Tag Archives: summer fashion

The $100 Challenge: Styling A Summer Dress At Every Size!

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I’ve been thinking about fun & transformative ways to get the most out of my summer wardrobe, always looking for upgrades in staples like dresses, jewelry, & accessories at an affordable price. Lately, I love playing with color against my favorite classic pieces, which is the inspiration for this most recent Style Darling Daily post for The $100 Challenge. Since the dress below has so many possibilities, I couldn’t help picking out a few extras to get the most out of summer style for all shapes & sizes.

The $100 Challenge: dress ($30.00) in black / white @Old Navy, heels ($25.00) in lemon @Charlotte Russe, hat ($12.90) in white / black @Forever 21, studs ($8.99) @Francesca's, & clutch ($14.75) in ivory @Dress Barn.

SHOP: 1. dress ($30.00, was $32.94) in black / white @Old Navy (available in sizes XS-XXL), 2. heels ($25.00, was $28.99) in lemon @Charlotte Russe (available in sizes 5.5-10), 3. hat ($12.90) in white / black @Forever 21, 4. studs ($8.99, was $14.00) @Francesca’s, & 5. clutch ($14.75, was $29.50) in ivory @Dress Barn (also available in peach & black).

Affordable extras include neutrals, texture, & sensible alternatives to keep your looks fresh & playful this season. I love mixing up my jewelry from day to day, even when I rotate essentials like a favorite dress from week to week.

Affordable extras: jacket ($34.95) in light beige & plus jacket ($34.99) in light beige @H&M, bracelet ($5.99) in gold @Romwe, sunglasses ($5.99) @ModCloth, & sandals ($12.90) in coral @Wet Seal.

SHOP: 1. jacket ($34.95) in light beige & plus jacket ($34.99) in light beige @H&M, 2. bracelet ($5.99, was $8.42) in gold @Romwe, 3. sunglasses ($5.99, was $19.99) @ModCloth, & 4. sandals ($12.90) in coral (wide width available for $10.99, was $14.90) @Wet Seal.

Where are you shopping for this season’s best bargains? How do you like to style your favorite summer dresses? What patterns or colors do you love to wear now? For more stylish posts, check out the latest red carpet looks from Rachel McAdams & Karlie Kloss, where to get a figure-friendly Calvin Klein dress for less, Taylor Swift’s fashionable 1989 music videos, ankle strap sandals inspired by Jennifer Lawrence & Michelle Monaghan, & jewelry must-haves from Express. Happy Styling!

Top 10 Celeb Sightings: Head-To-Toe Black & Summer Prints, Including Kate Hudson, Karlie Kloss, & More!

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It’s been a big week for Style Darling Daily, but also the red carpet has been sizzling with plenty of style inspiration from our favorite celebrities. There are a lot of surprising trends this summer, including head to toe black looks, minimalist hues, & fun colors & prints. Anything is game this summer, so take a look!

Cara Delevingne, Diane Kruger, Freida Pinto, Halle Berry, & Karlie Kloss.

Actress / Model Cara Delevingne went for head-to-toe black in an Alexander McQueen blouse with high-waist black pants & patent black pumps for an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers. German beauty Diane Kruger mixed prints in lattice-print separates & floral jacket by Giambattista Valli & black Stuart Weitzman sandals at  Women in Film event. Freida Pinto was gorgeous in a black satin crepe Kate Spade New York jumpsuit with a white Kate Spade New York clutch & pumps at the Amazon Prime Summer Soiree. Oscar-winner Halle Berry made a red carpet appearance for the 2015 ESPY Awards in a lace-paneled LBD with leather accents, jewelry by Sylva & Cie, & black satin Brian Atwood sandals. Supermodel Karlie Kloss hit the Paper Towns red carpet in a minimalist nude & pink sheath dress with matching nude pumps.

Kate Hudson, Michelle Monaghan, Nina Dobrev, Olivia Palermo, & Rachel McAdams.

