Category Archives: Accessories Access

3/22/2013 Darling Of The Day: Nikki Reed’s Embellished Blouse Look For Less!

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This week, actress Nikki Reed, of The Twilight Saga fame, hit up Justin Timberlake‘s Target-sponsored release party for his latest album, The 20 / 20 Experience, in a long-sleeved white blouse with stud embellishments on the collar, curve-hugging black skinny pants, towering platforms, & added a bright pop of color with a turquoise clutch. Her look is hitting all the right notes here & I love the simplicity in her menswear-inspired outfit with some trendy touches that any Style Darling can pull off. The prove my point, I went seraching for similar items to complete an affordable outfit that a woman of any size can sport.

This includes the pyramid stud collar blouse ($22.80) from Forever 21, as well as their plus size studded collar Georgette top ($24.80), which is available in sizes XL – 2XL. Both of these tops can work perfectly with a textured pencil skirt at the office, under a blazer with leather leggings for a girl’s night out, or with dark denim jeans & ballet flats for a chic day out on the town. I turned to Old Navy for the bottoms & happily found the Diva skinny jeans ($29.50) in Black Jack, which are sold in sizes 0-20, with short, regular, & tall inseams, & in different washes including dawn, authentic, & rinse. Of course we know that the darker the wash, the better the look, but I’m always excited to share Old Navy’s selection in sizes when it comes to staples like skinny jeans!

As for shoes, I included two options: the nubuck platforms ($24.70) in black from GOjane, as well as Payless‘ Brash Kosmic platform pumps ($24.99) in black, which is a wide width option for those who have difficulty fitting in narrower shoes. I also added two clutch bags since I wasn’t able to find a studded match for the one that Nikki carries, but I loved the contrasting textures & color combination found in  Duro Olowu‘s snakeskin foldover clutch ($30.00) @JC Penney, as well as the simplicity of a patent exterior with Charlotte Russe‘s textured patent envelope wristlet ($12.99) in teal.

Lastly, the final touch to this look is Nikki’s rings which are always a fun way to accessorize any outfit, especially when there are so many subtle details like the collar & on the bag, which is why I thought the Jennifer Lopez silver tone simulated crystal stack ring set ($16.80) from Kohl’s was a good investment if you like to mix up your digit decorations.

While the combination of pieces comes to just over $100, this is still an affordable look inspired by a celebrity on the red carpet. For more red carpet fashion ideas, check out previous posts including the latest Top 10 Celeb Sightings gallery featuring Stacy Keibler & Jessica Alba, neon looks as seen on Beyoncé & Kristen Stewart, the ladies of Oz the Great and Powerful on their stylish press tour, & a complete look at this year’s Oscars red carpet! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Get These Green Pieces For St. Patrick’s Day!

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A friend of mine recently asked me what the big color for spring was going to be & from my research & observation of trends, I saw that emerald green was getting to be very popular, amid the rise in pretty pastels & trendy neons. Nearly everyone looks great in emerald, so I thought, what better day to talk about some amazing emerald pieces than on St. Patrick’s Day!

I know when I’m putting a look together, I usually stick to classic black & white pieces, but there’s nothing better than a special pop of color, especially when it comes to green. First, the Merona 3/4 sleeve v-neck cardigan sweater ($19.99) from Target is the perfect topper to any polka dots, graphic print, or houndstooth sheath dress for both the office & a family party. Speaking of dresses, I love the stretch cotton skater dress ($27.93) from Express (which is currently on sale for 30% off) & the AB Studio lace sheath dress ($25.60) from Kohl’s (which has recently been reduced from its original $64.00 price). Both are reasonably priced & can work for any season if paired with cork wedges or even opaque tights & a boyfriend blazer.

If you prefer separates, then try H&M‘s blouse ($12.95) which can be worn knotted with skinny jeans & sneaker wedges for a casual day out & about, or untucked over some rocker chic leather leggings & metallic pointy toe pumps when headed out with the girls. Also, I recommend the Diva skinny ankle pants ($29.94) from Old Navy to be worn with a cable knit sweater for a preppy look or a flirty blouse & ballet flats when meeting gal pals for a luncheon. Not to mention that Old Navy has a special 17% off coupon code (ONLUCKY) which can be used on almost any online only purchase.

Add green accessories into the mix with some jewelry like the bubble bead statement necklace ($12.99) from Charlotte Russe, which is having a sitewide 20% off sale today, online only! Also, there’s Forever 21‘s iridescent arrowhead drop earrings ($4.80), which can be worn with a modern LBD & strappy sandals, or made exotic for your next vacation in a maxi dress & basketweave wedges.

I always love green in multi-color patterns too, which is why I selected the bright geometric scarf ($19.95) from New York & Company to wear with a denim jacket & jersey skirt while shopping, or to dress up any solid pullover & dark denim jeans. Lastly, you can’t talk about green without mentioning shoes & there are so many ways to wear the Worthington Pennie faux suede ballet flats ($28.00) from JC Penney like with a pair of neutral trousers & button-down shirt. Also, there’s the Payless‘ American Eagle sweetheart high wedge sling ($24.99) with a cotton wrap dress or a chambray tunic & colored denim shorts.

How do you like to wear green? Do you wear green on St. Patrick’s Day? Which are your favorite pieces? What’s your budget for new spring-friendly fashions? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out a budget-friendly spring look for under $100, the complete lookbook of Kate Young’s collection for Target, colorful crossbody bags for under $15.00, neon looks inspired by Beyoncé Knowles & Jennifer Lopez, chic spring break must-haves, & how to wear yellow like Emmy Rossum & Miranda Kerr! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Spring Into A Budget-Friendly Dress Look!

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‘Tis the season to be pretty! There are hints of spring everywhere & I even see flowers starting to pop up out of the ground, which means that it’s time to start considering the new & bright pieces for our wardrobe. This includes cotton dresses, wedges, lightweight cardigans, & baring some skin from under the heavy layers of winter. I was clicking through the Old Navy website, which is when I found the striped fit & flare dress ($20.00) in black & white, which is also available in creme caramel.

I knew this look deserved a pop of color, which is why I added the peep toe wedges ($24.90) in green from Forever 21 & American Eagle Outfitter‘s perforated crossbody bag ($19.99) in lemon yellow. Both pieces are perfect to mix & match with other wardrobe staples like dark denim jeans & a ruffled blouse, a graphic tee & mini skirt, or wrap dress & ballet flats.

To complete the look, I headed to LOFT for the dot haircalf skinny belt ($20.99), which is on sale 30% off with no code needed after its already reduced price. I love the idea of matching stripes & polka dots for a truly feminine look, so I wanted to keep with a black accent in the outfit with Forever 21‘s teardrop rhinestone earrings ($5.80). Lastly, the 4-pack bracelet ($7.95) from H&M is a fun way of adding some personality with the layers of chains, studs, & rhinestones.

The total for this look comes to $99.53 (before taxes) & can make for a wonderfully feminine look for a variety of occasions. Try this dress with a blazer to play up the juxtaposition of its softness with some menswear-inspiration, or consider adding the belt with a floral wrap dress & slingback heels. For more posts on affordable fashion, check out previous posts like Kate Young’s new collection for Target, neon looks inspired by Chloe Grace Moretz & Kristen Stewart, spring break-ready must-haves, sexy stilettos for under $30, how to save on the pink skinny jeans trend, all-white ensembles as seen on Rooney Mara & Nicole Richie, & Lauren Conrad’s latest spring collection for Kohl’s. Happy Styling!

