I can’t wait for these to go down in price a little bit more before adding them to my well-stocked & already leopard-spotted cart. I love leopard all year long, & the bow detail on these just cries out for a little black dress, cream sweater with a burgundy pencil skirt, or magenta blouse & straight leg trousers!
I’m loving these cooler days & chillier nights so that I can rediscover my cozier clothes, like reconnecting with old friends. I will miss the stylish ease of my maxi dresses, but fall can’t be denied. When it comes to dressing casually, but fashionably, I love a solid piece that can be coordinated with variety of separates for multiple occasions.
SHOP:bateau-neck banded top in wild berries, black, arctic blue, gentle mauve, & paper white @New York & Company (on sale: $16.00, available in sizes XS-XXL). This is a perfect match with printed leggings & a scarf, dark denim jeans & knee boots with a puffer vest, a sequin pencil skirt & drop earrings, or velvet pants & ballet flats with a statement necklace.
Truth be told, I bought all of the colors (except for the gentle mauve) with a birthday reward from New York & Company & I couldn’t happier with the decision. Though the poly-blend material needs a good steam before wearing right out of the package, this top is not only a staple for a casual Friday, but a mainstay in my weekly rotation with printed pants! My only wish is that there were other colors to choose from, like teal, olive, red, purple, or gray.
Actress & director Olivia Wilde has been in the news for all the catty behind-the-scenes gossip about her highly-anticipated sophomore film, Don’t Worry Darling, which also stars Harry Styles, Florence Pugh, & Chris Pine.
However, during a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Olivia was the epitome of effortless street style in a white tee & black wide leg pants, a look any cool gal tries & all women should!
Topped with black sunglasses, gold layered necklaces, & likely towering platforms, Olivia brought her 70s chic vibe to the streets of New York City & stage during the show to chat about all of the controversy her film has faced, offer her narrative behind casting decisions.
I’d like to write a whole fairy tale about one princess’ quest to find the perfect leopard print pencil skirt, but when I, as a fashion blogger, can make this story a reality, it’s probably better to just get right to the point. As the transition of seasons approaches, most may think that pastels & lighter weight pieces must be hidden in the back of the closet & taken out of rotation, but that’s not the case when it comes to a versatile leopard print piece. Whether wearing the popular pattern as a top or bottom, or through accessories, it’s timeless for any Style Darling & presents a unique styling opportunity.
However, when it comes to a professional look that offers both creativity & boldness, I recommend a leopard print pencil skirt. This is one of my power pieces—in lieu of a preferred power suit. Leopard print can include any color combination from the traditional golden-khaki-black to fun & bright tones too.
These skirts can be paired with a button down shirt & stilettos, tee/cardigan combo with pointed ballet flats, scoop neck sweater & statement necklace, or cami/blazer + drop earrings, which is only the beginning, playing up different hues. Try a red, mustard, burgundy, or olive top with a more neutral-toned leopard skirt or for the yellow, pink, & blue option shown, mix it up with a pinstripe shirt with tennis shoes, ombre tee & denim jacket, or pastel sweater set & platforms to emphasize your softer side—no matter the trends or season.
The picture from 2017 was taken in front of my parents’ house in Lake Grove for my first day of teaching (as Professor LeClair) a college class & I had no idea the path I was about to fashionably forge or how my life would change over the next 5 years! When I recently uncovered the tropical dress from deep storage (that I was unable to unpack or even mentally tackle for a good 2 years), I remembered that I hadn’t worn the dress since that very first, nerve-wracking day of a career I never wanted; however, with the launch of my sixth academic year as an English professor (as Professor Gambino), I thought it was “fitting” to break it out again.
Of course, I accessorized it differently, opting for white accents & skipped the belt, but it’s good to know that 40 or do classes later, I still got it! The top picture on the right was taken this morning, a beautiful summer morning as the buzz of academia awaited me & called so many back to their jobs after a long break. I’d like to look back on both of these moments as bursting with possibility & new starts, reminding myself that they do come back around, even when it seems like fate has stuck you in a never-ending cycle.
Ultimately, recycling old favorites to make them feel new again & doing my very best to live the stylish life (one day at a time) are goals that I hope to uphold now that I’ve reclaimed a part of myself (& my style) in finally having my wardrobe where I want it to be. Stay tuned for more detailed updates on the unveiling of my cloffice (a.k.a. Style Darling Daily headquarters).
