08/09/2014 Darling Of The Day: ‘If I Stay’ Star Chloe Grace Moretz!

Posted on August 9, 2014 by Alissa

Summer is certainly in full swing, but we can look to the red carpet to see what’s coming for fall on our favorite celebrities. This includes the young & sophisticated Chloe Grace Moretz, star of the highly anticipated YA adaptation If I Stay. At a recent book signing, the actress wore tailored trousers with a multicolor shirt & metallic pumps. I was so inspired by this look, especially since I’ll be headed back to work next month & will need to start transitioning from sandals to stilettos.

Of course when you put a look like this together, you can reinterpret the separates in many different ways. The essential ingredients are easy: a button down shirt, tailored trousers, & pointy toe pumps. This outfit would also be uber-chic if worn monochromatic in white or red, as well as using menswear inspiration.

To achieve this look, I found some affordable pieces that can certainly be mixed & matched for a variety of looks for day, night, & anything in between. The floral tile softened shirt ($22.00) from LOFT is currently 60% off. While it doesn’t share the same glitz as Chloe’s sequined shirt, you an easily bling it up with some oversized jewels or pearls. The 7th Avenue City double stretch slim ankle pant ($54.95) from New York & Company are BOGO 50% off, & can be very work appropriate, as well as fun for a night out with an embellished top & strappy sandals. As for the shoes, I found the Heart Soul Gizelle pump ($24.94) in silver from DSW, which add that extra special posh touch.

What are your favorite menswear inspired pieces? How would you wear a look like this? Where are you shopping for your fall must-haves? Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: Now Is All About Navy, Featuring Blake Lively, Marchesa, & More!

Posted on February 16, 2014 by Alissa

Somewhere around the corner is spring, & while Pantone’s color of 2014 is orchid, I’ve been seeing so much navy everywhere. I love the idea of this regal neutral all over the runways for spring, breaking away from basic black to match with other bold hues.

A-list celebs have been embracing navy on the red carpet, including Blake Lively & Rose Byrne in head-to-toe Michael Kors looks straight from the runway. Also, House of Cards actress Kate Mara shows off her feminine & edgy side with the crop top trend in lace Dior separates & pointy toe pumps.

Also, navy appeared on the runway during New York Fashion Week in all forms. Navy is perfect for casual wear, the office, & a night out, as seen on Derek Lam, Rebecca Minkoff, & Marchesa. There’s a decadence to the marvelous midnight color, which was shown with futuristic cut-outs, mod layered lines, & romantic drama.

To bring the red carpet & runway to your closet, I’ve found a few must-have pieces that will transition easily from winter-to-spring, including the belted button-front shirtdress ($40.00) from Dress Barn. To wear it now, in the midst of yet another wintry snow storm here in New York, coordinate this with tights, knee boots, & a chunky boyfriend sweater.

Top off your favorite skinny jeans, pencil skirt, or tuxedo pants with the daydreamer peasant top ($22.80) from Forever 21 & H&M‘s lace top ($17.95). Lastly, get rid of those old, boring pants & trade them in for New York & Company‘s 7th Avenue bootcut pants ($52.95) in windowpane print. Mix up your look with a cashmere sweater, embroidered cardigan, or studded vest.

How do you feel about navy in your wardrobe? Which of these pieces can you see yourself wearing? For more fabulous navy picks, check out designer duds like Armani @Nordstrom, Alice + Olivia @Bergdorf Goodman, & Tadashi Shoji @Saks Fifth Avenue. More affordable shopping picks include LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl’s, Victoria’s Secret, Modcloth, & JC Penney! Happy Styling!

6/29/2013 Darling Of The Day: Olivia Palermo Stylishly Steps Out In New York City!

Posted on June 29, 2013 by Alissa

As far as street style is concerned, Olivia Palermo is stepping up her game & quickly joining the ranks of veterans like Nicole Richie, Sarah Jessica Parker, Miranda Kerr, & Rihanna when it comes to personal style. Of course, the American socialite always sits front row during Fashion Week, & also has all the best designers begging the former reality to don their duds, so she knows a thing or two about fashion. Here, in New York City, Olivia recently showed off her gams in shorts & a crisp, white shirt. She’s accessorized her look simply with metallic, neutral, & embossed pieces that can be mixed & matched with plenty of other wardrobe staples. I especially love her Olivia + Joy purse since animal-inspired textures always make an outfit look more luxurious.

To recreate Olivia’s street style, I’ve found pieces that not only follow the latest trends in summer fashion, but also come in under $100 for the total look! First, the belted safari shirt ($17.18) in optic white from New York & Company has more than just the tailored feel of a men’s shirt since it belts to the side, but can also be tucked in to show off your shape. Also, the cuffed twill shorts ($22.00) in surplus khaki from Old Navy are both functional when the temperature heats up & can make any frilly blouse or studded tank look street-savvy. A basic neutral shoe pulls the look together, like Dress Barn‘s chic crisscross wedge sandals ($40.00), which can work for any outfit, a maxi dress, or shorts romper.

