SHOP NOW!: Long Cardigans for Spring!


While cropped cardigans are taking a step into the background, long cardigans are having a moment as looser fits & more relaxed silhouettes are taking center stage, not only with loungewear, but also for more polished & professional outfits. Furthermore, a long cardigan tops off a look, dressing up t-shirts & jeans, a blouse & pencil skirt, or tank & joggers.

SHOP: Chelsea v-neck long cardigan in black, white, beige, green, pink, & blue @New York & Company (on sale: $20.00, available in sizes XS-XXL).

How would you style this cardigan? Which color do you like the most? Do you prefer cardigans or blazers? For more stylish posts, check out: the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards, a velour sweatshirt for under $14, & new Knox Rose maxi dresses! Happy Styling!

SHOP NOW!: My Favorite Cardigans for $10!


For the full-time work week, more than half the week includes a 3-piece outfit topped by a cardigan. This means that I need OPTIONS! My go-to store for cardigans of all kinds (that are also quality) is New York & Company. I miss their stores so much, but the variety of EVERYTHING on their website is making due—obviously if you’ve seen my cardigan collection.

Now is the time of year that the winter must-haves are getting marked down to make wave for stylish spring duds, which brings me to post about these $10 long-sleeve cardigans!

SHOP: jeweled-button Chelsea v-neck cardigan @New York & Company (on sale: $10, limited availability in sizes XS-XXL).

SHOP: jeweled-button Chelsea crewneck cardigan @New York & Company (on sale: $10, limited availability in sizes XS-XXL).

SHOP: Chelsea v-neck cardigan @New York & Company (on sale: $10, limited availability in sizes XS-XXL).

I certainly have multiple colors of cardigan in different necklines & sleeve lengths, which creates a lot of styling variety, depending on the blouse. Which cardigan style is your favorite? What colors are you most drawn to? How often do you wear cardigans? For more stylish posts, check out: discounted suede purple booties, tassel earrings from Francesca’s for under $6, & spring break-ready linen sets from Target! Happy Styling!

Holiday Gift Style: The Sweater Set of Your Athleisure Dreams!


If there’s one thing that the last two-and-a-half years have taught me about my style, it’s that comfort comes first. This helps ease my mind when it comes to balancing all of life’s responsibilities & not feeling weighed down or too restricted in an outfit. However, if you’re all about comfort & style these days, especially in the midst of the holiday season, check out the latest must-have sweater set by Time & Tru:

SHOP: Time & Tru short sleeve cardigan & wide leg pants set in dark navy stripe, natural tan stripe, black soot, & gray heather @Walmart ($25.98, available in sizes S-XXXL).

Not only can the pieces be broken up & worn with other separates in your wardrobe, but the soft, sweater fabric can be dressed up & down, depending on your plans. This look can work with a button-down shirt & mules for work, a denim jacket & tennis shoes when on the go, or a silk shell & clear heels when hosting a brunch. Although, if keeping it simple is your top priority, then grab your slippers & feel cozy in this sleek set!

How would you style this set? Where would you wear it to? Do you wear sweater pants? For more stylish posts, check out: the new teaser trailer for the Barbie movie, Zoe Saldana on the cover of InStyle, & sequin tees from Amazon for the holidays! Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Taylor Swift’s Top 10 Most Stylish Music Videos for her 33rd Birthday!


Singer-songwriter / director / actress Taylor Swift celebrates her 33rd birthday & while her red carpet history is a marvelous evolution from sweet teen to sleek & fierce, let’s take a look back 10 of Taylor’s most stylish—recent—music videos. The “Shake It Off” singer has created so many memorable pop & country songs worthy of a bop or two while listening to the radio; however, the visuals provided in the below music videos / short films are a marvel & provide major fashion moments.

In no particular order, here we have it!

“Bejeweled”

“cardigan”

“All Too Well: Short Film (Taylor’s Version)”

“Lover”

“You Need to Calm Down”

“Me!” featuring Brendon Urie

“I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” featuring Zayn

“Wildest Dreams”

“Style”

“Blank Space”

Which is your favorite song by Taylor? Are you a Swiftie? Which video inspires your style? For more stylish posts, check out: sparkly sneakers from Target, luxury cardigans for less from Macy’s, & Mindy Kaling’s festive, Barbiecore outfit. Happy Styling!

Holiday Gift Style: A Luxurious Cardigan for Less!


At a recent school function for my daughter, I took note of a comfortable, yet luxurious looking open-front cardigan another mother was wearing & was instantly inspired to research it online & share it with readers. For one, I love the regal button details on the sleeves, even though I’m usually the type to roll up my sleeves, but also because of the color variety, despite the lack of inclusivity with sizing.

SHOP: JM Collection open-front cardigan, created for Macy’s @Macy’s (on sale: $29.75, limited availability in sizes XS-XXL).

I’m tempted to invest in the mustard and/or one of the greys simply because I love the boldness of the gold buttons against the colors, & knowing how I’m always searching for ways to include grey in my wardrobe rotation. Also, I would recommend styling this sweater with a bow-neck blouse & velvet leggings for some texture, over a button-down shirt & with dark wash jeans, or with any sheath dress + knee boots combination.