As for the outfit: The dress is an oldie from my stylist days @Dressbarn, as is the black bolero. The recent picture includes a @New York & Company cardigan & @Ardene flats, as well as oldie @Dressbarn drop earrings.
While the weather is still prime summer here on Long Island, it’s definitely cardigan season in stores. Beyond shoes, earrings, & dresses, I’m a sucker for cardigans—my favorite, feminine outfit topper for any occasion. It’s definitely been part of my regular work uniform for decades now! Some may argue that cardigans are “frompy,” but I love the variety of necklines, button styles, sleeve lengths, & other special details that transform a look from everyday to special. Not to mention that a cozy knit sweater is super comfortable compared to an overly-structured blazer—just my opinion.
My go-to source to shop for cardigans is New York & Company. Even though they’re strictly online now, they continue to be reliable & impressive with their cardigan selection for the professional & fashionable Style Darling. While they reproduce their staple Chelsea cardigan each fall, my hunt for something different in terms of a cardigan always leads to success with this retailer. Specifically, the peplum button-front cardigan (on sale: $39.00) is available in sizes XS-XXL & in 4 rich & regal colors: black, dark purple, golden seal, & navy.
The flattering fit & flare look is the perfect options to show off your shape when pairing it with a blouse or cami, along with skinny jeans, straight leg printed trousers, bootcut pants, a pleated skirt, or a pencil skirt. These fall-ready hues are ideal to match with the season’s most popular patterns & materials, such as plaid, lace, velvet, jacquard, faux leather, or dark denim. However, I’ll add these to my cart when the price drops a little more and/or I receive a reward certificate in order to get the best possible deal since this cardigan is categorized as a “City Steal” & is excluded from most of their coupon code deals.
Just as fruit prints & tropical patterns are signature to summer, houndstooth is a symbol of fall as fashion transitions from the lightweight to the heavier layers. In fact, wearing houndstooth is one of my favorite ways to greet the fall, no matter the color combination, although black & white is the more traditional route. I love a modern take on houndstooth with varying sizes, styles, & colors; particularly, the new Check It Out collection @New York & Company. The black houndstooth that we all love to wear with more subdued solids is brightened with more than white as we see bright yellows, kelly green, & even magenta to experiment with this fashion forward menswear-inspired print. I’ve selected a few tops, bottoms, & shoes that are my favorites to recommend anyone who dares to be bold with this striking pattern.
First, I love the combination of houndstooth on these tops with the details over a trimmed neckline, neck-tie bow, & solid collar, which are perfect to match with a pencil skirt & pumps, joggers & ankle boots, or jeans & ballet flats.
Next, houndstooth certainly makes a style statement on the lower half, especially when coordinating with a pullover sweater & layered necklaces, classic tee & statement necklace, or pleated cami & tailored blazer.
Playing up houndstooth in your footwear evokes confidence & tons of personality, especially when adding that wow factor to a pinstripe suit & button-down shirt or sweater dress & choker.
As summer comes to an end, one upside to look forward to (aside from the pumpkin spice latte craze) is that awards season is just around the corner. This year’s Emmy nominations for the most groundbreaking & entertaining performances on television (networks, cable, & streaming) were announced last month, inciting shock over snubs & much debate about the worthiest of nominees. However, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel star Rachel Brosnahan earns her 5th, & well-deserved Emmy nomination (garnering 1 win in 2018 for the show’s debut season), 4 of which are for her portrayal of the lovable, frustrating, hilarious, & stylish Midge Maisel as a struggling comic & divorcee in the 1950s-60s.
At a recent Emmy FYE event, Rachel was photographed nailing a combination of trends, paying homage to the 90s with wide-leg pants, a crop top, & a peace sign pose (#girlpower). More specifically, the look included a long twill jacket (shop here), orange cropped tank (shop here), & bold parrot-printed jeans (shop here) by designer Loewe. That comes to over $4,000 with the 3 pieces & you can’t really even tell what kind of shoes she’s wearing, but let’s just assume for the fun of it that the $850 matching parrot mules (shop here) by Loewe are hiding underneath the voluminous bottoms.
In true Style Darling Daily fashion, you don’t have the break the bank to revive Rachel’s look in your own way, coordinating similarly shaped & colored separates to hearken back to the 1990s & make this yours. Check out the suggestions below for any combination of colors that appeals to your personal aesthetic:
SHOP:The Drop Blake long blazer @Amazon ($69.00, available in sizes XXS-5X) in black, ivory, rose pink, coffee bean (as well as desert sage, lilac marble, & praline).
