If you’ve seen Style Darling‘s Instagram (@MissAlissaL), then you know that I can’t wait for the fourth season premiere of HBO’sGirls. It’s one of those shows that I love because I can relate to it when it comes to friendships & relationships, I laugh my butt off at the wit & ridiculousness of the show’s clueless & brilliant characters, & because it almost always makes me feel a little bit more together as a young woman trying to make it in the world. Also, the show is a terrific example of real-life style from its four main characters: Hannah Horvath (Lena Dunham), Marnie Michaels (Allison Williams), Jessa Jenkins (Jemima Kirke), & Shoshanna Shapiro (Zosia Mamet). Clearly, each character isn’t trotting the streets of New York in impossibly expensive designer duds, which is something else that I can appreciate about the exciting dramedy!
Hannah isn’t without style, but her interpretation combines basics with her quirky sense of self. She’s not afraid of color & pattern, & always wears what she likes above what trends may be most popular. She can be seen in cutesy Peter Pan collared shirts, floral print rompers, teeny sweaters & bright pants, & shoes that she almost always can’t walk in. But we love Hannah because she tries her best to be inspired by the 50s classic cuts & whimsical patterns.
Marnie is certainly the sophisticated shopper among the characters, wearing tailored looks that blend femininity & maturity. She tries to exude through her style the life she wants to live, often in sleek dresses, preppy separates, unstructured pieces, & core accessories that interfere with her goals. She invests in pieces that can be worn a variety of ways, but are still timeless as she seeks to attain a lifestyle equally as fancy as her tastes.
Jessa is a bohemian of the quartet, mixing prints & billowing volume to express her carefree spirit. She’s always feminine, but on the verge of hippie chic with peasant tops, maxi dresses, long sweaters, crop tops, & loose-fitting pants. I love watching Jessa for her accessories, which almost always include some sort of feather detail, gemstone, layers of metals, or harder gothic inspiration against the softness of her preferred fabrics.
Shoshanna is the youngest of the girls with a lot to learn about self-editing. She is as accessorized as she is articulate, with plenty of hair styles to match with her girlie, on-trend style. She can be found in form-fitting mini dresses, always looking all sorts of cute because she’s always running into crushes, exes, old friends, & making new friends wherever she goes. Her clothes are party-ready & she’s fearless when it comes to taking fashion risks. No skirt is too short, no heels are too high, & no print is too wacky for her to play with, especially when combined with color-coordinated extras like a statement necklace or stacked bangles.
For a little extra taste of what’s to come on the highly anticipated fourth season of Girls, which premieres on Sunday, January 11th on HBO, check out these teaser & promo videos of what’s to come for Hannah, Marnie, Jessa, & Shoshanna.
If Santa didn’t fulfill all of your style picks on your holiday wishlist, you haven’t missed out on the best must-have outerwear of the season yet! Capes of all varieties have been everywhere, making that transition from fall to winter all the more stylish. However, the weather has been pretty fickle here on Long Island, which makes the necessity of a cape all the more important. The great news is that you don’t have to break the bank to add a cape to your wardrobe. Capes present a style opportunity to play with prints & textures, from color blocking to plaid to tribal to menswear inspiration.
One of my resolutions for 2015 includes spending less money on my wardrobe, mostly because I just don’t have as much space as I’d like for all of my favorite shopping finds. In a last stitch (no pun intended) effort to grab some must-haves, I asked Santa for a few essentials & picked up some great buys with all of the post-holiday sales / coupon deals.
It’s been a very fortuitous holiday season for my blog so far & the style keeps on coming! Style Darling has been invited to participate in Daily Look‘s New Year’s Eve Style Challenge, featuring the website’s best little black dressesto sport from party-to-party before the year is up. Of course there are many ways to don classic black, a favorite to feature in Color Me Style, such as lace, leather, silk, satin, along with many different shapes & styles.
However, before we get started, I’ve had LBDs on my mind, especially when there’s so much celebrity inspiration hitting the red carpet. For example, Diane Krugerin a black lace Elie Saab cocktail dress with a black Osman blazer, a graphic Charlotte Olympia clutch, & striped lace-up Sophia Webster heels. Also, Scandal star Kerry Washington makes a bold statement in a leather little black dress with Jennifer Fisher jewelry & white pumps. Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o was stunning in a ruffled LBD by Fitriani, black pumps, & jewelry headband.
There’s so much to look forward to when it comes to upcoming fashion trends, but the little black dress is here to stay, especially when seen with runway inspiration from the recent Spring 2015 Ready-To-Wear Collections that hit the runway during this past Fashion Week season. LBDs were seen on the runway in modern cuts, with plunging necklines, embellished details, cinched wasitlines, sweetheart necklines, & figure flattering shapes. This includes looks from Kenzo, Dolce & Gabbana, & Saint Laurent.
Now that there’s LBD inspiration oozing off the screen, here are some of the best little black dresses from Daily Look, which can work for a variety of shapes & sizes, if you want to show off your legs, neckline, figure, or shoulders.
You can’t shop for New Year’s Eve without considering some blinged-out accessories, sparkling jewelry, & sexy shoes to complete your look, which is why I picked some of the most affordable & investment-worthy pieces to really bring out your inner glam girl.
