Show Me the Shoes: Pretty in Pink Flats!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Style Tip: One Skirt Worn Six Ways!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Accessories Access: Lovely Lavender Handbags!

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From the day-to-day, I am committed to the same one handbag to get me through my shifts at work, out with my boyfriend, and everywhere in between. I’m usually wearing just one bag for as long as I possibly can before switching from a lighter spring-summer design to something darker & more durable for the fall-winter months. However, when I spot a cute bag, my heart does do a little flutter. That’s exactly what happened when I spotted these lavender bags from New York & Company. I immediately pictured how I could style them, with a head-to-toe all-white look, a floral summer frock with wedges, & a little black dress accessorized with a pop of pastel.

SHOP: mini satchel, large satchel, tote, & crossbody bag @New York & Company.

Would you use a lavender bag? How would you incorporate pastels with your fall wardrobe? What’s your go-to handbag style? Where do you shop for your favorite accessories? Happy Styling!

Splurge or Save… on Lace Up Ballet Flats?

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This time of the summer is when retailers are rearing to go with the newest fall items for shoppers to clamor over. This includes trend items that might not stand the test of time, but there are definitely some worth seeking. For inspiration on the best of the newest arrivals for the next season, it’s easy to turn to luxury designers & brands. Those styles trickle down the price point pole & then look-alike items finally become affordable for a Style Darling on a budget.

One example is the lace-up ballet flat, a stylish option to help transition your wardrobe from summer to fall. The below styles range in prices from $685 (wowie!) to $24.99. These are examples of the next level of the ballet flat craze that’s obviously not going anywhere. What will designers think of next? A black ballet flat doesn’t have to be basic anymore, especially when styled with a little black dress or blouse & silk shorts ensemble.SHOP: 1. Gianvito Rossi flats @Neiman Marcus, 2. Sam Edelman flats @Bloomingdale’s, 3. MICHAEL Michael Kors flats @Macy’s, 4. lace-up flats @LOFT, & 5. SO flats @Kohl’s.

Which designers do you follow & invest in? What trends do you buy for less? Where are your favorite places to shop for shoes? What are you most looking forward to wearing for fall? Happy Styling!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SHOP NOW! The Prettiest Stud Earrings for $5!

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I. Love. Jewelry.

Obviously.

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

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

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

08/05/2017 Darling of the Day: Rachel Bilson is Neutral Chic in Denim!

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Contrary to popular style belief, sometimes the most fashionable looks aren’t necessarily the fanciest. I’m of the mindset that style should exist on the daily & even on my most casual of days off, I take care of myself in the best way I know how—comfortably! Still, on those days, I have things to do like see my family or prepare a dinner date night with my boyfriend, so even if I give my face a break & go makeup-free, I like to put together an easy breezy outfit (comfy top & jeans perhaps) with unexpected twists (usually in the form of accessories).

Actress Rachel Bilson is showing her casual style with a combination of no-fuss neutrals with denim, heather gray, tan, black & silver during a sunny afternoon in Beverly Hills. Typically, one might not think these colors work together, but the Nashville / former Hart of Dixie / The O.C. it-girl knows how to style even the simplest seeming looks, especially with Old Navy’s $40 Rockstar skinny jeans! Earlier in the week, I featured Blake Lively mixing her high-low look with the same jeans in a darker wash!

SHOP: tee @JCPenney (shop plus here), jeans @Old Navy, sunglasses @Target, hoop earrings @Charming Charlie, satchel @Charming Charlie, & Trope sandals by Steve Madden @DSW.

Where do you like to shop for you favorite go-to jeans? Are you a fan of Old Navy’s Rockstar skinny denim? Which celebrity style appeals most to you? For more fashionable celebrity posts, check out how to recreate looks from Blake Lively & Jennifer Lawrence, as well as mixed prints on Jamie Chung & Olivia Palermo. Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: All You Need is Olive!

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One color that works well to transition from spring to summer & summer to fall is olive. It’s an earthy neutral, sometimes referred to as khaki green, that looks luxe against gold accessories or with rich leather. Also, olive touches in cargo separates offer a dressed down & utilitarian feel to more formal pieces like a sequin skirt or little black dress, presenting new options to standards in your wardrobe rotation. Olive is also a fashionable alternative to pair with denim to channel a bohemia look, additional neutrals like navy or chocolate for a layered & details ensemble, as well as pastels in peach or pink for a blend of warmth & femininity.

SHOP: shirt dress @H&M, wrap dress @Kohl’s (available in sizes XS-XXL), crochet tank @Target, twill jacket @Old Navy, Audrey Brooke Viv sandal @DSW, G by Guess Beaut wedge sandal @DSW, cargo jogger pants @White House Black Market, & high low mini skirt @dressbarn.

What colors are your favorite to wear each season? Where do you shop for your favorite trends? Do you like to mix cargo separates with other wardorbe pieces? Which of the above bargain finds is your favorite? Happy Styling! 

Watch This Style: Zac Posen’s ‘House of Z’ Documentary Trailer!

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Summer is a great time for fashion, especially when it comes to scoping out what our favorite celebrities are wearing in their street style on vacation & for blockbuster movie premieres on the red carpet. It’s August & we’re basking in the post-Met Gala glow of the finest in fashion, preparing for Fashion Week in September, all for the harried & sparkly zen that is keeping up with awards season. One name among all the frenzy that is constantly impressing in the world of fashion is designer Zac Posen.

In the newest trailer for the fashion documentary House of Z, fashion lovers catch a glimpse of Posen’s career triumphs, devastating struggles, & return to fame. There’s nothing I love more than a fashion doc, which is why I’m super excited to learn more about Posen’s creative process & journey. The Project Runway judge / creative director of Brooks Brothers is an unstoppable force whose story teaches viewers that if you have a dream, you must go on & continue creating.

In the video below during an interview with BUILD Series, Posen discusses the documentary’s development, his familial strain, his favorite red carpet moments, & how the film served as therapy when revisiting his past troubles in the industry.

Zac Posen’s impact on the red carpet continues to make waves, especially on celebrities like Heidi Klum, Claire Danes, Reese Witherspoon, Rihanna, Gwyneth Paltrow, January Jones, Eva Longoria, Lena Dunham, Amanda Seyfried, & Sofia Vergara. 

House of Z premieres on Vogue.com on September 6th. I know I’ll be watching! What is your favorite Zac Posen red carpet moment? Are you going to watch the fashion documentary? How do you express your creativity? Happy Styling!