Tag Archives: Kohls

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

Posted on by

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!

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

Posted on by

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)!

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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!

Posted on by

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!

Posted on by

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!

Posted on by

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!

Posted on by

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?

Runway Rundown: Lauren Conrad’s 2012 Holiday Collection For Kohl’s!

Posted on by

I’m keeping my eye on Kohl’s this season, especially considering the luxurious finds in the upcoming DesigNation collection by Narciso Rodriguez.  Also, designer-author-former-reality-star Lauren Conrad continues to share her latest holiday collection for Kohl’s, featuring party dresses, metallic accented separates, feminine tops, & sexy platforms. Instead of my usual gallery of images, I’m sharing these eleven must-have looks with readers, as well as a special 10% off code (UBLOGTEN) to use for online purchases until October 24th.

Which is your favorite look? Do you often shop the LC by Lauren Conrad collection for Kohl’s? Have you started your holiday wardrobe shopping yet? Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Narciso Rodriguez’s New Collection For Kohl’s DesigNation!

Posted on by

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Kohl’s has moved up the mainstream fashion ranks with celebrity designers like Vera Wang (Simpy Vera Vera Wang), Lauren Conrad (LC by Lauren Conrad), & Jennifer Lopez (Jennifer Lopez), so naturally the retailer is going to expand on the success of its stylish collection.  The newest addition to the Kohl’s family comes from Narciso Rodriguez with DesigNation.  I’ve put together a gallery of the looks, which range in price from $30.00 – $150.00, & includes voluminous coats, holiday sheaths with body conscious lines, work separates, & casual wear. Now through October 24th, use code UBLOGTEN to get 10% off on this collection, as well as other Kohl’s fashions!

For those of you who don’t know, Narciso Rodriguez is a big pretty big deal in the fashion industry, having worked with the likes of Salma Hayek Pinault, Claire Danes, Jessica Alba, & Kate Winslet. The line will be available in stores & online in November, which means it’s time to keep an eye out on those amazing 30% off coupons that Kohl’s is known for.  Which looks are your favorite? Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Revamp Your Fall Wardrobe With Affordable Accessories!

Posted on by

Since I spend most of my week surrounded by the younger generation of trendsetters, I’ve found that there are still a careful few of college age who actually take the time to get dressed in the morning before heading to class… just a few. Working in the academic arena has forced me to look to my wardrobe & try & switch things up in a professional, but relatable way so that I’m seen as an authority figure, but also someone who the students would like to talk to. I’m excited to explore my wardrobe & find great fall pieces to make this semester a memorable & stylish one, but every now & again, I need to refresh some basics & go-to classics with that latest accessories, which is why I’m happy to share my newest post for The $100 Challenge!

For under $100 (before tax), I’ve selected these 8 accessories to try wearing for a number of occasions this season with favorites that are transitioning from the summer & stand-by items making a return now that the temps are lowering.  Every year, I’ll always be talking about patterned tights & since I’m always shopping on a budget, I manage to grab up a bunch of different styles to match with pencil skirts & sheath dresses.  Get a polished look with the sheer stripe patterned tight ($7.50) from Charlotte Russe, especially when worn with something frilly & feminine like a lace overlay pencil skirt.  Cinch in your waist with a fun animal print with the zebra-print faux-leather belts ($16.00) from Old Navy, which will look especially polished with a bold cardigan.  I love anything black & white, which is also why I’ve picked out Forever 21‘s fringed houndstooth scarf ($6.80) to tuck in your lightweight jacket for those windier fall mornings.  If it’s not needed around your neck, you can always transform your tote back by tieing ir around the straps or body of the bag.

