Tag Archives: Quickie Darling Deal & Steal

08/30/2014 Darling Of The Day: Emma Stone’s Flawless Black Tee + Pants Looks!

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Emma Stone is always a favorite on the red carpet, showing off her playful & sophisticated side, which always makes her one to watch! Just this week, the actress debuted a new cropped ‘do, along with a chic black top + pants & heels look when making public appearances. So, it’s not wonder that this girl next door is today’s Darling of the Day!

Emma Stone in a black top & Sandro pants at the Venice Film Festival. Emma Stone in Proenza Schouler separates at The Birdman photocall.

When arriving at the Venice Film Festival, the actress wowed photogs in Sandro sweatpants (shop here), an effortless black top, & multicolor pumps. Also, during a photocall for her upcoming film, The Birdman, she showed up in Proenza Schouler separates & embellished pumps. These looks are perfect for inspiring Style Darlings on a budget all over the world to transition their summer wardrobe into fall with a few tweeks.

For example, we all have tons of black tops in our closets, so it’s time to break them out, but if you’re looking to spruce up your basics, try the sleeveless tank top ($17.99) in black from Target (available in XS – XXL) & New York & Company‘s dolman sleeve pullover sweater ($14.99), which is currently marked down from its original $44.95 price! Also, have fun this season with unexpected pants, which will certainly amp up your day-to-day style, with the loose fit pants ($6.95) in black/patterned from H&M & the marled knit pants ($17.80) in grey/white from Forever 21 (for similar Plus size styles of both, click here & here).

Emma Stone inspired black & pants looks.

Lastly, Emma finishes her looks with a great heel. Since you’re working with a basic color palette, experiment with texture & embellishments to make your ensemble really pop. I choose the snakeskin print runway heel ($41.94) from Express in multi (currently 40% off!) & GOjane‘s ‘Point Well Taken’ stiletto heel ($20.89).

Which celebrity’s red carpet looks influence your street style? What’s your favorite way to wear trendy pants? For more fashionable posts, check out previous updates including music videos from Iggy Azalea & Meghan Trainor, my new pointy animal print flats from Old Navy, actress Jamie Chung’s fashion blog ‘What The Chung?,’ & budget-friendly skirts for fall inspired by Michelle Dockery & Miranda Kerr! Happy Styling! 

 

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!

The Stylish Five: Budget-Friendly Skirts For Fall ($30.00 & Under), Inspired by Chrissy Teigen, Michelle Dockery, & More!

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As much as I’m a fan of dresses, especially this summer since I’ve worn a dress most days of this season, I’m always pro-skirt, especially when it comes to transitioning from one look to another for a variety of occasions. This fall, I’m headed all over the place: the classroom, my academic job, my retail job, an internship in NYC, & wherever my personal life takes me. I turned to some of the most stylish celebrities for a little skirt inspiration, both on the red carpet & when they’re showing off their street style. This includes Miranda Kerr‘s emerald green & violet matching separates(shop here) by Escada at the Escada Joyful event last month, supermodel Chrissy Teigen in a printed crop top & pencil skirt (shop here) by Milly with nude ankle strap sandals, & Lily Collins in a head-to-toe mix print look by Chanel while attending the label’s latest fall/winter runway show. Miranda Kerr, Chrissy Teigen, & Lily Collins.

Jamie Chung, Michelle Dockery, & Hilary Swank.

Also, there’s Style Darling Jamie Chung out & about in Los Angeles this summer in a black pleated midi-length skirt with a chambray top & accessories (shop here & here) by Loeffler Randall, Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery showing off her playful side in a look by Victoria Beckham with rings by Melinda Maria & EF Collection while attending the show’s photocall this summer, & two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank at the Marc Cain spring/summer 2015 show in a blouse & polka dot skirt by the designer with black patent pumps.

While I was flipping through the first wave of September issues of my favorite magazines, I came across a few ads that caught my eye & was suddenly inspired by skirts for fall. Here are a few of my top picks that are sure to work with your current wardrobe staples, as well as make a new statement about your fall style. Below, said skirt that inspired this post was the Worthington long pencil skirt ($19.99) in blue geo print from JC Penney, which I could imagine worn with a crisp white button down, a black t-shirt, or a cobalt pintucked blouse. To bring out your softer side, I choose the brushstroke print A-line skirt ($22.80) in black & cream from Forever 21 because it just screams Charlotte York to me!

Skirts from JC Penney, Forever 21, H&M, Target, & Dress Barn.

