Tag Archives: New York & Company

Inside A Style Blogger’s Closet: Black & White & Style All Over!

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During a recent shopping excursion at the old stomping grounds, New York & Company, I had a coupon in hand & some new spring looks to buy.  Of course, I was conscientious of the price tags since I didn’t wanna totally break the bank.  However, when I saw the black & white ponte colorblock sheath dress ($59.95) & the black & grey sateen circle pattern skirt ($46.95), my heart skipped a beat & I had to make them mine.  Of course, I was the happy recipient of a mega $60 off your $125 purchase coupon, so I was on a mission.  Also, most of the current spring merchandise was on sale BOGO 50% off, there were clearance belts for as low as $2.99, & all hosiery was on sale 50% off.  The bargains were certainly on my side!

I love the mod look of both items & their neutral palette lends itself to special pops of color with accessories or complimenting pieces when creating an outfit.  Not only did I leave the store saving more cash than I spent, I also received a survey invitation at the bottom of my receipt in which I’ve already participated & have received an addition coupon for some great savings in the future.

Hopefully when I have a chance to wear these pieces, I can photograph them & share with my readers.  The dress is super slimming & reminds me a little bit of the cute little blue uniforms that the flight attendants wear on Pan Am.

Where have you shopped for the latest spring styles?  What pieces are you looking for to spruce up your wardrobe for next season?  Happy Styling!

Basics for a Bargain: Best Black Jackets For Day & Night (Dedicated to Laurie)!

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During a recent breakfast date with my uber-stylish friend Laurie, the subject of blazers came up since she’s in search of a jacket with enough flair to dress up a going out look, but one that can also be worn for a daytime casual look.  Because a black blazer is such an essential item, I thought I’d turn to some of my favorite celebrities for some inspiration on the different styles of blazers for a number of different occasions.

First off, we have Olivia Palermo in a velvet Giambattista Valli mini dress with brogues from Zara & a Mango clutch.  She tops her look with a button-embellished jacket for a more polish at a Macy’s event.  Fergie attended an affair for Black Eyed Peas in a feathered & gold skirt with a satin-trim blazer & Christian Louboutins.  Rachel Weisz paired her velvet jacket with leather leggings at the DVD launch for Deep Blue Sea.  At the premiere of Sandra Bullock‘s latest film, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, the Oscar-winner donned an Alexander McQueen suit with a plunging jacket & corset-inspired belt.  Jessica Alba went out for a stroll in West Hollywood, pairing a single-button jacket with a high-neck white dress & black tights.  Lastly, Kristen Bell played down her cropped pink trousers with a Rachel Zoe tuxedo jacket & satin pointy toe pumps.

When looking for a blazer that works for you, there are a lot of factors to take into account like fit around the waist, where the sleeves fall, & details like trim & structure.  Since jackets are investment pieces, these bargains are a little higher in price, but totally worth it if you find one that works best for your shape.  I picked out a variety of jacket suggestions to be worn casually with shorts & tights, with your favorite dark denim jeans & a button-down top, over an LBD, or over a sequin cocktail dress.

The classic two-button blazer ($59.99) from Gap ranges in sizes 0 – 20 & has been marked down from its original $98.00 price tag.  There’s plenty of room here to add a fancy antique brooch if it looks too office-ready for a going out ook.  If you’re looking for something with some built-in personality, try the zebra stripe textured blazer ($32.80) from Forever 21.  A dressy option for a jacket comes from JC Penney, the MNG by Mango tuxedo jacket with satin trim ($60.00) is just enough to wear over a blouse or with a jersey dress & metallic belt.  If details like buttons are your thing, the H&M blazer ($59.95) is not just available in black, but also light pink & bright blue.  A classic single-button stretch jacket ($48.96) like the one from New York & Company adds confidence to a t-shirt & jeans look, especially with knee boots & hoop earrings.  Lastly, I remembered my recent post about Kmart’s Sofia by Sofia Vergara collection & the velvet tuxedo blazer ($31.99) came to mind, especially if worn with a slinky cami & skinny pants.