I’ve been trying to expand my jewelry pieces, which is I was drawn to the lemon drop long earrings ($22.90) from The Limited, which look like neutral & luxe additions to any LBD look, or if you want to make a plaid shirt & skinny jeans appear less casual.  For simpler necklines, I love the idea of a collar necklace, but also, the Sonoma life + style gold tone multistrand necklace ($15.60) from Kohl’s punches up any basic with the metallic accents, instantly drawing all focus to your face.  The burnt gold tear drop bracelet ($10.90) from Windsor Store is a fun pop of color to wear with any three-quarter sleeve top, or contrast with another rich jewel tone ensemble.

Lastly, I love the affordable price & classic look of the Minicci capulet rhinestone sunglasses ($9.99) from Payless, especially if you’re trying to save on must-have items when the holiday season is just around the corner.  Not to mention that you’re going to need to hide those peep toe pumps on occasion & cover your toes with some allover argyle socks ($7.95) from Gap. What better way to show off your preppy side than with this menswear-inspired print that’ll work well with any trouser & button-down shirt look?

The total for this look comes to $97.64, which is pretty incredible considering the variety in which these pieces can be alternated all season long.  Are you a scarf-fiend? Do you love chunky jewelry or do you prefer dainty pieces? Are you drawn to particular prints or patterns for your accessories this fall? Happy Styling!

Fabulous In 4 Ways: A Metallic Faux Leather Pencil Skirt For The Ages From New York & Company!

Posted on by

I was so excited in August to share one of my newest categories, Fabulous in 4 Ways, especially since the debut post was dedicated to my good friend Laurie, as inspired by her fabulous lace-up knee boots from Victoria’s Secret!  Now, I’m talking about faux leather & pencil skirts, but before we dive into the outfits, I turned to some of my favorite celebrities to get some inspiration in how I would style such a classy & modern take on the figure flattering piece.

Kate Bosworth rocks a Proenza Schouler leather-trimmed pencil skirt at the brand’s New York boutique opening with a relaxed white blouse & strappy sandals.  The First Lady, Michelle Obama, wore a high-waist pencil skirt in navy with a cropped cardigan & purple top, while visiting a Wisconsin school.  Mad Men bombshell Christina Hendricks mixes her old school glamour with a Dolce & Gabbana blouse, red clutch, & classic black pencil skirt.

Total Recall star Kate Beckinsale plays with colorblocking with a chic H&M tank, Diane von Furstenberg turquoise skirt, & spiked neutral pumps.  Rashida Jones is polished & professional with a touch of menswear while making an appearance on Good Morning America, wearing a printed button down shirt & white pencil skirt.  Aussie starlet Cate Blanchett showed her support for Givenchy in a head-to-toe look with Roger Vivier heels.

Also, at Fashion Week for the upcoming Spring-Summer 2013 runway collections, the pencil silhouette was everywhere, as seen in Runway Rundown posts, including Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry Prorsum, Christopher Kane, & Oscar de la Renta.  Also, these pieces were shared by more fabulous designers like Nina Ricci, Tadashi Shoji, & Salvatore Ferragamo!

To recreate a pencil skirt look, I’ve selected the faux leather bronze pencil skirt ($59.95) in metallic bronze from New York & Company, which challenged me to find a way to wear this for work, day, date, & cocktail occasions.  If you want to get the most out of your wardrobe for the office, check out the zippered contrast sweater ($24.80) in black from Forever 21 with the short tab sleeves top ($24.80) in teal available @Windsor Store.  The colorblocking & relaxed details tone down the metallic texture of the skirt, especially when paired with Express‘ diamond texture body shaping full tights ($22.90) & suede cap toe chunky heels ($21.50) in black from GOjane.

The look to the right (above) is fun for a day with the girls or feeling like mixing it up because of the contrasting details in Lord & Taylor‘s CK JEANS cable-front cotton cardigan ($29.99) in black over the tab-sleeve plaid-chiffon shirts ($29.94) in black combo from Old Navy.  Of course affordable pieces like these can be reworked with skinny jeans or leggings & chunky accessories.  @Payless, I’ve found the Dexflex Maye strappy boot ($59.99) in black & Minicci micro fiber tights ($6.99) in burgundy to add some extra dimension while playing with trends this fall.