Actress Kate Hudson showed some skin in a black cut-out sheer Julien Macdonald gown with a black minaudiere & ankle strap platforms at the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation Gala. Pixels star Michelle Monaghan took a risk in a red tailored Zac Posen shorts suit with LFrank mosaic earrings, an Edie Parker clutch, & nude sandals at a Dinner Honoring the Women of the film. Former Vampire Diaries actress Nina Dobrev was ethereal in a white & gold beaded Reem Acra gown, a sparkling Charlotte Olympia clutch, jewelry by Csarite, & sandals by Stuart Weitzman at the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation Gala. Style icon Olivia Palermo walked the streets of New York City in watercolor separates by Tularosa with a mustard bad & snakeskin ballet flats. At the premiere of Southpaw, Rachel McAdams mixed a classic & sexy look in a cut-out Self-Portrait LBD with diamonds by Tiffany & Co. & black Stuart Weitzman sandals.

Which look is your favorite? What’s your go-to summer trend? Are you on board with all the lace & sheer panels? Whose style do you follow? For more posts, check out a Calvin Klein dress for less at Dress Barn, Taylor Swift’s stylish music videos from 1989, ankle strap sandals inspired by Miranda Kerr & Jennifer Lawrence, & must-have summer wedges for $10 from Payless! Happy Styling!

07/17/2015 Darling of the Day: 5 Ways to Wear Chrissy Teigen’s Summer Menswear Separates!

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Chrissy Teigen is winning the internet right now & why shouldn’t she be? The model / TV personality is all things gorgeous & brilliant with her impeccable style, legs for days, & eff-you sense of humor- no wonder hubby John Legend keeps writing songs about her! However, Style Darling is posting today to share Chrissy’s effortless menswear-inspired separates that she’s been sporting this summer (& last year too!). Like most curvy girls, I’m a little skeptical about wearing shorts, but reinterpreting Chrissy’s shorts + blazer + heels style seems to be a feasible possibility. I’ve scoured the web to find affordable separates to recreate her looks in 5 interchangeable & fashionable ways!

Chrissy Teigen in shorts, a blazer, & heels. Chrissy was flawless in a pair of gray high-waist shorts, a cream blouse, & shorts with jewelry by Jennifer Meyer & lace cap-toe Kurt Geiger pumps at the NASDAQ Opening Bell in New York City. Last year, she rocked a cream shorts, a white A.L.C. blouse, jewelry by EF Collection & Vita Fede, & white pumps. Also in 2014, Chrissy wasn’t afraid of playing with texture in leather shorts by Halogen with an ASOS blazer, Givenchy bag, Express necklace, & black pointed toe pumps. Then, she combined a white tee with denim cut-offs & an ivory double-breasted blazer with a taupe fedora, studded white purse, & neutral mules. For the Cannes Film Festival, Chrissy was carefree in white shorts with a plunging top, blush blazer, ankle strap sandals, & sunglasses.

Shorts, blazers, heels, oh my!SHOP: LOOK 1. blazer ($24.99, was $59.00) in gray @Urban Outfitters, top ($7.00, was $17.95) in white @H&M, shorts ($14.99, was $29.50) in white eyelet (also available in navy, shop plus size here) @Dress Barn, & shoes ($12.49, was $30.99) @Charlotte Russe. LOOK 2. blazer ($20.00, was $50.00) in black @Boohoo, top ($10.83, was $21.28) @Romwe, shorts ($6.99, was $12.99) in black (also available in taupe & blue) @H&M, & shoes ($15.00, was $39.99) in brown (also available in silver) @Payless. LOOK 3. blazer ($24.80) in gray (also available in cream, burgundy, & black) @Forever 21, top ($4.99, was $29.99) in gray (also available in green, pink, & blue) @MANGO Outlet, shorts ($4.44, was $14.80) in khaki @Forever 21, & shoes ($35.00, was $70.00) in black @ALDO shoes. LOOK 4. blazer ($30.00, was $59.98) in nude @Missguided, top ($5.99, was $14.00) in black (available in other colors, &up to size 2x) @JC Penney, shorts ($12.00, was $26.94) in green (also available in black & white, up to size 20) @Old Navy, & shoes ($20.53, was $27.40) in taupe (also available in red & black) @GOjane. LOOK 5. blazer ($24.05) in white (also available in blue & peach) @ChicNova, top ($5.99, was $12.99) in blue (also available in white) @Charlotte Russe, shorts ($14.99, was $26.00) in black / white (also available in other patterns) @JC Penney, & shoes ($14.97, was $39.00) in black @Nordstrom Rack.

