Simone S. Oliver
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Fractional Creative Strategist & Digital Content Exec | Style Editor.
Exes: @bet digital • global EIC @refinery29 • @meta • @condenast • @nytimes.
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Articles by Simone S. Oliver
The Most Unexpected Cultural Collectible of the Year is a Lego Bamboo Earring
Nov. 12, 2025 WORDS SIMONE OLIVER WORDS SIMONE OLIVER How Syreeta Gates is turning Black cultural memory into collectible art, one LEGO at a time. LEGO bricks and bamboo earrings aren’t things you usually see together. That’s exactly why artist, producer and archivist Syreeta Gates paired them.
My Husband and I Didn’t Need a Vacation—We Needed a High-Stakes Offsite Original
It was day three when I looked around the pool, hundreds of miles away from my home, and wondered: How did I get here, a Miami beach resort with my husband, brainstorming on an iPad about how we’re going to pay for summer camp and his mother’s 80th birthday trip? The picture was a far cry from our normal workdays spent hunched over our home office desk while alternating who needs to answer our kids’ snack demands.
Fringe Forward: A Style Guide
Shimmy, shimmy, ya, shimmy, yam, shimmy, yay. I'm not apologizing for that intro—fringe demands it. Shake it like a Polaroid picture! Ok, I’ll stop, but you see where this is going, yes? Fringe season is here (I don’t care if that’s not a thing). It’s not just because Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks delivered fringe fantasies left and right, but because fringe is that rare fashion detail that’s always around but never misses when it comes to the way it moves, transforms, and commands attention.
The Ear Cuff: A Love Story
Once upon a time, ear cuffs were the ultimate sign of rebellion. They were unexpected and exclusive to the truly cool. They clung to ears like a secret handshake for the stylishly subversive. Now? You can snag one at TJ Maxx next to the scented candles. And yet, my devotion remains. Because even in their mainstream era, ear cuffs still give badass energy—no needles, no shaved sides, no regrets, just attitude.
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š A Hierarchy of Animal Prints
Hi friends, Let's talk about Tyler, The Creator's new Bambi bag that has folks doing double takes. Like, did Disney's legal team approve this? The execution, the styling, the art direction, the bag itselfā¦really nice. But justā¦why? I came across this preview on social and rushed to the comments thinking this must be an AI-generated post, but it wasn't. In addition to the statement bag, thereās also a Bambi tie and fluffy slides.
Headgear Is The Secret To A Perfect Outfit
Checking Out is a new shopping column straight from the cart of Simone Oliver, Refinery29’s global EIC. She wears many hats (all of them stylish), and she's always got an inspiring, wish-worthy list on deck. Watch this space for monthly market musings from Simone (and sometimes a special guest). These aren’t just editor’s picks — they’re THEE editor’s picks. The arrival of summer means longer days, less clothing, and chilled wine (for me, at least).
Who Is Mia Khalifa, Really? Beyond Porn, TikTok, & Those Deleted Tweets
Now, this is a story about how it started and how it’s going. Mia Khalifa entered the porn game at 21 years old, a decision she made on her own. After doing a notorious scene (where she performed in a hijab), one that she says she was pressured into, her life got turned upside down. Faster than she could process and whether she wanted it or not, she found herself sitting on the throne as the most-searched person on Pornhub.
Who Is Mia Khalifa, Really? Beyond Porn, TikTok, & Those Deleted Tweets
Now, this is a story about how it started and how it’s going. Mia Khalifa entered the porn game at 22 years old, a decision she made on her own. After doing a notorious scene (where she performed in a hijab), one that she says she was pressured into, her life got turned upside down. Faster than she could process and whether she wanted it or not, she found herself sitting on the throne as the most-searched person on Pornhub.
Dresses With Pockets Curated by Our EIC Simone Oliver
Checking Out is a new shopping column straight from the cart of Simone Oliver, Refinery29’s global EIC. She wears many hats (all of them stylish), and she's always got an inspiring, wish-worthy list on deck. Watch this space for monthly market musings from Simone (and sometimes, a special guest). These aren’t just editor’s picks — they’re THEE editor’s picks.
Why Fashion Editor Rashida Meggett Loves Knitwear
Checking Out is a new shopping column straight from the cart of Simone Oliver, Refinery29’s global EIC. She wears many hats (all of them stylish), and she's always got an inspiring, wish-worthy list on deck. Watch this space for monthly market musings from Simone (and sometimes, a special guest). These aren’t just editor’s picks — they’re THEE editor’s picks.
