When considering accessories for vacation, I keep it super minimal, especially since it’s a hot summer week & I’m vacationing with a toddler to toddler-friendly places. That’s not to say I can’t do it in style, but I bring 2 bags, a few neutral sandals, 1 hat, 1 pair of sunglasses, & the most neutral earrings sets. The only other jewelry I wear is my wedding ring. We’re not planning on any fancy dining, so I just keep it mom-chic. Since we’re away for only 4 days & I have 5 piercings in each ear, I typically stack up on the earrings to avoid the discomfort of a necklace or bracelet on my skin.
Some favorite sets to rely on for chic, downplayed accessories style include these picks below from A New Day @Target:
A major heatwave hit Long Island recently, which is likely to happen again this summer, but that means that it’s imperative to stay cool! Wearing heavy materials that don’t breathe will make any outdoor time more oppressive. However, relying on linen & chambray materials will offer a fashionable & refreshing take on summer style. Specifically, Time & Tru’s core tank top @Walmart ($11.98) is a must-have for a casual Friday, to pair with shorts of any length, palazzo pants, or a maxi skirt. It’s available in 8 styles, including a stripe in black, rainbow, sandstone, & sunflower, along with solids blues in medium wash & vintage bleached, as well as tie-dye indigo & sea turtle, with varying availability in sizes XS-3XL.
I bought & am satisfied with the black & rainbow stripes, plus the medium wash tops. They’re easy breezy, though on the shapeless side, but that’s more than ideal for a fitted bottom. I was hoping to pack them for our family vacation this week, but they arrived wrinkly & I did not want to have to iron or steam while away. Overall, it would be a great top to travel in to start a vacation, when heading to a farmer’s market, or gathering for a weekend brunch.
The world just can’t get enough of Jennifer Lopez! The newlywed is frolicking around Paris in style, celebrating her nuptials to Ben Affleck & her 53rd birthday today!
I could easily gather a 500+ image gallery of Jennifer’s red carpet style to mark the occasion, but instead, I decided to put the spotlight on her performance looks, which are always a sparkling combination of glamour, surprises, & sexiness. Fringe, sequins, rhinestones, heels, belts, & matching accessories are essentials for most of the pop star’s looks, ranging from full on catsuits to glittering bodysuits & tights.
Australian actress Rose Byrne not only has range with both drama & comedy, as seen in Bridesmaids, Spy, & Like a Boss versus the acclaimed show Damages, but she has style! Sometimes when I see her, I’m reminded of the ethereal whimsy of Keira Knightley or the designer-darling looks from Diane Kruger, but every look on Rose is all her own.
She’s unafraid to play up femininity & pay homage to old Hollywood glamour, while channeling trendy details, such as cut-outs, plunging necklines, bold menswear inspiration, & layers of bangs. For her 43rd birthday today, let’s take a look back at her most memorable red carpet appearances:
It’s amazing that this is the season of the slide sandal. The slide sandal comes in a flat, kitten heel, block heel, and even platform with an array of details including the material, such as leather or faux leather, basket weaving, or a jelly. However, if you are still in the market for comfortable, it’s stylish black knotted slides, don’t break the bank! You might find inspiration from designer label slides, but obtaining the look on a budget for your next backyard gathering, weekend chore, maxi dress & tote bag combo, or day at the beach in a romper is possible!
Below includes a high-end example of black knotted sandals:
Additionally, this type of shoe can even be found in unexpected places, such as Five Below:
However, these sandals, also available and 10, or not sold on the store’s website, but you may still be able to find them in a local Five Below location near you! If they are $5, you might as well get both colors!
For the last 2 years, my head has been filled with fantasies of my dream cloffice, where I’d blog from each day & gather my stylish thoughts. Finally, my dreams are becoming a reality, especially as boxes & bins are unpacked & organized, making space on the floor for a plush, white round rug, befitting of a fashionable movie montage sequence!
I purchased the Amdrebio 6×6 round rug in white @Amazon ($43.88) ages ago & it’s finally set up—&still available for purchase!
While it’s seemingly advertised for a children’s play space or dorming, it adds the perfectly posh & polished touch to my stylish space, merging that bright pop of white to contrast the dark floors, my glossy turquoise walls, & the array of patterns in my wardrobe, as seen below:
Style Darling Daily headquarters / my cloffice: in-progress
My 3 1/2-year-old (who usually smiles, I swear) getting cozy, surrounded by Mommy’s wardrobe. Ignore the bins & boxes! Unpacking & organizing are still in progress!
