Tag Archives: Forever 21

Color Me Style: Hello Yellow For Winter & Spring, Inspired By Emmy Rossum, Miranda Kerr, Anna Kendrick, & More!

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Yellow is one of those colors that’s always a little risky to wear out on the red carpet, but when it’s done right, it can look really spectacular.  Not to mention that the color is coming back for this season (following right behind emerald trends), which we’ve seen on some of today’s most stylish celebrities.  This includes former Grey’s Anatomy star, Nora Zehetner wore a minimalist Calvin Klein Collection sheath mini at a Metropolitan Museum of Art event last month. Lauren Conrad showed off her feminine side, as usual, in a bright Yoana Baraschi dress with suede neutral pumps. Actress Kate Mara looked stunning in a Dior shift dress at the London premiere of House of Cards with a suede box clutch by Nancy Gonzalez & satin peep toe pumps.

Nora Zehetner, Lauren Conrad, Kate Mara, Emmy Rossum, Anna Kendrick, & Jada Pinkett Smith.

Shameless star Emmy Rossum also donned Dior with a metallic minaudiere & strappy black sandals. For an interview on The Late Show with David Letterman, Anna Kendrick asymmetrical sheath dress by Halston Heritage is offset by nude peep toe pumps & jewelry by Dana Rebecca Designs. Lastly, during a recent appearance on Katie, Jada Pinkett Smith slipped into a curve-hugging Victoria Beckham dress with towering, patterned platform pumps.

It wasn’t heard to search the web for some cute & affordable yellow dresses to wear with your favorite evening shoes, collar necklaces, stacked bangles, or statement rings. Yellow dresses are also popular in pastels like the cutout ribbon back dress ($27.80) from Forever 21, which is described as “citron.” @Macy’s, the Bar III cap-sleeve seamed scoop neck dress ($29.99) is marked down from its original $69.00 price tag.  For a figure-flattering, sexy dress, the ASOS wrap front pencil dress ($56.29) is the perfection attention-grabbing option, especially is paired with strappy sandals, or belted & worn under a boyfriend blazer.

The Ark & Co ‘Swept Away’ strapless dress ($46.00) from Lulu’s is a pretty option, especially if you want to show off your décolletage with a spiked necklace & messy updo. Lastly, the Mossimo casual one-shoulder dress ($24.99) from Target is a flowy & flirty number to wear casually with gladiator flats when on vacation, or with a velvet bolero & textured tights.

Also, yellow separates really make an outfit pop, so if you’re wearing neutrals, this bright color can really work the value of basics like dark denim jeans, a black sweater, or a mini skirt. Take a cue from Olivia Palermo‘s wool-blend coat from Old Navy with leather leggings & oversized turtleneck. Also, supermodel Miranda Kerr tops off her casual look with a yellow blazer, perfect for a chic day out shopping. Kirsten Dunst played with yellow in her printed Stella McCartney separates at the premiere of The Bachelorette with ankle strap suede heels. 

Olivia Palermo, Miranda Kerr, Kirsten Dunst, Kim Kardashian, & Taylor Swift.

Kim Kardashian‘s colorblocked look made headlines, especially with her sophisticated Chloé blouse & mary jane Christian Louboutin platforms. Taylor Swift plays up her girl-next-door style in a pleated yellow skirt, also by Chloé, with a tucked in cable knit sweater & bowed ballet flats.

Get inspired to add some yellow thoughtfully to your look with these affordable pieces.  First, the Tinley Road Bleecker blazer ($39.99) from Piperlime is fun to wear over an LBD for the office, or to dress up a graphic tee & jeans with pointy toe pumps. You can head to Express to find the mesh inset blouson tee ($24.90) for floral pants, satin shorts & tights, or tucked into a brocade pencil skirt. Another top worth considering is the blouse ($29.95) from H&M to coordinate under an embellished cardigan, over a silk cami, or with a contrasting hue like red or cobalt jeans. Also, Piperlime‘s Greylin Viv ponte pencil skirt ($42.99) is a timeless basic to match with a printed top or classic & crisp button-down shirt.

Accessories in yellow aren’t hard to come by either… & there’s always a place in your look for this color. The embossed skinny belt ($14.99) from Coldwater Creek is currently half off & will add a special touch of texture to tweed or suede pieces. I also love the fringed drop earrings ($6.80) from Forever 21, which will work for an evening look with a cocktail dress & even bring out the personality of a tropical maxidress in the summer.

You can never go wrong with yellow shoes. I am the proud owner of at least three pair & I don’t mean that they’re gold- they range in the banana to mustard hues & I’ve found so many uses for them. I love the Steve Madden Rockkk flats ($29.99) from 6pm, which originally cost as high as $60.00 when they hit the market. Finally, for the shoe-lover out there, the Michael Antonio Tracey sandal ($29.94) from DSW offers a sexy way to show off your gams, while still embracing the color yellow.

Do you like to wear yellow? Which celebrity do you think pulls off yellow the best? Do you have a favorite yellow piece that you like to incorporate into your look? For more affordable fashion ideas, check out posts including stylish cardigans $20 & under, polka dot pants for any season, Victoria’s Secret’s latest nail polish launch, & fabulous flats by Fergalicious on clearance! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Don’t Sweat The Cold Weather With These Cardigan Sweaters ($20 & Under)!

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With all the budget shopping I’ve been doing lately, I am continually drawn to cardigans (although I am in search of the perfect motorcycle jacket), especially since I’m getting ready to head back to work this spring semester. For under $20, you can add these stylish toppers to you look, if you’re headed out on a date, to brunch with the girls, or trying to spruce up your work wardrobe.

@Forever 21, my plus size Style Darlings can add some fierce style to their look with the leopard print cardigan ($19.50) in cream/black, available in sizes XL – 3X & sold in purple/magenta. Next, for a more sophisticated & feminine ensemble the Worthington open front cardigan sweater ($20.00) in gray/yellow from JCP is the perfect addition to a spring wardrobe.

The Stylish Five

Instead of wearing the same old boring black sweater, I recommend LOFT‘s tie neck 3/4-sleeve cardigan ($19.88) to wear over a blouse, camisole, or pullover top. One sweater that made it into my closet was the Merona 3/4 sleeve sweater cardigan ($14.98) from Target, which I purchased in stores for under $9.00. Lastly, for a classic cardigan to wear with pearls, over an LBD, or with your favorite pencil skirt, H&M‘s cardigan sweater ($14.95) in yellow, which is also sold in eight other hues to coordinate with printed basics.

What pieces are you unable to resist when bargain shopping? Which stores are you hitting up for great end-of-the-season buys? For more on affordable fashion featured in The Stylish Five, check out posts including scarves from Forever 21, flats for any occasion, statement cocktail rings, & skirts perfect for parties & work! Happy Styling!

Splurge or Save… On Polka Dot Pants?

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Polka dots will always & forever exist as a classic pattern on any article of clothing. This means shoes, bags, dresses, tops, & certainly pants. So, with my latest Splurge or Save? post, I wanted to feature polka dot pants, a trend that just isn’t going away for any season. It wasn’t surprising that I could find polka dot pants when I was searching the web since there are so many different ways to wear them.  Without breaking the bank, I’m happy to share pairs from under $20 – just about $100. Of course, you need to always consider your cost per wear when investing in key pieces, especially ones that will continue to pay you back over time.

First up, I wanted to share my most affordable selection, which is the polka dot print pants ($19.80) from Forever 21. These range in sizes X-Small – Large & while I love most polka dots in black & white, you can always get away with a black & ivory color combination. An awesome sale deal can be found at Gap with the slim cropped refined dot pants ($24.99), which have recently been marked down from their original $49.95 price. Available is limited since this is an older items, but my plus size Style Darlings would be happy to know that these run up to size 20.

