Category Archives: Accessories Access

Designer’s Best: The Altuzarra for Target Collection Goes On Sale Today!

Posted on by

Altuzarra for Target preview

I’ve always kept my eye out on designer collaboration with major retailers (like 3.1 Phillip Lim, Catherine Malandrino, Kate Young, Prabal Gurung, & Missoni), but I have to say that I’m most excited about the Altuzarra for Target collection, which hits stores today! I’ve been slipping through preview lookbooks & retweeting the heck out of the line for a few weeks now, & just today was I able to share all the looks with readers. This is most definitely my favorite of any previous Target launch with a designer because of the line’s easy, yet necessary feel with classic preppy pieces like tuxedo pants & button down shirts, as well as trendy must-haves in snakeskin, menswear / military inspired jackets, functional footwear in luxe leather, & rich details with sequins or polka dots. The collection ranges in price from $17.99 – $89.99, which is pretty affordable considering that Altuzarra usually starts around $600.00 for one piece, as seen on ShopStyle.

Altuzarra for Target

The versatility of the collection will also speak volumes to the mainstream consumer of style, considering all of the possibilities for coordinating with current wardrobe staples that could always use a little extra something. Also, so many of these pieces can easily transform your day look for something evening, & vice versa. Here, the tailoring looks impeccable & can masterfully cure any style rut when transitioning from season to season.

What do you think of the latest collection for Target by Altuzarra? Which pieces do you have on your style wishlist? Who would you like to see featured in Target next? For more stylish posts, check out my recent fall-ready green dress purchase, the complete Fashion Week runways from Michael Kors & Monique Lhuillier, an Alice + Olivia look-alike jacket, & the best international September issue covers. Happy Styling!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Accessories Access: How To Style The New Warby Parker Fall Collection!

Posted on by

New York Fashion Week (#NYFW) is upon us (certainly my favorite time of year), but what’s also exciting is to keep an eye out for the newest collections at our favorite & affordable retailers that don’t preview their designs on a traditional runway. I know when it comes to accessories, I generally lean toward scarves & jewelry, but one important & oh-so fashionable accessory for both men & women is a chic frame of eyeglasses- especially styles from Warby Parker‘s new fall line of eyewear. Hey, guess what? It debuts today! Sporting frames just because you have to is a thing of the past! However, a brand like Warby Parker is a long-awaited trendy gift for those of us with eyes needing assistance. I’ve been wearing glasses for over 20 years & was psyched when I was approached by the company to showcase the new styles right here on Style Darling! 

Warber Parker collection

In getting to know the brand a little better, I learned so much & was especially impressed with the company’s target unisex audience: “those who own their style, exercise their wit, & add life to the party. Personality is what makes a good pair of glasses great.” Not to mention that investing in one of these 9 new styles (in titanium & acetate), you’ll be investing ($95.00 for a single vision pair) in a good cause since Warby Parker donates a pair of glasses to someone in need with the help of their partnered non-profit organizations. Click here for more info on this very worthy cause!

When I got a good look at the promotional shots & different styles, my blog-ready brain was eager to pair up some of my favorite designs with outfits for various occasions. This includes a relaxed day look for when you’re running errands & an evening outfit, á la Zooey Deschanel‘s lovable character, Jess, on New Girl. Also, I must share my vision for wearing chic frames to the office, as well as when you’re headed out of town for a weekend getaway of luxury & style!

Warby Parker - Hardy Striped Pacific Day Look

My first outfit can be easily recreated with basic wardrobe staples so that the Hardy frames in striped pacific can be the star player. Keeping  a budget in mind, I choose a short-sleeve bike graphic tee ($14.99) in blue from JC Penney & Old Navy‘s flirt skinny jean ($22.00) in eyre. To top off the look, I love the luxe feel of the zippered faux leather moto jacket ($24.80) in camel from Forever 21. Additional accessories to finish off the outfit include the American Eagle ‘Boulevard’ brogue flat ($16.99) in cognac from Payless, Freemont zipper tote ($29.98) in black from Francesca’s, & the Jennifer Lopez textured concentric hoop drop earrings ($13.50) from Kohl’s.

Then switch things up in the evening with a blend of timeless pieces that can be mixed & matched with other separates, especially when paired with the 80s-inspired Coley frames in crystal. This includes the ‘Gorgeous Gems’ dress ($21.99) from Modcloth (now 70% off), cotton slub moto jacket ($39.00) from Dress Barn, & buckled faux suede booties ($29.80) in light grey from Forever 21. For some extra flair, since the Coley frames offer so much versatility, I styled the look with the Mossimo Supply Co. stud belt ($14.99) in grey from Target, a super cute novelty cat wallet ($14.95) in black from H&M, & lastly, Charming Charlie‘s fair & square earrings ($6.00) & big bash stretch bracelet ($10.00) in silver.

Warby Parker - Coley Crystal Night Look

 

For a professional & polished look when headed to work, I immediately thought of the Oliver frames in striped olive. The hue is spot-on for fall, & perfect for coordinating with neutrals like black, navy, chocolate, & charcoal. I was excited to style these frames with Dress Barn‘s solid cowl neck tank ($19.50) in olive, Jaclyn Smith’s tuxedo style knit jacket ($13.99) in black onyx from KMart, LOFT‘s ponte trouser pencil skirt ($69.50) in black, & DSW‘s Franco Sarto ‘Mumba’ pump ($29.94) in black.

Warby Parker - Oliver Striped Olive Work Look

Accessorizing when it comes to work looks can be tricky, especially when you want to impress your boss & colleagues, which is why I simply added the braided chain bracelet ($9.97) from New York & Company & the diamond texture full tights ($16.03) from Express. Both mixed metals & textured tights are staples for any fall wardrobe & allow for a sophisticated layered & interesting overall look.  

Warby Parker - Annette Petal Tortoise Weekend Look

Finally, my absolute favorite new design in the Wary Parker collection is the Annette frames in petal tortoise, which immediately makes me think of spectacle-wearing icons of old Hollywood. These are perfect for the weekend look since they capture the playful side of any Style Darling. I started building the outfit with the patterned cotton shirt ($29.95) from H&M, Old Navy‘s sweetheart gray super-skinny jeans ($34.94) in mudcave, & the Rocket Dog ‘Sayla’ vintage worn boots ($49.95) in mushroom from Zappos. For such a minimal outfit, I wanted to dress it up with some elegant & effortless accessories, which is what a weekend look is all about. For example, the gauzy crinkled infinity scarf ($9.99) from Charlotte Russe works well with the colors in the shirt. Also, I haven’t shared anything with pearls & here’s my chance with the pearl hinge bangle bracelet ($34.00) from BaubleBar & Ann Taylor‘s modern pearlized triangle studs ($29.50) in gold.

