Category Archives: Style Darling Daily

The Stylish Five: Torrid’s Five Best Clearance Deals ($15 & Under)!

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In times of economic woe, we’re all looking for a bargain.  I’m always looking at the clearance racks before I go anywhere else in a store & Torrid is no exception to that! Right now, check out these five items, which run under $15 to help build some looks this season & for next year.

It’s never too early (or too late) to add special touches of style into your wardrobe, including the gold & jet stone hoop earrings ($2.99) which are perfect for any going out look.  Break out an LBD or neutral skirt suit for the black scallop lace crochet tights ($11.98) which would look great with your best suede ankle booties.  If you’re looking for something simple to go underneath a brocade blazer, the twist tee ($14.97) in purple mix is a very necessary basic.

Also, to get a head start on next spring / summer, the Sonia Rainbow snake skin sandal ($9.97) in green is a timeless accessory for a maxi dress, shorts outfit, & poolside look.  Lastly, if you’re a hat girl, check out the white tweed fedora with brown belt band ($12.98) for a flirty touch to your menswear look!  For more posts from The Stylish Five, check out items under $11.00, affordable LBDs, & jewelry from JC Penney! Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: Nude Booties As Seen On Katherine Heigl, Featuring Ann Taylor Vs. Nine West!

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Recently, I saw this image of Katherine Heigl in her California-cool fall look, wearing a nude turtleneck sweater, skinny jeans, & a knit red scarf.  She finished off with ‘Petra’ buckle booties ($248.00) in fawn from Ann Taylor.  I instantly had to find them online, but was dismayed by the expensive price.  Of course, I do know that Ann Taylor frequently has storewide 40-50% off sales on all merchandise.

Then I remembered seeing a similarly styled bootie, the ‘Fessup’ from Nine West, which I posted about during the website’s Black Friday special. The ‘Fessup’ ($54.50) has been reduced even more from $109.00 & has the same chic feel in a neutral hue with a side zipper.

Of course, both are equally as fashionable & the buckle detail is especially nice, however when there’s a chance for a bargain, the luxury look-alike items always win!

For more Luxury Look-Alikes, check out posts featuring belts by Oscar de la Renta & from Charlotte Russe, chandelier earrings, & lace Louboutins! Happy Styling!

Silver Screen Style: ‘The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo’ Style Comes to H&M!

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I haven’t read the popular book series by Steig Larsson, by the trailer for the new movie adaptation, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, starring Rooney Mara & Daniel Craig looks pretty awesome!  Fans are gearing up for the movie which premieres December 21st, but before that, you can get your stylish hands on a new line @H&M, inspired by Mara’s character, Lisbeth Salander.  The news comes courtesy of In Style, but I wanted to share these pieces which will be available in H&M stores on December 14th.

Talk about distressed, androgynous, & edgy!  If you’re a leggings lover, then get a load of these leather pieces, along with the destroyed tees which can also be mixed & match with boyfriend blazers & cardigans.  Try the gray jeans with menswear pieces or oversized sequined tops. The items, which also includes accessories like bags, sneakers, cold weather knitwear, & jewelry, range in price from $4 – $199.

For more in-depth details about this line, check out my latst article for my column A Dash of Fashion on Culture Mob here! Would you wear any of the items from this line? Do you think it’s overkill to create a collection inspired by the movie or do you think that’s where fashion is headed?  Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: How I Saved Over $27 On This Sweater From Kohl’s!

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Shame on me for going to Kohl’s this weekend when I’m on a crazy tight budget since I’m going away next month- however, I couldn’t resist a deal this good on something so cute that could last me all winter long! Of course when people travel during the winter, they’re going to warmer climates, but not this Style Darling.  I’m headed to Florence, Italy & there, I’ll be packing on the sweaters while I swig back il vino! With the goal of only packing two pairs of jeans for the 10-day excursion, I was going to rely on leggings & sweater looks, which will surely take up most of the room in my carry-on luggage.

When I was passing by the Juniors’ department (somewhere that I haven’t traveled for quite some time now), I found this Mudd marled tunic sweater ($19.99) in deep teal.  There were also variations on gray, black, red, purple, & navy, but I’ve been gravitating to the jewel tone a lot lately.  Don’t brunettes always look good in teal?  Anyway, knowing that juniors’ sizes run a little small, I grabbed one size up & focused on the sale price, which had been reduced from $40.00.  That’s 50% savings right there & I had a 20% off coupon for being a Kohl’s card holder.

