Tuesday, May 31, 2022
25 Under-$50 Old Navy Dresses Perfect for Summer
Temperatures are rising, which means it's time to start building up your summer wardrobe. As someone who spends an excessive amount of time online shopping, trust me when I say that you should begin by perusing Old Navy. The beloved retailer has so many affordable dresses you'll want to stock up on for the new season - from cute leggy minis to versatile midis.
Even better, there are a ton of options under $50 for the savvy shopper who doesn't want to break the bank. To prove it, we've rounded up 25 of our favorite dresses worth scooping up from Old Navy ASAP - because we have a feeling many of them won't be around for long. Take a look ahead.
Why Thakoon Left the Runway and Changed Its Approach to Fashion
Image Source: Getty / Ben Gabbe
Of the commonalities I share with Thakoon Panichgul - we both work in fashion, we're both Asian American - the fact that's perhaps most surprising is our Nebraska connection. My home state is the kind of "Pleasantville"-like place that people don't really leave. So when you cross paths with someone who did, it's a bit like belonging to a secret society.
As it turns out, the 48-year-old designer lived in Omaha after his family immigrated to the United States from Thailand when he was 11. Panichgul recalls that he was "a fashion baby" and fell in love with everything style. His mom was a seamstress, and his grandmother taught him how to sew at an early age.
"Those were really good, solid, formative years," Panichgul tells POPSUGAR. "It actually made me into the fashion person I am today. There was so much boredom in Nebraska that I needed to find another outlet to do something. And I think that led me to fashion."
In 2000, he got his start in the industry as an editor at Harper's Bazaar before a design career began to pique his interest. After studying at Parsons School of Design in New York City for two years, he burst onto the scene, becoming a formidable favorite among the early-aughts fashion set.
Everyone from Sarah Jessica Parker to Rachel Bilson wore his designs. He produced popular mass-market collections at Gap and Target. Another career milestone happened in 2008, when Michelle Obama wore a floral Thakoon dress as her husband, Barack Obama, accepted the Democratic nomination for president.
Image Source: Getty / Paul J. Richards
That moment - major as it was - might never have even happened in the first place, Panichgul reveals. He and his team made multiple options for the would-be first lady because she was a fan and had been wearing Thakoon for a while. But they didn't know when, or if, those garments would ever make it to center stage.
"When that showed up, I was watching the convention - because obviously we all were - I kind of screamed out loud. My hair stood up on the back of my neck. And then all of a sudden, the phones are ringing," Panichgul says, adding that one of those calls came from "Good Morning America."
The inspiration behind the striking black-and-red silk dress stemmed from one specific flower.
"I was working off the idea of examining peonies, because it's such a simple, beautiful flower, but so complex in so many ways," he says. "The energy when you look into it - I just was nerding out on that flower. We turned it into a print and extrapolated the colors, and we played with the negative of the colors."
In terms of the construction, it was cut almost like a "reverse kimono." The relatively reserved restraint of the garment's shape, combined with this idea of a peony vividly in bloom, brought to life the now-iconic dress. "It's an explosion of femininity," he says. "I love playing with those kinds of extreme energy."
While Thakoon was originally a runway brand, Panichgul shifted his approach in 2019, choosing to evolve his namesake label into a direct-to-consumer line of closet staples at more accessible price points. For spring 2022, his latest ready-to-wear collection, Panichgul is channeling ease with lightweight fabrics like cotton and silk, eyelet patterns, and other reimagined design details.
Image Source: Thakoon
"A classic example of a dress becoming such a hero product of ours right now - because it literally sells out as soon as we drop it - is our smocked-waist shirtdress," he says. "Smocking isn't a new idea, but when you pair it with a more chic, tailored piece, like a shirt or a shirtdress, all of a sudden, you're playing on feminine and masculine in a way that's new and exciting for the customer."
The spring 2022 collection includes crisp white and black eyelet pieces, along with printed jumpsuits and airy shorts. One glance at the collection's 12 looks makes it clear that he's putting volume back into play - like with a midi-length, trapeze shirtdress in a delicate eyelet pattern - while experimenting with his signature prints. He's introducing a black-and-white ivy-like floral print on a cotton and silk fabric on three different pieces.