And since we’re still on the topic of glasses, I wanted to share some more notable designs in the collection, for their shape, colors, & androgynous appeal:

Warby Parker Fall Collection frames

The above styles include (clockwise, starting at upper left) Baxter Ti in sugar maple, Chandler Ti in English oak, Durand in whiskey tortoise, Greenleaf in woodgrain tortoise, Annette in striped sassafras, & Eli in crystal.

And if looking like a real life Clark Kent or the (insert your hometown here)-equivalent of Tina Fey isn’t enough, here are a few other incredibly attractive famous people to help inspire your frames fetish for fall! Whether you’re trying to recreate a vintage look, sport some menswear inspiration, or play with different trends, eyeglasses are a must-have, as seen on actress Anne Hathaway, musician / singer Alicia Keys, No Doubt frontwoman & fashion icon Gwen Stefani, R&B crooner Ne-Yo, mega hottie Ryan Gosling, & talented boy-next-door Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Anne Hathaway, Alicia Keys, Gwen Stefani, Neyo, Ryan Gosling, & Joseph Gordon Levitt.

Which frames are your favorites? How would you wear some of these new designs? What trends are you most looking forward to during this season’s fashion week? Who are your favorite spec-donning celebs? For more fashionable posts, be sure to check out Emma Stone’s Venice Film Festival looks, buzzworthy music videos from Iggy Azalea & Nicki Minaj, shoe inspiration from Tom Ford, & budget-friendly skirts as seen on Chrissy Teigen & Lily Collins. Happy Styling!

P.S.: Thanks to Warby Parker for the exciting opportunity to form a marriage of stylish eyewear with Style Darling! 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

08/09/2014 Darling Of The Day: ‘If I Stay’ Star Chloe Grace Moretz!

Posted on by

Summer is certainly in full swing, but we can look to the red carpet to see what’s coming for fall on our favorite celebrities. This includes the young & sophisticated Chloe Grace Moretz, star of the highly anticipated YA adaptation If I Stay. At a recent book signing, the actress wore tailored trousers with a multicolor shirt & metallic pumps. I was so inspired by this look, especially since I’ll be headed back to work next month & will need to start transitioning from sandals to stilettos.

Chloe Grace Moretz

Of course when you put a look like this together, you can reinterpret the separates in many different ways. The essential ingredients are easy: a button down shirt, tailored trousers, & pointy toe pumps. This  outfit would also be uber-chic if worn monochromatic in white or red, as well as using menswear inspiration.

LOFT top, NY&Co pants, & DSW shoes.

To achieve this look, I found some affordable pieces that can certainly be mixed & matched for a variety of looks for day, night, & anything in between. The floral tile softened shirt ($22.00) from LOFT is currently 60% off. While it doesn’t share the same glitz as Chloe’s sequined shirt, you an easily bling it up with some oversized jewels or pearls. The 7th Avenue City double stretch slim ankle pant ($54.95) from New York & Company are BOGO 50% off, & can be very work appropriate, as well as fun for a night out with an embellished top & strappy sandals. As for the shoes, I found the Heart Soul Gizelle pump ($24.94) in silver from DSW, which add that extra special posh touch.

What are your favorite menswear inspired pieces? How would you wear a look like this? Where are you shopping for your fall must-haves? Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Loving A Little Leopard, Inspired by Heidi Klum, Miranda Kerr, & More!

Posted on by

When it comes to animal prints, my go-to is zebra, which goes back to my natural love all black & white patterns. However, as we’re in the thick of summer, stores are filling up with fall fashions, including luxe leopard pieces to mix up with neutral separates & pops of color in your accessories.

Olivia Palermo, Miranda Kerr, & Heidi Klum

Trendsetter Olivia Palermo styled her separates by Tibi with a pop of leopard in her skinny belt, which offset the geometric look of her ankle strap sandals. Model Miranda Kerr was flawless this spring when hitting the street for a stylish day out with a bold leopard A.L.C. duffel bag to add a trendy splash of personality to her button down shirt, denim skirt, & thigh high boots. Project Runway host Heidi Klum shows off her wild side (& her legs!) in a high slit skirt & embellished too.

For affordable leopard love in your wardrobe, I found these functional & fashionable pieces that are sure to make a splash when corrdinated a variety of ways. First, the leopard tote ($2.50) from Forever 21 is great for all of your on-the-go needs, especially when wanting to use a durable recyclable bag when hitting the market. Also, you can dress up or dress down the tiered leopard tank ($34.00) from Dress Barn (which I own & love!) with dark denim skinnies & a blazer for a girls’ night out, or cardigan & pencil skirt for the office. For a truly wild look, pair these loose fit pants ($17.95) from H&M with a black tank & gold flats for day, or mix up your look with a crop top & pointy heels for evening.

leopard images

I love shopping for printed belts, which can work well with a wrap dress, shirtdress, over a cardigan, or when you wanna cinch in a tunic top to show off your waist, like the leopard skinny belt ($24.90) from Express. One of my most recent purchases come from Charlotte Russe, & that is the patent thong sandal ($7.50), which was such a great buy too since there’s currently a BOGO $5 sale of select shoes. So, I also indulged in a white pair to wear with sporty jersey dresses & when heading out to the beach this summer.

For one last look at some leopard inspirations, I put together some of my favorite images, high end & affordable items, & celebrity moments that include leopard. This includes a September 2010 Vogue UK shoot fetauring supermodel Kate Moss in an embellished leopard jacket. Scarlett Johansson added a pop of leopard in her Christian Louboutin pointy toe pumps with a Vivienne Westwood dress. Also, to celebrate leopard on your nails, there’s the Sally Hansen strips ($9.99) in leopard, available @Ulta. Also, you can keep warm on those cool summer knits with this Apt. 9 leopard scarf ($11.99) from Kohl’s. For some designer inspiration, the paneled leopard dress ($1,150.00) by Escada is sold @Neiman Marcus. Lastly, the leopard heart drop earrings ($16.00) from River Island are playful & flirty to dress down a classic LBD.

Kate Moss for Vogue UK, Scarlett Johansson in a Vivienne Westwood dress & Christian Louboutin pumps, Leopard earrings by River Island, Sally Hansen leopard nail stickers, leopard scarf from Kohl's, & Escada leopard panel dress from Neiman Marcus.

How do you like to wear leopard? What’s your favorite leopard accessory? Which leopard pieces are your favorites? Happy Styling!

Accessories Access: Affordable & Fashionable Floppy Hats (Dedicated to Christine)!

Posted on by

The sun is shining & the sandals are out, which means that considering sun protection is a must! With that, I’ve taken some inspiration from my writer bestie, Christine, in exploring the world of floppy hats. Of course, with a budget in mind, I wanted to turn to some of my favorite & most stylish celebrities to see the variety of ways to wear floppy hats.

Lupita Nyong'o, Michelle Williams, & Jamie Chung.

