Tag Archives: Old Navy

Basics For A Bargain: Pointy Animal Print Flats, Tom Ford Vs. Old Navy!

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I am all over the new September issues of my favorite fashion magazines, loving all of the style inspiration inside the pages, especially when I’m seeking Basics for a Bargain. So, Lucky magazine is among my go-to publications to expand my wardrobe, as well as shoe & accessories collections. I’m always a big fan of animal prints, which make a great neutral as accessories with some bold solid pieces like a sheath dress & pumps, a belted jumpsuit, or crisp separates with sandals. Now that I’m looking ahead to the fall, I’m pretty excited about wearing flats when I’m headed out & about to my jobs & class. In the pages of Lucky, I found these gorgeous panther print hair calf padlock ballerina flats ($1,190.00) in cognac by the one & only, Tom Ford.

Leopard flats. Tom Ford & Old Navy.

I was immediately reminded of my recent coupon-toting excursion to Old Navy, where I found these animal print d’orsay flats ($16.00). However, the pair that I ended up bringing home was actually reduced to under $8 in stores. I tried these pointy toe flats on & was very excited at the possibilities of how I can wear them: with a little black dress, a cardigan-blouse-pencil skirt combo, & when I’m trying to transition some of my summer favorites into fall like a maxi dress & denim jacket.

For more fashionable animal print flats on the market right now, check out other picks from Steve Madden, Christian Siriano for Payless, Lucky brand @DSW, & Nine West. Where do you like to shop for new fall footwear? What designer do you turn to for style inspiration? To check out more fall-friendly posts, take a look at Jamie Chung’s fashion blog, budget-friendly skirts from Target & H&M, & Olivia Wilde’s September Glamour shoot! Happy Styling!

Accessories Access: Affordable & Fashionable Floppy Hats (Dedicated to Christine)!

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The sun is shining & the sandals are out, which means that considering sun protection is a must! With that, I’ve taken some inspiration from my writer bestie, Christine, in exploring the world of floppy hats. Of course, with a budget in mind, I wanted to turn to some of my favorite & most stylish celebrities to see the variety of ways to wear floppy hats.

Lupita Nyong'o, Michelle Williams, & Jamie Chung.

Oscar winning actress & designer darling Lupita Nyong’o mixed a conservation black hat with her printed Alexander McQueen dress at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic. For a casual day out & about, Michelle Williams topped off her chambray & striped shorts look with a country-inspired straw hat, which soften her camel leather sandals & shoulder bag. Lastly, Jamie Chung shows off her weekend style in a pale floral jumpsuit & tortoiseshell sunnies with a straw Panama hat.

Floppy hats - Kohl's, Forever 21, Old Navy, & Dillards

As you can see, there are many different ways to wear a floppy hat, but you don’t have to spend a lot of cash to get the most out of your summer wardrobe, especially if you’re looking to mix things up. The David & Young straw floppy hat ($22.80) in pink stripe from Kohl’s is also available in yellow, blue, & black to match up with any beachy look. For a truly nautical feel, head to Forever 21 for the tasseled straw hat ($14.80) to wear with a searsucker dress & gold sandals. For the perfectly neutral topper, the floppy hat ($22.94) in brown sugar from Old Navy to protect your face and shoulders from the harsh rays of the sun. My forth selection is the Kate Landry floppy hat ($12.00) in black from Dillard’s, which is also sold in a flirty red & both will make any cotton dress pop.

Checking out these floppy hats also made me think of how classic & current straw  & basket weave details are for the season. The following items are also versatile to celebrate summer style:

Payless wedges, Dillard's Lauren Ralph Lauren belt, & DSW Kelly & Katie clutch.

 The Dexflex Margaret wedge espadrille ($12.00) in coral from Payless is also available to wear with any dress, separates outfit, or shorts romper in black, white, turquoise, & nude. Also, to mix up your shirtdress look, switch it up with this Lauren Ralph Lauren stretch belt ($29.40) from Dillard’s, which has recently been reduced from its original $42.00 price.  My last pick is the Kelly & Katie striped straw clutch ($19.94) from DSW to help transition your day look to evening.

Where do you like to shop for summer accessories? Do you like to wear floppy hats? What do you think of straw accessories? Happy Styling!

Show Me The Shoes: Fun Flats For Fall From Old Navy!

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Fall fashion is all around us & I wanted to embrace the latest must-haves with a new post featured in Show Me The Shoes, including some stylish flats from Old Navy, one of my favorite stores to find affordable fashions & extra cherry-on-top great deals! I’m excited to pull out my past-season steals with new items, including fun & flirty shoes for any Style Darling on the go!

All for under $25 each, I can already picture these with different outfits, mixing prints & textures for a day at the office, heading to class at night, or when I’m out & about with the girls on the weekend. I especially love the trendy details like jeweled accents, ankle-straps & buckles, pointy toes, delicate bows, & cap toes.