If you’re really looking to mix things up, try this metallic skirt ($29.95) in silver from H&M, which is a great investment for any time of year, paired with a pastel blouse (like that shown in the image above) or an embellished sweater for the holidays. The assymetrical zip skirt ($24.99) in black from Target is a modern twist on the classic, all-purpose pencil skirt, especially if you’re headed to an interview at a trendy office, or looking to dress up your favorite rocker tee. I’m also a big fan of this because it’s available in gray & sizes X-Small to XX-Large. Lastly, to work the menswear trend this fall, I picked the plaid pencil skirt ($30.00) from Dress Barn, which has hints of so many different colors that you can pop it with a regal purple top or make it work-ready with a navy cardigan. Also, this skirt is sold online & in-stores in plus sizes.

Which skirts are you most inspired by? How will you be wearing your separates this fall? Which celebrity skirt look is your favorite? Where will you shop for the new fall skirts? For more stylish reads, check out previous posts including Olivia Wilde’s Glamour September photo shoot, Lauren Conrad’s newest collection for Kohl’s, & If I Stay star Chloe Grace Moretz’s recent red carpet look! Happy Styling!

 

Runway Rundown: Lauren Conrad’s Newest Collection for Kohl’s!

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I can appreciate celebrity collaborations with fashion designers, as well as the special one-time only capsules with celebrity inspirations, but most of the time, the prices & styles aren’t necessarily accessible to the mainstream Style Darling. Clearly, there is an exception to that & that’s Lauren Conrad‘s new LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl’s collection. Not only is the reality star-turned-fashion mogul sharing a sneak peek on her website, but she’s also conducting a contest to win $100 to shop her collection at the department store. The designs are clean, feminine, & versatile for a variety of looks, which is why I love featuring her collections with my readers.

LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's Fall '14 Collection 01 LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's Fall '14 Collection 02 LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's Fall '14 Collection 03 LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's Fall '14 Collection 04 LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's Fall '14 Collection 05

For more details on the contest, check out the rules here. Which look is / pieces are your favorite? How would you style these separates? What’s your favorite Kohl’s shopping experience? Also, to check out some of Lauren’s previous collections, hit up the following links: July 2013 lookbook, Spring 2013 gallery, & the holiday collection! Happy Styling!

08/09/2014 Darling Of The Day: ‘If I Stay’ Star Chloe Grace Moretz!

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Summer is certainly in full swing, but we can look to the red carpet to see what’s coming for fall on our favorite celebrities. This includes the young & sophisticated Chloe Grace Moretz, star of the highly anticipated YA adaptation If I Stay. At a recent book signing, the actress wore tailored trousers with a multicolor shirt & metallic pumps. I was so inspired by this look, especially since I’ll be headed back to work next month & will need to start transitioning from sandals to stilettos.

Chloe Grace Moretz

Of course when you put a look like this together, you can reinterpret the separates in many different ways. The essential ingredients are easy: a button down shirt, tailored trousers, & pointy toe pumps. This  outfit would also be uber-chic if worn monochromatic in white or red, as well as using menswear inspiration.

LOFT top, NY&Co pants, & DSW shoes.

To achieve this look, I found some affordable pieces that can certainly be mixed & matched for a variety of looks for day, night, & anything in between. The floral tile softened shirt ($22.00) from LOFT is currently 60% off. While it doesn’t share the same glitz as Chloe’s sequined shirt, you an easily bling it up with some oversized jewels or pearls. The 7th Avenue City double stretch slim ankle pant ($54.95) from New York & Company are BOGO 50% off, & can be very work appropriate, as well as fun for a night out with an embellished top & strappy sandals. As for the shoes, I found the Heart Soul Gizelle pump ($24.94) in silver from DSW, which add that extra special posh touch.

What are your favorite menswear inspired pieces? How would you wear a look like this? Where are you shopping for your fall must-haves? Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: Red Peep Toe Pumps by Jimmy Choo Vs. Merona by Target!

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As I get  back into the blogging swing of things, my search continues for designer look-alikes, especially when it comes to classic pieces. Shoes are always a favorite item to hunt for when clicking around the world wide web, & I came across varying designs of red peep toe pumps, which are naturally a perfect pop of color with a LBD, polka dotted separates, a chic denim look, or for a cocktail affair.

Neiman Marcus - Jimmy Choo peep toe pumps in red $625.00, Target - Merona peep toe pumps in red $29.99.

Obviously when you hear the name Jimmy Choo, dollar signs come to mind, which I’m sure is worth the investment if you have that kind of cash available. I found the Luna peep toe pumps ($625.00) in red from Nordstrom that are likely staples in any A-listers shoe collection.  However, at only 1/4′ less in height, the Merona peep toe pumps ($29.99) in red from Target are just as chic & won’t set any Style Darling back in cost.