Accessories Access: Spring-Ready Neon Crossbody Bags!

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During a recent trip to the local mall with a good friend, Jennifer, in an effort to find affordable pieces for her upcoming cruise vacation, we stopped into Aeropostale to seek out some cute accessories & clothing, perfect for any tropical island escape. However, what surprised us was the plethora of big sale items in a store that is generally geared toward tween & teen shoppers, but these must-haves were perfect for any Style Darling & making our mission successful.

Although I couldn’t find the exact crossbody bag that Jennifer purchased on the online website, I was happy to share the essential neon crossbody bag ($14.00) in kale, lemon zest, radiant coral, & think pink. The bag was recently reduced in price from its original $36.50. The latest neon trend is more than apparent in accessories, which will certainly make any spring / summer outfit all the more fashionable.

Aeropostale - neon crossbody bag $14.00

I picked this particular style since it’ll work nicely with any casual look, including a blouse with shorts & flats for a brunch, a day of checking out antique shops with some girlfriends, running errands in a button-down & skinny jeans, & lastly, with a maxi dress & gladiator flats when headed out for a picnic with that special someone. Which color is your favorite? Are you currently shopping for a crossbody bag? Do you frequently shop at Aeropostale?

For more posts on affordable fashion, check out more from the neon trend with looks inspired by Chloe Grace Moretz & Kristen Stewart, spring break must-haves from Payless & JC Penney for under $100, sexy stilettos from Forever 21, how to style a graphic tee in four fabulous ways, & Christian Siriano’s ‘Striking’ collection for HSN! Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: Spring Into Neon Yellow This Season!

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Last month I blogged about neon blouses at different price points, sharing the big neon trend that will help Style Darling transition from winter to spring. I’ve seen so much in stores lately in neons, especially in the highlighter yellow variety in tops, dresses, pants, skirts, & accessories, which are perfect for mixing with essentials like dark denim jeans, crisp white pieces, & other bold separates.

Neons have been on the rise for quite a while now, especially on the red carpet & seen on celebrities on the street. This includes Indian beauty Freida Pinto in a lace Atelier Versace peplum gown at the Cannes Film Festival. Also, Jennifer Lopez‘s honey-hued glow looks even more chic in a long-sleeved Michael Kors sheath dress with hot pink pumps by Casadei. Hollywood it-girl Chloe Grace Moretz was all smiles at the People’s Choice Awards in a floral Simone Rocha party dress with black ankle-strap pumps.

Freida Pinto, Jennifer Lopez, CHloe Moretz, Kristen Stewart, & Beyonce Knowles.

At last summer’s Comi-Con, Twilight actress Kristen Stewart mixed a neon BCBG Max Azria skirt with a cropped tee & leather Barbara Bui high tops. Beyoncé knew about the neon trend a few years ago when she hit the streets of Manhattan with neon accessories, including a straw hat & ankle-strap platform sandals with an over-sized tank & grey shorts.

One thing to keep in mind when it comes to neons is that you must wear them in moderation. I did recently show neon yellow in a head-to-toe monochromatic look in a Basics for a Bargain post, however these separates & dresses are perfect for any style. For example, the Prabal Gurung ruffle dress ($39.99) & Mossimo ponte colorblock v-neck dress ($27.99) from Target are timeless & affordable essentials to wear at the office with a blazer or for date night with some textured pumps. Also, Express‘ split back dolman sweater ($23.94), Forever 21‘s contrast racerback trapeze tank ($6.80), & New York & Company‘s two-pocket blouse ($20.00) are cute, affordable, & versatile tops to mix with patterned pants, colorful jeans, or neutral pencil skirts. The varying neon hues from bright & bold to soft & near-pastel are elegant & modern.  

Next, the cropped high rise trousers ($19.80) from Forever 21 are ideal for elongating the legline if you dare to wear neon on your bottom half. Also, for a softer look with neon, I recommend the Worthington colorblocked pleated skirt ($25.00) from JC Penney for a white scoop neck tee or a lacy button-down blouse. You always see celebs wearing shorts & the H&M shorts ($29.95) can work for both casual & dressy occasions, if paired with pointy toe heels, ballet flats, or a sleeveless top.

As for accessories, a neon pop of color is always a great choice. Bags that I just couldn’t resist sharing are the Nine West tech mini cross body bag ($19.95) from DSW & H&M‘s clutch ($24.95). Not to mention chic jewelry pieces like the BCBGeneration Le Piaget neon & crystals stretch bracelet ($24.99) from 6PM & enamel coated stretch ring ($6.00) from Charlotte Russe can turn a day look into something ready for cocktail hour. Lightweight gauzy scarves are always fun to consider with your casual look when you’re running errands or headed out shopping with girlfriends, which is why I picked the plaid scarf ($29.95) from Gap to wear with a denim jacket, leather bomber, or twill blazer.

We can’t talk about neon without mentioning shoes, which are always my favorite part of an outfit! I selected the Prabal Gurung pointy toe pump ($39.99) from Target, neon cap toe ballet flats ($19.99) from American Eagle Outfitters, & Forever 21‘s neon strap platform sandals ($26.80).

What do you think about the neon trend? Would you wear it? Do you like the pieces of clothing or prefer the accessories? Which trends are you following this season? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out spring must haves from Old Navy & Payless, stylish stilettos from Forever 21, all-white looks inspired by Kerry Washington & Emmy Rossum, stylish stud earrings for any occasion, & the latest collection for Kohl’s by Lauren Conrad! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Chic Spring Break Must-Haves For Your Next Vacation!

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The weather outside is pretty nasty here on Long Island & while I’m trying to keep my head up & attitude positive, I know with the recent personal trials that I’ve been through, I need a vacation. Unfortunately, I’m not in the position to do so, but a girl can dream when there are still some shreds of dreams left to ponder. Also, after some inspiring messaging with another Style Darling, I decided to just throw myself into the online retail forum & find some amazing & affordable pieces, perfect for a Spring Break vacation or much-needed warm-weather getaway in my latest post for The $100 Challenge.

Whenever the temperature rises, it’s always stylish to add a maxi dress to your wardrobe, which is why I picked out the chiffon tribal print maxi dress ($16.80) from Forever 21, which can be dressed up with beaded earrings & platform sandals, or made day-ready with a chunky leather belt & gladiators. I also always love checking out the latest in spring shoes, which includes the Brash Molly side t-strap wedge sandal ($19.99) in black from Payless. They’re also available in coral, gold, & white- perfect for mixing with a cotton spring dress, cropped pants & a blouse, or with cut-off jeans & a graphic tee. When spring rolls around, I’m happy to switch out my heavy wool & knit scarves for something lighter & more feminine, like the daisy print infinity scarf ($9.99) from Charlotte Russe to wear with basics like a cotton tee & denim jacket.

