Jessica Alba has always been one of my favorite celebrities to watch out for on the red carpet because several elements of her personal style mirror my own. She loves feminine, classic pieces, never straying too far into an architectural or modern aesthetic, but still appearing current & trendy. While the actress / entrepreneur has been promoting her new series L.A.’s Finest (also starring the always exquisite Gabrielle Union), as well as her brand The Honest Company, Jessica has been all about platforms. I couldn’t help but notice the chunky shoe under many of her dresses during her promotional tour, a choice that I would not personally make, but something I love to look at with her red carpet fashion, which has a very 70s & 90s glam vibe right now.
Below Jessica goes peachy in a Giambattista Valli Spring 2019 dress with beige patent leather platforms & an Alaia cropped shirt with a striped skirt in Jimmy Choo platforms.
Also, at the Monte Carlo TV Festival, Jessica wore an orange Silvia Tcherassi belted dress with a Mulberry bag & satin platforms. For her Honest Beauty Meet & Greet, Jessica looks heavenly in a Self Portrait midi dress with rust suede Salvatore Ferragamo platforms.For the budget shopper looking for trend pieces without breaking the bank, check out some of these affordable & stylish platforms out in stores & online now.
My goal, as of late, when it comes to my everyday outfits and sharing style tips on Style Darling Daily, is try something new. This includes combinations of separates that I hadn’t thought of previously, as well as only investing in special new additions that not only stand apart from other items I already own, but will also serve multiple purposes. I’ve realized that in the past, I’ve sought out dresses, shoes, & more that thrill me in the moment to add to my wardrobe, without considering their need in the long run. In order to better maintain my closet & finances, I’m being much more careful about how I approach styling.
With that, spring is underway & I’m trying to break away from my usual all-black or only black & white routine. Spring is all about soft, light colors, embracing pastels & brighter hues like nobody’s business. When I was recently perusing through my daily barrage of emails from my favorite stores, I saw a shoe trend that I just couldn’t stop thinking about. Normally, I’m not a trend chaser, sticking to what’s classic & works for my specific body type & daily needs. Ankle strap sandals have always been a little tricky. I haven’t been able to find a comfortable pair in recent years, though I’ve written much about the sleek & delicate style (here), but when I saw that so many different designers & retailers were pitching light blue suede ankle strap sandals for spring, my mind was racing with all the styling possibilities—with dresses, pencil skirts, cropped jeans, & so many more!
It doesn’t hurt to have a little celebirty inspiration when it comes to this particular shoe style, showing all the different colors & ways to wear them. This includes German starlet Diane Kruger, supermodel Kendall Jenner, Oscar-winner Emma Stone, blogger / actress Ashley Madekwe, Orange Is The New Black star Taylor Schilling, & pop star Rihanna.
We all have different styling expectations & budgets, which is why I wanted to share the six above pairs of shoes, ranging in price from $21 – $400, including some very well-known, quality brands, as well as more affordable options to try this spring for a weekend brunch, Easter with the family, or a fashionable date night look.
For more ankle strap sandals, check out these options in other colors & textures to expand your shoe collection & brave a new shoe adventure!
How much do you typically spend on trendy items? Do you like to try new colors from season to season? What’s your spring go-to shoe style? Happy Styling!
I recently had a conversation with a friend / coworker about the perks of our job, one being all the styling possibilities for certain items that can be worn for a variety of occasions. Thus the inspiration for this post, I couldn’t help thinking about how quickly the summer is going by, & that fall fashion is currently in stores. Blending the new with the past season while keeping a budget in mind is a very present factor when I’m considering how to build new looks from my wardrobe. Transitioning pieces from season to season is really how you can get the most from your fashionable investment, which can also surprise you when planning a day out with friends, a special date night, what to wear for an important work meeting, as well as when you’re headed away for the weekend.
It didn’t take long before I came across this versatile crochet scalloped skirt from @Dress Barn (shop misses available in small – large & plus available in 1X – 2X here. I have the skirt from last spring (in more of a creamy ivory tone) & I was stuck on how to style it, especially since there’s so much detail in the crochet of the skirt. Gladly, this design was returning to stores in a neutral taupe, perfect for coordinating for any season. In the fall, try this skirt with knee boots & a chunky sweater, or for winter with a blouse, tights, & ankle booties. However, when thinking about all of the styling possibilities, I’m excited to share four fabulous ways to wear this skirt, including for day, date, work, & weekend.
How would you style the crochet skirt? What items do you keep handy all year long? Which staples do you like to reinvent in new ways? Where do you shop for everyday essentials? Happy Styling!
