Category Archives: Quickie Darling Deal & Steal

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

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

Wet Seal - earrings $4.99

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

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

Show Me The Shoes: Fergalicious Flats On Clearance For Under $20 @DSW!

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Whenever you’re shoe shopping in the clearance or sale section, you’re likely to run into that problem of “They don’t have my size,” since an item is older & there’s less availability.  Well, I can’t make any guarantees for DSW‘s stock, but I was clicking around & found that there are tons of shoes on clearance, for as low as under $20, which is how I started my search. I could post about high heels until the end of time, but sometimes, there are just some flats that just step right into my heart, including the ones I’ve featured by Fergalicious. 

DSW - Fergalicious flats $19.94

This includes the Alana zig zag flat ($19.94), which can be worn with any basics look, adding a flair of print & personality with the color combination.  Also, the Alana leopard flat ($19.94) is a must-have. I love animal prints & this can really help transform some essential pieces like a black button-down & pencil skirt to a chic work look, especially when adding a metallic belt & an embellished cardigan. However, my favorite is the Alana zebra flat ($19.94) since the black & white pattern is my favorite & I’d love wearing them with a purple sheath dress & black tights, or leggings & a chunky knit tunic sweater.  Lastly, add a little sparkle to your shoe-drobe (get it? shoe + wardrobe!), with the Alanis too flat ($19.94) in navy.  They’re also sold in black multi & grey, perfect for staying comfy in a sheath LBD with a statement necklace or some bangles. 

Which flats are your favorites? Do you ever find great deals on clearance? Now is the time to shop for great end-of-the-season bargains & to help you out, check out previous posts, including up to 70% off on the Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection @Target, 40% off on pajama sets from Victoria Secret, & bargain outerwear inspired by Claudia Schiffer & Gwen Stefani! Happy Styling!

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

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

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

Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection for Target

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Victoria’s Secret Pajama’s Are Up To 40% Off!

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Victoria's Secret sleep sale

Normally, this would be a post for Sale of the Week, but there’s just so much going on right now in terms of sales that I wanted to feature it on Style Darling‘s main blog page.  I rarely post about sleepwear, only b/c it’s never something that I think about when it comes to my wardrobe.  Sometimes I’ll wear a matching set, but most of the time, I’m dreaming in mismatched separates, including worn leggings & comfy layers of pullovers & tanks.  However, Victoria’s Secret is getting me in the pajama mood with their big sleep sale, with pajamas up to 40% off, along with separates, nighties, & slippers.

I’m featuring three of my favorite sets, which will surely help with starting off some healthy sleep habits for the new year.  This includes the pillow talk tank pajama ($29.99) in grey animal, dreamer flannel pajama ($29.99) in mint ice lurex plaid, & cotton mayfair pajama ($29.99) in leopard.  These comfy sets are also available in other colors & patterns, perfect for coordinating with other separates for those days when you’re curling up in front of the fire, reading a good book.

Also, whenever I’m at home, I can always been seen in my slippers- not just to protect my feet from the hard surfaces around the house, but also b/c they’re always cold! The cozy fleece slippers ($19.99) are only available in lilac frost, spring orchid, & red alert.  Also, the pillow talk slippers ($9.99) in pink plaid are a feminine way to accessorize, but if you’re looking for something backless, then I recommend the dreamer flannel slipper ($9.99), which is available in over a dozen different patterns.

Which pajamas do you like the best? Do you prefer matching sets are creating your own combinations? How much are you willing to spend on sleepwear? Happy Styling!

Basics For A Bargain: Best Coats To Buy Now, Inspired By Gwen Stefani, Victoria Beckham, Michelle Williams, & More!

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The holidays are over, but the big sales are just starting. In an effort to wish the warmer spring weather on, retailers are getting a head start on their markdowns, especially when it comes to outerwear. If you live in the Northeast (like I do!), then you’ll know that the weather outside is quite frightful. After spending the day in NYC on Friday, I was plenty thankful for my recent investment in a new wool coat to keep comfortable amid gusty winds down the fashionable streets of the Big Apple. 

