Category Archives: Accessories Access

Accessories Access: LOFT’s Final Sale Chic Zebra Belt At 40% Off!

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If you’re looking to shop for something special, but without the extra special price tag attached to it, then you should almost always think about hitting up LOFT first & check out the latest sale items.  I haven’t purchased very much there for myself, but I’ve heard countless stories from friends & always see these great deals on their website- especially when it comes to clearance.

My latest pick for Accessories Access is the zebra haircalf stretch belt ($29.88), which gets reduced an additional 40% off at checkout without any special code.  This is the perfect piece to reinvent an old favorite like a basic cardigan with jeans, buckled over a polka-dotted sheath dress, or with a heavy sweater tunic & leggings.  What do you think about this deal? Do you like to wear belts? Do you prefer animal prints to other patterns? Happy Styling!

Accessories Access: Tights For All Styles @Charlotte Russe!

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If you’ve been following Style Darling on Instagram (@MissAlissaL), then you’ve seen a stylish array of tights & heels / booties combinations that I’ve been wearing for work.  Some of my favorite tights come from Payless, Kohl’s, & New York & Company, but for today’s post, I’ll be talking about the selection of tights found @Charlotte Russe, which is currently on sale Buy One, Get One 50% off!

 This includes the basic opaque tight ($6.50) available in seven different hues, mixed floral patterned tight ($7.50), floral print lace tight ($7.50), starburst floral patterned tight ($7.50), crochet vertical stripe tight ($7.50), zigzag pattern fashion tight ($7.50), leopard pattern fishnet tight ($7.50), & the floral patterned tight ($7.50). Of course, this means that if you’re wearing some flashy tights, then it’s a good idea to let that be your stand-out item & pair neutrals with the rest of your look.  I love the way contrasting colored heels look with these tights, but when in doubt, the monochromatic trend is in full swing- if done properly.  Try a solid sheath dress or color block with your separates.

Do you like to wear funky tights? Which patterns do you like to shop for? How much are you willing to spend on legwear? For more accessories posts, check out spiked bracelets, statement necklaces, & my top picks for fall under $100! Happy Styling!

Splurge or Save… On Spiked Bracelets?

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Spiked bracelets are no longer for the goth at heart.  This edgy fall trend is revamping the way shoppers style their fall wardrobes.  I’m excited to share five different, but equally as stylish spiked bracelets that I’ve searched the web for, ranging in price from super splurge-worthy to a money-saving option for the Style Darling on a budget.

@Piperlime, I found the CC Skye Mercy spike bracelet ($185.00), which can be layered with other gold bangles for a daring way to amp up an LBD look.  The gold points can also juxtapose any gauze or lacy outfits if you’re mixing this with a soft, feminine sheath dress.  Also, one of my favorite sites to check out jewelry is Bauble Bar, which is where I found the glam cone cuff ($48.00) in a rose gold hue, which is certainly my favorite piece of the quintet in this edition of Splurge or Save. 

For those who aren’t afraid to make a style statement with bold jewelry, then the Christel’s long gold metal spike bracelet ($37.95) from Fantasy Jewelry Box is an investment piece that’ll add an extra splash of spice to a casual look in a graphic tee with leather shorts or can really pop to wear at a cocktail party with a cut-out dress.  @ASOS, I found a subtler piece with the double spike bracelet ($10.55), which featured spikes on the inside & outside of the bracelet.  Again, here’s a sweet rose gold finish to accentuate a mixed metal look when paired with silver, gold, & copper.  Lastly, the spikes & rhinestones bangle set ($7.80) offers a two-in-one look, offering evidence that once again, you can rely on Forever 21 for the most value in fashionable accessories. 

Of course, I’ve chosen a selection that includes a bangle, cuff, stretchy, & clasp bracelet, but that just goes to show how versatile the spike bracelet trend is becoming.  Do you like any of these bracelets? Can you find a way to wear spikes everyday or for more fabulous occasions? How much are you willing to invest in your jewelry?

For more affordablr & fashionable posts, check out necklaces for under $20, chic black & white outfits, & dresses from HauteLook for under $30! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Must-Have Necklaces From Forever 21 (Under $20)!

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One of the best trends that isn’t just going away, & why should it?, is a statement necklace. In the last year, I’ve been trying to experiment with new necklaces to coordinate with any variety of workplace, day, & night looks.  One of my favorite stores to find affordable accessories is Forever 21, which is where I’ve been drooling over these five necklaces, all under $20.00, which will help transform & amplify any outfit. Typically I like to wear long necklaces with a bunch of charms, but I’m excited about exploring the collar & bib necklace trend.  The sparkling charm necklace ($19.80) is a feminine & elegant explosion of sparkle, perfect for any LBD outfit or cocktail sheath.  For a rich pop of color, I selected the oval collar necklace ($12.80), especially to wear with a button-down shirt, cardigan & blouse, or basic white t-shirt with jeggings.