Lastly, when it comes to the holidays, not only do your outfits get a chance to shine, but also your beauty look is allowed to be a little extra special, which is why I’ve shared some of my favorite celebrity looks that emphasize one facial feature or makeup style in order to show off the best version of you. This includes new mom Mila Kunis who nails a smoky eye & neutral lip for a dramatic & sexy look, prefect for any cocktail dress. IngenueBella Thorne plays with metallic eyeshadows to emphasize the shape of her eyes, as well as play up the glitz of the holiday with playful hues. Experiment with bright eyeliners like Jessica Biel who is making quite the beauty statement with an edgy turquoise swipe of a pencil underneath her lower lash line.
Another way to play up your eyes is to followBeyoncé‘s lead with winged liner, recalling a dramatic Cleopatra look that works with a sheath dress or sleek jumpsuit. American sweetheart Reese Witherspoon goes for a soft look with rosy cheeks & classic makeup, which easily makes you photo-ready before the ball drops. Brit singer Rita Ora looks stunning with a bold red lip that draws on her Old Hollywood appeal for some vintage inspiration, perhaps paired with a lacy or beaded frock.
Jennifer Anistonis all over the fashion radar, promoting her newest films, Horrible Bosses 2 & Cake, the latter of which is generating a lot of Oscar buzz. However, during these appearances, our favorite Friend has been looking nothing short of glamorous, staying true to her go-to LBD style, as well as experimenting with bold colors & modern structure.
While hitting the red carpet for the comedy sequel in London, Jennifer stunned in a red & black Antonio Berardi one-shoulder dress with long earrings by Jennifer Meyer, an Irene Neuwirth cuff bracelet, & black patent leather pointed toe Christian Louboutin pumps (shop here). Also, across the pond, she played with separates in an ivory Bouchra Jarrar belted peplum top & a fitted black pencil skirt. Wowing in bubble gum pink, Jennifer attended a screening for Cake in a Calvin Klein frock, burgundy nails, & a pewter Christian Louboutin pointed toe pumps.
At an In Styleevent, Jennifer went mod in a plaid sheath dress, velvet knee boots, black tights, & chic black coat. She looked flawless in a Los Angeles in a black & white lace Zuhair Murad cocktail dress jewelry (again) by Jennifer Meyer, as well as the same pewter Louboutins. Lastly, wearing another lace embroidered dress by Zuhair Murad, Jennifer styled it with Irene Neuwirth earrings, a bracelet by Melissa Kaye Jewelry, & black patent leather pumps (again!) by Christian Louboutin.
Clearly, the actress has a favorite style of shoe, which is similar, if not the same as the Christian Louboutin Pigalle pump ($675.00) @Neiman Marcus. However, keeping a Style Darling shopping around for a go-to pump when making the rounds this holiday season, I’ve found a comparable & affordable alternative that won’t break the bank!
There were so many styles to choose from, but I especially found the Jessica Simpson Adeni pumps ($39.99) @6PM the best price & classic look for any street-ready, cocktail party, or office ensemble.
In a world where reality stars (sometimes unfortunately) rule pop culture, there’s one who’s made an everlasting mark on the fashion world. That’s reality star-socialite-style-icon-fashion-blogger, Olivia Palermo. She’s been on the fashion radar for years & there’s nothing she can’t wear. Whether it’s mixing prints, playing with texture, donning luxe furs, bringing back the belt, taking risks with pops of color, & experimenting with every type of shoe under the sun, her style & beauty is utterly flawless.
The designer darling is a favorite on the red carpet & of photogs’ when it comes to street style. Her level of sophistication is equal to haute couture gowns at the Cannes Film Festival & a casual day walking her dog in skinny jeans & ballet flats. Ever since I started gathering fashionable photo galleries on Style Darling’s Facebook page, I couldn’t help but think about Olivia’s masterful style strategy for taking over the web with one frock at a time.
Check out the gallery below, along with the inspiring slideshow, which can influence any tired wardrobe looking for a change. Rethink a metallic belt, statement necklace, chic coats, lace-up booties, peasant skirts, & a classic tote when putting together your ensemble with basics like a printed scarf, white button down, leather leggings, sparkly LBD, suede knee boots, & tortoise sunglasses. Not to mention that her effortless expression through fashion goes beyond trends since she can wear anything, including menswear, boho chic, minimalist, classic Hollywood, beachy, preppy, bombshell, city casual, utilitarian, girl next door, & ultra chic- all in the same week!
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Since there’s just so much style-wise to examine about Olivia’s constantly gorgeous looks, I’ve put together some affordable ways to upgrade your style with go-to pieces that she wears, & isn’t afraid to be seen wearing out & about more than once, making her wardrobe function for multiple occasions!
Jennifer Lopez is not only one of the most beautiful & stylish women in the world, but she continues to set trends that are changing the face of fashion. Her latest style adventure includes wide leg pants, & she’s pulling them off like a pro, with statement tops & pops of color. While out & about promoting her new book, True Love, she’s been making headlines with her fabulous outfits as well.