What do you think of Chrissy’s style? How do you like to wear menswear? Do you feel comfortable in shorts? For more stylish posts, check out a nine-piece outfit for under $100, Reese Witherspoon’s recent Draper James street style, summer-ready totes for $20 & under, & Chloe Grace Moretz’s Coach look. Happy Styling!

06/28/2015 Darling of the Day: Reese Witherspoon’s Chic Draper James Separates!

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The always stylish Reese Witherspoon is more than just a red carpet darling. She’s taken her off-duty street style to a whole other level, especially since opening her online boutique & lifestyle site, Draper James. Her latest look in a floral pencil skirt (shop here @Draper James) with a classic Oxford shirt (shop similar here @Nordstrom) is the perfect way to mix up your work wardrobe for a combination of youthful & tasteful flare. Also, Reese accessorized her look with a black & gold chain cross-body bag (shop here @Draper James) & navy espadrilles (shop similar here @Zappos). Check out these four looks below inspired by Reese’s effortless, Southern style.

Darling of the Day - Reese Witherspoon in Draper James. 1. snap button down skirt ($19.90) in blue @Forever 21, 2. chambray shirt ($15.00) in light wash @Old Navy, 4. short sleeve shirt ($23.99) in blue @ModCloth, 3. chambray shirt ($22.99) @Target, 5. Worthington pencil skirt ($12.99) in multi @JC Penney, 6. floral pencil skirt ($22.00) in black floral @Shoptiques, 7. Thalia Sodi floral pencil skirt ($29.99) in blue combo @Macy's, 8. floral midi pencil skirt ($16.00) in yellow floral @Boohoo, 9. sunglasses ($3.00) in black @H&M, 10. heart crossbody bag ($17.00) in black @Dorothy Perkins, 11. bangle watch ($11.99) in gold @Kohl's, & 12. platform wedges ($25.99) in navy @Kohl's.

SHOP: 1. snap button down skirt ($19.90) in blue @Forever 21, 2. chambray shirt ($15.00, was $24.94) in light wash @Old Navy (available in XL & XXL), 4. short sleeve shirt ($23.99, was $34.99) in blue @ModCloth, 3. chambray shirt ($22.99) @Target (BOGO 50% off clothing, accessories, & shoes), 5. Worthington pencil skirt ($12.99, was $40.00) in multi @JC Penney, 6. floral pencil skirt ($22.00, was $28.00) in black floral @Shoptiques, 7. Thalia Sodi floral pencil skirt ($29.99, was $49.50) in blue combo @Macy’s, 8. floral midi pencil skirt ($16.00) in yellow floral @Boohoo, 9. sunglasses ($3.00, was $5.95) in black @H&M, 10. heart crossbody bag ($17.00) in black @Dorothy Perkins, 11. bangle watch ($11.99, was $24.99) in gold @Kohl’s, & 12. platform wedges ($25.99, was $64.99) in navy @Kohl’s.

What do you think of Reese’s street style? Do you like the way she’s styled her look? Have you checked out her website Draper James? For more stylish posts, check out affordable totes for summer, Chloe Grace Moretz’s recent red carpet look in Coach, bargain buys on statement jewelry, Lily James in Ralph Lauren, Eddie Borgo’s newest accessories collaboration with Target, & the latest Top 10 Celeb Sightings post featuring Taylor Swift & Mindy Kaling. Happy Styling!

Show Me The Shoes: Cool Cap-Toe Pumps From Payless!

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Today marks the last official day of spring, even though here on Long Island, the birds are chirping & the sun is shining like it’s summer. Stores & online retailers are fraught with swimwear, summer separates, & plenty of little dresses to go around, yet I’m starting to see fall fashion sneak up on us. Yes, I said fall! That’s what usually happens so that shopper stay ahead of the game, but I don’t really start my fall shopping until the end of August when I start receiving all those amazing birthday coupons that I’ve signed up for!

