While a loose-fitting t-shirts can be styled up & worn casually all summer long, a smocked top in a flattering silhouette adds a feminine touch when heading out to a concert, beachfront walk at sunrise, or family picnic.
I’d love to see these in-person, especially the tie-dye blue to pair with linen shorts, sneakers, & seashell earrings. How would you style this top? Which pattern do you like best? Where have you been shopping for summer essentials? For more stylish posts, check out: beach totes for under $8, a statement jewelry set from Macy’s, & colorful new pajama sets by Joyspun! Happy Styling!
As you may already know, I love a matching set; however, I haven’t ventured much beyond pajamas & loungewear for a set, but I’m very impressed by this classic summer ensemble that also works so nicely when coordinated with other wardrobe staples too!
Deals on seasonal staples aren’t that hard to come by, but one that’s a can’t miss is a quality rib tank top full of styling possibility—with linen shorts & slides, a midi skirt & statement necklace, a button down shirt & cut off jeans, a tailored blazer & pencil skirt, & more!
The time is now to hop aboard the Kohl’s train with their major clearance blowouts, Kohl’s Cash (if you have it), & summer sales, including some must-have accessories to wear all year long. One of my favorite fashion jewelry brands, LC Lauren Conrad, knows a thing or two about chic subtlety when it comes to jewelry for special occasions, a professional look, or for the everyday outfit.
If a dress, top, pants, or jacket has some stretch to it, I’m all about it. In every day life with work & family, I don’t have the patience to feel constricted in my clothing, especially in summer. A smocked bust or detail in a dress makes all the difference, especially for curvier women.
I love the pop of color in the turquoise & the chic simplicity of the leopard print. I’m torn about which one to wear to my daughter’s preschool graduation, but I know I’ll get a lot of stylish use out of both this season. Not to mention, good on Target for not only the style variety, but also the vast size range for a classic summer dress!
As I continue to expand my sleepwear & loungewear wardrobe, I love finding pieces that seamlessly work for both parts of my life. When it comes to linen, I even hope that a piece will coordinate for an office summer look. As much as I do rely on neutrals for this time of year to offset with a pop of color, I’m also very much into pink bottoms!
Recently, I bought the pink pair on a whim without a sale & I’m so glad I did. the only thing to consider with these pants is that the linen is very lightweight & you should wear flesh-tone underwear to avoid any see-through moments. Currently, I have ordered the blue pair as well.
Cute tops are everywhere this summer! The cuts, fabrics, & prints are more interchangeable than ever when it comes to styling & getting the most out of your wardrobe. Specifically, Free Assembly‘s summer line at Walmart is turning up the volume with a flattering top in a can’t-miss variety.
I love the idea of this top with denim cut-off, linen shorts, satin joggers, or ankle pants, topped off with a denim jacket, woven bolero, or athleisure jacket. For summer, I love the mixed floral print, but the blue stripes reminds me of the freshness of seersucker this season.
Prairiecore style continues to dominate the summer with peasant tops & skirts, linen & wide leg separates, & sundresses galore. In some cases, it may be difficult to incorporate these pieces into a work look. However, this newest Time & Tru find is not only the dress of the summer, but full of styling possibilities for any time of year!
As pictured, the dress can be worn with boots of any variety, but can also coordinate with a woven belt & long cardigan, a printed blazer & ballet flats, & more! The washed denim options are especially on trend if you’re loving all the of the chambray looks on social media.
One of my favorite buy-one-in-every-color finds has expanded with another variety. This time, a blouse with so much styling potential, is available in black & ivory to pair seamlessly with so many different bottoms, but also a printed blazer, denim jacket, flyaway cardigan, & embellished bolero.
After this Memorial Day weekend, the summer sales are in full flux, which is perfect timing if you’re planning your next weekend getaway, beach day, or winery trip with girlfriends. An oversized tote to stash all of your necessities is just the thing!
In the article written by Abby Aguirre, there’s much discussion over Margot’s own Barbie memories, preparing for the iconic role, the highs & lows of producing the film, costume designer Jacqueline Durran’s Barbie vision, & much more!