For more affordable shoe shopping, check out favorite stores like Payless, DSW, Forever 21, H&M, Wet Seal, Express, TJ Maxx, & GOjane! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Loving A Little Leopard, Inspired by Heidi Klum, Miranda Kerr, & More!

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When it comes to animal prints, my go-to is zebra, which goes back to my natural love all black & white patterns. However, as we’re in the thick of summer, stores are filling up with fall fashions, including luxe leopard pieces to mix up with neutral separates & pops of color in your accessories.

Olivia Palermo, Miranda Kerr, & Heidi Klum

Trendsetter Olivia Palermo styled her separates by Tibi with a pop of leopard in her skinny belt, which offset the geometric look of her ankle strap sandals. Model Miranda Kerr was flawless this spring when hitting the street for a stylish day out with a bold leopard A.L.C. duffel bag to add a trendy splash of personality to her button down shirt, denim skirt, & thigh high boots. Project Runway host Heidi Klum shows off her wild side (& her legs!) in a high slit skirt & embellished too.

For affordable leopard love in your wardrobe, I found these functional & fashionable pieces that are sure to make a splash when corrdinated a variety of ways. First, the leopard tote ($2.50) from Forever 21 is great for all of your on-the-go needs, especially when wanting to use a durable recyclable bag when hitting the market. Also, you can dress up or dress down the tiered leopard tank ($34.00) from Dress Barn (which I own & love!) with dark denim skinnies & a blazer for a girls’ night out, or cardigan & pencil skirt for the office. For a truly wild look, pair these loose fit pants ($17.95) from H&M with a black tank & gold flats for day, or mix up your look with a crop top & pointy heels for evening.

leopard images

I love shopping for printed belts, which can work well with a wrap dress, shirtdress, over a cardigan, or when you wanna cinch in a tunic top to show off your waist, like the leopard skinny belt ($24.90) from Express. One of my most recent purchases come from Charlotte Russe, & that is the patent thong sandal ($7.50), which was such a great buy too since there’s currently a BOGO $5 sale of select shoes. So, I also indulged in a white pair to wear with sporty jersey dresses & when heading out to the beach this summer.

For one last look at some leopard inspirations, I put together some of my favorite images, high end & affordable items, & celebrity moments that include leopard. This includes a September 2010 Vogue UK shoot fetauring supermodel Kate Moss in an embellished leopard jacket. Scarlett Johansson added a pop of leopard in her Christian Louboutin pointy toe pumps with a Vivienne Westwood dress. Also, to celebrate leopard on your nails, there’s the Sally Hansen strips ($9.99) in leopard, available @Ulta. Also, you can keep warm on those cool summer knits with this Apt. 9 leopard scarf ($11.99) from Kohl’s. For some designer inspiration, the paneled leopard dress ($1,150.00) by Escada is sold @Neiman Marcus. Lastly, the leopard heart drop earrings ($16.00) from River Island are playful & flirty to dress down a classic LBD.

Kate Moss for Vogue UK, Scarlett Johansson in a Vivienne Westwood dress & Christian Louboutin pumps, Leopard earrings by River Island, Sally Hansen leopard nail stickers, leopard scarf from Kohl's, & Escada leopard panel dress from Neiman Marcus.

How do you like to wear leopard? What’s your favorite leopard accessory? Which leopard pieces are your favorites? 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!

The $100 Challenge: Summer Vacation Must-Haves For The Budget Shopper!

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Let’s get right to it! I’m going away this week to The Hamptons for yet another exciting & stylish two weeks, while attending a school-related Writer’s Conference. This is one of my favorite & most fashionable times of year, where I can prepare my wardrobe & budget to reinvent new looks for the hip south shore niche. Speaking of a budget, I’ve been very price tag conscious & in doing that, I recommend the following for a memorable vacation. Also, I love the diversity of these pieces & how they can be worn in so many different ways!

Dress @Dress Barn, $46.00

The abstract shirtdress ($46.00) from Dress Barn is perfect for playing up your preppy side, while still celebrating the bright & neon sides of summer. Pair this dress with metallic sandals & a messenger bag for day, or glam it up in the evening with peep toe pumps & stacked bangles.

Leopard flip flop @Payless, $9.99

To keep your summer style fresh & timeless at the same time, classic patterns are the best way to go. With that, the sunset disc flat flip flop ($9.99) in leopard from Payless is a flirty way to amp up your separates, mixing prints like animal inspiration with polka dots or seersucker. Also, leopard looks great with bright hues like a pair of red lace shorts, an orange sheath dress, or black ruffled romper.

