12/01/2022 Darling of the Day: Jennifer Lopez’s Fair Isle Sweater + Maxi Dress Look for Less!


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:

SHOP: fair isle turtleneck sweater in academic green berry @J.Crew Factory (on sale: $39.00, available in sizes XXS-3X), Croft & Barrow fair isle sweater in navy @Kohl’s (on sale: $27.00 with coupon, available in sizes XS-XXL), fair isle cozy shaker-stitch pullover sweater in warm fair isle @Old Navy ($40.00, available in sizes XS-3X), Universal Thread mock turtleneck pullover sweater in red @Target ($30.00, available in sizes XS-XXL), elk & snowflake pointelle knit round neck top in multicolor @BloomChic ($35.80, available in sizes M-6X), Amazon Essentials soft-touch crewneck novelty sweater in taupe / blue @Amazon ($35.90, available in sizes XS-XXL).

SHOP: WDNY sequin skirt in ivory @TJMaxx (on sale: $24.00, available in sizes S-XL), Flying Tomato pleated metallic midi skirt in rust @New York & Company ($78.00, available in sizes S-L), Wild Fable midi skirt in black @Target ($24.00, available in sizes XS-4X), solid mesh elastic waist pleated skirt in black @BloomChic ($25.80, available in sizes M-6X), WDPL A-line tutu skirt in green @Amazon ($34.99, available in sizes XS-5X), & Urban CoCo casual elastic waist pleated midi skirt in red @Amazon ($21.86, available in sizes S-XL).

SHOP: Journee Collection Roslynn platform pumps in black @Kohl’s (on sale: $40.79 with coupon, available in sizes 6-12), Marc Fisher Nazira heels in black @Belk ($59.40, available in sizes 6-10), Rya satin platform ankle strap pumps in black @Lulu’s ($42.00, available in sizes 5-11), & Sun + Stone Estrella block-heel pumps in black @Macy’s (on sale: $48.65 with Code: FRIEND, available in sizes 5-12 in medium and wide width).

What do you think of J-Lo’s outfit? Would you dress up a fair isle sweater with a party skirt? Which celebrity is inspiring your holiday style? For more stylish posts, check out: a fashion flashback with The Flight Attendant star Kaley Cuoco & Gemma Chan from Crazy Rich Asians, festive sequin pencil skirts, & a classic plaid fit & flare dress from ModCloth! Happy Styling!

SHOP NOW!: Positively Peplum!


One of the great things about the start of fall is embracing the warmer, richer hues of olive, burgundy, rust, & brown; however, on days when the sun is still shining & heavy sweaters or plaids are too much, I love a bright color & some short sleeves. Anyone who knows me knows I run warm all the time, so I’ll often wear short sleeves well into the fall months. Also, if I can get that with a peplum, we’re in business!

SHOP: SSOULM classic stretchy short sleeve flare peplum blouse top in over 20 colors / patterns @Amazon ($16.99-$19.99, available in sizes XS-3X).

I love the shape of a peplum, so flattering! I have the deep purple & black, & I love pairing it with printer bottoms, like trousers, ankle pants, or pencil skirts. The v-neckline is my favorite ad I returned the higher scoop neck top in polka dots, but the shirt serves as a feminine base under a statement necklace for a special occasion or holiday gathering. In fact, I just ordered the cobalt & burgundy styles of this top!

How would you style this peplum top? Do you like to wear a peplum shape? Do you often wear out of season colors just for the heck of it? For more stylish posts, check out: velvet flats from Old Navy, open-front cardigans in every color, cozy fleece separates from Target, & New York & Company’s bateau neck top! Happy Styling!

Show Me the Shoes: Pick Polka Dots!


Fall fashion doesn’t usually shout out polka dots—at least not like spring & summer style do—but that doesn’t mean it’s not a pattern you can rely on. I love a polka dot piece, especially because it means that I can mix another pattern with it. Particularly, polka dots can work with leopard, stripes, florals, & abstract prints when done right. An easy way to dip your toes into pattern mixing with polka dots—wait for the pun to click—is through an accessory or finishing piece, such as a polka dot shoe.

