Tag Archives: summer dresses

SHOP NOW!: Printed Summer-to-Fall Dresses & Cardigans by Time & Tru!

Posted on by

As we’re headed into mid-August & all the back-to-school merchandise is out in stores, it’s an exciting time to get thinking about fall fashion & how to transition favorite summer pieces into the next season. Particularly, when starting the new school year, having versatile, stylish pieces that are also comfortable–bonus!–makes the getting ready process easier & more exciting.

For example, Walmart‘s Time & Tru brand strikes again with the printed midi dress with flutter sleeves ($19.98) available in sizes XS-XXXL & 4 patterns: green chili, papyrus beige patchwork, sheer salmon, & winter white watercolor ditsy.

Another options includes Time & Tru’s 3/4 sleeve smocked midi dress ($24.98), which is also available in sizes XS-XXXL & 4 patterns: rustic red painted peony, black plaid, papyrus beige patchwork, & peach glaze batik leaves.

Of course, any of these dresses would like darling with a pair of neutral slides, a charm bracelet, & some drop earrings for this summer, but the classic & colorful prints match with some signature fall hues, including burgundy, mustard, olive, navy & brown, which is why the following cardigan suggestions are perfect to match up with these dresses for cooler days.

SHOP: Time & Tru open front duster cardigan in urban khaki ($12.00, available in sizes XS-XXXL & 6 colors), Time & Tru pointelle cardigan with long sleeves in papyrus beige ($10.50, available in sizes XS-XL & 3 colors), Time & Tru tie-front cardigan sweater in green chili ($12.00, available in sizes XS-XXXL & 3 colors, Time & Tru open front cardigan sweater in apple juice ($14.98, available in sizes XS-XXXL & 8 colors), & Time & Tru boyfriend cardigan in black soot ($18.98, available in sizes XS-XXL & 4 colors).

How would you style these dresses? Would you wear them to work or for play? Which patterns & colors are your favorites? What’s your go-to cardigan style? For more stylish posts, check out: my top 5 picks from J.Crew Factory’s clearance sale, more stackable jewelry organization ideas from Walmart & Amazon, Serena Williams on the September cover of Vogue, & new must-have work pants by A New Day @Target! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Dresses On Sale @HauteLook For Under $30!

Posted on by

I’ve been keeping my eye on HauteLook for quite some time now, but since Fashion Week, I’ve been bombarded with the urge to share galleries from the catwalk in Runway Rundown.  However, it’s been a while since I’ve spotted a great deal for Quickie Darling Deal & Steal that I just had to write about, especially since the barrage of fall favorites which have been trending all over the place.  I’ve recently started a new job where the dress code calls for business casual, but all of my years in a professional office hasn’t afforded me a business casual wardrobe. I’m trying to find ways to blend both worlds, but I always recommend dressing for the job you want, instead of the job you have.

I love mixing up my summer dresses with heavier knits & mixing feminine tights with suede booties.  It’s no secret that I’m all about the dresses, which is why my jaw dropped when I found these amazing deals @HauteLook for under $30.00. These 7 dresses scream summer fun, but with a few fabulous tweaks, these bargains can transform your fall look while at work, hitting up a bistro for lunch, or if you’re going on a date.

The Blu Pepper scoop neck sequin front dress ($27.00) in gold is currently 50% off & would look rich & flirty if paired with tights in a jewel tone & cut-out shooties. The sleeveless v-neck lace dress ($27.00) in navy is also available in ivory, but can look extra luxurious if paired with a sequin jacket or bolero, or can even be made work appropriate when worn with opaque tights, an embellished cardigan, & ballet flats.  The studded neckline dress ($22.00) is in an adorable orange, which begs for regal neutrals in your accessories like a patent leather belt, slouchy boots, & stacked bangles with beads.

The cutout back short sleeve print dress ($22.00) is a date-friendly frock that can be coordinated with other belts in your arsenal, encouraging its wearer to alternate complimenting hues for emphasis.  Also, trading in a corset-like belt will add some edge to the pretty pattern on the dress.  The pleated colorblock dress ($22.00) is the ideal canvas for any time of the year.  Colorblocking is one of the biggest trends & can work with multiple textures like embossed croc for a belt, argyle tights, & suede lace-up knee boots.  Reveal your feminine side with an ivory lace jacket & some drop earrings.

Don’t be fooled by the season since you can still get away with maxi dresses for the cooler days! Take advantage of these prints in order to reinvent your basics, especially with the sleeveless waist tie print maxi dress ($22.00) if worn with a bomber jacket & flat boots.  The spaghetti strap print maxi dress ($28.00) in olive will work with a tuxedo jacket & strappy platforms, as well as over a turtleneck with knee boots. Just look to boho chicqueen Nicole Richie for endless ways to make a maxi dress look chic.

Be sure to sign up with HauteLook to receive news on events & sales, & check out their Facebook page to see all the newest merchandise to add to your already stylish wardrobe for every season! Happy Styling!

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

Posted on by

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!

Posted on by

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!

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

Posted on by

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: Cute Cardigans Inspired by Victoria Beckham, Michelle Obama, & More!

Posted on by

I’m super lucky to have thought of packing some cute cardigans to go with my dresses & skirt outfits, especially when sitting for up to three hours during a lecture at this year’s Writer’s Conference in Southampton with Stony Brook University.  I’m so inspired by stylish celebrities for my week & a half in The Hamptons, I’ve really been on my style game everyday.  However, getting back to cardigans, here we have a range of looks from Style Darlings like Michelle Obama, Camilla Belle, Victoria Beckham, Ashley Greene, Olivia Palermo, & Reese Witherspoon (who I recently featured in a Basics for a Bargain post too).

Cardies are no longer boring since they come in a range of fabulous styles, as seen here.  These are essentials for any time of the calendar year & (in my opinion, give the blazer a run for its stylish bucks!).  With the latest rage in boyfriend cardigans, they’re definitely no longer for librarians or bankers (ha!).  Layer one over a graphic tee & a denim mini skirt, or try something soft & feminine with leather leggings.  There’s always a summer dress that’s just calling for a cardigan companion as well!  Take a look at some of these celebrity looks to help get some cardigan inspiration, not to mention the above choices, ranging from $16.00 – $59.90!  If you’re looking for links to these picks, check out Gap, The Limited, Forever 21, Target, & LOFT.  Happy Styling!