I love kicking off the school year in a dress, one that’s fashionable, functional, & versatile in styling possibilities. While I do love my classic scuba fit & flare dresses of yesteryear, I’m so drawn to the flowy ease of a “basic” dress that’s really anything but—
This season, I’m loving the fall tones, including olive, burgundy, & pumpkin. Of course, any of these dresses can be styled with a denim jacket or duster cardigan, as well as ankle booties or cowboy boots. Which dress do you like best? Which colors are you drawn to? Where are you shopping for fall favorites? For more stylish posts, check out: five fall sweaters from H&M, Old Navy’s Halloween-themed t-shirts, & utility pull-on pants in 5 colors! Happy Styling!
Summer isn’t over yet, & nor are the hits! Recently, Spotify, YouTube, & airwaves everywhere have been clamoring with love for Selena Gomez’s new pop track “Single Soon,” Miley Cyrus’ reflective ballad “Used to be Young.” The songs are quite the opposites of each other in many ways as “Single Soon” looks forward to self-love & new future adventures & “Used to be Young” is more of an introspective conclusion of wild days of the past. No matter what—both are amazing! Add them to your playlist & watch the videos below!
It’s no wonder pull-on pants are all the rage in fashion these days. Post-COVID style has majorly changed & while the masses are hungry for chic duds, comfort is key! Meanwhile, the 90s are smashing into this mentality & here we have a casual, yet stylish option for pants to mix & match with our everyday & work wardrobe.
While I’m not one to wear paler colors on my bottom half, I do love the dusty rose look of these. Additionally, these can be styled with a tucked in pullover sweater & layered necklaces or with a flannel & puffer vest. How would you style these pants? Are you on board with the pull-on pants trend? How often would you work these into your professional wardrobe? For more stylish posts, check out: ribbed tunic tops for under $16, cropped cardigans for fall, & Natalie Portman’s off-duty preppy look in Australia! Happy Styling!
About this time last year, I posted about cozy tunic tops by Time & True @Walmart & here we are again! However, the newest run of these soft, luxe, & comfortable tops includes some new colors & a high school neck. I prefer this cut much more than the v-neck, even though I’ve worn mine plenty during the colder months.
These can be styled in a variety of ways, including with lightwash jeans & layered necklaces, as well as with a statement necklace & faux leather leggings. How would you style this top? Which color do you like the best? How often do you wear tunic tops? For more stylish posts, check out: new fall cardigans from Old Navy, inclusive skirt sets for fall, & chic mixed media hoodies! Happy Styling!
My favorite all-time article of clothing has to be a cardigan. I love the way it completes a look & highlights a color story in an outfit. Additionally, I get really excited about finding cardigans with various details, such as different necklines, sleeve lengths, or button adornments. However, a classic cardigan can take you far this coming fall, especially when paired with a blouse & joggers, a knotted graphic tee & jeans, or over a sheath dress with mules.
These timeless cardigans are not only cozy, but also available in 8 colors that will get you through fall, winter, & the cooler spring months. Which color do you like the best? How do you usually style a cardigan? Where are you shopping for fall staple pieces? For more stylish posts, check out: skirt sets from Target & Walmart, grommet sneakers for under $20, & new midi dresses by Time & Tru! Happy Styling!
Who doesn’t love an outfit that you don’t even have to think about putting together? Well, that’s why matching sets, whether for a casual loungewear look, date night, or teacher outfit, are the biggest trend this coming fall. Matching sets don’t have to just include sleepwear, especially when a more utilitarian & minimalist 90s aesthetic is dominating retailers. Take a look at the matching sets below!
I love the inclusivity of both styles, especially with different skirt lengths, but I’m really impressed with the ease of taking these from day to night as well. For either look, the pieces can be coordinated with other wardrobe staples, such as a knotted graphic tee, button-down shirt, or light wash jeans. Not to mention that the shoe possibilities are endless with loafers, mules, sneakers, or ankle boots.
Once the weather transitions from hot & muggy to cool & crisp, it’ll be time to break out the outerwear options. Fall fashions are in full force right now & there are so many cute & affordable options to freshen up last year’s fall wardrobe & top off your look in style.
