Tag Archives: textured heels

The $100 Challenge: How To Get A Hot H&M Look On A Budget!

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Some people get a power suit to bring out their confidence, but I’m all about the power dress.  H&M is one of my favorite stores for basics, but I always find a chic dress or dressy item whenever I least expect it. I’m not only a big fan of the styles sold @H&M, but I even shopped there & stuffed my suitcase while I was in Italy in January.  Just take a look at the ensemble below, which rings up for under $100 (before taxes)!

Black & white is a my favorite color combination (as seen in my previous Color Me Style post) & it’s extra special here punched up with some gold accessories & sparkling splash. The dress ($34.95) can go from work to happy hour with the transformation of a blazer for some bangles, but I love the simplicity & possibilities that this dress offers.  The shoes ($34.95) add some texture to this mod look, but they can also be worn under your favorite trousers & a cardigan, or with any LBD for a hot date night.  To accessorize, I’ve selected the necklace ($5.95) which is also available in silver, if you are looking for a way to frame your face with the right kind of neckline.  The 3-pack rings ($6.95) compliment the animal-inspiration in the shoes, but also bring out the black details of the dress. To finish it off, the sparkling bag ($12.95) is spacious & flirty for any evening occasion & is also sold in white.

The total for this look comes to $95.75! How would you style this dress? Where would you wear it? Which metallic hues do you prefer as a neutral? For more posts from The $100 Challenge, including Freida Pinto’s all-black ensemble, fall must-have accessories, & Olivia Wilde’s LBD! Happy Styling!

10/19/2012 Darling Of The Day / The $100 Challenge: Freida Pinto’s All-Black, Affordable Look!

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Even though colorblocking is still a big trend for fall, there are also a lot of monochromatic looks happening on the runways, red carpets, as well as the street.  Of course, you have to pick the right hue to pull off the look effectively, but one color that is exceptionally flattering & seasonal is black.

Slumdog Millionaire actress Freida Pinto always looks beautiful & polished.  As the constant epitome of feminine style, I was surprised to see her all-black menswear-inspired ensemble, but then I realized that it was such a great template for a streamlined & affordable look.  The essential relaxed blouse ($19.80) from Forever 21 was a natural fit to work with this outfit, & can be paired with any office, day, or date look.  Throw this on with your wildest metallic leggings, sequined mini skirt, or favorite boyfriend jeans & you’ve instantly got a timeless piece working with your wardrobe no matter the season!

I’ve been eyeing Old Navy‘s rockstar super skinny jeans ($29.50) & even picked up a similar pair in forest green, but these black skinnies are the perfect way to show off your shape if your top has some volume to it.  Also, these jeans are available in an assortment of playful hues & a variety of sizes, while select colors are even marked down to $22.50! Lastly, GOjane was my first stop when it came to finding textured heels.  The woven design leatherette pumps ($26.10) offer a subtle touch of detail without breaking up the monochromatic feel, or taking away from it.

Of course if all-black isn’t your thing (& it really shouldn’t be more than maybe once a month), punch up this look with an embellished cardigan, silk blazer, metallic pumps, or statement gemstones.  This post also qualifies for The $100 Challenge in that the total (before taxes) comes to $75.40, which means that if you’re looking to spend only $100, there’s still room for enhancement with a studded clutch & drop earrings!

**I’d like to take a moment to send a special thanks out to graphic designer / musician / photographer, Nino Vlacich (not to mention boyfriend extraordinaire), for giving me a wonderful one-on-one Photoshop tutorial, without which this blog & a few previous ones would not so stylishly exist! ❤ **

Would you rock an all-black look? Do you already own pieces like this in your wardrobe? For more Darling of the Day posts, check out Olivia Wilde, Olivia Palermo, & Anne Hathaway! Happy Styling!