SHOP: fitted ultra-cropped rib-knit tank top @Old Navy (on sale: $5.97, available in sizes XS-4X) in white lilies, cosmic rouge, sun worship, Mediterranean Sea (as well as iced peach, cochineal, date palm, watercolor, & dried herb).
Every time I search the web for blog inspiration, especially when it comes to affordable fashion jewelry buys, I am boggled by the fact that statement necklaces, circa 2010-2020, are not as prominently available as they used to be. However, my jewelry collection is certainly not lacking, but I can’t help it that I like shiny, sparkly bling!
Also, as I am finally able to have the chance to unpack—in my contemplative, soul-cleansing solitude—& organize my wardrobe collection in our spare bedroom, which I call my “cloffice,” I am finally unveiling all those packages that I ordered in the last two years since moving into my family’s first home together.
Now, nothing against headbands—which I don’t wear—but I wanted a way to display my statement necklaces in all of their sparkly glory. I ordered 3, not knowing exactly how many I needed, nor did I consider how much space the stands would take up as I began to sort through my jewelry. While I am only somewhat embarrassed to share that what is displayed below is a mere fraction of my statement necklaces, I am considering investing in a few more stands once the proper shelving is available in my cloffice.
For now, I am happy that my statement necklaces are glistening & glimmering atop a nightstand that has been “fashioned” into a partial bookcase. Additionally, all of the statement necklace is pictured above are three years old or older from stores like Francesca’s, New York & Company, Dressbarn, JC Penney, Icing, & Forever 21; otherwise, I would share some links! Furthermore, stands are sturdy, soft to the touch, & easy to assemble in 3 separate pieces that can be arranged to your preference. If you are in the market to display your headbands or statement necklaces, I definitely recommend this item! What’s better is that it’s on clearance now too! Sharing this image & my affinity for statement jewelry is in no way meant to brag, as I am happiest in the fact that I can share all of accessories collection with my daughter when she’s older!
When my summer weekends entail hanging out with family in the backyard, running errands & taking care of chores, or meeting up with friends, staying cool & comfortable is essential, which is why I love a printed tee! New York & Company has perfect printed summer t-shirts marked down to $8.00 & I can’t lie—I’ve added to cart!
Here are some of my favorites in regular summer rotation with cropped pants, linen shorts, or a pair of cut-off jeans:
I love the variety of patterns & colors offered, especially since they provide so much style inspiration for accessories, including earrings, a crossbody bag, & sandals.
I’m guilty of being that “buy one in every color” shopper, as per my previous goddess dress post, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing because it makes picking out my day-to-day wardrobe seamless between family gatherings, prepping for class, heading into the office, or meeting up with friends. My latest obsession is ruffle button-front blouse from New York & Company, ranging in sizes XS-XXL. It’s currently on sale, ranging in price between $18.00-$26.97, depending on which coupon code you use & what your form of payment is; however, I like a top that I can wear with different bottoms, but also for different occasions.
Now that volume two of Stranger Things‘ fourth season has finally hit Netflix, the show’s stars are talking up that major cliffhanger ending in preparation for a final fifth season. This week, Max Mayfield herself, portrayed by the always luminous Sadie Sink, hit the press circuit with an appearance on Today, wearing all Miu Miu in a floral prairie dress & kitten heel loafer slingbacks. The 20-year-old actress discussed not only “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush as Max’s escape song, which, by the way, is still charting strong, but also Netflix’s binge-worthy success with Stranger Things, her supportive family, and starring in Taylor Swift‘s short film for her song “All Too Well.”
The dress includes many classic summer dress elements, including the delicate floral print, button down closure, & puffed sleeves, adding maturity & retro style to the ensemble that is paired with an unexpected, though on-brand, menswear-inspired footwear choice. See below:
However, if shopping the luxury price tag of Miu Miu isn’t in your budget realm (it’s not in mine, that’s for sure), I selected some look-alike summer dresses to recreate Sadie’s anytime look, which is perfect for work with a cardigan & pumps or weekend with flat sandals & a crossbody bag.
With over two months left of summer, you’d think that stores would be fully stocked with the latest designs & styles for any shopper still looking to update their wardrobe for the season or investing in a fresh vacation wardrobe… but now that 4th of July has passed, retailers are clearing out merchandise to make room for incoming fall fashion. This means that it’s time to check those clearance racks for special finds that are perfect for the still-thriving summer season, but also to store for next spring’s rotation.