About 5 years ago, I posted about finding the prettiest & blingiest summer sandals from David’s Bridal, ones that I still wear to this day. I rotate them with about 3 other sandals, along with flip flops & ballet flats, depending on where I’m going. However, when buying a must-have item, it’s rare to see it still available to purchase, even a whole 5 years later! Since David’s Bridal carries year-round bridal accessories, along with newer, trendy pieces, it’s actually no surprise that the Gemma jeweled t-strap sandal (available in sizes 5-11, in rose gold & silver + wide width, $29.95) is still in stock & as fabulous as ever!
I love styling these with a tropical maxi dress for a party, a blouse & linen shorts for an outdoor dinner, or to dress up a tee & cropped pants.
Every time I search the web for blog inspiration, especially when it comes to affordable fashion jewelry buys, I am boggled by the fact that statement necklaces, circa 2010-2020, are not as prominently available as they used to be. However, my jewelry collection is certainly not lacking, but I can’t help it that I like shiny, sparkly bling!
Also, as I am finally able to have the chance to unpack—in my contemplative, soul-cleansing solitude—& organize my wardrobe collection in our spare bedroom, which I call my “cloffice,” I am finally unveiling all those packages that I ordered in the last two years since moving into my family’s first home together.
Now, nothing against headbands—which I don’t wear—but I wanted a way to display my statement necklaces in all of their sparkly glory. I ordered 3, not knowing exactly how many I needed, nor did I consider how much space the stands would take up as I began to sort through my jewelry. While I am only somewhat embarrassed to share that what is displayed below is a mere fraction of my statement necklaces, I am considering investing in a few more stands once the proper shelving is available in my cloffice.
For now, I am happy that my statement necklaces are glistening & glimmering atop a nightstand that has been “fashioned” into a partial bookcase. Additionally, all of the statement necklace is pictured above are three years old or older from stores like Francesca’s, New York & Company, Dressbarn, JC Penney, Icing, & Forever 21; otherwise, I would share some links! Furthermore, stands are sturdy, soft to the touch, & easy to assemble in 3 separate pieces that can be arranged to your preference. If you are in the market to display your headbands or statement necklaces, I definitely recommend this item! What’s better is that it’s on clearance now too! Sharing this image & my affinity for statement jewelry is in no way meant to brag, as I am happiest in the fact that I can share all of accessories collection with my daughter when she’s older!
When it comes to celebrity A-listers & flawless style, Kristen Bell has been quietly—or not so much—dominating the red carpet for major awards shows, film premieres, press junkets, promotional appearances, & more! While the Frozen star is always a pleasure to watch entertain us in movies & on the small screen, the busy mom of two, podcast host, & children’s book author does it all, making it look easy & fashionable! Additionally, The Good Place actress celebrates her 41st birthday today & her feminine, timeless, sometimes bold, & quirky style is worth celebrating as well!
Take a look at the gallery below of some of her most memorable and breathtaking gowns and special occasion looks:
Next, Kristen also kills it when in a midi or mini dress, knowing when to keep it playful, cocktail, or letting her style-setter side show, as seen below:
Also, some stars are photographed hustling about, between events or just, in general, on the go, which makes for perfect style blogging fodder when they do it in stylish outerwear. Kristen is no exception.
Last but not least, Kristen is a masterful fashionista when it comes to outfits, blending mom-chic look with trendy pieces. She really can wear anything from neon to leather to to prints & knits to knee boots to oversize sweaters.
When it comes to sleepwear, I am so picky, it’s almost embarrassing. However, I am all about comfort & coverage, no matter the season. As I started to recognize how overworn much of my pajama bottoms & loungewear clothing were getting during the pandemic—I was working full-time from home for 15 months. I decided to make the investment in go-to bottoms, especially for the warmer nights when I still prefer my legs be covered up.
The always reliable & affordable Target brand, Stars Above, proved the right choice with the Beautifully Soft Cropped Pajama Pant & now, most of the selection is on clearance. I bought 2 black pair & 1 navy pair. Not only are they comfortable to sleep in & easy to care for, they also double as acceptable loungewear bottoms if you have to run out for an errand or two or are spending the weekend home doing light chores or enjoying family time.
The women’s XS-XL styles in gray, black, & navy are currently limited in availability (on sale: $14.44), but they can also be found in plus (1X-4X) in gray, black, & navy with limited availability ($16.99).
