Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Let Your Leopard Trench Do All The Work!


Sometimes when you’re putting an outfit together & a jacket is the best way to complete your look, you need something more than a basic beige, gray, or black piece of outerwear, which is why I’ve chosen to feature the leopard print trench coat ($30.00) from Charlotte Russe.

It’s currently marked down from its original $39.99 price tag & is available in sizes XS – XL.  It’s perfect for dressing up an all-black ensemble, or if you’d like to show off your personality against this season’s trend of brightly colored jeans.

If you’re looking to add a little leopard into your wardrobe, just make sure that when you put your outfit together that this is the only animal-inspired piece.  You don’t wanna look like you’re wearing a costume, especially when this look is just so chic when worn with neutrals & other minimal pieces.

While the weather is still transitioning from cool to warm in these early days of spring, at least here in New York, it’s good to keep a stylish trench in reach for more than just those pesky rainy days.  If you’re out & about on a cool morning, throw this on with any office look consisting of a skirt suit or cardigan & trousers separates.  Not to mention that this trench makes a statement that you’re not afraid to take fashion risks.  Of course, bold red or fuchsia trenches are feminine & flirty- that goes without saying, but why not try something as timeless as leopard print?

To check out more animal-inspiration love featured here on Style Darling, take a look at ballet flats from Nine West, a wrap top from Target, & tips on how to revamp your accessories collection in The $100 Challenge! Also, for more from Quickie Darling Deal & Steal, check out some recent posts including flat fever for spring @Payless, clearance deals @White House Black Market, & a bright dress from ASOS! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Romantic Flats from Forever 21, Inspired By Fine Italian Designs!


I wanted to share some of my favorite images from my shopping adventures during my most recent trip to Italy.  I went on a tour to the beautiful city of Montepulciano (& visited the amazing Bindella winery), & during my afternoon stroll throughout the city, I found a cute little leather goods store which sold shoes, bags, belts, & other fine quality Italian merchandise.  Among such splendors of style, I took pictures of these flats.  I loved the jewel & feather details, as well as their feminine round toe and cap toe shapes.

I was shopping around on some of my favorite websites of American stores & naturally, I found myself visiting Forever 21.  Then, I came across these two pairs of flats, which brought my right back to that little shop in Montepulciano.  The faceted rhinestone flats in black ($17.80) & embellished rhinestone flats ($17.80) may not be made of real leather, but the price tag is very budget-friendly.

I’ve been wearing a lot of ballet flats recently since I suffered a minor ankle injury during my travels, so naturally I’ve been trying to make them work in the most flattering way possible for my wardrobe.  For more fashionable posts on flats, check out what I’ve found from Charlotte Russe, Nine West, & Topshop! Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: Be Bright in Green for 2012!


In looking ahead to the bold fashions of 2012, I’m loving green, which just so happens to be my favorite color.  Although I believe there’s a time & place for a pop of green & wouldn’t recommend this dress with any of these shoes at the same time!

I’m absolutely nuts for this fitted, knee-length dress ($34.95) from H&M, available in sizes 4-16.  Not only is it date-friendly, but it’s also great to transition from the office to happy hour with girlfriends.  You can make it all your own by adding a leather blazer or embellished cardigan.  Perhaps accessories like a studded belt, bib necklace, or textured tights will also bring out the bold color of the anytime sheath dress.

Since we’re on the subject of green, I’m dying for these three pairs of green heels, all from Charlotte Russe.  Right now you can take advantage of the site-wide sale on shoes: Buy 1, Get 1 for $15.50!  The studded platform satin pumps ($40.00) are a fun way to mix things up with your favorite LBD.  If you wanna try something more lush & regal, the velvet platform peep toe pump ($35.50) shows off your flirty side.  Also, the knotted velvet platform pump ($40.00) is sexy for a single girl’s night out.

Don’t be afraid of green & don’t pay any mind to the Kermit the Frog jokes.  For some celebrity inspiration, take a look at Amanda Seyfried in Prabal Gurung @Comic Con in San Diego & Gwyneth Paltrow in a shimmering Elie Saab gown at the Bambi Awards. Check out more Color Me Style posts here, including Hailee Steinfeld in yellow & the hunt for the perfect red shoe! Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: Encrusted Belts By Lanvin @Bergdorf Goodman Vs. An Under $5.00 Find From Charlotte Russe!


