During my recent escapade into the world of home organization—mainly for my cloffice & bedroom wardrobe space—I made an investment in pieces & fixtures to house my accessories collection. Although, my ambition was larger than it should have been since finally unpacking my duds & getting my sparkly style ducks in a row. Additionally, my favorite storage piece to keep in my bedroom for quick access to my most favorite & precious long strand necklaces & chain bracelets doesn’t even look like a typical organizer or jewelry box, which is exactly why I love it!
I decided to keep them in my bedroom for quick access, especially on a weekend when I don’t usually plan my outfits ahead of time, so that I could grab a staple long necklace & bracelet if a day of errands turned into family dropping by or going out to eat. Most pieces in each organizer are either neutral / all-purpose jewelry that would go with basically anything or something so special & treasured I want it handy right away. See below how it all turned out:
This is what it looks like closed!
They’re atop another duo of jewelry organizers & even though they’re a stark white against the ivory & beige tones of the bedroom, they’re so compact & useful, I actually don’t mind.
When it comes to fabrics & patterns, I have a set of what I like that suits my style. Not included in that is anything leather or faux leather, besides belts or shoes. A faux leather detail on a pant or top isn’t unheard-of for me, but a whole piece in it makes me fearful of overheating in the office, classroom, or during a special occasion. However, one affordable faux leather dress has me inspired & rethinking my whole point of view on the material.
Scoop’s faux leather pleated strapless midi dress in black, olive, or aubergine @Walmart ($54.00, available in sizes XS-XXL) is a machine washable polyester-spandex must-have piece in a timeless length to wear all year long—for real. The sweetheart neckline, A-line silhouette, & pleated midi skirt scream feminine, but juxtapose with an edgy look from the fabric.
Both Carrie Bradshaw & Blair Waldorf would wear this! This could be styled for day under a tied button-down shirt, blazer, & stilettos; under a slouchy sweater with knee boots & stacked bangles for fall; & with a studded cardigan, drop earrings, & ankle strap heels. For nighttime, try this with a choker & PVC heels, sparkling platforms & a leather jacket, or ankle boots & a neon clutch. Also, I thinking about the color combinations with the olive & aubergine options, mixing denim, brocade, plaid, houndstooth, or lace with it.
When it comes to prepping for the work week, most people schedule & plan out meals for lunch during work, but also at home, whether you’re single or providing for an entire family. However, on top of that, something that I try to do to make my harried mornings a little easier is outfit prep. A typical Sunday night includes me picking out 5-6 full outfits & folding them in a neat pile in order of when I will wear them so that I can get ready steadily each morning before I’m about to get my pre-schooler dressed & fed, along with embarking on my hour-long commute. Here are my steps to outfit prepping success:
1. Check the weather & your schedule. No matter the season, checking the weather will be helpful. For me, hot days mean dresses & laser cut flats with a lightweight sweater for the air conditioned office. Likewise, snow or rain mean that I need to be conscious of footwear & hair styling. Also, if you have an important meeting or post-work event, take into account how your outfit can transition.
2. Build the whole look. Even if I know I’ll be removing a cardigan or other layer for most of the day, I always keep one handy. I’m a cardigan girl, so all of my outfits include either a button-down, flyaway, or cropped topper to complete the look. I try to mix it up each day with length & color, so it doesn’t look like I’m wearing the same piece each day. Also, I put together a top with pants or a skirt & make a note of the shoes I’ll wear somewhere on my phone. I have too many shoes, so it’s worth it—for me—to ensure that I’m varying them each day. If it’s going to be a hectic week, of course, I’ll repeat out if sheer comfort needs!
3. Pre-select accessories. I have little dishes on my bedroom dresser handy for accessories, in addition to my jewelry boxes & trays that are organized by metal type. Upon selecting the outfit pieces, topper, & shoe, the accessories come next. I usually only do this for 2 days in advance to avoid cluttering my dresser Monday through Friday. This also ensures that I’m putting my jewelry away each day too. I have 5 piercings in each ear, so I select which earring will be the main one, if it’s a drop, hoop, or stud, & then grab a card or 2 of smaller options for my other holes that I’ll grab easily as I’m getting dressed. This applies to necklaces & bracelets too. Also, if I need a belt, I pick one that coordinates with my jewelry.