Old Navy

I recommend the embellished ballet flat ($24.94) in asparagus, printed ballet flat ($22.94) in coral print, printed cap toe flat ($22.94) in black/white dots, & pointed ankle flat ($22.94) in clay mate.

What’s your ballet flat style? Where are you shopping for shoes this fall? For more posts featuring fabulous shoes, check out H&M’s studded heels, Nine West suede booties, luxury look-alike sandals from Neiman Marcus, & Nicole Kidman’s debut as spokesmodel for Jimmy Choo! Happy Styling!

Accessories Access: Affordable Summer Must-Haves For The Beach!

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A week from today I’ll be heading away for a long-awaited vacation out to The Hamptons & have been thinking how I’m going to make the most of my time. This includes preparing for a day at the beach with plenty of sunscreen & stylish accessories to keep me happy. Also, I love the idea of finding affordable extras that I can use every summer, especially ones that are under $12!

summer accessories

Towel ($6.99) @Target, Aviators ($5.99) @Charlotte Russe, Head wrap ($6.50) @Wet Seal, Flip-flops ($5.00) @Old Navy, Hat ($11.00) @Dress Barn, & Tote ($3.80) @Forever 21.

What are your beach must-haves? Where do you like to shop for affordable accessories? How would you describe your summer style? For more shopping tips, check out previous posts including Sandra Bullock’s monochromatic look for under $100, rhinestone & metallic flip-flops from Steve Madden & Guess, leather looks inspired by Kerry Washington & Heidi Klum, studded gladiator sandals from Forever 21, & maxi dresses under $25! Happy Styling!

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

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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.

Darling of the Day- Olivia Palermo

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!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Seven Must-Have Sale Items For Under $100!

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Now that I’m in the throes of dual employment, it’s become clearer than ever to be conscious of what investments I’m making in my wardrobe. I always love to find end-of-the-season deals on sale, especially when they feel like brand new pieces the following year. However, I’ve been seeing a lot of cute separates & accessories that I’m eager to mix & match on these cooler spring nights, into the summer, & eventually include for some fashionable fall outfits. Making tiny purchases here & there are easy on your budget & can really change the way you reinvent old favorites.

Recommended sale items include Dress Barn‘s shimmer stripe sweater ($19.00) in silver, which is perfect for over a maxi dress with ankle boots, or how I recently wore it with leggings & sparkly ballet flats. Also, the Just Chic tee ($7.99) from Forever 21 is exactly what it advertises to be; try wearing this with leather skinny pants & a bold boyfriend blazer, or to dress down a peasant skirt & gladiator flats. I’m always one for a cute skirt, which is why I’ve included the striped jersey pencil skirt ($12.99) in blue from Old Navy. It’s casual enough to wear for brunch with a pullover & a denim jacket, but it can also be worn with a blouse & belted cardigan.

My favorite piece is the Drew dotted cuffed ankle pant ($22.49) from The Limited, which mixes spring’s trendiest fabric, chambray, with the always-classic polka dot print. These will pair well with a nautical-inspired top in stripes or a neon embellished blouse. Affordable accessories include the faux suede colorblock flat ($13.95) in red from GOjane, jewel drops diamondite stretch cuff ($9.25) from Claire’s, & the snakeskin embossed metallic skinny belt ($13.93) in ivory from Express.

The total for these pieces is under $100, ringing in at $99.60, which is quite the bargain! How would you style some of these pieces? What sale items are you eyeing? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out the details behind 3.1 Phillip Lim’s latest collaboration with Target, Ashley Madekwe’s Topshop jumpsuit look, spring-ready cardigans for under $25, & stylish shirt dresses for any size! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Fun & Flirty With A Bicycle Print Blouse!

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Since starting my second job, I’ve been re-thinking my spring / summer wardrobe & have found a lot of inspiration from unusual prints, for example: the bicycle print keyhole to ($38.00) in navy from Dress Barn. This really struck me since I’m so used to wearing polka dots, stripes, graphic prints & watercolor florals, however I’ve taken a new look at the possibilities for this top. This includes a white skirt, colored jeans, or an opposing, yet color-coordinated print for the bottom.

I recently wore this top to a friend’s baby shower with red pants & nude canvas wedges, but I wanted to re-style it with The $100 Challenge in mind. I couldn’t get the idea of navy & red out of my mind, which is also why I picked the rockstar super skinny jeans ($25.00) in ‘apple of my eye’ from Old Navy, which are available in sizes 0-20.

Accessories that make for perfect finishing touches to this look include the ankle-strap single sole pump ($25.50) in nude from Charlotte Russe, the Croft & Barrow silver tone striped bead drop earrings ($5.40) in red white from Kohl’s, & Forever 21‘s multi strand woven cuff ($4.80). This whole look has a nautical feel to it, not to mention the Americana color combination that’s sure to liven & brighten up the season. I really love how each piece can be mixed & matched with other wardrobe essentials, as well as reinvented with pieces like the blouse with a hot pink pencil skirt, the jeans for a sequined tank, or the shoes with an embellished sheath dress.

