Jumpsuits for All

Although designers haven't improved the jumpsuit to make going to the loo easier, this hasn't stopped women from wearing jumpsuits this summer. The simple one-piece can add edge and femininity to your fun-in-the-sun look, hiding that belly and enhancing the long-awaited hourglass figure.

Here are some of our favorite jumpsuits this season:

Thistlepearl Batik Zebra Jumper available at Urban Outfitter

Grey Antics Jersey Knit Long Jumper, available at Urban Outfitters

Covet Linen Jumpsuit, available at Urban Outfitters

Alexander Wang Marble Romper, available at Jumelle

Eryn Brinie Short jumpsuit, available at Revolve Clothing

Karen Kwok 

Blog Editor

UCLA FAST Fashion Show

As BARE tries to expand into other student outlets, we’re supportive of anything that shows creativity. Just as Cal has our own Fashion And Student Trends fashion show, UCLA also hosts a catwalk showcasing undergraduate designers. I had the privilege of attending – swag bag and all – to report on how the baby bears are doing in our shadow.Fourteen designers and one boutique showed collections for a fabulous night. Clothing donations were encouraged and rightfully donated to the Food on Foot  campaign.

The sheer size of the event would impress even Anna Wintour. But for the sake of time, I’ve broken down the favorites of the night…

Business Favorite: Diana Kohan debuted a collection full of tweed separates and conservative satin dresses. While each would look like any business frock, colored bows added the dramatic, yet unexpected, touch. It got us thinking that any mundane outfit can be flared with a fluorescent bow.


Most Creative: Camille Villanueva showed a collection properly named “Paper Dolls.” Models walked like live mannequins and pranced with clothing that incorporated butcher paper. Nothing short of precise craft, Villanueva showed thoughtful pieces on the “cutting edge” of innovation. Definitely someone to keep an eye on.



Best Menswear: David Tehrani reminded men that clothing does not have to be the cookie cutter pant and shirt combo. He took basics, such as a pair of shorts, and twisted the construction by colorblocking sections. Not every man can announce himself as the All-American, so why dress that way, right?


Best Construction/Detail: Stephanie Sartori closed the show for the evening, and stayed true to the maxim that the best certainly does come last. Though there was no overarching theme to this collection, the message seemed to be one of perfection. As a harsh critic, it was even hard for me to point out an obscure missing detail. But alas I had met my match, and accepted that these Red Carpet-ready pieces were flawless.



Best Overall: Our dear friend Hector Marquez is a veteran in fashion. This collection clearly showed his evolving spirit as he used Gucci-esque prints with Margiela-like disco ball details on his garments – though never the same. He challenged the dress of modern streetwear by putting men in satin harem pants and women in gowns of separate. There was a lot to see and all very pleasing to the eye.

BARE would like to thank the staff of UCLA FAST for the hospitality. The music, goodies, and talent were all a real treat. We’re expecting even bigger and better things next year!

John Kim

BARE Editor in Chief

Toppy :: Asia's leader in Style for All Ages

High quality, gorgeous, and pricey. For people that have vacationed around Hong Kong, the UK, Taiwan, or Singapore, the names Episode, Jessica, Color18, and Weekend Workshop should not sound unfamiliar. Founded around 30 years ago, Toppy has expanded rapidly in the fashion realm, becoming a prominent leader in style. Episode, Jessica, Color18, and Weekend Workshop are all brands under Toppy, but each caters to a different audience and different styles. 

Episode is a fan favorite among middle aged women, while Jessica belongs to those in their late 20s and 

Color18, from 18 and older, and 

Weekend Workshop from as young as 16. 

People that happen to stop by the countries mentioned before, be sure to check these brands out! Their current summer fashion is simple and chic and if you’re lucky you may be able to find your favorite designer pieces on sale! Be sure to check out their website.

Arting Chang

BARE Reporter

Be Your Own Interior Designer

It’s the end of the school year and people are moving on to new places and spaces and it’s time to start anew. My favorite part about moving into a new space is the fact that I get a new canvas to paint, decorate and make it feel like a masterpiece I call home. Even if you’re staying in your current apartment, you can always freshen up the look and feel to it.

There are many ways to go about decorating an apartment. Decide what kind of look you want to go for: whether you want decorations all over or something simpler, what colors you want to use and what your budget will be. Here are some ideas on how to liven up a room.