Additional accessories that make this look affordable & successful are the studded mirror cuff ($4.80) from Forever 21, H&M‘s clutch ($12.95), & the one-inch skinny belt ($2.99) from Private Island Party. Any of these can be coordinated with a variety of basics like a shirtdress with ballet flats, an LBD with chandelier earrings, & a printed jumpsuit with a floppy hat.

What do you think of Olivia’s street style? Do you like this look? Which accessories are your favorite? To follow more on Olivia, I recommend her official blog, Olivia Palermo, two photo-frenzied blogs The Olivia Palermo Lookbook & Olivia Palermo Fashion Style, & InStyle‘s red carpet gallery!

For more Darling of the Day posts, check out Taylor Swift’s leggy look in London, Ashley Madekwe’s Topshop jumpsuit, & Drew Barrymore’s floral look from Alice + Olivia! Also, for more affordable fashion ideas, click on links for stylish maxi dresses under $25, cap toe pumps from Payless, little white dresses inspired by Jennifer Lopez & Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, & my latest summer wardrobe updates! Happy Styling!

Inside A Style Blogger’s Closet: Summer-Ready Dresses For Under $10!

Posted on June 19, 2013 by Alissa

I’ve been splurging but saving a whole lot lately, especially since I have big travel plans in July. This includes an entire new selection of dresses that I’m happy to adopt into my wardrobe for this spring & summer. I always head to the new sale & clearance racks first in order to get the best possible deal, but I was so happy to come across these two dresses that were under $10 each! If that’s not a bargain, then I don’t know what is!

I never thought I was a yellow kind of girl. Sure, here & there I have a yellow top, yellow flats, but I couldn’t conceive on my fair skin an entire yellow look, but I definitely found one with the Merona refined lcae dress ($8.38) in yellow from Target. Online, this dress is $27.99, but I found it on a 70% off rack at my local store & it fits perfectly. I usually score big with this brand, especially since Target often has coupons on their website for this brand too!

My second big score was the unexpected one! I hardly ever shop @Walmart, mostly b/c I’m dedicated to Target & can always find what I need, & the local Walmart doesn’t always look like the nicest place to shop- despite low prices. I came across this Faded Glory ruffled knit dress ($9.94) in black, which wasn’t on sale & this was its original price. I was hesitant b/c I wasn’t sure about the quality of the material, but then I looked at the tag of the New York & Company summer dress that I was wearing… & low & behold, both the above black dress & what I was wearing were both 60% cotton & 40% polyester. I tried it on & it was the perfect length & cut, & I was very happy with my decision to purchase this LBD that could be dressed up or down & won’t ever go out of style.

What makes me even happier with these purchases is their potential for accessorizing, which includes great finds like the arrowhead studded faux leather belt ($5.80) in nude from Forever 21, which is perfect for either dress, or even pairing with shorts & a ruffled tank. Also, for some fun & playful colors, I picked the Mudd Kara colorblock crossbody bag ($13.20) in mint yellow from Kohl’s, especially if you’re looking for something summery & smaller to carry around. To dress up both looks for a classy evening, I recommend the hammered chain link necklace ($6.00) from Charlotte Russe, which definitely plays up the chain link trend.

Also, for a casual day out, I love the idea of a pair of flirty exaggerated cat-eye sunglasses ($9.99) in tortoise shell from JC Penney. Lastly, there are plenty of shoes to match up, but I especially love LOFT‘s basil ballet flats ($20.99) in Bombay blue & the Portia high wedge sling ($15.00) in red from Payless.

What’s the best deal you’ve scored lately? What’s been your biggest shopping surprise yet? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out Taylor Swift’s leggy look for under $100, little white dresses inspired by Angelina Jolie & Kerry Washington, fashionable flip-flops from Guess & Steve Madden, & a look at 3.1 Phillip Lim’s new collaboration with Target! Happy Styling!

6/10/2013 Darling Of The Day: Taylor Swift’s Leggy Look In London!

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Alissa

I will be honest- I have a like-dislike affection for Taylor Swift. Maybe b/c too many of her breakup songs relate to my personal situation for the 2013 calendar year, so far. However, I can’t help but love her casual separates looks, which reminds us that the country crooner is a young style icon, even though her more formal red carpet looks all seem to follow the same glittery or white princess uniform. Here at the 2013 Capital FM Summertime Ball in London, the singer / songwriter makes this feminine Oscar de la Renta blouse looks youthful by pairing it with classic black shorts & strappy black sandals. For those of you looking to show off your gams, but still keep it classy, this is the perfect look to emulate.

You certainly don’t have to break the bank, especially when I’ve found some look-alike pieces to recreate this luxury look… & for under $100! This includes the contrast trim button up ($19.80) from Forever 21. Clearly, it doesn’t have all the lace details & black trim on the sleeve, but it’s very similar in that it will keep your upper half covered up. Not to mention this will look chic with a brocade pencil skirt & peep toe pumps, leather leggings & ankle booties, or with skinny trousers & ballet flats. Also, the Gramercy Gabardine short ($39.95) from New York & Company are a summer staple, which will dress up plenty of other tops, including a silk cami & blazer with platform sandals. What’s great about shopping NY&Co is that you can also benefit from their current BOGO 50% off sale if you find another essential basic for your spring-summer wardrobe.

