Category Archives: SHOP NOW!

My Favorite Sequin Sweater This Season!

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As I was gearing up to go back to work this fall, I’d been collecting gift cards from the summer & my birthday to prepare me for some new fall favorites & holiday must-haves. This includes the sequin sweater @dressbarn (shop plus size here). I ordered this sweater online & was actually surprised how soft it felt, how comfortably it fit, & just how pretty the sequin detail is on the cozy gray background.

While I’m all about the big statement necklace lately, I know I can rely on this sweater to do all the sparkling for me if I need something festive quickly. I have a multicolor pair of Kate Spade confetti stud earrings I’m waiting to pair with this sweater for either a glitzy weekend look with leggings & knee boots, or even to my office holiday party with a pencil skirt & embellished ballet flats. Because of the neutral gray background & variety of color in the sequins, the styling possibilities are endless!

How do you like to wear sparkle? Where are you shopping for your most festive fashions? For more holiday-inspired posts, click here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!

Leopard Tops for All Sizes!

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If there’s one print I love for any time of the year, it’s leopard. It’s a fun option for a sweater, blouse or top to pair with jeans, leggings, pants, or a skirt, especially when matching it up with a pop of color like red, hot pink, or green. Wearing a leopard top also opens up the opportunity to try some playful bling too in a statement necklace, big earrings, or stacked bangles. Here are some affordable must-have leopard options for misses & women’s sizes for sale now!

blouse @Chico’s

sweater @New York & Company

sweater @Stein Mart

tee @Torrid

top @Charlotte Russe

When it comes to leopard, you don’t always have to wear black with it. Try something with texture, a seasonal color, or add a little sparkle. You can definitely get a lot of miles out of a leopard top because of all of its styling possibilities. 

corduroy pants @LOFTfaux leather skirt @Charlotte Russefaux suede skirt @Fashion Novaskinny jeans @Old Navyrhinestone jeans @dressbarn

How do you like to style leopard separates? What are your favorite patterns to wear? Where are you shopping most for affordable fashion this season? For more posts like this, click here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!

I’m Obsessed with this Green Top!

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Over the last few weeks, I’ve been readjusting to the work week grind as a new mother, which has been both easy & hard, but that experience is for another post for another day. However, I’ve had to reconsider certain cuts of tops, dresses, & bottoms for my changed post-baby shape. I’m more aware of loose-fitting, forgiving silhouettes as I go about my day in the office & classroom. During my regular online perusal of style inspiration, I discovered Fashion to Figure, a plus size clothing & accessories retailer (part of the New York & Company organization).  Meet Noelle, a high-low scuba top in the most luxurious shade of green. It embodies everything I look for in a top & even has a bow on it! Not to mention that the color is everything right now. It’s a bright shade that will pop on any skin tone & embraces the season with the addition of a statement necklace or chandelier earrings. It’s perfect for pairing with leggings &  knee boots, a pencil skirt & pointy toe heels, or skinny jeans & caged booties. This top has plenty of flair & femininity & I just can’t stop thinking about it. Check out (below) some stylish bottoms to shop from Fashion to Figure to build a holiday-ready outfit featuring this top.

leggings, skirt, & jeans

For more plus size shopping, check out some favorite stores including Fashion Nova, Maurice’s, Lane Bryant, White House Black Market, Charlotte Russe, Torrid, Kohl’s, ModCloth, dressbarn, Old Navy, Forever 21, Eloquii, & H&M. Happy Styling!

Buttoned Up Bargain!

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This Thanksgiving-Black Friday weekend was a whirlwind for me! There was plenty of time spent with family, showing off our dazzling daughter, but there was lots of shopping too! Of course, gift lists were made, but I couldn’t help & treat myself here & there when a great buy was discovered.

