Tag Archives: affordable fashion

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!

Inside A Style Blogger’s Closet: My Striped $8.00 Dress From JC Penney!

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Even when I’m not shopping for an amazing deal, one sneaks up on me. I made a recent trip to my local JC Penney b/c I was the happy recipient of a $10 reward (for being a cardmember & having used said card on more than one recent occasion), so I decided I was going to treat myself to a new silver chain for my latest variety of charms & pendants that I picked up from a craft store.  However, gravity pulled me toward the clearance dress section, which is where I found the Worthington mixed media dress ($8.00 in stores, $14.00 online). Before I get into talking about what I love about this dress, I gotta emphasize that if you have the opportunity to check a store & its website online, please do so b/c you never know where you’ll be getting the better deal.

Anyway, when I tried the dress on, the $8.00 price tag didn’t seem so great since the dress was very short- too short for comfort, but then when I cinched in its sort of boxy shape with a belt & considered leggings & some boots, I knew I was in business.  Unfortunately I wasn’t able to snap myself a shot in this outfit (& I’ve worn it twice!), but I can say that I love the tunic look to it, as well as the uber-flattering lines that help emphasize my shape.

I did manage to get the chain I was looking for, as well as this dress & a few additional must-have clearance finds for under $10, but I’m a guilt-free shopper knowing that I’ve added to my fall-winter wardrobe & can’t wait to see what else I can find when I least expect it! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Invest In The Best Vests This Season (Under $25)!

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It’s definitely time to bundle up with the layers & unless you’re headed on a tropical vacation, take it from me, this season is all about adding that one last finishing touch. In this case, I’m talking about vests. I was a little reluctant to integrate them into my wardrobe, but if you’re seeking a rocker look, something bohemian, or a vintage feel, vests can help achieve this & make some older wardrobe staples refreshed & reinvented.

Keeping a budget in mind, I’ve selected five vests all under $25! First, the cap-sleeve leopard denim vest ($14.49) from Charlotte Russe is a recent markdown that’s perfect for making any graphic tee more stylish with boyfriend jeans & pointed toe neon pumps. A vest for work is always chic, especially over a solid blouse or classic button-down & I recommend the FANG openwork sweater vest ($21.99) in slate from Kohl’s which includes a belt & is also sold in other neutral hues like oat, & black.

To offset any chic all-black look, head over to Forever 21 for the metallic coated denim vest ($24.80) which will take you from a luncheon with family to drinks with the girls at a bar. If you want to try on the military-inspired trend by taking a baby step, Old Navy‘s twill cargo vest ($24.97) is perfect for adding a utilitarian feel with stripes, or even to dress down a pencil skirt.  Also, this is available in sizes XS – XXL! Lastly, I found the wearever cascade vest ($24.99) from J.Jill, which is a lighter & more feminine way to show off layers over a polka dot blouse & a lace mini skirt.

Do you like to wear vests? How do you style them? What’s your favorite part about layering? For more posts on budget-friendly styles, check out affordable sweaters inspired by Rose Byrne & Jessica Alba, a work-to-evening look for under $100, & beautiful studs from Piperlime! Happy Styling!

Basics For A Bargain: Swap In Some Sweaters, Inspired By Carrie Underwood, Nicole Richie, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, & More!

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As if Long Island hasn’t been riddled enough with weather, it’s snowing now & I bundled up in my favorite sweater to brave the day.  This was my inspiration when I clicked through some of my top go-to websites to find must-have sweaters for the fall-winter season- no matter where you live.  Because sweaters are bulkier, often requiring special care, & available in an array of materials, I don’t necessarily admonish anyone who is looking for an investment piece to add to their cold weather wardrobe.  However, let’s take a look at some stylish celebrities who have been spotted in recent months donning some fashionable sweaters.

Actress Rose Byrne accents her textured black sweater with a ruffled skirt & leopard belt at the debut short film for Target, Falling For You.  Country crooner Taylor Swift looks all sorts of ladylike with maroon sweater by French Connection, paired with polka dot jeans by AG Adriano Goldschmied, Charlotte Olympia flats, & a tasteful string of pearls. Jessica Alba plays with menswear in her Alice + Olivia sweater to contrast her printed pants & bold cap toe pumps. Former Heroes star Ali Larter mixes sophistication with urban chic in a shawl collar sweater with olive cargo pants, ankle booties, & a Coach bag.