Depending on where you’re headed for a date, this kind of pencil skirt is perfect for an elegant & upscale look, without breaking the bank.  I’ve chosen pieces with luxe details to put this look together, including the Jennifer Lopez pleated mesh overlay tank ($19.80) in tuffet from Kohl’s & glitter lace almond tow pump ($38.50) in champagne from Charlotte Russe.  To complete the ladylike feel, I’ve added the round stone drop earrings ($13.60) @Cache & The Limited‘s zip around wallet ($29.90).

Don’t forget that pencil skirts are perfect for building a sexy cocktail look. Of course, a dress will save you lots of time, but to get the most out of your wardrobe, why not play with separates in unexpected ways with the snake-print tiered bustier ($88.00) in amethyst from White House Black Market, paired with the Emma WP platform pump ($39.99) from Bakers Shoes.  Also, I love Forever 21‘s looped drop earrings ($7.80), which look red carpet ready, especially with the Mossimo basket weave print clutch ($16.99) in black & white @Target.

How would you wear this pencil skirt? Are you following the metallics trend? What are your favorite work, day, date, & cocktail looks? Happy Styling!

9/29/2012 Darling Of The Day / The $100 Challenge: Olivia Wilde’s Little Black Dress Look For Under $100!

Posted on by

Actress Olivia Wilde is one of the most in-demand beauties hitting red carpets & every time she makes an appearance, the photogs emerge & fashion critics pay attention.  During a recent appearance on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, the former House star dazzled in square neck black A.L.C. dress with Iwona Ludyga Design jewelry & red accented accessories.

Although I wasn’t able to recreate the exact little black dress, I’m crazy for this figure-flattering dress ($34.95) from H&M, which is also available in burgundy.

Luckily, I was able to find affordable accessories to bring this look together, including the metal trim waist belt ($4.80) from Forever 21, the Fioni glitz clutch ($16.99) from Payless, GOjane‘s low cut pumps ($23.80), & the dazzling Apt. 9 gold tone simulated crystal linear drop earrings ($13.00) from Kohl’s.

The total for this bargain look comes to $93.54, which fits perfectly for The $100 Challenge. For more Darling of the Day posts, check out other Olivias, including Olivia Palermo & Olivia Munn! Also, if you’re looking for more fabulous looks worn by Ms. Wilde, check out more images featuring maxi dresses, a Prada gallery, peplum hemlines, as well as her latest look in a Top 10 Celeb Sightings gallery! Happy Styling!

Splurge or Save… On Classic Polka Dot Tights?

Posted on by

What better way to spruce up a fall wardrobe & amp up your office style than by playing with different patterns & textures when it comes to hosiery. You can find virtually anything these days, however I’m partial to classics like zebra & houndstooth. The most feminine & universally-stylish of them all is polka dots.  I must have at least four pairs of polka dot tights, especially since they look great against more masculine prints like argyle on a cardigan & can really make plaids pop.  Of course, when it comes to tights, you always have to consider quality to ensure no snags or runs, so I always advise that garments like these are an investment, especially when you find a reliable & comfortable brand.

I’ve selected five pairs, ranging in price from some of my favorite stores, including the Falke dots tights ($44.00) from Bloomingdale’s, DKNY dotted tights ($25.00) from Nordstrom, sheer small dot full tights ($16.90) from Express, Simply Vera Vera Wang polka dot control top tights ($9.99) from Kohl’s– which are regularly priced at $14.00, & Minicci swiss dot tights ($7.99) @Payless.

How would you wear polka dot tights? How much are you willing to spend on hosiery? How often do you wear tights? Do you prefer them for work or a night out? For more fabulous Splurge or Save? posts, check out burgundy & oxblood blouses & leopard ballet flats! Happy Styling!

9/26/2012 Darling Of The Day: Olivia Palermo- Casual Chic Is Layered With Luxury!

