The ceremony for The 74th Annual Emmy Awards takes place tomorrow night & I’m so excited to see what my favorite stars are wearing, especially since there are so many deserving returning favorites to the show, along with first-time nominees whose work has been dominating social media fodder. This includes Amanda Seyfried, Lily James, Sydney Sweeney, Zendaya, Elle Fanning, Hannah Waddingham, Rachel Brosnahan, Kaley Cuoco, Selena Gomez, Sandra Oh, Reese Witherspoon, Julia Garner, Christina Ricci, Melanie Lynskey, & more! However, in honor of tomorrow night’s broadcast, I wanted to take a walk down Fashion Memory Lane to celebrate gowns of years’ past in pink!
I choose pink since I am predicting that is the color that will reign over this year’s red carpet, especially after a summer of Barbiecore. In the past, we’ve seen elegance & edge in black, red, white, & metallic tones, but nothing beats a look in a pink champagne, cotton candy, rose gold, dusty rose, salmon, magenta, or dark fuchsia! No matter if an entire gown is in pink, if it’s in a pattern, or a playful accent to a look, pink hues are timeless & ageless, as well as luxe on any red carpet. Take s look at the range of pinks from previous Emmy Awards below:
Vanessa Kirby, Angelina Jolie, Julie Bowen, Emma Roberts, & Halle Berry at the Emmy Awards.
Maisie Williams, Giuliana Rancic, & Elisabeth Moss at the Emmy Awards.
Beth Behrs, Sophia Bush, Thandiwe Newton, Giuliana Rancic, Sophie Turner Jonas at the Emmy Awards.
Sarah Jessica Parker, Keri Russell, Jewel, Alexis Bledel, & January Jones at the Emmy Awards.
Lena Dunham, Dascha Polanco, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Vanessa Bayer, & Halsey at the Emmy Awards.
Vanessa Kirby, Yara Shahidi, Sandra Oh, Beanie Feldstein, & Debra Messing at the Emmy Awards.
Thandiwe Newton, Rose Byrne, Hannah Einbinder, Hannah Waddingham, & Tracee Ellis Ross at the Emmy Awards.
Brooke Shields, Jane Fonda, Tracee Ellis Ross, Viola Davis, & Zooey Deschanel at the Emmy Awards.
Uzo Aduba, MJ Rodriguez, Elisabeth Moss, Angela Bassett, & Padma Lakshmi at the Emmy Awards.
Taraji P. Henson, Mandy Moore, Marisa Tomei, & Susan Kelechi Watts at the Emmy Awards.
Instagram’s algorithm is working since it has identified that I love a deal & a pretty ballet flat. After over 8,000 posts, how could it not?! See examples below:
And as summer is turning into fall, I’m already scoping out bargains & must-haves to prepare for a sparkly holiday season!
So… when scrolling through my feed, I happened upon the Laura embellished pointed ballet flats in jacquard @ASOS ($35.00, available in sizes 4-12), which hit all the right style notes, in my opinion.
Aside from the pretty floral pattern, I love the rich color combination in conjunction with the jewel embellishment, both of which enable this flat to go from day to night. Imagine wearing this with a navy romper for a posh weekend brunch spot, with a hunter green suit & champagne blouse for an important meeting, a rust pullover sweater with dark denim skinny jeans for a game night with friends, or a cocktail dress & statement studs for a special occasion.
Even though the weather (here on Long Island) is teetering between summer & fall with summer heat still palpable, it’s sweater season in stores! Now is the best time to get the newest colors & cuts in woven wonders, especially if your fall wardrobe needs a refresh. A classic item to have handy for any rotation of fall outfits is a v-neck sweater in either bright or neutral colors—because, as I always say, the possibilities are endless!
SHOP: A New Day fine gauge v-neck sweater in black, dark brown, dark grey, green, magenta, navy blue, oatmeal, cream or light grey @Target ($22.00, available in sizes XS-4X).