4. Check for imperfections. I don’t really own much that needs to be ironed or steamed, but I like to plan in advance for those outfits. Rather than folding them on my dresser, as seen below, I’ll steam ahead of time & leave the item hanging somewhere they won’t be in the way if I’m not wearing it until the end of the week & where it will remain in tact. The same goes for checking for fit, holes, missing buttons, stains, etc. You don’t want to be halfway to work when you realize that there’s something irreversibly wrong—in the moment—with your outfit, especially right before a major meeting too!
5. Grab an extra look. I sometimes get overly ambitious with an outfit that I plan, but then when the day comes & maybe the weather changes or I’m feeling bloated, I change my mind & want something more comfortable. Also, I consider factors before & after my work day, such as any errands to run or stops to make, so I’m comfortable & capable to perform those tasks & my outfit doesn’t interfere.
6. Hair! I’m curly all summer long & since my work days have been light lately, I’ve relied on a claw clip or barrette, but once the cooler weather arrives, I’ll straighten my locks & turn to scrunchies, bobby pins, or hair ties, so I plan in advance if I have something that coordinates well with a particular look. It usually ends up on a dish with the jewelry too.
7. Keep it up. The usual Monday mornings when I realize I’ve forgotten to outfit prep somehow always become my most stressful days, setting the tone for more stress. The more frequently I outfit prep to get myself mentally & physically prepared for the week, the calmer I can start my day. Also, by maintaining a weekly outfit prep schedule, at least for a 9-5, I spend more time with my wardrobe & then remember better what I’ve worn recently to make sure I’m getting the most out of my investment by not wearing the same handful of pieces each week & rotating old favorites that make me happy.
8. Adapt as necessary. If you keep grabbing the same top each week, planning to wear it & then you change your mind each time, maybe it’s time to donate it since you may never actually wear it. Similarly, you might find that you’re wearing all black all the time & you’re missing other brighter colors; then, set a goal for the week to celebrate patterns or include a neon each day or coordinate a different take on animal print on Fridays.
To conclude, there definitely other things we all worry about that are way more important in our lives, but if feeling prepared for the week & expressing yourself through your clothing are major facets of who you are, try to outfit prep. Playing dress-up doesn’t have to be just for special occasions. Having fun with what you wear helps with confidence & definitely reduces my anxiety about what lies ahead each week.
Fall fashion doesn’t usually shout out polka dots—at least not like spring & summer style do—but that doesn’t mean it’s not a pattern you can rely on. I love a polka dot piece, especially because it means that I can mix another pattern with it. Particularly, polka dots can work with leopard, stripes, florals, & abstract prints when done right. An easy way to dip your toes into pattern mixing with polka dots—wait for the pun to click—is through an accessory or finishing piece, such as a polka dot shoe.
The Ollio dot pattern ballet comfort pointed toe flat in black @Amazon ($29.99, available in sizes 6-11) is a subtle, stylish, & playful way to incorporate polka dots into your look. I love the pointer toe, which is fashion forward for a street style look, but also elongating for a professional & confident outfit for work.
I’m obsessed with these flats in the black & white combination, especially with the possibility of pairing them with a floral dress, as well as some colorblocking with patterned tights. When experimenting with pattern mixing, try matching up colors that work in both patterns to find success, as seen in my previous black & white outfit post. However, if trying to coordinate black & white polka dot flats like these with another print, then I suggest keeping it solid with classic neutrals, like black pants or dark denim jeans & a bold solid sweater or top in red, magenta, yellow, or royal blue, all of which will really make the polka dots pop.
I definitely love the idea of matching any of these up with floral counterparts when the warmer weather returns, as well as with lighter & more delicate cotton pieces that can be found on sale on the major end-of-season clearance blowout racks.
I’d like to write a whole fairy tale about one princess’ quest to find the perfect leopard print pencil skirt, but when I, as a fashion blogger, can make this story a reality, it’s probably better to just get right to the point. As the transition of seasons approaches, most may think that pastels & lighter weight pieces must be hidden in the back of the closet & taken out of rotation, but that’s not the case when it comes to a versatile leopard print piece. Whether wearing the popular pattern as a top or bottom, or through accessories, it’s timeless for any Style Darling & presents a unique styling opportunity.
