Show Me The Shoes: Celebrating Spring With A Flirty Design By Sophia Webster!

It’s been a while since I’ve posted in Super Style Wishlist, but as soon as I saw the Sophia Webster Leilou polka dot t-strap sandal ($595.00) from Neiman Marcus, I knew I had to share them. I love all of the aspects of this shoe, including the blue & pink polka dot color combination & mod black & white striped heel. These are right up Carrie Bradshaw’s alley, which will work with plenty of looks. These can be worn with a classic LBD, skinny jeans & a boyfriend blazer, a belted sheath dress, & shorts romper look.

Do you like these shoes? How would you style them? Do you like Sophia Webster designs? For more amazing styles by Sophia Webster, check out the official website, as well as Net-A-Porter, Style.com, & Bloomingdale’s! Also, for more shoe posts, check out more from Show Me The Shoes, including my new metallic flats from Dress Barn, accessories with nautical inspiration, Taylor Swift’s collaboration with Ked’s, silver Jimmy Choo pumps as seen on Kim Kardashian, & trendy mint shoes for spring! Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: Studded Loafers By Jimmy Choo Vs. Forever 21!

During my recent ventures out & about, discovering the trends for spring, I was surprised to see that menswear-inspired loafers had made a comeback, but with Style Darlings like Alexa Chung, Sienna Miller, & Kirsten Dunst spotted in them, I knew this trend wasn’t going away. I’ve yet to add some loafers to my shoe collection, but details like studding over a suede surface seem to be the most popular. I was pleasantly surprised to find these shoes at so many different price point & knew that I just had to include it in my latest Luxury Look-Alikes For Less post!

I’m certainly not endorsing the disappearance of ballet flats, but I love the idea of mixing such a masculine shape to feminine pieces, like a silk blouse & lace shorts or to dress down an LBD with a blazer & colorful tights. Today’s selection includes the Jimmy Choo wheel studded suede loafers ($475.00) in black from Neiman Marcus, which is of course a hefty price to pay for shoes, but if you’re looking for the quality of a luxury brand, by all means, break out the big bucks. However, for those like me who are always shopping on a budget, I recommend the studded canvas slip-on loafers ($24.50) in black from Charlotte Russe, which are also available in white, yellow, pale blue, & pink to fulfill all of your loafer needs. Not to mention that if you’re shopping in a Charlotte Russe store & have a student ID (high school or college), you can earn an extra 10% off your purchase (some exclusions may apply).

Loafers seem to be the best way to transition your wardrobe from winter to spring & I’m sure when we’re headed from summer to fall, the same will apply. Also, the studding embellishments add an extra metallic accent & will contrast nicely with lace, leather, or printed separates in your look. Are you on board with the loafer trend? Would you consider adding this style to your current shoe collection for spring? For more shoe-related posts, check out affordable shoes in emerald, Kate Moss for Stuart Weitzman, behind-the-scenes with J. Crew’s Jenna Lyons, & my favorite new stilettos from Forever 21! Happy Styling!

Splurge or Save… On A Neon Blouse!

In previous Splurge or Save? posts, I’ve featured plenty of classic & trendy items, including polka dot pants, red suede ankle booties, spiked bracelets, burgundy blouses, polka dot tights, & leopard print flats. I would totally rock any of these items, but I’m super excited to share this latest post on neon blouses! Of course the neon hues in yellow / green are a nod to the 1980s & it’s everywhere! Neon is a little tricky to pull off, but it’s not impossible & when you wear a classic button-down blouse like those pictured below, consider pairing it with dark denim jeans, a black pencil skirt, or crisp white skinny pants.

I’d like to start with the most expensive blouse, which is the Splendid neon double pocket henley ($108.00) from Bloomingdale’s. It has a more relaxed feel, but can be dressed up with a brocade skirt, something sequined, or leather leggings. Next is the Patterson J. Kincaid Nova high-low blouse ($82.00) from Neiman Marcus which offers a more feminine take on a neon blouse in a soft, luxurious chiffon, perfect for mixing textures with other edgier pieces. Moving down the price points, the Portofino shirt ($49.90) from Express is a functional blouse to wear under a cardigan, with a pair of satin shorts, or match with navy or charcoal separates.

For the budget-conscious shopper, I selected the Apt. 9 drop-tail hem crepe blouse ($25.20) from Kohl’s, which has been marked down from its original $36.00 price. If worn at least three times in one month, this top comes to less than $9.00 per wear. I know I’ve been sharing a lot from Target lately, but I’ve had the Mossimo long sleeve blouse ($22.99) on my mind, which I’ve seen in stores & have considered for my own wardrobe. I think it would look very modern, yet casual with a leather jacket & cotton camisole, worn over skinny pants for a night out with the girls or a dessert date with your beau. Lastly, the most affordable of all is Forever 21‘s chiffon pocket blouse ($12.80) & it really a steal. For an unexpected twist, you can match this with a bold teal, bright tangerine, or try something softer like a contrast with cream.

