Color Me Style: The Season of Barbiecore Pink is Here!

Posted on July 13, 2022 by Alissa

Barbiecore? That’s a thing? you ask? Well, yes. Hot pink fashion is super hot right now, not only because of recently released photos of Margot Robbie in the upcoming Barbie movie, but because it’s the summer of fun, feminine, flirty, & fierce fashion! Top A-listers are appearing in all-pink for red carpet events, major fashion shows, & all over social media every. single. day. Additionally, pink is popping up on runways & go-to retailers to take a not-pink-enough world by storm!

Some of the best latest & recent past Barbiecore moments making headlines include the ladies at Valentino‘s Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2022-2023 show in Rome, such as Emily in Paris actress Ashley Park, West Side Story & Academy Award-winner breakout star Ariana DeBose, Black Widow badass (nipple & all!) Florence Pugh, & fashion darling Anne Hathaway.

At the recent premiere of Where the Crawdads Sing, The Morning Show stars, Reese Witherspoon (look very Elle Woods-inspired too!) & Karen Pittman, stepped out in pink.

Also, Barbiecore has been present on stage with musician Conan Gray at Coachella, High School Musical actress Vanessa Hudgens at the MTV Movie and TV Awards, & Dua Lipa for her Future Nostalgia tour.

Met Galas of years past also rocked the pink, including film icon Glenn Close; Pam & Tommy lead Sebastian Stan; Victoria Beckham‘s daughter-in-law, Nicola Peltz; & singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves.

Not to mention that Barbiecore is taking over social media with Instagram posts from reality television stars Kim Kardashian & Khloe Kardashian, along with model Hailey Bieber.

Film festivals have been no exception to Barbiecore, especially on model Caro Daur, singer Ciara, Spanish actress Penelope Cruz, & the unstoppably stylish Zendaya.

Barbie in all textures & cuts continue to gain attention on model Duckie Thot at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue launch, actress Megan Fox in New York City promoting Machine Gun Kelly’s documentary Life in Pink, & the incomparably gorgeous & talented Lizzo at the premiere for Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls.

Finally, memorable red carpet appearances popping with Barbiecore include model Gigi Hadi at Prince’s Trust Gala, both artist Saweetie & actor Billy Porter at the Grammy Awards, actress / talk show host Drew Barrymore at the Daytime Emmy Awards, & actress Lana Condor at the MTV Movie & TV Awards.

Check out the slideshow & gallery below to relive these pinktastic moments:

Reese Witherspoon at the Where the Crawdads Sing premiere
Ashley Park at Valentino’s Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2023 Show in Rome
Lana Condor at the MTV Movie & TV Awards
Caro Daur at the Cannes Film Festival
Ciara at the Cannes Film Festival
Duckie Thot at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Launch
Penelope Cruz at the Tribeca Film Festival
Dua Lipa on her Future Nostalgia tour
Florence Pugh at Valentino’s Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2022–2023 Show in Rome
Ariana DeBose at Valentino’s Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2022/2023 Show in Rome
Zendaya at Paris Fashion Week
Simone Ashley at the BAFTAs
Lizzo at the premiere of Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls
Anne Hathaway at Valentino’s Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2022-2023 Show in Rome
Saweetie at the Grammy Awards
Nicola Peltz at the Met Gala
Conan Gray at Coachella
Vanessa Hudgens at the MTV Movie & Television Awards
Drew Barrymore at the 2022 Daytime Emmy Awards
Hailey Bieber on Instagram
Kacey Musgraves at the Met Gala
Sebastian Stan at the Met Gala
Billy Porter at the Grammy Awards
Karen Pittman at the Where the Crawdads Sing premiere
Kim Kardashian on Instagram
Gigi Hadid at Prince’s Trust Gala
Khloe Kardashian on Instagram

Reese Witherspoon at the Where the Crawdads Sing premiere

What do you think of the Barbiecore trend? Are you onboard with hot pink? How often do you turn to this hue in your daily wardrobe? Which celebrity do you think wears pink best? Who are you waiting to see in pink? For more stylish posts, check out: studded sandals from Macy’s for under $30, Sofia Vergara’s red carpet style in honor of her 50th birthday, affordable summer totes by Time and Tru from Walmart, & Keira Knightley’s French-girl LBD at Paris Fashion Week. Happy Styling!

Red Hot Holiday Dresses for all Sizes!

Posted on December 13, 2018 by Alissa

The holidays are around the corner & I can’t help, but embrace all the luxurious reds in my wardrobe, whether it’s velvet, brocade, knits, suede, or leather. However, a little red dress for this time of year is perfect for celebrating all that’s joyful & stylish. Red isn’t just stylish in a fire engine hue; there’s crimson, burgundy, apple, & so many more shades to mix & match with metallic accessories. I’m pretty obsessed with red this last week (as seen by my latest Instagram posts), which is why I’m inspired to share these flirty & seasonal red dresses.

glamorous Guest dress @Mod Cloth

velvet fit & flare dress @dressbarn

Eva Mendes Collection sequin dress @New York & Company

These dresses might look extra fancy, but they can be styled many different ways to get the most wear out of them. For example, try knotting a denim button down shirt over one or throwing on a chunky sweater & use the skirt as a dress? Red is also a great foundation for a gold statement necklace, silver accessories, or black beads too. For more holiday posts, click here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!

Wow With White This Fall!

Posted on November 14, 2018 by Alissa

White is often perceived as a tricky color to pull off, especially when its contrast, black, is so classic to wear when seeking a slimming effect, drama, & minimalism. Also, white is atypical for a fall outfit, but rules like that are meant to be broken when making a stylish statement. Take note from recent looks worn by Anne Hathaway, Kim Kardashian West, Bella Hadid, Jenna Dewan, Victoria Beckham, Lupita Nyong’o, Viola Davis, & Sarah Jessica Parker (in white pumps).

You don’t have to be a celebrity or walk the red carpet regularly to don an all-white ensemble either. White in the fall (heading into the holidays & winter) is a bright alternative to the muted & deep hues to wear that are common for this season. Play around with combinations, such as white with merlot, mustard, or charcoal to reinvent old favorites. Shop the following affordable selections to jump on board this crisp trend!

blouse @Old Navy (available in sizes XS-XXL)

pants @New York & Company blazer @H&Msweater @Forever 21 (plus size)Jessica Simpson pumps @DSW

What colors do you like to wear in the fall? What is your favorite color combination this season? for more fashionable posts with celebrity inspiration, click here, here, here, & here! Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: All You Need is Olive!

Posted on August 4, 2017 by Alissa

One color that works well to transition from spring to summer & summer to fall is olive. It’s an earthy neutral, sometimes referred to as khaki green, that looks luxe against gold accessories or with rich leather. Also, olive touches in cargo separates offer a dressed down & utilitarian feel to more formal pieces like a sequin skirt or little black dress, presenting new options to standards in your wardrobe rotation. Olive is also a fashionable alternative to pair with denim to channel a bohemia look, additional neutrals like navy or chocolate for a layered & details ensemble, as well as pastels in peach or pink for a blend of warmth & femininity.

SHOP: shirt dress @H&M, wrap dress @Kohl’s (available in sizes XS-XXL), crochet tank @Target, twill jacket @Old Navy, Audrey Brooke Viv sandal @DSW, G by Guess Beaut wedge sandal @DSW, cargo jogger pants @White House Black Market, & high low mini skirt @dressbarn.

What colors are your favorite to wear each season? Where do you shop for your favorite trends? Do you like to mix cargo separates with other wardorbe pieces? Which of the above bargain finds is your favorite? Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: All-White Summer Inspiration from Olivia Palermo, Kerry Washington, Kristen Stewart, & More!

Posted on July 25, 2016 by Alissa

July is almost over, but that doesn’t mean summer is about to end. When it comes to summer fashion, wearing monochromatic white is an effortless, chic, & classic choice for any occasion. White is bright, sleek, light, & easy to pair with neutrals & prints for a luxe look. Get inspired by the celebrities below, including Project Runway judge Heidi Klum, royal fashionista Kate Middleton, model Kendall Jenner, Scandal star Kerry Washington, Café Society actress Kristen Stewart, & designer Nicole Richie.

More inspiration for the office, a day out with the girls, & date night comes from beauty queen Olivia Culpo, fashionable force Olivia Palermo, singer Selena Gomez, Burnt actress Sienna Miller, musician Solange Knowles, & pop star Zendaya.