As for accessories, I went back to Forever 21 to find the heart charm ring ($1.80) which was just too precious to pass up, the Simply Vera Vera Wang silver tone simulated crystal stud earrings ($8.40) from Kohl’s, & Charlotte Russe‘s strappy zip-back mid-heel sandal ($30.00) in black.

For more posts on affordable fashion & celebrity style, check out LWDs inspired by Angelina Jolie & Jennifer Lopez, menswear looks as seen on Diane Kruger & Olivia Palermo, trendy flip-flops from Sam Edelman & Guess, & nautical-inspired striped maxi skirts at all price points! Happy Styling!

Basics For A Bargain: Little White Dresses Inspired By Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez, & More!

Posted on June 7, 2013 by Alissa

Little white dresses are a go-to for this spring & summer, which make for a fresh take for a date, as well as night out with the girls. Of course, white at a wedding is for the bride only, but some of the most photographed celebrities have been spotted in figure-flattering silhouettes of LWDs! This includes actress / model Rosie Huntington-Whitely at the Cannes Film Festival in a strapless silk bustier dress by Christian Dior with Christian Louboutin stilettos & Kerry Washington‘s Giambattista Valli frock at a screening of Scandal with a gold-accented wristlet. Also, Bond-girl Gemma Arterton is all smiles while visiting BBC Radio One in a Talbot Runhof dress with classic black pointy toe pumps & a colorblocked handbag.

Next, Jennifer Lopez shows off her shape in a curve-hugging Louise Goldin pencil dress with matching Casadei pumps at a press event for Verizon Wireless. Everyone’s talking about Angelina Jolie‘s return to the red carpet in a gold-belted Ralph & Russo peplum dress with feminine rose gold jewelry & white pointy toe pumps. Lastly, Les Miserables breakout star Samantha Barks contrasts her white lace sheath dress with a strategic black belt & adorable fuchsia heels at a Royal Academy of Arts event.

Personally, I think you can get away with wearing a white dress any time of the year, depending on the material & cut of the dress. For example, something in eyelet or linen is strictly for the warmer months with metallic sandals or peep toe pumps & a tweed fabric would work best in the winter with suede ankle booties.

My first pick is the embroidered sundress ($50.00) from Dress Barn, which not only cinches in at the waist, but also will work with any pop of color in a cardigan, boyfriend blazer, ballet flats, or espadrilles. If you like to show off your arms, check out the sleeveless ecru ponte dress ($39.99) which is currently marked down from its original $150.00 price @White House Black Market. For a sleek look, the eyelet sheath dress with patent belt ($35.00) from New York & Company offers up a variety of looks, especially with a sophisticated built-in accessory that can match with other staples like a printed shrug sweater or opaque tights.

The midi strapless dress ($36.50) from Lulu’s is definitely sexier is matched with a blinged out necklace & stacked bangles, while the cut-out makes for a flirty show of skin. For my plus-size Style Darlings, I picked out the mesh back chiffon dress ($24.80) from Forever 21‘s Plus 21 line, which creates a classic hourglass figure for day & evening, & is sold in sizes XL – 3X. My final selection includes the detailed dress ($17.95) from H&M, which is also available in black, & will certainly turn heads when you walk in the room.

Which is your favorite little white dress? How do you like to accessorize white dresses? Do you like to wear white over the summer? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out luxury look-alike flip flops, summer-ready striped maxi skirts, must-have sale items for $100, & a behind-the-scenes look at 3.1 Phillip Lim’s Target collaboration! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Pick Out Polka Dots For Spring!

Posted on April 6, 2013 by Alissa

In keeping an eye on the latest spring trends, with all the florals, stripes, neons, & pastels in fashion, I’ve been seeing a consistency presence of polka dots in all items from clothing to accessories. I’m a big fan of polka dots for their classic appeal to any age. I even wore polka dot tights with a polka dot dress & polka dot scarf to work this week. Although it seemed a little overkill, I removed the scarf once I entered the building. Since recently starting a second job, I’m surrounded by plenty of feminine details, including modern cuts on dresses, flouncy fabrics for accessories, & bold color combinations on separates.

I wanted to select some of the best pieces that are both fashionable & affordable for your spring wardrobe. This includes the polka dot faux wrap dress ($40.00) in orange from Dress Barn, as well as the polka dot sandal wedge ($29.80) from Forever 21 & GOjane‘s pointy toe polka dot pumps ($26.95). Other stylish accessories include the striped polka dot lightweight scarf ($9.99) from Charlotte Russe & the Lulu by Lulu Guinness ring leader bow clutch ($35.00) from JC Penney.