Blouse @H&M, $9.95

To build up wardrobe that you can transform from season to season, try something playful like an unexpected topper like this sleeveless blouse ($9.95) from H&M. At first glance, the print looks like flower petals, but upon closer examination, the soft blue is actually eyelashes. As seen on the model above, try this top with faux leather skinnies, but if you’re looking for something more low maintenance, add a contrasting color like yellow bermuda shorts & espadrilles for a lunch date or with a white pencil skirt & cardigan for a more professional look.

Earrings @Icing, $8.50Accessories are an important part of building any look, especially when it comes to jewelry. I was once a silver-only gal, but as I’ve grown up, I see the value in expanding with different metals. Here the drop earrings ($8.50) from Icing recall a deco feel that can work as a statement piece with an LBD & strappy sandals, a maxi dress & modern cuff bracelet, & a knotted button down shirt & denim shorts. Not to mention that now is a great time to invest in timeless jewelry since the store’s entire website is BOGO 50% off!

Tote @TJMaxx, $19.99Naturally, a tote bag is any Style Darling’s must-have when going out & about for the summer. This Yoki perforated tote ($19.99) from TJMaxx is right on trend with laser cut details on luxe materials. It’s the perfect size to fill with your cell phone, a pair of sunglasses, & whatever best seller you’re taking with you to the beach. To dress up the bag even more, braid or tie a bold scarf onto the handle to add a pop of color.

If you’re shopping on a budget, like me, don’t fret over spending too much. These five fabulous finds total for under $100, to be specific: $94.43 before tax! What summer essentials are on your wish list or crowding your closet? Happy Styling!

Splurge Or Save… On A Lace Sweatshirt?

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Even though I’m stuck in the thick of winter, along with the rest of the east coast, I’m still looking ahead to spring for some style inspiration. One of the favorite trends that started coming up during the winter & is making its way into stylish spring wardrobes in the lace sweatshirt. The feminine combination of elegance & casual makes for a fabulous way to reinterpret what it means to be chic. This is an essential separate for a casual Friday at the office, which can also be turned into a night our piece with leather leggings & ankle boots or skinny jeans & stilettos.

Keeping a budget in mind for any Style Darling shopping the sale rack, I wanted to direct your attention to a pair of lace sweatshirts, in different price ranges.

lace sweatshirtsThe lace sweatshirt ($110.00) to the left is from White House Black Market, & while it will make an investment in quality craftsmanship, it’s not exactly budget-friendly. However, on the right, the floral lace front tee ($44.50) @LOFT, which is a lightweight option, but still shares the same idea. To maintain the classy look of this shirt, mix these up with various accessories, like a string of pearls, stud earrings, & a headband, especially with modern bottoms like distressed jeans & ballet flats, menswear-inspired trousers & studded boots, or cigarette pants & ankle strap platforms.

What trends are you looking forward to this spring? What looks caught your eye during New York Fashion Week? Which pieces are your favorites to mix & match? For more fancy sweatshirts, check out designer duds like these from Tory Burch @Nordstrom & Valentino @Net-A-Porter! Other more affordable shopping options include sweatshirts from Delia’s, Macy’s, Bluefly, & Kohl’s. Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: Breaking The Brown & Black Mixing Myth (Dedicated to Christine)!

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In an effort for some variety, I turned to my dear friend Christine for some blog inspiration. Of course, there’s plenty of great deals out there this weekend with all of the Black Friday sales, but I was intrigued by her question about mixing black & brown, as in boots & dress, or belt & bag. 2013 is  a year to break the rules with accessories coordination & knowing which hues work best for your look, despite the myths that these colors don’t work together!

Walmart - waistband dress $14.00, Payless - riding boots $29.99, H&M - leather belt $12.95, & Dress Barn - disc earrings $12.00.

The first look I’m featuring shows a casual chic way to reinterpret a little black dress, including brown accessories: Faux leather waistband dress ($14.00) in black @Walmart, Brash Zane riding boot ($29.99) in cognac @Payless, Glitter disc earrings ($12.00) in brown @Dress Barn, & leather belt ($12.95) in brown @H&M.

Target - sweater dress $29.99, Forever 21 - chain necklace $12.80, JC Penney - stretch bead bracelets $7.95, & DSW - NYLA flat $19.95.