Oscar winning actress & designer darling Lupita Nyong’o mixed a conservation black hat with her printed Alexander McQueen dress at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic. For a casual day out & about, Michelle Williams topped off her chambray & striped shorts look with a country-inspired straw hat, which soften her camel leather sandals & shoulder bag. Lastly, Jamie Chung shows off her weekend style in a pale floral jumpsuit & tortoiseshell sunnies with a straw Panama hat.

Floppy hats - Kohl's, Forever 21, Old Navy, & Dillards

As you can see, there are many different ways to wear a floppy hat, but you don’t have to spend a lot of cash to get the most out of your summer wardrobe, especially if you’re looking to mix things up. The David & Young straw floppy hat ($22.80) in pink stripe from Kohl’s is also available in yellow, blue, & black to match up with any beachy look. For a truly nautical feel, head to Forever 21 for the tasseled straw hat ($14.80) to wear with a searsucker dress & gold sandals. For the perfectly neutral topper, the floppy hat ($22.94) in brown sugar from Old Navy to protect your face and shoulders from the harsh rays of the sun. My forth selection is the Kate Landry floppy hat ($12.00) in black from Dillard’s, which is also sold in a flirty red & both will make any cotton dress pop.

Checking out these floppy hats also made me think of how classic & current straw  & basket weave details are for the season. The following items are also versatile to celebrate summer style:

Payless wedges, Dillard's Lauren Ralph Lauren belt, & DSW Kelly & Katie clutch.

 The Dexflex Margaret wedge espadrille ($12.00) in coral from Payless is also available to wear with any dress, separates outfit, or shorts romper in black, white, turquoise, & nude. Also, to mix up your shirtdress look, switch it up with this Lauren Ralph Lauren stretch belt ($29.40) from Dillard’s, which has recently been reduced from its original $42.00 price.  My last pick is the Kelly & Katie striped straw clutch ($19.94) from DSW to help transition your day look to evening.

Where do you like to shop for summer accessories? Do you like to wear floppy hats? What do you think of straw accessories? Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Summer Vacation Must-Haves For The Budget Shopper!

Posted on by

Let’s get right to it! I’m going away this week to The Hamptons for yet another exciting & stylish two weeks, while attending a school-related Writer’s Conference. This is one of my favorite & most fashionable times of year, where I can prepare my wardrobe & budget to reinvent new looks for the hip south shore niche. Speaking of a budget, I’ve been very price tag conscious & in doing that, I recommend the following for a memorable vacation. Also, I love the diversity of these pieces & how they can be worn in so many different ways!

Dress @Dress Barn, $46.00

The abstract shirtdress ($46.00) from Dress Barn is perfect for playing up your preppy side, while still celebrating the bright & neon sides of summer. Pair this dress with metallic sandals & a messenger bag for day, or glam it up in the evening with peep toe pumps & stacked bangles.

Leopard flip flop @Payless, $9.99

To keep your summer style fresh & timeless at the same time, classic patterns are the best way to go. With that, the sunset disc flat flip flop ($9.99) in leopard from Payless is a flirty way to amp up your separates, mixing prints like animal inspiration with polka dots or seersucker. Also, leopard looks great with bright hues like a pair of red lace shorts, an orange sheath dress, or black ruffled romper.

Blouse @H&M, $9.95

To build up wardrobe that you can transform from season to season, try something playful like an unexpected topper like this sleeveless blouse ($9.95) from H&M. At first glance, the print looks like flower petals, but upon closer examination, the soft blue is actually eyelashes. As seen on the model above, try this top with faux leather skinnies, but if you’re looking for something more low maintenance, add a contrasting color like yellow bermuda shorts & espadrilles for a lunch date or with a white pencil skirt & cardigan for a more professional look.

Earrings @Icing, $8.50Accessories are an important part of building any look, especially when it comes to jewelry. I was once a silver-only gal, but as I’ve grown up, I see the value in expanding with different metals. Here the drop earrings ($8.50) from Icing recall a deco feel that can work as a statement piece with an LBD & strappy sandals, a maxi dress & modern cuff bracelet, & a knotted button down shirt & denim shorts. Not to mention that now is a great time to invest in timeless jewelry since the store’s entire website is BOGO 50% off!

Tote @TJMaxx, $19.99Naturally, a tote bag is any Style Darling’s must-have when going out & about for the summer. This Yoki perforated tote ($19.99) from TJMaxx is right on trend with laser cut details on luxe materials. It’s the perfect size to fill with your cell phone, a pair of sunglasses, & whatever best seller you’re taking with you to the beach. To dress up the bag even more, braid or tie a bold scarf onto the handle to add a pop of color.

If you’re shopping on a budget, like me, don’t fret over spending too much. These five fabulous finds total for under $100, to be specific: $94.43 before tax! What summer essentials are on your wish list or crowding your closet? Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: Breaking The Brown & Black Mixing Myth (Dedicated to Christine)!

Posted on by

In an effort for some variety, I turned to my dear friend Christine for some blog inspiration. Of course, there’s plenty of great deals out there this weekend with all of the Black Friday sales, but I was intrigued by her question about mixing black & brown, as in boots & dress, or belt & bag. 2013 is  a year to break the rules with accessories coordination & knowing which hues work best for your look, despite the myths that these colors don’t work together!

Walmart - waistband dress $14.00, Payless - riding boots $29.99, H&M - leather belt $12.95, & Dress Barn - disc earrings $12.00.

The first look I’m featuring shows a casual chic way to reinterpret a little black dress, including brown accessories: Faux leather waistband dress ($14.00) in black @Walmart, Brash Zane riding boot ($29.99) in cognac @Payless, Glitter disc earrings ($12.00) in brown @Dress Barn, & leather belt ($12.95) in brown @H&M.

Target - sweater dress $29.99, Forever 21 - chain necklace $12.80, JC Penney - stretch bead bracelets $7.95, & DSW - NYLA flat $19.95.

To dress up a flattering brown sweater dress, I’ve picked some luxe black accessories to make this look perfect & effortless for the holidays. Here’s what we’re working with: Mossimo long sleeved sweater dress ($29.99) in brown heather @Target, sleek curb chain necklace ($12.80) in black / gold @Forever 21, & black bead & shell stretch bracelet ($7.50) in black / gold @JC Penney, & NYLA Elanino flat ($19.94) in black @DSW.

Other style myths worth breaking are the navy & black combination, as well as wearing gold & silver jewelry. There are so many ways around a clashing look, and often mixing metals & textures can be even more fabulous! For more shopping posts, check out fashionable flats on sale for Black Friday, stylish sweater steals from The Limited & Old Navy, & ladylike stud earrings from Lauren Conrad’s Kohl’s collection! Happy Styling!

Accessories Access: Stuff Those Stockings Early With Stylish Studs & More!

