10/28/2015 Darling of the Day: Victoria Beckham’s Preppy & Sleek Fall Street Style!

Posted on October 28, 2015 by Alissa

This isn’t the first time designer Victoria Beckham has surprised fashion critics with pops of color, & also her orange pants from 2013 have appeared again on the radar of bloggers everywhere. The former Spice Girls’ jet setting style has always looked flawless, especially when she models her own designs & now repeats favorites, showing that classic staples never go out of style. Get inspired by her sleek, clean look & embrace bold bottoms, topped with this season’s must-have accessory: a statement coat.

SHOP: Misses Outfit: Oxford shirt ($24.94) in white @Old Navy (available in sizes XS-XXL), pants ($28.17, was $46.50) in roasted pepper @New York & Company, long coat ($62.90) in plaid @Forever 21, sunglasses ($15.95) in black @American Eagle Outfitters, Mix No.6 Sarti pumps ($39.95, was $80.00) in gray @DSW, & three-tone ring set ($20.93, was $29.90) @Express. Plus Outfit: shirt ($34.96, was $49.95) in white @Lane Bryant, pants ($14.97, was $79.90) in orange @Eloquii, coat ($39.90) in black & white @Forever 21, sunglasses ($15.95) in black @Walmart, Katie & Kelly Isabel pump ($29.94, $50.00) in gray @DSW, & textured ring set ($10.00) @Charming Charlie.

What do you think of Victoria’s orange pants? How do you wear menswear inspiration for fall? Which celebrity’s style do you follow? For more stylish posts, check out Michelle Williams & Alicia Vikander for Louis Vuitton’s The Spirit of Travel, fall flats for work inspired by Emma Stone & Angelina Jolie, plaid favorites for this season like Reese Witherspoon & Rita Ora, & pretty fall florals for any body type!

Watch This Style: Michelle Williams & Alicia Vikander Star in Louis Vuitton’s Cruise ’16 Ads & Short Film, ‘The Spirit of Travel!’

Posted on October 27, 2015 by Alissa

For some more fall fashion inspiration, I thought I’d share the latest, gorgeous ad campaign from Louis Vuitton, starring three-time Oscar nominee Michelle Williams & it-girl Alicia Vikander (The Man from U.N.C.L.E. & The Danish Girl). The actresses & spokesmodels are showing off the most elegant design’s from the brand’s Cruise ’16 collection, set in the Palm Springs desert, featuring 70s inspired clothing & luxe luggage & bags.

I’m all about fashion for function & affordability, but from time to time, it’s also important to be aware of what’s going on in the industry for the easiest inspiration, where high-end glamour can influence your street style. Watch the video below for the full experience of The Spirit of Travel.

https://youtu.be/WLq7HFkuFp4

The gorgeous ad campaign plays off the setting with rich neutrals & refreshing pops of color, perfect for any shopper of any age & style.

What do you think of the Louis Vuitton campaign & video? Do you follow brands & their ever-changing campaigns? Are you inspired by the direction of the line? For more fashionable posts, check out affordable flats for the office inspired by Emma Stone & Karlie Kloss, fall plaid must-haves like Taylor Swift & Reese Witherspoon, fall capes for every style inspired by Jamie Chung & Gwen Stefani, & Olivia Palermo’s newest jewelry collaboration with BaubleBar. Happy Styling!

Show Me the Shoes: Affordable Fall Flats for the Office, Inspired by Emma Stone, Victoria Beckham, & More (Dedicated to Christine)!

Posted on October 22, 2015 by Alissa

I love getting inspired about fashion when chatting up my friends, & today’s post is no exception. My dear friend Christine, styling it up in New Jersey, recently shared her concerns about finding comfy, yet stylish flats for the office & my brain went spinning with inspiration. Given my crazy day-to-day schedule between two jobs & grad school, I’m constantly on the go, which also means that my collection of flats has grown exponentially with fashionable possibilities for a chic, professional look. To get started, I sought out some images of the best dressed A-listers wearing elements that make up a great work look, especially with a fall wardrobe on the brain.These celebrities include: Angelina Jolie, Camilla Belle, Emma Stone, Emmy Rossum, Jennifer Lopez, Karlie Kloss, Mandy Moore, Olivia Palermo, Pippa Middleton, Reese Witherspoon, Taylor Swift, & Victoria Beckham. Flats are certainly not a cop-out, adding a little extra splash of femininity against a cardigan & shirt pairing, sleek menswear look, blouse & trousers ensemble, & sheath dress.

And for some affordable flats to amp up your office style, consider a few elements for an interesting look: pattern, texture, & shine, which will also help transition any Style Darling from day-to-night, as well as date & weekend.

SHOP: 1. loafers ($14.99) in navy @H&M (also available in black, camel, hot pink, & gray), 2. boucle pointed flats ($15.00, was $25.99) in black & white @Charlotte Russe, 3. stud flats ($15.00) in black @Wet Seal (also available in burgundy), 4. pointed patent flats ($19.90) in black @Forever 21 (also available in nude), 5. Gigi flats by Christian Siriano ($24.99, was $29.99) in wine @Payless (also available in black & taupe), & 6. lace pointed flats ($34.90) in black @Express.

What do you wear to work? What details do you look for when it comes to flats? Where do you shop for your favorite office footwear? For more stylish posts, check out affordable plaid accessories for fall, florals to wear this season from New York & Company & Hollister, capes & ponchos inspired by Gwen Stefani & Jamie Chung, & Olivia Palermo’s BaubleBar collaboration. Happy Styling!

Basics for a Bargain: Cozy Capes & More Must-Have Fall Favorites, Inspired by Taylor Swift, Gwen Stefani, & more!

Posted on October 5, 2015 by Alissa

The weather has finally taken its turn for fall here on Long Island, so it’s definitely time to break out those layers to keep warm & build a stylish look. This starts with toppers like capes, ponchos, & vests, which are perfect for transitioning some of your favorite summer separates for this season. These chunky knits, fine wool, & fringed pieces are not only popular on street style pros of the blogosphere, but also some of the most fashionable celebrities, including A-listers like Taylor Swift, Gwen Stefani, Jamie Chung, Kim Kardashian, & Olivia Palermo.

Here’s also an opportunity for Style Darlings of any size to play with textures & prints like cable knit, faux fur, stripes, plaid, & fringe to mix with solid basics, pops of color, and complimenting patterns.

SHOP: 1. faux fur mink cape ($69.90) in winter white @HSN (available in plus size, as well as brown & black), 2. stripe fringe poncho ($29.90) in black & white @Forever 21 (shop similar plus size here), 3. fringed cable poncho sweater ($42.00) in fig @Dress Barn (shop plus size here), 4. Ava & Viv plaid poncho ($34.99) in black & white @Target, & 5. everyday vest ($26.60, was $38.00) in black @Macy’s (one size fits all).

When wearing a full, flowy topper, the best way to show off your shape & stylish flare is to select a fitted, slim bottom to create a sense of balance. Also, these shapes are perfect to coordinate with knee boots, ankle boots, & other suede footwear for a head-to-toe fashion forward fall look.

