Tag Archives: Target

Inside A Style Blogger’s Closet: How I Styled A Summer Dress ($8.74) For Fall!

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I took a recent trip to Target, just to return something & pick up some tortilla wraps, but of course I was swayed to check out the clearance section in the women’s clothing department.  Despite my protest against buying yet another dress since I clearly have no closet space for it, the $8.74 price tag made all the difference when I saw the Converse One ‘Adna’ Dress ($34.99 online).  Not to mention, that the only two dresses on the rack were in a Medium, so I didn’t think it would fit.  But then again, I did recently lose some weight, so I ducked into the fitting room to try it on. Now, this is me, at home with my new dress friend, smiling like it’s Christmas day!

I bought the wide stretch belt by Minicci ($12.99) a while back from Payless, of course with a coupon when it was on sale for $7.99. Also, the crocodile tights ($9.80) were another recent coupon purchase from Kohl’s by Simply Vera Vera Wang. I got 20% off just for being a cardholder!

The cardigan is a last season clearance purchase from Old Navy (I’m sure it was under $12).  Since the dress is pretty lightweight, the heaviness of the knit cardigan is a perfect match to add some texture & make it fall-ready! My staple sunburst necklace comes from Park Lane Jewelry, in which I received at a discounted price since I reaped the benefits of hosting a jewelry party two summers ago.

I bet you’re all wondering about the shoes.. They’re from Payless by Lela Rose.  I bought them about two winters ago, probably for around $38.00, but I’m sure that there was a BOGO 50% off deal in there somewhere!  I’m a big fan of black & cream, so this is a perfect uniform for me this fall.

I’m especially proud of the closeup on the headband since I made it myself, with a basic fabric-wrapped headband from a dollar store, as well as ribbons & lace from stores like Michael’s, Walmart, & Joann’s Fabrics & Craft Stores. I love all the different details in this look, knowing that it’s not too busy or bulky.

What do you think of my first official outfit posting?  All together it probably cost just over $100, but all of it can be mixed & matched with different outfits.  I can’t wait to see how this dress looks next summer with some wedges & an updo!  If you like looks that can be switched up b/w seasons, check out The $100 Challenge! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: My Favorite Leggings for $8 @Target!

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I was recently in the market for some leggings, pre-emptively preparing for an upcoming trip to Italy.  I’m probably one of the last twenty-somethings on the planet to embrace leggings, but it was a hard battle since I’m an avid skirt/dress kind of Style Darling.  I mean, Charlotte York never wore leggings, with possibly the exception of that 80s flashback in the movie’s sequel.

I’d wear the leggings as the easiest-to-pack form of pajama bottoms & go-to legwear with a sweater dress & boots, making travel easier & more versatile.  I didn’t have very much success with jeggings (it’s totally my shape, but I’m really okay with this!).  Therefore, I was hoping that an all-black cotton legging would solve the problem that I was having with my thighs looking like two giant wads of sausages attached to my hips.  Anyway, since I was on the hunt, I found @Target a pair of long leggings ($8.00) by Mossimo Supply Co..  The price was too good to turn down!

After I found the comfort & movability in the leggings, I wanted to buy another pair or two as backup for when I go away since I’d rather keep one for sleeping in & another to wear out with a tunic top or long sweater.  I couldn’t find any more in the store in black (although they’re also available in heather gray), much to my dismay, but ventured onto the website & ordered the long pair.  If you’re into the capri-length leggings, they’re also $8.00, but what I would suggest if you’re seriously thinking about getting them, buy them one size bigger.  After all, Mossimo is a Juniors’ brand for the retail giant.

The website offers free shipping for purchases over $50.  I searched high & low for some extra little items like tights, socks, & underwear that could be necessities to help avoid paying the extra shipping cost; however, I found a darling black sweater dress which made my purchase over the required minimum for free shipping.  As it turns out, just like I thought, the dress just didn’t look quite right & I can return it to my local Target store, with receipt & all. I ended up saving myself the shipping cost & get back the $30+ amount which I laid out for a short amount of time on the unsuccessful dress.

Since I know that the Target in which I frequent is so local, I’m not wasting any gas to get there.  I was trying to avoid paying for a shipping & handling free, but end up saving that cash when I got for my weekly yogurt run.  I’ve since received the two pair of leggings & am overjoyed to start thinking about all the fabulous outfits that I can make with them… but I now just have to find the right pair of slouchy boots so that I can look chic while walking through the Gucci Museum in Florence in January.  I still can’t get over the fact that I was wearing (affordble & comfortable, yet low on the totem pole) sneakers from Payless when I visited the Salvatore Ferragamo museum when I was last in Florence.