I can definitely envision myself getting the green, magenta, & navy, especially to coordinate with a statement necklace & my favorite A New Day pants, leggings & knee boots, skinny jeans & ankle booties, or a pencil skirt & pointy flats for any given fall day! The neutral tones cry out for a bold or jewel-toned companion piece & the brighter colors would match well with any menswear-inspired trouser or juxtaposed texture in lace or jacquard.
When I learned that Golden Globe-nominated actress Ana de Armas had arrived in Venice, I was so excited to refresh my feeds to see what the Cuban star would wear to the highly-anticipated premiere of her controversial film, Blonde, where she stars as Marilyn Monroe. Naturally, her red carpet look would be elegant & stunning, but also, I wondered if & how the gown would represent the bombshell icon at the center of the film.
In a bright pink pleated gown with a deep-v by Louis Vuitton, Ana graced the red carpet in true Hollywood fashion. Her gentle waves & sophisticated jewelry by Messika hearken to an era of glamour & ease that offers a refreshing twist on Barbiecore.
Additionally, the hue pays homage to Marilyn’s signature pink from her “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” musical sequence in the 1949 film Gentleman Prefer Blondes; likewise, the halter & pleated look of Ana’s dress are reminiscent of the iconic subway grate scene in The Seven Year Itch from 1955.
Escorted to the premiere by one of the film’s producers, Brad Pitt, Ana shines, which is no surprise. I hope this marks the beginning of an exciting & stylish press tour for the 2 hour 46-minute film that’s rated NC-17 & is based on the disorienting evocative fictional biography by Joyce Carol Oates that begins streaming on Netflix on September 28th, especially leading up to awards season!
When it comes to fabrics & patterns, I have a set of what I like that suits my style. Not included in that is anything leather or faux leather, besides belts or shoes. A faux leather detail on a pant or top isn’t unheard-of for me, but a whole piece in it makes me fearful of overheating in the office, classroom, or during a special occasion. However, one affordable faux leather dress has me inspired & rethinking my whole point of view on the material.
Scoop’s faux leather pleated strapless midi dress in black, olive, or aubergine @Walmart ($54.00, available in sizes XS-XXL) is a machine washable polyester-spandex must-have piece in a timeless length to wear all year long—for real. The sweetheart neckline, A-line silhouette, & pleated midi skirt scream feminine, but juxtapose with an edgy look from the fabric.
Both Carrie Bradshaw & Blair Waldorf would wear this! This could be styled for day under a tied button-down shirt, blazer, & stilettos; under a slouchy sweater with knee boots & stacked bangles for fall; & with a studded cardigan, drop earrings, & ankle strap heels. For nighttime, try this with a choker & PVC heels, sparkling platforms & a leather jacket, or ankle boots & a neon clutch. Also, I thinking about the color combinations with the olive & aubergine options, mixing denim, brocade, plaid, houndstooth, or lace with it.
When it comes to prepping for the work week, most people schedule & plan out meals for lunch during work, but also at home, whether you’re single or providing for an entire family. However, on top of that, something that I try to do to make my harried mornings a little easier is outfit prep. A typical Sunday night includes me picking out 5-6 full outfits & folding them in a neat pile in order of when I will wear them so that I can get ready steadily each morning before I’m about to get my pre-schooler dressed & fed, along with embarking on my hour-long commute. Here are my steps to outfit prepping success:
1. Check the weather & your schedule. No matter the season, checking the weather will be helpful. For me, hot days mean dresses & laser cut flats with a lightweight sweater for the air conditioned office. Likewise, snow or rain mean that I need to be conscious of footwear & hair styling. Also, if you have an important meeting or post-work event, take into account how your outfit can transition.
2. Build the whole look. Even if I know I’ll be removing a cardigan or other layer for most of the day, I always keep one handy. I’m a cardigan girl, so all of my outfits include either a button-down, flyaway, or cropped topper to complete the look. I try to mix it up each day with length & color, so it doesn’t look like I’m wearing the same piece each day. Also, I put together a top with pants or a skirt & make a note of the shoes I’ll wear somewhere on my phone. I have too many shoes, so it’s worth it—for me—to ensure that I’m varying them each day. If it’s going to be a hectic week, of course, I’ll repeat out if sheer comfort needs!
