Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Go Bright or Go Home- Shoes from AMI Clubwear!

At first glance, AMI Clubwear may seem like a trashy place to shop.  Honestly, I thought so too, but my mind is changed b/c I see that there are some really fabulous pieces at affordable prices that I could incorporate into not just my everyday wardrobe, but for when I’m going out at night & for special occasions. Not to mention that the store claims to be a “Positive Place for Girls.”  The way I see it, embracing that sexy side of your style & showing off the confident tigress within is nothing short of fabulous.

Now that it’s springtime, it’s no time to be shy about color, but doing an all-over bold color is tricky to pull off.  Any of these six super sexy shoes can instantly punch up any style rut that you may be facing, especially when it comes to finding something for a dress.  First off, my favorites are probably the teal glitter platforms that would really enhance the glam factor if you’re headed out for a bachelorette party in the city wearing a one-shoulder LBD!  If you’re going out to have fun, have fun with your look too! For a day of shopping with girlfriends in a belted jersey dress, take advantage of these green cork wedges with some hoops & a canvas tote.  Yellow slingbacks are adorable for this time of year, especially with a striped colorblock dress & flower earrings for a family party, or even a tiered sundress & vintage-inspired sunglasses.  Red platforms are a must during any season, but for now, I highly recommend them with a belted floral dress & black clutch if you’re headed to a birthday party, but they’re also hot for a separates look in a leopard blouse, wide leg jeans, & skinny belt.  If purple is your color, try out these rhinestone trim ankle strap pumps for a fun night out in a blouson dress & a woven cuff, or a zipper mini dress & jewel stud earrings.  For the girly girl inside, go with hot pink satin platforms to your next evening wedding with an equally delicate sateen tulip dress & filigree earrings!  Happy Styling!

Style ABC’s (x3): E is for Emma Roberts, Elle for Kohls, & EDressMe!

is for Emma Roberts, one of the most talked about rising stars in the last year.  Yes, the connection to her aunt Julia helps, but she’s come into her own with roles in Valentine’s Day, It’s Kind of a Funny Story, & most recently Scream 4.  The spokesmodel for Neutrogena & fresh-faced star of the upcoming comedy Adult World, has been hitting the red carpets of movie premieres, film festivals, & charity events. The petite star is one of my newest favorites for her sense of style & sense of humor.  Here we see her in a variety of chic looks which include a sexy cocktail dress by Escada, a Temperley London tunic dress, a trendy separates outfit by Z Spoke by Zac Posen, & also a youthful casual look in skinny jeans & a shrunken blazer. 

 

@Kohl’s, you’ll find a stylish array of affordable designers like Lauren Conrad, Vera Wang, Daisy Fuentes, Dana Buchman, & also  a collection inspired from the pages of ELLE magazine.  The ELLE collection features clothing, accessories, & home decor all at a decent price.  Take these five pieces, for example, which can be mixed & matched with any number of other pieces that you currently have in your wardrobe. 

 

The LBD is darling to pair with some suede platforms & a black wristlet for a date night.  The blue ruffled top is a flirty take on a basic tee that is perfect for bootcut jeans or cuffed capris & strappy wedges for a luncheon on the weekend. I love ruffled floral blouses for their feminine flair, even with cuffed jeans & a ruched shopper handbag when you’re out & about shopping. These chambray shorts are so cute for a pintuck floral tee & wedge slides for a picnic in Central Park on a sunny spring day.  For an evening party, pick out these nude pumps for shirtdress or a chiffon empire printed dress. Don’t forget that nude pumps like these are super flattering for elongating the legline (as per a previous blog here). 

 

 

EDressMe is a website that offers cocktail looks, separates, & everything you may need for a formal event, including prom dresses!  One of my favorite parts of this site is the variety of celebrity-inspired gowns.  Give it just a few days after a big awards show like the Oscars or the Grammys & this site will have knockoff of the designer names worn by celebrities like Carrie Underwood (click here), Halle Berry (click here), & Anne Hathaway (click here).  I’ve selected three knock-offs to show with their red carpet inspirations.  Although the knock-offs still cost a few hundred dollars, it’s really a bargain if you’re seeking to recreate a memorable night of making fashion history! EDressMe is also great for looking for those finishing touches for your special occasion with an elegant selection of footwear, clutches, shrugs, & under garments.  Take a look also at their clearance items up for 90% off! Happy Styling!

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

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!

Magazine Must-Haves: Emma, Freida, Ashley, & Great Deals on the May 2011 Cover of Glamour!

Glamour is such a fun magazine & for the May 2011 cover, there are three of the hottest actresses today featured, including Emma Stone, Freida Pinto, & Ashley Greene.  All three have been making the red carpet rounds & are currently sporting the flirty floral fashions of the season.  We’ve seen a lot fo these ladies all over the style radar, making headlines like Emma, now a blonde bombshell, at the Conde Nast Traveler Hot List Party.  Ashley has been featured on a bunch of mag covers already, but I love her classic & edgy LBD look at a SiriusXM event in March.  And Freida knows how to pull off the ultimate femme casual style as seen in this shift dress, tights, & flats while shopping around town. On the magazine’s site, check out one of my favorite sections, Outfit Ideas, to work old & unique pieces into your wardrobe & get the most for your buck!

Aside from the gorgeous stars on the magazine, inside of it, there’s a slew of affordable items to help make your spring fruitful & even carry you into a budget-friendly summer. Take a look at all of the great deals, which include cosmetics, accessories, swimwear, shoes, & clothing! Happy Styling!

    

4/26/11 Darling of the Day: Alexis Bledel Works Casual Chic at MTV!

Alexis Bledel has really been coming into her own, especially with her upcoming role in Robert Redford’s The Conspirator. She’s been hitting the red carpet non-stop, including at MTV’s The Seven in flared MiH Jeans, a silk A.L.C. top, & delicate touches of gold House of Lavande jewelry. This look is perfect for brunch with friends or a casual day event.

Check out the actress during her many recent appearances on red carpets like at the Shine Awards, The Conspirator‘s premiere in New York, & the movie’s D.C. premiere earlier this month! I loved the actress on Gilmore Girls, but I think I’m loving her chic & mature red carpet styles more!  Happy Styling!