I’d like to also suggest timeless pieces to wear with basics like dark denim jeans, a black pencil skirt, a crisp button down shirt, or a bright, ruffled tank. You can wear the Dr Denim snap high waist skinny jeans ($49.88) from ASOS with any number of toppers like a leather jacket, boyfriend blazer, or embellished cardigan. The Express polka dot peplum tank ($29.90) in gray is also available in a nautical-inspired blue / red combo for a dressy casual look with skinny jeans or a denim mini skirt.

Also, try the Rampage polka dot mesh peplum top ($26.99) from Loehmann’s with edgier bottoms like liquid leggings, a leather pencil skirt, or cropped metallic pants. Another option for a more polished look is the Elementz a-line skirt ($17.99) from Macy’s with a scoop neck tank or three-quarter sleeve pullover. To wear polka dots casually, there’s also New York & Company‘s Spring Street polka dot poplin shirt ($31.46) in blue & a more feminine option is available in pink to wear with a white skirt, linen pants, or lace shorts.

How do you like to wear polka dots? Do you prefer black & white polka dots or do you like to wear unexpected colors? For more on polka dots, check out a recent post in The $100 Challenge, various price points for polka dots stockings, & lastly, spring-ready polka dot pants! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Spring-Ready Striped Dresses ($35 & Under)!

Posted on March 31, 2013 by Alissa

It’s Easter Sunday & I wanted to share with readers some affordable spring-ready dresses that are perfect for more than just today’s holiday & any body type! I’m recently starting a new position at my job, as well as an entering into an exciting opportunity for a second job this week, so of course I’m thinking about what I’ll be wearing. Fortunately both environments require a blend of professionalism & creativity, so I’m gearing up to dust off favorites from last spring & invest in some show-stopping looks to last me through the spring & summer.

All of these looks are under $35 & I’m really drawn to stripes since there’s so much opportunity to mix with accessories like floral tights on a chillier day, textured pumps, or an embellished cardigan. First, I wanted to share the boat-neck 3/4 sleeve shift dress ($22.97) in black stripe from Old Navy, which will pair well with bold pieces like red heels, a yellow lacquered belt, turquoise tights, or a green leather jacket. Also, I’ve been keeping an eye on the latest styles @JCP, including the a.n.a. short-sleeved cowlneck dress ($22.00), which can be dressed up with a boyfriend blazer & pointy toe pumps, or worn casually with a denim jacket & ballet flats.

For a thicker stripe, I love the rich tones in the striped chiffon sleeveless dress ($32.47) in summer berry punch from New York & Company, which is also available in a blue / green combination. This is an office-friendly dress that can translate well to happy hour, especially when mixing up the look with stacked bangles, a cropped jacket, or knee boots. Also, as a big fan of Target, I knew I had to feature the Mossimo half back zipper fit & flare dress ($27.99) in teal stripe. This youthful dress is perfect for accentuating any figure & is available in sizes XS – XXL. Lastly, another look for my curvy Style Darlings is the colorblocked chiffon dress ($27.80) from Forever 21, which gives off a vintage feel with the playful collar & delicate bow.

Do you like to wear stripes? What kinds of dresses are you looking at for spring? What’s your spring shopping budget? For more spring fashion posts, check out blue moto jackets at every price point, Kim Kardashian’s silver Jimmy Choo pumps, the best mint shoes for the season, & the hottest floral looks as seen on Elizabeth Olsen & Selena Gomez! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Get These Green Pieces For St. Patrick’s Day!

Posted on March 17, 2013 by Alissa

A friend of mine recently asked me what the big color for spring was going to be & from my research & observation of trends, I saw that emerald green was getting to be very popular, amid the rise in pretty pastels & trendy neons. Nearly everyone looks great in emerald, so I thought, what better day to talk about some amazing emerald pieces than on St. Patrick’s Day!

I know when I’m putting a look together, I usually stick to classic black & white pieces, but there’s nothing better than a special pop of color, especially when it comes to green. First, the Merona 3/4 sleeve v-neck cardigan sweater ($19.99) from Target is the perfect topper to any polka dots, graphic print, or houndstooth sheath dress for both the office & a family party. Speaking of dresses, I love the stretch cotton skater dress ($27.93) from Express (which is currently on sale for 30% off) & the AB Studio lace sheath dress ($25.60) from Kohl’s (which has recently been reduced from its original $64.00 price). Both are reasonably priced & can work for any season if paired with cork wedges or even opaque tights & a boyfriend blazer.

If you prefer separates, then try H&M‘s blouse ($12.95) which can be worn knotted with skinny jeans & sneaker wedges for a casual day out & about, or untucked over some rocker chic leather leggings & metallic pointy toe pumps when headed out with the girls. Also, I recommend the Diva skinny ankle pants ($29.94) from Old Navy to be worn with a cable knit sweater for a preppy look or a flirty blouse & ballet flats when meeting gal pals for a luncheon. Not to mention that Old Navy has a special 17% off coupon code (ONLUCKY) which can be used on almost any online only purchase.

