Tag Archives: shoe shopping

Show Me the Shoes: Fall-Girl Velvet Flats from Old Navy!

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As fall rolls in, we’re not only getting obsessed with layers, but also textures, especially in footwear! Specifically, velvet is a great fabric for virtually any article of clothing or accessory, but on a shoe, an outfit becomes elevated with a more luxe sophistication & festive fashionability. Last fall, I went crazy buying up all the velvet leggings I could in every rich, jewel tone hue & now I’ve got my eye on velvet flats.

SHOP: velvet bow tie ballet flat shoe in blackjack, dark bottle, & raisin Arizona @Old Navy (on sale: $26.99, available in sizes 6-11).

These will be a perfect work staple to contrast a neutral-heavy look in earth tones & dark denim, but also with other luxurious patterns of the season, such as plaid, floral, abstracts, & brocade! my only wishes are for availability in wide width, a pointy toe as opposed to an almond toe, & other colors, such as navy or purple.

How would you style these flats? Would you wear them to the office & for a holiday party? What color velvet flats would you wear? For more stylish posts, check out: an open-front cardigan in every color from Amazon, Ana de Armas’ performance of “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend,” & cozy fleece separates from Target! Happy Styling!

Show Me the Shoes: Summer Sandal Must-Haves!

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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!

SHOP: Covington gingham ankle strap heels (available in 4 colors, sizes 5-11, on sale: $14.50 with code: HALFSIES) @Lulu’s.

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.

SHOP: braided slip-on sandals (available in 4 colors, sizes 5-10, $17.99) @Forever 21.

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.

SHOP: Jene suede sandal (available in 4 colors, sizes 5-11, on sale: $65.00) @Banana Republic.

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.

SHOP: strappy fabric leather sandals (available in 2 colors, sizes 6-10, $69.50 / get 40% off with code: OMG) @LOFT.

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.

SHOP: chain jelly sandals (available in 2 colors, sizes 6-10, on sale: $10.00) @Ardene.

If you’re headed to a daytime wedding or looking for casual Friday sandals, anything with buckles, animal prints, & pastels will elevate an outfit.

SHOP: Fioni Sullivan bit thong sandal (available in 3 colors, sizes 5-13, on sale: $19.99) @Payless.

Which summer sandal picks are your favorites? Where are you shopping for summer sandals? Where are you finding the best deals on summer footwear? What qualities do you look for in a summer shoe? For more stylish posts, check out: Barbiecore style on Reese Witherspoon & Megan Fox, colorful & affordable tote bags by Time and Tru, versatile button-front tops from New York & Company, & the prettiest summer dress from Amazon! Happy Styling!

07/09/2022 Darling of the Day: Stranger Things Star Sadie Sink Appears on TODAY in a Floral Miu Miu Dress!

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Now that volume two of Stranger Things‘ fourth season has finally hit Netflix, the show’s stars are talking up that major cliffhanger ending in preparation for a final fifth season. This week, Max Mayfield herself, portrayed by the always luminous Sadie Sink, hit the press circuit with an appearance on Today, wearing all Miu Miu in a floral prairie dress & kitten heel loafer slingbacks. The 20-year-old actress discussed not only “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush as Max’s escape song, which, by the way, is still charting strong, but also Netflix’s binge-worthy success with Stranger Things, her supportive family, and starring in Taylor Swift‘s short film for her song “All Too Well.”

The dress includes many classic summer dress elements, including the delicate floral print, button down closure, & puffed sleeves, adding maturity & retro style to the ensemble that is paired with an unexpected, though on-brand, menswear-inspired footwear choice. See below:

SHOP: long printed crepe de chine dress in pomegranate yellow / red ($3,900) & leather loafers with heel in white ($1,700) @Miu Miu.

However, if shopping the luxury price tag of Miu Miu isn’t in your budget realm (it’s not in mine, that’s for sure), I selected some look-alike summer dresses to recreate Sadie’s anytime look, which is perfect for work with a cardigan & pumps or weekend with flat sandals & a crossbody bag.

