Usually, I love to add my own sparkly statement necklace to a sweater, playing up all the styling possibilities each time I wear it; however, when a piece has built-in jewelry, it’s kind of a win too, especially with a flattering peplum silhouette.
I have the black, which I really love & I plan on ordering the purple as well. It’s a flattering, true to size—I’m wearing the XL & can’t wait to try it with a variety of printed pants & pencil skirts.
Any celebratory gathering to ring in the new year, whether at a fancy restaurant or staying home, deserves some sparkle. There’s no better way to honor the occasion than by adding a statement necklace to your look. Here are 5 selections on sale now that would add the right amount of sparkle & style:
Merry Stylish Christmas to all! Any time of year is a reason to get sparkly, but between today & New Year’s Eve, let’s go the extra mile when it comes to dazzling baubles. Recently, I learned that Macy’scarries an exclusive kind of fashion jewelry by high-end designer Givenchy, love by how luxury reaches the hands, necks, wrists, & ears of the budget-conscious Style Darling!
I’m torn between the rose gold & emerald green designs, but could find ways to wear all of them, if I was so lucky! How would you style these jewels? Do you wear matching statement sets? Which color is your favorite?
With all the excitement & stress of the holiday season, we must always remember to take care of ourselves. Recovery doesn’t always mean the day after a major celebration, especially when there’s cleaning up, organizing, spending more time with family, doing laundry, etc. However, in thinking about more relaxed & cozy days ahead, I’m all about sweaters—no surprise! I was so pleased to find this one marked down from its original $19.98 price too!
Not only can this be paired with faux leather leggings & a puffer vest, but it’s also perfect for jeans & ankle boots, as well as plaid trousers & block heels for work. I’m torn between the grey & green, but with such a great price, why choose?
When trying to wrap my flu-induced mind around what I’ll wear for Christmas Eve, aside from a mask, I want to be comfortable & stylish. Last year & this year, the jewel-button cardigan trend has been popular, & I’ve participated my share in investing in it.
SHOP:jeweled button v-neck cardigan in black, whisper white, tango red, & soft spearmint @LOFT ($74.95, use code: NEW for 50% Off, available in sizes XS-XXL).
I wore the red during my all-red week earlier in December & had big plans for the mint, but then I was home sick all week. I have white & black look-slimes from Express from last year, which might be my go-to with velvet pants for tomorrow night.
At first, I wasn’t crazy about this sweater since the buttons weren’t functional, especially as an avid cardigan wearer, but I appreciate the posh simplicity of the look, highlighting the decadent jewel buttons as bling.
Admit it—you’ve had a Meghan Trainor song stuck in your head at some point. I know I have! It’s for good reason too! They’re so catchy, fun, clever, & relevant! Today marks the Grammy winner’s 29th birthday & what better way to honor her talents & contributions to body positivity than by watching some of her fashionable music videos! Here are my top 10, in no particular order:
In honor of the third season premiere of Emily in Paris on Netflix, star Lily Collins landed the cover of 6 magazines for January 2023! Let’s revel in Lily’s flawless style & impeccable ability to capture glamour in a photo.
Lastly, Lily is joined by real-life & on screen bestie, Ashley Park, for Tudum….
There’s no doubt about Lily’s international appeal, especially with such an escapist romp of a show that we all need to indulge in. I can’t wait to see what Emily & the gang get up to this season!
When it comes to bundling up, I can always be found under cozy blankets, wearing thermals, but when it’s a chilly day with company coming over, I recommend a printed sweatshirt that can be dressed up or down!
I ordered this a few weeks back when Target had a great sale on women’s clothing, although I haven’t worn it yet. I can see it being paired with black faux leather leggings & embellish heels, a lace midi skirt & tights, skinny jeans & ankle boots, or joggers & sparkly tennis shoes. H
Velvet is the best, most luxurious fabric of the season—an essential for any festive party or happy hour with friends. A velvet top with detail is just the thing to pair with a jacquard suit, with printed pants, or sequin mini. Not to mention, velvet in a rich jewel tone pops when coordinated with a statement necklace or chunky earrings.
SHOP: ruched velvet top in deep teal bay or black @LOFT ($54.95, available in sizes XS-XL).
I ordered both, when LOFT had an especially can’t-miss sale + discount code offer, & have only worn the teal.
Actress Zoe Saldaña shines not only on the big screen, but in every magazine photo shoot she appears in as well. As Avatar: The Way of Water hits theaters after a long 13-year wait since the original Oscar-winning film, Zoe’s star meter just keeps rising, especially after the raw performance she gave in Netflix’s From Scratch. The actress discusses her career since her star-making turn in Avatar, along with the ups & downs of Hollywood in her latest cover shoot for In Style‘s December 2022 issue.
If my December wardrobe has proven anything so far, it’s that I love sparkle! I’m always looking for ways to incorporate a sequin or jewels into my regular work looks—because, really, that’s all I do. I’m an effort to seek out a new addition for the season, I came across this must-have.