I circled rack like a vulture of bargains & style, which is when I noticed that the sign for the price on the other side of the rack read $14.99. Having come from a retail background, I knew that the store has to honor the error in pricing for the merchandise, so I went up to the register, ready to make my purchase, which rang up for $19.99.  When I very politely made my point that there was a sign which read $14.99, without hesitation, the careful cashier gave me another $5.00 off the price & didn’t even check to see if my allegations were correct.  The sweater came to just over $12.00 & I walked out of there one happy Style Darling!

Lesson learned: It never hurts to pay attention & speak up, especially when there are savings to be had.  If it came to speaking to a supervisor about the error, I would have been very happy to reason with him/her & not be a crazy customer, especially this time of year.  I even had my bestie with me as a witness that the sign had been incorrectly priced for the item advertised. Power in number! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Fun & Flowery Holiday Shoes from Payless!

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I am on a crazy budget right now since I’m headed to Italy in January, but my jaw dropped in awe over these flower-accented gorgeous peep toes, the ‘Isle’ flower platform pump in black & coral ($34.99) from Payless.

If you’re scouting out dresses to wear to celebrate the holidays with your friends, family, or significant others, then here are some fabulous shoe suggestions.  If you’re going for something edgy & colorful, play it down with the black pair, or if something metallic & flirty is waiting in your closet, then why not add a pop of color like coral?

Since the holiday shopping season is in full force, maybe ordering online would be your best option.  TIP: If you order from Payless & have it shipped to the store, it’s FREE!!! Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Gwen Stefani’s Top 5 Most Stylish Music Videos!

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I realize I haven’t posted in a week, but this little Style Darling was mentally fried from the big holiday last week- not to mention parking myself in front of my laptop to do a whole lot of Black Friday postings!  However, I was driving home from work today, listening to the vocal stylings of the one & only Gwen Stefani & fell in love with her voice & music all over again.  Thus, reminding me of some of her most stylish music videos, of course in no particular order.  I choose to feature “Cool,” “4 In The Morning,” & “What You Waiting For?”

While I love what Gwen’s done as a solo artist, she really made her mark on the scene as frontwoman of No Doubt.  This includes the smash hit video “Don’t Speak,” which mixed Gwen’s punk glam with that vintage old Hollywood charm that she’s best known for.  However, I love the look of “Bathwater,” a lesser known single from the band, but Gwen still looks gorgeous!

There were a few videos that just barely missed the cut, including No Doubt’s “Underneath It All,” but there was too much sentiment & nostalgia there that I didn’t want to rekindle.   Also, “Just A Girl” really introduced the world to Gwen’s tomboy / girl-next-door vibe.  If you’re a Gwen Stefani fan (& why wouldn’t you be??), which are your favorite videos?  Do you think “Sweet Escape,” “Rich Girl,” or “Luxurious” should be posted too?  Happy Styling!

11/25/11 Darling of the Day: Pippa Middleton Is At It Again, But With Fabulous Jackets & Coats!

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The weather’s changing & it’s time to build on top of those layers with a nice coat.  I’ve recently come across more images of the famous Pippa Middleton, wearing a variety of coats & jackets as the crisp fall weather in England is changing to brisker winter days.  So I’ve put together yet another gallery in Darling of the Day (this one is much shorter though than the last one) dedicated to Pippa’s fabulous coat looks, showing how she mixes up her everyday pieces from stores like Zara, French Connection, Modalu, & Fay.  It’s true that even celebrities recycle their wardrobe & when you make a good investment in a coat, you’re certain to wear it more than once!

Where do you shop for your favorite fall / winter coats? Which of Pippa’s coats do you like the best?  Happy Styling!

Black Friday Sale Update: EVERYTHING Is On Sale @Old Navy!

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Even if you’re not shopping for yourself on this very busy Black Friday, you should head over to Old Navy b/c everything in the store is on sale today & tomorrow! However, I picked out a few of my favorites, including the wool-blend double-breasted coat ($44.50) in blue plaid.  It’s also available in cream, red, & black in sizes XS – XXL for women.  I’m not the blazer wearing kind of Style Darling, but I thought that the jersey-fleece blazer ($19.50) was an unconventional, yet fashionable take on comfy, casual clothing.  Also, everyone needs a little sparkle, like with the sequined henley tank ($18.00), or try some frill with the ruffle-front henley top ($8.00).  Both tops can be layered with other pieces & worn to be dressed up depending on the bottoms & accessories. Happy Styling!