Add green accessories into the mix with some jewelry like the bubble bead statement necklace ($12.99) from Charlotte Russe, which is having a sitewide 20% off sale today, online only! Also, there’s Forever 21‘s iridescent arrowhead drop earrings ($4.80), which can be worn with a modern LBD & strappy sandals, or made exotic for your next vacation in a maxi dress & basketweave wedges.

I always love green in multi-color patterns too, which is why I selected the bright geometric scarf ($19.95) from New York & Company to wear with a denim jacket & jersey skirt while shopping, or to dress up any solid pullover & dark denim jeans. Lastly, you can’t talk about green without mentioning shoes & there are so many ways to wear the Worthington Pennie faux suede ballet flats ($28.00) from JC Penney like with a pair of neutral trousers & button-down shirt. Also, there’s the Payless‘ American Eagle sweetheart high wedge sling ($24.99) with a cotton wrap dress or a chambray tunic & colored denim shorts.

How do you like to wear green? Do you wear green on St. Patrick’s Day? Which are your favorite pieces? What’s your budget for new spring-friendly fashions? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out a budget-friendly spring look for under $100, the complete lookbook of Kate Young’s collection for Target, colorful crossbody bags for under $15.00, neon looks inspired by Beyoncé Knowles & Jennifer Lopez, chic spring break must-haves, & how to wear yellow like Emmy Rossum & Miranda Kerr! Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: Spring Into Neon Yellow This Season!

Posted on March 9, 2013 by Alissa

Last month I blogged about neon blouses at different price points, sharing the big neon trend that will help Style Darling transition from winter to spring. I’ve seen so much in stores lately in neons, especially in the highlighter yellow variety in tops, dresses, pants, skirts, & accessories, which are perfect for mixing with essentials like dark denim jeans, crisp white pieces, & other bold separates.

Neons have been on the rise for quite a while now, especially on the red carpet & seen on celebrities on the street. This includes Indian beauty Freida Pinto in a lace Atelier Versace peplum gown at the Cannes Film Festival. Also, Jennifer Lopez‘s honey-hued glow looks even more chic in a long-sleeved Michael Kors sheath dress with hot pink pumps by Casadei. Hollywood it-girl Chloe Grace Moretz was all smiles at the People’s Choice Awards in a floral Simone Rocha party dress with black ankle-strap pumps.

At last summer’s Comi-Con, Twilight actress Kristen Stewart mixed a neon BCBG Max Azria skirt with a cropped tee & leather Barbara Bui high tops. Beyoncé knew about the neon trend a few years ago when she hit the streets of Manhattan with neon accessories, including a straw hat & ankle-strap platform sandals with an over-sized tank & grey shorts.

One thing to keep in mind when it comes to neons is that you must wear them in moderation. I did recently show neon yellow in a head-to-toe monochromatic look in a Basics for a Bargain post, however these separates & dresses are perfect for any style. For example, the Prabal Gurung ruffle dress ($39.99) & Mossimo ponte colorblock v-neck dress ($27.99) from Target are timeless & affordable essentials to wear at the office with a blazer or for date night with some textured pumps. Also, Express‘ split back dolman sweater ($23.94), Forever 21‘s contrast racerback trapeze tank ($6.80), & New York & Company‘s two-pocket blouse ($20.00) are cute, affordable, & versatile tops to mix with patterned pants, colorful jeans, or neutral pencil skirts. The varying neon hues from bright & bold to soft & near-pastel are elegant & modern.

Next, the cropped high rise trousers ($19.80) from Forever 21 are ideal for elongating the legline if you dare to wear neon on your bottom half. Also, for a softer look with neon, I recommend the Worthington colorblocked pleated skirt ($25.00) from JC Penney for a white scoop neck tee or a lacy button-down blouse. You always see celebs wearing shorts & the H&M shorts ($29.95) can work for both casual & dressy occasions, if paired with pointy toe heels, ballet flats, or a sleeveless top.

As for accessories, a neon pop of color is always a great choice. Bags that I just couldn’t resist sharing are the Nine West tech mini cross body bag ($19.95) from DSW & H&M‘s clutch ($24.95). Not to mention chic jewelry pieces like the BCBGeneration Le Piaget neon & crystals stretch bracelet ($24.99) from 6PM & enamel coated stretch ring ($6.00) from Charlotte Russe can turn a day look into something ready for cocktail hour. Lightweight gauzy scarves are always fun to consider with your casual look when you’re running errands or headed out shopping with girlfriends, which is why I picked the plaid scarf ($29.95) from Gap to wear with a denim jacket, leather bomber, or twill blazer.

We can’t talk about neon without mentioning shoes, which are always my favorite part of an outfit! I selected the Prabal Gurung pointy toe pump ($39.99) from Target, neon cap toe ballet flats ($19.99) from American Eagle Outfitters, & Forever 21‘s neon strap platform sandals ($26.80).