As a part of my daily uniform (for work mostly–my at-home mom style has become more of function than fashion), I love a cute blouse-skirt combo with a cardigan, or at least to wear a cardigan over a dress. I was never one for structured jackets (although I can appreciate their visual appeal), so cardigans are my go-to & I can be quite obsessed with them. I’m always on the hunt for a patterned cardigan that I don’t have, especially one that allows me to experiment with pattern mixing too.

When I least expected to find some major style, the Laura Scott houndstooth cardigan found me @Sears. Black & white is always a great way to go when it comes to patterns, that way I could really highlight bright colors to match up; however, I was very interested & attracted to the purple-black combination.

Laura Scott houndstooth cardigan @Sears

For the price I paid, I could’ve very easily bought both colors & been done with it, but keeping my budget in mind for the holidays for my whole family, I limited myself to the purple option. The fit was just what I look for in a cardigan, so I was definitely all set. My mind is already swirling with styling ideas for this cardigan for the rest of the fall and throughout the colder months.

How do you like to style cardigans? What’s your best Black Friday fashion find? For more stylish posts about affordable fashion, click here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!

Step Into Style With These Holiday-Ready Heels!

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The holiday season is the perfect time to bring out the sparkle, especially as your social calendar is filling up. A little shine & glow never hurt anyone, which is why showing off some glitter, glitz, or luxury in footwear is an easy way to step into the holiday spirit with any look. Right now, there are so many can’t-miss holiday sales, especially on shoes, that I had to check out what’s happening @DSW.

These flirty & playful shoe options make for a great finishing touch to a little black dress, a red velvet sheath frock with a leather jacket, a lacey-ruffle blouse & skinny jeans, or dressing up flannel & a statement necklace. Not to mention that the following top picks are not just perfect for this season, but for any upcoming special occasion, which makes them worth the investment.

ALDO Craysa pumpBetsey Johnson Izzy sandalEssex Lane Valan pumpJournee Collection Kitt pumpMix No. 6 Trissa pump

Where are you shopping for the best Cyber Monday deals? What kinds of shoes do you like to wear during the holidays? Do you like lace or velvet details in your footwear? For more shoe-inspired posts, click here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!

Essential Outerwear Accessories On Sale Now!

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With Black Friday just days away, a lot of stores are already forging ahead with their big holiday sales. Whether you’re shopping for someone else or spoiling yourself with the latest stylish wares, now is the time to find a great deal. This includes the latest & greatest in fashionable outerwear accessories, including hats, scarves, & gloves. Essentials like these are perfect for jazzing up any coat or jacket, especially when on the go when the temperatures are dropping. Here are just a few of my favorite affordable pieces & gift sets from New York & Company–a favorite source of mine for all of my cold weather needs.

3-piece sequin, hat, scarf, & gloves set

fringe scarfcable-knit gloves

faux fur head wrapmittens

pom pom hatpom pom scarf

What I love most about this variety of cold weather accessories is the color & sparkle combination. This includes the pattern of knits with special details like pom poms, zippers, cable-knit, & faux fur, which instantly elevate your outerwear look.

Where do you like to shop for winter accessories? Do you like to match each piece exactly or do you collection options depending on your mood? What colors do you typically prefer to match with your jacket or coat? For more stylish accessory ideas, check our previous posts here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!

 

Velvet: The Holiday Season’s Most Luxurious Texture!

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When shopping for holiday must-haves, it’s easy to be attracted to the intricate details of jacquard, colors of tweed, lines of corduroy, & patterns of knits. However, when mixing & matching your favorite separates to prepare for a stylish season, there’s one texture that remains a constant (& it’s really affordable too). That’s velvet!

Right now @Old Navy, velvet is everywhere & affordable in tops (ranging in sizes XS-XXL) & shoes, perfect for coordinating with a printed pencil skirt, skinny jeans, trousers, & much more. What I love the most of these velvet items is their hue. Shoppers can easily enjoy the softest pastel pink & cream, but also go for something more dramatic a jewel tone or luxe charcoal.

camiglitter top

ruffle top

heelsflats

These pieces are easily transitional from day to night, especially when replacing a pendant necklace with a statement bauble, swapping out a pair of pants for a tiered skirt & patterned tights, or playing with layers of leather & silk too. Velvet gets me super excited for all of its styling possibilities, inspiring me to take a closer look at accessories with pearls, ribbons, studs, & mixed metals!