SHOP: 1. pencil skirt ($39.90) in black @Express (shop similar plus size here), 2. Levi’s skinny jeans ($36.99) in indigo @Kohl’s (shop similar plus size here), 3. faux leather pants ($24.99) in black @H&M (shop similar plus size here), 4. skinny cords ($34.94) in burnt ochre @Old Navy (available in sizes 0-20), & 5. seamless leggings ($6.94) in black @Walmart (shop similar plus size here).

How do you like to style capes, ponchos, & vests? Where do you like to shop for fall’s biggest trends? Which celebrity inspires your style this season? For more stylish posts, check out Olivia Palermo’s jewelry collaboration with Bauble Bar, red carpet & street style inspiration from Sienna Miller, Anne Hathaway, & Gwyneth Paltrow, as well as how to wear scarves like Rihanna & Jessica Alba. Happy Styling!

Ad Madness: Olivia Palermo Models Her New Jewelry Collection for BaubleBar!

Posted on October 1, 2015 by Alissa

If there’s one Style Darling to watch out for, it’s always going to be the one & only, Olivia Palermo, whose personal style has transformed the way fashion bloggers like myself consider street style, as well as millions of Pinners approached their wardrobe. The internet is always buzzing when the socialite-turned-fashion icon makes an appearance anywhere, & now there’s even more reason to talk about her flawless sense of style with her newest designer collaboration with jewelry retailer BaubleBar.

The line features all things decadent & detailed, modern & progressive, elegant & classic, including statement necklaces, earrings & earring jackets, cocktail rings, cuff bracelets, & brooches, which ranges in price from $28.00 – $78.00. Shop the entire collection here & check out her promo ads, including nothing but fashion perfection.

Here’s a closeup look of some fantastic pieces that would instantly dress up any cardigan & skinny jeans look, little black dress & ankle boots, or sheath dress under a chunky sweater.

SHOP: 1. brooch ($34.00), 2. cuff ($58.00), 3. necklace ($62.00), 4. ring ($42.00), & 5. earrings ($36.00) @BaubleBar.

What do you think of Olivia’s collection? Would you shop for these special pieces? How would you style statement jewelry like Olivia’s? For more stylish reads, check out Darling of the Day posts including Sienna Miller, Anne Hathaway, Gwyneth Paltrow, & Emily Ratajkowski, as well as the complete red carpet gallery from the Emmy awards. Happy Styling!

09/30/2015 Darling of the Day: Sienna Miller’s Three-Piece Jacket-Shirt-Jeans Outfit for Less!

Posted on September 30, 2015 by Alissa

Sienna Miller has had one stylish year, killing it at the Cannes Film Festival, & every red carpet she hits. The actress recently lent her support to the 2015 Social Good Summit where she mixed up fall’s best with a chic menswear look in a striped button-down shirt by Frame Denim (shop here) with black skinny jeans, a beaded black tweed Chanel jacket (shop similar here @Nordstrom), & black patent Mary Jane chunky heels (shop similar here @Saks Fifth Avenue). Get inspired by her menswear take with these affordable look-alike items, playing with texture, print, & layers for Style Darlings on a budget & any size.

SHOP: LOOK 1: textured scuba zip-front jacket ($40.00) in black @Dress Barn (shop plus size here), tartan plaid pocket shirt ($17.90) in black @Forever 21, original skinny jeans ($25.00, was $29.94) in black @Old Navy (available in sizes 00-20), chunky ankle strap heels ($24.99, was $46.00) in black @Cato, LC Lauren Conrad filigree ball stud ($10.00) in gold @Kohl’s, & GUESS enamel crystal ring ($13.50, was $18.00) in gold / black @Macy’s. LOOK 2: textured knit zip-front jacket ($40.00) in black / white @Dress Barn (shop plus size here), gradated stripe shirt ($22.90) in white / black @Forever 21 (available in sizes XL-3X), curvy skinny jeans ($25.00, was $29.94) in black @Old Navy (available in sizes 00-20), Gabriella Rocha ‘Sutton’ mary jane heels ($35.99, was 59.00) in black @6PM (available in wide width), Apt. 9 square stud earrings ($8.99, was $12.00) in rose gold @Kohl’s, & GUESS multirow crystal stone ring ($15.00, was $20.00) in rose gold @Macy’s.

Do you like Sienna Miller’s fall menswear look? How do you like to layer separates for fall? Where are you shopping for fall’s best trends? For more posts, check out previous posts featuring affordable looks inspired by Anne Hathaway, Gwyneth Paltrow, & Emily Ratajkowski, as well as the complete red carpet gallery from this month’s Emmy Awards. Happy Styling!

09/25/2015 Darling of the Day: Anne Hathaway’s Lovely Lip Look on Good Morning America!

Posted on September 25, 2015 by Alissa

Anne Hathaway is hitting every media outlet this week, promoting her latest film, The Intern, co-starring Robert DeNiro. She made a recent appearance on Good Morning America with a quirky, surprising outfit that shows she’s still the cool girl we loved from back in The Devil Wears Prada day. Check out her lip print Equipment x Garance Doré (shop here @Farfetch) & her edgy Osman leather skirt (shop similar here @Bergdorf Goodman), which she paired with chic accessories, including white frame sunglasses, gold bangles & a ring, & red suede pumps (shop similar here @Saks Fifth Avenue).

SHOP: 1. Label lips print blouse ($12.50, was $24.87) @Romwe, 2. Worhtington faux leather skirt ($14.99, was $44.00) in black @JC Penney, 3. suede pointed toe pumps ($24.00) in red @Lulu’s, 4. sunglasses ($6.98, was $14.50) @Torrid, 5. bangles ($5.99) in gold @H&M, 6. ring ($8.00) in gold @River Island, 7. Barbie lips sheer blouse ($29.48, was $42.50) in black @Torrid, 8. plus faux leather pleated skirt ($38.87) in black @Pulse Designer Fashion, & 9. faux suede pumps ($17.26, was $23.00) in red @GOjane.

What do you think of Anne’s street style? Do you like her lips & leather combination? Which celebrity are you following for fall inspiration? For more fashionable posts, check out Gwyneth Paltrow’s Monique Lhuillier boxy blouse & wide leg pants, the entire Emmy’s red carpet gallery including Amy Schumer & Kerry Washington, the best end of the summer deals from Wet Seal & Charlotte Russe, & Emily Ratajkowski’s suede skirt & heels look! Happy Styling!

09/22/2015 Darling of the Day: Gwyenth Paltrow’s Monique Lhuillier-Inspired Look for Less!

Posted on September 22, 2015 by Alissa

Gwyneth Paltrow is always one to watch when it comes to celebrity style, never failing to impress since she made her red carpet mark back in the 90s. Lately, the actress has been turning heads with hints of skin, wearing bold head-to-toe monochromatic looks, & she continues to set trends for future Style Darlings. During her appearance at The Broad Museum Black Tie Dinner, she choose a modern take on an evening look with a boxy blouse & wide leg pants, both by designer Monique Lhuillier, & styled her ensemble with chandelier earrings by Norman Silverman & black pumps by Brian Atwood (which I would love to see, but I couldn’t find the pic!).

