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  • Candice Huffine: “Size Does Not Equal Health, and Weight Does Not Equal Worth”

    Candice Huffine: “Size Does Not Equal Health, and Weight Does Not Equal Worth”

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    Luvlette
    Luvlette

    Born in Washington DC and raised in a Maryland suburb, Candice Huffine did a little bit of everything when she was growing up, from being captain of the cheerleading squad to taking her turn as a pageant queen.

    “It was ‘typical’ in a Hallmark movie kind of way, I guess,” Huffine tells POPSUGAR. “These details are important to mention because they did influence my life path. I willingly put myself on a stage at every turn — and not always kind ones — to do the things I loved or to follow a dream I had.”

    Huffine, 39, signed her first modeling contract in 2000. She was “determined” to be a model, despite the fashion industry being notoriously discriminatory toward plus-size people. Knowing the odds were stacked against her propelled Huffine even further toward realizing her dream.

    “When I received a contract as a plus-size model, it unlocked a new mission in me: to not pursue modeling just for myself, but to push harder than ever to create change in a place that doesn’t easily open its doors.”

    When she was 15, she went to New York City to visit “countless agencies,” looking to be signed and get straight to work, but the reality wasn’t quite what she had envisioned. “I was very naive and knew nothing about the industry and experienced a lot of rejection,” she recalls. “When I received a contract as a plus-size model, it unlocked a new mission in me: to not pursue modeling just for myself, but to push harder than ever to create change in a place that doesn’t easily open its doors. I wanted to prove I belonged.”

    Now with a decades-long modeling career that’s still going strong, she has done just that. From gracing the cover of Elle in May 2017 to starring in Luvlette‘s latest lingerie campaign, Huffine’s collection of accolades keeps growing.

    Ahead, the model and newlywed — she eloped in Las Vegas on Aug. 25, 2023, marrying her partner Shelly Lynch-Sparks in a custom sheer lace Christian Siriano look — opens up about her trailblazing path, her personal style evolution, and what frustrates her the most about the resurgence of ’90s and ’00s trends.

    Luvlette

    POPSUGAR: What do you enjoy most about being a model?

    Candice Huffine: Truly, I enjoy every single thing. Being a model is something I’ve dreamt of from a very young age. It’s the only thing I said when you asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. What I didn’t know at the time I proclaimed this, though, was how deeply important the job of a model could be. I learned early on that the power of an image could be greater than myself if I was able to be honest and free. I wanted young girls to grow up differently than I did. I wanted them to love what they saw and not be on fad diets in the lunchroom and feel empowered to conquer the world instead of an ideal dress size.

    I learned that my work as a model — in an industry where I was the exception and not the norm — could make an impact and implement change in the representation we were all seeking in fashion and media. I love dressing up, posing, having glam hair and makeup, but let me tell you, making a difference is what I enjoy most. That’s one of the reasons I was so thrilled to partner with an inclusive brand like Luvlette and shoot their campaign with an all-female, empowering team. The brand strives to make people feel confident to love and celebrate their individuality and pure beauty.

    PS: What’s your personal style like now, and how has your personal style evolved over time?

    CH: My personal style is classic and timeless with a bit of flair. While I joke about wearing an abundance of black, it does lend itself to being a perfect canvas to build upon time and time again. I add a pop of something special to a basic look, whether it’s a vintage jacket or a bright bag. The way this approach has evolved over time is I’ve gotten wiser about what I invest in and look for pieces that aren’t just a wild one-time use. This “do it for the picture” approach was not smart for my storage, wallet, or the planet. So, see, with time, my style has become wiser!

    PS: What else can the fashion industry do in regards to plus-size representation?

    CH: Not to be too brief here, but I want to see more. I would love to see more brands, like Luvlette, commit to representing and celebrating individuals of all sizes.

    “Size does not equal health, and weight does not equal worth. You can be curvy and strong and healthy and loved and happy and successful.”

    PS: Are there misconceptions about plus-size models that you want to dispel?

    CH: I think it’s worth repeating, as I’ve worked very hard to express over the whole of my career, that size does not indicate health. Quite a lot of armchair experts and social media doctors seem worried about my well-being, and it makes me laugh. Size does not equal health, and weight does not equal worth. You can be curvy and strong and healthy and loved and happy and successful. Full stop.