What textures do you like to wear in the fall-winter? What colors are your favorites for this time of year? For more posts on affordable fashion, click here, here, here, & here! Happy Styling!

Cozy Capes, Pretty Ponchos, & Big Blanket Scarves!

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The seasons have certainly changed (at least here on Long Island) & my wardrobe has been flipped to prepare me for what’s to come! Some days I can still get away with wearing my denim jacket when heading out, whereas other days, I’m in need of something a little heavier to ward off the dropping temperature. Here’s where a cape, poncho, or blanket scarf enter the stylish picture. Not only are these popular gift items for the holiday season, but they’re must-haves for any fall afternoon. I hate the bulkiness of my coat when I’m running around on the weekend, especially when the stores are packed & I start to get hot, so a cape, poncho, or blanket scarf get me through the hustle & bustle. Also, I always bring one with me when headed to the movies for date night just to make sure I’m comfortable in front of the big screen.

They serve as perfect outerwear to pair with boots, as well as with a turtleneck & skinny jeans, layering tops & leggings, & a sweater dress. Check out these affordable options & all the different color/pattern combinations to make your coziest fashion dreams a reality.

Dressbarn

DSW

Kohl’sLulusVince Camuto @Macy’s

What’s your go-to outerwear piece? Where do you like to shop for fall favorites? For more fall-inspired fashion, check out previous posts here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!

Holiday Shopping Head Start!

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‘Tis the season to be gifting! Thanksgiving is next week, which means that it’s time to make that gift-giving list (if you choose to do so). There are so many useful, cute, & affordable gift options out right now to fill your most fashionable friends with style & joy this season. Personally, I don’t buy gifts just for the sake of buying meaningless stuff to give to  anyone. I like to pick special pieces that will really please a recipient & serve a function—even if that function is indulgence & luxury.

When compiling your shopping list, consider if an item is something that they’ll actually use, that it’s not just a filler gift. Also, jot down their interests by their name on your list so that if you can look out for something particularly perfect for a friend or loved one. Lastly, I’ll often discuss with people close to me if they want to exchange gifts (& if so, establish a spending limit) or if they’d prefer to go out for dinner instead. Sometimes arranging a night with a group of friends with dinner & drinks is the best way to go. However, listing, shopping, wrapping, & giving are my favorite ways to put me in the holiday spirit.

All of the below ideas are not just stylish, but they’re all under $15.

beanie @Charlotte Russebook @TJMaxxgift set @Ultaearrings @Francesca’sscarf @H&M

I love discovering accessories as gifts because they add just a little bit more sparkle, which I know I’m always seeking for myself. What kinds of gifts are you shopping for this season? Where do you shop for the best deals this holiday? Happy Styling!

 

Wow With White This Fall!

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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 & Companyblazer @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!

The Best Floral Shoes for the Holidays!

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The holidays are just around the corner & as much as I love indulging in seasonal duds (red knits, green velvet pieces, fair isle sweaters, etc.), I’m always excited to get my hands on (or feet in, in this case) a new find that can be interpreted for the holidays & beyond. I’m talking about the Habit pump & Gigi flat @Payless by Project Runway winner Christian Siriano (a favorite designer of mine!) whose shimmer black floral footwear opens up the styling possibilities for fall, winter, & spring!

Habit pump @Payless

Gigi flat @Payless

I love these shoe options because of their versatility. They can be worn to the office & easily transition for evening for a night on the town or holiday party. They offer the perfect pop of personality for a little black dress, gold-burgundy outfit combination, & a blush blouse & skinny jeans. Also, these two styles of shoes are made in another matching heel-flat companion (for example: black with silver studs here & here), both of which are equally comfortable & chic for a variety of looks.