My biggest style obsession this fall & really for 2015 is earrings, as seen in detail with my Instagram posts (Follow Style Darling Daily @MissAlissaL). I’ve rediscovered my love of the blingy accessory, especially since I’ve recently cut my hair, showing off my collection of studs, chandeliers, hoops, dangles, drops, front-to-backs, & jackets for the every day runway that is life. In an effort to save some cash, but still treat myself here & there, shopping for budget-friendly earrings has been my simple solution when it comes to transforming a look & when I’m in need of some retail therapy. Before I share some of my favorite & elegant picks for not just the season, but really any occasion, I loved the idea of seeking out some extra special inspiration from celebrities who are lucky enough to rock the real thing during red carpet appearances. Celebrity inspiration for killer earrings comes in many metals, colors, & shapes, including some jaw-dropping duds for movie premieres, awards shows, & a slew of other special occasions. Get inspired to upgrade your street style with Jennifer Lawrence, Cara Delevingne, Kerry Washington, Olga Kurylenko, Chrissy Teigen, Angelina Jolie, Bella Thorne, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, & below on Jessica Chastain, Sofia Vergara, Chanel Iman, Kate Winslet, Drew Barrymore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Julianne Moore, Demi Lovato, Sarah Hyland, & Diane Kruger.
Of course, there are tons of retailers to select discounted fashion jewelry from, including multi-metal hoops that’ll take your blouse & skinny jeans from day-to-night, oversize studs from work to happy hour, clustered stones from a date to brunch, & other genius possibilities. What’s even better is that the below deals are all under $15.00!
It’s awards season, which means that it’s time for the stars to weigh their red carpet options & many, many press appearances promoting the best films of the year. One line that’s sure to grab the attention of A-listers is Badgley Mischka‘s Pre-Fall 2015 Collection, which is why I’m sharing it first. It includes luxe gowns that are perfect for the red carpet, as well as chic frocks & sheath dresses for those token interviews & events leading up to the big night. The collection tells a lovely story with lace details, delicate architecture, fine lines, & classic silhouettes. These pieces would shine on a Style Darling of any age, including this year’s nominees like Into the Woods star Emily Blunt, awards season favorite Julianne Moore, & Game of Thrones heroine Emilia Clarke.
Aside from Fashion Week & the general change of seasons (which marks ankle bootie & rich textures like suede time of year), September means that our favorite television shows are returning to make us laugh, cry, sit at the edge of our seats, & of course, be in awe of the characters’ styles. In a first ever on Style Darling, I’ve undertaken a mighty 10 television shows returning this season & found their most stylish leading ladies (two, in some cases), & found pieces & looks to inspire your fall wardrobe. Naturally, we’re talking something budget-friendly, yet still true to the small scree goddesses that have bloggers everywhere in a fashion tizzy!
Scandal(airing Season 4 premiere on 9/25 @9PM on ABC) left Olivia Pope (played magnificently by the one & only Kerry Washington) washing her hands of the controversy & turmoil that she blames herself for in Washington D.C., especially because of her torrid love affair with the president. However, Olivia’s style was only elevated by such drama, sharing with viewers the importance of a luxurious coat collection, classic & statement handbags, as well as clean lines & neutral separates since Olivia is all about getting rid of the fuss in people’s lives.
New Girl(airing Season 4 premiere on 9/16 @9PM on FOX) will surely tackle that whole Jess-Nick romance, even though the adorkable couple ended things last season. Now that Zooey Deschanel‘s character has certainly settled into her man-dwelling apartment, she’s constantly battling life with one vintage look after another, & laughter is sure to ensue. Not to mention that Jess’s girlie girl style fits right in with her job as a teacher, always conservative yet cute for partying it up after hours.
The Mindy Project(airing 9/16 @9:30 on FOX) is one of my favorite must-see shows this fall, not just because the brilliant Mindy Kaling writes a hilarious ensemble comedy, but because the show is after the hearts of its viewers with the on-again-off-again love story with one Danny Castellano, played by Chris Messina. Yes, there’s laughter too, but I’m also super excited to see what Dr. Lahiri (Kaling’s character) will wear. She’s no stranger to bright colors, wild patterns, feminine florals, & layers of preppy chic style.
Revenge(airing 9/28 @10PM on ABC) is returning this fall & Emily Thorne (played by Emily Vancamp) is back & stronger than ever in her plot against the Graysons. I love that her style recalls the effortless ease of a modern day Grace Kelly, with a luxe twist on casual wear. She wears plenty of neutral colors & no-fuss separates so that she can easily slip into scheming mode with the movers & shakers of The Hamptons setting. I love watching out for the designer pieces on this show, especially on additional key characters like Victoria (Madeline Stowe), Charlotte (Chrsta B. Allen), & Ashley (Ashley Madekwe).
When I started assembling these pieces, I realized that they have various uses, for both day & night, as well as creating looks from season-to-season. While most of our lives won’t be centered around law-breaking revenge schemes, the closest we can get to the fabulous life of Emily Thorne is recreating her style with the colorblock roll sleeve shirtdress ($109.99) in cream puff @Ann Taylor, MOD.lusive ruched sleeve long cardigan ($42.00) in white @Nordstrom, v-neck blouse ($24.95) in powder beige @H&M, & true slim chino pants ($44.99) in khaki @Land’s End.