While appearing on the Late Show with David Letterman, Jennifer rocked a head-to-toe all-black look in a Milly crop top & wide leg trouser by Paule Ka with a cape by Noon by Noor & jewelry by Norman Silverman. In full diva fashion, Jennifer mixes up the middle look with a gold beaded Naeem Kahn top with pleated Alice + Olivia gauchos & jewelry by Melinda Maria. Lastly, she showed off her abs in a kelly green monochromatic ensemble by ICB with Christian Louboutin caged booties (shop here) & an Hermes cuff.
To interpret Jennifer’s wide leg pants look with your own wardrobe staples, I found the following comparable styles: Culottes in ruse @Forever 21 ($32.90), Pants in black @H&M ($59.95), & Pants in forest green @ASOS ($66.33).
Sure, it’s still the beginning of November, but the holidays are upon us & it’s time to start thinking about how to translate the season’s must-haves into your budget-friendly wardrobe. There are plenty of luxe details to upgrade your basics with, including lace, embossed metallic, texture, & chains. Investing in smart, stylish accessories is an easy fix to any cold weather wardrobe rut, & what better way to do that than through the following picks, especially textured tights with an LBD & ankle booties, statement earrings to dress up a button down & skinny jeans, a minaudiere to transform a cardigan & pencil skirt from day-to-night, & a braided belt to make an embellished top with ballet flats pop for luncheon with the girls.
Aside from Fashion Week & the general change of seasons (which marks ankle bootie & rich textures like suede time of year), September means that our favorite television shows are returning to make us laugh, cry, sit at the edge of our seats, & of course, be in awe of the characters’ styles. In a first ever on Style Darling, I’ve undertaken a mighty 10 television shows returning this season & found their most stylish leading ladies (two, in some cases), & found pieces & looks to inspire your fall wardrobe. Naturally, we’re talking something budget-friendly, yet still true to the small scree goddesses that have bloggers everywhere in a fashion tizzy!
Scandal(airing Season 4 premiere on 9/25 @9PM on ABC) left Olivia Pope (played magnificently by the one & only Kerry Washington) washing her hands of the controversy & turmoil that she blames herself for in Washington D.C., especially because of her torrid love affair with the president. However, Olivia’s style was only elevated by such drama, sharing with viewers the importance of a luxurious coat collection, classic & statement handbags, as well as clean lines & neutral separates since Olivia is all about getting rid of the fuss in people’s lives.
New Girl(airing Season 4 premiere on 9/16 @9PM on FOX) will surely tackle that whole Jess-Nick romance, even though the adorkable couple ended things last season. Now that Zooey Deschanel‘s character has certainly settled into her man-dwelling apartment, she’s constantly battling life with one vintage look after another, & laughter is sure to ensue. Not to mention that Jess’s girlie girl style fits right in with her job as a teacher, always conservative yet cute for partying it up after hours.
The Mindy Project(airing 9/16 @9:30 on FOX) is one of my favorite must-see shows this fall, not just because the brilliant Mindy Kaling writes a hilarious ensemble comedy, but because the show is after the hearts of its viewers with the on-again-off-again love story with one Danny Castellano, played by Chris Messina. Yes, there’s laughter too, but I’m also super excited to see what Dr. Lahiri (Kaling’s character) will wear. She’s no stranger to bright colors, wild patterns, feminine florals, & layers of preppy chic style.
Revenge(airing 9/28 @10PM on ABC) is returning this fall & Emily Thorne (played by Emily Vancamp) is back & stronger than ever in her plot against the Graysons. I love that her style recalls the effortless ease of a modern day Grace Kelly, with a luxe twist on casual wear. She wears plenty of neutral colors & no-fuss separates so that she can easily slip into scheming mode with the movers & shakers of The Hamptons setting. I love watching out for the designer pieces on this show, especially on additional key characters like Victoria (Madeline Stowe), Charlotte (Chrsta B. Allen), & Ashley (Ashley Madekwe).
When I started assembling these pieces, I realized that they have various uses, for both day & night, as well as creating looks from season-to-season. While most of our lives won’t be centered around law-breaking revenge schemes, the closest we can get to the fabulous life of Emily Thorne is recreating her style with the colorblock roll sleeve shirtdress ($109.99) in cream puff @Ann Taylor, MOD.lusive ruched sleeve long cardigan ($42.00) in white @Nordstrom, v-neck blouse ($24.95) in powder beige @H&M, & true slim chino pants ($44.99) in khaki @Land’s End.
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Nashville(airing 9/24 @10PM on ABC) is the kind of show that not only inspires music, but also fashion. Southern style is loud & clear with this show, especially when it comes to an edgy look & a splash of rock ‘n roll. The show’s leading ladies Rayna James (Connie Britton) & Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere) are constantly at odds, but one thing is clear, they know how to dress. I was especially inspired by the flashy stage looks & modern casual separates that can be jazzed up for a night of music. The last season ended with both divas in trouble, both professionally & personally, but I can’t wait to see what’s gonna happen next.
2 Broke Girls(airing 10/07 @9PM on CBS) combines two of my favorite things: cupcakes & fashion! The comedy’s stars Beth Behrs as the preppy / fashion forward Caroline Chaning & Kat Dennings‘ loveable bad girl Max Black make for the perfect modern day odd couple, just trying to get back. Caroline is always neutral clad, doused in pearls & body conscious dresses, whereas Max’s fashion sense takes on a tougher city vibe in bright primary colors & boots, with a touch of menswear inspiration.
