Tag Archives: spring dresses

The Stylish Five: Spring-Ready Striped Dresses ($35 & Under)!

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It’s Easter Sunday & I wanted to share with readers some affordable spring-ready dresses that are perfect for more than just today’s holiday & any body type! I’m recently starting a new position at my job, as well as an entering into an exciting opportunity for a second job this week, so of course I’m thinking about what I’ll be wearing. Fortunately both environments require a blend of professionalism & creativity, so I’m gearing up to dust off favorites from last spring & invest in some show-stopping looks to last me through the spring & summer.

All of these looks are under $35 & I’m really drawn to stripes since there’s so much opportunity to mix with accessories like floral tights on a chillier day, textured pumps, or an embellished cardigan. First, I wanted to share the boat-neck 3/4 sleeve shift dress ($22.97) in black stripe from Old Navy, which will pair well with bold pieces like red heels, a yellow lacquered belt, turquoise tights, or a green leather jacket. Also, I’ve been keeping an eye on the latest styles @JCP, including the a.n.a. short-sleeved cowlneck dress ($22.00), which can be dressed up with a boyfriend blazer & pointy toe pumps, or worn casually with a denim jacket & ballet flats.

For a thicker stripe, I love the rich tones in the striped chiffon sleeveless dress ($32.47) in summer berry punch from New York & Company, which is also available in a blue / green combination. This is an office-friendly dress that can translate well to happy hour, especially when mixing up the look with stacked bangles, a cropped jacket, or knee boots. Also, as a big fan of Target, I knew I had to feature the Mossimo half back zipper fit & flare dress ($27.99) in teal stripe. This youthful dress is perfect for accentuating any figure & is available in sizes XS – XXL. Lastly, another look for my curvy Style Darlings is the colorblocked chiffon dress ($27.80) from Forever 21, which gives off a vintage feel with the playful collar & delicate bow.

Do you like to wear stripes? What kinds of dresses are you looking at for spring? What’s your spring shopping budget? For more spring fashion posts, check out blue moto jackets at every price point, Kim Kardashian’s silver Jimmy Choo pumps, the best mint shoes for the season, & the hottest floral looks as seen on Elizabeth Olsen & Selena Gomez! Happy Styling!

Inside A Style Blogger’s Closet: Spring Cleaning (Better Late Than Never)!

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The time for spring cleaning came around a little late for me, considering that I’ve been super busy with my new job.  However, this weekend I was able to torture myself with the big spring-summer closet switch, which is usually a day-long process. To some bloggers out there, this may seem like a horrible mess of clutter & packed in boxes/hangers, but this is what I have & I’m making the best of it.  I was happy to reunite with old friends (summer shoes & dresses)- some of which (the dresses) were unfortunately too big for me, since I have fortunately lost nearly 30 pounds in the last 2(ish) years.  I’m making due with the wardrobe that I have since there’s just no way for me to spend any extra dough refurbishing some of these baggier items.  I’m getting friendlier with my belts everyday, seeing how well they can cinch me in & transform a once-tight tunic top into a flowy loose-fititng blouse.

Since the weight loss, I have officially dropped a dress size & am happy to save up more money while my waistline is shrinking.  Although I’m fearful of what will happen by the time the fall & winter roll around… will any of my favorites still fit? A close friend & former co-worker of mine has said in the past- “No matter how much weight you lose, your shoes always fit!” At least I’ll have them!

To check out my previous closet pic, check out this link from Inside A Style Blogger’s Closet! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Old Navy Summer Dresses On Sale!

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There’s nothing quite like a summer dress sale to get the blood pumping.  Since I’ve been crazy busy these last few weeks, I haven’t given much notice to the latest & greatest at one of my favorite stores, Old Navy.  I went to the local store with my bestie last weekend & drooled over some of the styles, but this one blue summer dress caught my eye.  It’s no longer available on the store’s website, but that’s only b/c a few days after I spotted this dress, I received an email from Old Navy that it was marked down to $17.00. The patterned sweetheart dress (originally $34.94) then seemed attainable, only b/c I’m on a heavily restricted budget.

Not to mention that in preparation for the transition from spring to summer, I’ve been able to sqitch around my closet to find that last year’s collection of classic all-purpose spring dresses are too big one me! I’ve dropped a whole dress size & am troubled by the fact that I may have nothing flattering to wear this season.  I was able to get my hands on this dress in the store, priced just right in my new smaller size, but I highly recommend the cute yellow version, or any of the other flirty & comfortable dresses that the store currently has on sale! With prices like these, anyone can have a stylish summer! Don’t forget that this sale ends on 6/13 & these dresses are definitely selling quick!!