New York & Company is probably one of my favorite places to buy work & weekend clothing, but now that there are no longer any stores to peruse through, making online purchases that are final sale should be done carefully. When buying anything online, a shopper should always read the reviews & the product details, like garment material & care, along with checking a size chart for limited size availability, but for items that cannot be returned, taking the time to do this, especially for a dress that looks good enough to add-to-cart, is crucial. As New York & Company’s website is promoting their latest Into the Wild summer collection, most, if not all, short, midi, & maxi dresses from earlier in the season are reduced to $7.99, including the following bold & stylish short frock redlines:
If you’re a bargain shopper, like me, don’t forget to also check out New York & Company’s other redlines, including tops for $7.99, sweaters for $4.99, jeans for $7.99, shorts for $7.99, skirts for $7.99, pants for $7.99, outerwear for $7.99, & shoes for $7.99 to stock up on can’t-miss deals!
Her return to spotlight is long overdue & demonstrates her consistent triumphant style, grace, & polish as she turned heads in an unlikely summer combination of velvet & Mary Jane heels (shop similar here). However, Keira nails the look, especially with bumper sunglasses (shop similar here), a quilted clutch (shop similar here), & elegant rings (shop here & here). See the photos below of Keira’s exquisite style, alongside her husband, James Righton, to inspire your next summer LBD outing.
Even though summer is a season all about colors & patterns, a little black dress for a variety of occasions is a timeless wardrobe staple, including these more affordable options to help a Style Darling live your best French-girl fantasy, whether you’re headed to a cocktail party, wedding, weekend brunch, or somewhere fabulous & fashionable.
Additionally, an LBD doesn’t necessarily demand coordinating black shoes, especially as seen on Keira wearing beige & black Mary Janes, but this season, black sandals come in a variety of strappy & mule styles that elevate any ensemble. Here are some suggestions:
Also, the actress recounted a 2021 essay written by her mother, Academy Award nominee, Uma Thurman, for the Washington Post, regarding her own experiences as a teen having an abortion. I’m so impressed by Maya’s wherewithal & forthcoming advocacy for this human rights violation, & speaking about her mother’s right to freedom of choice, on such a visible platform to educate & inspire young people–not just women–everywhere to take action to own their bodies.
Additionally, Maya attended the interview all smiles, even in its most sincere moments, but also in head-to-toe denim by Dior with a jacket (shop here), jeans (shop here), & closed toe gladiator flats (shop similar here), appearing relatable & comfortable with Jimmy Fallon, who stated that he held young Maya as a baby while spending time with the Thurman-Hawke family.
To recreate Maya’s look, you don’t need a Dior budget, especially when high quality denim from reliable retailers is available, along with a beige tee & options for footwear, inspired by Maya. Check out the on-sale suggestions below to recreate this casual, but chic look for any age:
To view a clip of the interview, check out the video below:
Also, if you haven’t dove into season four of Stranger Things yet, here’s a trailer for the first seven episodes, which are currently available on Netflix:
However, TODAY volume two of the masterfully horrifying season four is available, including 2 longer episodes that close out the penultimate season. Check out the trailer below:
Today, June 30th ends PRIDE month, but that doesn’t mean that #PRIDE style must end, by any means! Our love for the LGBTQ+ community, & for love in general, remains a constant as all people should always celebrate themselves, especially through style. As a part of New York & Company‘s Color of Love collection, I’m obsessed with these bold & summer-ready rainbow stripes in a variety of separates & one-piece items, all of which are currently on sale, in sizes XS-XXL, to show not only your true colors, but to express love & PRIDE, inspiring the world around us!
Consider adding any of these dresses, rompers, or tunics to your wardrobe with hoop or drop earrings, metallic sandals or bright pumps, & white quilted clutch:
Otherwise, these tops & toppers are perfect to match with any denim of your choice, crisp white linen ankle pants, a primary colored-maxi skirt, or cut-off shorts:
For a vibrant bottom option for work or weekend, choose any of these options, paired with a classic scoop neck t-shirt, crochet top & tank, or a chambray button-down:
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.
There’s something about this time of year that gets me thinking about prints in my wardrobe, especially when it comes to my casual clothing–that is, outside of my regular rotation of leopard print, polka dots, & houndstooth. More specifically, I love mixing up my look with a fruit pattern to embrace all this fresh & summery, along with showing off a more laid back & playful side of my style.