Celebrities are even breaking out their best in outerwear, including Kate Middleton in a belted Reiss Angel coat with suede knee boots. Supermodel Claudia Schiffer looks cozy in a retro 70s-inspired poncho-style coat with a middle part & suede-accented bag. Katie Holmes arrives for her appearance on Broadway in a knee-length coat, eggplant Dolce & Gabbana bag, & suede Rag & Bone booties.  Socialite & reality star Olivia Palermo hits the streets of Brooklyn in her fur-trimmed coat over leather leggings & knee boots.  Gwen Stefani always stands out, especially in her printed plaid coat with matching red lips & white-rimmed shades for a day out in London. Kate Middleton, Claudia Schiffer, Katie Holmes, Olivia Palermo, Gwen Stefani, Alexa Chung, Victoria Beckham, Leslie Mann, Jessica Chastain, & Michelle Williams

Alexa Chung enhances her shape with this waist-cinching grey coat, which is made all the more feminine with ankle-strap heels & a leather clutch.  Victoria Beckham never gets it wrong, offsetting her menswear look with a plum trench coat & pointy toe heels.  This Is 40 star Leslie Mann reinvents the look of a modern working mom with this tan coat over a leopard print dress for an appearance on Good Morning America.  Jessica Chastain poses for photogs after a performance of The Heiress, wearing a tan piped trench coat with grey knee boots & a leopard scarf.  Michelle Williams plays up her bombshell style with this fur-trimmed double-breasted coat & towering peep toe pumps.

Of course, you don’t have to be a celebrity to look great in outerwear, especially when so much of it is currently on sale.  I’ve selected ten coats of varying styles, all under $100, perfect for any shape & look. I start with $100 b/c a winter coat is something that will last you up to five months out of the year, which means that’s about $20 a month on a coat if you go out everyday to brave the elements. It’s always a good idea to consider how your clothing investments can pay you back, especially when looking for a basic necessity like outerwear.

First, if you’re looking to throw on something chic over your winter sweaters, check out the fur military cape ($67.99) in brown from Gap. If a printed coat is more your style, then the VS peacoat ($59.99) in plaid from Victoria’s Secret is great for dressing up basics like a pullover & jeans. @New York & Company, you’ll find the knit collar wool coat ($41.98) in black, which is currently marked down from its original $139.95 price.  By checking out the Juniors’ department @Macy’s, you can spot the Levi’s faux-fur collar anorak ($35.99) in navy, however it’s also sold in khaki if you want to avoid a denim-on-denim disaster. LOFT‘s blanket stripe wool blend zip coat ($129.99) is listed rather high in price, but due to the site’s current sale, upon checkout, the price automatically reduces to $65.00!

coats

I’m such a big fan of houndstooth in the winter, which is why I was excited to spot the Jaclyn Smith houndstooth coat ($51.99) from KMart, recently reduced from $129.99. For more fun with color, @JC Penney, the a.n.a. hooded peacoat ($30.00) in sangria/black is a must-have clearance item & is also available in ivory/black, which will contrast nicely with leather leggings or a skirt & knee boots. A classic silhouette can be found in the faux-fur trimmed puff sleeve coat ($69.99) in red from Express, which is also sold in pink & navy. The wool-blend cape coat ($29.97) in warm stripe from Old Navy is a great buy for the color-savvy Style Darling & sold in sizes XS – XXL. Finally, the most affordable of all is the quilted self-tie coat ($19.99) from Forever 21, which offers that regal Chanel look with a contemporary twist, especially when worn with a striking scarf in animal print or paisley.

Where do you find the best prices on coats? Do you like to shop after the holidays when there are big sales? What’s your favorite outerwear style? For more posts from Basics for a Bargain, check out 4 ways to wear floral pants from H&M, an LBD look for under $100, & pointy toe heels inspired by Miranda Kerr, Kerry Washington, & More! Happy Styling!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Stylish Five: Affordable Flats For Any Occasion ($25 & Under)!

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‘Tis the season to be fashionable & when it comes to shoes, I love all styles, including flats. I’ve been lucky enough to find some great deals lately on late-summer designs, as well as the latest fall markdowns with trends like animal print, cap toes, colorblocking, embellishments, & neons.  Luckily, I was able to scope out these latest picks, all under $25 & are versatile enough for any occasion with some styling tweaks.

First off, I love me some houndstooth, which is why the Fergalicious Alana flats ($24.99) from 6PM are perfect for an office look with trousers & a blouse, a casual day with girlfriends with a cableknit sweater & skinny jeans, or a night in with your beau in a studded cardigan & jeggings.  The all over stone flat ($14.99) in lavender from Wet Seal is a mix of feminine & rock star, & is also available in turquoise, blush, pink, & black for up to $19.50. Break these out to dress up a denim skirt & pullover with a collar necklace, or for that retro-inspired shift dress you’ve been dying to wear!

The dexflex Claire scrunch flat ($24.99) from Payless are right up my alley, perfectly chic with a mix of cream & the metallic toe.  I’d pair this with a sequin top & neutral skirt, or to offset textured tights with a colorblock dress.  The Cyphers flats ($22.49) from ALDO are office-friendly with menswear-inspired tassles, but the playful fuchsia shade is just the right touch of pink to contrast a monochromatic look in navy or charcoal.  Since neon just isn’t going away, I just had to feature the neon toe ballet flats ($16.80) in nude/aqua @Forever 21, which are also sold in nude/pink & nude/yellow.  I’d recommend wearing these with a lace frock & thick belt or to play up your favorite pastel sweater dress.

