Splurge or Save… on Twisted Mules?


Even though we’ve been talking a bit about fall boots & hoodies, let’s not forget about how summer is still very much shining brightly & mules are here to stay! When it comes to designer footwear, there are so many options, but who doesn’t love an affordable look-alike that saves you money?

As seen above, Dolce Vita’s Pilton mule (@Dolce Vita) is a stylish option for a variety of outfits & I do love the various colors, but not the $125.00 price! However, if you love the texture & twisted band combination & you’re looking for your next going-out heel, check out below:

SHOP: A New Day Jessa mule heels in 3 colors @Target ($37.99, available in sizes 5-12).

These neutral, affordable options are perfect for any bridal shower guest look, a family barbecue, or girls’ night out. Not to mention that these will certainly carry over well into next spring too! Which color do you like best? How do you feel about the twisted band detail? How often do you wear mules? For more stylish posts, check out: the chicest hoodie for fall, midi dresses for under $20, & white skirts for less inspired by Taylor Swift & Katie Holmes! Happy Styling!

Show Me the Shoes: New Must-Have Ankle Boots from Target!


Even though it feels like there’s plenty of summer still ahead, fall is hitting stores with some unbelievable new styles, including footwear. Ankle boots aren’t going away this coming season & if you’re in need of a refresh in your shoe arsenal, then any of these will do, especially as 90s trends are hot.

SHOP: A New Day Kinsley ankle boots in 3 colors @Target ($39.99, available in sizes 5-12).

I love the block heel, which offers extra support, but what’s also very special about these boots is the color variety. A neutral black or cognac makes for any great fall ensemble, but I am a fan of the olive style, which will enhance any plaid look. Which boots do you like the best? How often will you be wearing ankle boots? Where are you shopping for the latest fall trends? For more stylish posts, check out: hammered jewelry from J. Crew Factory, the best pull-on pants for fall, & ribbed tank tops for under $5! Happy Styling!

Show Me the Shoes: 50% Off Must-Have Pumps!


I love a sleek stiletto pump! I love a pump with unique detail that offers more interest & luxury to any outfit. I love a pump in an unexpected color. I love a point toe. However, I haven’t been wearing pumps much since early in the pandemic, even though I have purchased my fair over the last year. Speaking of pumps…

SHOP: Express X Simon Spurr pumps in pitch black, stone, & electric blue @Express (on sale: $44.00, available in sizes 5-10).

I’m crazy about this electric blue, though I wish it was also made in the same croc embossed texture as the black & white options. Additionally, a wide width alternative would be helpful, as well as other neutral colors, like tan, gray, & navy to wear with a sheath dress & blazer outfit, bow-neck blouse & pencil skirt look, & jogger jumpsuit ensemble.

Which color do you like the best? Do you love to strut in stiletto pumps like these? How often do you wear embossed footwear? For more stylish posts, check out: pajama sets for under $19, final sale on sequin star cardigans from LOFT, & Time & Tru pastel sweaters! Happy Styling!

Show Me the Shoes: Braided Mules for Spring in 12 Colors!


The 2020s have seen a major shift in style, especially concerning footwear as 90s & early 2000s trends are slowly creeping back. While a stiletto heel is classic, block heels have returned & we’ll be seeing them in the spring. Additionally, open slides with braiding details will be trendy once again, & why shouldn’t they be? The mule style is easy to slide on & when it comes in multiple colors, the stylish possibilities are endless.

SHOP: A New Day Basil mule heels in 12 colors @Target ($19.24-$34.99, available in sizes 5-12 in medium & wide width).

Personally, I’m a big fan of the neutral/white mix, as well as both metallic gold & silver options. I envision them with a maxi dress, drop earrings, & floral wristlet for a summer date night or family party.