I love the ease of this jacket, which looks like a sweat jacket with a belted blazer silhouette. It’s perfect for casual Fridays or a teacher outfit with a button-down or blouse & jeans or topping a peasant dress & cowboy boots to transition into the next season. While I love the olive hue, I do have my eye on the versatility of the black jacket.
As the casual days of fall are approaching, so are the fabulous fall colors that can be worn for any kind of outfit, especially loungewear. If you’re like me & you have an “around the house” / “off duty” wardrobe, then you’ll love the comfort & versatility in these tops below!
I love the idea of pairing this cozy top with velvet leggings on a chilly fall Sunday, a puffer jacket & jeans when heading out pumpkin picking, or with faux leather pants & ankle boots to dress up this oversized piece. I’ll tell you, Time & Tru never fails when it comes to comfy clothing as most of my “off-duty” pieces are from this brand. I’m especially loving this option to mix with my patterned leggings for some playful & stylish looks when baking with my daughter or heading to the store.
90s trends have taken over summer & they’re not stopping for fall, including neutral sweater vests, which transition nicely from season-to-season. Pair a sweater vest with high waist trousers, plaid ankle pants, distressed boyfriend jeans, or under a blazer, & your look is complete, especially if coordinating in sleek, neutral tones.
Also, a sweater vest is perfect for over a button down shirt & straight leg pants or with a statement necklace, satin midi skirt, & loafers. How would you style this item? Which color do you like the best? Do you like to wear sweater vests? For more stylish posts, check out: a splurge or save dupe on twisted mules, chic sweater hoodies, & new midi dresses by Time & Tru! Happy Styling!
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:
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!
I’m constantly torn over blogging about summer or fall fashion since there’s so much of both right now that is on sale & brand new, but a frequent question I get from friends & followers is how to build a capsule wardrobe. While this post isn’t going into great detail about the specifics of that, the best piece of advice I always give is to find pieces that you can wear multiple seasons & that layer well for a variety of occasion.
There is so much possibility with this top as the satin texture instantly dresses up any pair of jeans & slides, linen shorts & wedges, or peasant skirt & sneakers, but it can also be made even more sophisticated with a pencil skirt & stilettos, plaid trousers & ankle boots, or faux leather leggings & sneakers. This top is ideal for a professional look, a holiday dinner, happy hour, or date night. Keep an eye out for upcoming back-to-school deals from Old Navy to get a discount on this top that’ll be sure to rotate frequently in your wardrobe!
During a recent trip to Sydney, Australia, Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman attended the Angel City Equity Summit to support Angel FC, the National Women’s Soccer League she co-founded, as reported by People. As paparazzi focused more on the Natalie’s missing wedding ring amid rumors & scandal surrounding her 11-year marriage to choreographer Benjamin Millepied, Natalie makes a case for confident & poise in her preppy off-duty look.
The casual, yet classic button-down shirt, jeans, blazer, & loafer combo doesn’t feel dated as she keeps it fresh, inspiring Style Darlings everywhere to recreate the look on a budget. So many of these pieces are staples that can be swapped out for a variety of outfits, but I took the time to assemble the look with affordable & inclusive picks.
Even if you wanted to simply wear the button-down shirt with jeans, you could top it off with virtually any kind of blazer–any cut or color. Likewise, you could take out the loafers & add ankle boots, ballet flats, or mules. Additionally, depending on the blazer color you choose, you could even select gold or rose gold jewelry to add some sparkle & dimension.
As much as we’re in the thick of summer & the heat waves are unpredictable, it’s always a good idea to look ahead. With fall being just around the corner, it’s time to–unfortunately–start thinking about how to transition our sunny day wardrobe into our fall favorites. That includes cardigans to wear over lacy tanks & printed crop tops with jeans & linen shorts.
SHOP:stitchy v-neck cardigan in 4 colors @LOFT ($64.95 ~keep an eye out for sales & coupon codes!~ available in sizes XXS-XXL).