Which flats are your favorites? What stores do you usually shop in when looking for flats? Do you gravitate towards the sale racks to find the latest markdowns? For more fabulous shoe posts, check out these pointy toe heels inspired by Katie Holmes & Sarah Jessica Parker, the best bargains for peep toe pumps, & GOjane’s crazy sale on booties! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Find Your Fabulous New Year’s Eve Dress @Kohl’s For Under $50!

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Hunting for a dress is never hard for me… not to brag or anything. When it comes to pants, that’s a whole other story. As a Style Darling on a budget, there’s nothing wrong with recycling a classic cocktail frock with some dazzling accessories for an upcoming party; however, if you’re able to shop for a new frock, I’d like to recommend these eight incredible buys, which are all from Kohl’s & are currently on sale for under $50! Having recently posted in Haute Headlines some of In Style‘s top picks for New Year’s Eve dresses, I knew I had to find my own to share!

I’ve been scoping out the Jennifer Lopez lace overlay ponte dress ($48.00), trying to figure out a way to write about it (& make it mine!) & the delicate lace details are just the ladylike touch to make the holidays shine if you’re looking for a dress that can last for many occasions after. Another dress on my must-have list is the Narciso Rodriguez DesigNation colorblock ponte sheath dress ($25.60), which has been reduced from its original $64.00 price! While some might deem this more of a work-ready dress, I recommend breaking out some of your best metallic accessories like a thick gold belt & textured pumps to dress this up for evening.  The Simply Vera Vera Wang mixed media dress ($40.80) puts all the sparkle out there for your look & merely calls for some towering evening sandals & vintage-inspired clutch.  For your flirty side, the Candie’s openwork sequin dress ($28.99) is a perfectly embellished LBD for a night of champagne & kissing at midnight. 

Kohl's

For the more practical party goer, the ELLE textured sheath dress ($30.00) in black begs for a collar necklace & stack of bangles, but it’s also available in green, fuchsia, & purple.  One of my favorite brands @Kohl’s is LC Lauren Conrad, which makes the lace satin dress ($44.80), a feminine & playful way to celebrate the new year, especially when coordinated with satin peep toe pumps & chandelier earrings.  Style Darlings of all shapes & sizes will be happy to shop for the Apt. 9 sequin shift dress ($35.20), which is available in 0X-3X. Not only does this dress look made for New Year’s Eve, but the oxblood / burgundy hue is very on-trend this season.  Lastly, the Speechless tiered tube dress ($9.80) is by far the best bargain for plus-size shoppers & reader & is the perfect template for dressing up with a sequin bolero, shimmering tights, & drop earrings. 

Which dress is your favorite? What style are you shopping for to celebrate the New Year in? Do you usually shop @Kohl’s for special occasion items? Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Dress Up An LBD Without Breaking The Bank!

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Getting ready for the holidays is always fun, what with the parties, dinners, & gatherings with friends & family leading up to the end of the year. You don’t have to spend a lot to look like a million bucks, especially when you look around at all the latest sales going on online & in stores. First I wanted to start off with a chic LBD for my latest post in The $100 Challenge, which includes the cross front jersey dress ($22.50) in black from Old Navy. The flowy, figure-flattering shape is perfect for any time of year, especially when it’s an ideal foundation for fun & sparkly pieces.  Of course, while heading to parties, you can add a flirty topper like the open front cardigan ($17.90) from Windsor Store.

Fabulous accessories include the Fioni Helix glitter sandal ($19.99) in silver from Payless, Forever 21‘s rhinestoned triangle necklace ($6.80) in grey, bow waist belt ($4.80) in cream, H&M‘s metallic tights ($9.95), & the Bay Harbor ostrich clutch ($18.00) by Apt. 9 from Kohl’s.

The total comes to $99.94, which is just under budget. Do you like this look? What’s your holiday go-to? How much are you willing to spend on one look? Happy Styling!

Basics For A Bargain: Pointy Toe Heels Are Here To Stay, Inspired By Katie Holmes, Stacy Keibler, Miranda Kerr, & More!