Additionally, nearly every major shoe retailer has some version of these mules, as well as ankle booties & flats, for the various seasons, mostly because the braiding detail is timeless & offers a cushion around the foot. Which color do you like best? Do you prefer a chunky heel or something slimmer? How would you style this shoe? For more stylish posts, check out: a must-have sequin sweater & leggings outfit, classic denim jackets in 4 washes by Time & Tru, & spring ballet dresses in sizes XS-4X! Happy Styling!

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


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!

Super Style Wishlist: Karl Lagerfeld Paris Carlisle Pumps!


A few weeks ago, I was taking a quick walk through my local Macy’s & was stopped & stunned to find these:

The Karl Lagerfeld Paris Carlisle pump in black (on sale: $118.30) floored me! I’m not a major name brand shopper—I’m more of an admirer from a far. However, I couldn’t help myself, gawking mouth agape & all, thinking of the kind of life a woman wearing these shoes must live. Then, my mind went into a tailspin of styling possibilities: a tailored suit with a bow-neck blouse, cocktail dress for New Year’s Eve, a fit & flare dress with a leather jacket for date night, or a tunic sweater & studded jeggings. No matter the style, these are fierce shoes, going on my wishlist! Truth be told, I’ll likely never actually purchase them, fearing my budget-oriented voice of reason would judge & guilt me over all the other ways I could have invested my money… Oh well!

What designer item do you have your sights set on? Are you a fan of Karl Lagerfeld Paris shoes? Do you browse high-end items like viewing museum exhibitions? For more stylish posts, check out: 50% off statement necklaces from Nordstrom Rack, the beauty & jewelry highlights from this year’s Emmy Awards, the unforgettable red carpet moments from this year’s Emmy Awards, & the must-have peplum cardigan of the season! Happy Styling!

Show Me the Shoes: Pick Polka Dots!


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.

Additionally, the Ollio store on Amazon, which I’ve previously recommended for these cute navy floral flats, also includes polka dot flats in other colors, such as pink, green, red, yellow, & blue.

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.

How would you style these flats? Are you a fan of polka dots? Do you shop Amazon for shoes or back-to-school must-haves? For more stylish posts, check out: leopard print pencil skirts from New York & Company, fabric headbands from Old Navy, & kimono-inspired tops for fall! Happy Styling!

SHOP NOW!: The Best Summer-To-Fall Pants for Work & Play from Target!


During a recent black hole viewing of Instagram stories (I’m not the only one, am I?), I came across a blogger sharing their interpretation for summer-to-fall teacher outfits, including A New Day’s high-rise slim straight pull-on pants @Target ($25.00, available in sizes XS-4X). There are 2 qualities about these pants that I loved right away: 1. They’re pull-on. Ever since I’ve had my daughter, pants with zippers are the enemy & pull-on pants are my loyal subjects! 2. They’re available in 8 neutral, professional colors / patterns.

The variety includes navy (windowpane), black pinstriped, gray (plaid), gray (& black/purple houndstooth), cream, green, brown, & black. So far, I’ve ordered all, except the black because they weren’t available in my size, & I’ve received the navy & gray houndstooth. They’re very comfortable & run true to size. I love the length (being that I’m 5’3″).

For a professional day, they will pair nicely with a blouse-cardigan-ballet flat combination or a short sleeve sweater & statement necklace with mule heels. I’d love to style these pants for more than just work though. When headed somewhere more casual, I can see pairing the solid options with a dolman top & sandals or a printed tee & wedges. As always, the possibilities are endless! Check out some options by A New Day sold @Target below:

SHOP: short sleeve scoop neck t-shirt in dark pink ($5.00, available in sizes XS-XXL & 6 colors, shop plus here), raglan long sleeve tie-front top in black ($20.00, available in sizes XS-XXL & 9 colors / patterns, shop plus here), polo sweater in cream ($25.00, available in sizes XS-XXL & 4 colors), puff short sleeve v-neck top in brown ($18.00, available in sizes XS-XXL & 5 colors, shop plus here), dolman short sleeve plisse top in green ($18.00, available in sizes XS-XXL & 4 colors, shop plus here), & flutter sleeve tank top in green (on sale: $17.00, available in sizes XS-XXL & 7 colors, shop plus here).