Details matter, especially on footwear. I love to contrast my flowery, feminine outfit with some metallic flare on my heels or play with a dark dramatic look against an unexpected pattern on my flats. However, for summer, when the toes are out & I’m all about sandals, I love the studded look for any casual outfit or maxi dress. A metallic stud in silver or gold instantly makes a jelly or PVC material sandals more elegant & definitely on-trend. Check out the below options from Macy’s, currently on sale for under $30!
With over two months left of summer, you’d think that stores would be fully stocked with the latest designs & styles for any shopper still looking to update their wardrobe for the season or investing in a fresh vacation wardrobe… but now that 4th of July has passed, retailers are clearing out merchandise to make room for incoming fall fashion. This means that it’s time to check those clearance racks for special finds that are perfect for the still-thriving summer season, but also to store for next spring’s rotation.
New York & Company is probably one of my favorite places to buy work & weekend clothing, but now that there are no longer any stores to peruse through, making online purchases that are final sale should be done carefully. When buying anything online, a shopper should always read the reviews & the product details, like garment material & care, along with checking a size chart for limited size availability, but for items that cannot be returned, taking the time to do this, especially for a dress that looks good enough to add-to-cart, is crucial. As New York & Company’s website is promoting their latest Into the Wild summer collection, most, if not all, short, midi, & maxi dresses from earlier in the season are reduced to $7.99, including the following bold & stylish short frock redlines:
If you’re a bargain shopper, like me, don’t forget to also check out New York & Company’s other redlines, including tops for $7.99, sweaters for $4.99, jeans for $7.99, shorts for $7.99, skirts for $7.99, pants for $7.99, outerwear for $7.99, & shoes for $7.99 to stock up on can’t-miss deals!
In today’s world, it’s actually not hard to find comfortable, stylish clothing, what with the coziness of loungewear still on everyone’s mind during lockdown; however, the world is changing, & it’s time to marry the comfort with the glam, especially when it comes to budget fashion. Today’s post is all about getting an entire look for under $100, which is exactly what I was able to put together with these stylish, neutral, & versatile pieces from H&M for a total of $85.95 (before taxes & any shipping fees), including:
The dress is also available in black, dark taupe, & light beige, which means that the styling possibilities are endless, especially with the slides & crossbody bag also made in black. If you like a billowy silhouette, you can ditch the belt or go for something more natural in a straw or basketweave, or even add a floppy hat & go for gladiator sandals with this look.
Her return to spotlight is long overdue & demonstrates her consistent triumphant style, grace, & polish as she turned heads in an unlikely summer combination of velvet & Mary Jane heels (shop similar here). However, Keira nails the look, especially with bumper sunglasses (shop similar here), a quilted clutch (shop similar here), & elegant rings (shop here & here). See the photos below of Keira’s exquisite style, alongside her husband, James Righton, to inspire your next summer LBD outing.
Even though summer is a season all about colors & patterns, a little black dress for a variety of occasions is a timeless wardrobe staple, including these more affordable options to help a Style Darling live your best French-girl fantasy, whether you’re headed to a cocktail party, wedding, weekend brunch, or somewhere fabulous & fashionable.
Additionally, an LBD doesn’t necessarily demand coordinating black shoes, especially as seen on Keira wearing beige & black Mary Janes, but this season, black sandals come in a variety of strappy & mule styles that elevate any ensemble. Here are some suggestions:
When it comes to fashion & function, I try my best to have as few outfit changes in a day so that what I wear to start the day is what I’m wearing to end the day, unless, of course, there is a special occasion to take into consideration; however, comfortable & stylish footwear for the summer should not be compromised when it comes to leading a busy life. As a Style Darling mom on-the-go, I am usually sporting something a little flashier (meaning, blingier) than average, which keeps me happy, but also ensures that I’ve invested in a piece that I really care about. For example, for a flat sandal, why not go metallic for the everyday, so that it can easily transition from a daytime affair, such as a family gathering or carnival, to a nighttime event, like a wedding or cocktail party. Adding a metallic to a sandal can go a long way in getting your money’s worth & here are some options to consider for not only work, but also for play:
SHOP: Journee Serlinda sandal in gold metallic, rose gold, silver metallic, & black @DSW (available in sizes 6-12, $49.99).