The Ollio dot pattern ballet comfort pointed toe flat in black @Amazon ($29.99, available in sizes 6-11) is a subtle, stylish, & playful way to incorporate polka dots into your look. I love the pointer toe, which is fashion forward for a street style look, but also elongating for a professional & confident outfit for work.

I’m obsessed with these flats in the black & white combination, especially with the possibility of pairing them with a floral dress, as well as some colorblocking with patterned tights. When experimenting with pattern mixing, try matching up colors that work in both patterns to find success, as seen in my previous black & white outfit post. However, if trying to coordinate black & white polka dot flats like these with another print, then I suggest keeping it solid with classic neutrals, like black pants or dark denim jeans & a bold solid sweater or top in red, magenta, yellow, or royal blue, all of which will really make the polka dots pop.

Additionally, the Ollio store on Amazon, which I’ve previously recommended for these cute navy floral flats, also includes polka dot flats in other colors, such as pink, green, red, yellow, & blue.

I definitely love the idea of matching any of these up with floral counterparts when the warmer weather returns, as well as with lighter & more delicate cotton pieces that can be found on sale on the major end-of-season clearance blowout racks.

How would you style these flats? Are you a fan of polka dots? Do you shop Amazon for shoes or back-to-school must-haves? For more stylish posts, check out: leopard print pencil skirts from New York & Company, fabric headbands from Old Navy, & kimono-inspired tops for fall! Happy Styling!

Show Me the Shoes: Fabulous Floral Flats for Fall!


When it comes to fall fashion, bold florals don’t usually come to mind first, but I like mixing it up when the seasons change with unexpected pops of colors so as not to look like everyone else in plaid & still challenge myself. Anyway, expressing one’s style isn’t about following trends!

Florals are not for everyone & I typically veer my style attention away from a traditional grandmother/curtain-looking floral; however, one pair of floral flats that I’ve had since last year always seems to stay in rotation. I love the Dream Paris casual pointed toe ballet comfort soft slip on flat shoes in floral @Amazon (on sale: $21.99 & available in sizes 5-12) for the color versatility with magenta, purple, white, neon green, navy, & black.

I’ve worn these to the office with virtually every solid maxi dress that I own, paired with a crochet bolero or cardigan, as well as with different pant & blouse outfits. After getting another closet look at them online & wearing them on & off cue the last few months, I suspect that the floral pattern placement on each pair may vary, as seen with my shoes below.

For fall, I even love mixing these flats with a navy & magenta outfit, as well as a black & purple color-blocked look. Not to mention that the shoes are perfect beyond the office with a shift or fit & flare dress for a special occasion. They’re super comfortable & I get so many compliments on them every time I wear them.

Additionally, they’re reduced in priced from $35.99 & have a 4/5 rating from over 7,000 reviews! However, one downside is that they’re not available for shoppers needing a wide width size.

Where are you shopping for all-year must-have items? Do you wear florals on your feet? What’s on your fall fashion wishlist? For more stylish posts, check out: kimono-inspired tops from Amazon in multiple colors, stylish patterned tights from Target, & Time & Tru’s latest dresses & cardigans! Happy Styling!

SHOP NOW!: A Kimono-Inspired Top in Every Color!


When I find an article of clothing I like & can see myself wearing it on the daily, I become obsessed & can’t stop thinking about all the styling possibilities & if I should just get 1 every color! Sometimes, 1 in every color is excessive, but when it’s comfortable & versatile for nearly any season, why not?

Well, the Lock & Love store on Amazon has cast this spell on me with their kimono-inspired top in both a scoop & v-neck ($17.95, available in sizes XS-5XL).

With over 26,000 reviews, a 4.2/5 rating, & a variety of over 20 colors to choose from for both necklines, I’ve added to cart! Though, I prefer more of a scoop neck, as opposed to v, myself. Also, I appreciate that this is a piece I can share with readers of any size too!