In an effort to reach Style Darlings of all shapes & sizes, I’m happy to share some white-on-white inspiration with options of misses, plus, & petites looks because no one should be excluded from wearing what they want. White isn’t always an easy color (or lack of) to pull off (I know I never wear it all together), but I love a crisp white dress & flats, mixed with some sparkly metallic jewelry. Check out the below options to help build an elegant & on-trend all-white outfit to affordably play with for the rest of the summer.

SHOP: misses jewel neck dress, plus floral lace dress, petite lace skirt dress @Dress Barn.

SHOP: misses lace blouse, plus twill shirt, petites tank @Old Navy.

SHOP: misses Free People shorts, misses Anne Klein eyelet pants, plus Amanda & Chelsea skirt, plus Amanda & Chelsea pants, petites Vince Camuto lace skirt, & petites NYDJ crop jeans @Nordstrom Rack.

SHOP: misses shawl collar blazer, plus Liz Claiborne open cardigan, & petites Worthington zip jacket @JCPenney.

SHOP: Jessica Simpson curtsy pump, Clarks Banoy Tulia sandal, GC lace flat, & G by Guess Daniel flat @DSW.

SHOP: Madden Girl perforated tote, Gabrielle Rocha Chiara bucket purse, & Herschel Supply Co. clutch @6PM.

SHOP: floral necklace, teardrop earrings, bracelet, & perforated watch @Charming Charlie.

Do you like to wear all white in the summer? Which pieces are your favorites? What color do you most style monochromatically? Which celebrity’s all-white ensemble inspires you? Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: Fall’s Must-Have Mustard Pieces, Inspired by Blake Lively, Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, & More!

Posted on August 15, 2015 by Alissa

One of the biggest colors to hit stores in anticipation of fall is mustard, a rich gold hue that’s perfect for transitioning from summer to a cooler, crisper season. It’s not as tricky a shade to pull off as one might think, especially when there’s so much celebrity inspiration to consider when it comes to dresses, separates, outerwear, & accessories that will redefine how you look at mustard, making your outfit pop. This is evident with the always perfect Blake Lively in a leather dress during Milan Fashion Week, Scream star Bella Thorne‘s street style in corduroy overalls, The Twilight Saga actress Ashley Greene‘s casual look in a boyfriend cardigan, & The Honest Company entrepreneur Jessica Alba in a midi length skirt paired with feminine black extras.

If an all-day mustard look just isn’t your thing, then take some inspiration from bold outerwear pieces on American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez & reality star Kim Kardashian West, as well as statement footwear on pop singer Taylor Swift whose pumps pop against her black & white outfit & socialite / designer darling Olivia Palermo for choosing to dress down her leather leggings with slipper flats.

Now comes the shopping possibilities with plenty of options for Style Darlings of all shapes & sizes, as well as smart shoppers on a budget, looking to get the most use & flare out of their wardrobe.

SHOP: 1. knot-front shirt ($14.90) @Forever 21, 2. plus self-tie front shirt ($17.90) @Forever 21, 3. midi pencil skirt ($33.00) @ASOS, 4. plus midi pencil skirt ($33.00) @ASOS, 5. swing jacket ($49.99, was $159.00) @Land’s End (shop similar plus size here), 6. ruffle chiffon dress ($21.77, was $38.19) @Rotita, & 7. plus jacket dress ($29.99, was $149.99) @Jessica London.

SHOP: 1. Michael Antonio heels ($27.99, was $49.00) @6PM, 2. faux suede d’orsay flat ($15.00) @Wet Seal, 3. wrap scarf ($5.00, was $10.99) @Charlotte Russe, & 4. St. John’s Bay crossbody bag ($33.00, was $55.00) @JCPenney.

SHOP: 1. tapered pant ($29.99) in burgundy @H&M (similar plus size available here), 2. off-shoulder tee ($19.90 – $22.90) in plum @Alloy (available in sizes XS – XXXL), 3. cocoon tee ($22.94) in brown @Old Navy (available in sizes XS – XXL), 4. moto jacket ($40.00) in navy @Dress Barn (available in plus size here), 5. Mossimo Supply Co. cardigan ($19.99) in black @Target (available in sizes XS – XXL), & 6. Michael Antonio bootie ($44.95, was $59.00) in olive @DSW (available in sizes 5-11).

SHOP: 1. houndstooth dress ($24.99, was $70.00) @JCPenney (shop similar plus size here), 2. Bungalow 20 one size plaid poncho ($52.00, was $62.00) @Bluefly, 3. leopard pointy pumps ($17.61, was $22.60) @GOjane, & 4. graphic floral scarf ($24.99, was $39.95) @The Limited.

Which A-lister wears mustard the best? Whose style inspires you for fall? Do you like to wear the golden hue? Where are you shopping for the biggest fall trends? For more posts, check out this fall’s hottest movie trailers including Joy & The Intern, the top 10 celeb looks from Allison Williams & Sarah Jessica Parker, how to wear chambray with inspiration from Zoe Saldana & Jennifer Garner, Kate Mara’s red carpet outfits & pixie cut, & affordable maxi skirts from ASOS & Dress Barn. Happy Styling!

Splurge or Save… on Gold Wedge Espadrilles!

Posted on June 20, 2015 by Alissa

One of my favorite summer wardrobe staples is the wedge. This season, I’m seeing so many different styles of wedges, especially in chic metallics like gold, sold at high-end retailers & mainstream stores, appealing to shoppers at multiple price points ($200.00 – $15.00). These shoes are perfect for coordinating with a variety of outfits. Gold wedge espadrilles like the styles shown below are neutral for a maxi dress with drop earrings, a printed romper & chunky belt, & a flirty blouse with linen shorts. Not only are wedges a super comfortable alternative footwear when the temperature rises, but they can dress up the most casual outfit & dress down something cocktail ready. Also, a wedge heel of 3-4 inches elongates the legline & shows off your favorite nail polish hues of the season.

SHOP: 1. Lena wedges ($192.50, was $275.00) @Joie, 2. Giovanna wedges ($150.00) @MICHAEL Michael Kors, 3. Seaside wedges ($79.95) @Steve Madden, 4. Darcie wedges ($40.00) @Dress Barn (use code 2633 in-store for 15% off, expires 7/7), 5. ankle strap wedges ($35.00) @Charlotte Russe (BOGO 50% off, expires 6/21), & 6. Whimsy wedges ($15.00, was $39.99) @Payless.

For more shoe shopping, check out similar wedge styles, including Nine West, Prada, Kurt Geiger London, Badgley Mischka, Charles by Charles David, G by Guess, Fergalicious, & Candie’s.

Where do you like to shop for summer’s best shoe styles? What is your shoe style preference? Do you wear wedges? Which metallic is your favorite? Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: White-Hot White Style For Spring, Inspired by Victoria Beckham, Lily James, Gwen Stefani, & More!

Posted on March 20, 2015 by Alissa

While there’s snow outside during this first week of spring, I have my eye on transitioning between seasons with the color white. Celebrities have made winter white super white-hot, but as we move into the warmer season, a bright pop of white, when it comes to separates, a dress, a full on monochromatic look, & accessories, will certainly look fresh & stylish.

Also, white isn’t just for brides since it works to brighten any skin tone, as we can see during the latest red carpet appearances of some of our favorite A-listers, especially in gorgeous white dresses & gowns.

Shailene Woodley stunned in an ivory silk & organza gown with an open back by Ralph Lauren Collection (shop here) at the London premiere of Insurgent. Supermodel Karlie Kloss went minimal in a white & black accented Tom Ford Fall 2015 Collection cut-out column gown at the Brit Awards red carpet. Brit beauty Elizabeth Hurley hit the red carpet in a white curve-hugging lace-paneled pencil dress with Chopard diamonds, a metallic clutch, & gray pointy toe pumps at the NYC premiere of The Royals. Actress Olga Kurylenko was gorgeous in a sleeveless white midi length dress with a hot pink ombre clutch & metallic rose pumps at The Winter Music Brit Party 2015.

There’s nothing more classic than a white button down shirt, blouse, or t-shirt, but sometimes it’s adding that topper to your color blocked, playful, or formal looks that can transform your entire view on the staple must-have white top.