3. Pre-select accessories. I have little dishes on my bedroom dresser handy for accessories, in addition to my jewelry boxes & trays that are organized by metal type. Upon selecting the outfit pieces, topper, & shoe, the accessories come next. I usually only do this for 2 days in advance to avoid cluttering my dresser Monday through Friday. This also ensures that I’m putting my jewelry away each day too. I have 5 piercings in each ear, so I select which earring will be the main one, if it’s a drop, hoop, or stud, & then grab a card or 2 of smaller options for my other holes that I’ll grab easily as I’m getting dressed. This applies to necklaces & bracelets too. Also, if I need a belt, I pick one that coordinates with my jewelry.
4. Check for imperfections. I don’t really own much that needs to be ironed or steamed, but I like to plan in advance for those outfits. Rather than folding them on my dresser, as seen below, I’ll steam ahead of time & leave the item hanging somewhere they won’t be in the way if I’m not wearing it until the end of the week & where it will remain in tact. The same goes for checking for fit, holes, missing buttons, stains, etc. You don’t want to be halfway to work when you realize that there’s something irreversibly wrong—in the moment—with your outfit, especially right before a major meeting too!
5. Grab an extra look. I sometimes get overly ambitious with an outfit that I plan, but then when the day comes & maybe the weather changes or I’m feeling bloated, I change my mind & want something more comfortable. Also, I consider factors before & after my work day, such as any errands to run or stops to make, so I’m comfortable & capable to perform those tasks & my outfit doesn’t interfere.
6. Hair! I’m curly all summer long & since my work days have been light lately, I’ve relied on a claw clip or barrette, but once the cooler weather arrives, I’ll straighten my locks & turn to scrunchies, bobby pins, or hair ties, so I plan in advance if I have something that coordinates well with a particular look. It usually ends up on a dish with the jewelry too.
7. Keep it up. The usual Monday mornings when I realize I’ve forgotten to outfit prep somehow always become my most stressful days, setting the tone for more stress. The more frequently I outfit prep to get myself mentally & physically prepared for the week, the calmer I can start my day. Also, by maintaining a weekly outfit prep schedule, at least for a 9-5, I spend more time with my wardrobe & then remember better what I’ve worn recently to make sure I’m getting the most out of my investment by not wearing the same handful of pieces each week & rotating old favorites that make me happy.
8. Adapt as necessary. If you keep grabbing the same top each week, planning to wear it & then you change your mind each time, maybe it’s time to donate it since you may never actually wear it. Similarly, you might find that you’re wearing all black all the time & you’re missing other brighter colors; then, set a goal for the week to celebrate patterns or include a neon each day or coordinate a different take on animal print on Fridays.
To conclude, there definitely other things we all worry about that are way more important in our lives, but if feeling prepared for the week & expressing yourself through your clothing are major facets of who you are, try to outfit prep. Playing dress-up doesn’t have to be just for special occasions. Having fun with what you wear helps with confidence & definitely reduces my anxiety about what lies ahead each week.
Fall fashion doesn’t usually shout out polka dots—at least not like spring & summer style do—but that doesn’t mean it’s not a pattern you can rely on. I love a polka dot piece, especially because it means that I can mix another pattern with it. Particularly, polka dots can work with leopard, stripes, florals, & abstract prints when done right. An easy way to dip your toes into pattern mixing with polka dots—wait for the pun to click—is through an accessory or finishing piece, such as a polka dot shoe.
The Ollio dot pattern ballet comfort pointed toe flat in black @Amazon ($29.99, available in sizes 6-11) is a subtle, stylish, & playful way to incorporate polka dots into your look. I love the pointer toe, which is fashion forward for a street style look, but also elongating for a professional & confident outfit for work.
