Runway Rundown: Lauren Conrad Gears Up For The Holidays with Paper Crown!


In a recent interview with In Style, Lauren Conrad describes her recent holiday collection for Paper Crown as “all about feeling feminine & festive.” During a recent appearance on Chelsea Lately, the designer modeled a long-sleeved lace mini dress which had my mind reeling b/c of its ladylike details & minimal elegance.

Take a look at the items, which range in price between $85.00 – $395.00 in stores like Nordstrom, Revolve Clothing, & Walk In Closet Boutique. Of cousre this is a way out of budget for me this season, but the effortlessness of these holiday looks that can be taken well into next year!  Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-ALikes for Less: Chandelier Earrings from Nordstrom Vs. Forever 21!


Every Style Darling has an opinion about jewelry, if it should be genuine, or that fashion jewelry makes a statement about their personality & getting something cute for a bargain is essential.  I, of course, go with the latter mantra.  When it comes to earrings, I’m very much a novice, sticking to studs myself.  However, after seeing Sofia Vergara’s staggering emerald chandelier earrings at this year’s Emmy awards, I’m loving this decadent style, although I’m not wearing it.

When researching to find some luxury look-alikes for less, these chandelier earrings came up, although they are different in tone, but the luxe appearance of stones makes for a stylish neutral to any LBD or blouse & jeans outfit.  They’re an instant go-to for putting together a look for a wedding, or transforming your work outfit into something cocktail-ready for an evening event.  Not to mention, there’s a big price difference between the earrings as well.

@Nordstrom, you can find Kendra Scott’s ‘Trista’ stone chandelier earrings ($51.90), which are reduced from $78.00.  If you’re a Nordstrom shopper, you should know then that there are 2 days left to earn double rewards points through your membership! The beaded chandelier earrings ($4.06) from Forever 21 are marked down 30%.  If you shop around for jewelry on the site regularly, start clicking since the 30% off sale is for THREE DAYS ONLY!

Do these danglers do it for you?  How would you wear them?  How much are you willing to spend on such a timeless & elegant pair of earrings? Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: Cap Toe Pumps Worn by Sarah Jessica Parker, Lake Bell, & Ashley Greene!


One of the biggest shoes trends this fall is a cap toe pump.  No one’s saying to give up your pointed toe platforms or towering round toe slingbacks, but perhaps as an upgrade beyond peep toes, the answer is cap toe (also to solve any procrastination in getting that pedicure!).

Here we have some celebrity inspiration from which to draw, including Sarah Jessica Parker attended a press event in Moscow for her upcoming film I Don’t Know How She Does It.  She paired her cap toe pumps with an elongating Prabal Gurung sheath dress & megawatt smile.  Also, Lake Bell showed off some skin in a Cushnie et Ochs peek-a-boo dress at a screening of A Good Old Fashioned Orgy in Los Angeles.  She accessorized with M.C.L. By Matthew Campbell Laurenza cuff, a black & gold clutch by Lena Erziak, & Salvatore Ferragamo pumps.  Lastly, Ashley Greene supported Ferragamo’s latest collection wearing the designer head-to-toe, including the two-tone cap toe pumps.

While the Ferragamo brand cap toe pumps run anywhere in the ballpark of $700 @Nordstrom & Prada makes a square toe version for $650 @Neiman Marcus, there are other affordable means by which one can sport the trend & maintain a proper style budget. Go to Victoria’s Secret to see the Bebe brand pointed toe pumps in fuchsia, blue, & black for $99.00.  If you can’t commit to just two colors, try the colorblock suede pumps from Charlotte Russe for $35.50. For a softer touch of lace, there’s always the blush faux leather & lace pumps from AMIClubwear & you’ll also find the black & blue glitter pumps, both for $29.99.  If you want to show your wild side, the lace & animal print bowed pumps from GOjane are only $27.50 & would look fierce with an LBD.  @ASOS, you’ll find the striking yellow court shoe with the stud toe cap for $47.57.  Last, but not least, Project Runway winner, Christian Siriano has expanded his exclusive collection for Payless with the pearl platform pump for $59.99.

Do you own any cap toe pumps?  Do you like this trend?  Who do you think wears it the best?  Have you seen this look on anyone else?  Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: The Big Jewelry Post Featuring Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, & More!


Who doesn’t love fashion jewelry?!  For starters, the real thing is fabulous, but when you can find luxury look-alikes like these, who’s thinking about dropping some serious dough?