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Nashville(airing 9/24 @10PM on ABC) is the kind of show that not only inspires music, but also fashion. Southern style is loud & clear with this show, especially when it comes to an edgy look & a splash of rock ‘n roll. The show’s leading ladies Rayna James (Connie Britton) & Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere) are constantly at odds, but one thing is clear, they know how to dress. I was especially inspired by the flashy stage looks & modern casual separates that can be jazzed up for a night of music. The last season ended with both divas in trouble, both professionally & personally, but I can’t wait to see what’s gonna happen next.
2 Broke Girls(airing 10/07 @9PM on CBS) combines two of my favorite things: cupcakes & fashion! The comedy’s stars Beth Behrs as the preppy / fashion forward Caroline Chaning & Kat Dennings‘ loveable bad girl Max Black make for the perfect modern day odd couple, just trying to get back. Caroline is always neutral clad, doused in pearls & body conscious dresses, whereas Max’s fashion sense takes on a tougher city vibe in bright primary colors & boots, with a touch of menswear inspiration.
The Good Wife(airing 9/21 @9PM on CBS) keeps raking in the Emmy awards, especially with a constantly compelling performance for the show’s lead, Julianna Marguliesas the powerful Alicia Florrick. Her wardrobe includes power suits & strong jackets, much like Scandal‘s Olivia Pope. In Alicia’s world, there’s no room for floral or fussy pieces. She’s all about structure & strength, so edgy embellishments have no place among the clean details & clean lines.
Modern Family(airing 9/24 @9PM on ABC) is a comedy must-see, especially because of the show’s female leads. When it comes to style, of course there’s always a cute outfit on Sarah Hyland’s character Hailey, but the real sex-pot changing the look of a stay-at-home mom is Sofia Vergara‘s Gloria. Gloria often steals the spotlight from her family members, especially when it comes to showing off her curves in wrap dresses, V-neck tops, & skinny jeans.
Elementary(airing 10/30 @10PM on CBS) is a modern day New York City-based take on the classic Sherlock Holmes stories & what’s extra awesome about this version is that the science-minded Watson is played by kick-ass actress Lucy Liu. Instead of John, she’s a Joan who develops an intense partnership with Holmes (Johnny Lee Miller) while they’re soling crimes all over the city. Aside from her brilliant mind, I love her on-the-go style which often includes dark, layering pieces, always with a chic pair of booties.
Hart of Dixie(2015 on The CW) is the last show that I’m sharing & it doesn’t have a set premiere date since star Rachel Bilson, who plays the quirky city doctor Zoe Hart, is expecting her first child & filming seems to be halted. However, I love her character’s edgy side with dark, modern cuts in tops & leather shorts, as well as dark colors in mini & maxi dresses. She’s an accessories queen with chunky necklaces, embellished details, & the highest heels in sandals & booties imaginable. Also, it’s hard to ignore Lemon Breeland, played hysterically by the one & only Jamie King. Lemon’s style is true to the Alabama debutante ladylike way. She loves florals, sparkle, & vintage-inspired looks with a bold lip & finger curls.
New York Fashion Week (#NYFW) is upon us (certainly my favorite time of year), but what’s also exciting is to keep an eye out for the newest collections at our favorite & affordable retailers that don’t preview their designs on a traditional runway. I know when it comes to accessories, I generally lean toward scarves & jewelry, but one important & oh-so fashionable accessory for both men & women is a chic frame of eyeglasses- especially styles from Warby Parker‘s new fall line of eyewear. Hey, guess what? It debuts today! Sporting frames just because you have to is a thing of the past! However, a brand like Warby Parker is a long-awaited trendy gift for those of us with eyes needing assistance. I’ve been wearing glasses for over 20 years & was psyched when I was approached by the company to showcase the new styles right here on Style Darling!
In getting to know the brand a little better, I learned so much & was especially impressed with the company’s target unisex audience: “those who own their style, exercise their wit, & add life to the party. Personality is what makes a good pair of glasses great.” Not to mention that investing in one of these 9 new styles (in titanium & acetate), you’ll be investing ($95.00 for a single vision pair) in a good cause since Warby Parker donates a pair of glasses to someone in need with the help of their partnered non-profit organizations. Click here for more info on this very worthy cause!
When I got a good look at the promotional shots & different styles, my blog-ready brain was eager to pair up some of my favorite designs with outfits for various occasions. This includes a relaxed day look for when you’re running errands & an evening outfit, á la Zooey Deschanel‘s lovable character, Jess, on New Girl. Also, I must share my vision for wearing chic frames to the office, as well as when you’re headed out of town for a weekend getaway of luxury & style!