Black Friday Sale Update: 50 – 60% Off Sale @Nine West!

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I’ve bene waiting on the Nine West sale for Black Friday all week & here it is! There’s a limited selection on styles that are 60% off.  Also, on the website & in stores, there are some major 50% off sales too!

Part of the 60% off deal are some really fabulous booties that range in style from utilitarian to boho chic.  I’ve posted a bunch of animal-inspired items so far today & I couldn’t resist sharing the Fessup booties ($83.30) which are perfect for any red top & black skinny pants outfit.  The Esmiralda booties ($90.30) have a snake trim, which just add some luxury to the shoes which have been reduced in price from $129.00.  Also, Gracious bootie ($76.30) is an essential piece for this season with wide leg trousers, knit leggings, dark denim jeggings, & boyfriend jeans.

Be sure to check ou the Woodney pumps ($49.50) in nude patent, but they are also available in black patent.  The heel is classic & offers much more support as opposed to a skinny stiletto.  In addition, the Hideout sandals ($49.50) in red synthetic also come in nautral & gray.  They’d really make a splash with a leather mini dress, romper & tights outfit, or studded sheath dress with a belt.

Don’t forget that there’s a limited time offer on free shipping for any purchase, so if you decide not to keep your purchase, you can return them to your local Nine West store without having to spend any additional cash!  Happy Styling!

Black Friday Sale Update: BOGO Free, 40% Off, $9 Denim, & 2 For $10 Deals @Forever 21!

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Get a load of all the crazy sale @Forever 21! There’s Buy One, Get One Free on selected merchandise, 2 for $10 deals on tops, 40% off selected new items, $9.00 for denim, & loads more fabulous deals!

I picked out just a few can’t-miss finds, including the paisley maxi dress ($15.99) & flower child sublimation tank ($8.99), which are a part of BOGO!  The dark skinny ankle jeans ($9.00) come in dark denim & dark black.  Also, the multicolor purl knit sweater ($14.88) comes in sizes XL-3X.

Be sure to also check out the store’s gift shop which includes great deals on more sweaters, handbags, & other accessories! Happy Styling!

Black Friday Sale Update: 50% Off The Entire AMI Clubwear Site!

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Get your fashionable footwear fix today only, from AMI Clubwear, with the 50% off discount code amiblkfri50! The store has hundreds of boots, heels, sandals, & flats for the picking, indlucing these six sweet finds, ranging in price from $9.99 – $27.99!

The Camel Faux Suede Cross Strap Studded Heel Booties ($9.99) have been marked down from $28.99! Get your animal inspiration with the Leopard Print Faux Kid Suede Platform Pump Heels ($19.99).  I know I’m a big lover of bows on my shoes, which is why I selected Black Faux Suede Bow Decor Peeptoe Slingback Platform Heels ($26.99) to go with any embellished dress for an upcoming party.

Turn some heads with the Mustard Faux Suede Tier Fringe Platform Wedges ($26.99)! Two-tone shoes like the Royal Blue Velvet Bow Accent Peep Toe Platform Heels ($26.99) are a fun way to mix things up with an abstract print dress. And who doesn’t love a red shoe?  I recently posted about adorable red heels from a night of watching Wizard of Oz & the Lipstick Smooth Faux Suede Beaded Bow Peep Toe Heels ($27.99) definitely belong in that category. Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Chelsea Handler Interviews Miss Piggy!

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During a recent interview on E!’s Chelsea Lately, comedienne Chelsea Handler sat down with the iconic star of The Muppets, the one & only Miss Piggy, to discuss her career, wardrobe, new film, & relationship with Kermit.  There are so many things wrong with this interview, but it’s just so funny.  Also, I can’t help but love Miss Piggy’s Chanel-inspired ensemble.  If you hadn’t seen it a while ago, Miss Piggy was featured in a high fashion layout for In Style magazine, which I blogged about & you can find here.  In the mean time, check out the video & laugh your butts off at the hilarity that ensues in just a matter of minutes between the two feisty blondes!  Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: An Oscar de la Renta Belt Vs. A Bargain $9.50 Belt!

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It’s been a while since I posted something in Luxury Look-Alikes for Less & what better way to do that than with a belt? I’m always drooling away on the Neiman Marcus website & Oscar de la Renta is one of my favorite designers to check out from season-to-season.  I found the alligator-embossed leaf belt ($750.00) in peanut which had a really great thickness to it, which would look perfect over a sweater dress or help jazz up an LBD.