However, when it comes to a professional look that offers both creativity & boldness, I recommend a leopard print pencil skirt. This is one of my power pieces—in lieu of a preferred power suit. Leopard print can include any color combination from the traditional golden-khaki-black to fun & bright tones too.
These skirts can be paired with a button down shirt & stilettos, tee/cardigan combo with pointed ballet flats, scoop neck sweater & statement necklace, or cami/blazer + drop earrings, which is only the beginning, playing up different hues. Try a red, mustard, burgundy, or olive top with a more neutral-toned leopard skirt or for the yellow, pink, & blue option shown, mix it up with a pinstripe shirt with tennis shoes, ombre tee & denim jacket, or pastel sweater set & platforms to emphasize your softer side—no matter the trends or season.
For busy days of lesson planning, running around with the family, getting dinner going, & maybe some downtime, sometimes there’s not enough room in the day to get all gussied up. However, sometimes all it takes is one accessory to upgrade a look. Today’s recommendation is the fabric headband. For fall, what better way is there to functionally keep your hair out of your face, frame your face, & accentuate your personality than with a headband?
With the below selections from Old Navy, I’ve got headbands on the bean fit fun fall gatherings, such as apple picking & coordinating with a plaid & denim look, taking a drive to eastern Long Island in leggings & new boots, or getting together for some coffee with the girls in a sweater dress & tights. Headbands work in all of those scenarios!
SHOP: braided fabric-covered headbands in brown corduroy + black floral woven @Old Navy (on sale: $13.00).
Zendaya is the ultimate style chameleon, appearing confident, innovative, flawless, strong, & feminine all at the same time always! It’s not an easy feat, especially at 26 years old! The Euphoria actress’ style easily ranks among top A-listers, like Diane Kruger, Blake Lively, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, & Sarah Jessica Parker! However, in lieu of a lengthy gallery of all of Zendaya’s glorious red carpet looks, I picked out some of my favorites, which have a common factor of being green, which is definitely the Emmy winner’s most flattering & boldest hue to wear. From a bright kelly green to olive to mint & everything in between, the Dune star makes a fashionable & memorable statement!
What’s even more special about Zendaya’s green palette is that the pieces in green she wears highlight her natural beauty & create a conversation about wearing what makes you feel good versus what is expected. Whether it’s a print, pant, head-to-toe look, fabulous coat, or gown, green isn’t going away any time soon, nor is it only for holidays!
Which green look on Zendaya is your favorite? Are you inspired to go green for your next important occasion? Do you prefer a bright green or something softer? For more fashion flashback posts, check out: Keke Palmer, Kacey Musgraves, Jennifer Lawrence, & Cara Delevingne! Happy Styling!
The picture from 2017 was taken in front of my parents’ house in Lake Grove for my first day of teaching (as Professor LeClair) a college class & I had no idea the path I was about to fashionably forge or how my life would change over the next 5 years! When I recently uncovered the tropical dress from deep storage (that I was unable to unpack or even mentally tackle for a good 2 years), I remembered that I hadn’t worn the dress since that very first, nerve-wracking day of a career I never wanted; however, with the launch of my sixth academic year as an English professor (as Professor Gambino), I thought it was “fitting” to break it out again.
Of course, I accessorized it differently, opting for white accents & skipped the belt, but it’s good to know that 40 or do classes later, I still got it! The top picture on the right was taken this morning, a beautiful summer morning as the buzz of academia awaited me & called so many back to their jobs after a long break. I’d like to look back on both of these moments as bursting with possibility & new starts, reminding myself that they do come back around, even when it seems like fate has stuck you in a never-ending cycle.
Ultimately, recycling old favorites to make them feel new again & doing my very best to live the stylish life (one day at a time) are goals that I hope to uphold now that I’ve reclaimed a part of myself (& my style) in finally having my wardrobe where I want it to be. Stay tuned for more detailed updates on the unveiling of my cloffice (a.k.a. Style Darling Daily headquarters).
