Category Archives: Show Me The Shoes

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 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!

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!

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 $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!

Show Me The Shoes: Ann Taylor’s New Shoe Collection!

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The holidays are coming up, including the time when it’s most important to give back… however, I am a strong believer in taking care of oneself, especially in times of style crisis. You can budget all year long to save money on your wardrobe, but once- just once- wouldn’t it be nice to splurge a little? Well, I couldn’t think of a better way to recommend Ann Taylor‘s latest shoe collection, which includes the Delilah leather shooties ($178.00), zebra print haircalf perfect pumps ($198.00), perfect exotic leather city flats ($64.99), & Josie suede & leather high heel boots ($298.00).

How would you style these shoes? Are you wearing animal-inspired textures on your footwear? How much do you usually spend on staples like booties, booties, pumps, & flats. 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!

Show Me The Shoes: The Must-Have Booties For Fall From Payless!

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There’s nothing I love more about fall than booties, which reminds me to share with readers that I’ve been featuring some of my favorite footwear picks this season on Style Darling‘s Instagram (@MissAlissaL).  I’m not afraid of color this season, however sometimes you need neutrals to make the other essential pieces in your outfit pop, which is where these shoes come in.

Sometimes also known as shooties, I love the strong look behind these ultra sleek shoes, which offer enough length in the legline, as well as a luxe texture.  The Fioni vice bootie ($49.99) from Payless has a stellar 4-inch heel, perfect for pairing with any patterned tights look & a pencil skirt for the office, embossed leggings & a tunic sweater, & a cardigan with dark denim jeans.

Of course, $49.99 is on the higher side of prices for Payless, but if you sign up for emails from Payless, you’ll receive updates on sales, coupon codes, & the latest markdowns! There’s no doubt that these are shoes are a smart investment for your fall / winter wardrobe, which will last for future seasons to come! Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Stuart Weitzman’s 2nd Video for “Walking After Midnight,” Directed By James Franco!

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Last week, I very promptly shared with readers the debut short film, directed by Oscar-nominated actor James Franco, for shoe designer, Stuart Weitzman, to the tune of Patsy Cline’s “Walking After Midnight.” The first of four episodes in the series was called The Backflip, & now for the encore vignette, which is called Closecall.

I love the slim, super sexy heel on the shoes worn by model Petra Nemcova, which I think would be hard to stay balanced in, but sometimes you just gotta wear amazing shoes, even if you know you’ve got somewhere to go.  Check out the video & wait til Wednesday, October 17th for the 3rd installation of videos! Happy Styling!

Fabulous In 4 Ways: A Metallic Faux Leather Pencil Skirt For The Ages From New York & Company!

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I was so excited in August to share one of my newest categories, Fabulous in 4 Ways, especially since the debut post was dedicated to my good friend Laurie, as inspired by her fabulous lace-up knee boots from Victoria’s Secret!  Now, I’m talking about faux leather & pencil skirts, but before we dive into the outfits, I turned to some of my favorite celebrities to get some inspiration in how I would style such a classy & modern take on the figure flattering piece.

Kate Bosworth rocks a Proenza Schouler leather-trimmed pencil skirt at the brand’s New York boutique opening with a relaxed white blouse & strappy sandals.  The First Lady, Michelle Obama, wore a high-waist pencil skirt in navy with a cropped cardigan & purple top, while visiting a Wisconsin school.  Mad Men bombshell Christina Hendricks mixes her old school glamour with a Dolce & Gabbana blouse, red clutch, & classic black pencil skirt.

Total Recall star Kate Beckinsale plays with colorblocking with a chic H&M tank, Diane von Furstenberg turquoise skirt, & spiked neutral pumps.  Rashida Jones is polished & professional with a touch of menswear while making an appearance on Good Morning America, wearing a printed button down shirt & white pencil skirt.  Aussie starlet Cate Blanchett showed her support for Givenchy in a head-to-toe look with Roger Vivier heels.

