I love how t-shirts have evolved over the years, blending the ease & comfort of a casual piece with more refined & special details that can be dressed up, such as a flutter-sleeve. While I’m not typically drawn to a dramatic sleeve, a subtle flutter adds an extra bit of whimsy, especially when paired with jeans & sneakers, trousers & ballet flats, a midi skirt & slides, or a pencil skirt & statement necklace.
SHOP:flutter-sleeve paneled t-shirt in black, beige, pink, & white @Old Navy ($29.99, available in sizes XS-4X + petite). Watch out for the current 30% off at checkout deal, or other sales that may help this topper, & the multiple colors, make its way into your wardrobe.
Recently, I posed a poll question on my IG Stories of flats are out & loafers, mules, & sneakers are the new go-to footwear for many occasions. To my surprise, the majority of voters weren’t into flats anymore & the alternatives dominated responses. However, my never-ending search for cute & stylish flat continues with this recent find.
SHOP:faux suede slingback flats in black Jack, mocha taffy, pale glass, & flower tail @Old Navy ($30.00, get 30% off with code: HURRY, available in sizes 6-11).
I love the pastel mint hue, as well as the pink ones, which I can already envision with a spring dress & cardigan or blazer-tee-jeans combination. Old Navy has so many sale & coupons, it’d be hard to pass these up.
Are we thinking about summer yet? I mean, it’s nice to daydream & I definitely don’t want to wish the rest of cozy winter & romantic spring away, but… when I see a great summer item deal that’s inclusive for many sizes with a variety of styling potential, I can’t help but gush about it. Some of you may think that a printed tee isn’t the most stylish piece in a wardrobe, but these colors & prints from Old Navy mean business!
I love all of the prints of these! When it comes to summer staples, I’m a sucker for fruits, so the oranges are on my radar. I love that even though these can obviously be paired with casual items like denim cut-offs or linen pants, you can also elevate them with a blazer & pull-on pants or an open cardigan & belted midi skirt.
This weekend, actress & singer Jennifer Lopez was spotted in New York City, taking in the Broadway smash hit The Music Man, hand-in-hand with new husband, Ben Affleck; however, the buzz wasn’t so much about another Bennifer sighting as it was on Jennifer’s unexpected winter / holiday outfit that is inspiring bloggers everywhere to reinvent their cozy fair isle sweaters with a splash of femininity & glam. Jennifer wore Ralph Lauren separates, including a black, red, & white fair isle sweater (shop here) with a sheer & a layered maxi skirt (shop here), black sheer tights, a chunky belt (shop similar here), shearling fur Coach bag (shop here) & ankle strap platforms by Valentino (shop here).
However, recreating the festive vibe of this look on a budget is easy because, this time of the year we could all save some extra cash, especially as the original designer sweater is nearly $1,700! Check out the inclusive options below:
‘Tis the season for festive style! As all the Black Friday deals are hitting shelves & the web, now is the time for cheer—literally! Today only, J. Crew Factory’s “Cheers!” Teddie sweater in black is 61% off ($34.50, marked down from $89.50)! What’s even better is that the fashionable topper is available in sizes XXS-3X!
To style this top, break out a sequin or faux leather pencil skirt with patterned tights & ankle bootie when heading out to a holiday gathering. Also, for a chilly weekend getaway with the family, try the sweater with paneled or velvet leggings & riding boots. Not to mention that plaid trousers or boyfriend jeans with ankle boots will also work! Check out these recommended items:
If you’re into matching family pajamas or if you love a cozy loungewear set on chilly days, then get your credit card ready to add-to-cart these thermal favorites from Old Navy! Not only are the tops interchangeable with denim or jogger outfits, topped with puffer vests or a shacket, but the cozy & festive at-home set comes in 20 different colors / patterns + 50% off at checkout for a limited time:
I hit up Old Navy last season BIG TIME for their velvet leggings, which will surely be a well-calculated investment on my part for this season, especially on cooler days & when I’m all about the leggings. In fact, a stylish look shouldn’t be uncomfortable or restricting, which is why I love how leggings have evolved & become more & more elevated in different materials. My go-to come winter time, no matter what my size is, is a tunic sweater & leggings… & why not velour leggings too? Also, I love Old Navy’s inclusivity (online, at least) in size availability for basics, such as velour leggings.