The $100 Challenge

Don’t forget that spring & vacations are all about embracing bright colors & while I’m not one to wear shorts myself, I love the shorts ($12.95) in red from H&M, which are also sold in powder pink, black, white, blue, pink, & yellow. For a nautical feel to your look, I recommend the striped roll-tab scoop neck tee ($13.47) in blue from New York & Company, which are a limited quantity item, reduced from their original $26.95 price tag. Also, florals are very popular this time of year, so if you’re headed somewhere chic, the a.n.a. ankle-length skinny jeans ($14.00) in all over floral from JC Penney are great for coordinating with different prints like stripes, polka dots, or plaids. Lastly, for some sparkle with versatility, I choose Old Navy‘s sheer sequin-chiffon tank ($11.99) in pink to wear with satin shorts & platforms for a night out with the girls, dark denim jeans & ballet flats for brunch, or a pencil skirt & boyfriend blazer when headed to an office meeting.

All of this also considers a $100 budget & the total for these comes to $99.19 (before taxes), which is pretty awesome for any Style Darling on a budget. Which pieces are your favorites? Which trends are you following to revamp your spring wardrobe? How much are you willing to spend on essentials for the new season? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out fabulous neon criss cross stilettos from Forever 21, 4 fashionable ways to wear a graphic tee from Old Navy, varying price points on trendy pink jeans, my latest bargain shoe purchases from Target, & floral pants inspired by Diane Kruger’s Stella McCartney look! Happy Styling!

Show Me The Shoes: Crisscross Stiletto Sandals From Forever 21!

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Retail therapy has been proven to cause endorphins of joy, feelings of success, & stress relief (or so I’ve heard & experienced), which is why women often turn to shopping in times of need. This little Style Darling apologizes for the inconsistency in new blog updates, thus breaking my New Year’s Resolution for sharing posts with readers everyday for 2013, but while I’m coping with the hardships behind a broken heart, I’m eager to get back on the horse & try to find some inspiration, even if it’s just in a pair of shoes. When clicking around the web, I found myself on the Forever 21 website & came across the crisscross stiletto sandals ($29.80) in black, tomato, & citron.

Forever 21 - Crisscross Stiletto Sandal $29.80

Of course these colors range from basic to flirty to bold, but they can work for a variety of occasions, including a night out with the girls in a sheath dress, with skinny jeans & a blouse for a weekend luncheon, or for happy hour cocktails with co-workers when you want to slip out of your regular office attire & into something more casual, yet dressed up. I’ve never been one to add a lot of texture or coverage over my ankles, fearing that it would cut off my legline, but I’m really drawn to the juxtaposition of a really sexy, slim heel that will emphasize any feminine outfit, especially with a rear zipper & faux suede outsole. The strong & edgy feel will sharpen any menswear-inspired pieces & can work for any season. Naturally, neons are big for spring & summer, but if you’re into a classic shoe, there’s always a sleek black pair.

What do you think of these shoes? Which color would you choose? Do you like the crisscross detail? How much do you like to spend on shoes when shopping on a budget? For more Show Me The Shoes posts, check out affordable footwear including how to wear flats, heels, & booties with a graphic tee, my latest shoe purchases from Target, Christian Siriano’s latest arrivals for Payless, & Rachel Zoe’s collaboration with ShoeDazzle. Happy Styling!

Ad Madness: Jennifer Lawrence’s Debut Ads For Dior’s Miss Dior!

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Jennifer Lawrence for Dior's Miss Dior

Jennifer Lawrence might just be the most buzzed about celebrity this weekend, especially since the Oscars are tomorrow & she’s up for her second nomination as Best Actress (this time for Silver Linings Playbook). The undeniably charming & gorgeous starlet has been spotted all over the red carpet in designs by Dior, but now we can finally start talking about her long-awaited debut as the face of Miss Dior.

Jennifer Lawrence for Dior's Miss Dior

These recently released ads show the sometimes brunette actress clutching an assortment of quilted handbags, donning decadent jewels, & even gazing longingly behind a netted veil, all styled by Olivier Rizzo with looks from Raf Simons‘ Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection. There’s no doubt that the Willy Vanderperre-shot ads are elegant & chic, but I’d love to see the fun & youthful side of Lawrence’s personality shine through more in future ads. Perhaps something beachy & flirty for the summer? Who knows?

Jennifer Lawrence for Dior's Miss Dior

What do you think of Jennifer as Dior’s spokesmodel? For more on celebrity posts, be sure to check back tomorrow night for a complete & fashionable gallery of the red carpet for the Academy Awards. Also, if you love checking out celebrity ad campaigns, take a look at previous posts in Ad Madness, including Gucci’s Guilty Black fragrance with Evan Rachel Wood & Chris Evans, Kate Upton’s shoot for Sam Edelman shoes, & Kate Hudson’s latest for Almay! Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Chanel Reinvents La Montre PREMIERE!

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In a world where everyone owns a cell phone, tinkers with a tablet on the subway, or uses other such jacked-up flat screen electronic devices at all times, it seemed unnecessary for me to wear a watch since a digital answer was just a click away. However, thanks to a very special someone <3, my favorite Hello Kitty watch has been revamped with a gorgeous new white leather band, a holiday gift which also included a new battery so that its inside hands may carry on. I’ve rediscovered my appreciation for a timepiece- not to mention the value of time, especially when it comes to cherishing the moments that can define a shared connection between two people. Such untimed flashes of emotion include hearing I-love-you & saying it back for the first time, getting lost in one another’s embraces outside during the first snowfall of a relationship & in the stark coldness of a brisk parking lot just before two cars pull away separately, or lastly, how there’s an automatic response to reach across a sticky table surface to hold one’s watch-adorned hand since those fingers belong entangled together more so than any invention with wheels or springs could ever measure. Yes, time has been on my mind.

While this post shares the latest in watch design from Chanel, wearing something with Hello Kitty’s pink-bowed face on it with rhinestones & a silver-tone frame from an Avon catalogue doesn’t necessarily fall on the same level of luxury. It’s still nonetheless valuable in more ways than I could ever put into words, always reminding me the hour of the day, as well the individual who I’ll hold in my heart as time continues to tick away- a metronome for when our song may commence again. To each their own…

However, in the recent down time that I’ve had while enduring the aftermath of last weekend’s winterstorm Nemo, I was able to catch up on some movies that were taking up space on my DVR, including Coco Before Chanel, starring the always lovely Audrey Tautou as the couturière. The film follows Gabrielle Chanel, starting with her days before adopting the nickname Coco, falling in love for the first time, & experiencing her first & only tragic heartbreak. She develops her own fashion sense once moving to the the French countryside, inspired mainly by menswear. She was progressive in rejecting what she thought were gaudy embellishments, as well as offensive & uncomfortable silhouettes for women in real life. Which brings me to my ultimate point…

Chanel La Montre Premiere

The House of Chanel has recently reinvented & re-issued their La Montre PREMIERE watch, which was first released in 1987. Sadly, Chanel herself never designed a watch for the brand in her lifetime, but details like its octagonal case, diamond & pearl decoration in each variation, as well as delicate, yet structured links channel the legendary icon’s personal sense of fashion. I found the video below, which shows the watch in action, mixed with modern-day casual looks, streetwear for the girl-on-the-go, office-friendly outfits, cocktail frocks, & everything in between, needlessly proving the longevity of Chanel style. Yes, that’s a time-related pun in there.