I’d style these with any kind of printed pant for heading back to the classroom, such as a window pane or plaid, with pointed ballet flats; a pencil skirt in lace or jacquard with stilettos; dark denim jeans with ankle booties & a statement necklace; or a jeweled cardigan & my favorite dress pants. As I await my order to arrive, I’m super excited to share another fabulous 1 in every color find since timeless, fashionable, & comfortable basics—at the right price—are a must-have for any time of the year, as well as for any professional or social situation. I could wear this casually for a lunch date with friends on the weekend or dress it up with some luxe satin or blinged out pieces for somewhere fancier.

How would you style this time? Do you wear kimono, draped, or gathered pieces? What’s your favorite Amazon brand? For more stylish posts, check out: a fashion flashback of Keke Palmer’s best red carpet looks, Blake Lively’s most stunning jewelry & hair moments, Selena Gomez as Mabel Mora in the season 2 finale of Only Murders in the Building, & the newest houndstooth pieces for fall from New York & Company! Happy Styling!

Living in Style: The Perfect Organizer for Watches, Bracelets, Bangles, & Cuffs from Amazon!


This past weekend was especially productive as I beat the heat & stayed indoors with my daughter who helped me organize my expansive jewelry collection, including my extra abundant & sparkly watch & bracelet collection, thanks to years of working in retail & a lot of shopping indulgence during my bachelorette days.

About 3 weeks ago, I posted about organizing my statement necklaces, using a gray display stand from Target. Without even attempting to coordinate my growing inventory of storage & organization items, I found a companion pair of velvet bracelet & watch holders. My goal is to have as much as I can visible, so that I can assess what to donate during this process, but also, what to keep! On a day-to-day basis, I need to actually see what I have so I can to choose it & wear it, beyond it just taking up space in my cloffice & remaining ignored from my wardrobe & accessory rotation.

However, with the 2-pack of Diommell velvet bracelet holder with 3-tier rack jewelry display stand watch bangle bar necklace storage organizer in gray @Amazon ($32.99), I was able to sort out the watches by metal / band color (rose gold, gold, silver, & white), although some of them are in desperate need of repair & cleaning after being boxed up for so long.

Also, I appreciate that the pair of stands are made in 7 soft separate pieces that are easy to assemble & disassemble for when picking out what to wear on a tired night before work or hurried morning getting ready.

The below pictured stand with my watches & cuffs doesn’t have a proper shelf in my cloffice, yet so these will be sitting pretty on my desk until shelving is in place. Also, I was able to fit 24 watches of varying size on it & I have 2 more that will be added to the stand once the bands are repaired. For the picture, though, the stand is sitting on my couch!

Yes, all the watches read different times because all of the batteries are dead, having been in storage for over 2 years. Have no fear, they will stylishly tick again!

For the $32.99 price, I was pleased that there were 2 stands, so that I could devote another one entirely to my stretch bracelets as well. This makes my styling time much more efficient & I am reminded of what I have on a regular basis so as not to buy repeats, no matter the deal or how pretty they may be!

Having worked from home for 15 months & keeping my accessorizing at a bare minimum, I’m so happy to be reunited with these stylish pieces & inspired to explore how to incorporate them into my everyday looks. Although, I just have to decide if the day will be a “watch day” or a “bracelet day” as I prefer to keep my right wrist free since I write with my right hand. Oh, the drama! Also, I still have to revisit the bracelet stand to be much more meticulous about sorting the colorful bracelets by bead color.

How do you organize your accessories? What kind of jewelry do you indulge in the most? What organization or storage items do you have that you can’t live without? For more stylish posts, check out: a fashion flashback with the late Olivia Newton-John, Stranger Things‘ Sadie Sink on the September cover of FASHION magazine, & the trailer for Selena Gomez’s 4th season of Selena + Chef! Happy Styling!

Show Me the Shoes: Fancy Flowered Flats in Navy!


As I’m preparing to return to the office after almost 2 1/2 weeks off, my mind is racing with style inspiration for what I’ll wear! Even though I’m not teaching again until the fall semester begins, there’s still plenty of opportunity to explore summer work style & that starts with a cute pair of navy flats!