As fall rolls in, we’re not only getting obsessed with layers, but also textures, especially in footwear! Specifically, velvet is a great fabric for virtually any article of clothing or accessory, but on a shoe, an outfit becomes elevated with a more luxe sophistication & festive fashionability. Last fall, I went crazy buying up all the velvet leggings I could in every rich, jewel tone hue & now I’ve got my eye on velvet flats.
These will be a perfect work staple to contrast a neutral-heavy look in earth tones & dark denim, but also with other luxurious patterns of the season, such as plaid, floral, abstracts, & brocade! my only wishes are for availability in wide width, a pointy toe as opposed to an almond toe, & other colors, such as navy or purple.
For busy days of lesson planning, running around with the family, getting dinner going, & maybe some downtime, sometimes there’s not enough room in the day to get all gussied up. However, sometimes all it takes is one accessory to upgrade a look. Today’s recommendation is the fabric headband. For fall, what better way is there to functionally keep your hair out of your face, frame your face, & accentuate your personality than with a headband?
With the below selections from Old Navy, I’ve got headbands on the bean fit fun fall gatherings, such as apple picking & coordinating with a plaid & denim look, taking a drive to eastern Long Island in leggings & new boots, or getting together for some coffee with the girls in a sweater dress & tights. Headbands work in all of those scenarios!
SHOP: braided fabric-covered headbands in brown corduroy + black floral woven @Old Navy (on sale: $13.00).
As summer comes to an end, one upside to look forward to (aside from the pumpkin spice latte craze) is that awards season is just around the corner. This year’s Emmy nominations for the most groundbreaking & entertaining performances on television (networks, cable, & streaming) were announced last month, inciting shock over snubs & much debate about the worthiest of nominees. However, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel star Rachel Brosnahan earns her 5th, & well-deserved Emmy nomination (garnering 1 win in 2018 for the show’s debut season), 4 of which are for her portrayal of the lovable, frustrating, hilarious, & stylish Midge Maisel as a struggling comic & divorcee in the 1950s-60s.
At a recent Emmy FYE event, Rachel was photographed nailing a combination of trends, paying homage to the 90s with wide-leg pants, a crop top, & a peace sign pose (#girlpower). More specifically, the look included a long twill jacket (shop here), orange cropped tank (shop here), & bold parrot-printed jeans (shop here) by designer Loewe. That comes to over $4,000 with the 3 pieces & you can’t really even tell what kind of shoes she’s wearing, but let’s just assume for the fun of it that the $850 matching parrot mules (shop here) by Loewe are hiding underneath the voluminous bottoms.
In true Style Darling Daily fashion, you don’t have the break the bank to revive Rachel’s look in your own way, coordinating similarly shaped & colored separates to hearken back to the 1990s & make this yours. Check out the suggestions below for any combination of colors that appeals to your personal aesthetic:
SHOP:The Drop Blake long blazer @Amazon ($69.00, available in sizes XXS-5X) in black, ivory, rose pink, coffee bean (as well as desert sage, lilac marble, & praline).
SHOP: fitted ultra-cropped rib-knit tank top @Old Navy (on sale: $5.97, available in sizes XS-4X) in white lilies, cosmic rouge, sun worship, Mediterranean Sea (as well as iced peach, cochineal, date palm, watercolor, & dried herb).
As I’m preparing to return to the office after almost 2 1/2 weeks off, my mind is racing with style inspiration for what I’ll wear! Even though I’m not teaching again until the fall semester begins, there’s still plenty of opportunity to explore summer work style & that starts with a cute pair of navy flats!
I’d purchased very plain faux suede navy flats from Old Navy years ago, which were staples for anytime I needed a pop of the darker neutral to complete a mostly blue look for work. Eventually, those flats were worn out, but I did order another pair. However, I dreamt of more special navy flats, something with flare to rank with my assortment of patent leather, lace, snake embossed, bowed, jeweled, laser cut, & studded flats in other colors. Navy just never seemed to have its moment—until I found the Ollio faux suede decorative flower pointed toe ballet flats @Amazon ($29.99, available in sizes 6-10 & in 6 additional colors).
I have an 8 medium foot, so these fit me perfectly for work when wearing a blouse & dress pants, wrap dress & cardigan, or if I am attending a special daytime occasion, these coordinate well with any spring or cocktail-length dress needing a navy companion. Unfortunately, the flats are not available in wide & some half sizes.
I’m guilty of being that “buy one in every color” shopper, as per my previous goddess dress post, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing because it makes picking out my day-to-day wardrobe seamless between family gatherings, prepping for class, heading into the office, or meeting up with friends. My latest obsession is ruffle button-front blouse from New York & Company, ranging in sizes XS-XXL. It’s currently on sale, ranging in price between $18.00-$26.97, depending on which coupon code you use & what your form of payment is; however, I like a top that I can wear with different bottoms, but also for different occasions.
