One of my favorite buy-one-in-every-color finds has expanded with another variety. This time, a blouse with so much styling potential, is available in black & ivory to pair seamlessly with so many different bottoms, but also a printed blazer, denim jacket, flyaway cardigan, & embellished bolero.
I’m definitely a jewelry addict—this, I know. If there’s a mega-sale, I’m on it. Since last week was Mother’s Day, naturally, I treated myself to some must-have can’t-miss deals, including one of the prettiest necklaces that I really just want to wear every. single. day.
I love the gold & silver tones, as well as the bling & length for a variety of blouses, pullover sweaters, maxi dresses, especially when looking to keep the accessorizing light when the temperatures start to rise. Check out my photos of the necklace against a bold pop of Barbie-core pink!
It’s time to break out the arms as the weather slowly, sort of changes to actual springtime & show off a flattering sleeve & the glory & variety of t-shirts! When there’s a twist involved, that’ll look stylish with a midi skirt, linen shorts, pull-on pants, or dark denim jeans, sign me up!
I have the black, which I can’t wait to coordinate with a pleated midi skirt & statement necklace. I do wish this too was available in an olive green, as well as a more royal blue. They’d be staples in my spring wardrobe, but a girl can dream!
I will always love a peplum top, along with a light & breathable chambray material. The flattering shape in a classic & neutral fabric makes for a stylish & winning combination with tropical linen shorts, red jeans, plaid capris, or patterned leggings!
While I’m not always a big fan of hanging ties on tops, the ease of this calls more for a fun, threaded earring than any kind of neckwear, especially come those hot summer days. I gave the black & can’t wait to style it up for a casual day in the office or when planning my family’s next road trip!
I’ve really been obsessed with plaids lately, probably because I don’t wear them as much once spring comes around. I do love a mix of plaids with florals or abstract prints when coordinating color schemes. A classic windowpane print, especially in navy, not only presents opportunity for print mixing, but also to play up other fun colors in your wardrobe.
These fit so nicely & I can’t wait to wear them with a polka dot top & cardigan outfit, as well as with bright colors, like fuchsia, chartreuse, orange, & lavender. Navy is such a major neutral, & the wearing it in these capris will make for a special look for the work day or weekend.
I’m so guilty of—time & time again—succumbing to sparkle. If it’s on sale or a deep final sale discount, I’m shattered! I have no backbone! I want it! I want to style it! I want to write about it!
After all, isn’t every day a special occasion? Rarely a day goes by without wrist adornment & lately, I’ve been layering since there are so many gorgeous pieces that look even more spectacular when paired up with others. I have all 3 of the above & I already have then prepped for outfits this week! They sparkle in the light, have some quality weight to them, & are easy to adjust, so I recommend them for early Mother’s Day presents or just for yourself, if you’re into bling!
Let’s all give it up for the one & only Sofia Vergara who got denim joggers right! The actress-turned-fashionista has nailed it when it comes to a combination of comfortable, stylish, & affordable pull- on jeans with a joggers twist. I can’t wait to wear them all the time, especially since I haven’t worn jeans since before my pregnancy in 2018 started to show!
At the recommendation of another blogger, I ordered these in the lightest Bel Air wash, only because the darker Oceana wash was sold out in my size; however, now that I’m in love with his comfortable & trendy these are, I’ve already ordered the Trinity wash before it’s too late!
Throughout the year, I like to have fun with my stud earrings, mixing up a quintet of studs in colorful, tasteful, & stylish ways since most days, I fill my 5 piercings in each ear with great variety. I love adding a fruit into the mix, but from time to time, an animal also appears, including birds! I’ve had my eye on these for some time now:
I love the orange-blue-green-white color combination, especially against the gold-tone. It’s a bright, playful addition to any look & adds a spring touch against a tunic sweater & leggings or midi dress & duster cardigan.
As the barrage of end-of-winter sales are coming to a close soon, it’s time to stock up on next season’s essentials. No matter how many time I examine & reorganize my bursting sweaters shelves, I can’t help but notice what colors & styles are missing. Suddenly, inspiration strikes & I click add-to-cart!