Also, at Fashion Week for the upcoming Spring-Summer 2013 runway collections, the pencil silhouette was everywhere, as seen in Runway Rundown posts, including Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry Prorsum, Christopher Kane, & Oscar de la Renta.  Also, these pieces were shared by more fabulous designers like Nina Ricci, Tadashi Shoji, & Salvatore Ferragamo!

To recreate a pencil skirt look, I’ve selected the faux leather bronze pencil skirt ($59.95) in metallic bronze from New York & Company, which challenged me to find a way to wear this for work, day, date, & cocktail occasions.  If you want to get the most out of your wardrobe for the office, check out the zippered contrast sweater ($24.80) in black from Forever 21 with the short tab sleeves top ($24.80) in teal available @Windsor Store.  The colorblocking & relaxed details tone down the metallic texture of the skirt, especially when paired with Express‘ diamond texture body shaping full tights ($22.90) & suede cap toe chunky heels ($21.50) in black from GOjane.

The look to the right (above) is fun for a day with the girls or feeling like mixing it up because of the contrasting details in Lord & Taylor‘s CK JEANS cable-front cotton cardigan ($29.99) in black over the tab-sleeve plaid-chiffon shirts ($29.94) in black combo from Old Navy.  Of course affordable pieces like these can be reworked with skinny jeans or leggings & chunky accessories.  @Payless, I’ve found the Dexflex Maye strappy boot ($59.99) in black & Minicci micro fiber tights ($6.99) in burgundy to add some extra dimension while playing with trends this fall.

Depending on where you’re headed for a date, this kind of pencil skirt is perfect for an elegant & upscale look, without breaking the bank.  I’ve chosen pieces with luxe details to put this look together, including the Jennifer Lopez pleated mesh overlay tank ($19.80) in tuffet from Kohl’s & glitter lace almond tow pump ($38.50) in champagne from Charlotte Russe.  To complete the ladylike feel, I’ve added the round stone drop earrings ($13.60) @Cache & The Limited‘s zip around wallet ($29.90).

Don’t forget that pencil skirts are perfect for building a sexy cocktail look. Of course, a dress will save you lots of time, but to get the most out of your wardrobe, why not play with separates in unexpected ways with the snake-print tiered bustier ($88.00) in amethyst from White House Black Market, paired with the Emma WP platform pump ($39.99) from Bakers Shoes.  Also, I love Forever 21‘s looped drop earrings ($7.80), which look red carpet ready, especially with the Mossimo basket weave print clutch ($16.99) in black & white @Target.

How would you wear this pencil skirt? Are you following the metallics trend? What are your favorite work, day, date, & cocktail looks? Happy Styling!

Splurge Or Save… On Leopard Print Flats?

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I recently had a very insightful discussion on the preferences of animal print, how to wear it & what the essentials are for one’s wardrobe (yes, this really happened). Of course I’m crazy for zebra (with a purse, flats, sheets, laundry bin, skirt, etc…), however leopard print just won’t go away, & why should it? I own a satin pair of ballerina flats with a fabulous leopard print & bow-crystal accent at the heel.  They’re super comfortable & perfect for any casual look or fashionable dinner with the girls.

In my newest category (yes, the creativity just keeps pouring out- see Fabulous in 4 Ways), Splurge or Save? will investigate an item at different price points.  Staples like leopard print flats can be found virtually anywhere, especially this time of year when we’re preparing our fall wardrobes for chic splashes of personality when the weather becomes crisper.

As you can see, we have a little celebrity inspiration joining us. Fashion icon Alexa Chung wears her pointed toe leopard flats with a menswear-inspired shirtdress, reinforcing why she’s just so darn fun to watch.  Designer Whitney Port looks sweet mixing prints in her Whitney Eve outfit & leopard flats.  Socialite Olivia Palermo, who’s been everywhere lately it seems, breaks out in a feminine floral shorts look & some bowed leopard flats.  However, now that we’ve seen some of Style Darling‘s favorite celebrities wearing leopard print flats, let’s take a look at what I’ve found, ranging in price from $14.99 – $275.00!