For more Basics for a Bargain looks, check out scarves inspired by Claire Danes & Rihanna, tees & leather like Miranda Kerr, & look-alike sweater dresses to those worn by Nicole Richie & Eva Mendes! How do you wear your favorite blazers? Where are your favorite places to shop for blazers? Happy Styling!

Inside A Style Blogger’s Closet: My New Year’s Eve Look At Half Price!

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My New Year’s resolution is to post at least one blog everyday.  I think at some post during 2011, I convinced myself that I could do two a day, but sometimes life threw other obligations in my way & that didn’t happen.  However, let’s start the new year off on the right high-heeled foot.

I wanted to share my look that I posted about a few nights ago, including the foil print laser cut sheath dress ($35.00) that I bought at half price from Dress Barn on Friday- the day before New Year’s Eve.  Then, on Saturday, my bestie, Rosie, & I hit up the mall for some great end-of-the-season deals to find ourselves a nice sweater & belt to complete our looks for the two separate venues in which we were attending festivities.

My belt was from New York & Company, priced right for under $20.00. However, the belt is not available on the store’s website, but I had been seeking to find something with a basic patent leather face, perfect for cinching me in at my smallest point, especially since the dress was so fitted. Also, I wanted to find something that I could also wear to dress up a more casual item that I’d wear for work. The shawl collar cardigan ($17.80) in black was a great purchase from Forever 21, especially b/c Rosie was looking for a similar style for her dress.  Low & behold the only two on the rack were in our sizes.  We snatched those puppies up & headed to the cash register.

Also, the black opaque tights were a Dress Barn purchase & what I loved was the control top on them, which was just enough to flatten out what needed flattening.  Lastly, I gifted myself the satin bejeweled peep toe pumps some time ago from Forever 21.  I recently wore them to a friend’s wedding with this dress from White House Black Market, so I knew they were comfortable for a night out in celebration of the new year.

What did you wear when the ball dropped?  Are you heading out to the stores now to catch end-of-the-season deals?  Happy 2012 & Happy Styling!

11/10/11 Darling of the Day: My Girl Crush on Pippa Middleton (In Zara) Continues!

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I’ll admit my girl crush on Pippa Middleton.  It’s right up there with Scarlett Johansson, Kristin Davis, & Gwyneth Paltrow.  If you didn’t notice already, this weekend was big for Style Darling in that I posted my first-ever single Style Darling gallery, featuring the famous British sister.  Here she wears this dress with seams ($79.99) from Zara, which is available for purchase by buyers in the United States!

I had high hopes of turning this into a post for The $100 Challenge, but seeing as how the dress is costly, that wasn’t going to work.  However, since we’re darlings on a budget, it is okay to splurge every now & again on a special piece.

There are just a few chic pieces to complete the look, ones that you may already have if you’ve followed any of my posts so far this fall!  For example the single-button metro stretch jacket ($48.96) from New York & Company is an essential piece for any occasion.

It was easy to find the next five items which really bring out Pippa’s figure & the edginess in the dress.  @Forever 21, the studded suedette ankle boots ($32.80) are just the wow factor needed to punch it up.  Also, the buckled leatherette handbag in brown ($34.80) is functional b/c of its adjustability.  There’s one sale that you can’t miss & that’s on the sunglasses like these ($3.99), which are marked down from $5.00.

For a staple piece of jewelry, take a look @Kohl’s to see the gold mesh tone ring ($11.70) by Jennifer Lopez, which is also available in silver tone.

Would you spend $80 on a dress like this?  Do you admire Pippa’s modern & minimalist style?  For more on Pippa, be sure to check out the gallery, as well as where to find look-alike flats, inspired by Pippa & how to replicate her casual chic style.  Happy Styling!

Inside A Style Blogger’s Closet: Busy Work Day Look, Mixing Structure, Texture, & Pattern!