Also, the actress recounted a 2021 essay written by her mother, Academy Award nominee, Uma Thurman, for the Washington Post, regarding her own experiences as a teen having an abortion. I’m so impressed by Maya’s wherewithal & forthcoming advocacy for this human rights violation, & speaking about her mother’s right to freedom of choice, on such a visible platform to educate & inspire young people–not just women–everywhere to take action to own their bodies.
Additionally, Maya attended the interview all smiles, even in its most sincere moments, but also in head-to-toe denim by Dior with a jacket (shop here), jeans (shop here), & closed toe gladiator flats (shop similar here), appearing relatable & comfortable with Jimmy Fallon, who stated that he held young Maya as a baby while spending time with the Thurman-Hawke family.
To recreate Maya’s look, you don’t need a Dior budget, especially when high quality denim from reliable retailers is available, along with a beige tee & options for footwear, inspired by Maya. Check out the on-sale suggestions below to recreate this casual, but chic look for any age:
To view a clip of the interview, check out the video below:
Also, if you haven’t dove into season four of Stranger Things yet, here’s a trailer for the first seven episodes, which are currently available on Netflix:
However, TODAY volume two of the masterfully horrifying season four is available, including 2 longer episodes that close out the penultimate season. Check out the trailer below:
There’s something about this time of year that gets me thinking about prints in my wardrobe, especially when it comes to my casual clothing–that is, outside of my regular rotation of leopard print, polka dots, & houndstooth. More specifically, I love mixing up my look with a fruit pattern to embrace all this fresh & summery, along with showing off a more laid back & playful side of my style.
I’ve rounded up some fruit-centric new finds on sale now to help inspire readers to incorporate bold, fun lemons, watermelons, strawberries & more! To pair with some denim cutoffs or linen shorts, check out these tees:
Last, but not least, summer is all about colorful footwear, just like any other part of an outfit, which is why an espadrille upgrade is just the thing that any casual look demands!
SHOP:Fruit Embroidered Espadrille Flats @LOFT ($69.00 <– check frequently for sales & coupon codes via email subscription), prices may where vary where available in sizes 6.5-11.
One of the most classic & stylish staple summer patterns is gingham, offering a cool, breezy cotton piece for any seasonal look, especially in red, black, white, or blue. Old Navy is on top of the summer gingham trend with a variety of pieces at prices you can’t miss out on, especially in sizes XS-3XL!
SHOP: Printed Canvas Tote Bag in blue. This is a perfect tote for heading out to the park for the day, reading against a tree or hitting up the beach for a day in the sun.
A classic look never goes out of style & is always a go-to for nearly any occasion, which was the case for Academy Award-winning actress Charlize Theron who celebrated her Africa Outreach Project 2022 Summer Block Party in head-to-toe Dior, which took place at the Universal Studios Backlot this past weekend. While Dior isn’t a brand that all of us budget-friendly Style Darlings can depend on on the regular, we can take inspiration from Charlize’s stylish white button-down shirt (shop here), flared jeans (shop similar here), black pointy toe pumps (shop here), black quilted clutch (shop similar here), & Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
Button shirts are a staple for any wardrobe, especially if you work in an environment that requires professional attire, but these tops vary in style & can be worn with a number of different options, including a pencil skirt, linen shorts, or a velvet pants in the cooler months. The below suggested options vary in availability for sizes XS-XXL and range in price from $14.99 – $44.63.
Next, a flared jean is a playful & throwback way of mixing up your look, especially when contrasting a more demure button-down shirt. The below options range in price $40.00-$52.46 and are vary in availability for sizes 0-30.
Next, a black pointy toe pump is definitely a classic to incorporate into one’s weekly routine; however, aside from a breezy, cool denim look, like Charlize’s, check out these affordable options ranging in price from $37.99 – $59.99 for special occasions & other professional functions:
Lastly, you can’t go wrong with a quilted bag bag or clutch, especially one with an option to use the chain or tuck it in for Instagram posing, including the following picks that range in price from $24.97-$39.99:
When it comes to summer style, I’m always all about a breezy, comfy fit & pops of color, but a little white dress (#LWD) is always a staple to break out for a fresh day in the sun, gathering with family & friends, or a chic date night out. Case in point, actress & style icon Blake Lively attended this weekend’s Tribeca Film Festival in support of her superstar pal Taylor Swift‘s “All Too Well” short film, which apparently should not be confused with a music video. However, Blake’s classic white dress caught my eye to feature because the actress has elevated the look for evening with her always stylish eye for accessorizing, along with her charming husband, Ryan Reynolds at her side.