The above five shoes range quite a bit in price, but each share the same concept of a bow detail & black trim around the foot, which emphasize the classic design of a ballet flat.  First, the RED Valentino leopard print ballerina flat ($275.00) from Neiman Marcus would cost you just over $10/wear if you wore them once every other week. Perhaps this doesn’t sound so bad, but dropping the cash to buy them initially will put a big dent in any shopper’s budget.  I’d feel lucky to the proud owner of any Valentino piece, but at this point in my life, such luxuries will only appear on Super Style Wishlist.  Next, the Ashley bow ballet flat ($98.00) from Banana Republic will earn you plenty of rewards points for future discounts if you’re a cardholder, but the fact that this style of ballet flat is available in other such trendy textures like tweed, patent leather, croc, houndstooth, metallic, & suede will certainly suit your shopping fancies.

While clicking around @Nine West, I discovered the Cacey flats ($79.00), which serve double purpose with the patent leather cap toe accenting the wild print.  However, the cost-per-wear for these is down to $3/wear, if worn once every other week.  NOTE: Select designs of this shoe (polka dots & pink colorblock leather) are currently reduced to $29.00 on the website! Moving on… I was pleasantly surprised to find that ALDO‘s clearance section included the Warnack flats ($35.00) which have been reduced from their original $70.00 price tag.  The metal tips on the bow add some extra detail to what surely will be an already polished look.

Lastly, the most affordable pair in our collection includes the American Eagle Flash flat ($14.99) @Payless– my go-to source for shoes.  I know I can always rely on Payless for comfortable, yet stylish shoes that work with my budget, especially when I’m on the go & can’t always take the time to go shopping in a store. When ordering online, Payless offers FREE SHIPPING if your purchase is shipped to a store location, which always makes me happy.  Since these are the least expensive of all of the selections, I’d like to inform readers that the CPW (again, cost-per-wear) now becomes less than .60/wear.  If you plan on wearing them more than once every other week- & I don’t blame you b/c they’re just so cute!- you’re still getting a bargain for a reliable must-have when building an outfit.

How much would you spend on a pair of leopard flats? This sort of investment will keep paying your back, since these versatile statements of footwear can go with you to the office, school, on a date, or wherever your day may lead you. I know I’m a sucker for a good deal, but when it comes to shoes, there are a few other factors to consider like fit, how well the texture is made, if I like the print, & so on. What about you? What would you do? Would you splurge or save? Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Charlotte Russe’s Summer Farewell Sale ($15 & Under)!

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In the 5th & final installment of The Stylish Five (for now anyway), I’ve been checking out what’s going on @Charlotte Russe, where the prices on the sale items couldn’t get any better.  I think $15.00 is a pretty good jumping off point when looking for affordable styles to start stocking up on summer pieces for next year, or that tropical vacation you’ll be taking this winter! I love that Charlotte Russe is always a great resource for fun accessories like the rimless studded aviators ($2.50), which are super cute, as well as a bargain if you’re looking for an extra pair of shades to keep in your car.

If you’re headed to the beach or wanna show off that nail art-inspired pedicure, then grab a pair of the braided leatherette t-strap sandals ($10.00) in black which are perfect for a variety of looks including a casual maxi dress for daytime, a graphic tee & shorts on a casual afternoon, or when you’re headed to a picnic in a tank & cotton skirt.  For the more daring Style Darlings, add a pop of color to your look with the peep toe cut-out wedges ($15.00) in pink. The cork texture is classic for summer, essential for bringing out those neutral hues in your outfit.

There’s always a reason to bring out the sequins, which is why I’m recommending the geo-pattern sequin tank ($7.50) in gold which can be worn with a mini skirt, jeans, or leather leggings & paired with a satin blazer, basic cardigan, or over a mock turtleneck.  Also, I’ve gotta mention the zipper-back 2fer dress ($15.00), which plays with the colorblocking trend- one that just isn’t going away.  Depending on how this is styled, you can make this office friendly with textured tights, ankle booties, & a tweed jacket for the fall, or with your favorite metallic platforms & drop earrings for a sexy night out.