Do you need something special & embellished in a belt for this holiday season?  Well, check out these two belts!  Of course, nothing can compare to the luxury & craftsmanship behind the Lanvin label, one that is celebrated by actresses like Emma Stone, Natalie Portman, & Charlize Theron.  However, the price tag for a piece from the legendary brand is way out of budget, along with most of the other fashionable items sold @Bergdorf Goodman.

So in place of the crystal-encrusted clover belt ($1266.00) by Lanvin, here’s a much more inexpensive option that can be found @Charlotte Russe.  The black-gem stretch belt ($4.49) is currently reduced in price from $9.50 & will transform any sheath dress with some jewelry-inspired glamour.

For more Luxury Look-Alikes for Less, check out previous posts featuring embellished clutches, nude booties, & chandelier earrings! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Last-Minute Stocking Stuffers ($15 & Under)!


I managed to make my way to the local mall last night, just to assist the bestie in finding some secret Santa gifts.  I was not surprised at the amount of shoppers still remaining walking about, frantically in search to complete their gift list.  Or maybe I’m wrong & they’re all shopping for themselves?  Anyway, sometimes there’s more to life than building a quality, but affordable wardrobe, so I wanted to take a quick minute to feature some really cute stocking stuffer gifts for the last-minute Style Darling to consider.

Some of my favorite stores for accessories like Charlotte Russe & Forever 21 have affordable gift selections, which makes shopping all the more easier! If you have a friend who’s always listening to music on their iPod, or some other device with headphones, then maybe consider jazzing up their setup with a heart headphone splitter ($9.50), which is adorable adorned with pink rhinestones.  Also, to keep with the sparkly theme, I know I’m always looking for a new bobby pins & the multicolor bobby pin set ($4.50) which has 60-pins in total is just the way to go when I’m looking to tie my bangs back & coordinate it with my outfit too!

Also, for a Style Darling on a budget, I know I’m always keeping track of my coins.  I like to collect them every so often until I can’t zip my wallet closed & then deposit the loose change into my savings.  There’s another $20 or so set aside that I didn’t even know I had.  So… the sparkling piggy bank ($14.80) in pink may be just the thing for me to see how long I can go to fill it up before I make that deposit.  Perhaps, if that’s too much pink for the Style Darling in your life, there’s also one available in clear rhinestones!  This makes an especially fun gift since trying to save more money each year is among the most popular of resolutions.

As a writer, I would absolutely love the filigree pen holder ($4.80), which makes for a stylish addition to any desk.  It’s also great for storing little beauty necessities like bobby pins, cosmetic brushed, or to decorative with a votive inside.  Maybe if you use it to hold pens, it can serve your 2012 resolution of taking the time to put together hand-written notes, a dying art since Facebook, text messaging, & Skype are just a click away these days.

What better way to look forward to 2012, especially the fabulous & upcoming spring styles than with a leopard print umbrella ($6.50).  When you can’t quite make an animal print work in your outfit, here’s an easy solution to finding a way to show off your wild side.  Plus it’s super tiny & can fit in most tote bags to carry with you when inclement weather may or may not be on its way!

Where do you shop for last-minute gift items?  Is there something on here that I missed?  Would you find any of these picks useful for yourself? Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: An Oscar de la Renta Belt Vs. A Bargain $9.50 Belt!


It’s been a while since I posted something in Luxury Look-Alikes for Less & what better way to do that than with a belt? I’m always drooling away on the Neiman Marcus website & Oscar de la Renta is one of my favorite designers to check out from season-to-season.  I found the alligator-embossed leaf belt ($750.00) in peanut which had a really great thickness to it, which would look perfect over a sweater dress or help jazz up an LBD.

However, since the price is out of range, I found the linked front stretch belt ($9.50) in cognac from Charlotte Russe. Although the bargain belt does not have the leaf accent, its natural hue is rich & would cinch in your waist when wearing a sheath dress or for a tunic top over leggings.  It can dress up something as casual as an oversized tee or help make a ruffled blouse & pants more casual for day time. Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: My Favorite New Belt & Flats from Charlotte Russe!


