Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Romantic Flats from Forever 21, Inspired By Fine Italian Designs!


I wanted to share some of my favorite images from my shopping adventures during my most recent trip to Italy.  I went on a tour to the beautiful city of Montepulciano (& visited the amazing Bindella winery), & during my afternoon stroll throughout the city, I found a cute little leather goods store which sold shoes, bags, belts, & other fine quality Italian merchandise.  Among such splendors of style, I took pictures of these flats.  I loved the jewel & feather details, as well as their feminine round toe and cap toe shapes.

I was shopping around on some of my favorite websites of American stores & naturally, I found myself visiting Forever 21.  Then, I came across these two pairs of flats, which brought my right back to that little shop in Montepulciano.  The faceted rhinestone flats in black ($17.80) & embellished rhinestone flats ($17.80) may not be made of real leather, but the price tag is very budget-friendly.

I’ve been wearing a lot of ballet flats recently since I suffered a minor ankle injury during my travels, so naturally I’ve been trying to make them work in the most flattering way possible for my wardrobe.  For more fashionable posts on flats, check out what I’ve found from Charlotte Russe, Nine West, & Topshop! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Classic Black Pumps @Nine West for Under $30!


Are you looking for some awesome end-of-the-season deals?  Well, I was clicking through the Nine West website & came across these basic black pumps.  Of course, I’m always looking for something fabulous or textured to spruce up a look, but sometimes sticking to something classic works just as well if your look is busy with detail.

I found the ‘Jennifer’ pump ($27.60) in black leather on the sale section of the website & immediately knew that I had to post about these. They also made me think of some recent looks (see right) worn by Kerry Washington, Elizabeth Olsen & Zooey Deschanel at red carpet events. Even though these are dressy looks, round toe pumps are also a good way to play down fancier pieces like hot pink cigarette pants, a sequin mini skirt, or embellished LBD.

For more on classic round toe pumps like, check out an older Basics for a Bargain post here, featuring Lauren Conrad, Rihanna, & Keira Knightley. Also, if you’re looking to indulge in some shoe shopping, be sure to check out Color Me Style: Be Bright in Green for 2012!, Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: I’m Pumped For These Nine West Flats!, & Super Style Wishlist: Resort Season Styles @Neiman Marcus, Here I Come! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: I’m Pumped For These Nine West Flats!


I’m not a fan of brown, but I do like the neutral shades of tan, nude, & beige to help bring out the simple elegance in a daytime look of dark denim jeans & a ruffled blouse with a cardigan.  For when I want to give my feet a break, or am just looking for a new way to put an outfit together, I like to look to my textured flats & here’s a perfect example if you’re looking to revamp your shoe collection for 2012.

The Nine West ‘Cacey’ flat ($39.50) in sahara suede shows off both suede & patent leather with a classic ballerina bow at the toe.  The flats also come in other styles & colors, including black & white polka dot, python, leopard, & black suede, but these are sold at the best price.

Because the color is so neutral, these can be worn all year long, especially with tweed trousers for work, a printed shirt dress in the spring, & romper & cropped cardigan in the summer.

For more great sales & quickie deals on must-haves, check out other Quickie Darling Deal & Steal posts, including a lace dress from Topshop, rust satin heels from Lulu’s, & my new favorite boots from Payless! Happy Styling!

12/24/11 Darling of the Day: Katie Holmes Struts Her Stuff In Nine West Boots & A Comfy Sweater in NYC!


I’ve been all about the big, chunky sweaters this season, especially since I’m crazy for my new boots & favorite leggings. There’s nothing more classic than a cream cable-knit sweater, like the one seen here, worn by Katie Holmes while taking a stroll in New York City.  The actress is also wearing leggings by The Girls, Nine West boots, & a red bag by Clare Vivier.

While this look would’ve been perfect for running around, getting all that holiday shopping done- we’re still in the very beginning of winter & it’s never too late for essential items like these to be added to your wardrobe.  I selected the ELLE pointelle cowl neck sweater ($34.80) from Kohl’s & Jessica London‘s turtleneck sweater ($34.99), which is available in sizes M-2x.

As for the leggings, I was so happy to find two pair that cost under $8.  This includes the Decree leggings ($7.99) from JC Penney, which also come in chocolate & gray, as well as the basic knit leggings ($6.50) from Forever 21‘s plus size line, Plus21.