For more on my end-of-the-season-themed posts, check out what’s going on with J.Crew, Forever 21, The Gap, & The Limited! Happy Styling!

Fabulous in 4 Ways: Over-The-Knee Boots From Victoria’s Secret (Dedicated To Laurie)!

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Attention Style Darling Readers: We have a new category alert! Fabulous In 4 Ways is my latest in offering the best style advice that I can, while keeping a budget in mind. Of course, I’ve had this idea (taking one item & showing how it’s worn in 4 fabulous ways) for a while now, just sitting away & linkless on my categories page, but just recently, a good friend has come to me w/ a deal on a killer pair of over-the-knee boots, asking for help on how to wear them once the temperatures cool down & heavy knits emerge from the depths of our closets.  Said friend, Laurie (who I’ve dedicated a total of 4 blogs to now- Jordana Brewster’s style, how to wear turtlenecks, & the best day-to-night blazers) has challenged me in a very good & very stylish way. Let’s take a look…

As I usually do in my Basics for a Bargain posts, let’s start off with some celebrity inspiration to see how some of the most photographed & stylish stars interpret their over-the-knee boot looks. The City star / socialite Olivia Palermo looks Upper East Side chic with her navy suede boots & fur-lined jacket, mixing neutrals with a sweater tunic. Mom-on-the-go Kourtney Kardashian wears her boots with a flowy blouse under a menswear-inspired blazer & floppy hat, keeping accessories like her bag matching in texture with her footwear. Supermodel legend Claudia Schiffer goes casual in jeggings & a cobalt cable knit sweater with a coordinating bag for her tan suede over-the-knee boots. Former Spice Girl / designer Victoria Beckham keeps her polished posh persona in check with ultra tight leggings, a black top, & satin-trimmed blazer while traveling through Heathrow airport. Lastly, Project Runway host Heidi Klum offers an edgy approach to her leather Jimmy Choo over-the-knee boots by completing her look with a graphic tee & abstract print blazer.

The boots inspiring this post are the Colin Stuart over-the-knee boots ($94.00) from Victoria’s Secret, which are on sale for less than their original $118.00 price tag (pictured below, to the left).  These are fierce confections of footwear meant only for the confident Style Darling (for example: Laurie!).  Even though these may seem much pricier than your average pump &/or ankle bootie, I can’t emphasize enough that this is an investment piece, especially one that you can dare to wear from the beginning of fall, all the way to the end of the winter.  Since we’re talking boots, VS is currently having a 20% off sale on all Colin Stuart boots, which you can shop here.

However, let’s get down to business in putting together these outfits wth some of the celebrity inspiration seen above.  Typically when I see boots, I think of sweaters & leggings b/c they’re both just so comfy & very on-trend for effortless fall looks.  My first ensemble includes the asymmetric hem sweater ($59.90) from Express, which is available in orchid, black, grey, & blue.  The loose fit is perfect for recalling that 80s off-the-shoulder bulky sweater look, as well as hugging your curves to show off your legs.  Just so you know, Express is currently having a mix & match BOGO 50% off sale this Labor Day weekend, so if you really love the look pictured, then check out the short metal stick necklace ($44.90) to go with the sweater. I’ve selected Forever 21‘s pebbled pointe knit leggings ($17.80), which will add some texture & shine against the rich suede of the boots.  Of course, any solid legging will do, but if you’re going for something with a print, keep it subtle since you’re dealing with a sexy lace-up detail in the back of the boots.

My second outfit is perfect for an office environment where jeans are allowed.  The Faded Glory jeggings ($12.88) from Walmart are a steal & can work with so many other wardrobe staples all year long.  The colored denim trend is obviously not going away & pairing it with White House Black Market‘s tweed trophy jacket ($188.00) is a professional & elegant way to dress up denim.  When shopping @WHBM, of course the regular prices are on the high side, but if you sign up for their seasonal catalogues, you can get discount codes, as well as earn points for reductions on future purchases. I find that comes in handy around the holidays when in a pinch for a cute cocktail dress.  For an extra feminine splash, I’ve selected the graphic checkered strips tiered cotton tank ($39.99) from LOFT to add some dimension- which also just so happens to marked down another 30% at checkout.