1.Inspirational Messages



Etsy: Hijirik Studio “Live What You Love”: $12.50
Etsy: sfgirlbybay “Keep Calm And Carry On”: $25

2. Wall Decals and Letters



Blik: Jahoosawa “Splatter In D Minor”: $35
Etsy: Mooza “Love”: $40

3. Textiles



Urban Outfitters: “Tree Garden Curtain”: $28.00-$34.00
Etsy: Marie’s Cosy Cushions: $20.00
Urban Outfitters: “Round Peacock Printed Rug”: $58.00
Urban Outfitters: “Zebra Tufted Wool Rug”: $119.99

4. Paint



Target: Rust-Oleum Specialty Chalkboard Paint: $14.93

Just painting the walls can really change the feel of the room. My favorite colors for a room right now are any shades that remind me of the ocean. For some ideas using different shades of blue/green check out House of Turquoise.

I also like the look of having one wall that’s a dark color such as a dark gray, navy, or black. If you don’t want to paint a whole wall, you can just add strips or some sort of design; or, if you want something with more utility you can paint a strip or section with chalkboard paint.

5. Pictures/Frames



Print out pictures, postcards, artwork, etc. that remind you of good times, or just hang up stuff that you like. Put them in frames or just arrange them in an interesting way. Play around with your arrangement.

You can also repaint or reupholster existing furniture. Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns and colors. Think of things that are meaningful to you and express who you are. If you enjoy jigsaw puzzles, maybe put up some puzzle pieces on the wall. If you love music, maybe put up some vinyl covers on the wall. If you love to travel, maybe put up a map with all the locations you’ve been to. Ideas for decorating an apartment are endless! In the end, remember to show your personality and be creative.

For other ideas and inspiration, visit Apartment Therapy or Design Sponge.

Angel Kittiyachavalit

BARE Reporter

Sunglasses for Every Style

Shades For You by karenkwok920 featuring Paul Smith fashion

Year-round, and especially in the summer, sunglasses become an essential for your wardrobe. I find that the most useful accessories shield you from danger and make you effortlessly chic at the same time; thus it’s no surprise why I collect sunglasses.

Like your style, your sunglasses say a lot about you. While most find choosing sunglasses to be the most effortless part of the outfit, it can make a statement in its own. That’s right – I’m telling you that simply going to the cart vendors at the mall and buying a pair of knock-off Wayfarers just won’t cut it.

Even if you’re not the type to invest in a classic pair of sunglasses, stay true to the function that was intended. You wouldn’t wear a winter coat with air holes, so why wear sunglasses without UV protection? Polarized lenses provide further shield from UV rays. While most expensive sunglasses come with this protective layer, an optometrist can easily replace the lenses for you on thrift frames.

Along the topic of functionality, trends should not determine the practicality of a pair of sunglasses. “One-hit” trends, such as shutter shades, provide absolutely none of the functions of a proper sunglass.
That being said, finding the perfect investment sunglasses can be quite tricky. What kinds of clothes does your closet consist of? Match classic with classic, hip hop with hip hop. Below is a list of no-fuss suggestions to what “investment” brands you should consider:

Timeless: Ray Ban

Tshirt and jeans: Oliver People

Urban/hip hop: Billionaire Boys Club

Hollywood: Tom Ford

Business: Persol

Athlete: Oakley

Luckily most glasses are unisex and have little limitations. Remember, keep the health of your eyes at the forefront!

John Kim
Editor in Chief

Beautiful People Come Stateside

Exciting news for those of us who appreciate the inner workings of the fashion industry. Well-known creative directory of Barney's New York, Simon Doonan, has made a name for himself by making multiple appearances on Vh1 pop culture commentary shows and by writing widely-read blogs and books. In the UK, his best-seller "Beautiful People" was turned into a sitcom for BBC. The series portrays Doonan as a young boy growing up in Redding and dreaming of moving to London to live among "the beautiful people." We all know that this is exactly what happened for Doonan, but the series is a fun way for fashionistas to get a look into the life of a living legend in the fashion industry. Luckily for us Yankees, Logo will begin airing the series this Tuesday, May 26.

Elizabeth & James :: A Brand We Love

When creating Elizabeth & James, Co-designers, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen (who themselves are always a fashion icon), aim at providing a blend of trendy chic and "couture sensibility" to a new generation fashion forward girls. Elizabeth & James is especially known for its feminine blazers, bold accessories and classic tees. 