Posted on by

I know it’s only November 9th & all, which is realistically too early to start making holiday wish lists, but at my current (& second) retail job, the holiday music has started & the decorations have been displayed. While scanning my Facebook newsfeed for blog inspiration, I saw some affordable jewelry picks from LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl’s, which made me feel like it was time to write a shopping post, after all this celebrity stuff I’ve been sharing lately.

If you follow Style Darling‘s Instagram, then you know that I’m a big fan of stud earrings, especially with my five fabulous ear piercings in each ear. Not a day goes by where I don’t fill up my ear with my favorite studs, which always coordinate with my outfit & other jewelry pieces. However, I’m getting more & more keen on the idea of mixing up stud earrings with each other to create a visually-interesting look to my ear bling. Part of the former reality star & current fashion mogul’s collection includes these super adorable earrings, which will certainly put a smile on any Style Darling’s face. I love the richness of the gold-tone metal, as well as the very feminine rose gold hues that make Conrad’s line of accessories perfect for my style (at least).

Jewelry by LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's

I’m crazy about the clover drop earrings ($7.00), crystal stud earrings ($7.00), X stud earrings ($8.40), & high heel shoe stud earrings ($8.40), which are all currently on sale. Also, the consummate believer in heart jewelry, I especially love the heart link bracelet ($14.00) & cystal heart pendant ($11.20), both which would find regular rotation in my own wardrobe- hint hint!!

Anyway, what jewelry trends are you most attracted to? Where do you plan on doing your holiday shopping? What’s your go-to gift for stylish gal pals? Suggested sites for online accessories shopping including Forever 21, Gap, Charming Charlie, JC Penney, & Bauble Bar. Also, for more suggestions on affordable stocking stuffer jewelry ideas, check out previous posts on budget-shopping, including fall-ready striped tops inspired by Kate Middleton, my favorite new Dress Barn purchases, & a gallery of Catherine Malandrino’s DesigNation collection for Kohl’s. Happy Styling!

8/31/2013 Darling Of The Day: Jamie Chung Sports An Ann Taylor Skirt!

Posted on by

Actress Jamie Chung couldn’t be any cuter & she’s certainly climbing her way up the style ranks. The actress known for roles in The Hangover Part 2, Sucker Punch, & TV’s Once Upon A Time hits the red carpet for the book release of Kitchen Revelry in a chic ensemble which includes the leopard jacquard flounce skirt ($89.00) from Ann Taylor.

Jamie Chung in a wite leather-accented top with a leopard print jacquard Ann Taylor flounce skirt, a leather clutch by Gerard Darel, & black strappy heels.

Here, she’s playing with multiple trends, including leather accents on her top, as well as strappy sandals which successfully add a little edge to her feminine look. An elegant all-purpose clutch like this one by Gerard Darel is perfect for day or evening, putting the focus on Jamie’s sophistication. Of course, spending nearly $90.00 on a skirt isn’t always budget-friendly, but this is a stylish reminder to look to our favorite retailers & celebrities on the red carpet to continuously inspire our wardrobes!

What do you think of Jamie’s outfit? How would you style the jacquard skirt? Do you think she could’ve pushed the envelope a little more? For more celebrity-inspired posts, check out the gallery for this year’s MTV VMAs featuring Katy Perry & Miley Cyrus, Robert Pattinson for Dior Homme, stylish September covers including Kate Bosworth & Scarlett Johansson, & Shameless star Emmy Rossum in a Banana Republic dress. Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown / Watch This Style: The Phillip Lim For Target Lookbook!

Posted on by

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Back in May, Style Darling reported on the upcoming collaboration between Target with luxury designer 3.1 Phillip Lim (see article here). The collection hits stores next month, but the entire lookbook has debuted online, featuring plenty of “morning, noon, & night” outfits that will make your office wardrobe, day looks, & evening ensembles a little bit more fabulous, especially since they range in price from $19.99 – $299.99 for apparel & $19.99 – $59.99 for accessories. Of course some of these prices are a little high for a bargain shopper, but if I learned anything from Target’s holiday collection with Neiman Marcus last year, it’s that when they go on sale, the clearance prices are insane!

I’m a big fan of the line’s color combinations for fall, mixing pastels with rich jewel tones, all while playing off of neutrals like navy & gray to create a polished pajama-chic meets preppy girl-next-door. Structured details with menswear inspiration is especially on trend for this season, with leather accents, jeweled necklines, & plenty of elegant basics to go around with any current wardrobe staples you’re looking to upgrade.

What do you think of the collection? Do you shop designer collaborations with mainstream retailers? What are your must-have pieces for fall? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out Forever 21’s fast food-inspired muscle tees, trendy ankle strap pumps from H&M, a perfect polka dot backpack for fall, & the Downton Abbey-inspired beauty line! Happy Styling!

Ad Madness: Michelle Williams Is The New Face Of Louis Vuitton!

Posted on by

Michelle Williams for Louis Vuitton 01

I knew that being away for so long & out of touch with the latest fashion news would make me (almost) miss some really great stories tos hare here on Style Darling. This includes the latest from the fall ad campaign circuit, which is three-time Oscar nominee Michelle Williams showing off her darker, dramatic side for Louis Vuitton. The usually ethereal girly-girl of the red carpet is shedding her bombshell Marilyn Monroe / sweetheart Glinda image in this images seen above & below!

Michelle Williams for Louis Vuitton 02

The ads are celebrating the latest in handbags from the brand’s Autumn / Winter 2013-14 line, including the W and the Capucines, by photographer Peter Lindbergh. However, it’s Michelle here who really steals the spotlight from the luxury accessories with her sensual wine-hued pout & a rocker-inspired shaggy ‘do.

What do you think of Michelle’s turn as LV spokesmodel? Do you like her new, dramatic look? Which ads are catching your attention for the upcoming season? For more fashionable posts like this, check out Lanvin’s latest Mad Men-inspired campaign, Rooney Mara for Calvin Klein, & Nicole Kidman for Jimmy Choo! Happy Styling!

Accessories Access: Affordable Summer Must-Haves For The Beach!

Posted on by

A week from today I’ll be heading away for a long-awaited vacation out to The Hamptons & have been thinking how I’m going to make the most of my time. This includes preparing for a day at the beach with plenty of sunscreen & stylish accessories to keep me happy. Also, I love the idea of finding affordable extras that I can use every summer, especially ones that are under $12!

summer accessories

Towel ($6.99) @Target, Aviators ($5.99) @Charlotte Russe, Head wrap ($6.50) @Wet Seal, Flip-flops ($5.00) @Old Navy, Hat ($11.00) @Dress Barn, & Tote ($3.80) @Forever 21.

What are your beach must-haves? Where do you like to shop for affordable accessories? How would you describe your summer style? For more shopping tips, check out previous posts including Sandra Bullock’s monochromatic look for under $100, rhinestone & metallic flip-flops from Steve Madden & Guess, leather looks inspired by Kerry Washington & Heidi Klum, studded gladiator sandals from Forever 21, & maxi dresses under $25! Happy Styling!