Would you wear a bicycle print blouse? Which details are your favorites for a blouse? Would you wear red, white, & blue in an outfit? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out previous posts including Katy Perry’s white & silver sandal flats, spring-ready shirt dresses, my favorite latest dress purchases, & Derek Lam’s DesigNation collection for Kohl’s. Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Spring-Ready Shirt Dresses ($50 & Under)!

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I’ve been focusing a lot lately on dresses b/c I think that spring is the best time of year to invest in new dresses. I’ve definitely already started my 2013 collection, which I will definitely wear well into the summer, however, one style of dress that I always turn to is the shirt dress. There are so many shirt dresses out there in stores & online right now, which are perfect for wearing to a brunch with girl friends, a family party on the weekend, or to the office for a feminine change of pace.

The first I found is the Merona sateen belted shirt dress ($22.00) in purple from Target, which is also available in five other bright & neutral hues, & in sizes XS – XXL. This is the perfect dress for matching with a pair of espadrilles, ballet flats, or gladiator flats. Next is the chambray belted shirt dress ($24.50) from Old Navy, which can be made rugged with suede ankle boots or dressed up with cork patent heels, for a Style Darling of any size (XS – XXL).  Forever 21‘s belted high-low shirtdress ($27.80) in turquoise is a soft & lightweight way to add layers to your look, or even mix things up with leggings & knee boots, or a matching suede hat & belt.

To stay on trend with bold neons for spring, I picked the roll-sleeve pocket shirtdress ($34.99) in active yellow from Gap, which is also sold in blue, orange, & pink, in sizes XS-XXL. I recommend pairing it with pointy toe pumps & a printed blazer when headed to a meeting, or with floral flats & a basketweave clutch for a sunny picnic. Lastly, the belted denim shirtdress ($46.00) in orange from Dress Barn is also sold in plus sizes ($50.00) to wear with peep toe wedges & a chainlink bag.

What dresses are you shopping for this spring? What stores do you like to hit up when searching for that perfect dress? Do you like to wear shirt dresses? For more affordable fashion posts, check out nautical inspiration for under $100, Derek Lam’s DesigNation collection for Kohl’s, spring-friendly polka-dotted pieces, peplum tanks inspired by Olivia Palermo & Zoe Saldana, & floral must-have pieces like Selena Gomez & Jessica Chastain! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Update Your Wardrobe With Nautical Inspiration!

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There are a lot of trends that come & go, & I’m still waiting for this sneaker wedge thing to go away. However, as the weather warms up & we begin to plan more outdoor activities, I’m looking for new ways to wear my favorite spring & summer pieces. The nautical trend keeps coming back for its crisp all-American feel & classic color combinations.

I’ve selected five pieces that will cost under $100 total to help bring a fresh, youthful, & flirty nautical look to your spring & summer essentials. This includes the luxe jersey striped ringer tank ($17.99) in gray heather from Gap, which is perfect for skinny jeans, a dark denim mini skirt, white cropped pants. Also, a fun topper for any casual outfit is the cropped canvas hooded jacket ($34.94) in sea turtle from Old Navy, which will work for over a tank & jeans, with leather pants & a graphic tee, or to dress down a sheath dress & ballet flats.

Also, I love the nautical stripe lightweight scarf ($9.99) from Charlotte Russe to wear with patriotic separates like a red top or blue capris. The striped boat shoes ($19.80) in red / white from Forever 21 are a literal way to include nautical inspiration into your wardrobe & will allow for all of your current love of menswear loafers to make a preppy appearance this summer. Lastly, the Brash dusty crossbody bag ($16.99) from Payless offers a cute seersucker neutral pattern to offset florals, polka dots, & pastel paisley prints.

The total for these pieces comes to an affordable $99.17! How do you like to wear nautical inspired looks? Do you prefer articles of clothing or striped accessories? For more posts on shopping on a budget, check out Steve Madden cork heels, Derek Lam’s DesigNation collection for Kohl’s, how to wear polka dots this spring, & peplum looks inspired by Cate Blanchett & Zoe Saldana! Happy Styling!

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

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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!

3/22/2013 Darling Of The Day: Nikki Reed’s Embellished Blouse Look For Less!

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This week, actress Nikki Reed, of The Twilight Saga fame, hit up Justin Timberlake‘s Target-sponsored release party for his latest album, The 20 / 20 Experience, in a long-sleeved white blouse with stud embellishments on the collar, curve-hugging black skinny pants, towering platforms, & added a bright pop of color with a turquoise clutch. Her look is hitting all the right notes here & I love the simplicity in her menswear-inspired outfit with some trendy touches that any Style Darling can pull off. The prove my point, I went seraching for similar items to complete an affordable outfit that a woman of any size can sport.