Next, @Dillards, the Soulmates polka dot skinny pants ($39.00) are perfect for wear with bright colors like magenta, red, kelly green, or lemon, especially when matched with pointy toe heels, rounded platforms, or quilted ballet flats. As we move higher in price, the polka dot slim ankle pants ($84.00) from White House Black Market caught my attention. I simply love this story more than I can say & find that their designs are super sophisticated & well-made, so at the end of next season, I will be hunting them down to add to my wardrobe. Lastly, the polka dot ankle pants ($99.50) from Ralph Lauren are classic to wear with a white button-down, tunic sweater, or dolman top. If you were to wear these pants at least once a week, estimated at about four times a month, then each wear would be around $25.

Most of the patterns & prints that I love are in black & white (like zebra & houndstooth), but polka dots will always be number one for me! Would you wear polka dot pants? How much are you willing to spend? Would you only wear these during the warmer months or do you think they serve a year-round purpose? For more posts about affordable fashion, check out Rachel Zoe’s ShoeDazzle favorite picks, a black & silver cocktail or date night look for under $100, Prabal Gurung’s uber-chic & must-have Target collection, & stylish scarves for $10 & under! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: A Black & Silver Look On A Budget!

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The $100 ChallengeJust b/c New Year’s Eve is long gone, that doesn’t mean we can’t still have a little sparkle & shine in our wardrobe. While I’ve been clicking around to find the best clearance deals on the latest markdowns, I keep coming back to Kohl’s, which is where I found the Jennifer Lopez foil racerback tank ($10.20) in primer gray.  Of course, this top is versatile for a casual day in skinny jeans & ballet flats under a flyaway cardigan, or perfect for a night out with the girls with leather leggings & cut-out booties.  I’ve paired this look with the high waist sequin stripe pencil skirt ($24.99) from The Limited & GOjane‘s open front cropped blazer ($24.95).

To accessorize this look, I’ve also found the pointed hologram pumps ($24.80) in gunmetal from Forever 21, which are also available in silver & rose, but there, you can find the diamond spike necklace ($1.50).  Lastly, a gorgeous cocktail ring for any evening look is the Apt. 9 jet simulated crystal stretch ring ($8.99) from Kohl’s.

Would you wear a shiny top like this during the day? How would you style it? Have you been shopping the sale racks? Where do you usually go to find the best end-of-the-season deals? For more posts featured in The $100 Challenge, check out a black & blue dressy look, an LBD date night ensemble, how to mix stripes & tweed, a coral & cap toe feminine outfit, & how to wear animal prints with embellished accessories! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Bundle Up With A Stylish Scarf From Forever 21 (Under $10)!

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As soon as the first brisk breeze of fall appears, you can guarantee that I’ll be wearing a scarf until the first sunny spring day… however I do wear scarves when its cooler at night too. I’m a big fan of adding layers of interest to your look & there are plenty of ways to do so while keeping your ensemble stylish & fresh.  It took me a while to get into scarves, but over the last 2 or 3 years, I’ve turned into the crazy scarf lady & was even the happy recipient of a luxe cream & black houndstooth scarf for Christmas that matches perfectly with my new cream wool coat. 

Anyway, when it comes to accessories like scarves, you can have a lot of fun with colors, fabrics, & prints, which is why I always look @Forever 21 to get some scarf inspiration. I was happy to find a selection of five very fashionable scarves for under $10, so I knew it was time to post in The Stylish Five!

My selections include the geometric tassle scarf ($5.00) in black/fuchsia, but you can also find this four addition color combinations.  Next, to stay warm, I recommend the soft chunky loose knit scarf ($9.50) in olive.  If this hue isn’t your style, then be sure to check out the hot pink, rust, & teal options to create a cute, layered look.  As a proponent of pattern, a feminine floral can be found in the ditsy flower scarf ($8.80) in peach/cream.  This is also a sweet-looking accessory to wear over a button-down shirt & denim skirt.  Also, the frayed spotted scarf ($8.80) adds a hint of animal-print in a subtle blue, sure to bring out your eyes.  Lastly, for the Style Darling with a classic aesthetic, I recommend the frayed woven scarf ($5.80) in green, but it is also sold in cream, black, pink, yellow, & purple. 

What’s your scarf style? Do you like to match your outerwear accessories? Do you prefer solid colors over printed textures? Happy Styling!

Fabulous In 4 Ways: A Spiked Sweater From GOjane For Day, Weekend, Date, & Cocktail!

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I love it when I’m searching the web for a blog & then get totally side-tracked with inspiration for another blog.  That’s how I came to find the metallic spiked shoulder patch sweater ($47.20) in silver from GOjane. Now, this sweater is totally not my style & it’s a little high in price for one item (for me, anyway), but I couldn’t get it off my mind. Rather than building just one look with the unforgettable piece, I needed to play with it for another Fabulous In 4 Ways post!

Spike details have been trending for quite some time now, what with accents on jewelry, shoes, bags, & now clothing.  Of course, it takes a certain kind of Style Darling to pull this look off & here are some suggestions for day, weekend, date, & cocktail on how to wear this eye-catching sweater!  Let’s start off with weekend, which is a two-day break from the confines of your office apparel & evening pieces when you’re headed out on a date.  I wanted to create an easy & comfortable ensemble to wear when shopping with girlfriends or taking in the sites with your beau.  This includes the skinny pieced sequin pants ($19.50) in charcoal from Wet Seal, paired with the bow front canvas flat ($15.00) in black from Charlotte Russe.  Since there’s so much going on with the striking sweater, I wanted to keep my accessories sweet & functional, which is why I selected Forever 21‘s owl charms necklace ($1.50) in gold/black & the Kirna Zabete kiss print sequins schlepper tote ($17.48) from Target. 

When it comes to daywear, a similar vibe from the weekend look is seen, but I love the distressed look of H&M‘s slim regular jeans ($29.95) in black with the scalloped platform wedges ($32.80) in black from Forever 21. The top is flashy enough for day that I simply added Wet Seal‘s 3 on stackable rings ($7.50) in tri-tone to the look, which can be worn on different fingers or stacked on one, as seen above. When I go out during the day, I love the ease of sweaters & basic pants, but this look has a little extra splash, offering a street style smash worthy of Miranda Kerr or Olivia Palermo. 

For a cocktail look, it’s always recommended to go with a short dress & some towering heels, but I feel that this sweater is successful even when you’re having drinks with co-workers, or looking to break out those pajama-inspired silk pants.  Brocade & other such luxe fabrics are all the rage this season, which is why I turned to The Limited for the Drew mini tab-waist jacquard ankle pants ($29.99) in silver, which have just been marked down.  In keeping with the glitzy metallics, I added the metallic x-front peep toe pump ($25.00) in rose gold from Charlotte Russe, which helps dress up both the pants & sweater.  Lastly, a simple pendant will do, such as the Candie’s jet marquise pendant ($13.00) from Kohl’s. 

 If you’re looking to make an impression on a date night, show off your gams to offset the sweater’s volume with the side panel sweater mini skirt ($19.99) in black from Express, along with the Nina Pangea sandal ($19.94) in brown leopard from DSW.  You’ve got texture in the strong shoulder, but don’t be afraid to add a little something else like a classic bag to downplay the edginess.  @Sears, a great bargain can be found with the Scarleton faux snake flap clutch ($15.99) in black. For a final splash of sass, I recommend the cutout ring ($3.80) in gold from Forever 21 as the only piece of jewelry for your special night. 

These looks range in price from $100.68 – $117.45, which isn’t bad when you consider how many different ways you’ll be able to wear all the pieces, not just the spiky sweater.  Do you like spike details? What kind of hardware do you look for in clothing? Or, do you prefer them on accessories like shoes or bags?