I’m obsessed with these flats in the black & white combination, especially with the possibility of pairing them with a floral dress, as well as some colorblocking with patterned tights. When experimenting with pattern mixing, try matching up colors that work in both patterns to find success, as seen in my previous black & white outfit post. However, if trying to coordinate black & white polka dot flats like these with another print, then I suggest keeping it solid with classic neutrals, like black pants or dark denim jeans & a bold solid sweater or top in red, magenta, yellow, or royal blue, all of which will really make the polka dots pop.
I definitely love the idea of matching any of these up with floral counterparts when the warmer weather returns, as well as with lighter & more delicate cotton pieces that can be found on sale on the major end-of-season clearance blowout racks.
I’d like to write a whole fairy tale about one princess’ quest to find the perfect leopard print pencil skirt, but when I, as a fashion blogger, can make this story a reality, it’s probably better to just get right to the point. As the transition of seasons approaches, most may think that pastels & lighter weight pieces must be hidden in the back of the closet & taken out of rotation, but that’s not the case when it comes to a versatile leopard print piece. Whether wearing the popular pattern as a top or bottom, or through accessories, it’s timeless for any Style Darling & presents a unique styling opportunity.
However, when it comes to a professional look that offers both creativity & boldness, I recommend a leopard print pencil skirt. This is one of my power pieces—in lieu of a preferred power suit. Leopard print can include any color combination from the traditional golden-khaki-black to fun & bright tones too.
These skirts can be paired with a button down shirt & stilettos, tee/cardigan combo with pointed ballet flats, scoop neck sweater & statement necklace, or cami/blazer + drop earrings, which is only the beginning, playing up different hues. Try a red, mustard, burgundy, or olive top with a more neutral-toned leopard skirt or for the yellow, pink, & blue option shown, mix it up with a pinstripe shirt with tennis shoes, ombre tee & denim jacket, or pastel sweater set & platforms to emphasize your softer side—no matter the trends or season.
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).
Zendaya is the ultimate style chameleon, appearing confident, innovative, flawless, strong, & feminine all at the same time always! It’s not an easy feat, especially at 26 years old! The Euphoria actress’ style easily ranks among top A-listers, like Diane Kruger, Blake Lively, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, & Sarah Jessica Parker! However, in lieu of a lengthy gallery of all of Zendaya’s glorious red carpet looks, I picked out some of my favorites, which have a common factor of being green, which is definitely the Emmy winner’s most flattering & boldest hue to wear. From a bright kelly green to olive to mint & everything in between, the Dune star makes a fashionable & memorable statement!
What’s even more special about Zendaya’s green palette is that the pieces in green she wears highlight her natural beauty & create a conversation about wearing what makes you feel good versus what is expected. Whether it’s a print, pant, head-to-toe look, fabulous coat, or gown, green isn’t going away any time soon, nor is it only for holidays!
Which green look on Zendaya is your favorite? Are you inspired to go green for your next important occasion? Do you prefer a bright green or something softer? For more fashion flashback posts, check out: Keke Palmer, Kacey Musgraves, Jennifer Lawrence, & Cara Delevingne! Happy Styling!
The picture from 2017 was taken in front of my parents’ house in Lake Grove for my first day of teaching (as Professor LeClair) a college class & I had no idea the path I was about to fashionably forge or how my life would change over the next 5 years! When I recently uncovered the tropical dress from deep storage (that I was unable to unpack or even mentally tackle for a good 2 years), I remembered that I hadn’t worn the dress since that very first, nerve-wracking day of a career I never wanted; however, with the launch of my sixth academic year as an English professor (as Professor Gambino), I thought it was “fitting” to break it out again.
Of course, I accessorized it differently, opting for white accents & skipped the belt, but it’s good to know that 40 or do classes later, I still got it! The top picture on the right was taken this morning, a beautiful summer morning as the buzz of academia awaited me & called so many back to their jobs after a long break. I’d like to look back on both of these moments as bursting with possibility & new starts, reminding myself that they do come back around, even when it seems like fate has stuck you in a never-ending cycle.