If anyone knows how to do summer in style, it’s Jennifer Lopez. She never fails to bring the drama, flair, & street when hitting the red carpet; however, it’s often her more feminine & delicate looks that are truly breathtaking & inspiring.
On Tuesday, the multihyphenate celebrated National Spritz Day while promoting Delola, her new business venture of “world class crafted cocktails,” according to the brand’s website. As posted on her Instagram, a video, featuring Taylor Swift‘s “Cruel Summer,” shows Jennifer exiting her summer home (maybe in The Hamptons?), wearing a gorgeous green–her favorite color–coreseted floral midi dress with a slit (see below), It’s a perfectly breezy choice for the summer & occasion. Additionally, the dress is affordable for $47.99! Keep scrolling!
Shop the exact dress here:
SHOP:Houseofcb vintage floral print side slit corset midi dress in gardenia @Sthcute ($47.99, available in sizes S-L). However, while the dress is a great price, the inclusivity is missing, which is why I also selected these equally breezy & floral mint options to recreate the essence of JLo’s look:
Jennifer’s effortless & timeless look is finished off with thick round gold hoop earrings (shop similar here) & rose gold flip flops (shop similar here), which can be found more affordably here:
While everyone in the world is talking about the Barbie movie, it’s not only Margot Robbie & Ryan Gosling‘s performances that are being praised, but America Ferrera‘s empowering role as Gloria as well. During the film’s promotional tour earlier this month, while the cast journeyed from continent to continent, the Golden Globe & Emmy-winning actress took to Instagram in London in a chic & polished striped J.Crew button-down (that was customized with cropping), a leather midi pencil skirt by Matches, white stiletto pumps (shop similar here), & gold hammered earrings (shop similar here). However, for any Style Darling of any size, I was inspired to build this look from affordable, inclusive pieces!
The total ensemble isn’t hard to put together with classic wardrobe staples: a button-down shirt, pencil skirt, gold earrings, & heels; however, the stripe details, a faux leather texture, white contrast, & gold shine elevate the entire look. Try these recommended pieces below to recreate the look:
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.
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!
Statement jewelry with a vintage nod is all the rage currently, especially as we transition from summer into fall. While the changing seasons are ahead of us, the time is now to catch the best deals of jewelry on sale, especially at J. Crew Factory!
The hammered texture is the perfect contrast & detail to pair against an abstract print, tiny florals, houndstooth, or polka dots. I love the variety of earrings, as well as the hammered necklace, which is perfect for layering with a pendant or long chain for any date night or happy hour gathering with friends. Which hammered accessory do you like best? Where are you shopping for the best end-of-the-season deals? How often do you add to your jewelry collection? For more stylish posts, check out: the best pull-on pants for fall, gauze pajamas that double as loungewear, & hooded terry cover-up! Happy Styling!
Last summer, my entire fall & work wardrobe changed with Target’s A New Day tapered pull-on pants that felt like sweatpants, but appeared like perfect work pants! Currently, the pants, which cold out FAST, are back with more color variety & neutral prints.
I’m most excited about the burgundy pair. Also, I love the ankle length since I am 5’3″ & they fit perfectly. These are also versatile for casual & in-office days without feeling too stuffy. I can’t recommend these enough with a ruffled blouse & ballet flats, a button-down shirt & loafers, a pullover sweater & stilettos, & wrap top slides.
I feel like it’s been for-ev-er since the last season ofAppleTV+’s The Morning Show, starring Jennifer Aniston & Reese Witherspoon, which is why I’m excited about the forthcoming third season trailer that recently hit the web!
Last season was not without major drama, & this season looks to turn up the volume for the characters, including Jon Hamm who joins the cast of Mark Duplass, Billy Crudup, Karen Pittman, Greta Lee, Julianna Margulies, & more!
With the new Barbie movie out now, the doll, character, & fashion icon are taking over the world! Not only can you dress up as the titular legend, like Margot Robbie when off-camera, but your beauty look can also pay homage & celebrate the biggest movie of the summer! Specifically, OPI has just the sparkly hues & sets inspired by Barbie! Take a look at the slideshow & gallery below for all of the exciting & playful colors!