For more stylish posts & outfit ideas, check out The $100 Challenge, featuring a black & blue look based off a Gap dress, how to work stripes & tweed, & perfect LBD look with sparkly tights & a cardigan! Also, in Basics for a Bargain, get your wardrobe’s worth with coats inspired by Jessica Chastain & Victoria Beckham, pointy toe heels like the ones seen on Maria Sharapova & Tina Fey, as well as how to get affordable separates looks like Kristen Stewart & Alexa Chung! Lastly, just b/c I love a bargain, check out Splurge of Save? to find out the best prices for polka dot tights, floral & stripe looks inspired by the pages of Marie Claire, & winter-friendly red suede ankle booties! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Dress Up Those Winter Blues With Textured Black Pieces!

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The $100 ChallengeFor a long time I never liked the blue & black combination, perhaps b/c of the nasty bruise reference, but somewhere along the way, blues became richer, more regal, & elegant to wear, especially for evening.  When paired with black pieces, it somehow looked refreshing & it’s now a combination that I’m very drawn to, especially considering how well hues like royal & cobalt look on me! Once I saw the fluid wrap dress ($27.99) in active blue on sale @Gap, I knew this was going to be a foundation piece for my next post in The $100 Challenge.  Of course, it’s also available in black, but I thought for a funky mix for day or a cocktail party, I’d mix it up with some special black accessories.

When it comes to winter, I really love adding suede with softer fabrics, or bringing out quilted, sequined, or animal-embossed textures to make the black look more luxurious. Therefore I was inspired by the sheer pattern cardigan ($29.95) from H&M to add immediate interest that will catch the eye over the simple front of the solid color dress. Also, to make the look edgier, I added the perforated peep toe booties ($20.99) in black from Forever 21, which can also be mixed with leggings, skinny jeans, or a mini skirt from the fall into spring.

Since it is winter, no look is complete without a pair of tights, which is why I selected the Minicci vertical weave tights ($3.00) from Payless, which are currently on clearance & also sold in grey to add to an office ensemble. Since we’re working on a budget here, I couldn’t go all out with jewelry, but I loved the look of the Rock & Republic gold tone skull shield c-hoop earrings ($4.80) from Kohl’s.  Lastly, I wanted to add a must-have bag that can be used for a variety of occasions & outfits, so @Charlotte Russe, I found the deco flap chain-strap clutch ($12.99).

For more posts on affordable fashion, check out all black looks inspired by Rihanna & Diane Kruger, 4 ways to wear floral skinny pants, fabulous flats for under $25, & pointy toe heels inspired by Kate Bosworth & Rashida Jones! Happy Styling!

Basics For A Bargain: Best Coats To Buy Now, Inspired By Gwen Stefani, Victoria Beckham, Michelle Williams, & More!

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The holidays are over, but the big sales are just starting. In an effort to wish the warmer spring weather on, retailers are getting a head start on their markdowns, especially when it comes to outerwear. If you live in the Northeast (like I do!), then you’ll know that the weather outside is quite frightful. After spending the day in NYC on Friday, I was plenty thankful for my recent investment in a new wool coat to keep comfortable amid gusty winds down the fashionable streets of the Big Apple. 

Celebrities are even breaking out their best in outerwear, including Kate Middleton in a belted Reiss Angel coat with suede knee boots. Supermodel Claudia Schiffer looks cozy in a retro 70s-inspired poncho-style coat with a middle part & suede-accented bag. Katie Holmes arrives for her appearance on Broadway in a knee-length coat, eggplant Dolce & Gabbana bag, & suede Rag & Bone booties.  Socialite & reality star Olivia Palermo hits the streets of Brooklyn in her fur-trimmed coat over leather leggings & knee boots.  Gwen Stefani always stands out, especially in her printed plaid coat with matching red lips & white-rimmed shades for a day out in London. Kate Middleton, Claudia Schiffer, Katie Holmes, Olivia Palermo, Gwen Stefani, Alexa Chung, Victoria Beckham, Leslie Mann, Jessica Chastain, & Michelle Williams

Alexa Chung enhances her shape with this waist-cinching grey coat, which is made all the more feminine with ankle-strap heels & a leather clutch.  Victoria Beckham never gets it wrong, offsetting her menswear look with a plum trench coat & pointy toe heels.  This Is 40 star Leslie Mann reinvents the look of a modern working mom with this tan coat over a leopard print dress for an appearance on Good Morning America.  Jessica Chastain poses for photogs after a performance of The Heiress, wearing a tan piped trench coat with grey knee boots & a leopard scarf.  Michelle Williams plays up her bombshell style with this fur-trimmed double-breasted coat & towering peep toe pumps.

Of course, you don’t have to be a celebrity to look great in outerwear, especially when so much of it is currently on sale.  I’ve selected ten coats of varying styles, all under $100, perfect for any shape & look. I start with $100 b/c a winter coat is something that will last you up to five months out of the year, which means that’s about $20 a month on a coat if you go out everyday to brave the elements. It’s always a good idea to consider how your clothing investments can pay you back, especially when looking for a basic necessity like outerwear.

First, if you’re looking to throw on something chic over your winter sweaters, check out the fur military cape ($67.99) in brown from Gap. If a printed coat is more your style, then the VS peacoat ($59.99) in plaid from Victoria’s Secret is great for dressing up basics like a pullover & jeans. @New York & Company, you’ll find the knit collar wool coat ($41.98) in black, which is currently marked down from its original $139.95 price.  By checking out the Juniors’ department @Macy’s, you can spot the Levi’s faux-fur collar anorak ($35.99) in navy, however it’s also sold in khaki if you want to avoid a denim-on-denim disaster. LOFT‘s blanket stripe wool blend zip coat ($129.99) is listed rather high in price, but due to the site’s current sale, upon checkout, the price automatically reduces to $65.00!

coats

I’m such a big fan of houndstooth in the winter, which is why I was excited to spot the Jaclyn Smith houndstooth coat ($51.99) from KMart, recently reduced from $129.99. For more fun with color, @JC Penney, the a.n.a. hooded peacoat ($30.00) in sangria/black is a must-have clearance item & is also available in ivory/black, which will contrast nicely with leather leggings or a skirt & knee boots. A classic silhouette can be found in the faux-fur trimmed puff sleeve coat ($69.99) in red from Express, which is also sold in pink & navy. The wool-blend cape coat ($29.97) in warm stripe from Old Navy is a great buy for the color-savvy Style Darling & sold in sizes XS – XXL. Finally, the most affordable of all is the quilted self-tie coat ($19.99) from Forever 21, which offers that regal Chanel look with a contemporary twist, especially when worn with a striking scarf in animal print or paisley.

Where do you find the best prices on coats? Do you like to shop after the holidays when there are big sales? What’s your favorite outerwear style? For more posts from Basics for a Bargain, check out 4 ways to wear floral pants from H&M, an LBD look for under $100, & pointy toe heels inspired by Miranda Kerr, Kerry Washington, & More! Happy Styling!

Fabulous in 4 Ways: Floral Skinny Pants From H&M For Day, Date, Cocktail, & Weekend!

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Just b/c the holidays are mostly over, it doesn’t mean that the glamour has to end. The latest trends in spring fashion are slowly, but surely emerging & this includes floral pants. They’re not just for springtime, especially when there are so many chic & cozy ways to dress up or dress down florals when the weather is still chilly outside.  I’d like to take a look at some celebrity inspiration to see how the A-listers are wearing this trend.

Kristin Cavallari shares her chic maternity style in Joe’s Jeans with a basic black top & blazer to offset the vibrant pattern.  90210 star Shenae Grimes adds some punk flavor to her Alice + Olivia cropped pants with strappy booties & a leather top.  Playing with the same idea is Minka Kelly, whose Dolce & Gabbana floral pants are enhanced by suede peep toe pumps & a bright rectangular clutch.  Singer Lana Del Rey plays up her demure style in Citizens of Humanity pants under her trench coat with embellished ballet flats.  Lastly, Twilight star Kristen Stewart sticks to her favorite designer, Balenciaga, for her micro floral printed pants, paired with a Rebecca Minkoff blazer & a Juicy Couture tank.

Kristin Cavallari, Shenae Grimes, Minka Kelly, Lana Del Rey, & Kristen Stewart.Even if we look to the runways for Spring 2013, you’ll find that there’s plenty of floral on the bottom. Floral isn’t meant just for dresses, skirts, or blouses anymore. It can be an unexpected pop of femininity or juxtapose more masculine pieces for day or evening.  For example, we’ve seen this in collections from Jason Wu, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Lela Rose, Paul & Joe, & Tanya Taylor. Here, complimenting colors in your floral prints can work to accentuate a factor of luxury in your look, especially when it comes to jackets, cardigans, scarves, & heels.

Jason Wu, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Lela Rose, Paul & Joe, & Tanya Taylor. The pants in question for today’s Fabulous in 4 Ways post are the floral pants ($24.95) from H&M. Not only are these an amazing bargain, but I’m convinced that these can be worn in a variety of ways to get the most out of your wardrobe basics for day, weekend, date, & cocktail hour.  These may be a little hard to pull off in the office, depending on what your work dress code is, but for the more casual environments, I recommend a cute blouse & pumps to make your look polished & professional.

First, for daytime when you’re running some errands or meeting with your girlfriends for a casual luncheon (á la Sex & the City), I recommend playing with the colors in the pants, including the ruched panel cardigan ($9.99) in gold from Dress Barn worn over the lurex lace bra cami ($14.99) in true white from Express. When floral pants such as these are the focal point of your look, you can play with textures to add interest, which is why I’ve selected the Kenneth Cole ‘Slip Me One’ flats ($29.97) in red @Piperlime & the easy metallic combo of Forever 21‘s beaded hoop earrings ($5.80).

Keep it cozy when it comes to a weekend look, if you’re headed out to a movie during the day with your beau & then sit by the fireplace eating Chinese food. Yes, that’s what I’d like my weekends to be, which is why I picked the striped sweater with oversized cowl neck ($34.96) in herbal mist from New York & Company to wear with the Brash Zoey riding boot ($39.99) in black from Payless. The mixture of stripes & florals has fascinated me for a while, so when you’re cooped up with your significant other in the house when the weather is on the frightful side, experiment with your looks a little to keep things fresh.  However, if you’re headed out, I love the mix of tassels with the patent textures in the daisy fuentes Gemini studded cross-body handbag ($29.50) in magenta from Kohl’s matched with a little more spring fever in the floral bangle set ($7.80) from Forever 21.

When it comes to date night looks, you always have to consider where you’re headed.  Floral pants may seem busy, but if accessorized correctly, they’re the perfect foundation for a sophisticated & smart look to impress your date.  I picked the teardrop cut-out blouse ($24.99) in black from The Limited, a piece that is sure to make the rounds with other wardrobe staples like a pencil skirt, boyfriend jeans, & leggings.  Of course in skinny pants like these, a pair of DSW‘s BCBG Paris Preena pumps ($29.94) in fuchsia will elongate the legline & won’t be as intimidating as some seriously pointy toe shoes.  For a special finishing touch, I love the colorblocked flap crossbody ($19.80) from Forever 21 & Mixit hematite stone tassel drop earrings ($4.00) from JC Penney.

For a cocktail event, pants aren’t necessarily the first thing to come to mind, especially when a dress is so easy to throw on with some snazzy earrings & killer heels. However, if you’re running around & don’t have time to get that go-to LBD dry-cleaned, you can rely on floral plants to build an evening-ready cocktail look, including the gem collar peplum top ($30.00) in aubergine from Topshop with a built-in jeweled neckline that helps accessorize your ladylike ensemble.  Also, I’ve added the Abrianna heels ($34.99) in bone from ALDO with the sparkling sequin hinge wallet ($9.99) in champagne from Charlotte Russe. Lastly, b/c there’s so much going on in the look already, I didn’t want to bog it down with extra bling, but here’s your opportunity to break out a really fabulous cocktail ring like the affordable stretch oval ring ($12.99) in orange from Target.

Do you own floral pants? Would you consider adding them to your wardrobe? How would you style them? For more styling posts, check out my affordable LBD look, statement rings for under $10, & how to wear a metallic faux leather skirt in 4 ways! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Affordable Flats For Any Occasion ($25 & Under)!

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‘Tis the season to be fashionable & when it comes to shoes, I love all styles, including flats. I’ve been lucky enough to find some great deals lately on late-summer designs, as well as the latest fall markdowns with trends like animal print, cap toes, colorblocking, embellishments, & neons.  Luckily, I was able to scope out these latest picks, all under $25 & are versatile enough for any occasion with some styling tweaks.

First off, I love me some houndstooth, which is why the Fergalicious Alana flats ($24.99) from 6PM are perfect for an office look with trousers & a blouse, a casual day with girlfriends with a cableknit sweater & skinny jeans, or a night in with your beau in a studded cardigan & jeggings.  The all over stone flat ($14.99) in lavender from Wet Seal is a mix of feminine & rock star, & is also available in turquoise, blush, pink, & black for up to $19.50. Break these out to dress up a denim skirt & pullover with a collar necklace, or for that retro-inspired shift dress you’ve been dying to wear!

The dexflex Claire scrunch flat ($24.99) from Payless are right up my alley, perfectly chic with a mix of cream & the metallic toe.  I’d pair this with a sequin top & neutral skirt, or to offset textured tights with a colorblock dress.  The Cyphers flats ($22.49) from ALDO are office-friendly with menswear-inspired tassles, but the playful fuchsia shade is just the right touch of pink to contrast a monochromatic look in navy or charcoal.  Since neon just isn’t going away, I just had to feature the neon toe ballet flats ($16.80) in nude/aqua @Forever 21, which are also sold in nude/pink & nude/yellow.  I’d recommend wearing these with a lace frock & thick belt or to play up your favorite pastel sweater dress.

Which flats are your favorites? What stores do you usually shop in when looking for flats? Do you gravitate towards the sale racks to find the latest markdowns? For more fabulous shoe posts, check out these pointy toe heels inspired by Katie Holmes & Sarah Jessica Parker, the best bargains for peep toe pumps, & GOjane’s crazy sale on booties! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Dress Up An LBD Without Breaking The Bank!

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Getting ready for the holidays is always fun, what with the parties, dinners, & gatherings with friends & family leading up to the end of the year. You don’t have to spend a lot to look like a million bucks, especially when you look around at all the latest sales going on online & in stores. First I wanted to start off with a chic LBD for my latest post in The $100 Challenge, which includes the cross front jersey dress ($22.50) in black from Old Navy. The flowy, figure-flattering shape is perfect for any time of year, especially when it’s an ideal foundation for fun & sparkly pieces.  Of course, while heading to parties, you can add a flirty topper like the open front cardigan ($17.90) from Windsor Store.

Fabulous accessories include the Fioni Helix glitter sandal ($19.99) in silver from Payless, Forever 21‘s rhinestoned triangle necklace ($6.80) in grey, bow waist belt ($4.80) in cream, H&M‘s metallic tights ($9.95), & the Bay Harbor ostrich clutch ($18.00) by Apt. 9 from Kohl’s.

The total comes to $99.94, which is just under budget. Do you like this look? What’s your holiday go-to? How much are you willing to spend on one look? Happy Styling!

Basics For A Bargain: Pointy Toe Heels Are Here To Stay, Inspired By Katie Holmes, Stacy Keibler, Miranda Kerr, & More!