"I'm feeling subtle prints again," he says. "For a long time, prints haven't been in the forefront. I'm feeling that energy back."
Image Source: Thakoon
While Panichgul isn't ruling out a return to the runway at some point in the future, he's finding purpose in his current mission of making big, sometimes intimidating trends attainable for all.
"Yes, the customer loves a good balloon sleeve, sequins, or whatever trick you come up with trend-wise, but ultimately, she's not wearing that," he says. "She's kind of consuming that visually on social media, and she can like it, but it doesn't mean she's going to buy it. For me, two different things are happening in fashion, and they can coexist. But I'm interested in really paying attention to what the customers are needing right now."
How Keke Palmer's '00s Style Influenced Her New Music Video
Image Source: Getty / RB
Keke Palmer has a full schedule these days. The 28-year-old actress has three new films, recently joined the cast of "Legendary" on HBO Max, and just last year hosted the official Met Gala telecast.
Between all that, she's finding time to take a walk down memory lane with a nostalgia-infused rerecording of her song "Bottoms Up," which was originally released in 2007. The song now has a 2022 spin but still has connections to the early aughts: the director of the video, Lawrence Murray, was one of Palmer's street-team members who she met when she was 12.
"I have a lot of new music coming [with a] project entitled 'Big Boss,'" Palmer tells POPSUGAR. "I thought it'd be a boss move to resurface a fan favorite [and] rerecord it, so that I own it."
The inspiration for the updated music video is "beauty, expression, and femininity," she says. The latter half of the video is actually an homage to the train that Palmer used in the "Keep It Movin'" video back in 2009.
Overall, she wants fans to walk away with a strong sense of how the past can be modernized. Indeed, in an era when the Y2K resurgence is nearly impossible to escape, it's the perfect time to feed into our collective nostalgia.
"Music is timeless," Palmer says. "Creativity is ever evolving, and some of the most fun comes in taking something old and making it new again."
The same can be said of Palmer's approach to fashion. While she's quite literally grown up in the industry over the last 20 years, she asserts that her style has remained relatively the same. Her main priorities are self-expression and comfort, no matter the era and the reigning trends of the day.
"[My style] is still quite whimsical and practical," she says. "I don't think I have changed too much. I'm still just expressing me and what I feel in every moment."
When she needs a put-together outfit in a few minutes or less - a frequent occurrence, given Palmer's packed schedule - the standby she always reaches for is reliably low-key yet sneakily stylish.
"Creativity is ever evolving, and some of the most fun comes in taking something old and making it new again."
"A white tank top and jeans with some cool kind of sneak, sometimes with the addition of a blazer," she says. "I always love a blazer. Makes me feel casual yet serious, which is my mood most times."
Of the many red carpets Palmer has walked, hosted, and attended, it's not surprising she struggles to narrow down an all-time-favorite red carpet moment. Yet there is one ensemble that forever stands out in her mind, in part because it was reminiscent of a show that holds a special place in '90s kids' hearts.
"I always loved this outfit I wore to the 2014 BET Awards," she says. "I was kind of like a Power Ranger." (That year, she wore an Alon Livné dress and Saint Laurent heels.)
Image Source: Getty / Jason LaVeris
Looking ahead to the rest of 2022, Palmer is gearing up for one of her biggest projects to date: a music movie. "It's a narrative that follows my new album, almost like a musical," she shares. "I wrote it and directed it. I'm really excited to release it - I just want to make sure it's perfect!"
POPSUGAR Badges Show You All of the Products We're Loving Right Now
Our editors are experts in all things beauty, fashion, home, wellness, and beyond. We test, try, and review countless products to share the very best ones with our readers, and we wanted to make it easier for you to find all of the top products - from mascara to skin care, sofas to shoes, and kitchen gadgets to workout gear - we're obsessed with. That's why we're excited to share more about our POPSUGAR badges, our seals of approval for the items we can't stop talking about.
These badges will appear on some of the products in our posts, so here's a brief rundown of what they mean.
POPSUGAR Pick
The POPSUGAR Pick badge indicates that this product is a POPSUGAR editor's pick. We use these for products our editorial team can't stop (and won't stop) buying. You'll definitely want to add these recommended goods to your wish list.
