Suiting Up for a Stylish 2020, Inspired by Awkwafina, Selena Gomez, & More!

Posted on January 21, 2020 by Alissa

Happy belated 2020 Style Darlings! I’m happy to make a return (albeit a brief one) to my blog posts, especially as I look forward to a stylish & confident new year. The semester is about to start & there is always a lot to do at home, which is why my regular posts are not as regular as I’d like. I encourage all of my readers to follow me on Instagram @styledarlingdaily to keep up with what I’m wearing, what I’m shopping for, what I’m loving, & who’s wearing what…which brings me to today’s post about who is wearing suits & why that’s so special.

I’m not much of suit sporter myself. I’ve never been a fan of what has always felt like a restrictive topper like a blazer, which is why I’m pro-cardigan on the daily, but I’m pretty inspired by the trend of playful & colorful suiting that I’ve seen on some of my favorite & most stylish celebrities. Wearing a head-to-toe pattern or monochromatic palette is both classic & edgy for any number of occasions, including figuring out what to wear to work! Some recent noteworthy looks include Golden Globe-winner Awkwafina (for her role in The Farewell) in a hot pink suit by Cinq à Sept (shop the blazer & pants) with a black crop top, Aussie Cate Blanchett‘s polka dot perfection in a Haider Ackermann suit with blue Dorateymur boots, Priyanka Chopra Jonas in a pretty pink silk suit with contrasting raspberry, a spring-ready Rose Byrne (star of Like a Boss) in a pastel suit by Christian Wijnants with white pumps, the always delightful Salma Hayek in all-over plaid by Gucci (shop the vest), & “Lose You To Love Me” singer Selena Gomez‘s cognac suit by Gauge81 paired with a cashmere blouse by Victor Glemaud & Yuul Yie boots.

Akwafina, Cate Blanchett, Priyanka Chopra, Rose Byrne, Salma Hayek, & Selena Gomez in suits.

Of course, some looks are bolder than others, but why not try something new without breaking the bank? Some of my favorite places to shop for matching separates include regular discounts & sales on new arrivals & wardrobe staples.

SHOP @New York & Company for the pink blazer & ankle pant (limited availability in sizes 0-20)

SHOP @New York & Company for the Madie plaid blazer & ankle pant (limited availability in sizes 0-20)

SHOP @Eloquii for the pastel blue tie-waist blazer & Kady pant (limited availability in sizes 14-28)

SHOP @ASOS for the blush smart mix & match blazer & cigarette pant (limited availability in sizes 0-14)

Where do you like shopping for suiting? Do you stick to a monochromatic looks or mix up separates? How often do you refresh your suiting wardrobe? For more stylish & celebrity-inspired posts, check out Jessica Alba’s platforms, Victoria Beckham’s neon heels, & Michelle Obama’s sparkling boots! Happy Styling!

All About Platforms with Jessica Alba!

Posted on June 25, 2019 by Alissa

Jessica Alba has always been one of my favorite celebrities to watch out for on the red carpet because several elements of her personal style mirror my own. She loves feminine, classic pieces, never straying too far into an architectural or modern aesthetic, but still appearing current & trendy. While the actress / entrepreneur has been promoting her new series L.A.’s Finest (also starring the always exquisite Gabrielle Union), as well as her brand The Honest Company, Jessica has been all about platforms. I couldn’t help but notice the chunky shoe under many of her dresses during her promotional tour, a choice that I would not personally make, but something I love to look at with her red carpet fashion, which has a very 70s & 90s glam vibe right now.

Below Jessica goes peachy in a Giambattista Valli Spring 2019 dress with beige patent leather platforms & an Alaia cropped shirt with a striped skirt in Jimmy Choo platforms.

Also, at the Monte Carlo TV Festival, Jessica wore an orange Silvia Tcherassi belted dress with a Mulberry bag & satin platforms. For her Honest Beauty Meet & Greet, Jessica looks heavenly in a Self Portrait midi dress with rust suede Salvatore Ferragamo platforms. For the budget shopper looking for trend pieces without breaking the bank, check out some of these affordable & stylish platforms out in stores & online now.

burgundy platforms @GOjane

beige platforms @Forever 21

Mix No. 6 Trima platforms @DSW

Madeline bronze platforms @Steve Madden

Chinese Laundry red Theresa platforms @Zappos

Design Lab black platforms @Lord & Taylor

Chinese Laundry Going Haute striped platforms @ModCloth

Do you like platforms? How do you typically style platform heels? Where are you shopping for the latest shoe styles? For more stylish posts, check out classic tees from New York & Company & dressbarn, Betsey Johnson’s Vandi butterfly shoes, & weekend totes perfect for the beach! Happy Styling!

06/19/2019 Darling of the Day: Victoria Beckham’s Modern Neon Inspiration!