Accessorizing when it comes to work looks can be tricky, especially when you want to impress your boss & colleagues, which is why I simply added the braided chain bracelet ($9.97) from New York & Company & the diamond texture full tights ($16.03) from Express. Both mixed metals & textured tights are staples for any fall wardrobe & allow for a sophisticated layered & interesting overall look.
Finally, my absolute favorite new design in the Wary Parker collection is the Annette frames in petal tortoise, which immediately makes me think of spectacle-wearing icons of old Hollywood. These are perfect for the weekend look since they capture the playful side of any Style Darling. I started building the outfit with the patterned cotton shirt ($29.95) from H&M, Old Navy‘s sweetheart gray super-skinny jeans ($34.94) in mudcave, & the Rocket Dog ‘Sayla’ vintage worn boots ($49.95) in mushroom from Zappos. For such a minimal outfit, I wanted to dress it up with some elegant & effortless accessories, which is what a weekend look is all about. For example, the gauzy crinkled infinity scarf ($9.99) from Charlotte Russe works well with the colors in the shirt. Also, I haven’t shared anything with pearls & here’s my chance with the pearl hinge bangle bracelet ($34.00) from BaubleBar & Ann Taylor‘s modern pearlized triangle studs ($29.50) in gold.
And since we’re still on the topic of glasses, I wanted to share some more notable designs in the collection, for their shape, colors, & androgynous appeal:
The above styles include (clockwise, starting at upper left) Baxter Ti in sugar maple, Chandler Ti in English oak, Durand in whiskey tortoise, Greenleaf in woodgrain tortoise, Annette in striped sassafras, & Eli in crystal.
And if looking like a real life Clark Kent or the (insert your hometown here)-equivalent of Tina Fey isn’t enough, here are a few other incredibly attractive famous people to help inspire your frames fetish for fall! Whether you’re trying to recreate a vintage look, sport some menswear inspiration, or play with different trends, eyeglasses are a must-have, as seen on actress Anne Hathaway, musician / singer Alicia Keys, No Doubt frontwoman & fashion icon Gwen Stefani, R&B crooner Ne-Yo, mega hottie Ryan Gosling, & talented boy-next-door Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
Most of my spring go-to looks consist of black & white outfits, but as I’m trying to find a balance between lightweight & frilly separates, while warding off the chill from cooler nights, I’ve been thinking a lot about maxi skirts. They’ve been all over storefront windows lately & I’m loving the idea of a modern skirt that can be dressed up for a date or made casual chic with gladiator flats.
Even though I’m usually a fan of black & white in polka dots, houndstooth, or zebra print, I’m getting on board the stripe trend for spring, especially since there are so many different versions of this skirt to pick from. This includes the plus size a.n.a. striped maxi skirt ($19.99) from JC Penney & Dress Barn‘s Roz & Ali two-toned striped maxi skirt ($30.00), which will pair nicely with solid tops in red, pink, or mint. You can find the third option @Forever 21, which is the striped jersey maxi skirt ($15.80), available in sizes XS – L.
Fashion critics & bloggers have been on the look out for Kim Kardashian‘s pregnancy style, which has included lots of pencil skirts, body conscious dresses, & empire-waisted looks to show off her growing shape & glow. Kim is never one to turn away from a high heel, & during a recent appearance in New York City, she donned the Anouck metallic leather pumps ($650.00) by Jimmy Choo from Saks Fifth Avenue. Not every expectant mom-to-be would be so bold as to keep up their pre-baby bump style with such confidence & sophistication.
Of course, that’s a heft price to pay for silver pumps, but the neutral metallic trend is coming back for spring, especially when paired with bright neons, soft pastels, & edgy embellished pieces. I recently shared a pic on Instagram featuring a shoe find in the latest issue of Harper’s Bazaarof a killer pair of silver pointy toe heels, but I also found several options at lower price points for any budget.
Model Kate Upton has been making headlines for breaking the rules of high fashion lately. The voluptuous Sports Illustrated model has recently scored a campaign deal for shoe designer, Sam Edelman, because photographer David Lipman says that “she isn’t thin,” according to WWD. While modeling strappy heels & sitting in a scattered sea of ballet flats, the blonde looks nothing short of amazing, certainly capturing “the spirit of youth & vitality.” Prices for the collection range between $60.00 – $150.00. To shop Sam Edelman shoes, check out Zappos, Nordstrom, 6PM, Heels.com, DSW, Bloomingdales, & Dillards.
If you’ve been following Style Darling on Instagram, then you know that I’ve been busy with some shoe shopping as of late, but it’s not all for me, for once! My bestie asked for my help in finding closed toe evening pumps & I advised her on investing in Christian Siriano‘s La Femme pumps for Payless, which I featured in a post back in January. I love patent leather for the holidays, but also it’s a luxe material for a shoe any time of year.