Why I’m Only Dressing In This Happy Color For Spring
Checking Out is a new shopping column straight from the cart of Simone Oliver, Refinery29’s global EIC. She wears many hats (all of them stylish), and she's always got an inspiring, wish-worthy list on deck. Watch this space for monthly market musings from Simone (and sometimes, a special guest). These aren’t just editor’s picks — they’re THEE editor’s picks. This is a very passionate love letter to the color green, simply because of the way it makes me feel.
Letter From The Editor: Introducing The New R29 Style
Quick trip down memory lane: Refinery29 started in 2005 as a city guide, a vehicle to discover fashion local to New York City. As the world changed, you guessed it, R29 did, too. We widened our scope to include content about money, sex, wellbeing, and more. We also adopted a more global view.
Letter From The Editor: Introducing The New R29 Style
Quick trip down memory lane: Refinery29 started in 2005 as a city guide, a vehicle to discover fashion local to New York City. As the world changed, you guessed it, R29 did, too. We widened our scope to include content about money, sex, wellbeing, and more. We also adopted a more global view.
Our Editor-In-Chief On Why We Need “Thing Bags” Right Now
Checking Out is a new shopping column straight from the cart of Simone Oliver, Refinery29’s global EIC. She wears many hats (all of them stylish), and she's always got an inspiring, wish-worthy list on deck. Watch this space for monthly market musings from Simone (and sometimes, a special guest). These aren’t just editor’s picks — they’re THEE editor’s picks. I don’t believe in “It” bags, but I am into using inanimate objects as inspiration for purse design.
Mit diesen Stickern würdigen wir zusammen mit Facebooks Messenger Frauen, die die Welt verändert haben
Bei Refinery29 verbringen wir jeden einzelnen Tag damit, Frauen und unterrepräsentierten Personen Respekt zu zollen, ihren Stimmen Gehör zu verschaffen und ihnen so Unterstützung zu bieten. Das ist, wer wir sind und wofür wir stehen. Dieses Jahr hatten wir die besondere Gelegenheit, mit Facebooks Messenger zusammenzuarbeiten, um eine Sticker-Initiative zu entwerfen, die Frauen, die die Welt für immer verändert haben, feiert. Soziale Plattformen schaffen ständig neue Produkt-Features.
R29 x Messenger : des stickers célébrant les femmes qui ont marqué l'histoire
Chez Refinery29, nous passons chaque jour de l'année à soutenir et à faire entendre les voix des femmes et des personnes sous-représentées. C'est notre ADN. Cette année, en plus des histoires que nous publions pour le Mois de l'histoire des femmes, nous avons eu l'occasion de collaborer avec Messenger pour concevoir un pack de stickers célébrant les femmes qui ont fait bouger les choses pour nous tou·s·tes.
Here's How Refinery29 & Messenger Are Celebrating The Women Who Show Up For Us Every Day
At Refinery29, we spend every day of the year giving props to and uplifting the voices of women and underrepresented people. It’s in our DNA. This year, in addition to the stories we’re already telling for Women’s History Month, we had a special opportunity to collaborate with the folks at Messenger to design a sticker pack that celebrates women who helped change the game. Social platforms create new product features all the time. Some impact your day-to-day, some go unnoticed.
“Even As We Hurt, We Grew”: What Vice President Kamala Harris Means For This Country - & Our Future
We all know President Joe Biden and Madame Vice President Kamala Harris aren’t going to fix everything wrong with this country overnight. They are not perfect, nor do we expect them to be. We also know that we can’t just swipe left on the previous administration. It happened and, now, here we are. But where is “here,” exactly? Let’s be real, the problems we face in America didn’t all originate in the past four years.
Style as Vibrant as the Street
Video Air Jordans and Ballet Flats Gifty Safro’s style inspiration stems from her African heritage, but she adds her own touch of classic fashion. Gifty Sarfo’s long green pleated skirt blew in the breeze as she crossed the intersection of Mosholu Parkway and Jerome Avenue in the Bronx. The expression on her face mirrored that of many New Yorkers when they get out at their train stop: I’m home. Ms. Sarfo has been walking under that train trestle and passing that corner since she was a girl.
The Confidence Code: A Reminder That You Are Worthy
Photographed by Eylul Aslan. As Women’s History Month draws to a close, we’re looking ahead. See, we’ve all been trained to see ourselves and to define beauty through someone else’s lens. But a new generation has told the world that they reject the beauty ideals put in place, and we are actively cheering those new voices on and amplifying the chorus. This isn’t an after school PSA oversimplifying the power of self-esteem.