For more fashionable videos, check out previous posts including Beyoncé’s Vogue cover shoot, Justin Timberlake’s Grammy performance, behind-the-scenes for the Versace Spring-Summer 2013 ad campaign, & an inside look at Season 2 of Girls! Happy Styling!

Fabulous In 4 Ways: An Old Navy Graphic Tee For Day, Weekend, Date, & Cocktail!

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There’s so much going on in fashion right now & all of the latest spring styles have been hitting retailers, which means that it’s time to consider how you can revamp your wardrobe for the upcoming season. One trick that I recently experimented with was how to dress up a graphic tee for more than just a day look, which is the inspiration behind my latest Fabulous in 4 Ways post. I’m always drawn to pretty t-shirts with fashion-related designs, something Parisian, or a classic Hello Kitty print, however the watercolor-graphic v-neck tee ($14.94) in lodge khaki from Old Navy caught my eye for its modern look over a neutral hue. I’ve decided to share how to style this top for day, weekend, date, & cocktail, ranging in price from $83.52 – $133.48.

For the day look, I loved bringing out fun colors like the 1969 always skinny jeans ($21.99) in lemon meringue from Gap & pairing it with the Christian Siriano Camile bow flat ($26.99) in dark green from Payless. Of course there’s always dark denim as an option, but I loved the neutrality of the tabbed sleeve jacket ($22.50) in Olive from Wet Seal. For an extra splash of style, I picked the 1928 jet-tone filigree teardrop earrings ($5.00) from Kohl’s, which will dress up any casual look & even work with a sheath or LBD for a night out on the town.

When you’re headed away for the weekend, consider comfortable options like the Mossimo Supply Co. bootcut denim ($22.99) in dark wash from Target. To add some extra height to this already casual chic look, I love the basic longline cardigan ($12.80) in black from Forever 21, which gives that boyfriend-sweater menswear look, especially when paired with the Michael Antonio Mallory bootie ($24.99) in black from Piperlime. Lastly, the tribal style bangle set ($7.80) in gold / dark brown from Forever 21 highlight the colors in the graphic tee & bring some extra personality to the whole ensemble.

On the flipside, experiment with this graphic tee, or any printed top for a cocktail look with the feminine skirt ($29.95) in black from H&M & edgy Jacquez jacket ($24.98) in jet black from G by Guess. To contrast the softness of the watercolor butterflies, I choose Charlotte Russe‘s spiked zip-back sueded pumps ($38.50) in black, which complimented the two tone chevron statement necklace ($12.90) from Windsor Store.

A date night look is the perfect opportunity for dressing up a graphic tee, especially when there are options like The Limited‘s silver & rose gold sequin jacket ($49.99) with the faux leather moto leggings ($39.80) in black from Forever 21. Sexy accessories for this look include the sparkling geo drop earrings ($4.80) in black / gold, also from Forever 21, as well as the patent faux leather pumps ($23.95) in black from GOjane, which have been recently marked down.

For more posts on affordable fashion, check out how to find the best bargain-priced pink jeans, look-alike floral Stella McCartney pants as seen on Diane Kruger, clearance heels & flats from Target, winter white looks inspired by Nicole Richie & Taylor Swift, Lauren Conrad’s latest Kohl’s collection, & Christian Siriano’s newest designs for Payless. Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Pastels, Polka Dots, & Pops Of Color!

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The $100 ChallengeI’ve been up to earrings in fashion news lately, but I’ve definitely wanted to spend more time focusing on shopping tips for an affordably fashionable spring & that starts with pastel & neon jeans. I’ve yet to find a pair that works for me since I’m a little self-conscious about wearing the lighter & brighter hues on my curvier lower half, but the search isn’t over yet. One example that I need to pursue is the 1969 neon always skinny skimmer jeans ($21.99) in neon violet from Gap, which are also available in neon mint green. What I love about these is that they’re available in sizes 4-20.

I didn’t want to play down the fun color in the jeans, which is why I picked out the jumbo polka dot print shirt ($13.50) from Forever 21 & the ribbon & jewel bodyshaper tank ($8.00) in heather grey from New York & Company. Both pieces are perfect for mixing & layering with other basics like a pencil skirt, boyfriend jeans, or leggings.

For this look, I wanted to create a fashionable day outfit for any season, but with an extra punch of femininity & polish, which is why I picked Payless‘ Lower East Side Chelsea flat ($16.99) in black glitter. Also, I picked these shoes since I know that they’re super comfortable b/c I own the gold version. They’re perfect for wearing a demure LBD with opaque tights, or casually with leather shorts & a crisp white shirt. Additional accessories include the Mudd Kara triple-zip cross body bag ($23.80) in lemon from Kohl’s, carved roses Parisian charm necklace ($8.50) from Claire’s, & Forever 21‘s lacquered rhinestone studs ($3.80).

To see more affordable looks, check out more posts from The $100 Challenge, including three all-black outfits, a black & silver look with pieces from The Limited & GOjane, how to dress up with black textured accessories, a striped & tweed cocktail ensemble, & a leopard print date-ready dress from Old Navy! Happy Styling!

Accessories Access: Stay In Style With Studs From Forever 21!

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In my last post for Accessories Access, I featured some super fancy drop earrings in red & blue, but time & time again, I love to share my obsession with stud earrings. Maybe it’s my long hair, the fact that I wear glasses, or love to accessorize my looks with hairclips or headbands, but I just don’t feel that for my style, oversized drop earrings are my thing.

However, I was surfing around on my iPhone’s apps, which included Forever 21 & I started browsing for jewelry, which is the inspiration for this latest post.  The spring bloom cluster studs ($5.80) in cream/pink are dainty & delicate to match with a pastel sweater dress or to dress up a turtleneck with skinny jeans. For bow-lovers out there, the lacquered bow studs ($3.80) in black/gold are perfect for any office look, date night, or casual day with the girls. Also, I love the color combination in the multi-colored rhinestone studs ($2.80) in aqua/mint, which will pick up nicely for any floral jeans look with a striped top. Lately, I’ve been feeling a Parisian inspiration & just adore the Eiffel Tower studs ($3.80) in dark grey, which are also available in clear/antique gold.

In addition, I’m loving some of the vintage-inspired details on these studs, including the bejeweled faux stone earrings ($4.80) in mint/gold. I’m always a fan of daisies in unexpected ways, which is why I selected the flowered heart studs ($3.80) in black/clear & I’d wear these for virtually any occasion with other feminine shapes for my other ear piercings. The sparkling pearlescent flower studs ($3.80) in pink/gold contain the best of so many details including rhinestones for sparkle, pearls for that demure sophistication, & a lacquered surface for any contemporary look. Flowers & bows aren’t the only shapes getting jeweled attention these days, which is why I picked the trendy metallic pyramid studs ($3.80) in pink, which are also available in lavender/dark gray & clear/silver.

Which studs are your favorites? Do you like to mix up concepts in your jewelry? Where do you like to shop for fashion jewelry? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out yellow looks inspired by Kirsten Dunst & Kate Mara, Christian Siriano’s spring collection for Payless, cute cardigans for $20 & under, & a black & silver cocktail look for under $100! Happy Styling!