Look #3 required a little more attention since I wanted to find pieces that would work for more than just the over-the-knee boots challenge.  I started with this streaky knit t-shirt dress ($39.99) from The Limited, which has been marked down 50% on the store’s website. With a solid sheath-like dress as this, I immediately thought of a belt & found this duo of ivory cheetah & glossy black skinny belts ($10.79) from Bluefly. To keep warm during the cooler fall days, I picked out the basic, yet affordable Style & Co. three-quarter ruched sleeve cardigan ($14.99) in black from Macy’s. If you’re headed out to happy hour with the girls or going from the office to an evening function, this look is perfect with the boots, especially when the Minicci scroll weave tights ($7.99) from Payless are hiding underneath your layers.

Lastly, the forth look is my favorite, but perhaps not too far of a departure from the previous blazer look above.  When I saw the Merona tailored blazer ($34.99) @Target, I immediately loved the idea of mixing the plaid with the laces, as well as navy & black, along with integrating the fall’s best new neutral deep red hue with New York & Company‘s satiny roll-tab shirt ($39.95). Of course you can complete the look with skinny pants, but Style & Co. skinny stretch jeggings ($36.75) from Macy’s looked too good to be true in a classic dark wash!

What do you think of these looks? Would you wear over-the-knee boots? If so, how would you style your look with them? What boots are you shopping for this fall? Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: J.Crew’s End Of Summer Sales ($15 & Under)!

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I’ve been getting loads of emails about the latest end of the season sales, so I’m making a 5-part series of the best deals for under $15 at my favorite stores as a countdown to Labor Day weekend- a celebration of summer style, fun in the sun, & a way to welcome all the new fall trends.  However, @J.Crew, I was able to find some chic pieces, among many other sleek sale items, to help create some fun & last-minute looks if you’re headed to the beach, a barbecue, or a party with loved ones!

The espadrilles ($14.99) in yellow are casual, yet perfect for creating that nautical chic look if you’re bound for the bay.  The pop of color matches well with navy, red, kelly green, as well as staple neutrals like white, black, & khaki.  Scoping out deals on accessories like the chevron tie belt ($9.99) in aqua will make the rest of this summer’s wardrobe, as well as next year’s, all the more stylish.  Tie this around a cotton dress, with a shorts romper, or for more polish to come cargo pants & you’re good to go!  When the nights turn cooler, I recommend the perfect-fit tape boatneck tee ($14.99) in white, which is ideal for a linen pencil skirt, bright denim skinnies, or a flowy peasant skirt.

I’ve found that when it comes to swimsuit shopping, sometimes the pre-set separates just don’t work for my shape, but I like mixing it up just like any other outfit.  If you have a favorite colorful bottom or textured top that you wanna reinvent, then I recommend checking out the jersey Lomellina ruffle top ($14.99) in dark slate, which has some femininity along the bustline, as well as the belted bow bikini ($9.99) in brown, which offers a retro feel to any tankini top or triangle top. Check out more to come from The Stylish Five! Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown / Show Me The Shoes: The Entire 106 Piece Fall 2012 Collection By Nicholas Kirkwood!

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I talk about a lot of shoes here on Style Darling, but this is the biggest shoe gallery I’ve ever shared with readers- on top of this being my 600th post!  As I was happily surfing through Facebook & Twitter today, I came across a link to Refinery 29 which included a 106-image slideshow gallery of designer Nicholas Kirkwood‘s Fall 2012 Collection of shoes.  The line ranges in sandals, pumps, flats, & wedges- each sleek, flirty, fierce, & sexy for a variety of occasions. Here’s a chance for you to check out the latest trends in fall styles, including platforms & towering high heels that can match perfectly with so many colorblocked, solid, printed, or textured looks for the upcoming season.