As my husband & I plan for a vacation in July, I probably think most about my options for sleepwear so that I can rest comfortably between daily jaunts. In recent years, I’ve definitely been more drawn to matching sets & why not? When there are so many styles & prints to choose from, I love finding new, playful, & stylish varieties.
I’m making a promise to wear as many skirts as I can this summer, especially since I’ve been guilty of neglecting them. However, to do that, I need to ensure that I have the right tops to wear since I’m considering these skirts for my daily summer classes, starting on Wednesday. It’s just my luck that New York & Company had these:
While I love the color variety, I do wish there was a red, navy, & cobalt option. Also, as the retailer has been offering more inclusive sizes, this top isn’t available beyond a XXL. How would you style this top? Which color do you like the best? How often do you wear a flutter sleeve? For more stylish posts, check out: the new Barbie trailer,Sydney Sweeney & Kate Beckinsale at the Cannes Film Festival, & raffia flats for under $30! Happy Styling!
I do love me a one-in-every-color anything really–cardigans, blouses, pants, & definitely, footwear of any kind. As the temperature warms up & we get our pedicures ready for some sunshine, it’s time to think about refreshing your spring-summer shoe options without breaking the bank.
I love the color variety, price, & multi-strap detail across the foot. While slides are all the rage currently, I’m still on a flip-flop girl at heart, always worried about my foot falling out. Just me? Yes? No? Didn’t think so. However, these pair perfectly with any maxi dress & denim jacket, band tee & denim cut-offs, or floral romper & hoop earrings, no matter if you’re headed to an outdoor concert, away for a weekend road trip, or to a family celebration.
One of the chicest ways to stay both cool & stylish as the temperatures rise is by wearing linen. I’ve always been weary about linen, due to caring for the wrinkles & washing to ensure that it doesn’t shrink, but in recent years, I’ve been a fan of linen shorts with tanks & tees of all varieties. However, I’m in love with these linen pants, which can be dressed up or down & still keep you cool.
These are true to size. I wish they were available in more color varieties, including black & brighter hues to pair with my favorite spring-summer tops. How would you style these pants? Which color do you like best? How often do you wear linen? For more stylish posts, check out: Quinta Brunson on InStyle’s May cover, Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour outfits, & flattering midi dresses! Happy Styling!
As much as I love a fruit-printed blouse or an embellished cardigan, I can never have enough casual tops to throw on for running weekend errands, which is usually when I’m dressed my most casual. As the warmer months approach, my casual wardrobe demands versatility in matching up with linen bottoms of all hues or cottons shorts in a variety of patterns, which is why I love this top:
I’ve definitely added both striped tops to my cart with plenty of possibilities to pair with shorts, cropped pants, joggers, jeans, & leggings, along with sneakers, slides, & sandals. Which style do you like best? Do you wear sleeveless tops in the summer? How often do you shop at Walmart for wardrobe updates? For more stylish posts, check out: Jennifer Lopez’s press tour for The Mother, Rihanna’s fashionably late arrival to the Met Gala, & must-have sparkle slides! Happy Styling!
Since slides are the big shoe trend with the warmer spring weather heading into summer, there are so many styles & varieties hitting shelves & online retailers’ social media. Selecting a slide with sparkle is always a grand idea to elevate a sundress for a special occasion or to pair with a maxi dress, blouse & ankle pants, or shorts romper.
I love both pairs & I’m waiting for Target put these on sale before deciding which one to get, but they’re perfect for a family gathering, tapas nights with the girls, or when heading from the beach to the bookstore.
Even though we’re still in the early days of spring, summer is just around the corner. Likewise, tropical embellishments, accessories, & prints are hitting stores. If you’re like me & you love a kitschy & playful twist on seasonal style, then these new earrings are for you!
Personally, I’m a big fan of the pineapple earrings, especially with the rainbow stones, which will coordinate well with last season’s graphic tees, maxi dresses, or sundresses when attending a family barbecue, outing with girlfriends, or casual Friday at work.
Now is the time of year to stock up on fresh, new printed t-shirts to layer under a button-down shirt, with a pleated midi skirt, for jeans on a casual Friday, to pair with jeggings & a denim jacket, or just for hanging out on the weekends. There are so many fun ways to wear a t-shirt, so why stop at just one style?
