12/10/2022 Darling of the Day: Mindy Kaling’s Holiday Look—But Make it Barbiecore!


Actress & writer Mindy Kaling has been winning fashion this year, not only on the red carpet, but also on her Instagram (@mindykaling). Her recent post, featuring a gorgeous & vibrant head-to-toe hot pink look screams out “HOLIDAY PARTY,” even though it diverts from the traditional red, green, or metallic monochromatic styles. Not to mention, the matching lipstick!

As Mindy’s style continues to inspires us, especially as Barbiecore is still going strong, replicating or reinterpreting this look for the budget shopper is important, as the Sex Lives of College Girls producer dons a cozy crew neck sweater (shop similar here) & luxurious Frame pants (shop here).

If you’re looking for a bold, all-over fuchsia outfit, check out the below variety of pieces that range in price & size, depending on your sweater & pant style preference.

SHOP: The Drop Jaclyn cut-out back mock-neck sweater in hot pink @Amazon ($44.90, available in sizes XXS-5X), A New Day fine gauge v-neck sweater in magenta @Target (on sale: $18.00, available in sizes XS-XXL), SANGTREE v-neck sweater with batwing sleeves in hot pink @Amazon ($28.60, available in sizes XS-XXL), XIEERDUO crew neck puff sleeve pullover sweater in deep pink @Amazon ($28.00, available in sizes XS-XXL), Woman Within cable knit v-neck pullover sweater in raspberry sorbet @Amazon ($37.10, available in sizes 14-44), & crewneck sweater in brilliant plum @J. Crew Factory (on sale: $46.99, limited availability in sizes XXS-3X),

SHOP: A New Day high-rise slim fit ankle pants in pink @Target ($29.00, available in sizes 2-26), The Drop wide leg satin pant in orchid @Amazon ($59.90, available in sizes XXS-3X), The Ultimate Suit Pintuck Pant | Women’s Plus Size Pants | ELOQUII, bow-waist slim-leg ankle pant in thoughtful pink @New York & Company (on sale: $35.98, XS-XXL), satin palazzo pants in pink @Forever 21 (on sale: $23.00, 50% off with in-app code: APPEXTRA50, limited availability in sizes 0X-3X), pleated wide-leg pant in fuchsia garden @New York & Company (on sale: $59.97, available in sizes XS-XXL), high-waisted pintuck bootcut pant in fuchsia garden @New York & Company (on sale: $41.97, available in sizes 0-20), Frances pants in fuchsia @Altar’d State ($69.95, available in sizes XS-L), & ultimate suit pintuck pant in berry @ELOQUII ($79.95, limited availability in 14-28).

If you want to go true head-to-toe pink, check out the following platforms too:

SHOP: Madden Girl Dion two-piece platform pumps in magenta satin @Macy’s (on sale: $47.40, limited availability in sizes 5-11), satin platform pumps in pink @Forever 21 ($39.99, limited availability in sizes 6-10), Julissa ankle strap satin platform heels in pink @Fashion to Figure (on sale: $71.97, available in sizes 7-14), & Eliza platform pump in pink @Fashion Nova (on sale: $29.99, limited availability in 6W-11W).

To top off your look, of course, you need some fashion jewelry:

SHOP: Nine West sequins disco triple drop earrings in pink @Kohl’s (on sale: $10.56 when you use code: LETSGO20), Jana Winkle bohemian stud earrings in pink @Amazon ($11.37), A New Day rhinestones with fringe statement earrings in pink @Target (on sale: $6.99), Kate Spade bourgeois bow studs in pink @Kate Spade (on sale: $19.00), Betsey Johnson petal to the metal flower stretch ring in pink @Betsey Johnson (on sale: $17.99), & A New Day rhinestones with stretch ring in pink @Target (on sale: $9.09).

Would you wear all-over pink? What do you think of Mindy’s outfit? Do you match your jewelry precisely to your outfit? For more stylish posts, check out: the frostiest Sally Hansen nail polish of the season, a fashion flashback with Nicki Minaj, & metallic crossbody bags for any occasion! Happy Styling!

