Keepin’ It Classy: $90 Off Lisa Curran’s Chic (Not Skimpy) Swimwear
Just because it’s swimsuit season doesn’t mean you have to resort to a barely-there bikini. Don’t get us wrong — you…Read More
Shop It Now4 Rad Retiree Habits We Want To Steal
While those who believe that Miami is filled with New York migrants and tons of blue hairs in nursing homes are whole-heartedly off-base, the city does have a rich history of retirees settling in droves. And, though senior citizens might not be prevalent in your daily Miami experience, the elderly certainly have plenty of influence around the area. And, dare we say it, style.
Sure, we've improved on certain concepts our elders have missed out on (namely: sunscreen and breathable fabric), but this "leisure life" concept has something going for it. So, we say, let's celebrate our elders and breathe new life into their, erm, old practices with a couple of chic additions and new perspectives on retiree style. To flip the old adage — maybe you can teach new dogs some old tricks...
Budget Brawl: 2 R29 Editors Style 8 $50 Outfits
To some, a bargain looks like a 20%-off sticker on a $3,000 bag. And while we can't deny a deal's a deal (and we're a sucker for them all), when you've got the shopping bug, it's important to be able to really dig deep for the best items worth your bucks. So, once again, we've taken to some often overlooked stores to find some serious outfit inspiration on the cheap. We sent our global editor, Connie Wang, and New York editor, Annie Georgia Greenberg, to Kmart and Old Navy and, shockingly, the gals reported that both spots had more than enough options to make a great outfit. Actually, eight of 'em, each at around $50! Yep, you read that right. If you've been saving up for that Céline, more power to you, but, in the meantime, here's an octet of looks we love for just half a Benjamin.
Check out Annie and Connie's cheap-chic looks, pick your fave, and shop now, guilt free!
Check out Annie and Connie's cheap-chic looks, pick your fave, and shop now, guilt free!
Ridiculous Products For "Glamping" In Style
Before we begin, glamping (aka glamorous camping) is not camping. For serious outdoors lovers, the thought of sacrificing that epic hike for a pair of heeled hiking boots or setting aside precious packing space for a scented outdoor candle should make you feel queasier than the after effects of eating a SPAM sandwich. But, in case you're considering a trip to the great "outdoors" with all of the little luxuries of the Ritz, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most indulgent, overtly luxurious items glampers deem appropriate for the wilderness.
The Ultimate Guide To Consignment Shopping In L.A. — Plus, Pro Tips…
In the spirit of starting fresh this season, we’re taking to our closets and ridding them of any excess (you know, anything that hasn't seen light since 2002). But getting rid of all those freshly discarded threads presents a fresh new challenge of its own. Sure, consignment shopping and selling in L.A. can be something of a treasure hunt — with a serious spread of shops scattered around the city, there’s definitely no shortage and it can be overwhelming.
But, have you ever wondered how to properly hit up these spots like a pro, to maximize your style savings? There’s a secondhand strategy, people. You can’t just waltz in with a handful of summer items in the dead of winter (if you want to make any dough). So, we’ve tapped Sarah Kamshoshy of Crossroads Trading Co. to show us how to sell our goods seamlessly at some of the top L.A. resale boutiques. Ready, set, sell!
Photos Via (clockwise from top left): Ampersand Boutique, Buffalo Exchange, Decades, Crossroads Trading Co.
Tip 1: Make a Mental List
"Assemble a mental list of what you're looking for. Think about what you're currently coveting. Do you want a good carryall, a flattering midi skirt, or a cute cardigan? Consignment and buy-sell-trade shops are awesome because there is only one of everything, but they can also be overwhelming for the same reason. You don't have to write it down, but keeping a mental note will keep you focused."
Tip 2: Monday, Funday?
"While savvy sellers hit up the shops during the week, the majority of people sell on the weekend — probably because it’s too hard to find time, otherwise. Monday is always my favorite day to shop for the maximum amount of new arrivals. The neat thing about consignment is that inventory changes and is replenished literally by the minute – with every person who sells, new stuff goes on the racks."
Ampersand Boutique
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more elaborate consignment collection than the one at Ampersand Boutique. The shop boasts a mixture of bangin' brands from Christian Louboutin to H&M — quite the variety, eh? Plus, any items that aren't sold are donated to Dress for Success. Good garb for a great cause!
Ampersand Boutique, 658 North Larchmont Boulevard (At Melrose Avenue); 323-466-3300.
Buffalo Exchange
A fixture in the consignment biz, Buffalo Exchange continually stocks stellar, on-trend threads on the cheap. Whether you just want to pop in and browse, or cash in some of your sartorial leftovers — you won't leave disappointed.