POPSUGAR Must Have
The POPSUGAR Must Have badge is our most elevated seal. We use this badge for carefully reviewed and editor-tested products. So get your shopping carts ready, because you'll want to grab these highly curated, editor-approved items ASAP.
POPSUGAR Awards
This badge is reserved for a winner of a prestigious POPSUGAR Award that has been carefully vetted by POPSUGAR editors. Not only do we test these handpicked products, but we vote on them as well. Want to see what we mean? Check out the winners of the 2022 Beauty Awards, the year's best hair, skin-care, makeup, fragrance, and nail products.
Keep your eye out for these on the site, because you won't want to miss them!
Has your brand been featured and you'd like to learn more about how to utilize the seal on your products? For more information on how to leverage a POPSUGAR editorial award seal, please reach out to Wright's Media, a full-service content licensing agency, at popsugar@wrightsmedia.com.
Margaret Qualley's Round-Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Is Anything but Basic
"Maid" actress Margaret Qualley recently got engaged to record producer Jack Antonoff, confirming the news on May 31 by sharing a gallery of Instagram selfies that highlight her engagement ring. The piece of jewelry features a round-cut diamond set on a white-gold split-shank band, and there appear to be two smaller diamonds nestled into where the band divides on each side, providing some additional sparkle. It has an antique charm to it and is a welcome departure from some of the far more elaborate rings we've seen on other celebrities this year. Seeing as the vintage aesthetic is a big engagement-ring trend for 2022, it's clear Antonoff did his research ahead of time.
Qualley, who is also well-known for her role as Pussycat in Quentin Tarantino's 2019 "Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood," soft-launched her new ring at the Cannes Film Festival last week, first wearing it with a black Chanel dress to the premiere of her new film "Stars at Noon" on May 25. The following day, she wore it again for a photocall with costar Joe Alwyn and director Claire Denis. Although she mostly kept it hidden in the left pocket of her Chanel pants on the red carpet, she flashed it for the cameras a few times during a press conference, thus sparking rumors about a change in her relationship status.
Ahead, zoom in on all the photos of Qualley's unique engagement ring we've been treated to so far, and stay tuned for more as she continues her round of press.
Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson Cozy Up in Matching All-Black Outfits
Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson took their matching hairstyles one step further while out in London on May 29, this time also coordinating in all-black outfits. Kardashian, sporting Balenciaga head to toe, paired the brand's shrunken political-statement zip-up hoodie with her go-to spandex pantaleggings, finishing the outfit with her fluffy Hourglass bag (that she's been showing off quite often this spring). Kardashian's platinum-blond hair was tied back into a loose chignon, allowing complete focus on her natural makeup and streetwear basics.
Former "Saturday Night Live" star Davidson, on the other hand, wore dark denim and a quilted jacket from the Supreme x Dickies spring 2022 collaboration, which was released earlier this year. The 28-year-old comedian opted for a subtle contrast with a color pop from the blue hooded flannel he layered underneath his coat, paired with Vans x Madhappy ivory stitched sneakers. The couple enjoyed a meal at the iconic Italian restaurant River Café in Hammersmith, where Kim then added a pair of oversize Balenciaga shield sunglasses to her look.
While the reality-TV star and Skims designer recently attended sister Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's nuptials in Portofino, Italy, without Davidson, she was sure to decorate her manicure with a rhinestone "P" to pay homage to their relationship. Kardashian's Sports Illustrated Swim Issue cover was also recently revealed, for which she posed in a tan bikini and gloves from her own label. Kardashian and Davidson met back up in Calabasas, CA, on May 27, where they've since resumed their fashion love story after making a debut on the Met Gala red carpet on May 2, trading in their formal attire for sweats after the ball.
Ahead, see every angle of Kardashian and Davidson's cozy moment in London and shop their outfits.
Saturday, May 28, 2022
This $27 Crochet Tote Bag Is the Best Thing I've Ever Bought at Walmart
Hi. Avid Walmart shopper here to tell you it's about time to start shopping the retailer's fashion and accessories section, if you aren't already. Case in point: my new obsession is the No Boundaries Women's Festival Crochet Tote Bag Tan Multi Stripe ($27), which, in all honesty, I wasn't expecting to be as high quality as it is. Ahead, I break down everything you need to know about this bag in deciding whether or not you want to add it to your virtual shopping cart.
