Tag Archives: LOFT

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

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

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

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

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

Accessories Access: LOFT’s Final Sale Chic Zebra Belt At 40% Off!

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If you’re looking to shop for something special, but without the extra special price tag attached to it, then you should almost always think about hitting up LOFT first & check out the latest sale items.  I haven’t purchased very much there for myself, but I’ve heard countless stories from friends & always see these great deals on their website- especially when it comes to clearance.

My latest pick for Accessories Access is the zebra haircalf stretch belt ($29.88), which gets reduced an additional 40% off at checkout without any special code.  This is the perfect piece to reinvent an old favorite like a basic cardigan with jeans, buckled over a polka-dotted sheath dress, or with a heavy sweater tunic & leggings.  What do you think about this deal? Do you like to wear belts? Do you prefer animal prints to other patterns? Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: What’s Black & White & Chic All Over?

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My last post in Color Me Style was published just days before my trip to Italy earlier this year, so I thought that since I don’t have a third go-around to look forward to for 2013, I’d revisit the category in a way only appropriate for this Style Darling. My favorite color combination is black & white, which is what I’m featuring- although quite impressed with the fall collections that celebrities are sporting since this season doesn’t typically see all-white looks.  Of course, the beach-filled party days of summer are long gone, but white is still thriving, black has never looked better, & when you put them together, there’s a serious style moment happening.

It wasn’t very hard to find some celebrity inspiration for these colors & this is what I’m sharing. Gwyneth Paltrow looks demure & ladylike in a white knit, wool Misha Nonoo skirt with bright Sergio Rossi pumps. It-girl Olivia Wilde is bold-shouldered in a figure-flattering LWD, House of Lavande jewelry, & metallic platform pumps. 666 Park Avenue star Rachael Taylor wears a head-to-toe Calvin Klein Collection look, including silver lace-up heels & a box clutch. British actress Felicity Jones looks flirty & cool in an all-black sweater & skirt outfit with bowed pumps at the Miu Miu show. Olivia Palermo continues to catch my eye in an all-black leather Dior look with Giuseppe Zanotti pumps. Modern Family bombshell Sofia Vergara shows off her curves in her Sofia by Sofia Vergara for KMart black sparkling dress with tights & suede platforms.

As for black & white looks, I love the variety here when it comes to feminine dresses, vintage-inspiration, as well as nods to menswear with separates all in my favorite color combination! Jessica Alba goes androgynous sexy in a Narciso Rodriguez blouse with loose-fitting trousers & cap-toe Jimmy Choo pumps. French import Laetitia Costa shows the softness of a slim-fitting black suit & sandals, all by Dolce & Gabbana. The sultry Penelope Cruz is elegant & statuesque in an embroidered black & white cardigan by L’Wren Scott with cuffed trousers & Salvatore Ferragamo pumps. Rock of Ages actress / former Dancing with the Stars dancer Julianne Hough is mod in a black & white mini dress with silver pumps at a Henri Bendel party. Scandal star Kerry Washington is as pretty as ever in a white feminine sheath dress with black accents, rose gold Anita Ko studs, & metallic cap-toe pumps.

Black & white has also made the Spring 2013 runways, with especially fabulous designs from Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Chloe, Yves Saint Laurent, Carolina Herrera, & Catherine Malandrino Black Label.

Naturally, I’m excited to share with readers how you can achieve the perfect black & white looks while on a budget. From LOFT, you can find the polka dot wedge top ($39.99), or if you’re looking for a more streamlined look, try New York & Company‘s contrast trim banded collar blouse ($39.95) which will pop against any pencil skirt, colored jean, or slim leg pant.  For a more feminine touch, I love the dolled-up darling ruffled bow blouse ($28.99) from Ruche, which I’d wear to work with a lacy tweed skirt & textured tights, or for a fun night with the girls wearing my favorite dark wash jeans & metallic sandals.

