Tag Archives: Whitney Port

Splurge Or Save… On Leopard Print Flats?

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I recently had a very insightful discussion on the preferences of animal print, how to wear it & what the essentials are for one’s wardrobe (yes, this really happened). Of course I’m crazy for zebra (with a purse, flats, sheets, laundry bin, skirt, etc…), however leopard print just won’t go away, & why should it? I own a satin pair of ballerina flats with a fabulous leopard print & bow-crystal accent at the heel.  They’re super comfortable & perfect for any casual look or fashionable dinner with the girls.

In my newest category (yes, the creativity just keeps pouring out- see Fabulous in 4 Ways), Splurge or Save? will investigate an item at different price points.  Staples like leopard print flats can be found virtually anywhere, especially this time of year when we’re preparing our fall wardrobes for chic splashes of personality when the weather becomes crisper.

As you can see, we have a little celebrity inspiration joining us. Fashion icon Alexa Chung wears her pointed toe leopard flats with a menswear-inspired shirtdress, reinforcing why she’s just so darn fun to watch.  Designer Whitney Port looks sweet mixing prints in her Whitney Eve outfit & leopard flats.  Socialite Olivia Palermo, who’s been everywhere lately it seems, breaks out in a feminine floral shorts look & some bowed leopard flats.  However, now that we’ve seen some of Style Darling‘s favorite celebrities wearing leopard print flats, let’s take a look at what I’ve found, ranging in price from $14.99 – $275.00!

The above five shoes range quite a bit in price, but each share the same concept of a bow detail & black trim around the foot, which emphasize the classic design of a ballet flat.  First, the RED Valentino leopard print ballerina flat ($275.00) from Neiman Marcus would cost you just over $10/wear if you wore them once every other week. Perhaps this doesn’t sound so bad, but dropping the cash to buy them initially will put a big dent in any shopper’s budget.  I’d feel lucky to the proud owner of any Valentino piece, but at this point in my life, such luxuries will only appear on Super Style Wishlist.  Next, the Ashley bow ballet flat ($98.00) from Banana Republic will earn you plenty of rewards points for future discounts if you’re a cardholder, but the fact that this style of ballet flat is available in other such trendy textures like tweed, patent leather, croc, houndstooth, metallic, & suede will certainly suit your shopping fancies.

While clicking around @Nine West, I discovered the Cacey flats ($79.00), which serve double purpose with the patent leather cap toe accenting the wild print.  However, the cost-per-wear for these is down to $3/wear, if worn once every other week.  NOTE: Select designs of this shoe (polka dots & pink colorblock leather) are currently reduced to $29.00 on the website! Moving on… I was pleasantly surprised to find that ALDO‘s clearance section included the Warnack flats ($35.00) which have been reduced from their original $70.00 price tag.  The metal tips on the bow add some extra detail to what surely will be an already polished look.

Lastly, the most affordable pair in our collection includes the American Eagle Flash flat ($14.99) @Payless– my go-to source for shoes.  I know I can always rely on Payless for comfortable, yet stylish shoes that work with my budget, especially when I’m on the go & can’t always take the time to go shopping in a store. When ordering online, Payless offers FREE SHIPPING if your purchase is shipped to a store location, which always makes me happy.  Since these are the least expensive of all of the selections, I’d like to inform readers that the CPW (again, cost-per-wear) now becomes less than .60/wear.  If you plan on wearing them more than once every other week- & I don’t blame you b/c they’re just so cute!- you’re still getting a bargain for a reliable must-have when building an outfit.

How much would you spend on a pair of leopard flats? This sort of investment will keep paying your back, since these versatile statements of footwear can go with you to the office, school, on a date, or wherever your day may lead you. I know I’m a sucker for a good deal, but when it comes to shoes, there are a few other factors to consider like fit, how well the texture is made, if I like the print, & so on. What about you? What would you do? Would you splurge or save? Happy Styling!

Basics for a Bargain: Pencil Skirts Inspired by Jennifer Lopez, Kate Bosworth, & More!

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The best way to revamp your wardrobe from season to season is by freshening up your essential, basic pieces.  In this new series of blogs on Style Darling, I’ll be bringing to you some irresistible selections of the basics necessary for the most fashionable foundation of a wardrobe.  Items such as a button down shirt, pair of black trousers, trench coat, LBD, or patent leather pumps are the timeless building blocks for any Style Darling’s budget-conscious look.

 It’s no secret that a must-have basic item for all body types is a pencil skirt. Here we have some inspiration from just a few of the best dressed stars of the red carpet who are wearing pencil skirts, like Jennifer Lopez, Kate Bosworth, Whitney Port, & Abbie Cornish.  This isn’t just a piece that you can wear to a special event since it’s versatile for work (although beware of sequins!), as well as a date night. You’ll look poised & professional in a classic pencil skirt with any number of special touches to really add some polish, such as a contrasting blazer, knee boots for a short hemline, an off-shoulder dolman top, peep toes, or an embellished cardigan.

Take a look at these six choices below, which are all under $40.  When you have to put together an outfit on a budget, starting off with flattering items like these helps you spend a little more on the extras that make your look really special. 

 

 

 

While I’m not featuring any basic black pencil skirts in this installment, I’d like to have some fun with different textures & patterns which create visual interest & more dimension- key if you’re trying to make a good impression at a work function!  First we have a denim pencil skirt (far right) that doesn’t even look like it’s denim, perfect for a solid fringed top & open toe zip-up booties. Navy is always an elegant choice, which can be made even more regal with a black blouse, an animal print belt, & cross-strap sandals.   Speaking of some animal print, take a strut on the wild side & get some fabulous red pumps, a cocktail ring, & sequined clutch to steal the spotlight!

 

A lace skirt calls for something uber feminine, so go with a bold floral cami & crystal drop earrings. Black & white looks excite me a whole lot because here’s where you can show off a trendy pop of color in a pump or cardigan, while still offering up a truly classic look.  And lastly, much like the Kate Bosworth look above, we have a faux leather camel pencil skirt that goes perfectly with a military blouse, hoop earrings, & metallic pointed toe pumps. 

For next time, watch out for some deals on sandals, shorts, or perhaps we’ll be taking a look at the best denim picks!  Also, feel free to share with readers your favorite pencil skirt stories, or where you know a great sale is for this figure-flattering favorite. If you’re still looking for pencil skirt inspiration, check out some of my other favorite celebrity looks like Jessica Stroup, Olivia Wilde, Kristen Bell, & Jayma Mays.  All comments, questions, suggestions are always welcome.  Happy Styling!