Posted on by

It’s been hard for me to decide which celeb look to feature, but I’ve been loving everything that I’ve seen reality star Olivia Palermo wearing, which is why I featured her twice in the last post for Top 10 Celeb Sightings, where she rocked some Burberry duds & an ethereal Valentino gown. However, when I spotted her latest layered look while shopping & hitting the streets, I knew that this spin on classic style would be perfect to share with readers. Naturally, I’m recreating this look for both women’s & plus sizes to enjoy, doing my best to find complimentary pieces since it’s such a versatile & anytime ensemble.

So to start, look to the left & you’ll find the pieces to create a curvy reimagining of this street chic outfit.  First, I headed to Forever 21, which helped me I find the plus size sequined yoke contrast top ($22.80). I loved the resembling details with the purple & black contrast in Olivia’s top, giving a blousy feel, as opposed to a heavy knit sweater.  Also, the rockstar jeggings ($28.00) in medium wash from Old Navy helped to complete the bottom half, especially when on a budget & they’re available in sizes 16-30.  However, it was hard to find a two-tone leather jacket with multiple textures, but pieces like leather should be an investment, one that will last for many years, thus paying you back, which is why I’m happy to share the DKNYC leather & ponte motorcycle jacket ($189.00) from Zappos.  This is a classic cut, adding an edgy feel to any feminine look.  Of course accessories can be found virtually anywhere, but I added New York & Company‘s ribbon bib necklace ($24.95), which is currently on sale for Buy One, Get One FREE.  In addition the square sunglasses ($3.80) from Forever 21, Kelsey Dagger ‘Charley’ pump ($59.95) available @DSW, & Jennifer Lopez gold-tone hammered button stud earrings ($12.00) from Kohl’s are the perfect finishing touches, playing off the different textures.

Now, for the look on the right, I like the refreshing hue of the August Silk round neck pullover ($24.99) from Loehmann’s, especially since it can be mixed with other office-friendly pieces like a pencil skirt or be worn with a sequin mini for a date.  Also, @Forever 21, I found the hooded moto jacket ($24.80) & braided collar necklace ($12.80), which only enhance the casualness of the whisker wash skinny jeans ($41.40) from GOjane.  Normally, I don’t recommend a light wash jean, but these pieces really add a modern feel to an 80’s-90’s looking wash.  Lastly, I added the posh Mossimo gradient smoked lens sunglasses ($16.99) from Target, must-have Charlotte Russe pointed toe gold pumps ($32.50), & Dana Buchman gold-tone texture button stud earrings ($14.00) from Kohl’s.

Which pieces are your favorite in recreating this look? Where would you wear this? Do you like Olivia’s choice of accessories? For more posts from Darling of the Day, be sure to check out Olivia Munn’s KMart dress, colored jeans worn by Kate Middleton & Christina Hendricks, & LBDs copied from Anne Hathaway’s press appearances! Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown / Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Lauren Conrad’s Fall 2012 Collection for Kohl’s!

Posted on by

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Former reality star-turned-fashion designer Lauren Conrad has been working very hard to set her image apart from her previous days at the face of MTV’s The Hills, or whatever show she was one.  The talented personality continues her relationship with Kohl’s creating a feminine, wearable, & polished Fall 2012 collection.  While the prices for some of the pieces in her line may seem high, keep in mind that Kohl’s offers so many sales & discounts that you’ll be saving much more than you’re spending! I’ve collected these images, courtesy of InStyle, & created a short gallery of what you can look forward to seeing the next time you’re in a Kohl’s store.  These items are hitting stores this month, so save up your Kohl’s cash & get your fall wardrobe ready for a professional makeover, date-ready duds, & cute casual essentials.

For more on Lauren’s collections, check out previous posts including the Paper Crown holiday collection & my favorites from last summer! Also, check out more cool collections in Runway Rundown like Rachel Zoe’s 2013 Resort Collection, Mischa Barton’s debut for Mischa’s Place, & Jennifer Hudson’s QVC collection! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Classic & Affordable Style by Jennifer Lopez @Kohl’s!