Fashion icon Gwen Stefani hit the street in a white sheer top with black zippered skinny jeans, an oversize shopper, & mesh open-toe booties in L.A. Singer Solange Knowles took a risk in a white caped Balmain top (here) & belted wide-leg pants with a wooden clutch & black sandals at the Balmain Fall Winter 2015 show at Paris Fashion Week. Oscar-nominee Reese Witherspoon spent the day shopping in a white blouse with a floral flounced Dolce & Gabbana skirt, Tabitha Simmons basket weave wedges (shop here), & white leather bag from The Row. Author of The Divergent Series, Veronica Roth, wowed in an Ann Demeulemeester white blazer with a camisole, striped Michael Lo Sordo asymmetric skirt, Salvatore Ferragamo clutch, Tory Burch sandals, & Le Vian jewels.

Wearing white on the bottom is sometimes a big risk, but try mixing up skirts, trousers, & jeans in a quality fabric to get the most out of your favorite blouses, sweaters, & crop tops.

Modern Family actress Sarah Hyland looked playful in a lavender busier top with a white midi skirt, bejeweled clutch, & mint green Bionda Castana pumps (shop here) at the 32nd Annual Paleyfest. Style blogger / actress Jamie Chung took her adorable pup for a walk in a striped tank by twenty with a white midi length skirt, leather moto jacket, cut-out booties by Sol Sana (here), & black leather shoulder bag. Fashion it-girl Olivia Palermo showed her support for the Chalayan Fall Winter 2015 show during Paris Fashion Week in an oatmeal turtleneck knit with a white leather fringe midi-length pencil skirt, a white clutch, lavender pumps. Academy Award winner Julianne Moore was effortless in a navy sweater & blazer with white trousers & a long pendant necklace.

There are even those who have dares to wear head-to-toe white in a chic, sleek monochromatic look, playing with menswear inspiration, volume & cut-outs, & soft edges.

Victoria Beckham, Julianne Hough, Lily James, & Robin Wright.

Designer Victoria Beckham showed off her own Victoria Beckham design in a high neck sleeveless dress with cut-outs, a full skirt, & white pointed toe platform pumps at the amfAR Hong Kong gala. Dancing with the Stars alum Julianne Hough mixed menswear in a semi-sheer A.L.C. blouse with flared trousers & Kurt Geiger snakeskin pumps (shop here) for an appearance on Extra. Cinderella star Lily James was ethereal in a Camilla & Marc white top (shop here) & skirt with a statement gold necklace, Jennifer Fisher rings, & metallic sandals at a Cinderella event. At the House of Cards season premiere in London, Robin Wright looked sleek in a white suit with a black cami & python pumps.

Aside from the red cart, white stunned on recent runways during Fashion Weeks across the world, especially in gorgeous dresses from the collections of Roland Mouret Spring 2015 Ready-To-Wear, Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2015 Couture, & 3.1 Phillip Lim Fall Winter 2015.

Also, white separates glowed on the runway, especially in the catwalk shows from Jonathan Saunders Spring 2015 Ready-To-Wear, Honor Spring 2015 Ready-To-Wear, & Osman Spring 2015 Ready-To-Wear.

With all this celebrity & designer inspiration, it’s time to take the white idea to your wardrobe & on your must-have shopping list, starting with affordable dresses, perfect for a variety of shapes & sizes.

SHOP: skater dress @Charlotte Russe ($19.99), maxi dress @Romwe ($28.00), bodycon dress @Missguided ($29.98), & fit & flare dress @Dress Barn ($48.00).

Step away from black tops & try these options in white to add a bright pop against a pencil skirt, pastel jeans, menswear trousers, or leather paneled leggings.

SHOP: tee @Alloy ($5.99), v-neck @JC Penney ($9.99), blouse @Forever 21 ($14.90), & sweater @Nordstrom Rack ($24.97).

Experiment with white bottoms with figure-hugging skinny jeans, playful skirts, & this season’s must-have look, culottes with heels.

SHOP: jeans @YOOX ($24.00), pencil skirt @Old Navy ($29.94), culottes @JC Penney ($36.00), & midi skirt @ASOS ($42.00).

Now is the times favorite white accessories, including shoes like flats with a shirt dress, embossed sandals for a cocktail frock, wedges with jeans & a blouse, & pumps for an office look.

SHOP: flats @Target ($19.98), wedges @Famous Footwear ($25.00), sandals @6PM ($29.99), & pumps @Boohoo ($44.00).

When breaking out new spring separates & jackets, a white bag or clutch is great to pair against primary colors, rich neutrals, soft pastels, & bold prints.

SHOP: clutch @Dorothy Perkins ($17.00), tote @Alloy ($29.99), messenger @Last Call ($45.00), & bucket bag @Shoptiques ($35.00).

Wearing white jewelry is sure to pop against with any ensemble. Choose drop earrings for a party look, a statement necklace over a sheath dress, studs for a casual outfit, & bangles in mixed metallics.

SHOP: drop earrings @ChicNova ($2.88), necklace @H&M ($9.95), studs @River Island ($6.00), & bangle @Designs by Stephene ($20.00).

What do you think of wearing white? Which celebrities wear white the best? Who do you turn to for style inspiration? Which white pieces were your favorite? For more stylish & affordable fashion posts, check out the complete red carpet gallery from last month’s Academy Awards, Oscar de la Renta’s Fall Winter 2015 collection from Fashion Week, bucket bags inspired by Michael Kors & Tory Burch, & four fabulous ways wear floral leggings! Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: Daily Look’s New Year’s Eve Little Black Dress Style Challenge!

Posted on December 16, 2014 by Alissa

It’s been a very fortuitous holiday season for my blog so far & the style keeps on coming! Style Darling has been invited to participate in Daily Look‘s New Year’s Eve Style Challenge, featuring the website’s best little black dresses to sport from party-to-party before the year is up. Of course there are many ways to don classic black, a favorite to feature in Color Me Style, such as lace, leather, silk, satin, along with many different shapes & styles.

However, before we get started, I’ve had LBDs on my mind, especially when there’s so much celebrity inspiration hitting the red carpet. For example, Diane Kruger in a black lace Elie Saab cocktail dress with a black Osman blazer, a graphic Charlotte Olympia clutch, & striped lace-up Sophia Webster heels. Also, Scandal star Kerry Washington makes a bold statement in a leather little black dress with Jennifer Fisher jewelry & white pumps. Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o was stunning in a ruffled LBD by Fitriani, black pumps, & jewelry headband.

Also, Cameron Diaz dazzled in little black dress by Isabel Marant with a quilted Chanel purse & Givenchy ankle-strap sandals. Hollywood it-girl Hailee Steinfeld was chic in a black high-neck David Koma pencil dress with capped silver pumps. Newcomer Nicola Peltz played with her youthful style in a black cut-out dress by Michael Kors with strappy sandals.

There’s so much to look forward to when it comes to upcoming fashion trends, but the little black dress is here to stay, especially when seen with runway inspiration from the recent Spring 2015 Ready-To-Wear Collections that hit the runway during this past Fashion Week season. LBDs were seen on the runway in modern cuts, with plunging necklines, embellished details, cinched wasitlines, sweetheart necklines, & figure flattering shapes. This includes looks from Kenzo, Dolce & Gabbana, & Saint Laurent.

Also, I just had to share these stunning looks from the Spring 2015 Ready-To-Wear from designers Alexander Wang, Anthony Vaccarello, & Vera Wang.

Now that there’s LBD inspiration oozing off the screen, here are some of the best little black dresses from Daily Look, which can work for a variety of shapes & sizes, if you want to show off your legs, neckline, figure, or shoulders.

SHOP: pleated a-line midi dress ($59.99), mesh strip midi dress ($44.99), bejeweled cuffs bodycon dress ($49.99), lovely lace midi dress ($49.99), jersey knit long sleeve maxi dress ($55.99), & jessa open back midi dress ($59.99).

You can’t shop for New Year’s Eve without considering some blinged-out accessories, sparkling jewelry, & sexy shoes to complete your look, which is why I picked some of the most affordable & investment-worthy pieces to really bring out your inner glam girl.

SHOP: fringe earrings ($16.99), sequin multicolor clutch ($44.99), vixen cross strap heel ($39.99), harmony stone plated necklace ($24.99), sparkling pave link bracelet ($64.99), simple strap heel ($39.99), Jane Taylor rhinestone clutch ($64.99), & J.O.A. square pearl ring ($19.99).

