SHOP NOW!: The Fall Blouse for All by LC Lauren Conrad!


There are some styles that just never go out of fashion, can work on a variety of shapes, can be worn for different occasions, & that should just always continue to evolve from season-to-season for shoppers. During a recent trip to Kohl’s, I visited one of my favorite brands, LC Lauren Conrad, & was taken aback by the flowy shirred top in navy eclipse & mauve jewel (on sale: $36.99, available in sizes XS-XXL).

It’s not a particularly stunning or show-stopping top—not a major must-have, trend piece, for sure, but I’ve had this top in 4 other style / color combinations from a few years ago & it’s a regular piece that I wear any time of the year. 2 of the dotted styles are pictured below from past Instagram posts, but also, I have this top in pastel pink & black:

Instagram: @styledarlingdaily 

I definitely appreciate the outfit versatility that this top offers, especially because it is flattering, lightweight, & feminine without too much drill. Also, I love that Lauren Conrad’s brand has made this top inclusive for plus shoppers in 0X-4X (on sale: $38.99) & petite sizes in XSP-XXLP (on sale: $36.99).

The light layers & loose fit are perfect for any bottom: a pencil skirt & cardigan for the office with stilettos, wide leg trousers & ankle boots for meetings, skinny jeans & a blazer for luncheons, & leggings & ballet flats for weekends. Most significantly, the mauve appears more of a rust in-person, which gets me outfit planning with other fall hues, like mustard or forest green. While I don’t have the tops yet in the pictured colors above, I’m just waiting for the next great Kohl’s coupon to add-to-cart to highlight with plaid, floral, or textured separates & delicate jewelry.

What do you think of Lauren Conrad’s collection for Kohl’s? Do you like loose shirred blouses? What fall colors are you most drawn to right now? For more stylish posts, check out: tweed ballet flats from Ardene, the best fashion moments from Netflix’s Partner Track, & stylish fall earrings from Target! Happy Styling!

Show Me the Shoes: Pick Polka Dots!


Fall fashion doesn’t usually shout out polka dots—at least not like spring & summer style do—but that doesn’t mean it’s not a pattern you can rely on. I love a polka dot piece, especially because it means that I can mix another pattern with it. Particularly, polka dots can work with leopard, stripes, florals, & abstract prints when done right. An easy way to dip your toes into pattern mixing with polka dots—wait for the pun to click—is through an accessory or finishing piece, such as a polka dot shoe.

The Ollio dot pattern ballet comfort pointed toe flat in black @Amazon ($29.99, available in sizes 6-11) is a subtle, stylish, & playful way to incorporate polka dots into your look. I love the pointer toe, which is fashion forward for a street style look, but also elongating for a professional & confident outfit for work.

I’m obsessed with these flats in the black & white combination, especially with the possibility of pairing them with a floral dress, as well as some colorblocking with patterned tights. When experimenting with pattern mixing, try matching up colors that work in both patterns to find success, as seen in my previous black & white outfit post. However, if trying to coordinate black & white polka dot flats like these with another print, then I suggest keeping it solid with classic neutrals, like black pants or dark denim jeans & a bold solid sweater or top in red, magenta, yellow, or royal blue, all of which will really make the polka dots pop.

Additionally, the Ollio store on Amazon, which I’ve previously recommended for these cute navy floral flats, also includes polka dot flats in other colors, such as pink, green, red, yellow, & blue.

I definitely love the idea of matching any of these up with floral counterparts when the warmer weather returns, as well as with lighter & more delicate cotton pieces that can be found on sale on the major end-of-season clearance blowout racks.

How would you style these flats? Are you a fan of polka dots? Do you shop Amazon for shoes or back-to-school must-haves? For more stylish posts, check out: leopard print pencil skirts from New York & Company, fabric headbands from Old Navy, & kimono-inspired tops for fall! Happy Styling!

SHOP NOW!: Once Upon a Leopard Print Pencil Skirt…


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.

SHOP: leopard print high-waist pencil skirt @New York & Company (on sale: $34.97, available in sizes XS-XL).

SHOP: leopard-print scuba skirt @New York & Company (on sale: $19.48, available in sizes XS-XXL).

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.

How would you style these leopard print pencil skirts? How often do you wear pencil skirts? What’s your go-to work ensemble? For more stylish posts, check out: fabric headbands from Old Navy, Zendaya’s most gorgeous green looks, flattering & fall-ready peplum cardigans, & the most controversial red carpet looks from the MTV VMAs! Happy Styling!

SHOP NOW!: Top Houndstooth Styles from New York & Company for Fall!


Just as fruit prints & tropical patterns are signature to summer, houndstooth is a symbol of fall as fashion transitions from the lightweight to the heavier layers. In fact, wearing houndstooth is one of my favorite ways to greet the fall, no matter the color combination, although black & white is the more traditional route. I love a modern take on houndstooth with varying sizes, styles, & colors; particularly, the new Check It Out collection @New York & Company. The black houndstooth that we all love to wear with more subdued solids is brightened with more than white as we see bright yellows, kelly green, & even magenta to experiment with this fashion forward menswear-inspired print. I’ve selected a few tops, bottoms, & shoes that are my favorites to recommend anyone who dares to be bold with this striking pattern.

