Tag Archives: Show Me The Shoes

Show Me The Shoes: Is It Too Soon To Talk Fall Booties?

Posted on by

I swear, I’m not trying to wish the summer away, but I’m already receiving stacks of August 2013 issues of my favorite fashion magazines, which have pages plastered with fall preview looks & accessories, & I knew it was time to repost in Show Me The Shoes. While clicking around for some style inspiration, I found the Kierce booties ($190.00) in green, black, & dark orange from Nine West.

Nine West - Kierce bootie $190.00

I’m kind of crazy about these shoes & definitely wouldn’t spend the bucks to add them to my own personal shoe collection, but I’m definitely excited to see suede textures, modern styles, & towering platforms for fall. I just had to share them, especially the dark green hue, which I already know would look great with any LBD, 70s-inspired, jumpsuit, or skinny jeans & tunic top.

For more fabulous shoe posts, check out look-alike shoes to recreate Sandra Bullock’s monochromatic look at the Sydney premiere of The Heat, studded gladiator sandals from Forever 21, Nicole Kidman for Jimmy Choo, & fall-ready cap toe pumps from Payless! Happy Styling!

Accessories Access: Affordable Summer Must-Haves For The Beach!

Posted on by

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!

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

Posted on by

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!

Watch This Style: Nicole Kidman’s Debut Ads & Short Film For Jimmy Choo!

Posted on by

Nicole Kidman for Jimmy Choo 01

All this time here I was thinking that the best legs in Hollywood belonged to actress / mogul Jennifer Lopez or supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, but the sultry side of Nicole Kidman is out in full force for her latest venture as the face.. err… legs… err feet of Jimmy Choo‘s Autumn / Winter 2013 collection. This is by far the best we’ve ever seen the Australian beauty & not only are there images to show her strut her stuff, but there’s also a short film video that’s gorgeous enough to make any Style Darling break the bank and buy a pair of the luxury footwear! I love the nearly $1,000 shoes, as well as Nicole’s shaggy red wig, which makes her look every bit the bombshell that we love her to be.

Nicole Kidman for Jimmy Choo 02 Nicole Kidman for Jimmy Choo 03

“I really enjoyed being able to play a role that was strong, sexy and in control,” she shares, according to People, adding “I got into a relationship with the photographer [Mikael Jansson], & Mikael is very intuitive, he knows what I am thinking & feeling & is able to translate it through the camera.” Inspiration for the shoot came from the photography of Helmut Newton, as well as the strong heroine icons of Alfred Hitchcock films- no doubt including Grace Kelly, who Nicole portrays in her upcoming film, Grace of Monaco.

The brand’s creative director Sandra Choi reveals more behind the campaign & collection. “There is a feeling of a quiet eroticism in the collection, & this concept was brought to life by Nicole’s magnetic presence in front of the camera… Her character portrays the multi-faceted qualities of the Jimmy Choo woman for this season – strong, sexy with a beguiling sense of mystery.“

What do you think of the ad campaign? Do you own a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes? What other celebrities would you like to see represent your favorite brands? For more fashionable videos, check out previous posts including a series recap of Revenge & the latest fragrance inspired by the soap, a trailer to HBO’s documentary Love, Marilyn, Lily Collins’ photo shoot for this month’s Glamour, & a look at Adam Levine’s newest debut fragrance! Happy Styling!

6/29/2013 Darling Of The Day: Olivia Palermo Stylishly Steps Out In New York City!

Posted on by

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!

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

Posted on by

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!

Posted on by

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!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: Leopard, Metallic, & Rhinestone Flip Flops For Summer!

Posted on by

Memorial Day marks the start of summer for retailers & everywhere you look, cut-off shorts, maxi dresses, & swimsuits are invading the racks at some of my favorite stores. Also, you’ll find plenty of flip-flop options, including ones with leopard print, metallic finished, & rhinestone details, which are perfect for mixing & matching with a variety of summer staples. In my search to share some of the best deals, I couldn’t help but see these trends all over, including at luxury department stores by big brand names. Of course, my goal here is to find the most affordable picks, & that it’s so easy to find look-alikes without breaking the bank.