Lastly, when it comes to the holidays, not only do your outfits get a chance to shine, but also your beauty look is allowed to be a little extra special, which is why I’ve shared some of my favorite celebrity looks that emphasize one facial feature or makeup style in order to show off the best version of you. This includes new mom Mila Kunis who nails a smoky eye & neutral lip for a dramatic & sexy look, prefect for any cocktail dress. Ingenue Bella Thorne plays with metallic eyeshadows to emphasize the shape of her eyes, as well as play up the glitz of the holiday with playful hues. Experiment with bright eyeliners like Jessica Biel who is making quite the beauty statement with an edgy turquoise swipe of a pencil underneath her lower lash line.

Another way to play up your eyes is to follow Beyoncé‘s lead with winged liner, recalling a dramatic Cleopatra look that works with a sheath dress or sleek jumpsuit. American sweetheart Reese Witherspoon goes for a soft look with rosy cheeks & classic makeup, which easily makes you photo-ready before the ball drops. Brit singer Rita Ora looks stunning with a bold red lip that draws on her Old Hollywood appeal for some vintage inspiration, perhaps paired with a lacy or beaded frock.

What’s your New Year’s Eve style? Where are you shopping for your holiday essentials? Which are your favorite little black dresses from Daily Look? To see my favorite New Year’s Ever Daily Look ensemble, check out their Style Sets! For more stylish posts, be sure to check out previous posts including holiday gift styles from luxury brands & affordable retailers, how to winterize your nails from Julep, & sleeping in style with Casper’s Beauty Sleep Challenge! Happy Styling!

Fabulous In 4 Ways: Pretty Pastel Looks For Your Winter Wardrobe!

Posted on November 20, 2014 by Alissa

Pastels don’t only belong to spring time. They’re the perfect color palette for winter, paired with metallics when you’re looking to avoid an uber-holiday-inspired outfit. Also, pastels this time of year isn’t such a crazy fashion risk when you think about cuddly sweaters against the outdoor snowy landscape.

Some of our favorite celebrities have turned to pastels when hitting the red carpet or making a street style splash. Fashion it-girl Olivia Palermo mixed a white Dior jacket with a ruffled pastel skirt & blinged out belt. Young actress Elle Fanning played with pastel hues with a houndstooth dress, blue jacket, & floral heels by Miu Miu. Scandal actress Kerry Washington was a knockout in a lace & brocade Oscar de le Renta gown & matching pink minaudiere.

Camilla Belle stole the spotlight in a pale green Gucci crop top & matching skirt with gold metallic sandals. Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o made a splash at Fashion Week in a pale purple Calvin Klein sweater dress with a gray clutch & matching strappy sandals. The always glamorous Victoria Beckham showed off a relaxed separates look in a white t-shirt & blue wide leg trousers by Malene Birger.

If that isn’t proof enough that pastels belong to the colder months, plenty of designers displayed Fall Collections featuring pale pink, periwinkle, lilac, mint, winter white, & yellow. This includes pastels featured on the runway by Reed Krakoff, Rebecca Taylor, Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Ermanno Scervino, & Gucci.

I put together some outfits, inspired by some of the prettiest pastel colors in stores this season. Of course, there are other hues to make any Style Darling swoon, but the working pale blue, winter white, blush pink, & mint green into your winter wardrobe will make everyday staples like rhinestones & sparkles, as well as cold weather accessories really pop.

Shop the affordable & casual separates look: LC Lauren Conrad sweater ($29.99) in snow blue @Kohl’s, pants ($34.00) in soft sky @Neiman Marcus, flats ($14.99) in silver @Payless, & studs ($3.90) in silver @Forever 21.

Surprise at a cocktail party in winter white with: dress ($24.00) in ivory @Dress Barn, flats ($39.98) in bone @ALDO, pearl necklace ($13.00) @Charming Charlie, & nail polish ($11.20) in Casper @Julep.

Monochromatic blush pieces create a professional, yet feminine look: top ($32.94) in pink @Old Navy, pencil skirt ($19.80) in blush @Forever 21, bootie ($19.94) in blush @DSW, & necklace ($42.00) in peach @BaubleBar.

Mint makes everything better- even a chic daytime look: tunic sweater ($49.90) in green @Express, jeans ($29.99) in white @JC Penney, ankle strap heels ($28.50) in mint @Charlotte Russe, & necklace ($16.50) in mint @Icing.

Lastly, to break up the monotony of this chillier season, add a splash of pastel to your wardrobe with a winter coat. While black & grays have their place in a classic must-have closet, mix it up with the paler shades in rich textures like wool & leather.

Button up for a sweet day of sweet colors, matched with metallic scarves & jewel details when wearing: swing coat ($36.00) in sea salt @Old Navy, flip collar coat ($119.00) in mint @TJ Maxx, wool coat ($69.99) in pink heather @Target, & leather coat ($54.00) in yellow @ChicNova.

What’s your favorite pastel color for winter? Do you wear more brights or saturated colors? Which outfit is your favorite? For more stylish posts, check out all-in-one cosmetic kits for the holidays, affordable cold weather accessories from Francesca’s & H&M, Anna Kendrick’s Marie Claire cover shoot for the December 2014 issue, & Gwyneth Paltrow’s new ad campaign for Max Factor! Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: Now Is All About Navy, Featuring Blake Lively, Marchesa, & More!

Posted on February 16, 2014 by Alissa

Somewhere around the corner is spring, & while Pantone’s color of 2014 is orchid, I’ve been seeing so much navy everywhere. I love the idea of this regal neutral all over the runways for spring, breaking away from basic black to match with other bold hues.

A-list celebs have been embracing navy on the red carpet, including Blake Lively & Rose Byrne in head-to-toe Michael Kors looks straight from the runway. Also, House of Cards actress Kate Mara shows off her feminine & edgy side with the crop top trend in lace Dior separates & pointy toe pumps.

Also, navy appeared on the runway during New York Fashion Week in all forms. Navy is perfect for casual wear, the office, & a night out, as seen on Derek Lam, Rebecca Minkoff, & Marchesa. There’s a decadence to the marvelous midnight color, which was shown with futuristic cut-outs, mod layered lines, & romantic drama.

To bring the red carpet & runway to your closet, I’ve found a few must-have pieces that will transition easily from winter-to-spring, including the belted button-front shirtdress ($40.00) from Dress Barn. To wear it now, in the midst of yet another wintry snow storm here in New York, coordinate this with tights, knee boots, & a chunky boyfriend sweater.

Top off your favorite skinny jeans, pencil skirt, or tuxedo pants with the daydreamer peasant top ($22.80) from Forever 21 & H&M‘s lace top ($17.95). Lastly, get rid of those old, boring pants & trade them in for New York & Company‘s 7th Avenue bootcut pants ($52.95) in windowpane print. Mix up your look with a cashmere sweater, embroidered cardigan, or studded vest.

How do you feel about navy in your wardrobe? Which of these pieces can you see yourself wearing? For more fabulous navy picks, check out designer duds like Armani @Nordstrom, Alice + Olivia @Bergdorf Goodman, & Tadashi Shoji @Saks Fifth Avenue. More affordable shopping picks include LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl’s, Victoria’s Secret, Modcloth, & JC Penney! Happy Styling!

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

Posted on November 28, 2013 by Alissa

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!

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.

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!

Show Me The Shoes / Color Me Style: Mint Is Back For Spring!

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Alissa

During this spring break, I’ve had plenty of time studying the latest spring trends & aside from bold bright, you can find plenty of pastels, including mint shoes that will make any outfit look fresh & spring-ready. After a recent conversation with an engaged friend about the difference between turquoise & teal for her upcoming nuptials, I was inspired to share the color mint. Of course this hue can be seen on dresses, blouses, pants, & accessories, but more importantly, I’m loving the idea of mint shoes, especially since there are so many affordable shoes.

mint shoes Add mint to your flats collection with the Merona Macha wedge ballet flat ($19.50) from Target, which have a classic faux snake texture with any effortless tee & skinny jeans. Also, the canvas Bella skimmer ($19.50) from Delia’s offers a lighter material to contrast with a neutral leather mini & sleeveless button-down. If you’re headed to a tropical location on vacation before summer, the Steve Madden Swinger sandals ($49.95) is perfect for a maxi dress & stacked bangles, a cotton spring dress with a beaded necklace, or with walking shorts & a silky blouse.