What I Like About This Tote Bag
When I unboxed this tote back, I audibly gasped over the intricate crochet detailing, which - if I'm being honest - looks even better IRL. It's reminiscent of a special item you'd buy from a super-talented artisan. It's made out of 100 percent cotton crochet, which makes it really soft to the touch - and the inside pocket is so spacious. For context: I brought it with me for a day of surfing and managed to fit a wetsuit, towel, water bottle and sunscreen inside without anything overflowing from the top.
What's better, it even has a zipped pocket to store easily displaceable items like your keys and phone, which I appreciated even more when I shoved my damp wetsuit back into it later that day.
What Occasion Is This Tote Bag Good For?
This tote bag will certainly work for any summer activity, but I think it's the perfect beach bag and also great for pool days, plus vacays. As mentioned, I brought it to the beach for a day of surfing, but I can also foresee myself using it to pick up some groceries or to transport wine and cheese to the park for a picnic.
What's Worth Noting About This Tote Bag
I studied this tote bag's reviews and noticed that those who gave lower ratings were surprised by how big it was. But as someone who always seems to be carrying a ton of stuff with me, I was a fan - and highly recommend it to those who appreciate a sizable carryall.
If you're not as obsessed with this multistripe print as I am but still like the silhouette, it comes in a floral pattern, too, in black and tan. While the stripe option is more classic, that alternate option evokes more of a boho aesthetic.
Would I Recommend This Tote Bag?
Without a doubt! I can't speak any more highly of this gorgeous bag, and shoppers agree. "Have gotten many compliments," writes one reviewer. "People are very surprised to find out where I bought it." I'm still in shock, too, TBH.
Rating:
Friday, May 27, 2022
15 Memorial Day Deals to Scoop Up at Old Navy While You Still Can
The prices at Old Navy are always good, but the retailer's Memorial Day deals are extra epic. This editor's virtual shopping cart is stocked with pieces for planned - and unplanned - summer adventures, from spontaneous trips to the beach to special occasions with friends and family.
Want in on the deals? We narrowed down the best items on sale right now, so shop our 20 favorite pieces including flowy dresses, chic tops, and denim shorts ahead. No matter the actual weather, a sunny mood is practically guaranteed when you save this much on warm-weather essentials.
Thursday, May 26, 2022
25 Unique Ways to Style the Rings You Already Own
Whether you're a minimalist who prefers delicate, thin bands or a maximalist who likes chunky '90s-and-Y2K-inspired baubles, styling multiple rings on the same hand takes some thoughtful consideration. If you're sporting an engagement ring, you also have to think about incorporating that standout piece into your stack. In keeping with 2022's most prominent trends - toi et moi silhouettes, chainlink details, mixed metals, multicolor stones, and personalized signets - jewelers have some ideas for assembling an impeccably curated, Instagram-worthy hand of rings.
Ahead, we've gathered tips from luxury brands like Mateo New York, Stephanie Gottlieb, Jacquie Aiche, Jennifer Meyer, and Logan Hollowell, as well as playful, kitschy, and more affordable labels like Arms of Eve, SiiZU, Blobb, Frasier Sterling, and July Child. Whether you want to highlight a single colorful gemstone; incorporate a theme, such as flowers or butterflies; or coordinate your rings with any other accessories (like gloves, bracelets, and necklaces), there are plenty of tricks to consider.
Keep reading for 25 tips for mastering the basics from jewelry founders and accessory game changers you might not have been familiar with. These designers have all shared their best-selling ring of the year so far, so you can purchase a new piece or two. Scroll to get started on your ring-styling journey.
I'm a Deal Hunter, and These Are 60+ Sale Items to Shop For Memorial Day Weekend
The best time to update your summer wardrobe is this instant, because all the Memorial Day weekend sales have started. Major retailers are discounting their clothes through Monday, so if you need a new swimsuit or a fresh sundress, now is the time to take advantage of the markdowns.