Do you like to wear neon? Is this color too scary for you? How would you style these blouses? Which is your favorite color this season? For more affordable fashion posts, check out little white dresses inspired by Taylor Swift & Rooney Mara, a polka dots & pastel looks for under $100, stylish stud earrings from Forever 21, Lauren Conrad’s spring LC Lauren Conrad collection for Kohl’s, & monochromatic outfits featuring Alexa Chung & Michelle Williams! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: The Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection For Target Is Up To 70% Off Online & In Stores!

We all heard about the fabulous designer collection that came to Target, wrought with items for the household & whole family from Jason Wu, Marchesa, Diane von Furstenberg, Prabal Gurung, & more, courtesy of a collaboration with the ever so luxurious Neiman Marcus.  However, aren’t we lucky that all of these glamorous items are up to 70% off on the Target website & in stores? I’ve been doing  a lot of clicking around & have found that there are plenty of sizes available for the apparel, so it’s time to break out those gift cards & shop now!

You can start booking that glamorous vacation to somewhere tropical & warm, especially since these prices of must-have travel essentials are pretty darn amazing.  This includes the Oscar de la Renta tote ($17.99) in white, Carolina Herrera travel bag set ($11.99), & Alice + Olivia luggage ($53.99). If your winter plans bring you somewhere fancy, then be sure to grab one of these amazing dresses, like the Robert Rodriguez lace dress ($29.99) & Lela Rose floral dress ($29.99), either of which will work for any upcoming weddings or formal events for the winter or spring!

This collection even has items that will make your casual wear more polished & posh, including the Proenza Schouler sweatshirt ($8.99), Tracy Reese sequin blouse ($23.99), & the Marc Jacobs scarf ($20.99) in black. 

To shop more from this collection, head over to this link! Which pieces are you coveting? Did you buy anything from the holiday collection when it first debuted? Do you prefer to buy these pieces online or in stores? Happy Styling!

Splurge Or Save… On Feminine Peep Toe Pumps?

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!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less / Show Me The Shoes: Studded Ankle Booties From Neiman Marcus & Charlotte Russe!

Since I’m all about the bargains & fabulous shoes, I wanted to bring the best of both worlds together for my latest Luxury Look-Alikes For Less post, which just so happens to be cross-listed with my posts for Show Me The Shoes.  Anyway, when I reorganized my closet for the fall-winter season, I was happily reunited with my ankle booties that I just love to wear with textured tights, pencil skirts, straight leg jeans, & classic cardigans.

I’m excited to share two very similar studded ankle booties, which call on your rocker sensibilities, but would also play nicely off of more delicate pieces like lace accents, stripes, or luxe fabrics like brocade.  From Neiman Marcus, I found the studded heart-toe platform bootie ($1,185.00) by Alexander McQueen, which are utterly gorgeous & I especially love the edgy, but sweet heart detail.  Opposite is the studded double buckle heel bootie ($38.50) from Charlotte Russe, which is much more budget-friendly than the luxury pick.  In addition, Charlotte Russe is currently having a Buy One Get One $10 sale on all shoes, which only makes me even more gleeful to go shoe shopping- when the weather clears up, that is.

For more shoe-lovin’ posts, check out hot two-tone boots by Ivanka Trump, Stuart Weitzman’s James Franco-directed video, & what pumps to wear with your stripes & floral look! Happy Styling!

Splurge or Save… A Burgundy Blouse?

The color of the upcoming fall-winter season is burgundy & its related hues, including brick, deep red, maroon, oxblood, merlot, & so on. I have to say that this isn’t a color I wear often, but I can see the luxury in it, especially when it comes to classic & feminine pieces like a burgundy blouse. Lately, Style Darling has been all about what’s been going down at New York Fashion Week with manic posts under Runway Rundown, but if we’re going to look ahead, let’s talk about what we should be considering for updating our wardrobe this fall.  Even if you’re not looking to stay on-trend, the idea of a burgundy blouse is pretty timeless.  It will look lush & expensive against any black, gray, navy, cream, mustard (yes, I said mustard), or denim pieces that you already own & rely on for building your everday looks.  Keep with the jewel tones & add a splash of deep purple for some colorblocking!

I’ve found five similar blouses that fit the criteria for Splurge of Save?, ranging in price from nearly $400 to under $20.  Of course, when it comes to a blouse, you have to consider the care that you will take in cleaning it, if it’s hand wash or dry clean only, which will entail an extra cost & time spent going to & from a reliable dry cleaners. Also, let’s say that for the sake of variety, we’d be looking at wearing this blouse twice a month from September to April. That’s 8 months & 16 wears, which is how we’ll figure the always important CPW (cost per wear).