This includes the pyramid stud collar blouse ($22.80) from Forever 21, as well as their plus size studded collar Georgette top ($24.80), which is available in sizes XL – 2XL. Both of these tops can work perfectly with a textured pencil skirt at the office, under a blazer with leather leggings for a girl’s night out, or with dark denim jeans & ballet flats for a chic day out on the town. I turned to Old Navy for the bottoms & happily found the Diva skinny jeans ($29.50) in Black Jack, which are sold in sizes 0-20, with short, regular, & tall inseams, & in different washes including dawn, authentic, & rinse. Of course we know that the darker the wash, the better the look, but I’m always excited to share Old Navy’s selection in sizes when it comes to staples like skinny jeans!

As for shoes, I included two options: the nubuck platforms ($24.70) in black from GOjane, as well as Payless‘ Brash Kosmic platform pumps ($24.99) in black, which is a wide width option for those who have difficulty fitting in narrower shoes. I also added two clutch bags since I wasn’t able to find a studded match for the one that Nikki carries, but I loved the contrasting textures & color combination found in  Duro Olowu‘s snakeskin foldover clutch ($30.00) @JC Penney, as well as the simplicity of a patent exterior with Charlotte Russe‘s textured patent envelope wristlet ($12.99) in teal.

Lastly, the final touch to this look is Nikki’s rings which are always a fun way to accessorize any outfit, especially when there are so many subtle details like the collar & on the bag, which is why I thought the Jennifer Lopez silver tone simulated crystal stack ring set ($16.80) from Kohl’s was a good investment if you like to mix up your digit decorations.

While the combination of pieces comes to just over $100, this is still an affordable look inspired by a celebrity on the red carpet. For more red carpet fashion ideas, check out previous posts including the latest Top 10 Celeb Sightings gallery featuring Stacy Keibler & Jessica Alba, neon looks as seen on Beyoncé & Kristen Stewart, the ladies of Oz the Great and Powerful on their stylish press tour, & a complete look at this year’s Oscars red carpet! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Spring Into A Budget-Friendly Dress Look!

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‘Tis the season to be pretty! There are hints of spring everywhere & I even see flowers starting to pop up out of the ground, which means that it’s time to start considering the new & bright pieces for our wardrobe. This includes cotton dresses, wedges, lightweight cardigans, & baring some skin from under the heavy layers of winter. I was clicking through the Old Navy website, which is when I found the striped fit & flare dress ($20.00) in black & white, which is also available in creme caramel.

I knew this look deserved a pop of color, which is why I added the peep toe wedges ($24.90) in green from Forever 21 & American Eagle Outfitter‘s perforated crossbody bag ($19.99) in lemon yellow. Both pieces are perfect to mix & match with other wardrobe staples like dark denim jeans & a ruffled blouse, a graphic tee & mini skirt, or wrap dress & ballet flats.

To complete the look, I headed to LOFT for the dot haircalf skinny belt ($20.99), which is on sale 30% off with no code needed after its already reduced price. I love the idea of matching stripes & polka dots for a truly feminine look, so I wanted to keep with a black accent in the outfit with Forever 21‘s teardrop rhinestone earrings ($5.80). Lastly, the 4-pack bracelet ($7.95) from H&M is a fun way of adding some personality with the layers of chains, studs, & rhinestones.

The total for this look comes to $99.53 (before taxes) & can make for a wonderfully feminine look for a variety of occasions. Try this dress with a blazer to play up the juxtaposition of its softness with some menswear-inspiration, or consider adding the belt with a floral wrap dress & slingback heels. For more posts on affordable fashion, check out previous posts like Kate Young’s new collection for Target, neon looks inspired by Chloe Grace Moretz & Kristen Stewart, spring break-ready must-haves, sexy stilettos for under $30, how to save on the pink skinny jeans trend, all-white ensembles as seen on Rooney Mara & Nicole Richie, & Lauren Conrad’s latest spring collection for Kohl’s. Happy Styling!

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

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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.

The $100 Challenge

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!

Fabulous In 4 Ways: An Old Navy Graphic Tee For Day, Weekend, Date, & Cocktail!

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There’s so much going on in fashion right now & all of the latest spring styles have been hitting retailers, which means that it’s time to consider how you can revamp your wardrobe for the upcoming season. One trick that I recently experimented with was how to dress up a graphic tee for more than just a day look, which is the inspiration behind my latest Fabulous in 4 Ways post. I’m always drawn to pretty t-shirts with fashion-related designs, something Parisian, or a classic Hello Kitty print, however the watercolor-graphic v-neck tee ($14.94) in lodge khaki from Old Navy caught my eye for its modern look over a neutral hue. I’ve decided to share how to style this top for day, weekend, date, & cocktail, ranging in price from $83.52 – $133.48.

For the day look, I loved bringing out fun colors like the 1969 always skinny jeans ($21.99) in lemon meringue from Gap & pairing it with the Christian Siriano Camile bow flat ($26.99) in dark green from Payless. Of course there’s always dark denim as an option, but I loved the neutrality of the tabbed sleeve jacket ($22.50) in Olive from Wet Seal. For an extra splash of style, I picked the 1928 jet-tone filigree teardrop earrings ($5.00) from Kohl’s, which will dress up any casual look & even work with a sheath or LBD for a night out on the town.