Posted on June 19, 2019 by Alissa

Victoria Beckham is always flawless. This isn’t news, but I just had to start there. The Spice Girl-turned-designer recently stepped out in what starts to look like a minimalist summer look with a white tee & black cuffed jeans, accessorized with classic pieces like a sleek black envelope clutch, pendant necklace, a chain link gold watch, & Celine sunglasses (shop here)… until you see the heels! They’re Balenciaga Square Knife neon pumps (shop here) that make a wild style statement, but it all works seamlessly, especially on Victoria!

Of course, this look would’ve worked with pink, orange, red, or really, any color heel. She could’ve surprised us all with neon ballet flats, which would have been equally successful & exciting to post about. I’m always finding new ways to mix up my favorite wardrobe items in my collection, playing with different colors & patterns to pop, which is why I love Victoria’s inspiration so much.

However, we all don’t have the kind of budget needed to recreate this high-end, luxury look… but have no fear! Because so many of the pieces are staples, they’re not hard to find without breaking the bank! Even imitation-inspired heels are available to peruse (in several other colors too) to bring Victoria’s posh style back to life!

SHOP: Prologue short sleeve crew neck tee @Target (available in XS-XXL), black straight jeans @Old Navy (available in 0-20), neon green high heels @Stylentol, ASOS DESIGN clutch @ASOS, tinted sunglasses @Forever 21, hammered pendant necklace @Forever 21, & gold pave square link watch @New York & Company.

What celebrity inspires your summer style the most? Who are you always watching for the latest trends? Where are you shopping to recreate street style looks? For more posts about Victoria Beckham, click here, here, here, & here! For more stylish posts, check out classic maxi dresses from New York & Company, fabulous flip flops from Old Navy, & fashionable resin earrings!

Stylish Spring Skirts!

Posted on May 13, 2019 by Alissa

Skirts! Skirts! Skirts! Why wear them? Well, there are so many versatile skirt styles & inspiration galore to be had. For spring, don’t just think about mini or denim skirts, there’s plenty of style opportunity when it comes to midi and maxi length skirts, especially when looking to transition your pieces from season-to-season. Skirts can instantly dress up a t-shirt, or turn a menswear-inspired look into something evening-appropriate. Check out the many ways to wear skirts on Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke, singer-actress Janelle Monae, Tokien star Lily Collins, Mrs. Nick Jonas herself Priyanka Chopra, Crazy Rich Asians breakout Gemma Chan, British model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, & designer extraordinaire Victoria Beckham (in her own design!).

Skirts in cotton, linen, or denim even make a great companion for dressier pieces to wear for the day. Spring is all about color & movement when it comes to what to wear. Now is the perfect time to embrace bold statement pieces & take a style risk! Experimenting with separates is a great way to find out how to get the most out of your wardrobe. Some of the affordable options featured below make for great contrast pieces to try with printed tops, classic button downs, as well as neutral staples for your glitzier wardrobe favorites!

floral smocked skirt @LOFT

slub tie-waist skirt @The Gap (available in sizes 0-20)

ruffle pencil skirt @New York & Company (available in sizes 0-20)

belted cargo skirt @New York & Company

wrap skirt by Gabrielle Union @New York & Company

Simone flare skirt @Fashion to Figure (available in sizes 0x-3x)

How do you like to style your spring skirts? Where are you shopping for your favorite feminine pieces? Where are you finding the best spring deals? For more shopping inspiration, check out previous posts, including cute watermelon accessories, Kate Spade’s latest spring collection, & Meghan Markle’s maternity LBD! Happy Styling!

New ‘Optimistic Femininity’ from Kate Spade!

Posted on January 16, 2019 by Alissa

It’s a new year & a new Kate Spade with the newest ad campaign for the brand under Creative Director Nicola Glass. The stylish & bright brand embarks on their “optimistic femininity” by staying true to what’s classic & what works, with the message that women should stay true to their own story. Kate Spade has always embodied such an empowering vibe, but continues to do so with the help of Ozark‘s Julia Glass, If Beale Street Could Talk breakout star Kiki Layne, & Stranger Things actress Sadie Sink.

It’s hard not to smile when checking out these latest Kate Spade designs & the playful photographs taken by Tim Walker, who worked with the brand since the late Kate Spade was at the helm in 1999. The photos offer a fresh, vibrant, & young take on fashion, including the bold textiles, girlish jewelry, & polished accessories.

What do you think of the photo shoot? Are you a fan of Kate Spade designs? What brands are your favorite to follow? For more designer-inspired posts, click here, here, here, & here! Happy Styling!

01/11/2019 Darling of the Day: Meghan Markle’s Maternity LBD!

Posted on January 11, 2019 by Alissa

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, made her first patronage to work with the charity organization, Smart Works, that works with women who are seeking to improve their job pursuits (via interview skills & wardrobe choices). The mother-to-be arrived in a black materntiy t-shirt dress by Hatch & Oscar de la Renta coat with a Victoria Beckham purse & cow print heels. The looks was in keeping with her minimalist elegance, especially as she radiated with positivity & style.

Of course, Meghan’s wardrobe budget can’t compare to most of ours, but her designer pieces are available to shop online. See below.

SHOP: Hatch maternity t-shirt dress @Shop Bop, coat @Oscar de la Renta, & Victoria Beckham purse @Net-A-Porter.