As for the outfit: The dress is an oldie from my stylist days @Dressbarn, as is the black bolero. The recent picture includes a @New York & Company cardigan & @Ardene flats, as well as oldie @Dressbarn drop earrings.
While the weather is still prime summer here on Long Island, it’s definitely cardigan season in stores. Beyond shoes, earrings, & dresses, I’m a sucker for cardigans—my favorite, feminine outfit topper for any occasion. It’s definitely been part of my regular work uniform for decades now! Some may argue that cardigans are “frompy,” but I love the variety of necklines, button styles, sleeve lengths, & other special details that transform a look from everyday to special. Not to mention that a cozy knit sweater is super comfortable compared to an overly-structured blazer—just my opinion.
My go-to source to shop for cardigans is New York & Company. Even though they’re strictly online now, they continue to be reliable & impressive with their cardigan selection for the professional & fashionable Style Darling. While they reproduce their staple Chelsea cardigan each fall, my hunt for something different in terms of a cardigan always leads to success with this retailer. Specifically, the peplum button-front cardigan (on sale: $39.00) is available in sizes XS-XXL & in 4 rich & regal colors: black, dark purple, golden seal, & navy.
The flattering fit & flare look is the perfect options to show off your shape when pairing it with a blouse or cami, along with skinny jeans, straight leg printed trousers, bootcut pants, a pleated skirt, or a pencil skirt. These fall-ready hues are ideal to match with the season’s most popular patterns & materials, such as plaid, lace, velvet, jacquard, faux leather, or dark denim. However, I’ll add these to my cart when the price drops a little more and/or I receive a reward certificate in order to get the best possible deal since this cardigan is categorized as a “City Steal” & is excluded from most of their coupon code deals.
Last night’s MTV Video Music Awards were not a only an exciting celebration of current music, but a stunning, buzz-worthy feat of fashion for the red carpet & stage, including the likes of Taylor Swift in a transparent, diamond encrusted Oscar de a Renta mini dress—the night’s big winner whose major announcement of her upcoming album Midnights will be released on October 21st; rapper Lizzo whose navy Ursula-inspired voluminous gown by Jean Paul Gaultier Couture is the talk of Twitter; singer & actress Sabrina Carpenter in a glitzy retro cut-out dress by Moschino & towering platforms; & model Ashley Graham who celebrated her physique in a Houghton by Katharine Polka black cut-out halter dress. However, the most show-stopping look of the red carpet belonged to rapper Lil Nas X’s opulent, feathered Harris Reed ensemble, including a gravity-defying headdress & tiered skirt.
Check out the gallery below for more stylish & risqué looks from Bebe Rexha, Chloe Bailey, Dove Cameron, Blackpink, & more!
Taylor Swift at the 2022 MTV VMAsLizzo at the 2022 MTV VMAsSabrina Carpenter at the 2022 MTV VMAsSofia Carson at the 2022 MTV VMAsBecky G at the 2022 MTV VMAsBebe Rexha at the 2022 MTV VMAsChloe Bailey at the 2022 MTV VMAsLil Nas X at the 2022 MTV VMAsRed Hot Chili Peppers at the 2022 MTV VMAsAvril Lavigne at the 2022 MTV VMAsLatto at the 2022 MTV VMAsDove Cameron at the 2022 MTV VMAsBilly Eichner at the 2022 MTV VMAsAshley Graham at the 2022 MTV VMAsBrendon Urie at the 2022 MTV VMAsJoel Madden at the 2022 MTV VMAsNessa Barrett at the 2022 MTV VMAsLili Reinhart at the 2022 MTV VMAsJack Harlow at the 2022 MTV VMAs Khalid at the 2022 MTV VMAsKerri Colby at the 2022 MTV VMAsDometi Pongo at the 2022 MTV VMAsTate McRae at the 2022 MTV VMAsBlackpink at the 2022 MTV VMAsRyan Mitchell at the 2022 MTV VMAsColton Haynes at the 2022 MTV VMAsMåneskin at the 2022 MTV VMAsJ Balvin at the 2022 MTV VMAsConan Gray at the 2022 MTV VMAsBlackbear at the 2022 MTV VMAsAnitta at the 2022 MTV VMAsOmar Apollo at the 2022 MTV VMAsToosii at the 2022 MTV VMAsRemi Wolf at the 2022 MTV VMAsShenseea at the 2022 MTV VMAsSaucy Santana at the 2022 MTV VMAsKane Brown at the 2022 MTV VMAsCyn Santana at the 2022 MTV VMAsDoechii at the 2022 MTV VMAsDixie D’Amelio at the 2022 MTV VMAsThat Girl Lay Lay at the 2022 MTV VMAsDylan O’Brien at the 2022 MTV VMAsBrooklyn Nikole at the 2022 MTV VMAsKamie Crawford at the 2022 MTV VMAsAva Max at the 2022 MTV VMAsSnoop Dogg at the 2022 MTV VMAsSarah Ramos at the 2022 MTV VMAsChloe Fineman at the 2022 MTV VMAsValentina Ferrer at the 2022 MTV VMAs
When it comes to fall fashion, bold florals don’t usually come to mind first, but I like mixing it up when the seasons change with unexpected pops of colors so as not to look like everyone else in plaid & still challenge myself. Anyway, expressing one’s style isn’t about following trends!