    PS: Tell me about a time in your life when you took a step back and felt like, “I’ve made it.”

    CH: I actually do this quite often, especially if I’m on set for a brand, with a model or photographer I idolize, or I am shooting for a brand I used to work [for] in the retail store, or when a friend sends me a picture and their daughter is in front of my billboard. Those all feel like “I’ve made it” moments. I pinch myself often and pause to be grateful.

    PS: Which fashion items are you loving lately, and why?

    CH: I am LOVING loafers, wide-leg jeans, trousers, and sheer everything for day or night — or your wedding day, too. The Luvlette Strapless bra in black is the perfect foundation piece to show off under mesh and lace tops.

    PS: What’s your perfect day off?

    CS: The perfect day off would be a great cup of coffee (bonus points if it’s from my shop One Trick Pony), a long walk on the beach on a perfectly sunny and crisp day with my wife and our dogs, antiquing, oysters, a glass of wine at a vineyard, a home-cooked meal, and a game of cards by the fire.

    PS: Which ’90s and ’00s fashion trends do you keep in rotation? How do you update them for 2024?

    CH: I am a big fan of this ’90s and ’00s resurgence, but am so frustrated I have to buy it all again as most of the pieces I am wearing now, I had the exact copy of in high school. At least my signature style has remained consistent! Either way, I’m back in my Nike Dunks, baggy Calvin Klein Jeans, and, dare I say, crop tees. I try to elevate and update my throwback look and make it [contemporary] by adding luxe gold jewelry, a leather purse, and a nice jacket/layering piece. In the ’00s, I feel like I never wore jackets. Now it’s all about chic boxy blazers and trenches.

    PS: What’s your self-care routine like?

    CH: My self-care routine is very important both physically and mentally. It consists of regular fitness, something I have admittedly fallen out of routine until recently. I am excited to be starting over, doing things I love like running, and newly introducing Pilates. While it also consists of things like getting great sleep, or carving out time to do skin care, etc., another aspect is honoring my needs by learning to step back, say no, and slow down when necessary. Sheet masks and social battery recharging are equal partners in self-care.

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    Mekita Rivas

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  • I Wore Olivia Rodrigo’s Red Beret in Paris — Here’s How

    I Wore Olivia Rodrigo’s Red Beret in Paris — Here’s How

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    I often joke that one of my regrets in life is I wasn’t a teenage girl when Olivia Rodrigo first burst onto the scene in 2021 with her debut single “Drivers License.” The song became an anthem for a new generation of emotionally in-tune teen girls, and I was a little sad that I’ve definitely aged out of that particular group by a good decade and some change.

    While I’m no longer an angsty teenager IRL, I can certainly still channel that energy. That’s exactly why, to this day, I belt out “Drivers License” and just about every Rodrigo song with zero shame. But it’s not just her music that resonates with me — it’s also her unique style, which often fuses ’90s and 2000s trends with classic shapes and silhouettes. Much of Rodrigo’s wardrobe is, admittedly, unattainable for a mere non-pop-star such as myself. Or, at least, that’s what I thought, until I discovered Lidow Archive, a crucial celebrity style secret.

    This Los Angeles-based business is essentially a museum of clothes and accessories, housing more than 7,000 vintage and contemporary designer pieces from labels like Chanel, Moschino, Marc Jacobs, Dior, Fendi, and Louis Vuitton, to name a few. Founder Haile Lidow holds her collection in a wing of her 1930s Spanish Colonial-style Hollywood home, located in Los Feliz.

    Lidow Archive’s discerning clientele includes celebrity stylists, editors, and influential creatives; items from the archive have been worn by the likes of Rodrigo, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, and more. So when I had the opportunity to pull a few pieces for my trip to Paris Fashion Week, I (naturally) had to ensure that one of those items was serving up some serious Miss Rodrigo vibes.

    As it turned out, the exact red knit beret that the “Vampire” singer wore for a 2021 Rolling Stone shoot was available to pull for my fashion week wardrobe. I couldn’t believe my luck — a beret in Paris would normally be a little too obvious, but in this case, I had a feeling it would end up being the perfect accessory to have on hand.