SHOP: essential dolman sweater in winter white, heather gray, syrah red, dark purple, golden seal, & blue destiny @New York & Company (on sale: $10.00, limited availability in sizes XS-XXL).
I have the burgundy sweater, which I’m excited to wear with plaid pants & a statement necklace for a work day. The weight of the sweater is just right & I’m thinking about adding the white & gold since they’re such a great price right now!
For yesterday’s (mild) snow day, I wanted an easy, but chic work look that kept me warm & felt effortless. I knew my knee boots were in order, along with velvet leggings, but I volleyed between sweater & accessories options until I realized that I hadn’t broken out my new silver necklace!
Once I happily settled on the necklace, I immediately thought of my purple dolman sweater since silver & purple are such a glorious pairing. I love how classic this necklace is, while also being lightweight, adjustable in length, & a no-fuss kind of necklace, which is why I call it my anti-statement necklace. It has just enough shine, but it’s not too much. Not to mention that the price is right! I’d love to also contrast the subtle texture on the necklace with a floral or stripe print, along with cobalt & powder pink tops.
This sweater season has been one for the books! I love styling a cozy pullover sweater for a movie date night, a day at work, or for weekend errands! A cable knit detail is classic, but a modern take on cable knit is much more fun & stylish. In fact, my look for today, thanks in part to Instagram & Facebook votes, features a new cable knit sweater with past season windowpane pants & tweed buckle flats (see post here).
SHOP:Time & Tru mixed stitch sweater in apple juice, brilliant red, medium grey heather, winter white, & green chili @Walmart (on sale: $14.98, limited availability in sizes XS-2XL).
Here’s how I styled mine:
The texture of these sweaters coordinates well with a variety of textures for bottoms, including houndstooth, Buffalo plaid, polka dots, pinstripes, lace, jacquard, faux leather, or denim. How would you style these sweaters? Which color is your favorite? Where are you shopping for the best deals? For more stylish posts, check out: sequin star cardigans & faux leather leggings at LOFT, pastel pullovers for under $18, & staple denim jackets in 4 washes! Happy Styling!
Every Sunday night, I try to take an hour or so to outfit prep, as stated in a previous post from September. When one planned outfit didn’t quite work out this week, I had to switch things up in a pinch, so that I could still get myself ready, get my daughter up & ready & arrive at work on time. This was the original planned outfit, but the pants were noticeably too short for a 30-degree winter day on Long Island & I wasn’t about to dig out my boots from another part of the house.
Then, upon changing up the clothing & keeping the accessories, this is what I ended up wearing:
Eventually, I realized that the sweater & leggings are newer pieces that I recently purchased & they’re still available to shop for. I’ll definitely be wearing these pieces (in different ways) throughout the season as the sweater is so versatile in terms of styling & color matching & the leggings can be dressed up or down with a tunic or hoodie & paired with boots, heels, or sneakers.
multicolored sequin v-neck sweater in ivory/gold & silver heather grey @LOFT (on sale $49.99, extra 50% off with code: 24HRS, limited availability in sizes XS-L).
I already have the silver sweater, but I do have my eye on the olive leggings, especially since the velvet stripe down the side adds such a dressy & luxurious touch to any stylish and/or sporty outfit.
Even though my husband & I had a very low key New Year’s Eve, I was thrilled to ring in the new year in style & sparkles! As soon as I saw the blouse below on Instagram, I knew it was the top I’d wear—no matter our midnight plans.
This top can be worn with virtually any kind of bottom, including black faux leather pants, a lace skirt, multicolor jacquard pants, red satin joggers, royal blue tuxedo pants, forest green plaid trousers, hot pink pants, or winter white ankle pants. My only wish is for the top to also be available in rose gold & silver because I’d definitely invest those as well!
For the day-to-day grind & weekend chores, I stick to one giant handbag. I’m very loyal to it until it falls apart; however, when heading out for a special occasion, I’m happy to downsize with something metallic, playful, & festive!
I gifted myself the pink bag with a gift card, but I’m also keeping my eye out for a holiday deal on accessories, so that I can add the chic, neutral metallic bronze to my collection too!