Buffalo Exchange, 131 North La Brea Avenue; 323- 938-8604.
Decades
It's no secret that Decades is one of L.A.'s brightest resale stars. Since 1997, the shop has brought top-tier, luxe labels from around the globe to Los Angeles shoppers (we can't get enough of the exquisite baubles). Mosey around and view the stunning (pre-loved) items from the likes of Chanel, Nina Ricci, Balenciaga, and many more. We're like kids in a consignment candy shop, here.
Decades, 8214 Melrose Avenue (at Harper Avenue); 323-655-1960.
Crossroads
A must-hit Melrose haven for cashing in your oldies (but goodies) is the always-dependable Crossroads. Here, you'll find an open space brimming with enticing items — floor to ceiling. And your wares are always welcome, too. Clean out your closet this spring, and scurry pieces over to Crossroads to make some moolah — or just spend some on hip gear, if that's your preference.
Crossroads Trading Co., 8315 Santa Monica Boulevard (at Flores Street); 323-654-0505.
Other Notables:
Haute Seconds, 2721 Wilshire Boulevard (at 26th Street); 310-828-6500.
Owl Talk, 5060 Eagle Rock Boulevard (at Colorado Boulevard); 323-258-2465.
Photos Via (clockwise from top left): Ampersand Boutique, Buffalo Exchange, Decades, Crossroads Trading Co.
Tip 1: Make a Mental List
"Assemble a mental list of what you're looking for. Think about what you're currently coveting. Do you want a good carryall, a flattering midi skirt, or a cute cardigan? Consignment and buy-sell-trade shops are awesome because there is only one of everything, but they can also be overwhelming for the same reason. You don't have to write it down, but keeping a mental note will keep you focused."
Tip 2: Monday, Funday?
"While savvy sellers hit up the shops during the week, the majority of people sell on the weekend — probably because it’s too hard to find time, otherwise. Monday is always my favorite day to shop for the maximum amount of new arrivals. The neat thing about consignment is that inventory changes and is replenished literally by the minute – with every person who sells, new stuff goes on the racks."
Ampersand Boutique
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more elaborate consignment collection than the one at Ampersand Boutique. The shop boasts a mixture of bangin' brands from Christian Louboutin to H&M — quite the variety, eh? Plus, any items that aren't sold are donated to Dress for Success. Good garb for a great cause!
Ampersand Boutique, 658 North Larchmont Boulevard (At Melrose Avenue); 323-466-3300.
Buffalo Exchange
A fixture in the consignment biz, Buffalo Exchange continually stocks stellar, on-trend threads on the cheap. Whether you just want to pop in and browse, or cash in some of your sartorial leftovers — you won't leave disappointed.
Buffalo Exchange, 131 North La Brea Avenue; 323- 938-8604.
Decades
It's no secret that Decades is one of L.A.'s brightest resale stars. Since 1997, the shop has brought top-tier, luxe labels from around the globe to Los Angeles shoppers (we can't get enough of the exquisite baubles). Mosey around and view the stunning (pre-loved) items from the likes of Chanel, Nina Ricci, Balenciaga, and many more. We're like kids in a consignment candy shop, here.
Decades, 8214 Melrose Avenue (at Harper Avenue); 323-655-1960.
Crossroads
A must-hit Melrose haven for cashing in your oldies (but goodies) is the always-dependable Crossroads. Here, you'll find an open space brimming with enticing items — floor to ceiling. And your wares are always welcome, too. Clean out your closet this spring, and scurry pieces over to Crossroads to make some moolah — or just spend some on hip gear, if that's your preference.
Crossroads Trading Co., 8315 Santa Monica Boulevard (at Flores Street); 323-654-0505.
Other Notables:
Haute Seconds, 2721 Wilshire Boulevard (at 26th Street); 310-828-6500.
Owl Talk, 5060 Eagle Rock Boulevard (at Colorado Boulevard); 323-258-2465.
Eye Candy! Match Your Frames To Your Face Shape With This Guide
If all of the cool new eyewear hitting the market is any indication, the geek-chic-glasses trend isn't going away any time soon. But that doesn't mean you should throw just any 'ol pair of specs on your mug. With so many face shapes out there — from ovals and hearts to squares and diamonds — there are some solid rules for picking the most flattering frames for your profile. Wanna know what they are? We recruited local glasses e-retailer Mezzmer to tell us their must-read secrets for choosing the perfect eyeglasses. Then we put the company's advice to the test on six local cuties with a variety of face shapes. The result: geek-meets-gorg! So, whether you have perfect vision or an actual need for optical assistance, you need to click through this spec-tacular guide.
