12/01/2022 Darling of the Day: Jennifer Lopez’s Fair Isle Sweater + Maxi Dress Look for Less!


This weekend, actress & singer Jennifer Lopez was spotted in New York City, taking in the Broadway smash hit The Music Man, hand-in-hand with new husband, Ben Affleck; however, the buzz wasn’t so much about another Bennifer sighting as it was on Jennifer’s unexpected winter / holiday outfit that is inspiring bloggers everywhere to reinvent their cozy fair isle sweaters with a splash of femininity & glam. Jennifer wore Ralph Lauren separates, including a black, red, & white fair isle sweater (shop here) with a sheer & a layered maxi skirt (shop here), black sheer tights, a chunky belt (shop similar here), shearling fur Coach bag (shop here) & ankle strap platforms by Valentino (shop here).

However, recreating the festive vibe of this look on a budget is easy because, this time of the year we could all save some extra cash, especially as the original designer sweater is nearly $1,700! Check out the inclusive options below:

SHOP: fair isle turtleneck sweater in academic green berry @J.Crew Factory (on sale: $39.00, available in sizes XXS-3X), Croft & Barrow fair isle sweater in navy @Kohl’s (on sale: $27.00 with coupon, available in sizes XS-XXL), fair isle cozy shaker-stitch pullover sweater in warm fair isle @Old Navy ($40.00, available in sizes XS-3X), Universal Thread mock turtleneck pullover sweater in red @Target ($30.00, available in sizes XS-XXL), elk & snowflake pointelle knit round neck top in multicolor @BloomChic ($35.80, available in sizes M-6X), Amazon Essentials soft-touch crewneck novelty sweater in taupe / blue @Amazon ($35.90, available in sizes XS-XXL).

SHOP: WDNY sequin skirt in ivory @TJMaxx (on sale: $24.00, available in sizes S-XL), Flying Tomato pleated metallic midi skirt in rust @New York & Company ($78.00, available in sizes S-L), Wild Fable midi skirt in black @Target ($24.00, available in sizes XS-4X), solid mesh elastic waist pleated skirt in black @BloomChic ($25.80, available in sizes M-6X), WDPL A-line tutu skirt in green @Amazon ($34.99, available in sizes XS-5X), & Urban CoCo casual elastic waist pleated midi skirt in red @Amazon ($21.86, available in sizes S-XL).

SHOP: Journee Collection Roslynn platform pumps in black @Kohl’s (on sale: $40.79 with coupon, available in sizes 6-12), Marc Fisher Nazira heels in black @Belk ($59.40, available in sizes 6-10), Rya satin platform ankle strap pumps in black @Lulu’s ($42.00, available in sizes 5-11), & Sun + Stone Estrella block-heel pumps in black @Macy’s (on sale: $48.65 with Code: FRIEND, available in sizes 5-12 in medium and wide width).

What do you think of J-Lo’s outfit? Would you dress up a fair isle sweater with a party skirt? Which celebrity is inspiring your holiday style? For more stylish posts, check out: a fashion flashback with The Flight Attendant star Kaley Cuoco & Gemma Chan from Crazy Rich Asians, festive sequin pencil skirts, & a classic plaid fit & flare dress from ModCloth! Happy Styling!

Holiday Shopping Head Start!


‘Tis the season to be gifting! Thanksgiving is next week, which means that it’s time to make that gift-giving list (if you choose to do so). There are so many useful, cute, & affordable gift options out right now to fill your most fashionable friends with style & joy this season. Personally, I don’t buy gifts just for the sake of buying meaningless stuff to give to  anyone. I like to pick special pieces that will really please a recipient & serve a function—even if that function is indulgence & luxury.

When compiling your shopping list, consider if an item is something that they’ll actually use, that it’s not just a filler gift. Also, jot down their interests by their name on your list so that if you can look out for something particularly perfect for a friend or loved one. Lastly, I’ll often discuss with people close to me if they want to exchange gifts (& if so, establish a spending limit) or if they’d prefer to go out for dinner instead. Sometimes arranging a night with a group of friends with dinner & drinks is the best way to go. However, listing, shopping, wrapping, & giving are my favorite ways to put me in the holiday spirit.

All of the below ideas are not just stylish, but they’re all under $15.

beanie @Charlotte Russebook @TJMaxxgift set @Ultaearrings @Francesca’sscarf @H&M

I love discovering accessories as gifts because they add just a little bit more sparkle, which I know I’m always seeking for myself. What kinds of gifts are you shopping for this season? Where do you shop for the best deals this holiday? Happy Styling!

 

SHOP NOW! Stylish Back-To-School Buys!


The back-to-school time of year marks the end of the summer, but it’s also an exciting time of year. Kicking off the school year in style always made me feel confident & prepared for whatever challenges were to come. While I’m no longer in the student phase of my life, I love checking out the newest back-to-school must-haves, especially since I’m always working on writing projects & reading in my spare time. There’s nothing wrong with a little stylish touch on with your school accessories, no matter what level of education you’re in. I’m mad for colorful paperclips & sticky notes for efficient note-taking, as well as personal journals for writing prompts. Also, being comfortable when I’m home studying or preparing something is essential, especially when I have to “tote” a lot of materials with me from one spot to another. Here are just a few affordable & fashionable extras to keep you organized, inspired, & stylish for the upcoming academic calendar.

SHOP: pom pom paper clips @Forever 21, gold tassel charging cable @Icing, bed rest pillow @JCPenney, large purple scarf @H&M, striped 2017-2018 agenda @TJMaxx, nylon tote handbag @Target, Yes I’m Reading This bookmark @Francesca’s, & staineless steel water bottle @Old Navy.

