Monthly Archives: March 2012

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Spring Into Action @Old Navy (Dedicated to Rosie)!

Posted on by

Normally, I post about items that I pick out or suggest to friends, but I’m so super impressed with my best friend’s recent purchase that I just had to feature it here on Style Darling! Of course, I will take some credit b/c she asked me what colors I think would look good with an orange dress.  Based on a recent spread from one of my favorite fashion magazines, I suggested to her yellow, neutral, brown, olive, or royal blue.  I knew Rosie had been on the search for some spring-friendly espadrille wedges, ones not too high so that they’re comfortable enough to walk around in & here’s the end result of our style collaboration.  Although I should clarify that Rosie, my super duper bestie, picked out this outfit & I’ve suggested the two belts to help complete the look if she was going to wear it for an occasion.

Where did we go for this impulse ensemble? Old Navy, of course! She picked out the draped jersey tank dress ($20.00) in orange with the mixed pleated wedges ($28.50) in blue.  Also, the dress is available in black, in sizes ranging from XS – XXL.  The shoes are also sold in multiple colors like neutral, green, and while, in sizes 6-11.

The combination is very fashion forward, unexpected, and fresh for the spring / summer season!  This would also look great with an abstract print cardigan or denim jacket for day time.  For those warmer summer days when a lightweight dress is just the thing, perhaps adding a belt will help accentuate the waist & I suggested the faux patent leather narrow belt ($12.94) in blue, but it’s available in black too! Or if you’re wearing a dress like this with neutral accessories, the braided faux leather belt ($16.94) in brown will let the orange in the dress pop even more.

For more posts dedicated to my very good & stylish circle of friends, check out celebritiy-inspired scarf looks, best jackets for day & night, & a comfortable chic outfit for under $100!

What do you think of this dress? What colors would you style it with? Which new items are you looking to add to your spring / summer wardrobe? Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: Black & White Inspiration from Stella McCartney & Carolina Herrera Found @New York & Company!

Posted on by

We know that colorblocking is a big trend right now & Alicia Keys proves it as she struts her stuff in a black & white Stella McCartney design.  We’ve seen this cute before by McCartney, but it looks brand new, fresh, & super stylish every time! Kate Winslet, Liv Tyler, & Penelope Cruz have all been seen in it.

I wasn’t able to find the particular dress that Alicia is wearing in stores, but Neiman Marcus has a similarly designed frock by McCartney, costing nearly $1500.00, which can be viewed here.

Also, while I was flipping through the pages of the new April 2012 issue of Harper’s Bazaar & saw the Carolina Herrera colorblock dress ($2290.00), which is available @Saks.

However, I gasped when I saw these black & white versions b/c they reminded me so much of the black & white ponte colorblock sheath dress ($11.99) that I featured in Inside A Style Blogger’s Closet from New York & Company last month! The dress is now marked down significantly from its original $59.95 price, which is an incredible bargain! So it’s no secret that this design is figure-flattering & just about every hand in fashion & retail is trying to reach the stylish consumer with it.

For more Luxury Look-Alikes For Less, check out the last post about recreating Golden Globe looks worn by Charlize Theron, Angelina Jolie, & Jessica Alba!

What do you think about the colorblock dresses by Stella McCartney & Carolina Herrera? Which version is your favorite? Do you like the New York & Company version? Happy Styling!

3/23/12 Darling Of The Day: Elizabeth Banks Colorblocks In A.L.C.!

Posted on by

During a recent appearance on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, The Hunger Games actress Elizabeth Banks showed off one of this season’s biggest trends, which is colorblocking! She wore this beautiful royal blue & black A.L.C. Zenya dress ($893.00), which is available @Barneys. Of course this price tag is way out of budget, but we can appreciate the soft pleats & feminine deep-v. Elizabeth paired the dress with basic, but classic black round toe pumps, similar to those seen here, but you don’t have to have a stylist or a movie star to have access to this kind of style.