The Good Wife(airing 9/21 @9PM on CBS) keeps raking in the Emmy awards, especially with a constantly compelling performance for the show’s lead, Julianna Marguliesas the powerful Alicia Florrick. Her wardrobe includes power suits & strong jackets, much like Scandal‘s Olivia Pope. In Alicia’s world, there’s no room for floral or fussy pieces. She’s all about structure & strength, so edgy embellishments have no place among the clean details & clean lines.
Modern Family(airing 9/24 @9PM on ABC) is a comedy must-see, especially because of the show’s female leads. When it comes to style, of course there’s always a cute outfit on Sarah Hyland’s character Hailey, but the real sex-pot changing the look of a stay-at-home mom is Sofia Vergara‘s Gloria. Gloria often steals the spotlight from her family members, especially when it comes to showing off her curves in wrap dresses, V-neck tops, & skinny jeans.
Elementary(airing 10/30 @10PM on CBS) is a modern day New York City-based take on the classic Sherlock Holmes stories & what’s extra awesome about this version is that the science-minded Watson is played by kick-ass actress Lucy Liu. Instead of John, she’s a Joan who develops an intense partnership with Holmes (Johnny Lee Miller) while they’re soling crimes all over the city. Aside from her brilliant mind, I love her on-the-go style which often includes dark, layering pieces, always with a chic pair of booties.
Hart of Dixie(2015 on The CW) is the last show that I’m sharing & it doesn’t have a set premiere date since star Rachel Bilson, who plays the quirky city doctor Zoe Hart, is expecting her first child & filming seems to be halted. However, I love her character’s edgy side with dark, modern cuts in tops & leather shorts, as well as dark colors in mini & maxi dresses. She’s an accessories queen with chunky necklaces, embellished details, & the highest heels in sandals & booties imaginable. Also, it’s hard to ignore Lemon Breeland, played hysterically by the one & only Jamie King. Lemon’s style is true to the Alabama debutante ladylike way. She loves florals, sparkle, & vintage-inspired looks with a bold lip & finger curls.
It’s a very rare occasion that I buy an article of clothing for myself without any kind of coupon or additional discount, especially when it’s a regular priced item. I am always on some sort of budget, but one exception to this is when I am in possession of a gift card. That is the case behind my latest shopping post. My birthday was just a week ago & I was the happy recipient of aTarget gift card, which my friends know is one of my go-to stores for all things… LIFE-related. When I took a quick trip to pick up some household essentials, the ME Concept brocade dress($27.99) in green caught my eye & I couldn’t turn away from it. A pair of Fioni green suede & gold embossed pumps (below & discontinued) from a clearance sale early this year atPayless immediately popped into my mind & I was sold on the look.
I hadn’t worn the shoes since they were an end-of-season purchase, but I had plenty of ideas how to style just such a look when the weather felt officially fall. Of course black opaque tights & a long gold chained necklace would be involved, as well a long sleeve black pullover to wear underneath, so I know I’m set. If I’m really feeling uber-fashionable, I’ll even break switch up my hosiery for a hunter green pair, channeling monochromatic looks of A-listers.
I love the luxe brocade / jacquard texture of the dress, which will also allow me to play with metallic like bronze or gold for dressy occasions, but I can also belt it with something patent leather & wear patterned tights for work with it. Not to mention that I just remembered I have a pair of green suede ballet flats too! Oh the possibilities are endless… Thank you to my friends for celebrating my birthday with me, & their generosity in thinking of my style needs. Happy Styling!
Since my closet space is already limited & bursting, I only have a few must-haves on my fall wardrobe shopping list. However, when it comes to textured jackets, it kind of becomes an impulse buy only because I have a historical love affair with cardigans. But one such jacket has left an impression on me & I had to have it, which only made me happier for my choice upon the discovery that it was already a luxury brand imitation at a much more affordable price.
At Bergdorf Goodman, one can acquire the Alice + Olivia by Stacey BendetBurma tweed jacket ($550.00) to don the original design, which is a very beautiful combination of menswear inspiration & the sort of modern interest that affords staple everyday separates. My latest addition was the shawl collared jacket ($44.00) from Dress Barn, which I was happy to buy in one size smaller for a sleeker fit on my arms, without having to break the bank either. Also, for shoppers looking to save a little extra, use code jkt25 for an additional 25% off when ordered online. One thing that I love about shopping with Dress Barn is that there’s free shipping anytime your online order is shipped to a store location.
Now, I recognize that these aren’t identical designs, but the mixture of a heavy fabric that wears lightly is the main appeal, along with the endless styling possibilities for both day & the office, transitioning perfectly for happy hour cocktails. I choose the H&Mcrepe dress ($29.95) in black, accessorized with the Sonya dress bootine ($34.99) in black from Payless & Francesca’sBailey coil belt ($9.99).
