Show Me the Shoes: Black & White Heels for Spring!


Spring is all about color! Pastels & bright hues are emerging from the darkness that is winter with lighter layers & softer palettes across the board. However, one of the edgiest ways to mix up your spring wardrobe is to pair a pattern or monochromatic outfit with a bold black & white heel. Since spring offers so many clean prints & floaty fabrics, a more modern shoe alternative in black & white will set you apart, changing the way you build a look. Combine stripes with floral or polka dots with animal prints to rediscover a new spring style.

SHOP: Claire d’Orsay pumps @JCPenney, Chinese Launrdy Elise polka dot pumps @6PM, ARA pom pom sandals @DSW, Christian Siriano Klassic cross strap pumps @Payless, Desi striped kitten heels @Sole Society, & Tyler almond toe flower pumps @Nine West

Where do you like to shop for the latest spring shoe trends? Do you mix & match patterns with your outfits & accessories? Do you love sleek black & white outfits? Happy Styling!

Show Me The Shoes: Black & White Spring Trends From Payless!


I’ve always been pro black & white when it comes fashion, loving the classic color combination, especially when it comes to patterns like polka dots, houndstooth, & stripes. However, now that winter is finally leaving us, we can focus on spring trends, like black & white in our accessories. Wearing black & white printed shoes, for example, will instantly punch up any look, helping transition the heavy layers from the winter to lighter, breezier separates for spring.

black & white shoes

I know I can always count on Payless for the latest styles to mix & match with my other wardrobe staples, especially at such an affordable price. If you’re headed for the beach during the upcoming spring break, take the Sadia raffia high wedge sling ($24.99) with a maxi dress or shorts romper. Also, for the office, I love the Krime peep toe pump ($19.99) for a sheath dress, blazer & pencil skirt look, or for happy hour in a sequin tank & skinny jeans. If you’re looking for chic & comfy flats, I’m excited about the Chelsea flat ($16.99) & Claire scrunch flat ($24.99) that can work for a variety of occasions.

For more fabulous black & white shoes, check out luxury designs like these from Christian Louboutin, Michael Kors, Manolo Blahnik, & Loeffler Randall. More affordable options also include Nine West, Madden Girl, Fergalicious, & Croft & Barrow. What shoe trends are you following for the new season? What colors are you ready to wear? Happy Styling!

Splurge Or Save… On A Striped Maxi Skirt!


Most of my spring go-to looks consist of black & white outfits, but as I’m trying to find a balance between lightweight & frilly separates, while warding off the chill from cooler nights, I’ve been thinking a lot about maxi skirts. They’ve been all over storefront windows lately & I’m loving the idea of a modern skirt that can be dressed up for a date or made casual chic with gladiator flats.

Even though I’m usually a fan of black & white in polka dots, houndstooth, or zebra print, I’m getting on board the stripe trend for spring, especially since there are so many different versions of this skirt to pick from. This includes the plus size a.n.a. striped maxi skirt ($19.99) from JC Penney & Dress Barn‘s Roz & Ali two-toned striped maxi skirt ($30.00), which will pair nicely with solid tops in red, pink, or mint. You can find the third option @Forever 21, which is the striped jersey maxi skirt ($15.80), available in sizes XS – L.

My fourth selection is the BCBG striped knit maxi skirt ($48.30) from Last Call by Neiman Marcus, which has been marked down from its original $98.00 price tag. Lastly, the TWO by Vince Camuto nautical stripe maxi skirt ($79.00) from Zappos offers a summer-ready look for boat shoes & a crochet tank.

Which striped skirt do you like the best? How much would you spend on a maxi skirt this season? For more posts from Splurge or Save? check out black peplum tanks inspired by Naya Rivera & Amy Adams, leather moto jackets from True Religion & Jil Sander, Kim Kardashian’s silver Jimmy Choo pumps, & pink skinny jeans by Michael Kors & Ann Taylor! Happy Styling!

Top 10 Celeb Sightings: Menswear, Black & White, & Cute Cocktail Frocks, Featuring Jessica Alba, Allison Williams, & More!