A Conversation With Nicolas Ghesquiere of Balenciaga
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On the Street | In Flower
The legendary Times fashion photographer Bill Cunningham died on Saturday, June 25, at age 87. In this weekly video series, he spotted and distilled the latest trends from the runways of Paris to the colorful streets of New York.
On the Street | Snowstorm Aftermath
The legendary Times fashion photographer Bill Cunningham died on Saturday, June 25, at age 87. In this weekly video series, he spotted and distilled the latest trends from the runways of Paris to the colorful streets of New York.
On the Street | Holiday Windows
The legendary Times fashion photographer Bill Cunningham died on Saturday, June 25, at age 87. In this weekly video series, he spotted and distilled the latest trends from the runways of Paris to the colorful streets of New York.
Intersection: Where Culture Meets Style
The popular fashion series hits the streets across the world to capture looks that are the hallmarks of a neighborhood’s style.
American Music Awards Red Carpet Highlights
The red carpet at music awards shows isn’t as stuffy as the ones at other awards shows, like the Oscars or the Golden Globes. Musical artists seem to feel more comfortable experimenting with their looks. That said, there were some hits, misses and surprises on the red carpet at the 39th annual American Music Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night. The highs and lows were as diverse as the looks themselves. Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber, who are dating, were the best-dressed couple.
An Alternative Approach to Down
The New York City men’s wear brand Isaora has blended two of the season’s popular cold-weather trends: the down jacket and the pullover. Mostly known for edgy and polished activewear, Isaora has chartered new territory in creating the Down Crew Pullover. The experiment worked. Each one has the light weight of a sweatshirt but the warmth and coziness of a puffer jacket.
How Condé Nast Built Communities Using Facebook Groups Across Eight Publications
After Condé Nast Traveler (CNT) published a March 2017 editorial package called Women Who Travel, the publication realized they had an untapped community of readers eager to engage more deeply with this subject. In response, they launched Women Who Travel, a Facebook Group run by CNT for female travel lovers to have conversations in a safe environment. In just a few months, membership ballooned.
Festival Style: Looking Hip in the Chicago Heat
By SIMONE S. OLIVER If music festivals like Coachella have taught us anything over the years, it is that festivalgoer style can range from chic to circus. The outfits at last weekend’s Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago were as varied as the acts, where headliners included Swans, Bjork and R. Kelly. There was an emphasis on comfort, of course, but some attendees (performers included) hit fashion high notes.
Festival Style: Looking Hip in the Chicago Heat (Published 2013)
By SIMONE S. OLIVER If music festivals like Coachella have taught us anything over the years, it is that festivalgoer style can range from chic to circus. The outfits at last weekend’s Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago were as varied as the acts, where headliners included Swans, Bjork and R. Kelly. There was an emphasis on comfort, of course, but some attendees (performers included) hit fashion high notes.
Remembering Bill Cunningham: One *Allure* Editor Shares Her Experience With the Legendary Photographer
There was only one thing that gave the late Bill Cunningham pause: beauty. He stopped to appreciate what the rest of us hurried past. He saw beauty everywhere, in and on everyone. He appreciated what made individuals sparkle—whether or not they recognized it themselves. Because Bill was not just a photographer, or even a photojournalist, but an anthropologist, too, his stories in The New York Times were more about tracking ideas and creativity across culture than they were about fashion.
Free People's Free Spirited Ball Gowns
Ball gowns are not what come to mind when you think of Free People. But on Thursday, the brand will introduce its first limited-edition gown collection. Just in time for the holiday season, the six-piece, eco-friendly line is being sold as a pop-up shop inside Free People’s New York and Los Angeles stores until Sunday.
Intersection: L Train Inspiration
The popular fashion series hits the streets across the world to capture looks that are the hallmarks of a neighborhood’s style.
The New York Times
The premise is simple enough: Upload a photo of yourself wearing a particular outfit. Ask a question or share some details about your look. Users then rate your outfit by clicking “I like it” or “I hate it” on Fashism (or “Wear It” or “Change It” on Go Try It On). Would-be Rachel Zoes can also comment. It’s similar to that Web site Hot or Not, where users rate one another’s sex appeal.
Kathryn Newton From HBO's 'Big Little Lies' on Acting, Fashion, Golf and How Not to be a Sore Loser
There was a lot of chatter around the big stars that aligned for Big Little Lies , HBO's new mini series that debuted Sunday night. Kathryn Newton, an up-and-comer on the show who plays Reese Witherspoon's character's daughter, sparked a lot of curiosity, not to mention she held her own among a cast of big-timers (Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, Zoe Kravitz , to name a few). Before Big Little Lies , you might have seen Newton in Paranormal Activity 4 or Bad Teacher , staring Carmeron Diaz .