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While this little Style Darling has been busy with holiday preparations & fighting off a nasty cold, I’ve been finding joy in shoes, pointy toe shoes, more specifically. While perusing through the latest gallery pics of the most recent & fabulous red carpet looks worn by my favorite celebrities, I started noticing that pointy toe shoes have been making a sneaky comeback.  Of course, celebrities have been donning these on & off, but throughout the summer & fall, they’ve been mixing up their looks with towering platforms, round toe pumps, as well as cut-out & deep-vamp booties this season. I decided to feature some affordable pointy toe shoes in classic black, nude, & fun designs for a variety of looks for day, evening, & work. 

First off, I wanted to share some celebrity inspiration with nude pumps. Katie Holmes pairs her neutral shoes with a bright magenta Narciso Rodriguez sheath dress & olive trench coat. Kerry Washington softens her leather A.L.C. frock with nude shoes & House of Lavande jewelry.  This is 40 star Leslie Mann is all smiles in a knotted coral number with a luxe cream coat.  Singer / actress Mandy Moore offsets her stunning cobalt asymmetric dress with a colorful Bvlgari clutch & super pointy shoes. 

It didn’t take very long to find some affordable counterparts, without having to break the bank.  This includes Forever 21‘s patent & faux leather pump ($27.80) in tan with a 4 1/2-inch heel, perfect for elongating your legline.  I also recommend the Madden Girl Tartt pumps ($34.99) in blush patent from 6PM, which are currently 30% off from their original $50 price tag.  Of course these shoes are perfect for any dress look, making any pair of gams long miles long, but they’re also especially flattering with skinny jeans & a tunic top, leggings & an oversized sweater, or a 70s-inspired jumpsuit. 

As for the basic black pump, a pointy toe is edgy when matched with feminine frocks, & they can even dress up the most basic of outfits.  Tina Fey shows off her digital printed top with skinny pants, whereas Kate Bosworth mixes her pumps with a sophisticated Emilio Pucci peplum dress. 

Maria Sharapova plays with separates, including a floral Zimmermann top, Tanya Taylor skirt, & Iwona Ludyga earrings for her Giuseppe Zanotti pumps. The svelte Stacy Keibler looks long & lean in her wool & leather Monique Lhuillier suit while walking the red carpet at the VH1 Divas show. Clearly, black pumps are an essential for any wardrobe, including the Nine West Love Fury pumps ($47.99), as well as the Dianna pumps ($39.95) by Diba from DSW.

Lastly, if you’re going to wear pointy toe pumps, there are some occasions when a fun & flirty shoe is a must-have.  Make an unexpected move by going monochromatic like Miranda Kerr‘s all-white look at an event for Mango, or get wild with something textured like Sarah Jessica Parker‘s Jean-Michel Cazabat snake embossed pumps which well-coordinated with her vintage Estevez dress & Fendi bag. 

Rashida Jones plays with color in her slim leg cobalt suit, Peter Pilotto blouse, Jimmy Choo clutch, & Dana Rebecca Designs jewelry.  Lastly, Olivia Wilde makes her sexy leather head-to-toe look even more enviable with spiked Christian Louboutins & a House of Lavande ring. 

For a splash of sass, I looked for pointy toe pumps with some color & personality.  @Charlotte Russe, I found the patent pointed toe pump ($25.50) in hot pink, which will pop against any all-black look, or bring out the best from a watercolor print dress.  Also, since it’s the holiday season, add a little sparkle to your pump with the Robidoux ($27.99) in bright multi from Aldo. Try these with a classic LBD, leather jacket & mini skirt, or sweater dress & tights.

Which pointy toe shoes do you like? How much do you usually spend on footwear? Do you prefer pointy toe or round? Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Stripes, Tweed, & Gold Accessories For Your Best Holiday Look!

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I’ve been really inspired lately by the looks put together & shared on Facebook by pages such as “Fashion is my World”, Trendy Fashion Jewelry, fashion lady, & Fashion Dream, not to mention countless others that I was able to share with my readers.  I love looking for affordable fashion & putting together luxe looks with pieces that are realistic to any wardrobe & can be mixed & matched for a variety of looks.  Thus, my latest post for The $100 Challenge features, first & foremost, the Merona Sparkle Tweed skirt ($22.99) from Target that I’ve been eyeing each time I hit up the store. The $100 Challenge

Also, I’m excited to play with the latest trend of stripes, which is why I included the striped long sleeve top ($12.80) in royal / peach from Forever 21.  Paired with such a rich texture, this top is perfect for a cocktail party & gold accessories makes for an interesting contrast.  Speaking of gold, the rest of the look really comes to life with the Apt. 9 gold tone mesh oval link long necklace ($17.60) from Kohl’s, metal lattice ring ($5.24) from The Limited, Fioni halo chop-out glitter sandal ($24.99) from Payless, & JC Penney‘s Call It Spring Bulciago wristlet ($12.00).

The total for this look comes to $95.62, before taxes, & has enough versatility to last for many cocktail affairs, the office, a casual day, & even a glam date night out.  Which trends are you following this season? Do you pair stripes with fancier pieces to create an unexpected look? Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Glittering Cocktail Rings For The Holidays ($10 & Under)!

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I’ve been talking a lot about classic stud earrings & statement necklaces for the holidays, but you can’t forget about the joys of cocktail rings.  A special piece of bling on your finger while sipping a glass of wine is always a great way to toast the season.  It wasn’t hard to search for fantastic accessories to pair with your metallic dresses, embellished tops & brocade skirts, or silky pants & pointed toe pumps. 

I love Charlotte Russe‘s glitter gemstone dome ring ($6.00) in mint, which will ass a splash of color to any pewter & gunmetal look, while bringing out richer hues like teal, oxblood, & navy.  A little gold never hurts, which is why I’m recommending the brushed goldtone fashion ring ($8.00) from JC Penney, in case you’re looking to change things up while wearing chandelier earrings. 

The Stylish Five

For a flirty & elegant touch, the LC Lauren Conrad gold tone simulated pearl heart ring ($9.80) from Kohl’s to offset any lacey frock & satin bowed pumps.  @Payless, you can find the Minicci filigree rhinestone ring ($4.00) for a decadent addition to your luxe baroque outfit.  Lastly, the twisted teardrop ring ($6.80) from Forever 21 is an antique piece, essential for a variety of looks including how to contrast a plaid shirt & pencil skirt as a cocktail hour reinvention. 

Which ring is your favorite? How much do you like to spend on fashion jewelry? What details to you seek when it comes to your holiday style? Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Keeping It Coral For the Holidays!

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When it comes to what to wear for the holidays, we naturally think of red, green, black, & metallics, but I’ve been seeing a whole slew of pastels this season, which is why I was so excited to share LOFT‘s grosgrain waist pleated dress ($37.50) in coral. Not only is it marked down from its original nearly $90.00 price tag, but LOFT is celebrating the holidays with a store & site wide 50% off sale on all clearance items, no code needed. Not to mention that this dress is perfect for special occasions in the spring & will even look chic with a blazer & textured tights for the office. 

Finding more sale items to keep within out under $100 budget was easy since coral is such a feminine & bright color to wear for this holidays.  The rest of this look includes the cardigan ($17.95) in black from H&M which is the ultimate wardrobe staple for any embellished top or watercolor sheath dress.  Also, the glittered skinny waist belt ($3.80) in gold from Forever 21 is also available in pink, mint, & purple for your every pastel need.  The look comes together effortlessly with the color block pointed toe pump ($12.49) from Charlotte Russe that has a special metallic detail between the nude & coral hues.

Other accessories to help complete this look are the Mossimo exotic skin envelope clutch ($14.99) in gold from Target, which will coordinate well with any LBD, denim & sequins look, or classic shirtdress. Lastly  New York & Company‘s neutral tri-color bib necklace ($10.00) is a polished finishing touch that will also make the most basic button-down shirt or scoop neck tee a little more glamorous for day. The grand total for this look comes to $96.76, before taxes of course.

What dresses are you shopping for this season? Where are you finding the best deals & markdowns? For more affordable finds, check out previous posts featuring animal print inspiration, a party-ready look from H&M, & how to work stripes & florals for work or a date look! Happy Styling!

Beauty Buys: Forever 21’s Affordable Stocking Stuffers For A Beautiful 2013!

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I’ve been taking my time sifting through the pages of all my favorite issues of the December magazines, checking out the best deals on gifts for my Style Darling pals without breaking my budget, while still offering something fun & useful to make 2013 all the more beautiful.  If you’re in a rut & need to pick up a few fashionable extras while scoping out the great deals @Forever 21, check out their beauty products, which are always a great way to discover new hues & change up your routine. I picked out the love & beauty eyeshadow ($2.80) in beige, jade, & gunmetal since they’re perfect for any look & season. To apply these shimmering shades, I’ve also selected the cheetah pattern cosmetic brushes ($3.80), which comes with 5 valuable pieces for bringing out your best features.

Forever 21 beauty buys

Switch up the usual cosmetic must-haves & add some bling inside your bag with the rhinestoned mirror compact & tweezer set ($5.80).  You’ll love applying the essential hues for day, night, & parties in the lip gloss trio ($4.80) which is available in four different combinations, including rose/cherry, red/berry, pink/hot pink, & natural/bronze for every skin tone.  Take advantage of the bold nail art trend hitting Instagram with the color tip nail kit ($8.80) with 8 matte shades, necessary for any polish collection.

What are your favorite stocking stuffers to give? Do you like to give beauty products to your favorite friends? Where do you shop for the best beauty deals? Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Work A Holiday Skirt Into Your Wardrobe ($30 & Under)!

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I’ve been turning to heavier textures for my work & can’t wait to start putting looks together for upcoming holiday gatherings too! For me, if I’m not wearing a dress, then you can be sure that I’ve got a holiday-friendly skirt in mind. I love all different fabrics & accents, which is why I wanted to share my five picks to wear without breaking the bank. 

I love a good tweed & houndstooth is one of my favorite patterns & @Dress Barn the houndstooth ponte skirt ($29.50) is a great buy for that transition from day to night by changing up suede ballet flats to studded ankle booties. For an edgier look, you can find the faux leather skirt ($24.95) @H&M, which will coordinate well with lush silk blouses, embellished tanks, & preppy knits for some contrast.

For a more feminine look, break out a softer hue with the solid trimmed jacquard skirt ($22.80) from Forever 21 & try it with this season’s top color, oxblood, with a leather jacket & some textured tights.  For the real party girl, though this isn’t an office appropriate skirt, I love the i jeans by Buffalo feather skirt ($25.00), which JC Penney has just marked down from its original $100.00 price tag.  With such a statement skirt like this, keep your other pieces a little more basic, but work a collar necklace or some stacked bangles in for extra sparkle.  Lastly, Target is one of my favorite stores to shop & the Merona sweater skirt ($26.99) adds a splash of animal print to any lace peplum or sequin top.  The cozy material is sure to be comfortable, while still showing off your flair for fashion. 

 What’s your holiday style? Do you have a go-to look for that upcoming office party? Do you prefer skirts over dress pants? Check out more affordable style tips including the best vests of the season, a great date look for under $100, & the prettiest ways to dress up your nails! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Invest In The Best Vests This Season (Under $25)!

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It’s definitely time to bundle up with the layers & unless you’re headed on a tropical vacation, take it from me, this season is all about adding that one last finishing touch. In this case, I’m talking about vests. I was a little reluctant to integrate them into my wardrobe, but if you’re seeking a rocker look, something bohemian, or a vintage feel, vests can help achieve this & make some older wardrobe staples refreshed & reinvented.

Keeping a budget in mind, I’ve selected five vests all under $25! First, the cap-sleeve leopard denim vest ($14.49) from Charlotte Russe is a recent markdown that’s perfect for making any graphic tee more stylish with boyfriend jeans & pointed toe neon pumps. A vest for work is always chic, especially over a solid blouse or classic button-down & I recommend the FANG openwork sweater vest ($21.99) in slate from Kohl’s which includes a belt & is also sold in other neutral hues like oat, & black.

To offset any chic all-black look, head over to Forever 21 for the metallic coated denim vest ($24.80) which will take you from a luncheon with family to drinks with the girls at a bar. If you want to try on the military-inspired trend by taking a baby step, Old Navy‘s twill cargo vest ($24.97) is perfect for adding a utilitarian feel with stripes, or even to dress down a pencil skirt.  Also, this is available in sizes XS – XXL! Lastly, I found the wearever cascade vest ($24.99) from J.Jill, which is a lighter & more feminine way to show off layers over a polka dot blouse & a lace mini skirt.

Do you like to wear vests? How do you style them? What’s your favorite part about layering? For more posts on budget-friendly styles, check out affordable sweaters inspired by Rose Byrne & Jessica Alba, a work-to-evening look for under $100, & beautiful studs from Piperlime! Happy Styling!

Basics For A Bargain: The Hottest Tops & Pants Looks Worn By Kristen Stewart, Alexa Chung, Kate Hudson, & More!

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I’ve never been a dress pants kind of girl- until lately.  I was always the girl walking around in a skirt or dress b/c those pieces were just always easier for me to find since I wear petite bottoms in most cases, but also have a curvy shape.  However, I’m inspired by these tops & bottoms (pants, more specifically) looks that I’ve been spotting on the most photographed & stylish celebrities.

This includes actress Rashida Jones in jewel-tone trousers by Theyskens’ Theory paired with a studded blazer, an eggplant blouse, Graziela earrings, a Dana Rebecca Designs ring, & metallic cap toe pumps.  This look says so much about her edgy, but conservative style.  The rich hues combined with the luxe fabrics make looking like you’re wearing pajamas with an 80s-esque jacket look super cool.  Next is K-Stew herself, Kristen Stewart, wearing a daring Balenciaga design with a Cartier bracelet, & sleek Christian Louboutins. Critics are calling this look a ripoff of the barely there bra-top & bare midriff look that the blonde-coiffed Miley Cyrus has been sporting, but I think The Twilight Saga star has got it right here. French import / Bond girl Berenice Marlohe is ravishing in colorblocked black with feathers & a white top by Alexander McQueen, Norman Silverman studs, & Sergio Rossi pumps. I love her smoky eye, yet mature Blake-Lively inspired beachy locks, providing a fresh take on an unlikely pairing.

Kate Hudson is a vision in Alexander McQueen menswear with towering Brian Atwood pumps at the Glee premiere in September, while donning a sexy lace cami underneath.  Style icon Alexa Chung has never looked sleeker in this Maje button-down shirt & slacks with minimalist black pumps- again another menswear-ish look that couldn’t be more fabulous.  Lastly, reality star Olivia Palermo is getting on board with the volume trend wearing an Elin Kling for Marciano oversized sweater with cropped pants, ankle-strap Gucci sandals, & tribal-inspired accessories.

I gave myself the daunting task (while the power could hold out during the crazy snow storm that hit the Northeast on Wednesday) to try & replicate these looks- all in one post! Of course, I’m still working on those PhotoShop skills, but I’m happy to share affordable versions of these six looks, which cost b/w $41.50 – $124.99. If you take a look below, you’ll see that I’ve recreated the pieces of clothing from Rashida’s look, including a textured Lark Lane foil-print zip jacket ($45.00) from JCPenney, the Honey Punch ‘high-waisted hopes pants ($42.00) in red from Lulu’s, & the LC by Lauren Conrad embellished chiffon blouse ($26.40) from Kohl’s. Kristen’s look was tougher to put together, but a daring Style Darling can certainly pull off the stretch lace bralette ($24.50) from Victoria’s Secret & pair it with White House Black Market‘s legacy bi-stretch modern bootcut pant ($49.99).