SHOP: 1. BebreezChic floral puff sleeve chiffon dress in yellow flowers (available in sizes XS-XL, $39.99 + $6 off coupon code on site) @Amazon, 2. SheIn allover print ruffle a-line maxi dress in multi color (available in sizes XS-L, $33.99) @Amazon, & 3. Agnes Orinda casual ditsy floral midi shirt dress in white (available in sizes 1X-4X, on sale: $34.99) @Target.

SHOP: 1. metallic chain decor slingback mules in white (available in sizes 6-10.5, $38.00) @Shein, 2. faux weave mule flats in white (available in sizes 6-10, on sale: $10.00) @Ardene, & 3. Nina loafer in white (available in sizes 6-10, on sale: $25.00) @New York & Company.

Do you like Sadie’s Miu Miu look for TODAY? Would you mix a floral dress with loafer heels? Have you been binging Stranger Things? Who is your favorite character from the show? For more stylish posts, check out: The Crown star Emma Corrin on the cover of Vogue‘s August 2022 issue, Kim Kardashian’s beauty regimen interview with Allure, a flashback to Cameron Diaz’s best red carpet looks, an entire any-day dress look from H&M for under $100, & Keira Knightley’s little black dress inspiration from Paris Fashion Week! Happy Styling!

Show Me the Shoes: Day-to-Night Summer Sandals!

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When it comes to fashion & function, I try my best to have as few outfit changes in a day so that what I wear to start the day is what I’m wearing to end the day, unless, of course, there is a special occasion to take into consideration; however, comfortable & stylish footwear for the summer should not be compromised when it comes to leading a busy life. As a Style Darling mom on-the-go, I am usually sporting something a little flashier (meaning, blingier) than average, which keeps me happy, but also ensures that I’ve invested in a piece that I really care about. For example, for a flat sandal, why not go metallic for the everyday, so that it can easily transition from a daytime affair, such as a family gathering or carnival, to a nighttime event, like a wedding or cocktail party. Adding a metallic to a sandal can go a long way in getting your money’s worth & here are some options to consider for not only work, but also for play:

SHOP: Journee Serlinda sandal in gold metallic, rose gold, silver metallic, & black @DSW (available in sizes 6-12, $49.99).

SHOP: Out of Office sandals in silver, natural, & mutli @Versona (available in 5.5-8.5, $12.99-$29.99).

SHOP: Betsey Johnson Jamari sandals in multi snake, black multi, & gold-tone multi @Macy’s (available in sizes 5-11, on sale: $47.40).

I love all of these options to match with a maxi dress & fringed shawl or romper & crossbody bag, especially with the play on colors & patterns that make summer the most vibrant & fashionable season! Which sandals do you like the best? Do you seek out metallic footwear? Where are you shopping for summer sandals? For more stylish posts, check out: Selena Gomez’s Michael Kors gown for the season 2 premiere of Only Murders in the Building, braided summer belts on sale now at J. Crew Factory & Lane Bryant, bold crossbody bags from Target, & my favorite one-shoulder midi dress from Amazon! Happy Styling!

Step Into Style With These Holiday-Ready Heels!

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The holiday season is the perfect time to bring out the sparkle, especially as your social calendar is filling up. A little shine & glow never hurt anyone, which is why showing off some glitter, glitz, or luxury in footwear is an easy way to step into the holiday spirit with any look. Right now, there are so many can’t-miss holiday sales, especially on shoes, that I had to check out what’s happening @DSW.

These flirty & playful shoe options make for a great finishing touch to a little black dress, a red velvet sheath frock with a leather jacket, a lacey-ruffle blouse & skinny jeans, or dressing up flannel & a statement necklace. Not to mention that the following top picks are not just perfect for this season, but for any upcoming special occasion, which makes them worth the investment.

ALDO Craysa pumpBetsey Johnson Izzy sandalEssex Lane Valan pumpJournee Collection Kitt pumpMix No. 6 Trissa pump

Where are you shopping for the best Cyber Monday deals? What kinds of shoes do you like to wear during the holidays? Do you like lace or velvet details in your footwear? For more shoe-inspired posts, click here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!