Nail Designs As Pretty as Your Engagement Ring
An engagement ring is no ordinary bauble, so there’s no good reason why you’d wear it with an ordinary manicure. You don’t have to be a diamond expert to know that freshly manicured nails and a new engagement ring are like a good wine and cheese pairing. Sure, you want the ring-nail relationship to be a complementary one, but let’s be real, the eyes will follow where the nails lead.
The New York Times
WHEN Toi Washington, 34, began her search for knee-high boots, her requirements were simple. They had to be cute and comfortable. Ms. Washington usually wears labels like BCBG Generation, but she is not particularly loyal to any one brand. To her surprise, two pairs of Naturalizers caught her eye, and she didn’t hesitate to buy both. It was her first comfort footwear purchase. “That was my aha! moment,” Ms. Washington said. “I couldn’t believe it.
Skylar Diggins on Her "Beauty and the Beast" Mentality
Skylar Diggins says she's always been a "dirt over dolls" kind of gal, but she's embraced her femininity on and off the basketball court. Even so, no amount of Vogue articles or Sports Illustrated covers can give her the confidence that comes from inside. The WNBA star has thick skin, a fierce work ethic, and undeniable game on the court, but it hasn’t been without introspection. Her mantra: A strong body and mind are beautiful. And being tough is about accepting yourself.
Kelly Rowland Beauty and Fitness Tips
Kelly Rowland is a grown-ass woman. It's been more than two decades since she first emerged as a bright-eyed teen and one third of R&B trio Destiny’s Child, but she’s still the OG cool girl you really want to chill with. Through all the peaks and valleys in her singing, songwriting, and acting career—plus public romances and the loss of her mother shortly after having her first child—it’s nonetheless hard to cite a time when we haven’t seen Rowland smiling.
10 Products Allure's Digital Director Can't Live Without
This week, Allure's Digital Director Simone Oliver shares her must-have beauty products, from lip scrubs to bold mascara.
Actress Dania Ramirez's Workout and Skin-Care Regimen
A look through Dania Ramirez's acting portfolio reveals her attraction to a range of characters with a certain measure of complexity or gravitas. Consider Callisto in X-Men: The Last Stand, Vanessa, a spunky bicycle messenger in Premium Rush, and Maya Herrera on NBC's Heroes, and you'll see this pattern is no accident. Her onscreen swagger had to come from somewhere, right?
Remembering Bill Cunningham: One Allure Editor Shares Her Experience With the Legendary Photographer
There was only one thing gave the late Bill Cunningham pause: beauty. He stopped to appreciate what the rest of us hurried past. He saw beauty everywhere, in, and on everyone. He appreciated what made each individual person sparkle—whether or not they recognized it themselves. So because Bill was not just a photographer, or even a photojournalist, but an anthropologist, too, his stories in The New York Times were more about tracking ideas and creativity across culture than they were about fashion.
Bill Cunningham | Fresh - Video - NYTimes.com
The legendary Times fashion photographer Bill Cunningham died on Saturday, June 25, at age 87. In this weekly video series, he spotted and distilled the latest trends from the runways of Paris to the colorful streets of New York.
On the Street | Rad Men
Bill Cunningham photographs the sleeves-rolled, suspender-wearing male contingent at a jazz-age lawn party at Governors Island.
At SXSW, a Woman Who Had a Stroke Turns Director
AUSTIN, Tex. — Having a stroke of any kind is not uncommon, but few patients turn on their iPhones and start recording their experience seven days after waking up from an induced coma. Lotje Sodderland did. “My Beautiful Broken Brain,” a documentary that had its debut here at SXSW last weekend and will be showing on Netflix starting Friday, takes viewers through Ms. Sodderland’s recovery from a brain hemorrhage four years ago when she was 34.
White T-Shirts Are Fashion and Function in Harlem Street Style
This week, we visit the home of the Apollo Theater, the Studio Museum and the shopping strip, 125th Street. We saw Ariel Weekes strolling up Lenox Avenue, at 121st Street, in Harlem wearing a white T-shirt, blue jeans and red sneakers. With a red, sharpened No. 2 pencil tucked behind his ear, Mr. Weekes spoke of his love for James Baldwin, a Harlem native, and for the style and functionality of white T-shirts, a staple for many of Harlem’s native sons.
Style Is Taste by Simone S. Oliver
Spotted a model leaving the @jmendel show. Had to snap that loose and tucked French braid they wore for the show. #nyfw
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