Do you wear leggings?  If so, how do you like to wear them?  How many pairs do you own?  Where do you find the best leggings? Do you think the leggings trend is coming to an end? Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Summer Handbags Sale ($20 & Under)!

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Some of my readers are more bag fanatics than into shoes (why? I’,ll never know lol), so here I’ve decided to choose some of the cutest handbag / clutch finds that are either on sale on for the end of the summer season.  Not to mention that all these styles are under $20!  You can’t beat that!

First, when you’re running errands, or doing some shopping, hang on to a tote bag, like the Poppie Jones Sketchy Tote, marked down @DSW from $38.00 to $19.94!  This is perfect for casual days to hold a go-to magazine for a subway ride, your favorite book, or even a back-up sweater if headed to a chilly restaurant for a luncheon with the girls.  While you’re shopping around the sale section of DSW, check out the Nine West Billiards Crossbody Bag, also on sale & reduced from $39.00 to $19.95.  The fun animal-inspired flair to the bag is sexy enough to wear for a night out, but also great to carry around during the day with a pair of skinny jeans & a basic tee with flats.

If you’re looking for something floral to carry around from day-today, take a look on over @Target to the Global Girlfriend Ugandan Waxcloth Crossbody Sling Bag in tan.  The pattern is neutral, yet feminine- perfect to match with a cargo skirt & tank or with a casual summer dress while headed out to the library.  It’s also on sale for $9.94, marked down from earlier in the season at $26.99.  For fancier nights out, grab this Glittery Mesh Clutch in gold from Forever 21, for $17.80.  It’s the ultimate choice in a metallic accessory to pair with an LBD or a patterned ruffle mini dress.  Last, but not least, add some texture to your summer look with a Straw Rosette Tote.  It’s available in black or brown @Old Navy for under $13.00 & shows off just enough summer fun that you can probably pack a moderate surprise picnic for two inside!

Since now is the time for all of the end-of-the-season markdowns, be sure to check out more of my posts for The Stylish Five, featuring hair accessories, deals on beauty items, & dresses!  Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Hip Hair Accessories ($10 & Under)!

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When you’re having fun out & about in the sun, it’s sometimes too hot out to keep your hair down (unless you’re lucky enough to live in one of those always-perfect climates).  However, an easy fix to keeping your hair stylish amid the weather is with hair accessories.  Back in October, I featured The Stylish Five: Get Happy About Headbands ($10 & Under)!, so I’m pretty well-versed in hair-ware!  Featuring clips, pins, & headbands is always fun b/c there’s just so much variety with feathers, rhinestones, animal prints, & flowers.

Here I’ve selected a rhinestone encrusted headband for $5.80 @Forever 21, which is perfect to dress up a basic tee or to put with something dressier like a cocktail dress (very Blair Waldorf!).  Next up, add some flair with feathers in this clip duo from Wet Seal for $7.00.  They’re cute for pulling back bangs or clipping onto the top of your ponytail! I love pulling my bangs back (in between haircuts) with a bobby pin & the extra delicate daisy detail just screams summer, available @Fred Flare for $6.00! Another fun accessory is a single flower clip like the green one from Target for $3.99.  If you’re crafty, you can even attach a safety-pin to it to wear on the lapel of your blazer or on a canvas tote bag!  Lastly, I saved my favorite, a “leopard blossom” headband, perfect to jazz up an LBD or summer romper.  Check it out @Charlotte Russe for a mere $6.50! Check back for more on The Stylish Five!  Happy Styling!

7/25/11 Darling of the Day: Pippa Middleton’s Casual Chic Day Look!

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Pippa Middleton is making her second appearance here on Style Darling in a week (previously featured wearing a denim dress in Basics for a Bargain), so you know there’s some serious stuff going on with this famous British sister!  Pippa was caught out & about in May, strolling around London in a super hip, yet easy ensemble which includes a basic black blazer, red top, & skinny Hudson jeans.  She accessorized her look with Gucci sunglasses & a Modalu handbag.

During my search for comparable & affordable items, I was able to out together two looks for both Women’s & Plus Sizes.  These include blazers from Target & Torrid, tops from Bebe & One Stop Plus, & lastly, skinny jeans from Express & Torrid.

For the accessories, I really lucked out on bargain-priced items with a pair of sunglasses for $5.80, lace-up booties for $6.99 (YES $6.99!), & a camel shoulder bag for $32.80, all @Forever 21! As for the jewelry, the pair of drop earrings are from the Simply Vera Vera Wang collection @Kohl’s for $9.00.  Lastly, Charlotte Russe was my go-to resource for the rhinestone necklace, as well as the flower wreath ring & intertwined rhinestone ring, both $4.00!