Our favorite retailers like Nordstrom, Target, Amazon, Free People, Anthropologie, Abercrombie & Fitch, Old Navy, and plenty more are offering limited-time deals on fresh inventory. So while you're enjoying the long weekend at the pool or getting some R&R at home, make sure to fit in a little internet surfing too so you can take advantage of the sales.
Ahead, our editors curated the ultimate guide to all the best sales and deals on clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories so you know exactly what's worth adding to your cart. These pieces will sell out quickly this weekend, so we suggest taking advantage of the offers while you can. Honestly, we already have big wish lists, and we're ready to purchase. It's the perfect time to treat yourself.
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
12 Vintage Chanel Bags That Are the Ultimate Investment Pieces
We love vintage shopping because it's our chance to find highly coveted items from seasons or decades past. Maybe you couldn't afford it at the time, maybe you're committed to shopping sustainably by purchasing secondhand, or maybe you just love the thrill of the chase, but whatever your reason, shopping designer pieces vintage is a great way to score the coolest items possible. One of our favorite items to shop secondhand is bags, and is there any wonder Chanel is our top choice?
Ahead, shop 12 of our favorite vintage Chanel bags. Just because they're secondhand, doesn't make them cheap by any means; these are still four figure bags. But, if you feel like treating yourself, it's a great investment; so long as you keep your bags in relatively good condition, they'll only appreciate in value. Some are classic bags, and some are more unique, but they're all covetable. Keep on reading to shop our top picks!
These $20 Old Navy Sweat Shorts Are a TikTok Sensation For Good Reason
Like most people, I'm TikTok obsessed. I wouldn't say I'm easily influenced to buy what I see on the app, per se, but when I come across not one but several people raving about a particular item, that's when I start to pay closer attention. That's precisely the case for Old Navy's Extra High-Waisted Vintage Sweat Shorts, 5-Inch Inseam ($8, originally $20). I'm not sure that I would have given them a second glance on the retailer's website, but countless content creators raved about them, so I decided to see what the fuss was about and added my usual size medium in white to my virtual shopping cart.
What I Like About These Shorts
I admit that I've been sitting here for minutes on end trying to put into words what I like about these trendy shorts, because there's just so damn much. For starters, I'm obsessed with the french-terry fabric, which is perfect for spring and summer dressing (unlike fleece, which is way too warm when temperatures soar). They're not too thick and not too thin, the latter of which is imperative to keep these babies from being see-through (I promise, they're not). And finally, these shorts feature pockets - deep ones! What's not to love?
What Occasion Are These Shorts Good For?
While I'm tempted to say these sweat shorts are good for hanging out or running errands, a stylish TikTok user convinced me they're even more versatile. They look super cute teamed with a crop top, a button-down, a cropped sweater - the list goes on. I'm looking forward to challenging myself to find new ways to wear them, but in this very moment, I deem them a loungewear essential.
What's Worth Noting About These Shorts
Despite the fact that these sweat shorts have predominantly five-star ratings, there are a few lower ones scattered among the mix. The reason for that seems to be that shoppers didn't realize they are slightly oversize with a wide leg opening, and in their defense, that's not made super clear on the brand's website. I'm personally a fan of the style, but I understand that's not everyone's vibe.
Would I Recommend These Shorts?
Absolutely! As someone who hasn't worn shorts like these since my Soffe phase in high school, I can attest that these are a more elevated take on the classic style - and they're probably the most comfortable pair I've worn in literal years. All things considered, I give 'em a *perfect* five-star rating.
Rating:
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
20 Tips For Posing in Your Bikini With Confidence
Mastering the art of the perfect beach pose that highlights your tropical destination while showing off all the exciting design details of your bikini-isn't exactly an easy task. Whether you're wearing one of your favorite go-to swimsuits or showing off a brand new purchase, it's nice to have a few images to reference for inspiration. And while models seem to effortlessly stand in front of the camera and get the shot, it's not always organic for the rest of us. So, we asked a few fashion industry insiders, many of whom have perfected --pros through the years, using Instagram to document their looks, for tips on best capturing our vacay pics.
For NYC-based model Sarah Kim, posing starts with getting to know herself: "As someone who has body dysmorphia, I have to make a conscious effort every day to get to know my body because I believe that to feel confident, especially in swimwear, I have to become physically, emotionally, and spiritually joined as one," she says.