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Some might say that I get a little overdressed for my office job, that will remain nameless, but I think of it as a chance everyday to explore my professional attire & get multiple uses out of clothing that can be worn on casual days too!

On a not-so-special Tuesday, I put together this outfit b/c I was finally ready to rip off the price tag from the skirt, which I bought back in July (with the purchase of this skirt).  There are a few tiered layers to the skirt by Worthington from JC Penney & it is lined underneath, making it a not-so-summer-ready skirt.  However, as the seasons have been changing, I broke out some of my heavier pieces & saw that my $4.97 (yes, that’s how much I got the skirt for!) was going to waste since I hadn’t worn it yet.  According to the original tag, the skirt was first marked up to $60.00, which seems like much too much. Not to mention when I first bought the skirt, it was nug & now that I’m down a total of 12lbs for the 2011 calendar year, it sits just where its supposed to!

Since the skirt plays with three-dimensional structure, as you can see by the tiers, I broke out my asymmetrical black tee from New York & Company, which I’m pretty sure that I bought for under $10 (with the help of one of my favorite Style Darlings, Laurie).  The belt ($16.99) was a purchase earlier in the summer & polka-dotted tights were from last year, both from Target.  I know there’s a lot going on in the pattern & shape of the skirt, but I think when you have something as bold as this, it’s okay to put another pattern with it.  The skirt has a pointillism-inspired look, so the polka dots aren’t too far off.  Plus, they’re small enough not to take away from the overall look.  And who doesn’t love a good textured tight?

In addition, as a loyal Target shopper, I picked up the flyaway cardigan ($19.99) after urging my bestie Rosie (see the blog I dedicated to her here) to buy one. I don’t know why I didn’t hop on that right away since I’ve been wearing the cotton cardigan several times throughout the season now.

I don’t remember where I got the necklace, but I’d take a guess at somewhere like Mandee, Wet Seal, or Forever 21 since I don’t usually spend a lot on my fashion jewelry.  Of course, I can’t forget the shoes… I have these in a beige / gold also!  I love the four-inch heel & the silver lining around the cut-outs.  They lasted me throughout my eight-hour work day & are just so comfortable, but these are no longer available @Payless, since they were from (about) two seasons ago.  Unless it’s a shoe style emergency, I never buy anything from Payless without a coupon or when they’re having a BOGO 50% off sale & neither should you!

As always, I’m happy to share my style stories, now that I’m finally getting pictures up here on Style Darling.  I even told a customer who came into the office today how much my skirt cost when she remarked on how well-dressed I was & she snickered at me, “You know, you shouldn’t tell people that,” referring to the cheap bargain in which I so proudly announced.  Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a great deal, but it is nice to feel like you look like you’re wearing luxury pieces, especially when I’ve become invested in all the pieces that express my style to a tee!

Check out my previous Inside A Style Blogger’s Closet posts featuring my closet– literally- & a cute summer dress ($8.74) styled for fall! Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: Jennifer Aniston’s Little Black Dress Looks!

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Jennifer Aniston is America’s Sweetheart- without a doubt. She’s filling the style ranks as a modern-day Audrey Hepburn (in her own way- of course nothing can truly compare to Miss Audrey)!  Jennifer is all about being comfortable & sexy, always complimenting her very fit figure, however she never looks overdone or as though someone else dressed her.  She makes the little black dress her own in every way possible, adding black tights for the cooler months, sticking to ultra strappy sandals, & always showing off some serious toe cleavage.  I watched a recent episode of Fashion Police on E! & Jennifer was being criticized for wearing yet another LBD to an appearance on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, but I think it suits her, especially looking so ridiculously effortless & hot in them.  She really puts twenty-somethings who don’t own their sense of style to shame.