I’ve rounded up some fruit-centric new finds on sale now to help inspire readers to incorporate bold, fun lemons, watermelons, strawberries & more! To pair with some denim cutoffs or linen shorts, check out these tees:
Last, but not least, summer is all about colorful footwear, just like any other part of an outfit, which is why an espadrille upgrade is just the thing that any casual look demands!
SHOP:Fruit Embroidered Espadrille Flats @LOFT ($69.00 <– check frequently for sales & coupon codes via email subscription), prices may where vary where available in sizes 6.5-11.
Back in 2019, I posted my love for New York & Company‘s goddess maxi dress, which has only heightened as the years have gone by & deepened as comfort in the summer moved higher on the list of summer style priorities (as a busy mother who works full-time). However, I’m excited to share that the short version of this dress (the v-neck goddess dress) is available on the retailer’s website in a fabulous variety of 7 colors (black, coral, green opal, grand sapphire, paper white, purple mardi gras, and scuba blue) in sizes XS-XXL while supplies last.
Currently, these dresses on sale for $19.99, but I urge readers to keep an eye on all of the major sales that New York & Company frequently posts about, not only on social media, but via email subscription; prices change quickly! I already have the black & navy versions of this dress, but I have the green & purple dresses on my mind too. Although, any of these frocks can be styled in a plethora of ways, including with high heels & a metallic clutch for a girls’ night out, gladiator sandals & a floppy hat for daytime, as well as with a sporty blazer & sneakers for a mix of athleisure & glam.
Additional adaptations of this flattering goddess style can also be found with New York & Company’s tie-waist goddess romper (available in 4 colors in sizes XS-XXL) & cold-shoulder goddess top (available in 9 colors in sizes XS-XXL); examples are pictured below:
A classic look never goes out of style & is always a go-to for nearly any occasion, which was the case for Academy Award-winning actress Charlize Theron who celebrated her Africa Outreach Project 2022 Summer Block Party in head-to-toe Dior, which took place at the Universal Studios Backlot this past weekend. While Dior isn’t a brand that all of us budget-friendly Style Darlings can depend on on the regular, we can take inspiration from Charlize’s stylish white button-down shirt (shop here), flared jeans (shop similar here), black pointy toe pumps (shop here), black quilted clutch (shop similar here), & Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
Button shirts are a staple for any wardrobe, especially if you work in an environment that requires professional attire, but these tops vary in style & can be worn with a number of different options, including a pencil skirt, linen shorts, or a velvet pants in the cooler months. The below suggested options vary in availability for sizes XS-XXL and range in price from $14.99 – $44.63.
Next, a flared jean is a playful & throwback way of mixing up your look, especially when contrasting a more demure button-down shirt. The below options range in price $40.00-$52.46 and are vary in availability for sizes 0-30.
Next, a black pointy toe pump is definitely a classic to incorporate into one’s weekly routine; however, aside from a breezy, cool denim look, like Charlize’s, check out these affordable options ranging in price from $37.99 – $59.99 for special occasions & other professional functions:
Lastly, you can’t go wrong with a quilted bag bag or clutch, especially one with an option to use the chain or tuck it in for Instagram posing, including the following picks that range in price from $24.97-$39.99:
Happy belated 2020 Style Darlings! I’m happy to make a return (albeit a brief one) to my blog posts, especially as I look forward to a stylish & confident new year. The semester is about to start & there is always a lot to do at home, which is why my regular posts are not as regular as I’d like. I encourage all of my readers to follow me on Instagram @styledarlingdaily to keep up with what I’m wearing, what I’m shopping for, what I’m loving, & who’s wearing what…which brings me to today’s post about who is wearing suits & why that’s so special.
I’m not much of suit sporter myself. I’ve never been a fan of what has always felt like a restrictive topper like a blazer, which is why I’m pro-cardigan on the daily, but I’m pretty inspired by the trend of playful & colorful suiting that I’ve seen on some of my favorite & most stylish celebrities. Wearing a head-to-toe pattern or monochromatic palette is both classic & edgy for any number of occasions, including figuring out what to wear to work! Some recent noteworthy looks include Golden Globe-winner Awkwafina (for her role in The Farewell) in a hot pink suit by Cinq à Sept (shop the blazer & pants) with a black crop top, Aussie Cate Blanchett‘s polka dot perfection in a Haider Ackermann suit with blue Dorateymur boots, Priyanka Chopra Jonas in a pretty pink silk suit with contrasting raspberry, a spring-ready Rose Byrne (star of Like a Boss) in a pastel suit by Christian Wijnants with white pumps, the always delightful Salma Hayek in all-over plaid by Gucci (shop the vest), & “Lose You To Love Me” singer Selena Gomez‘s cognac suit by Gauge81 paired with a cashmere blouse by Victor Glemaud & Yuul Yie boots.