For more shoe posts, check out Show Me The Shoes, including Lela Rose’s latest for Payless, Christian Siriano’s loafer pumps, & Prada’s fall runway shoes @Neiman Marcus! Happy Styling!

Show Me The Shoes / Inside A Style Blogger’s Closet: Pretty Patent Peep Toes With Bows From Payless (+ Coupon Codes)!

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I confess. I splurged. I bought a pair of shoes for which I have no immediate need, aside from the sudden smile they brought to my face & the hopes that said smile would thrive each time I saw the shoes.  Aren’t these perfection? The Valencia bow pump ($44.99) from Payless by Lela Rose is nothing short of feminine, polished, elegant, & timeless.  I love the combination of patent leather & the satin bow, especially since I’m always looking for new textures to help complete a look.  Since I’m currently on the hunt for a job, spending $44.99 on ANY pair of shoes just isn’t logical, but I’m a smart & savvy Style Darling & had some coupon offers in my email from Payless. I received $10 off my purchase & walked out of the store $10 richer, but with $34.99 less in my wallet.

However, I am not lamenting b/c I’ve since accumulated a few coupon codes for Payless that I’d like to share with readers, all for the same $10 off a purchase of $25 or more offer.  This includes 74685, 75762, & 75453 each with the a 9/3/12 expiration.  I can’t post images of the coupons online since they’re codes from receipts or postal mail offers, but these can be used for online purchases.  Don’t worry about shipping costs with Payless since they offer FREE SHIPPING when you have your order (on any total amount) shipped to one of their store locations.  Be sure to sign up for emails from Payless to get all the latest updates on sales & even more coupon codes in the future!

Also, Style Darling is covering all blog/web bases with updates to Instagram (@MissAlissaL) as well, so be sure to check out what I’m sharing on a daily basis during my spur of the moment shopping outings, or if I’m just browsing around for something to ogle at! For more fabulous shoe news, check out posts from Show Me The Shoes, including Christian Siriano’s loafer pumps, Christian Louboutin look-alikes from GOjane, & the latest Steve Madden markdowns! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Lovely Loafer’s By Christian Siriano For Fall At Payless!

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I haven’t been super crazed about fall fashions- until now. I was looking through the Payless website to see what was going on, especially by my favorite Project Runway designer Christian Siriano, which is when I found the Lambert loafer pumps ($34.99) in multi. They are also sold in black & grey, perfect for mixing up your fall separates, including tweed jackets, textured tights, & printed scarves.  This plaid is special b/c I love the color combination that can pick up on rich reds, florals in coral, or darks like green or grey.  I’ve decided to feature the shoe in my latest installment of Quickie Darling Deal & Steal since it’s time to start thinking about the fall.

How would you style these pumps? Is the 4.5-inch heel too tall for you? What shoe styles are you looking forward to adding to your autumn apparel? Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: Christian Louboutin & GOjane Reinvent Jellies For Fall!

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A few days ago, I was fortunate enough to find this image posted by the one & only, Christian Louboutin Shoes on Facebook, & couldn’t get the idea of cap toe ankle strap jelly heels out of my head. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find them anywhere, not on the Christian Louboutin site, or on Neiman Marcus, but nonetheless, we know that since they’re original Christian Louboutin designs, they’ll be super expensive.

I love the reinvention of jellies in a chic, modern, day-appropriate way & then I came across the cap toe heels ($22.60) from GOjane, which are available in green, pink, orange, yellow, red, & white. These shoes can help translate summer pieces like a neon blouse for fall with a printed pencil skirt, as well as help make retro pieces like a jumpsuit look more youthful & flirty.

What do you think about these shoes by Christian Louboutin & their GOjane counterparts? For more cap toe shoe madness, check out my post featuring pumps worn by Ashley Greene & Sarah Jessica Parker! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: My Favorite Flip Flops From Wet Seal’s BOGO 50% Off Sale!