SHOP: LOOK 1: stripe floral blouse ($25.00, was $49.00) @Dorothy Perkins, pants ($11.67, was $20.95) in black @Romwe, Jennifer Lopez teardrop earrings ($12.10, was $22.00) @Kohls. LOOK 2: Vince Camuto top ($31.60, was $79.00) in clay @6PM, sailor pants ($16.99, was $24.90) in black @Forever 21, rhinestone drop earrings ($5.00, was $14.50) @Icing. LOOK 3: floral plaid top ($34.30, was $49.00) in black multi (available in sizes 14-32) @Avenue, JM Collection pants ($34.98) in black (available in sizes 14 – 24) @Macy’s, pavé earrings ($10.00) @Charming Charlie. LOOK 4: printed flared sleeve top ($59.50, use code PLAY for 30% off) in black & white @Eloquii, Alyx pants ($20.99, was $42.00) in black (available in sizes 1X – 2X) @JC Penney, crystal dangle earrings ($12.00) @River Island.

How would you recreate Gwyneth’s look? Would you wear wide leg trousers to a special occasion event like this? Where do you shop to make celebrity style a reality for your wardrobe? For more posts, check out the complete red carpet gallery from this weekend’s Emmy’s, shopping for the best end of the summer sales, Emily Ratajkowski’s suede skirt look, how to wear scarves all year long like Rihanna & Ashley Olsen, the plaid lookbook from Adam Lippes’ collection for Target, & fall’s must-have mustard pieces inspired by Blake Lively & Jennifer Lopez! Happy Styling!

#RedCarpet Review: All The Looks From The 2015 #Emmys, Including #BestDressed Stars Kerry Washington, Lady Gaga, & More!

Posted on September 20, 2015 by Alissa

Tonight’s Emmy awards are already causing a buzz all over the internet, especially among fashion bloggers everywhere. I have nothing but love to show for all the female nominees & presenters on the red carpet. At the end of the day, it’s all about positively celebrating today’s most talented women. However, when it comes to fashion, there’s a legacy about the red carpet & seeing high-end couture & designers’ visions come to life on some of our favorite stars.

Some of my favorites walked the red carpet in California’s sweltering heat to the beat of their own stylish drum, including Scandal star Kerry Washington (in Marc Jacobs), Modern Family star Sarah Hyland (in Zac Posen), a bold January Jones (in Ulyana Sergeenko), Empire‘s Cookie, Taraji P. Henson (in Alexander Wang), & funny girl Amy Schumer (in Zac Posen).

More beauty was in tow with stars from all side of entertainment, including the highly anticipated star of American Horror Story: Hotel, Lady Gaga (in Brandon Maxwell), Orange is the New Black star Laverne Cox (in Calvin Klein Collection), Homeland actress Claire Danes (in Prada), the always curvaceous Christina Hendricks (in Naeem Khan), Parks & Recreation star Aubrey Plaza (in Alexandre Vauthier), & bride to be Sofia Vergara (in St. John).

There were so many trends lighting up the red carpet, such as pops of colors, chain details, shimmers & sparkles, & much more! Also, among the gorgeous fashion choices were additional favorites like Jane the Virgin breakout star Gina Rodriguez (in Lorena Sarbu), Orange is the New Black‘s Danielle Brooks (in Christian Siriano), The Mindy Project show runner Mindy Kaling (in a belted gold number), Blindspot actress Jaimie Alexander (in Armani Prive), & the always statuesque Taylor Schilling (in Stella McCartney).

Watch the slideshow below for a complete red carpet gallery & leave comments on who wore your favorite look! For more stylish posts, check out the best end of the summer deals from JC Penney & Francesca’s, Emily Ratajkowski’s suede skirt look, & affordable scarf inspiration from Rachel Bilson & Jessica Alba. Happy Styling!

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08/26/2015 Darling of the Day: Emily Ratajkowski’s Seamless Summer-to-Fall Suede Look!

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Alissa

Model turned actress Emily Ratajkowski is a star on the rise, & no wonder. With roles in films like Gone Girl & Entourage, under her belt, the gorgeous star of the upcoming We Are Your Friends, alongside Zac Efron, Emily is making a splash on the red carpet, especially when she’s inspiring easy breezy summer-to-fall fashion transitions in monochromatic & single-color looks. Recently, she’s made a sleek appearance in New York City in blush tones with an Atea Oceanie top (shop similar here) & a suede Brunello Cucinelli skirt (shop similar here), paired with metallic Sophia Webster sandals (shop here).

SHOP: LOOK 1: blouse ($20.42, was $22.20) in burgundy @Chic Nova, skirt ($29.99) in burgundy @Shoptiques, & ankle strap sandals ($20.00, was $29.99) in burgundy @Charlotte Russe. LOOK 2: tank ($15.00, was $24.50) in black @LOFT (available in sizes XS-XXL), skirt ($39.99) in black @H&M, & heels ($27.99, was $60.00) in black @JC Penney (available in sizes 5-11). LOOK 3: tee ($12.00) in oatmeal @Target (available in sizes XS-XXL), skirt ($64.00) in tan @River Island, & sandal ($28.99, was $59.95) in taupe @Shoes.com. LOOK 4: blouse ($29.00, was $29.94) in fig @Old Navy (available in sizes XS-XXL), skirt ($59.99, was $189.99) in purple @Jessica London (available in sizes 12-28), & Nine West pump ($39.94, was $89.00) in purple/grey @DSW. LOOK 5: mock neck tee ($12.90) in gray @Forever 21 (available in XL-3X), skirt ($24.00, was $50.00) in gray @Missguided (available in sizes 12-20), & Belle by Badgley Mischka shoes ($29.70, was $99.00) in silver @Lord & Taylor.

For more suede inspiration, check out how some major A-listers styled their suede skirts, like fashion darling Alexa Chung, actress Ashley Madekwe, The Art of More star Kate Bosworth, English model Poppy Delevingne, & pop star, Taylor Swift.

Which suede look do you like the best? Do you wear suede now in the summer & then into fall? How do you like to style the textured separate? For more stylish posts, check out five affordable scarves for fall inspired by Sarah Jessica Parker & Emma Watson, the entire lookbook from Adam Lippes’ plaid collection for Target, must-have mustard pieces to get Jennifer Lopez & Olivia Palermo’s style, new movie trailers like Sisters starring TIna Fey & Amy Poheler, & the latest red carpet looks from celebrities including Eva Longoria & Reese Witherspoon. Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: Fall’s Must-Have Mustard Pieces, Inspired by Blake Lively, Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, & More!

Posted on August 15, 2015 by Alissa

One of the biggest colors to hit stores in anticipation of fall is mustard, a rich gold hue that’s perfect for transitioning from summer to a cooler, crisper season. It’s not as tricky a shade to pull off as one might think, especially when there’s so much celebrity inspiration to consider when it comes to dresses, separates, outerwear, & accessories that will redefine how you look at mustard, making your outfit pop. This is evident with the always perfect Blake Lively in a leather dress during Milan Fashion Week, Scream star Bella Thorne‘s street style in corduroy overalls, The Twilight Saga actress Ashley Greene‘s casual look in a boyfriend cardigan, & The Honest Company entrepreneur Jessica Alba in a midi length skirt paired with feminine black extras.

If an all-day mustard look just isn’t your thing, then take some inspiration from bold outerwear pieces on American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez & reality star Kim Kardashian West, as well as statement footwear on pop singer Taylor Swift whose pumps pop against her black & white outfit & socialite / designer darling Olivia Palermo for choosing to dress down her leather leggings with slipper flats.

