 27 years of living in this world, I have found that of all the pant-like items in the world, jeans—and stretchy skinny jeans in particular—are the pant style that most suits my lifestyle and my body. I'm also fortunate enough to work in an office where the dress code is pretty casual, meaning I wear jeans all the time.
But my friend, I will admit that after ten months of that WFH lifestyle even a diehard denim advocate such as myself has been asking: is there anything more out there, pants-wise? Potentially a style that doesn't cut into my belly all day long as I sit at the desk in my room?
I've been searching the internet for such a pair of comfortable yet stylish pants, but pants are a tricky thing, size-wise. You must take into account the waist, the inseam, the length, and so many other factors that online size guides don't often detail, meaning I've had my fair share of failed pant fittings when ordering online. The knowledge that a pair of pants may not end up working out—and even worse, may appear unflattering, further deterring me from my mission—made me hesitant to ever hit the "checkout" button even when a pair caught my eye.
But last weekend I found a captivating pair at Target, of all places. There I was, running errands for body wash and other household items, and I found myself staring at a cute pair of plaid, high-waisted, wide leg pants. They were everything I was searching for, and at about $30, the price was right for experimentation. I threw them into my shopping cart and hoped for the best. Once I got home, I tried them on and sighed with relief when I realized that not only did they fit, but they were super cute! And after wearing this ensemble for a whole day of work-from-home business, I can confirm they are comfortable as well.
So there you go: the saga of my brand new pair of pants. Now that I know this style looks good (I've always been self-conscious about how a lot of pants frame my thighs) I think I might seek out a few more pairs like these. And in case you are interested in similar styles, I've rounded up those at the bottom of this post too!
Shop Similar Styles:
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!
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!
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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| 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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