What do you think about the neon trend? Would you wear it? Do you like the pieces of clothing or prefer the accessories? Which trends are you following this season? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out spring must haves from Old Navy & Payless, stylish stilettos from Forever 21, all-white looks inspired by Kerry Washington & Emmy Rossum, stylish stud earrings for any occasion, & the latest collection for Kohl’s by Lauren Conrad! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Chic Spring Break Must-Haves For Your Next Vacation!

Posted on March 7, 2013 by Alissa

The weather outside is pretty nasty here on Long Island & while I’m trying to keep my head up & attitude positive, I know with the recent personal trials that I’ve been through, I need a vacation. Unfortunately, I’m not in the position to do so, but a girl can dream when there are still some shreds of dreams left to ponder. Also, after some inspiring messaging with another Style Darling, I decided to just throw myself into the online retail forum & find some amazing & affordable pieces, perfect for a Spring Break vacation or much-needed warm-weather getaway in my latest post for The $100 Challenge.

Whenever the temperature rises, it’s always stylish to add a maxi dress to your wardrobe, which is why I picked out the chiffon tribal print maxi dress ($16.80) from Forever 21, which can be dressed up with beaded earrings & platform sandals, or made day-ready with a chunky leather belt & gladiators. I also always love checking out the latest in spring shoes, which includes the Brash Molly side t-strap wedge sandal ($19.99) in black from Payless. They’re also available in coral, gold, & white- perfect for mixing with a cotton spring dress, cropped pants & a blouse, or with cut-off jeans & a graphic tee. When spring rolls around, I’m happy to switch out my heavy wool & knit scarves for something lighter & more feminine, like the daisy print infinity scarf ($9.99) from Charlotte Russe to wear with basics like a cotton tee & denim jacket.

Don’t forget that spring & vacations are all about embracing bright colors & while I’m not one to wear shorts myself, I love the shorts ($12.95) in red from H&M, which are also sold in powder pink, black, white, blue, pink, & yellow. For a nautical feel to your look, I recommend the striped roll-tab scoop neck tee ($13.47) in blue from New York & Company, which are a limited quantity item, reduced from their original $26.95 price tag. Also, florals are very popular this time of year, so if you’re headed somewhere chic, the a.n.a. ankle-length skinny jeans ($14.00) in all over floral from JC Penney are great for coordinating with different prints like stripes, polka dots, or plaids. Lastly, for some sparkle with versatility, I choose Old Navy‘s sheer sequin-chiffon tank ($11.99) in pink to wear with satin shorts & platforms for a night out with the girls, dark denim jeans & ballet flats for brunch, or a pencil skirt & boyfriend blazer when headed to an office meeting.

All of this also considers a $100 budget & the total for these comes to $99.19 (before taxes), which is pretty awesome for any Style Darling on a budget. Which pieces are your favorites? Which trends are you following to revamp your spring wardrobe? How much are you willing to spend on essentials for the new season? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out fabulous neon criss cross stilettos from Forever 21, 4 fashionable ways to wear a graphic tee from Old Navy, varying price points on trendy pink jeans, my latest bargain shoe purchases from Target, & floral pants inspired by Diane Kruger’s Stella McCartney look! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Pastels, Polka Dots, & Pops Of Color!

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Alissa

I’ve been up to earrings in fashion news lately, but I’ve definitely wanted to spend more time focusing on shopping tips for an affordably fashionable spring & that starts with pastel & neon jeans. I’ve yet to find a pair that works for me since I’m a little self-conscious about wearing the lighter & brighter hues on my curvier lower half, but the search isn’t over yet. One example that I need to pursue is the 1969 neon always skinny skimmer jeans ($21.99) in neon violet from Gap, which are also available in neon mint green. What I love about these is that they’re available in sizes 4-20.

I didn’t want to play down the fun color in the jeans, which is why I picked out the jumbo polka dot print shirt ($13.50) from Forever 21 & the ribbon & jewel bodyshaper tank ($8.00) in heather grey from New York & Company. Both pieces are perfect for mixing & layering with other basics like a pencil skirt, boyfriend jeans, or leggings.

For this look, I wanted to create a fashionable day outfit for any season, but with an extra punch of femininity & polish, which is why I picked Payless‘ Lower East Side Chelsea flat ($16.99) in black glitter. Also, I picked these shoes since I know that they’re super comfortable b/c I own the gold version. They’re perfect for wearing a demure LBD with opaque tights, or casually with leather shorts & a crisp white shirt. Additional accessories include the Mudd Kara triple-zip cross body bag ($23.80) in lemon from Kohl’s, carved roses Parisian charm necklace ($8.50) from Claire’s, & Forever 21‘s lacquered rhinestone studs ($3.80).

To see more affordable looks, check out more posts from The $100 Challenge, including three all-black outfits, a black & silver look with pieces from The Limited & GOjane, how to dress up with black textured accessories, a striped & tweed cocktail ensemble, & a leopard print date-ready dress from Old Navy! Happy Styling!

Basics For A Bargain: Monochromatic Looks To Brighten Up Any Season, Wardrobe, & Budget!