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Of course all the fashion blogs & style magazines are gearing up for fall, but now is the best time to get your hands (or feet in this case) on some fabulous end-of-the-season deals. This includes the latest BOGO 50% off sale @Wet Seal, which applies to select styles of flip flops, available in a variety of colors.  I recently scored an adorable patent leather purple pair, which I featured in a previous post for The Stylish Five.

Aside from the chic & vibrant hues of these flat sandals, I’m loving the different details which really make them work for nearly any summer-oriented ensemble.  The basic glitter flip flops ($6.50) in gold are also sold in fuchsia, black, & silver, perfect for adding that pop of polish to your poolside outfit.  For some tribal-inspiration, the knotted macrame flip flops ($7.99 – $12.50) add a little something extra to a multi color maxi dress or shorts romper.  The side bow flip flop ($5.99 – $9.50) is just what any feminine beach babe needs to experiments with neon. Lastly, the Brandy braided flip flop ($3.99 – $6.50) is a classic style, available in pink, yellow, blue, silver, & orange. 

Also included in this BOGO 50% off sale are the store’s Blue Asphalt jeans & more sandals & wedges! Which flip flop is your favorite? Are you going to shop this sale? Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Steve Madden Markdowns for $34.99!

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I haven’t had a chance to visit Steve Madden lately, so in my shoe-loving craze during the conference, I knew I had to find a few minutes to go on the hunt for some affordable summer shoes.  Of course, you’re gonna start seeing all the new fall arrivals, which I love b/c that means that my birthday is coming up! However, end-of-the-season deals are very tangible & can completely change your wardrobe when you least expect it!

Check out these Onasiss peep toe slingback cork heels ($34.99), available in both multi & natural & marked down from their original $109.95 price tag.  Neutrals are great to keep around for those wildly printed dresses or when you want to soften a brightly-hued skirt, but I always recommend to go bold when it comes to shoes.  You’d be surprised how a multi color pattern like this one can really work for your wardrobe.  Break these out with a pair of skinny jeans & silky tank, or get ready for some dancing in a flowy summer dress. 

What end-of-the-season deals are you looking for right now? Are you a shoe gal? Can you find these for an even better price? Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Friday The 13th Deals ($13 & Under!)

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Not only can we say TGIF today, but it is Friday, the 13th! So if you’re superstitious, good luck today! In celebration of the often down-on-your-luck lauded day, I’ve added a new post to The Stylish Five, including some stylish deals on items under $13.00.  Of course, with my arsenal of go-to stores, this wasn’t very hard. The hard part was narrowing down my picks to just five pieces!

@Forever 21, this perforated knit cardigan ($12.80) in yellow is perfect for throwing over your favorite summer dress when it starts to get cooler at night.  I love the lemon yellow hue which is perfect to pair with virtually any color under the sun, including tangerine, cornflower blue, slate, & fuchsia.  Next up is a stop @Old Navy for some bangle fun with the satin-covered bracelet ($6.47). The edgy accessory is available in black, orange, yellow, & blue.  Mix them together or wear them with an assortment of other bracelets to create a textured effect.  While we have jewelry on the brain, JCP‘s everyday deals include the Color Craze pink chandelier earrings ($3.00) which will make any maxi dress look all the more exotic or can very easily dress up a shorts romper.

Nothing says classic quite like a button down, & The Limited‘s Collins shirt ($12.99) makes a bold statement in cobalt, but since this is such a great deal, why not splurge on the grey & purple options too? Wear this tucked in with a pencil skirt & pumps or loose over some cropped jeans & wedges.  Lastly, I’ve been searching high & low for the perfect pair of purple flip-flops & I should’ve have known that the Lita flip-flops ($3.99) from Wet Seal would be the answer to my prayers.  These are perfect for any & every casual event, but if you’re looking for more color variety, have no fear b/c they’re also available in yellow, turquoise, & pink!

Which of these five picks is your favorite? What special Friday the 13th deals are you scouring the internet for? Happy Styling!