Ultimately, recycling old favorites to make them feel new again & doing my very best to live the stylish life (one day at a time) are goals that I hope to uphold now that I’ve reclaimed a part of myself (& my style) in finally having my wardrobe where I want it to be. Stay tuned for more detailed updates on the unveiling of my cloffice (a.k.a. Style Darling Daily headquarters).
As for the outfit: The dress is an oldie from my stylist days @Dressbarn, as is the black bolero. The recent picture includes a @New York & Company cardigan & @Ardene flats, as well as oldie @Dressbarn drop earrings.
While the weather is still prime summer here on Long Island, it’s definitely cardigan season in stores. Beyond shoes, earrings, & dresses, I’m a sucker for cardigans—my favorite, feminine outfit topper for any occasion. It’s definitely been part of my regular work uniform for decades now! Some may argue that cardigans are “frompy,” but I love the variety of necklines, button styles, sleeve lengths, & other special details that transform a look from everyday to special. Not to mention that a cozy knit sweater is super comfortable compared to an overly-structured blazer—just my opinion.
My go-to source to shop for cardigans is New York & Company. Even though they’re strictly online now, they continue to be reliable & impressive with their cardigan selection for the professional & fashionable Style Darling. While they reproduce their staple Chelsea cardigan each fall, my hunt for something different in terms of a cardigan always leads to success with this retailer. Specifically, the peplum button-front cardigan (on sale: $39.00) is available in sizes XS-XXL & in 4 rich & regal colors: black, dark purple, golden seal, & navy.
The flattering fit & flare look is the perfect options to show off your shape when pairing it with a blouse or cami, along with skinny jeans, straight leg printed trousers, bootcut pants, a pleated skirt, or a pencil skirt. These fall-ready hues are ideal to match with the season’s most popular patterns & materials, such as plaid, lace, velvet, jacquard, faux leather, or dark denim. However, I’ll add these to my cart when the price drops a little more and/or I receive a reward certificate in order to get the best possible deal since this cardigan is categorized as a “City Steal” & is excluded from most of their coupon code deals.
When it comes to fall fashion, bold florals don’t usually come to mind first, but I like mixing it up when the seasons change with unexpected pops of colors so as not to look like everyone else in plaid & still challenge myself. Anyway, expressing one’s style isn’t about following trends!
Florals are not for everyone & I typically veer my style attention away from a traditional grandmother/curtain-looking floral; however, one pair of floral flats that I’ve had since last year always seems to stay in rotation. I love the Dream Paris casual pointed toe ballet comfort soft slip on flat shoes in floral @Amazon (on sale: $21.99 & available in sizes 5-12) for the color versatility with magenta, purple, white, neon green, navy, & black.
I’ve worn these to the office with virtually every solid maxi dress that I own, paired with a crochet bolero or cardigan, as well as with different pant & blouse outfits. After getting another closet look at them online & wearing them on & off cue the last few months, I suspect that the floral pattern placement on each pair may vary, as seen with my shoes below.
For fall, I even love mixing these flats with a navy & magenta outfit, as well as a black & purple color-blocked look. Not to mention that the shoes are perfect beyond the office with a shift or fit & flare dress for a special occasion. They’re super comfortable & I get so many compliments on them every time I wear them.
Additionally, they’re reduced in priced from $35.99 & have a 4/5 rating from over 7,000 reviews! However, one downside is that they’re not available for shoppers needing a wide width size.
When I find an article of clothing I like & can see myself wearing it on the daily, I become obsessed & can’t stop thinking about all the styling possibilities & if I should just get 1 every color! Sometimes, 1 in every color is excessive, but when it’s comfortable & versatile for nearly any season, why not?