7/4/2013 Darling Of The Day: Sandra Bullock’s Monochromatic Look by Alberta Ferretti!

Posted on by

Sandra Bullock has been making the red carpet & talk show rounds promoting her latest film, The Heat, which co-stars Bridesmaids actress Melissa McCarthy. However, this week in Sydney, the Oscar-winner donned a chic monochromatic cobalt look from designer Alberta Ferretti, as well as uber-strappy shoes by Gwen Stefani‘s label, L.A.M.B.. I wanted to post this especially for the 4th of July holiday since the prominent color in the outfit is a very patriotic blue. However, I immediately found look-alike separates to recreate this look, fulfilling yet another post for The $100 Challenge! Also, from now on I’m changing up my format a bit so that it’s easier for readers to access these fashionable wardrobe suggestions!

Sandra Bullock

Top ($19.80) @Forever 21, Pants ($24.75) @Dress Barn, Shoes ($30.00) @Charlotte Russe, Earrings ($4.80) @Forever 21, Belt ($6.98) @Target, Watch ($11.47) @New York & Company.

For more fashionable celebrity posts, check out Nicole Kidman’s latest ad campaign for Jimmy Choo, leather looks inspired by Naomi Watts & Heidi Klum, Jessica Chastain for Yves Saint Laurent’s Manifesto, Kate Mara’s photo shoot for ELLE, & Olivia Palermo’s chic summer outfit! Happy Styling!

6/29/2013 Darling Of The Day: Olivia Palermo Stylishly Steps Out In New York City!

Posted on by

As far as street style is concerned, Olivia Palermo is stepping up her game & quickly joining the ranks of veterans like Nicole Richie, Sarah Jessica Parker, Miranda Kerr, & Rihanna when it comes to personal style. Of course, the American socialite always sits front row during Fashion Week, & also has all the best designers begging the former reality to don their duds, so she knows a thing or two about fashion. Here, in New York City, Olivia recently showed off her gams in shorts & a crisp, white shirt. She’s accessorized her look simply with metallic, neutral, & embossed pieces that can be mixed & matched with plenty of other wardrobe staples. I especially love her Olivia + Joy purse since animal-inspired textures always make an outfit look more luxurious.

To recreate Olivia’s street style, I’ve found pieces that not only follow the latest trends in summer fashion, but also come in under $100 for the total look! First, the belted safari shirt ($17.18) in optic white from New York & Company has more than just the tailored feel of a men’s shirt since it belts to the side, but can also be tucked in to show off your shape. Also, the cuffed twill shorts ($22.00) in surplus khaki from Old Navy are both functional when the temperature heats up & can make any frilly blouse or studded tank look street-savvy. A basic neutral shoe pulls the look together, like Dress Barn‘s chic crisscross wedge sandals ($40.00), which can work for any outfit, a maxi dress, or shorts romper.

Darling of the Day- Olivia Palermo

Additional accessories that make this look affordable & successful are the studded mirror cuff ($4.80) from Forever 21, H&M‘s clutch ($12.95), & the one-inch skinny belt ($2.99) from Private Island Party. Any of these can be coordinated with a variety of basics like a shirtdress with ballet flats, an LBD with chandelier earrings, & a printed jumpsuit with a floppy hat.

What do you think of Olivia’s street style? Do you like this look? Which accessories are your favorite? To follow more on Olivia, I recommend her official blog, Olivia Palermo, two photo-frenzied blogs The Olivia Palermo Lookbook & Olivia Palermo Fashion Style, & InStyle‘s red carpet gallery!

For more Darling of the Day posts, check out Taylor Swift’s leggy look in London, Ashley Madekwe’s Topshop jumpsuit, & Drew Barrymore’s floral look from Alice + Olivia! Also, for more affordable fashion ideas, click on links for stylish maxi dresses under $25, cap toe pumps from Payless, little white dresses inspired by Jennifer Lopez & Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, & my latest summer wardrobe updates! Happy Styling!

Inside A Style Blogger’s Closet: Summer-Ready Dresses For Under $10!

Posted on by

I’ve been splurging but saving a whole lot lately, especially since I have big travel plans in July. This includes an entire new selection of dresses that I’m happy to adopt into my wardrobe for this spring & summer. I always head to the new sale & clearance racks first in order to get the best possible deal, but I was so happy to come across these two dresses that were under $10 each! If that’s not a bargain, then I don’t know what is!

I never thought I was a yellow kind of girl. Sure, here & there I have a yellow top, yellow flats, but I couldn’t conceive on my fair skin an entire yellow look, but I definitely found one with the Merona refined lcae dress ($8.38) in yellow from Target. Online, this dress is $27.99, but I found it on a 70% off rack at my local store & it fits perfectly. I usually score big with this brand, especially since Target often has coupons on their website for this brand too!

Target - Merona refined lace dress $8.38, Walmart - Faded Glory ruffle knit dress $9.49.My second big score was the unexpected one! I hardly ever shop @Walmart, mostly b/c I’m dedicated to Target & can always find what I need, & the local Walmart doesn’t always look like the nicest place to shop- despite low prices. I came across this Faded Glory ruffled knit dress ($9.94) in black, which wasn’t on sale & this was its original price. I was hesitant b/c I wasn’t sure about the quality of the material, but then I looked at the tag of the New York & Company summer dress that I was wearing… & low & behold, both the above black dress & what I was wearing were both 60% cotton & 40% polyester. I tried it on & it was the perfect length & cut, & I was very happy with my decision to purchase this LBD that could be dressed up or down & won’t ever go out of style.

What makes me even happier with these purchases is their potential for accessorizing, which includes great finds like the arrowhead studded faux leather belt ($5.80) in nude from Forever 21, which is perfect for either dress, or even pairing with shorts & a ruffled tank. Also, for some fun & playful colors, I picked the Mudd Kara colorblock crossbody bag ($13.20) in mint yellow from Kohl’s, especially if you’re looking for something summery & smaller to carry around. To dress up both looks for a classy evening, I recommend the hammered chain link necklace ($6.00) from Charlotte Russe, which definitely plays up the chain link trend.

Also, for a casual day out, I love the idea of a pair of flirty exaggerated cat-eye sunglasses ($9.99) in tortoise shell from JC Penney. Lastly, there are plenty of shoes to match up, but I especially love LOFT‘s basil ballet flats ($20.99) in Bombay blue & the Portia high wedge sling ($15.00) in red from Payless.

What’s the best deal you’ve scored lately? What’s been your biggest shopping surprise yet? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out Taylor Swift’s leggy look for under $100, little white dresses inspired by Angelina Jolie & Kerry Washington, fashionable flip-flops from Guess & Steve Madden, & a look at 3.1 Phillip Lim’s new collaboration with Target! Happy Styling!

6/10/2013 Darling Of The Day: Taylor Swift’s Leggy Look In London!