How would you style this cardigan? Do you often wear open-front cardigans? Which color do you like the best? For more stylish posts, check out: Mindy’s Kaling’s stylish Barbiecore outfit, Sally Hansen’s frostiest nail polish of the season, & Nicki Minaj’s red carpet history for her 40th birthday! Happy Styling!

SHOP NOW!: Leopard & Argyle Cardigans!


Every Style Darling should include a leopard & argyle cardigan in their wardrobe. Of course, I’m referring to 2 different kinds of printed cardigans. This idea came to me when shopping the following items:

SHOP: leopard print v-neck cardigan in classic camel @New York & Company (on sale: $24.97, limited availability in sizes XS-L) & argyle-print v-neck cardigan in coco red @New York & Company (on sale: $24.97, limited availability in sizes S-XXL).

I haven’t worn the leopard yet, but plan to with velvet pants & chain buckle flats or a pencil skirt & polka dot tights, of course with a lacy or ruffled shell underneath. However, I loved playing up the preppy vibe with the argyle:

I emphasized the gray & red with slim-leg trousers & ballet flats, wearing an asymmetric tank & statement necklace. Although, I definitely recommend these NY&Co cardigans, the sizing isn’t as inclusive as I’d love, which is why I also recommend the following fashionable finds:

SHOP: uxcell plus size open front cardigans in leopard & grey leopard @Amazon ($24.99, available in sizes 1X-4X).

SHOP: argyle pattern drop shoulder cardigan @SHEIN ($22.00, available in sizes S-3X).

How would you style these cardigans? Do you like leopard more than argyle or the other way around? Where do you shop for cardigans? For more stylish posts, check out: sparkly bracelets for the holidays, Amanda Seyfried’s fashion flashback, & the trailer for Harry and Meghan on Netflix! Happy Styling!

Holiday Gift Style: 40% Cardigan Sets from Target!


The Black Friday deals continue with 40% women’s clothing today only @Target!

Gift yourself—or a Style Darling you love—a fuzzy cardigan by A New Day (on sale: $18.00, available in sizes XS-4X). This is cozy & lush in 5 colors: black, cream, green, purple (though it looks more periwinkle, & & red).

Try styling with the coordinating fuzzy tank (on sale $13.20, available in 5 colors in sizes XS-4XL), along with any bottom: sequin joggers & heels for a holiday party, skinny jeans & tennis shoes for a day of shopping with friends, a pencil skirt & sparkly sandals for a special occasion, or plaid trousers & embellish ballet flats for the office.

I don’t know if I’d go as far as wearing the fuzzy tank, but I love the cardigan, especially on green & the purple shade for over a fit & flare dress or to dress up a t-shirt & jeans. How would you style this cardigan set? Which color do you like best? What are you shopping for this Black Friday weekend? For more stylish posts, check out: Ava + Viv sparkly sweaters for 40% off, discounted jewelry organizers, holiday bling from Macy’s, & velvet pull-on pants for $26! Happy Styling!

SHOP NOW: A Flyaway Blazer Cardigan in 20 Colors!


When I look at topper items, like cardigans & blazers, I often expect to wear it for more than just the fall/winter season, always hoping to get the most bang for my buck. Of course, there are some exceptions for summer items or really heavy knits that work for those especially chilly days. When I want to mix things up, look professional, & cover up a bit, I like a “flyaway” cardigan or blazer to complete my look & highlight a not-so-obvious color in a printed top or dress. For example:


SHOP: EIMIN 3/4 sleeve blazer open front office work cardigan jacket in 20 different colors @Amazon ($22.99-$26.99, available in sizes XS-3XL).

I ordered the black & white options as neutral toppers for a variety of looks, very please with the lightweight, textured fabric, & fit. How would style this cardigan/blazer? Which color do you like the best? What’s your go-to business casual look? For more stylish posts, check out: Sally Hansen’s best black nail polish, Anne Hathaway on the cover of Vogue Hong Kong, & Gabrielle Union’s best red carpet looks! Happy Styling!

SHOP NOW!: The Open-Front Cardigan You Need in Every Color!


Now that fall is here & in full swing, it’s time to start thinking about layering pieces for work & weekend! My go-to layering topper for all season is a cardigan. Of course, I love patterns & jeweled embellishments on cardigans, but a solid in any color sparks joy when paired with a printed top & neutral pants, a basic shirt & printed bottoms, or a bold colorblock dress. Whether you’re shopping for fall must-haves or a staple set of cardigans for all year long, Amazon has just the pick for you:

SHOP: LALABEE open front pockets knit long sleeve sweater cardigan in 35 different colors @Amazon ($25.99-$31.99, available in sizes XS-3XL).

I love the hunter green, which I’ve ordered & have planned for my wardrobe rotation this week, but I already have my eye on the cobalt, navy, ultra violet, & lime styles too! not to mention, this sweater has over 4,800 ratings with 4.5/5 stars.