Holiday florals don’t have to be the traditional poinsettia or all about holly, especially when getting the most mileage out of your wardrobe investments will pay off better in the long run. For more fun shoe-related posts, click here, here, here, & here! Happy Holiday & Happy Styling!

Make A Stylish Statement–Not Just For The Holidays Either!

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Statement necklaces never go out of style. They instantly elevate any outfit & reinvent a look’s accompanying pieces.I love mixing & matching statement necklaces with solid tops or printed dresses, often playing on color combinations to brighten up an ensemble, while also framing the face &, of course, facing the day like the true Style Darling!

Also, statement necklaces aren’t limited to special occasions or the holiday season. Add that extra element of sparkle creates interest in any look, as well as gets the most worth out of your accessories.

To help you get inspired when trying a statement necklace for the first time (or if you’re scouring for new ways to wear old favorites), check out Taraji P. Henson, Scarlett Johansson, Kerry Washington, & Cate Blanchett.

Remember, statement necklaces aren’t just for the red carpet either! Now that it’s starting to get chilly out, you’re breaking out the layers to bundle up & that shouldn’t exclude jewelry. Try wearing a glitzy statement necklace over a chunky sweater with leggings & riding boots or a statement necklace over a sweater dress with patterned tights. Shop these affordable & stylish finds to build your go-to statement necklace inventory for a variety of occasions.

Charming Charlie

Dressbarn

Forever 21

For more statement necklace inspiration, check out this timeless trend in previous posts here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!

Show Me the Shoes: Velvet Ankle Strap Heels on Sale Now!

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I have a lot to look forward to as season transitions from summer to fall. My birthday is coming up, I’m returning my primary job after summer vacation, it’s my boyfriend’s birthday, & we’re headed to some pretty major celebrations all in a matter of a month. With that, I’m very budget-conscious & plan to reinvent wardrobe favorites with stylish accessory combinations, in an effort to avoid buying new pieces. However, when I saw the Delphine velvet ankle strap heels @Nine West, I became really excited at the idea of wearing luxe gray or pretty blush shoes as neutrals to my planned party dresses.

Right now, Nine West is clearing out their spring & summer shoes with amazing clearance discounts. These Delphine evening sandals were originally $99.00 & they’re currently on sale for $29.99, available in sizes 5.5-10. The ankle strap sandal trend isn’t going away, especially as we head into the holidays. Wearing a regal textured shoe is also a stylish way to extend the life of cocktail dresses, dressy separates, & chic street style pieces.

Do you wear the same pair of shoes for every special occasion? Do you invest into textured, unique pieces for events? How much do you spend on end of the season shoes? Where do you shop for your favorite footwear? Happy Styling!

SHOP NOW! Stylish Back-To-School Buys!

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The back-to-school time of year marks the end of the summer, but it’s also an exciting time of year. Kicking off the school year in style always made me feel confident & prepared for whatever challenges were to come. While I’m no longer in the student phase of my life, I love checking out the newest back-to-school must-haves, especially since I’m always working on writing projects & reading in my spare time. There’s nothing wrong with a little stylish touch on with your school accessories, no matter what level of education you’re in. I’m mad for colorful paperclips & sticky notes for efficient note-taking, as well as personal journals for writing prompts. Also, being comfortable when I’m home studying or preparing something is essential, especially when I have to “tote” a lot of materials with me from one spot to another. Here are just a few affordable & fashionable extras to keep you organized, inspired, & stylish for the upcoming academic calendar.

SHOP: pom pom paper clips @Forever 21, gold tassel charging cable @Icing, bed rest pillow @JCPenney, large purple scarf @H&M, striped 2017-2018 agenda @TJMaxx, nylon tote handbag @Target, Yes I’m Reading This bookmark @Francesca’s, & staineless steel water bottle @Old Navy.

What back-to-school accessories are you shopping for? Where do you go for the best in back-to-school? What favorites help you stay inspired from year to year? Happy Styling!