First, I love the look of animal inspiration for flip-flops, which can work with a polka dot shorts romper, neon bathing suit, or blouse & mini skirt look. That’s why I found the Sam Edelman Gracie flat sandal ($60.00) from Neiman Marcus, & compared it to the American Eagle Twinkle flat flip-flop ($7.99) from Payless.

Next, @Steve Madden, you can find the Sandstrom flip flop ($49.95) in platinum, but you can also achieve the metallic look with the faux leather thong sandals ($8.80) in silver from Forever 21, which are also available in black, gold, & rose. Also, dress up your flip-flops with a little sparkle, as seen with the GUESS flip-flop sandals ($49.00) from Bloomingdale’s. However, for your next barbecue or beachside getaway, check out the rhinestone strap jelly flip-flop ($14.50) in black from Charlotte Russe, which is also where you can score the Buy 1 Get 1 for $12.50 deal on footwear!

Which is your favorite flip-flop trend? How do you like to wear flip-flops? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out the best maxi skirts of the season, 7 must-have sale items for under $100, & a sneak peek at 3.1 Philip Lim’s collaboration with Target! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Fun & Flirty With A Bicycle Print Blouse!

Posted on by

Since starting my second job, I’ve been re-thinking my spring / summer wardrobe & have found a lot of inspiration from unusual prints, for example: the bicycle print keyhole to ($38.00) in navy from Dress Barn. This really struck me since I’m so used to wearing polka dots, stripes, graphic prints & watercolor florals, however I’ve taken a new look at the possibilities for this top. This includes a white skirt, colored jeans, or an opposing, yet color-coordinated print for the bottom.

I recently wore this top to a friend’s baby shower with red pants & nude canvas wedges, but I wanted to re-style it with The $100 Challenge in mind. I couldn’t get the idea of navy & red out of my mind, which is also why I picked the rockstar super skinny jeans ($25.00) in ‘apple of my eye’ from Old Navy, which are available in sizes 0-20.

Accessories that make for perfect finishing touches to this look include the ankle-strap single sole pump ($25.50) in nude from Charlotte Russe, the Croft & Barrow silver tone striped bead drop earrings ($5.40) in red white from Kohl’s, & Forever 21‘s multi strand woven cuff ($4.80). This whole look has a nautical feel to it, not to mention the Americana color combination that’s sure to liven & brighten up the season. I really love how each piece can be mixed & matched with other wardrobe essentials, as well as reinvented with pieces like the blouse with a hot pink pencil skirt, the jeans for a sequined tank, or the shoes with an embellished sheath dress.

Would you wear a bicycle print blouse? Which details are your favorites for a blouse? Would you wear red, white, & blue in an outfit? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out previous posts including Katy Perry’s white & silver sandal flats, spring-ready shirt dresses, my favorite latest dress purchases, & Derek Lam’s DesigNation collection for Kohl’s. Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: Katy Perry’s Silver & White Sandals From ALDO!

Posted on by

Katy Perry has been everywhere these days, promoting her upcoming film, The Smurfs 2. Along with hitting Europe & Mexico, Katy turned up in Los Angeles to the I Create Music Expo. The “Teenaged Dream” singer wore a cell phone-designed graphic print collared tank dress ($650.00) by Suno, as well as Kasota sandals ($80.00) from Aldo. While I think it’s a great idea for the pop star to don accessories from retailers that can be found in the local mall, $80 is still a pretty penny to spend on sandals. Surely this style can be worn with plenty of looks throughout the spring & summer, but I was really inspired to search for silver & white look-alikes to recreate Katy’s footwear choice, without breaking the bank.

I’ve come up with the following shoes: Forever 21‘s studded strappy sandal ($27.80), the Sperry top-sider Meridian sandals ($29.99) from 6PM, & the Impo Gaga wedge sandal ($39.95) from DSW. Aside from wearing these with a spring or summer dress, they’re also perfect for pairing with a blouse & cropped pants, a tunic top & leggings, & a pullover tee with silk shorts.