Show Me the Shoes: Day-to-Night Summer Sandals!


When it comes to fashion & function, I try my best to have as few outfit changes in a day so that what I wear to start the day is what I’m wearing to end the day, unless, of course, there is a special occasion to take into consideration; however, comfortable & stylish footwear for the summer should not be compromised when it comes to leading a busy life. As a Style Darling mom on-the-go, I am usually sporting something a little flashier (meaning, blingier) than average, which keeps me happy, but also ensures that I’ve invested in a piece that I really care about. For example, for a flat sandal, why not go metallic for the everyday, so that it can easily transition from a daytime affair, such as a family gathering or carnival, to a nighttime event, like a wedding or cocktail party. Adding a metallic to a sandal can go a long way in getting your money’s worth & here are some options to consider for not only work, but also for play:

SHOP: Journee Serlinda sandal in gold metallic, rose gold, silver metallic, & black @DSW (available in sizes 6-12, $49.99).

SHOP: Out of Office sandals in silver, natural, & mutli @Versona (available in 5.5-8.5, $12.99-$29.99).

SHOP: Betsey Johnson Jamari sandals in multi snake, black multi, & gold-tone multi @Macy’s (available in sizes 5-11, on sale: $47.40).

I love all of these options to match with a maxi dress & fringed shawl or romper & crossbody bag, especially with the play on colors & patterns that make summer the most vibrant & fashionable season! Which sandals do you like the best? Do you seek out metallic footwear? Where are you shopping for summer sandals? For more stylish posts, check out: Selena Gomez’s Michael Kors gown for the season 2 premiere of Only Murders in the Building, braided summer belts on sale now at J. Crew Factory & Lane Bryant, bold crossbody bags from Target, & my favorite one-shoulder midi dress from Amazon! Happy Styling!

Betsey Johnson’s Vandi Pumps are Giving Me Butterflies!


It’s been a few days now that Facebook has been showing me sponsored posts about Betsey Johnson‘s Vandi pumps & each time I spot them, I take a moment to admire their femininity & flair. I usually get annoyed by sponsored posts (because I don’t like how social media tracks when I’m searching & then it appears EVERYWHERE). However, in this case, I haven’t searched the brand, nor have I been seeking out strappy high sandals like these, but I find them downright delightful & lovely.

SHOP: black multi Vandi pump & fuschia Vandi pump @Betsey Johnson.

They’re beyond my budget & not realistic for my current lifestyle & footwear needs, but they sure are pretty! thump thump…I imagine styling them with a little black dress, floral fit & flair frock, or even with a colorful blouse & skinny jeans. These are shoes for serious Style Darlings who love to add that extra special touch to every outfit & if they landed on my doorstep (in a size 8), I wouldn’t bat an eye at finding an occasion to wear them.

What shoes are you dreaming about? Where are you splurging this summer? What’s your favorite style of dress shoe? For more stylish posts, check out these affordable summer totes, the prettiest pendant necklaces of the summer, & Victoria Beckham’s neon Balenciaga shoes! Happy Styling!

Step Into Style With These Holiday-Ready Heels!


The holiday season is the perfect time to bring out the sparkle, especially as your social calendar is filling up. A little shine & glow never hurt anyone, which is why showing off some glitter, glitz, or luxury in footwear is an easy way to step into the holiday spirit with any look. Right now, there are so many can’t-miss holiday sales, especially on shoes, that I had to check out what’s happening @DSW.

These flirty & playful shoe options make for a great finishing touch to a little black dress, a red velvet sheath frock with a leather jacket, a lacey-ruffle blouse & skinny jeans, or dressing up flannel & a statement necklace. Not to mention that the following top picks are not just perfect for this season, but for any upcoming special occasion, which makes them worth the investment.