Emma Stone is always a favorite on the red carpet, showing off her playful & sophisticated side, which always makes her one to watch! Just this week, the actress debuted a new cropped ‘do, along with a chic black top + pants & heels look when making public appearances. So, it’s not wonder that this girl next door is today’s Darling of the Day!
When arriving at the Venice Film Festival, the actress wowed photogs in Sandro sweatpants (shop here), an effortless black top, & multicolor pumps. Also, during a photocall for her upcoming film, The Birdman, she showed up in Proenza Schouler separates & embellished pumps. These looks are perfect for inspiring Style Darlings on a budget all over the world to transition their summer wardrobe into fall with a few tweeks.
For example, we all have tons of black tops in our closets, so it’s time to break them out, but if you’re looking to spruce up your basics, try the sleeveless tank top ($17.99) in black from Target (available in XS – XXL) & New York & Company‘s dolman sleeve pullover sweater ($14.99), which is currently marked down from its original $44.95 price! Also, have fun this season with unexpected pants, which will certainly amp up your day-to-day style, with the loose fit pants ($6.95) in black/patterned from H&M & the marled knit pants ($17.80) in grey/white from Forever 21 (for similar Plus size styles of both, click here & here).
Lastly, Emma finishes her looks with a great heel. Since you’re working with a basic color palette, experiment with texture & embellishments to make your ensemble really pop. I choose the snakeskin print runway heel ($41.94) from Express in multi (currently 40% off!) & GOjane‘s ‘Point Well Taken’ stiletto heel ($20.89).
I am all over the new September issues of my favorite fashion magazines, loving all of the style inspiration inside the pages, especially when I’m seeking Basics for a Bargain. So, Lucky magazine is among my go-to publications to expand my wardrobe, as well as shoe & accessories collections. I’m always a big fan of animal prints, which make a great neutral as accessories with some bold solid pieces like a sheath dress & pumps, a belted jumpsuit, or crisp separates with sandals. Now that I’m looking ahead to the fall, I’m pretty excited about wearing flats when I’m headed out & about to my jobs & class. In the pages of Lucky, I found these gorgeous panther print hair calf padlock ballerina flats ($1,190.00) in cognac by the one & only, Tom Ford.
I was immediately reminded of my recent coupon-toting excursion to Old Navy, where I found these animal print d’orsay flats ($16.00). However, the pair that I ended up bringing home was actually reduced to under $8 in stores. I tried these pointy toe flats on & was very excited at the possibilities of how I can wear them: with a little black dress, a cardigan-blouse-pencil skirt combo, & when I’m trying to transition some of my summer favorites into fall like a maxi dress & denim jacket.
As much as I’m a fan of dresses, especially this summer since I’ve worn a dress most days of this season, I’m always pro-skirt, especially when it comes to transitioning from one look to another for a variety of occasions. This fall, I’m headed all over the place: the classroom, my academic job, my retail job, an internship in NYC, & wherever my personal life takes me. I turned to some of the most stylish celebrities for a little skirt inspiration, both on the red carpet & when they’re showing off their street style. This includes Miranda Kerr‘s emerald green & violet matching separates(shop here) by Escada at the Escada Joyful event last month, supermodel Chrissy Teigen in a printed crop top & pencil skirt (shop here) by Milly with nude ankle strap sandals, & Lily Collinsin a head-to-toe mix print look by Chanel while attending the label’s latest fall/winter runway show.
While I was flipping through the first wave of September issues of my favorite magazines, I came across a few ads that caught my eye & was suddenly inspired by skirts for fall. Here are a few of my top picks that are sure to work with your current wardrobe staples, as well as make a new statement about your fall style. Below, said skirt that inspired this post was the Worthington long pencil skirt ($19.99) in blue geo print from JC Penney, which I could imagine worn with a crisp white button down, a black t-shirt, or a cobalt pintucked blouse. To bring out your softer side, I choose the brushstroke print A-line skirt ($22.80) in black & cream from Forever 21 because it just screams Charlotte York to me!
If you’re really looking to mix things up, try this metallic skirt ($29.95) in silver from H&M, which is a great investment for any time of year, paired with a pastel blouse (like that shown in the image above) or an embellished sweater for the holidays. The assymetrical zip skirt ($24.99) in black from Target is a modern twist on the classic, all-purpose pencil skirt, especially if you’re headed to an interview at a trendy office, or looking to dress up your favorite rocker tee. I’m also a big fan of this because it’s available in gray & sizes X-Small to XX-Large. Lastly, to work the menswear trend this fall, I picked the plaid pencil skirt ($30.00) from Dress Barn, which has hints of so many different colors that you can pop it with a regal purple top or make it work-ready with a navy cardigan. Also, this skirt is sold online & in-stores in plus sizes.
I can appreciate celebrity collaborations with fashion designers, as well as the special one-time only capsules with celebrity inspirations, but most of the time, the prices & styles aren’t necessarily accessible to the mainstream Style Darling. Clearly, there is an exception to that & that’s Lauren Conrad‘s new LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl’s collection. Not only is the reality star-turned-fashion mogul sharing a sneak peek on her website, but she’s also conducting a contest to win $100 to shop her collection at the department store. The designs are clean, feminine, & versatile for a variety of looks, which is why I love featuring her collections with my readers.