Lastly, an outfit isn’t complete without some stylish (& affordable shoes). Target really knows what they’re doing when it comes to products in the line for A New Day as so many neutral pieces can be coordinated, especially with the pants:

SHOP: Millie twin gore slip-on sneakers in green ($14.99, available in sizes 5-12, wide width options, 6 colors), Thea mules in black ($19.99, available in sizes 5-12), Sue heels in blush ($29.99, available in sizes 5-12 & 2 colors), Corinna ballet flats in mahogany ($14.99, available in sizes 5-12, wide width options, 6 colors), Danica platform loafers in off-white ($32.99, available in sizes 5-12, wide width options, 2 colors), & Kiki mules in cognac ($29.99, available in sizes 5-12 & 3 colors).

Do you shop Target’s A New Day collection? What kind of pants do you wear to work? Do you prefer a pull-on pant or pants with a zipper? How would you style any of these separates? For more stylish posts, check out: the perfect organizer for your stylish wristwear needs from Amazon, blue & resin jewelry from LOFT, Time & Tru’s colorful totes from Walmart, & how to get Anne Hathaway’s breezy gauzy look for less! Happy Styling!

Show Me the Shoes: Fancy Flowered Flats in Navy!


As I’m preparing to return to the office after almost 2 1/2 weeks off, my mind is racing with style inspiration for what I’ll wear! Even though I’m not teaching again until the fall semester begins, there’s still plenty of opportunity to explore summer work style & that starts with a cute pair of navy flats!

I’d purchased very plain faux suede navy flats from Old Navy years ago, which were staples for anytime I needed a pop of the darker neutral to complete a mostly blue look for work. Eventually, those flats were worn out, but I did order another pair. However, I dreamt of more special navy flats, something with flare to rank with my assortment of patent leather, lace, snake embossed, bowed, jeweled, laser cut, & studded flats in other colors. Navy just never seemed to have its moment—until I found the Ollio faux suede decorative flower pointed toe ballet flats @Amazon ($29.99, available in sizes 6-10 & in 6 additional colors).

I have an 8 medium foot, so these fit me perfectly for work when wearing a blouse & dress pants, wrap dress & cardigan, or if I am attending a special daytime occasion, these coordinate well with any spring or cocktail-length dress needing a navy companion. Unfortunately, the flats are not available in wide & some half sizes.

As fall fashion starts to poke its fashionable head into retail windows, these flats, in addition to the other jewel-toned green & mustard options, are on my mind & remain in an all-year rotation. What are your go-to flats for work or a special occasion? What pieces do you keep out for every day use? For more stylish posts, check out: stylish & stackable jewelry organization, $8 sandal slides in 4 colors from Walmart, & a fashion flashback with Bullet Train actress Joey King! Happy Styling!

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


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!

The $100 Challenge: #OOTD in Green from H&M!


In today’s world, it’s actually not hard to find comfortable, stylish clothing, what with the coziness of loungewear still on everyone’s mind during lockdown; however, the world is changing, & it’s time to marry the comfort with the glam, especially when it comes to budget fashion. Today’s post is all about getting an entire look for under $100, which is exactly what I was able to put together with these stylish, neutral, & versatile pieces from H&M for a total of $85.95 (before taxes & any shipping fees), including:

SHOP: 1. cotton jersey dress in green (available in sizes XS-XXL, $24.99), 2. heart-shaped earrings in gold-coloured ($9.99), 3. metal-buckle waist belt in light beige (available in sizes XS-XXL, $17.99), 4. crossbody bag in beige ($19.99), & 5. slides in beige ($12.99).

The dress is also available in black, dark taupe, & light beige, which means that the styling possibilities are endless, especially with the slides & crossbody bag also made in black. If you like a billowy silhouette, you can ditch the belt or go for something more natural in a straw or basketweave, or even add a floppy hat & go for gladiator sandals with this look.