This season, there has been a lot of blending of pajamas with everyday loungewear, beachwear, & sportswear for women. And why not? We’re all running around so much & we want to be comfortable. If there’s anything that COVID-19 taught us, it’s to slow down. We can always dress up for extra special occasions, but when it comes to general casual dressing, it can still be both stylish & comfortable! Now that pajamas are being made more & more fashionably, why not get the most out of a garment & wear it during the day? It’s your secret (…kind of!)!
Any of these midi length dresses can be styled with a denim jacket or relaxed blazer, along with sneakers, braided slides, or jeweled flip-flops. Not to mention, they can also be accessorized with raffia earrings, bangles, or layered necklaces. How would you style these effortless dresses? Which color & pattern do you like best? Do you wear sleepwear during the day? For more stylish posts, check out: ribbed tanks for under $5, buckle mules by A New Day, & white skirt looks inspired by Taylor Swift & Priyanka Chopra-Jonas! Happy Styling!
In the summer, a tank top is a versatile must-have. It’s always a good idea to maintain an array of colors to mix & match with bottoms, like shorts in a variety of materials, skirts of all lengths, & pants in any color or pattern, & jeans. This option, under $5, also has a rib texture & snug fit for when you want to show off your curves or contrast flowy bottoms.
I have quite a few of these to wear to bed, but also with wide leg tropical pants, linen shorts, or midi skirts. these have a 5-star rating & the color variety is so fun. How would you style these tanks? Which color is your favorite? Where are you shopping for summer essentials? For more stylish posts, check out: gauze pajama sets you can wear for day,all the stylish looks from the Barbie press tour, & straw beach totes! Happy Styling!
The summer of sets continues, especially with linen & cotton separates that are light & flowy, along with being interchangeable with other wardrobe staples. Back in April, I posted about Joyspun’s new sets, which have since expanded!
Wear these for a good night’s sleep or style them up with wedges or slides, a crossbody bag, & raffia hoop earrings. The possibilities are endless! How would you style these pieces? Do you wear sleepwear for day? Which color & print do you prefer? For more stylish posts, check out: chic buckle mules for fall, a cozy terry cover-up, & Olivia Rodrigo’s Vogue cover shoot! Happy Styling!
While this shoe isn’t necessarily my style, I do love a fashionable flat in a neutral hue that offers styling versatility. Not to mention that the pointy toe elongates the leg line too!
At first, I wasn’t even sure about writing my take on Greta Gerwig’s highly-anticipated pink-gasmic Barbie, starring two-time Academy Award nominee Margot Robbie as the titular doll, but the more I think about it, the more I find personal reactions, revelations, and ruminations—so I might as well just write the darn review!
I. Love. It.
I was entertained, wowed, and moved. I’ve decided that, at this point in my life, I want to invest my time in entertainment that will uplift me, so before I go into further detail, I highly recommend Barbie to anyone whose interest is peaked by the trailers, interviews, and headlines surrounding the doll who can be anything and is everything.
Let’s break this down!
A warning: Audiences must go into this film prepared for political commentary, not only regarding society’s view of Mattel’s legendary doll setting unrealistic beauty standards, but of the ever-present distortion of power among the genders—this is not meant to be a spoiler, but if you are unfamiliar with the relevant themes of Gerwig’s previously acclaimed works (Little Women, Lady Bird), then you’re in for what could be a rude awakening. Rather than shoving one gender-norm-trope after another in each scene, Gerwig aims to volley the magic of Barbie with some intelligent reminders that within one’s boundless imagination, we can find the courage to address what ails us in the “real world” and pushes us into such escapism. This applies to more than young girls questioning their power, but also to anyone who has been silenced by a greater force.
Anyway… In this film, Robbie’s Barbie, who begins as charming and perfectly as we expect from a stereotypical Barbie, is headed for a crash course in patriarchy with a splash of existentialism. Overall, Robbie’s performance is impeccable with a welcome dose of innocence that inspires audiences to view the opening Barbieland act through the lens of the doll’s youthful demographic. It’s all eye candy and the good feels. Obviously, play is meant to be fun and doesn’t always make sense—it shouldn’t; however, it allows us to reflect on our own desires and identities, which incites Barbie’s adventure ahead.