ALDO Craysa pumpBetsey Johnson Izzy sandalEssex Lane Valan pumpJournee Collection Kitt pumpMix No. 6 Trissa pump

Where are you shopping for the best Cyber Monday deals? What kinds of shoes do you like to wear during the holidays? Do you like lace or velvet details in your footwear? For more shoe-inspired posts, click here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!

06/24/2016 Darling of the Day: Angelina Jolie’s Easy Breezy Summer LBD & Strappy Flats!


I can talk (or write, in this case) for hours about shoes. That’s always been the case for me. Yeah, I’m that girl, a shoe girl! I have to say (or write, in this case) that my relationship with shoes has evolved over the years in the most strangely sensible way too. Once I transitioned from working a job in an office (where sitting meant I could really wear any & every shoe I could stick my feet in) to a commuting job in the city & most currently as a sales associate in the retail world, my shoe needs have drastically & painstakingly changed. Don’t get me wrong, I still gasp in admiration & find high heels sexy as hell. However, my everyday shoes are usually flats that I can actually walk in (go figure!). I save the heels for special occasions of going out with my boyfriend, days in the classroom during the semesters (not much walking to do there), & specific photo opportunities (when I’m really digging an outfit combination). 

During one recent & busy night at work, I had a conversation with a lovely but frustrated customer for whom I was helping put an outfit together. Once a top & skirt found, our conversation turned to shoes. Of course, any kind of black pump (slingback, stiletto, or wedge) would make for a party-ready look, but then I suggested a nude shoe, which time and time again, has proved successful, especially when it comes to a summer ensemble. By now, you’re probably wondering what this anecdote has to do with the title of this post about. While I rely on a nude shoe as my go-to for many stylish summer outfits, my fashion world was rocked once more scrolling through social media, discovering that during a New York City day with her son, Knox, Angelina Jolie simplified a classic LBD-wayfarer shades look with nude ankle tie flats by Gianvito Rossi (shop here). 

Darling of the Day - Angelina Jolie's Easy Breezy Summer LBD & Strappy FlatsI was instantly inspired by this delightful & obvious (really!) style choice that I had to share its versatility with my readers. Speaking of evolutions, the ballet flat has come a very long way & as a result of that journey, shoppers don’t have to break their budget (even when there’s a time crunch) to achieve this level of style perfection. Really, this sort of shoe would amplify a belted cotton frock with a cardigan, a cargo vest & skimmers, or a sheath mini & blazer.

SHOP: Misses tee dress @Old Navy (available in sizes XS – XXL), black sunglasses @Icing, lace-up pointed flats @Charlotte Russe, Plus dress @Forever 21, Betsey Johnson sunglasses @Nordstrom Rack, Wild Diva ankle strap flats @Aeropostale (also available in black), Petites Worthington dress @JCPenney, ELLE sunglasses @Kohl’s, & ankle strap d’orsay flats @GOjane.

Do you like to wear ankle strap or lace-up flats? Where do you shop for your summer shoe must-haves? Do you like Angelina Jolie’s street style? How do you like to style a day-ready little black dress? How does summer inspire your style? Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Get Inspired By HBO’s ‘Girls’ & Preview The Exciting 4th Season!


Hannah, Marnie, Shoshannah, & Jessa.

If you’ve seen Style Darling‘s Instagram (@MissAlissaL), then you know that I can’t wait for the fourth season premiere of HBO’s Girls. 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.

Hannah, played by Lena Dunham on  HBO's Girls.

SHOP: blouse ($68.22) @ASOS, jeans ($24.99) @Old Navy, loafers ($15.90) @Forever 21, & shoulder bag ($36.63) @Chic Nova.

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.

Marnie, played by Allison Williams on HBO's Girls.

SHOP: jacquard dress ($27.98) @New York & Company, Nine West pump ($59.95) @DSW, cardigan ($17.00) @H&M, & necklace ($15.00) @Charming Charlie.

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.

Jessa, played by Jemima Kirke on HBO's Girls.