I love the idea of this tee for a variety of occasions, including a night out with the girls with skinny jeans & ankle boots, a cocktail party in a trumpet skirt & vinyl pumps, to the office holiday party with a cardigan & plaid trousers, or for date night in satin pants & evening shoes with drop earrings.
Singer-songwriter / director / actress Taylor Swift celebrates her 33rd birthday & while her red carpet history is a marvelous evolution from sweet teen to sleek & fierce, let’s take a look back 10 of Taylor’s most stylish—recent—music videos. The “Shake It Off” singer has created so many memorable pop & country songs worthy of a bop or two while listening to the radio; however, the visuals provided in the below music videos / short films are a marvel & provide major fashion moments.
At a recent school function for my daughter, I took note of a comfortable, yet luxurious looking open-front cardigan another mother was wearing & was instantly inspired to research it online & share it with readers. For one, I love the regal button details on the sleeves, even though I’m usually the type to roll up my sleeves, but also because of the color variety, despite the lack of inclusivity with sizing.
I’m tempted to invest in the mustard and/or one of the greys simply because I love the boldness of the gold buttons against the colors, & knowing how I’m always searching for ways to include grey in my wardrobe rotation. Also, I would recommend styling this sweater with a bow-neck blouse & velvet leggings for some texture, over a button-down shirt & with dark wash jeans, or with any sheath dress + knee boots combination.
Actress & writer Mindy Kaling has been winning fashion this year, not only on the red carpet, but also on her Instagram (@mindykaling). Her recent post, featuring a gorgeous & vibrant head-to-toe hot pink look screams out “HOLIDAY PARTY,” even though it diverts from the traditional red, green, or metallic monochromatic styles. Not to mention, the matching lipstick!
As Mindy’s style continues to inspires us, especially as Barbiecore is still going strong, replicating or reinterpreting this look for the budget shopper is important, as the Sex Lives of College Girls producer dons a cozy crew neck sweater (shop similar here) & luxurious Frame pants (shop here).
If you’re looking for a bold, all-over fuchsia outfit, check out the below variety of pieces that range in price & size, depending on your sweater & pant style preference.
As stated in previous Beauty Buys posts, I do love a metallic & glittery nail polish by Essie or Sally Hansen. Always have, always will! This week, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my Sally Hansen Insta-dri nail polish in “Silk is…” @Target ($5.29) lasted from Sunday to Friday! I did use a top coat, but I have to say that I’m really impressed by not only the endurance of this nail polish, but also the pretty, frosty hue for this festive, holiday season.
The polish, which only required 2 coats (but then I applied Sally Hansen’s Diamond Shine Top Coat, is also available in light blue, silver, baby pink, & burgundy. While I usually gravitate towards bronze, rose gold, & silver polishes, this will definitely enter the regular nail polish rotation & I may even reapply it for next week’s work week to have something pretty to look at while I’m grading an ocean of final essays!
When rapper Nicki Minaj steps onto the red carpet, she means business—fashion business! Thus, on the multitalented & fierce style icon’s 40th birthday, we’re celebrating all of the revealing black gowns & dresses, bold rainbow colors, sleek mini dresses, power suits, halter gowns, big & beautiful hair, & cut-out showstoppers! The 10-time Grammy nominee isn’t slowing down, & you can be sure that her mix of Barbiecore glam & sultry stage goddess will only get better with time!
Which look is your favorite on Nicki? How do you like her hair best? Which is your favorite song of hers? For more stylish posts, check out: red carpet flashbacks with Amanda Seyfried, Zoë Kravitz, Kacey Musgraves, & Keke Palmer! Happy Styling!
For the day-to-day grind & weekend chores, I stick to one giant handbag. I’m very loyal to it until it falls apart; however, when heading out for a special occasion, I’m happy to downsize with something metallic, playful, & festive!
I gifted myself the pink bag with a gift card, but I’m also keeping my eye out for a holiday deal on accessories, so that I can add the chic, neutral metallic bronze to my collection too!
This season I’m all about VELVET, which is turning out to be especially cozy & stylish as the temperatures drop! Just in time for winter & the holiday season are my absolute favorite velvet pull-on pants from last year, which are back @LOFT!
SHOP:velvet pull-on slim pants in black, bold Bordeaux, & deep spruce green @LOFT ($79.50, use code: MERRY for 40% off, available in sizes XXS-XL).