Where are you shopping for affordable fashion this season? What kinds of summer dresses are you most drawn to? Do you coordinate your accessories by shade or texture? For more stylish posts, check out: Keira Knightley’s Paris Fashion Week LBD, the prettiest maxi dress for summer from Amazon, #PRIDE styles from New York & Company, & affordable glam day-to-night sandals! Happy Styling!

07/06/2022 Darling of the Day: Keira Knightley’s Summer French Girl Chanel LBD at Paris Fashion Week!


Two-time Academy Award nominee & Chanel ambassador Keira Knightley hit Paris Fashion Week‘s Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2022 Runway, sitting front row in a French-girl-chic little black dress by, none other than, Chanel.

Her return to spotlight is long overdue & demonstrates her consistent triumphant style, grace, & polish as she turned heads in an unlikely summer combination of velvet & Mary Jane heels (shop similar here). However, Keira nails the look, especially with bumper sunglasses (shop similar here), a quilted clutch (shop similar here), & elegant rings (shop here & here). See the photos below of Keira’s exquisite style, alongside her husband, James Righton, to inspire your next summer LBD outing.

Even though summer is a season all about colors & patterns, a little black dress for a variety of occasions is a timeless wardrobe staple, including these more affordable options to help a Style Darling live your best French-girl fantasy, whether you’re headed to a cocktail party, wedding, weekend brunch, or somewhere fabulous & fashionable.

SHOP: 1. Gabrielle Union faux leather fringe dress in black @New York & Company (available in sizes XS-XXL, sale: $38.98), 2. satin mini cowl neck slip dress in black @ELOQUII (available in sizes 14-28, $99.95), 3. velvet lace dress in black @Venus (available in sizes 2-24, $89.00), 4. button v-neck dress in black @LOFT (available in sizes 00-14, sale: $79.99), 5. And Now This cotton cutout one-shoulder dress in black @Macy’s (available in sizes XS-XL, sale: $41.30), & 6. allover lace midi dress in black @Express (available in sizes XS-XL, sale: $59.00).

Additionally, an LBD doesn’t necessarily demand coordinating black shoes, especially as seen on Keira wearing beige & black Mary Janes, but this season, black sandals come in a variety of strappy & mule styles that elevate any ensemble. Here are some suggestions:

shoes

SHOP: 1. Journee Collection Sidney pump in black @DSW (available in sizes 5.5-12, $59.99), 2. Journee Collection Emory heel in black @Express (available in sizes 6-12, $59.99), 3. ruched bloc-heeled sandals in black @Ardene (available in sizes 6-10, sale: $17.94), 4. Allegra K pointed toe chunky heel dress mule pumps in black @Target (available in sizes 6-10, sale: $55.99), & 5. Journee Collection comfort Vivvy heel in black @Express (available in sizes 7-12, $64.99).

Do you like Keira’s Chanel look? Would you wear velvet in the summer? Which designer runway shows have you been following for Paris Fashion Week? Which celebrities are your favorites to see sitting in the front row? For more stylish posts, check out: the prettiest summer maxi dress from Amazon; red, white, & blue red carpet style on celebrities like Dakota Johnson & Anne Hathaway; top polka dot picks from LOFT; & Natalie Portman’s Variety photo shoot in Dior & Iris Van Herpen! Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: Selena Gomez Celebrates the Kind Words Launch of Rare Beauty in Alexander McQueen!


Selena Gomez is at it again! No, she’s not solving murders, like her character, Mable Mora, does on Only Murders in the Building. No, she’s not cooking up a feast for her friends & family, like she does on the hit HBOMax show Selena + Chef. No, she’s not singing her heart out, like she did on her most recent album, Revelacion. This time, she’s promoting her new lipstick & lip liner launch for her cosmetics brand, Rare Beauty, Kind Words in effortless, mature, & elegant style.