Posted on by

Spring is the time of year when you break out a chic dress.  Of course, you have your choice of fabulous print & bold patterns, but a solid sheath dress is always a classic choice, especially when it’s affordable.  Jennifer Lopez isn’t slowing down as a judge on American Idol, singer, actress, or fashion designer.  Her line @Kohl’s is thriving & one of my favorite pieces is the ponte sheath dress ($39.00), which features modern details like asymmetrical seams, a high cowl neck, & offset front pocket. Also, this fashionable frock is currently marked down from its original $60.00 price tag!

The lightweight fabric will move with you, but it’s also perfect for accessorizing if you want to wear it with a cardigan, thick belt, boyfriend blazer, or patterned tights.  Not to mention that right now, LWDs (little white dresses) & rich hues like royal blue are totally on-trend right now. For more stylish steals, check out previous posts in Quickie Darling Deal & Steal like earrings from Bebe, BOGO shoes @Charlotte Russe, & suede platforms @Payless. Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Grab BOGO Deals With Suede Platform Sandals from Payless!

Posted on by

Not that long ago, I featured some of the ads from the recent Candie’s for Kohl’s campaign starring Glee‘s Lea Michele in colorful suede platform sandals.  Well, it appears that Payless is on board with the trend with these Jupiter platform sandals ($29.99) by Brash. Right now, Payless is celebrating spring with a limited time BOGO 50% off sale, so this deal is even better than the one @Kohl’s.  Of course, you have your pick of colors, especially since Payless is offering the stylish sandals in tan, black, coral, & purple / pink.  These are the perfect addition to make your LBD a little more flirty, a pencil skirt more playful, & akinny jeans ready for a night out on the town.

Don’t forget that when you order shoes online from Payless, if you have them shipped to your local store, shipping is FREE! That sounds like a pretty awesome deal if you ask me! What do you think about these sandals? What would you wear them with? For more top shoe picks, check out posts featuring sandals by Sofia Vergara @KMart, neon jellies @Express, & ankle-strap espadrilles from Old Navy. Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Two Stylish Spring Looks, Under $100 Each!

Posted on by

There’s just so much to be excited about this spring & I know I’ve yet to post a complete outfit look! I’m psyched to share these two spring-ready ensembles, which cost under $100 each, hence why I’m featuring them in The $100 Challenge! However, this is a first for the category since I’m sharing with readers a look for Style Darlings who wear regular sizes & plus sizes, which can usually be seen in Darling of the Day.  I’m always encouraging readers to embrace their shapes b/c no matter what you look like, you can always have amazing style!

Let’s start with the plus-size look, which consists of many items from Forever 21‘s Plus 21 line.  It’s affordable & plus-size friendly, featuring casual apparel, as well as dressy duds.  There, you can find the peacock feather print top ($14.80), fringe trim open cardigan ($24.80), sleeping teddy bear shopper tote ($1.50), lace web medallion earrings ($2.80), & night sky bangles ($4.80). I also included the Fantasy jegging capris ($29.99) from Dress Barn & American Eagle Miles espadrille wedges ($19.99) in white from Payless b/c they’re available in wide width for those of you who are troubled by narrow-fitting shoes.  The grand total for this adorable casual & chic look is $98.68!

As for the look on the right, I also did some digging around @Forever 21 & found the striped rose tunic ($17.80) & frayed stripes scarf ($6.80). Then @Old Navy, I choose the crossbody saddle purse ($11.99) & satin covered bracelets ($10.50). To complete the looks, I found the Mossimo Supply Co. capri leggings ($8.00) from Target, Jennifer Lopez silver tone hoop drop earrings ($13.50) from Kohl’s, & Ciao Bella Ballad foldable flat ($19.94) from DSW. The total for this look is $99.03!

