fashion – Kaye Liautaud

The Best of In-Store Barbie Merch in NYC

Kaye / July 13, 2023 / No Comments

Photo by Kaye Liautaud

It’s hard to walk down the bustling streets of Manhattan and not see bouts of pink in store windows. Rest assured, Barbie is taking over Manhattan. Barbie the movie is in theaters July 21st and has limited merch in stores, now. One of the stores that stood out during my quick pace in Times Square, is Gap.

Photo by Kaye Liautaud

Photo by Kaye Liautaud

Gap’s store windows didn’t count as icing on the cake. The core of this collection was brightly displayed as I made my way down the escalator; instantly grabbing my attention. I remember the feeling I got walking down the Barbie isle of K.B Toys (remember the 90s) with my dad as a child. My eyes would get so wide and I would be silent while my mind was taking in all the allure of dolls. After all, Barbie had taught girls they can be anything. It’s hard to choose everything with so many options. Those exact same feelings of awe and curiosity returned when I saw Gap’s elevated take on Barbie’s aesthetic.

Photo by Kaye Liautaud

The Barbie line includes classic Gap button downs, signature logo hoodies, and pink denim. What makes this line standout is Gap’s ability to stand by their timeless pieces that longtime customers have been familiar with for decades. Barbie and Gap fans alike, can be chic and fashion forward without drowning in the oversaturated Barbiecore trend that is dominating social media. Even kids can be trendy in Gap’s elevated version of the basic tee instead of the typical tee with a picture of the doll.

Photo by Kaye Liautaud

Photo by Kaye Liautaud

Mattel Creations has their own line of movie merch that includes t-shirts and baseball caps with “Barbie” slabbed onto the middle. It is lackluster and basic. The big screen is being graced with a live action Barbie movie. We can do better than lackluster and basic.

Photo by Kaye Liautaud

In addition to Gap’s pink display, they gave an impactful statement to customers viewing their in-store monitor. It showcased a diverse group of people, showing what it means to be Barbie. The video features young girls, women of different age groups and ethnicities, and men. Barbie has always been an icon of what it means to be female. She gave young girls inspiration as soon as they took her out of the box. While Gap is offering a pink, norm core lineup, Forever 21 has joined in on the Barbie craze as well, with more to offer than just clothes.

Photo by Kaye Liautaud

Forever 21’s Barbie Collection is offering more than just clothes; the collection features an array of accessories including, vinyl purses, glittering shoes, jeweled hair clips, and even dolls.

Photo by Kaye Liautaud

Forever 21 has been a well known teenage fashion destination that continues to reign strong in providing affordable fast fashion. Their Barbie collection is epitomizing what it means to be dressed in Barbiecore. Barbiecore means to be infectiously dressed in pink to convey a realistic look of the infamous doll. With the anticipation surrounding the live-action Barbie movie, Barbiecore is infiltrating social media. Forever 21 has some eccentric items for those looking to dress up or just to have a quirky souvenir.

Photo by Kaye Liautaud

If you’re like me and never had a Barbie Dreamhouse, you can get this miniature version of the vintage 1979 Barbie Dreamhouse. You can customize your miniature Dreamhouse with the included furniture stickers and miniature doll.

Photo by Kaye Liautaud

A clip in hair extension adorned with Barbie charms is sure to grab the attention of movie goers while waiting in line for the live action Barbie movie.

Photo by Kaye Liautaud

It wouldn’t be an official Barbie collaboration without dolls. I was pleasantly surprised to see this, myself. Would teens and adults really by the dolls? Are these meant to be purchased for children? It shouldn’t matter. Barbie has been delighting the hearts of adults and children alike. Feel free to add these to your collection and enjoy them however you wish. The famed doll has been serving inspiration, style, and playful freedom since 1959 and these qualities are not limited to age.

Kaye

I’m a fashion enthusiast that strives to create looks that fit my persona, effortlessly. Art exhibits, reading, the news and anything peaks my interest and strikes creativity, are all put into my blog to share with you.

Dolce Vita Paily Heels

Kaye / January 13, 2023 / No Comments

My style goals this passed Spring were light, airy, bold. The Dolce Vita Paily heels checked off my list. Making a bold fashion statement isn’t usually associated with the terms light and airy but, it’s hard to be subtle with chunky sandals that have two braided straps.

Braided sandals seem to be the trend for Spring/Summer ‘22 and while the silhouette is timeless, the chunky-braided detail is a look that I suspect will be in and out in the next few years like raffia. I’ll be keeping these in the back of my close for quite some time. I’m not here to tell anyone to follow trends. Where what makes you look and feel your best. Style is according you. The Paily heels remind me of the hot pink plastic heels I used to put on my Barbie in the 90’s. Total nostalgia in adult form.

Details matter. Period. Every piece of fashion has something special that catches our eyes. It could be the stitching of a seam or a neckline that sits perfectly. For me, it’s the texture. The heel features a raised, diamond-like pattern that sets these sandals apart from the countless other braided sandals I’ve seen for the season. Brown and tan are popular colors for this style. Lilac is a light and airy color that is seen on more delicate styles of shoes. These two elements combined, are the bold and playful style I needed for a fresh update to my spring wardrobe.

Kaye

I’m a fashion enthusiast that strives to create looks that fit my persona, effortlessly. Art exhibits, reading, the news and anything peaks my interest and strikes creativity, are all put into my blog to share with you.

Anthropologie Floral Puffer Coat

Kaye / February 15, 2019 / No Comments

It’s soft. It’s plushy. It’s suede. It’s pretty! It’s the total “It” factor for your coat rack this winter. The Floral Puffer from Anthropologie. This cold weather “must have” keeps you warm and looking cute. If you’re a New York native you’ve heard this statement too many times: “this is not the weather to be looking cute.” The Floral Puffer has proved this theory wrong.