I know I posted a Quickie Darling Deal & Steal post yesterday about affordable leggings, but I was so excited to find these items this afternoon that I couldn’t help but repeat the category!  Don’t you love a great sale on this holiday weekend?

During a quickie trip to the mall on this sunny, summery Columbus Day, I stopped in @Charlotte Russe b/c at the entrance, there was a sign to text “78953” & you could get any number of discounts, including $5.00 off your purchase.  I was snooping around the store for some affordable finds & came across this lurex front belt ($9.50), which answers the question for me: Do I want to wear my gray belt? Or the black one?

Also, there was a wall of flats that had been recently marked down.  I’m always looking for a cute way to relieve my feet after a long day in heels, or a dressy way to keep my feet comfortable if I know that heels just aren’t an option (on those very rare occasions).  I love these pleated satin ballet flat ($10.00) in champagne, which were originally priced for $19.50.  I know they’ll be perfect as we get closer to the holidays & the satin fabric makes any casual look just a bit fancier & more feminine.

I continued to scour the store & picked out a beaded bracelet & matching necklace b/c select styles of jewelry were 2 for $10.  In addition, I picked up a few basic tanks for under $5.00  By the end of my shopping trip, I used my $5 off coupon code that I received via text, in addition to an extra 10% off on the non-sale items, for being a student & providing my student ID.

Have you found any killer style deals?  Where are your favorite places to shop for fun extras like these?  Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: The Hunt for the Red Shoe (Dedicated to Rosie)!


Recently, my best friend, Rosie, revealed to me that she wants some red shoes.  My first instinct was to be her shoe guide, & also get a good blog out of it!  While our styles & tastes are very different, I was proud to go on the hunt to find shoes that meet her very specific needs: not too high. Standard heel size for me is four inches, but I found these styles that Rosie should try on whether she’s trying to look sexy for a date night & keep her daytime office look both professional & polished.

These selected shoes do vary in price range since Rosie would be investing in one perfect pair of red pumps, whereas other weak-minded & footed Style Darlings like me, shoe obsessed & all would be seeking to own many different styles of red confectionary footwear.

First we have the ‘Ramone’ satin slingback platform style from Nine West for $89.00 which is perfect with a pair of dress pants, leggings, or your favorite LBD.  It has just the right amount of detail & toe cleavage to attract attention.  Probably the safest bet for a girl like Rosie who’s conventional & cute, the bow front cone heels from Charlotte Russe for $28.00.  The patent leather makes them cocktail-ready, but also restrained enough for daytime with capris & a flirty blouse.  If looking for something more elegant, just for night-time, I always recommend red in satin b/c it’s just so pretty, like the Caparros ‘Harriet’ pump from DSW for $24.94, which are also available in black for a formal occasion!

The ankle wrap pump comes courtesy of Payless by Silvia Tcherassi for $54.99. I’ve already checked & these are too loud for my friend, but do make for the proper statement red shoe if you want to shoe off your wild side.  Madden Girl by Steve Madden has created these comfortable deep red patent leather round toe pumps, available @Zappos for $49.95 that are the least likely to give your feet any pain with very modest 3-inch heel.  You just can’t go wrong with a basic pair of red pumps like the ‘Arnoldoa’ from ALDO that are marked down from $70.00 to $34.98 right now!

Do you have a favorite pair of red shoes?  Do you like red shoes or think they’re too Dorothy-esque?  How high is too high in a heel for you?  Which are your go-to spots to shop for red shoes?  Which pair would you recommend for Rosie?  Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Hip Hair Accessories ($10 & Under)!


When you’re having fun out & about in the sun, it’s sometimes too hot out to keep your hair down (unless you’re lucky enough to live in one of those always-perfect climates).  However, an easy fix to keeping your hair stylish amid the weather is with hair accessories.  Back in October, I featured The Stylish Five: Get Happy About Headbands ($10 & Under)!, so I’m pretty well-versed in hair-ware!  Featuring clips, pins, & headbands is always fun b/c there’s just so much variety with feathers, rhinestones, animal prints, & flowers.