When I saw the teardrop bib necklace ($12.80), I immediately thought of the pop of turquoise that Eva Mendes wore at the 2009 Golden Globes with the white Dior gown, as styled by Rachel Zoe.  This is the perfect piece to help transition your lighter summer pieces into the fall/winter season.  The snake chain swag necklace ($10.80) is a metallic & minimalist way to dress up your look without overdoing the glitz & glam.  Try wearing it with a monochromatic look in all burgundy, navy, or mustard.

For something sweet, I adore the cupcake & heart necklace ($1.50) for not just its cuteness, but also it’s a piece that I connect with since (when I’m not working, or blogging, or enjoying the final year of my twenties) I’m a baker as well.  It’s a playful accent to wear with a graphic tee & dark wash jeans, or when headed out for a picnic in a denim skirt, knee boots, & chunky knit.

Which necklace would you wear? What kind of jewelry are you attracted to? How much do you invest in fashion jewelry? Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Revamp Your Fall Wardrobe With Affordable Accessories!

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Since I spend most of my week surrounded by the younger generation of trendsetters, I’ve found that there are still a careful few of college age who actually take the time to get dressed in the morning before heading to class… just a few. Working in the academic arena has forced me to look to my wardrobe & try & switch things up in a professional, but relatable way so that I’m seen as an authority figure, but also someone who the students would like to talk to. I’m excited to explore my wardrobe & find great fall pieces to make this semester a memorable & stylish one, but every now & again, I need to refresh some basics & go-to classics with that latest accessories, which is why I’m happy to share my newest post for The $100 Challenge!

For under $100 (before tax), I’ve selected these 8 accessories to try wearing for a number of occasions this season with favorites that are transitioning from the summer & stand-by items making a return now that the temps are lowering.  Every year, I’ll always be talking about patterned tights & since I’m always shopping on a budget, I manage to grab up a bunch of different styles to match with pencil skirts & sheath dresses.  Get a polished look with the sheer stripe patterned tight ($7.50) from Charlotte Russe, especially when worn with something frilly & feminine like a lace overlay pencil skirt.  Cinch in your waist with a fun animal print with the zebra-print faux-leather belts ($16.00) from Old Navy, which will look especially polished with a bold cardigan.  I love anything black & white, which is also why I’ve picked out Forever 21‘s fringed houndstooth scarf ($6.80) to tuck in your lightweight jacket for those windier fall mornings.  If it’s not needed around your neck, you can always transform your tote back by tieing ir around the straps or body of the bag.

I’ve been trying to expand my jewelry pieces, which is I was drawn to the lemon drop long earrings ($22.90) from The Limited, which look like neutral & luxe additions to any LBD look, or if you want to make a plaid shirt & skinny jeans appear less casual.  For simpler necklines, I love the idea of a collar necklace, but also, the Sonoma life + style gold tone multistrand necklace ($15.60) from Kohl’s punches up any basic with the metallic accents, instantly drawing all focus to your face.  The burnt gold tear drop bracelet ($10.90) from Windsor Store is a fun pop of color to wear with any three-quarter sleeve top, or contrast with another rich jewel tone ensemble.

Lastly, I love the affordable price & classic look of the Minicci capulet rhinestone sunglasses ($9.99) from Payless, especially if you’re trying to save on must-have items when the holiday season is just around the corner.  Not to mention that you’re going to need to hide those peep toe pumps on occasion & cover your toes with some allover argyle socks ($7.95) from Gap. What better way to show off your preppy side than with this menswear-inspired print that’ll work well with any trouser & button-down shirt look?

The total for this look comes to $97.64, which is pretty incredible considering the variety in which these pieces can be alternated all season long.  Are you a scarf-fiend? Do you love chunky jewelry or do you prefer dainty pieces? Are you drawn to particular prints or patterns for your accessories this fall? Happy Styling!

Splurge or Save… On Classic Polka Dot Tights?

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What better way to spruce up a fall wardrobe & amp up your office style than by playing with different patterns & textures when it comes to hosiery. You can find virtually anything these days, however I’m partial to classics like zebra & houndstooth. The most feminine & universally-stylish of them all is polka dots.  I must have at least four pairs of polka dot tights, especially since they look great against more masculine prints like argyle on a cardigan & can really make plaids pop.  Of course, when it comes to tights, you always have to consider quality to ensure no snags or runs, so I always advise that garments like these are an investment, especially when you find a reliable & comfortable brand.