    Of course, one label-less hat doesn’t equate to an entire ‘fit. I wanted to re-create Rodrigo’s Rolling Stone look as accurately as possible, and the Lidow Archive team was essential in helping me pull it off. In addition to the beret, they also suggested a pair of black trousers with removable suspenders and a large gold safety pin to be worn at the waistband.

    To complete the ensemble, I wore my own short-sleeved white T-shirt and nude sandals with a low heel. Accessory-wise, I reached for a simple black-and-gold wristwatch and a black crossbody purse.

    Working with the archive has several advantages, whether you’re wanting to minimize packing stress when preparing for a big event or trip, or you’re looking for rare fashion pieces that no one else will have. Appointments can be made to come to visit and try on pieces for your next event or trip with the help of styling advice from the Lidow Archive team. Pricing for rentals begins at $250 minimum per pull, and each piece has its own itemized pricing upon request (contact pulls@lidowarchive.com for more information).

    My first-ever experience with pulling archival fashion pieces — let alone celebrity-approved items — reminded me that the best style moments often come from the most surprising places. I loved having access to seemingly endless options that all felt distinct and one of a kind. Not to mention, the whole process offers a more sustainable approach to fashion. It’s a win-win for anyone who wants to up their designer and vintage fashion game without buying anything new.

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    Mekita Rivas

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  • What to Wear in NYC, According to a Stylish New Yorker

    What to Wear in NYC, According to a Stylish New Yorker

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    As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you’ll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.

    It’s true what they say: there’s no place quite like New York City. Arts enthusiasts can enjoy a Broadway show and get lost in the galleries at world-class institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and The Guggenheim. For fashion lovers, NYC is practically the epicenter for all things street style, where visitors can admire a seemingly endless parade of sartorial inspiration. Shopping options are abundant, from the iconic Fifth Avenue to designer vintage at What Goes Around Comes Around in SoHo to picturesque boutiques like Kiwi in Brooklyn. Often, the best strategy for sightseeing and shopping in a city as stimulating as NYC is to pick a neighborhood and let the mood lead the way.

    “New York fashion, just like the city itself, is a wild mixtape of styles, like you decided to hit shuffle on your wardrobe,” says Kristina Lopez Adduci, founder and CEO of the luxury smoking accessories brand House of Puff. After living in the city for more than 20 years, Lopez Adduci has learned that a key part of nailing NYC style is mixing high and low pieces.

    Take the quintessential stylish New Yorker, “Sex and the City”‘s Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), whose daily rotation of ‘fits often included unexpected pairings of luxury labels and vintage finds.

    “It’s throwing on a Chanel bag with Crocs, rocking a vintage tee you snagged from Beacon’s Closet, slipping into your Levi’s jeans, and then sliding into those Bottega boots you’d trade your firstborn for,” Lopez Adduci says.

    New Yorkers, she explains, also have the tailored-top-meets-wide-leg-trouser combo “down to an art form,” and when considering footwear, practicality usually comes out on top. “We’re smart about our shoe game, especially when it comes to conquering those subway stairs.”

    Check out the agenda ahead for what to wear and what to do in New York City.

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    Mekita Rivas

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  • The Indigenous-Owned Brands Quannah Chasinghorse Is Shopping Right Now

    The Indigenous-Owned Brands Quannah Chasinghorse Is Shopping Right Now

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    UGG

    As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you’ll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.

    On a crisp autumn day in Southern California, Quannah Chasinghorse sits relaxed on a folded chair that’s tucked into the corner of an old, two-story wooden barn. A square window behind the 20-year-old model frames the lush landscape, which is dotted by rolling hills and green treetops.

    “This place is amazing,” Chasinghorse tells POPSUGAR, admiring the view. Known as the White Buffalo Land Trust in Santa Barbara County, this picturesque setting is where people can learn how to practice and promote the use of regenerative agriculture. This conservation-led approach to farming systems increases biodiversity and mitigates the effects of climate change. In short: Regenerative agriculture puts the planet first — it works to give back what it takes from Mother Nature.

    “If you want to capture me in my element and want me to feel like myself, bring me out to the land somewhere,” Chasinghorse says. “Somewhere away from the city, somewhere quiet, somewhere where I can just be surrounded by the wilderness.”