Now comes the shopping possibilities with plenty of options for Style Darlings of all shapes & sizes, as well as smart shoppers on a budget, looking to get the most use & flare out of their wardrobe.

SHOP: 1. knot-front shirt ($14.90) @Forever 21, 2. plus self-tie front shirt ($17.90) @Forever 21, 3. midi pencil skirt ($33.00) @ASOS, 4. plus midi pencil skirt ($33.00) @ASOS, 5. swing jacket ($49.99, was $159.00) @Land’s End (shop similar plus size here), 6. ruffle chiffon dress ($21.77, was $38.19) @Rotita, & 7. plus jacket dress ($29.99, was $149.99) @Jessica London.

SHOP: 1. Michael Antonio heels ($27.99, was $49.00) @6PM, 2. faux suede d’orsay flat ($15.00) @Wet Seal, 3. wrap scarf ($5.00, was $10.99) @Charlotte Russe, & 4. St. John’s Bay crossbody bag ($33.00, was $55.00) @JCPenney.

SHOP: 1. tapered pant ($29.99) in burgundy @H&M (similar plus size available here), 2. off-shoulder tee ($19.90 – $22.90) in plum @Alloy (available in sizes XS – XXXL), 3. cocoon tee ($22.94) in brown @Old Navy (available in sizes XS – XXL), 4. moto jacket ($40.00) in navy @Dress Barn (available in plus size here), 5. Mossimo Supply Co. cardigan ($19.99) in black @Target (available in sizes XS – XXL), & 6. Michael Antonio bootie ($44.95, was $59.00) in olive @DSW (available in sizes 5-11).

SHOP: 1. houndstooth dress ($24.99, was $70.00) @JCPenney (shop similar plus size here), 2. Bungalow 20 one size plaid poncho ($52.00, was $62.00) @Bluefly, 3. leopard pointy pumps ($17.61, was $22.60) @GOjane, & 4. graphic floral scarf ($24.99, was $39.95) @The Limited.

Which A-lister wears mustard the best? Whose style inspires you for fall? Do you like to wear the golden hue? Where are you shopping for the biggest fall trends? For more posts, check out this fall’s hottest movie trailers including Joy & The Intern, the top 10 celeb looks from Allison Williams & Sarah Jessica Parker, how to wear chambray with inspiration from Zoe Saldana & Jennifer Garner, Kate Mara’s red carpet outfits & pixie cut, & affordable maxi skirts from ASOS & Dress Barn. Happy Styling!

Fabulous in 4 Ways: A Chambray Shirt for Day, Work, Date, & Weekend (Dedicated to Meghan)!

Posted on August 9, 2015 by Alissa

There’s nothing more classic than a crisp button down shirt. An extension of this is the chambray shirt for summer. While the season is at its height (let’s ignore fall for just a moment, please), a menswear-inspired chambray shirt is the perfect piece to get optimal use of your wardrobe for a variety of occasions, like day, work, weekend, & date, which is why it’s featured in my latest addition of Fabulous in 4 Ways.

This post is inspired by an equally versatile friend, Meghan, who works boho princess / bombshell prep street style like nobody’s business. When challenged with how to wear a chambray shirt, I advised my very favorite & fashionable friend that any way that a button down shirt can be styled is also any way that a chambray shirt can be styled (depending on the cut, of course). Here are some examples of must-haves tops to build an affordable ensemble at any size:

SHOP: 1. Dockers chambray shirt ($24.99, was $40.00) @6PM, 2. chambray shirt ($39.99, was $69.00) @J.Jill, 3. chambray shirt ($32.94) available in sizes XS – XXL @Old Navy, 4. New Directions plus size chambray shirt ($18.19, was 52.00) @Belk, & 5. plus size chambray shirt ($46.00) @Maurices.

When it comes to essential basics to fill your closet, it’s always valuable to turn to some top A-listers for a little style inspiration, in the form of the button down shirts for anytime. This includes the flawless likes of Taylor Swift who takes the girl next door approach in a skate skirt, red oxford shoes, & retro sunnies. Curvy Kim Kardashian West dresses down her turquoise pencil skirt & ankle strap pumps with a tucked in, low-cut button down for a fierce day look. Draper James creator Reese Witherspoon is all buttoned up while traveling with mixed textures of black denim, leather pointy flats, & a pink lip. Style icon Olivia Palermo makes an appearance at a Kohl’s event in a knotted shirt over a floral pencil skirt with suede pumps.

Mixing chambray with similarly-hued denim isn’t a no-no, as seen on Rihanna who looked sporty & chic in a leather baseball cap & nude slingbacks. Salem actress Ashley Madekwe is all about layering with a mini skirt, ankle booties, brocade blazer, & red chain link crossbody bag. Guardians of the Galaxy star Zoe Saldana kept her cool in head-to-toe blue with cowboy boots & aviators when out & about. Lastly, busy mom on the go Jennifer Garner offers a laid back combo in a chambray pullover shirt tucked into a pencil skirt with ballet flats & a luxe navy snake embossed bowler bag.

Now comes the real-life outfit possibilities. Chambray is so lightweight to wear from week to week, especially if you like to reinvent your favorite pieces in new ways. I styled each look with the chambray shirt ($19.50, was $69.50) @J.Crew Factory because it was not only a bargain, but also the best foundation for a polished & flirty look. Try tucking the shirt in for day by rolling up the sleeves, but on the weekend, open it up & knot it when heading to brunch.

SHOP the DAY look: 1. chambray shirt ($19.50, was $69.50) @J.Crew Factory, 2. pineapple earrings ($5.00, was $7.50) @Icing, 3. LC Lauren Conrad necklace ($8.00, was $20.00) @Kohl’s, 4. shorts ($13.98, was $19.99) in orange @Target, 5. Nine West crossbody bag ($19.99, was $45.00) in oat @Century 21, & 6. wedges ($31.49, was $89.99) in beige @Dillard’s.

SHOP the WEEKEND look: 7. earrings ($12.00) @Francesca’s, 8. tank ($16.95) in turquoise @Gap (available in sizes XS – XXL), 9. maxi skirt ($30.00) @Dress Barn (available in plus size here), 10. bangle set ($9.99, was $26.00) @JCPenney, 11. tote ($14.90) in cream / mustard @Forever 21, & 12. sandals ($15.00, was $22.99) in gold @Charlotte Russe.

Depending on your job’s dress code, chambray can make a casual Friday a little more elegant when tucked into a minimalist skirt with edgy extras, but then knot it over an LBD for date night to keep cozy with colorful accessories to pop.

SHOP the WORK look: 1. chambray shirt ($19.50, was $69.50) @J.Crew Factory, 2. cardigan cape ($34.00, was $108.00) in black @Neiman Marcus Last Call, 3. earrings ($10.50) in gold @G by Guess, 4. Daniel Rainn pencil skirt ($24.97, was $68.00) in black @Nordstrom Rack (shop similar in plus size here), 5. necklace ($15.00) in rose gold @Topshop, 6. bowler bag ($49.00, was $99.00) @ASOS, 7. belt ($24.90) in snake @Express (shop similar in plus size here), & 8. booties ($38.50) in black @GOjane.