However, if you’re looking to add an unexpected edge to any fall/winter ensemble, try the Danielle seamless skirt ($12.48) in white from G by Guess, which is also available in black.  Also, I’m always a big fan of zebra, which is why I picked the knee-length zebra print skirt ($19.80) from Forever 21. Black & white dresses are perfect for any occasion, especially with a modern graphic print or something in a classic polka dot.  I love the Ronnie & Nicole short-sleeve mitered stripe dress ($35.00) from JC Penney & White House Black Market‘s strapless dot dress ($29.99). Also, Superfly flats ($49.00) from Nine West are a fun touch for the office or a day date, especially when worn with brighter pieces like skinny cords or dark denim jeans.

How do you like to wear black & white? Do you prefer one color over the other? Which staples in these colors do you wear for day & night? For more posts on affordable & fashionable finds, check out posts from Quickie Darling Deal & Steal, Fabulous in 4 Ways, The $100 Challenge, & Splurge or Save! Happy Styling!

Inside A Style Blogger’s Closet: Topping Off The Season With Sparkle & Sass!

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In my last post, I shared with readers my fabulous corduroy skirt find from Old Navy, but the bargains continue since I’ve used some special discount codes & gifts birthday coupons to help freshen up my fall duds.  If you follow me on Pinterest (@MissAlissaL), then you’d know that I’ve been eyeing some really chic tops lately that can do double duty for my wardrobe when I’m working & heading out for tea with some girl friends.

This includes the raglan sleeve Hacci top ($14.99) in silver from Charlotte Russe, which I was able to score for 20% less since I showed my student ID. I picked this since it can easily go from day-to-night & will work with any of my colorful layering tanks when I’m running errands with a scarf & jeans, or would like a polished look with a pencil skirt & statement pendant.

Next, LOFT‘s cotton sequin animal spot tee ($44.99) was reduced to $19.99 in stores, but thankfully I received a $15 off gift just for being a cardholder with the store.  The bill for this top (which ran big, so I picked up a small- who knew??) came to just under $5.50 (thanks Laurie!). I’ve already worn it to work with a white pencil skirt & neon yellow cardigan, excited to mix the metallic details with a few classic summer pieces that I want to wear one more time before the season is over.

Lastly, the long sleeve snow leopard burnout layering tee ($29.90) from Express was a lot of fun to try on since I usually gravitate towards zebra prints.  However, this black, gray, & white snow leopard is fun & will look great with dark denim jeans, colored leggings, & even some with a pair of satin shorts & tights for a stylish night out.  I bought this top for $10 less since I had a coupon & in doing so, I added some rewards points to my Express Next card for discounts on future purchases.

Which tops do you like the best? Are you more into sparkles, sequins, or animal print? How would you style these? Which stores offer the best coupons for birthday discounts? For more fabulous deals & to see what I’m wearing, check out previous posts from Inside A Style Blogger’s Closet & Quickie Darling Deal & Steal, including my favorite striped dress from The Gap for $14, feminine peep toe bowed pumps from Payless, & the best buys on leopard print flats! Happy Styling!

Fabulous in 4 Ways: Over-The-Knee Boots From Victoria’s Secret (Dedicated To Laurie)!

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Attention Style Darling Readers: We have a new category alert! Fabulous In 4 Ways is my latest in offering the best style advice that I can, while keeping a budget in mind. Of course, I’ve had this idea (taking one item & showing how it’s worn in 4 fabulous ways) for a while now, just sitting away & linkless on my categories page, but just recently, a good friend has come to me w/ a deal on a killer pair of over-the-knee boots, asking for help on how to wear them once the temperatures cool down & heavy knits emerge from the depths of our closets.  Said friend, Laurie (who I’ve dedicated a total of 4 blogs to now- Jordana Brewster’s style, how to wear turtlenecks, & the best day-to-night blazers) has challenged me in a very good & very stylish way. Let’s take a look…