The featured neutrals, along with the light cotton frock offer a juxtaposition of hard & soft, as well as glitzy & effortless. Furthermore, the Christian Louboutin t-strap heels and Gucci purse are likely too costly for the average Style Darling, which is why I wanted to feature affordable & fashionable alternatives, if Blake’s look has you inspired. Here are a few white dresses, available in a variety of sizes XS-4X (while supplies last) to get you ready for your next summer night out in style, ranging in prices $24.99-$74.00:
Additionally, some suggested accessories to coordinate with any of these white dresses (or one that you still haven’t dug out from the back of your closet) include:
I’m a sucker for dresses, cardigans, & big jewelry. There’s no question about it. There are some staple pieces that I love to have en masse, including cardigans, ankle pants, & blouses. However, one wardrobe must-have that I haven’t embraced so much is the classic t-shirt!
(gasp)
…Perhaps this is because I always relied on the cozy ease of a t-shirt for my sleepwear & not so much to mix with my day pieces. T-shirts are an easy way to play off of busy patterns, bold textures, & trendy companions, which is why I’m featuring some great deals on colorful, classic, & trendy t-shirts.
No matter what your favorite neckline is, t-shirts really are for everyone. There are so many styles to consider from crewneck to v-neck to square-neck to split-neck, which is what makes t-shirts so versatile & compatible to offset a busy look to keep in minimal with all solids. Any of these tees could be worn with jeans, tucked into a skirt, with printed pants, or under a sleeveless dress, creating a new layer of possibilities in outfit building. Consider coordinating any of these items to build your next comfy t-shirt chic look:
Victoria Beckham is always flawless. This isn’t news, but I just had to start there. The Spice Girl-turned-designer recently stepped out in what starts to look like a minimalist summer look with a white tee & black cuffed jeans, accessorized with classic pieces like a sleek black envelope clutch, pendant necklace, a chain link gold watch, & Celine sunglasses (shop here)… until you see the heels! They’re BalenciagaSquare Knife neon pumps (shop here) that make a wild style statement, but it all works seamlessly, especially on Victoria!
Of course, this look would’ve worked with pink, orange, red, or really, any color heel. She could’ve surprised us all with neon ballet flats, which would have been equally successful & exciting to post about. I’m always finding new ways to mix up my favorite wardrobe items in my collection, playing with different colors & patterns to pop, which is why I love Victoria’s inspiration so much.
However, we all don’t have the kind of budget needed to recreate this high-end, luxury look… but have no fear! Because so many of the pieces are staples, they’re not hard to find without breaking the bank! Even imitation-inspired heels are available to peruse (in several other colors too) to bring Victoria’s posh style back to life!
Last summer, when my husband & I were planning our wedding, we included a basket of flip flops to give to our guests for those with tired feet after all the dancing & partying at our reception. Of course, we turned to Old Navy for comfortable, affordable, & colorful flip flops in bulk (& we couldn’t resist buying a few pairs for ourselves too). This summer, Old Navy continues its flip flop legacy with so many fashionable varieties, which brings us to today’s post!
Not only is Old Navy one of my favorite flip flop destinations (making traveling or packing for a quick weekend jaunt of errands so much easier), but there’s plenty of fashionable footwear to shop for if you’re looking for something with a little more flair this summer. Try out some slides, espadrilles, sandal flats, or wedges!
Try any of these shoe styles with a floral summer dress & denim jacket for a cool evening walk by the water, a t-shirt with layered necklaces & cut-off jeans, or ankle pants & a blouse while transitioning from work to play! Additionally, the below dresses are also available, perfect for styling (& super affordable) with these shoes!
Maybe it’s because it’s spring & sometimes spring on Long Island means that it’s basically summer, but I’ve got watermelon on the brain. This time last year, watermelon was one of my strongest cravings while pregnant–& now that I think of it, my daughter does have some cute watermelon-themed summer duds, so basically I want to match her in not just an outfit, but with my accessories too! Of course, there are a ton of fun, food-theme kitchy clothing articles (like lemon, lime, avocado, strawberries, or cherries), but there is something especially refreshing & youthful-for-all when it comes to watermelon! These cute & coordinated spring / summer-ready watermelon-centric accessories from @Old Navy will have you salivating with style & ready for the beach, park, & any daytrip or vacation you’re planning!