Splurge or Save… on Lace Up Ballet Flats?

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This time of the summer is when retailers are rearing to go with the newest fall items for shoppers to clamor over. This includes trend items that might not stand the test of time, but there are definitely some worth seeking. For inspiration on the best of the newest arrivals for the next season, it’s easy to turn to luxury designers & brands. Those styles trickle down the price point pole & then look-alike items finally become affordable for a Style Darling on a budget.

One example is the lace-up ballet flat, a stylish option to help transition your wardrobe from summer to fall. The below styles range in prices from $685 (wowie!) to $24.99. These are examples of the next level of the ballet flat craze that’s obviously not going anywhere. What will designers think of next? A black ballet flat doesn’t have to be basic anymore, especially when styled with a little black dress or blouse & silk shorts ensemble.SHOP: 1. Gianvito Rossi flats @Neiman Marcus, 2. Sam Edelman flats @Bloomingdale’s, 3. MICHAEL Michael Kors flats @Macy’s, 4. lace-up flats @LOFT, & 5. SO flats @Kohl’s.

Which designers do you follow & invest in? What trends do you buy for less? Where are your favorite places to shop for shoes? What are you most looking forward to wearing for fall? Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: Affordable Flats, Heels, & Booties for the Holidays!

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When it comes to putting together the perfect holiday looks throughout the season, I’m always thinking about both style & comfort for wherever I’m headed. Additionally, as I’m shopping around for special extras as I plan which events I’m attending, my shoe choices sometimes inform how the rest of my look is going to come together. With that in mind, I’m budget-conscious, but also very inspired by the trendiest, luxury designs on the market since details like lace, glitz, texture, & color are so important in expressing my mood & personality. As I perused some of my favorite online resources, I saw several common themes for fall / winter shoes, which allowed me to seek out lower price points to fill my wardrobe & heart with more footwear joy!

As we approach the holidays, I’m pretty obsessed with a pointy toe flat because it resolves the issue I always had about wearing flats with a pencil skirt or sheath dress. I always felt like my legline was never justly enhanced by a sweet ballet flat, but when the pointy toe flat trend rolled around, I knew there was so much styling potential. ‘Tis the season for some sparkle! Therefore, finding the below sparkly flats immediately made me think about how they add and elegant pop of shine to an LBD, sweater dress with tights, or even dressing up a chunky sweater with leggings. 

SHOP: (left) Giuseppe Zannoti embellished flats @Farfetch & (right) pointed toe flats @H&M.

Perhaps the funnest recent trend to hit flats is the pom pom. It’s eye-catching & playful, which screams holiday-ready, especially in the always neutral black where you can style up a fit & flare dress, lace shorts & blouse, or tweed suit separates. Perhaps this trend might not work for your everyday shoe needs, but it’s a cheeky & fashion forward way to have a great time at a holiday party!

SHOP: (left) Gucci mink pom pom flats @BySymphony & (right) furry pomp pom flats @GOjane.

A pair of black pumps is must-have for any time of the year. When selecting how to transition your day look to night when leaving to office & hitting up a cocktails with friends, mixing up textures from classic leather to rich velvet will help do the trick. It’s not secret that the right pair of pumps will change your posture more confidently, but with these, you can strut your stuff in style with an unexpected & luxe detail of velvet. 

SHOP: (left) Jimmy Choo Romy pumps @My Theresa & (right) velvet stiletto pumps @Wet Seal.

Lastly, fall is all about the ankle bootie! When you’re looking for a combination of edgy & feminine, a touch of lace hugging across the foot adds interest. The delicate detail will only amplify your other accessories like a thick patent belt over a shirt dress or houndstooth in a scarf over a trench. You can walk tall knowing that your outfit is slaying with each step, but you’re not breaking the bank either!

SHOP: (left) Dolce & Gabbana lace booties @Saks Fifth Avenue & (right) Amber lace bootie @Dressbarn.

What trends are you looking to explore this holiday season? Where are you shopping for the best bargain deals? Which designers are inspiring your wardrobe? Happy Styling!