For more details on the contest, check out the rules here. Which look is / pieces are your favorite? How would you style these separates? What’s your favorite Kohl’s shopping experience? Also, to check out some of Lauren’s previous collections, hit up the following links: July 2013 lookbook, Spring 2013 gallery, & the holiday collection! Happy Styling!
Summer is certainly in full swing, but we can look to the red carpet to see what’s coming for fall on our favorite celebrities. This includes the young & sophisticated Chloe Grace Moretz, star of the highly anticipated YA adaptation If I Stay. At a recent book signing, the actress wore tailored trousers with a multicolor shirt & metallic pumps. I was so inspired by this look, especially since I’ll be headed back to work next month & will need to start transitioning from sandals to stilettos.
Of course when you put a look like this together, you can reinterpret the separates in many different ways. The essential ingredients are easy: a button down shirt, tailored trousers, & pointy toe pumps. This outfit would also be uber-chic if worn monochromatic in white or red, as well as using menswear inspiration.
To achieve this look, I found some affordable pieces that can certainly be mixed & matched for a variety of looks for day, night, & anything in between. The floral tile softened shirt ($22.00) from LOFT is currently 60% off. While it doesn’t share the same glitz as Chloe’s sequined shirt, you an easily bling it up with some oversized jewels or pearls. The 7th Avenue City double stretch slim ankle pant ($54.95) from New York & Company are BOGO 50% off, & can be very work appropriate, as well as fun for a night out with an embellished top & strappy sandals. As for the shoes, I found the Heart Soul Gizelle pump ($24.94) in silver from DSW, which add that extra special posh touch.
What are your favorite menswear inspired pieces? How would you wear a look like this? Where are you shopping for your fall must-haves? Happy Styling!
As I get back into the blogging swing of things, my search continues for designer look-alikes, especially when it comes to classic pieces. Shoes are always a favorite item to hunt for when clicking around the world wide web, & I came across varying designs of red peep toe pumps, which are naturally a perfect pop of color with a LBD, polka dotted separates, a chic denim look, or for a cocktail affair.
Obviously when you hear the name Jimmy Choo, dollar signs come to mind, which I’m sure is worth the investment if you have that kind of cash available. I found the Luna peep toe pumps ($625.00) in red from Nordstrom that are likely staples in any A-listers shoe collection. However, at only 1/4′ less in height, the Merona peep toe pumps ($29.99) in red from Target are just as chic & won’t set any Style Darling back in cost.
When it comes to animal prints, my go-to is zebra, which goes back to my natural love all black & white patterns. However, as we’re in the thick of summer, stores are filling up with fall fashions, including luxe leopard pieces to mix up with neutral separates & pops of color in your accessories.
Trendsetter Olivia Palermostyled her separates by Tibi with a pop of leopard in her skinny belt, which offset the geometric look of her ankle strap sandals. Model Miranda Kerrwas flawless this spring when hitting the street for a stylish day out with a bold leopard A.L.C. duffel bag to add a trendy splash of personality to her button down shirt, denim skirt, & thigh high boots. Project Runway host Heidi Klumshows off her wild side (& her legs!) in a high slit skirt & embellished too.
For affordable leopard love in your wardrobe, I found these functional & fashionable pieces that are sure to make a splash when corrdinated a variety of ways. First, the leopard tote ($2.50) from Forever 21 is great for all of your on-the-go needs, especially when wanting to use a durable recyclable bag when hitting the market. Also, you can dress up or dress down the tiered leopard tank ($34.00) from Dress Barn (which I own & love!) with dark denim skinnies & a blazer for a girls’ night out, or cardigan & pencil skirt for the office. For a truly wild look, pair these loose fit pants ($17.95) from H&M with a black tank & gold flats for day, or mix up your look with a crop top & pointy heels for evening.
I love shopping for printed belts, which can work well with a wrap dress, shirtdress, over a cardigan, or when you wanna cinch in a tunic top to show off your waist, like the leopard skinny belt ($24.90) from Express. One of my most recent purchases come from Charlotte Russe, & that is the patent thong sandal ($7.50), which was such a great buy too since there’s currently a BOGO $5 sale of select shoes. So, I also indulged in a white pair to wear with sporty jersey dresses & when heading out to the beach this summer.
For one last look at some leopard inspirations, I put together some of my favorite images, high end & affordable items, & celebrity moments that include leopard. This includes a September 2010 Vogue UK shoot fetauring supermodel Kate Mossin an embellished leopard jacket. Scarlett Johanssonadded a pop of leopard in her Christian Louboutin pointy toe pumps with a Vivienne Westwood dress. Also, to celebrate leopard on your nails, there’s the Sally Hansen strips ($9.99) in leopard, available @Ulta. Also, you can keep warm on those cool summer knits with this Apt. 9 leopard scarf ($11.99) from Kohl’s. For some designer inspiration, the paneled leopard dress ($1,150.00) by Escada is sold @Neiman Marcus. Lastly, the leopard heart drop earrings ($16.00) from River Island are playful & flirty to dress down a classic LBD.
How do you like to wear leopard? What’s your favorite leopard accessory? Which leopard pieces are your favorites? Happy Styling!