Dually, Ryan Gosling’s much-hyped portrayal of Ken delivers an uncanny and unexpected combination of physical comedy and hilarious passion with precision, stealing nearly every scene he’s in. Lest we forget Gosling’s comic prowess in films like Crazy, Stupid, Love and the oft forgotten The Nice Guys, among his filmography of brooding leading men or action heroes. Additionally, Gosling takes center stage in his rendition of “Just Ken,” a power ballad that encompasses the ignored complexities of being a purposeless trophy.
However, my favorite performance of the whole film is from America Ferrera as Gloria, the real-life corporate assistant and struggling mother, who is severely underused and deserves a much heavier presence in the film. While Ferrera offers humor in well-timed moments, especially when encountering a fish-out-of-water Barbie in Los Angeles, it’s the Emmy-winner’s evocative monologues that inspire and empower. As the most significant human character, I wanted to know more about her and champion her journey, along with Barbie’s own plight, when confronted by her disillusioned daughter Sasha, played by Ariana Greenblatt. Not to mention, it’s been too long since Ferrera has set the silver screen aglow, and it just feels right!
Furthermore, the supporting cast is a collection of refreshing faces that support the diversity that Barbie represents today and adds to the mischief and fun that ensues in both Barbieland and the real world, including Insecure star Issa Rae as a sassy President Barbie; Death on the Nile actress Emma Mackey as a Physicist Barbie; Saturday Night Live alum Kate McKinnon, perfectly cast as the “weird Barbie” we all had; X-Men: Dark Phoenix’s Alexandra Shipp as Writer Barbie; transgender actress from TransparentHari Nef as Doctor Barbie; Scottish actress Sharon Rooney; Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings star and iCelebrity Jeopardy champion Simu Liu; One Night in Miami…’s Kingsley Ben-Adir; Sex Education actor Ncuti Gatwa; Life and Beth actor Michael Cera as the discontinued Allan; Oscar-winning writer of Promising Young Woman, Emerald Fennell, as the controversial pregnant Midge doll; Grammy-winner Dua Lipa and wrestler-turned-actor John Cena as mermaid Barbie and Ken; and Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan, playing another fabulous Barbie addition! Also, Will Ferrell’s role as an unnamed Mattel CEO fits in with Gerwig’s ridiculous, though entertaining and magical tone.
Speaking of magic, the film’s music, produced by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, amplifies Gerwig’s vision. With a summer-ready soundtrack featuring Billie Eilish’s Oscar-worthy track “What Was I Made For?”, Lipa’s pop hit “Dance the Night,”Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice’s “Barbie World (with Aqua),” Charli XCX’s “Speed Drive,” and more, we’ll be listening to the “bespoke pop” hits of Barbie’s world well into awards season—if there is one…
Lastly, the strategic and glorious set designs, by six-time Academy Award nominated production designer Susan Greenwood, bring life to the Dream House and other locations, along with the divine costumes by the one and only, two-time Oscar-winner Jacqueline Durran. Most notably, both Greenwood and Durran have collaborated on visually stunning past projects, including Anna Karenina, Sherlock Holmes, Beauty and the Beast, so with Gerwig in tow, it’s no surprise that Barbie is a feast for the eyes, in addition to the imagination.
While the misconceptions about Barbie will not completely be corrected by this movie, the film is, in fact, directed towards anyone who has loved and hated the doll, teaching audiences to be more inclusive and empowering. On a personal note, I felt particularly emotional by the mother-daughter scenes and connection, especially as the mother of a young daughter. This mother—me—is who she is because of the time, energy, and imagination spent with Barbie during childhood, blending storytelling with style and feminism.
Let’s just celebrate Barbie and ourselves because Barbie is a part of all of us, whether we like it or not. It’s just so much easier and heck of a lot more fulfilling to like Barbie than not. Have an open mind. Have some laughs. Let’s uplift each other into the future that Barbie wants us to have!