For Berenice’s look, I couldn’t find feathers, but the peplum trend was easy to put together when I found the laser cut dot peplum tank ($21.99) from Charlotte Russe & the Lauren Jeans Co. Biltmore trouser pants ($44.99) @Macy’s. A winter white tuxdeo on a budget was an even trickier ensemble to recreate, but Kate’s look wasn’t too far off when I found the Bar III three-quarter open-front tuxedo blazer ($26.99) from Macy’s & the White House Black Market modern bootcut tux pant ($98.00). Alexa’s look is comprised of pieces from Forever 21, including the tail hem shirt ($18.90) & coated trimmed trousers ($22.80). Lastly, Olivia’s look was perfectly timed now that heavy knits are in stores, & I selected The Limited‘s cowlneck poncho ($49.99) & Logan fit slim ankle pant ($49.99) from Banana Republic.

For more celebrity-inspired posts, check out features in Red Carpet Review, Darling Of The Day, & Top 10 Celeb Sightings.  Also, if you’re looking for the best ways to acquire an affordable wardrobe, take a look at updates blogs in Basics For A Bargain, Luxury Look-Alikes For Less, The $100 Challenge, & Splurge or Save?! Happy Styling!

Basics For A Bargain: Swap In Some Sweaters, Inspired By Carrie Underwood, Nicole Richie, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, & More!

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As if Long Island hasn’t been riddled enough with weather, it’s snowing now & I bundled up in my favorite sweater to brave the day.  This was my inspiration when I clicked through some of my top go-to websites to find must-have sweaters for the fall-winter season- no matter where you live.  Because sweaters are bulkier, often requiring special care, & available in an array of materials, I don’t necessarily admonish anyone who is looking for an investment piece to add to their cold weather wardrobe.  However, let’s take a look at some stylish celebrities who have been spotted in recent months donning some fashionable sweaters.

Actress Rose Byrne accents her textured black sweater with a ruffled skirt & leopard belt at the debut short film for Target, Falling For You.  Country crooner Taylor Swift looks all sorts of ladylike with maroon sweater by French Connection, paired with polka dot jeans by AG Adriano Goldschmied, Charlotte Olympia flats, & a tasteful string of pearls. Jessica Alba plays with menswear in her Alice + Olivia sweater to contrast her printed pants & bold cap toe pumps. Former Heroes star Ali Larter mixes sophistication with urban chic in a shawl collar sweater with olive cargo pants, ankle booties, & a Coach bag.

You can count on American Idol Carrie Underwood to bring the glitz to an appearance at The Late Show with David Letterman, wearing a sequin sweater, skinny jeans, & strappy wedges. Model / actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley goes all-black in a fringed black sweater & liquid leather leggings when arriving at the Sao Paulo Fashion Week celebration.  Lastly, designer Nicole Richie goes casual in a zebra print Proenza Schouler sweater with skinny black jeans & suede pumps.

For under $50, you can find heart details, metallic threading, animal-inspiration, feminine accents, & some sparkle when it comes to wearing a sweater.  Of course, there’s the classic cable knit or argyle that you can wear to the office, but there are lots of ways to look ladylike & modern without having to sacrifice style when it comes to chunky knitwear.

I love the fun & flirty colors in the colored animal pattern sweater ($27.80) from Forever 21 is a cool way to accent a pencil skirt with a metallic collar necklace, or to wear during the day with skinny jeans & knee boots.  If you’re headed on a double date or want to stay warm when going out at night, check out Express‘ metallic wedge sweater ($19.99), which would look hot with leather shorts & tights or colored jeans.  I’ve surprised myself lately by finding an interest in stripes (I’m not typically a stripey), but I love the color contrast & splash of sparkle in the Varick Street sequin stripe v-neck sweater ($46.95) from New York & Company, which is available in a whole range of colors if you’re not into the yellow-gray combo.

As seen on many Style Darlings like Alexa Chung & Rihanna, wearing novelty pieces is a big trend, & this includes LC by Lauren Conrad‘s lurex heart sweater ($34.99) from Kohl’s, which is also sold in black & white, as well as tan & black.  Pair this fun top with wide leg jeans & a scarf, or polish the look with textured a-line skirt & pointed toe heels.  Lastly, @Venus you can find knit sweater with bow ($22.00) in light brown which can be easily played up with a fancy lace pencil skirt or some leather leggings.

What sweater styles do you like to wear when the weather gets cold? Are there sweater trends that you love to follow? For more posts featured in Basics for a Bargain, be sure to check out fall’s best faux leather looks featuring Lucy Hale & Jessica Chastain, leopard flats inspired by Olivia Palermo & Whitney Port, & Anne Hathaway’s all-black day & evening looks! Happy Styling!

10/31/2012 Darling Of The Day: Pippa Middleton’s Chic Fall Street Look!

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This is no trick, but it is a treat. I could’ve posted about sexy maid costumes or how to recreate Carrie Bradshaw’s style, but in lieu of a little hurricane named Sandy, I wanted to share something more realistic, but as equally as delightful.  I haven’t written about Pippa Middleton‘s style in quite some time, but once I saw this chic purple & black ensemble, I knew I had to find the pieces to reimagine it while on a budget.

The Croft & Barrow solid faux suede shirt ($19.99) from Kohl’s is the perfect way to start building this look & if purple isn’t your hue of choice, it’s also available in grey, tan, & green. I always turn to New York & Company for work essentials, which is where I’ve found the ponte knit pencil skirt ($34.95). While it doesn’t have as much detail as Pippa’s, it is still figure flattering with plenty of structure given in the seams.  As for the shoes, I hit up DSW for the Madden Girl Zelouss bootie ($49.95), which compare at up to $80.00.

Accessories for this look in the Worthington tights ($6.00) from JC Penney, oversized wayfarer-style sunglasses ($20.93) from Express, as well as the Amour charm necklace ($3.80) & contrast strap hobo ($24.80), both from Forever 21.

These pieces aren’t just perfect for street style or heading in & out of the office since they can be rearranged with a boyfriend blazer & skinny jeans, belted with leather leggings, or knotted with lace shorts & boots.  For more on my girl crush on Pippa, be sure to check out posts in Top 10 Celeb Sightings, Darling of the Day, Luxury Look-Alikes For Less, & Basics for a Bargain. Happy Styling!

Splurge Or Save… Stripes & Florals, Inspired By The Pages Of Marie Claire!

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While preparing for the imminent hurricane, I’ve gathered plenty of reading materials that will have to suffice as both entertainment & education in case of a power outage.  I have Monday & Tuesday off from work b/c of this Sandy nuisance, so I was starting to refer back to some of my favorite magazine articles that I checked out while at work & this page from Marie Claire sticks out most in my mind.  The latest issue, which features the lovely Ashley Greene, actress from The Twilight Saga & spokesmodel for DKNY, on its cover.  However, I posted this image on my Instagram (@MissAlissaL), sharing the daring dud combination of stripes & florals- one I’ve yet to explore.

Of course any Style Darling would be lucky to own any of the pictured items from page 72 of MC (ranging in price from $44.95 – $565.00, from brands like Sergio Rossi, Coach, Chris Benz, Kate Spade, & more); however, I wanted to share my version of this page, hoping to see this trend done right without breaking the bank!

My recommendations all cost under $50.00 per item & will certainly help transform your fall favorites into fresh, new outfits to wear to work, going on a date, a family occasion, or a party.  We know how figure flattering pencil skirts are, so I stuck with the idea of a floral pencil skirt, matching with uncomplicated basic stripes, as well as strong neutral accessories.  The jewelry has enough visual interest to add the perfect amount of dimension for an evening occasion, while still looking expensive & luxurious.