Anyway, if we’re gonna talk about fall, we might as well talk about shoes b/c fall is my favorite season of shoes. That’s when we can start thinking about suede, ankle booties, & multiple textures to build a crisp, yet chic fall ensemble. One such example of a fall must-have is the Fioni ‘Icebreaker’ captoe pumps ($29.99) in pink, nude, & black from Payless.

Payless - Fioni Icebreaker Captoe Pump $29

These are perfect for transitioning summer favorites into fall. The rich texture of the suede exterior & metallic shine of the glossy cap-toe will make any floral dress & crochet sweater, button & trousers, & leather vest & skinny jeans look fall-ready. Of course, I’m going to wait for Payless’ next BOGO 50% sale to take advantage of these must-have pumps.

What shoes are you thinking about for fall? Which stores do you shop for the best deals on new arrivals? For more posts from Show Me The Shoes, check out look-alike strappy sandals like Taylor Swift’s, trendy flip flops at all price ranges, where to find ankle-strap sandals like Ashley Madekwe’s, & Katy Perry’s ALDO sandals & others in white with silver studding! Happy Styling!

Inside A Style Blogger’s Closet: Summer-Ready Dresses For Under $10!

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I’ve been splurging but saving a whole lot lately, especially since I have big travel plans in July. This includes an entire new selection of dresses that I’m happy to adopt into my wardrobe for this spring & summer. I always head to the new sale & clearance racks first in order to get the best possible deal, but I was so happy to come across these two dresses that were under $10 each! If that’s not a bargain, then I don’t know what is!

I never thought I was a yellow kind of girl. Sure, here & there I have a yellow top, yellow flats, but I couldn’t conceive on my fair skin an entire yellow look, but I definitely found one with the Merona refined lcae dress ($8.38) in yellow from Target. Online, this dress is $27.99, but I found it on a 70% off rack at my local store & it fits perfectly. I usually score big with this brand, especially since Target often has coupons on their website for this brand too!

Target - Merona refined lace dress $8.38, Walmart - Faded Glory ruffle knit dress $9.49.My second big score was the unexpected one! I hardly ever shop @Walmart, mostly b/c I’m dedicated to Target & can always find what I need, & the local Walmart doesn’t always look like the nicest place to shop- despite low prices. I came across this Faded Glory ruffled knit dress ($9.94) in black, which wasn’t on sale & this was its original price. I was hesitant b/c I wasn’t sure about the quality of the material, but then I looked at the tag of the New York & Company summer dress that I was wearing… & low & behold, both the above black dress & what I was wearing were both 60% cotton & 40% polyester. I tried it on & it was the perfect length & cut, & I was very happy with my decision to purchase this LBD that could be dressed up or down & won’t ever go out of style.

What makes me even happier with these purchases is their potential for accessorizing, which includes great finds like the arrowhead studded faux leather belt ($5.80) in nude from Forever 21, which is perfect for either dress, or even pairing with shorts & a ruffled tank. Also, for some fun & playful colors, I picked the Mudd Kara colorblock crossbody bag ($13.20) in mint yellow from Kohl’s, especially if you’re looking for something summery & smaller to carry around. To dress up both looks for a classy evening, I recommend the hammered chain link necklace ($6.00) from Charlotte Russe, which definitely plays up the chain link trend.

Also, for a casual day out, I love the idea of a pair of flirty exaggerated cat-eye sunglasses ($9.99) in tortoise shell from JC Penney. Lastly, there are plenty of shoes to match up, but I especially love LOFT‘s basil ballet flats ($20.99) in Bombay blue & the Portia high wedge sling ($15.00) in red from Payless.

What’s the best deal you’ve scored lately? What’s been your biggest shopping surprise yet? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out Taylor Swift’s leggy look for under $100, little white dresses inspired by Angelina Jolie & Kerry Washington, fashionable flip-flops from Guess & Steve Madden, & a look at 3.1 Phillip Lim’s new collaboration with Target! Happy Styling!