However, since sizing isn’t all that inclusive, if you’re looking for go-to velvet pants for a chilly day of dressing up or for the next holiday gathering, check out this recommendation:
Every Style Darling should include a leopard & argyle cardigan in their wardrobe. Of course, I’m referring to 2 different kinds of printed cardigans. This idea came to me when shopping the following items:
I haven’t worn the leopard yet, but plan to with velvet pants & chain buckle flats or a pencil skirt & polka dot tights, of course with a lacy or ruffled shell underneath. However, I loved playing up the preppy vibe with the argyle:
I emphasized the gray & red with slim-leg trousers & ballet flats, wearing an asymmetric tank & statement necklace. Although, I definitely recommend these NY&Co cardigans, the sizing isn’t as inclusive as I’d love, which is why I also recommend the following fashionable finds:
I love seeing the possibilities of mixing up accessories between brands & designers to create something surprising & unique. Also, I love a bracelet set, which can certainly make for a special holiday gift of stocking stuffer, especially when it comes in a variety of colors & it’s from Target!
Actress Amanda Seyfried is no stranger to glamorous events in her impressive & accomplished career that has spanned over 20 years. With memorable roles in films like Mean Girls,Les Misérables, Mamma Mia!, Dear John, Lovelace, & Mank, as well as Hulu’s The Dropout, the Academy Award nominee & Emmy winner can strike a flawless pose for any occasion. Of course, any style looks dazzling on her, especially a ballgown, mermaid dress, shimmering mini, shorts suit, anything in red, & flowers galore! Today, let’s celebrate her 37th birthday with a fashionable flashback:
What do you think of Amanda’s style? How’s your favorite look of hers? How do you like her hair best? For more stylish posts, check out: more red carpet looks from Zoë Kravitz, Emma Stone, Julia Roberts, & Gabrielle Union! Happy Styling!
Among the slew of highly-anticipated celebrity documentaries the web is clamoring over recently, perhaps the most buzzed about news comes from Netflix’s new Harry and Meghan, about the Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The revealing behind-the-scenes exploration of the royal couple confronts the difficulties they’ve experienced in the spotlight & with family, as well as the joys of their wedding, becoming a family, & standing on their own, outside of royal life.
As seen in the trailer, Harry & Meghan share plenty of personal selfies & photographs, never before seen by the public. According to the streaming service, the 6-part docuseries “explores the clandestine days of their early courtship and the challenges that led to them feeling forced to step back from their full-time roles in the institution…With commentary from friends and family, most of whom have never spoken publicly before about what they witnessed, and historians who discuss the state of the British Commonwealth today and the royal family’s relationship with the press, the series does more than illuminate one couple’s love story, it paints a picture of our world and how we treat each other.”
Additionally, Meghan states at the close of the trailer, “When the stakes are this high doesn’t it make more sense to hear our story from us?” Similarly, Harry reveals, “No one sees what’s happening behind closed doors…I had to do everything I could to protect my family.”
While we don’t know when the series will be available to stream on Netflix, beyond “coming soon,” the hype is palpable & surely, the controversial couple will be back in the spotlight, to some degree, to do press. Will you be watching the docuseries? Are you intrigued by the royal family? What do you think of celebrity documentaries? For more stylish posts, check out: a fashion flashback with Zoë Kravitz & Kaley Cuoco, Jennifer Lopez’s Ralph Lauren look for less, Gemma Chan’s flawless red carpet style, & sequin pencil skirts for sizes XS-6X! Happy Styling!
If there’s anyone who nails it on the red carpet absolutely every single time, it’s The Batman actress Zoë Kravitz! Her natural ease, fresh flair, & feminine edge make her standout with every look—not only when baring done skin in designer duds, but also hearkening to Old Hollywood glam by channeling Audrey Hepburn’s grace! The Big Little Lies star celebrates her 34th birthday today & with a career that includes the Fantastic Beasts franchise, the Divergent series, an X-Men film, an acclaimed role as Catwoman, this rock royalty (daughter of Lenny Kravitz & actress Lisa Bonet) is just getting started! I know I can’t wait to see what she wears next!
This weekend, actress & singer Jennifer Lopez was spotted in New York City, taking in the Broadway smash hit The Music Man, hand-in-hand with new husband, Ben Affleck; however, the buzz wasn’t so much about another Bennifer sighting as it was on Jennifer’s unexpected winter / holiday outfit that is inspiring bloggers everywhere to reinvent their cozy fair isle sweaters with a splash of femininity & glam. Jennifer wore Ralph Lauren separates, including a black, red, & white fair isle sweater (shop here) with a sheer & a layered maxi skirt (shop here), black sheer tights, a chunky belt (shop similar here), shearling fur Coach bag (shop here) & ankle strap platforms by Valentino (shop here).
However, recreating the festive vibe of this look on a budget is easy because, this time of the year we could all save some extra cash, especially as the original designer sweater is nearly $1,700! Check out the inclusive options below:
Three-time Emmy nominee Kaley Cuoco had been a red carpet regular since her early days on the smash hit comedy The Big Bang Theory; however, as the leading lady of HBO’s The Flight Attendant, the actress’ style is evolving with more sultriness, maturity, & modernity, as opposed to the classic Hollywood bombshell approach. Today marks her 37th birthday, so it’s time to celebrate her love of red gowns, floral accents, plunging necklines, ball gowns, & chic, flowy blonde tresses in the collection of her best style moments below: