Tag Archives: holiday style

SHOP NOW!: A Feminine Faux Leather Midi Dress!

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When it comes to fabrics & patterns, I have a set of what I like that suits my style. Not included in that is anything leather or faux leather, besides belts or shoes. A faux leather detail on a pant or top isn’t unheard-of for me, but a whole piece in it makes me fearful of overheating in the office, classroom, or during a special occasion. However, one affordable faux leather dress has me inspired & rethinking my whole point of view on the material.

Scoop’s faux leather pleated strapless midi dress in black, olive, or aubergine @Walmart ($54.00, available in sizes XS-XXL) is a machine washable polyester-spandex must-have piece in a timeless length to wear all year long—for real. The sweetheart neckline, A-line silhouette, & pleated midi skirt scream feminine, but juxtapose with an edgy look from the fabric.

Both Carrie Bradshaw & Blair Waldorf would wear this! This could be styled for day under a tied button-down shirt, blazer, & stilettos; under a slouchy sweater with knee boots & stacked bangles for fall; & with a studded cardigan, drop earrings, & ankle strap heels. For nighttime, try this with a choker & PVC heels, sparkling platforms & a leather jacket, or ankle boots & a neon clutch. Also, I thinking about the color combinations with the olive & aubergine options, mixing denim, brocade, plaid, houndstooth, or lace with it.

What do you think of this dress? Would you wear it? How would you style it? Where would you wear it to? For more stylish posts, check out: how to outfit prep for the week, a flattering peplum cardigan for fall, fabulous flat flats from Amazon, & Selena Gomez as Mabel Mora for the season finale of Only Murders in the Building! Happy Styling!

SHOP NOW!: A Kimono-Inspired Top in Every Color!

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When I find an article of clothing I like & can see myself wearing it on the daily, I become obsessed & can’t stop thinking about all the styling possibilities & if I should just get 1 every color! Sometimes, 1 in every color is excessive, but when it’s comfortable & versatile for nearly any season, why not?

Well, the Lock & Love store on Amazon has cast this spell on me with their kimono-inspired top in both a scoop & v-neck ($17.95, available in sizes XS-5XL).

With over 26,000 reviews, a 4.2/5 rating, & a variety of over 20 colors to choose from for both necklines, I’ve added to cart! Though, I prefer more of a scoop neck, as opposed to v, myself. Also, I appreciate that this is a piece I can share with readers of any size too!

I’d style these with any kind of printed pant for heading back to the classroom, such as a window pane or plaid, with pointed ballet flats; a pencil skirt in lace or jacquard with stilettos; dark denim jeans with ankle booties & a statement necklace; or a jeweled cardigan & my favorite dress pants. As I await my order to arrive, I’m super excited to share another fabulous 1 in every color find since timeless, fashionable, & comfortable basics—at the right price—are a must-have for any time of the year, as well as for any professional or social situation. I could wear this casually for a lunch date with friends on the weekend or dress it up with some luxe satin or blinged out pieces for somewhere fancier.

How would you style this time? Do you wear kimono, draped, or gathered pieces? What’s your favorite Amazon brand? For more stylish posts, check out: a fashion flashback of Keke Palmer’s best red carpet looks, Blake Lively’s most stunning jewelry & hair moments, Selena Gomez as Mabel Mora in the season 2 finale of Only Murders in the Building, & the newest houndstooth pieces for fall from New York & Company! Happy Styling!

SHOP NOW! Must-Have Final Sale Pieces from New York & Company!

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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.

SHOP: butterfly-print midi skirt ($9.99), currently available in sizes M-XXL. The material is scuba-like, which means it’s heavier than a ponte, but it offers a lot of movement to be paired with the following suggested items: opague tights, patent leather pumps, & a crisp white button down shirt.

SHOP: Whitney high-waisted pull-on slim leg pant ($19.99), which is available sizes XS-XXL, as well as in petite. I suggest pairing this for a special occasion, such as around the holidays or a date night out, with a ruffle blouse & metallic sandals or bold cardigan & suede ballet flats.

SHOP: cable-knit v-neck sweater ($9.99) in beige or black, available in size XXL for both. This is an oversized sweater in the right way to pair up with faux leather leggings & stud earrings for a cozy day or plaid pants & colorblock heels for work.

SHOP: stripe slouch tunic sweater ($9.99), available in size XXL only. I wore this a few times with skinny pants & layered necklaces while in the office, but also suggest black jeans & ankle boots for a casual day with friends.

Where are you shopping for your favorite must-have clearance finds? Do you shop a season ahead when items are marked down? For more stylish posts, check out: pastel laser cut ballet flats for summer, fruity fashion inspiration, great gingham pieces from Old Navy for summer, & Beyonce’s latest cover for British Vogue! Happy Styling!

Fun Winter and Holiday Sparkles from Kate Spade New York!

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I’m baaack…. or at least trying to come back. I’ll save the introspective essay of how the pandemic affected my view on style blogging and my personal style for another, more fortuitous time; however, with the seasons changing and holiday cheer jingling around every street corner, albeit Thanksgiving is less than a week away, I had some fun clicking through Kate Spade New York‘s website. Ultimately, I found these adorable, seasonal, and on sale earrings that I was excited to share:

arctic friends penguin studs @Kate Spade New York, $30, marked down from $49
arctic friends penguin pave huggies @Kate Spade New York, $35, marked down from $59

My personal jewelry collection has never really lent itself to the animal kingdom, although a few ladybug and butterfly earrings come to mind, but as a mother of a rambunctious, imaginative, joyful three-year-old girl, I find that my mommy-style is an in-progress combination of no-fuss-ease with anything I can do to excite my daughter with what I’m wearing. Of course, my hope is that one day she will embrace the extensive fashion jewelry collection that I have amassed in my life, even though I haven’t unpacked most of it in over a year since buying my first family home with my husband. I hope the special, sentimental pieces connected with holidays and celebrations, like these penguin earrings from Kate Spade, could tell a powerful and cherished story of happy times for her as well.

While I’m not in a position these days to just lavish myself with designer duds, even though the above penguin picks are priced reasonably for a holiday gift, my recommendation would be that for any reader looking to add sparkle by means of festive bling this season to check these out, along with other limited sale buys from Kate Spade New York (like the matching bow bangle and earrings set here). As a result of considering my daughter’s reaction in what I wear, I have expanded some of what I choose to wear to feature cutesy, kitchy animals because… why not? For one more animal-friendly suggestion, check out these:

arctic friends polar bear pave mini studs @Kate Spade New York, $35, marked down from $59

Where are you shopping for holiday sparkles or fun, playful jewels? Where do you stop first when it comes to pre-Black Friday deals? What’s on your list to Santa this year? I’ll take a nap any day of the week before more stuff to find space for in the house, but a little sparkle does go a long way. For more holiday jewelry inspiration, check out other fun picks from Francescas, LC Lauren Conrad Collection for Kohls, Sugarfix by Bauble Bar at Target, and INC International Concepts for Macy’s.

Happy Styling!

The Anytime Party Flat (on Clearance)!

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It’s no secret that when I find a style of something I looooove (like can’t-live-without-it love), I have to have it in every color / style. That goes for earrings, sweaters, skirts, & shoes–especially shoes! I’ve written about the Gigi flats by Christian Siriano for Payless previously (here), but now that I’m wearing these black & gold brocade shoes (for the first time, for a work holiday party), I’m shocked that they’re already on clearance for $12.00!

That’s an amazing must-have price for shoes that can really be worn for any special occasion. I will forever & always love me a high heel stiletto, but ballet flats have been tiptoeing into my heart for quite some time now & I feel no shame in wearing them. I’m not settling. I’m simply considering comfort along with style & with flats like these, I don’t have to sacrifice style one bit.

The only downsides (that I’ve noticed) is that not all Gigi styles are available in wide width, & also that the soft exterior probably won’t withstand wet weather. However, trying out a little pop of sparkle in the gold brocade will definitely add a splash of timeless sass for girls’ night out, an evening work function, or for just having a little fashionable fun.

What do you think of these brocade flats? How would you style them? For more shoe-inspired posts, click here, here, here, & here! Happy Styling!

Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas from H&M!

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It’s crunch time for holiday shopping & I know I’m scrambling for last-minute gift ideas for loved ones. However, in my search, I’m coming across a bunch of great finds for readers to consider from none other than H&M, which means these picks are not only affordable, but have a little extra personality & style, whether it’s a trend piece or something cozy. Any time you’re exchanging gifts, it’s always a good idea to consider a budget, but also, create a list with descriptive words & their interests. Here are some of my favorite picks from H&M to help make this season a little brighter & definitely more stylish!

fleece throw

glass carafesatin scarfsmall shoulder bag stud earrings setsunglasses

What’s your favorite of these last-minute holiday gift picks? Where do you shop when you’re in need of a quick gift? How do you prepare for the craziness of the holiday season? For more holiday inspired posts, click here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!

Affordable Pearly Whites for the Holidays!

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Sometimes when I can’t make up my mind of how I want to style my outfit in terms of jewelry, pearls are an easy go-to for instantly adding some much-needed glam & sophistication to an otherwise casual look. The holidays are the perfect time of year to consider pearls, & not just for jewelry must-haves.Take inspiration from the stylish likes of Angelina Jolie, Brie Larson, Lupita Nyong’o, Reese Witherspoon, Rihanna, & Zooey Deschanel, all donning pearls in earring, bracelet, or necklace form.

One of my favorite shopping spots, New York & Company, has some stylish & affordable pearly finds to wear for your next holiday party, date night, girls’ night out, or even sipping on some hot cocoa while wrapping presents.

cluster stud earrings

pearl drop earrings

pearl statement necklace

pearl beret

pearl hooded sweatshirt

pearl jogger pants

However you choose to wear your pearls, own them. Pearls are timeless & go with any outfit.I love glamming up a casual Sunday with a pair of cluster studs, for example. The pearl resurgence that we saw last holiday season on clothing isn’t going away either. How do you like to wear pearls? Do you have a favorite pearl accessory that you love to wear? For more jewelry inspired posts, click here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!

12/17/2018 Darling of the Day: Jessica Alba’s Goes Gold!

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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. 

STARVNC sequin tank @Walmart & Thalia Sodi halter top @Macy’s (both available in sizes S – XXL)

faux suede ankle bootie @Forever 21 & Qupid Parma bootie @DSW

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!

Red Hot Holiday Dresses for all Sizes!

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The holidays are around the corner & I can’t help, but embrace all the luxurious reds in my wardrobe, whether it’s velvet, brocade, knits, suede, or leather. However, a little red dress for this time of year is perfect for celebrating all that’s joyful & stylish. Red isn’t just stylish in a fire engine hue; there’s crimson, burgundy, apple, & so many more shades to mix & match with metallic accessories. I’m pretty obsessed with red this last week (as seen by my latest Instagram posts), which is why I’m inspired to share these flirty & seasonal red dresses.

glamorous Guest dress @Mod Cloth

velvet fit & flare dress @dressbarn

Eva Mendes Collection sequin dress @New York & Company

These dresses might look extra fancy, but they can be styled many different ways to get the most wear out of them. For example, try knotting a denim button down shirt over one or throwing on a chunky sweater & use the skirt as a dress? Red is also a great foundation for a gold statement necklace, silver accessories, or black beads too. For more holiday posts, click here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!

My Favorite Sequin Sweater This Season!

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As I was gearing up to go back to work this fall, I’d been collecting gift cards from the summer & my birthday to prepare me for some new fall favorites & holiday must-haves. This includes the sequin sweater @dressbarn (shop plus size here). I ordered this sweater online & was actually surprised how soft it felt, how comfortably it fit, & just how pretty the sequin detail is on the cozy gray background.

While I’m all about the big statement necklace lately, I know I can rely on this sweater to do all the sparkling for me if I need something festive quickly. I have a multicolor pair of Kate Spade confetti stud earrings I’m waiting to pair with this sweater for either a glitzy weekend look with leggings & knee boots, or even to my office holiday party with a pencil skirt & embellished ballet flats. Because of the neutral gray background & variety of color in the sequins, the styling possibilities are endless!

How do you like to wear sparkle? Where are you shopping for your most festive fashions? For more holiday-inspired posts, click here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!

Leopard Tops for All Sizes!

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If there’s one print I love for any time of the year, it’s leopard. It’s a fun option for a sweater, blouse or top to pair with jeans, leggings, pants, or a skirt, especially when matching it up with a pop of color like red, hot pink, or green. Wearing a leopard top also opens up the opportunity to try some playful bling too in a statement necklace, big earrings, or stacked bangles. Here are some affordable must-have leopard options for misses & women’s sizes for sale now!

blouse @Chico’s

sweater @New York & Company

sweater @Stein Mart

tee @Torrid

top @Charlotte Russe

When it comes to leopard, you don’t always have to wear black with it. Try something with texture, a seasonal color, or add a little sparkle. You can definitely get a lot of miles out of a leopard top because of all of its styling possibilities. 

corduroy pants @LOFTfaux leather skirt @Charlotte Russefaux suede skirt @Fashion Novaskinny jeans @Old Navyrhinestone jeans @dressbarn

How do you like to style leopard separates? What are your favorite patterns to wear? Where are you shopping most for affordable fashion this season? For more posts like this, click here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!

I’m Obsessed with this Green Top!

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Over the last few weeks, I’ve been readjusting to the work week grind as a new mother, which has been both easy & hard, but that experience is for another post for another day. However, I’ve had to reconsider certain cuts of tops, dresses, & bottoms for my changed post-baby shape. I’m more aware of loose-fitting, forgiving silhouettes as I go about my day in the office & classroom. During my regular online perusal of style inspiration, I discovered Fashion to Figure, a plus size clothing & accessories retailer (part of the New York & Company organization).  Meet Noelle, a high-low scuba top in the most luxurious shade of green. It embodies everything I look for in a top & even has a bow on it! Not to mention that the color is everything right now. It’s a bright shade that will pop on any skin tone & embraces the season with the addition of a statement necklace or chandelier earrings. It’s perfect for pairing with leggings &  knee boots, a pencil skirt & pointy toe heels, or skinny jeans & caged booties. This top has plenty of flair & femininity & I just can’t stop thinking about it. Check out (below) some stylish bottoms to shop from Fashion to Figure to build a holiday-ready outfit featuring this top.

leggings, skirt, & jeans

For more plus size shopping, check out some favorite stores including Fashion Nova, Maurice’s, Lane Bryant, White House Black Market, Charlotte Russe, Torrid, Kohl’s, ModCloth, dressbarn, Old Navy, Forever 21, Eloquii, & H&M. Happy Styling!

Martha Stewart’s New Shoe Line for Payless!

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Over the years, there have been countless celebrity collaborations with designers & retailers, resulting in some memorable pieces that stand the test of time, or just turn into fading trend pieces that you might remember. However, one such celebrity is entering, or re-entering, the world of fashion with a new shoe collection for Payless. Martha Stewart, designer of all things luxury living, has created Martha Everyday exclusively for the affordable footwear retailer, featuring plenty of must-have shoes perfect for the holiday season & beyond, as well as the daily work grind. 

According to the lifestyle maven’s official website, Martha is “thrilled to partner with Payless to design a line of footwear that’s both beautiful and affordable.” She adds, “For as long as I’ve been in business my goal has been to deliver well-made, beautiful products to my audience, at the right price. Payless has the same goal, making them a perfect partner to collaborate with to create gorgeous shoes that our customers can afford.”

The collection includes some holiday staples, such as the Primrose ballet flats (in metallic neutrals & suede with a delicate scallop detail), Wayside mule slides, Laurels slingbacks, Haven kitten heels, & Highclere strappy sandals, as well as the new color “gilver,” which is a grey-silver combination with just enough sparkle to be easily integrated into your evening wardrobe rotation. Prices range $29.99 – $34.99, which is definitely an affordable buy (& it’s so easy to get a coupon for Payless to use on top of the  great price).

Haven

Highclere

Laurels

Primrose

Wayside

Which shoe is your favorite? How would you style these options? Where are you shopping for holiday shoes this season? For more shoe-related posts, click here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!

Step Into Style With These Holiday-Ready Heels!

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The holiday season is the perfect time to bring out the sparkle, especially as your social calendar is filling up. A little shine & glow never hurt anyone, which is why showing off some glitter, glitz, or luxury in footwear is an easy way to step into the holiday spirit with any look. Right now, there are so many can’t-miss holiday sales, especially on shoes, that I had to check out what’s happening @DSW.

These flirty & playful shoe options make for a great finishing touch to a little black dress, a red velvet sheath frock with a leather jacket, a lacey-ruffle blouse & skinny jeans, or dressing up flannel & a statement necklace. Not to mention that the following top picks are not just perfect for this season, but for any upcoming special occasion, which makes them worth the investment.

ALDO Craysa pumpBetsey Johnson Izzy sandalEssex Lane Valan pumpJournee Collection Kitt pumpMix No. 6 Trissa pump

Where are you shopping for the best Cyber Monday deals? What kinds of shoes do you like to wear during the holidays? Do you like lace or velvet details in your footwear? For more shoe-inspired posts, click here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!

Essential Outerwear Accessories On Sale Now!

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With Black Friday just days away, a lot of stores are already forging ahead with their big holiday sales. Whether you’re shopping for someone else or spoiling yourself with the latest stylish wares, now is the time to find a great deal. This includes the latest & greatest in fashionable outerwear accessories, including hats, scarves, & gloves. Essentials like these are perfect for jazzing up any coat or jacket, especially when on the go when the temperatures are dropping. Here are just a few of my favorite affordable pieces & gift sets from New York & Company–a favorite source of mine for all of my cold weather needs.

3-piece sequin, hat, scarf, & gloves set

fringe scarfcable-knit gloves

faux fur head wrapmittens

pom pom hatpom pom scarf

What I love most about this variety of cold weather accessories is the color & sparkle combination. This includes the pattern of knits with special details like pom poms, zippers, cable-knit, & faux fur, which instantly elevate your outerwear look.

Where do you like to shop for winter accessories? Do you like to match each piece exactly or do you collection options depending on your mood? What colors do you typically prefer to match with your jacket or coat? For more stylish accessory ideas, check our previous posts here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!

 

Velvet: The Holiday Season’s Most Luxurious Texture!

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When shopping for holiday must-haves, it’s easy to be attracted to the intricate details of jacquard, colors of tweed, lines of corduroy, & patterns of knits. However, when mixing & matching your favorite separates to prepare for a stylish season, there’s one texture that remains a constant (& it’s really affordable too). That’s velvet!

Right now @Old Navy, velvet is everywhere & affordable in tops (ranging in sizes XS-XXL) & shoes, perfect for coordinating with a printed pencil skirt, skinny jeans, trousers, & much more. What I love the most of these velvet items is their hue. Shoppers can easily enjoy the softest pastel pink & cream, but also go for something more dramatic a jewel tone or luxe charcoal.

camiglitter top

ruffle top

heelsflats

These pieces are easily transitional from day to night, especially when replacing a pendant necklace with a statement bauble, swapping out a pair of pants for a tiered skirt & patterned tights, or playing with layers of leather & silk too. Velvet gets me super excited for all of its styling possibilities, inspiring me to take a closer look at accessories with pearls, ribbons, studs, & mixed metals!

What textures do you like to wear in the fall-winter? What colors are your favorites for this time of year? For more posts on affordable fashion, click here, here, here, & here! Happy Styling!

Holiday Shopping Head Start!

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‘Tis the season to be gifting! Thanksgiving is next week, which means that it’s time to make that gift-giving list (if you choose to do so). There are so many useful, cute, & affordable gift options out right now to fill your most fashionable friends with style & joy this season. Personally, I don’t buy gifts just for the sake of buying meaningless stuff to give to  anyone. I like to pick special pieces that will really please a recipient & serve a function—even if that function is indulgence & luxury.

When compiling your shopping list, consider if an item is something that they’ll actually use, that it’s not just a filler gift. Also, jot down their interests by their name on your list so that if you can look out for something particularly perfect for a friend or loved one. Lastly, I’ll often discuss with people close to me if they want to exchange gifts (& if so, establish a spending limit) or if they’d prefer to go out for dinner instead. Sometimes arranging a night with a group of friends with dinner & drinks is the best way to go. However, listing, shopping, wrapping, & giving are my favorite ways to put me in the holiday spirit.

All of the below ideas are not just stylish, but they’re all under $15.

beanie @Charlotte Russebook @TJMaxxgift set @Ultaearrings @Francesca’sscarf @H&M

I love discovering accessories as gifts because they add just a little bit more sparkle, which I know I’m always seeking for myself. What kinds of gifts are you shopping for this season? Where do you shop for the best deals this holiday? Happy Styling!

 

The Best Floral Shoes for the Holidays!

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The holidays are just around the corner & as much as I love indulging in seasonal duds (red knits, green velvet pieces, fair isle sweaters, etc.), I’m always excited to get my hands on (or feet in, in this case) a new find that can be interpreted for the holidays & beyond. I’m talking about the Habit pump & Gigi flat @Payless by Project Runway winner Christian Siriano (a favorite designer of mine!) whose shimmer black floral footwear opens up the styling possibilities for fall, winter, & spring!

Habit pump @Payless

Gigi flat @Payless

I love these shoe options because of their versatility. They can be worn to the office & easily transition for evening for a night on the town or holiday party. They offer the perfect pop of personality for a little black dress, gold-burgundy outfit combination, & a blush blouse & skinny jeans. Also, these two styles of shoes are made in another matching heel-flat companion (for example: black with silver studs here & here), both of which are equally comfortable & chic for a variety of looks.

Holiday florals don’t have to be the traditional poinsettia or all about holly, especially when getting the most mileage out of your wardrobe investments will pay off better in the long run. For more fun shoe-related posts, click here, here, here, & here! Happy Holiday & Happy Styling!

Make A Stylish Statement–Not Just For The Holidays Either!

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Statement necklaces never go out of style. They instantly elevate any outfit & reinvent a look’s accompanying pieces.I love mixing & matching statement necklaces with solid tops or printed dresses, often playing on color combinations to brighten up an ensemble, while also framing the face &, of course, facing the day like the true Style Darling!

Also, statement necklaces aren’t limited to special occasions or the holiday season. Add that extra element of sparkle creates interest in any look, as well as gets the most worth out of your accessories.

To help you get inspired when trying a statement necklace for the first time (or if you’re scouring for new ways to wear old favorites), check out Taraji P. Henson, Scarlett Johansson, Kerry Washington, & Cate Blanchett.

Remember, statement necklaces aren’t just for the red carpet either! Now that it’s starting to get chilly out, you’re breaking out the layers to bundle up & that shouldn’t exclude jewelry. Try wearing a glitzy statement necklace over a chunky sweater with leggings & riding boots or a statement necklace over a sweater dress with patterned tights. Shop these affordable & stylish finds to build your go-to statement necklace inventory for a variety of occasions.

Charming Charlie

Dressbarn

Forever 21

For more statement necklace inspiration, check out this timeless trend in previous posts here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!

Holiday Gift Style: Embellished Cardigans!

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One of my latest obsessions this season, to pair with my other obsession: the pencil skirt, is an embellished cardigan. I’ve always been a cardigan girl, opting for the softness of a button-down topper that could be mixed & matched with skirts, jeans, pants, & even over a dress. This is the perfect season for just such a cardigan, one with dazzling sequins, beads, & stones, in designs inspired by a winter wonderland, feminine florals, or holiday sparkle. There are plenty of high-end cardigans on the market, but as always, I’ve selected some style that will surely fit any budget & heighten your holiday ensemble!

SHOP: black cardigan @dressbarn, cream cardigan @Target, red pearl crewneck cardigan @New York & Company (also available in black & white in sizes XS – XXL), red jewel collar cardigan @Walmart (also available in black, gray, & ivory in sizes S-XXL), heather cardigan @Macy’s (also available in pink & ivory in sizes XS-XXL), & black embellished neck cardigan @Nordstrom Rack (also available in gray in sizes S-XL).

Happy Styling!

Holiday Gift Styles: Cozy & Cute Sleepwear!

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As we gear up for all the Black Friday fuss, start making your lists now of what you’re getting your loved ones, especially those stylish ones. A holiday favorite when it comes to gifts is sleepwear because everybody likes to cuddle up in style, feel relaxed & perhaps with a little sense of humor, don something cheeky (literally too, but this isn’t that kind of post). Everywhere I go, I see all sorts of fun holiday & season-themed pajama sets, night shirts, pajamas, slippers, & socks. I know winter isn’t as bad everywhere like it is in the northeast, but keeping it cozy & chic on heavy snow days & chilly evenings with a cup of tea always warms my heart & wardrobe. Here are some sweet suggestions on how Santa can help dress you & your friends for the season! 

SHOP: black sleep set @dressbarn, santa pajamas @Target, one-piece microfleece pajamas @Kohl’s, lace print pajamas @TJMaxx, Terry kimono robe @Macy’s, green sleep tee @Victoria’s Secret, & pink sleep tee @Victoria’s Secret.

SHOP: leopard slippers @Soma, knit slippers @H&M, penguin sock @Old Navy, & leopard socks @Old Navy.

Where do you like to shop for sleepwear? Do you prefer matching sets? What patterns or colors do you shop for when considering sleepwear? Happy Styling!

Accessories Access: Stylish & Sparkling Statement Necklaces ($25 & Under)!

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It doesn’t have to be the holiday season for me to wear something sparkly, especially a statement necklace. I’m always curious & mindful about how I’m pairing my accessories together to portray a chic look that isn’t too busy either. I love exploring color & shape combinations over my tops & dresses to rediscover new ways to wear each piece from season to season. Check out (below) some of my favorite recent statement necklace looks (as posted on my Instagram @MissAlissaL).

For those of you who are hesitant about dipping yourself in dripping gems, now is the time to explore the different color & shape possibilities with statement necklaces, as well as bold bib necklaces & collar necklaces. I love surprising myself with how a sparkling piece of jewelry can really make an outfit special, dressed up, & appear a lot more expensive. However, when investing in fashion jewelry, it’s important to choose diverse pieces that you can get the most use from. Try some showstopping stones over a plaid shirt, pearls & beads with a graphic tee, or feminine floral motifs with a heavy knit.

SHOP: 1. braided necklace @Francesca’s, 2. bib necklace @New York & Company, 3. green rhinestone necklace @H&M, & 4. bead & stone statement necklace @Target.

SHOP: 5. flower necklace @Dressbarn, 6. drops statement necklace @Charming Charlie, 7. gem statement necklace @Forever 21, & 8. pearl & crystal statement necklace @Icing.

How often do you wear statement jewelry? Where do you like to shop for the best jewelry bargains? What trends are inspiring your holiday style? Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: Affordable Flats, Heels, & Booties for the Holidays!