This wouldn’t a proper shoe post if I didn’t talk about some major budget-friendly heels, like the patent cap toe platform pump ($32.50) from Charlotte Russe, which transitions the cap toe trend perfectly between seasons. The GOjane peep toe platform wedges ($24.95) are edgy for a look with leggings & a tunic top, & they’re on sale right now! Next, bring mint to the office with the Fioni Jordyn t-strap pumps ($26.99) from Payless coordinated with a floral sheath dress & a cardigan, or for happy hour with a polka dot blouse & pencil skirt.

The peep toe platform wedge ($32.80) from Forever 21 is chic for a weekend getaway in a chambray dress or with neutral separates like a beige cami with silky pajama-inspired pants. Lastly, DSW‘s Fergalicious Eileen pump ($39.95) is definitely a must-have for a date night in a shift dress or can dress up any outfit like a mini leather skirt & graphic tee if you’re headed to a concert.

Which style is your favorite? Do you like the mint shoe trend? What colors are your mist attracted to this fall? For more posts from Show Me The Shoes, check out floral-inspired shoes from Forever 21 & Gap, luxury look-alike studded Jimmy Choo loafers, how to find affordable platforms like Nikki Reed’s at her recent red carpet appearance, & a behind-the-scenes look with J. Crew’s Jenna Lyons on their latest shoe collection! Happy Styling!

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

Posted on March 17, 2013 by Alissa

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!

Color Me Style: Spring Into Neon Yellow This Season!

Posted on March 9, 2013 by Alissa

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.

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!

Splurge or Save… On A Neon Blouse!

Posted on February 3, 2013 by Alissa

In previous Splurge or Save? posts, I’ve featured plenty of classic & trendy items, including polka dot pants, red suede ankle booties, spiked bracelets, burgundy blouses, polka dot tights, & leopard print flats. I would totally rock any of these items, but I’m super excited to share this latest post on neon blouses! Of course the neon hues in yellow / green are a nod to the 1980s & it’s everywhere! Neon is a little tricky to pull off, but it’s not impossible & when you wear a classic button-down blouse like those pictured below, consider pairing it with dark denim jeans, a black pencil skirt, or crisp white skinny pants.

I’d like to start with the most expensive blouse, which is the Splendid neon double pocket henley ($108.00) from Bloomingdale’s. It has a more relaxed feel, but can be dressed up with a brocade skirt, something sequined, or leather leggings. Next is the Patterson J. Kincaid Nova high-low blouse ($82.00) from Neiman Marcus which offers a more feminine take on a neon blouse in a soft, luxurious chiffon, perfect for mixing textures with other edgier pieces. Moving down the price points, the Portofino shirt ($49.90) from Express is a functional blouse to wear under a cardigan, with a pair of satin shorts, or match with navy or charcoal separates.

For the budget-conscious shopper, I selected the Apt. 9 drop-tail hem crepe blouse ($25.20) from Kohl’s, which has been marked down from its original $36.00 price. If worn at least three times in one month, this top comes to less than $9.00 per wear. I know I’ve been sharing a lot from Target lately, but I’ve had the Mossimo long sleeve blouse ($22.99) on my mind, which I’ve seen in stores & have considered for my own wardrobe. I think it would look very modern, yet casual with a leather jacket & cotton camisole, worn over skinny pants for a night out with the girls or a dessert date with your beau. Lastly, the most affordable of all is Forever 21‘s chiffon pocket blouse ($12.80) & it really a steal. For an unexpected twist, you can match this with a bold teal, bright tangerine, or try something softer like a contrast with cream.

Do you like to wear neon? Is this color too scary for you? How would you style these blouses? Which is your favorite color this season? For more affordable fashion posts, check out little white dresses inspired by Taylor Swift & Rooney Mara, a polka dots & pastel looks for under $100, stylish stud earrings from Forever 21, Lauren Conrad’s spring LC Lauren Conrad collection for Kohl’s, & monochromatic outfits featuring Alexa Chung & Michelle Williams! Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: Winter White Dresses Inspired By Rooney Mara, Nicole Richie, & Runway Looks Of Michael Kors, Rachel Zoe, & More!

Posted on February 2, 2013 by Alissa

Winter white is a big trend right now, especially when it comes to LWD (little white dresses). I’m a big fan of dresses- no surprise there- but I’ve yet to find a winter white dress that works for me. Whatever I have is definitely too summer-friendly in eyelet, cotton, or linen, however I’ve been very inspired by what’s happening on the latest runways when it comes to feminine white looks, featuring dresses of skirt outfits.

For example, take a look at the chic cocktail & casual white dresses, which were shown for seasons other than winter, but are certainly inspiring fashionistas everywhere. These looks include Rachel Zoe Spring 2013 Collection‘s shimmering shift dress, J. Mendel Pre-Fall 2013 Collection‘s old Hollywood sweetheart dress, Michael Kors Spring-Summer 2013 Collection‘s button-down shirt-dress, a slitted peplum dress by Marios Schwab Spring Ready-To-Wear 2013 Collection, the strapless bow-bedecked dress from Christopher Kane‘s Spring Ready-To-Wear 2013 Collection, Erin Fetherston Pre-Fall 2013 Collection‘s sheer lace mini dress, & Hervé Léger by Max Azria Pre-Fall 2013 Collection‘s belted body-conscious frock.

In addition, some of the most photographed stars have been hitting the red carpet in the last month while wear white dresses. Side Effects actress Rooney Mara hit the premiere of her latest film in this flower-embellished dress by Alexander McQueen, which she paired with neutral patent leather Nicholas Kirkwood peep toe pumps. This month’s Self magazine cover girl, Emmy Rossum, took a break from promoting her new album, Sentimental Journey, in Santa Monica in this pleated Andrew Gn dress with sparkling pumps. Everywhere it-girl Kerry Washington attended an after-party for Django Unchained in a white lace Dolce & Gabbana shift dress with pointy toe Christian Louboutin stilettos.

Award-winning singer-songwriter, Taylor Swift, hit the blue carpet for the 40 Principales Awards in this plunging Kaufmanfranco three-quarter sleeve design with mixed-fabric sandals by Christian Louboutin & geometric drop earrings. Everyone’s favorite girl-next-door & Gangster Squad star, Emma Stone, helped announce this year’s Oscar nominees in a belted 50s-inspired dress by Andrew Gn with black patent leather pumps. Lastly, the always polished Nicole Richie stepped out for a party in Los Angeles in this white zip-up m ini dress with embellished leather accessories by Salvatore Ferragamo.

For the budget-conscious Style Darling, I wanted to find pieces that are perfect for wear now in the winter, given some mixing & matching of accessories, as well as dresses that’ll work for the upcoming spring season, although that seems to be getting further away from us on this Groundhog’s Day. The first is the sheer sleeve lace dress ($24.80) from Forever 21, which would be perfect with black opaque tights or neon pops of color in a belt or pointy toe heels. Next, for a curve-hugging dress, I found the long & lean dress ($19.00) from Venus, which will also pair nicely over leather leggings & under a plaid button-down. While white is sometime bridal-looking, it can also be worn to work, like with this sleeveless ecru ponte sheath dress ($39.99) from White House Black Market. I’d recommend wearing it with a red blazer & loafer-detailed pumps.

I found this simply sweet & feminine shirt dress ($29.95) from H&M, & it’s the perfect foundation for a metallic braided belt, patent leather accessories, or classic lace & pearl details. Lastly, for my plus-size readers, I was so happy to find this modern Alyx belted twist neckline dress ($40.00) from JC Penney, which is available in sizes 14W-24W.

White is such a stunning & pure color for a dress, but I was successful in searching for white accessories that will make any all-white, monochromatic, or trendy printed look stand out for every occasion. There’s never any reason why you shouldn’t have a pair of white shoes on hand, which is why I’m suggesting the pointed silver toe pumps ($32.50) from Charlotte Russe, C Label Divine flats ($19.99) from 6PM, & the Wentzell pumps ($44.98) from ALDO shoes. Also, I’ve selected the patent skinny belt ($29.50) from Banana Republic, bejeweled bib necklace ($12.80) from Forever 21, & the Jennifer Lopez gold tone disc drop earrings ($12.00) form Kohl’s.