SHOP the DATE look: 9. dress ($12.95) in black @H&M (shop similar in plus size here), 10. necklace ($8.99) @Rainbow Shops, 11. ring ($16.00) @River Island, 12. clutch ($29.00, was $43.00) in yellow @Venus, & 13. sandals ($39.95, was $70.00) in red @DSW.

Do you wear button down or chambray shirts during the summer? How many ways do you like to style them? Which celebrity wears your favorite chambray look? For more stylish posts, check out Kate Mara’s sleek pixie cut & outfits while promoting Fantastic 4, affordable maxi skirts inspired by Jennifer Lopez & Miranda Kerr, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s Fall 2015 denim campaign for Paige Denim, how to restyle bridesmaid dresses from Weddington Way, Eva Mendes for Estee Lauder, & a figure-friendly summer outfit for under $100! Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: Kate Mara’s ‘Fantastic 4’ Summer Fashion & Pixie Cut!

Posted on August 6, 2015 by Alissa

Fantastic 4 actress Kate Mara is an in-demand actress & surely a Style Darling to watch. The actress has been having one stylish summer, as spokesmodel for MaxMara & promoting the new summer blockbuster. She looks confident & sleek in mini dresses, A-line frocks, ankle strap sandals, pointy toe pumps, & a toussled pixie ‘do.

Kate Mara hit the MaxMara 2015 Women In Film event in a burgundy jumpsuit by MaxMara with strappy sandals & a black clutch. Then, for an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Kate was edgy in a black leather detailed David Koma mini dress with Jimmy Choo pointy toe pumps. She went for a black leather fit & flare dress by Valentino with black ankle strap sandals at the New York premiere of Fantastic 4. For a ladylike look, Kate wore a floral black & white Giambattista Valli mini dress with white Sophia Webster pointy toe pumps & an Emm Kuo clutch for an appearance on Live! With Kelly & Michael. At Comic Con, Kate dressed up in a jeweled gunmetal mini dress with by Valentino black ankle strap sandals.

For the Women In Film 2015 Crystal + Lucy Awards red carpet, Kate in a little black fit & flare dress by Max Mara with leopard print sequin pointy toe pumps. In Miami, Kate looked sweet a little white dress by J. Mendel with black detailing & black ankle strap sandals. Then, she switched it up for a military-inspired lace blouse by Sandro & Louis Vuitton mini skirt with jeweled yellow pumps at an Atlanta screening of Fantastic 4. During a press junket appearance in New York City, Kate dazzled in a pink tweed mini dress by Dior with red pointy toe wedges. Again in Dior, Kate picked in a red vest by the brand & cream shorts with nude pointy toe pumps at an Apple store event. Lastly, Kate kept it minimalist in a white A-line mini dress with red pointy toe wedges.

What do you think of Kate Mara’s summer of style? Do you like her new pixie cut? Which is your favorite look of hers? For more stylish posts, check out maxi skirts for summer inspired by Jennifer Lopez & Beyonce, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s fall denim campaign for Paige Denim, how to restyle a bridesmaid dress with looks from Weddington Way, Eva Mendes for Estee Lauder, & an affordable summer dress outfit for any size. Happy Styling!

Ad Madness: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s New Campaign for Paige Denim!

Posted on August 4, 2015 by Alissa

Model / actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is always on point when it comes to red carpet looks, street style, & when she’s working it on the runway & on camera. As the face & body of Paige Denim, the humanitarian for UNICEF & AIDS research advocate, continues to take the fashion world by storm with the brand’s newest campaign for fall denim. The collection includes plenty of leather outerwear, classic button down shirts, henleys & pullovers, printed jackets, & cozy knits, all of which will inspire your fall style.

PopSugar reports: “The supermodel, who collaborated with the brand’s founder Paige Adams-Geller, showed up to their initial Fall 2015 campaign meeting with shots of Kate Moss’s iconic model off-duty looks all over her Pinterest board. That served as the inspiration for the Autumn shoot, where Rosie worked with celebrity stylist Cher Coulter to channel Kate’s rock-and-roll appeal — a fitting tie-in for the brand’s new lineup of seasonal denim and its first collection of outerwear.”

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What do you think of Rosie’s campaign for Paige Denim? Do you shop the pricey denim brand? Where do you turn to for fall fashion inspiration? For more posts, check out how to restyle bridesmaid dresses beyond the wedding, Eva Mendes for Estee Lauder’s New Dimension skincare, an affordable summer dress look for under $100, & the latest red carpet looks from Diane Kruger & Cara Delevingne. Happy Styling!

Ad Madness: Eva Mendes for Estee Lauder’s New Dimension Skincare!

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Alissa

Eva Mendes is one busy woman- not only is she a mother, girlfriend of Ryan Gosling, fashion designer (for New York & Company), & cosmetics mogul (for Circa), she’s also a spokesmodel for Estee Lauder‘s New Dimension Skincare line, including serums & cosmetics to enhance the look of your skin. The Cuban-American beauty is flawless in the ads, featuring her warm honey complexion, killer cheekbones, & natural glow. When talking about her interest in representing the products (ranging in price from $58-$89), Eva shares with Estee Lauder her own experiences getting to know her face as an actress with, “I have an angular face and I kind of had to learn which angles were which, and how I could work that into a scene,” she continues. “It’s probably what was attractive to me about becoming an actress—the art of transformation.”

The actress made an appearance at a Miami mall to promote the line in a timeless Grecian-inspired Halston Heritage dress with pink ankle strap heels, discussing her experiences as a new mother & turning 40. Later in the day, Eva was spotted at the airport, looking every bit elegant as ever in a belted printed shirtdress & sandals. Though she’s known for her sexy roles & stylish magazine covers, any Style Darling can appreciate the busy day-to-day life of the working woman who’s just trying to take care of herself. For more on Eva’s beauty philosophy, check out Estee Lauder’s interview here.

What beauty products do you trust with your skin? Are you a fan of the New Dimension line from Estee Lauder? What concerns do you have about your skincare? Shop around for the best deals on Estee Lauder at Macy’s, Nordstrom, Sephora, Bloomingdale’s, & Neiman Marcus. For more posts, check out the newest from The $100 Challenge featuring an affordable summer dress for every size, the latest red carpet looks from Halle Berry & Olivia Palermo, Dress Barn’s Calvin Klein design for less, & Taylor Swift’s fashionable music videos from her 1989 album. Happy Styling!

Top 10 Celeb Sightings: Head-To-Toe Black & Summer Prints, Including Kate Hudson, Karlie Kloss, & More!

Posted on July 24, 2015 by Alissa

It’s been a big week for Style Darling Daily, but also the red carpet has been sizzling with plenty of style inspiration from our favorite celebrities. There are a lot of surprising trends this summer, including head to toe black looks, minimalist hues, & fun colors & prints. Anything is game this summer, so take a look!

Actress / Model Cara Delevingne went for head-to-toe black in an Alexander McQueen blouse with high-waist black pants & patent black pumps for an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers. German beauty Diane Kruger mixed prints in lattice-print separates & floral jacket by Giambattista Valli & black Stuart Weitzman sandals at Women in Film event. Freida Pinto was gorgeous in a black satin crepe Kate Spade New York jumpsuit with a white Kate Spade New York clutch & pumps at the Amazon Prime Summer Soiree. Oscar-winner Halle Berry made a red carpet appearance for the 2015 ESPY Awards in a lace-paneled LBD with leather accents, jewelry by Sylva & Cie, & black satin Brian Atwood sandals. Supermodel Karlie Kloss hit the Paper Towns red carpet in a minimalist nude & pink sheath dress with matching nude pumps.