Which sandals do you prefer? Do you like Katy’s Suno & Aldo look? How would you style these shoes? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out cork heels by Michael Kors, peplum tops inspired by Cate Blanchett & Olivia Palermo, studded loafer flats for spring, how to get Taylor Swift’s sophisticated menswear look, & Kim Kardashian’s silver pointy toe pumps! Happy Styling!

Show Me The Shoes: Celebrating Spring With A Flirty Design By Sophia Webster!

Posted on by

It’s been a while since I’ve posted in Super Style Wishlist, but as soon as I saw the Sophia Webster Leilou polka dot t-strap sandal ($595.00) from Neiman Marcus, I knew I had to share them. I love all of the aspects of this shoe, including the blue & pink polka dot color combination & mod black & white striped heel. These are right up Carrie Bradshaw’s alley, which will work with plenty of looks. These can be worn with a classic LBD, skinny jeans & a boyfriend blazer, a belted sheath dress, & shorts romper look.

Neiman Marcus - Sophia Webster Leilou Polka-Dot T-Strap Sandal $595.00.

Do you like these shoes? How would you style them? Do you like Sophia Webster designs? For more amazing styles by Sophia Webster, check out the official website, as well as Net-A-Porter, Style.com, & Bloomingdale’s! Also, for more shoe posts, check out more from Show Me The Shoes, including my new metallic flats from Dress Barn, accessories with nautical inspiration, Taylor Swift’s collaboration with Ked’s, silver Jimmy Choo pumps as seen on Kim Kardashian, & trendy mint shoes for spring! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Update Your Wardrobe With Nautical Inspiration!

Posted on by

There are a lot of trends that come & go, & I’m still waiting for this sneaker wedge thing to go away. However, as the weather warms up & we begin to plan more outdoor activities, I’m looking for new ways to wear my favorite spring & summer pieces. The nautical trend keeps coming back for its crisp all-American feel & classic color combinations.

I’ve selected five pieces that will cost under $100 total to help bring a fresh, youthful, & flirty nautical look to your spring & summer essentials. This includes the luxe jersey striped ringer tank ($17.99) in gray heather from Gap, which is perfect for skinny jeans, a dark denim mini skirt, white cropped pants. Also, a fun topper for any casual outfit is the cropped canvas hooded jacket ($34.94) in sea turtle from Old Navy, which will work for over a tank & jeans, with leather pants & a graphic tee, or to dress down a sheath dress & ballet flats.

Also, I love the nautical stripe lightweight scarf ($9.99) from Charlotte Russe to wear with patriotic separates like a red top or blue capris. The striped boat shoes ($19.80) in red / white from Forever 21 are a literal way to include nautical inspiration into your wardrobe & will allow for all of your current love of menswear loafers to make a preppy appearance this summer. Lastly, the Brash dusty crossbody bag ($16.99) from Payless offers a cute seersucker neutral pattern to offset florals, polka dots, & pastel paisley prints.

The total for these pieces comes to an affordable $99.17! How do you like to wear nautical inspired looks? Do you prefer articles of clothing or striped accessories? For more posts on shopping on a budget, check out Steve Madden cork heels, Derek Lam’s DesigNation collection for Kohl’s, how to wear polka dots this spring, & peplum looks inspired by Cate Blanchett & Zoe Saldana! Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: Nude Cork Heels From Michael Kors Vs. Steve Madden!

Posted on by

In getting ready to switch my closet around from the heavy knits & suede boots that I wore in the fall / winter, I’m looking forward to reacquainting myself with the pieces that I haven’t worn since the end of last summer. This will include some of my favorite shoes, like nude cork pumps that are perfect for wearing with spring dresses.

Of course, I’m crazy about bright wedges, floral sandals, & laser cut ballet flats, but the nude pump is a spring / summer staple. I found the KORS Michael Kors glitter patent cork pump ($195.00), which combine the luxe exterior patent leather with the lightness of a cork heel. I really love the way these textures look together, adding lots of dimension to any LBD, sheath dress, or lace shorts & blouse look.

KORS Michael Kors Glitter Patent Cork Pump $195.00. Steve Madden Summer Blust Patent Pump $19.99.