When you’re headed away for the weekend, consider comfortable options like the Mossimo Supply Co. bootcut denim ($22.99) in dark wash from Target. To add some extra height to this already casual chic look, I love the basic longline cardigan ($12.80) in black from Forever 21, which gives that boyfriend-sweater menswear look, especially when paired with the Michael Antonio Mallory bootie ($24.99) in black from Piperlime. Lastly, the tribal style bangle set ($7.80) in gold / dark brown from Forever 21 highlight the colors in the graphic tee & bring some extra personality to the whole ensemble.

On the flipside, experiment with this graphic tee, or any printed top for a cocktail look with the feminine skirt ($29.95) in black from H&M & edgy Jacquez jacket ($24.98) in jet black from G by Guess. To contrast the softness of the watercolor butterflies, I choose Charlotte Russe‘s spiked zip-back sueded pumps ($38.50) in black, which complimented the two tone chevron statement necklace ($12.90) from Windsor Store.

A date night look is the perfect opportunity for dressing up a graphic tee, especially when there are options like The Limited‘s silver & rose gold sequin jacket ($49.99) with the faux leather moto leggings ($39.80) in black from Forever 21. Sexy accessories for this look include the sparkling geo drop earrings ($4.80) in black / gold, also from Forever 21, as well as the patent faux leather pumps ($23.95) in black from GOjane, which have been recently marked down.

For more posts on affordable fashion, check out how to find the best bargain-priced pink jeans, look-alike floral Stella McCartney pants as seen on Diane Kruger, clearance heels & flats from Target, winter white looks inspired by Nicole Richie & Taylor Swift, Lauren Conrad’s latest Kohl’s collection, & Christian Siriano’s newest designs for Payless. Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: Hello Yellow For Winter & Spring, Inspired By Emmy Rossum, Miranda Kerr, Anna Kendrick, & More!

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Yellow is one of those colors that’s always a little risky to wear out on the red carpet, but when it’s done right, it can look really spectacular.  Not to mention that the color is coming back for this season (following right behind emerald trends), which we’ve seen on some of today’s most stylish celebrities.  This includes former Grey’s Anatomy star, Nora Zehetner wore a minimalist Calvin Klein Collection sheath mini at a Metropolitan Museum of Art event last month. Lauren Conrad showed off her feminine side, as usual, in a bright Yoana Baraschi dress with suede neutral pumps. Actress Kate Mara looked stunning in a Dior shift dress at the London premiere of House of Cards with a suede box clutch by Nancy Gonzalez & satin peep toe pumps.

Nora Zehetner, Lauren Conrad, Kate Mara, Emmy Rossum, Anna Kendrick, & Jada Pinkett Smith.

Shameless star Emmy Rossum also donned Dior with a metallic minaudiere & strappy black sandals. For an interview on The Late Show with David Letterman, Anna Kendrick asymmetrical sheath dress by Halston Heritage is offset by nude peep toe pumps & jewelry by Dana Rebecca Designs. Lastly, during a recent appearance on Katie, Jada Pinkett Smith slipped into a curve-hugging Victoria Beckham dress with towering, patterned platform pumps.

It wasn’t heard to search the web for some cute & affordable yellow dresses to wear with your favorite evening shoes, collar necklaces, stacked bangles, or statement rings. Yellow dresses are also popular in pastels like the cutout ribbon back dress ($27.80) from Forever 21, which is described as “citron.” @Macy’s, the Bar III cap-sleeve seamed scoop neck dress ($29.99) is marked down from its original $69.00 price tag.  For a figure-flattering, sexy dress, the ASOS wrap front pencil dress ($56.29) is the perfection attention-grabbing option, especially is paired with strappy sandals, or belted & worn under a boyfriend blazer.

The Ark & Co ‘Swept Away’ strapless dress ($46.00) from Lulu’s is a pretty option, especially if you want to show off your décolletage with a spiked necklace & messy updo. Lastly, the Mossimo casual one-shoulder dress ($24.99) from Target is a flowy & flirty number to wear casually with gladiator flats when on vacation, or with a velvet bolero & textured tights.

Also, yellow separates really make an outfit pop, so if you’re wearing neutrals, this bright color can really work the value of basics like dark denim jeans, a black sweater, or a mini skirt. Take a cue from Olivia Palermo‘s wool-blend coat from Old Navy with leather leggings & oversized turtleneck. Also, supermodel Miranda Kerr tops off her casual look with a yellow blazer, perfect for a chic day out shopping. Kirsten Dunst played with yellow in her printed Stella McCartney separates at the premiere of The Bachelorette with ankle strap suede heels. 

Olivia Palermo, Miranda Kerr, Kirsten Dunst, Kim Kardashian, & Taylor Swift.

Kim Kardashian‘s colorblocked look made headlines, especially with her sophisticated Chloé blouse & mary jane Christian Louboutin platforms. Taylor Swift plays up her girl-next-door style in a pleated yellow skirt, also by Chloé, with a tucked in cable knit sweater & bowed ballet flats.