What back-to-school accessories are you shopping for? Where do you go for the best in back-to-school? What favorites help you stay inspired from year to year? Happy Styling!

Basics for a Bargain: Pencil Skirt Party for All Sizes!


Earlier in the fall, I was asked what trend I was most interested in, & I was surprised to realize that I’d been all about skirts because my spring & summer wardrobe was so fit & flare dress heavy. However, my flirtation with skirts isn’t exclusive to one style since I’m pretty psyched about all styles & how to explore separates combinations & playing with different patterns. Though, not all skirts are flattering for all body types, but one of the most classic styles that best fits & enhances any shape is the pencil skirt, which is versatile enough to pair with a variety of tops to take you to work to date to weekend & everywhere in between.

Take some inspiration from some iconic television characters who’ve always looked their best on the small screen in pencil skirts, including Christina Hendricks as Joan Holloway on Mad Men, Mindy Kaling as Dr. Mindy Lahiri on The Mindy Project, Emma Roberts as Chanel Oberlin on Scream Queens, Kim Cattrall as Samantha Jones on Sex & the City, & Taraji P. Henson as Cookie Lyons on Empire.

You don’t have to break the bank either to find a pencil skirt for you, especially when they’re available in nearly every size, pattern, color, & material. Try a pencil skirt for your next office look with a denim button down shirt, a polka dot cardigan with a striped skirt, or a graphic tee tucked into a brocade skirt. The styling possibilities are endless & evident in the countless posts I’ve previously shared in the past, including inspiration from Lauren Conrad & Kerry Washington, Reese Witherspoon’s floral take on pencil skirts, & style steals straight from the red carpet on Cate Blanchett & Michelle Obama! Also, here are just a few ways I’ve been wearing pencil skirts lately!

So if you haven’t already, take the plunge with a sleek & elegant pencil skirt. Check out these ten affordable picks below to get your holiday, fall, & winter style in gear! Not to mention that most pencil skirts are perfect for year-round wear, which makes the challenge of styling them all the more thrilling!

SHOP: 1. plaid skirt @The Limited (available in sizes 0-18), 2. Thalia Sodi leopard skirt @Macy’s, 3. Worthington woven skirt @JCPenney (available in sizes 4-18 & petites), 4. denim skirt @Nordstrom Rack, & 5. sweater skirt @Old Navy (available in XS-XXL, tall, & petite).

SHOP: 6. lace skirt @dressbarn (shop plus size here), 7. pinstripe skirt @H&M, 8. faux leather skirt @New York & Company (available in sizes 0-20), 9, windowpane skirt @Target, & Melissa McCarthy leopard skirt @TJMaxx (available in 1X-3X).

How do you like to style pencil skirts? What colors or patterns are you most drawn to? Where do you like to shop for basic bargains? Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Summer Vacation Must-Haves For The Budget Shopper!


Let’s get right to it! I’m going away this week to The Hamptons for yet another exciting & stylish two weeks, while attending a school-related Writer’s Conference. This is one of my favorite & most fashionable times of year, where I can prepare my wardrobe & budget to reinvent new looks for the hip south shore niche. Speaking of a budget, I’ve been very price tag conscious & in doing that, I recommend the following for a memorable vacation. Also, I love the diversity of these pieces & how they can be worn in so many different ways!

Dress @Dress Barn, $46.00

The abstract shirtdress ($46.00) from Dress Barn is perfect for playing up your preppy side, while still celebrating the bright & neon sides of summer. Pair this dress with metallic sandals & a messenger bag for day, or glam it up in the evening with peep toe pumps & stacked bangles.

Leopard flip flop @Payless, $9.99

To keep your summer style fresh & timeless at the same time, classic patterns are the best way to go. With that, the sunset disc flat flip flop ($9.99) in leopard from Payless is a flirty way to amp up your separates, mixing prints like animal inspiration with polka dots or seersucker. Also, leopard looks great with bright hues like a pair of red lace shorts, an orange sheath dress, or black ruffled romper.

Blouse @H&M, $9.95

To build up wardrobe that you can transform from season to season, try something playful like an unexpected topper like this sleeveless blouse ($9.95) from H&M. At first glance, the print looks like flower petals, but upon closer examination, the soft blue is actually eyelashes. As seen on the model above, try this top with faux leather skinnies, but if you’re looking for something more low maintenance, add a contrasting color like yellow bermuda shorts & espadrilles for a lunch date or with a white pencil skirt & cardigan for a more professional look.

Earrings @Icing, $8.50Accessories are an important part of building any look, especially when it comes to jewelry. I was once a silver-only gal, but as I’ve grown up, I see the value in expanding with different metals. Here the drop earrings ($8.50) from Icing recall a deco feel that can work as a statement piece with an LBD & strappy sandals, a maxi dress & modern cuff bracelet, & a knotted button down shirt & denim shorts. Not to mention that now is a great time to invest in timeless jewelry since the store’s entire website is BOGO 50% off!

Tote @TJMaxx, $19.99Naturally, a tote bag is any Style Darling’s must-have when going out & about for the summer. This Yoki perforated tote ($19.99) from TJMaxx is right on trend with laser cut details on luxe materials. It’s the perfect size to fill with your cell phone, a pair of sunglasses, & whatever best seller you’re taking with you to the beach. To dress up the bag even more, braid or tie a bold scarf onto the handle to add a pop of color.

If you’re shopping on a budget, like me, don’t fret over spending too much. These five fabulous finds total for under $100, to be specific: $94.43 before tax! What summer essentials are on your wish list or crowding your closet? Happy Styling!