How would you style this cardigan? Would you buy multiple colors in it? Do you have toppers like this at the ready while at work? For more stylish posts, check out: a film review of Blonde, Ana de Armas discussing her preparation for her performance of “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend,” the perfect fall earrings & sweater, & a cozy fleece loungewear set from Target! Happy Styling!

SHOP NOW!: The Most Flattering Peplum Cardigan for Fall in 4 Colors!


While the weather is still prime summer here on Long Island, it’s definitely cardigan season in stores. Beyond shoes, earrings, & dresses, I’m a sucker for cardigans—my favorite, feminine outfit topper for any occasion. It’s definitely been part of my regular work uniform for decades now! Some may argue that cardigans are “frompy,” but I love the variety of necklines, button styles, sleeve lengths, & other special details that transform a look from everyday to special. Not to mention that a cozy knit sweater is super comfortable compared to an overly-structured blazer—just my opinion.

My go-to source to shop for cardigans is New York & Company. Even though they’re strictly online now, they continue to be reliable & impressive with their cardigan selection for the professional & fashionable Style Darling. While they reproduce their staple Chelsea cardigan each fall, my hunt for something different in terms of a cardigan always leads to success with this retailer. Specifically, the peplum button-front cardigan (on sale: $39.00) is available in sizes XS-XXL & in 4 rich & regal colors: black, dark purple, golden seal, & navy.

The flattering fit & flare look is the perfect options to show off your shape when pairing it with a blouse or cami, along with skinny jeans, straight leg printed trousers, bootcut pants, a pleated skirt, or a pencil skirt. These fall-ready hues are ideal to match with the season’s most popular patterns & materials, such as plaid, lace, velvet, jacquard, faux leather, or dark denim. However, I’ll add these to my cart when the price drops a little more and/or I receive a reward certificate in order to get the best possible deal since this cardigan is categorized as a “City Steal” & is excluded from most of their coupon code deals.

How would you style these cardigans? Which color do you like the most? Do you prefer a cardigan over a blazer for your work wardrobe? For more stylish posts, check out: the hottest red carpet looks from this weekend’s MTV VMAs from Taylor Swift & Bebe Rexha, fabulous floral flats from Amazon, & a kimono-inspired top in every color! Happy Styling!

Buttoned Up Bargain!


This Thanksgiving-Black Friday weekend was a whirlwind for me! There was plenty of time spent with family, showing off our dazzling daughter, but there was lots of shopping too! Of course, gift lists were made, but I couldn’t help & treat myself here & there when a great buy was discovered.

As a part of my daily uniform (for work mostly–my at-home mom style has become more of function than fashion), I love a cute blouse-skirt combo with a cardigan, or at least to wear a cardigan over a dress. I was never one for structured jackets (although I can appreciate their visual appeal), so cardigans are my go-to & I can be quite obsessed with them. I’m always on the hunt for a patterned cardigan that I don’t have, especially one that allows me to experiment with pattern mixing too.

When I least expected to find some major style, the Laura Scott houndstooth cardigan found me @Sears. Black & white is always a great way to go when it comes to patterns, that way I could really highlight bright colors to match up; however, I was very interested & attracted to the purple-black combination.

Laura Scott houndstooth cardigan @Sears

For the price I paid, I could’ve very easily bought both colors & been done with it, but keeping my budget in mind for the holidays for my whole family, I limited myself to the purple option. The fit was just what I look for in a cardigan, so I was definitely all set. My mind is already swirling with styling ideas for this cardigan for the rest of the fall and throughout the colder months.

How do you like to style cardigans? What’s your best Black Friday fashion find? For more stylish posts about affordable fashion, click here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!

Inside A Style Blogger’s Closet: Black & White Pattern Mixing!


When it comes to putting together an outfit, one of two things will happen for me. First, I’ll plan ahead of time for a special occasion what I’d like to wear to honor or celebrate whatever the event is—& I won’t budge away from that outfit idea. On the other hand, for day-to-day styling, I simply go by however I feel. I consider the weather, how long of a work day is ahead of me, where I’m headed socially, as well as how I’m feeling health-wise to measure how much I’m willing to fuss with a garment. While it might look like a lot goes into an outfit, sometimes spur of the moment ideas hit me & I’ve created something unique & detailed.

However, when I want to experiment with my wardrobe to try something new with staple items (usually a cardigan, belt, statement necklace, or dress), my instincts lead me to pattern mixing, which is just my kind of fashion risk & something that I’ve happily & successfully explored over the last year. I love discovering the result of pairing stripes with florals or animal prints with polka dots, as well as metallics with chevron, just to have some fun while reinventing old favorites in a new way. When taking a fashion leap just such as this, I make sure that accompanying items are subtle, such as a patent leather flat, black pant, or opaque tights.