When it come to the boots, I’m super jealous b/c I’ve wanted to find myself a good pair of gray knee boots this year, but since I’ve already bought the black ones (previously referenced), my budget won’t allow for another splurge.  However, the side ruffle suede platform boot ($19.95) from GOJane & Torrid‘s ‘Sally’ knee-high suede boots ($68.50) in wide-width are the best way to recreate the look!

Also, the last finishing touches on the look help bring this classic outfit into the spotlight, with square sunglasses ($5.80) & buckled leatehrette handbag ($24.80) in red, both from Forever 21.

Would you wear this look?  Would you change it up? Where are you shopping for boots & chunky sweaters?  Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: Nude Booties As Seen On Katherine Heigl, Featuring Ann Taylor Vs. Nine West!


Recently, I saw this image of Katherine Heigl in her California-cool fall look, wearing a nude turtleneck sweater, skinny jeans, & a knit red scarf.  She finished off with ‘Petra’ buckle booties ($248.00) in fawn from Ann Taylor.  I instantly had to find them online, but was dismayed by the expensive price.  Of course, I do know that Ann Taylor frequently has storewide 40-50% off sales on all merchandise.

Then I remembered seeing a similarly styled bootie, the ‘Fessup’ from Nine West, which I posted about during the website’s Black Friday special. The ‘Fessup’ ($54.50) has been reduced even more from $109.00 & has the same chic feel in a neutral hue with a side zipper.

Of course, both are equally as fashionable & the buckle detail is especially nice, however when there’s a chance for a bargain, the luxury look-alike items always win!

For more Luxury Look-Alikes, check out posts featuring belts by Oscar de la Renta & from Charlotte Russe, chandelier earrings, & lace Louboutins! Happy Styling!

Black Friday Sale Update: 50 – 60% Off Sale @Nine West!


I’ve bene waiting on the Nine West sale for Black Friday all week & here it is! There’s a limited selection on styles that are 60% off.  Also, on the website & in stores, there are some major 50% off sales too!

Part of the 60% off deal are some really fabulous booties that range in style from utilitarian to boho chic.  I’ve posted a bunch of animal-inspired items so far today & I couldn’t resist sharing the Fessup booties ($83.30) which are perfect for any red top & black skinny pants outfit.  The Esmiralda booties ($90.30) have a snake trim, which just add some luxury to the shoes which have been reduced in price from $129.00.  Also, Gracious bootie ($76.30) is an essential piece for this season with wide leg trousers, knit leggings, dark denim jeggings, & boyfriend jeans.

Be sure to check ou the Woodney pumps ($49.50) in nude patent, but they are also available in black patent.  The heel is classic & offers much more support as opposed to a skinny stiletto.  In addition, the Hideout sandals ($49.50) in red synthetic also come in nautral & gray.  They’d really make a splash with a leather mini dress, romper & tights outfit, or studded sheath dress with a belt.

Don’t forget that there’s a limited time offer on free shipping for any purchase, so if you decide not to keep your purchase, you can return them to your local Nine West store without having to spend any additional cash!  Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Chic Jewelry Finds On Sale @Nine West!


When you hear about Nine West, it’s usually for their shoes & handbags, but not necessarily for their other accessories like jewelry. A lot of that jewelry is on sale & I picked out some of my favorite pieces that would look great with any number of stylish outfits!

The multi tone earrings ($11.20) have that gypsy look, but bring together any other gold & silver accessories you may be wearing!  For a little pop of color on your wrist, check out the flower chain bracelet ($21.00).  It’ll pick up on any bright colors in a patterned maxi dress or make for a nice touch with an abstract print skirt.  If you’re into adjustable cocktail rings, then take a look at the green flower ring ($13.00) to add a special tropical touch to your outfit.  I’m really loving this rose gold collar necklace ($15.20).  The different tones of the shells is romantic & unexpected.

A few months back, I posted about Sophie Theallet’s designs for Nine West.  Aside from super cute stylish wedges for the spring & summer, the designer created this adorable Parisian-inspired charm necklace ($17.60).  If you love charms, then you’ll love the charm bracelet ($14.40), adorned with pursed & heels! There’s even enough room on it to add your own charms too!