Posted on January 26, 2013 by Alissa

It’s not often that I wear monochromatic looks, but when I do, it’s usually either black or gray. These are go-to colors that I know I can always mix & match with each other, especially when I’m headed to work & am looking for something chic & fluid to wear. I was inspired by monochrome outfits during my last photo shoot of pictures of myself to post on Style Darling (see the all-green sweater & pants look, for example).

Since I started covering Runway Rundown here, I noticed the dominance of monochromatic designs, especially for the 2013 runways. This includes Calvin Klein Collection with a multi-textural caramel look, Michael Kors‘ lemon yellow duds, Elie Saab‘s cobalt crush, Salvatore Ferragamo using neutral beige, Christopher Kane‘s all-white ensemble, Bottega Veneta‘s brick menswear-inspiration, & BCBG Max Azria‘s flowing black separates.

Taking a cue from the runways, there have been plenty of color-on-color red carpet apperances. Celebrities who’ve donned monochromatic looks include Michelle Williams who attended the New York Times Arts & Leisure Weekend event in head-to-toe black with a belted mini, tights, & suede booties. Fashion icon Alexa Chung breaks up her nearly-monochromatic look in an oxblood turtleneck by Versus & leather zip-up mini with lasercut flats. Country songstress Taylor Swift went for a more mature look in a custom-made all-white suit by J. Mendel at last year’s MTV Video Music Awards. Victoria Beckham looks nothing short of amazing in her nude sheath dress design with Brian Atwood pumps. Lastly, back in 2009, Penelope Cruz dazzles in a three-piece scarlett suit by Bottega Veneta at the London premiere of Broken Embraces with two-tone strappy sandals.

Now that we’ve seen what’s going on inside the pages of our favorite magazines & who’s wearing what on the runways, I wanted to show how anyone can wear a monochromatic look without breaking your budget. What’s great about finding identical tones is the crisp & clean look that it creates & that’s where you can have fun with accessorizing with a sparkling scarf, baubled cocktail rings, bib necklaces, embossed handbags, & so on. In these looks, I have included at least one accessory, but it’s simply a suggestion & option to really bring the look together & in most cases (except for the teal look) still fits within budget.

First, I’ve been thinking about coral, ever since a post from The $100 Challenge where I featured a coral dress for the holidays, but I just love the softness of the color, which is perfect for any skintone. It instantly adds some natural rosiness to your cheeks & always looks feminine. The studded Peter Pan collar shirt ($22.80) from Forever 21 already has some built-in detail with the gold that helps frame your face. This matches perfectly with Target‘s Mossimo ankle pant ($27.99) & the sueded uber platform pumps ($12.50) from Charlotte Russe, which have just been reduced from their original $32.50 price. Lastly, I fell in love with the art deco-inspired spike triangle earrings ($8.77) from ASOS, which add a rose gold luxury to such a relaxed, yet sophisticated outfit. Also, if you want to break up these pieces to create a trendy or unexpected look, mix things up with dark denim skinnies, cap toe ballet flats, a silk boyfriend blazer, or metallic belt.

I’ve also been seeing a neon opportunity for your wardrobe for quite some time now. Of course, this color is to be worn confidently & with caution. We all want to look so good we stop traffic, but this look with highlighter yellow or electric lime tones could almost guarantee such a result. It all started with the a.n.a. perfect skinny corduroy pants ($17.00) from JC Penney that I spotted sometime before the holidays, but now they’re marked down & I’m excited to see how these might be worn for the rest of the winter & into spring. I paired these with the boatneck banded bottom tee ($29.90) from Express & Forever 21‘s faux suede pumps ($29.80). While any gold, white lacquered, or lucite jewelry will enhance this look, Alloy‘s Zahara neon necklace ($19.90) was just irresistible, thanks to a search on ShopStyle for matching accessories. Also, for more ideas on how to wear these pieces, consider other neutrals like charcoal, black, & navy, as well as classic patterns like polka dots, houndstooth, & plaid.

I found myself a little troubled when looking for coordinating pieces for my teal ensemble- ones that wouldn’t make me go over budget, but… I did. Sometimes that happens when you find absolutely must-have pieces. I just adore this color (on me!) & think it’s a bold way to reinterpret greens & blues since it falls so beautifully in the middle. While checking out the newest arrivals @New York & Company, I found the satiny pleated from belted blouse ($29.95), which instantly made me think to find a skirt. Then the Grace Elements teal skirt with yoke ($24.99) from Loehmann’s was a perfect fit, especially if you’re trying to refresh your work wardrobe. For an extra fun touch, @Steve Madden, the Intrude pumps ($34.99) are just what this look needed to add some texture & despite the myth of material, these can be worn any time of the year. Finally, the Croft & Barrow jet bead hoop drop earrings ($12.00) from Kohl’s put the look just a bit over $100, but you can always keep this affordable by wearing favorites that you may already own like diamond stud earrings or something in silver.