Last week, I was inspired to play with some new fall finds from dressbarn, pieces that are also perfect for a cool summer afternoon too. As soon as I saw the black & white tiered floral blouse & diamond print ankle pants, I knew I loved them, but hadn’t immediately thought of putting the pieces together. A black & white color combination is possibly my favorite because of its timeless & clean vibe for any season. When I play around with mixing patterns, I always keep in mind that the best way to execute an ensemble is by keeping with the color scheme. I added an extra special touch to finish off the look with my older floral printed pointy toe flats (shop similar here), a classic denim jacket (shop here), & silver jewelry (shop similar here) since the busy patterns need neutral companion accessories.

Of course, either of these pieces can be styled in multiple ways. For example, the blouse would look cute with a  pretty pink cardigan & skinny jeans, but it can also be a flirty option for night with a blazer & leather leggings. The printed ankle pants are screaming for a pop of color with a bold yellow tank & cobalt heels, or with a red turtleneck for fall & embellished ballet flats.

SHOP: cardigan @New York & Company, skinny jeans @Old Navytop @Nordstrom Rack, & heels @DSW.

For a little more black & white mixed print inspiration, here are a few more pieces in classic patterns like polka dots, stripes, floral, & houndstooth to get you thinking about all the ways to wear these two very versatile & chic colors.

SHOP: sweater @H&M, pants @YOOX, blouse @Maurice’s, & skirt @New York & Company.

Lastly, when seeking some style inspiration, I usually turn to Pinterest, which is where I can find some amazing red carpet & street style shots of my favorite fashionista celebrities who are experimenting on the daily, just like me, when it comes to mixing prints. Some admirable & professional pattern pushers are style icons Olivia Palermo, Solange Knowles, & Jamie Chung.

Look how each of these fashion forward ladies uses neutrals to play up the busier pieces of their outfits, while also offering a sense of balance among the stylish chaos of their outfits. Olivia uses a black blazer as a topper, as well as gold ankle strap heels for some glamorous edge. Solange is all about yellow with her handbag & cropped pants. Finally, Jamie’s gray booties & black heels complete her effortless looks.

Do you like to mix patterns in your outfits? What questions do you have about this risk-taking outlook? Which celebrities do you turn to for style inspiration? How do you feel about the classic black & white trend? Happy Styling!

 

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Get These Green Pieces For St. Patrick’s Day!


A friend of mine recently asked me what the big color for spring was going to be & from my research & observation of trends, I saw that emerald green was getting to be very popular, amid the rise in pretty pastels & trendy neons. Nearly everyone looks great in emerald, so I thought, what better day to talk about some amazing emerald pieces than on St. Patrick’s Day!

I know when I’m putting a look together, I usually stick to classic black & white pieces, but there’s nothing better than a special pop of color, especially when it comes to green. First, the Merona 3/4 sleeve v-neck cardigan sweater ($19.99) from Target is the perfect topper to any polka dots, graphic print, or houndstooth sheath dress for both the office & a family party. Speaking of dresses, I love the stretch cotton skater dress ($27.93) from Express (which is currently on sale for 30% off) & the AB Studio lace sheath dress ($25.60) from Kohl’s (which has recently been reduced from its original $64.00 price). Both are reasonably priced & can work for any season if paired with cork wedges or even opaque tights & a boyfriend blazer.

If you prefer separates, then try H&M‘s blouse ($12.95) which can be worn knotted with skinny jeans & sneaker wedges for a casual day out & about, or untucked over some rocker chic leather leggings & metallic pointy toe pumps when headed out with the girls. Also, I recommend the Diva skinny ankle pants ($29.94) from Old Navy to be worn with a cable knit sweater for a preppy look or a flirty blouse & ballet flats when meeting gal pals for a luncheon. Not to mention that Old Navy has a special 17% off coupon code (ONLUCKY) which can be used on almost any online only purchase.

Add green accessories into the mix with some jewelry like the bubble bead statement necklace ($12.99) from Charlotte Russe, which is having a sitewide 20% off sale today, online only! Also, there’s Forever 21‘s iridescent arrowhead drop earrings ($4.80), which can be worn with a modern LBD & strappy sandals, or made exotic for your next vacation in a maxi dress & basketweave wedges.

I always love green in multi-color patterns too, which is why I selected the bright geometric scarf ($19.95) from New York & Company to wear with a denim jacket & jersey skirt while shopping, or to dress up any solid pullover & dark denim jeans. Lastly, you can’t talk about green without mentioning shoes & there are so many ways to wear the Worthington Pennie faux suede ballet flats ($28.00) from JC Penney like with a pair of neutral trousers & button-down shirt. Also, there’s the PaylessAmerican Eagle sweetheart high wedge sling ($24.99) with a cotton wrap dress or a chambray tunic & colored denim shorts.

How do you like to wear green? Do you wear green on St. Patrick’s Day? Which are your favorite pieces? What’s your budget for new spring-friendly fashions? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out a budget-friendly spring look for under $100, the complete lookbook of Kate Young’s collection for Target, colorful crossbody bags for under $15.00, neon looks inspired by Beyoncé Knowles & Jennifer Lopez, chic spring break must-haves, & how to wear yellow like Emmy Rossum & Miranda Kerr! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Dress Up Those Winter Blues With Textured Black Pieces!