I love that both of these looks include pieces that can be dressed in so many different ways with items that we already own in our closet.  try the capris with a three-quarter sleeve button down & some ballet flats.  Of how about the crossbody bag & bangles with printed shorts romper? Oh the possibilities are endless! Which items are your favorites? How would you style these tops & bottoms? Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Lea Michele Models for Candie’s Newest Ad Campaign!

Posted on by

While flipping through the latest magazines, there are tons of new ad campaigns for the stylish spring collections, including Glee star Lea Michele modeling for Candie’s.  I just had to find out about the peep-toe platform high heels ($35.99) in lavender, which are exclusively sold @Kohl’s– yes, just like the ad says! Right now, the shoes are marked down from their original $59.99 price tag.  Also, they’re available in a rusty coral & lush purple. You can jump on this deal right now & wear them with a floral spring dress, or keep them for the fall with opaque tights & a sweater dress.

What do you think of Lea’s look in the ads? Would you wear these platforms? Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Stock Up On Polka Dot Stockings!

Posted on by

It’s no secret that I love polka dots & when they’re in hosiery, I literally go bonkers! It’s one of my favorite ways to start building an outfit.  Just because winter is winding down, it doesn’t mean that you can’t still keep your black tights in rotation for your work looks, daytime outfits, or adding texture to a nighttime ensemble.

Since I’ve been working my new job, commuting from the middle of Long Island into Brooklyn, I’ve been a little lazy (yet still stylish) on the outfit front since there’s no set dress code & casual wear is acceptable.  So it’s been a lot of jeans & cardigans, but I do miss wearing my favorite tights so much!

One of my favorite places to shop for stockings & tights is Kohl’s.  I can always rely on Simply Vera Vera Wang & Apt. 9 have polka dot, or dot-inspired legwear at an affordable price.  This includes the sheer dot control-top tights ($6.99) & the ellipse dotted control-top tights ($6.99). Both styles are currently marked down from their original $14.00 price tag, so it’s like you’re getting two pairs for the price of one!

Also, check out more posts from Quickie Darling Deal & Steal with all the latest news & updates of where you can find the best sales on the stylish trends right now!

How much would you spend on hosiery? How often do you wear it? Are you comfortable wearing patterns & prints on your legs like these? Where do you usually shop for such items? Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Replace The LBD With This All-Over Lace Dress from Topshop!

Posted on by

Need some ideas for putting together an elegant New Year’s Eve look?  Of course LBDs are classic go-to options, but how about something in lace?  This bonded lace pencil dress ($45.00) from Topshop is currently marked down from $80.00!

I added some accessories to help build the look in many different directions.  Try a pop of color in modest heels like the ‘Influence’ bow pump ($19.99) in red from Payless, or go a little daring micro fiber tassel side zip platform bootie ($22.95) in black from GOjane.

To help cinch in your waist, try a tonal belt like the geometric glitter stretch belt ($9.50) from Charlotte Russe, which will add a contrasting deco feel to the already elegant look.  Also, when it comes to jewelry, a busy dress like this one demands refined pieces like the MixIt jet black statement necklace ($21.99) from JC Penney, or @Kohl’s you can find the silver tone multi-strand bracelet ($19.60) by Jennifer Lopez.

What are your plans for New Year’s Eve?  What are you thinking about wearing? Happy Holidays & Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: How I Saved Over $27 On This Sweater From Kohl’s!

Posted on by

Shame on me for going to Kohl’s this weekend when I’m on a crazy tight budget since I’m going away next month- however, I couldn’t resist a deal this good on something so cute that could last me all winter long! Of course when people travel during the winter, they’re going to warmer climates, but not this Style Darling.  I’m headed to Florence, Italy & there, I’ll be packing on the sweaters while I swig back il vino! With the goal of only packing two pairs of jeans for the 10-day excursion, I was going to rely on leggings & sweater looks, which will surely take up most of the room in my carry-on luggage.

