6/10/2013 Darling Of The Day: Taylor Swift’s Leggy Look In London!


I will be honest- I have a like-dislike affection for Taylor Swift. Maybe b/c too many of her breakup songs relate to my personal situation for the 2013 calendar year, so far. However, I can’t help but love her casual separates looks, which reminds us that the country crooner is a young style icon, even though her more formal red carpet looks all seem to follow the same glittery or white princess uniform. Here at the 2013 Capital FM Summertime Ball in London, the singer / songwriter makes this feminine Oscar de la Renta blouse looks youthful by pairing it with classic black shorts & strappy black sandals. For those of you looking to show off your gams, but still keep it classy, this is the perfect look to emulate.

You certainly don’t have to break the bank, especially when I’ve found some look-alike pieces to recreate this luxury look… & for under $100! This includes the contrast trim button up ($19.80) from Forever 21. Clearly, it doesn’t have all the lace details & black trim on the sleeve, but it’s very similar in that it will keep your upper half covered up. Not to mention this will look chic with a brocade pencil skirt & peep toe pumps, leather leggings & ankle booties, or with skinny trousers & ballet flats. Also, the Gramercy Gabardine short ($39.95) from New York & Company are a summer staple, which will dress up plenty of other tops, including a silk cami & blazer with platform sandals. What’s great about shopping NY&Co is that you can also benefit from their current BOGO 50% off sale if you find another essential basic for your spring-summer wardrobe.

As for accessories, I went back to Forever 21 to find the heart charm ring ($1.80) which was just too precious to pass up, the Simply Vera Vera Wang silver tone simulated crystal stud earrings ($8.40) from Kohl’s, & Charlotte Russe‘s strappy zip-back mid-heel sandal ($30.00) in black.

For more posts on affordable fashion & celebrity style, check out LWDs inspired by Angelina Jolie & Jennifer Lopez, menswear looks as seen on Diane Kruger & Olivia Palermo, trendy flip-flops from Sam Edelman & Guess, & nautical-inspired striped maxi skirts at all price points! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Killer Heels From GOjane ($20 & Under)!


I feel like it’s been a while since I focused on shoes.  Part of what I love about shoes is that they always make your outfit look good!  I’m about to do my big seasonal closet switch, where I’ll rediscover some “old sole” friends who I haven’t seen since the end of last winter. I’m most excited about doing this b/c perhaps I may be able to make room for some more new friends if I make a few bags of clothes & shoes for donations.

I recently received an email from GOjane that shared news of their latest sale- footwear marked down up to 67% off!  That’s a whole lot of savings right there!  I love this site b/c it various designs of shoes for every style.  You can get girly with bows, walk fierce with strappy sandals, make a statement in peep toes, & the list goes on!  Here I’ve picked some of my favorite for The Stylish Five, all under $20!

First we have the strappy side floral print pump ($19.95) in orange, originally priced at $26.95.  They’re flashy enough to bring out the wow factor in a pair of high waist trouser jeans & a 70s inspired knotted blouse.  The color & print may throw off some shoppers, but it’s a pair of shoes unlike anything else that you’ll see on the street.  If you’re not an orange gal, they’re also available in blue too! Next is my favorite pair of the bunch, in dark green the pleated bow front pump ($15.95).  They have a staggering 5.25″ heel, but make for the perfect finish to a black sheath dress with gold deco jewelry.  The color is so on trend for fall & the price is perfectly reduced from $27.95!

If you’re into texture & detail like me, then the ruffled velvet heel ($14.95) in sand is a must-have!  They offer just enough coverage that can be worn with tights & a pair of dressy shorts this fall.  This shoe selection is very strap-happy, especially with the cross strap leatherette platforms ($13.95) which lend a little bit of an urban feel to something soft like a tiered chiffon mini dress or skinny pants & a metallic top.  They’re marked down a whopping 37% from their original price of $22.20 & can be worn throughout the year! Lastly, I picked the espadrille strap slingback platform ($12.95) that can transform a day look into something evening-ready.  The 4.75″ heel will elongate your legline & give any sweater dress & leggings look a whole new life!

I know this season is all about boots, but you can help reboot next year’s wardrobe with a few discounted finds right now!  What do you think of these styles? What’s your best shoe deal story? Are you a peep toe gal or strappy sandal Style Darling? Check out previous posts in The Stylish Five, featuring cold weather accessories & affordable finds from H&M! Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: Super Strappy Black Gladiator Sandals from Barneys Vs. Mandee!


If you’re looking for some super sexy strappy black gladiator sandals for a cocktail dress or your favorite little black dress, then check these out!  However, I was soooo enchanted by a pair from Barney’s, but couldn’t get past the $675.00 price tag.  Naturally this is b/c the brand of the ‘Zaira’ is Loeffler Randall, which is also available @Zappos, Neiman Marcus, Singer 22, & Nordstrom.

However, as a Style Darling on a budget, check out Mandee for these four-inch strappy cone heel sandals.  They only cost $15.00 & while the two pairs of sandals are not identical, they’re pretty close in concept.  Think about how much you buy for $675 & why in the world would you want to spend that much on one pair of shoes (unless of course money was not an issue)?

When I look for shoes, it’s all about getting the most for my money.  As a regular on the Mandee website & in their stores, I’ve found their shoe selection very reliable in comfort & style.  Not to mention all the discount rewards you can earn just for having the store’s credit card! Check out previous Luxury Look-Alikes for Less posts for more great affordable & stylish finds! Happy Styling!