Florals are not for everyone & I typically veer my style attention away from a traditional grandmother/curtain-looking floral; however, one pair of floral flats that I’ve had since last year always seems to stay in rotation. I love the Dream Paris casual pointed toe ballet comfort soft slip on flat shoes in floral @Amazon (on sale: $21.99 & available in sizes 5-12) for the color versatility with magenta, purple, white, neon green, navy, & black.
I’ve worn these to the office with virtually every solid maxi dress that I own, paired with a crochet bolero or cardigan, as well as with different pant & blouse outfits. After getting another closet look at them online & wearing them on & off cue the last few months, I suspect that the floral pattern placement on each pair may vary, as seen with my shoes below.
For fall, I even love mixing these flats with a navy & magenta outfit, as well as a black & purple color-blocked look. Not to mention that the shoes are perfect beyond the office with a shift or fit & flare dress for a special occasion. They’re super comfortable & I get so many compliments on them every time I wear them.
Additionally, they’re reduced in priced from $35.99 & have a 4/5 rating from over 7,000 reviews! However, one downside is that they’re not available for shoppers needing a wide width size.
When I find an article of clothing I like & can see myself wearing it on the daily, I become obsessed & can’t stop thinking about all the styling possibilities & if I should just get 1 every color! Sometimes, 1 in every color is excessive, but when it’s comfortable & versatile for nearly any season, why not?
With over 26,000 reviews, a 4.2/5 rating, & a variety of over 20 colors to choose from for both necklines, I’ve added to cart! Though, I prefer more of a scoop neck, as opposed to v, myself. Also, I appreciate that this is a piece I can share with readers of any size too!
I’d style these with any kind of printed pant for heading back to the classroom, such as a window pane or plaid, with pointed ballet flats; a pencil skirt in lace or jacquard with stilettos; dark denim jeans with ankle booties & a statement necklace; or a jeweled cardigan & my favorite dress pants. As I await my order to arrive, I’m super excited to share another fabulous 1 in every color find since timeless, fashionable, & comfortable basics—at the right price—are a must-have for any time of the year, as well as for any professional or social situation. I could wear this casually for a lunch date with friends on the weekend or dress it up with some luxe satin or blinged out pieces for somewhere fancier.
Keke Palmer is everywhere these days! The Emmy winner is not only the star of this summer’s horror horror / science-fi thriller Nope, but also the charismatic & stylish host of NBC’s Password game show revival.
Today marks her 29th birthday & with more than 100 acting credits to her résumé, Keke has made countless unforgettable red carpet & press appearances to promote her past projects too, including Scream Queens,Hustlers, Lightyear, Alice, & more!
Keke’s style has evolved from old Hollywood ingenue to more risqué & daring; however, her confidence, poise, penchant for neon, & stellar stiletto poses make her an A-lister to watch in years to come. Take a look at the gallery below for a walk down Fashion Lane with Keke Palmer.
Actress Blake Lively is not only an A-lister, a mother of three, & wife to Ryan Reynolds, but a style & beauty icon for the ages her dramatic, ultra-glamorous, & iconic red carpet & public appearances that are methodically planned for every occasion.