As I usually do in my Basics for a Bargain posts, let’s start off with some celebrity inspiration to see how some of the most photographed & stylish stars interpret their over-the-knee boot looks. The City star / socialite Olivia Palermo looks Upper East Side chic with her navy suede boots & fur-lined jacket, mixing neutrals with a sweater tunic. Mom-on-the-go Kourtney Kardashian wears her boots with a flowy blouse under a menswear-inspired blazer & floppy hat, keeping accessories like her bag matching in texture with her footwear. Supermodel legend Claudia Schiffer goes casual in jeggings & a cobalt cable knit sweater with a coordinating bag for her tan suede over-the-knee boots. Former Spice Girl / designer Victoria Beckham keeps her polished posh persona in check with ultra tight leggings, a black top, & satin-trimmed blazer while traveling through Heathrow airport. Lastly, Project Runway host Heidi Klum offers an edgy approach to her leather Jimmy Choo over-the-knee boots by completing her look with a graphic tee & abstract print blazer.

The boots inspiring this post are the Colin Stuart over-the-knee boots ($94.00) from Victoria’s Secret, which are on sale for less than their original $118.00 price tag (pictured below, to the left).  These are fierce confections of footwear meant only for the confident Style Darling (for example: Laurie!).  Even though these may seem much pricier than your average pump &/or ankle bootie, I can’t emphasize enough that this is an investment piece, especially one that you can dare to wear from the beginning of fall, all the way to the end of the winter.  Since we’re talking boots, VS is currently having a 20% off sale on all Colin Stuart boots, which you can shop here.

However, let’s get down to business in putting together these outfits wth some of the celebrity inspiration seen above.  Typically when I see boots, I think of sweaters & leggings b/c they’re both just so comfy & very on-trend for effortless fall looks.  My first ensemble includes the asymmetric hem sweater ($59.90) from Express, which is available in orchid, black, grey, & blue.  The loose fit is perfect for recalling that 80s off-the-shoulder bulky sweater look, as well as hugging your curves to show off your legs.  Just so you know, Express is currently having a mix & match BOGO 50% off sale this Labor Day weekend, so if you really love the look pictured, then check out the short metal stick necklace ($44.90) to go with the sweater. I’ve selected Forever 21‘s pebbled pointe knit leggings ($17.80), which will add some texture & shine against the rich suede of the boots.  Of course, any solid legging will do, but if you’re going for something with a print, keep it subtle since you’re dealing with a sexy lace-up detail in the back of the boots.

My second outfit is perfect for an office environment where jeans are allowed.  The Faded Glory jeggings ($12.88) from Walmart are a steal & can work with so many other wardrobe staples all year long.  The colored denim trend is obviously not going away & pairing it with White House Black Market‘s tweed trophy jacket ($188.00) is a professional & elegant way to dress up denim.  When shopping @WHBM, of course the regular prices are on the high side, but if you sign up for their seasonal catalogues, you can get discount codes, as well as earn points for reductions on future purchases. I find that comes in handy around the holidays when in a pinch for a cute cocktail dress.  For an extra feminine splash, I’ve selected the graphic checkered strips tiered cotton tank ($39.99) from LOFT to add some dimension- which also just so happens to marked down another 30% at checkout.

Look #3 required a little more attention since I wanted to find pieces that would work for more than just the over-the-knee boots challenge.  I started with this streaky knit t-shirt dress ($39.99) from The Limited, which has been marked down 50% on the store’s website. With a solid sheath-like dress as this, I immediately thought of a belt & found this duo of ivory cheetah & glossy black skinny belts ($10.79) from Bluefly. To keep warm during the cooler fall days, I picked out the basic, yet affordable Style & Co. three-quarter ruched sleeve cardigan ($14.99) in black from Macy’s. If you’re headed out to happy hour with the girls or going from the office to an evening function, this look is perfect with the boots, especially when the Minicci scroll weave tights ($7.99) from Payless are hiding underneath your layers.

Lastly, the forth look is my favorite, but perhaps not too far of a departure from the previous blazer look above.  When I saw the Merona tailored blazer ($34.99) @Target, I immediately loved the idea of mixing the plaid with the laces, as well as navy & black, along with integrating the fall’s best new neutral deep red hue with New York & Company‘s satiny roll-tab shirt ($39.95). Of course you can complete the look with skinny pants, but Style & Co. skinny stretch jeggings ($36.75) from Macy’s looked too good to be true in a classic dark wash!