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While this little Style Darling has been busy with holiday preparations & fighting off a nasty cold, I’ve been finding joy in shoes, pointy toe shoes, more specifically. While perusing through the latest gallery pics of the most recent & fabulous red carpet looks worn by my favorite celebrities, I started noticing that pointy toe shoes have been making a sneaky comeback.  Of course, celebrities have been donning these on & off, but throughout the summer & fall, they’ve been mixing up their looks with towering platforms, round toe pumps, as well as cut-out & deep-vamp booties this season. I decided to feature some affordable pointy toe shoes in classic black, nude, & fun designs for a variety of looks for day, evening, & work. 

First off, I wanted to share some celebrity inspiration with nude pumps. Katie Holmes pairs her neutral shoes with a bright magenta Narciso Rodriguez sheath dress & olive trench coat. Kerry Washington softens her leather A.L.C. frock with nude shoes & House of Lavande jewelry.  This is 40 star Leslie Mann is all smiles in a knotted coral number with a luxe cream coat.  Singer / actress Mandy Moore offsets her stunning cobalt asymmetric dress with a colorful Bvlgari clutch & super pointy shoes. 

It didn’t take very long to find some affordable counterparts, without having to break the bank.  This includes Forever 21‘s patent & faux leather pump ($27.80) in tan with a 4 1/2-inch heel, perfect for elongating your legline.  I also recommend the Madden Girl Tartt pumps ($34.99) in blush patent from 6PM, which are currently 30% off from their original $50 price tag.  Of course these shoes are perfect for any dress look, making any pair of gams long miles long, but they’re also especially flattering with skinny jeans & a tunic top, leggings & an oversized sweater, or a 70s-inspired jumpsuit. 

As for the basic black pump, a pointy toe is edgy when matched with feminine frocks, & they can even dress up the most basic of outfits.  Tina Fey shows off her digital printed top with skinny pants, whereas Kate Bosworth mixes her pumps with a sophisticated Emilio Pucci peplum dress. 

Maria Sharapova plays with separates, including a floral Zimmermann top, Tanya Taylor skirt, & Iwona Ludyga earrings for her Giuseppe Zanotti pumps. The svelte Stacy Keibler looks long & lean in her wool & leather Monique Lhuillier suit while walking the red carpet at the VH1 Divas show. Clearly, black pumps are an essential for any wardrobe, including the Nine West Love Fury pumps ($47.99), as well as the Dianna pumps ($39.95) by Diba from DSW.

Lastly, if you’re going to wear pointy toe pumps, there are some occasions when a fun & flirty shoe is a must-have.  Make an unexpected move by going monochromatic like Miranda Kerr‘s all-white look at an event for Mango, or get wild with something textured like Sarah Jessica Parker‘s Jean-Michel Cazabat snake embossed pumps which well-coordinated with her vintage Estevez dress & Fendi bag. 

Rashida Jones plays with color in her slim leg cobalt suit, Peter Pilotto blouse, Jimmy Choo clutch, & Dana Rebecca Designs jewelry.  Lastly, Olivia Wilde makes her sexy leather head-to-toe look even more enviable with spiked Christian Louboutins & a House of Lavande ring. 

For a splash of sass, I looked for pointy toe pumps with some color & personality.  @Charlotte Russe, I found the patent pointed toe pump ($25.50) in hot pink, which will pop against any all-black look, or bring out the best from a watercolor print dress.  Also, since it’s the holiday season, add a little sparkle to your pump with the Robidoux ($27.99) in bright multi from Aldo. Try these with a classic LBD, leather jacket & mini skirt, or sweater dress & tights.

Which pointy toe shoes do you like? How much do you usually spend on footwear? Do you prefer pointy toe or round? Happy Styling!

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

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

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

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

Show Me The Shoes: One Stop Shoe Shop For Day, Work, & Cocktail @Payless!

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It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of the styles @Payless, which is why I continue to share the best finds from the store for all seasons. Not to mention, while celebrating the holidays, you can hone your style a little better without breaking any budget with a special 20% off coupon code (82028) to ease any shopping stress & it expires on 12/19. 

I’ve selected styles that vary for occasions, including day, work, & evening. I believe in a versatile shoe, while getting the most for your money, which is why I’m starting off with the dexflex by Dexter Kappy toe pump ($16.49) in bronze, the most inexpensive of my quintet here.  I’ve been getting into the less popular metallics like copper, rose gold, & bronze, loving the way they offset some of this season’s trendiest colors.  Not only are they perfect for a pencil skirt & blouse for work, but will also contrast any powersuit. 

For some menswear inspiration, I love the Dexter Kylie wedge pump ($22.99) in grey-black plaid, which changes up a traditional wedge to a work-ready investment. Of course the pattern is specific, but you won’t do wrong with a lace-detail sweater with jeans for day or an embellished top & trumpet skirt for the office. 