While thinking about holiday shoes, I wanted to share a classic & festive staple & that’s the peep toe pump. Of course you can find any old peep in whatever material you so desire, but for the holidays, I thought it was important to emphasize feminine details in ruffles & bows, especially when our outfits are covered in lace, sequins, or embellishments.
I’ve selected five pairs of peep toe pumps at varying price points for to share with readers & shoppers that you don’t necessarily have to break the bank when looking for holiday essentials like fashionable footwear. I’ve started off with the Stuart Weitzman peep toe pump ($201.49) that have recently been reduced by 50% @Farfetch. The all-patent exterior is luminous & the shoe offers a stiletto that is sure to show off your legline. If that’s too out of your price range, then Badgley Mischka sail suede pump ($84.50) from Last Call by Neiman Marcus is sure to get you plenty of bang for you buck. Of course this shoe is definitely more dressy, if worn to at least 2 occasions during the holiday months & throughout the winter, you’ll have 10 wears & each will only cost $8.45! Fancy that!
An even better deal thrives behind my Zappos find with the RSVP Sheryl pumps ($55.99) with an all-over satin finish, perfect for not just the holidays, but evening weddings with a sweeping empire waist gown. Next, I’m happy to finally share a shoes by Fergalicious (yes, that’s Fergie Ferg) from 6pm, & the Energy pumps ($27.99) break down to less than $3 per wear. The soft ruffle around the peep toe frames your new pedicure, while contrasting any edgy pieces that complete your look like a leather jacket or white satin blazer.
Finally, I’m re-sharing the Valencia bow pumps ($19.99) by Lela Rose for Payless, which I featured back in an August post as a must-have for its patent body & satin bow. The shoe is marked down from its original $44.99 price (which I paid + 20% off with a coupon), but I couldn’t pass these up, thinking that they wouldn’t be around when I needed them (& I wore them for my birthday back in September!). Now, the even lower price makes these all the more desirable & I can tell you from firsthand experience that they’re very comfortable!
Where do you like to shop for holiday shoes? What are your must-have footwear pieces for the holidays? Do you prefer satin over suede or leather over patent? Would you splurge or save on a pair of peep toes like these? Happy Styling!
While I’m still keeping an eye on all things Black Friday still going on & the upcoming Cyber Monday deals, I’ve been noticing that red suede ankle booties. Of course these aren’t a new item in the world of footwear, but it seems like every website that I’m clicking through has a pair & I love the idea of an unexpected pop of color on your feet with any layered heavy knit look & some neutral outerwear.
When it came time to update a Splurge or Save? post, I couldn’t help but wonder how I’d recommend my readers to wear these shoes, when I know I’d be looking for a more stiletto-like heel with some more feminine details. However, mixing this Western-inspired accessory is actually quite easy, when you consider it with skinny jeans or leggings, paired with plaids, polka dots, mini florals, & vintage lacey pieces.
@Zappos, the Seychelles ‘Crazy for You’ booties ($125.99) have been marked down from their original price of $140.00 & are my most expensive pick. Next in line, you can find the Cinteresting ankle boots ($95.00) by Aerosoles with contrasting stitch details & a metallic buckle @QVC. Thirdly, the Rebels Harlow bootie ($39.94) from DSW has a lace-up detail behind the heel much like a sexy corset. Standing at 3 3/4″, the cowboy booties ($29.80) from Forever 21 are the tallest of this quintet of shoes, but are also currently reduced $10.00 for the Black Friday sale which is ending today. Lastly, the best deal of them all comes from Charlotte Russe with the sueded slip-on Western bootie ($18.55), which is 30% its original $26.50 price.
Would you wear red suede ankle booties? How would you style these? How much do you invest in your shoes? Are you following any of the Blake Friday & Cyber Monday sales? Happy Styling!
It’s been hard for me to decide which celeb look to feature, but I’ve been loving everything that I’ve seen reality star Olivia Palermo wearing, which is why I featured her twice in the last post for Top 10 Celeb Sightings, where she rocked some Burberry duds & an ethereal Valentino gown. However, when I spotted her latest layered look while shopping & hitting the streets, I knew that this spin on classic style would be perfect to share with readers. Naturally, I’m recreating this look for both women’s & plus sizes to enjoy, doing my best to find complimentary pieces since it’s such a versatile & anytime ensemble.
