SHOP NOW: Summer’s Must-Have Peplum Top from Walmart!


One-in-every-color is at it again! This time, I’m obsessed–to my surprise–with the Time and Tru peplum hem t-shirt @Walmart for $12.98. I had ordered only the berry fun (pink) & black soot colors on a whim, but I’ve just added the other colors to my cart, although dark navy is not available in my size!

I was scrambling to get ready for my last day of work before a long-awaited vacation & knew that I had my favorite past-season black ankle pants & a stack of casual, weekend tops at the ready without the forethought from the previous night to pick out my outfit. Suddenly, with Barbiecore on the brain, I grabbed the pink version of this top, a long necklace, & patterned flats; along with my ankle pants, I was all set. It’s not very often that I use Time and Tru pieces for work, especially when my comfortable, weekend wardrobe is way more toned down. I was happily surprised with the final look & excited to share it with readers since the 6 colors are made in sizes XS-XXXL, although availability may be limited due to the end of the summer season rush in stores.

The modal/polyester/spandex material of this top is lightweight & the perfect blend of summer business casual Friday; however, this top must be ironed or steamed. Luckily, I had my hand steamer nearby when I was rushing to put myself together & the top came out as polished as I expected.

This top is ideal for a variety of looks, especially if you’re seeking out flowy, loose pieces for a hot summer day & when you just don’t have the capacity for something form-fitting. Check out the below suggested pieces to coordinate with this versatile, must-have, & affordable top:

SHOP: 1. Time and Tru button fly high rise curvy jeans in leopard (limited availability in sizes 4-20, on sale: $12.00) @Walmart, 2. Time and Tru faux leather leggings in black (available in sizes XS-XXXL, $15.96) @Walmart, 3. Time and Tru modern mid rise straight jeans in dre wash (limited availability in sizes 4-24, $16.87) @Walmart, 4. Time and Tru pull-on dress pant in black (available in size 10, $15.96) @Walmart, 5. Time and Tru linen blend shorts in watercolor floral (available in sizes XS-3XL, $16.98) @Walmart, 6. Time and Tru gingham shorts in dark navy (available in sizes XS-XXXL, $12.98) @Walmart, & 7. Time and Tru patchwork denim shorts in light wash (available in sizes 2-16, on sale: $10.98) @Walmart.

Do you shop Time and Tru at Walmart? How would you style this peplum top? Where are you shopping for your favorite go-to summer pieces? What’s your summer office style? For more stylish posts, check out: Ana de Armas & Ryan Gosling at the Los Angeles premiere of The Gray Man, Barbiecore pink inspiration on the red carpet from Ariana DeBose & Khloe Kardashian, the best red carpet looks on Modern Family star Sofia Vergara, & getting Stranger Things‘ Sadie Sink’s Miu Miu look for less! Happy Styling!

SHOP NOW: A Versatile Ruffle Blouse for Work & Play!


I’m guilty of being that “buy one in every color” shopper, as per my previous goddess dress post, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing because it makes picking out my day-to-day wardrobe seamless between family gatherings, prepping for class, heading into the office, or meeting up with friends. My latest obsession is ruffle button-front blouse from New York & Company, ranging in sizes XS-XXL. It’s currently on sale, ranging in price between $18.00-$26.97, depending on which coupon code you use & what your form of payment is; however, I like a top that I can wear with different bottoms, but also for different occasions.

The blouse is available in 3 solid hues: black, hazelnut latte, & pink garland, but my eye is on the flame orange leopard & multi color snake prints, which will pair well with any of the following items:

SHOP: 1. high-waisted linen-blend shorts in cerignola @Old Navy (available in sizes XS-4XL, sale: $18.00), 2. woven-textured crisscross sandals in natural stripe @Old Navy (available in sizes 6-11, sale: $16.00), 3. braided ankle strap sandals in natural @Walmart (available in sizes 6-11, $10.00), 4. Time and Tru tencel shorts in rinse wash @Walmart (available in sizes XS-3XL, $12.98), 5. A New Day smocked waist mid-rise a-line skirt in burgundy @Target (available in sizes XS-XXL, on sale: $23.79), 6. ruched-vamp pointy mules in black @Ardene (available in sizes 6-10, on sale: $11.94), 7. Ziva heel in crocodile embossed yellow @New York & Company (available in sizes 6-11, on sale: $44.97), 8. snake-print tie-waist pencil skirt in multi color @New York & Company (available in sizes XS-XXL, on sale: $41.97), 9. high-waisted cropped linen-blend pants in arugula @Old Navy (available in sizes XS-4XL, $39.99), 10. No Boundaries platform flip flops in gold @Walmart (available in sizes 6-11, on sale: $11.00), 11. Sofia Jeans by Sofia Vergara Rosa curvy super high-rise skinny ankle jeans in rinse @Walmart (available in size 14, $24.50), 12. Ansley block-heel sandal in red @New York & Company (available in sizes 6-10, on sale: $17.98), 13. Nanette Nanette Lepore angel zipper stretch work pants in black @TJ Maxx (available in sizes XS-XL, $19.99), & 14. Madison colorblock pump in pink @New York & Company (available in sizes 6-11, on sale: $35.00).