With over 26,000 reviews, a 4.2/5 rating, & a variety of over 20 colors to choose from for both necklines, I’ve added to cart! Though, I prefer more of a scoop neck, as opposed to v, myself. Also, I appreciate that this is a piece I can share with readers of any size too!
I’d style these with any kind of printed pant for heading back to the classroom, such as a window pane or plaid, with pointed ballet flats; a pencil skirt in lace or jacquard with stilettos; dark denim jeans with ankle booties & a statement necklace; or a jeweled cardigan & my favorite dress pants. As I await my order to arrive, I’m super excited to share another fabulous 1 in every color find since timeless, fashionable, & comfortable basics—at the right price—are a must-have for any time of the year, as well as for any professional or social situation. I could wear this casually for a lunch date with friends on the weekend or dress it up with some luxe satin or blinged out pieces for somewhere fancier.
Keke Palmer is everywhere these days! The Emmy winner is not only the star of this summer’s horror horror / science-fi thriller Nope, but also the charismatic & stylish host of NBC’s Password game show revival.
Today marks her 29th birthday & with more than 100 acting credits to her résumé, Keke has made countless unforgettable red carpet & press appearances to promote her past projects too, including Scream Queens,Hustlers, Lightyear, Alice, & more!
Keke’s style has evolved from old Hollywood ingenue to more risqué & daring; however, her confidence, poise, penchant for neon, & stellar stiletto poses make her an A-lister to watch in years to come. Take a look at the gallery below for a walk down Fashion Lane with Keke Palmer.
Actress Blake Lively is not only an A-lister, a mother of three, & wife to Ryan Reynolds, but a style & beauty icon for the ages her dramatic, ultra-glamorous, & iconic red carpet & public appearances that are methodically planned for every occasion.
Today marks the former Gossip Girlstar’s 35th birthday & another year around the sun is just another reason to celebrate Blake’s most fashionable accessories & beauty looks, especially because she is her own stylist.
Her lush layers of blonde locks—usually—are equally a part of her style when not tied back in a ponytail or feminine updo, along with full lashes, a natural shimmer, & statement jewelry, such as a gold drop earring. She knows what works for the occasion & her shape, as well as how to shut down a red carpet or New York City street with extravagance.
Take a look through the gallery below at Blake’s historic jewelry & beauty catalogue from movie premieres, awards shows, the Met Gala, & more!
One of my favorite singer-songwriters, Kacey Musgraves, is celebrating her 34th birthday today! Her music is a mix of country & pop, with plenty of hope, heartache, & humor that connect her to listeners to her inner most thoughts.
In addition to six Grammys & a still very bright career ahead of her, Kacey’s style is a mix of bombshell glam, country sparkle, & hippie chic. Kacey loves volume & texture in her looks, along with playing up her figure in bold neon & glowing pastel colors. Also, the singer kills in it suits, especially when mixing femininity with more masculine details. Take a look through the gallery below to pick your favorite from the “Justified” singer’s performances, red carpet appearances, street style, & more!
Just as fruit prints & tropical patterns are signature to summer, houndstooth is a symbol of fall as fashion transitions from the lightweight to the heavier layers. In fact, wearing houndstooth is one of my favorite ways to greet the fall, no matter the color combination, although black & white is the more traditional route. I love a modern take on houndstooth with varying sizes, styles, & colors; particularly, the new Check It Out collection @New York & Company. The black houndstooth that we all love to wear with more subdued solids is brightened with more than white as we see bright yellows, kelly green, & even magenta to experiment with this fashion forward menswear-inspired print. I’ve selected a few tops, bottoms, & shoes that are my favorites to recommend anyone who dares to be bold with this striking pattern.
First, I love the combination of houndstooth on these tops with the details over a trimmed neckline, neck-tie bow, & solid collar, which are perfect to match with a pencil skirt & pumps, joggers & ankle boots, or jeans & ballet flats.
Next, houndstooth certainly makes a style statement on the lower half, especially when coordinating with a pullover sweater & layered necklaces, classic tee & statement necklace, or pleated cami & tailored blazer.