08/22/2017 Darling of the Day: Reese Witherspoon’s One-Shoulder Dress & Strappy Sandals!

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Reese Witherspoon never fails to deliver on the red carpet, with her street style, & for any press event she attends. I love her feminine & edgy style, often a chic blend of preppy meets glam girl. The Oscar-winning actress & Draper James founder recently made an appearance in The Hamptons while promoting her new film, Home Again, wearing a gorgeous black & metallic one-shoulder Isabel Marant dress (shop here) (from the designer’s Fall 2017 collection) with ruffled Christian Louboutin strappy sandals (shop here). The look is picture perfect, which is why I’m featuring it for my latest Darling of the Day post. The ensemble is a definite style win, but the cost of the dress & shoes alone will run you back by the thousands.

It was hard to achieve a near-identical look-alike outfit, but I loved the inspiration behind the trendy one-shoulder & ruffled ankle strap heels. In featuring pieces inspired by Reese’s look, it’s always my pleasure to share how to recreate something similar for shoppers of any size. I love a great print & a black & white color combination is classic for every woman!

SHOP: Lucky Brand dress @Macy’s, plus floral dress @Target, LC Lauren Conrad linear drop earrings @Kohl’s, Napier linked bracelet @Kohl’s, & ruffle strappy heels @Missguided.

Which celebrity’s style do you love to watch the most? What’s your favorite dress trend right now? Where are you shopping for the most stylish accessories? For more celebrity style posts, check out Emma Stone for Marie Claire‘s September issue, Gabrielle Union’s newest collection for New York & Company, blazers on Jennifer Lopez & Olivia Palermo, & Rachel Bilson’s Old Navy denim look! Happy Styling!

SHOP NOW! A New Day by Target!

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Retailers are currently faced with the challenge to reach shoppers in a new & innovative way, while trying to remain relevant, especially when online shopping is so prevalent. The ever-popular Target is headed in a new direction with A New Day, or A.N.D., an in-house collection of apparel, shoes, & accessories for any female shopper. This is evident in the availability of sizes from XS – 4X, ranging in price from $8 – $49.99. The line is full of fashionable fall finds, including denim, menswear inspiration, street pieces, outerwear, & more chic separates that will take shoppers from work to weekend to days off in style.

The line hits stores just in time for back to school shopping on August 27th. It’s sure to make a stylish splash, especially when seeking trend items like pleated skirts, military jackets, & bell sleeve shirts. A New Day comes just in time for Target’s change in clothing too, since announcing the phasing out of popular, staple brands like Merona & Mossimo.

Will you be shopping this new collection at Target? What are your favorite pieces from the line? Do you shop Target for new fall fashion must-haves? Happy Styling!

Accessories Access: Big Bargain Baubles!

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Summer is typically the season of the big earring (for me) since I don’t love feeling heavy metals layered on my skin during a humid & sticky day. However, when I’m headed to work or for a special occasion with friends, knowing that I’ll be in air conditioning changes the way I think about my outfit & accessories. I’ve been spotting so many gorgeous statement & bib necklaces lately, each that are perfect for these last days of summer in fun pops of color & whimsical designs. Also, discounted prices play a big role in what I’m willing to invest in, especially as my accessories collection grows!

SHOP: hammered gold coin necklace @Francesca’s, black teardrop stone necklace @Target, poppy collar necklace @BaubleBar, & floral bib necklace @Charming Charlie.

Statement necklaces definitely do make a statement, which can be anything from elegance, confidence, & a chic sensibility. Even though they’re bold, statement necklaces work for outfits that include both patterns & solids, creating an interesting, layered look. Try one of these affordable options over a little black dress, printed maxi dress, blouse & jeans, or graphic tee & leather mini.

Do you like to wear statement necklaces? Which colors do you gravitate towards? What metals are your favorite to wear? How do you style bold accessories? Happy Styling!

SHOP NOW! Project Runway’s New Collection for JCPenney!