The mogul & entertainer stepped out in a Santa Monica Sephora wearing a blazer mini dress with lace detailing by Alexander McQueen (shop similar here) from the Fall/Winter 2022 collection, finished with Jimmy Choo Minny sandals in black (shop here), maintaining a polished, professional, & posh style for yet another blogworthy appearance, as seen below.

In an email interview with Harper’s Bazaar last month, Selena revealed the process behind developing the Kind Words matter lip colors, along with her favorites, stating: “I wanted to create a classic lipstick that’s truly comfortable. Every shade is easy and wearable, and just perfect for every day…This is everything I’ve ever wanted in a lip liner. Super smooth and doesn’t tug on your lips and made to last all day without feeling sticky.”

In the same Harper’s Bazaar piece, Selena adds, “I’ve been testing and wearing these products for the past year with my friends and makeup artists. This year, I’ve worn the lipstick and liners to the SAG Awards, Critics Choice Awards, Only Murders in the Building press days, and on my days off…I can’t stop wearing the new Kind Words Matte Lip Liner in Fun, which I have been pairing with the Kind Words Matte Lipstick in Lively. Fun is a beautiful neutral mauve, and Lively is more of a rose-pink shade, and they complement each other well. If I want a bold lip look, my go-to is Gifted, which is a deep dusty plum. That’s what I’m wearing in the campaign! The lipsticks and liners are so easy to wear, because they’re comfortable and creamy, so the lips stay soft and supple. I love this collection because every shade is wearable and perfect for an everyday look whether I’m mixing and matching or wearing the same shades.”

Check out the below video, from Beauty Velle, for a glimpse into Selena’s Kind Words collection in rich matte hues for any occasion:

For $15-$20, the liners & lipsticks seem like a worthy investment, if you’re the lipstick-loving type!

Are you excited for Selena’s next beauty venture? Which hues are your favorites? Do you wear any of her cosmetics? Which celebrity beauty line do you follow & love the most? What’s your lipcare routine? For more stylish posts, check out: Zendaya’s disco glam cover for Vogue Italia, Margot Robbie & Ryan Gosling dressed as Barbie & Ken for the new live action film Barbie, the best red carpet looks from the 2022 Daytime Emmys, including Drew Barrymore & Kelly Monaco, & the most daring red carpet styles from the 2022 BET Awards, featuring Janelle Monae & Blac Chyna! Happy Styling

All About Platforms with Jessica Alba!


Jessica Alba has always been one of my favorite celebrities to watch out for on the red carpet because several elements of her personal style mirror my own. She loves feminine, classic pieces, never straying too far into an architectural or modern aesthetic, but still appearing current & trendy. While the actress / entrepreneur has been promoting her new series L.A.’s Finest (also starring the always exquisite Gabrielle Union), as well as her brand The Honest Company, Jessica has been all about platforms. I couldn’t help but notice the chunky shoe under many of her dresses during her promotional tour, a choice that I would not personally make, but something I love to look at with her red carpet fashion, which has a very 70s & 90s glam vibe right now.

Below Jessica goes peachy in a Giambattista Valli Spring 2019 dress with beige patent leather platforms & an Alaia cropped shirt with a striped skirt in Jimmy Choo platforms.

Also, at the Monte Carlo TV Festival, Jessica wore an orange Silvia Tcherassi belted dress with a Mulberry bag & satin platforms. For her Honest Beauty Meet & Greet, Jessica looks heavenly in a Self Portrait midi dress with rust suede Salvatore Ferragamo platforms. For the budget shopper looking for trend pieces without breaking the bank, check out some of these affordable & stylish platforms out in stores & online now.

burgundy platforms @GOjane

beige platforms @Forever 21

Mix No. 6 Trima platforms @DSW

Madeline bronze platforms @Steve Madden

Chinese Laundry red Theresa platforms @Zappos

Design Lab black platforms @Lord & Taylor

Chinese Laundry Going Haute striped platforms @ModCloth

Do you like platforms? How do you typically style platform heels? Where are you shopping for the latest shoe styles? For more stylish posts, check out classic tees from New York & Company & dressbarn, Betsey Johnson’s Vandi butterfly shoes, & weekend totes perfect for the beach! Happy Styling!