The sun is shining & the sandals are out, which means that considering sun protection is a must! With that, I’ve taken some inspiration from my writer bestie, Christine, in exploring the world of floppy hats. Of course, with a budget in mind, I wanted to turn to some of my favorite & most stylish celebrities to see the variety of ways to wear floppy hats.
Oscar winning actress & designer darling Lupita Nyong’o mixed a conservation black hat with her printed Alexander McQueen dress at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic. For a casual day out & about, Michelle Williams topped off her chambray & striped shorts look with a country-inspired straw hat, which soften her camel leather sandals & shoulder bag. Lastly, Jamie Chung shows off her weekend style in a pale floral jumpsuit & tortoiseshell sunnies with a straw Panama hat.
As you can see, there are many different ways to wear a floppy hat, but you don’t have to spend a lot of cash to get the most out of your summer wardrobe, especially if you’re looking to mix things up. The David & Young straw floppy hat ($22.80) in pink stripe from Kohl’s is also available in yellow, blue, & black to match up with any beachy look. For a truly nautical feel, head to Forever 21 for the tasseled straw hat ($14.80) to wear with a searsucker dress & gold sandals. For the perfectly neutral topper, the floppy hat ($22.94) in brown sugar from Old Navy to protect your face and shoulders from the harsh rays of the sun. My forth selection is the Kate Landry floppy hat ($12.00) in black from Dillard’s, which is also sold in a flirty red & both will make any cotton dress pop.
Checking out these floppy hats also made me think of how classic & current straw & basket weave details are for the season. The following items are also versatile to celebrate summer style:
The Dexflex Margaret wedge espadrille ($12.00) in coral from Payless is also available to wear with any dress, separates outfit, or shorts romper in black, white, turquoise, & nude. Also, to mix up your shirtdress look, switch it up with this Lauren Ralph Lauren stretch belt ($29.40) from Dillard’s, which has recently been reduced from its original $42.00 price. My last pick is the Kelly & Katie striped straw clutch ($19.94) from DSW to help transition your day look to evening.
Where do you like to shop for summer accessories? Do you like to wear floppy hats? What do you think of straw accessories? Happy Styling!
Let’s get right to it! I’m going away this week to The Hamptons for yet another exciting & stylish two weeks, while attending a school-related Writer’s Conference. This is one of my favorite & most fashionable times of year, where I can prepare my wardrobe & budget to reinvent new looks for the hip south shore niche. Speaking of a budget, I’ve been very price tag conscious & in doing that, I recommend the following for a memorable vacation. Also, I love the diversity of these pieces & how they can be worn in so many different ways!
The abstract shirtdress ($46.00) from Dress Barn is perfect for playing up your preppy side, while still celebrating the bright & neon sides of summer. Pair this dress with metallic sandals & a messenger bag for day, or glam it up in the evening with peep toe pumps & stacked bangles.
To keep your summer style fresh & timeless at the same time, classic patterns are the best way to go. With that, the sunset disc flat flip flop ($9.99) in leopard from Payless is a flirty way to amp up your separates, mixing prints like animal inspiration with polka dots or seersucker. Also, leopard looks great with bright hues like a pair of red lace shorts, an orange sheath dress, or black ruffled romper.
To build up wardrobe that you can transform from season to season, try something playful like an unexpected topper like this sleeveless blouse ($9.95) from H&M. At first glance, the print looks like flower petals, but upon closer examination, the soft blue is actually eyelashes. As seen on the model above, try this top with faux leather skinnies, but if you’re looking for something more low maintenance, add a contrasting color like yellow bermuda shorts & espadrilles for a lunch date or with a white pencil skirt & cardigan for a more professional look.
Accessories are an important part of building any look, especially when it comes to jewelry. I was once a silver-only gal, but as I’ve grown up, I see the value in expanding with different metals. Here the drop earrings ($8.50) from Icing recall a deco feel that can work as a statement piece with an LBD & strappy sandals, a maxi dress & modern cuff bracelet, & a knotted button down shirt & denim shorts. Not to mention that now is a great time to invest in timeless jewelry since the store’s entire website is BOGO 50% off!
Naturally, a tote bag is any Style Darling’s must-have when going out & about for the summer. This Yoki perforated tote ($19.99) from TJMaxx is right on trend with laser cut details on luxe materials. It’s the perfect size to fill with your cell phone, a pair of sunglasses, & whatever best seller you’re taking with you to the beach. To dress up the bag even more, braid or tie a bold scarf onto the handle to add a pop of color.
If you’re shopping on a budget, like me, don’t fret over spending too much. These five fabulous finds total for under $100, to be specific: $94.43 before tax! What summer essentials are on your wish list or crowding your closet? Happy Styling!
Somewhere around the corner is spring, & while Pantone’s color of 2014 is orchid, I’ve been seeing so much navyeverywhere. I love the idea of this regal neutral all over the runways for spring, breaking away from basic black to match with other bold hues.
A-list celebs have been embracing navy on the red carpet, including Blake Lively & Rose Byrne in head-to-toe Michael Kors looks straight from the runway. Also, House of Cards actress Kate Mara shows off her feminine & edgy side with the crop top trend in lace Dior separates & pointy toe pumps.