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Tonight marks the sixteenth season premiere of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the Emmy-winning series that showcases up-and-coming fashion designers who are challenged by time crunches & unconventional materials to create beautiful art. I’ve been watching the show since the very beginning, enthralled by the creative process & style inspiration. In celebration of the show’s newest season, JCPenney has debuted a new Project Runway Collection inspired by season 15 winner, Erin Robertson. The line features a fun & playful mix of separates & dresses in plaid scuba, yellow lace, & classic black lace to be mixed with street style favorites & elegant must-haves. The affordable & fashionable collection ranges in sizes XS-XXL & is priced between $24.99 (when on sale) – $44. Here are just a few of my top picks & I can’t wait to shop these pieces in stores, checking out their fit & the many ways to wear them with my current wardrobe staples.

SHOP: top, top, top, & top.

SHOP: top, skirt, & skirt.

If you haven’t already seen what’s to come on the newest season of Project Runway, check out the trailer below to get a first glance at the runway fashions & all the behind-the-runway drama!

Are you a fan of Project Runway? Are you excited about the newest season premiere? What fall trends are you loving? Where are you shopping for the newest fashions? Happy Styling!

Show Me the Shoes: Pretty in Pink Flats!

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In its fairest shade, pink is a neutral, perfect for matching up with nearly any spring, summer, or fall outfit. I myself do love a rose gold flat with some black tights, if the look demands it, in the winter too! And why shouldn’t a blush shoe be a neutral? It works very well for the upcoming fall season as well with a slew of hues, including navy, chocolate, olive, charcoal, burgundy, cobalt, mustard, hunter green, & so many more!  

With all that build up, it’s no surprise that the pretty pink flats I’m featuring are not only pretty & pink, but also, they’re versatile considering their texture & design. I’ve never been a huge fan of the pink family, but over the years, my heart has started to skip a stylish beat when I see some rose gold jewelry. That’s extended into eyeshadow & accessories like shoes & belts too. However, for fall, take a look at these dressy, luxe, & feminine designs @Charlotte Russe to inspire a pop of pink where you might not have previously.

SHOP: rose gold ponty toe flats, ankle strap patent flats, ruffle velvet flats, & bowed d’Orasay flats @Charlotte Russe.

What’s your go-to shoe color? Do you wear dressy ballet flats? Where are you shopping for the trendiest footwear this season? How do you like to wear pink? Happy Styling!

Basics for a Bargain: A Ponte Double-Breasted Blazer, Inspired by Jennifer Lopez, Olivia Munn, & More!

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I have to say, I’m not much of a blazer gal. I have a few & sometimes break them out for pictures, but cardigans are usually more my style. I tend to find that the structure & ungiving material of most jackets creates an uncomfortable & heavy feel all day long. However, I’m starting to see a big trend with blazers for this fall, which has got me rethinking my blazer game. A double-breasted ponte blazer is clearly the way to go for all looks professional & street wear, as seen recently on stylish celebrities like singer Jennifer Lopez, actress Olivia Munn, model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, blogger Olivia Palermo, & America’s sweetheart herself, Jennifer Aniston.

Now you don’t have to spend the kind of money that these celebs do (on brands like Balmain) for a chic, all-purpose & neutral menswear-inspired piece. The double-breasted ponte blazer @dressbarn is not only a new fall arrival, but it is available for shoppers in misses, plus, & petites sizes, from S-3X.

The big gold button trend isn’t going anywhere either to help accentuate your fall style. I’m seeing it everywhere, on sailor trousers & skirts, to blouses & dresses too! This particular stretchy jacket is great to mix with your favorite denim bottoms, a sleek pencil skirt, or leggings to create a chic athleisure look.

What’s your blazer philosophy? Do you like ponte pieces for the fall? How would you style a double-breasted blazer? Which celebrities do you think have the best street style? Happy Styling!

Style Tip: One Skirt Worn Six Ways!

