Tag Archives: The $100 Challenge

The $100 Challenge: Keeping It Coral For the Holidays!

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When it comes to what to wear for the holidays, we naturally think of red, green, black, & metallics, but I’ve been seeing a whole slew of pastels this season, which is why I was so excited to share LOFT‘s grosgrain waist pleated dress ($37.50) in coral. Not only is it marked down from its original nearly $90.00 price tag, but LOFT is celebrating the holidays with a store & site wide 50% off sale on all clearance items, no code needed. Not to mention that this dress is perfect for special occasions in the spring & will even look chic with a blazer & textured tights for the office. 

Finding more sale items to keep within out under $100 budget was easy since coral is such a feminine & bright color to wear for this holidays.  The rest of this look includes the cardigan ($17.95) in black from H&M which is the ultimate wardrobe staple for any embellished top or watercolor sheath dress.  Also, the glittered skinny waist belt ($3.80) in gold from Forever 21 is also available in pink, mint, & purple for your every pastel need.  The look comes together effortlessly with the color block pointed toe pump ($12.49) from Charlotte Russe that has a special metallic detail between the nude & coral hues.

Other accessories to help complete this look are the Mossimo exotic skin envelope clutch ($14.99) in gold from Target, which will coordinate well with any LBD, denim & sequins look, or classic shirtdress. Lastly  New York & Company‘s neutral tri-color bib necklace ($10.00) is a polished finishing touch that will also make the most basic button-down shirt or scoop neck tee a little more glamorous for day. The grand total for this look comes to $96.76, before taxes of course.

What dresses are you shopping for this season? Where are you finding the best deals & markdowns? For more affordable finds, check out previous posts featuring animal print inspiration, a party-ready look from H&M, & how to work stripes & florals for work or a date look! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: A Neutrals & Leopard Print Perfect For Any Time Of The Year!

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I’ve been really inspired by some of the Facebook pages that I’ve been spotting on my newsfeed lately, including J’s Everyday Fashion, Kendi Everyday, The Budget Babe, What The Frock?, Fashion Blog, Fashion is my life, Fashion lady, & finally, Fashion…. just to name a few.  I wanted to share my latest knowledge of Photoshop & pick out some affordable looks to help you through the fall & upcoming holiday season in  my latest post for The $100 Challenge!

What first caught my eye was the sueded pointy toe stud pumps ($32.50) from Charlotte Russe. Neutral & nude pumps haven’t gone away, but I love the contrasting texture of the suede with the edgy studding detail which adds more interest to what could be a forgettable & ordinary shoe. I’m always a big fan of animal print, which is why I’m recommending the long-sleeved wrap dress ($32.94) from Old Navy (online only), which is also available in other shades & prints, & sold in sizes XS – XXL.

As for the accessories, I wanted to find easy pieces to wear with other wardrobe staples, including the Minicci Susannah wristlet ($9.99) from Payless, H&M‘s beaded earrings ($9.95), & spike stretch bracelet ($9.20) from GOjane. Of course this look can be mixed up even more with red shoes, a glittery bag, under a blazer, & with tights & boots, but these basics are easy to throw on for work, a date, & drinks with friends on the weekend.

For more posts featuring affordable looks, check out Accessories Access & studded earrings, Basics for a Bargain & tops & pants looks inspired by Olivia Palermo & Kristen Stewart, Darling of the Day & Pippa  Middleton, & Luxury Look-Alikes for Less & studded ankle booties. Happy Styling!

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!

The $100 Challenge: Revamp Your Fall Wardrobe With Affordable Accessories!

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Since I spend most of my week surrounded by the younger generation of trendsetters, I’ve found that there are still a careful few of college age who actually take the time to get dressed in the morning before heading to class… just a few. Working in the academic arena has forced me to look to my wardrobe & try & switch things up in a professional, but relatable way so that I’m seen as an authority figure, but also someone who the students would like to talk to. I’m excited to explore my wardrobe & find great fall pieces to make this semester a memorable & stylish one, but every now & again, I need to refresh some basics & go-to classics with that latest accessories, which is why I’m happy to share my newest post for The $100 Challenge!

For under $100 (before tax), I’ve selected these 8 accessories to try wearing for a number of occasions this season with favorites that are transitioning from the summer & stand-by items making a return now that the temps are lowering.  Every year, I’ll always be talking about patterned tights & since I’m always shopping on a budget, I manage to grab up a bunch of different styles to match with pencil skirts & sheath dresses.  Get a polished look with the sheer stripe patterned tight ($7.50) from Charlotte Russe, especially when worn with something frilly & feminine like a lace overlay pencil skirt.  Cinch in your waist with a fun animal print with the zebra-print faux-leather belts ($16.00) from Old Navy, which will look especially polished with a bold cardigan.  I love anything black & white, which is also why I’ve picked out Forever 21‘s fringed houndstooth scarf ($6.80) to tuck in your lightweight jacket for those windier fall mornings.  If it’s not needed around your neck, you can always transform your tote back by tieing ir around the straps or body of the bag.

I’ve been trying to expand my jewelry pieces, which is I was drawn to the lemon drop long earrings ($22.90) from The Limited, which look like neutral & luxe additions to any LBD look, or if you want to make a plaid shirt & skinny jeans appear less casual.  For simpler necklines, I love the idea of a collar necklace, but also, the Sonoma life + style gold tone multistrand necklace ($15.60) from Kohl’s punches up any basic with the metallic accents, instantly drawing all focus to your face.  The burnt gold tear drop bracelet ($10.90) from Windsor Store is a fun pop of color to wear with any three-quarter sleeve top, or contrast with another rich jewel tone ensemble.