My final look goes out to my plus-size Style Darlings because I think a berry tone is perfect for any shape & any woman. I shopped Wet Seal‘s plus section to find the 3/4 sleeve belted blouse ($18.99) on sale, which comes with a detachable belt, perfect for wearing over a cardigan or jersey dress to help enhance your curves. To keep this look balanced & figure-flattering, the roz & ALI stretch colored jeggings ($19.99) from Dress Barn helped complete the bottom half, especially since they’re available in sizes 14-24. I found the Rocket Dog Monica flat ($24.94) @DSW, which would also help dress down a shirt dress, work if paired with a denim skirt & sweater, or contrast a ruffled blouse & dolman top. My final piece to this looks is the neon metallic teardrop earring ($5.80) from Forever 21, which would sparkle for a date night in an LBD or look cute with a mod shift dress.

Do you wear a monochromatic look? Which colors are you most drawn to? Do you prefer matchy-matchy pieces or like to contrast with colorblocking? For more from Basics For A Bargain, check out posts including outerwear inspired by Kate Middleton & Gwen Stefani, pointy toe heels as seen on Mandy Moore & Miranda Kerr, & how to copy separates looks like Kate Hudon & Kristen Stewart! Also, for more affordable looks under $100, check out a sleek black & silver cocktail look, building with black textured accessories, & how to wear a leopard wrap dress! Lastly, be sure to click on over to Color Me Style for the latest trends in yellow with some help from Emmy Rossum & Kim Kardashian, all-black looks like Jennifer Lawrence & Kate Moss, & black & white ensembles like Jessica Alba & Julianne Hough! Happy Styling!

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

Posted on January 6, 2013 by Alissa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Alissa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on December 8, 2012 by Alissa

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!

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

Posted on November 7, 2012 by Alissa

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 October 31, 2012 by Alissa

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 October 29, 2012 by Alissa

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?

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: New York & Company’s BOGO FREE Sweater Sale- Today ONLY!

Posted on October 27, 2012 by Alissa

I was pleasantly surprised to receive the following email from New York & Company today, although I won’t be going out shopping, but the sale for Buy One Get One FREE on sweaters is going on TODAY ONLY, in stores & online! I’ve picked out a variety of must-have sweaters to complete your everyday & office looks this fall & winter.

This includes the knot-front pull-over sweater ($22.47), leopard print v-neck sweater ($36.95), lurex button-sleeve boat-neck sweater ($46.95), three-quarter sleeve long cardigan ($44.95), sequin cable trimmed cardigan ($52.95), deco print v-neck cardigan ($49.95), & the cable front v-neck sweater ($49.95).

Do you prefer v-neck or scoop neck sweaters? How do you like to wear cardigans? Do you match them or select bold colors to brighten up neutrals? Happy Styling!

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

Posted on October 9, 2012 by Alissa

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!

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

Posted on October 2, 2012 by Alissa

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!

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

Posted on September 26, 2012 by Alissa

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!

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

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Alissa

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!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: Black & White Inspiration from Stella McCartney & Carolina Herrera Found @New York & Company!

Posted on March 23, 2012 by Alissa

We know that colorblocking is a big trend right now & Alicia Keys proves it as she struts her stuff in a black & white Stella McCartney design. We’ve seen this cute before by McCartney, but it looks brand new, fresh, & super stylish every time! Kate Winslet, Liv Tyler, & Penelope Cruz have all been seen in it.

I wasn’t able to find the particular dress that Alicia is wearing in stores, but Neiman Marcus has a similarly designed frock by McCartney, costing nearly $1500.00, which can be viewed here.

Also, while I was flipping through the pages of the new April 2012 issue of Harper’s Bazaar & saw the Carolina Herrera colorblock dress ($2290.00), which is available @Saks.

However, I gasped when I saw these black & white versions b/c they reminded me so much of the black & white ponte colorblock sheath dress ($11.99) that I featured in Inside A Style Blogger’s Closet from New York & Company last month! The dress is now marked down significantly from its original $59.95 price, which is an incredible bargain! So it’s no secret that this design is figure-flattering & just about every hand in fashion & retail is trying to reach the stylish consumer with it.

For more Luxury Look-Alikes For Less, check out the last post about recreating Golden Globe looks worn by Charlize Theron, Angelina Jolie, & Jessica Alba!

What do you think about the colorblock dresses by Stella McCartney & Carolina Herrera? Which version is your favorite? Do you like the New York & Company version? Happy Styling!

Style Darling Daily

…One stylish day at a time, for a budget-conscious shopper, inspired by the red carpet!

Tag Archives: New York & Company

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Basics For A Bargain: Monochromatic Looks To Brighten Up Any Season, Wardrobe, & Budget!

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

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

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Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: New York & Company’s BOGO FREE Sweater Sale- Today ONLY!

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

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

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

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

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: Black & White Inspiration from Stella McCartney & Carolina Herrera Found @New York & Company!

…One stylish day at a time, for a budget-conscious shopper, inspired by the red carpet!

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