The most expensive, but perhaps my favorite of all these blouses is the Equipment Signature 2-pocket silk chiffon shirt ($398.38) from ASOS. The subtle polka dot print can also be mixed with other prints like a pinstripe pant or always fashionable houndstooth pencil skirt if you’re going for a real runway-inspired look.  At most, this comes to just under $25 per wear, which can always buy you a great lunch & dessert with a refreshing glass of wine when you’re out with the girls.  Next, the Joie ‘Marru’ pleated blouse ($198.00) @Neiman Marcus is a less conventional looking blouse, but the modern pleats down the front add texture to this flowy feminine piece.  Wearing this will cost you less than $13 each day, which doesn’t sound so bad, but for some, the sleeve-length may not be favorable.  This can always be remedied with a cool cardigan or heavy knit wrap sweater. ALso, keep in mind that light pieces like blouses can always soften up tough separates like a leather jacket!

Thirdly, the Calvin Klein roll sleeve shirt ($69.50) from Bloomingdale’s doesn’t necessarily fall under the blouse category, but if worn with the right separates, this shirt can be utilized for day or night, in the office or for a date.  The sporty sleeves are perfect for pairing with a menswear-inspired vest, but this can also be coordinated with faux leather leggings, tucked in with satin shorts & tights, or simply worn with distressed boyfriend jeans & flats.  Dress this up with an embellished cardigan & drop earrings, or keep it simple with a croc embossed belt & riding boots.  For just over $4 a day, this doesn’t seem like such a bad deal, but of course, every Style Darling knows to keep their budget in mind.

For those who love the retro look, consider the ‘Prepare to Bordeaux’ top ($49.99) from Mod Cloth, which recalls that sexy librarian / secretary vibe, while also donning an air of Old Hollywood.  With a metallic-accented brocade pencil skirt or sequined mini, this is perfect with a killer blazer or worn to show off the sheer sleeves.  Not to mention that the scarf-like knot at the neck draws attention to your face.  Not to keep getting too math-y, for just over $3 a day, this blouse is worth the investment.  Lastly, Forever 21‘s shirred high-low shirt ($19.80) is our least expensive blouse, costing barely $1.25 per wear & is also great for styling for day or night.  Take a cue from the pic above & try your favorite pair of colored jeans, or create a 70′s look with wide leg jeans & camel accessories.

Which blouse is your favorite? Are you getting into the burgundy trend? How would you style this look? What piece would you like to see next in Splurge or Save? Happy Styling! (Special thanks to graphic designer, Nino Vlacich <3, for his time & skills in creating the image above!)

Splurge Or Save… On Leopard Print Flats?

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!

Super Style Wishlist: Neiman Marcus’ Newest Fall Shoes From Brian Atwood, Nicholas Kirkwood, Oscar de la Renta, & Giuseppe Zanotti!

When it comes to the latest in fall fashion, you really gotta start with a fierce pair of shoes.  I was clicking through the Neiman Marcus website to find some fabulous footwear to share with readers.  I’ve picked out some shoes that represent my favorite trends for shoes, including sparkles, black & white, sequins, & lace. The B Brian Atwood Francoise crystal-detail suede platform pump ($395.00) in green are the perfect splash of color for an evening out in a structured LBD.  The gemstone texture on the platform & heel create some extra sparkle when you make your entrance.  Also, I’m always a big fan of black & white patterns, which is why I’ve selected the Nicholas Kirkwood wavy lace-up sandal ($1,090.00). They’re edgy for the office with a pencil skirt & blouse, while playing on the cut-out Oxford bootie trend.

Lace details are lovely, & these Giuseppe Zanotti leather & lace d’Orsay pumps ($795.00) are a contemporary way of showing off a retro vibe.  The ankle straps recall a 40s feel, whereas the leather details will accentuate your confident stride.  Lastly, you can’t talk about shoes & not mention some peep toes.  The Oscar de la Renta sequin mesh pumps ($795.00) are red carpet ready, mixing the nude effect with delicately crafted sequin embellishment.  I can see pumps like these on celebs like Amy Adams, Eva Longoria, or Cameron Diaz.

Which shoes are your favorite? Which trends are you following this coming fall? Do you like platforms? Peep toes? Ankle straps? Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Video Of Brad Goreski & The Styling Industry with Nightline!

If you’re addicted to fashion & can’t stop talking about styling (just like me), not only are you a Style Darling, but you will LOVE the next (almost) six minutes of this video taken from a segment on ABC’s Nightline, which discusses the work of stylist Brad Goreski, as well as how stars like Jessica Alba, Lady Gaga, & Mila Kunis have become fashion icons during their red carpet appearances. In addition, the video talks about the empire that Brad’s former boss, Rachel Zoe, has built, not only as a stylist who charges upwards of $10,000/day, but as a designer for QVC & her high-end collection for Neiman Marcus. Who do you like better- Brad or Rachel? Do you watch It’s A Brad, Brad World & The Rachel Zoe Project?

If you can’t get enough of fashion-related videos online, then let me guide you through more from Watch This Style, featuring Victoria Beckham’s guest editor position for Glamour‘s September issue, a behind-the-scenes look at Lady Gaga in Vogue’s September issue, & Mariah Carey’s top 5 most stylish music videos! Happy Styling!