However, since the price is out of range, I found the linked front stretch belt ($9.50) in cognac from Charlotte Russe. Although the bargain belt does not have the leaf accent, its natural hue is rich & would cinch in your waist when wearing a sheath dress or for a tunic top over leggings.  It can dress up something as casual as an oversized tee or help make a ruffled blouse & pants more casual for day time. Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Lauren Conrad Gears Up For The Holidays with Paper Crown!

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In a recent interview with In Style, Lauren Conrad describes her recent holiday collection for Paper Crown as “all about feeling feminine & festive.” During a recent appearance on Chelsea Lately, the designer modeled a long-sleeved lace mini dress which had my mind reeling b/c of its ladylike details & minimal elegance.

Take a look at the items, which range in price between $85.00 – $395.00 in stores like Nordstrom, Revolve Clothing, & Walk In Closet Boutique. Of cousre this is a way out of budget for me this season, but the effortlessness of these holiday looks that can be taken well into next year!  Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: The Style Behind Tonight’s Episode of Gossip Girl + Video Clips!

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In tonight’s episode of Gossip Girl, the style meter was on fire since Serena was planning Blair’s Tiffany-themed bridal shower.  While the scheming was at an all-time high in “All The Pretty Sources,” Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, & Kaylee DeFer looked effortlessly stunning in some of the most important designers today! Not to mention that we got just one step closer to the big reveal of who the mysterious woman behind the actual “gossip girl” is!

To the far left, Serena is wearing a Dress L’Agence mini with Dolce & Gabbana shoes & necklace by Sequin.

At the bottom, Serena is an editorial vision in a Mary Katrantzou dress with a necklace by Auden & rings by Roberto Coin & Lulu Frost.  Blair, a blushing princess bride & mother-to-be, steals the scene in a Christian Dior dress with Tzen earrings.

Up top, Charlie / Ivy hides from her ex-boyfriend at the party in a dress by Bensoni with jewelry by Sequin.

Not to spoil anything for those of you who haven’t watched tonight’s epsiode yet, but here are two clips of it.  One includes a plot summary with the show’s exective producers & the other is a scene of yet another one of Blair’s classic diva flipouts!  Of course, the melodrama & over-wordy dialogue sometimes take away from the entertainment of the show, but you can’t resist loving the style!

For more on the show, check out my Style ABCs (x3) post fetauring Gossip Girl, along with posts about Blake Lively & Leighton Meester‘s red carpet style! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: The Prettiest Pattern Tights By Vera Wang!

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On a day-to-day basis, I’m wearing some sort of textured tights around the office & when going out with friends.  I’ve recently put a nasty & irreparable hole in my favorite zebra tights, but while on the search for a replacement pair, I found these Simply Vera Vera Wang tights, which are on my stocking stuffer list!

The checked control-top tights in plum ($14.00) & floral ribbon tights in black ($14.00) are currently part of a Buy One, Get One 1/2 Off sale @Kohl’s.  Usually I don’t spend more than $7.00 on tights or stockings, but when there’s a sale like this, it’s hard to resist! Both pairs are available in multiple colors & if you are a cardholder, you can get rewards up to an additional 30% off!

When you have such an elegant pattern like these on your legs, you have the opportunity to mix up prints with an abstract sheath dress, wool suit, or blouse with shorts look.  Also, pairing legwear like this is perfect for mary jane platforms, ankle booties, or knee boots!

What kind of tights are you wearing this season?  Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: 2011 American Music Awards With Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, Nicki Minaj, & More!

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Last night’s American Music Awards were full of fabulous performances, the celebration of music, & of course fashion!  There was plenty of plunging necklines, slits, & glamour to be found on stage & on the red carpet.  I’ve put together the highlights of the style scene, which showed that the celebs of today aren’t afraid of showing some skin, taking a risk, or hiking up their hemlines.

Jennifer Lopez certainly stole the whole red carpet in this embroidered Zuhair Murad gown that showed off all of her best assets.  The elaborate beadwork covered up the winner in all the right places, while solidifying her red carpet Style Darling status.  Katy Perry mixed the English & Asian inspirations with the Vivienne Westwood creation, accented by her blue peep toes. Katherine Heigl returns to the spotlight in a daring Roberto Cavalli gown that showed lots of skin.  Taylor Swift looked as sweet as always in a sequin-covered gold Reem Acra gown & straight locks. During the ceremony, you might’ve seen the country crooner sitting next to sweetheart of the Biebs, Selena Gomez, who dazzled in a slinky Giorgio Armani gown & Jimmy Choo sandals.