SHOP: blouse ($37.00) @Lulu’s, harem  pants ($19.90) @Romwe, cardigan ($40.00) @Topshop, heels ($29.20) @GOJane, & earrings ($8.90) @Forever 21.

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.

Shoshanna, played by Zosia Mamet on HBO's Girls.

SHOP: dress ($29.94) @Joe Fresh, headband ($4.90) @Forever 21, flats ($25.99) @Charlotte Russe, trench coat ($69.99) @Daily Look & Betsey Johnson belt ($5.99) @6PM.

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.

Which character can you most relate to? Whose style do you like best? For more stylish posts, check out Pre-Fall 2015 Collection lookbooks from Christian Siriano & Tory Burch, affordable capes from Boohoo,com & Chic Nova, my newest wardrobe must-haves from Dress Barn & Target, the top 10 Style Darlings to watch in 2015, & the 365 best dressed look from 2014! Happy Styling!

GIRLS promo

Runway Rundown: Alice + Olivia’s Resort 2014 Collection!


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There are just so many resort collections to cover & only one Style Darling to do the job, however one of my personal favorites of the season is the latest Alice + Olivia Resort 2014 Collection, which features plenty of youthful, yet sophisticated separates & dresses that are red carpet-ready & perfect for upcoming magazine editorials. The line includes feminine details like lace, bows, A-line skirts, floral prints, & fun colorblocking schemes which are sure to attract the likes of Taylor Swift, Diane Kruger, Emmy Rossum, Kerry Washington, & Zoe Saldana.

I love these designs by Stacey Bendet, which seem to be inspired by the fun & flirty nature behind the Betsey Johnson legacy, with a mix of preppy Michael Kors in there too. I’ve been watching a lot of Johnson’s reality show XOX Betsey Johnson on the Style Network, finding her efforts to rebuild her brand pretty inspiring myself. Let’s hope that color is here to stay, even as we’re still delving into summer with fall trends quickly on their way.

Which looks are your favorites from Alice + Olivia? Which resort collections do you have your eye on? For more from Runway Rundown, be sure to check out previous posts including Christian Siriano, Rachel Zoe Collection, Tory Burch, Gucci, & Chanel! Happy Styling!

Basics For A Bargain: It’s Finally Spring & Finally Time For Florals!


There’s still a chill in the air here in New York, but it’s finally starting to look like spring. There’s change in the air & I know I’m really excited about it- & not just for my change in wardrobe. However, speaking of spring fashions, the go-to print of the season is florals & I couldn’t turn my back the trend, especially when I’ve been seeing it everywhere! For example, A-list celebs have been wearing florals even during the winter, ushering in the warmer season. Miranda Kerr is all smiles in a floral skirt with a leather Prada tote while taking in the day in Sydney. Elizabeth Olsen mixed her floral top with a mustard coat & skinny jeans. Actress Diane Kruger attended a press event for Farewell, My Queen in a 10 Crosby Derek Lam ensemble.

Miranda Kerr, Elizabeth Olsen, Diane Kruger, Selena Gomez, Jessica Chastain, & Dianna Agron.

Superstar Selena Gomez hit the SXSW Festival in a matching bustier & skirt by Dolce & Gabbana. Two-time Oscar nominee Jessica Chastain wears an Erdem sheath dress with nude Christian Louboutins. Lastly, former Glee star Dianna Agron attended a luncheon with The Hollywood Reporter in an Oday Shakar floral dress with suede Jimmy Choo heels.

Not to mention that there have been plenty of florals hitting the runways this year, including luxe vintage from Valentino, 80s-inspired rocker chic designs from Betsey Johnson, youthful & bright patterns from Tracy Reese, Lanvin‘s elegant & sophistication, & Erdem‘s playful & refreshing angle on flowers.

Valentino, Betsey Johnson, Tracy Reese, Lanvin, & Erdem.