Today marks the former Gossip Girlstar’s 35th birthday & another year around the sun is just another reason to celebrate Blake’s most fashionable accessories & beauty looks, especially because she is her own stylist.
Her lush layers of blonde locks—usually—are equally a part of her style when not tied back in a ponytail or feminine updo, along with full lashes, a natural shimmer, & statement jewelry, such as a gold drop earring. She knows what works for the occasion & her shape, as well as how to shut down a red carpet or New York City street with extravagance.
Take a look through the gallery below at Blake’s historic jewelry & beauty catalogue from movie premieres, awards shows, the Met Gala, & more!
We finally know who killed Bunny Folger! Don’t worry—no major spoilers areas. Just some fashion talk!
As many of you may have already seen, the epic season 2 finale of Only Murders in the Building is now available on Hulu, resolving & shocking audiences with hints as to what’s to come for the already highly anticipated third season!
During the episode, Mabel Mora, played spectacularly by Selena Gomez, attends a Broadway production in a stunning one-shoulder emerald satin gown with a high slit.
Images for a full view of the dress are not yet available online, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take inspiration from Mabel’s vintage chic style & the wondrous costume designing of Emmy nominee Dana Covarrubias.
While we all don’t have luxurious lifestyles or red carpet events to attend, keeping that special gown or evening look in the back of your closet is always a good idea—just in case. Unsure of who actually designed Mabel’s show-stopping gown, I surfed the web to offer up these high-end versions, even though Mabel’s right arm is visibly out:
For the budget-conscious Style Darling who’s loving Mabel’s jewel-tone choice, here are some more affordable options to capture the ease & drama of the look:
One style of shoe that’s growing on me (& the trendiest this past spring-summer) is the mule, which always gave me pause since I like to feel a footwear all around my foot—with the exception of flip-flops. However, as I’m getting ready—mentally & stylishly—for the fall semester, as many teachers & professors are, I have my sights set on fashionable, but comfortable footwear.
The Time & Tru twist mule @Walmart ($16.98, available in sizes 6-11) is the answer, especially in black & blush! The low heel & twisted front present a stylish option to coordinate with any blouse & trousers look for parent-teacher conferences, a midi dress & cardigan for the first day of school, or a pair of dark denim jeans with a button-down.
Also, one thing to keep in mind when viewing the miles online versus in person is the difference in shade for the blush pair, as seen below from my discovery of the shoe in-person:
I did try these on & they were comfortable. I didn’t get far walking in them, but they’re still on my mind. I do wish they were available in navy or olive since those are some of my favorite summer-to-fall transition hues.
During a quick browse around the accessories & jewelry departments of my local Walmart, I sought to catch some clearance deals by Time & Tru. Even though my jewelry collection is very full & not lacking in any way, I decided to treat myself anyway to earrings that are different from what I already have & that I knew I’d wear—& for a bargain! to boot!
The following earrings selected are not available online to be linked, but that means you should head to your local store to get that deal for any look, along with other can’t-miss end of the season mark downs!
A mixed metal earring is perfect for a floral printed ensemble, like a sheath dress, maxi, or matching shorts & cropped top in order to accentuate the different tones of gold, silver, & rose gold.
Love the mixed metals here!For $2, I had to get these!
When looking for a classic, but unique stud, these pink studs will soften up any harder look in leather with jeans, a blouse, & boots.
I bought these months ago & was glad to see them still around for other shoppers to grab!
Colorful jewelry works for any time of year, especially with a colorblock dress paired with stilettos & a cuffed blazer.
I’m not a big fan of hoops, but I love the flare these have with the mixed colorful threading.
When trying a dramatic & romantic look with subtle sparkle, these earrings will get the job done for a jewel tone or cable knit sweater & faux leather pencil skirt.
Love these studs to pair with other silver or beaded pieces!
Just because summer is almost over, that doesn’t mean the fun has to end. This summer’s best empowering dance anthems are still hot, so grab that playlist & get moving! Particularly, one pop artist whose star meter keeps rising is three-time Grammy winner Dua Lipa, who celebrates her 27th birthday today.
Her past & present smash hits, including “Sweetest Pie” with Megan Thee Stallion, “Levitating” featuring Da Baby (my favorite!), “New Rules, “Don’t Start Now,” & “Break My Heart,” are just some of the British singer’s best jams that prove her vocal range, lyrical versatility, musical relevance, & staying power as a compelling & feel-good pop artist.
Additionally, the music videos for these songs, & more, recall the TRL days of over-the-top choreography, fashionably playful costumes, & futuristic plot twists, making them major style inspiration sources from the club girl inside us all dying to shake things up.
So…what’s your favorite Dua Lipa song & video? Turn up the volume & watch the 10 stylish music videos below to get your week started!
One of my favorite singer-songwriters, Kacey Musgraves, is celebrating her 34th birthday today! Her music is a mix of country & pop, with plenty of hope, heartache, & humor that connect her to listeners to her inner most thoughts.
In addition to six Grammys & a still very bright career ahead of her, Kacey’s style is a mix of bombshell glam, country sparkle, & hippie chic. Kacey loves volume & texture in her looks, along with playing up her figure in bold neon & glowing pastel colors. Also, the singer kills in it suits, especially when mixing femininity with more masculine details. Take a look through the gallery below to pick your favorite from the “Justified” singer’s performances, red carpet appearances, street style, & more!
Getting ready for fall means that it’s time to start planning days of apple & pumpkin picking or heading out to a winery before the frost gets here—at least on Long Island anyway! Outfits with boots & any outdoor friendly pieces are essential, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. One fall-friendly piece is a tunic that works with a variety of separates & occasions, no matter if you’re headed out or planning a cozy weekend inside with a good book or to binge on the next best Netflix original.
Time & Tru’s ribbed tunic top @Walmart ($15.98) is available in 4 colors (black soot, papyrus beige heather, green chili, & sheet salmon) & sizes XS-XXXL. I’ve ordered the black & green tops, looking forward to work from home days. I’d be ready for any Zoom meetings in this by throwing on a statement necklace or drop earrings. Another way you can also coordinate these tops is with faux leather leggings & a flannel, skinny jeans with riding boots & a long necklace, or an athleisure look with paneled leggings & tennis shoes.
I’m still all about summer right now, but the new fall fashions are everywhere. As I’ve been sorting & organizing my wardrobe to prepare for the upcoming fall semester, I find myself in need of a hosiery refresh, which is just in time to catch the last days of Target’s 30% off Clothing, Accessories, & Shoes discount through the Target app, which expires on Sat 8/20. I’ve hit add-to-cart on a bunch of black patterned tights by A New Day to keep my legs protected when the temperature drops, but my style high with a variety of prints to go with any outfit.
Try florals against solid separates or when colorblocking. Perhaps, going with menswear inspiration or something geometric would contrast a polka dot or brocade look for fall. Also, there’s animal print to consider which would highlight the dichotomy of edgy & soft when playing up an unexpected neon look for fall!
Once I filled the 4 I ordered, I saw that my jewelry inventory of short chain & pendant necklaces & chain bracelets was still greater than the organization pieces that I had. I wanted to keep the like items together in a way that would be both visible & organized, so I sought to reorder them, but they were no longer in stock!
As my search continued, I discovered the mDesign stackable plastic storage jewelry box – 2 organizer trays with lids in clear @Amazon, which were equal in size to the Walmart ones, so I knew I could stack more in the deep drawers of the nightstand, even if some of the trays were a little different in how they’re divided up.
As I combined the different trays, I actually found the lids useful in order to ensure that everything was level & I could open & close the drawer without any issues. Here is the end result:
Drawer with stacked trays. I still have plans for the remaining space here with different clear trays & containers. Stack #1: silver short pendant necklaces on top. Stack #1 with 5 levels stacked, combining both the Walmart & Amazon trays. Stack #1: rose gold / silver necklaces.Stack #1: gold necklaces. Stack #1: more gold necklaces. Stack #1: older items from my younger days, like my nameplate, shell rings, multicolor stone charms, & dolphin pendants.Stack #2: silver bracelets. Stack #2 with 5 levels stacked, combining both the Walmart & Amazon trays.Stack #2: gold bracelets with charms & pendants.Stack #2: more gold bracelets with charms & pendants.Stack #2: gold bracelets with beads, charms, & pendants, along with my few pins.Stack #2: silver necklaces.