Which white pieces are your favorites? Would you wear a winter white dress now? How do you like to wear white? Which celebrity look do you like the best? For more Color Me Style posts, check out monochromatic looks in coral, neon, berry, & teal inspired by Penelope Cruz, Victoria Beckham, & more, as well as all-black outfits featuring Jennifer Lawrence & Kate Moss, & the best of yellow as seen on Kate Mara, Lauren Conrad, & Olivia Palermo! Happy Styling!

Basics For A Bargain: Monochromatic Looks To Brighten Up Any Season, Wardrobe, & Budget!

Posted on January 26, 2013 by Alissa

It’s not often that I wear monochromatic looks, but when I do, it’s usually either black or gray. These are go-to colors that I know I can always mix & match with each other, especially when I’m headed to work & am looking for something chic & fluid to wear. I was inspired by monochrome outfits during my last photo shoot of pictures of myself to post on Style Darling (see the all-green sweater & pants look, for example).

Since I started covering Runway Rundown here, I noticed the dominance of monochromatic designs, especially for the 2013 runways. This includes Calvin Klein Collection with a multi-textural caramel look, Michael Kors‘ lemon yellow duds, Elie Saab‘s cobalt crush, Salvatore Ferragamo using neutral beige, Christopher Kane‘s all-white ensemble, Bottega Veneta‘s brick menswear-inspiration, & BCBG Max Azria‘s flowing black separates.

Taking a cue from the runways, there have been plenty of color-on-color red carpet apperances. Celebrities who’ve donned monochromatic looks include Michelle Williams who attended the New York Times Arts & Leisure Weekend event in head-to-toe black with a belted mini, tights, & suede booties. Fashion icon Alexa Chung breaks up her nearly-monochromatic look in an oxblood turtleneck by Versus & leather zip-up mini with lasercut flats. Country songstress Taylor Swift went for a more mature look in a custom-made all-white suit by J. Mendel at last year’s MTV Video Music Awards. Victoria Beckham looks nothing short of amazing in her nude sheath dress design with Brian Atwood pumps. Lastly, back in 2009, Penelope Cruz dazzles in a three-piece scarlett suit by Bottega Veneta at the London premiere of Broken Embraces with two-tone strappy sandals.

Now that we’ve seen what’s going on inside the pages of our favorite magazines & who’s wearing what on the runways, I wanted to show how anyone can wear a monochromatic look without breaking your budget. What’s great about finding identical tones is the crisp & clean look that it creates & that’s where you can have fun with accessorizing with a sparkling scarf, baubled cocktail rings, bib necklaces, embossed handbags, & so on. In these looks, I have included at least one accessory, but it’s simply a suggestion & option to really bring the look together & in most cases (except for the teal look) still fits within budget.

First, I’ve been thinking about coral, ever since a post from The $100 Challenge where I featured a coral dress for the holidays, but I just love the softness of the color, which is perfect for any skintone. It instantly adds some natural rosiness to your cheeks & always looks feminine. The studded Peter Pan collar shirt ($22.80) from Forever 21 already has some built-in detail with the gold that helps frame your face. This matches perfectly with Target‘s Mossimo ankle pant ($27.99) & the sueded uber platform pumps ($12.50) from Charlotte Russe, which have just been reduced from their original $32.50 price. Lastly, I fell in love with the art deco-inspired spike triangle earrings ($8.77) from ASOS, which add a rose gold luxury to such a relaxed, yet sophisticated outfit. Also, if you want to break up these pieces to create a trendy or unexpected look, mix things up with dark denim skinnies, cap toe ballet flats, a silk boyfriend blazer, or metallic belt.

I’ve also been seeing a neon opportunity for your wardrobe for quite some time now. Of course, this color is to be worn confidently & with caution. We all want to look so good we stop traffic, but this look with highlighter yellow or electric lime tones could almost guarantee such a result. It all started with the a.n.a. perfect skinny corduroy pants ($17.00) from JC Penney that I spotted sometime before the holidays, but now they’re marked down & I’m excited to see how these might be worn for the rest of the winter & into spring. I paired these with the boatneck banded bottom tee ($29.90) from Express & Forever 21‘s faux suede pumps ($29.80). While any gold, white lacquered, or lucite jewelry will enhance this look, Alloy‘s Zahara neon necklace ($19.90) was just irresistible, thanks to a search on ShopStyle for matching accessories. Also, for more ideas on how to wear these pieces, consider other neutrals like charcoal, black, & navy, as well as classic patterns like polka dots, houndstooth, & plaid.

I found myself a little troubled when looking for coordinating pieces for my teal ensemble- ones that wouldn’t make me go over budget, but… I did. Sometimes that happens when you find absolutely must-have pieces. I just adore this color (on me!) & think it’s a bold way to reinterpret greens & blues since it falls so beautifully in the middle. While checking out the newest arrivals @New York & Company, I found the satiny pleated from belted blouse ($29.95), which instantly made me think to find a skirt. Then the Grace Elements teal skirt with yoke ($24.99) from Loehmann’s was a perfect fit, especially if you’re trying to refresh your work wardrobe. For an extra fun touch, @Steve Madden, the Intrude pumps ($34.99) are just what this look needed to add some texture & despite the myth of material, these can be worn any time of the year. Finally, the Croft & Barrow jet bead hoop drop earrings ($12.00) from Kohl’s put the look just a bit over $100, but you can always keep this affordable by wearing favorites that you may already own like diamond stud earrings or something in silver.

My final look goes out to my plus-size Style Darlings because I think a berry tone is perfect for any shape & any woman. I shopped Wet Seal‘s plus section to find the 3/4 sleeve belted blouse ($18.99) on sale, which comes with a detachable belt, perfect for wearing over a cardigan or jersey dress to help enhance your curves. To keep this look balanced & figure-flattering, the roz & ALI stretch colored jeggings ($19.99) from Dress Barn helped complete the bottom half, especially since they’re available in sizes 14-24. I found the Rocket Dog Monica flat ($24.94) @DSW, which would also help dress down a shirt dress, work if paired with a denim skirt & sweater, or contrast a ruffled blouse & dolman top. My final piece to this looks is the neon metallic teardrop earring ($5.80) from Forever 21, which would sparkle for a date night in an LBD or look cute with a mod shift dress.

Do you wear a monochromatic look? Which colors are you most drawn to? Do you prefer matchy-matchy pieces or like to contrast with colorblocking? For more from Basics For A Bargain, check out posts including outerwear inspired by Kate Middleton & Gwen Stefani, pointy toe heels as seen on Mandy Moore & Miranda Kerr, & how to copy separates looks like Kate Hudon & Kristen Stewart! Also, for more affordable looks under $100, check out a sleek black & silver cocktail look, building with black textured accessories, & how to wear a leopard wrap dress! Lastly, be sure to click on over to Color Me Style for the latest trends in yellow with some help from Emmy Rossum & Kim Kardashian, all-black looks like Jennifer Lawrence & Kate Moss, & black & white ensembles like Jessica Alba & Julianne Hough! Happy Styling!

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

Posted on January 21, 2013 by Alissa

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.

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.

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!

10/19/2012 Darling Of The Day / The $100 Challenge: Freida Pinto’s All-Black, Affordable Look!

Posted on October 19, 2012 by Alissa

Even though colorblocking is still a big trend for fall, there are also a lot of monochromatic looks happening on the runways, red carpets, as well as the street. Of course, you have to pick the right hue to pull off the look effectively, but one color that is exceptionally flattering & seasonal is black.

Slumdog Millionaire actress Freida Pinto always looks beautiful & polished. As the constant epitome of feminine style, I was surprised to see her all-black menswear-inspired ensemble, but then I realized that it was such a great template for a streamlined & affordable look. The essential relaxed blouse ($19.80) from Forever 21 was a natural fit to work with this outfit, & can be paired with any office, day, or date look. Throw this on with your wildest metallic leggings, sequined mini skirt, or favorite boyfriend jeans & you’ve instantly got a timeless piece working with your wardrobe no matter the season!

I’ve been eyeing Old Navy‘s rockstar super skinny jeans ($29.50) & even picked up a similar pair in forest green, but these black skinnies are the perfect way to show off your shape if your top has some volume to it. Also, these jeans are available in an assortment of playful hues & a variety of sizes, while select colors are even marked down to $22.50! Lastly, GOjane was my first stop when it came to finding textured heels. The woven design leatherette pumps ($26.10) offer a subtle touch of detail without breaking up the monochromatic feel, or taking away from it.