The $100 ChallengeFor a long time I never liked the blue & black combination, perhaps b/c of the nasty bruise reference, but somewhere along the way, blues became richer, more regal, & elegant to wear, especially for evening.  When paired with black pieces, it somehow looked refreshing & it’s now a combination that I’m very drawn to, especially considering how well hues like royal & cobalt look on me! Once I saw the fluid wrap dress ($27.99) in active blue on sale @Gap, I knew this was going to be a foundation piece for my next post in The $100 Challenge.  Of course, it’s also available in black, but I thought for a funky mix for day or a cocktail party, I’d mix it up with some special black accessories.

When it comes to winter, I really love adding suede with softer fabrics, or bringing out quilted, sequined, or animal-embossed textures to make the black look more luxurious. Therefore I was inspired by the sheer pattern cardigan ($29.95) from H&M to add immediate interest that will catch the eye over the simple front of the solid color dress. Also, to make the look edgier, I added the perforated peep toe booties ($20.99) in black from Forever 21, which can also be mixed with leggings, skinny jeans, or a mini skirt from the fall into spring.

Since it is winter, no look is complete without a pair of tights, which is why I selected the Minicci vertical weave tights ($3.00) from Payless, which are currently on clearance & also sold in grey to add to an office ensemble. Since we’re working on a budget here, I couldn’t go all out with jewelry, but I loved the look of the Rock & Republic gold tone skull shield c-hoop earrings ($4.80) from Kohl’s.  Lastly, I wanted to add a must-have bag that can be used for a variety of occasions & outfits, so @Charlotte Russe, I found the deco flap chain-strap clutch ($12.99).

For more posts on affordable fashion, check out all black looks inspired by Rihanna & Diane Kruger, 4 ways to wear floral skinny pants, fabulous flats for under $25, & pointy toe heels inspired by Kate Bosworth & Rashida Jones! Happy Styling!

Fabulous in 4 Ways: Floral Skinny Pants From H&M For Day, Date, Cocktail, & Weekend!


Just b/c the holidays are mostly over, it doesn’t mean that the glamour has to end. The latest trends in spring fashion are slowly, but surely emerging & this includes floral pants. They’re not just for springtime, especially when there are so many chic & cozy ways to dress up or dress down florals when the weather is still chilly outside.  I’d like to take a look at some celebrity inspiration to see how the A-listers are wearing this trend.

Kristin Cavallari shares her chic maternity style in Joe’s Jeans with a basic black top & blazer to offset the vibrant pattern.  90210 star Shenae Grimes adds some punk flavor to her Alice + Olivia cropped pants with strappy booties & a leather top.  Playing with the same idea is Minka Kelly, whose Dolce & Gabbana floral pants are enhanced by suede peep toe pumps & a bright rectangular clutch.  Singer Lana Del Rey plays up her demure style in Citizens of Humanity pants under her trench coat with embellished ballet flats.  Lastly, Twilight star Kristen Stewart sticks to her favorite designer, Balenciaga, for her micro floral printed pants, paired with a Rebecca Minkoff blazer & a Juicy Couture tank.

Kristin Cavallari, Shenae Grimes, Minka Kelly, Lana Del Rey, & Kristen Stewart.Even if we look to the runways for Spring 2013, you’ll find that there’s plenty of floral on the bottom. Floral isn’t meant just for dresses, skirts, or blouses anymore. It can be an unexpected pop of femininity or juxtapose more masculine pieces for day or evening.  For example, we’ve seen this in collections from Jason Wu, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Lela Rose, Paul & Joe, & Tanya Taylor. Here, complimenting colors in your floral prints can work to accentuate a factor of luxury in your look, especially when it comes to jackets, cardigans, scarves, & heels.

Jason Wu, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Lela Rose, Paul & Joe, & Tanya Taylor. The pants in question for today’s Fabulous in 4 Ways post are the floral pants ($24.95) from H&M. Not only are these an amazing bargain, but I’m convinced that these can be worn in a variety of ways to get the most out of your wardrobe basics for day, weekend, date, & cocktail hour.  These may be a little hard to pull off in the office, depending on what your work dress code is, but for the more casual environments, I recommend a cute blouse & pumps to make your look polished & professional.

First, for daytime when you’re running some errands or meeting with your girlfriends for a casual luncheon (á la Sex & the City), I recommend playing with the colors in the pants, including the ruched panel cardigan ($9.99) in gold from Dress Barn worn over the lurex lace bra cami ($14.99) in true white from Express. When floral pants such as these are the focal point of your look, you can play with textures to add interest, which is why I’ve selected the Kenneth Cole ‘Slip Me One’ flats ($29.97) in red @Piperlime & the easy metallic combo of Forever 21‘s beaded hoop earrings ($5.80).