First, I love the combination of houndstooth on these tops with the details over a trimmed neckline, neck-tie bow, & solid collar, which are perfect to match with a pencil skirt & pumps, joggers & ankle boots, or jeans & ballet flats.

SHOP: houndstooth v-neck sweater in morningside yellow (on sale: $41.96, available in sizes XS-XXL), puff-sleeve tie-neck sweater in fuchsia purple (on sale: $41.96, available in sizes XS-XXL), & houndstooth collared blouse in black/white (on sale: $45.46, available in sizes XS-XXL).

Next, houndstooth certainly makes a style statement on the lower half, especially when coordinating with a pullover sweater & layered necklaces, classic tee & statement necklace, or pleated cami & tailored blazer.

SHOP: houndstooth pencil skirt in green fields (on sale: $48.96, available in sizes XS-XXL), pull-on houndstooth bootcut ponte pant in black/white (on sale: $39.00, available in sizes XS-XXL, shop petite here, shop tall here), & petite houndstooth button-waist straight-leg ankle pant in fuchsia purple (on sale: $55.96, available in sizes 00-18).

Playing up houndstooth in your footwear evokes confidence & tons of personality, especially when adding that wow factor to a pinstripe suit & button-down shirt or sweater dress & choker.

SHOP: houndstooth colorblock Madison pump in yellow (on sale: $39.00, available in sizes 6-11) & houndstooth Layla heel in black/white (on sale: $62.96, available in sizes 6-11).

Do you like to incorporate houndstooth into your wardrobe? What pieces do you like houndstooth on best? What are your favorite fall fashion items? Where are you shopping for the latest trends? For more shopping posts, check out: summer-to-fall dress & cardigan ideas from Time & Tru @Walmart, my top picks from J. Crew Factory’s clearance sale, stackable jewelry organizers, & how to recreate Anne Hathaway’s easy breezy gauzy outfit! Happy Styling!

SHOP NOW!: The Best Summer-To-Fall Pants for Work & Play from Target!


During a recent black hole viewing of Instagram stories (I’m not the only one, am I?), I came across a blogger sharing their interpretation for summer-to-fall teacher outfits, including A New Day’s high-rise slim straight pull-on pants @Target ($25.00, available in sizes XS-4X). There are 2 qualities about these pants that I loved right away: 1. They’re pull-on. Ever since I’ve had my daughter, pants with zippers are the enemy & pull-on pants are my loyal subjects! 2. They’re available in 8 neutral, professional colors / patterns.

The variety includes navy (windowpane), black pinstriped, gray (plaid), gray (& black/purple houndstooth), cream, green, brown, & black. So far, I’ve ordered all, except the black because they weren’t available in my size, & I’ve received the navy & gray houndstooth. They’re very comfortable & run true to size. I love the length (being that I’m 5’3″).

For a professional day, they will pair nicely with a blouse-cardigan-ballet flat combination or a short sleeve sweater & statement necklace with mule heels. I’d love to style these pants for more than just work though. When headed somewhere more casual, I can see pairing the solid options with a dolman top & sandals or a printed tee & wedges. As always, the possibilities are endless! Check out some options by A New Day sold @Target below:

SHOP: short sleeve scoop neck t-shirt in dark pink ($5.00, available in sizes XS-XXL & 6 colors, shop plus here), raglan long sleeve tie-front top in black ($20.00, available in sizes XS-XXL & 9 colors / patterns, shop plus here), polo sweater in cream ($25.00, available in sizes XS-XXL & 4 colors), puff short sleeve v-neck top in brown ($18.00, available in sizes XS-XXL & 5 colors, shop plus here), dolman short sleeve plisse top in green ($18.00, available in sizes XS-XXL & 4 colors, shop plus here), & flutter sleeve tank top in green (on sale: $17.00, available in sizes XS-XXL & 7 colors, shop plus here).

Lastly, an outfit isn’t complete without some stylish (& affordable shoes). Target really knows what they’re doing when it comes to products in the line for A New Day as so many neutral pieces can be coordinated, especially with the pants:

SHOP: Millie twin gore slip-on sneakers in green ($14.99, available in sizes 5-12, wide width options, 6 colors), Thea mules in black ($19.99, available in sizes 5-12), Sue heels in blush ($29.99, available in sizes 5-12 & 2 colors), Corinna ballet flats in mahogany ($14.99, available in sizes 5-12, wide width options, 6 colors), Danica platform loafers in off-white ($32.99, available in sizes 5-12, wide width options, 2 colors), & Kiki mules in cognac ($29.99, available in sizes 5-12 & 3 colors).

Do you shop Target’s A New Day collection? What kind of pants do you wear to work? Do you prefer a pull-on pant or pants with a zipper? How would you style any of these separates? For more stylish posts, check out: the perfect organizer for your stylish wristwear needs from Amazon, blue & resin jewelry from LOFT, Time & Tru’s colorful totes from Walmart, & how to get Anne Hathaway’s breezy gauzy look for less! Happy Styling!