Here I’ve selected a rhinestone encrusted headband for $5.80 @Forever 21, which is perfect to dress up a basic tee or to put with something dressier like a cocktail dress (very Blair Waldorf!).  Next up, add some flair with feathers in this clip duo from Wet Seal for $7.00.  They’re cute for pulling back bangs or clipping onto the top of your ponytail! I love pulling my bangs back (in between haircuts) with a bobby pin & the extra delicate daisy detail just screams summer, available @Fred Flare for $6.00! Another fun accessory is a single flower clip like the green one from Target for $3.99.  If you’re crafty, you can even attach a safety-pin to it to wear on the lapel of your blazer or on a canvas tote bag!  Lastly, I saved my favorite, a “leopard blossom” headband, perfect to jazz up an LBD or summer romper.  Check it out @Charlotte Russe for a mere $6.50! Check back for more on The Stylish Five!  Happy Styling!

7/25/11 Darling of the Day: Pippa Middleton’s Casual Chic Day Look!


Pippa Middleton is making her second appearance here on Style Darling in a week (previously featured wearing a denim dress in Basics for a Bargain), so you know there’s some serious stuff going on with this famous British sister!  Pippa was caught out & about in May, strolling around London in a super hip, yet easy ensemble which includes a basic black blazer, red top, & skinny Hudson jeans.  She accessorized her look with Gucci sunglasses & a Modalu handbag.

During my search for comparable & affordable items, I was able to out together two looks for both Women’s & Plus Sizes.  These include blazers from Target & Torrid, tops from Bebe & One Stop Plus, & lastly, skinny jeans from Express & Torrid.

For the accessories, I really lucked out on bargain-priced items with a pair of sunglasses for $5.80, lace-up booties for $6.99 (YES $6.99!), & a camel shoulder bag for $32.80, all @Forever 21! As for the jewelry, the pair of drop earrings are from the Simply Vera Vera Wang collection @Kohl’s for $9.00.  Lastly, Charlotte Russe was my go-to resource for the rhinestone necklace, as well as the flower wreath ring & intertwined rhinestone ring, both $4.00!

These are the basic items that are the foundation to any great outfit.  She remains classic, chic, & very cool in this look that can be worn for a casual day at the office, running errands on the weekends, or even if you’re headed out to a quick meeting at a trendy cafe.  I recently had the argument about cardigans being so much more fabulous than blazers, but here is where the opposite is true.  I love how adding a blazer to a primary-colored top & basic pair of jeans (any style- flared, skinny, straight, or wide), adds a little more polish to the typically casual outfit.  Be sure to check out more Darling of the Day posts, including 48 photos of the Style Darling, courtesy of In Style’s Photo Gallery! Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: Animal Print Espadrilles by Jimmy Choo Vs. A Darling Charlotte Russe Deal!


Espadrilles are perfect for warm weather days.  The natural feel & look of shoes like these make for a chic way to finish off a lightweight summer dress & bangles, a casual day in a sleeveless shirtkhaki shorts, & a shoulder bag, or for a date night in a dolman top & pencil skirt.  What I love most of these two items is the animal print, which is an interesting contrast against fashionable textures like denim, linen, or cotton.  Of course snake & leopard prints are very different & so are the colors in the shoes, but here we have two adorable heels, but the difference in price is in the hundreds of dollars!  One style is a fabulous Jimmy Choo creation that goes for nearly $400 @Neiman Marcus & the other is a super steal @Charlotte Russe for $32.50. What animal prints are you loving this season?  Where are your favorite places to shop for spring deals?  Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: Fabulous Lanvin Flats!


For a fresh take on evening or to dress up a casual day look, why not go for a jeweled ballet flat? While checking out this delightfully informative & stylish post by Marie Claire, I was inspired to reinvent a previous post about these gorgeously feminine Lanvin navy flats.  They are quite the hefty investment at $760.00, but with a little online surfing, there’s a great variety out there for inexpensive look-alikes.  Instead of knee-high boots with dark tights & a sweater dress, or ankle boots with skinny jeans & a flyaway knit, this embellished option will turn heads. 

                                       

Some of my favorite sources for great, fun flats include Payless, Charlotte Russe, Wet Seal, & Forever 21.  Which stores do you love to shop in for flats?  Which brand is your go-to when it comes to comfortable shoes?  Any comments, questions, or suggestions are always welcome!  Happy Styling!