I searched high & low to find similar dresses at affordable prices, including the colorblock mod dress ($19.80) from Forever 21, Arctic Circle Black & Blue Dress ($51.00) from Lulu’s, & Honor Gold colorblock dress ($34.02) from ASOS. Lots of celebrities have been wearing colorblocking, but when you take these two colors & put them together, it creates a whole new regal, refined, & fashion forward look.

I haven’t posted in Darling of the Day in quite a while, but I’m always happy to share some of my favorite celebrity looks, which is also what I do for my other blog @Ladies Outfitters. Do you like the colorblocking trend? Which of these three less expensive suggestions is more your style? Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: See What’s On Clearance @White House Black Market!

Posted on by

I’ve been writing so much about what’s new for spring, so I had to check out what’s going on @White House Black Market & how I can get my hands on some of the best end-of-the-season sale deals that can still be worn for the new season in fashion!

I’m mad for the mid length pleated skirt ($24.98) b/c it reminds pleating is always on-trend.  It’s sexy in that librarian chic kind of way & if worn right, it won’t look matronly.  Add a fitted tee & cardigan, silk cami & boyfriend blazer, or corset top & t-strap shoes with this dazzling & affordable must-have.

Next, I picked the double bow slingback, which unfortunately is out of stock, but it caught my eye.  I love the bordeaux and black combination on the croc patent leather.  It’s the perfect amount of texture and contrast to make a skirt suit, leggings & blouse, or little black dress more classic & sophisticated.

Lastly, I’m a sucker for polka dots & couldn’t get over the adorable factor here with the polka dot ruffle bag ($29.99), which is perfect for any time of year.  Pair this with a striped dress to play up the mixture of prints, or wear it with a neon sheath dress & nude pumps to show off your feminine side.

Check out more from Quickie Darling Deal & Steal, featuring wedges by Christian Siriano @Payless, a clearance dress from ASOS, & polka dot tights from Kohl’s! Happy Styling!

Cover Craze: Miranda Kerr Hits Brooklyn For Harper’s Bazaar!

Posted on by

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

In the April 2012 issue of Harper’s Bazaar, with actress Mila Kunis on the cover, Victoria’s Secret model Miranda Kerr is featured in a 50s-inspired fashion spread shot in the fine city of Brooklyn by photographer Terry Richardson.  Now I might’ve just flipped through this spread in the past, surmising it up just for the fashion, but now as a full-time writer in Brooklyn (although I’m still commuting home to Long Island), I can appreciate the beauty behind the city that has taught me more about all the reasons why I love the suburbs! Yes, I said it!

However, I think this is an amazing shoot, especially with the regal & vintage designs of Dolce & Gabbana, Oscar de la Renta, Derek Lam, Donna Karan, Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, Elizabeth & James, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, & Prada (just to name a few). There’s so much high fashion going on here, Miranda puts the women of Mad Men to shame! She looks like an even more glamorous mix between Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Grace Kelly! Not to mention that below the gallery here is an exclusive video behind the shoot, which was inspired by 1960s Italian actress, Monica Vitti.

I used to obsessively tear out the pages of my favorite fashion magazines to keep in what I like to call an “inspiration book” to help me put outfits together, get motivated to blog, or for that one day way way waaaay in the future when I’d dabble in my own desiging, but instead of collecting the stacks of paper in a super heavy binder, I’ve decided to post them for my readers. What do you think of Miranda’s shoot? Do you recognize these spots in Brooklyn?

For more from Magazine Must-Haves, check out my previous posts featuring Carrie Underwood in Self and Selena Gomez in People Style Watch & Cosmopolitan. Also, for more of Miranda Kerr, check her out in a Darling of the Day post here! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: We’re Swooning Over Christian Siriano’s Spring Collection @Payless!