Of course if all-black isn’t your thing (& it really shouldn’t be more than maybe once a month), punch up this look with an embellished cardigan, silk blazer, metallic pumps, or statement gemstones. This post also qualifies for The $100 Challenge in that the total (before taxes) comes to $75.40, which means that if you’re looking to spend only $100, there’s still room for enhancement with a studded clutch & drop earrings!

**I’d like to take a moment to send a special thanks out to graphic designer / musician / photographer, Nino Vlacich (not to mention boyfriend extraordinaire), for giving me a wonderful one-on-one Photoshop tutorial, without which this blog & a few previous ones would not so stylishly exist! ❤ **

Would you rock an all-black look? Do you already own pieces like this in your wardrobe? For more Darling of the Day posts, check out Olivia Wilde, Olivia Palermo, & Anne Hathaway! Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: What’s Black & White & Chic All Over?

Posted on October 9, 2012 by Alissa

My last post in Color Me Style was published just days before my trip to Italy earlier this year, so I thought that since I don’t have a third go-around to look forward to for 2013, I’d revisit the category in a way only appropriate for this Style Darling. My favorite color combination is black & white, which is what I’m featuring- although quite impressed with the fall collections that celebrities are sporting since this season doesn’t typically see all-white looks. Of course, the beach-filled party days of summer are long gone, but white is still thriving, black has never looked better, & when you put them together, there’s a serious style moment happening.

It wasn’t very hard to find some celebrity inspiration for these colors & this is what I’m sharing. Gwyneth Paltrow looks demure & ladylike in a white knit, wool Misha Nonoo skirt with bright Sergio Rossi pumps. It-girl Olivia Wilde is bold-shouldered in a figure-flattering LWD, House of Lavande jewelry, & metallic platform pumps. 666 Park Avenue star Rachael Taylor wears a head-to-toe Calvin Klein Collection look, including silver lace-up heels & a box clutch. British actress Felicity Jones looks flirty & cool in an all-black sweater & skirt outfit with bowed pumps at the Miu Miu show. Olivia Palermo continues to catch my eye in an all-black leather Dior look with Giuseppe Zanotti pumps. Modern Family bombshell Sofia Vergara shows off her curves in her Sofia by Sofia Vergara for KMart black sparkling dress with tights & suede platforms.

As for black & white looks, I love the variety here when it comes to feminine dresses, vintage-inspiration, as well as nods to menswear with separates all in my favorite color combination! Jessica Alba goes androgynous sexy in a Narciso Rodriguez blouse with loose-fitting trousers & cap-toe Jimmy Choo pumps. French import Laetitia Costa shows the softness of a slim-fitting black suit & sandals, all by Dolce & Gabbana. The sultry Penelope Cruz is elegant & statuesque in an embroidered black & white cardigan by L’Wren Scott with cuffed trousers & Salvatore Ferragamo pumps. Rock of Ages actress / former Dancing with the Stars dancer Julianne Hough is mod in a black & white mini dress with silver pumps at a Henri Bendel party. Scandal star Kerry Washington is as pretty as ever in a white feminine sheath dress with black accents, rose gold Anita Ko studs, & metallic cap-toe pumps.

Black & white has also made the Spring 2013 runways, with especially fabulous designs from Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Chloe, Yves Saint Laurent, Carolina Herrera, & Catherine Malandrino Black Label.

Naturally, I’m excited to share with readers how you can achieve the perfect black & white looks while on a budget. From LOFT, you can find the polka dot wedge top ($39.99), or if you’re looking for a more streamlined look, try New York & Company‘s contrast trim banded collar blouse ($39.95) which will pop against any pencil skirt, colored jean, or slim leg pant. For a more feminine touch, I love the dolled-up darling ruffled bow blouse ($28.99) from Ruche, which I’d wear to work with a lacy tweed skirt & textured tights, or for a fun night with the girls wearing my favorite dark wash jeans & metallic sandals.

However, if you’re looking to add an unexpected edge to any fall/winter ensemble, try the Danielle seamless skirt ($12.48) in white from G by Guess, which is also available in black. Also, I’m always a big fan of zebra, which is why I picked the knee-length zebra print skirt ($19.80) from Forever 21. Black & white dresses are perfect for any occasion, especially with a modern graphic print or something in a classic polka dot. I love the Ronnie & Nicole short-sleeve mitered stripe dress ($35.00) from JC Penney & White House Black Market‘s strapless dot dress ($29.99). Also, Superfly flats ($49.00) from Nine West are a fun touch for the office or a day date, especially when worn with brighter pieces like skinny cords or dark denim jeans.

How do you like to wear black & white? Do you prefer one color over the other? Which staples in these colors do you wear for day & night? For more posts on affordable & fashionable finds, check out posts from Quickie Darling Deal & Steal, Fabulous in 4 Ways, The $100 Challenge, & Splurge or Save! Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: Be Bright in Green for 2012!

Posted on January 3, 2012 by Alissa

In looking ahead to the bold fashions of 2012, I’m loving green, which just so happens to be my favorite color. Although I believe there’s a time & place for a pop of green & wouldn’t recommend this dress with any of these shoes at the same time!

I’m absolutely nuts for this fitted, knee-length dress ($34.95) from H&M, available in sizes 4-16. Not only is it date-friendly, but it’s also great to transition from the office to happy hour with girlfriends. You can make it all your own by adding a leather blazer or embellished cardigan. Perhaps accessories like a studded belt, bib necklace, or textured tights will also bring out the bold color of the anytime sheath dress.

Since we’re on the subject of green, I’m dying for these three pairs of green heels, all from Charlotte Russe. Right now you can take advantage of the site-wide sale on shoes: Buy 1, Get 1 for $15.50! The studded platform satin pumps ($40.00) are a fun way to mix things up with your favorite LBD. If you wanna try something more lush & regal, the velvet platform peep toe pump ($35.50) shows off your flirty side. Also, the knotted velvet platform pump ($40.00) is sexy for a single girl’s night out.

Don’t be afraid of green & don’t pay any mind to the Kermit the Frog jokes. For some celebrity inspiration, take a look at Amanda Seyfried in Prabal Gurung @Comic Con in San Diego & Gwyneth Paltrow in a shimmering Elie Saab gown at the Bambi Awards. Check out more Color Me Style posts here, including Hailee Steinfeld in yellow & the hunt for the perfect red shoe! Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review / Color Me Style: A Brilliant Black & Blue Takeover at the Emmy’s Featuring Gwyneth Paltrow, Claire Danes, Dianna Agron, & More (Part Two)!

Posted on September 20, 2011 by Alissa

I previously stated that red was the color of the night for the 2011 Emmy Awards, but red was given some serious competition with the ladies wearing different shades of blue & varying styles of exquisite black gowns! There’s just so much to talk about with these looks, proving that even the most classic or daring silhouettes can rival on the red carpet!

Although they say that black doesn’t photograph well… These Style Darlings prove otherwise! First, Michelle Forbes, star of The Killing definitely killed in a black Romona Keveza strapless gown with a fitted bodice. Winner Julie Bowen took a plunge in a black metallic sequin-embellished column dress by Oscar de la Renta. She’s never looked better, especially with those stunning Neil Lane earrings! Kaley Cuoco’s retro polka Romona Keveza dress was by far my favorite black dress, especially with the polka dot netting & red satin peep toes & Judith Leiber clutch. Fringe star Anna Torv went for a classic old Hollywood look in a black Vera Wang gown with Lorraine Schwartz earrings & navy Roger Vivier shoes. Boardwalk Empire star Gretchen Mol kept its simple & elegant in a sweetheart L’Wren Scott silk gown with emerald Fred Leighton jewelry. Glee bad girl, Naya Rivera showed off her figure in a sculpted black dress with corset bodice.

Gwyneth Paltrow caused quite a stir in her two-piece Emilio Pucci beaded gown with Roger Vivier sandals & Neil Lane jewelry. Evan Rachel Wood looked simply gorgeous in a beaded Elie Saab gown. She was nominated for her outstanding performance in Mildred Pierce, but turned heads with her Fred Leighton jewelry, Salvatore Ferragamo shoes, & Judith Leiber clutch. Jenna Ushkowitz went for a black & white Ghadah Paris gown with Casadei shoes & obviously got the memo about carrying a Judith Leiber clutch. Lena Headey covered up in a black brocade long-sleeved gown with a belt, Brian Atwood heels & a Judith Leiber clutch. Kelly Macdonald tastefully showed off some skin in a sheer Stella McCartney gown with Jimmy Choo sandals.