Betsey Johnson’s Vandi Pumps are Giving Me Butterflies!


It’s been a few days now that Facebook has been showing me sponsored posts about Betsey Johnson‘s Vandi pumps & each time I spot them, I take a moment to admire their femininity & flair. I usually get annoyed by sponsored posts (because I don’t like how social media tracks when I’m searching & then it appears EVERYWHERE). However, in this case, I haven’t searched the brand, nor have I been seeking out strappy high sandals like these, but I find them downright delightful & lovely.

SHOP: black multi Vandi pump & fuschia Vandi pump @Betsey Johnson.

They’re beyond my budget & not realistic for my current lifestyle & footwear needs, but they sure are pretty! thump thump…I imagine styling them with a little black dress, floral fit & flair frock, or even with a colorful blouse & skinny jeans. These are shoes for serious Style Darlings who love to add that extra special touch to every outfit & if they landed on my doorstep (in a size 8), I wouldn’t bat an eye at finding an occasion to wear them.

What shoes are you dreaming about? Where are you splurging this summer? What’s your favorite style of dress shoe? For more stylish posts, check out these affordable summer totes, the prettiest pendant necklaces of the summer, & Victoria Beckham’s neon Balenciaga shoes! Happy Styling!

The Anytime Party Flat (on Clearance)!


It’s no secret that when I find a style of something I looooove (like can’t-live-without-it love), I have to have it in every color / style. That goes for earrings, sweaters, skirts, & shoes–especially shoes! I’ve written about the Gigi flats by Christian Siriano for Payless previously (here), but now that I’m wearing these black & gold brocade shoes (for the first time, for a work holiday party), I’m shocked that they’re already on clearance for $12.00!

That’s an amazing must-have price for shoes that can really be worn for any special occasion. I will forever & always love me a high heel stiletto, but ballet flats have been tiptoeing into my heart for quite some time now & I feel no shame in wearing them. I’m not settling. I’m simply considering comfort along with style & with flats like these, I don’t have to sacrifice style one bit.

The only downsides (that I’ve noticed) is that not all Gigi styles are available in wide width, & also that the soft exterior probably won’t withstand wet weather. However, trying out a little pop of sparkle in the gold brocade will definitely add a splash of timeless sass for girls’ night out, an evening work function, or for just having a little fashionable fun.

What do you think of these brocade flats? How would you style them? For more shoe-inspired posts, click here, here, here, & here! Happy Styling!

12/17/2018 Darling of the Day: Jessica Alba’s Goes Gold!


Whenever I’m seeking out style inspiration from celebrities (on the red carpet or their street style), my mind immediately races with ideas on how readers (& myself) can make a look their (affordable) own. Style isn’t this inaccessible thing anymore since there are so many reasonably price retailers that look to high fashion sources for their own inspiration too. Hence my latest post featuring actress / entrepreneur Jessica Alba dressing down a gold sparkly blouse with a velvet blazer by Frame (shop here), frayed wide leg jeans, black suede booties, & a gold buckle wide belt. A blazer & jeans are two staple items that we all have in our wardrobe, which is why this look is so easy to recreate without breaking the bank.

To build this look, here are two essential pieces, which can also be mixed & matched with other items throughout the holiday season & during the year. 

STARVNC sequin tank @Walmart & Thalia Sodi halter top @Macy’s (both available in sizes S – XXL)

faux suede ankle bootie @Forever 21 & Qupid Parma bootie @DSW

Which celebs do you turn to for street style & holiday inspiration? How do you get the most use out of your favorite & most sparkly holiday pieces? For more celebrity style posts, click here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!

Martha Stewart’s New Shoe Line for Payless!