Show Me The Shoes: Up To 70% Off Clearance Shoes @Nine West!

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Retailers are still in that transition period between seasons, which means that it’s the perfect time to get your hands, or feet in this case, on clearance deals on shoe. More specifically, Nine West is clearing out their online shelves with deals up to 70% off on a sale shoes. These prices are perfect for wearing the redt of the winter, preparing for this coming spring / summer, & even wearing on an upcoming vacation.

Nine West

I picked the Leggy wedge ($39.99) in camel multi leopard, which is perfect to match with a belted neutral shirt dress or with your favorite denim shorts & blouse.  The Heartbeat pumps ($39.99) in purple are essential for upgrading any office look- not to mention, they’re also available in blue. I featured the Love Fury ($39.99) pumps in a post last year in Black Friday Sale Update, but in red, however both pairs are now reduced from their original $89.00 price. Lastly, since I’m a sucker for animal print & ankle booties, I just had to include the Haywire booties ($39.99) in natural multi pony, which are probably the best deal I’ve seen on the Nine West site since they’ve been marked down from $129.00!

How would you wear these shoes? Do you like to shop during the end-of-the-season deals? Which style of shoe is your favorite? Do you prefer classic leather shoes or like to experiment with textures? For more from Show Me The Shoes, check out posts including Payless’ new arrivals by Christian Siriano, Rachel Zoe’s ShoeDazzle collaboration, footwear from Prabal Gurung’s Target collection, & video about the shoes the stars wore to this year’s Golden Globes! Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: Hello Yellow For Winter & Spring, Inspired By Emmy Rossum, Miranda Kerr, Anna Kendrick, & More!

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Yellow is one of those colors that’s always a little risky to wear out on the red carpet, but when it’s done right, it can look really spectacular.  Not to mention that the color is coming back for this season (following right behind emerald trends), which we’ve seen on some of today’s most stylish celebrities.  This includes former Grey’s Anatomy star, Nora Zehetner wore a minimalist Calvin Klein Collection sheath mini at a Metropolitan Museum of Art event last month. Lauren Conrad showed off her feminine side, as usual, in a bright Yoana Baraschi dress with suede neutral pumps. Actress Kate Mara looked stunning in a Dior shift dress at the London premiere of House of Cards with a suede box clutch by Nancy Gonzalez & satin peep toe pumps.

Nora Zehetner, Lauren Conrad, Kate Mara, Emmy Rossum, Anna Kendrick, & Jada Pinkett Smith.

Shameless star Emmy Rossum also donned Dior with a metallic minaudiere & strappy black sandals. For an interview on The Late Show with David Letterman, Anna Kendrick asymmetrical sheath dress by Halston Heritage is offset by nude peep toe pumps & jewelry by Dana Rebecca Designs. Lastly, during a recent appearance on Katie, Jada Pinkett Smith slipped into a curve-hugging Victoria Beckham dress with towering, patterned platform pumps.

It wasn’t heard to search the web for some cute & affordable yellow dresses to wear with your favorite evening shoes, collar necklaces, stacked bangles, or statement rings. Yellow dresses are also popular in pastels like the cutout ribbon back dress ($27.80) from Forever 21, which is described as “citron.” @Macy’s, the Bar III cap-sleeve seamed scoop neck dress ($29.99) is marked down from its original $69.00 price tag.  For a figure-flattering, sexy dress, the ASOS wrap front pencil dress ($56.29) is the perfection attention-grabbing option, especially is paired with strappy sandals, or belted & worn under a boyfriend blazer.

The Ark & Co ‘Swept Away’ strapless dress ($46.00) from Lulu’s is a pretty option, especially if you want to show off your décolletage with a spiked necklace & messy updo. Lastly, the Mossimo casual one-shoulder dress ($24.99) from Target is a flowy & flirty number to wear casually with gladiator flats when on vacation, or with a velvet bolero & textured tights.

Also, yellow separates really make an outfit pop, so if you’re wearing neutrals, this bright color can really work the value of basics like dark denim jeans, a black sweater, or a mini skirt. Take a cue from Olivia Palermo‘s wool-blend coat from Old Navy with leather leggings & oversized turtleneck. Also, supermodel Miranda Kerr tops off her casual look with a yellow blazer, perfect for a chic day out shopping. Kirsten Dunst played with yellow in her printed Stella McCartney separates at the premiere of The Bachelorette with ankle strap suede heels. 

Olivia Palermo, Miranda Kerr, Kirsten Dunst, Kim Kardashian, & Taylor Swift.

Kim Kardashian‘s colorblocked look made headlines, especially with her sophisticated Chloé blouse & mary jane Christian Louboutin platforms. Taylor Swift plays up her girl-next-door style in a pleated yellow skirt, also by Chloé, with a tucked in cable knit sweater & bowed ballet flats.

Get inspired to add some yellow thoughtfully to your look with these affordable pieces.  First, the Tinley Road Bleecker blazer ($39.99) from Piperlime is fun to wear over an LBD for the office, or to dress up a graphic tee & jeans with pointy toe pumps. You can head to Express to find the mesh inset blouson tee ($24.90) for floral pants, satin shorts & tights, or tucked into a brocade pencil skirt. Another top worth considering is the blouse ($29.95) from H&M to coordinate under an embellished cardigan, over a silk cami, or with a contrasting hue like red or cobalt jeans. Also, Piperlime‘s Greylin Viv ponte pencil skirt ($42.99) is a timeless basic to match with a printed top or classic & crisp button-down shirt.

Accessories in yellow aren’t hard to come by either… & there’s always a place in your look for this color. The embossed skinny belt ($14.99) from Coldwater Creek is currently half off & will add a special touch of texture to tweed or suede pieces. I also love the fringed drop earrings ($6.80) from Forever 21, which will work for an evening look with a cocktail dress & even bring out the personality of a tropical maxidress in the summer.

You can never go wrong with yellow shoes. I am the proud owner of at least three pair & I don’t mean that they’re gold- they range in the banana to mustard hues & I’ve found so many uses for them. I love the Steve Madden Rockkk flats ($29.99) from 6pm, which originally cost as high as $60.00 when they hit the market. Finally, for the shoe-lover out there, the Michael Antonio Tracey sandal ($29.94) from DSW offers a sexy way to show off your gams, while still embracing the color yellow.

Do you like to wear yellow? Which celebrity do you think pulls off yellow the best? Do you have a favorite yellow piece that you like to incorporate into your look? For more affordable fashion ideas, check out posts including stylish cardigans $20 & under, polka dot pants for any season, Victoria’s Secret’s latest nail polish launch, & fabulous flats by Fergalicious on clearance! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: A Black & Silver Look On A Budget!

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The $100 ChallengeJust b/c New Year’s Eve is long gone, that doesn’t mean we can’t still have a little sparkle & shine in our wardrobe. While I’ve been clicking around to find the best clearance deals on the latest markdowns, I keep coming back to Kohl’s, which is where I found the Jennifer Lopez foil racerback tank ($10.20) in primer gray.  Of course, this top is versatile for a casual day in skinny jeans & ballet flats under a flyaway cardigan, or perfect for a night out with the girls with leather leggings & cut-out booties.  I’ve paired this look with the high waist sequin stripe pencil skirt ($24.99) from The Limited & GOjane‘s open front cropped blazer ($24.95).