Payless shoes

For the vintage lover out there, I love the latest from Project Runway winner Christian Siriano‘s Hadley t-strap pump ($34.99) in burgundy, which is the go-to color for fall & winter! This screams for some corduroy, tweed, or textured tights- always cute for a sophisticated night out with the girls or if you’re headed to the board room. 

We can’t talk about the holidays without bringing up any upcoming parties. If you’re not afraid of heights, I recommend the Silvia Tcherassi Lyon platform pump ($29.99) in tan, but it’s also sold in a very regal navy with the same luxe gold details.  Lastly, for the party girl & flirt, the Fioni Kipsie stitch peep toe heel ($29.99) is the perfect touch for a polka dot frock on a date.  There’s a special bow detail right at the toe, which is always a favorite of mine!

Which shoes are your favorite? Have you set aside a spending budget for footwear this season? Do you like bargain shopping when it comes to shoes? Happy Styling!

Splurge Or Save… On Feminine Peep Toe Pumps?

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If you’ve been following Style Darling on Instagram, then you know that I’ve been busy with some shoe shopping as of late, but it’s not all for me, for once! My bestie asked for my help in finding closed toe evening pumps & I advised her on investing in Christian Siriano‘s La Femme pumps for Payless, which I featured in a post back in January. I love patent leather for the holidays, but also it’s a luxe material for a shoe any time of year. 

While thinking about holiday shoes, I wanted to share a classic & festive staple & that’s the peep toe pump. Of course you can find any old peep in whatever material you so desire, but for the holidays, I thought it was important to emphasize feminine details in ruffles & bows, especially when our outfits are covered in lace, sequins, or embellishments. 

I’ve selected five pairs of peep toe pumps at varying price points for to share with readers & shoppers that you don’t necessarily have to break the bank when looking for holiday essentials like fashionable footwear. I’ve started off with the Stuart Weitzman peep toe pump ($201.49) that have recently been reduced by 50% @Farfetch. The all-patent exterior is luminous & the shoe offers a stiletto that is sure to show off your legline.  If that’s too out of your price range, then Badgley Mischka sail suede pump ($84.50) from Last Call by Neiman Marcus is sure to get you plenty of bang for you buck. Of course this shoe is definitely more dressy, if worn to at least 2 occasions during the holiday months & throughout the winter, you’ll have 10 wears & each will only cost $8.45! Fancy that!

An even better deal thrives behind my Zappos find with the RSVP Sheryl pumps ($55.99) with an all-over satin finish, perfect for not just the holidays, but evening weddings with a sweeping empire waist gown.  Next, I’m happy to finally share a shoes by Fergalicious (yes, that’s Fergie Ferg) from 6pm, & the Energy pumps ($27.99) break down to less than $3 per wear. The soft ruffle around the peep toe frames your new pedicure, while contrasting any edgy pieces that complete your look like a leather jacket or white satin blazer.

Finally, I’m re-sharing the Valencia bow pumps ($19.99) by Lela Rose for Payless, which I featured back in an August post as a must-have for its patent body & satin bow. The shoe is marked down from its original $44.99 price (which I paid + 20% off with a coupon), but I couldn’t pass these up, thinking that they wouldn’t be around when I needed them (& I wore them for my birthday back in September!). Now, the even lower price makes these all the more desirable & I can tell you from firsthand experience that they’re very comfortable!

Where do you like to shop for holiday shoes? What are your must-have footwear pieces for the holidays? Do you prefer satin over suede or leather over patent? Would you splurge or save on a pair of peep toes like these? Happy Styling!

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

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

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

The Stylish Five

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

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

The $100 Challenge: Keeping It Coral For the Holidays!

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When it comes to what to wear for the holidays, we naturally think of red, green, black, & metallics, but I’ve been seeing a whole slew of pastels this season, which is why I was so excited to share LOFT‘s grosgrain waist pleated dress ($37.50) in coral. Not only is it marked down from its original nearly $90.00 price tag, but LOFT is celebrating the holidays with a store & site wide 50% off sale on all clearance items, no code needed. Not to mention that this dress is perfect for special occasions in the spring & will even look chic with a blazer & textured tights for the office. 

Finding more sale items to keep within out under $100 budget was easy since coral is such a feminine & bright color to wear for this holidays.  The rest of this look includes the cardigan ($17.95) in black from H&M which is the ultimate wardrobe staple for any embellished top or watercolor sheath dress.  Also, the glittered skinny waist belt ($3.80) in gold from Forever 21 is also available in pink, mint, & purple for your every pastel need.  The look comes together effortlessly with the color block pointed toe pump ($12.49) from Charlotte Russe that has a special metallic detail between the nude & coral hues.