    The land trust is the perfect backdrop for Chasinghorse’s fashion campaign with UGG. The beloved early aughts footwear favorite released its first style produced in part using regeneratively-sourced materials: the Classic Mini Regenerate boot. The product is Land to Market Verified, and the materials come from Atkins Ranch, a ranch cared for with regenerative traditions to help restore soil, encourage wildlife diversity, capture carbon in the ground, and preserve the land for future generations.

    It’s so important to highlight the actual Indigenous makers. Because I think an issue that we come across a lot […] is cultural appropriation […] with Halloween costumes and headdresses at Coachella.

    Through being the face of UGG’s new campaign, Chasinghorse inadvertently discovered a new piece of personal history. Chasinghorse’s Indigenous ancestry is Hän Gwich’in (from Alaska and Canada) and Oglala Lakota (from South Dakota). As it turns out, the roots of White Buffalo Land Trust date back to the year 2001, when two White Buffalo were born into a herd in Colorado. The buffalo calves were sisters and intended for sale to a casino until a group of Oglala Lakota relatives intervened.

    “It’s incredible that this place was founded because my tribe, back in the day, rescued some white buffalo and had asked these people to use this land to save these white buffalo, to raise them, and to just let them roam free,” she says. “It was so cool for me to figure it out through a brand. It connected and aligned with me, not just as a model and an activist, but as a person.” She discusses her culture more in the documentary, “Our America: Reclaiming Turtle Island.”

    She’s also excited about the opportunity to center indigenous fashion brands she loves. “It’s so important to highlight the actual Indigenous makers,” she says. “Because I think an issue that we come across a lot — really across the board if you’re BIPOC — is cultural appropriation. And with Indigenous communities, it’s especially rampant with Halloween costumes and headdresses at Coachella.”

    Ahead, Chasinghorse goes into greater detail about her longtime affinity for UGG, plus some of the Indigenous-owned brands she’s regularly shopping from right now.

    Quannah Chasinghorse On UGG Being A Family Affair
    ugg.com

    Quannah Chasinghorse On UGG Being A Family Affair

    “My family has been a huge fan of UGG for years. My grandma literally buys at least three pairs a year. It’s so cute, though, because I always get her hand-me-downs. So, I have a bunch, like these black tall pairs, these short brown pairs, and then these red pairs. It’s different types of UGGs that she’ll buy herself and be like, ‘I want a new pair. Do you want these?’ And I’m like, ‘Okay, yeah, I’d love to.’”

    UGG Classic Mini Regenerate ($160)

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    Quannah Chasinghorse On The Hat Brand She Can't Get Enough Of
    thundervoicehatco.com

    Quannah Chasinghorse On The Hat Brand She Can’t Get Enough Of

    “They’re an amazing, amazing Indigenous-owned company. They get old cowboy hats and upcycle them. They fix them up and redo them. They Indigenize it. They put beads on it. They sew it. They add turquoise and all kinds of stuff. They’re so incredible. Personally, I feel like that’s one Indigenous brand that would be a perfect partnership for UGG. Like I could see it.”

    Thundervoice Hat Co. Hat 1305 ($875)

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    Quannah Chasinghorse On The Dress Designer She Loves
    redberrywoman.com

    Quannah Chasinghorse On The Dress Designer She Loves

    “Red Berry Woman is an incredible Indigenous fashion designer. She recently won a Cultural Recognition Visual Arts Grammy Award for her incredible work. I was a part of her shoot for that, so that was an honor.”

    Quannah Chasinghorse On The Brand That Works For Red Carpets & Streetwear
    laurengoodday.com

    Quannah Chasinghorse On The Brand That Works For Red Carpets & Streetwear

    “Lauren Good Day, I walked in one of her fashion shows. I love her and her work. Incredible designs. And it’s cool because you can wear some of her stuff on a red carpet, but she has a lot of streetwear and day-to-day wear.”

    Lauren Good Day Ribbons Dentalium Freeform Dress ($158)

    Main Image

    Quannah Chasinghorse On The Bead Artist She Frequently Shops

    “Beaders like Antelope Women Designs — it’s so important to highlight the actual Indigenous makers. Because I think an issue that we come across a lot — really across the board if you’re BIPOC — is cultural appropriation. And with Indigenous communities, it’s especially rampant with Halloween costumes and headdresses at Coachella.”