Longer gowns came in all shapes & sizes, including Jennifer Morrison‘s ethereal Temperley London white gown with sultry gold sandals & a flirty braid.  Mary J. Blige was all-diva in an animal-inspired Roberto Cavalli one-shoulder gown.  Hillary Scott, lead singer of Lady Antebellum, was an elegant breath of fresh air in the sparkling black Rani Zakhem sweetheart dress.  Nicki Minaj turned some heads in the corseted Oscar de la Renta taffeta gown with Alexander McQueen heels.

There were plenty of gams in short dresses on the red carpet , including Heidi Klum who donned a peek-a-boo laser-cute dress by Giles.  Also, Jennifer Hudson went with silver in a jersey drape-front dress with gunmental Christian Louboutins.  Modern Family star Julie Bowen went with a long-sleeve metallic Manish Arora mini dress & accessorized with patent leather peep toes. Model Anna Vyalitsyna mixed her red lace Emilio Pucci dress with  Giuseppe Zanotti ankle strap platforms.

Reality stay Audrina Partridge went for an eggplant mini with lucite platforms & Kwiat diamonds.  Sarah Hyland wore an age-appropriate embellished dress by Amen.  Newlywed Vanessa Lachey was all smiles in a glittering white mini dress with nude suede platforms.  Kimberly Perry, of The Band Perry, went with a vintage-inspired lace dress by Bottega Veneta (worn previously by Emma Stone at the MTV VMAs, but still cute here) with metallic sandals.  For more red carpet looks, check out Red Carpet Review!  Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Maroon 5 Feat. Christina Aguilera in “Moves Like Jagger!”

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Of course this isn’t an exclusive sneak peek for the music video, but after watching Sunday night’s American Music Awards performance between Maroon 5 & Christina Aguilera of “Moves Like Jagger,” I had to click on over to YouTube.  I usually just get my fix of the song on the radio b/c it’s playing all the time & I love it, but having seen the bad, bad fashion choices of Ms. Aguilera throughout 2011, I was seeking some serious style from the once ultra glamorous star.

I’d like to point out that I believe that it doesn’t matter what you look like, what your size is, or how you’re shaped. Own it & work what you’ve got in the best way you know how.  Despite all my advice on what looks flattering here & there, it’s so important to go around on a day-to-day basis with confidence in your step for the body that you were born with & you’re responsible for taking care of.  I find that for me, it happens in a really sexy pair of shoes & when I’m working out & eating right.

However, when you have a curvy body type like Christina does now, there are more flattering & sexy ways of showing that off without looking like you’re trying to look like a Snooki impersonater inside of a sausage dress.  Am I being too harsh?  Sorry Xtina!

ANYWAY… The music video is a fun throwback to the legendary rock star style of Rolling Stones frontman, Mick Jagger.  During the band’s very long & successful career, he has singlehandedly changed the way we look at rock stars & their style, which can be seen in current powerhouse performers today like Pink, Lady Gaga, & Gwen Stefani.  Not to mention that Adam Levine isn’t so bad on the eyes & Christina looks really good donning a mens dress shirt, black tights, & a 70s-inspired floppy hat in the video.  Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Get Ruffled With a Blouse from ASOS!

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I always like to wear a top that can be mixed & matched with any type of bottom, or layered with a vast array of separates.  I especially love blouses that can be worn for work, daytime, or going out.  Hence, my choosing the true decadence ruffle top ($35.94, originally $70.08) in navy from ASOS. It’s also available in cream, but both colors are essentials for any season!

I wanted to share this sweet find, which is perfect to wear when you’re at the office with the seamless scoop neck cami ($24.90) underneath from The Limited.  Or, go sexy for nighttime & wear a cute solid-colored bra, but pair the blouse with the hammered satin blazer ($39.99)  from Charlotte Russe for a little extra pop of shine.

I realize that there’s a whole lot of ruffles going on here, but they can easily be tucked into a pair of pleated cuff shorts ($39.99) on sale @Express with textured tights & boots, or with the yarn-dyed pencil skirt ($49.99) from @White House Black Market & cardigan for a more professional look.