Lastly, I love the affordable price & classic look of the Minicci capulet rhinestone sunglasses ($9.99) from Payless, especially if you’re trying to save on must-have items when the holiday season is just around the corner.  Not to mention that you’re going to need to hide those peep toe pumps on occasion & cover your toes with some allover argyle socks ($7.95) from Gap. What better way to show off your preppy side than with this menswear-inspired print that’ll work well with any trouser & button-down shirt look?

The total for this look comes to $97.64, which is pretty incredible considering the variety in which these pieces can be alternated all season long.  Are you a scarf-fiend? Do you love chunky jewelry or do you prefer dainty pieces? Are you drawn to particular prints or patterns for your accessories this fall? Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: A Casual, Comfortable Chic Look for Fall (Dedicated to Erin)!

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My friend, Erin, recently told me that she was troubled with finding a balance of comfort in her clothing, while still looking chic & casual.  Sometimes the fuss of too many accessories or a constricting belt & tight pants may make a casual look appear super stylish, but for the Style Darling wearing it, it probably doesn’t feel like the comfy sweatpants we all love to slip into after a long day working.  So, my goal for this edition of The $100 Challenge is to put together a look that could be described as comfy chic, dedicated to my favorite Mid-West dwelling Style Darling, Erin.

Since the seasons are changing & Erin is in Minnesota, she needs some layers to keep her warm, but at the same time, she’s a busy independent woman who needs to look stylish at all times. Some people look at ponchos are glorified snuggies, but this stylish poncho from H&M for $19.95 is adjustable, so you can show your figure, while taking advantage of the luxe, neutral shade to go with your jeggings or wide leg jeans.  If you’re not an earth-tone gal, the poncho also comes in black, available in sizes extra small to large. You can just throw it on when you’re feeling a chill, rather than trying to coordinate a jacket with a scarf & then adding a belt to cinch in your waist. Underneath the heavy knit is a draped sleeveless top from The Gap, which serves as a flattering base to any outfit with a blazer & pencil for a job interview, or with striaght leg jeans & suedewedges. The top is currently on sale for $18.99 from $29.95.

To me, when I think of comfy, I think of elastic. I mean, who wants to fuss with buttons, clasps, & snaps to fit into something, especially if you’re doing a lot of moving around?  Not I.  I’m not sure if Erin is a leggings girl (I am not, but I think they look really good with a tunic top of appropriate booty-covering length).  You can find leggings just about anywhere, but these black leggings from Forever 21 are only $4.50 & come in 8 other colors, including royal blue, navy, dark gray, & eggplant for your choosing. That’s a bargain & talk about variety!

I selected two different pairs of shoes, ballet flats & boots, b/c this look can instantly switch from minimalist preppy to polished urban depending one which shoe you go with.  The metallic flats cost $12.50, also available in all black, pewter, or navy. The patent adds a surprise pop of shine to the outfit, but also the delicate bow makes the look much more feminine & glamorous.  As for the plaid cuff boots from Payless, we’re heading into Sienna Miller / Alexa Chung style territory, for $39.99. You can tie them all the way up to cover the end of the leggings or fold them down to show off the plaid details.  Sometimes it’s all in the smallest details!

With so many big pieces going on here, I picked out two simple pieces of jewelry.  Since the poncho has some bulk to it & clearly doesn’t allow for a necklace, I picked out pearl studs with a rhinestone casing.  If you’re busy & on-the-go with your hair tied back, these soft studs will frame your face perfectly!  Also, the cutout flower ring adds some more detail & can be worn as a go-to cocktail ring for a variety of affairs.  Not to mention that both of these pieces only cost $3.80 each!

Part of what I love about the ring is how it’ll bring out the pattern in the CALYPSO St. Barth for Target tote.  It’s currently on sale for $6.98 (WOW!), marked down from $19.99, also available in turquoise. I thought that the brown looked a little more fall-appropriate & not so much like a beach bag.  The bag looks to be in proportion to the rest of the look.  Sometimes I hate seeing the skinny girls in their super tight jeans & tops carrying an oversized handbag, which looks to be weighing them down.

Of course the bag can also carry either pair of shoes that you choose, in case you need to switch, but I’ve done the math & if you only pick one pair of shoes for the outfit, your total will cost either $70.52 or $98.01, before whatever taxes exist wherever you are, of course.

Do you think this outfit is comfy chic?  What items of apparel do you own that you love to wear when you’re out & about & don’t want the fuss of heels & something form-fitting?  How much would spend on pieces like these?  What’s your fall go-to piece? Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Jessica Simpson Collection $25 Off $125 or More!

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Because I’m signed up to receive emails from the Jessica Simpson Collection, I learned about a very special discount code (25125) which allows shoppers a $25 discount on purchases of $125 or more.  Yeah, that’s a lot of money, but when clicking around on the website, there were a lot of great items from which to choose that can total up to $125 & you’d be able to use that discount.  In addition, the website offers FREE SHIPPING to all purchases over $100. 

If you want to shop more from this brand, be sure to check out sales & deals at Macy’s, 6pm, Zappos, & Shop Style.

These six items total $125.94 & after your discount, that gives you a total of $100(ish) dollars, thus fitting into our $100 Challenge theme.  Most of these items can either be found under the sale category or in the accessories.  You can wear big cutout earrings with any day or night look, including a zebra print dress & banded sandals.  Skinny jeans are always perfect with gold ballet flats or two-toned Mary Janes.  Argyle tights add a sophisticated touch to any preppy look, especially with a feminine wool coat.  A flirty bra & panties combo comes from this cute collection of sexy sets that will make getting dressed even sexier!  Multicolored striped wraps just scream out nautical would go with a polka dot tee & duffle satchel. Even though winter is gone, keep a sequin beret like this handy for those snowy bad-hair days, especially with a leather jacket & suede knee boots. Happy Styling!