These seven images capture Jennifer at various events over the last few years,  but most recently while she’s promoting her endless slew of rom-coms & other films.  Starting from left to right, here we go: First the former Friends star dons a flirty shoulder-embellished Nina Ricci frock for the February premiere of Just Go With It in Berlin.  Next she wears a structured black 3/4 sleeve dress with black tights again for another winter appearance, but this time at The Early Show.  Both of these looks are super easy to pull off & it really seems like she’s wearing the same shoes & tights.  Here’s a tip straight from the actress herself, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

The third image is from a 2004 luncheon in Los Angeles & she’s wearing a ruffled Moschino wrap dress & super skinny stapped sandals.  This is very figure-flattering & the thin straps on the heels don’t cover up her feet, thus helping elongate her legline.  At a 2006 event, she chose a metallic Calvin Klein dress with a little fringe detail at the bottom & plenty of decolletage to go around.  However it does look like she’s just thrown on yet another easy LBD & looks super comfortable in it, continuing with her skinny strappy sandal rule.

While promoting The Switch last summer, Jennifer went with a dolman style mini dress, layered necklaces, & peep toe pumps. This style of dress is very easy to wear, especially if there are parts that you wanna cover up, but really, do you think she’s got anything to hide?  At the Madrid premiere of The Bounty Hunter, she returned back to black metallics in strapless Valentino number & seriously bondage-looking heels.  The frilly look of the mini dress vs. the edge of the shoes is a surprising combination on her, but it totally works!

At the recent premiere of Horrible Bosses in Los Angeles, she chose a Balenciaga mini dress with her signature style of sandals by Versace & accessorized with Fred Leighton jewelry & a clutch by Salvatore Ferragamo.  Lastly, the alleged crime of LBDs (only b/c Joan Rivers is so sick of talking about it- I personally think it’s adorable), Jennifer returned to Nina Ricci in this feminine, floral LBD & cute accented peep toe pumps.  For the afternoon appearance at The Daily Show, she looks polished, professional, & like a lady, saving the sexy side for night.

Here we have some great little black dress suggestions, available at New York & Company, Macy’s, Victoria’s Secret, Lulu’s, Forever 21, Avenue, EDressMe, & Express!  Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: Drop Earrings by Swarovski Vs. New York & Company’s $20 Pair!

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While I’m more of a stud earrings girl myself (what with always wearing my glasses & headbands so frequently), I do love checking out drop earrings, especially for fancy occasions. Although I have none coming up, I was inspired to search around the Swarovski website & check out their jewelry line, when a fellow Style Darling cried out for some help trying to find luxury look-alikes to another pair of gorgeous crystal earrings by the famous brand.  Even though I was unable to find near replicates to the fabulous pair that she selected, I did happen to notice a correlation between a pair of earrings that had caught my eye during my recently documented trip to New York & Company.

The more expensive pair sold at Swarovski goes for $75.00, which is a good investment in jewelry for anyone on a budget, however compared to the equally as gorgeous pair sold at New York & Company, you’d be spending $19.95!  Usually I have a link up to show which is which over the images, but in an effort to sir up some online style browsing, as well as some much-needed feedback, check out the links within the text here.  Which pair would you buy?  Would you trust your jewelry more to Swarovski for a special occasion or are you always looking for the best bargain even if it’s in a CZ? Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: All Dressed Up For Summer!

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Rather than the usual slew of budget-friendly details, I’m gonna tell a little story.  I recently decided to treat myself to a shopping splurge, in a search for some new, cute capris to wear this summer, but of course, that didn’t happen (otherwise the name of this post would be about capris).  I ended up bringing home 5 dresses, 4 of which were from my old stomping grounds, New York & Company.  Having worked there this past holiday season, while saving up some extra cash for my recent trip to Italy, I got to see some of the best sales in action- or so I thought.

When I went into the store, during this particular trip, most items were BOGO 75% off & I had a spend $150, get $80 off coupon.  Now, I had set a spending budget for myself, so my best friend / shopping partner in crime combined our purchases to get the best deal & use the coupon & between the two of us, we did pretty darn good.  Naturally, as a way to get out of the crazy unexpected heat wave that was going on that week, later in the evening, I returned to the store with a second coupon in tow & really went at it.