Keep it cozy when it comes to a weekend look, if you’re headed out to a movie during the day with your beau & then sit by the fireplace eating Chinese food. Yes, that’s what I’d like my weekends to be, which is why I picked the striped sweater with oversized cowl neck ($34.96) in herbal mist from New York & Company to wear with the Brash Zoey riding boot ($39.99) in black from Payless. The mixture of stripes & florals has fascinated me for a while, so when you’re cooped up with your significant other in the house when the weather is on the frightful side, experiment with your looks a little to keep things fresh.  However, if you’re headed out, I love the mix of tassels with the patent textures in the daisy fuentes Gemini studded cross-body handbag ($29.50) in magenta from Kohl’s matched with a little more spring fever in the floral bangle set ($7.80) from Forever 21.

When it comes to date night looks, you always have to consider where you’re headed.  Floral pants may seem busy, but if accessorized correctly, they’re the perfect foundation for a sophisticated & smart look to impress your date.  I picked the teardrop cut-out blouse ($24.99) in black from The Limited, a piece that is sure to make the rounds with other wardrobe staples like a pencil skirt, boyfriend jeans, & leggings.  Of course in skinny pants like these, a pair of DSW‘s BCBG Paris Preena pumps ($29.94) in fuchsia will elongate the legline & won’t be as intimidating as some seriously pointy toe shoes.  For a special finishing touch, I love the colorblocked flap crossbody ($19.80) from Forever 21 & Mixit hematite stone tassel drop earrings ($4.00) from JC Penney.

For a cocktail event, pants aren’t necessarily the first thing to come to mind, especially when a dress is so easy to throw on with some snazzy earrings & killer heels. However, if you’re running around & don’t have time to get that go-to LBD dry-cleaned, you can rely on floral plants to build an evening-ready cocktail look, including the gem collar peplum top ($30.00) in aubergine from Topshop with a built-in jeweled neckline that helps accessorize your ladylike ensemble.  Also, I’ve added the Abrianna heels ($34.99) in bone from ALDO with the sparkling sequin hinge wallet ($9.99) in champagne from Charlotte Russe. Lastly, b/c there’s so much going on in the look already, I didn’t want to bog it down with extra bling, but here’s your opportunity to break out a really fabulous cocktail ring like the affordable stretch oval ring ($12.99) in orange from Target.

Do you own floral pants? Would you consider adding them to your wardrobe? How would you style them? For more styling posts, check out my affordable LBD look, statement rings for under $10, & how to wear a metallic faux leather skirt in 4 ways! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Keeping It Coral For the Holidays!


When it comes to what to wear for the holidays, we naturally think of red, green, black, & metallics, but I’ve been seeing a whole slew of pastels this season, which is why I was so excited to share LOFT‘s grosgrain waist pleated dress ($37.50) in coral. Not only is it marked down from its original nearly $90.00 price tag, but LOFT is celebrating the holidays with a store & site wide 50% off sale on all clearance items, no code needed. Not to mention that this dress is perfect for special occasions in the spring & will even look chic with a blazer & textured tights for the office. 

Finding more sale items to keep within out under $100 budget was easy since coral is such a feminine & bright color to wear for this holidays.  The rest of this look includes the cardigan ($17.95) in black from H&M which is the ultimate wardrobe staple for any embellished top or watercolor sheath dress.  Also, the glittered skinny waist belt ($3.80) in gold from Forever 21 is also available in pink, mint, & purple for your every pastel need.  The look comes together effortlessly with the color block pointed toe pump ($12.49) from Charlotte Russe that has a special metallic detail between the nude & coral hues.

Other accessories to help complete this look are the Mossimo exotic skin envelope clutch ($14.99) in gold from Target, which will coordinate well with any LBD, denim & sequins look, or classic shirtdress. Lastly  New York & Company‘s neutral tri-color bib necklace ($10.00) is a polished finishing touch that will also make the most basic button-down shirt or scoop neck tee a little more glamorous for day. The grand total for this look comes to $96.76, before taxes of course.

What dresses are you shopping for this season? Where are you finding the best deals & markdowns? For more affordable finds, check out previous posts featuring animal print inspiration, a party-ready look from H&M, & how to work stripes & florals for work or a date look! Happy Styling!

Fabulous in 4 Ways: Over-The-Knee Boots From Victoria’s Secret (Dedicated To Laurie)!


Attention Style Darling Readers: We have a new category alert! Fabulous In 4 Ways is my latest in offering the best style advice that I can, while keeping a budget in mind. Of course, I’ve had this idea (taking one item & showing how it’s worn in 4 fabulous ways) for a while now, just sitting away & linkless on my categories page, but just recently, a good friend has come to me w/ a deal on a killer pair of over-the-knee boots, asking for help on how to wear them once the temperatures cool down & heavy knits emerge from the depths of our closets.  Said friend, Laurie (who I’ve dedicated a total of 4 blogs to now- Jordana Brewster’s style, how to wear turtlenecks, & the best day-to-night blazers) has challenged me in a very good & very stylish way. Let’s take a look…

As I usually do in my Basics for a Bargain posts, let’s start off with some celebrity inspiration to see how some of the most photographed & stylish stars interpret their over-the-knee boot looks. The City star / socialite Olivia Palermo looks Upper East Side chic with her navy suede boots & fur-lined jacket, mixing neutrals with a sweater tunic. Mom-on-the-go Kourtney Kardashian wears her boots with a flowy blouse under a menswear-inspired blazer & floppy hat, keeping accessories like her bag matching in texture with her footwear. Supermodel legend Claudia Schiffer goes casual in jeggings & a cobalt cable knit sweater with a coordinating bag for her tan suede over-the-knee boots. Former Spice Girl / designer Victoria Beckham keeps her polished posh persona in check with ultra tight leggings, a black top, & satin-trimmed blazer while traveling through Heathrow airport. Lastly, Project Runway host Heidi Klum offers an edgy approach to her leather Jimmy Choo over-the-knee boots by completing her look with a graphic tee & abstract print blazer.