Elizabeth & James by karenkwok920 featuring Elizabeth and James

Fashion Week Video Game?

Photo from The Cut: NY Mag

505 Games, IMG, and makeup artist Pat McGrath have teamed up to create the newest video game that will perhaps open up the video game world to a whole new audience: the fashion crowd. Although we know that fashionistas are not known to be video game savvy,  a Fashion Week Video game will put this stereotype to the test.

"The game will offer players a "true insider's point of view" of Fashion Week. It will include "world-class industry gurus," models, and celebrities, and will be available for the iPhone and for Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony consoles" (The Cut). 

Perhaps, just perchance, this will start a new trend. Would you play this "Fashion Week game"?

Karen Kwok

Blog Editor

Lady Dior's Lady Noire Affair

Following the short film / advertisement trend started by Chanel for its famed No. 5 fragrance, Dior has released a mini story of its own- a lady James Bond adventure- "Chapter 1: A Lady Noire Affair". As expected, the film shows off males in perfectly pressed Dior Homme suits, and Marion Cotillard rushing up the Eiffel Tower in amazing black heels, distinctly shaped "Diorette" sunglasses and the Lady Dior Handbag. A classic timeless look.

Can't wait for the second chapter, Marion Cotillard as "Lady Rouge".

Karen Kwok

Blog Editor

Leggings Trends

Leggings Trend by karenkwok920 on Polyvore.com

Lately we have been seeing a divergence from the simple black leggings look during the revival of the 80's a couple years ago. Now we see a pattern of new legging trends: from left to right we have Rodarte diamond-cut leggings, which over at Park & Cube, they teach you how to DIY that style; beautiful flower-patterned tights with beading embellishments paired with a simple white top to look extravagant; a ripped-tights look, although I never really bought into the hole-in-your-tights thing; and for those who've been looking for the most tight fitted jeans, here are faux-denim leggings from Rock & Republic.

I see a continuation of the patterned tights trend, especially ones that are beautifully adorned with embellishments, like in the second photo above. However as for ripped tights, or any tights with holes in them for the matter, I don't know how long that trend will last. What would you like to stay and go? 

Karen Kwok

Blog Editor

Yet Another Shoe Party!

Girls, dig up your open toe stilettos, sassy espadrilles, and colorful kitten heels for this Thursday's "Express Your UnYielding Shoe Addiction" party sponsored by Hello Stiletto. In kicking off the summer in a fashionable shoe-addict way, Hello Stiletto will be hosting its shoe party at Yield on Thursday from 7 pm-10 pm.

"Green" wine will be served, and be prepared for a pink carpet walk. Partygoers are encouraged to show off their best walk for the ultimate title of "Best in Shoe!" Note: Bonus points will be given for extravagant pedicures.

To attend, RSVP to sarah0608@shoeclub.us. Any non-members wishing to attend should sign up for the shoe club before RSVPing.

Give me more summer staples!

Summer is just around the corner, and here are some more staples to help enrich your summer experience.

Photo from webshots

Eucerin Moisture Lotion: easy to carry around on the go, this multi-functional lotion is a must have. Not only does it make your beautiful face stay moisturized and supple, it protects you from the glaring UV radiation that can be unforgiving during the summer. The texture of the lotion is thin, smooth, and soft, not the thick kinds that make you feel like your skin is suffocating.

Colorevolution Mineral Powder: A unique blend of minerals that includes foundation, concealer and powder all in one. One of the best all mineral foundations out there, Colorevolution gives your face a healthy, natural glow without feeling like makeup is caked on. Its color blends naturally with a wide array of skin tones. Companions to the foundation include Colorevolution bronzer, blush, and if needed, separate concealer and powder for more obvious results.

Arting Chang

BARE Reporter

Net-A-Porter Sale

There is currently a huge end-of-season sale at Net-A-Porter! Clothes, Shoes, Bags, Accessories, you name it, all on sale for around 50% off! 

I mean that polka dotted Miu Miu East West shoulder bag, that Mathew Williamson Bikini, and those Christian Louboutin gladiator sandals, all on sale! All you have to do is hunt for your favorite items and beat the crowd.

Summer looks

With this wave of heat and school coming to an end, all everyone can probably think about is that summer is finally here. Here is a little pre-inspiration for all those who are already in the mood for summer.