This season I’m all about VELVET, which is turning out to be especially cozy & stylish as the temperatures drop! Just in time for winter & the holiday season are my absolute favorite velvet pull-on pants from last year, which are back @LOFT!
SHOP:velvet pull-on slim pants in black, bold Bordeaux, & deep spruce green @LOFT ($79.50, use code: MERRY for 40% off, available in sizes XXS-XL).
However, since sizing isn’t all that inclusive, if you’re looking for go-to velvet pants for a chilly day of dressing up or for the next holiday gathering, check out this recommendation:
Every Style Darling should include a leopard & argyle cardigan in their wardrobe. Of course, I’m referring to 2 different kinds of printed cardigans. This idea came to me when shopping the following items:
I haven’t worn the leopard yet, but plan to with velvet pants & chain buckle flats or a pencil skirt & polka dot tights, of course with a lacy or ruffled shell underneath. However, I loved playing up the preppy vibe with the argyle:
I emphasized the gray & red with slim-leg trousers & ballet flats, wearing an asymmetric tank & statement necklace. Although, I definitely recommend these NY&Co cardigans, the sizing isn’t as inclusive as I’d love, which is why I also recommend the following fashionable finds:
Now that fall is here & in full swing, it’s time to start thinking about layering pieces for work & weekend! My go-to layering topper for all season is a cardigan. Of course, I love patterns & jeweled embellishments on cardigans, but a solid in any color sparks joy when paired with a printed top & neutral pants, a basic shirt & printed bottoms, or a bold colorblock dress. Whether you’re shopping for fall must-haves or a staple set of cardigans for all year long, Amazon has just the pick for you:
I love the hunter green, which I’ve ordered & have planned for my wardrobe rotation this week, but I already have my eye on the cobalt, navy, ultra violet, & lime styles too! not to mention, this sweater has over 4,800 ratings with 4.5/5 stars.
The picture from 2017 was taken in front of my parents’ house in Lake Grove for my first day of teaching (as Professor LeClair) a college class & I had no idea the path I was about to fashionably forge or how my life would change over the next 5 years! When I recently uncovered the tropical dress from deep storage (that I was unable to unpack or even mentally tackle for a good 2 years), I remembered that I hadn’t worn the dress since that very first, nerve-wracking day of a career I never wanted; however, with the launch of my sixth academic year as an English professor (as Professor Gambino), I thought it was “fitting” to break it out again.
Of course, I accessorized it differently, opting for white accents & skipped the belt, but it’s good to know that 40 or do classes later, I still got it! The top picture on the right was taken this morning, a beautiful summer morning as the buzz of academia awaited me & called so many back to their jobs after a long break. I’d like to look back on both of these moments as bursting with possibility & new starts, reminding myself that they do come back around, even when it seems like fate has stuck you in a never-ending cycle.
Ultimately, recycling old favorites to make them feel new again & doing my very best to live the stylish life (one day at a time) are goals that I hope to uphold now that I’ve reclaimed a part of myself (& my style) in finally having my wardrobe where I want it to be. Stay tuned for more detailed updates on the unveiling of my cloffice (a.k.a. Style Darling Daily headquarters).
As for the outfit: The dress is an oldie from my stylist days @Dressbarn, as is the black bolero. The recent picture includes a @New York & Company cardigan & @Ardene flats, as well as oldie @Dressbarn drop earrings.
When it comes to fall fashion, bold florals don’t usually come to mind first, but I like mixing it up when the seasons change with unexpected pops of colors so as not to look like everyone else in plaid & still challenge myself. Anyway, expressing one’s style isn’t about following trends!
Florals are not for everyone & I typically veer my style attention away from a traditional grandmother/curtain-looking floral; however, one pair of floral flats that I’ve had since last year always seems to stay in rotation. I love the Dream Paris casual pointed toe ballet comfort soft slip on flat shoes in floral @Amazon (on sale: $21.99 & available in sizes 5-12) for the color versatility with magenta, purple, white, neon green, navy, & black.