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The stars have been hitting the latest in Paris Fashion Week, while also making the rounds at various press events looking nothing short of fabulous. The latest trend for in-between-seasons is black & white pieces, whether it’s a one-piece colorblocked look, or timeless, menswear-inspired separates. Also, even though awards season has ended, the ladies of the red carpet are sure to be seen in the most photo-worthy frocks. Some of my favorite looks from the last two weeks includes Allison Williams in a Prabal Gurung silk set, Jessica Alba‘s Valentino jumpsuit, & Naomi Watts‘ little white dress look by Louis Vuitton.

Addition highlights include Les Miserables star Amanda Seyfried in leather & a pencil skirt, Revenge actress / fashion blogger Ashley Madekwe in a dress by Versus, Gwyneth Paltrow‘s age-defying leather leggings & Nicholas Kirkwood booties, Jessica Chastain in black & white, Lily Collins in a gold & black printed minidress, Fashion Star mentor Nicole Richie in her 80s-inspired separates, & Stacy Keibler celebrating the launch of Joe Fresh for JC Penney in a slim-leg suit.

Which look if your favorite? Do you like / wear the current black & white trend? Which runways have you been following during the international fashion weeks? For more from Top 10 Celeb Sightings, check out previous posts including red-hot looks worn by Cate Blanchett & Jennifer Lopez, LBDs on Krysten Ritter & Anne Hathaway, gorgeous red carpet looks on Emma Stone & Kerry Washington! Happy Styling!

8/9/11 Darling of the Day: Anna Paquin in Black & White & Herve Leger!


We all know how super hot True Blood is this summer, but take a look at the show’s star, Academy Award winner, Anna Paquin.  During a recent appearance at the L.A. Shorts Fest, the actress kept it simple in black & white.  She plays up her basic white tee with a Hervé Léger pencil skirt, cinching in her tiny waist.

Take a look at her layered statement necklace, something that you can achieve by wearing two of your favorite chunky necklaces & wear them at the same time.  Also, a simple black bangle keeps it simple since she’s wearing towering leopard print platforms.

To get this look for your next gal pal luncheon or night out with the beau, try out a tee like the crewneck by St. John’s Bay from JC Penney, available in small to extra large, or even something super basic like a double pack of White Stag tees (that go up to XXL) from Walmart for only $10.00. On the bottom, I’ve picked two different pencil skirts, one tiered bandage skirt to flatter your curves & another lace trimmed skirt from Torrid for fuller Style Darlings!

As far as accessories go, I’ve selected these fierce leopard & black leather slingbacks.  The mixture of the animal print with the black & white color blocking suggests a youthful spirit & some summer flair.  Anna is carrying a square textured clutch, but probably not in mesh like the $22.90 version from Windsor Store.

For some final touches, I found this bracelet with heart details, available in red & fuchsia for $2.80 @Forever 21.  Suggested layerable necklaces are the webbed chains necklace for $14.80 & a layered Singapore chain necklace for $8.80.

For more on Anna’s out & about style, as well as her ever fabulous red carpet looks, take a look at her in Prabal Gurung, Proenza Schouler, Marios Schwab, Stella McCartney, & Alexander McQueen.  Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: A True Style Darling Uniform!


Somehow or another, the circle of style keeps coming back my way, which makes me very happy.  I recently received word from a very fashionable college friend that the very chic & spirited retailer Mod Cloth features a dress that’s called none other than “Style Darling.”  So here we are on a very snowy blog day that requires a venture into some familiar territory, The $100 Challenge

                       

While we’re in the middle of a week of gray skies, I wanted to show this dress, staying true to its sweetness, but also add some surprises.  Given the price of this dress, at a cool $61.99, wouldn’t it be something to make an entire stylish outfit with the remaining $38?  I love how the simplicity of this dress reminds me of something vintage with a touch of Charlotte York, but the bright tights have a little essence of Carrie Bradshaw.  A touch of polka dots makes for a playful collar, the cinched waist allows for a belt with a little gold- just enough metallic so as not to clash with classic silver bangles.  A simple foldover coin purse turns into a chic daytime clutch & you can’t forget about those cut-out shooties that are perfect for any time of year.  They’re just enough modern for this mod look!  This look can be switched up with knee boots & bright leather belt, or a sweet cardigan & cute ballet flats.  Thanks Michelle & Happy Styling!