Other accessories to help complete this look are the Mossimo exotic skin envelope clutch ($14.99) in gold from Target, which will coordinate well with any LBD, denim & sequins look, or classic shirtdress. Lastly  New York & Company‘s neutral tri-color bib necklace ($10.00) is a polished finishing touch that will also make the most basic button-down shirt or scoop neck tee a little more glamorous for day. The grand total for this look comes to $96.76, before taxes of course.

What dresses are you shopping for this season? Where are you finding the best deals & markdowns? For more affordable finds, check out previous posts featuring animal print inspiration, a party-ready look from H&M, & how to work stripes & florals for work or a date look! Happy Styling!

Beauty Buys: Forever 21’s Affordable Stocking Stuffers For A Beautiful 2013!

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I’ve been taking my time sifting through the pages of all my favorite issues of the December magazines, checking out the best deals on gifts for my Style Darling pals without breaking my budget, while still offering something fun & useful to make 2013 all the more beautiful.  If you’re in a rut & need to pick up a few fashionable extras while scoping out the great deals @Forever 21, check out their beauty products, which are always a great way to discover new hues & change up your routine. I picked out the love & beauty eyeshadow ($2.80) in beige, jade, & gunmetal since they’re perfect for any look & season. To apply these shimmering shades, I’ve also selected the cheetah pattern cosmetic brushes ($3.80), which comes with 5 valuable pieces for bringing out your best features.

Forever 21 beauty buys

Switch up the usual cosmetic must-haves & add some bling inside your bag with the rhinestoned mirror compact & tweezer set ($5.80).  You’ll love applying the essential hues for day, night, & parties in the lip gloss trio ($4.80) which is available in four different combinations, including rose/cherry, red/berry, pink/hot pink, & natural/bronze for every skin tone.  Take advantage of the bold nail art trend hitting Instagram with the color tip nail kit ($8.80) with 8 matte shades, necessary for any polish collection.

What are your favorite stocking stuffers to give? Do you like to give beauty products to your favorite friends? Where do you shop for the best beauty deals? Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Cozy Up With 50% Off Sweaters At Arden B.!

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Arden BAfter some much-needed down time during these holiday preparations, I am happy to share my latest post for Quickie Darling Deal & Steal, featuring the latest 50% off sale on select sweaters going on @Arden B. I’m all about posting the best looks, images, & articles that I find on Facebook by other fashion bloggers, & since it’s the weather is quite wintry here in New York, I’m excited about the idea of adding more sweaters to any wardrobe.

Arden BThe cowl neck asymmetrical sweater ($35.40) in passion is a flirty & fun version of an oversize knit to pair with leather leggings, skinny jeans, or straight leg pants.  The speckled foil sweater ($35.40) in black pattern is a dressy way to sport a sweater, perfect for wearing with a pencil skirt to a holiday party or with leggings & knee boots.  The criss cross draped sweater ($35.40) in charcoal is a relaxed way to show off your style & have the opportunity to wear a chunky collar necklace, a bold brooch, or ornate metallic earrings.  Lastly, the twisted ribbed sweater tunic ($35.40) in orange crush is the perfect knit for flattering your curves while on a date or having dinner with the girls.

Which sweaters are on your list to Santa? Do you have a favorite style of sweater to shop for? If you’re looking for more affordable style finds, be sure to check out previous posts, including my top picks of holiday skirts & trendy red suede ankle booties! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Work A Holiday Skirt Into Your Wardrobe ($30 & Under)!

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I’ve been turning to heavier textures for my work & can’t wait to start putting looks together for upcoming holiday gatherings too! For me, if I’m not wearing a dress, then you can be sure that I’ve got a holiday-friendly skirt in mind. I love all different fabrics & accents, which is why I wanted to share my five picks to wear without breaking the bank. 

I love a good tweed & houndstooth is one of my favorite patterns & @Dress Barn the houndstooth ponte skirt ($29.50) is a great buy for that transition from day to night by changing up suede ballet flats to studded ankle booties. For an edgier look, you can find the faux leather skirt ($24.95) @H&M, which will coordinate well with lush silk blouses, embellished tanks, & preppy knits for some contrast.

For a more feminine look, break out a softer hue with the solid trimmed jacquard skirt ($22.80) from Forever 21 & try it with this season’s top color, oxblood, with a leather jacket & some textured tights.  For the real party girl, though this isn’t an office appropriate skirt, I love the i jeans by Buffalo feather skirt ($25.00), which JC Penney has just marked down from its original $100.00 price tag.  With such a statement skirt like this, keep your other pieces a little more basic, but work a collar necklace or some stacked bangles in for extra sparkle.  Lastly, Target is one of my favorite stores to shop & the Merona sweater skirt ($26.99) adds a splash of animal print to any lace peplum or sequin top.  The cozy material is sure to be comfortable, while still showing off your flair for fashion. 