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When it comes to putting together the perfect holiday looks throughout the season, I’m always thinking about both style & comfort for wherever I’m headed. Additionally, as I’m shopping around for special extras as I plan which events I’m attending, my shoe choices sometimes inform how the rest of my look is going to come together. With that in mind, I’m budget-conscious, but also very inspired by the trendiest, luxury designs on the market since details like lace, glitz, texture, & color are so important in expressing my mood & personality. As I perused some of my favorite online resources, I saw several common themes for fall / winter shoes, which allowed me to seek out lower price points to fill my wardrobe & heart with more footwear joy!

As we approach the holidays, I’m pretty obsessed with a pointy toe flat because it resolves the issue I always had about wearing flats with a pencil skirt or sheath dress. I always felt like my legline was never justly enhanced by a sweet ballet flat, but when the pointy toe flat trend rolled around, I knew there was so much styling potential. ‘Tis the season for some sparkle! Therefore, finding the below sparkly flats immediately made me think about how they add and elegant pop of shine to an LBD, sweater dress with tights, or even dressing up a chunky sweater with leggings. 

SHOP: (left) Giuseppe Zannoti embellished flats @Farfetch & (right) pointed toe flats @H&M.

Perhaps the funnest recent trend to hit flats is the pom pom. It’s eye-catching & playful, which screams holiday-ready, especially in the always neutral black where you can style up a fit & flare dress, lace shorts & blouse, or tweed suit separates. Perhaps this trend might not work for your everyday shoe needs, but it’s a cheeky & fashion forward way to have a great time at a holiday party!

SHOP: (left) Gucci mink pom pom flats @BySymphony & (right) furry pomp pom flats @GOjane.

A pair of black pumps is must-have for any time of the year. When selecting how to transition your day look to night when leaving to office & hitting up a cocktails with friends, mixing up textures from classic leather to rich velvet will help do the trick. It’s not secret that the right pair of pumps will change your posture more confidently, but with these, you can strut your stuff in style with an unexpected & luxe detail of velvet. 

SHOP: (left) Jimmy Choo Romy pumps @My Theresa & (right) velvet stiletto pumps @Wet Seal.

Lastly, fall is all about the ankle bootie! When you’re looking for a combination of edgy & feminine, a touch of lace hugging across the foot adds interest. The delicate detail will only amplify your other accessories like a thick patent belt over a shirt dress or houndstooth in a scarf over a trench. You can walk tall knowing that your outfit is slaying with each step, but you’re not breaking the bank either!

SHOP: (left) Dolce & Gabbana lace booties @Saks Fifth Avenue & (right) Amber lace bootie @Dressbarn.

What trends are you looking to explore this holiday season? Where are you shopping for the best bargain deals? Which designers are inspiring your wardrobe? Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: Daily Look’s New Year’s Eve Little Black Dress Style Challenge!

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It’s been a very fortuitous holiday season for my blog so far & the style keeps on coming! Style Darling has been invited to participate in Daily Look‘s New Year’s Eve Style Challenge, featuring the website’s best little black dresses to sport from party-to-party before the year is up. Of course there are many ways to don classic black, a favorite to feature in Color Me Style, such as lace, leather, silk, satin, along with many different shapes & styles.

However, before we get started, I’ve had LBDs on my mind, especially when there’s so much celebrity inspiration hitting the red carpet.  For example, Diane Kruger in a black lace Elie Saab cocktail dress with a black Osman blazer, a graphic Charlotte Olympia clutch, & striped lace-up Sophia Webster heels. Also, Scandal star Kerry Washington makes a bold statement in a leather little black dress with Jennifer Fisher jewelry & white pumps. Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o was stunning in a ruffled LBD by Fitriani, black pumps, & jewelry headband.

Diane Kruger, Kerry Washington, & Lupita Nyong'o.Cameron Diaz, Hailee Steinfeld, & Nicola Peltz.Also,  Cameron Diaz dazzled in little black dress by Isabel Marant with a quilted Chanel purse & Givenchy ankle-strap sandals. Hollywood it-girl Hailee Steinfeld was chic in a black high-neck David Koma pencil dress with capped silver pumps. Newcomer Nicola Peltz played with her youthful style in a black cut-out dress by Michael Kors with strappy sandals.

There’s so much to look forward to when it comes to upcoming fashion trends, but the little black dress is here to stay, especially when seen with runway inspiration from the recent Spring 2015 Ready-To-Wear Collections that hit the runway during this past Fashion Week season. LBDs were seen on the runway in modern cuts, with plunging necklines, embellished details, cinched wasitlines, sweetheart necklines, & figure flattering shapes. This includes looks from Kenzo, Dolce & Gabbana, & Saint Laurent.