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I’m a big believer in getting the most use out of an item as I possibly can. That means that not only am I considering how many seasons I’m wearing something, but also how many different ways a piece can be worn. While I’m a sucker for black & white looks, I also love a colorful piece that way I can play up my neutral & bolder separates to give something new life.

For example, during a recent venture to Target, I perused through their clothing department, knowing that I couldn’t buy anything (budget, budget, budget), but since I’m always seeking inspiration, I excused the detour as necessary for my blog. My eye immediately spotted the Merona stripe pleated skirt, which is available in sizes XS-XXL, & its colorful stripe pattern made my head spin with styling possibilities for spring, summer, & fall. To get the most use out of wearing a garment like this (with tops tucked into the waist-cinching band, of course), here are just six stylish examples. Not to mention that you can layer sleeveless tops with pretty cardigans or neutral jackets (like khaki, denim, or olive camou) to offset the bold color palette.

SHOP: denim tank @GAP, green tank @Target, yellow flutter sleeve sweater @LOFT, navy cut-out tank @New York & Company, white studded tee @dressbarn (shop plus size here), & orange racer back tank @Old Navy. 

Because of the skirt’s delicate material & playful hues, I wouldn’t recommend it for winter, unless you live somewhere majestically sunny like southern California for those chillier months, perhaps with a ribbed turtleneck & cognac knee boots. Since I live on Long Island, I can’t fathom what it’s like to live somewhere without the extremes of both summer & winter.

However, the styling doesn’t end there, nor does the flair. The busy design & colors of the skirt shouldn’t hinder you from having fun with accessories either. Think of all the opportunities this skirt has to offer, as well as combinations of colors to wear when it comes to a statement necklace or dangly earrings.

SHOP: orange tortoiseshell earrings @Old Navy, yellow fringed hoop earrings @New York & Company, rose gold tassel earrings @H&M, blue lapis drop earrings @Charming Charlie, tribal woven choker @Forever 21, turquoise blossoms bib necklace @Charming Charlie, & howlite stone statement necklace @Francesca’s.

How would you style this skirt? What colors do you like to play with most in your wardrobe? Where are you shopping for the best deals on summer-to-fall transition pieces? Do you like to go bold with texture, pattern, & sparkle for your looks? Happy Styling!

Style Tip: No Ordinary Stripe Tops for Summer & Fall!

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Whenever I see a garment or item, the imaginative wardrobe archive in my mind starts churning out options of how to style it. I love considering how a statement necklace can be worn with both a dress and blouse, as well as how a jacket can transform other separates. It’s very rare that I invest in an item that I can only wear one way, although there are some outfits that I’ve repeated because it just feels perfect, which is usually the case, I find, with summer clothing.

I was immediately inspired by the jersey top with ruffles @H&M as soon as I saw it an email I recently received. I began to consider its styling possibilities. I love the subtle ruffle sleeve detail, which elevates it as a trend piece above other long sleeve tops. I was a little hesitant to share this one top specifically & singularly because it is only available in sizes XS – XL. I’ve been on a mission to blog about pieces that can reach readers of any size or shape, which is why I set out to find another trendy red & white striped top for plus size shoppers too. That’s how I found the Belle + Sky off the shoulder top @JCPenney, another unique & fashionable shirt that’s a step above the ordinary stripe tee & can transform your summer style.

However, when looking at clothes, I also like to consider how many seasons a piece is relevant for, which is why I’m styling both tops with affordable options for the summer (because there is still plenty of the season left to enjoy!) and fall (an exciting time to play with texture).

SHOP SUMMER: zipper skirt @H&M, sandal flats @Payless, grape pom pom tote @Forever 21, palm tree earrings @Charming Charlie, & hammered gold necklace @Charming Charlie. SHOP FALL: ankle jeans @dressbarn, suede d’Orsay flats @Nine West, utility vest @Target, triangle studs @Charming Charlie, & satchel @Charming Charlie.