Being that I’m not going to spend that much cash on a pair of shoes for the spring, I was happy to find a more affordable look-alike in the Summer blush patent pumps ($19.99) @Steve Madden. The shape of the shoe’s vamp is a little different from the Michael Kors design, but it still has the same features to match any spring / summer look. More affordable nude / cork combos for the upcoming spring / summer season include GOjane‘s platform cork wedges ($29.40), the canvas cork wedge ($29.50) from Wet Seal, & printed cork peeptoe heels ($32.80) from Forever 21.

For more shoe-related posts, check out more from Show Me The Shoes, including silver Jimmy Choo pumps as seen on Kim Kardashian, affordable, trendy mint shoes, studded loafers to transition from season to season, Kate Moss’ latest ad for Stuart Weitzman, & Taylor Swift’s Ked’s collaboration! Happy Styling!

Show Me The Shoes: Taylor Swift Collaborates With Keds For A New Collection!

Posted on by

Country crooner Taylor Swift recently lent her good-next-door, all-American style chops to a new collection with the shoe brand Ked’s. Her affinity for playful details like polka dots, kittens, sunglasses, & nautical inspiration is evident in the collaboration which retails at $50.00 a pair. Not to mention that Taylor is using the her foray into fashion as a role model, calling all “brave girls” to share their bravest moments.

Taylor Swft for Ked's

As seen in the video below, Taylor talks about her move from Pennsylvania to Nashville with her family once she convinced them of her dream to be a singer / songwriter. In addition, check out the video below, which features the shoes in action, perfect for spring, as Taylor encourages her fans & Ked’s customers to embrace life. It’s a pretty amazing message that she’s sending via shoe design, which makes me consider how many different ways Ked’s can be mixed into your everyday wardrobe.

Obviously, I don’t normally features sneakers in my Show Me The Shoes posts, but I love the idea behind this collaboration? Would you wear Ked’s designed by Taylor Swift? Which style is your favorite? How would you wear them? Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: Studded Loafers By Jimmy Choo Vs. Forever 21!

Posted on by

During my recent ventures out & about, discovering the trends for spring, I was surprised to see that menswear-inspired loafers had made a comeback, but with Style Darlings like Alexa Chung, Sienna Miller, & Kirsten Dunst spotted in them, I knew this trend wasn’t going away. I’ve yet to add some loafers to my shoe collection, but details like studding over a suede surface seem to be the most popular. I was pleasantly surprised to find these shoes at so many different price point & knew that I just had to include it in my latest Luxury Look-Alikes For Less post!

I’m certainly not endorsing the disappearance of ballet flats, but I love the idea of mixing such a masculine shape to feminine pieces, like a silk blouse & lace shorts or to dress down an LBD with a blazer & colorful tights. Today’s selection includes the Jimmy Choo wheel studded suede loafers ($475.00) in black from Neiman Marcus, which is of course a hefty price to pay for shoes, but if you’re looking for the quality of a luxury brand, by all means, break out the big bucks. However, for those like me who are always shopping on a budget, I recommend the studded canvas slip-on loafers ($24.50) in black from Charlotte Russe, which are also available in white, yellow, pale blue, & pink to fulfill all of your loafer needs. Not to mention that if you’re shopping in a Charlotte Russe store & have a student ID (high school or college), you can earn an extra 10% off your purchase (some exclusions may apply).

Loafers seem to be the best way to transition your wardrobe from winter to spring & I’m sure when we’re headed from summer to fall, the same will apply. Also, the studding embellishments add an extra metallic accent & will contrast nicely with lace, leather, or printed separates in your look. Are you on board with the loafer trend? Would you consider adding this style to your current shoe collection for spring? For more shoe-related posts, check out affordable shoes in emerald, Kate Moss for Stuart Weitzman, behind-the-scenes with J. Crew’s Jenna Lyons, & my favorite new stilettos from Forever 21! Happy Styling!

3/22/2013 Darling Of The Day: Nikki Reed’s Embellished Blouse Look For Less!