So to start, look to the left & you’ll find the pieces to create a curvy reimagining of this street chic outfit. First, I headed to Forever 21, which helped me I find the plus size sequined yoke contrast top ($22.80). I loved the resembling details with the purple & black contrast in Olivia’s top, giving a blousy feel, as opposed to a heavy knit sweater. Also, the rockstar jeggings ($28.00) in medium wash from Old Navy helped to complete the bottom half, especially when on a budget & they’re available in sizes 16-30. However, it was hard to find a two-tone leather jacket with multiple textures, but pieces like leather should be an investment, one that will last for many years, thus paying you back, which is why I’m happy to share the DKNYC leather & ponte motorcycle jacket ($189.00) from Zappos. This is a classic cut, adding an edgy feel to any feminine look. Of course accessories can be found virtually anywhere, but I added New York & Company‘s ribbon bib necklace ($24.95), which is currently on sale for Buy One, Get One FREE. In addition the square sunglasses ($3.80) from Forever 21, Kelsey Dagger ‘Charley’ pump ($59.95) available @DSW, & Jennifer Lopez gold-tone hammered button stud earrings ($12.00) from Kohl’s are the perfect finishing touches, playing off the different textures.
Anne Hathaway has hit the red carpet with a reinvented classic retro vibe, cad with her pixie cut (for Les Miserables), little black dresses, basic black shoes, & elegance pendant necklaces. The Oscar-nominee is in full swing promoting her latest film, the major summer blockbuster The Dark Knight Rises. The Style Darling‘s looks are elegant, contemporary, youthful, & worth making her the Darling of the Day.
Since I couldn’t pick just one look that I loved, I decided to share the four most recent images of her Audrey Hepburn-inspired style. Her short ‘do is perfectly understated while these leg-baring frocks reveal that the actress isn’t slowing down her glamour game just yet. Included in these images are dresses by Dolce & Gabbana, Stella McCartney, & Givenchy, paired with Tory Burch ankle strap sandals.
Since there are so many fabulous details in the dresses above, I’ve found some affordable LBDs to help recreate Anne’s breathtaking noir turn. First from Forever 21, we have the shawl collar surplice dress ($27.80) & the mesh yoke bodycon dress ($24.80), which is available in sizes XL – 3X. H&M has this belted dress ($34.95) which moves beautifully & can be dressed up with peep toes or worn casually with flats. To show off your shape, I recommend the ponte knit sheath dress ($48.93) from Express. If you’re looking to imitate the feel of Anne’s forth look above, head over to Lulu’s for the Motown black dress ($38.00). Lastly, since we are talking about one of the most sought after actresses in all the land, we need to step up our style game just a little & share the Jessica Howard sequin cap sleeve dress ($70.00) @JCP.
Which of Anne’s looks do you like the best? Would you ever rock a pixie cut? How do you feel about all the black-on-black? All comments & suggestions are always welcome, so please share! Check out more posts like this in Basics for a Bargain, Luxury Look-Alikes for Less, & Red Carpet Review! Happy Styling!
If you’re looking for some super sexy strappy black gladiator sandals for a cocktail dress or your favorite little black dress, then check these out! However, I was soooo enchanted by a pair from Barney’s, but couldn’t get past the $675.00 price tag. Naturally this is b/c the brand of the ‘Zaira’ is Loeffler Randall, which is also available @Zappos, Neiman Marcus, Singer 22, & Nordstrom.
However, as a Style Darling on a budget, check out Mandee for these four-inch strappy cone heel sandals. They only cost $15.00 & while the two pairs of sandals are not identical, they’re pretty close in concept. Think about how much you buy for $675 & why in the world would you want to spend that much on one pair of shoes (unless of course money was not an issue)?
When I look for shoes, it’s all about getting the most for my money. As a regular on the Mandee website & in their stores, I’ve found their shoe selection very reliable in comfort & style. Not to mention all the discount rewards you can earn just for having the store’s credit card! Check out previous Luxury Look-Alikes for Less posts for more great affordable & stylish finds! Happy Styling!
Ever wonder if an item you’re looking for is sold exactly as it is somewhere else & cheaper? Specifically, I’m talking about shoes here! With countless online outlets through which you can search your heart out, you can find a wide array of designer brand items for less than what the actual brand’s website is selling them for! Of course, you have to make your own judgments about shipping costs & whether you can mix & match the item in your current wardrobe to get full use out of it.
An example of this would be while I was pining over some of the latest fall pumps @Nine West, I loved the black patent leather Rocha pump, but it’s $79.00. Definitely out of budget for me. It’s such a classic style & even available in taupe & dark silver for the same price. The look of the pump is universally flattering for any minimalist LBD, for the office in a skirtsuit, or even with some jeans & a cute blouse on date night.
On Zappos, I found the same pair, available in eight different colors & textures, including a sexy red wine patent pair for $56.96! Also marked down is the dark blue leather pair for $59.25, which I think would look great with some trousers & a studded tank! Other colors include 2 different blacks, 2 browns, 2 greys, & a taupe.
I moved on to 6pm & even saw that the previously mentioned red wine patent pair was a dollar or so less for $55.27! It’s very unique & the pattern is so subtle that it would also pop against pinstripes or polka dots! The blue offers versatility, as opposed to the usual go-to black or brown pair of pumps. 6pm also offers a light grey pair for as low as $30.42- the lowest that I could find for any in this style, however the basic black pumps are not available at all there.