I’ve worn these to the office with virtually every solid maxi dress that I own, paired with a crochet bolero or cardigan, as well as with different pant & blouse outfits. After getting another closet look at them online & wearing them on & off cue the last few months, I suspect that the floral pattern placement on each pair may vary, as seen with my shoes below.
For fall, I even love mixing these flats with a navy & magenta outfit, as well as a black & purple color-blocked look. Not to mention that the shoes are perfect beyond the office with a shift or fit & flare dress for a special occasion. They’re super comfortable & I get so many compliments on them every time I wear them.
Additionally, they’re reduced in priced from $35.99 & have a 4/5 rating from over 7,000 reviews! However, one downside is that they’re not available for shoppers needing a wide width size.
During a quick browse around the accessories & jewelry departments of my local Walmart, I sought to catch some clearance deals by Time & Tru. Even though my jewelry collection is very full & not lacking in any way, I decided to treat myself anyway to earrings that are different from what I already have & that I knew I’d wear—& for a bargain! to boot!
The following earrings selected are not available online to be linked, but that means you should head to your local store to get that deal for any look, along with other can’t-miss end of the season mark downs!
A mixed metal earring is perfect for a floral printed ensemble, like a sheath dress, maxi, or matching shorts & cropped top in order to accentuate the different tones of gold, silver, & rose gold.
Love the mixed metals here!For $2, I had to get these!
When looking for a classic, but unique stud, these pink studs will soften up any harder look in leather with jeans, a blouse, & boots.
I bought these months ago & was glad to see them still around for other shoppers to grab!
Colorful jewelry works for any time of year, especially with a colorblock dress paired with stilettos & a cuffed blazer.
I’m not a big fan of hoops, but I love the flare these have with the mixed colorful threading.
When trying a dramatic & romantic look with subtle sparkle, these earrings will get the job done for a jewel tone or cable knit sweater & faux leather pencil skirt.
Love these studs to pair with other silver or beaded pieces!
Getting ready for fall means that it’s time to start planning days of apple & pumpkin picking or heading out to a winery before the frost gets here—at least on Long Island anyway! Outfits with boots & any outdoor friendly pieces are essential, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. One fall-friendly piece is a tunic that works with a variety of separates & occasions, no matter if you’re headed out or planning a cozy weekend inside with a good book or to binge on the next best Netflix original.
Time & Tru’s ribbed tunic top @Walmart ($15.98) is available in 4 colors (black soot, papyrus beige heather, green chili, & sheet salmon) & sizes XS-XXXL. I’ve ordered the black & green tops, looking forward to work from home days. I’d be ready for any Zoom meetings in this by throwing on a statement necklace or drop earrings. Another way you can also coordinate these tops is with faux leather leggings & a flannel, skinny jeans with riding boots & a long necklace, or an athleisure look with paneled leggings & tennis shoes.
I’m still all about summer right now, but the new fall fashions are everywhere. As I’ve been sorting & organizing my wardrobe to prepare for the upcoming fall semester, I find myself in need of a hosiery refresh, which is just in time to catch the last days of Target’s 30% off Clothing, Accessories, & Shoes discount through the Target app, which expires on Sat 8/20. I’ve hit add-to-cart on a bunch of black patterned tights by A New Day to keep my legs protected when the temperature drops, but my style high with a variety of prints to go with any outfit.
Try florals against solid separates or when colorblocking. Perhaps, going with menswear inspiration or something geometric would contrast a polka dot or brocade look for fall. Also, there’s animal print to consider which would highlight the dichotomy of edgy & soft when playing up an unexpected neon look for fall!
During a recent black hole viewing of Instagram stories (I’m not the only one, am I?), I came across a blogger sharing their interpretation for summer-to-fall teacher outfits, including A New Day’s high-rise slim straight pull-on pants @Target ($25.00, available in sizes XS-4X). There are 2 qualities about these pants that I loved right away: 1. They’re pull-on. Ever since I’ve had my daughter, pants with zippers are the enemy & pull-on pants are my loyal subjects! 2. They’re available in 8 neutral, professional colors / patterns.