Posted on by

This week, actress Nikki Reed, of The Twilight Saga fame, hit up Justin Timberlake‘s Target-sponsored release party for his latest album, The 20 / 20 Experience, in a long-sleeved white blouse with stud embellishments on the collar, curve-hugging black skinny pants, towering platforms, & added a bright pop of color with a turquoise clutch. Her look is hitting all the right notes here & I love the simplicity in her menswear-inspired outfit with some trendy touches that any Style Darling can pull off. The prove my point, I went seraching for similar items to complete an affordable outfit that a woman of any size can sport.

This includes the pyramid stud collar blouse ($22.80) from Forever 21, as well as their plus size studded collar Georgette top ($24.80), which is available in sizes XL – 2XL. Both of these tops can work perfectly with a textured pencil skirt at the office, under a blazer with leather leggings for a girl’s night out, or with dark denim jeans & ballet flats for a chic day out on the town. I turned to Old Navy for the bottoms & happily found the Diva skinny jeans ($29.50) in Black Jack, which are sold in sizes 0-20, with short, regular, & tall inseams, & in different washes including dawn, authentic, & rinse. Of course we know that the darker the wash, the better the look, but I’m always excited to share Old Navy’s selection in sizes when it comes to staples like skinny jeans!

As for shoes, I included two options: the nubuck platforms ($24.70) in black from GOjane, as well as Payless‘ Brash Kosmic platform pumps ($24.99) in black, which is a wide width option for those who have difficulty fitting in narrower shoes. I also added two clutch bags since I wasn’t able to find a studded match for the one that Nikki carries, but I loved the contrasting textures & color combination found in  Duro Olowu‘s snakeskin foldover clutch ($30.00) @JC Penney, as well as the simplicity of a patent exterior with Charlotte Russe‘s textured patent envelope wristlet ($12.99) in teal.

Lastly, the final touch to this look is Nikki’s rings which are always a fun way to accessorize any outfit, especially when there are so many subtle details like the collar & on the bag, which is why I thought the Jennifer Lopez silver tone simulated crystal stack ring set ($16.80) from Kohl’s was a good investment if you like to mix up your digit decorations.

While the combination of pieces comes to just over $100, this is still an affordable look inspired by a celebrity on the red carpet. For more red carpet fashion ideas, check out previous posts including the latest Top 10 Celeb Sightings gallery featuring Stacy Keibler & Jessica Alba, neon looks as seen on Beyoncé & Kristen Stewart, the ladies of Oz the Great and Powerful on their stylish press tour, & a complete look at this year’s Oscars red carpet! Happy Styling!

Ad Madness / Watch This Style: Kate Moss Stars In Mario Testino’s Latest Ad For Stuart Weitzman!

Posted on by

Kate Moss for Stuart Weitzman

Kate Moss is still one of the busiest & most in-demand supermodels & she’s clearly never looked better. The face of fashion is now also the face of Stuart Weitzman. Of course the sleek shoe designs speak for themselves, including the above Naughty pump ($335.00) in silver specchio, which Kate dons in a new video shot by the one & only Mario Testino. The futuristic classic pumps are chic & the patent leather exterior can dress up mod sheath dresses, add some flair to skinny jeans, & make a basic LBD more contemporary. Watch the video below for 25 seconds of shoe love.

For more celebrity campaigns, check out previous posts in Ad Madness, including Jennifer Lawrence’s debut Dior ads, Evan Rachel Wood & Chris Evans for Gucci Guilty Black, Kate Upton’s shoot for Sam Edelman shoes, & behind-the-scenes with Rachel Weisz for Bvlgari! Also, check out the James Franco-directed video short for Stuart Weitzman starring model Petra Nemcova! Happy Styling!

Show Me The Shoes: The Stylish Story Behind J. Crew’s Latest Shoe Collection!

Posted on by

I’ve been hearing lots of great buzz behind J. Crew‘s newest Italian-made shoe collection & now, I get it. Of course, I always have lots of love for all things shoes, but watching the video below brings me back to the Salvatore Ferragamo museum in Italy. So, for all you shoe lovers out there, this is definitely a post for you! When checking out more from the collection, I learned that these aren’t necessarily affordable shoes for every Style Darling on a budget, but there’s always something to learn from all ends of the retail / fashion spectrum. The line, which is produced in Pisa, Italy, ranges in price between $125 – $378, which is pretty steep, but when you hear the brand’s creative director, Jenna Lyons, talk about the love, artistry, & legacy that goes into producing the incredible footwear, it all begins to make sense.