When it comes to style in the warmer months, while trendy pieces & bold accessories are essential for exploring your sensibilities, comfort is also key! It’s time to break out the linen, cotton, & chambray, along with any denim cut-offs, to pair with the season’s newest must-haves!
I love how pretty & classic this top is, juxtaposing the soft ruffles & peplum-inspired silhouette with seersucker stripes, which will pair perfectly with white jeans, linen shorts, dark wash denim capris, or gauzy wide leg pants!
Even though it’s not quite time to break out the maxi dresses & plan for some outdoor fun just yet here on Long Island, it seems that retailers are already ahead of the shoe game with major summer sandals. I love these, even though I may be hesitant to rock them myself!
When it comes to running out & about, whether for fun or errands, a crossbody is my go-to. I’ve fallen into the habit of changing out my massive weekday tote to a smaller crossbody for weekends, especially when needing to be mobile with my little one. This newest crossbody is not only versatile for its removable strap, but also stylish for any spring occasion, including a family party, date night, or al fresco brunch with girlfriends.
When it comes to prepping for the work week, most people schedule & plan out meals for lunch during work, but also at home, whether you’re single or providing for an entire family. However, on top of that, something that I try to do to make my harried mornings a little easier is outfit prep. A typical Sunday night includes me picking out 5-6 full outfits & folding them in a neat pile in order of when I will wear them so that I can get ready steadily each morning before I’m about to get my pre-schooler dressed & fed, along with embarking on my hour-long commute. Here are my steps to outfit prepping success:
1. Check the weather & your schedule. No matter the season, checking the weather will be helpful. For me, hot days mean dresses & laser cut flats with a lightweight sweater for the air conditioned office. Likewise, snow or rain mean that I need to be conscious of footwear & hair styling. Also, if you have an important meeting or post-work event, take into account how your outfit can transition.
2. Build the whole look. Even if I know I’ll be removing a cardigan or other layer for most of the day, I always keep one handy. I’m a cardigan girl, so all of my outfits include either a button-down, flyaway, or cropped topper to complete the look. I try to mix it up each day with length & color, so it doesn’t look like I’m wearing the same piece each day. Also, I put together a top with pants or a skirt & make a note of the shoes I’ll wear somewhere on my phone. I have too many shoes, so it’s worth it—for me—to ensure that I’m varying them each day. If it’s going to be a hectic week, of course, I’ll repeat out if sheer comfort needs!
3. Pre-select accessories. I have little dishes on my bedroom dresser handy for accessories, in addition to my jewelry boxes & trays that are organized by metal type. Upon selecting the outfit pieces, topper, & shoe, the accessories come next. I usually only do this for 2 days in advance to avoid cluttering my dresser Monday through Friday. This also ensures that I’m putting my jewelry away each day too. I have 5 piercings in each ear, so I select which earring will be the main one, if it’s a drop, hoop, or stud, & then grab a card or 2 of smaller options for my other holes that I’ll grab easily as I’m getting dressed. This applies to necklaces & bracelets too. Also, if I need a belt, I pick one that coordinates with my jewelry.
4. Check for imperfections. I don’t really own much that needs to be ironed or steamed, but I like to plan in advance for those outfits. Rather than folding them on my dresser, as seen below, I’ll steam ahead of time & leave the item hanging somewhere they won’t be in the way if I’m not wearing it until the end of the week & where it will remain in tact. The same goes for checking for fit, holes, missing buttons, stains, etc. You don’t want to be halfway to work when you realize that there’s something irreversibly wrong—in the moment—with your outfit, especially right before a major meeting too!
5. Grab an extra look. I sometimes get overly ambitious with an outfit that I plan, but then when the day comes & maybe the weather changes or I’m feeling bloated, I change my mind & want something more comfortable. Also, I consider factors before & after my work day, such as any errands to run or stops to make, so I’m comfortable & capable to perform those tasks & my outfit doesn’t interfere.