I’ve selected five pairs, ranging in price from some of my favorite stores, including the Falke dots tights ($44.00) from Bloomingdale’s, DKNY dotted tights ($25.00) from Nordstrom, sheer small dot full tights ($16.90) from Express, Simply Vera Vera Wang polka dot control top tights ($9.99) from Kohl’s– which are regularly priced at $14.00, & Minicci swiss dot tights ($7.99) @Payless.

How would you wear polka dot tights? How much are you willing to spend on hosiery? How often do you wear tights? Do you prefer them for work or a night out? For more fabulous Splurge or Save? posts, check out burgundy & oxblood blouses & leopard ballet flats! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Charlotte Russe’s Summer Farewell Sale ($15 & Under)!

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In the 5th & final installment of The Stylish Five (for now anyway), I’ve been checking out what’s going on @Charlotte Russe, where the prices on the sale items couldn’t get any better.  I think $15.00 is a pretty good jumping off point when looking for affordable styles to start stocking up on summer pieces for next year, or that tropical vacation you’ll be taking this winter! I love that Charlotte Russe is always a great resource for fun accessories like the rimless studded aviators ($2.50), which are super cute, as well as a bargain if you’re looking for an extra pair of shades to keep in your car.

If you’re headed to the beach or wanna show off that nail art-inspired pedicure, then grab a pair of the braided leatherette t-strap sandals ($10.00) in black which are perfect for a variety of looks including a casual maxi dress for daytime, a graphic tee & shorts on a casual afternoon, or when you’re headed to a picnic in a tank & cotton skirt.  For the more daring Style Darlings, add a pop of color to your look with the peep toe cut-out wedges ($15.00) in pink. The cork texture is classic for summer, essential for bringing out those neutral hues in your outfit.

There’s always a reason to bring out the sequins, which is why I’m recommending the geo-pattern sequin tank ($7.50) in gold which can be worn with a mini skirt, jeans, or leather leggings & paired with a satin blazer, basic cardigan, or over a mock turtleneck.  Also, I’ve gotta mention the zipper-back 2fer dress ($15.00), which plays with the colorblocking trend- one that just isn’t going away.  Depending on how this is styled, you can make this office friendly with textured tights, ankle booties, & a tweed jacket for the fall, or with your favorite metallic platforms & drop earrings for a sexy night out.

For more on my end-of-the-season-themed posts, check out what’s going on with J.Crew, Forever 21, The Gap, & The Limited! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: The Gap’s Go-To Affordable Sale Items ($15 & Under)!

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After recently hitting up The Gap to get an incredible deal on my new favorite striped dress, I’ve been checking back regularly with their website sale items, happy to find more stylish items to add to my Labor Day countdown series of The Stylish Five.  While some of these pieces are on the minimalist side, they each serve a multi-function purpose for a variety of other pieces in your wardrobe.  For example, the canvas shorts ($12.99) in khaki are a chic & casual way to dress down embellished items like a jeweled tank or beaded blouse.  Even pair this with some sequins & a denim jacket & you’re ready for an elegant day date with your beau.

Next, the luxe jersey piped tank ($14.99) in gem stone in perfect for feeling light & breezy during these last few weeks of summer, but also this can be worn with leggings, boots, & a cardigan.  Add a splash of print with a fringe scarf & you’ll be ahead of the game with a fall-friendly layered look! Also, I’m quite obsessed with belts, which is why I picked the striped woven nylon belt ($9.99) in pink.  Aside from the fact that the price is perfect for any budget, you can swap out a fabric belt on a shirtdress & add this for a flirtier look.  Of course, it’s also great to achieve that modern preppy look when wearing an argyle cardigan & skinny jeans.

In the summer, I can’t get enough of cotton since it’s so comfortable & lets my body breathe on the hotter days.  I love the smocked blouson top ($12.99) in white for its romantic & feminine details that are fun are wear with colored jeans, printed cropped pants, or a dark denim mini & your favorite wedges.  Speaking of skirts… the cargo mini skirt ($14.99) in coral is a must-have b/c it’ll look polished against the most basic tanks, but also pairs well with the latest fall neutral- merlot. Keep this skirt around for your opaque tights & knee boots! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: The Limited’s Sleek Summer Sale ($15 & Under)!