“Anyone who thinks that a shoe isn’t informative about who you are is making a mistake,” says Lyons & that couldn’t be more on the nose! She adds, “There’s a sense of sparkle in a shoe, & I don’t mean the sparkle like sequins. I mean, you know, add a little extra…Shoes are like fairies, like that sort of little magical piece that finishes everything. I can throw on a silver, five-inch-heel pump, and all of a sudden, I feel a little bit prettier.“

What do you think of J. Crew’s footwear collection? Do these styles speak to your fashionable senses? How much would you be willing to spend on a killer pair of pumps? For more shoe-related inspiration, check out previous posts from Show Me The Shoes including trendy neon shoes, spring break-ready wedges, sexy crisscross stilettos from Forever 21, & 4 ideas for dressing up a graphic tee! Happy Styling!

Show Me The Shoes: Crisscross Stiletto Sandals From Forever 21!

Posted on by

Retail therapy has been proven to cause endorphins of joy, feelings of success, & stress relief (or so I’ve heard & experienced), which is why women often turn to shopping in times of need. This little Style Darling apologizes for the inconsistency in new blog updates, thus breaking my New Year’s Resolution for sharing posts with readers everyday for 2013, but while I’m coping with the hardships behind a broken heart, I’m eager to get back on the horse & try to find some inspiration, even if it’s just in a pair of shoes. When clicking around the web, I found myself on the Forever 21 website & came across the crisscross stiletto sandals ($29.80) in black, tomato, & citron.

Forever 21 - Crisscross Stiletto Sandal $29.80

Of course these colors range from basic to flirty to bold, but they can work for a variety of occasions, including a night out with the girls in a sheath dress, with skinny jeans & a blouse for a weekend luncheon, or for happy hour cocktails with co-workers when you want to slip out of your regular office attire & into something more casual, yet dressed up. I’ve never been one to add a lot of texture or coverage over my ankles, fearing that it would cut off my legline, but I’m really drawn to the juxtaposition of a really sexy, slim heel that will emphasize any feminine outfit, especially with a rear zipper & faux suede outsole. The strong & edgy feel will sharpen any menswear-inspired pieces & can work for any season. Naturally, neons are big for spring & summer, but if you’re into a classic shoe, there’s always a sleek black pair.

What do you think of these shoes? Which color would you choose? Do you like the crisscross detail? How much do you like to spend on shoes when shopping on a budget? For more Show Me The Shoes posts, check out affordable footwear including how to wear flats, heels, & booties with a graphic tee, my latest shoe purchases from Target, Christian Siriano’s latest arrivals for Payless, & Rachel Zoe’s collaboration with ShoeDazzle. Happy Styling!

Ad Madness / Show Me The Shoes: Kate Upton’s Latest Campaign For Sam Edelman Shoes!

Posted on by

Kate Upton for Sam Edelman

Model Kate Upton has been making headlines for breaking the rules of high fashion lately. The voluptuous Sports Illustrated model has recently scored a campaign deal for shoe designer, Sam Edelman, because photographer David Lipman says that “she isn’t thin,” according to WWD. While modeling strappy heels & sitting in a scattered sea of ballet flats, the blonde looks nothing short of amazing, certainly capturing “the spirit of youth & vitality.” Prices for the collection range between $60.00 – $150.00. To shop Sam Edelman shoes, check out Zappos, Nordstrom, 6PM, Heels.com, DSW, Bloomingdales, & Dillards.

For more celebrity ads, check out a behind-the-scenes look at Beyoncé’s Pulse NYC fragrance, Kate Hudson’s return to Ann Taylor, Raf Simons’ debut for Dior, & Natalie Portman’s Miss Dior Le Parfum commercial. Happy Styling!

Kate Upton for Sam Edelman

Show Me The Shoes: Up To 70% Off Clearance Shoes @Nine West!