Also, navy appeared on the runway during New York Fashion Week in all forms. Navy is perfect for casual wear, the office, & a night out, as seen on Derek Lam, Rebecca Minkoff, & Marchesa. There’s a decadence to the marvelous midnight color, which was shown with futuristic cut-outs, mod layered lines, & romantic drama.
To bring the red carpet & runway to your closet, I’ve found a few must-have pieces that will transition easily from winter-to-spring, including the belted button-front shirtdress ($40.00) from Dress Barn. To wear it now, in the midst of yet another wintry snow storm here in New York, coordinate this with tights, knee boots, & a chunky boyfriend sweater.
Top off your favorite skinny jeans, pencil skirt, or tuxedo pants with the daydreamer peasant top ($22.80) from Forever 21 & H&M‘s lace top ($17.95). Lastly, get rid of those old, boring pants & trade them in for New York & Company‘s 7th Avenue bootcut pants ($52.95) in windowpane print. Mix up your look with a cashmere sweater, embroidered cardigan, or studded vest.
Even though I’m stuck in the thick of winter, along with the rest of the east coast, I’m still looking ahead to spring for some style inspiration. One of the favorite trends that started coming up during the winter & is making its way into stylish spring wardrobes in the lace sweatshirt. The feminine combination of elegance & casual makes for a fabulous way to reinterpret what it means to be chic. This is an essential separate for a casual Friday at the office, which can also be turned into a night our piece with leather leggings & ankle boots or skinny jeans & stilettos.
Keeping a budget in mind for any Style Darling shopping the sale rack, I wanted to direct your attention to a pair of lace sweatshirts, in different price ranges.
The lace sweatshirt ($110.00) to the left is from White House Black Market, & while it will make an investment in quality craftsmanship, it’s not exactly budget-friendly. However, on the right, the floral lace front tee ($44.50) @LOFT, which is a lightweight option, but still shares the same idea. To maintain the classy look of this shirt, mix these up with various accessories, like a string of pearls, stud earrings, & a headband, especially with modern bottoms like distressed jeans & ballet flats, menswear-inspired trousers & studded boots, or cigarette pants & ankle strap platforms.
What trends are you looking forward to this spring? What looks caught your eye during New York Fashion Week? Which pieces are your favorites to mix & match? For more fancy sweatshirts, check out designer duds like these from Tory Burch @Nordstrom & Valentino @Net-A-Porter! Other more affordable shopping options include sweatshirts from Delia’s, Macy’s, Bluefly, & Kohl’s. Happy Styling!
Black Friday is all about getting the best deals on holiday gifts, but why not treat yourself to something special this season? The perfect go-to look for upcoming parties, family celebrations, & gatherings with friends is a little black dress, much like these flirty & elegant choices worn by A-list celebrities like Jennifer Lopez in DSquared, Kristen Bell‘s cut-out zip-up dress, & Natalie Portman‘s red carpet Dior look.
While shopping around the web, I couldn’t help but fall in love with these designs, perfect for every style & budget. They can be styled in so many fabulous ways with a sequined blazer, embellished bolero sweater, or cardigan, along with accessories like a statement necklace, chandelier earrings, & a cocktail ring.
I know it’s only November 9th & all, which is realistically too early to start making holiday wish lists, but at my current (& second) retail job, the holiday music has started & the decorations have been displayed. While scanning my Facebook newsfeed for blog inspiration, I saw some affordable jewelry picks from LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl’s, which made me feel like it was time to write a shopping post, after all this celebrity stuff I’ve been sharing lately.
If you follow Style Darling‘s Instagram, then you know that I’m a big fan of stud earrings, especially with my five fabulous ear piercings in each ear. Not a day goes by where I don’t fill up my ear with my favorite studs, which always coordinate with my outfit & other jewelry pieces. However, I’m getting more & more keen on the idea of mixing up stud earrings with each other to create a visually-interesting look to my ear bling. Part of the former reality star & current fashion mogul’s collection includes these super adorable earrings, which will certainly put a smile on any Style Darling’s face. I love the richness of the gold-tone metal, as well as the very feminine rose gold hues that make Conrad’s line of accessories perfect for my style (at least).
The world has its eyes on the one & only Kate Middleton, especially since her post-baby appearances have not only inspired new moms, but because her red carpet & street style are continuing to wow fashion critics. Just last week, the Duchess of Cambridge showed her sporty support at a SportsAid Athlete Workshop, wearing a striped Ralph Lauren top, Smythe blazer, J Brand skinny jeans, & Stuart Weitzman wedges. However, the nautical-inspired stripe trend isn’t just for summer & Kate shows this by repeating her look this season.
The fall take on stripes recalls a Parisian look, making any casual separate like a pair of dark denim jeans, skinny pants, or pencil skirt a little more elegant. Some suggestions to pull off an autumn-friendly striped outfit include the following three tops: the Alice + Olivia striped stretch jersey long sleeve top ($40.97) in black & white from Bluefly, Forever 21‘s striped baseball tee ($12.80) in navy & cream, & the striped button shoulder top ($34.00) in navy from Dress Barn (available in sizes Small – 3X).
Style Darling Daily 