Not only are these affordable finds perfect for transitioning your accessories from spring to summer, but also they make for a fun gift idea for Mother’s Day! Think about this playful twist with a pair of jeans & eyelet blouse, or a polka dot fit & flare with ballet flats. The possibilities are endless–endlessly sweet!
What trends are you looking to explore this spring & summer? Where are you shopping for the best deals on must-have affordable accessories? What are your go-to items for when you’re literally on the go? Happy Styling!
If there’s one print I love for any time of the year, it’s leopard. It’s a fun option for a sweater, blouse or top to pair with jeans, leggings, pants, or a skirt, especially when matching it up with a pop of color like red, hot pink, or green. Wearing a leopard top also opens up the opportunity to try some playful bling too in a statement necklace, big earrings, or stacked bangles. Here are some affordable must-have leopard options for misses & women’s sizes for sale now!
When it comes to leopard, you don’t always have to wear black with it. Try something with texture, a seasonal color, or add a little sparkle. You can definitely get a lot of miles out of a leopard top because of all of its styling possibilities.
How do you like to style leopard separates? What are your favorite patterns to wear? Where are you shopping most for affordable fashion this season? For more posts like this, click here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been readjusting to the work week grind as a new mother, which has been both easy & hard, but that experience is for another post for another day. However, I’ve had to reconsider certain cuts of tops, dresses, & bottoms for my changed post-baby shape. I’m more aware of loose-fitting, forgiving silhouettes as I go about my day in the office & classroom. During my regular online perusal of style inspiration, I discovered Fashion to Figure, a plus size clothing & accessories retailer (part of the New York & Company organization). Meet Noelle, a high-low scuba top in the most luxurious shade of green. It embodies everything I look for in a top & even has a bow on it! Not to mention that the color is everything right now. It’s a bright shade that will pop on any skin tone & embraces the season with the addition of a statement necklace or chandelier earrings. It’s perfect for pairing with leggings & knee boots, a pencil skirt & pointy toe heels, or skinny jeans & caged booties. This top has plenty of flair & femininity & I just can’t stop thinking about it. Check out (below) some stylish bottoms to shop from Fashion to Figure to build a holiday-ready outfit featuring this top.
When shopping for holiday must-haves, it’s easy to be attracted to the intricate details of jacquard, colors of tweed, lines of corduroy, & patterns of knits. However, when mixing & matching your favorite separates to prepare for a stylish season, there’s one texture that remains a constant (& it’s really affordable too). That’s velvet!
Right now @Old Navy, velvet is everywhere & affordable in tops (ranging in sizes XS-XXL) & shoes, perfect for coordinating with a printed pencil skirt, skinny jeans, trousers, & much more. What I love the most of these velvet items is their hue. Shoppers can easily enjoy the softest pastel pink & cream, but also go for something more dramatic a jewel tone or luxe charcoal.
These pieces are easily transitional from day to night, especially when replacing a pendant necklace with a statement bauble, swapping out a pair of pants for a tiered skirt & patterned tights, or playing with layers of leather & silk too. Velvet gets me super excited for all of its styling possibilities, inspiring me to take a closer look at accessories with pearls, ribbons, studs, & mixed metals!
What textures do you like to wear in the fall-winter? What colors are your favorites for this time of year? For more posts on affordable fashion, click here, here, here, & here! Happy Styling!
White is often perceived as a tricky color to pull off, especially when its contrast, black, is so classic to wear when seeking a slimming effect, drama, & minimalism. Also, white is atypical for a fall outfit, but rules like that are meant to be broken when making a stylish statement. Take note from recent looks worn by Anne Hathaway, Kim Kardashian West, Bella Hadid, Jenna Dewan, Victoria Beckham, Lupita Nyong’o, Viola Davis, & Sarah Jessica Parker (in white pumps).
You don’t have to be a celebrity or walk the red carpet regularly to don an all-white ensemble either. White in the fall (heading into the holidays & winter) is a bright alternative to the muted & deep hues to wear that are common for this season. Play around with combinations, such as white with merlot, mustard, or charcoal to reinvent old favorites. Shop the following affordable selections to jump on board this crisp trend!
What colors do you like to wear in the fall? What is your favorite color combination this season? for more fashionable posts with celebrity inspiration, click here, here, here, & here! Happy Styling!