How would you style the ruffle button-front blouses? Where do you shop for the most versatile all-year separates? Do you pair blouses with casual pieces? What print do you prefer better? Leopard or snake? For most stylish posts, check out Vogue‘s August 2022 cover with The Crown star Emma Corrin, an entire summer outfit from H&M for under $100, Keira Knightley’s Chanel LBD at Paris Fashion Week, lovely polka dot pieces from LOFT, & the prettiest summer dress from Amazon! Happy Styling!

SHOP NOW: Time and Tru Linen & Cotton Shorts!


I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with summer, even though the fashion I’ve touted (summer dresses, tops, sandals, & more) for over a decade on Style Darling Daily has been some of the most colorful, joyful, & stylish of the entire year. It’s the heat that gets me–literally & figuratively frazzled! I vehemently dislike having to plan my wardrobe around oppressively hot weather when it comes to outdoor events, such as family gatherings, headed to festivals or farms with the family, etc. However, last summer on a vacation to upstate New York with my husband & daughter, I sweat through my cute cotton dress & desperately needed a change of wardrobe just for the drive back to Long Island. Our sudden stop to a Walmart changed my perspective on one long-avoided summer staple: shorts.

I’ve been a fan of Walmart‘s Time and Tru label for some time now, but always steered away from shorts in my adult years out of self-consciousness about my body & feeling much more comfortable & feminine in a dress or skirt outfit. Now, I accept that my legs are my legs & worrying over my self image takes time away from the fun things I could be doing out in the world. I’m usually the only person thinking about my legs, anyways! So… I’ve come to learn that I feel much better about myself when I’m wearing something that I feel best represents me, especially on sunny days, which is certainly the case for the cotton & linen shorts featured below:

SHOP: 1. Linen Blend shorts in Black Soot, 2. Linen Blend shorts in Black/White Stripe, 3. Linen Blend shorts in Navy Stripe, 4. Tencel Shorts in Navy Tropical, 5. Linen Blend shorts in Vivid White, 6. Linen Blend shorts in Watermelon Floral, 7. Linen Blend shorts in White/Black stripe, & 8. Tencel shorts in Sea Turtle.

These shorts can be paired with any variety of tee or tank (see some options below), along with flip-flops, sandals, or wedges for a perfectly fashionable & budget-friendly day or night out this summer. Additionally, I love that Time and Tru designs for a variety of sizes; the featured shorts above are available in XS – 3XL while supplies last, ranging in price from $12.98 – $16.98. Suggested coordinating tanks below range in price from $6.50 – $12.98 in sizes XS – 3XL, which means that you can easily wear an outfit for under $20 before tax!

SHOP: 1. Knot tank top in Galapagos Blue (available in 7 colors), 2. High Low tank top in Orange (available in 4 colors), 3. V-Neck tank top in Black Soot Tie Dye (available in 7 colors), & 4. Tie Strap tank top in Vivid White (available in 4 colors).

What are you summer wardrobe staples? Where do you like to shop to refresh your summer style in season? What are your favorite & most affordable summer steals right now? For more stylish posts, check out: bargain barrettes from Ardene, Blake Lively’s must-have summer little white dress look, & bold suit inspiration from Priyanka Chopra Jonas & Salma Hayek Pinault! Happy Styling!

Fab in 4 Ways: The Prettiest Summer-To-Fall Transition Sweater!


Right now is a very interesting time for fashion & retail. Summer is here & thriving, the best seasonal styles are on sale, but also, the newest fall pieces are starting to hit stores. More than anything, I want to stay in a summer state of mind, especially since the weather has been beautiful, just sunny enough & not oppressively hot (at least here on Long Island). My eye keeps catching what’s next for fall, which brings me to this Roz & Ali lace bell sleeve sweater @dressbarn, available in both misses & plus sizes.

The lightweight top is both flattering & versatile when it comes to styling. The airy, feminine sleeves are my favorite part, inspiring me to think about other patterns & color schemes to experiment with. Since these summer evenings have been on the cooler side lately, this is the perfect top for now & next season too. Making the investment in future pieces that you can wear now is the best way to get the most use out of your wardrobe. However, I especially love the always classic look of black and white separates, which is perfect for Style Darlings of any age or size.