However, to achieve a look similar to Meghan’s (pregnant or not), I scoured the web for similar & affordable items that are also chic wardrobe essentials. The LBD could be styled for day or night depending on your accessories. Also, a neutral coat is a must-have for the colder months.

SHOP: Isabel maternity t-shirt dress by Ingrid & Isabel @Target, t-shirt dress @Old Navy, pea coat @Milanoo, Emmala pointy toe pumps @Nine West, & Kelly & Katie purse @DSW.

What do you think of Meghan’s demure look? How would you style a little black dress? For more celebrity-inspired posts, check out Michelle Obama’s holographic boots, pearl-inspired looks from Brie Larson & Rihanna, Jessica Alba’s gold top, & Jennifer Lopez’s Second Act premiere gown. Happy Styling!

Affordable Pearly Whites for the Holidays!

Posted on December 18, 2018 by Alissa

Sometimes when I can’t make up my mind of how I want to style my outfit in terms of jewelry, pearls are an easy go-to for instantly adding some much-needed glam & sophistication to an otherwise casual look. The holidays are the perfect time of year to consider pearls, & not just for jewelry must-haves.Take inspiration from the stylish likes of Angelina Jolie, Brie Larson, Lupita Nyong’o, Reese Witherspoon, Rihanna, & Zooey Deschanel, all donning pearls in earring, bracelet, or necklace form.

One of my favorite shopping spots, New York & Company, has some stylish & affordable pearly finds to wear for your next holiday party, date night, girls’ night out, or even sipping on some hot cocoa while wrapping presents.

cluster stud earrings

pearl drop earrings

pearl statement necklace

pearl beret

pearl hooded sweatshirt

pearl jogger pants

However you choose to wear your pearls, own them. Pearls are timeless & go with any outfit.I love glamming up a casual Sunday with a pair of cluster studs, for example. The pearl resurgence that we saw last holiday season on clothing isn’t going away either. How do you like to wear pearls? Do you have a favorite pearl accessory that you love to wear? For more jewelry inspired posts, click here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!

12/17/2018 Darling of the Day: Jessica Alba’s Goes Gold!

Posted on December 17, 2018 by Alissa

Whenever I’m seeking out style inspiration from celebrities (on the red carpet or their street style), my mind immediately races with ideas on how readers (& myself) can make a look their (affordable) own. Style isn’t this inaccessible thing anymore since there are so many reasonably price retailers that look to high fashion sources for their own inspiration too. Hence my latest post featuring actress / entrepreneur Jessica Alba dressing down a gold sparkly blouse with a velvet blazer by Frame (shop here), frayed wide leg jeans, black suede booties, & a gold buckle wide belt. A blazer & jeans are two staple items that we all have in our wardrobe, which is why this look is so easy to recreate without breaking the bank.

To build this look, here are two essential pieces, which can also be mixed & matched with other items throughout the holiday season & during the year.

STARVNC sequin tank @Walmart & Thalia Sodi halter top @Macy’s (both available in sizes S – XXL)

faux suede ankle bootie @Forever 21 & Qupid Parma bootie @DSW

Which celebs do you turn to for street style & holiday inspiration? How do you get the most use out of your favorite & most sparkly holiday pieces? For more celebrity style posts, click here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!

Jennifer Lopez is the Prettiest in the Prettiest Pink Poof Dress!

Posted on December 14, 2018 by Alissa

Jennifer Lopez can’t do just one thing & I’m so glad for it. For her newest film, Second Act, she not only stars in & produced it, but also sings the power anthem “Limitless” (penned by Sia). She also directed the yet-to-be released music video (also starring her daughter Emme) & has taken the fashion world by storm once again at the New York City premiere of the film. She wore a breathtaking pink Giambattista Valli high low tulle gown (from the brand’s Fall 2018 Couture runway collection) with a train that rivals anyone else in gown train history (Priyanka Chopra… Princess Diana…) styled with silver accessories including a Judith Leiber clutch & Jimmy Choo platforms, as well as jewelry by Lorraine Schwartz. The play on volume & length in such a bold statement color only makes the dress more amazing to gawk at.

The ethereal design floated down the Fall 2018 runway & has now made history. Perhaps all those sparkly naked dresses are out & voluminous tulle dresses are in?

What do you think of J.Lo’s big pink dress? Is it too big? Not big enough? For more celebrity-inspired posts, click here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!

Cover Craze: Taraji P. Henson is Boss for InStyle’s January Issue!

Posted on December 5, 2018 by Alissa

Actress Taraji P. Henson is making waves not just in front of the camera as Cookie Lyon in Empire, but also on the big screen (of course, she did this in Hidden Figures too) with her new film out next year, What Men Want–a remake of 2000’s What Women Want starring Mel Gibson & Helen Hunt). She’s not just the star of the comedy, but also serves as executive producer for the film. For In Style magazine’s January issue, Taraji also discusses in the article (read here) about being a single mom & her 20-plus year career & her connection to her fans, both nationally & internationally.