For more Quickie Darling Deal & Steal goodness, check out my previous post featuring ballet flats from Payless! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Day-Ready Dresses @Forever21 ($25 & Under)!

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Spring is all about sandals, skirts, & dresses! I love this season’s dresses @Forever 21, not just for their very affordable price, but the styles as well!  I picked these five for a long-awaited post in The Stylish Five b/c I think they speak to so many different styles, considering the LBD, something animal print, the always lovely polka dots, a sweet floral, or an edgy tribal pattern.

I picked the silky self-tie back dress ($12.00) which is currently on sale & would look perfectly polished with some canvas wedges for day.  Also marked down is the leopard print dress ($16.99) & if paired with red ballet flats & a denim jacket, you’ll be ready for brunch with the girls or a day of shopping.  The sleeveless polka dot dress ($19.80) is just the thing for my plus-size Style Darlings, especially with a metallic belt & a pastel cardigan.  The summer floral dress ($15.96) is a classic & flirty option with bright accessories in yellow or coral.  Lastly, the Sunday brunch dress ($22.80) is a figure-flattering choice, available in 1X & 2X.

For more on the best dresses for spring, check out some previous posts including a new arrival @Old Navy, more bright shift dresses from Forever21, Rachel Zoe’s pre-fall collection @Neiman Marcus! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Spring Into Action @Old Navy (Dedicated to Rosie)!

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Normally, I post about items that I pick out or suggest to friends, but I’m so super impressed with my best friend’s recent purchase that I just had to feature it here on Style Darling! Of course, I will take some credit b/c she asked me what colors I think would look good with an orange dress.  Based on a recent spread from one of my favorite fashion magazines, I suggested to her yellow, neutral, brown, olive, or royal blue.  I knew Rosie had been on the search for some spring-friendly espadrille wedges, ones not too high so that they’re comfortable enough to walk around in & here’s the end result of our style collaboration.  Although I should clarify that Rosie, my super duper bestie, picked out this outfit & I’ve suggested the two belts to help complete the look if she was going to wear it for an occasion.

Where did we go for this impulse ensemble? Old Navy, of course! She picked out the draped jersey tank dress ($20.00) in orange with the mixed pleated wedges ($28.50) in blue.  Also, the dress is available in black, in sizes ranging from XS – XXL.  The shoes are also sold in multiple colors like neutral, green, and while, in sizes 6-11.

The combination is very fashion forward, unexpected, and fresh for the spring / summer season!  This would also look great with an abstract print cardigan or denim jacket for day time.  For those warmer summer days when a lightweight dress is just the thing, perhaps adding a belt will help accentuate the waist & I suggested the faux patent leather narrow belt ($12.94) in blue, but it’s available in black too! Or if you’re wearing a dress like this with neutral accessories, the braided faux leather belt ($16.94) in brown will let the orange in the dress pop even more.

For more posts dedicated to my very good & stylish circle of friends, check out celebritiy-inspired scarf looks, best jackets for day & night, & a comfortable chic outfit for under $100!

What do you think of this dress? What colors would you style it with? Which new items are you looking to add to your spring / summer wardrobe? Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Spring Into Style with Dresses from Forever 21!

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I can feel it… spring’s a-comin’! What better way to welcome in the season than dress hunting? I visited one of my favorites stores, Forever 21, to see what was going on in terms of spring dresses & I found these three adorable dresses.

The soft orange, neutral, and yellow hues are perfect for ushering in the season, especially with dark denim skinny jeans, white cigarette pants, & a navy mini skirt.

I love the cascading shift dress ($24.80) in yellow / grey.  It’s lovely with a cardigan & wedges. The pleated bib dress ($24.80) in tomato can be made even softer with espadrilles and multi-color beads, or toughened up with a cropped boyfriend blazer & peep toe ankle booties.  Lastly, the colorblock trim dress ($27.80) in tan / orange is work-ready if you add a patent leather belt, or just the thing for a weekend family party.

Do you like these dresses? Where do you shop when it comes to spring fashions? What colors are you looking to add to your wardrobe this coming spring season?

Also, while I have your attention, I’d like to offer up some good reads for those of you who like the Style Darling world.  Not only am I a part of the Ladies Outfitters, Movie Buzzers, & Culture Mob family, but I’d like to share with all of you some of my friend’s blogs. This includes Yoga Flow On The Go, How Do You Yoga, Delusions By Design, The Law According To Murphy, Cibo Chat, Etsy Brook, This Happy Place, & Couple of Crumbs.

Enjoy clicking around on those & I highly recommend following them! It’s hard out there for a blogger & we need all the support we can get! Happy Styling!