Photographed by Molly DeCoudreaux
Photographed by Molly DeCoudreaux
7 Stroll-Ready Sandals That'll Make You Ditch Your Flips
Look, we don't mean to invade your closet here, but that old pair of shower sandals has got to go. Sure, they are perfect for tossing in the trunk and then whipping out on an impromptu beach day, but be honest: The only reason you keep them around is because they're either from your sorority, present a no-brainer option, or the footwear is too comfy to ditch. But for a spontaneous walk down Ocean, no one wants to see your overly squished flip-flops (and yes, we are all too familiar with those tell-tale foot-shaped dirt imprints). A pair (or four!) of wearable and style-forward sandals are staples any gal needs, but with the super-bright options this season, we've got some sad news for our old flip-flop friends. True, there were the good days, but we've found our new BFFs...and they aren't made of rubber.
The Ultimate How-To Guide To NYC Thrifting
Aside from one-of-a-kind, hard-to-come-by pieces, one of the biggest draws of thrift shopping is the thrill of the hunt. But no matter your stamina, all that searching is fruitless if you don't know what exactly you're looking for, and how (or where!) to find it. Enter our editor-in-chief Christene Barberich, who also happens to be our in-house vintage-shopping confidant and eBay guru; she knows the ins and outs of thrifting in NYC better than most cabbies know how to get to Soho. From going hands-free to taking garments for a test run and knowing all the spots to hit up before you drop, these handy insider tips will help you update your wardrobe with the most covetable cast-offs around. You know nothing beats answering the question "where did you get that?" with "it's vintage Alaïa."
Check out Christene's tips and all the cool finds she scooped in just one morning of thrifting.
Check out Christene's tips and all the cool finds she scooped in just one morning of thrifting.
Coachella Packing: The Perfect Outfits For Every Headlining Act
It's go time, girls! Here at R29, Operation Indio is very much underway, and we can't wait to announce what we have in store for you, very soon. For now though, there's no time to lose, when it comes to planning outfits that will shut it down at the Coachella grounds.
Instead of doing the same old snoozy slideshow you're sure to see everywhere else, though, we got inspired by the sounds and styles of the headlining acts (and a few of our other faves) to bring you a potpourri of looks to rock at live music's finest fest. Click through to get styled in a handful of killer outfits as hot as the temp is sure to be—no sartorial silence allowed.
Our SXSW Packing Guide: Are You Ready For Austin?
Whether you're headed down to Texas for your first SXSW or your fifth, everyone can use a crash course in packing for this nonstop music party. Read on to find out what we're bringing to Austin with us, and why we think our picks are totally essential for your good time down south. Get ready, and keep your eyes peeled for our street style cameras, too. We'll be there!
Spring's Brightest Trend: Neon Wrist Wraps!
Eye-catchingly bright? Check. Superbly chosen luxe materials? Check. Waterproof? Surprisingly enough...check! We've been spotting Miamians rocking some woven wonders on their wrists, swathing their bling in neon fabrics, cool hand-dyed material, and even nautical rope. The idea is that metals up their shine quotient by getting wrapped and braided, and wearers are able to stack and match a rainbow of different wrist wear. The best part of this trend is that most of our favorite options are hand-woven by independent designers, many of whom take their inspiration from the lights and brights of the Magic City itself!
Photo: Courtesy of Holbrooke
Photo: Courtesy of Holbrooke
Our Packing List For The Perfect Miami Staycation
WMC's around the corner. Ultra is taking over the city. Spring breakers flocking en masse. You are having a bad hair day. Whatever your reason for needing a de-stress sesh might be, there is no better time to take a relaxing, unwinding, totally self-absorbed staycation. Since vacations — with the money, planning, travel time and Facebook uploading involved — end up leaving us more frazzled than we were when we took off, staying in town is often the best and most rewarding idea. And, hello, this is Miami. There is sun, sand, and swim around us already...we just need to allow ourselves to enjoy it.
Taking our need for a breather into consideration, we've created our ultimate staycation packing list. Oh, and to make sure you keep your need for a little pampering on your radar, we have an amazing Miami vacation giveaway that's a cinch to enter, meaning your luxe weekend in your favorite city is on us!
The 29 Best Boutiques In Miami (Hands Down!), Plus R29-Only Deals!

When Refinery29 decided to open its doors in Miami, at first our editors were totally awed: People live in this paradise? Palm trees, beaches, amazing shops, and it's our newest place of work? Unbelievable! But as any Miami resident will tell you, fun and sun is certainly a part of the 305's DNA, but so is the vibrant art scene, the world-renowned design district, and the myriad of cultures that call Miami home. With all these amazing influences swirling around, there is much to do — and for us, that means plenty of stores to check out.