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Welcome to part 3 of my daily posts in The Stylish Five! Today’s assessment includes sale items & final sale items from The Limited! I’ve actually been thinking about hitting up my local store since they were generous enough to send me some discount coupons for my upcoming 2?th birthday! What I love most about this store is that their timeless pieces really work for any stylish woman of any age.  Classic pieces like these are what builds a memorable wardrobe & they’re almost always the most flattering separates to own too!

First the Drew Hollywood cargo pant ($12.99) in black are perfect to capture the preppy look while the first half of September is still summer.  Take in those cool summer nights wearing these with your favorite sandals, a tank, & cardigan.  Not to mention the tilted pocket pencil skirt ($12.99) in khaki is office-friendly without looking too stiff.  The neutral hue will brighten up tops in fuchsia, red, lime, & cobalt, whether you’re headed to a meeting or happy hour.

As for tops, the striped scoop neck tee ($12.99) is a necessary basic, especially if you’re looking to try & mix things up, like with a floral bubble skirt or sequin mini.  You can even wear this under a denim jacket for an all-American look with red jeans! The Limited’s Collins skirt ($12.99) in pink was a big splash this season.  Talk about making menswear even more feminine, without looking over-the-top frilly.  The loose fit is sexy, yet appropriate with your best power suit or over a denim skirt & some drop earrings for lunch with the girls.

Last, but not least, take some time to consider this time of year as an opportunity to freshen up your accessories like jewelry with the latest markdowns, including the multistrand drape bracelet ($14.99). The different hues will bring out warm tones in a printed sheath dress, while also working for a variety of special occasions.

Check out previous posts, including deals @J.Crew & Forever 21! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Feel Fabulous With Forever 21’s End Of The Season Sale ($15 & Under)!

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Yes, I’m still talking about the great end of the season sales online to help Style Darlings complete their summer wardrobe with this latest installment of The Stylish Five! What better place to check up on than Forever 21, where their sale items & plus size sale items are crazy affordable right now! Of course, read b/w the lines to see that these are all final sale items! These are perfect from making the transition from day-at-the-beach to poolside-under-the-stars!

For my fuller figured Style Darlings, I love the colored denim shorts with belt ($10.99) in aqua & ombré fringe slub top ($8.99) in black since they can be mixed & matched with so many other staples including a striped tank, printed wedges, dark skinny jeans, & ballet flats.  I’m always a big fan of dresses, which is why I’ve picked out the smocked midi-length tube dress ($8.99) in green.  Not only is the price unbelievable, but the length is super cute for showing off your shoes & new Labor Day pedicure.

You can never go wrong with accessories & I love the striped canvas floppy hat ($8.99), very Jennifer Lopez.  It’s essential for any day activities if you’re looking to protect your beautiful face from the sun, as well as creating that retro look with a maxi dress & stacked bangles.  Not to mention the desert heart shoppers tote ($9.99) is plenty big for your next beach excursion.  The fun print is bold for running errands with your gal pals or simply ‘toting’ around your favorite items.

Be sure to check out yesterday’s post with items $15 & Under from J.Crew! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: J.Crew’s End Of Summer Sales ($15 & Under)!

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I’ve been getting loads of emails about the latest end of the season sales, so I’m making a 5-part series of the best deals for under $15 at my favorite stores as a countdown to Labor Day weekend- a celebration of summer style, fun in the sun, & a way to welcome all the new fall trends.  However, @J.Crew, I was able to find some chic pieces, among many other sleek sale items, to help create some fun & last-minute looks if you’re headed to the beach, a barbecue, or a party with loved ones!

The espadrilles ($14.99) in yellow are casual, yet perfect for creating that nautical chic look if you’re bound for the bay.  The pop of color matches well with navy, red, kelly green, as well as staple neutrals like white, black, & khaki.  Scoping out deals on accessories like the chevron tie belt ($9.99) in aqua will make the rest of this summer’s wardrobe, as well as next year’s, all the more stylish.  Tie this around a cotton dress, with a shorts romper, or for more polish to come cargo pants & you’re good to go!  When the nights turn cooler, I recommend the perfect-fit tape boatneck tee ($14.99) in white, which is ideal for a linen pencil skirt, bright denim skinnies, or a flowy peasant skirt.

I’ve found that when it comes to swimsuit shopping, sometimes the pre-set separates just don’t work for my shape, but I like mixing it up just like any other outfit.  If you have a favorite colorful bottom or textured top that you wanna reinvent, then I recommend checking out the jersey Lomellina ruffle top ($14.99) in dark slate, which has some femininity along the bustline, as well as the belted bow bikini ($9.99) in brown, which offers a retro feel to any tankini top or triangle top. Check out more to come from The Stylish Five! Happy Styling!