6. Hair! I’m curly all summer long & since my work days have been light lately, I’ve relied on a claw clip or barrette, but once the cooler weather arrives, I’ll straighten my locks & turn to scrunchies, bobby pins, or hair ties, so I plan in advance if I have something that coordinates well with a particular look. It usually ends up on a dish with the jewelry too.
7. Keep it up. The usual Monday mornings when I realize I’ve forgotten to outfit prep somehow always become my most stressful days, setting the tone for more stress. The more frequently I outfit prep to get myself mentally & physically prepared for the week, the calmer I can start my day. Also, by maintaining a weekly outfit prep schedule, at least for a 9-5, I spend more time with my wardrobe & then remember better what I’ve worn recently to make sure I’m getting the most out of my investment by not wearing the same handful of pieces each week & rotating old favorites that make me happy.
8. Adapt as necessary. If you keep grabbing the same top each week, planning to wear it & then you change your mind each time, maybe it’s time to donate it since you may never actually wear it. Similarly, you might find that you’re wearing all black all the time & you’re missing other brighter colors; then, set a goal for the week to celebrate patterns or include a neon each day or coordinate a different take on animal print on Fridays.
To conclude, there definitely other things we all worry about that are way more important in our lives, but if feeling prepared for the week & expressing yourself through your clothing are major facets of who you are, try to outfit prep. Playing dress-up doesn’t have to be just for special occasions. Having fun with what you wear helps with confidence & definitely reduces my anxiety about what lies ahead each week.
I’d like to write a whole fairy tale about one princess’ quest to find the perfect leopard print pencil skirt, but when I, as a fashion blogger, can make this story a reality, it’s probably better to just get right to the point. As the transition of seasons approaches, most may think that pastels & lighter weight pieces must be hidden in the back of the closet & taken out of rotation, but that’s not the case when it comes to a versatile leopard print piece. Whether wearing the popular pattern as a top or bottom, or through accessories, it’s timeless for any Style Darling & presents a unique styling opportunity.
However, when it comes to a professional look that offers both creativity & boldness, I recommend a leopard print pencil skirt. This is one of my power pieces—in lieu of a preferred power suit. Leopard print can include any color combination from the traditional golden-khaki-black to fun & bright tones too.
These skirts can be paired with a button down shirt & stilettos, tee/cardigan combo with pointed ballet flats, scoop neck sweater & statement necklace, or cami/blazer + drop earrings, which is only the beginning, playing up different hues. Try a red, mustard, burgundy, or olive top with a more neutral-toned leopard skirt or for the yellow, pink, & blue option shown, mix it up with a pinstripe shirt with tennis shoes, ombre tee & denim jacket, or pastel sweater set & platforms to emphasize your softer side—no matter the trends or season.
The picture from 2017 was taken in front of my parents’ house in Lake Grove for my first day of teaching (as Professor LeClair) a college class & I had no idea the path I was about to fashionably forge or how my life would change over the next 5 years! When I recently uncovered the tropical dress from deep storage (that I was unable to unpack or even mentally tackle for a good 2 years), I remembered that I hadn’t worn the dress since that very first, nerve-wracking day of a career I never wanted; however, with the launch of my sixth academic year as an English professor (as Professor Gambino), I thought it was “fitting” to break it out again.
Of course, I accessorized it differently, opting for white accents & skipped the belt, but it’s good to know that 40 or do classes later, I still got it! The top picture on the right was taken this morning, a beautiful summer morning as the buzz of academia awaited me & called so many back to their jobs after a long break. I’d like to look back on both of these moments as bursting with possibility & new starts, reminding myself that they do come back around, even when it seems like fate has stuck you in a never-ending cycle.
Ultimately, recycling old favorites to make them feel new again & doing my very best to live the stylish life (one day at a time) are goals that I hope to uphold now that I’ve reclaimed a part of myself (& my style) in finally having my wardrobe where I want it to be. Stay tuned for more detailed updates on the unveiling of my cloffice (a.k.a. Style Darling Daily headquarters).
As for the outfit: The dress is an oldie from my stylist days @Dressbarn, as is the black bolero. The recent picture includes a @New York & Company cardigan & @Ardene flats, as well as oldie @Dressbarn drop earrings.
Style Darling Daily 