When I was passing by the Juniors’ department (somewhere that I haven’t traveled for quite some time now), I found this Mudd marled tunic sweater ($19.99) in deep teal.  There were also variations on gray, black, red, purple, & navy, but I’ve been gravitating to the jewel tone a lot lately.  Don’t brunettes always look good in teal?  Anyway, knowing that juniors’ sizes run a little small, I grabbed one size up & focused on the sale price, which had been reduced from $40.00.  That’s 50% savings right there & I had a 20% off coupon for being a Kohl’s card holder.

I circled rack like a vulture of bargains & style, which is when I noticed that the sign for the price on the other side of the rack read $14.99. Having come from a retail background, I knew that the store has to honor the error in pricing for the merchandise, so I went up to the register, ready to make my purchase, which rang up for $19.99.  When I very politely made my point that there was a sign which read $14.99, without hesitation, the careful cashier gave me another $5.00 off the price & didn’t even check to see if my allegations were correct.  The sweater came to just over $12.00 & I walked out of there one happy Style Darling!

Lesson learned: It never hurts to pay attention & speak up, especially when there are savings to be had.  If it came to speaking to a supervisor about the error, I would have been very happy to reason with him/her & not be a crazy customer, especially this time of year.  I even had my bestie with me as a witness that the sign had been incorrectly priced for the item advertised. Power in number! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: The Prettiest Pattern Tights By Vera Wang!

Posted on by

On a day-to-day basis, I’m wearing some sort of textured tights around the office & when going out with friends.  I’ve recently put a nasty & irreparable hole in my favorite zebra tights, but while on the search for a replacement pair, I found these Simply Vera Vera Wang tights, which are on my stocking stuffer list!

The checked control-top tights in plum ($14.00) & floral ribbon tights in black ($14.00) are currently part of a Buy One, Get One 1/2 Off sale @Kohl’s.  Usually I don’t spend more than $7.00 on tights or stockings, but when there’s a sale like this, it’s hard to resist! Both pairs are available in multiple colors & if you are a cardholder, you can get rewards up to an additional 30% off!

When you have such an elegant pattern like these on your legs, you have the opportunity to mix up prints with an abstract sheath dress, wool suit, or blouse with shorts look.  Also, pairing legwear like this is perfect for mary jane platforms, ankle booties, or knee boots!

What kind of tights are you wearing this season?  Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: What Can You Get For (About) $11.00?

Posted on by

In honor of today’s date, I wanted to post at the price point of (about) $11.00. Although I missed posting this @11:11:11am, you still gotta admit that today’s date is a little weird.

Anyway, why not invest your $11.00 in something chic & stylish to add a little extra splash to your look.  There are plenty of sites & stores from which a Style Darling can choose, including Forever 21, The Limited, Payless, Old Navy, & Kohl’s.

If you’re planning an upcoming winter vacation, the embroidered insert woven top ($10.99) is a major plus-size find b/c Forever 21 is also having a promotion of 11% off with the code: ONEDAY11.  Also, if you’re headed to a warm-weather location, the Tamra buckle sandal ($10.99) is a cute way to wear flats, especially with the green & brown color combination.

To help make this fall a little more glamorous, the gold link large square scarf ($9.99) is adorable for a pullover sweater & jeans, or to dress down a little black dress with ballet flats!  Sometimes hoops, chandelier, or feather earrings can look overwrought with detail, but I much prefer to look of delicate drops like the gold tone chocolate simulated pearl drop earrings ($11.20). They’re soft & feminine, perfect to wear with a cable-knit sweater with a belted pencil skirt for a day at the office.

Lastly, while we start to snuggle up for an at-home spa day, treat your feet to the terry thong slippers ($10.00) which are available in green, black, blue, pink, & white.  I actually own there & they great for getting out of the shower, painting your toenails, & hugging your foot after a long day in high heels.

What can you find for about $11.00 on this very honorable Veteran’s Day? What stores do you shop in for the best holiday sales?  Happy Styling!