When it comes to earrings, I’m a studs kind of girl & love these button stud earrings in spirals & flowers, also available in silver ($8.80)!  However, when I’m looking at jewelry, I go straight to bracelets & love this stretch bracelet ($19.00) in copper with turquoise beads.

Unique pieces of jewelry like these enhance your outfit & bring out your personality.  I love that they’re all so feminine & affordable!  Would you wear any of these pieces?  Which is your favorite?  Check out previous posts about Nine West items, including clearance shoes @Piperlime, how to recreate Miranda Kerr’s look, & the end-of-the-summer shoe sale!  Happy Styling!

9/5/11 Darling of the Day: Miranda Kerr is Parisian Casual Chic with Louis Vuitton!


This is the time of year when you have to start integrating some of your summer pieces with the fall ones & here we have Miranda Kerr showing off nautical stripes in a fashion forward way for fall! The Victoria’s Secret model left Sydney, Australia in style, wearing a striped tee, jeans by Nobody, while carrying a Louis Vuitton tote.

I’ve put together this look in women’s & plus sizes b/c it’s just so easy for anyone to wear.  You can find the plus size stripe top  & the plus size skinny jeans both @Forever 21 for $15.80$24.80 respectively.  Also, the stripe top is from The Gap, on sale for $15.00.  Also, @Old Navy, the ankle crop jeans are marked down to $24.50 from $29.50.

What makes this outfit look a little Parisian chic is the effortless way that Miranda adds a pop of color with red peep toe pumps, which can be found for $10.95 @GOjane! The simplicity behind the additional accessories makes this look all the more complete, especially if you check out the sunglasses for $5.80, hat from Payless for $14.99, & Nine West crossbody tote for $31.60. 

Last but not least, just some simple touches of jewelry show how really glamorous you can be, even on your busy, jet-setting travel days.  I found this quirky spider ring for $15.00 from Kohl’s & the Anne Klein bangle from Macy’s for $28.00.  When it’s just a ring & bangle, don’t be afraid to mix gold & silver, or you can wear the bracelet on one hand & the ring on the other.

Would you wear heels when you’re traveling from coast to coast?  Do you like Miranda’s look?  How do you like to wear stripes?  Check out our previous Darling of the Day posts, featuring Jordana Brewster, Pippa Middleton, Leighton Meester, & many more!

Color Me Style: The Hunt for the Red Shoe (Dedicated to Rosie)!


Recently, my best friend, Rosie, revealed to me that she wants some red shoes.  My first instinct was to be her shoe guide, & also get a good blog out of it!  While our styles & tastes are very different, I was proud to go on the hunt to find shoes that meet her very specific needs: not too high. Standard heel size for me is four inches, but I found these styles that Rosie should try on whether she’s trying to look sexy for a date night & keep her daytime office look both professional & polished.

These selected shoes do vary in price range since Rosie would be investing in one perfect pair of red pumps, whereas other weak-minded & footed Style Darlings like me, shoe obsessed & all would be seeking to own many different styles of red confectionary footwear.

First we have the ‘Ramone’ satin slingback platform style from Nine West for $89.00 which is perfect with a pair of dress pants, leggings, or your favorite LBD.  It has just the right amount of detail & toe cleavage to attract attention.  Probably the safest bet for a girl like Rosie who’s conventional & cute, the bow front cone heels from Charlotte Russe for $28.00.  The patent leather makes them cocktail-ready, but also restrained enough for daytime with capris & a flirty blouse.  If looking for something more elegant, just for night-time, I always recommend red in satin b/c it’s just so pretty, like the Caparros ‘Harriet’ pump from DSW for $24.94, which are also available in black for a formal occasion!

The ankle wrap pump comes courtesy of Payless by Silvia Tcherassi for $54.99. I’ve already checked & these are too loud for my friend, but do make for the proper statement red shoe if you want to shoe off your wild side.  Madden Girl by Steve Madden has created these comfortable deep red patent leather round toe pumps, available @Zappos for $49.95 that are the least likely to give your feet any pain with very modest 3-inch heel.  You just can’t go wrong with a basic pair of red pumps like the ‘Arnoldoa’ from ALDO that are marked down from $70.00 to $34.98 right now!

Do you have a favorite pair of red shoes?  Do you like red shoes or think they’re too Dorothy-esque?  How high is too high in a heel for you?  Which are your go-to spots to shop for red shoes?  Which pair would you recommend for Rosie?  Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Summer Handbags Sale ($20 & Under)!