Also, the actress recounted a 2021 essay written by her mother, Academy Award nominee, Uma Thurman, for the Washington Post, regarding her own experiences as a teen having an abortion. I’m so impressed by Maya’s wherewithal & forthcoming advocacy for this human rights violation, & speaking about her mother’s right to freedom of choice, on such a visible platform to educate & inspire young people–not just women–everywhere to take action to own their bodies.
Additionally, Maya attended the interview all smiles, even in its most sincere moments, but also in head-to-toe denim by Dior with a jacket (shop here), jeans (shop here), & closed toe gladiator flats (shop similar here), appearing relatable & comfortable with Jimmy Fallon, who stated that he held young Maya as a baby while spending time with the Thurman-Hawke family.
To recreate Maya’s look, you don’t need a Dior budget, especially when high quality denim from reliable retailers is available, along with a beige tee & options for footwear, inspired by Maya. Check out the on-sale suggestions below to recreate this casual, but chic look for any age:
To view a clip of the interview, check out the video below:
Also, if you haven’t dove into season four of Stranger Things yet, here’s a trailer for the first seven episodes, which are currently available on Netflix:
However, TODAY volume two of the masterfully horrifying season four is available, including 2 longer episodes that close out the penultimate season. Check out the trailer below:
Today, June 30th ends PRIDE month, but that doesn’t mean that #PRIDE style must end, by any means! Our love for the LGBTQ+ community, & for love in general, remains a constant as all people should always celebrate themselves, especially through style. As a part of New York & Company‘s Color of Love collection, I’m obsessed with these bold & summer-ready rainbow stripes in a variety of separates & one-piece items, all of which are currently on sale, in sizes XS-XXL, to show not only your true colors, but to express love & PRIDE, inspiring the world around us!
Consider adding any of these dresses, rompers, or tunics to your wardrobe with hoop or drop earrings, metallic sandals or bright pumps, & white quilted clutch:
Otherwise, these tops & toppers are perfect to match with any denim of your choice, crisp white linen ankle pants, a primary colored-maxi skirt, or cut-off shorts:
For a vibrant bottom option for work or weekend, choose any of these options, paired with a classic scoop neck t-shirt, crochet top & tank, or a chambray button-down:
There’s something about this time of year that gets me thinking about prints in my wardrobe, especially when it comes to my casual clothing–that is, outside of my regular rotation of leopard print, polka dots, & houndstooth. More specifically, I love mixing up my look with a fruit pattern to embrace all this fresh & summery, along with showing off a more laid back & playful side of my style.
I’ve rounded up some fruit-centric new finds on sale now to help inspire readers to incorporate bold, fun lemons, watermelons, strawberries & more! To pair with some denim cutoffs or linen shorts, check out these tees:
Last, but not least, summer is all about colorful footwear, just like any other part of an outfit, which is why an espadrille upgrade is just the thing that any casual look demands!
SHOP:Fruit Embroidered Espadrille Flats @LOFT ($69.00 <– check frequently for sales & coupon codes via email subscription), prices may where vary where available in sizes 6.5-11.
One of the most classic & stylish staple summer patterns is gingham, offering a cool, breezy cotton piece for any seasonal look, especially in red, black, white, or blue. Old Navy is on top of the summer gingham trend with a variety of pieces at prices you can’t miss out on, especially in sizes XS-3XL!
SHOP: Printed Canvas Tote Bag in blue. This is a perfect tote for heading out to the park for the day, reading against a tree or hitting up the beach for a day in the sun.
I was recently in a situation where–gasp–I realized that I was not appropriately dressed for an event. My husband & I were going to a concert & even though my maxi dress & shrug combo were perfectly comfortable, rain was imminent & the weather was not about to stop us from going to the beachfront concert. So, I had a little time after work to run to @Target for a quick change of looks. I found leggings, a tunic tee, & cozy hoodie to endure the weather, but also, this yellow floral wristlet pouch by A New Day completed my look while still staying true to my style. It was the perfect way to carry only necessities, instead of my usual oversized tote bag with absolutely everything I owned.
A day or so after the event, I went on Target‘s website to share my joy about this wristlet & that’s when I found the navy & orange combo on the same wristlet, which is equally stylish for summer.
Both wristlets offer a fashionable pop of color & tropical feel in their patterns, which work perfectly with any outfit this season. Also, they’ll transition nicely for spring looks when headed out to a party or daytime wedding. My absolute favorite part of these wristlets is the price–$12.99!