"People are experts in posing to make their body fit in the social template," says style maven Anna-Lotta Martina Nanne. She notes that what you see on social media should always be taken with a grain of salt. "Women overall already put so much effort into fulfilling what society expects from us, how we look, and how we present ourselves," she says. "In the end, it's not about posing to make someone else pleased; it's about your vibe and happiness that determines having confidence in your body."
As you'll see from the 20 poses ahead, there are several ways to twist, turn, sit, stand, and kneel to show off your swimsuit's details. Whether it's a waist-belt, tie-sleeve, or ruffle down the neckline you want to highlight, check out some ideas and try them out for your next vacation shoot. The best part? You can work with a professional photographer, a friend or pull off many of these poses yourself with the self-timer feature.
All of Kourtney Kardashian's Wedding-Weekend Looks, From Corsets to Minidresses
If you were waiting for the wedding of the year, look no further, because the Kardashian-Jenners arrived in style. Beginning on May 20, the reality TV family gathered in Portofino, Italy for the long-awaited third wedding of eldest daughter Kourtney Kardashian and her drummer beau Travis Barker. Ever since their engagement last October, the lovebirds have coordinated looks for multiple ceremonies to commemorate their union.
From a spontaneous "practice run" in Las Vegas, where they wore matching leather jackets, to a formal Santa Barbara courthouse ceremony, where Kardashian chose a white corset minidress adorned with a heart-shaped brooch and velvet pumps, the couple more than set the tone for an elaborate weekend in Italy peppered with their unconventional style.
Kardashian put her own spin on cliché bridal garments, sporting everything from a sheer scarlet gown to white satin lingerie paired with an intricate, floor-sweeping veil for her walk down the aisle. The morning after her reception - where she debuted yet another leather jacket, this time painted with the Barker name by LA tattoo artist Dr. Woo - Kardashian was back in all-black, wearing a pleated babydoll into the ocean for a swim.
While family and friends dressed in atypical wedding guest ensembles to witness the multi-day love affair, including gothic-inspired lace, leopard prints, and floral slips, all accessorized with bejeweled accessories, it's difficult to peel your eyes away from the 43-year-old boundary-pushing bride. Keep scrolling for a full rundown of her wardrobe, all styled with the help of Dani Michelle.
50 TikTok Fashion Influencers With Endless Outfit Ideas and Style Hacks
If your primary purpose of using TikTok is to devour fashion content all day, you'll want to follow the 50 style influencers ahead for hacks, outfit ideas, and takes on the latest fashion trends. Of course, some of these users are also regular shoppers, posting hauls and reviewing best-rated clothing online pieces or must-have items that seem to be going viral. Others are editors with impressive Instagram followings who take their fans behind the scenes on photo shoots or runway shows. Knowing what videos you can expect from each digital creator will help you determine which videos will be most beneficial for your dressing strategy.
There are lots of sustainability tips on TikTok, and many of these platforms (e.g., Macy Eleni of @blazedandglazed and Clara Perlmutter of @tinyjewishgirl) are thrifters and advocates of re-purposing or refashioning versatile pieces. Meanwhile, body positivity advocate Kristine Thompson of @trendycurvy recounts her fashion experience through two series called "Shopping in Store While Plus Size" and "What I Ordered Vs. What I Got," and Remi Jo of @remibader reviews collections with her down-to-earth sense of humor. Another inspiring account is @thepeoplegallery, where New York-spotted outfits from people worldwide are curated, uniting countless different personal styles on one feed.
Whether you're in the mood to laugh about relatable "GRWM" issues or learn a little bit about fashion history, you're sure to find a new TikTok obsession to satisfy your scrolling desires.
These Linen Platforms Look Luxe But Cost Under $40
I recently discovered the magic of Old Navy footwear (yes, I know I'm late to the game). I admit that I've fallen in love with countless pairs in the last few months alone, but that doesn't take away from the fact that my latest find is extra special. Enter, the Linen-Blend Platform Sandals ($32, originally $40), a brand bestseller for so many reasons that I now understand. Let's break down everything you need to know about them, ahead.