To accessorize this look, I’ve also found the pointed hologram pumps ($24.80) in gunmetal from Forever 21, which are also available in silver & rose, but there, you can find the diamond spike necklace ($1.50).  Lastly, a gorgeous cocktail ring for any evening look is the Apt. 9 jet simulated crystal stretch ring ($8.99) from Kohl’s.

Would you wear a shiny top like this during the day? How would you style it? Have you been shopping the sale racks? Where do you usually go to find the best end-of-the-season deals? For more posts featured in The $100 Challenge, check out a black & blue dressy look, an LBD date night ensemble, how to mix stripes & tweed, a coral & cap toe feminine outfit, & how to wear animal prints with embellished accessories! Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: The Entire Prabal Gurung For Target Collection Lookbook!

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Back in November, I featured a video of designer Prabal Gurung talking about his inspiration behind his highly anticipated collaboration with Target, which has now been revealed on the web with a stunning 41-image lookbook.  Prices for the clothing & accessories line range from $13 to $200, including amazing jewelry, neon shoes, timeless handbags, plenty of dresses, & flirty separates.

In an interview with InStyle, Gurung revealed, “It’s about this girl falling in love from the time she first sees the guy right until the time they get married… I had this idea of a girl who finds her journal in her attic and she starts to go through it and remembers…” He adds, “I hope the woman who buys my designs feels a bit of happiness and romance when wearing them.“

The collection will debut in stores & online on February 10th. Are you going to be waiting in line to snag some of these covetous items? Do you follow designer collaborations with mainstream retailers? Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Bundle Up With A Stylish Scarf From Forever 21 (Under $10)!

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As soon as the first brisk breeze of fall appears, you can guarantee that I’ll be wearing a scarf until the first sunny spring day… however I do wear scarves when its cooler at night too. I’m a big fan of adding layers of interest to your look & there are plenty of ways to do so while keeping your ensemble stylish & fresh.  It took me a while to get into scarves, but over the last 2 or 3 years, I’ve turned into the crazy scarf lady & was even the happy recipient of a luxe cream & black houndstooth scarf for Christmas that matches perfectly with my new cream wool coat. 

Anyway, when it comes to accessories like scarves, you can have a lot of fun with colors, fabrics, & prints, which is why I always look @Forever 21 to get some scarf inspiration. I was happy to find a selection of five very fashionable scarves for under $10, so I knew it was time to post in The Stylish Five!

My selections include the geometric tassle scarf ($5.00) in black/fuchsia, but you can also find this four addition color combinations.  Next, to stay warm, I recommend the soft chunky loose knit scarf ($9.50) in olive.  If this hue isn’t your style, then be sure to check out the hot pink, rust, & teal options to create a cute, layered look.  As a proponent of pattern, a feminine floral can be found in the ditsy flower scarf ($8.80) in peach/cream.  This is also a sweet-looking accessory to wear over a button-down shirt & denim skirt.  Also, the frayed spotted scarf ($8.80) adds a hint of animal-print in a subtle blue, sure to bring out your eyes.  Lastly, for the Style Darling with a classic aesthetic, I recommend the frayed woven scarf ($5.80) in green, but it is also sold in cream, black, pink, yellow, & purple. 

What’s your scarf style? Do you like to match your outerwear accessories? Do you prefer solid colors over printed textures? Happy Styling!

Accessories Access: Bold Red & Blue Drop Earrings From Wet Seal For Under $5.00!

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I’ve been featuring a great deal in Runway Rundown, & while I’d love to own the latest from Burberry Prorsum or Badgley Mischka, I just don’t think that’s in the cards at the moment. However, I always feel that it’s important to keep updated on what’s going on in fashion. I get so much of my inspiration to blog & for my wardrobe from what’s hitting the catwalk, but for now, I’m loving bold jewelry. I’m not crazy about wearing gaudy drop earrings, just my personal taste, but I know it looks good on some of my friends.

Wet Seal - earrings $4.99

When you’re looking for that one special piece to really add some punch to your look, you don’t have to search high & low, especially since Wet Seal has so much on clearance right now, including the jewel drop linear earrings ($4.99) & jeweled teardrop earrings ($4.99), which are both available in red & cobalt. This extra splash of color can transform your classic LBD or sheath dress, fitting perfectly with the statement jewelry trend. 

For more fabulous finds on affordable fashion & accessories, check out previous posts, including up to 70% off the Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection @Target, affordable all-black outfits, & five flats for under $25! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: The Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection For Target Is Up To 70% Off Online & In Stores!

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We all heard about the fabulous designer collection that came to Target, wrought with items for the household & whole family from Jason Wu, Marchesa, Diane von Furstenberg, Prabal Gurung, & more, courtesy of a collaboration with the ever so luxurious Neiman Marcus.  However, aren’t we lucky that all of these glamorous items are up to 70% off on the Target website & in stores? I’ve been doing  a lot of clicking around & have found that there are plenty of sizes available for the apparel, so it’s time to break out those gift cards & shop now!

You can start booking that glamorous vacation to somewhere tropical & warm, especially since these prices of must-have travel essentials are pretty darn amazing.  This includes the Oscar de la Renta tote ($17.99) in white, Carolina Herrera travel bag set ($11.99), & Alice + Olivia luggage ($53.99). If your winter plans bring you somewhere fancy, then be sure to grab one of these amazing dresses, like the Robert Rodriguez lace dress ($29.99) & Lela Rose floral dress ($29.99), either of which will work for any upcoming weddings or formal events for the winter or spring!

Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection for Target

This collection even has items that will make your casual wear more polished & posh, including the Proenza Schouler sweatshirt ($8.99), Tracy Reese sequin blouse ($23.99), & the Marc Jacobs scarf ($20.99) in black. 

To shop more from this collection, head over to this link! Which pieces are you coveting? Did you buy anything from the holiday collection when it first debuted? Do you prefer to buy these pieces online or in stores? Happy Styling!

Fabulous In 4 Ways: A Spiked Sweater From GOjane For Day, Weekend, Date, & Cocktail!

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I love it when I’m searching the web for a blog & then get totally side-tracked with inspiration for another blog.  That’s how I came to find the metallic spiked shoulder patch sweater ($47.20) in silver from GOjane. Now, this sweater is totally not my style & it’s a little high in price for one item (for me, anyway), but I couldn’t get it off my mind. Rather than building just one look with the unforgettable piece, I needed to play with it for another Fabulous In 4 Ways post!

Spike details have been trending for quite some time now, what with accents on jewelry, shoes, bags, & now clothing.  Of course, it takes a certain kind of Style Darling to pull this look off & here are some suggestions for day, weekend, date, & cocktail on how to wear this eye-catching sweater!  Let’s start off with weekend, which is a two-day break from the confines of your office apparel & evening pieces when you’re headed out on a date.  I wanted to create an easy & comfortable ensemble to wear when shopping with girlfriends or taking in the sites with your beau.  This includes the skinny pieced sequin pants ($19.50) in charcoal from Wet Seal, paired with the bow front canvas flat ($15.00) in black from Charlotte Russe.  Since there’s so much going on with the striking sweater, I wanted to keep my accessories sweet & functional, which is why I selected Forever 21‘s owl charms necklace ($1.50) in gold/black & the Kirna Zabete kiss print sequins schlepper tote ($17.48) from Target. 