Kenzo. Dolce & Gabbana. Saint Laurent. Sprng 2015 Ready-To-Wear.Alexander Wang. Anthony Vaccarello. Vera Wang. Spring 2015 Ready-To-Wear.Also, I just had to share these stunning looks from the Spring 2015 Ready-To-Wear from designers Alexander Wang, Anthony Vaccarello, & Vera Wang.

Now that there’s LBD inspiration oozing off the screen, here are some of the best little black dresses from Daily Look, which can work for a variety of shapes & sizes, if you want to show off your legs, neckline, figure, or shoulders.

Daily Look. Little Black Dresses.

SHOP: pleated a-line midi dress ($59.99), mesh strip midi dress ($44.99), bejeweled cuffs bodycon dress ($49.99), lovely lace midi dress ($49.99), jersey knit long sleeve maxi dress ($55.99), & jessa open back midi dress ($59.99).

You can’t shop for New Year’s Eve without considering some blinged-out accessories, sparkling jewelry, & sexy shoes to complete your look, which is why I picked some of the most affordable & investment-worthy pieces to really bring out your inner glam girl.

Daily Look Accessories.SHOP: fringe earrings ($16.99), sequin multicolor clutch ($44.99), vixen cross strap heel ($39.99), harmony stone plated necklace ($24.99), sparkling pave link bracelet ($64.99), simple strap heel ($39.99), Jane Taylor rhinestone clutch ($64.99), & J.O.A. square pearl ring ($19.99).

Lastly, when it comes to the holidays, not only do your outfits get a chance to shine, but also your beauty look is allowed to be a little extra special, which is why I’ve shared some of my favorite celebrity looks that emphasize one facial feature or makeup style in order to show off the best version of you. This includes new mom Mila Kunis who nails a smoky eye & neutral lip for a dramatic & sexy look, prefect for any cocktail dress. Ingenue Bella Thorne plays with metallic eyeshadows to emphasize the shape of her eyes, as well as play up the glitz of the holiday with playful hues. Experiment with bright eyeliners like Jessica Biel who is making quite the beauty statement with an edgy turquoise swipe of a pencil underneath her lower lash line.

Mila Kunis, Bella Thorne, & Jessica Biel.Beyonce, Reese Witherspoon, & Rita Ora.Another way to play up your eyes is to follow Beyoncé‘s lead with winged liner, recalling a dramatic Cleopatra look that works with a sheath dress or sleek jumpsuit. American sweetheart Reese Witherspoon goes for a soft look with rosy cheeks & classic makeup, which easily makes you photo-ready before the ball drops. Brit singer Rita Ora looks stunning with a bold red lip that draws on her Old Hollywood appeal for some vintage inspiration, perhaps paired with a lacy or beaded frock.

What’s your New Year’s Eve style? Where are you shopping for your holiday essentials? Which are your favorite little black dresses from Daily Look? To see my favorite New Year’s Ever Daily Look ensemble, check out their Style Sets! For more stylish posts, be sure to check out previous posts including holiday gift styles from luxury brands & affordable retailers, how to winterize your nails from Julep, & sleeping in style with Casper’s Beauty Sleep Challenge! Happy Styling!

Accessories Access: 5 Must-Haves For A Stylish Holiday Season!

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Sure, it’s still the beginning of November, but the holidays are upon us & it’s time to start thinking about how to translate the season’s must-haves into your budget-friendly wardrobe. There are plenty of luxe details to upgrade your basics with, including lace, embossed metallic, texture, & chains. Investing in smart, stylish accessories is an easy fix to any cold weather wardrobe rut, & what better way to do that than through the following picks, especially textured tights with an LBD & ankle booties, statement earrings to dress up a button down & skinny jeans, a minaudiere to transform a cardigan & pencil skirt from day-to-night, & a braided belt to make an embellished top with ballet flats pop for luncheon with the girls.

Tights @Payless $5.99, Scarf @LOFT $34.50, Clutch @Target $24.99, Belt @Francesca's $6.98, Earrings @Bauble Bar $28.00.

Shop the above fashionable finds, click here: Tights @Payless ($5.99), Scarf @LOFT ($34.50), Clutch @Target ($24.99), Belt @Francesca’s ($6.98), & Earrings @Bauble Bar ($28.00).

For more holiday style inspiration, check out some of my favorite spots for accessories shopping, including Icing, Express, Charming Charlie, GOjane, Windsor, JC Penney, Lulu’s, ASOS, & Century 21! Happy Styling!