What I Like About These Sandals
As some whose wardrobe is mainly neutrals, I appreciate versatile footwear as much as I do a plain tee. So when I came across this linen pair featuring a jute midsole, I ordered my usual size 9.5 up nearly instantly. They arrived on a Monday morning and I proceeded to wear them all day long, thrilled with how comfortable the cushioned footbed was and how the buckled ankle straps didn't dig into my foot like some other pairs in my closet do.
What Occasion Are These Sandals Good For?
In short: These sandals are versatile, but I wouldn't say they're overly casual, either. They aren't as low-key as the pair of double-strap slides I throw on to take my dog for a walk, but that doesn't mean you have to team them exclusively with fancy 'fits. I like the idea of wearing them with a chic top and denim shorts, but they also seem like the perfect pairing with a breezy dress. Ultimately, it comes down to your aesthetic, but I guarantee they'll almost always fit the vibe.
What's Worth Noting About These Sandals
OK, not to give you TMI, but these sandals made my feet kind of ...sweaty. I've scrolled through countless reviews to see if anyone else has had this problem, but nope, it looks like it's just me. Maybe no one wants to talk about it? (That's fair.) While it was still tolerable wearing them, it did make them feel a little less secure on my foot.
The only other thing to note is that the "Totally Natural" beige linen-inspired hue is bound to get dirty and should only be spot cleaned. In other words, if you intend to wear these babies in an environment that might toll on them, consider scooping them up in BlackJack ($32, originally $40) instead.
Would I Recommend These Sandals?
Yes! You really can't go wrong with these babies, evidenced by the fact that they've garnered a nearly perfect five-star rating on Old Navy's website. The majority of shoppers deem these sandals a must-have if you're looking for sandals that fuse comfort with style. "These are very comfortable sandals, I wore them all day at the renaissance fair and didn't get any blisters," one reviewer wrote. Another said: "Bought these for a family photo session. They were super comfortable and are easy to dress up or down."
I'm tempted to give them five stars, but since they made my feet so sweaty, I feel like it's better that I give them four. (My heart tells me five, but my brain tells me four.) They may not be 100 percent perfect, but boy, are they close.
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Peloton Instructor Olivia Amato's Secret For Walking in Those Viral Platform Heels
Fashion and fitness go together seamlessly, whether you're picking out a co-ord set for a Peloton ride or pairing a sports bra and bike shorts with 6-inch platform heels. Peloton instructor Olivia Amato does a little bit of both, leading classes in one-shoulder crop tops and tie-dye leggings. In fact, she's just as famous for hosting classes for Tread, Bike, or Smart Camera owners - as she is for posting Y2K-inspired outfits on Instagram.
"The more you walk in them, the better you get at it."
The 31-year-old athlete, who calls her aesthetic "street style meets trendy and glam," is known for outfits that range from miniskirts and crop tops to bustiers and jeans, usually accessorized with those viral Versace Medusa platforms. She rarely hits the streets in a shoe with less than a two or three-inch sole, mixing in edgy boots by Dr. Martens and Prada, slides by Gucci, and sneakers that add height from Puma.
"I don't have a background in fashion but it was always a big part of my life as my mom's love for shopping, shoes, and bags was passed down to me very early on," she tells POPSUGAR via email. "Growing up, when it was time to go shopping, I knew exactly what I was looking for. Even though I cringe at some of those choices now, I had an idea and always committed to it, even if that meant altering or changing the style of whatever it was."
Amato maintains that as Peloton's resident fashion enthusiast, she is often asked for styling advice by teammates, many of whom have celebrity-level followings on social media (Amato and Jess Sims boast nearly 500,000, while vice president Robin Arzón and cycling director Cody Rigsby hover around one million). "I sent Emma Lovewell a bag recommendation recently and she's been rocking it so well," she says.
Image Source: Jennifer Wagley
She also has sound advice for stepping out in those iconic Versace pumps. Popularized by stars like Ariana Grande and Dua Lipa, the shoes feature an embellished ankle strap and a 6-inch block heel adorned with a Medusa charm.
To walk in the popular platforms without tripping, Amato recommends practice above all else. "The more you walk in them, the better you get at it," she says casually, as if she's coaching a HIIT class. Out of all the brands she's tried, she says Versace's iteration is the most comfortable. "They are heavy, but besides that, they are comfortable to wear all night, even standing and walking. Platform shoes have always been my favorite from the first time I saw them on the Spice Girls."