When it comes to daywear, a similar vibe from the weekend look is seen, but I love the distressed look of H&M‘s slim regular jeans ($29.95) in black with the scalloped platform wedges ($32.80) in black from Forever 21. The top is flashy enough for day that I simply added Wet Seal‘s 3 on stackable rings ($7.50) in tri-tone to the look, which can be worn on different fingers or stacked on one, as seen above. When I go out during the day, I love the ease of sweaters & basic pants, but this look has a little extra splash, offering a street style smash worthy of Miranda Kerr or Olivia Palermo. 

For a cocktail look, it’s always recommended to go with a short dress & some towering heels, but I feel that this sweater is successful even when you’re having drinks with co-workers, or looking to break out those pajama-inspired silk pants.  Brocade & other such luxe fabrics are all the rage this season, which is why I turned to The Limited for the Drew mini tab-waist jacquard ankle pants ($29.99) in silver, which have just been marked down.  In keeping with the glitzy metallics, I added the metallic x-front peep toe pump ($25.00) in rose gold from Charlotte Russe, which helps dress up both the pants & sweater.  Lastly, a simple pendant will do, such as the Candie’s jet marquise pendant ($13.00) from Kohl’s. 

 If you’re looking to make an impression on a date night, show off your gams to offset the sweater’s volume with the side panel sweater mini skirt ($19.99) in black from Express, along with the Nina Pangea sandal ($19.94) in brown leopard from DSW.  You’ve got texture in the strong shoulder, but don’t be afraid to add a little something else like a classic bag to downplay the edginess.  @Sears, a great bargain can be found with the Scarleton faux snake flap clutch ($15.99) in black. For a final splash of sass, I recommend the cutout ring ($3.80) in gold from Forever 21 as the only piece of jewelry for your special night. 

These looks range in price from $100.68 – $117.45, which isn’t bad when you consider how many different ways you’ll be able to wear all the pieces, not just the spiky sweater.  Do you like spike details? What kind of hardware do you look for in clothing? Or, do you prefer them on accessories like shoes or bags?

For more stylish posts & outfit ideas, check out The $100 Challenge, featuring a black & blue look based off a Gap dress, how to work stripes & tweed, & perfect LBD look with sparkly tights & a cardigan! Also, in Basics for a Bargain, get your wardrobe’s worth with coats inspired by Jessica Chastain & Victoria Beckham, pointy toe heels like the ones seen on Maria Sharapova & Tina Fey, as well as how to get affordable separates looks like Kristen Stewart & Alexa Chung! Lastly, just b/c I love a bargain, check out Splurge of Save? to find out the best prices for polka dot tights, floral & stripe looks inspired by the pages of Marie Claire, & winter-friendly red suede ankle booties! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Dress Up Those Winter Blues With Textured Black Pieces!

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The $100 ChallengeFor a long time I never liked the blue & black combination, perhaps b/c of the nasty bruise reference, but somewhere along the way, blues became richer, more regal, & elegant to wear, especially for evening.  When paired with black pieces, it somehow looked refreshing & it’s now a combination that I’m very drawn to, especially considering how well hues like royal & cobalt look on me! Once I saw the fluid wrap dress ($27.99) in active blue on sale @Gap, I knew this was going to be a foundation piece for my next post in The $100 Challenge.  Of course, it’s also available in black, but I thought for a funky mix for day or a cocktail party, I’d mix it up with some special black accessories.

When it comes to winter, I really love adding suede with softer fabrics, or bringing out quilted, sequined, or animal-embossed textures to make the black look more luxurious. Therefore I was inspired by the sheer pattern cardigan ($29.95) from H&M to add immediate interest that will catch the eye over the simple front of the solid color dress. Also, to make the look edgier, I added the perforated peep toe booties ($20.99) in black from Forever 21, which can also be mixed with leggings, skinny jeans, or a mini skirt from the fall into spring.

Since it is winter, no look is complete without a pair of tights, which is why I selected the Minicci vertical weave tights ($3.00) from Payless, which are currently on clearance & also sold in grey to add to an office ensemble. Since we’re working on a budget here, I couldn’t go all out with jewelry, but I loved the look of the Rock & Republic gold tone skull shield c-hoop earrings ($4.80) from Kohl’s.  Lastly, I wanted to add a must-have bag that can be used for a variety of occasions & outfits, so @Charlotte Russe, I found the deco flap chain-strap clutch ($12.99).

For more posts on affordable fashion, check out all black looks inspired by Rihanna & Diane Kruger, 4 ways to wear floral skinny pants, fabulous flats for under $25, & pointy toe heels inspired by Kate Bosworth & Rashida Jones! Happy Styling!

Fabulous in 4 Ways: Floral Skinny Pants From H&M For Day, Date, Cocktail, & Weekend!

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Just b/c the holidays are mostly over, it doesn’t mean that the glamour has to end. The latest trends in spring fashion are slowly, but surely emerging & this includes floral pants. They’re not just for springtime, especially when there are so many chic & cozy ways to dress up or dress down florals when the weather is still chilly outside.  I’d like to take a look at some celebrity inspiration to see how the A-listers are wearing this trend.

Kristin Cavallari shares her chic maternity style in Joe’s Jeans with a basic black top & blazer to offset the vibrant pattern.  90210 star Shenae Grimes adds some punk flavor to her Alice + Olivia cropped pants with strappy booties & a leather top.  Playing with the same idea is Minka Kelly, whose Dolce & Gabbana floral pants are enhanced by suede peep toe pumps & a bright rectangular clutch.  Singer Lana Del Rey plays up her demure style in Citizens of Humanity pants under her trench coat with embellished ballet flats.  Lastly, Twilight star Kristen Stewart sticks to her favorite designer, Balenciaga, for her micro floral printed pants, paired with a Rebecca Minkoff blazer & a Juicy Couture tank.

Kristin Cavallari, Shenae Grimes, Minka Kelly, Lana Del Rey, & Kristen Stewart.Even if we look to the runways for Spring 2013, you’ll find that there’s plenty of floral on the bottom. Floral isn’t meant just for dresses, skirts, or blouses anymore. It can be an unexpected pop of femininity or juxtapose more masculine pieces for day or evening.  For example, we’ve seen this in collections from Jason Wu, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Lela Rose, Paul & Joe, & Tanya Taylor. Here, complimenting colors in your floral prints can work to accentuate a factor of luxury in your look, especially when it comes to jackets, cardigans, scarves, & heels.

Jason Wu, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Lela Rose, Paul & Joe, & Tanya Taylor. The pants in question for today’s Fabulous in 4 Ways post are the floral pants ($24.95) from H&M. Not only are these an amazing bargain, but I’m convinced that these can be worn in a variety of ways to get the most out of your wardrobe basics for day, weekend, date, & cocktail hour.  These may be a little hard to pull off in the office, depending on what your work dress code is, but for the more casual environments, I recommend a cute blouse & pumps to make your look polished & professional.