Posted on by

I will be honest- I have a like-dislike affection for Taylor Swift. Maybe b/c too many of her breakup songs relate to my personal situation for the 2013 calendar year, so far. However, I can’t help but love her casual separates looks, which reminds us that the country crooner is a young style icon, even though her more formal red carpet looks all seem to follow the same glittery or white princess uniform. Here at the 2013 Capital FM Summertime Ball in London, the singer / songwriter makes this feminine Oscar de la Renta blouse looks youthful by pairing it with classic black shorts & strappy black sandals. For those of you looking to show off your gams, but still keep it classy, this is the perfect look to emulate.

You certainly don’t have to break the bank, especially when I’ve found some look-alike pieces to recreate this luxury look… & for under $100! This includes the contrast trim button up ($19.80) from Forever 21. Clearly, it doesn’t have all the lace details & black trim on the sleeve, but it’s very similar in that it will keep your upper half covered up. Not to mention this will look chic with a brocade pencil skirt & peep toe pumps, leather leggings & ankle booties, or with skinny trousers & ballet flats. Also, the Gramercy Gabardine short ($39.95) from New York & Company are a summer staple, which will dress up plenty of other tops, including a silk cami & blazer with platform sandals. What’s great about shopping NY&Co is that you can also benefit from their current BOGO 50% off sale if you find another essential basic for your spring-summer wardrobe.

As for accessories, I went back to Forever 21 to find the heart charm ring ($1.80) which was just too precious to pass up, the Simply Vera Vera Wang silver tone simulated crystal stud earrings ($8.40) from Kohl’s, & Charlotte Russe‘s strappy zip-back mid-heel sandal ($30.00) in black.

For more posts on affordable fashion & celebrity style, check out LWDs inspired by Angelina Jolie & Jennifer Lopez, menswear looks as seen on Diane Kruger & Olivia Palermo, trendy flip-flops from Sam Edelman & Guess, & nautical-inspired striped maxi skirts at all price points! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Seven Must-Have Sale Items For Under $100!

Posted on by

Now that I’m in the throes of dual employment, it’s become clearer than ever to be conscious of what investments I’m making in my wardrobe. I always love to find end-of-the-season deals on sale, especially when they feel like brand new pieces the following year. However, I’ve been seeing a lot of cute separates & accessories that I’m eager to mix & match on these cooler spring nights, into the summer, & eventually include for some fashionable fall outfits. Making tiny purchases here & there are easy on your budget & can really change the way you reinvent old favorites.

Recommended sale items include Dress Barn‘s shimmer stripe sweater ($19.00) in silver, which is perfect for over a maxi dress with ankle boots, or how I recently wore it with leggings & sparkly ballet flats. Also, the Just Chic tee ($7.99) from Forever 21 is exactly what it advertises to be; try wearing this with leather skinny pants & a bold boyfriend blazer, or to dress down a peasant skirt & gladiator flats. I’m always one for a cute skirt, which is why I’ve included the striped jersey pencil skirt ($12.99) in blue from Old Navy. It’s casual enough to wear for brunch with a pullover & a denim jacket, but it can also be worn with a blouse & belted cardigan.

My favorite piece is the Drew dotted cuffed ankle pant ($22.49) from The Limited, which mixes spring’s trendiest fabric, chambray, with the always-classic polka dot print. These will pair well with a nautical-inspired top in stripes or a neon embellished blouse. Affordable accessories include the faux suede colorblock flat ($13.95) in red from GOjane, jewel drops diamondite stretch cuff ($9.25) from Claire’s, & the snakeskin embossed metallic skinny belt ($13.93) in ivory from Express.

The total for these pieces is under $100, ringing in at $99.60, which is quite the bargain! How would you style some of these pieces? What sale items are you eyeing? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out the details behind 3.1 Phillip Lim’s latest collaboration with Target, Ashley Madekwe’s Topshop jumpsuit look, spring-ready cardigans for under $25, & stylish shirt dresses for any size! Happy Styling!

5/6/2013 Darling Of The Day: Ashley Madekwe’s Checkered Topshop Jumpsuit!

Posted on by

Usually when I post something for Darling Of The Day, I share look-alike pieces that are much more affordable than what a celebrity is wearing. However, Revenge actress & style blogger extraordinaire Ashley Madekwe (who is making her second appearance in DOTD) calls on the pajama trend for a recent red carpet in support of a Topshop event. She showed up in the brand’s check dungaree jumpsuit ($110.00), which is currently available for purchase online. Yes, it’s a lot higher than I would pay, but the one-piece has a lot of versatility & plays with the same light flirtiness of a maxi dress.

To complete this look without breaking the bank, I’ve selected affordable pieces from Forever 21, including the essential layering tank ($2.80) in white, Love pendant necklace ($1.80) in gold, & lacquered geo hinge cuff ($5.80) in cream / white. Also, other pieces to build the outfit include the strappy faux leather heels ($22.60) from GOjane & Lulu Townsend flower snap box clutch ($34.95) from DSW. I also wanted to share that Ashley’s showing off some major toe cleavage & her pedicure looks fantastic with this season’s greatest color trend. To achieve this look, I recommend the salon formula nail lacquer ($6.00) in mint condition @Ulta.

What do you think about Ashley’s stylish overalls? Would you wear this look? Do you follow Ashley’s style blog, Ring My Bell? For more celebrity posts, check out the most recent update from Top 10 Celeb Sightings, Olga Kurylenko’s latest red carpet looks, Gwyneth Paltrow’s promotional tour frocks for her latest cookbook, spring floral looks inspired by Elizabeth Olsen & Miranda Kerr, & Scarlett Johansson’s Marie Claire cover shoot! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Fun & Flirty With A Bicycle Print Blouse!

Posted on by

Since starting my second job, I’ve been re-thinking my spring / summer wardrobe & have found a lot of inspiration from unusual prints, for example: the bicycle print keyhole to ($38.00) in navy from Dress Barn. This really struck me since I’m so used to wearing polka dots, stripes, graphic prints & watercolor florals, however I’ve taken a new look at the possibilities for this top. This includes a white skirt, colored jeans, or an opposing, yet color-coordinated print for the bottom.

I recently wore this top to a friend’s baby shower with red pants & nude canvas wedges, but I wanted to re-style it with The $100 Challenge in mind. I couldn’t get the idea of navy & red out of my mind, which is also why I picked the rockstar super skinny jeans ($25.00) in ‘apple of my eye’ from Old Navy, which are available in sizes 0-20.

Accessories that make for perfect finishing touches to this look include the ankle-strap single sole pump ($25.50) in nude from Charlotte Russe, the Croft & Barrow silver tone striped bead drop earrings ($5.40) in red white from Kohl’s, & Forever 21‘s multi strand woven cuff ($4.80). This whole look has a nautical feel to it, not to mention the Americana color combination that’s sure to liven & brighten up the season. I really love how each piece can be mixed & matched with other wardrobe essentials, as well as reinvented with pieces like the blouse with a hot pink pencil skirt, the jeans for a sequined tank, or the shoes with an embellished sheath dress.