Piperlime made me super excited since the khaki green / camel, which wasn’t available anywhere else (perhaps it’s an older design) was reduced to $39.99, along with limestone, silver, & brown leather ones. For $49.99, you can even indulge your wild side with the animal-inspired pair that would go nicely with a red sheath dress or a solid maxi dress.
In the search for this shoe, Style Darlings are able to get their hands… or feet on them in a multitude of different colors & at varying price points, but there is a lot of work involved. If you’ve really fallen for something, then the search is definitely worth it! What are your favorite online outlets for designer items? Do you have any stories about finding an unexpected bargain on something with an originally luxury price? Happy Styling!
Leighton Meester, the newest face of Vera Wang’s Lovestruck, looked super stylish & accessible in a pleated blush blouse, paired with some seriously sexy leather leggings at the fragrance’s London launch party. A departure from some go-to black trousers, this look is incredibly easy to translate into your everyday life. Not to mention that the Gossip Girl star is wearing some killer Brian Atwood sandals & a special leather-looking Dannijo bracelet. These are essential for when you head out to the bar, for an interview at a trendy office, or an after work event.
I’ve turned this look into two comparable outfits, giving a shoutout to my plus-size Style Darlings! While I couldn’t find a pleated blouse (I’m sure they’re out there in soft blush, nude, & gray hues), here we have a tailored ruffle top from The Limited, as well as a smocked button front shirt from Avenue. On the bottom, try out leggings with a faux leather panel, or plus-sized Baby Phat leggings, which can also be paired with basic tees & a vest, or dressed up even more with a corset top or a belted tunic top.
The best lavender strappy sandals that I could find are these fun t-straps by Type Z @Zappos for $53! They’re perfect for underneath a floral maxi dress or to add a pop of color to an LBD. The only accessory that you’ll need for this look is a bejeweled mesh cuff by Candie’s, available @Kohl’s!
Style Darling has technologically come a long way, but take a look at the last time we featured Ms. Meester as a Darling of the Day. If you love all thing stylish about Leighton, check her out on In Style on their Star Finder to see who she’s been wearing on the red carpet & for special events! Happy Styling!
Calabasas has more going for it now than those pesky Kardashian girls. Here we have the very lovely star of Glee, Jayma Mays in an outfit straight off the website for Ann Taylor LOFT! I love it when celebrities wear affordable & relatable looks from places that we everyday people shop in!
The roll sleeve camp shirt is the perfect color for her complexion & would love paired with dark denim jeans for a casual day or a floral pencil skirt for the office. I love skirts that have contrasting stripes like this tie dye printed skirt, which to me, just calls for a bright yellow or red scoop neck tee tucked in with some white or neutral espadrilles!
This skirt is very flattering on her petite frame & would look really adorable on any size, especially with a belted over cardigan set & some layered beads! Also from LOFT is the knotted metal necklace, a classic easy touch to a look that already has enough going on with it, but frames Jayma’s face perfectly!
I was unable to find out who the shoes & ring were designed by (the ring probably being her wedding ring!), so I found these very cute options to help recreate Jayma’s look. These beaded strappy wedges by Clarks @Zappos are a little pricey for my budget, but get great rating son comfort & are very versatile additions to any summer look, including an eyelet summer dress or with leggings & a tunic. As for the last piece, I checked out The Limited & found this concave ring which is minimal & hardly even noticeable, but super cute to wear with virtually any look!
If you’ve got a summer evening wedding coming up, I always say: Go for some lace pumps! But what if you don’t already own a pair, then it’s time to start shopping. If you’re first step is to check out what’s online & where, then take a deep breath b/c we’re spanning across MANY different price points here. I know I’m always looking for something stylish & affordable, which is why I turn to some of my favorite resources like GOjane, 6PM, & Windsor Store for budget-friendly special occasion items!
However, if you take a look at the image to the right, you’ll see that three pairs of these lacey shoes are very pricey. This (I guess) makes sense since we’re dealing with designs by Christian Louboutin, Alexander McQueen, and Elizabeth and James (by the Olsen twins).
Some advice: Don’t ever do all-over lace, unless it’s in something by Dolce & Gabbana b/c otherwise it’ll look cheap or like lingerie, or like both! Lace pumps would look very demure with your favorite little black dress, or perhaps something ruffled. Of course when you’re doing lace, you can go a little more sexy with them by picking out a peep toe pair for your most flattering cocktail dress, or try dressy shorts with a silk tank to wear with the cut-out pair. Maybe even dress up a romper or separate the pieces of a skirt suit to make it look happy-hour-ready with pumps like these!
What do you like to wear lace pumps with? Which are your favorite bargain shoes stores? Happy Styling!