Some of my readers are more bag fanatics than into shoes (why? I’,ll never know lol), so here I’ve decided to choose some of the cutest handbag / clutch finds that are either on sale on for the end of the summer season.  Not to mention that all these styles are under $20!  You can’t beat that!

First, when you’re running errands, or doing some shopping, hang on to a tote bag, like the Poppie Jones Sketchy Tote, marked down @DSW from $38.00 to $19.94!  This is perfect for casual days to hold a go-to magazine for a subway ride, your favorite book, or even a back-up sweater if headed to a chilly restaurant for a luncheon with the girls.  While you’re shopping around the sale section of DSW, check out the Nine West Billiards Crossbody Bag, also on sale & reduced from $39.00 to $19.95.  The fun animal-inspired flair to the bag is sexy enough to wear for a night out, but also great to carry around during the day with a pair of skinny jeans & a basic tee with flats.

If you’re looking for something floral to carry around from day-today, take a look on over @Target to the Global Girlfriend Ugandan Waxcloth Crossbody Sling Bag in tan.  The pattern is neutral, yet feminine- perfect to match with a cargo skirt & tank or with a casual summer dress while headed out to the library.  It’s also on sale for $9.94, marked down from earlier in the season at $26.99.  For fancier nights out, grab this Glittery Mesh Clutch in gold from Forever 21, for $17.80.  It’s the ultimate choice in a metallic accessory to pair with an LBD or a patterned ruffle mini dress.  Last, but not least, add some texture to your summer look with a Straw Rosette Tote.  It’s available in black or brown @Old Navy for under $13.00 & shows off just enough summer fun that you can probably pack a moderate surprise picnic for two inside!

Since now is the time for all of the end-of-the-season markdowns, be sure to check out more of my posts for The Stylish Five, featuring hair accessories, deals on beauty items, & dresses!  Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Super New Suede Styles @Payless!


I post a lot about shoes… but there’s just so much to say! Given the big sales currently @Nine West (see post here), as well as the awesome designer styles currently sold @Payless (see another post here), I’m loving the new fall styles coming out as well.  My favorite texture for the season is suede, but while we’re still loving the summer sun, you can break out some suede this August!

These styles range in price from $19.99 up to $59.99, but most can work for you well into the winter (& that’s the last time I mention winter, until we’re well into fall)!  To start, let’s take a look at the tan double strap sandals that can create a longer legline & make your gams look like they go on for miles, especially with an LBD or printer romper & chunky belt.  The bow ankle wrap flat sandals are adorable to mix with walking shorts & a beaded tank, or with a denim skirt & basic tee. Also, consider the black & camel style for days when you’re donning earth tones!

The chop-out shooties in split pea & berry are designed by Lela Rose.  Those are the pricey shoes, but I do have my eye out for them during the store’s next BOGO 50% off sale since the black pair (not pictured) is just calling out for my black opaque tights & a pencil skirt when the weather gets crisper out!  But when shooties aren’t your type of shoe, I always have a cute flat in mind.  I just love the purple ballet flats, which also come in black & brown, to coordinate with a button-down shirt & bootcut jeans.  The brown clog slides remind me of those old-school Candie’s that Jenny McCarthy used to model, but with the deeper tone, they’re ideal to match with denim, chambray, or corduroy!

Also, during a previous post about the nude shoes trend in Luxury Look-Alikes for Less, I featured nude pumps like the red knot pumps that could really jazz up an office look, also in black & navy.  The tan ones that I’ve had for a few months now are super sexy, recalling an old school Marilyn Monroe-esque feel.  While we’re on the subject of pumps, don’t forget about sky high platforms.  They’re all the rage right now- just ask Kourtney Kardashian & Dianna Agron who’ve been spotted in them at recent press events.  Add a pop of color to your belted sheath or 70s-inspired jumpsuit with these electric blue 5″ platform pumps, which are also sold in black suede & tan patent.

Sign up for emails from Payless so that you can receive all the latest news on their BOGO sales, when the summer styles go on clearance, & to get your feet on 20% off coupons for your birthday!  Also, the best tip I can think of is if you’re ordering from the website, have your purchase shipped to your local Payless store to avoid paying a shipping & handling fee! Happy Styling!