Actress Kate Hudson showed some skin in a black cut-out sheer Julien Macdonald gown with a black minaudiere & ankle strap platforms at the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation Gala. Pixels star Michelle Monaghan took a risk in a red tailored Zac Posen shorts suit with LFrank mosaic earrings, an Edie Parker clutch, & nude sandals at a Dinner Honoring the Women of the film. Former Vampire Diaries actress Nina Dobrev was ethereal in a white & gold beaded Reem Acra gown, a sparkling Charlotte Olympia clutch, jewelry by Csarite, & sandals by Stuart Weitzman at the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation Gala. Style icon Olivia Palermo walked the streets of New York City in watercolor separates by Tularosa with a mustard bad & snakeskin ballet flats. At the premiere of Southpaw, Rachel McAdams mixed a classic & sexy look in a cut-out Self-Portrait LBD with diamonds by Tiffany & Co. & black Stuart Weitzman sandals.

Which look is your favorite? What’s your go-to summer trend? Are you on board with all the lace & sheer panels? Whose style do you follow? For more posts, check out a Calvin Klein dress for less at Dress Barn, Taylor Swift’s stylish music videos from 1989, ankle strap sandals inspired by Miranda Kerr & Jennifer Lawrence, & must-have summer wedges for $10 from Payless! Happy Styling!

07/17/2015 Darling of the Day: 5 Ways to Wear Chrissy Teigen’s Summer Menswear Separates!

Posted on July 17, 2015 by Alissa

Chrissy Teigen is winning the internet right now & why shouldn’t she be? The model / TV personality is all things gorgeous & brilliant with her impeccable style, legs for days, & eff-you sense of humor- no wonder hubby John Legend keeps writing songs about her! However, Style Darling is posting today to share Chrissy’s effortless menswear-inspired separates that she’s been sporting this summer (& last year too!). Like most curvy girls, I’m a little skeptical about wearing shorts, but reinterpreting Chrissy’s shorts + blazer + heels style seems to be a feasible possibility. I’ve scoured the web to find affordable separates to recreate her looks in 5 interchangeable & fashionable ways!

Chrissy was flawless in a pair of gray high-waist shorts, a cream blouse, & shorts with jewelry by Jennifer Meyer & lace cap-toe Kurt Geiger pumps at the NASDAQ Opening Bell in New York City. Last year, she rocked a cream shorts, a white A.L.C. blouse, jewelry by EF Collection & Vita Fede, & white pumps. Also in 2014, Chrissy wasn’t afraid of playing with texture in leather shorts by Halogen with an ASOS blazer, Givenchy bag, Express necklace, & black pointed toe pumps. Then, she combined a white tee with denim cut-offs & an ivory double-breasted blazer with a taupe fedora, studded white purse, & neutral mules. For the Cannes Film Festival, Chrissy was carefree in white shorts with a plunging top, blush blazer, ankle strap sandals, & sunglasses.

SHOP: LOOK 1. blazer ($24.99, was $59.00) in gray @Urban Outfitters, top ($7.00, was $17.95) in white @H&M, shorts ($14.99, was $29.50) in white eyelet (also available in navy, shop plus size here) @Dress Barn, & shoes ($12.49, was $30.99) @Charlotte Russe. LOOK 2. blazer ($20.00, was $50.00) in black @Boohoo, top ($10.83, was $21.28) @Romwe, shorts ($6.99, was $12.99) in black (also available in taupe & blue) @H&M, & shoes ($15.00, was $39.99) in brown (also available in silver) @Payless. LOOK 3. blazer ($24.80) in gray (also available in cream, burgundy, & black) @Forever 21, top ($4.99, was $29.99) in gray (also available in green, pink, & blue) @MANGO Outlet, shorts ($4.44, was $14.80) in khaki @Forever 21, & shoes ($35.00, was $70.00) in black @ALDO shoes. LOOK 4. blazer ($30.00, was $59.98) in nude @Missguided, top ($5.99, was $14.00) in black (available in other colors, &up to size 2x) @JC Penney, shorts ($12.00, was $26.94) in green (also available in black & white, up to size 20) @Old Navy, & shoes ($20.53, was $27.40) in taupe (also available in red & black) @GOjane. LOOK 5. blazer ($24.05) in white (also available in blue & peach) @ChicNova, top ($5.99, was $12.99) in blue (also available in white) @Charlotte Russe, shorts ($14.99, was $26.00) in black / white (also available in other patterns) @JC Penney, & shoes ($14.97, was $39.00) in black @Nordstrom Rack.

What do you think of Chrissy’s style? How do you like to wear menswear? Do you feel comfortable in shorts? For more stylish posts, check out a nine-piece outfit for under $100, Reese Witherspoon’s recent Draper James street style, summer-ready totes for $20 & under, & Chloe Grace Moretz’s Coach look. Happy Styling!

06/28/2015 Darling of the Day: Reese Witherspoon’s Chic Draper James Separates!

Posted on June 28, 2015 by Alissa

The always stylish Reese Witherspoon is more than just a red carpet darling. She’s taken her off-duty street style to a whole other level, especially since opening her online boutique & lifestyle site, Draper James. Her latest look in a floral pencil skirt (shop here @Draper James) with a classic Oxford shirt (shop similar here @Nordstrom) is the perfect way to mix up your work wardrobe for a combination of youthful & tasteful flare. Also, Reese accessorized her look with a black & gold chain cross-body bag (shop here @Draper James) & navy espadrilles (shop similar here @Zappos). Check out these four looks below inspired by Reese’s effortless, Southern style.

SHOP: 1. snap button down skirt ($19.90) in blue @Forever 21, 2. chambray shirt ($15.00, was $24.94) in light wash @Old Navy (available in XL & XXL), 4. short sleeve shirt ($23.99, was $34.99) in blue @ModCloth, 3. chambray shirt ($22.99) @Target (BOGO 50% off clothing, accessories, & shoes), 5. Worthington pencil skirt ($12.99, was $40.00) in multi @JC Penney, 6. floral pencil skirt ($22.00, was $28.00) in black floral @Shoptiques, 7. Thalia Sodi floral pencil skirt ($29.99, was $49.50) in blue combo @Macy’s, 8. floral midi pencil skirt ($16.00) in yellow floral @Boohoo, 9. sunglasses ($3.00, was $5.95) in black @H&M, 10. heart crossbody bag ($17.00) in black @Dorothy Perkins, 11. bangle watch ($11.99, was $24.99) in gold @Kohl’s, & 12. platform wedges ($25.99, was $64.99) in navy @Kohl’s.

What do you think of Reese’s street style? Do you like the way she’s styled her look? Have you checked out her website Draper James? For more stylish posts, check out affordable totes for summer, Chloe Grace Moretz’s recent red carpet look in Coach, bargain buys on statement jewelry, Lily James in Ralph Lauren, Eddie Borgo’s newest accessories collaboration with Target, & the latest Top 10 Celeb Sightings post featuring Taylor Swift & Mindy Kaling. Happy Styling!

06/21/2015 Darling of the Day: Cara Delevingne’s Starry Menswear Look for Less!