A Day on the Beach by karenkwok920 featuring Miu Miu Accessories

Karen Kwok

Blog Editor

Chanel Cruise Collection

The Chanel Resort show began two hours late as The Kaiser himself wanted to wait for the perfect sunset moment. The show took place on the Venice Lido boardwalk and left editors and attendees stiff in sun chairs, heels sinking into the sand. 

The show began with black cloaked figures in tricorne hats, then a cluster of white & black nautical printed attire led to an onslaught of striped, layered pants, shirts and sweaters.

With no particular rhyme or reason, Karl then brought us printed dresses, lacey biker shorts, bejeweled bib necklaces, classic Chanel suits and chiffon Venetian gowns reminiscent indeed of Coco's time in Venice - his inspiration. 

The show seemed to lack cohesiveness save for classic Chanel elegance but somehow managed to be one of my favorite Chanel shows.

Photos from style.com

Fiona Mehta

BARE Reporter

Summer Staples

Because the sun is shining and its summer time, here are a few suggestions to update your make-up bag for the summer.

1) Estee Lauder Turbolash All Effects Motion Mascara: as you twist open the brush, don't be alarmed if your brush starts vibrating and making a muffled noise. For those of you who need to get out of the house quick and can't curl your lashes, this mascara is a two-in-one volumizing mascara and curler.

2) Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour cream: Summer calls for bikinis and cutoff shorts, this cream assures that no dry spots show in the process. It smoothes, soothes, heals and protects. It even comes in these cute "groovy" jars.

3) OPI "No room for the Blues": bright and playful, perfect for those who don't wear much color but would love to show some summer spirit. 

Karen Kwok

Blog Editor 

Shopping Day in Oakland

For the past week I had been planning on attending the First Annual Cupcake Bake-Off at Rock Paper Scissors Collective in Oakland. We were so excited to try new flavors baked by experts from around the Bay. We unfortunately arrived a little too late to try all of the flavors, but we did get a chance to try some, including the winning flavor “Vegan Strawberry Lemonade.” We also picked up a cupcake cookbook so we can make some of the flavors on our own this summer! (How perfect does a strawberry lemonade cupcake sound on a summer day?) While at first we were disappointed that we missed the bakeoff in its entirety, we decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and spend some time shopping at some of the boutiques along College Avenue.

First we stopped in Rockridge where we went to vintage clothing store, Pretty Penny. This was definitely one of my favorite vintage stores I have seen in a long while. Not only did it expertly cover up the “nostalgic” smell that is commonly found in vintage shops, but it also had unique displays and decorations that set it apart from the same vibe of most vintage stores. Renee tried on and bought a 50s inspired floral dress. They had an amazing selection of short, flat, grey boots that I had my eye on in addition to great bags and accessories. I would definitely recommend a quick trip on AC Transit 51 and looking around Pretty Penny.

After a quick lunch, we stopped in Crush on College, which had a great selection of summer dresses, shoes, and hair accessories (a big trend at the BARE I5 launch party at Henry’s). One of our favorite pieces was a summer romper that Allison tried on. This is definitely a fun, retro-inspired look that we couldn’t get enough of.


After what we thought the day was going to be a disappointment because of our cupcake void, we ended up having a lot of fun exploring the shops along College and enjoying the beautiful day. Luckily, after a long day of walking and shopping we were lead to Ici where we enjoyed fresh ice cream as an end to our journey.

Jordan Silver

BARE Reporter

Cal Street Style :: 5/14/09

Berkeley resident, Rosa Weber wearing a beautifully shaped dress on a beautiful spring day on College Avenue.

Jordan Silver

BARE Reporter

Store to watch out for :: Comme Ca Ism

Similar to H&M and GAP, Comme Ca Ism capitalizes on trendy styles with reasonable prices. However, there’s a catch—high quality and low quantity. The store sells select styles at bargain prices, and the quality of the fabric is incomparable. The brand resembles a life-style store where all members of the family can shop together. Its style builds on shades of blacks and whites, perfect for staple-wear shopping.

There are two sister stores, Comme Ca Du Mode, and Mono Comme Ca, which sells high end luxury clothing and accessories, respectively. Stores are decorated with a comfortable ambiance; usually moderate lighting and acoustic music. Though the store is only located in Japan and Taiwan at the moment, its chic and simple design might win the hearts of many fashion lovers in the states should it choose to expand here.

If you're by chance going to Japan this summer, this is a store you wouldn’t want to miss!

Arting Chang

BARE Reporter, Class of '13