To dress up a flattering brown sweater dress, I’ve picked some luxe black accessories to make this look perfect & effortless for the holidays. Here’s what we’re working with: Mossimo long sleeved sweater dress ($29.99) in brown heather @Target, sleek curb chain necklace ($12.80) in black / gold @Forever 21, & black bead & shell stretch bracelet ($7.50) in black / gold @JC Penney, & NYLA Elanino flat ($19.94) in black @DSW.

Other style myths worth breaking are the navy & black combination, as well as wearing gold & silver jewelry. There are so many ways around a clashing look, and often mixing metals & textures can be even more fabulous! For more shopping posts, check out fashionable flats on sale for Black Friday, stylish sweater steals from The Limited & Old Navy, & ladylike stud earrings from Lauren Conrad’s Kohl’s collection! Happy Styling!

10/21/2013 Darling Of The Day: Kate Middleton Repeats A Timeless Striped Top!

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Kate Middleton in a striped Ralph Lauren top, J Brand skinny jeans, a Smythe blazer, & Stuart Weitzman wedges.The world has its eyes on the one & only Kate Middleton, especially since her post-baby appearances have not only inspired new moms, but because her red carpet & street style are continuing to wow fashion critics. Just last week, the Duchess of Cambridge showed her sporty support at a SportsAid Athlete Workshop, wearing a striped Ralph Lauren top, Smythe blazer, J Brand skinny jeans, & Stuart Weitzman wedges. However, the nautical-inspired stripe trend isn’t just for summer & Kate shows this by repeating her look this season.

The fall take on stripes recalls a Parisian look, making any casual separate like a pair of dark denim jeans, skinny pants, or pencil skirt a little more elegant. Some suggestions to pull off an autumn-friendly striped outfit include the following three tops: the Alice + Olivia striped stretch jersey long sleeve top ($40.97) in black & white from Bluefly, Forever 21‘s striped baseball tee ($12.80) in navy & cream, & the striped button shoulder top ($34.00) in navy from Dress Barn (available in sizes Small – 3X).

Bluefly - Alice + Olivia striped long sleeve top $40.97. Forever 21 - Striped baseball tee $12.80. Dress Barn - Striped button shoulder top $34.00.

Which patterns do you love for fall? How do you like to wear striped tops? Are you drooling over Kate’s great post-baby body & style? For more fun shopping posts, check out my favorite shoes from Julianne Hough’s latest Sole Society collection, Catherine Malandrino’s DesigNation line for Kohl’s, & my newest wardrobe additions of knee boots & a sweater-blouse. 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!

Runway Rundown / Watch This Style: The Phillip Lim For Target Lookbook!

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Back in May, Style Darling reported on the upcoming collaboration between Target with luxury designer 3.1 Phillip Lim (see article here). The collection hits stores next month, but the entire lookbook has debuted online, featuring plenty of “morning, noon, & night” outfits that will make your office wardrobe, day looks, & evening ensembles a little bit more fabulous, especially since they range in price from $19.99 – $299.99 for apparel & $19.99 – $59.99 for accessories. Of course some of these prices are a little high for a bargain shopper, but if I learned anything from Target’s holiday collection with Neiman Marcus last year, it’s that when they go on sale, the clearance prices are insane!

I’m a big fan of the line’s color combinations for fall, mixing pastels with rich jewel tones, all while playing off of neutrals like navy & gray to create a polished pajama-chic meets preppy girl-next-door. Structured details with menswear inspiration is especially on trend for this season, with leather accents, jeweled necklines, & plenty of elegant basics to go around with any current wardrobe staples you’re looking to upgrade.

What do you think of the collection? Do you shop designer collaborations with mainstream retailers? What are your must-have pieces for fall? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out Forever 21’s fast food-inspired muscle tees, trendy ankle strap pumps from H&M, a perfect polka dot backpack for fall, & the Downton Abbey-inspired beauty line! Happy Styling!

Ad Madness: Gisele Bundchen Models For H&M Latest Fall Campaign!

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Gisele Bundchen for H&M 01

Back in April, the world was swooning over Beyoncé‘s debut ad campaign for H&M, but now that the fall is here, the Swedish retailer is pursuing a fresh, new look for its latest collection. The answer to this is none other than Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen, who looks nothing short of fabulous wearing the polished & preppy fall duds.

Gisele Bundchen for H&M 02 Gisele Bundchen for H&M 03 Gisele Bundchen for H&M 04 Gisele Bundchen for H&M 05

These images call on everything that’s great about fall fashion, like fluffy sweaters, deep saturated hues, rich textures & luxe layers, sharp accessories, & sophisticated outerwear. Even though the summer isn’t over yet & you shouldn’t pack up your maxi dresses or gladiator sandals, but planning ahead for some killer new fashions for autumn isn’t such a bad idea either.