Playing up houndstooth in your footwear evokes confidence & tons of personality, especially when adding that wow factor to a pinstripe suit & button-down shirt or sweater dress & choker.
As we’re headed into mid-August & all the back-to-school merchandise is out in stores, it’s an exciting time to get thinking about fall fashion & how to transition favorite summer pieces into the next season. Particularly, when starting the new school year, having versatile, stylish pieces that are also comfortable–bonus!–makes the getting ready process easier & more exciting.
For example, Walmart‘s Time & Tru brand strikes again with the printed midi dress with flutter sleeves($19.98) available in sizes XS-XXXL & 4 patterns: green chili, papyrus beige patchwork, sheer salmon, & winter white watercolor ditsy.
Another options includes Time & Tru’s 3/4 sleeve smocked midi dress($24.98), which is also available in sizes XS-XXXL & 4 patterns: rustic red painted peony, black plaid, papyrus beige patchwork, & peach glaze batik leaves.
Of course, any of these dresses would like darling with a pair of neutral slides, a charm bracelet, & some drop earrings for this summer, but the classic & colorful prints match with some signature fall hues, including burgundy, mustard, olive, navy & brown, which is why the following cardigan suggestions are perfect to match up with these dresses for cooler days.
Now is the perfect time of year to stock up on new summer favorites that can be worked into your summer-to-fall transition wardrobe, but also to hang onto for next year–or that surprise winter vacation you may take to a tropical location or resort destination! Just this morning, J.Crew Factory bombed my email advertising that their extra 70% off on clearance sale has been extended, with code: FLASH70! Here are my Top 5 stylish suggestions to add to your summer wardrobe arsenal!
First, to get the most out of your maxi skirts & linen shorts before the heat dies down, a feminine cami in a neutral or bold hue coordinates well for a night on the boardwalk or afternoon party. Additionally, the cami is a staple piece for under a blazer, low-cut sweater, or cardigan when opting for luxe layers.
SHOP: scalloped cami top, limited availability in sizes 00-20 & 9 colors / patterns, priced: $9.00-$15.00 after code: FLASH70.
Next, two of my favorite summer trends are combined with the tank below. I love a playful pattern, but also a smocked effect because stretch is a friend, especially across the bustline. The peplum & shoulder-tie details add to the whimsy of this tank, especially when paired with cropped jeans & wedges or cut-off shorts & slide sandals.
SHOP: smocked tie-shoulder tank top, limited availability in sizes XS-3X & 5 colors / patterns, priced: $9.00 after code: FLASH70.
Additionally, basic isn’t always bad, especially when a tiered dress like this can be dressed up with a statement necklace, woven belt, wedges & a clutch when headed to a waterfront dinner or with some metallic flip flops & floppy hat for running errancds.
SHOP: sleeveless knit tiered mini dress, limited availability in sizes XXS-3X & 4 colors / patterns, priced: $5.10-$10.50 after code: FLASH70.
Also, footwear for summer shouldn’t be bland, especially when fun & flirty patterns can be mixed & matched. For example, a printed slide can work with a printed top, as in the stripes can play well against polka dots & the palm print would highlight colorblocking too!
SHOP: printed knot slide sandals, limited availability in sizes 5-12 & 3 patterns, priced: $16.50 after code: FLASH70.
Finally, during the hottest days of the summer, I try to keep jewelry to a minimum, unless I’m at work, which is why these colorful necklaces are fashionable options to wear with a blouse-pencil-skirt-cardigan combination or printed suit with embellished flats.
Maybe between Only Murders in the Building & Selena + Chef, I have a little girl crush on Selena Gomez, but who doesn’t? Really? The 30-year-old star continues to celebrate her glamorous arrival into the next chapter of her life while in Italy with rumored beau Andrea Iervolino, making a stylish & sparkling statement in a LaPointe orange sequin tank (shop here) & coordinating Bermuda shorts (shop here).