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    Mekita Rivas

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  • Christian Cowan on Sending Disco Balls and Plastic Bottles Down the Runway

    Christian Cowan on Sending Disco Balls and Plastic Bottles Down the Runway

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    Ahead of his buzzy Paris Fashion Week debut, Cowan hosted an exclusive preview of look 50 from his spring 2024 show, a two-piece set made in part using upcycled plastic from empty Core Hydration bottles. The ensemble includes an off-the-shoulder crop top and a hip-baring, low-rise skirt.

    “Paillettes and sequins have always been a big part of my brand’s history, and we’ve always really tried our best to find suppliers who do recycled plastic sequins,” he says. “But then I saw this article saying apparently, a bunch of those suppliers lie and they say it’s recycled, but it’s not.” And so, Cowan set out to find an alternative.

    “I was like, we should make paillettes out of these bottles,” he recalls. “Because I cut one off and I love that if you cut the circle, it’s got a natural curve to it that gives just more of a feathery feel to the embellishment.”

    Reusing materials is important to Cowan, whose father regularly brought environmental issues to their everyday conversations. “My father was a glaciologist, someone who studies glaciers,” he shares. “Environmental impact was a huge, huge topic of my entire upbringing all the time. I always want to be as sustainable as possible.”

    In addition to minimizing his brand’s environmental impact, Cowan is focused on evolving as a designer without losing the essence of his eponymous label. “What I love is our customers, when I see them wearing our clothes, they’re always laughing and smiling and just doing poses,” he says. “And I love that it gives that kind of power to whoever’s wearing it. I would never want to leave that energy no matter what heights the brand grows to — I always want to be a joyful brand.”

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    Mekita Rivas

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  • The One Handbag Trend Rebecca Minkoff Will Wear On Repeat This Fall

    The One Handbag Trend Rebecca Minkoff Will Wear On Repeat This Fall

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    As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you’ll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.

    Dressing women for everyday but with elevated, edgy details — a statement fringe here, a touch of leather there — has helped Rebecca Minkoff become a fashion brand with a unique kind of staying power.

    “It’s all about embellishments and oversized, exaggerated details,” Minkoff tells POPSUGAR, pointing out her design aesthetic and an exciting handbag trend for fall. The veteran designer has just presented her fall 2023 collection at New York Fashion Week, where the bold textural elements she’s known for were front and center.

    “I was inspired by exaggerated details iconic to our brand’s DNA,” she explains. “Think oversized zippers, studs, and chain quilting. [I design for] the moods I am in, the sentiment of my customer and what I feel works for her busy life.”

    Minkoff’s entire current collection is available to shop on Rakuten using its cash back service, which is a bit like real-time couponing while shopping online. In addition to Minkoff, the platform has partnered with Phillip Lim and Altuzarra, as part of its Wear the Runway event for fashion month.

    “[They are] some of my favorite designers,” Minkoff says. “It’s a great time to get your hands on those fall pieces.”

    This season, Minkoff is particularly keen on the Rebecca Minkoff Double Gusset Crossbody with Chain Quilt ($398), which happens to be a piece exclusive to Rakuten. “It’s the perfect statement bag for any fall or winter outfit to throw in a pop of color and spice things up,” she shares. “Whether you’re going on a holiday getaway or looking for the accessory for a date night outfit, this bag just has the ultimate wow factor.” Following Minkoff’s Fall 2023 collection debut on Sept. 9, Rakuten members have the coveted opportunity to shop this piece before anyone else — through September 25. And, as an added bonus, they can also receive 10% Cash Back on their purchase of the new handbag by shopping it directly from the platform.

    While Minkoff’s eponymous brand has been around since 2005, she’s been making her own designs since 2001. Twenty-two years is a significant milestone in the fashion industry, a business that’s known for being, well, a bit fickle and fleeting. How has she stood the test of time? She cites her willingness to simply try new things and reach a wider consumer base. “Cash Back and pre-sale access, such as what we are doing with Rakuten, help create accessible luxury for the shopper who loves fashion, but also prioritizes value,” she says. “We are giving these fashion lovers a chance to get their hands on a luxury statement piece that can be a part of their capsule wardrobe and be a piece that they will be able to keep for a long time based on the quality of our products.”

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