Over the years, there have been countless celebrity collaborations with designers & retailers, resulting in some memorable pieces that stand the test of time, or just turn into fading trend pieces that you might remember. However, one such celebrity is entering, or re-entering, the world of fashion with a new shoe collection for Payless. Martha Stewart, designer of all things luxury living, has created Martha Everyday exclusively for the affordable footwear retailer, featuring plenty of must-have shoes perfect for the holiday season & beyond, as well as the daily work grind. 

According to the lifestyle maven’s official website, Martha is “thrilled to partner with Payless to design a line of footwear that’s both beautiful and affordable.” She adds, “For as long as I’ve been in business my goal has been to deliver well-made, beautiful products to my audience, at the right price. Payless has the same goal, making them a perfect partner to collaborate with to create gorgeous shoes that our customers can afford.”

The collection includes some holiday staples, such as the Primrose ballet flats (in metallic neutrals & suede with a delicate scallop detail), Wayside mule slides, Laurels slingbacks, Haven kitten heels, & Highclere strappy sandals, as well as the new color “gilver,” which is a grey-silver combination with just enough sparkle to be easily integrated into your evening wardrobe rotation. Prices range $29.99 – $34.99, which is definitely an affordable buy (& it’s so easy to get a coupon for Payless to use on top of the  great price).

Haven

Highclere

Laurels

Primrose

Wayside

Which shoe is your favorite? How would you style these options? Where are you shopping for holiday shoes this season? For more shoe-related posts, click here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!

Step Into Style With These Holiday-Ready Heels!


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!

Velvet: The Holiday Season’s Most Luxurious Texture!


When shopping for holiday must-haves, it’s easy to be attracted to the intricate details of jacquard, colors of tweed, lines of corduroy, & patterns of knits. However, when mixing & matching your favorite separates to prepare for a stylish season, there’s one texture that remains a constant (& it’s really affordable too). That’s velvet!

Right now @Old Navy, velvet is everywhere & affordable in tops (ranging in sizes XS-XXL) & shoes, perfect for coordinating with a printed pencil skirt, skinny jeans, trousers, & much more. What I love the most of these velvet items is their hue. Shoppers can easily enjoy the softest pastel pink & cream, but also go for something more dramatic a jewel tone or luxe charcoal.

camiglitter top

ruffle top

heelsflats

These pieces are easily transitional from day to night, especially when replacing a pendant necklace with a statement bauble, swapping out a pair of pants for a tiered skirt & patterned tights, or playing with layers of leather & silk too. Velvet gets me super excited for all of its styling possibilities, inspiring me to take a closer look at accessories with pearls, ribbons, studs, & mixed metals!

What textures do you like to wear in the fall-winter? What colors are your favorites for this time of year? For more posts on affordable fashion, click here, here, here, & here! Happy Styling!

The Best Floral Shoes for the Holidays!


The holidays are just around the corner & as much as I love indulging in seasonal duds (red knits, green velvet pieces, fair isle sweaters, etc.), I’m always excited to get my hands on (or feet in, in this case) a new find that can be interpreted for the holidays & beyond. I’m talking about the Habit pump & Gigi flat @Payless by Project Runway winner Christian Siriano (a favorite designer of mine!) whose shimmer black floral footwear opens up the styling possibilities for fall, winter, & spring!

Habit pump @Payless

Gigi flat @Payless

I love these shoe options because of their versatility. They can be worn to the office & easily transition for evening for a night on the town or holiday party. They offer the perfect pop of personality for a little black dress, gold-burgundy outfit combination, & a blush blouse & skinny jeans. Also, these two styles of shoes are made in another matching heel-flat companion (for example: black with silver studs here & here), both of which are equally comfortable & chic for a variety of looks.

Holiday florals don’t have to be the traditional poinsettia or all about holly, especially when getting the most mileage out of your wardrobe investments will pay off better in the long run. For more fun shoe-related posts, click here, here, here, & here! Happy Holiday & Happy Styling!

Show Me the Shoes: Velvet Ankle Strap Heels on Sale Now!