First, I’m sharing a plus size look, which can be built from the lace pencil skirt ($40.00) @Eloquii by The Limited, available in sizes 14W-24W. Yes, I see that this isn’t a basic floral print, but the flower concept is in the feminine lace details. To help make the elegant skirt pop, I’ve added the Extra Touch plus-size top ($19.99) from Macy’s, which is also available in green, fuchsia, & purple. To finish off the look, I turned to Torrid for the patent system heel ($26.70) in red, which is available in size 7-13 wide width.  Also, the Candie’s two tone bead multistrand necklace ($7.20) is from Kohl’s & can be worn over any graphic tee, with an LBD, or to add a splash of personality to a solid cardigan.

My next looks run in misses sizes, including New York & Company‘s tapestry print wrap skirt with pleating ($46.95) in black plum, but this can also be bought in saffron. Since the print is so busy, I wanted to stick to an all-flattering stripe with the striped cowlneck waffle tee ($29.95) in black & white from the Gap. The neckline of the top is pronounced, so I opted for the patent hip belt ($4.80) in eggplant from Forever 21 over a necklace & matched it with the Moda Spana Nadine patent pump ($29.94) from DSW.

The third look is definitely a bold statement, mixing the floral pencil skirt ($24.99) from The Limited with Forever 21‘s cream & navy striped 3/4 sleeve top ($10.80). The Brash Kosmic platform pump ($29.99) in tan suede from Payless & BaubleBar‘s triple tear pendant ($26.00) are neutral pieces that can be mixed with any variety of casual, office, & evening looks.

Look’s #1-3 total out to $93.89, $111.64, & $91.78, respectively. That’s a pretty amazing deal for such versatile pieces that will work with jeans, skinny pants, button-down shirts, & other wardrobe staples. Would you dare to wear stripes & florals? Which of these looks is your favorite? How much would you spend on an outfit like this?

10/19/2012 Darling Of The Day / The $100 Challenge: Freida Pinto’s All-Black, Affordable Look!

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Even though colorblocking is still a big trend for fall, there are also a lot of monochromatic looks happening on the runways, red carpets, as well as the street.  Of course, you have to pick the right hue to pull off the look effectively, but one color that is exceptionally flattering & seasonal is black.

Slumdog Millionaire actress Freida Pinto always looks beautiful & polished.  As the constant epitome of feminine style, I was surprised to see her all-black menswear-inspired ensemble, but then I realized that it was such a great template for a streamlined & affordable look.  The essential relaxed blouse ($19.80) from Forever 21 was a natural fit to work with this outfit, & can be paired with any office, day, or date look.  Throw this on with your wildest metallic leggings, sequined mini skirt, or favorite boyfriend jeans & you’ve instantly got a timeless piece working with your wardrobe no matter the season!

I’ve been eyeing Old Navy‘s rockstar super skinny jeans ($29.50) & even picked up a similar pair in forest green, but these black skinnies are the perfect way to show off your shape if your top has some volume to it.  Also, these jeans are available in an assortment of playful hues & a variety of sizes, while select colors are even marked down to $22.50! Lastly, GOjane was my first stop when it came to finding textured heels.  The woven design leatherette pumps ($26.10) offer a subtle touch of detail without breaking up the monochromatic feel, or taking away from it.

Of course if all-black isn’t your thing (& it really shouldn’t be more than maybe once a month), punch up this look with an embellished cardigan, silk blazer, metallic pumps, or statement gemstones.  This post also qualifies for The $100 Challenge in that the total (before taxes) comes to $75.40, which means that if you’re looking to spend only $100, there’s still room for enhancement with a studded clutch & drop earrings!

**I’d like to take a moment to send a special thanks out to graphic designer / musician / photographer, Nino Vlacich (not to mention boyfriend extraordinaire), for giving me a wonderful one-on-one Photoshop tutorial, without which this blog & a few previous ones would not so stylishly exist! ❤ **

Would you rock an all-black look? Do you already own pieces like this in your wardrobe? For more Darling of the Day posts, check out Olivia Wilde, Olivia Palermo, & Anne Hathaway! Happy Styling!

Splurge or Save… On Spiked Bracelets?

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Spiked bracelets are no longer for the goth at heart.  This edgy fall trend is revamping the way shoppers style their fall wardrobes.  I’m excited to share five different, but equally as stylish spiked bracelets that I’ve searched the web for, ranging in price from super splurge-worthy to a money-saving option for the Style Darling on a budget.

@Piperlime, I found the CC Skye Mercy spike bracelet ($185.00), which can be layered with other gold bangles for a daring way to amp up an LBD look.  The gold points can also juxtapose any gauze or lacy outfits if you’re mixing this with a soft, feminine sheath dress.  Also, one of my favorite sites to check out jewelry is Bauble Bar, which is where I found the glam cone cuff ($48.00) in a rose gold hue, which is certainly my favorite piece of the quintet in this edition of Splurge or Save. 

For those who aren’t afraid to make a style statement with bold jewelry, then the Christel’s long gold metal spike bracelet ($37.95) from Fantasy Jewelry Box is an investment piece that’ll add an extra splash of spice to a casual look in a graphic tee with leather shorts or can really pop to wear at a cocktail party with a cut-out dress.  @ASOS, I found a subtler piece with the double spike bracelet ($10.55), which featured spikes on the inside & outside of the bracelet.  Again, here’s a sweet rose gold finish to accentuate a mixed metal look when paired with silver, gold, & copper.  Lastly, the spikes & rhinestones bangle set ($7.80) offers a two-in-one look, offering evidence that once again, you can rely on Forever 21 for the most value in fashionable accessories. 

Of course, I’ve chosen a selection that includes a bangle, cuff, stretchy, & clasp bracelet, but that just goes to show how versatile the spike bracelet trend is becoming.  Do you like any of these bracelets? Can you find a way to wear spikes everyday or for more fabulous occasions? How much are you willing to invest in your jewelry?

For more affordablr & fashionable posts, check out necklaces for under $20, chic black & white outfits, & dresses from HauteLook for under $30! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Must-Have Necklaces From Forever 21 (Under $20)!

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One of the best trends that isn’t just going away, & why should it?, is a statement necklace. In the last year, I’ve been trying to experiment with new necklaces to coordinate with any variety of workplace, day, & night looks.  One of my favorite stores to find affordable accessories is Forever 21, which is where I’ve been drooling over these five necklaces, all under $20.00, which will help transform & amplify any outfit. Typically I like to wear long necklaces with a bunch of charms, but I’m excited about exploring the collar & bib necklace trend.  The sparkling charm necklace ($19.80) is a feminine & elegant explosion of sparkle, perfect for any LBD outfit or cocktail sheath.  For a rich pop of color, I selected the oval collar necklace ($12.80), especially to wear with a button-down shirt, cardigan & blouse, or basic white t-shirt with jeggings.

When I saw the teardrop bib necklace ($12.80), I immediately thought of the pop of turquoise that Eva Mendes wore at the 2009 Golden Globes with the white Dior gown, as styled by Rachel Zoe.  This is the perfect piece to help transition your lighter summer pieces into the fall/winter season.  The snake chain swag necklace ($10.80) is a metallic & minimalist way to dress up your look without overdoing the glitz & glam.  Try wearing it with a monochromatic look in all burgundy, navy, or mustard.

For something sweet, I adore the cupcake & heart necklace ($1.50) for not just its cuteness, but also it’s a piece that I connect with since (when I’m not working, or blogging, or enjoying the final year of my twenties) I’m a baker as well.  It’s a playful accent to wear with a graphic tee & dark wash jeans, or when headed out for a picnic in a denim skirt, knee boots, & chunky knit.

Which necklace would you wear? What kind of jewelry are you attracted to? How much do you invest in fashion jewelry? Happy Styling!