During my search, I came across these blue-stone hoop earrings.  One pair is $695.00 @Bergdorf Goodman, whereas the other comparable pair is sold @Kohl’s by the Candies label for under $10.  These are the perfect pop of color to bring out any eye color, especially with a boldly printed maxi dress, or if you’re sporting a ruffled blouse & skinny jeans for date night!  Next, if you’re looking for animal-inspired accessories, check out the Ikat bangle by Kate Spade from Neiman Marcus, however it runs $128.00, whereas the white leopard option is a mere $5.80 @Forever 21.  If you’re wearing solids like a sultry red, or a bright cobalt mini dress, here’s where animal prints work best in your accessories.

If you’re into two-finger rings, a la Gwen Stefani’s Rock Steady phase, check out what designers Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen have designed for their label, Elizabeth & James.  The sea urchin two finger ring costs $175.00 @Bloomingdale’s, but is comparable in the rock star chic sense to the Candie’s crystal two finger ring from Kohl’s for $11.20.  Lastly, I wasn’t intentionally looking to feature a second pair of earrings, but I couldn’t get over how similarly these drop earrings are & just had to make room for them! Between Nordstrom & Forever 21, both pairs show off gold tones, but vary in price from $4.80 all the way up to $262.00!  These are the perfect finishing touches on a look with upswept hair or a messy ponytail!

Check out our previous Luxury Look-Alikes posts for more great affordable ways to recreate these stylish finds!  Is there a piece that you’re looking for, but can’t find for less cash?  I can’t make any promises, but I’ll do my best to try & find it!  Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: Super Strappy Black Gladiator Sandals from Barneys Vs. Mandee!


If you’re looking for some super sexy strappy black gladiator sandals for a cocktail dress or your favorite little black dress, then check these out!  However, I was soooo enchanted by a pair from Barney’s, but couldn’t get past the $675.00 price tag.  Naturally this is b/c the brand of the ‘Zaira’ is Loeffler Randall, which is also available @Zappos, Neiman Marcus, Singer 22, & Nordstrom.

However, as a Style Darling on a budget, check out Mandee for these four-inch strappy cone heel sandals.  They only cost $15.00 & while the two pairs of sandals are not identical, they’re pretty close in concept.  Think about how much you buy for $675 & why in the world would you want to spend that much on one pair of shoes (unless of course money was not an issue)?

When I look for shoes, it’s all about getting the most for my money.  As a regular on the Mandee website & in their stores, I’ve found their shoe selection very reliable in comfort & style.  Not to mention all the discount rewards you can earn just for having the store’s credit card! Check out previous Luxury Look-Alikes for Less posts for more great affordable & stylish finds! Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: Lace Pumps From $33 – $758!


If you’ve got a summer evening wedding coming up, I always say: Go for some lace pumps!  But what if you don’t already own a pair, then it’s time to start shopping.  If you’re first step is to check out what’s online & where, then take a deep breath b/c we’re spanning across MANY different price points here.  I know I’m always looking for something stylish & affordable, which is why I turn to some of my favorite resources like GOjane, 6PM, & Windsor Store for budget-friendly special occasion items!

However, if you take a look at the image to the right, you’ll see that three pairs of these lacey shoes are very pricey.  This (I guess) makes sense since we’re dealing with designs by Christian Louboutin, Alexander McQueen, and Elizabeth and James (by the Olsen twins).

Some advice: Don’t ever do all-over lace, unless it’s in something by Dolce & Gabbana b/c otherwise it’ll look cheap or like lingerie, or like both!  Lace pumps would look very demure with your favorite little black dress, or perhaps something ruffled.  Of course when you’re doing lace, you can go a little more sexy with them by picking out a peep toe pair for your most flattering cocktail dress, or try dressy shorts with a silk tank to wear with the cut-out pair.  Maybe even dress up a romper or separate the pieces of a skirt suit to make it look happy-hour-ready with pumps like these!

What do you like to wear lace pumps with?  Which are your favorite bargain shoes stores? Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: LBD from Nordstrom Vs. a $39.98 Pick from Macy’s!


 

While Macy’s is considered in many ways a luxury retailer, part of what I love about the store is the great deals on very wearable items without sacrificing any quality.  Take for example a splitneck LBD & here you have one from Nordstrom for over $100 by Eliza J & another from Macy’s for under $40 by AGB.  The only difference is that one shows off a vintage feel with a jacquard fabric, whereas the other is a functional cotton blend.  Both are elegant for many occasions with bright pumps, a neutralizing blazer, or fabulous tights in the fall.  Scroll over both images to find out which is which!  Happy Styling!