Stripes should never be feared by any shopper, especially when an off the shoulder trendy top is both flattering and versatile when headed to a night on the boardwalk or with a fall business casual ensemble.

SHOP SUMMER: shorts @Old Navy, wedges @Francesca’s, heart clutch @Express, necklace @Express, & charm bracelet @Forever 21. SHOP FALL: pixie pants @Old Navy, denim jacket @Lane Bryant, satchel @dressbarn, BCBGeneration heels @DSW, LC Lauren Conrad stud earrings @Kohl’s, & @LC Lauren Conrad layered pendant necklace @Kohl’s.

What items do you carryover from season to season? Where do you like to shop for trendy tops? What’s your philosophy on rewearing pieces in new ways? Do you like preppy & classic red & white stripes? For more fashionable posts, check out Charming Charlie’s pretty $5 stud earrings, Rachel Bilson’s Old Navy denim inspiration, cute olive pieces to transition from summer to fall, & the only navy heels you’ll ever need. Happy Styling!

SHOP NOW! The Prettiest Stud Earrings for $5!

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I. Love. Jewelry.

Obviously.

With that, I’m always on the lookout for a little something extra to add some sparkle to my daily look. More than statement necklaces (which might be hard to believe), I’m all about earrings. I have five piercings in each ear, so I’m always playing around with what I like to call either a cocktail or bouquet of studs to create a pretty & interesting design of earrings each & every day. These studs usually range in flowers, sparkles, stones, & other objects like fruits or animals to make a seriously stylish look a little more playful & humorous.

A pair of earrings that I recently discovered & love is the opaque shimmer solitaire studs @Charming Charlie. Not only are these amazing & versatile studs $5, but they’re available in 23 colors!

Which color is your favorite? Do you like to wear big statement studs? How would you style these earrings? What’s your budget for fashion jewelry? Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: All You Need is Olive!

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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! 

SHOP NOW! The Only Navy Heels You’ll Ever Need!

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For this summer, I’ll admit that my shoe game isn’t always the win that it could be, mostly because I’m always on the go, whether I’m headed to work, hitting up a local festival, & running errands, all while beating the heat. I’ve stuck to my favorite ballet flats, flip-flops, & most sparkling sandal flats, saving my high heels & wedges for only the most very special of occasions. This means that I haven’t made good use out of all my heels this summer (I’m nodding a bit in style shame), but comfort is also such a big deal because I’d never want how my feet feel to dictate if I’m having a good time while out with my beau or working the day away. With this, there’s one thing I can’t deny—a shoe sale!

That brings me to the Taylor cut-out tie heels @dressbarn in navy. I have the blush pair, which were such a big hit when I wore them this spring (though quantities are now very slim fr the paler neutral). I had no idea that the heels also came in a navy—a tricky color for those all-blue looks when you just don’t know what to wear since navy is uncommon, as opposed to a go-to black option. I love that these heels (originally $45 & now they’re only $14.99 on sale!) are so feminine & fancy, while also lending a modern edge when matched with a fit & flare dress, blouse & skinny jeans, or graphic tee & denim skirt. Like I always say, “Oh the styling possibilities!

Keep in mind that this time of year is one of the best to shop for in-season sale items, especially when there are so many coupons available (don’t delete those emails!) to get you some extra discounts on stylish finds, just like these heels! While all the fall goodies are hitting the racks, retailers are marking down perfectly wearable summer pieces (though varieties & sizes might be limited) that can elevate your summer style with bargain-priced shoes, a statement necklace, flirty shirt dress, or an on-trend, off the shoulder top.

Where are you shopping for you best seasonal sale items? Would you wear these navy heels? Do you like the lace-up cut-out trend on footwear? What’s your end of the summer shopping budget? For some more affordable shopping tips, check out previous posts, including my recent adventure in pattern mixing, summer vacation  must-haves, my favorite new summer-to-fall transition sweater, super cute clearance buys @TJMaxx, & colorful pom pom bags! Happy Styling!