Posted on June 21, 2015 by Alissa

Supermodel Cara Delevingne is a star on the rise, aside from her catwalk fame & awesome-by-association with besties like Taylor Swift & Rihanna. She’s been getting major buzz since the world of fashion media caught wind of her killer street style & enviable red carpet looks. She’s a sure-fire Style Darling who takes risks in modern menswear, minimalistic chic ensembles, & utilitarian pieces, making her a style icon. Recently, she mixed up her off-duty style for an appearance in London in an Equipment star-print ruffled blouse (shop here @Farfetch) with a Saint Laurent blazer (shop here @Net-A-Porter), black skinny pants, initial pendants (shop similar here @Max & Chloe), & black ankle strap sandals (shop similar here @Calvin Klein) at a photo call for her new film, Paper Towns.

Cara’s look here is easy to duplicate, especially for a shopper on a budget. Using the always amazing & helpful site ShopStyle, I was able to recreate the outfit with some Cara-inspired look-alikes for under $100!

SHOP: 1. star blouse ($21.99, was $44.99) @Mango Outlet, 2. double-breasted blazer ($15.99, was $32.80) in black @Forever 21 (FREE SHIPPING with code 10ZCSYG, expires 6/25), 3. ELLE skinny leggings ($17.60, was $44.00) in black @Kohl’s (15% off with code JUNE15 online only, expires 6/21), 4. Michael Antonio Jayvix-Sue ankle strap sandals ($32.99, was $49.00) in black @6PM, 5. BCBGeneration initial pendant ($9.99, was $25.00) in silver-gold @Saks Off Fifth, & 6. retro ring set ($2.75) @ChicNova.

What do you think of Cara’s menswear look? Does her style inspire your wardrobe this season? Are you looking forward to seeing Paper Towns in theaters? For more stylish posts, check out luxury look-alikes of gold wedge espadrilles from Michael Kors & Payless, my summer must-haves including affordable maxi dresses & cute tote bags, & stylish celeb sightings from Victoria Beckham & Kate Hudson! Happy Styling!

#RedCarpet Review: Every Look From The 2015 #MetGala, Featuring Beyoncé, Jennifer Lawrence, Sarah Jessica Parker, & More!

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Alissa

Last night’s #MetGala at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art honored Asian-inspired fashion with Anna Wintour‘s latest exhibition, China: Through the Looking Glass. In attendance were top A-listers from the realms of fashion, music, Hollywood, & more, wowing on the red carpet & showing support for the art of fashion. Some of the greatest risk takers of the night included Rihanna in a stunning over-the-top gold design by Guo Pei, Beyoncé‘s barely there shimmering gown by Givenchy, Jennifer Lopez who showed off her best assets in a Versace design, Sarah Jessica Parker‘s collaboration with H&M & a masterfully crafted Philip Treacy headpiece, the always elegant Kerry Washington in a pink Prada confection, & Anne Hathaway‘s futuristic & sleek hooded gold gown by Ralph Lauren.

Of course, there are plenty of glamour & daring fashion feats in the slideshow below to feed your celebrity red carpet style obsession. Who wore your favorite look? Will you be headed to NYC to check out the exhibit? Who missed the mark on the red carpet? Happy Styling!

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Runway Rundown: Valentino’s Spring 2015 Couture Collection from Paris!

Posted on February 6, 2015 by Alissa

When it comes to romance, Valentino‘s Spring 2015 Couture collection embodied the theme with inspiration from literature & art, including excerpts from Shakespeare & Dante, as well as paintings by Chagall. The evidence is clear in corseted dresses, tapestry materials, the flow & whimsy of chiffon, saturated neutrals, floral appliques, & caftan shapes. Clearly the Valentino woman is searching for love, adventure, truth, & beauty. The collection comes just in time for this weekend’s Grammy Awards, as well as the Oscars at the end of the month, with plenty of red carpet inspiration for loyal celebrities of the brand to pursue, including Keira Knightley, Amanda Seyfried, Jennifer Lopez, Emma Stone, Nicole Kidman, & Zoe Saldana.

Which look is your favorite from the collection? Who do you think would look gorgeous in any of these dresses? Do you like Valentino’s vision for romance on the runway? For more posts from Runway Rundown, check out galleries from the Spring 2015 Couture collections of Giambattista Valli, Alexandre Vauthier, Viktor & Rolf, Schiaparelli, Elie Saab, Atelier Versace, & Christian Dior. Happy Styling!

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Accessories Access: Front to Back Earrings & Ear Cuffs, Inspired by Emma Stone, Lupita Nyong’o, & More!

Posted on January 30, 2015 by Alissa

One of the biggest jewelry trends to hit the red carpet, runway, & stores including dazzling ear cuffs & sophisticated front to back earrings. I’m crazy for earrings, especially because I have five piercings in each ear, but for those who don’t dare to go under the gun, an ear cuff is the perfect solution. Also, when a stud needs a little something extra, a front to back earring is both delicate & trendy.

Ear cuffs have been spotted & ogled on the red carpet as recently as this year’s Screen Actor’s Guild Awards & last year’s Met Gala. From the looks of Oscar-winner Jennifer Lawrence, supermodel Cara Delevingne, America’s sweetheart Emma Stone, & British beauty Keira Knightley, this look is here to stay.

Also, when it comes to front to back earrings, Hollywood’s chicest celebrities wear them for day & evening occasions. This includes style icon Sarah Jessica Parker, actress Lupita Nyong’o, former House of Cards star Kate Mara, & red carpet regular, Emma Watson.

Both jewelry trends can be obtained & styled to your heart’s content, especially for a budget shopper. Not only do they serve a date night outfit, but they can instantly dress up a daytime look with details like pearls, rhinestones, flowers & leaves, spikes, & flirty shapes.

SHOP: feather cuff ($7.00) @Boohoo, pearl cuff ($12.00) @Nasty Gal, hoop ear cuff ($7.99) @MANGO, & rhinestone cuff set ($5.90) @Forever 21.

SHOP: flower stud front to back earrings ($8.00) @River Island, pearl front to back earrings ($12.00) @Topshop, stone cluster front to back earrings ($7.99) @Target, & rhinestone ear jackets ($3.90) @Forever 21.

Which earring trend are you following? Do you prefer gold or silver? Which celebrity do you think is pulling off the trend the best? For more stylish posts, check the latest Spring 2015 Couture collections from Schiaparelli & Christian Dior, how to dress for your body shape, Reese Witherspoon’s preppy look for less, the complete red carpet gallery from this year’s Screen Actors Guild Awards & Golden Globes, & spring dress predictions inspired by Allison Williams & Camilla Belle. Happy Styling!

Basics for a Bargain: Pretty & Patterned Separates To Amp Up Your Solids (Dedicated to Lisa)!

Posted on January 29, 2015 by Alissa

When it comes to new style resolutions for 2015, an easy way to spruce up a boring wardrobe or upgrade to a more mature style is to step outside of your comfort zone & that starts with prints. An attention to detail immediately shows off your personality & gives off a very positive first impression. I’ve learned (from shows like What Not to Wear) that when you put a thoughtful effort into what you’re wearing, you’ll have more confidence & the people around you will notice. I’d like to dedicate this post to my favorite cousin, Lisa, who has turned to me with advice & questions on how to dress more appropriate to her age, while shopping on a budget & discovering who she is through her own personal style.