 What’s your holiday style? Do you have a go-to look for that upcoming office party? Do you prefer skirts over dress pants? Check out more affordable style tips including the best vests of the season, a great date look for under $100, & the prettiest ways to dress up your nails! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Invest In The Best Vests This Season (Under $25)!

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It’s definitely time to bundle up with the layers & unless you’re headed on a tropical vacation, take it from me, this season is all about adding that one last finishing touch. In this case, I’m talking about vests. I was a little reluctant to integrate them into my wardrobe, but if you’re seeking a rocker look, something bohemian, or a vintage feel, vests can help achieve this & make some older wardrobe staples refreshed & reinvented.

Keeping a budget in mind, I’ve selected five vests all under $25! First, the cap-sleeve leopard denim vest ($14.49) from Charlotte Russe is a recent markdown that’s perfect for making any graphic tee more stylish with boyfriend jeans & pointed toe neon pumps. A vest for work is always chic, especially over a solid blouse or classic button-down & I recommend the FANG openwork sweater vest ($21.99) in slate from Kohl’s which includes a belt & is also sold in other neutral hues like oat, & black.

To offset any chic all-black look, head over to Forever 21 for the metallic coated denim vest ($24.80) which will take you from a luncheon with family to drinks with the girls at a bar. If you want to try on the military-inspired trend by taking a baby step, Old Navy‘s twill cargo vest ($24.97) is perfect for adding a utilitarian feel with stripes, or even to dress down a pencil skirt.  Also, this is available in sizes XS – XXL! Lastly, I found the wearever cascade vest ($24.99) from J.Jill, which is a lighter & more feminine way to show off layers over a polka dot blouse & a lace mini skirt.

Do you like to wear vests? How do you style them? What’s your favorite part about layering? For more posts on budget-friendly styles, check out affordable sweaters inspired by Rose Byrne & Jessica Alba, a work-to-evening look for under $100, & beautiful studs from Piperlime! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: A Neutrals & Leopard Print Perfect For Any Time Of The Year!

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I’ve been really inspired by some of the Facebook pages that I’ve been spotting on my newsfeed lately, including J’s Everyday Fashion, Kendi Everyday, The Budget Babe, What The Frock?, Fashion Blog, Fashion is my life, Fashion lady, & finally, Fashion…. just to name a few.  I wanted to share my latest knowledge of Photoshop & pick out some affordable looks to help you through the fall & upcoming holiday season in  my latest post for The $100 Challenge!

What first caught my eye was the sueded pointy toe stud pumps ($32.50) from Charlotte Russe. Neutral & nude pumps haven’t gone away, but I love the contrasting texture of the suede with the edgy studding detail which adds more interest to what could be a forgettable & ordinary shoe. I’m always a big fan of animal print, which is why I’m recommending the long-sleeved wrap dress ($32.94) from Old Navy (online only), which is also available in other shades & prints, & sold in sizes XS – XXL.

As for the accessories, I wanted to find easy pieces to wear with other wardrobe staples, including the Minicci Susannah wristlet ($9.99) from Payless, H&M‘s beaded earrings ($9.95), & spike stretch bracelet ($9.20) from GOjane. Of course this look can be mixed up even more with red shoes, a glittery bag, under a blazer, & with tights & boots, but these basics are easy to throw on for work, a date, & drinks with friends on the weekend.

For more posts featuring affordable looks, check out Accessories Access & studded earrings, Basics for a Bargain & tops & pants looks inspired by Olivia Palermo & Kristen Stewart, Darling of the Day & Pippa  Middleton, & Luxury Look-Alikes for Less & studded ankle booties. Happy Styling!

Accessories Access: Sweet Studded Style From Piperlime!

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

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

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

Basics For A Bargain: The Hottest Tops & Pants Looks Worn By Kristen Stewart, Alexa Chung, Kate Hudson, & More!

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I’ve never been a dress pants kind of girl- until lately.  I was always the girl walking around in a skirt or dress b/c those pieces were just always easier for me to find since I wear petite bottoms in most cases, but also have a curvy shape.  However, I’m inspired by these tops & bottoms (pants, more specifically) looks that I’ve been spotting on the most photographed & stylish celebrities.