As for the ladies in blue, navy was the most popular shade, but turquoise & royal were also embraced. Kyle Richards wore a pleated royal blue mermaid gown with drop earrings, a cocktail ring, & caged diamond bracelet. Cobie Smulders of How I Met Your Mother was bright in an aquamarine Alberta Ferretti gown with Neil Lane drop earrings, Brian Atwood shoes, & a clutch by Rene Caovilla. Last year’s winner, Claire Danes, went for stuck to her favorite column silhouette in a sequin-embroidered Oscar de la Renta gown with Irit jewelry & pumps by Barbara Bui platforms. Dianna Agron took a risk in this Roksanda Ilincic fishtail gown, but looked stunning with her Fred Leighton jewelry & clutch by Roger Vivier. Funny lady Amy Poehler channeled this year’s Oscar look worn by Amy Adams in the short-sleeved all-over blue gown by Peter Som with drop earrings by Martin Katz.

Charlie’s Angels star Minka Kelly donned a vintage-inspired navy & black lace Christian Dior gown with Tiffany & Co. jewelry & Barbara Bui sandals. The X-Factor judge Paula Adbul looked adorable in a navy embellished Simeen gown with Martin Katz jewelry. Nominee Diane Lane looked fantastic in a navy Monique Lhuillier crystal-encrusted gown with Cathy Waterman jewelry. Glee girl, Heather Morris wasn’t afraid of this tiered plunging gown with gold dangly earrings. Emily Blunt showed the best in blue in a deep-v Elie Saab creation with a Kelly Locke clutch & Brian Atwood sandals. One star that could’ve done better was Katie Holmes in this crepe Calvin Klein Collection belted dress.

Be sure to check back for my Emmy red carpet coverage & our post about the fabulous red gowns worn by celebrities like Sofia Vergara, Lea Michele, & Kate Winslet! Who was your favorite of the night? Who do you think his all the wrong notes? Which dress do you covet? Happy Styling!

Color Me Style / Red Carpet Review: Ravishing Red for Kate Winslet, Nina Dobrev, & More at the 2011 Emmy’s (Part One)!

Posted on September 19, 2011 by Alissa

At this week’s 63rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, RED was the color to wear on the red carpet! Sometimes red is a tricky color to wear b/c you could blend in, but none of these ladies went unnoticed! I don’t think I’ve ever seen red look so good, especially on these stars who play with shades of apple, crimson, scarlet, & cherry!

Adrianne Palicki went for a vintage starlet feel in a sweetheart halter gown with a high slit, keeping her hair simple with elegant diamonds. Connie Britton showed that you don’t have to be twenty years old to look exquisite on the red carpet, in a flowing chiffon gown with drop earrings & bangles. Lea Michele revealed to E! that she wanted to keep her look simple, but this Marchesa column gown is super chic & flattering on the petite actress with a big voice. Her straightened hair is the perfect finishing touch to such a glamorous & effortless look. Kerry Washington presented in a strapless Zuhair Murad gown with a matching clutch & pair of heels by the one & only, Jimmy Choo.

Nina Dobrev made a splash in this red Donna Karan gown with accented diamonds by Neil Lane, a Judith Leiber clutch, & Brian Atwood stilettos. Sofia Vergara was one of the most talked about nominees & definitely wowed in a scarlet Vera Wang curve-hugging gown with Colombian emerald chandelier earrings. And last, but not least, Kate Winslet, my favorite nominee of the night, looked polished in a red form-fitting Elie Saab gown with a soft updo & diamond drop earrings.

Check out our previous Red Carpet Review posts, as well as the fun color-themed posts in Color Me Style! Who wore red the best? Who was your favorite winner of the night? Be sure to check back this week while I post more & more about Sunday night’s ceremony! Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: The Hunt for the Red Shoe (Dedicated to Rosie)!

Posted on September 1, 2011 by Alissa

Recently, my best friend, Rosie, revealed to me that she wants some red shoes. My first instinct was to be her shoe guide, & also get a good blog out of it! While our styles & tastes are very different, I was proud to go on the hunt to find shoes that meet her very specific needs: not too high. Standard heel size for me is four inches, but I found these styles that Rosie should try on whether she’s trying to look sexy for a date night & keep her daytime office look both professional & polished.

These selected shoes do vary in price range since Rosie would be investing in one perfect pair of red pumps, whereas other weak-minded & footed Style Darlings like me, shoe obsessed & all would be seeking to own many different styles of red confectionary footwear.

First we have the ‘Ramone’ satin slingback platform style from Nine West for $89.00 which is perfect with a pair of dress pants, leggings, or your favorite LBD. It has just the right amount of detail & toe cleavage to attract attention. Probably the safest bet for a girl like Rosie who’s conventional & cute, the bow front cone heels from Charlotte Russe for $28.00. The patent leather makes them cocktail-ready, but also restrained enough for daytime with capris & a flirty blouse. If looking for something more elegant, just for night-time, I always recommend red in satin b/c it’s just so pretty, like the Caparros ‘Harriet’ pump from DSW for $24.94, which are also available in black for a formal occasion!

The ankle wrap pump comes courtesy of Payless by Silvia Tcherassi for $54.99. I’ve already checked & these are too loud for my friend, but do make for the proper statement red shoe if you want to shoe off your wild side. Madden Girl by Steve Madden has created these comfortable deep red patent leather round toe pumps, available @Zappos for $49.95 that are the least likely to give your feet any pain with very modest 3-inch heel. You just can’t go wrong with a basic pair of red pumps like the ‘Arnoldoa’ from ALDO that are marked down from $70.00 to $34.98 right now!

Do you have a favorite pair of red shoes? Do you like red shoes or think they’re too Dorothy-esque? How high is too high in a heel for you? Which are your go-to spots to shop for red shoes? Which pair would you recommend for Rosie? Happy Styling!

Style Darling Daily

…One stylish day at a time, for a budget-conscious shopper, inspired by the red carpet!

Category Archives: Color Me Style

Color Me Style: The Season of Barbiecore Pink is Here!

Red Hot Holiday Dresses for all Sizes!

Wow With White This Fall!

Color Me Style: All You Need is Olive!

Color Me Style: All-White Summer Inspiration from Olivia Palermo, Kerry Washington, Kristen Stewart, & More!

Color Me Style: Fall’s Must-Have Mustard Pieces, Inspired by Blake Lively, Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, & More!

Splurge or Save… on Gold Wedge Espadrilles!

Color Me Style: White-Hot White Style For Spring, Inspired by Victoria Beckham, Lily James, Gwen Stefani, & More!

Color Me Style: Daily Look’s New Year’s Eve Little Black Dress Style Challenge!

Fabulous In 4 Ways: Pretty Pastel Looks For Your Winter Wardrobe!

Color Me Style: Now Is All About Navy, Featuring Blake Lively, Marchesa, & More!

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

Show Me The Shoes / Color Me Style: Mint Is Back For Spring!

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

Color Me Style: Spring Into Neon Yellow This Season!

Splurge or Save… On A Neon Blouse!

Color Me Style: Winter White Dresses Inspired By Rooney Mara, Nicole Richie, & Runway Looks Of Michael Kors, Rachel Zoe, & More!

Basics For A Bargain: Monochromatic Looks To Brighten Up Any Season, Wardrobe, & Budget!

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

10/19/2012 Darling Of The Day / The $100 Challenge: Freida Pinto’s All-Black, Affordable Look!

Color Me Style: What’s Black & White & Chic All Over?

Color Me Style: Be Bright in Green for 2012!

Red Carpet Review / Color Me Style: A Brilliant Black & Blue Takeover at the Emmy’s Featuring Gwyneth Paltrow, Claire Danes, Dianna Agron, & More (Part Two)!

Color Me Style / Red Carpet Review: Ravishing Red for Kate Winslet, Nina Dobrev, & More at the 2011 Emmy’s (Part One)!

Color Me Style: The Hunt for the Red Shoe (Dedicated to Rosie)!

…One stylish day at a time, for a budget-conscious shopper, inspired by the red carpet!

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share:

Share: