Who doesn’t love an outfit that you don’t even have to think about putting together? Well, that’s why matching sets, whether for a casual loungewear look, date night, or teacher outfit, are the biggest trend this coming fall. Matching sets don’t have to just include sleepwear, especially when a more utilitarian & minimalist 90s aesthetic is dominating retailers. Take a look at the matching sets below!
I love the inclusivity of both styles, especially with different skirt lengths, but I’m really impressed with the ease of taking these from day to night as well. For either look, the pieces can be coordinated with other wardrobe staples, such as a knotted graphic tee, button-down shirt, or light wash jeans. Not to mention that the shoe possibilities are endless with loafers, mules, sneakers, or ankle boots.
During a recent black hole viewing of Instagram stories (I’m not the only one, am I?), I came across a blogger sharing their interpretation for summer-to-fall teacher outfits, including A New Day’s high-rise slim straight pull-on pants @Target ($25.00, available in sizes XS-4X). There are 2 qualities about these pants that I loved right away: 1. They’re pull-on. Ever since I’ve had my daughter, pants with zippers are the enemy & pull-on pants are my loyal subjects! 2. They’re available in 8 neutral, professional colors / patterns.
The variety includes navy (windowpane), black pinstriped, gray (plaid), gray (& black/purple houndstooth), cream, green, brown, & black. So far, I’ve ordered all, except the black because they weren’t available in my size, & I’ve received the navy & gray houndstooth. They’re very comfortable & run true to size. I love the length (being that I’m 5’3″).
For a professional day, they will pair nicely with a blouse-cardigan-ballet flat combination or a short sleeve sweater & statement necklace with mule heels. I’d love to style these pants for more than just work though. When headed somewhere more casual, I can see pairing the solid options with a dolman top & sandals or a printed tee & wedges. As always, the possibilities are endless! Check out some options by A New Day sold @Target below:
Lastly, an outfit isn’t complete without some stylish (& affordable shoes). Target really knows what they’re doing when it comes to products in the line for A New Day as so many neutral pieces can be coordinated, especially with the pants:
SHOP: Millie twin gore slip-on sneakers in green ($14.99, available in sizes 5-12, wide width options, 6 colors), Thea mules in black ($19.99, available in sizes 5-12), Sue heels in blush ($29.99, available in sizes 5-12 & 2 colors), Corinna ballet flats in mahogany ($14.99, available in sizes 5-12, wide width options, 6 colors), Danica platform loafers in off-white ($32.99, available in sizes 5-12, wide width options, 2 colors), & Kiki mules in cognac ($29.99, available in sizes 5-12 & 3 colors).
I’m guilty of being that “buy one in every color” shopper, as per my previous goddess dress post, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing because it makes picking out my day-to-day wardrobe seamless between family gatherings, prepping for class, heading into the office, or meeting up with friends. My latest obsession is ruffle button-front blouse from New York & Company, ranging in sizes XS-XXL. It’s currently on sale, ranging in price between $18.00-$26.97, depending on which coupon code you use & what your form of payment is; however, I like a top that I can wear with different bottoms, but also for different occasions.
I’ve said it once & I’ll say it again… If there’s something that I love & it’s made in multiple colors, I’ll take it! This goes for cardigans, blouses, pants, ballet flats, & dresses too! So when I was searching Amazon for options to spruce up my summer maxi dresses, to wear to both work & for weekend or night occasions, I wanted something lightweight, classic, & effortless to pair with wedges or sandals, along with a cardigan or crossbody bag. When I happened upon this one-should midi dress from Zesica, I searched their Amazon store for more options, which included a Bohemian Spaghetti Strap Swiss Dot Sleeveless Smocked A Line Flowy Maxi Dress ($37.99) in 12 different colors: black, burgundy, dark orange, midnight blue, mint, navy, pink, plum, purple, rose, white, & green.
I’ve worn the midnight blue (which is more of a periwinkle) three times now: to a carnival fundraiser, a family dinner, & to work with a cardigan. The slit is only visible if you pose a certain way. Otherwise, I had no problem wearing it & liked the movement that the maxi offered. Additionally, I liked that the straps could be tied & bowed to fit my frame as I usually find that some straps are too loose, if they’re not adjustable, & then they tend to fall down. I bow for the straps is also a nice touch, adding to the Swiss dot, feminine feel. I paired this dress with metallic sandals, laser cut ballet flats, or flowered flip-flops, wearing a statement earring in a coordinating color. Also, I ended up ordering the plum color (which is more of a dusty rose) & have the mint & purple on my mind since I do love a bright hue, especially when there’s a $2 off promotional coupon applied to the purchase, but I may invest in those colors with other dresses that I have saved at the moment.
The only downside to the dress above is that Zesica only sells it in sizes S-XL. However, for plus-size maxi dress recommendations, check out: CARROTMOB wrap dress (available in 5 colors, sizes 1X-5X), The Drop tiered maxi dress (available in 7 colors, sizes XXS-5X), & LONGYUAN short sleeve maxi (available in 32 colors, sizes XL-6X).
When thinking about holiday weekends & dressing in a theme, I try to find items that I already have & normally wear , so as to avoid a single specific holiday-only piece that I only break out once a year. For Independence Day, rather than donning an obviously flag shirt or branded tee from a store, I chose to feature a favorite pattern of mine in a way that can celebrate the holiday, summer season, & still appear stylish. Polka dots are always a great idea! They’re timeless & stylish for a variety of occasions, especially this July weekend!
However, with the below picks from LOFT, be sure to check the web (& website) for coupon codes for this holiday weekend to get an even better deal on sale price items.
Specifically, navy polka dots & ruffles scream summer, especially when paired with white linen shorts, denim cut-offs, or ankle pants.
Consider coordinating a flowy short skirt with a bold tee, in red or magenta, to contrast the classic polka dot vibe. Don’t forget the espadrilles too!
Lastly, a pair of wide leg pants is a must-have for summer, especially on the cooler nights. Try these with a button-down for brunch & then crochet sweater & tank for a family dinner with beads & bangles.
When it comes to fashion & function, I try my best to have as few outfit changes in a day so that what I wear to start the day is what I’m wearing to end the day, unless, of course, there is a special occasion to take into consideration; however, comfortable & stylish footwear for the summer should not be compromised when it comes to leading a busy life. As a Style Darling mom on-the-go, I am usually sporting something a little flashier (meaning, blingier) than average, which keeps me happy, but also ensures that I’ve invested in a piece that I really care about. For example, for a flat sandal, why not go metallic for the everyday, so that it can easily transition from a daytime affair, such as a family gathering or carnival, to a nighttime event, like a wedding or cocktail party. Adding a metallic to a sandal can go a long way in getting your money’s worth & here are some options to consider for not only work, but also for play:
SHOP: Journee Serlinda sandal in gold metallic, rose gold, silver metallic, & black @DSW (available in sizes 6-12, $49.99).
Even though it feels like summer is just getting started, now is a great time to shop the racks & clearance finds to prepare for next fall/winter as stores attempt to clear out their inventory for new summer arrivals & the holidays. Looking back at my own personal style choices for the previous cooler months, I was glued to the many email blasts that I would receive from New York & Company, missing the local store in my nearby mall dearly; however, during my absence from the blogosphere in that time, I did find some stylish, comfortable, & timeless pieces that I will definitely usher into rotation for the next seasons to come.
This includes the following 4 pieces from New York & Company, all of which are now $9.99 -$19.99 on final sale, and up to 71%-89% off their original price, though there is limited size availability. These pieces come highly recommended as I do own each of them & love pairing them up with separates in different ways.
One of the most classic & stylish staple summer patterns is gingham, offering a cool, breezy cotton piece for any seasonal look, especially in red, black, white, or blue. Old Navy is on top of the summer gingham trend with a variety of pieces at prices you can’t miss out on, especially in sizes XS-3XL!
SHOP: Printed Canvas Tote Bag in blue. This is a perfect tote for heading out to the park for the day, reading against a tree or hitting up the beach for a day in the sun.
A classic look never goes out of style & is always a go-to for nearly any occasion, which was the case for Academy Award-winning actress Charlize Theron who celebrated her Africa Outreach Project 2022 Summer Block Party in head-to-toe Dior, which took place at the Universal Studios Backlot this past weekend. While Dior isn’t a brand that all of us budget-friendly Style Darlings can depend on on the regular, we can take inspiration from Charlize’s stylish white button-down shirt (shop here), flared jeans (shop similar here), black pointy toe pumps (shop here), black quilted clutch (shop similar here), & Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
Button shirts are a staple for any wardrobe, especially if you work in an environment that requires professional attire, but these tops vary in style & can be worn with a number of different options, including a pencil skirt, linen shorts, or a velvet pants in the cooler months. The below suggested options vary in availability for sizes XS-XXL and range in price from $14.99 – $44.63.
Next, a flared jean is a playful & throwback way of mixing up your look, especially when contrasting a more demure button-down shirt. The below options range in price $40.00-$52.46 and are vary in availability for sizes 0-30.
Next, a black pointy toe pump is definitely a classic to incorporate into one’s weekly routine; however, aside from a breezy, cool denim look, like Charlize’s, check out these affordable options ranging in price from $37.99 – $59.99 for special occasions & other professional functions:
Lastly, you can’t go wrong with a quilted bag bag or clutch, especially one with an option to use the chain or tuck it in for Instagram posing, including the following picks that range in price from $24.97-$39.99:
I’m all about the statement necklace with chunky gemstones & layers of chains, but for summer, I like lighter pieces that don’t cling too heavily to my skin, which brings me to my latest jewelry favorite: pendant necklaces. They’re perfect for a boho look with a maxi dress & sparkly sandals or for more professional workwear looks in a sheath dress & pumps. Also, consider mixing a pendant necklace with a blouse & pencil skirt, or solid tee & floral shorts with wedges. Pendant necklaces are also great for layering in length, especially when you want to mix stones, beads, pearls, & metal tones (rose, gold, & silver) to create a dynamic way to use your accessories!
Of course, pendant necklaces aren’t just for summer either. They’re an accessories essential all year long, as seen by just a handful of the ways I’ve worn mine the last few seasons (@styledarlingdaily on Instagram).
Victoria Beckham is always flawless. This isn’t news, but I just had to start there. The Spice Girl-turned-designer recently stepped out in what starts to look like a minimalist summer look with a white tee & black cuffed jeans, accessorized with classic pieces like a sleek black envelope clutch, pendant necklace, a chain link gold watch, & Celine sunglasses (shop here)… until you see the heels! They’re BalenciagaSquare Knife neon pumps (shop here) that make a wild style statement, but it all works seamlessly, especially on Victoria!
Of course, this look would’ve worked with pink, orange, red, or really, any color heel. She could’ve surprised us all with neon ballet flats, which would have been equally successful & exciting to post about. I’m always finding new ways to mix up my favorite wardrobe items in my collection, playing with different colors & patterns to pop, which is why I love Victoria’s inspiration so much.
However, we all don’t have the kind of budget needed to recreate this high-end, luxury look… but have no fear! Because so many of the pieces are staples, they’re not hard to find without breaking the bank! Even imitation-inspired heels are available to peruse (in several other colors too) to bring Victoria’s posh style back to life!
Whenever I’m seeking out style inspiration from celebrities (on the red carpet or their street style), my mind immediately races with ideas on how readers (& myself) can make a look their (affordable) own. Style isn’t this inaccessible thing anymore since there are so many reasonably price retailers that look to high fashion sources for their own inspiration too. Hence my latest post featuring actress / entrepreneur Jessica Alba dressing down a gold sparkly blouse with a velvet blazer by Frame (shop here), frayed wide leg jeans, black suede booties, & a gold buckle wide belt. A blazer & jeans are two staple items that we all have in our wardrobe, which is why this look is so easy to recreate without breaking the bank.
To build this look, here are two essential pieces, which can also be mixed & matched with other items throughout the holiday season & during the year.
Which celebs do you turn to for street style & holiday inspiration? How do you get the most use out of your favorite & most sparkly holiday pieces? For more celebrity style posts, click here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!
My posts are a bit far & few between these days- I’m working on my grad thesis, but that hasn’t stopped me from being inspired to expand my wardrobe & accessories choices this fall. The season is certainly in full swing & I’m thinking about my cozy / glam look for Thanksgiving. I have the plaid + statement necklace combination on the brain, especially since my statement necklace obsession is at its peak. Who wouldn’t be too? There’s so much inspiration every time I check out my favorite celebrity style blogs & Pinterest, when style stars are winning the statement necklace game. This includes the always flawless Olivia Palermo, The Honest Company founder Jessica Alba, pop star Katy Perry, The Real cohost Adrienne Bailon, the fearless Rihanna, former Gossip Girl actress Leighton Meester, model Amber Rose, & stylist / designer Rachel Zoe.
I couldn’t NOT share some of my favorite street style images from Pinterest, which have inspired this latest post. There are so many different color combos & metal choices to wear when considering plaid & jewelry. The pairing instantly dresses up a work look, makes date night a little more flirty, & mixes up your weekend favorites for a more glamorous options.
It was tough narrowing down which plaid shirts & statement necklaces to select & feature, especially when I have a budget in mind for my readers & savvy shoppers who are looking for affordable fixes to any wardrobe rut. Also, I was eager to select a variety of jewels like rhinestones, beads, or pearls to coordinate with varieties of plaid shirts for any body type. Style knows no size, after all!
If you’re still stuck on how to style this already seemingly busy pairing, what with some major bling over a pattern, think about basics that are not only rich in texture, but luxe in hue. Tuck your plaid shirt into slim bottoms like a pencil skirt or your favorite dark denim skinny jeans. Since fall is all about layers, try out a faux fur vest in a neutral or stylish jacket to reinvent your ensemble.
My biggest style obsession this fall & really for 2015 is earrings, as seen in detail with my Instagram posts (Follow Style Darling Daily @MissAlissaL). I’ve rediscovered my love of the blingy accessory, especially since I’ve recently cut my hair, showing off my collection of studs, chandeliers, hoops, dangles, drops, front-to-backs, & jackets for the every day runway that is life. In an effort to save some cash, but still treat myself here & there, shopping for budget-friendly earrings has been my simple solution when it comes to transforming a look & when I’m in need of some retail therapy. Before I share some of my favorite & elegant picks for not just the season, but really any occasion, I loved the idea of seeking out some extra special inspiration from celebrities who are lucky enough to rock the real thing during red carpet appearances. Celebrity inspiration for killer earrings comes in many metals, colors, & shapes, including some jaw-dropping duds for movie premieres, awards shows, & a slew of other special occasions. Get inspired to upgrade your street style with Jennifer Lawrence, Cara Delevingne, Kerry Washington, Olga Kurylenko, Chrissy Teigen, Angelina Jolie, Bella Thorne, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, & below on Jessica Chastain, Sofia Vergara, Chanel Iman, Kate Winslet, Drew Barrymore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Julianne Moore, Demi Lovato, Sarah Hyland, & Diane Kruger.
Of course, there are tons of retailers to select discounted fashion jewelry from, including multi-metal hoops that’ll take your blouse & skinny jeans from day-to-night, oversize studs from work to happy hour, clustered stones from a date to brunch, & other genius possibilities. What’s even better is that the below deals are all under $15.00!
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.
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.
Plaid is the perfect print for fall, calling to match up your menswear style with sleek separates & luxe textures. Celebrities have been on the plaid train for a long time now, & it couldn’t look any better on the following A-listers: Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Alba, Taylor Swift, Rita Ora, & Hilary Duff.
Easy ways to add some plaid to your wardrobe without breaking your budget is to invest in accessories to wear with a variety of looks. Plaid goes against classic staples like a button down shirt & skinny jeans, a sweater dress & knee boots, as well as a lace blouse with a pencil skirt. Anyone of any age can rock plaid, & here are some affordable accessories to get you inspired to build that street style-ready fall look.
When it comes to plaid, amp up your look with a little luxury, playing up your jewelry style based on the colors in your plaid. The richest colors include navy, green, burgundy, rust, burnt orange, gray, & purple, which are easy to find in stud earrings, decadent ear crawlers, statements necklaces, cuffs & bracelets, & cocktail rings.
When it comes to fall fashion, I immediately think of luxe fabrics & jewel tones, mixed with layers to keep warm & look cool at the same time. A fashionable twist on your every day fall look includes lightened up floral pieces to blend with heavier ones, like a leather jacket, chunky knits, fringe tote, or suede booties. Here’s where you can play with color in your wardrobe, using contrasting prints to reinvent fall classics like houndstooth or buffalo plaid.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Somewhere along the way, I fell in love with scarves. They’re perfect for fall & winter, adding that extra splash of personality to your outfit, & only this summer did I realize the full potential of my look when there’s a stylish scarf wrapped around the handle of my favorite tote & crossbody bags. This was a way to get the most use out of my ever-growing scarf collection all year long, resolving the problem of my arms getting chilly during those cool, starry summer nights. However, you can get plenty of scarf envy from some of today’s most stylish celebrities whose looks are elevated by the accessory, like Jessica Alba, Rihanna, Emma Watson, Rachel Bilson, Sarah Jessica Parker, & Ashley Olsen.
In preparation for fall fashion, I wanted to share some of my favorite picks, in prints & solids, to inspire your scarf love, especially when wardrobe budgeting is essential. Scarves can dress down a black dress for day & keep you cozy when there’s a shift in temperature in the evening. Scarves also present an opportunity to play with prints, like trying a stripe against a polka dot (in a similar color scheme) or mixing leopard with something menswear inspired.
There’s so much going on for fall right now in terms of fashion & style. Even though it breaks my heart to wish the summer away, I have to share the newest mad-for-plaid lookbook from Adam Lippes for Target, including pieces for not just your wardrobe, but menswear, children’s clothing, home décor, outdoor goods, & much, much more! The collection is exciting for fall with fresh take on the cold weather staple print, set to hit stores on September 27th, ranging in price from $10.00 to $130.00.
The American designer recently shared with Glamour his love for plaid & excitement to create a capsule collection with Target that can reach such a vast customer base: “The history of Buffalo plaid in America starts with the Woolrich company, which originally [did it] in men’s shirts… I’ve worked with it in my own collection over the years, so for me the challenge was to make it fresh and not too boring or conservative…it’s simple but not basic, refined but not boring.”
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 Idoljudge 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.
Style Darling Daily 