Whether it’s on clothing, accessories, or mixed & match (which I only recommend doing with caution), I made a few selections from some of my favorite stores to share how you can wear the latest floral pieces on a budget! The best piece to start building the perfect spring wardrobe is a dress, like the Merona sleeveless tulip wrap dress ($19.00) from Target, which has recently been marked down from its original $24.99 price. The flattering wrap shape is perfect for accentuating your shape & the navy background adds a regal touch is paired with basketweave espadrilles or bright ballet flats. Next is the LC Lauren Conrad floral ruffle tank ($25.20) from Kohl’s, which is a feminine topper piece to wear with dark denim jeans, white skinny pants, or a denim skirt.

Don’t be afraid of florals on your bottom half, especially with the 4 1/2″ belted printed flat front shorts ($32.94) from Express, which add some tropical flair to your look & will dress down a lace blouse. I love the idea of sequins with florals & this skirt ($34.95) from H&M is a stylish marriage of both. This will pair nicely with a chambray button down shirt for a fashionable day out & about or with a solid pullover & pointy toe pumps for a date. Lastly, floral pants are also one of the biggest trends this season, especially in a looser cut to provide plenty of flow & movement, which is why I choose the Full Tilt skinny harem pants ($24.99) from Tilly’s. The chic black, gray, & white color combination is understated & can be coordinated with pastel pieces like coral or mint.

As for accessories, these bright colors will make your outfit pop, especially since they’re so effortless to match with wardrobe essentials. For example, the sequin tulip print pumps ($27.80) from Forever 21 are flirty & will add extra dimension to cuffed jeans & a ruffled top. Also, for a more subtle floral shoe, the novelty ballet flats ($39.95) from Gap. The soft pink & red tones in the shoe can offset any striped tee & jeans look in a ladylike way.

Part of what I love about spring is that I can still wear scarves, which can bring a lot to a look, like the ground floral scarf ($14.99) from Payless for a denim jacket & LBD with ankle strap platforms or a maxi dress & cargo vest with gladiator flats. Lastly, I’m not really a hat kind of girl, but in some cases, you need to protect your face from the harsh rays of the sun, especially this early in the season, which is why I picked the pop floral baseball cap ($8.99) from Charlotte Russe.

What do you think about the latest floral trend? Which pieces would you wear? What’s your spring wardrobe budget? For more affordable fashion posts, check out how to get Drew Barrymore’s latest look without breaking the bank, suede studded loafers, the best green pieces for spring, a budget-friendly spring look with pieces from Old Navy & American Eagle Outfitters. Happy Styling!

Accessories Access: Sweet Studded Style From Piperlime!


In previous posts, I’ve probably revealed that I’m not a big earrings Style Darling, but this is changing.  I really prefer studs over any other type of earring, usually b/c I wear glasses, do something with my hair, & love to wear a big necklace or statement headband.  However, I’ve hit the jackpot lately with stud sets from stores like Claire’s, H&M, Forever 21, JC Penney, & Old Navy, which I love to combine since I have endured 5 piercings on both ears during my teen years.  Now with a variety to choose from, I find that I’m wearing multiple studs in all sizes & love the combinations with small stones, pearls, or balls.

I wanted to share my love of studs with readers & found myself oohing & aahhing at the selection offered @Piperlime.  Of course I’m a big fan of a bargain, but when it comes to jewelry, pieces that you can wear everyday & for special occasions, there’s nothing wrong with investing in a really special pair of earrings, which includes the Tinley Road vintage stud earring ($16.00),  Betsey Johnson celestial faux pearl and star stud earrings ($25.00), Sabine cluster stud earring ($20.00), Pim + Larkin solitaire stud earring ($16.00), Betsey Johnson ladybug studs ($25.00), & Sabine round crystal pave stud earring ($14.97).

Which studs are your favorites? Do you like studs for day & night? Where do you usually shop for your fashion accessories? For more posts in Accessories Access, check out a zebra belt from LOFT, a variety of tights from Charlotte Russe, & statement necklaces from Forever 21! Happy Styling!