I’d purchased very plain faux suede navy flats from Old Navy years ago, which were staples for anytime I needed a pop of the darker neutral to complete a mostly blue look for work. Eventually, those flats were worn out, but I did order another pair. However, I dreamt of more special navy flats, something with flare to rank with my assortment of patent leather, lace, snake embossed, bowed, jeweled, laser cut, & studded flats in other colors. Navy just never seemed to have its moment—until I found the Ollio faux suede decorative flower pointed toe ballet flats @Amazon ($29.99, available in sizes 6-10 & in 6 additional colors).

I have an 8 medium foot, so these fit me perfectly for work when wearing a blouse & dress pants, wrap dress & cardigan, or if I am attending a special daytime occasion, these coordinate well with any spring or cocktail-length dress needing a navy companion. Unfortunately, the flats are not available in wide & some half sizes.

As fall fashion starts to poke its fashionable head into retail windows, these flats, in addition to the other jewel-toned green & mustard options, are on my mind & remain in an all-year rotation. What are your go-to flats for work or a special occasion? What pieces do you keep out for every day use? For more stylish posts, check out: stylish & stackable jewelry organization, $8 sandal slides in 4 colors from Walmart, & a fashion flashback with Bullet Train actress Joey King! Happy Styling!

SHOP NOW: The Prettiest Maxi Dress for Summer from Amazon!


I’ve said it once & I’ll say it again… If there’s something that I love & it’s made in multiple colors, I’ll take it! This goes for cardigans, blouses, pants, ballet flats, & dresses too! So when I was searching Amazon for options to spruce up my summer maxi dresses, to wear to both work & for weekend or night occasions, I wanted something lightweight, classic, & effortless to pair with wedges or sandals, along with a cardigan or crossbody bag. When I happened upon this one-should midi dress from Zesica, I searched their Amazon store for more options, which included a Bohemian Spaghetti Strap Swiss Dot Sleeveless Smocked A Line Flowy Maxi Dress ($37.99) in 12 different colors: black, burgundy, dark orange, midnight blue, mint, navy, pink, plum, purple, rose, white, & green.

I’ve worn the midnight blue (which is more of a periwinkle) three times now: to a carnival fundraiser, a family dinner, & to work with a cardigan. The slit is only visible if you pose a certain way. Otherwise, I had no problem wearing it & liked the movement that the maxi offered. Additionally, I liked that the straps could be tied & bowed to fit my frame as I usually find that some straps are too loose, if they’re not adjustable, & then they tend to fall down. I bow for the straps is also a nice touch, adding to the Swiss dot, feminine feel. I paired this dress with metallic sandals, laser cut ballet flats, or flowered flip-flops, wearing a statement earring in a coordinating color. Also, I ended up ordering the plum color (which is more of a dusty rose) & have the mint & purple on my mind since I do love a bright hue, especially when there’s a $2 off promotional coupon applied to the purchase, but I may invest in those colors with other dresses that I have saved at the moment.

The only downside to the dress above is that Zesica only sells it in sizes S-XL. However, for plus-size maxi dress recommendations, check out: CARROTMOB wrap dress (available in 5 colors, sizes 1X-5X), The Drop tiered maxi dress (available in 7 colors, sizes XXS-5X), & LONGYUAN short sleeve maxi (available in 32 colors, sizes XL-6X).

How would you style this dress? Which color are you most drawn to? Where do you shop for classic maxi dresses for summer? For more stylish posts, check out: lovely polka dot pieces from LOFT, Natalie Portman’s Variety cover while promoting her new film Thor: Love and Thunder, affordable metallic day-to-night sandals, & Selena Gomez in Alexander McQueen & Jimmy Choo while promoting Rare Beauty!

SHOP NOW: My Favorite Summer Midi Dress from Amazon!


When on the hunt to spruce up some summer staples, I fell into the Amazon abyss, naturally. However, I was happy to come up for air with the Women’s Bohemian Summer One Shoulder Smocked Midi Dress sold by Zesica on Amazon. There are other vendors that carry this type of dress, but my heart landed on Zesica also because of some other favorited items that I added to my cart from their Amazon store too.

Anyway, what I love about this dress is its lightweight fabric, smocked bust (perfectly stretchy), & the variety of 28 styles–in 4 solid colors & 24 patterns–for $39.99.