Ahead, Amato styles the viral Versace platforms four ways in an exclusive shoot for POPSUGAR. Scroll on to see the photos and shop a few pairs in her favorite colors.
Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's Diamond Wedding Bands Stand Out in the Best Way
Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker said "I do" with custom wedding rings by Lorraine Schwartz. The couple exchanged their vows for a third time during a star-studded ceremony in Portofino, Italy, on May 22. As reported by People, the wedding bands the stars exchanged were special pieces by the celebrity-renowned jeweler, who is also a longtime friend of the Kardashian-Jenner family, having designed Kim Kardashian's stunning engagement ring from ex-husband Kanye West, as well as other celebrity stones owned by Blake Lively and Beyoncé.
The newlyweds' rings both feature multiple clear-cut diamonds, with Barker's taking on a chunkier style, appearing to have three rows of tiny diamonds, and Kardashian's band featuring circular diamond stones to complement her estimated $500,000 oval-shaped engagement ring - also from Schwartz. Barker worked closely with the jeweler on the design, which was presented to Kardashian during a romantic beach proposal that took place at the Rosewood Miramar in Montecito, CA.
"It's a flawless, beautifully cut diamond stone. I worked on it with Travis and he was a really big part of it. He was really hands-on in the whole making of it. It's gorgeous and they're happy," Schwartz told People about the engagement ring.
Kardashian's bridal look consisted of a corseted minidress and oversize lace veil embroidered with an image of Virgin Mary inspired by Barker's skull tattoo. The day after the wedding, she was seen jumping off a yacht wearing a short black minidress with her new husband. Time will tell if these fashion details are any indication of the honeymoon style that's to come.
Balenciaga Took Over the New York Stock Exchange For a Star-Studded Show
This past Sunday, the fashion set ascended on Wall Street for the highly anticipated Balenciaga destination show in New York. Megan Thee Stallion made an appearance in a sheer top paired with leggings and Balenciaga shades. Netflix stars Christine Quinn from "Selling Sunset" and Christine Chiu and Jaime Xie from "Bling Empire" posed on the cobblestone streets wearing full Balenciaga looks.
For its resort 2023 collection, the French house brought its signature oversize tailoring, elevated take on athleisure, and odes to queer aesthetics to the New York Stock Exchange trading floor. Editors, celebs, and fellow fashion designers (like Vera Wang and Marc Jacobs) watched the spring 2023 collection with its mix of ready to wear (dubbed the Garde-Robe line), evening wear, and a new see-now-buy-now capsule of Balenciaga's Adidas collab. An exclusive release of selected Balenciaga x Adidas pieces were available to purchase via balenciaga.com and at the Madison Avenue Balenciaga store immediately following the show.
Image Source: Balenciaga
Stars like Kanye West, Balenciaga ambassador Alexa Demie, and recent newlywed Chloë Sevigny sat front row as models turned the NASDAQ into a runway, strutting the black-carpeted trading floor to the tune of EDM house tracks.
The collection focuses on exploring the world of evening wear through a refined sporty lens, a unique juxtaposition Balenciaga's creative director, Demna Gvasalia, is known for. He also interjected nods to BDSM and club-kid culture. With a through line of fetish latex bodysuits, the collection takes inspiration from performance artist and club-kid pioneer Leigh Bowery, with each model wearing one underneath their look.
Take look three, for example: a long-sleeved, floor-length, black crushed-velvet evening dress with a built-in chain necklace, elegant in design, paired with a black latex mask. This jarring juxtaposition carries out throughout the entire collection: tailored suits, satin pussy-bow blouses, pleated polka-dot dresses, denim, and Adidas tracksuits, all shown with black latex masks.
Gvasalia (who was just named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People) has long been the industry's enfant terrible, staying in tune with the zeitgeist. From a collection presented via a special "Simpsons" episode and the brand's $1,800 fully destroyed sneaker to dressing Kim Kardashian for her "divorce tour," he is known for offering up pop culture moments.
Ahead, see several designs and the best celebrity fashion looks from the fetish-inspired Balenciaga show.