What do you think of Gisele as H&M’s newest spokesmodel? What fall must-haves are on your shopping list? For more posts from Ad Madness, check out previous posts including Ashlee Simpson’s latest modeling gig for her sister’s collection, Michelle Williams for Louis Vuitton, Lanvin’s 60-inspired fall ad campaign, Rooney Mara’s short film for Calvin Klein, & Nicole Kidman for Jimmy Choo! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Fast Food Makes For Fast Fashion!

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I’ve hit a recent road bump in terms of blogging. My precious laptop has self-destructed & I’m very thankful to be working on a loaner computer, which means that I’m without some of my valued resources in terms of presenting images here, but I’m making due. With this, I’ve also found myself intrigued by the idea of sharing unconventional ideas using limited technology.

Anyway… I’d like to bring up the idea of fast food & fashion. When I took on a second job with less than pleasing hours, I knew I’d be hitting the drive-up more often than not, but now that I have a routine for myself, I’m steering clear of unhealthy foods for my meals. However, among Forever 21‘s newest arrivals there’s a trend happening that I’m not sure about, which is why I’m bringing it to my readers’ attention.

Forever 21 tees $12.80 - $13.80

Surely, there’s a certain demographic that can get away with tops like these, hence why they’re perfect for Forever 21. The fun hamburger muscle tee ($12.80), cheesy cropped muscle tee ($12.80), & French fries muscle tee ($13.80) are all things casual to wear with jeggings & a boyfriend blazer, a leather mini skirt & platform slingbacks, as well as with skinny pants & a knit cardigan.

I love to a good graphic tee, but my style calls for something feminine, perhaps with some metallic element, a nod to Paris or shoe shopping, or embellished with ribbons or rhinestones so that I can dress up an army green cargo skirt or get a chic daytime look out of printed jeans. However, how do you feel about the designs on these tees? Do fashion & food work together?

For more posts on affordable fashion, check out previous posts including my favorite new shoes from H&M, a fall-ready polka dot backpack, the Downton Abbey beauty collection, & the latest lookbook from Lauren Conrad’s Kohl’s collection! Happy Styling!

Show Me The Shoes: What To Buy From H&M’s New Online Store!

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It’s about time that H&M got on board the online retailer train, especially in the United States! While I’ve yet to find the time to do some serious shopping, I can’t wait to see what’s going on around Black Friday & with holiday specials. However, I wanted to share my latest obsession, which is the ankle strap pumps with studs ($29.95)!

H&M - Ankle Strap Pumps $29

The ankle strap trend has been all over the red carpet lately & the best way to bring it into fall is with these pumps. Of course, there’s the metallic studding, which automatically brings these from day-to-night, but I also love the animal-inspired embossed texture. Classic black pumps, pointy or round, are essentials for any shoe collection, but if you’re looking for something versatile that you can get a lot of wear from, then I recommend these with any LBD, a 70’s-inspired jumpsuit, or printed sheath dress.

For more affordable finds, check out previous posts including a perfect-for-fall polka dot backpack, the new Downton Abbey-inspired beauty line, Lauren Conrad’s latest collection for Kohl’s, & beach-ready accessories for $11 & under! Happy Styling!

Beauty Buys: Downton Abbey-Inspired Beauty Line Debuts In October!

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Season four of Downton Abbey may still be far away (January 2014!), but we can reap the joys of the successful British drama with a new beauty line inspired by your favorite characters. The PBS series has teamed up with UK retailer Marks & Spencer for a collection of goods sure to elevate your level of beauty sophistication including lip balms, candles, soaps, & bath goodies. The collection ranges in price from $8-$19, perfect for stocking stuffing for that Crowley Family fan in your life!

What’s next? A Walking Dead cosmetics line? Game of Thrones fragrance collection? Just kidding! What do you think about this beauty line? For more posts from Beauty Buys, check out Jessica Chastain’s ad for Yves Saint Laurent‘s “Mainfesto” perfume, the Revenge-inspired scent “Double Infinity,” Chanel’s classic nail polish hues, & Kate Winslet for Lancôme! 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!

7/4/2013 Darling Of The Day: Sandra Bullock’s Monochromatic Look by Alberta Ferretti!

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Sandra Bullock has been making the red carpet & talk show rounds promoting her latest film, The Heat, which co-stars Bridesmaids actress Melissa McCarthy. However, this week in Sydney, the Oscar-winner donned a chic monochromatic cobalt look from designer Alberta Ferretti, as well as uber-strappy shoes by Gwen Stefani‘s label, L.A.M.B.. I wanted to post this especially for the 4th of July holiday since the prominent color in the outfit is a very patriotic blue. However, I immediately found look-alike separates to recreate this look, fulfilling yet another post for The $100 Challenge! Also, from now on I’m changing up my format a bit so that it’s easier for readers to access these fashionable wardrobe suggestions!