First, for daytime when you’re running some errands or meeting with your girlfriends for a casual luncheon (á la Sex & the City), I recommend playing with the colors in the pants, including the ruched panel cardigan ($9.99) in gold from Dress Barn worn over the lurex lace bra cami ($14.99) in true white from Express. When floral pants such as these are the focal point of your look, you can play with textures to add interest, which is why I’ve selected the Kenneth Cole ‘Slip Me One’ flats ($29.97) in red @Piperlime & the easy metallic combo of Forever 21‘s beaded hoop earrings ($5.80).

Keep it cozy when it comes to a weekend look, if you’re headed out to a movie during the day with your beau & then sit by the fireplace eating Chinese food. Yes, that’s what I’d like my weekends to be, which is why I picked the striped sweater with oversized cowl neck ($34.96) in herbal mist from New York & Company to wear with the Brash Zoey riding boot ($39.99) in black from Payless. The mixture of stripes & florals has fascinated me for a while, so when you’re cooped up with your significant other in the house when the weather is on the frightful side, experiment with your looks a little to keep things fresh.  However, if you’re headed out, I love the mix of tassels with the patent textures in the daisy fuentes Gemini studded cross-body handbag ($29.50) in magenta from Kohl’s matched with a little more spring fever in the floral bangle set ($7.80) from Forever 21.

When it comes to date night looks, you always have to consider where you’re headed.  Floral pants may seem busy, but if accessorized correctly, they’re the perfect foundation for a sophisticated & smart look to impress your date.  I picked the teardrop cut-out blouse ($24.99) in black from The Limited, a piece that is sure to make the rounds with other wardrobe staples like a pencil skirt, boyfriend jeans, & leggings.  Of course in skinny pants like these, a pair of DSW‘s BCBG Paris Preena pumps ($29.94) in fuchsia will elongate the legline & won’t be as intimidating as some seriously pointy toe shoes.  For a special finishing touch, I love the colorblocked flap crossbody ($19.80) from Forever 21 & Mixit hematite stone tassel drop earrings ($4.00) from JC Penney.

For a cocktail event, pants aren’t necessarily the first thing to come to mind, especially when a dress is so easy to throw on with some snazzy earrings & killer heels. However, if you’re running around & don’t have time to get that go-to LBD dry-cleaned, you can rely on floral plants to build an evening-ready cocktail look, including the gem collar peplum top ($30.00) in aubergine from Topshop with a built-in jeweled neckline that helps accessorize your ladylike ensemble.  Also, I’ve added the Abrianna heels ($34.99) in bone from ALDO with the sparkling sequin hinge wallet ($9.99) in champagne from Charlotte Russe. Lastly, b/c there’s so much going on in the look already, I didn’t want to bog it down with extra bling, but here’s your opportunity to break out a really fabulous cocktail ring like the affordable stretch oval ring ($12.99) in orange from Target.

Do you own floral pants? Would you consider adding them to your wardrobe? How would you style them? For more styling posts, check out my affordable LBD look, statement rings for under $10, & how to wear a metallic faux leather skirt in 4 ways! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Stripes, Tweed, & Gold Accessories For Your Best Holiday Look!

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I’ve been really inspired lately by the looks put together & shared on Facebook by pages such as “Fashion is my World”, Trendy Fashion Jewelry, fashion lady, & Fashion Dream, not to mention countless others that I was able to share with my readers.  I love looking for affordable fashion & putting together luxe looks with pieces that are realistic to any wardrobe & can be mixed & matched for a variety of looks.  Thus, my latest post for The $100 Challenge features, first & foremost, the Merona Sparkle Tweed skirt ($22.99) from Target that I’ve been eyeing each time I hit up the store. The $100 Challenge

Also, I’m excited to play with the latest trend of stripes, which is why I included the striped long sleeve top ($12.80) in royal / peach from Forever 21.  Paired with such a rich texture, this top is perfect for a cocktail party & gold accessories makes for an interesting contrast.  Speaking of gold, the rest of the look really comes to life with the Apt. 9 gold tone mesh oval link long necklace ($17.60) from Kohl’s, metal lattice ring ($5.24) from The Limited, Fioni halo chop-out glitter sandal ($24.99) from Payless, & JC Penney‘s Call It Spring Bulciago wristlet ($12.00).

The total for this look comes to $95.62, before taxes, & has enough versatility to last for many cocktail affairs, the office, a casual day, & even a glam date night out.  Which trends are you following this season? Do you pair stripes with fancier pieces to create an unexpected look? Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Glittering Cocktail Rings For The Holidays ($10 & Under)!

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I’ve been talking a lot about classic stud earrings & statement necklaces for the holidays, but you can’t forget about the joys of cocktail rings.  A special piece of bling on your finger while sipping a glass of wine is always a great way to toast the season.  It wasn’t hard to search for fantastic accessories to pair with your metallic dresses, embellished tops & brocade skirts, or silky pants & pointed toe pumps. 

I love Charlotte Russe‘s glitter gemstone dome ring ($6.00) in mint, which will ass a splash of color to any pewter & gunmetal look, while bringing out richer hues like teal, oxblood, & navy.  A little gold never hurts, which is why I’m recommending the brushed goldtone fashion ring ($8.00) from JC Penney, in case you’re looking to change things up while wearing chandelier earrings. 

The Stylish Five

For a flirty & elegant touch, the LC Lauren Conrad gold tone simulated pearl heart ring ($9.80) from Kohl’s to offset any lacey frock & satin bowed pumps.  @Payless, you can find the Minicci filigree rhinestone ring ($4.00) for a decadent addition to your luxe baroque outfit.  Lastly, the twisted teardrop ring ($6.80) from Forever 21 is an antique piece, essential for a variety of looks including how to contrast a plaid shirt & pencil skirt as a cocktail hour reinvention. 

Which ring is your favorite? How much do you like to spend on fashion jewelry? What details to you seek when it comes to your holiday style? Happy Styling!

Accessories Access: Sweet Studded Style From Piperlime!

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In previous posts, I’ve probably revealed that I’m not a big earrings Style Darling, but this is changing.  I really prefer studs over any other type of earring, usually b/c I wear glasses, do something with my hair, & love to wear a big necklace or statement headband.  However, I’ve hit the jackpot lately with stud sets from stores like Claire’s, H&M, Forever 21, JC Penney, & Old Navy, which I love to combine since I have endured 5 piercings on both ears during my teen years.  Now with a variety to choose from, I find that I’m wearing multiple studs in all sizes & love the combinations with small stones, pearls, or balls.

I wanted to share my love of studs with readers & found myself oohing & aahhing at the selection offered @Piperlime.  Of course I’m a big fan of a bargain, but when it comes to jewelry, pieces that you can wear everyday & for special occasions, there’s nothing wrong with investing in a really special pair of earrings, which includes the Tinley Road vintage stud earring ($16.00),  Betsey Johnson celestial faux pearl and star stud earrings ($25.00), Sabine cluster stud earring ($20.00), Pim + Larkin solitaire stud earring ($16.00), Betsey Johnson ladybug studs ($25.00), & Sabine round crystal pave stud earring ($14.97).

Which studs are your favorites? Do you like studs for day & night? Where do you usually shop for your fashion accessories? For more posts in Accessories Access, check out a zebra belt from LOFT, a variety of tights from Charlotte Russe, & statement necklaces from Forever 21! Happy Styling!