The variety includes navy (windowpane), black pinstriped, gray (plaid), gray (& black/purple houndstooth), cream, green, brown, & black. So far, I’ve ordered all, except the black because they weren’t available in my size, & I’ve received the navy & gray houndstooth. They’re very comfortable & run true to size. I love the length (being that I’m 5’3″).
For a professional day, they will pair nicely with a blouse-cardigan-ballet flat combination or a short sleeve sweater & statement necklace with mule heels. I’d love to style these pants for more than just work though. When headed somewhere more casual, I can see pairing the solid options with a dolman top & sandals or a printed tee & wedges. As always, the possibilities are endless! Check out some options by A New Day sold @Target below:
Lastly, an outfit isn’t complete without some stylish (& affordable shoes). Target really knows what they’re doing when it comes to products in the line for A New Day as so many neutral pieces can be coordinated, especially with the pants:
SHOP: Millie twin gore slip-on sneakers in green ($14.99, available in sizes 5-12, wide width options, 6 colors), Thea mules in black ($19.99, available in sizes 5-12), Sue heels in blush ($29.99, available in sizes 5-12 & 2 colors), Corinna ballet flats in mahogany ($14.99, available in sizes 5-12, wide width options, 6 colors), Danica platform loafers in off-white ($32.99, available in sizes 5-12, wide width options, 2 colors), & Kiki mules in cognac ($29.99, available in sizes 5-12 & 3 colors).
This past weekend was especially productive as I beat the heat & stayed indoors with my daughter who helped me organize my expansive jewelry collection, including my extra abundant & sparkly watch & bracelet collection, thanks to years of working in retail & a lot of shopping indulgence during my bachelorette days.
About 3 weeks ago, I posted about organizing my statement necklaces, using a gray display stand from Target. Without even attempting to coordinate my growing inventory of storage & organization items, I found a companion pair of velvet bracelet & watch holders. My goal is to have as much as I can visible, so that I can assess what to donate during this process, but also, what to keep! On a day-to-day basis, I need to actually see what I have so I can to choose it & wear it, beyond it just taking up space in my cloffice & remaining ignored from my wardrobe & accessory rotation.
Also, I appreciate that the pair of stands are made in 7 soft separate pieces that are easy to assemble & disassemble for when picking out what to wear on a tired night before work or hurried morning getting ready.
The below pictured stand with my watches & cuffs doesn’t have a proper shelf in my cloffice, yet so these will be sitting pretty on my desk until shelving is in place. Also, I was able to fit 24 watches of varying size on it & I have 2 more that will be added to the stand once the bands are repaired. For the picture, though, the stand is sitting on my couch!
Yes, all the watches read different times because all of the batteries are dead, having been in storage for over 2 years. Have no fear, they will stylishly tick again!
For the $32.99 price, I was pleased that there were 2 stands, so that I could devote another one entirely to my stretch bracelets as well. This makes my styling time much more efficient & I am reminded of what I have on a regular basis so as not to buy repeats, no matter the deal or how pretty they may be!
Having worked from home for 15 months & keeping my accessorizing at a bare minimum, I’m so happy to be reunited with these stylish pieces & inspired to explore how to incorporate them into my everyday looks. Although, I just have to decide if the day will be a “watch day” or a “bracelet day” as I prefer to keep my right wrist free since I write with my right hand. Oh, the drama! Also, I still have to revisit the bracelet stand to be much more meticulous about sorting the colorful bracelets by bead color.
When considering accessories for vacation, I keep it super minimal, especially since it’s a hot summer week & I’m vacationing with a toddler to toddler-friendly places. That’s not to say I can’t do it in style, but I bring 2 bags, a few neutral sandals, 1 hat, 1 pair of sunglasses, & the most neutral earrings sets. The only other jewelry I wear is my wedding ring. We’re not planning on any fancy dining, so I just keep it mom-chic. Since we’re away for only 4 days & I have 5 piercings in each ear, I typically stack up on the earrings to avoid the discomfort of a necklace or bracelet on my skin.
Some favorite sets to rely on for chic, downplayed accessories style include these picks below from A New Day @Target:
Style Darling Daily 