You can count on American Idol Carrie Underwood to bring the glitz to an appearance at The Late Show with David Letterman, wearing a sequin sweater, skinny jeans, & strappy wedges. Model / actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley goes all-black in a fringed black sweater & liquid leather leggings when arriving at the Sao Paulo Fashion Week celebration.  Lastly, designer Nicole Richie goes casual in a zebra print Proenza Schouler sweater with skinny black jeans & suede pumps.

For under $50, you can find heart details, metallic threading, animal-inspiration, feminine accents, & some sparkle when it comes to wearing a sweater.  Of course, there’s the classic cable knit or argyle that you can wear to the office, but there are lots of ways to look ladylike & modern without having to sacrifice style when it comes to chunky knitwear.

I love the fun & flirty colors in the colored animal pattern sweater ($27.80) from Forever 21 is a cool way to accent a pencil skirt with a metallic collar necklace, or to wear during the day with skinny jeans & knee boots.  If you’re headed on a double date or want to stay warm when going out at night, check out Express‘ metallic wedge sweater ($19.99), which would look hot with leather shorts & tights or colored jeans.  I’ve surprised myself lately by finding an interest in stripes (I’m not typically a stripey), but I love the color contrast & splash of sparkle in the Varick Street sequin stripe v-neck sweater ($46.95) from New York & Company, which is available in a whole range of colors if you’re not into the yellow-gray combo.

As seen on many Style Darlings like Alexa Chung & Rihanna, wearing novelty pieces is a big trend, & this includes LC by Lauren Conrad‘s lurex heart sweater ($34.99) from Kohl’s, which is also sold in black & white, as well as tan & black.  Pair this fun top with wide leg jeans & a scarf, or polish the look with textured a-line skirt & pointed toe heels.  Lastly, @Venus you can find knit sweater with bow ($22.00) in light brown which can be easily played up with a fancy lace pencil skirt or some leather leggings.

What sweater styles do you like to wear when the weather gets cold? Are there sweater trends that you love to follow? For more posts featured in Basics for a Bargain, be sure to check out fall’s best faux leather looks featuring Lucy Hale & Jessica Chastain, leopard flats inspired by Olivia Palermo & Whitney Port, & Anne Hathaway’s all-black day & evening looks! Happy Styling!

Splurge Or Save… Stripes & Florals, Inspired By The Pages Of Marie Claire!

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While preparing for the imminent hurricane, I’ve gathered plenty of reading materials that will have to suffice as both entertainment & education in case of a power outage.  I have Monday & Tuesday off from work b/c of this Sandy nuisance, so I was starting to refer back to some of my favorite magazine articles that I checked out while at work & this page from Marie Claire sticks out most in my mind.  The latest issue, which features the lovely Ashley Greene, actress from The Twilight Saga & spokesmodel for DKNY, on its cover.  However, I posted this image on my Instagram (@MissAlissaL), sharing the daring dud combination of stripes & florals- one I’ve yet to explore.

Of course any Style Darling would be lucky to own any of the pictured items from page 72 of MC (ranging in price from $44.95 – $565.00, from brands like Sergio Rossi, Coach, Chris Benz, Kate Spade, & more); however, I wanted to share my version of this page, hoping to see this trend done right without breaking the bank!

My recommendations all cost under $50.00 per item & will certainly help transform your fall favorites into fresh, new outfits to wear to work, going on a date, a family occasion, or a party.  We know how figure flattering pencil skirts are, so I stuck with the idea of a floral pencil skirt, matching with uncomplicated basic stripes, as well as strong neutral accessories.  The jewelry has enough visual interest to add the perfect amount of dimension for an evening occasion, while still looking expensive & luxurious.

First, I’m sharing a plus size look, which can be built from the lace pencil skirt ($40.00) @Eloquii by The Limited, available in sizes 14W-24W. Yes, I see that this isn’t a basic floral print, but the flower concept is in the feminine lace details. To help make the elegant skirt pop, I’ve added the Extra Touch plus-size top ($19.99) from Macy’s, which is also available in green, fuchsia, & purple. To finish off the look, I turned to Torrid for the patent system heel ($26.70) in red, which is available in size 7-13 wide width.  Also, the Candie’s two tone bead multistrand necklace ($7.20) is from Kohl’s & can be worn over any graphic tee, with an LBD, or to add a splash of personality to a solid cardigan.