I have a lot to look forward to as season transitions from summer to fall. My birthday is coming up, I’m returning my primary job after summer vacation, it’s my boyfriend’s birthday, & we’re headed to some pretty major celebrations all in a matter of a month. With that, I’m very budget-conscious & plan to reinvent wardrobe favorites with stylish accessory combinations, in an effort to avoid buying new pieces. However, when I saw the Delphine velvet ankle strap heels @Nine West, I became really excited at the idea of wearing luxe gray or pretty blush shoes as neutrals to my planned party dresses.

Right now, Nine West is clearing out their spring & summer shoes with amazing clearance discounts. These Delphine evening sandals were originally $99.00 & they’re currently on sale for $29.99, available in sizes 5.5-10. The ankle strap sandal trend isn’t going away, especially as we head into the holidays. Wearing a regal textured shoe is also a stylish way to extend the life of cocktail dresses, dressy separates, & chic street style pieces.

Do you wear the same pair of shoes for every special occasion? Do you invest into textured, unique pieces for events? How much do you spend on end of the season shoes? Where do you shop for your favorite footwear? Happy Styling!

08/22/2017 Darling of the Day: Reese Witherspoon’s One-Shoulder Dress & Strappy Sandals!


Reese Witherspoon never fails to deliver on the red carpet, with her street style, & for any press event she attends. I love her feminine & edgy style, often a chic blend of preppy meets glam girl. The Oscar-winning actress & Draper James founder recently made an appearance in The Hamptons while promoting her new film, Home Again, wearing a gorgeous black & metallic one-shoulder Isabel Marant dress (shop here) (from the designer’s Fall 2017 collection) with ruffled Christian Louboutin strappy sandals (shop here). The look is picture perfect, which is why I’m featuring it for my latest Darling of the Day post. The ensemble is a definite style win, but the cost of the dress & shoes alone will run you back by the thousands.

It was hard to achieve a near-identical look-alike outfit, but I loved the inspiration behind the trendy one-shoulder & ruffled ankle strap heels. In featuring pieces inspired by Reese’s look, it’s always my pleasure to share how to recreate something similar for shoppers of any size. I love a great print & a black & white color combination is classic for every woman!

SHOP: Lucky Brand dress @Macy’s, plus floral dress @Target, LC Lauren Conrad linear drop earrings @Kohl’s, Napier linked bracelet @Kohl’s, & ruffle strappy heels @Missguided.

Which celebrity’s style do you love to watch the most? What’s your favorite dress trend right now? Where are you shopping for the most stylish accessories? For more celebrity style posts, check out Emma Stone for Marie Claire‘s September issue, Gabrielle Union’s newest collection for New York & Company, blazers on Jennifer Lopez & Olivia Palermo, & Rachel Bilson’s Old Navy denim look! Happy Styling!

Show Me the Shoes: Pretty in Pink Flats!


In its fairest shade, pink is a neutral, perfect for matching up with nearly any spring, summer, or fall outfit. I myself do love a rose gold flat with some black tights, if the look demands it, in the winter too! And why shouldn’t a blush shoe be a neutral? It works very well for the upcoming fall season as well with a slew of hues, including navy, chocolate, olive, charcoal, burgundy, cobalt, mustard, hunter green, & so many more!  

With all that build up, it’s no surprise that the pretty pink flats I’m featuring are not only pretty & pink, but also, they’re versatile considering their texture & design. I’ve never been a huge fan of the pink family, but over the years, my heart has started to skip a stylish beat when I see some rose gold jewelry. That’s extended into eyeshadow & accessories like shoes & belts too. However, for fall, take a look at these dressy, luxe, & feminine designs @Charlotte Russe to inspire a pop of pink where you might not have previously.

SHOP: rose gold ponty toe flats, ankle strap patent flats, ruffle velvet flats, & bowed d’Orasay flats @Charlotte Russe.

What’s your go-to shoe color? Do you wear dressy ballet flats? Where are you shopping for the trendiest footwear this season? How do you like to wear pink? Happy Styling!

Splurge or Save… on Lace Up Ballet Flats?


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!