Get inspired to add some yellow thoughtfully to your look with these affordable pieces.  First, the Tinley Road Bleecker blazer ($39.99) from Piperlime is fun to wear over an LBD for the office, or to dress up a graphic tee & jeans with pointy toe pumps. You can head to Express to find the mesh inset blouson tee ($24.90) for floral pants, satin shorts & tights, or tucked into a brocade pencil skirt. Another top worth considering is the blouse ($29.95) from H&M to coordinate under an embellished cardigan, over a silk cami, or with a contrasting hue like red or cobalt jeans. Also, Piperlime‘s Greylin Viv ponte pencil skirt ($42.99) is a timeless basic to match with a printed top or classic & crisp button-down shirt.

Accessories in yellow aren’t hard to come by either… & there’s always a place in your look for this color. The embossed skinny belt ($14.99) from Coldwater Creek is currently half off & will add a special touch of texture to tweed or suede pieces. I also love the fringed drop earrings ($6.80) from Forever 21, which will work for an evening look with a cocktail dress & even bring out the personality of a tropical maxidress in the summer.

You can never go wrong with yellow shoes. I am the proud owner of at least three pair & I don’t mean that they’re gold- they range in the banana to mustard hues & I’ve found so many uses for them. I love the Steve Madden Rockkk flats ($29.99) from 6pm, which originally cost as high as $60.00 when they hit the market. Finally, for the shoe-lover out there, the Michael Antonio Tracey sandal ($29.94) from DSW offers a sexy way to show off your gams, while still embracing the color yellow.

Do you like to wear yellow? Which celebrity do you think pulls off yellow the best? Do you have a favorite yellow piece that you like to incorporate into your look? For more affordable fashion ideas, check out posts including stylish cardigans $20 & under, polka dot pants for any season, Victoria’s Secret’s latest nail polish launch, & fabulous flats by Fergalicious on clearance! Happy Styling!

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

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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!

coats

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!

The $100 Challenge: Dress Up An LBD Without Breaking The Bank!

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Getting ready for the holidays is always fun, what with the parties, dinners, & gatherings with friends & family leading up to the end of the year. You don’t have to spend a lot to look like a million bucks, especially when you look around at all the latest sales going on online & in stores. First I wanted to start off with a chic LBD for my latest post in The $100 Challenge, which includes the cross front jersey dress ($22.50) in black from Old Navy. The flowy, figure-flattering shape is perfect for any time of year, especially when it’s an ideal foundation for fun & sparkly pieces.  Of course, while heading to parties, you can add a flirty topper like the open front cardigan ($17.90) from Windsor Store.

Fabulous accessories include the Fioni Helix glitter sandal ($19.99) in silver from Payless, Forever 21‘s rhinestoned triangle necklace ($6.80) in grey, bow waist belt ($4.80) in cream, H&M‘s metallic tights ($9.95), & the Bay Harbor ostrich clutch ($18.00) by Apt. 9 from Kohl’s.

The total comes to $99.94, which is just under budget. Do you like this look? What’s your holiday go-to? How much are you willing to spend on one look? Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Invest In The Best Vests This Season (Under $25)!

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It’s definitely time to bundle up with the layers & unless you’re headed on a tropical vacation, take it from me, this season is all about adding that one last finishing touch. In this case, I’m talking about vests. I was a little reluctant to integrate them into my wardrobe, but if you’re seeking a rocker look, something bohemian, or a vintage feel, vests can help achieve this & make some older wardrobe staples refreshed & reinvented.

Keeping a budget in mind, I’ve selected five vests all under $25! First, the cap-sleeve leopard denim vest ($14.49) from Charlotte Russe is a recent markdown that’s perfect for making any graphic tee more stylish with boyfriend jeans & pointed toe neon pumps. A vest for work is always chic, especially over a solid blouse or classic button-down & I recommend the FANG openwork sweater vest ($21.99) in slate from Kohl’s which includes a belt & is also sold in other neutral hues like oat, & black.

To offset any chic all-black look, head over to Forever 21 for the metallic coated denim vest ($24.80) which will take you from a luncheon with family to drinks with the girls at a bar. If you want to try on the military-inspired trend by taking a baby step, Old Navy‘s twill cargo vest ($24.97) is perfect for adding a utilitarian feel with stripes, or even to dress down a pencil skirt.  Also, this is available in sizes XS – XXL! Lastly, I found the wearever cascade vest ($24.99) from J.Jill, which is a lighter & more feminine way to show off layers over a polka dot blouse & a lace mini skirt.

Do you like to wear vests? How do you style them? What’s your favorite part about layering? For more posts on budget-friendly styles, check out affordable sweaters inspired by Rose Byrne & Jessica Alba, a work-to-evening look for under $100, & beautiful studs from Piperlime! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: A Neutrals & Leopard Print Perfect For Any Time Of The Year!