Photos: Rachel Wasserman
Anthropologie Floral Puffer Coat
Sweater: LOFT

I was expecting this to be a bulky, heavyweight jacket. To my delight it was actually lightweight and allowed for a sweater underneath.

I’ve been seeing pink velvet puffer jackets all over the gram and many online retailers. I was tempted to get one of these cotton candy-esque puffers but, the more I kept seeing them, the less unique it became. What’s the sense in investing in a statement piece that every girl on campus, the gram, and in the boroughs will have. It’s just another basic (although very cute) fad and I’m not interested.

Velvet is a trending resurrection from the 90s and I’m all for it. But I also have a have a habit of making my fashion choices all Kaye’d up by choosing pieces that have a certain flare that resonates with me. It’s not style if it doesn’t reflect who you are. Aside from the whimsy floral pattern and beautifully washed out navy blue color, suede is what really adds uniqueness to this coat.

Suede is a timeless material and is commonly used for footwear. You will also find it used for many pea coats (particularly a raw edge cut), moto jackets, and some handbags. While velvet is a beautiful material, it can also look a little cheap depending on the garment. Suede typically gives a garment (like a shift dress) a structured and polished look.

The floral puffer is made with a light suede fabric that makes the floral pattern appear neatly placed on the jacket without being too flashy. It adds subtlety to an already eye catching piece.

Let’s get Kaye’d up!
When it comes to patterns and prints, I like to seek out the smallest dosage of color used, to add a matching one color bold piece to bring out the little bit of that particular color that was used in the print. For the Floral Puffer Coat, I noticed small hints of light pink and lilac. Perhaps light pink would be the obvious choice for anyone to work with. I thought so too. Initially I sought to put a light pink knit top underneath the jacket. It ended up looking too clashed. This is because the main color of the jacket already has a washed out look to begin with. The pastel pink I chose only made it worse because pastels are technically washed out colors making them to appear light. Pink and blue are total opposite colors and in this case was not a good mix. The icy blue sweater I’m wearing brought out the floral print even more because it is a similar shade of blue used on the print. It created a nice contrast without being distracting and keeps the attention on the jacket itself. After all, the Floral Puffer will be the showstopper to any outfit.

Kaye

I’m a fashion enthusiast that strives to create looks that fit my persona, effortlessly. Art exhibits, reading, the news and anything peaks my interest and strikes creativity, are all put into my blog to share with you.

NYFW: Leanne Marshall A/W 18

Kaye / August 1, 2018 / No Comments

The fashion industry is beginning to have a shift in the realm of traditional models. Fashion designer and season five winner of the hit television series Project Runway, Leanne Marshall, featured larger sized women on her runway.

New York Fashion Week is notoriously known for long legged models dressed in designer clothing. Realistically, women of different sizes will purchase the garments being displayed on the runway. Marshall kept her signature panache of elegant gowns while having average and plus sized women dressed in her gorgeous gown.

The sounds of cameras snapping photos began to flare up as the first plus sized model stepped onto the runway. The sound of chatter in the audience soon turned into applause which is reserved for the finale of the show. Soon after the first plus sized model left the runway, more full figured women began to grace the runway in Marshall’s gowns along with average sized women.

This trend was seen earlier during fashion week with designer Christian Siriano who welcomed actress Danielle Brooks known for her role as “Tasty” in “Orange is the New Black”. As for Leanne Marshall, she continues to set the stage for a diverse group of women with the desire to be fashion forward and dressed in clothes that compliment their figure.

It’s clear that the fashion industry needs more designers who are willing to expand their target audience to women with larger figures. It has been a long known fact that the fashion industry favors women with slender figures and taller heights. Leanne Marshall’s collection was not only breathtaking with chiffon gowns and vibrant colors, she inspired many women in the audience to feel confident in what they wear.

Kaye

I’m a fashion enthusiast that strives to create looks that fit my persona, effortlessly. Art exhibits, reading, the news and anything peaks my interest and strikes creativity, are all put into my blog to share with you.

Heart Eyes Sunglasses

Kaye / July 4, 2018 / No Comments

These sunglasses have me feeling #totaly80s baby! Even though I am 90s baby. I’ve been searching for a pair of heart shaped sunglasses and finally got my hands on a pair at my favorite boutique Mulberry and Grand. I came across this small spot which is literally a hole in the wall on Bleecker street, but inside it’s so much more. With a shabby chic atmosphere, this shop has a unique selection of delicate jewelry, canvas totes, and sunglasses to name a few.

The Heart Eyes Sunglasses make me feel like I’m one of the emojis. These are perfect for sun gazing at the city piers.

Another one of my favorite items from Mulberry & Grand are their well made canvas totes. I’m more of a leather handbag girl myself but sometimes I need something more casual for when I’m at dance, hitting, the gym, or just a day of running errands. You can never go wrong with a trendy tote, but then again you don’t want to look like you’re still in high school. Mulberry & Grand offers a selection of unique graphics and quotes printed on their totes. The bag also features sturdy leather straps that haven’t failed me along with two functional pockets on the inside and outside of the bag which actually fits my iPhone Plus. Not only do they have trendy totes, M&G offers a generous selection of handmade tassels that add a pop of color to your tote giving it a bit more personality.

If you’re in need of an accessory update, I HIGHLY recommend taking a spree inside Mulberry & Grand. I guarantee you’ll be hearing “that’s so cute where did you get that?” after rocking their pieces. I know I did!

Kaye

I’m a fashion enthusiast that strives to create looks that fit my persona, effortlessly. Art exhibits, reading, the news and anything peaks my interest and strikes creativity, are all put into my blog to share with you.