My next looks run in misses sizes, including New York & Company‘s tapestry print wrap skirt with pleating ($46.95) in black plum, but this can also be bought in saffron. Since the print is so busy, I wanted to stick to an all-flattering stripe with the striped cowlneck waffle tee ($29.95) in black & white from the Gap. The neckline of the top is pronounced, so I opted for the patent hip belt ($4.80) in eggplant from Forever 21 over a necklace & matched it with the Moda Spana Nadine patent pump ($29.94) from DSW.

The third look is definitely a bold statement, mixing the floral pencil skirt ($24.99) from The Limited with Forever 21‘s cream & navy striped 3/4 sleeve top ($10.80). The Brash Kosmic platform pump ($29.99) in tan suede from Payless & BaubleBar‘s triple tear pendant ($26.00) are neutral pieces that can be mixed with any variety of casual, office, & evening looks.

Look’s #1-3 total out to $93.89, $111.64, & $91.78, respectively. That’s a pretty amazing deal for such versatile pieces that will work with jeans, skinny pants, button-down shirts, & other wardrobe staples. Would you dare to wear stripes & florals? Which of these looks is your favorite? How much would you spend on an outfit like this?

8/24/12 Darling Of The Day: Olivia Munn’s Geometric Dress From KMart!

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Up & coming actress Olivia Munn has been making the rounds on the red carpet lately, especially having co-starred in this summer’s Magic Mike & The Babymakers, but also appearing on HBO’s The Newswoom doesn’t hurt either.  She’s getting  a lot of attention for her style, including this look which was spotted walking the streets of New York just recently, thanks to a post found on In Style.

She’s polished & on-trend with a colorful print, classic round toe pumps, & a confident smile, however what’s so great about this look is the fact that the Attention geometric print shirtdress ($17.49) is from Kmart! Look at the price on that dress & how effortlessly she’s wearing it.

Of course this can transition into fall with some dark tights & ankle booties, or even be worn these last few days of summer while running from the beach to a block party.  The dress runs typically for $24.99, but it currently on sale on the store’s website.  It’s available in sizes XS – XL, but also in an autumn orange color scheme as well.

Typically in my Darling of the Day posts, I find pieces to recreate the whole look, however I’m just so excited to share the dress that I will simply refer readers to Payless for the Brash Liv pump ($29.99), Forever 21 for the patent med shoulder bag ($29.80), & round sunglasses ($3.50).

What do you think of Olivia’s bargain dress?  Would you shop @KMart? Don’t forget that this isn’t the first KMart-related post to appear on Style Darling, since I’m a big fan of Sofia Vergara’s line, Sofia by Sofia Vergara & Selena Gomez’s Dream Out Loud collection.  Also, for more on Olivia’s style, be sure to check out the latest Top 10 Celeb Sightings post, images of her alongside Sarah Jessica Parker from I Don’t Know How She Does It, & an Express look from last year’s Darling of the Day! Happy Styling!

Inside A Style Blogger’s Closet / Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: New Striped Dress From The Gap For Under $14!

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I was strolling through the mall the other day to get out of the heat & do a little walking when I was struck to hit up The Gap to see if there were any to-die-for bargains waiting for me to take them home. Alas, this asymmetrical striped dress ($49.99) is my newest friend that I almost didn’t buy, but this is one of those too-good-to-be-true stories, but I wouldn’t lie to my Style Darlings about affordable fashion!

Now you might look at the price & think that $49.99 is not a bargain… well, in the store, I found this marked down from its original $64.95 price to $16.99.  Since it was Tuesday, I was able to earn another 10% off & b/c I opened a Gap card on top of that, the store granted me an additional 15% off. I paid under $14.00 for a dress that was originally marked up $50 more!

I don’t usually find myself attracted to stripes, but there’s something a little nautical, something a little Parisian about this very flattering dress (which I bought in a smaller size since I’ve dropped a dress size this year!), that makes me want to layer it with pearls & wedges to feel feminine or add a chunky belt & ankle boots for a transition-to-fall look.  However, I already know that I’m saving it for a special family gathering when I go on a little road trip with my boyfriend next week b/c that’s the perfect occasion to break out this new bargain.

The lesson here is to always check both the store & online price before you commit to buying something, b/c if you’re lucky enough to have access to both, you could really be serving your budget wisely, especially since the styling never stops! Happy Styling!