For an effortless casual day, take the essential nylon leggings ($5.50), which are available in eight different colors @Forever 21.  Break out a chunky knit or flyaway cardigan with hoop earrings to complete the look while you’re running errands this fall!

How would you wear this blouse? What are your go-to separates for building an outfit? For more looks from ASOS, check out The $100 Challenge / Darling of the Day featuring Lea Michele & Color Me Style featuring Eva Longoria, both wearing ASOS frocks.  Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Carrie Bradshaw’s Top 10 Looks (Thanks To A YouTube Video)!

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I love watching video clips about style & can never get enough about Sex & the City.  Although I’m a total Charlotte, but Carrie Bradshaw is such an icon, not just for television, but for the fashion world!  I came across this fun little gem that brings us back to Carrie’s closet, with some of her best looks from the HBO series.  FabTV put together this two-and-a-half minute clip sometime before the second movie premiered, inspiring me to want to watch every season all over again & the two movies, just to drool over each characters’ style!

My favorite of all of Carrie’s ensembles comes from the final episode, when she’s running all over Paris & finally sees Big & he tells her that she’s the one! It’s a vintage tulle ballet-inspired dress that screams all things fairy tale romance & American Style Darling in Paris!  If someone wants to make one for me, or buy me one, I’d be a very happy blogger! Enjoy the video & Happy Styling!

11/16/11 Darling of the Day: Pippa Middleton’s Leggings Look Is So Genius, It’s Inspired A Contest!

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Big props to The Huffington Post for sharing a link to Style Darling, especially when I’ve been talking so much about the one & only, Pippa Middleton & her effortless street style!  Check out the entire 80+ picture gallery of Pippa’s outfits here.

However, these leggings that Ms. Pippa is wearing are causing quite the style stir since she’s not wearing the traditional tunic top, sweater, or any other rear-covering garment that typically requires leggings so that it looks like you’re not wearing something too short & you’re not showing off your bum, as the Brits say.

Does anyone see a problem with this look? I particularly do not. Personally, I wear leggings without a longer top all the time- around the house- but here with the suede ankle boots & a cute toggle coat, I am inspired!  And any not be?  She’s embracing her shape & probably isn’t paying as much attention to the fact that her behind is such a whopping focus, like the rest of the nay-saying bloggers.

Just because Kate Middleton is Pippa’s sister, it doesn’t mean that she can’t still look & dress like a woman.  Weren’t there even some comments made about Pippa’s rear curves during the royal wedding when she wore the silky Alexander McQueen gown?  What-evs!

I should mention that I especially have leggings on the brain since an upcoming leggings-themed birthday celebration for my fellow blogger Stacey (of EtsyBrook) is just days away & I think news like this just fuels the fire!

Normally, I feature affordable items that help shoppers recreate looks worn by celebrities, but really… any one of us can put together a look like this!  Need some leggings? Then check out my post here.  You can’t beat $8.00 from Target.  I have 5 pairs of these now!

So, I have a challenge for my Style Darling readers out there: Submit a picture to StyleDarlingEmail@gmail.com of your best leggings look (long top or not- but some type of top layering is required!), or if you’ve been inspired by Pippa’s shape-baring ensemble.  The subject of your email should read: Pippa Wears Leggings & So Do I! You should also include a brief description of the outfit, where it was purchased (any necessary links of the items), what you love about it, & where it is that you can be seen wearing it. By the end of the week, I’ll post my favorite image with some details behind its inspiration.  What’s the criteria to win?  Be tasteful, trendy, & classy- just like Pippa!

The prize for whoever I deem the winner is a dedicated post with your image, a polite thanks for being a reader, & a virtual nudge which can bring Style Darling one step closer to blog royalty- no pun intended! Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Top 5 Most Stylish Music Videos by Beyoncé!

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As far as stylish music videos go, Beyoncé is, hands down, number one! There were just so many to choose from & I especially love “Ring the Alarm” & “Naughty Girl,” but YouTube did not have the official videos available for sharing.

One of my favorite things about Beyoncé’s music is that t’s the perfect soundtrack for when you’re getting ready & getting dressed for a fun night in your favorite outfit & shoes!  When I’m not rushing around to pick out a fun look for a night at karaoke, or going out to dinner with my bestie, there’s always some music on to set the tone of my fabulous ensemble organization.