Sandra Bullock

Top ($19.80) @Forever 21, Pants ($24.75) @Dress Barn, Shoes ($30.00) @Charlotte Russe, Earrings ($4.80) @Forever 21, Belt ($6.98) @Target, Watch ($11.47) @New York & Company.

For more fashionable celebrity posts, check out Nicole Kidman’s latest ad campaign for Jimmy Choo, leather looks inspired by Naomi Watts & Heidi Klum, Jessica Chastain for Yves Saint Laurent’s Manifesto, Kate Mara’s photo shoot for ELLE, & Olivia Palermo’s chic summer outfit! Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alike For Less: Studded Sandals From Neiman Marcus Vs. Forever 21!

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When I’m lacking inspiration for a blog, you can either find me perusing the internet for absurdly adorable pictures of puppies, or checking out some seriously sexy shoes that I don’t think I’ll ever be able to afford. However, I was so inspired by Nicole Kidman’s new ad campaign for Jimmy Choo & began thinking about simple ways to update my spring-summer-fall shoe collection without breaking the bank. Also, I love the idea of studded sandals, especially since I’ve been seeing the trend all over the pages of my favorite fashion magazines this summer.  This includes the Saint Laurent strappy studded leather sandal ($867.00) in black, Prada studded metallic ankle-strap sandal ($636.00) in silver, Valentino allover rockstud sandal ($995.00) in poudre, & Schutz Akshya spiked sandal ($240.00) in black / gold, all from Neiman Marcus.

Neiman Marcus

Each style offers plenty of toe cleavage, as well as height to show off your legs in shorts romper, mini skirt, or sheath dress, especially when paired with softer details like lace, a floral print, or ruched bodice.

If you’re looking to achieve the same gladiator style with metallic studding, then I recommend heading over to Forever 21 for their leather-lined spike gladiator heels ($32.50) in both black & natural to fulfill all of your gritty & modern fashion needs. These are perfect for mixing up your office look for happy hour with the girls, heading out for a date in and LBD, or making a statement with the ever so trendy jumpsuit.

Forever 21

Do you like studded accessories? Which designer shoe fits your style? What shoe trends are you following this summer? For more fashionable posts to inspire your day-to-day looks, check out Kate Mara’s latest shoot for ELLE, how to recreate Olivia Palermo’s casual chic look, the latest from Lela Rose’s Resort 2014 collection, stylish maxi dresses for under $25, July cover girls including Lauren Conrad & Kesha, & fall-ready pumps from Payless! 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!

The Stylish Five: Major Deals On Maxi Dresses ($25 & Under)!

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While preparing for my long-awaited summer vacation, I’ve been scoping out dresses since they’re just so easy to wear & coordinate with all of my favorite summer shoes. However, I know that maxi dresses are a big part of summer fashion & I wasn’t always a big fan of them on me- worried about the length since I’m on the shorter side & concerned with extra volume where I certainly don’t need it.

The shopping fairies have been on my side lately since I recently picked up 2 stylish maxi dresses, which inspired me to surf for some more suggestions online.  This includes the Speechless animal maxi dress ($23.99) from Kohl’s, which brings out the wild side of any Style Darling, especially when paired with metallic gladiator sandals or patent leather platforms. Next, the tie-back knit maxi dress ($24.99) from Charlotte Russe is perfect for paying homage to a Grecian-inspired look, as well as showing off your taste in accessories with a studded belt, stacked bangles, or glittery dangling earrings. I love the simplicity behind the Mossimo Supply Co. drawstring waist maxi dress ($24.99) from Target, as well as the summer-friendly hue, which will match with any nautical-inspired pieces like a canvas tote or boat shoes.

For my plus-size readers, I was so excited to find the garden goddess floral maxi dress ($24.80) from Forever 21, which makes a colorful & stylish statement with nude sandals & a patent clutch for a date night by the water. Lastly, I’m always a fan of classic black & white prints, especially the Love, Fire chevron stripe printed side slit tube dress ($19.99) @Loehmann’s, which will stand out in the crowd when coordinated with cork wedges, a beaded necklace, or studded envelope clutch.

Which maxi dress is more your style? Where are you shopping for maxi dresses this summer? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out cap toe pumps from Payless, my latest bargain purchase of summer dresses, Taylor Swift’s leggy look in London, & little white dresses inspired by Angelina Jolie & Kerry Washington! Happy Styling!