The boots inspiring this post are the Colin Stuart over-the-knee boots ($94.00) from Victoria’s Secret, which are on sale for less than their original $118.00 price tag (pictured below, to the left).  These are fierce confections of footwear meant only for the confident Style Darling (for example: Laurie!).  Even though these may seem much pricier than your average pump &/or ankle bootie, I can’t emphasize enough that this is an investment piece, especially one that you can dare to wear from the beginning of fall, all the way to the end of the winter.  Since we’re talking boots, VS is currently having a 20% off sale on all Colin Stuart boots, which you can shop here.

However, let’s get down to business in putting together these outfits wth some of the celebrity inspiration seen above.  Typically when I see boots, I think of sweaters & leggings b/c they’re both just so comfy & very on-trend for effortless fall looks.  My first ensemble includes the asymmetric hem sweater ($59.90) from Express, which is available in orchid, black, grey, & blue.  The loose fit is perfect for recalling that 80s off-the-shoulder bulky sweater look, as well as hugging your curves to show off your legs.  Just so you know, Express is currently having a mix & match BOGO 50% off sale this Labor Day weekend, so if you really love the look pictured, then check out the short metal stick necklace ($44.90) to go with the sweater. I’ve selected Forever 21‘s pebbled pointe knit leggings ($17.80), which will add some texture & shine against the rich suede of the boots.  Of course, any solid legging will do, but if you’re going for something with a print, keep it subtle since you’re dealing with a sexy lace-up detail in the back of the boots.

My second outfit is perfect for an office environment where jeans are allowed.  The Faded Glory jeggings ($12.88) from Walmart are a steal & can work with so many other wardrobe staples all year long.  The colored denim trend is obviously not going away & pairing it with White House Black Market‘s tweed trophy jacket ($188.00) is a professional & elegant way to dress up denim.  When shopping @WHBM, of course the regular prices are on the high side, but if you sign up for their seasonal catalogues, you can get discount codes, as well as earn points for reductions on future purchases. I find that comes in handy around the holidays when in a pinch for a cute cocktail dress.  For an extra feminine splash, I’ve selected the graphic checkered strips tiered cotton tank ($39.99) from LOFT to add some dimension- which also just so happens to marked down another 30% at checkout.

Look #3 required a little more attention since I wanted to find pieces that would work for more than just the over-the-knee boots challenge.  I started with this streaky knit t-shirt dress ($39.99) from The Limited, which has been marked down 50% on the store’s website. With a solid sheath-like dress as this, I immediately thought of a belt & found this duo of ivory cheetah & glossy black skinny belts ($10.79) from Bluefly. To keep warm during the cooler fall days, I picked out the basic, yet affordable Style & Co. three-quarter ruched sleeve cardigan ($14.99) in black from Macy’s. If you’re headed out to happy hour with the girls or going from the office to an evening function, this look is perfect with the boots, especially when the Minicci scroll weave tights ($7.99) from Payless are hiding underneath your layers.

Lastly, the forth look is my favorite, but perhaps not too far of a departure from the previous blazer look above.  When I saw the Merona tailored blazer ($34.99) @Target, I immediately loved the idea of mixing the plaid with the laces, as well as navy & black, along with integrating the fall’s best new neutral deep red hue with New York & Company‘s satiny roll-tab shirt ($39.95). Of course you can complete the look with skinny pants, but Style & Co. skinny stretch jeggings ($36.75) from Macy’s looked too good to be true in a classic dark wash!

What do you think of these looks? Would you wear over-the-knee boots? If so, how would you style your look with them? What boots are you shopping for this fall? Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Get Cozy & Comfy with Old Navy Sale Items!


A new Old Navy store recently opened just a few miles away, so I was super psyched to see that they had some pretty big sales going on!  I treated myself to some cold-weather favorites, but the prices in the store were actually much, much cheaper! This just goes to show that the online sales aren’t always the better deal.  You gotta do your style research!

There’s nothing that I love more than a cozy, but stylish top to pair with jeans & boots for a fall day.  Even though this past weekend was very summer-like in the 80s, I’m happy to say that I’m refreshing my fall / winter wardrobe on a budget.  I love the shawl collar cardigan ($34.00), also available in red.  You can layer it for much colder says over a button down shirt, or put it over a summer top with a denim skirt.  I did go home with the cropped fleece jacket ($20.00), but found that the charcoal was better suited for my style.  It’s the perfect way to complete your look without breaking out the down jacket when it’s really not too chilly out.