Jessica Alba has always been one of my favorite celebrities to watch out for on the red carpet because several elements of her personal style mirror my own. She loves feminine, classic pieces, never straying too far into an architectural or modern aesthetic, but still appearing current & trendy. While the actress / entrepreneur has been promoting her new series L.A.’s Finest (also starring the always exquisite Gabrielle Union), as well as her brand The Honest Company, Jessica has been all about platforms. I couldn’t help but notice the chunky shoe under many of her dresses during her promotional tour, a choice that I would not personally make, but something I love to look at with her red carpet fashion, which has a very 70s & 90s glam vibe right now.
Below Jessica goes peachy in a Giambattista Valli Spring 2019 dress with beige patent leather platforms & an Alaia cropped shirt with a striped skirt in Jimmy Choo platforms.
Also, at the Monte Carlo TV Festival, Jessica wore an orange Silvia Tcherassi belted dress with a Mulberry bag & satin platforms. For her Honest Beauty Meet & Greet, Jessica looks heavenly in a Self Portrait midi dress with rust suede Salvatore Ferragamo platforms.For the budget shopper looking for trend pieces without breaking the bank, check out some of these affordable & stylish platforms out in stores & online now.
I’m a sucker for dresses, cardigans, & big jewelry. There’s no question about it. There are some staple pieces that I love to have en masse, including cardigans, ankle pants, & blouses. However, one wardrobe must-have that I haven’t embraced so much is the classic t-shirt!
(gasp)
…Perhaps this is because I always relied on the cozy ease of a t-shirt for my sleepwear & not so much to mix with my day pieces. T-shirts are an easy way to play off of busy patterns, bold textures, & trendy companions, which is why I’m featuring some great deals on colorful, classic, & trendy t-shirts.
No matter what your favorite neckline is, t-shirts really are for everyone. There are so many styles to consider from crewneck to v-neck to square-neck to split-neck, which is what makes t-shirts so versatile & compatible to offset a busy look to keep in minimal with all solids. Any of these tees could be worn with jeans, tucked into a skirt, with printed pants, or under a sleeveless dress, creating a new layer of possibilities in outfit building. Consider coordinating any of these items to build your next comfy t-shirt chic look:
It’s been a few days now that Facebook has been showing me sponsored posts about Betsey Johnson‘s Vandi pumps & each time I spot them, I take a moment to admire their femininity & flair. I usually get annoyed by sponsored posts (because I don’t like how social media tracks when I’m searching & then it appears EVERYWHERE). However, in this case, I haven’t searched the brand, nor have I been seeking out strappy high sandals like these, but I find them downright delightful & lovely.
They’re beyond my budget & not realistic for my current lifestyle & footwear needs, but they sure are pretty! thump thump…I imagine styling them with a little black dress, floral fit & flair frock, or even with a colorful blouse & skinny jeans. These are shoes for serious Style Darlings who love to add that extra special touch to every outfit & if they landed on my doorstep (in a size 8), I wouldn’t bat an eye at finding an occasion to wear them.
For my first official summer as a mommy, I’m scouring the web for a go-to tote to run out the door with (along with my own purse & the diaper bag) for all outing essentials that aren’t a part of my day-to-day life. For example, a bottle of sunscreen, a picnic blanket, a travel water bottle, spare flip flops, & maybe a magazine or book. I love how this season has so many cute & playful options that capture the spirit of the summer, while also being very spacious & useful for a busy Style Darling like myself. Here are just a few examples of what’s out there & what I have my eye on!
Victoria Beckham is always flawless. This isn’t news, but I just had to start there. The Spice Girl-turned-designer recently stepped out in what starts to look like a minimalist summer look with a white tee & black cuffed jeans, accessorized with classic pieces like a sleek black envelope clutch, pendant necklace, a chain link gold watch, & Celine sunglasses (shop here)… until you see the heels! They’re BalenciagaSquare Knife neon pumps (shop here) that make a wild style statement, but it all works seamlessly, especially on Victoria!
Of course, this look would’ve worked with pink, orange, red, or really, any color heel. She could’ve surprised us all with neon ballet flats, which would have been equally successful & exciting to post about. I’m always finding new ways to mix up my favorite wardrobe items in my collection, playing with different colors & patterns to pop, which is why I love Victoria’s inspiration so much.
However, we all don’t have the kind of budget needed to recreate this high-end, luxury look… but have no fear! Because so many of the pieces are staples, they’re not hard to find without breaking the bank! Even imitation-inspired heels are available to peruse (in several other colors too) to bring Victoria’s posh style back to life!
Style Darling Daily 