Show Me The Shoes: Cool Cap-Toe Pumps From Payless!

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Today marks the last official day of spring, even though here on Long Island, the birds are chirping & the sun is shining like it’s summer. Stores & online retailers are fraught with swimwear, summer separates, & plenty of little dresses to go around, yet I’m starting to see fall fashion sneak up on us. Yes, I said fall! That’s what usually happens so that shopper stay ahead of the game, but I don’t really start my fall shopping until the end of August when I start receiving all those amazing birthday coupons that I’ve signed up for!

Anyway, if we’re gonna talk about fall, we might as well talk about shoes b/c fall is my favorite season of shoes. That’s when we can start thinking about suede, ankle booties, & multiple textures to build a crisp, yet chic fall ensemble. One such example of a fall must-have is the Fioni ‘Icebreaker’ captoe pumps ($29.99) in pink, nude, & black from Payless.

Payless - Fioni Icebreaker Captoe Pump $29

These are perfect for transitioning summer favorites into fall. The rich texture of the suede exterior & metallic shine of the glossy cap-toe will make any floral dress & crochet sweater, button & trousers, & leather vest & skinny jeans look fall-ready. Of course, I’m going to wait for Payless’ next BOGO 50% sale to take advantage of these must-have pumps.

What shoes are you thinking about for fall? Which stores do you shop for the best deals on new arrivals? For more posts from Show Me The Shoes, check out look-alike strappy sandals like Taylor Swift’s, trendy flip flops at all price ranges, where to find ankle-strap sandals like Ashley Madekwe’s, & Katy Perry’s ALDO sandals & others in white with silver studding! Happy Styling!

Inside A Style Blogger’s Closet: Summer-Ready Dresses For Under $10!

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I’ve been splurging but saving a whole lot lately, especially since I have big travel plans in July. This includes an entire new selection of dresses that I’m happy to adopt into my wardrobe for this spring & summer. I always head to the new sale & clearance racks first in order to get the best possible deal, but I was so happy to come across these two dresses that were under $10 each! If that’s not a bargain, then I don’t know what is!

I never thought I was a yellow kind of girl. Sure, here & there I have a yellow top, yellow flats, but I couldn’t conceive on my fair skin an entire yellow look, but I definitely found one with the Merona refined lcae dress ($8.38) in yellow from Target. Online, this dress is $27.99, but I found it on a 70% off rack at my local store & it fits perfectly. I usually score big with this brand, especially since Target often has coupons on their website for this brand too!

Target - Merona refined lace dress $8.38, Walmart - Faded Glory ruffle knit dress $9.49.My second big score was the unexpected one! I hardly ever shop @Walmart, mostly b/c I’m dedicated to Target & can always find what I need, & the local Walmart doesn’t always look like the nicest place to shop- despite low prices. I came across this Faded Glory ruffled knit dress ($9.94) in black, which wasn’t on sale & this was its original price. I was hesitant b/c I wasn’t sure about the quality of the material, but then I looked at the tag of the New York & Company summer dress that I was wearing… & low & behold, both the above black dress & what I was wearing were both 60% cotton & 40% polyester. I tried it on & it was the perfect length & cut, & I was very happy with my decision to purchase this LBD that could be dressed up or down & won’t ever go out of style.

What makes me even happier with these purchases is their potential for accessorizing, which includes great finds like the arrowhead studded faux leather belt ($5.80) in nude from Forever 21, which is perfect for either dress, or even pairing with shorts & a ruffled tank. Also, for some fun & playful colors, I picked the Mudd Kara colorblock crossbody bag ($13.20) in mint yellow from Kohl’s, especially if you’re looking for something summery & smaller to carry around. To dress up both looks for a classy evening, I recommend the hammered chain link necklace ($6.00) from Charlotte Russe, which definitely plays up the chain link trend.

Also, for a casual day out, I love the idea of a pair of flirty exaggerated cat-eye sunglasses ($9.99) in tortoise shell from JC Penney. Lastly, there are plenty of shoes to match up, but I especially love LOFT‘s basil ballet flats ($20.99) in Bombay blue & the Portia high wedge sling ($15.00) in red from Payless.

What’s the best deal you’ve scored lately? What’s been your biggest shopping surprise yet? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out Taylor Swift’s leggy look for under $100, little white dresses inspired by Angelina Jolie & Kerry Washington, fashionable flip-flops from Guess & Steve Madden, & a look at 3.1 Phillip Lim’s new collaboration with Target! Happy Styling!