Posted on by

Now that spring is officially here, I’m stoked about all the new styles of spring shoes coming out! As always, I’m featuring designs from my favorite affordable shoe store, Payless! I make no apologies for that, especially when Project Runway winner Christian Siriano continues to create beyond beautiful confections of footwear for the masses.

This hyperbolic statement of course refers to the t-strap wedges ($19.99) in turquoise. Details like the patent leather straps, basketweave wedge, and t-strap across the ankle make this a diverse pair of go-to shoes for the spring & summer.

I love how they’re multi-toned, but still easy to wear with so many different looks, including a floral spring dress & cardigan, graphic tee & boyfriend jeans, polka-dotted blouse & walking shorts, or silky cami & mini skirt.

The wedges are currently on sale, marked down from their original $29.99 price!  This also includes the black, coral, and wide-width turquoise styles!

For more of the fabulousness that is footwear, check out posts like animal print flats from Nine West, Lea Michele modeling for Candie’s, & gorgeous creations from Prada, Valentino, & Christian Louboutin!

If you’d like to read more about the popular designer, Style Darling has plenty of Christian Siriano love for you to indulge, including his new ad campaign starring actress Mena Suvari and some classic round toe pumps in nude & black!

What do you think about these wedges? Are they too high for you? Are you a loyal Payless shopper? Do you like Christian Siriano’s designs? Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: The World Is Talking About Jennifer Lawrence!

Posted on by

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Watch out Aniston, Lopez, & Garner- there’s a new Jennifer on the block! It’s true, the world is talking about last year’s Academy Award nominee for Winter’s Bone, Jennifer Lawrence.  Her upcoming action thriller, The Hunger Games, is expected to break big box office records and make the young actress a household name.  She’s been on the style radar for quie some time & I’m happy to share with readers a gallery of some of her best looks since her debut in the spotlight last year.

She’s a big fan of designers Prabal Gurung and Calvin Klein, but with long gams like hers & beautiful long, blonde locks, it’s no wonder she’s currently topping “best dressed” lists all over the world! Take a look at the gallery & let us know which looks are your favorites! Surely, this won’t be the last that we see of the Kentucky-native, so check out more from Red Carpet Review! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Celebrate Spring With A Sale @ASOS!

Posted on by

I’ve been crazy busy beyond words lately & haven’t devoted any time to Style Darling.  I know, I know, shame on me! However, I was inspired by a recent conversation that I had with my favorite new co-worker (see his fashionable photography blog here) about the styles found @ASOS. It occurred to me that I hadn’t visited the site in quite some time so I took a click just tonight to find out what’s going on. I’m happy to share that right now the website has sale items up to 70% off, including shoes and accessories as well!

I found this modern & spring-ready mini dress with strap sides ($34.91) in yellow pictured here, but it is also available in cream, black, & blue.  I love the pop of yellow, which is very popular as we transition our wardrobes from dark & heavy to light & airy!

I love that this can be worn in so many different ways.  Call on the old ketchup-and-mustard trend (yes, it’s a trend) & slap on some red beads & a pair of red pumps.  Or go bolder with vibrant cobalt blue accessories.  If yellow is a tricky color, but you love the dress, it can easily be downplayed with some neutrals like beige, charcoal, or a classic black cardigan.

I recently featured an all-yellow post on a blog for work, featuring celebrities like Gwen Stefani, Reese Witherspoon, & Nicole Richie wearing yellow for day & night, which you can read here!

Do you dare to wear yellow? I do! Do you like side cut-outs? Well, not so much for my shape, but it does look great on the Style Darlings with the confidence to show off that hint of skin, especially on such a feminine & minimalist dress.

Happy Styling!

Ad Madness: Kate Hudson Models For Ann Taylor!

Posted on by

I was super excited to see this new ad campaign for Ann Taylor, starring the one & only Kate Hudson! I’ve been on a major shopping diet, but seeing these new ads makes me very eager to get my hands on some beautiful spring fashions. I love the combination of delicate fabrics with feminine prints, especially with new wedges or strappy sandals. Lace isn’t just for lingerie or evening-wear, as seen in the flirty blouses and sophisticated pencil skirts sold among Ann Taylor’s new collection.