Posted on by

Retailers are still in that transition period between seasons, which means that it’s the perfect time to get your hands, or feet in this case, on clearance deals on shoe. More specifically, Nine West is clearing out their online shelves with deals up to 70% off on a sale shoes. These prices are perfect for wearing the redt of the winter, preparing for this coming spring / summer, & even wearing on an upcoming vacation.

Nine West

I picked the Leggy wedge ($39.99) in camel multi leopard, which is perfect to match with a belted neutral shirt dress or with your favorite denim shorts & blouse.  The Heartbeat pumps ($39.99) in purple are essential for upgrading any office look- not to mention, they’re also available in blue. I featured the Love Fury ($39.99) pumps in a post last year in Black Friday Sale Update, but in red, however both pairs are now reduced from their original $89.00 price. Lastly, since I’m a sucker for animal print & ankle booties, I just had to include the Haywire booties ($39.99) in natural multi pony, which are probably the best deal I’ve seen on the Nine West site since they’ve been marked down from $129.00!

How would you wear these shoes? Do you like to shop during the end-of-the-season deals? Which style of shoe is your favorite? Do you prefer classic leather shoes or like to experiment with textures? For more from Show Me The Shoes, check out posts including Payless’ new arrivals by Christian Siriano, Rachel Zoe’s ShoeDazzle collaboration, footwear from Prabal Gurung’s Target collection, & video about the shoes the stars wore to this year’s Golden Globes! Happy Styling!

Show Me The Shoes: Christian Siriano’s Latest Arrivals For Payless!

Posted on by

Christian SirianoShoe-gasm alert! Yes, I said it! When I saw the latest arrivals from Christian Siriano for Payless, I nearly died from joy… shoe-joy to be specific & I knew, without a doubt, that these just had to be included in my next Show Me The Shoes post! The Project Runway winner continues to share his talents & stylish shoe designs with the mainstream public after a number of successful collections for Payless- my favorite spot to find affordable & comfortable shoes that will only out a smile on my face!

Even though we’re still in the thick of winter, clad with textured boots & leather footwear, getting to see what’s coming for spring is refreshing & exciting, especially since Siriano has selected a soft & feminine color palette, recreating the way we consider neutral shoes. The classic nude patent texture is replaced with a pearlescent shine & a light polka dot pattern can certainly work with stripes, florals, & anything else you can think of. Also, I’m crazy for mint, especially when paired with metallic accents, sure to work with any wrap dress, cotton frock, or mini skirt look as we patiently wait for spring to begin.

The Polina bow flat ($42.99) in champagne or taupe are a playful nod to the New York ballet scene, perfect for pairing with a sheath dress & cardigan for the office, boyfriend jeans & a white blazer for a day out & about, or your favorite colored jeans & a blouse when grabbing a bite to eat with the girls.  The Cynthia sling ($54.99) in taupe or champagne are a sexy way to play up any bombshell look, especially if wearing something with lace details, structure with a belt, or to elongate the legline in skinny pants.

The Julie Mary Jane heel ($54.99) in champagne & mint are by far my favorite, especially the mint pair, which pay homage to old Hollywood screen sirens like Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, or Elizabeth Taylor.  The vintage-inspired shape also bares resemblance to dancing shoes, so you can get the party started in these while wearing your favorite LBD, a-line dress, or sequined top & feathered mini skirt.

Christian Siriano for Payless

Perhaps the most daring of the collection includes the Natalia wedge sandal ($54.99), which is a flirty blend of resort-chic if matched with a maxidress to walk the boardwalk, or to add a mod splash to a printed, sleeveless shift dress.

In addition, this collection is an extension from Siriano’s ballet-themed Spring-Summer 2013 Collection, which I featured in Runway Rundown back in September. Check out the video below to see the collection in motion on the runway, & hear about his inspiration for the light & ethereal colors which are reinventing the way we style with neutral shoes!

What do you think of this collection? Are you a fan of the color palette? Which shoes are your favorite? For more shoe-love, check out posts including Rachel Zoe’s collaboration with ShoeDazzle, Prabal Gurung’s lookbook for Target, affordable pointy toe pumps inspired by Miranda Kerr & Katie Holmes, as well as a look at the designer shoes the stars wore for the Golden Globes after parties! Happy Styling!