I bought the black (top left) to wear to a Jewel concert recently, along with the grassgreen (second on top left) when attending a graduating ceremony recently. I might just add 1 or 2 more to my cart since I love the fit & style so much, plus I’m constantly seeing discounts posted with the purchase, like currently there’s a $2 off coupon with purchase. I’d recommend pairing this dress with a cropped cardigan for a daytime occasion or breaking out the jewel sandals for a dressier event.

I must say… The only downside is the dress runs from S-XL, which excludes the amazing plus-size shoppers & readers out there, but stores like Lane Bryant have got you covered with their gorgeous variety of summer midi dresses that are on sale now!

What is your favorite style of summer dress? Where are you shopping for your summer staples? how would you style this dress? For more stylish posts, check out: my recommended final sale finds from New York & Company, affordable floppy straw hats (to pair with the above dress!) from Target, cotton & linen shorts from Walmart, & Blake Lively’s little white dress inspiration! Happy Styling!

06/17/2022 Darling of the Day: Charlize Theron in Dior!


A classic look never goes out of style & is always a go-to for nearly any occasion, which was the case for Academy Award-winning actress Charlize Theron who celebrated her Africa Outreach Project 2022 Summer Block Party in head-to-toe Dior, which took place at the Universal Studios Backlot this past weekend. While Dior isn’t a brand that all of us budget-friendly Style Darlings can depend on on the regular, we can take inspiration from Charlize’s stylish white button-down shirt (shop here), flared jeans (shop similar here), black pointy toe pumps (shop here), black quilted clutch (shop similar here), & Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

Button shirts are a staple for any wardrobe, especially if you work in an environment that requires professional attire, but these tops vary in style & can be worn with a number of different options, including a pencil skirt, linen shorts, or a velvet pants in the cooler months. The below suggested options vary in availability for sizes XS-XXL and range in price from $14.99 – $44.63.

SHOP: 1. Madison Roll-Sleeve Button-Front Waist-Panel Secret Snap Shirt in Optic White @New York & Company, 2. Madison Roll-Sleeve Button-Front Secret Snap Shirt in Optic White @New York & Company, 3. INC International Concepts Satin Utility Shirt in Bright White @Macy’s, & 4. INC International Concepts Solid Button-Up Tunic in Bright White @Macy’s.

Next, a flared jean is a playful & throwback way of mixing up your look, especially when contrasting a more demure button-down shirt. The below options range in price $40.00-$52.46 and are vary in availability for sizes 0-30.

SHOP: 1. Mya Curvy High-Waisted Barely Bootcut Jeans in Light Wash @New York & Company & 2. Higher High-Waisted Side-Slit Flare Jeans in Rite @Old Navy.

Next, a black pointy toe pump is definitely a classic to incorporate into one’s weekly routine; however, aside from a breezy, cool denim look, like Charlize’s, check out these affordable options ranging in price from $37.99 – $59.99 for special occasions & other professional functions:

SHOP: 1. NINE WEST Fifth 9×9 Pointy Toe Pump in Black Calf Leather @Amazon, 2. Jessica Simpson Haneh Pump in Black Leather @DSW, 3. CHARLES by CHARLES DAVID Pact Clear Stiletto Pump in Black Smooth @Nordstrom Rack, & 4. ASOS DESIGN Penza Pointed High Heeled Pumps in Black @ASOS.

Lastly, you can’t go wrong with a quilted bag bag or clutch, especially one with an option to use the chain or tuck it in for Instagram posing, including the following picks that range in price from $24.97-$39.99:

SHOP: 1. Joseph D’Arezzo Quilted Envelope Clutch in black @New York & Company, 2. Katie & Kelly Day To Night Clutch in black @DSW, 3. River Island Patent Quilted Clutch Bag in black @River Island, & 4. MANGO Quilted Shoulder Bag in black @MANGO.

Which part of Charlize’s look are you most inspired by? Where do you shop for staple pieces like denim & button down shirts? Which celebrity do you follow for style inspiration? For more celebrity posts, check out: the trailer for Jennifer Lopez’s new Netflix documentary Halftime, Blake Lively’s summer dress inspiration, & suits inspired by Rose Byrne & Selena Gomez! Happy Styling!