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I’ve been really inspired by some of the Facebook pages that I’ve been spotting on my newsfeed lately, including J’s Everyday Fashion, Kendi Everyday, The Budget Babe, What The Frock?, Fashion Blog, Fashion is my life, Fashion lady, & finally, Fashion…. just to name a few.  I wanted to share my latest knowledge of Photoshop & pick out some affordable looks to help you through the fall & upcoming holiday season in  my latest post for The $100 Challenge!

What first caught my eye was the sueded pointy toe stud pumps ($32.50) from Charlotte Russe. Neutral & nude pumps haven’t gone away, but I love the contrasting texture of the suede with the edgy studding detail which adds more interest to what could be a forgettable & ordinary shoe. I’m always a big fan of animal print, which is why I’m recommending the long-sleeved wrap dress ($32.94) from Old Navy (online only), which is also available in other shades & prints, & sold in sizes XS – XXL.

As for the accessories, I wanted to find easy pieces to wear with other wardrobe staples, including the Minicci Susannah wristlet ($9.99) from Payless, H&M‘s beaded earrings ($9.95), & spike stretch bracelet ($9.20) from GOjane. Of course this look can be mixed up even more with red shoes, a glittery bag, under a blazer, & with tights & boots, but these basics are easy to throw on for work, a date, & drinks with friends on the weekend.

For more posts featuring affordable looks, check out Accessories Access & studded earrings, Basics for a Bargain & tops & pants looks inspired by Olivia Palermo & Kristen Stewart, Darling of the Day & Pippa  Middleton, & Luxury Look-Alikes for Less & studded ankle booties. Happy Styling!

10/19/2012 Darling Of The Day / The $100 Challenge: Freida Pinto’s All-Black, Affordable Look!

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Even though colorblocking is still a big trend for fall, there are also a lot of monochromatic looks happening on the runways, red carpets, as well as the street.  Of course, you have to pick the right hue to pull off the look effectively, but one color that is exceptionally flattering & seasonal is black.

Slumdog Millionaire actress Freida Pinto always looks beautiful & polished.  As the constant epitome of feminine style, I was surprised to see her all-black menswear-inspired ensemble, but then I realized that it was such a great template for a streamlined & affordable look.  The essential relaxed blouse ($19.80) from Forever 21 was a natural fit to work with this outfit, & can be paired with any office, day, or date look.  Throw this on with your wildest metallic leggings, sequined mini skirt, or favorite boyfriend jeans & you’ve instantly got a timeless piece working with your wardrobe no matter the season!

I’ve been eyeing Old Navy‘s rockstar super skinny jeans ($29.50) & even picked up a similar pair in forest green, but these black skinnies are the perfect way to show off your shape if your top has some volume to it.  Also, these jeans are available in an assortment of playful hues & a variety of sizes, while select colors are even marked down to $22.50! Lastly, GOjane was my first stop when it came to finding textured heels.  The woven design leatherette pumps ($26.10) offer a subtle touch of detail without breaking up the monochromatic feel, or taking away from it.

Of course if all-black isn’t your thing (& it really shouldn’t be more than maybe once a month), punch up this look with an embellished cardigan, silk blazer, metallic pumps, or statement gemstones.  This post also qualifies for The $100 Challenge in that the total (before taxes) comes to $75.40, which means that if you’re looking to spend only $100, there’s still room for enhancement with a studded clutch & drop earrings!

**I’d like to take a moment to send a special thanks out to graphic designer / musician / photographer, Nino Vlacich (not to mention boyfriend extraordinaire), for giving me a wonderful one-on-one Photoshop tutorial, without which this blog & a few previous ones would not so stylishly exist! ❤ **

Would you rock an all-black look? Do you already own pieces like this in your wardrobe? For more Darling of the Day posts, check out Olivia Wilde, Olivia Palermo, & Anne Hathaway! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Revamp Your Fall Wardrobe With Affordable Accessories!

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Since I spend most of my week surrounded by the younger generation of trendsetters, I’ve found that there are still a careful few of college age who actually take the time to get dressed in the morning before heading to class… just a few. Working in the academic arena has forced me to look to my wardrobe & try & switch things up in a professional, but relatable way so that I’m seen as an authority figure, but also someone who the students would like to talk to. I’m excited to explore my wardrobe & find great fall pieces to make this semester a memorable & stylish one, but every now & again, I need to refresh some basics & go-to classics with that latest accessories, which is why I’m happy to share my newest post for The $100 Challenge!

For under $100 (before tax), I’ve selected these 8 accessories to try wearing for a number of occasions this season with favorites that are transitioning from the summer & stand-by items making a return now that the temps are lowering.  Every year, I’ll always be talking about patterned tights & since I’m always shopping on a budget, I manage to grab up a bunch of different styles to match with pencil skirts & sheath dresses.  Get a polished look with the sheer stripe patterned tight ($7.50) from Charlotte Russe, especially when worn with something frilly & feminine like a lace overlay pencil skirt.  Cinch in your waist with a fun animal print with the zebra-print faux-leather belts ($16.00) from Old Navy, which will look especially polished with a bold cardigan.  I love anything black & white, which is also why I’ve picked out Forever 21‘s fringed houndstooth scarf ($6.80) to tuck in your lightweight jacket for those windier fall mornings.  If it’s not needed around your neck, you can always transform your tote back by tieing ir around the straps or body of the bag.