What do you think of these looks? Would you wear over-the-knee boots? If so, how would you style your look with them? What boots are you shopping for this fall? Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: 50% Off Select Styles Of Shoes @LOFT!

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Happiness is a pair of shoes… on sale… 50% off! Who wouldn’t agree with that? Well, for all your bargain hunters, sale mongers, & shoe lovers need to head over to LOFT these & many other spring-summer sandals currently 50% off online! This online exclusive sale is a limited-time offer & these shoes that I’ve picked are normally $89.99, reduced down to $84.99.  However, when the 50% comes off your total at checkout, you’ll be a much happier shopper!

I’ve been seeing so many accessories this season paired with deep tan, camel, or cognac hues, including these Bree platform sandals ($84.99) that are perfect for a color-blocked look, or skinny jeans & a tunic top.  Also, the cork print Izzy platform heels ($84.99) are just the splash of texture that you need to add some more dimension to an eyelet spring dress or to help tone down a gold sequin mini skirt for day.

For more shoe love, check out my previous posts, including sale pumps @White House Black Market, embellished flats from Payless, & Charlotte Russe’s bow-bedecked patent shoes! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: No-Sweat Sale Prices on Sweaters @LOFT!

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Thankfully, the weather in New York has been pretty mild this winter, but I know I’m a little sad since I haven’t been able to go all-out winterized with my wardrobe.  However, the bright side is that some of my favorite stores has really amazing & classic sweaters on sale now, especially since they’re clearing out their racks in preparation for spring.

Right now @LOFT, there are some especially affordable deals on clearance items for women, petites, maternity apparel, & accessories. I picked out these 3 cozy sweaters that caught my eye & are perfect for pairing with dark wash skinny jeans & riding boots- just a suggestion!

The cowl neck long sleeve sweater ($12.88), my favorite of the trio, is available in black, camel, gray, & cream. The shoulder zip cable knit sweater ($12.88) is perfect for layering over a tee, tank, or with this season’s best trend: boldly colored jeans!  If you’re a fan of stripes, then check out the very Americana stripe cozy cable v-neck sweater ($12.88) for a weekend getaway ski trip or B&B runaway.

Where are you looking to find great end-of-the-season clearance deals? What’s your must-have item right now? Happy Styling!

Basics for a Bargain: Dispell Those Turtleneck Myths with Inspiration from Claudia Schiffer, Keira Knightley, & More (Dedicated to Laurie)!

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My dear friend Laurie, who I’ve dedicated a past blog to, has inspired this post with a question about the myth that turtlenecks = frompy.  However, here is the evidence that they’re not!  Of course I’m not a turtleneck-donning Style Darling myself, or anything with collars for that matter, but I can say that looking at the celebs below, there’s no way turtlenecks can be so wrong when they look so right- especially on my dear Laurie who always looks fashionable in a turtleneck.

Over the last few years, we’ve seen turtlenecks come back in style, in the most classic way, just like a good pair of trousers, dark denim jeans, a pencil skirt, & a button-down shirt. Jennifer Connelly layers her turtleneck with a blazer & pleated Balenciaga mini skirt & opaque tights.  Supermodel Claudia Schiffer makes a spring-like tunic fall-ready with a turtleneck, leggings, & heavy cardigan. Kristin Chenoweth looks super cozy in a furry sweater jacket, skinny jeans, & knee boots with her classic gray turtleneck underneath.  Reese Witherspoon multi-tasks in a black mock turtleneck, aviators, straight leg jeans, & embellished flats with a Rebecca Minkoff crossbody bag.  Amanda Seyfried covers up in the cold with a black turtleneck under a bright red romper dress for a TV appearance & matching red lips.  Keira Knightley looks like a modern-day Audrey Hepburn in a belted pencil dress & turtleneck ensemble with round toe Sergio Rossi pumps.  Disney darling Selena Gomez downplays her printed pants with a short-sleeved turtleneck & layered chains from LOFT.