Would you wear a bicycle print blouse? Which details are your favorites for a blouse? Would you wear red, white, & blue in an outfit? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out previous posts including Katy Perry’s white & silver sandal flats, spring-ready shirt dresses, my favorite latest dress purchases, & Derek Lam’s DesigNation collection for Kohl’s. Happy Styling!

Inside A Style Blogger’s Closet: My New Spring Must-Haves From Dress Barn!

Posted on by

I’ve been a busy girl lately, especially having just started a new position at work & getting a second part-time job to save up some extra money. However, returning to retail has its disadvantages, including a very tempting employee discount. I have some summer plans coming up, so I knew that I’d have my eye on classic dresses that I’d be able to wear while in the Hamptons & it just so happened that while at Dress Barn, I found some must-have spring items that needed to be in my wardrobe!

This includes the ruched waist floral dress ($40.00) in yellow & eyelet sundress ($46.00) in white. Both are perfectly my style & can be mixed with a variety of accessories like strappy black platforms, white ballet flats, & metallic sandals, or an embellished cardigan, three-quarter sleeve blazer, & or cropped sweater.

Dress Barn

The lace back bolero ($29.00) in black was an easy choice, especially b/c of the feminine detail across the back. It’s also available in white & yellow, but I knew I’d get a lot more use out of the black shrug even over a long-sleeve top in the cooler months. Finally, the metallic toe ballet flats ($25.00) in gold were right on trend with other cap toe footwear that I’ve been eyeing, along with the metallic trim which is will coordinate well for any outfit this season.

What’s on your shopping list to upgrade your spring wardrobe? What kind of dresses are you looking for? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out nautical inspiration for under $100, cork heels from Forever 21 & Steve Madden, Derek Lam’s new DesigNation collection for Kohl’s, & striped dresses under $35! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Update Your Wardrobe With Nautical Inspiration!

Posted on by

There are a lot of trends that come & go, & I’m still waiting for this sneaker wedge thing to go away. However, as the weather warms up & we begin to plan more outdoor activities, I’m looking for new ways to wear my favorite spring & summer pieces. The nautical trend keeps coming back for its crisp all-American feel & classic color combinations.

I’ve selected five pieces that will cost under $100 total to help bring a fresh, youthful, & flirty nautical look to your spring & summer essentials. This includes the luxe jersey striped ringer tank ($17.99) in gray heather from Gap, which is perfect for skinny jeans, a dark denim mini skirt, white cropped pants. Also, a fun topper for any casual outfit is the cropped canvas hooded jacket ($34.94) in sea turtle from Old Navy, which will work for over a tank & jeans, with leather pants & a graphic tee, or to dress down a sheath dress & ballet flats.

Also, I love the nautical stripe lightweight scarf ($9.99) from Charlotte Russe to wear with patriotic separates like a red top or blue capris. The striped boat shoes ($19.80) in red / white from Forever 21 are a literal way to include nautical inspiration into your wardrobe & will allow for all of your current love of menswear loafers to make a preppy appearance this summer. Lastly, the Brash dusty crossbody bag ($16.99) from Payless offers a cute seersucker neutral pattern to offset florals, polka dots, & pastel paisley prints.

The total for these pieces comes to an affordable $99.17! How do you like to wear nautical inspired looks? Do you prefer articles of clothing or striped accessories? For more posts on shopping on a budget, check out Steve Madden cork heels, Derek Lam’s DesigNation collection for Kohl’s, how to wear polka dots this spring, & peplum looks inspired by Cate Blanchett & Zoe Saldana! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Pick Out Polka Dots For Spring!

Posted on by

In keeping an eye on the latest spring trends, with all the florals, stripes, neons, & pastels in fashion, I’ve been seeing a consistency presence of polka dots in all items from clothing to accessories. I’m a big fan of polka dots for their classic appeal to any age. I even wore polka dot tights with a polka dot dress & polka dot scarf to work this week. Although it seemed a little overkill, I removed the scarf once I entered the building. Since recently starting a second job, I’m surrounded by plenty of feminine details, including  modern cuts on dresses, flouncy fabrics for accessories, & bold color combinations on separates.

I wanted to select some of the best pieces that are both fashionable & affordable for your spring wardrobe. This includes the polka dot faux wrap dress ($40.00) in orange from Dress Barn, as well as the polka dot sandal wedge ($29.80) from Forever 21 & GOjane‘s pointy toe polka dot pumps ($26.95). Other stylish accessories include the striped polka dot lightweight scarf ($9.99) from Charlotte Russe & the Lulu by Lulu Guinness ring leader bow clutch ($35.00) from JC Penney.

I’d like to also suggest timeless pieces to wear with basics like dark denim jeans, a black pencil skirt, a crisp button down shirt, or a bright, ruffled tank. You can wear the Dr Denim snap high waist skinny jeans ($49.88) from ASOS with any number of toppers like a leather jacket, boyfriend blazer, or embellished cardigan. The Express polka dot peplum tank ($29.90) in gray is also available in a nautical-inspired blue / red combo for a dressy casual look with skinny jeans or a denim mini skirt.

Also, try the Rampage polka dot mesh peplum top ($26.99) from Loehmann’s with edgier bottoms like liquid leggings, a leather pencil skirt, or cropped metallic pants. Another option for a more polished look is the Elementz a-line skirt ($17.99) from Macy’s with a scoop neck tank or three-quarter sleeve pullover. To wear polka dots casually, there’s also New York & Company‘s Spring Street polka dot poplin shirt ($31.46) in blue & a more feminine option is available in pink to wear with a white skirt, linen pants, or lace shorts.

How do you like to wear polka dots? Do you prefer black & white polka dots or do you like to wear unexpected colors? For more on polka dots, check out a recent post in The $100 Challenge, various price points for polka dots stockings, & lastly, spring-ready polka dot pants! Happy Styling!

4/01/2013 Darling Of The Day: Taylor Swift’s Preppy & Cozy Sweater Look In NYC!

Posted on by

During a recent stay in New York City, country crooner Taylor Swift exited her hotel in a black long-sleeved cable knit sweater, cropped burgundy trousers, lace-up flats, & a leather tote bag. The usually feminine singer / songwriter shows off her preppy style, despite not having received the memo that spring is in the air. Of course there are just a few chilly days left in New York, but it’s not joke (on April Fool’s Day) that Taylor’s look is classic, effortless, & easy to pull off.

