Tag Archives: summer style

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!

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!

Runway Rundown: Tory Burch’s Resort 2014 Collection!

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Now that the weather has turned here on Long Island very quickly from spring to summer, I’ve been thinking about the latest trends for summer, as well as what to wear for my upcoming vacation. One designer has also been on my mind & that’s Tory Burch. Her latest Resort 2014 Collection includes all things feminine, exotic, & all-American classic. If you’re headed to the Hamptons, there are plenty of cool tribal separates to wear with your favorite whites & chambray pieces. Or, if you’re itching for something chic, then try the pretty florals & preppy necklines for a day of wine-tasting.

Which trends are you following for summer? Which resort collection do you have your eyes on? For more from Runway Rundown, check out previous posts including Gucci’s Resort 2014 Collection, Chanel’s Resort 2014 Collection, & Kate Spade Saturday’s Fall 2013 Collection! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Old Navy Tanks Perfect for Skirts, Shorts, & More!

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Over the last few weeks, I’ve been giving my Old Navy credit card quite the work out & it’s nobody’s fault but my own- in that I have a terrible weakness for stylish deals!  While these four tank tops may not look like anything special, they have become very versatile & vital items in my closet in a very surprising way.

I’m not usually a stripes girl, maybe wearing them in skirt to look more flattering, but I found the purple & green striped tank, which are marked down as low as $3.97.  They fit perfectly & I knew they would be simple selections for my cropped capris or denim skirts this summer.  Not to mention that I have coordinating flip-flops for them.  However, I surprised myself when wearing them both with the mixture of other more feminine items.  I broke out the purple tank for a jersey knit tiered skirt & a thick white crochet belt.  All I needed were some cowboy boots & I would’ve looked like I stepped off of a Carrie Underwood music video, but somehow the look felt very appropriately me.  Although the tops were striped, I opted for floral patterned flip flops for my day out & about over the weekend & felt every bit a Style Darling.  Also, I selected the green striped tank to be layered under a white cableknit short-sleeved cardigan & a linen drawstring skirt, recalling a very preppy / nautical look. For casual & effortlessly stylish days, I was very proud of myself.

Next, the black tanks are invaluable, marked for $8.50 & $10, serving for perfect basics to pair with brighter & bolder items.  I even like the lace-strapped tank with a crochet bolero & my cargo crops with some animal print strappy sandals.  These are the essential items in which a Style Darling can build the foundation of a fabulous wardrobe. The spaghetti strap tank was worn with a teal wrap dress, so as not to provoke a wardrobe malfunction which walking around the office & I loved that I didn’t have to sit & adjust it all day like I usually do with layering items.

These are great pieces for any time of the year, especially in the fall & winter when it’s time to break out the chunky sweater or long-sleeved tops.  These make for fun contrasting layers when you want to add more dimension to your outfit.  All four of these items are reduced in price & have been for a while, so they probably won’t last long online or in stores.  So check out all the tanks & sale items at Old Navy.  Don’t forget to use your Old Navy credit card to get rewards points & future discounts, as well as taking the survey to receive a code for 10% off your next purchase!

The Stylish Five: Bargain Beach Accessories ($10 & Under)!

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Summer is all about bright colors, fun in the sun, & light, easy style.  What better way to head to the beach than with a few fabulous must-haves for a bargain of $10 & under?!  These few essentials will help out your wallet & help you save for that vacation you’re planning this season!

You can’t go wrong with sunscreen!  @Ulta, this spray is super easy to apply, but if you’re looking for lotions or oils, those are available as well.  Not to mention, if you’re not a beach bum, but want to show off a fresh sun-kissed tan, take a look at the brand’s very affordable bronzers for $10 & under! If you sign up for the website’s emails, you’ll receive all the latest news on sales, coupon deals ($3.50 off $10 or more!), free shipping events, & specials for free samples!  This is great to keep in mind if you’re about to travel, or want to save a bundle on skin care items.

Next, we have a bright & playful beach towel from Target.  Obviously, you don’t need me to say this, but the brighter your towel, the more comfortable it is.  And it’s sooooo soft!  Stay away from dark colors which will absorb more UV rays.  Not to mention, I just bought 2 towels like these which just so happened to be on sale for $5 at the time.  If you check out the coupons available at the store’s website, you can receive $1 off your next towel purchase of $5 or more!

So, what are you gonna put all of your beach accessories in?  A resuable recyclable bag, of course!  This is an eco-friendly item & VERY budget-friendly for only $1.50 @Forever 21.  From time to time I feature these bags sold in stores & on the website b/c they’re so cute & really easy to carry around.  All year round the store sells brightly decorated bags like this that are perfect for running errands, carrying books from the library, or if you’re just out grabbing some groceries.  Or while you’re at the beach, throw all of your essentials in it, including a book, iPod, & cell phone!  Even though we are talking accessories here, I have to mention that the website has some really fabulous finds on swimwear & coverups for all sizes!

While you’re shopping around the Forever 21 site, don’t forget to take a look at their fashionable selection of eyewear, including these gray square frames.  They sell hundreds of different styles for only $5.80!  So if you are looking for something inexpensive to protect your eyes during a round of beach volleyball, put away your investment shades by brands like Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, or Fendi, & break out these very cute sunglasses! You can go with classic movie star frames, sqaures ones, aviators, or even something neon with some 80s flair!

Last, but not least, you can’t have a sunny day at the beach without some flip-flops!  Yeah, gladiator sandals & other flat strappy picks are all the rage, but don’t flip-flops just feel like the best go-to shoes sometimes?  I know that’s how I feel!  You can’t go wrong with a bright patterned rubber pair like these from Old Navy which are only $5!  If you catch your email alerts right, you can even find them on sale for as low as $2.50!  They sell up to 9 different pairs of prints, including florals, animal-inspired, tropical patterns, & stripes to go with whatever mood or swimsuit you’re wearing!

What are your beach essentials?  What music do you love to listen to?  Any suggestions on how to keep your hair looking fun & healthy during the heat?  Have a safe summer! Happy Styling!