And now the basic we’ve all been waiting for…. here are some turtlenecks, in stores now! @Old Navy, the ‘tropical storm’ turtleneck ($17.94) is available in five other colors & can be mixed & matched up with a skirt suit or puffer vest with white skinny jeans.  Each color is available in sizes XS – XXL for Style Darlings of all shapes! Try out some jewel tones & primary colors with the classic turtleneck sweater ($34.93) from The Limited, marked down from $49.90.  Take a skinny belt, like shown on the model, & add some modern edge to the underestimated basic piece that would look contemporary with classic stud earrings & bangles.  Style&co created this gray & black colorblock turtleneck ($21.98), available @Macy’s, also in black & red. It’s prefect for a pair of leather shorts & hoop earrings. Add some straight leg cigarette pants & platform boots to create an mod / equestrian look.

If you’re a mock turtleneck kind of gal, check out Target‘s short-sleeve mock in black which can help you recreate Keira’s look, or would be fabulous with a houndstooth pencil skirt for work! Also, this turtleneck reminds me of a Fashion Flashback post featuring Marilyn Monroe with white pants & bouncy blonde curls.

Work a built-in belt with a sweater turtleneck ($17.80) like this from Forever 21 for a denim skirt & boots when you grab some hot chocolate with your gal pals on weeknight.  Probably my favorite of all the turtlenecks is the shirred turtleneck in deep teal ($28.00) by Jennifer Lopez for Kohl’s.  Also available in heather gray & black, this top is marked down from $40.00!

For those of you who still need some extra convincing, celebrities like Zoe Saldana, Emma Roberts, Lake Bell, Beyonce, & Cameron Diaz show that covering up in a turtleneck dress can be just as sexy & polished like a cocktail dress on the red carpet.  Check out a previous Basics for a Bargain post, featuring sweater dresses to see stars like Heather Graham, Eva Mendes, & Nicole Richie sporting fall-ready turtleneck style sweater dresses without any worry about if it’s a do or don’t.

Turtlenecks have come a long way.  Stay away from anything too festive, adorned with holiday-themes, & you won’t look like a fuddy-duddy.  Look for a turtleneck in a strong solid color, or in a modern print. Remember: Since turtlenecks are a must-have basic, you’re setting up the foundation to a really fashionable ensemble that could be accented with with long necklaces, a vest, belted bootcut jeans, a leather corset, mini skirt, or figure-flattering pencil skirt.

Also, for a final persuasion to any nay-sayers, check out these stunning runway looks from Chanel, Proenza Schouler, Michael Kors, Valentino, Stella McCartney, & Donna Karan.

Do you have any style myths that you just can’t figure out?  I’d be happy to show off how some celebrity-inspiration can translate into an affordable look.  Do you have any turtleneck stories?  Laurie, I hope this blog does the trick! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Demi Moore is the Newest Face of Ann Taylor!

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Ann Taylor has a new face & that’s none other than the sexy working mother of three, Demi Moore! The actress is no stranger to modeling, having also been the face of Versace a few years back.  However, now Mrs. Kutcher is filling in the very fashionable shoes of the likes of Heidi Klum, Naomi Watts, Milla Jovovich, & most recently, Katie Holmes.

In a recent feature for the new ad campaign, In Style quotes Demi as saying, “The new Ann Taylor is for modern women who want to take on the world in style.” This is the perfect phrase that captures a very polished, professional, & feminine brand that mixes ladylike details with menswear-inspiration for women of the office, working mothers, & Style Darlings everywhere.  Some of the designs at their regular price cost a bit much for me, but if you wait for the end of the season (LIKE NOW), you can find awesome deals on sale items, like sporty striped tees, sequined tanks, & delicate necklaces.

If you’re loving this brand, be sure to click on over to a Darling of the Day post, which features Sophia Bush.  Also, fans of LOFT, Ann Taylor’s sister store, include Hilary Swank & Jayma Mays! Happy Styling!