To put together an affordable version of this outfit, I selected the Sonoma life + style cable knit sweater ($19.99) in black from Kohl’s, which can also be mixed with a pastel pleated skirt, or worn over a floral sheath dress. Also, the Marisa straight leg pants ($26.93) in empire red from LOFT can offset softer pieces like a silk ruffled blouse, sequined tank & boyfriend blazer, & solid tee with a statement necklace. The accessories are perfect for any season, including the H-Trosuer flats ($59.95) in black from Steve Madden, faux leather zip pocket tote ($45.00) in orange from Dress Barn, & floral square sunglasses ($5.80) from Forever 21.

What do you think of Taylor’s look? Do you like mixing menswear pieces to your everyday outfits? Are you shopping for loafer flats for the spring? For more Darling of the Day posts, check out Drew Barrymore’s look during her recent appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Revenge actress Ashley Madekwe’s black & white ensemble, Nikki Reed’s chic take on menswear, & Diane Kruger’s Stella McCartney pants in Berlin! Happy Styling!

Basics For A Bargain: It’s Finally Spring & Finally Time For Florals!

Posted on by

There’s still a chill in the air here in New York, but it’s finally starting to look like spring. There’s change in the air & I know I’m really excited about it- & not just for my change in wardrobe. However, speaking of spring fashions, the go-to print of the season is florals & I couldn’t turn my back the trend, especially when I’ve been seeing it everywhere! For example, A-list celebs have been wearing florals even during the winter, ushering in the warmer season. Miranda Kerr is all smiles in a floral skirt with a leather Prada tote while taking in the day in Sydney. Elizabeth Olsen mixed her floral top with a mustard coat & skinny jeans. Actress Diane Kruger attended a press event for Farewell, My Queen in a 10 Crosby Derek Lam ensemble.

Miranda Kerr, Elizabeth Olsen, Diane Kruger, Selena Gomez, Jessica Chastain, & Dianna Agron.

Superstar Selena Gomez hit the SXSW Festival in a matching bustier & skirt by Dolce & Gabbana. Two-time Oscar nominee Jessica Chastain wears an Erdem sheath dress with nude Christian Louboutins. Lastly, former Glee star Dianna Agron attended a luncheon with The Hollywood Reporter in an Oday Shakar floral dress with suede Jimmy Choo heels.

Not to mention that there have been plenty of florals hitting the runways this year, including luxe vintage from Valentino, 80s-inspired rocker chic designs from Betsey Johnson, youthful & bright patterns from Tracy Reese, Lanvin‘s elegant & sophistication, & Erdem‘s playful & refreshing angle on flowers.

Valentino, Betsey Johnson, Tracy Reese, Lanvin, & Erdem.

Whether it’s on clothing, accessories, or mixed & match (which I only recommend doing with caution), I made a few selections from some of my favorite stores to share how you can wear the latest floral pieces on a budget! The best piece to start building the perfect spring wardrobe is a dress, like the Merona sleeveless tulip wrap dress ($19.00) from Target, which has recently been marked down from its original $24.99 price. The flattering wrap shape is perfect for accentuating your shape & the navy background adds a regal touch is paired with basketweave espadrilles or bright ballet flats. Next is the LC Lauren Conrad floral ruffle tank ($25.20) from Kohl’s, which is a feminine topper piece to wear with dark denim jeans, white skinny pants, or a denim skirt.

Don’t be afraid of florals on your bottom half, especially with the 4 1/2″ belted printed flat front shorts ($32.94) from Express, which add some tropical flair to your look & will dress down a lace blouse. I love the idea of sequins with florals & this skirt ($34.95) from H&M is a stylish marriage of both. This will pair nicely with a chambray button down shirt for a fashionable day out & about or with a solid pullover & pointy toe pumps for a date. Lastly, floral pants are also one of the biggest trends this season, especially in a looser cut to provide plenty of flow & movement, which is why I choose the Full Tilt skinny harem pants ($24.99) from Tilly’s. The chic black, gray, & white color combination is understated & can be coordinated with pastel pieces like coral or mint.

As for accessories, these bright colors will make your outfit pop, especially since they’re so effortless to match with wardrobe essentials. For example, the sequin tulip print pumps ($27.80) from Forever 21 are flirty & will add extra dimension to cuffed jeans & a ruffled top. Also, for a more subtle floral shoe, the novelty ballet flats ($39.95) from Gap. The soft pink & red tones in the shoe can offset any striped tee & jeans look in a ladylike way.

Part of what I love about spring is that I can still wear scarves, which can bring a lot to a look, like the ground floral scarf ($14.99) from Payless for a denim jacket & LBD with ankle strap platforms or a maxi dress & cargo vest with gladiator flats. Lastly, I’m not really a hat kind of girl, but in some cases, you need to protect your face from the harsh rays of the sun, especially this early in the season, which is why I picked the pop floral baseball cap ($8.99) from Charlotte Russe.

What do you think about the latest floral trend? Which pieces would you wear? What’s your spring wardrobe budget? For more affordable fashion posts, check out how to get Drew Barrymore’s latest look without breaking the bank, suede studded loafers, the best green pieces for spring, a budget-friendly spring look with pieces from Old Navy & American Eagle Outfitters. Happy Styling!

3/24/2013 Darling Of The Day: Revenge Actress Ashley Madekwe’s Mulberry Look On A Budget!

Posted on by

I’ve been getting really inspired lately by all of the fabulous ensemble looks that celebrities are donning on the red carpet & for special events. Case in point: Revenge actress & style blogger, Ashley Madekwe, at a dinner in Los Angeles for the English brand Mulberry.

Spring is (sort of) in the air & I can’t wait to let go of heavy knits & layers, so that I can start to embrace lighter & softer fabrics to pair with sandals! There’s so much about this outfit that I love, including the mod black & white color scheme. The clean & classic color combination is always sensational for any age & shape if you’re on your way to a special occasion. The peplum look isn’t going away & it’s especially perfect for spring if you’d like to add feminine, figure-hugging details to your wardrobe. Not to mention that printed pants & jeans are so hot right now & can work for a variety of looks while at the office, going on a date, or headed out with friends.

To start, I found the Green Envelope 3/4 sleeve peplum top ($34.99) from Loehmann’s, which I realize isn’t short-sleeved like what Ashley is wearing, but the price is pretty amazing for such a fashionable staple that will look great with a pencil skirt, dark denim jeans, & leather leggings. Also, the Copper Key animal-print ankle pant ($17.40) from Dillard’s is practically identical to the luxury brand. The accessories that I choose include DSW‘s Mia Bennet reptile pump ($54.95) in black, the Apt. 9 Emma Satchel ($39.99) in white from Kohl’s, & the lacquered diamond shaped earrings ($3.80) from Forever 21.

Would you wear leopard print pants? Do you like Ashley’s outfit? What are your must-haves this season? For more posts featuring celebrity style, check out Nikki Reed’s menswear look for less, Amanda Seyfried & Jessica Alba’s recent red carpet appearances, the neon trend as seen on Freida Pinto & Kristen Stewart, & the stylish ladies of Oz the Great and Powerful. Happy Styling!