I’ve been trying to expand my jewelry pieces, which is I was drawn to the lemon drop long earrings ($22.90) from The Limited, which look like neutral & luxe additions to any LBD look, or if you want to make a plaid shirt & skinny jeans appear less casual.  For simpler necklines, I love the idea of a collar necklace, but also, the Sonoma life + style gold tone multistrand necklace ($15.60) from Kohl’s punches up any basic with the metallic accents, instantly drawing all focus to your face.  The burnt gold tear drop bracelet ($10.90) from Windsor Store is a fun pop of color to wear with any three-quarter sleeve top, or contrast with another rich jewel tone ensemble.

Lastly, I love the affordable price & classic look of the Minicci capulet rhinestone sunglasses ($9.99) from Payless, especially if you’re trying to save on must-have items when the holiday season is just around the corner.  Not to mention that you’re going to need to hide those peep toe pumps on occasion & cover your toes with some allover argyle socks ($7.95) from Gap. What better way to show off your preppy side than with this menswear-inspired print that’ll work well with any trouser & button-down shirt look?

The total for this look comes to $97.64, which is pretty incredible considering the variety in which these pieces can be alternated all season long.  Are you a scarf-fiend? Do you love chunky jewelry or do you prefer dainty pieces? Are you drawn to particular prints or patterns for your accessories this fall? Happy Styling!

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

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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!

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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!

The Stylish Five: Last Day Of Summer Sale Items ($15.00 & Under)!

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Today is officially the last day of summer & tomorrow starts the fall. I’ve probably never been so sad to see the summer end (even though I’m crazy for suede & booties right now). It was an especially lovely season, partly b/c I was a free bird all over Long Island & had a great time with my boyfriend & friends.  Of course, now that my birthday is over & I’m back to school (working for one & no longer a student!), I still can’t get those last-minute summer deals out of my mind.  I didn’t have to look very hard to find these five very stylish pieces to include for a special post, all for $15.00 or under!

First, the racerback rugby stripes tank ($1.99) from Forever 21 is perfect to wear still, but for fall, you have to keep in mind that fall is all about layering.  This bright pop of color can be worn under a button-down shirt & sweater vest or cardigan.  Of course, yellow isn’t necessarily the color of the season, but it’s still fun to add against something red or cobalt!  Also, even though here on the east cost, it’s getting too chilly even during the day for shorts, but if you’re headed on vacation soon or traveling south where the summer sun is still beaming, check out the patterned shorts ($15.00) from Old Navy that are available in dark tone chambray (pictured above), as well as navy stripe & green stripe.

I love checking out what’s going on @J.Crew, which is where I found the perfect-fit tee ($14.99) in light blade & deep turquoise, however you’ll also be able to score this tee is spice for $9.99.  These colors are fun to mix up by colorblocking with a pencil skirt, trousers, or leggings & some chunky, oversized accessories or printed scarves.  For those who love daring prints, check out the floral/houndstooth printed mirror t-shirt dress ($12.00) from Windsor Store, which is a mini that calls for opaque tights & a boyfriend blazer.  I’m not saying you have to hide your shape in this flattering frock, but another way to keep it seasonal & fresh is by adding a belt & a knit cardigan.

Lastly, I’m crazy for the American Eagle sparkling flip-flop ($6.00 – $9.99) from Payless.  This pewter hue is higher in price, but they’re available in eleven other colors to help fulfill all of your flip-flop needs, especially if you’re headed for a hot tub or looking to something with some sheen for next season! What are you shopping for on this last day of summer? Do you have a favorite store where you love to shop clearance? Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Catch The Fall Cord Trend @Old Navy!

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While trying to figure out just what I should do with all those coupons that I received for my birthday last week, I couldn’t think of anything other than using them for the greater good of my wardrobe! Of course, I would’ve been more than happy to share them with friends, but since I had a few days off after starting my new job (yay!) I headed straight to the mall & local stores to treat myself to some super bargains & affordable style.

I must go to Old Navy at least once a month- that’s how often it seems that I get a coupon- & wasn’t entirely too successful in the clearance section.  I wandered around the store to find these perfect-cord pencil skirts ($17.50) which were marked down from their original $29.94 price.  In addition, my coupon & discount code for an extra 20% off (code: ONBIG20, which expires 9/16) made the price even less.  I choose the jute green color since I know how beautifully it will pair against my black & gray staples for building an office look.  However, I did love the rich deep space blue, warm creme caramel, feminine raspberry punch, & trendy candied lemon hues to think about matching with printed blouses, argyle cardigans, & suede ankle booties.

Keep in mind that prices & sales online don’t always match store prices, but I lucked out with the cheaper store price.  I can’t wait to break out my fall shoes & some textured tights & head to work in this stylish pencil skirt that will last me until next spring! Which color do you like the best? Happy Styling!