The look is glamorous, unapologetic, mature, & timeless for a young woman living it up in Capri, a celebrity hotspot as of late, & shopping at YSL. Additionally, the actress’s look includes slide heels (shop similar here), drop earrings (shop similar here), & Vintage Frames sunglasses (shop similar here).
However, finding an affordable & comparable look inspired by these LaPointe pieces is somewhat difficult (try Poshmark or Mercari for similar separates too), but if a shoulder-to-knee sequins may be a bit much for you, think about coordinating the sparkle with satin for a luxurious & comfortable outfit. I’ve selected the pieces below for inspiration, even though an orange set is hard to find for a budget. Also, keep scrolling for suggested accessories too!
About 15 years ago, I would’ve totally donned a look like this—which is not to say that it’s out of style; it’s just not my personal aesthetic. I can still appreciate it & applaud Selena’s fashion choices when it comes to neon hues & unexpected glam! When on vacation, it’s fun to express a different side of yourself to explore a new city or open yourself up to someone knew, all through style! What do you think of Selena’s outfit? Would you wear all-over sequins in a matching set like this? Is orange a color you gravitate towards for summer? For more stylish posts, check out: Anne Hathaway’s NYC street style in gauzy cream, Rachel Brosnahan’s bold Loewe look in parrot pants, & Sadie Sink’s Miu Miu floral dress. Happy Styling!
As the temperatures rise, the need to stay cool & comfortable is much greater, but when you have places to go, finding a balance between the weather & your style isn’t always easy. However, Academy Award-winning actress Anne Hathaway effortlessly proves otherwise while out & about in New York City this past weekend. Opting for a minimalist cream, loose-fitting shirt & coordinating shorts, the WeCrashed star paired her look with a BarbiecoreValentino crossbody bag (shop here), Bulgari sunglasses (shop similar here), & Dolce & Gabbana sandals to shop & hail a cab.
To make this look your own with alternate pieces on a budget, especially if you want to play up the different muted tones of white, cream, or beige, depending on your style, the options are out there! Additionally, this outfit is so realistic & chic for all body types, which is why I’ve included the options below to wear when running errands, between appointments, or grabbing some coffee with friends:
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).
Actress Elisabeth Moss has transformed over the course of her illustrious career on both the small screen as Peggy in Mad Men & June on The Handmaid’s Tale, & on the big screen in films like Her Smell, Invisible Man, & Shirley, along with on the red carpet, exploring her elegant, feminine, & punk style with radical hair changes, varying dress silhouettes, & killer high heels, no matter the occasion.
Today marks the two-time Emmy & Golden Globe-winner’s 40th birthday; therefore, let’s celebrate with a flashback to her best red carpet looks from past awards shows & premieres!
While summer is the best time to indulge in flip flops of all colors, textures, & materials, the season’s go-to shoe is always a sandal, which includes any kind of mostly open shoe. Lately, sandals have been all over: with wedge heels, block heels, platform heels, as mules, as ankle strap, as slingback, & more. In celebration of summer sandals with still so much of July & all of August ahead of us, here’s to some recent picks–all marked down with limited availability–of summer sandal must-haves.
When thinking of a patterned shoe, gingham screams summer, calling for a white eyelet dress, linen blend romper, or blouse & shorts look. If you like gingham, like in the sandals below, check out my recent gingham post featuring items from Old Navy!
Braided sandals are another major shoe trend this season, which offers a playful, sophisticated way to dress up any casual look or maxi dress, especially when wanting to expand the color palette of your ensemble.
For a dressier option to usher in fall, suede with a braiding detail & neutral tone will help you get a longer wear out of maxi skirts, linen pieces, & summer denim.
Sandals with flare also make for a fun option as seersucker & polka dots coordinate with other pops of color, including a red cotton dress or chambray shirt dress.
To get on board with jelly & chain options, these seemingly patent leather finds will elevate any casual look when wanting to be comfortable at an outdoor barbecue or afternoon at the park.
Style Darling Daily 