For more posts about the retailer, check out images from Demi Moore’s previous campaign, Katherine Heigl wearing Ann Taylor boots, & Kerry Washington in a leopard blouse! What do you think of Kate’s look in theses ads? What trends are you following this spring? Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Never Forget Those Fabulous Flats!

Posted on by

After a brief text-versation with another shoe-loving Style Darling, I was reminded that it’s been waaaay too long since I’ve last visited Nine West.  It hurts a little to see all the stylish, new spring designs since I’m restricted from spending money on anything that isn’t a necessity. As some of you may already know, I’ve recently started a new full-time writing job (clicky!) in Brooklyn & that requires a financial investment in commuting from Long Island.

In doing so, I’ve reunited with my flats on a more full-time basis, which makes all my other work-friendly high heels a little jealous.  However, as I trek on & off train & subway platforms, I have to think about function before fashion. Then again, when it comes to comfortable ballet flats that meet my style needs, that’s not really an issue, especially when there are so many beautiful creations for sale right now @Nine West.

I was super excited to find the Berhta flats ($27.60) in multi grey synthetic, especially because they’re in a black & white animal print- always a must-have if you ask me! This style of flat is also available in different colors of leather, textures, sparkling hues, & other prints, but these are the only pair that have been marked down from their original $69.00 price tag!

I love that these flats are perfect to wear as a contrasting pattern to a belted polka-dotted dress for the weekend, with a cardigan & jeans for running errands during the day, or with a brightly colored blouse & a-line skirt outfit for the office. They’re a subtle way to add some dimension to your look if you wanna stay chic & minimal.  This pattern is also fabulous with bold, eye-catching colors like marigold, cobalt, & kelly green- which are all hot for this coming spring!

For more shoe-friendly posts, be sure to check outprevious posts in Runway Rundown, including Lea Michele’s ad campaign for Candie’s, Super Style Wishlist with the latest from Prada, Valentino, & Christian Louboutin, & more sale news with Quickie Darling Deal & Steal with beautiful Brash wedges @Payless!

How would you wear these flats from Nine West? Which patterns are you drawn to when it comes to footwear? Where do you usually shop for cute & affordable ballet flats? Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Karl Lagerfeld Directs “The Tale Of A Fairy” For Chanel’s 2012 Cruise Collection!

Posted on by

There have been quite a few videos coming out lately from big designers like Givenchy, Marni for H&M, & Christian Siriano.  The latest & perhaps most beautiful to join the arsenal of fashionable videos is the Karl Lagerfeld-directed short film “The Tale of a Fairy,” for Chanel‘s 2012 Cruise collection.  Perhaps the dialogue & story aren’t the most cinematically impressive, but you can’t deny that it’s a visually exciting with sleek, clean line & is a fitting, yet classic homage to the original icon of the fabulous French brand, Coco Chanel.  I personally love the layered pearl necklaces, menswear inspiration, oversized sunglasses, & black & white ensembles. Who doesn’t???

For more stylish videos, click to check out the other Watch This Style posts! Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Lea Michele Models for Candie’s Newest Ad Campaign!

Posted on by

While flipping through the latest magazines, there are tons of new ad campaigns for the stylish spring collections, including Glee star Lea Michele modeling for Candie’s.  I just had to find out about the peep-toe platform high heels ($35.99) in lavender, which are exclusively sold @Kohl’s– yes, just like the ad says! Right now, the shoes are marked down from their original $59.99 price tag.  Also, they’re available in a rusty coral & lush purple. You can jump on this deal right now & wear them with a floral spring dress, or keep them for the fall with opaque tights & a sweater dress.

What do you think of Lea’s look in the ads? Would you wear these platforms? Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Stock Up On Polka Dot Stockings!