Styling the sweater with a pair of shorts offers a polished look for a weekend brunch with some sandals & drop earrings. A pencil skirt is party-ready with a statement necklace & strappy heels. For a relaxed feel, a maxi skirt is easy-breezy when paired with wedges & layering necklaces. Lastly, cozy palazzo pants are effortless & cool for a day of errands or casual Friday at the office with ballet flats & stud earrings.

SHOP: stripe linen drapey shorts @Gap (available in sizes XS-XXL), front slit pencil skirt @New York & Company (available in sizes 0-20), floral print maxi skirt @dressbarn (available in plus size here), & striped palazzo pants @Target (available in sizes S-XXL).

When I’m styling other women, I always encourage them to try pieces that can not only be worn multiple ways, but also for multiple seasons. This ensures that the garment’s value is really worth it. While I don’t want to wish summer away, I can’t get over all the possibilities for this sweater. Here are a few more suggestions of how you can play up your best fall style when coordinated with any black lacy sweater for work, day, date, or weekend.

SHOP: pencil skirt @H&M (similar in plus size here), utility pixie chinos @Old Navy (available in sizes 0-20), pinstripe ankle pants @Express (similar in plus size here), & 415 classic boot cut jeans @Levi’s (similar in plus size here).

What pieces do you have your eye on this season? What fall trends are you most looking for to next? What staple items do you get the most wear from? Happy Styling!

 

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Get Ruffled With a Blouse from ASOS!


I always like to wear a top that can be mixed & matched with any type of bottom, or layered with a vast array of separates.  I especially love blouses that can be worn for work, daytime, or going out.  Hence, my choosing the true decadence ruffle top ($35.94, originally $70.08) in navy from ASOS. It’s also available in cream, but both colors are essentials for any season!

I wanted to share this sweet find, which is perfect to wear when you’re at the office with the seamless scoop neck cami ($24.90) underneath from The Limited.  Or, go sexy for nighttime & wear a cute solid-colored bra, but pair the blouse with the hammered satin blazer ($39.99)  from Charlotte Russe for a little extra pop of shine.

I realize that there’s a whole lot of ruffles going on here, but they can easily be tucked into a pair of pleated cuff shorts ($39.99) on sale @Express with textured tights & boots, or with the yarn-dyed pencil skirt ($49.99) from @White House Black Market & cardigan for a more professional look.

For an effortless casual day, take the essential nylon leggings ($5.50), which are available in eight different colors @Forever 21.  Break out a chunky knit or flyaway cardigan with hoop earrings to complete the look while you’re running errands this fall!

How would you wear this blouse? What are your go-to separates for building an outfit? For more looks from ASOS, check out The $100 Challenge / Darling of the Day featuring Lea Michele & Color Me Style featuring Eva Longoria, both wearing ASOS frocks.  Happy Styling!

8/3/11 Darling of the Day: Jordana Brewster Goes Casual in Lavender Shorts (Dedicated to Laurie)!


For my friend Laurie’s birthday today, I decided to post a cool, casual look that reminds me of her!  I especially wanted to post something with shorts since both Laurie & Ms. Jordana Brewster have such great legs!

Here we have the Fast & Furious star taking a stroll in L.A., wearing a cute ensemble of a classic white button-down shirt with lavender belted shorts, shades, & flip-flops. This look is nothing short of polished (no pun intended).

To start, head to Express for the shirt, which is also available in nine different colors.  Watch out for the store’s end of the season blowout sales when basic items like this are marked down to practically nothing!  A crisp button down can be a 365-day investment under a cardigan with dark denim jeans, or paired with a sleeveless sweater vest & pencil skirt. I found @Forever 21 look-alike shorts for only $13.50, which also come in white, black, & khaki, if you’re looking to sport a casual shorts look for the rest of your summer days with babydoll tops, racerback tanks, & graphic tees!

To complete this outfit, I’ve compiled affordable accessories, including a $9.50 belt & stylish bag for under $20 from Charlotte Russe, $5.99 flip flops from Payless that you may be able to find cheaper during the store’s next BOGO 50% off sale, & rectangular sunglasses from Forever 21 for $5.80, which will save you a bundle instead of getting a designer style! I picked out a silver loop ring from JC Penney which costs $19.99, reduced from $40.00.  Also, while you’re there, check out the crystal wrap bracelet by MixIt for only $6.00 (originally $15.00).  A menswear-inspired watch from Kohl’s is the last finishing touch to an ensemble perfect for a picnic, family gathering, or walk about town shopping with girl friends!

For more celebrity-inspired looks, check out previous Darling of the Day posts, including Drew Barrymore, Amy Adams, Eva Longoria & more! Happy Birthday Laurie! Happy Styling!