For the highly anticipated September issue of Voguemagazine, tennis star, style icon, & entrepreneur Serena Williams announces her “evolution” to other interests than tennis, which is what she calls it since the word “retirement” gives her pause. For the article she wrote, as told to Rob Haskill, Serena reflects on her career, women’s equality in sports, being her sister Venus’ shadow growing up, the challenges & joys of motherhood, future professional endeavors, & all of her fears as she moves forward into the next chapter of her life.
While sharing her athletic journey to winning championships as a young girl, Serena states, “I want to be great. I want to be perfect. I know perfect doesn’t exist, but whatever my perfect was, I never wanted to stop until I got it right…I learned the lessons from Venus’s losses instead of the hard way, from my own. It was as if I were playing her matches, too. I’m a good mimic. Growing up I tried to copy Pete Sampras. I loved Monica Seles, and then I studied Monica Seles. I watched, I listened, then I attacked. But if I hadn’t been in Venus’s shadow, I would never be who I am. When someone said I was just the little sister, that’s when I got really fired up.“
In addition to Serena’s intimate revelations about her personal goals & family confessions, the article includes a “Life in Looks” video, flashing back to the star athlete’s photographs with Vogue, style on the court, red carpet history, & more thoughts on her fashion choices, all of which are such an integral part of Serena expressing who she is.
While there are so many fabulous & swoon-worthy red carpet gowns to post about, a suit or pant look is a modern, daring, & stylish take on representing one’s self, as well as appearing professional with an edge. Case in point: model / actress Cara Delevingne (currently on the second season of Only Murders in the Building) celebrates her 30th birthday today & I can’t think of anyone more fashionable who pulls off suit & pants looks with more polish & punk than her.
The Paper Towns star often coordinates her pants with lace or cut-out blouses, crop tops, no top at all, corsets or body paint, decadent jewelry, strappy shoes, or towering heels. She’s the most rock & roll model / actress on the red carpet today & I can’t wait to see what she does next: in her career & with her androgynous style.
This past weekend was especially productive as I beat the heat & stayed indoors with my daughter who helped me organize my expansive jewelry collection, including my extra abundant & sparkly watch & bracelet collection, thanks to years of working in retail & a lot of shopping indulgence during my bachelorette days.
About 3 weeks ago, I posted about organizing my statement necklaces, using a gray display stand from Target. Without even attempting to coordinate my growing inventory of storage & organization items, I found a companion pair of velvet bracelet & watch holders. My goal is to have as much as I can visible, so that I can assess what to donate during this process, but also, what to keep! On a day-to-day basis, I need to actually see what I have so I can to choose it & wear it, beyond it just taking up space in my cloffice & remaining ignored from my wardrobe & accessory rotation.
Also, I appreciate that the pair of stands are made in 7 soft separate pieces that are easy to assemble & disassemble for when picking out what to wear on a tired night before work or hurried morning getting ready.
The below pictured stand with my watches & cuffs doesn’t have a proper shelf in my cloffice, yet so these will be sitting pretty on my desk until shelving is in place. Also, I was able to fit 24 watches of varying size on it & I have 2 more that will be added to the stand once the bands are repaired. For the picture, though, the stand is sitting on my couch!
Yes, all the watches read different times because all of the batteries are dead, having been in storage for over 2 years. Have no fear, they will stylishly tick again!
For the $32.99 price, I was pleased that there were 2 stands, so that I could devote another one entirely to my stretch bracelets as well. This makes my styling time much more efficient & I am reminded of what I have on a regular basis so as not to buy repeats, no matter the deal or how pretty they may be!
Having worked from home for 15 months & keeping my accessorizing at a bare minimum, I’m so happy to be reunited with these stylish pieces & inspired to explore how to incorporate them into my everyday looks. Although, I just have to decide if the day will be a “watch day” or a “bracelet day” as I prefer to keep my right wrist free since I write with my right hand. Oh, the drama! Also, I still have to revisit the bracelet stand to be much more meticulous about sorting the colorful bracelets by bead color.
Style Darling Daily 