These are the basic items that are the foundation to any great outfit.  She remains classic, chic, & very cool in this look that can be worn for a casual day at the office, running errands on the weekends, or even if you’re headed out to a quick meeting at a trendy cafe.  I recently had the argument about cardigans being so much more fabulous than blazers, but here is where the opposite is true.  I love how adding a blazer to a primary-colored top & basic pair of jeans (any style- flared, skinny, straight, or wide), adds a little more polish to the typically casual outfit.  Be sure to check out more Darling of the Day posts, including 48 photos of the Style Darling, courtesy of In Style’s Photo Gallery! Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: White Tiered Peasant Skirts from Theory Vs. Forever 21 & Target!

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It’s been a while since I went on the prowl looking for luxury items & their less expensive look-alikes!  While ending my time here in Southampton, I noticed quite the array of peasant skirts in the mix & why not celebrate the summer with a fresh, crisp white tiered maxi skirt like these?

However, (starting from the left to right) I found a Theory brand skirt @Bloomingdale’s.  It was marked down considerably from $295.00 to $132.75, but on a Style Darling’s budget, that just won’t do!  While on the prowl for affordable skirts to fit Style Darlings of all sizes, I happily came across this middle one from Forever 21 for $19.80.  As we move to the far right, a plus-size look-alike skirt has been discovered @Target by designer CALYPSO for $37.99!

By finding these comparably priced afforadble items, you’re saving anywhere between $95 to $113!  With that money, you can invest in the entire outfit by finding tanks tops or basic tees to match up.  Also, a skirt like this calls for some serious splash & that can be found in espadrille wedges or platforms sandals- anything with a tropical flower pattern will do!  Also, take advantage of the simplicity of the skirt, like images show & throw on beaded bracelets, stacks of bangles, or layer over your top a chunky necklace to get a real summer feel!

Which items are you seeking in a less expensive form?  Do imitation designer shoes make you giggle?  Check out our previous Luxury Look-ALikes for Less posts to see the other fabulous finds that could be invading your wardrobe without hurting your wallet! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Best Bargains for a Beach Bum!

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I recently posted a blog called The Stylish Five: Bargain Beach Accessories ($10 & Under)! but here I’ve put together an entire beach look for under $100!  This outfit is both sexy & fun, demonstrating the only playful time that I would mix so many animal prints.  Summer is about having fun & embracing patterns, so why not have some fun with your accessories too?

Starting off, we have this slimming shirred halter swimsuit by Catalina sold @Walmart for $32.00.  It’s also available in black & teal, but I went with the red b/c it’s a little spicier.  It recalls a very vintage Marilyn Monroe feeling.  Although I wouldn’t actually do it at the beach, wearing a sexy sarong with some towering platform sandals would make for a sexy way to greet your beau when he comes home from the office this summer!  While this suit is ideal for any body type, check out Walmart’s entire department of swimwear for more affordable separates & one-pieces in almost every size!

Next is the all important terry ho0ded cover-up in white.  It’s fresh-looking against the red of the swimsuit, super easy to wear, & only $19.50 @Old Navy.  It is also available in pink & army green, but I like the white the best! Also, the sizes go up to 2X for the more voluptuous Style Darlings out there!

As for your feet, I selected these fun leopard print sandals from Forever 21, for only $9.80.  Not only are they great for a day at the beach, but you can wear them with a maxi dress or even with some leggings & a tunic!  I would typically pick regular flip-flops for a day beach look, but this special swimsuit calls for something with a little more splash!  Keeping with the animal print theme, also from Old Navy, I found this canvas tote for $7.97, which is spacious enough for all of your accessories at 16″L x 4″W x 14″H. If you’re looking for a tote like this for the day, then also check out the army green / seahorse one available at the same price! To complete our safari-esque accessories, cheetah / zebra towel, called Cheebra at Target is a great way to mark your beach territory for only $9.99!

While you’re laying out or taking a stroll down the boardwalk, break out a pair of blingy sunglasses for only $3.00 @Wet Seal, perfect for maintain that fiery movie star glow about you, but also protecting your eyes.  If you’re looking to keep the sun away, try a floppy hat with beaded details to protect your face.  It costs $10.80 @Forever 21, but they also have other cowboy hat styles if that’s the look you’re going for!  Last, but not least, the always important travel size sunscreen, preventing your skin from any sun damage, but also affordable & space efficient when you’re looking to carry around that copy of Great Expectations that you’ve been meaning to read, along with an MP3 player & some refreshments.  Not to mention that the travel size is $2.99 @Ulta!

And that would make our grand total… $96.05 (before taxes)!  Check out our previous $100 Challenge posts for more great outfit ideas on a budget! Happy Styling!

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!