Posted on by

It’s no secret that I love polka dots & when they’re in hosiery, I literally go bonkers! It’s one of my favorite ways to start building an outfit.  Just because winter is winding down, it doesn’t mean that you can’t still keep your black tights in rotation for your work looks, daytime outfits, or adding texture to a nighttime ensemble.

Since I’ve been working my new job, commuting from the middle of Long Island into Brooklyn, I’ve been a little lazy (yet still stylish) on the outfit front since there’s no set dress code & casual wear is acceptable.  So it’s been a lot of jeans & cardigans, but I do miss wearing my favorite tights so much!

One of my favorite places to shop for stockings & tights is Kohl’s.  I can always rely on Simply Vera Vera Wang & Apt. 9 have polka dot, or dot-inspired legwear at an affordable price.  This includes the sheer dot control-top tights ($6.99) & the ellipse dotted control-top tights ($6.99). Both styles are currently marked down from their original $14.00 price tag, so it’s like you’re getting two pairs for the price of one!

Also, check out more posts from Quickie Darling Deal & Steal with all the latest news & updates of where you can find the best sales on the stylish trends right now!

How much would you spend on hosiery? How often do you wear it? Are you comfortable wearing patterns & prints on your legs like these? Where do you usually shop for such items? Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Spring Into Style with Dresses from Forever 21!

Posted on by

I can feel it… spring’s a-comin’! What better way to welcome in the season than dress hunting? I visited one of my favorites stores, Forever 21, to see what was going on in terms of spring dresses & I found these three adorable dresses.

The soft orange, neutral, and yellow hues are perfect for ushering in the season, especially with dark denim skinny jeans, white cigarette pants, & a navy mini skirt.

I love the cascading shift dress ($24.80) in yellow / grey.  It’s lovely with a cardigan & wedges. The pleated bib dress ($24.80) in tomato can be made even softer with espadrilles and multi-color beads, or toughened up with a cropped boyfriend blazer & peep toe ankle booties.  Lastly, the colorblock trim dress ($27.80) in tan / orange is work-ready if you add a patent leather belt, or just the thing for a weekend family party.

Do you like these dresses? Where do you shop when it comes to spring fashions? What colors are you looking to add to your wardrobe this coming spring season?

Also, while I have your attention, I’d like to offer up some good reads for those of you who like the Style Darling world.  Not only am I a part of the Ladies Outfitters, Movie Buzzers, & Culture Mob family, but I’d like to share with all of you some of my friend’s blogs. This includes Yoga Flow On The Go, How Do You Yoga, Delusions By Design, The Law According To Murphy, Cibo Chat, Etsy Brook, This Happy Place, & Couple of Crumbs.

Enjoy clicking around on those & I highly recommend following them! It’s hard out there for a blogger & we need all the support we can get! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Be Brash This Spring With Wedges From Payless!

Posted on by

Spring is in the air! I feel it!! So get walking to your nearest Payless where you can find all the new spring arrivals from their brand, Brash.  The Mallory wedge sandal ($29.99) in black is a new favorite of mine, especially since I’ve been eyeing those spring dresses of mine in the back of my closet.

These wedges are also available in brown & coral, with croc & gold studding accents on the side.  They’re the best way to dress down a little black dress for day & easy to slip on with you favorite pair of capris & a flirty floral blouse.

While you’re doing some shopping around online, be sure to hit up some of my latest blog posts for Ladies Outfitters, also featuring some darling wedges by Apple Bottoms. Additional posts include: Saturday Night Style: What To Wear For A Night Out!, Prom Look Of The Day: The Blues Never Looked So Good!, Chilly Days = Time For A Sweater Tunic!, & Look Like Kate Middleton in Lace With Ladies Outfitters!

If you need more help finding some wildly cute new spring shoes, check out some of my favorite stores like DSW, Piperlime, Target, & Steve Madden! Happy Styling!