I know my friend Laurie would love the collared breezy blouse ($27.00) for its versatility & earth-tone.  It comes in growing green, frosty peach, black jack, & brown animal print in sizes XS – XXL.  It’s a stylish basic to go under a sweater vest, with wide leg trouser jeans, belted under a cardigan, or worn open with a graphic tee & skinny pants.

For something heavier, the cropped cowl neck sweater ($29.00) is just the piece to dress down leather leggings, brocade cigarette pants, or a tweed pencil skirt for weekend events or day gatherings.  If you’re just not ready for all that bulk, the dolman-sleeve cardigan ($25.00) is a smart way to dress up some basic slacks, or wear your sparkly flair at the office.

Lastly, I also found a home from the preppy ‘plumonade’ mini cable-knit v-neck sweater ($22.00), which is also available in black jack, bright white, baby spinach, crimson & clover, oatmeal heather, & medium heather gray.  It’s great for a pencil skirt & patent leather belt, or worn over a collared shirt for a job interview.

What are your favorite fall pieces?  Are you a loyal Old Navy shopper?  How much are you willing to invest in key seasonal pieces?  For more fall-ready finds, check out The Stylish Five‘s cold weather accessories, how to wear a turtleneck like a celebrity in Basics for a Bargain, & where to find the best flats, scarves, booties, tights, & belts in NYC Street Style! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Fall Sweaters on Sale @JC Penney ($10.00 & Under)!


I’m definitely going sweater crazy, what with posts about cardigans & sweater dresses in the same week!  Can you blame me?  Fall is here & I’m loving that sweaters are the answer to the crisp cool air!  Also, I’m a loyal JC Penney shopper & love finding basic sweaters like these soooo cheap! As a JCP credit card holder, you get lots of benefits, like extra discounts at checkout, rewards points, & exclusive coupons just for using your card!

In the spirit of savings, I’m sharing these sweater finds with my readers & can you believe that they’re all under $10!  The red east 5th cowl neck sweater ($6.00) can be worn in so many different ways this fall into winter!  Break out your favorite trumpet skirt & t-strap shoes, or a pair of skinny jeans with wedge riding boots!  Even though a turtleneck covers you up, here’s where you can be creative & wear drop earrings, a cocktail ring, or a brooch with your look!  Originally for $36.00, the St. John’s Bay petite ‘Mossy’ sweater ($7.20) offers the perfect pop of color with brown windowpane trousers, flared jeans, or leather mini skirt & tights.  This is an essential basic for any sweater collection to wear at work, or with distressed leggings for a night out! Yeah, I said it!

My love for cardigans runs deep & the Worthington Essential v-neck cardigan ($8.00) is an affordable plus-size find when you’re looking to channel a menswear-inspired look with a button down shirt & pinstripe pants.  If you want to add some femininity to this boyfriend sweater, try adding a ruffled blouse underneath & a metallic belt over it.  Also, cableknits never go out of style.  It’s right up there with argyle, if you’re style channels all-American girl-next-door. The St. John’s Bay petites cable v-neck sweater ($9.00) offers a flattering neckline that will bring all the attention to your face.  Its rich raspberry color is perfect for pairing with black, gray, navy, & brown pieces.

Lastly, the Worthington short sleeve v-neck cardigan ($9.99) is an item that I actually own (but in blue).  This is ideal for any pullover top & a-line skirt.  What’s so great about this sweater is that it’s available in four other colors & can be made to look different in so many ways.  Try this with a pair of high-waisted slacks & towering platforms or a tuxedo pencil skirt with ankle booties!

Are you gonna buy one of these bargain sweaters?  How much do you usually spend on your fall wardrobe?  Which do you think is the most flattering color?  Check out the previous posts for The Stylish Five, including sale finds @Topshop, accessories from Charlotte Russe, Ulta beauty deals, & much more!

The Stylish Five: Cute Spring Finds at Forever 21 ($10 Or Less)!


Looking for something cute & affordable to add to your spring wardrobe?  How can you beat a deal $10 & under?  These five very unique pieces (a romper, a printed cardigan, a tote bag, boat shoes, & dangly earrings) will certainly make for a special touch that will freshen up any winter duds that you’re still sporting.  Whatever your budget may be, these five items won’t break the bank & they’re all available @Forever21!  Try out the romper with a denim jacket & some strappy sandals.  Wouldn’t the cardigan look great for work with a pencil skirt & classic peep toe pumps?  The bag is perfect for weekend picnics & espadrilles.  Those anchor-embellished boat shoes are fun & flirty for a casual day in cargo pants & a hoodie.  Don’t forget to add a splash of color to your LBD with these ‘mint’ drop earrings. 

Now that you’ve seen these five stylish finds, why not click around & check out these honorable mentions that I just have to bring to the attention of my readers, including a flowered hairclip for $1.50, a vintage floral scarf for $9.80, a pair of grosgrain slippers for $5.80, a rouched crop cardigan in 7 different colors for $4.80, & a metallic knit maxi skirt for $5.99!  Happy Styling!