Akwafina, Cate Blanchett, Priyanka Chopra, Rose Byrne, Salma Hayek, & Selena Gomez in suits.
Of course, some looks are bolder than others, but why not try something new without breaking the bank? Some of my favorite places to shop for matching separates include regular discounts & sales on new arrivals & wardrobe staples.
I’m a sucker for dresses, cardigans, & big jewelry. There’s no question about it. There are some staple pieces that I love to have en masse, including cardigans, ankle pants, & blouses. However, one wardrobe must-have that I haven’t embraced so much is the classic t-shirt!
(gasp)
…Perhaps this is because I always relied on the cozy ease of a t-shirt for my sleepwear & not so much to mix with my day pieces. T-shirts are an easy way to play off of busy patterns, bold textures, & trendy companions, which is why I’m featuring some great deals on colorful, classic, & trendy t-shirts.
No matter what your favorite neckline is, t-shirts really are for everyone. There are so many styles to consider from crewneck to v-neck to square-neck to split-neck, which is what makes t-shirts so versatile & compatible to offset a busy look to keep in minimal with all solids. Any of these tees could be worn with jeans, tucked into a skirt, with printed pants, or under a sleeveless dress, creating a new layer of possibilities in outfit building. Consider coordinating any of these items to build your next comfy t-shirt chic look:
For my first official summer as a mommy, I’m scouring the web for a go-to tote to run out the door with (along with my own purse & the diaper bag) for all outing essentials that aren’t a part of my day-to-day life. For example, a bottle of sunscreen, a picnic blanket, a travel water bottle, spare flip flops, & maybe a magazine or book. I love how this season has so many cute & playful options that capture the spirit of the summer, while also being very spacious & useful for a busy Style Darling like myself. Here are just a few examples of what’s out there & what I have my eye on!
Victoria Beckham is always flawless. This isn’t news, but I just had to start there. The Spice Girl-turned-designer recently stepped out in what starts to look like a minimalist summer look with a white tee & black cuffed jeans, accessorized with classic pieces like a sleek black envelope clutch, pendant necklace, a chain link gold watch, & Celine sunglasses (shop here)… until you see the heels! They’re BalenciagaSquare Knife neon pumps (shop here) that make a wild style statement, but it all works seamlessly, especially on Victoria!
Of course, this look would’ve worked with pink, orange, red, or really, any color heel. She could’ve surprised us all with neon ballet flats, which would have been equally successful & exciting to post about. I’m always finding new ways to mix up my favorite wardrobe items in my collection, playing with different colors & patterns to pop, which is why I love Victoria’s inspiration so much.
However, we all don’t have the kind of budget needed to recreate this high-end, luxury look… but have no fear! Because so many of the pieces are staples, they’re not hard to find without breaking the bank! Even imitation-inspired heels are available to peruse (in several other colors too) to bring Victoria’s posh style back to life!
I know I’m not the first to say that buying “one in every color” is worth the investment, but if there’s a staple piece of clothing (or accessory) that you love & just can’t live without, when why not? I have this philosophy typically when ti comes to cardigans & ballet flats, but with a busy summer ahead, I’m also applying this philosophy (& maybe fashion addiction excuse?) to the Goddess maxi dress @New York & Company.
I was first introduced to this dress last year & have since bought it in EIGHT different colors. It is super fashionable, very comfortable & breathable, & really, a classic maxi dress style that I will continue to wear for more summers to come. Truth: I bought it when I was very VERY pregnant last summer, which gave my big baby belly lots of room, but this is not a maternity dress. The banding underneath the bust was very forgiving & even now (not pregnant), I’m loving the flowing long skirt, which flatters my shape now. Not to mention that this dress can be style in a multitude of ways, easy breezy for weekend errands or dressed up for a special occasion! Most colors are available in sizes XS- XXL, which means that this dress really is for everyone!
I love accessorizing this dress with any number of cropped cardigans, long necklaces, oversized earrings, a denim jacket, & studded sandals. Every color of dress is a great foundation for some summer fun, coordinating with playful watermelon or pineapple accents, gawdy golds, or crisp white pieces.