When it comes to prints, there are a lot of opportunities to discover your personal style, which is why I turned to recent Spring 2015 Ready-To-Wear runway collections for a little inspiration of what’s trending this coming spring.

Of course, not all of these outfits are meant to be taken literally as inspiration, but it’s apparent that the range of prints, from classic to crazy, will instantly amp up any look, including those from Altuzarra, Dries Van Noten, Louis Vuitton, & Valentino.

Also, when it comes to prints, mixing separates with basics is the perfect way to build a variety of outfits for day, work, night, & weekend looks, as seen with these tops & sweaters on actress Jessica Alba, model Miranda Kerr, Glee star Lea Michele, fashion darling Alexa Chung, singer Gwen Stefani, & it-girl Kendall Jenner.

Also, A-listers know how to play with prints when it comes to bottoms, which is why I sought out chic printed shorts, skirts, & pants. Examples include The Americans star Keri Russell, Victoria’s Secret supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio, Oscar nominee Reese Witherspoon, TV personality Kelly Ripa, style icon Olivia Palermo, & actress / fashion blogger Jamie Chung.

And so… with a budget shopper in mind, I’ve searched high & low to find great deals on stylish printed separates. First, these printed tops are great building blocks to a more sophisticated look, when layered with staples like a military or moto jacket, flyaway cardigan or cropped bolero, or with leather leggings, tuxedo pants, dark denim jeans, or bootcut trousers.

SHOP: printed tank ($22.50) @Neiman Marcus, lace tee ($14.97) @Old Navy, print top ($22.80) @Nordstrom, & black top ($22.90) @Forever 21.

Also, printed blouses are must-haves when you’d like to sport a clean, professional look. Not only do smaller patterns work on flowy toppers, but they’re great for when you really want to go all out with your prints & mix them with other bolder prints, like animal spots, polka dots, colorblocked stripes, & many more.

SHOP: heart blouse ($24.99) @Kohl’s & shirt ($29.94) @Old Navy.

In these colder months, printed sweaters are a fun way to play with patterns, while also staying warm. Also, sweaters in different textures will surely show off a variety of colors to play with when it comes to accessories too!

SHOP: lace sweater ($27.80) @Forever 21 & animal sweater ($32.99) @LOFT.

When headed to the office in a dress or skirt outfit, try on a printed cardigan to wear open or closed over basics like a button down shirt, scoop neck tee, tie-neck blouse, or ruffled camisole.

SHOP: houndstooth cardigan ($22.99) @Target & snake cardigan ($11.93) @LOFT.

When it comes to bottoms, we’re often so quick to pick out a pair of jeans or leggings, but wearing prints on your lower half is unexpected & certainly a way to get the most out of your solid tops, like a black turtleneck, three-quarter sleeve sweater, or pocket tee. However, printed skirts are fun since you can not only layer with neutrals, but also enhance your look with a pop of color.

SHOP: plaid pencil skirt ($24.99) @Target & zebra skirt ($29.95) @H&M.

Maxi skirts are everywhere & great when headed on vacation, to a day by the water, or lunch with the girls, which is why playing with printed maxi skirts has so many possibilities, especially with metallic gladiator sandals, riding boots with button details, & textured wedges.

SHOP: snake maxi skirt ($30.00) in blue @Dress Barn & print maxi skirt ($30.00) in coral @Dress Barn.

For those who dare to wear shorts, think outside of the box with printed shorts in delicate fabrics. not only can these be perfect for day, but they’re easy to dress up with decadent pieces in lace, leather, & brocade.

SHOP: chevron shorts ($23.30) @Saks Off Fifth & shorts ($24.99) @Kohl’s.

Printed pants aren’t new, but not everyone gives them a chance, especially when concerned about emphasizing your assets in an unflattering way. However, loose-fitting pants in subtle prints are perfect for neutral tops & jackets when on the go. These are also great for pairing with ballet flats or pointy toe stilettos.

SHOP: pants ($12.00) @H&M & stripe pants ($19.99) @JC Penney.

Lastly, I’m certainly not saying that anyone should abandon jeans in any way, but perhaps instead of wearing regular washes, try a printed jean, which will not only perk up a casual look, but will surprise those around you, especially when paired with a blouson top, graphic tee, or tunic sweater.

SHOP: camo jeans ($26.55) @Lord & Taylor & floral jeans ($24.99) @6PM.

Must-have prints to have in your wardrobe, yet worn with caution, include polka dots, animal prints, graphics, modern florals, lace, stripes & chevron, tribal, plaid, & houndstooth. I even made a quick guide to learning prints, which will perhaps also serve as a chart on how to successfully mix prints too.

Which prints are you naturally drawn to wear? How do you like to wear prints? Do you mix prints with solids regularly? For more stylish posts, check out all of the runway looks from Christian Dior’s Spring 2015 Ready-To-Wear collection, tips on how to dress your body type, the complete red carpet gallery of this year’s Screen Actor’s Guild Awards, & spring dress predictions inspired by designers Erin Fetherston & Nanette Lepore! Happy Styling!

1/28/2015 Darling of the Day: Reese Witherspoon Goes Preppy Professional!

Posted on January 28, 2015 by Alissa

With all the attention on awards season buzz, we can’t forget to catch celebrities at their stylish best even when they’re not on the red carpet or promoting their latest film. One such example of that is Reese Witherspoon who plays up a stylish winter-in-LA look with a mint green button down shirt, flirty black skirt, Ray Ban wayfarers (shop here, $165.00), & Jimmy Choo booties (shop here, $1,150.00) . This is a perfectly professional & preppy ensemble that’s very possible for a Style Darling‘s budget.

SHOP: Jones New York shirt ($20.99) @6PM, skirt ($29.95) @H&M, Hanes tights ($12.00) @Macy’s, Michael Antonio booties ($34.94) @DSW, carryall ($39.99) @JC Penney, sunglasses ($8.48) @Target, necklace ($7.80) @Forever 21, & earrings ($9.90) @Express. TOTAL: $164.05.

What do you think of Reese’s preppy street style? Where do you shop for professional separates? For more stylish posts, check out Red Carpet Review galleries of the Screen Actors Guild Awards, Golden Globes, & Critic’s Choice Awards, as well as spring dress predictions featuring Julianne Moore & how to style a statement necklace like Katy Perry. Happy Styling!

#RedCarpet Review: #2015SAGAwards #BestDressed Gallery, Featuring Sofia Vergara, Jennifer Aniston, Emmy Rossum, & More!

Posted on January 26, 2015 by Alissa

Last night’s Screen Actor’s Guild Awards were full of red carpet surprises from veteran A-listers like Cake nominee Jennifer Aniston (in vintage Galliano), Birdman‘s Emma Stone (in Dior Couture), America’s sweetheart Julia Roberts (in Givenchy), Homeland‘s Claire Danes (in Marc Jacobs), & last year’s it-girl, Lupita Nyong’o (in Elie Saab). Also, there were plenty of newcomers who made an impact, including many Orange is the New Black winners like Uzo Aduba (in Angel Sanchez) & Danielle Brooks (in Christian Siriano), as well as Game of Thrones‘ Maisie Williams (in Self-Portrait).