Long story short, these were just 2 of the fantastic items that I bought & b/c of the super sale that was going at that weekend, I think the total of these 2 dresses alone came to about $36, which is why New York & Company is my dress destination for the summer.  The black & white pinstripe summer dress was originally marked up to $59.95.  I should also mention about the rosey pink dress, which originally went for $42.95, I also took home in black too!  I was able to get some super cozy tanks with ribbon details, as well as a few pullover tops that would work well all year long for work looks with pencil skirts or for at night with an embellished cardigan & animal ankle booties.

These will come in especially handy since I’m headed out to Southampton in July for a Writer’s Conference! These are just two of the looks that I’ll be wearing, as I’ve already been forewarned that there will be come evening events where dressier clothes are recommended.  Now.. what shoes to pack?!  Happy Styling!

2/6/11 Darling of the Day: Jennifer Aniston’s Casual Chic Day Out & Bottega Veneta Hobo!

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Jennifer Aniston is the quintessential California girl with a cool, casual style, but her laid-back, effortless glamour is what makes her a stand-out Style Darling.  The actress, whose career was jump-started by her iconic role of Rachel on Friends, has become a best “friend” to fashion with easy, yet timeless looks.  Even though the movie Picture Perfect wasn’t a colossal success, I have to say that I love her character’s style in it & that’s what originally made me notice how she wears clothes & doesn’t let them wear her. 

Here we’re taking a flash back to 2004 with Jennifer, who wears a perfect example of minimalism, yet chic flair.  In a clean white button-down shirt, bootcut jeans, & a pinstriped blazer, her outfit is executed with three very basic pieces.  She adds a Bottega Veneta hobo bag to accessorize her already cool pointed toe shoes & leaf charm necklace.  Wherever she’s headed, she means business!

The items that I’ve selected are all affordable- although the blazer (which is nearly a clone of the one Aniston is wearing) may be a little bit over budget for some.  It’s from Banana Republic, therefore its quality will stand the test of time.  You’ll definitely get your money’s worth by making the investment, but I also recommend some blazers from Ann Taylor LOFT, New York & Company, & Express to pair with any classic button-down. 

For more stylish accessories to choose from while you’re on a budget, I always recommend Forever 21, Payless, The Limited, & Style Find! Also, if your style inspiration takes you to a blend of feminine meets menswear, don’t forget to check out my post about Cate Blanchett & take a look at In Style‘s previous Look of the Day picks of Rachel Bilson, Thandie Newton, & Victoria Beckham. 

Happy Styling!

1/19/11 Darling of the Day: Cate Blanchett in Menswear!

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Talk about sexy in menswear!  Although Cate Blanchett can sometimes be mistaken for an androgynous male alter ego (I’m Not There anyone?), she’s certainly one of the most versatile & respected actresses of today with a killer sense of style.

At a recent red carpet event, she wears a Dries van Noten pantsuit in classic black & white, but with white trousers & a black jacket.  How daring is she for winter?  With a hint of a peep toe & pink lips, she puts fashionistas half her age to shame!  A sharp look like this needs no other accessory (well, maybe a pair of studs doesn’t hurt!) than some attitude & confidence!

For more on Cate’s one-of-a-kind style, click here.

QUICK NOTE: I’ve become quite blog savvy in the last few days, what with inspiration from my trip to Italy thus making me a more ambitious writer & lover of style, so I’ve added a bunch of new features to my blogs, starting with this one.  If you grace your cursor over the image, you’ll see where the item is from & how much it costs, saving a great deal of text to what I hope is a more professional looking article.

While I continue to focus on celebrity looks, I will also endeavor to provide more style details about this history on the red carpet & so forth.  Any comments, questions, or suggestions, send them my way!  Happy Styling!