This includes actress Rashida Jones in jewel-tone trousers by Theyskens’ Theory paired with a studded blazer, an eggplant blouse, Graziela earrings, a Dana Rebecca Designs ring, & metallic cap toe pumps.  This look says so much about her edgy, but conservative style.  The rich hues combined with the luxe fabrics make looking like you’re wearing pajamas with an 80s-esque jacket look super cool.  Next is K-Stew herself, Kristen Stewart, wearing a daring Balenciaga design with a Cartier bracelet, & sleek Christian Louboutins. Critics are calling this look a ripoff of the barely there bra-top & bare midriff look that the blonde-coiffed Miley Cyrus has been sporting, but I think The Twilight Saga star has got it right here. French import / Bond girl Berenice Marlohe is ravishing in colorblocked black with feathers & a white top by Alexander McQueen, Norman Silverman studs, & Sergio Rossi pumps. I love her smoky eye, yet mature Blake-Lively inspired beachy locks, providing a fresh take on an unlikely pairing.

Kate Hudson is a vision in Alexander McQueen menswear with towering Brian Atwood pumps at the Glee premiere in September, while donning a sexy lace cami underneath.  Style icon Alexa Chung has never looked sleeker in this Maje button-down shirt & slacks with minimalist black pumps- again another menswear-ish look that couldn’t be more fabulous.  Lastly, reality star Olivia Palermo is getting on board with the volume trend wearing an Elin Kling for Marciano oversized sweater with cropped pants, ankle-strap Gucci sandals, & tribal-inspired accessories.

I gave myself the daunting task (while the power could hold out during the crazy snow storm that hit the Northeast on Wednesday) to try & replicate these looks- all in one post! Of course, I’m still working on those PhotoShop skills, but I’m happy to share affordable versions of these six looks, which cost b/w $41.50 – $124.99. If you take a look below, you’ll see that I’ve recreated the pieces of clothing from Rashida’s look, including a textured Lark Lane foil-print zip jacket ($45.00) from JCPenney, the Honey Punch ‘high-waisted hopes pants ($42.00) in red from Lulu’s, & the LC by Lauren Conrad embellished chiffon blouse ($26.40) from Kohl’s. Kristen’s look was tougher to put together, but a daring Style Darling can certainly pull off the stretch lace bralette ($24.50) from Victoria’s Secret & pair it with White House Black Market‘s legacy bi-stretch modern bootcut pant ($49.99).

For Berenice’s look, I couldn’t find feathers, but the peplum trend was easy to put together when I found the laser cut dot peplum tank ($21.99) from Charlotte Russe & the Lauren Jeans Co. Biltmore trouser pants ($44.99) @Macy’s. A winter white tuxdeo on a budget was an even trickier ensemble to recreate, but Kate’s look wasn’t too far off when I found the Bar III three-quarter open-front tuxedo blazer ($26.99) from Macy’s & the White House Black Market modern bootcut tux pant ($98.00). Alexa’s look is comprised of pieces from Forever 21, including the tail hem shirt ($18.90) & coated trimmed trousers ($22.80). Lastly, Olivia’s look was perfectly timed now that heavy knits are in stores, & I selected The Limited‘s cowlneck poncho ($49.99) & Logan fit slim ankle pant ($49.99) from Banana Republic.

For more celebrity-inspired posts, check out features in Red Carpet Review, Darling Of The Day, & Top 10 Celeb Sightings.  Also, if you’re looking for the best ways to acquire an affordable wardrobe, take a look at updates blogs in Basics For A Bargain, Luxury Look-Alikes For Less, The $100 Challenge, & Splurge or Save?! Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less / Show Me The Shoes: Studded Ankle Booties From Neiman Marcus & Charlotte Russe!

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Since I’m all about the bargains & fabulous shoes, I wanted to bring the best of both worlds together for my latest Luxury Look-Alikes For Less post, which just so happens to be cross-listed with my posts for Show Me The Shoes.  Anyway, when I reorganized my closet for the fall-winter season, I was happily reunited with my ankle booties that I just love to wear with textured tights, pencil skirts, straight leg jeans, & classic cardigans.

I’m excited to share two very similar studded ankle booties, which call on your rocker sensibilities, but would also play nicely off of more delicate pieces like lace accents, stripes, or luxe fabrics like brocade.  From Neiman Marcus, I found the studded heart-toe platform bootie ($1,185.00) by Alexander McQueen, which are utterly gorgeous & I especially love the edgy, but sweet heart detail.  Opposite is the studded double buckle heel bootie ($38.50) from Charlotte Russe, which is much more budget-friendly than the luxury pick.  In addition, Charlotte Russe is currently having a Buy One Get One $10 sale on all shoes, which only makes me even more gleeful to go shoe shopping- when the weather clears up, that is.

For more shoe-lovin’ posts, check out hot two-tone boots by Ivanka Trump, Stuart Weitzman’s James Franco-directed video, & what pumps to wear with your stripes & floral look! Happy Styling!