However, for all you booty shaking, heel-loving ladies, be sure to check out the videos below, which include (in no particular order) “Love On Top,” “Crazy in Love,” “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It),” “Sweet Dreams,” & “Me, Myself, & I.”

Which are your favorite videos by the mom-to-be?  Which are your least favorites?  Do you think Beyoncé always gets it right on the red carpet? Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Purely Precious Peep Toe Pumps for $19.99!

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In an effort to try & feature some especially darling, on-the-spot deals, I featured an adorable t-strap pump available @G by Guess a few days ago & now I have another to-die-for find.  These ‘Fiorra’ black satin peep toe pumps ($19.99), also available in champagne satin @Steve Madden are perfect for any upcoming fall / winder wedding.  Also, the holidays are coming up, which means that it’s time to start thinking about your New Year’s Eve look also!

I’m always one to advocate a bow, that’s no secret.  These capture everything feminine & frilly that I love about evening shoes.  They’re originally marked down from $89.95, so getting on top of this deal right now is one end-of-season clearance pick that you can’t miss!

If you’re a fan of Steve Madden designs, be sure to also check out stores like Mandee, DSW, Zappos, & 6PM to find all the latest style & recent markdowns.  Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: What Can You Get For (About) $11.00?

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In honor of today’s date, I wanted to post at the price point of (about) $11.00. Although I missed posting this @11:11:11am, you still gotta admit that today’s date is a little weird.

Anyway, why not invest your $11.00 in something chic & stylish to add a little extra splash to your look.  There are plenty of sites & stores from which a Style Darling can choose, including Forever 21, The Limited, Payless, Old Navy, & Kohl’s.

If you’re planning an upcoming winter vacation, the embroidered insert woven top ($10.99) is a major plus-size find b/c Forever 21 is also having a promotion of 11% off with the code: ONEDAY11.  Also, if you’re headed to a warm-weather location, the Tamra buckle sandal ($10.99) is a cute way to wear flats, especially with the green & brown color combination.

To help make this fall a little more glamorous, the gold link large square scarf ($9.99) is adorable for a pullover sweater & jeans, or to dress down a little black dress with ballet flats!  Sometimes hoops, chandelier, or feather earrings can look overwrought with detail, but I much prefer to look of delicate drops like the gold tone chocolate simulated pearl drop earrings ($11.20). They’re soft & feminine, perfect to wear with a cable-knit sweater with a belted pencil skirt for a day at the office.

Lastly, while we start to snuggle up for an at-home spa day, treat your feet to the terry thong slippers ($10.00) which are available in green, black, blue, pink, & white.  I actually own there & they great for getting out of the shower, painting your toenails, & hugging your foot after a long day in high heels.

What can you find for about $11.00 on this very honorable Veteran’s Day? What stores do you shop in for the best holiday sales?  Happy Styling!

11/10/11 Darling of the Day: My Girl Crush on Pippa Middleton (In Zara) Continues!

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I’ll admit my girl crush on Pippa Middleton.  It’s right up there with Scarlett Johansson, Kristin Davis, & Gwyneth Paltrow.  If you didn’t notice already, this weekend was big for Style Darling in that I posted my first-ever single Style Darling gallery, featuring the famous British sister.  Here she wears this dress with seams ($79.99) from Zara, which is available for purchase by buyers in the United States!

I had high hopes of turning this into a post for The $100 Challenge, but seeing as how the dress is costly, that wasn’t going to work.  However, since we’re darlings on a budget, it is okay to splurge every now & again on a special piece.

There are just a few chic pieces to complete the look, ones that you may already have if you’ve followed any of my posts so far this fall!  For example the single-button metro stretch jacket ($48.96) from New York & Company is an essential piece for any occasion.

It was easy to find the next five items which really bring out Pippa’s figure & the edginess in the dress.  @Forever 21, the studded suedette ankle boots ($32.80) are just the wow factor needed to punch it up.  Also, the buckled leatherette handbag in brown ($34.80) is functional b/c of its adjustability.  There’s one sale that you can’t miss & that’s on the sunglasses like these ($3.99), which are marked down from $5.00.

For a staple piece of jewelry, take a look @Kohl’s to see the gold mesh tone ring ($11.70) by Jennifer Lopez, which is also available in silver tone.

Would you spend $80 on a dress like this?  Do you admire Pippa’s modern & minimalist style?  For more on Pippa, be sure to check out the gallery, as well as where to find look-alike flats, inspired by Pippa & how to replicate her casual chic style.  Happy Styling!