In for Spring is white… & white blazers do the trick for nearly any outfit! You’re in luck b/c I’ve found a gorgeous white blazer- make that two. Clearly, you can see the label in the image to the left, by Dolce & Gabbana‘s D&G brand. The one to the right is by Steve Madden. You can then guess which costs nearly $800 & which is affordably under $50. Of course when it comes to a finishing piece like a jacket, you want to make an investment, but while we’re Style Darlings on a budget, perhaps the Steve Madden one (which can be found at Zappos) is the best choice for your mini skirt, tank, & peep toes. Check out Net-A-Porter for more fabulous Dolce & Gabbana designs, as well as our previous Style ABC’s (x3)post which features the glam Italian duo! Happy Styling!
is for Diane Kruger, the gorgeous German actress / model who is probably best known for her Golden Globe nominated role in Quentin Tarantino’s Inglorious Basterds. She had her first big break with Troy as the beautiful Helen, but has made headlines in the fashion world, donning every designer under the sun! She is currently the face of Calvin Klein Beauty & is a red carpet A-lister in Prabal Gurung, Chanel, & Lanvin. Here are just some of her most fabulous looks, including casual chic, cocktail, formal, & uber glam!
A d’orsay Pump is “a woman’s shoe in which the vamp of the shoe is cut away very close to the toe box, & the sides are cut away, revealing the arch of the foot,” as per About.com. They’re classic for many events, revealing a little more foot cleavage, especially with bows, peep toes, ruffles, & luxurious fabrics like satin. Here are some choices that make for a stylish finishing touch to your favorite LBD, belted sheath, & floral number. You can find affordable styles from famous brand like Jessica Simpson Collection, Anne Klein, & Steve Madden from discount retailers like 6pm, Shoe Buy, & Zappos! Happy Styling!
is for Brights on the Bottom! This is one of spring’s best trends & here we see Jennifer Hudson & Anna Kendrick wearing bubble gum magenta & kelly green on their lower halves. While Jennifer is showing off her new sleek frame in a hot pink mini skirt, Anna enhances her boyish frame with some extra punch of playfulness. Don’t be afraid of bolder hues on your bottom half, just be aware of fit & style. Not to mention that playing these trends up is only successful when paired with neutral items like a white top & black blazer, or a basic tank to emphasize an already gam-revealing skirt! Here are two bright items to help you get started!
Blake Lively is the it-girl in fashion RIGHT NOW, no matter how much people talk about Alexa Chung or Leighton Meester. Blake gets it right every time, which is why Chanel has asked the Gossip Girl star to be their handbag ambassador. You can almost never find the actress without a Chanel piece, or anything designer for that matter. At the 2009 Emmy Awards, she really turned heads in a bright red plunging-v Versace gown, setting her apart from her other fashion-frenzied peers. Whether walking the red carpet or talking on her phone down the streets of New York, she’s the epitome of everything that’s going on in fashion & we’ll definitely be seeing more of her!
Betsey Johnson is a designers who knows how to make a woman feel sexy, especially with shoes! Whether you’re in a LBD or jeans & a tank, just pop on a pair of her sexy platforms or sandals, & you’re gonna wow anyone you come across! Not only does the fun & flirty designer create shoes, but accessories, clothing, handbags, & intimate apparel are also included in her bright arsenal of style. These peep-toe mary janes are from the official website & the top, bangle, & slingbacks are reduced priced @6pm & Zappos! Happy Styling!
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!
For the budget shopper looking for trend pieces without breaking the bank, check out some of these affordable & stylish platforms out in stores & online now.
Mix No. 6 Trima platforms @DSW
Madeline bronze platforms @Steve Madden
Chinese Laundry red Theresa platforms @Zappos
Design Lab black platforms @Lord & Taylor
Chinese Laundry Going Haute striped platforms @ModCloth
If you’re looking for some super sexy strappy black gladiator sandals for a cocktail dress or your favorite little black dress, then check these out! However, I was soooo enchanted by a pair from 
Ever wonder if an item you’re looking for is sold exactly as it is somewhere else & cheaper? Specifically, I’m talking about shoes here! With countless online outlets through which you can search your heart out, you can find a wide array of designer brand items for less than what the actual brand’s website is selling them for! Of course, you have to make your own judgments about shipping costs & whether you can mix & match the item in your current wardrobe to get full use out of it.
Leighton Meester, the newest face of 
Calabasas has more going for it now than those pesky Kardashian girls. Here we have the very lovely star of Glee, Jayma Mays in an outfit straight off the website for 
If you’ve got a summer evening wedding coming up, I always say: Go for some lace pumps! But what if you don’t already own a pair, then it’s time to start shopping. If you’re first step is to check out what’s online & where, then take a deep breath b/c we’re spanning across MANY different price points here. I know I’m always looking for something stylish & affordable, which is why I turn to some of my favorite resources like 
Style Darling Daily 
