The $100 Challenge: Update Your Wardrobe With Nautical Inspiration!

There are a lot of trends that come & go, & I’m still waiting for this sneaker wedge thing to go away. However, as the weather warms up & we begin to plan more outdoor activities, I’m looking for new ways to wear my favorite spring & summer pieces. The nautical trend keeps coming back for its crisp all-American feel & classic color combinations.

I’ve selected five pieces that will cost under $100 total to help bring a fresh, youthful, & flirty nautical look to your spring & summer essentials. This includes the luxe jersey striped ringer tank ($17.99) in gray heather from Gap, which is perfect for skinny jeans, a dark denim mini skirt, white cropped pants. Also, a fun topper for any casual outfit is the cropped canvas hooded jacket ($34.94) in sea turtle from Old Navy, which will work for over a tank & jeans, with leather pants & a graphic tee, or to dress down a sheath dress & ballet flats.

Also, I love the nautical stripe lightweight scarf ($9.99) from Charlotte Russe to wear with patriotic separates like a red top or blue capris. The striped boat shoes ($19.80) in red / white from Forever 21 are a literal way to include nautical inspiration into your wardrobe & will allow for all of your current love of menswear loafers to make a preppy appearance this summer. Lastly, the Brash dusty crossbody bag ($16.99) from Payless offers a cute seersucker neutral pattern to offset florals, polka dots, & pastel paisley prints.

The total for these pieces comes to an affordable $99.17! How do you like to wear nautical inspired looks? Do you prefer articles of clothing or striped accessories? For more posts on shopping on a budget, check out Steve Madden cork heels, Derek Lam’s DesigNation collection for Kohl’s, how to wear polka dots this spring, & peplum looks inspired by Cate Blanchett & Zoe Saldana! Happy Styling!

Show Me The Shoes / Color Me Style: Mint Is Back For Spring!

During this spring break, I’ve had plenty of time studying the latest spring trends & aside from bold bright, you can find plenty of pastels, including mint shoes that will make any outfit look fresh & spring-ready. After a recent conversation with an engaged friend about the difference between turquoise & teal for her upcoming nuptials, I was inspired to share the color mint. Of course this hue can be seen on dresses, blouses, pants, & accessories, but more importantly, I’m loving the idea of mint shoes, especially since there are so many affordable shoes.

Add mint to your flats collection with the Merona Macha wedge ballet flat ($19.50) from Target, which have a classic faux snake texture with any effortless tee & skinny jeans. Also, the canvas Bella skimmer ($19.50) from Delia’s offers a lighter material to contrast with a neutral leather mini & sleeveless button-down. If you’re headed to a tropical location on vacation before summer, the Steve Madden Swinger sandals ($49.95) is perfect for a maxi dress & stacked bangles, a cotton spring dress with a beaded necklace, or with walking shorts & a silky blouse.

This wouldn’t a proper shoe post if I didn’t talk about some major budget-friendly heels, like the patent cap toe platform pump ($32.50) from Charlotte Russe, which transitions the cap toe trend perfectly between seasons. The GOjane peep toe platform wedges ($24.95) are edgy for a look with leggings & a tunic top, & they’re on sale right now! Next, bring mint to the office with the Fioni Jordyn t-strap pumps ($26.99) from Payless coordinated with a floral sheath dress & a cardigan, or for happy hour with a polka dot blouse & pencil skirt.

The peep toe platform wedge ($32.80) from Forever 21 is chic for a weekend getaway in a chambray dress or with neutral separates like a beige cami with silky pajama-inspired pants. Lastly, DSW‘s Fergalicious Eileen pump ($39.95) is definitely a must-have for a date night in a shift dress or can dress up any outfit like a mini leather skirt & graphic tee if you’re headed to a concert.

Which style is your favorite? Do you like the mint shoe trend? What colors are your mist attracted to this fall? For more posts from Show Me The Shoes, check out floral-inspired shoes from Forever 21 & Gap, luxury look-alike studded Jimmy Choo loafers, how to find affordable platforms like Nikki Reed’s at her recent red carpet appearance, & a behind-the-scenes look with J. Crew’s Jenna Lyons on their latest shoe collection! Happy Styling!

Basics For A Bargain: It’s Finally Spring & Finally Time For Florals!

There’s still a chill in the air here in New York, but it’s finally starting to look like spring. There’s change in the air & I know I’m really excited about it- & not just for my change in wardrobe. However, speaking of spring fashions, the go-to print of the season is florals & I couldn’t turn my back the trend, especially when I’ve been seeing it everywhere! For example, A-list celebs have been wearing florals even during the winter, ushering in the warmer season. Miranda Kerr is all smiles in a floral skirt with a leather Prada tote while taking in the day in Sydney. Elizabeth Olsen mixed her floral top with a mustard coat & skinny jeans. Actress Diane Kruger attended a press event for Farewell, My Queen in a 10 Crosby Derek Lam ensemble.

Superstar Selena Gomez hit the SXSW Festival in a matching bustier & skirt by Dolce & Gabbana. Two-time Oscar nominee Jessica Chastain wears an Erdem sheath dress with nude Christian Louboutins. Lastly, former Glee star Dianna Agron attended a luncheon with The Hollywood Reporter in an Oday Shakar floral dress with suede Jimmy Choo heels.

Not to mention that there have been plenty of florals hitting the runways this year, including luxe vintage from Valentino, 80s-inspired rocker chic designs from Betsey Johnson, youthful & bright patterns from Tracy Reese, Lanvin‘s elegant & sophistication, & Erdem‘s playful & refreshing angle on flowers.

Whether it’s on clothing, accessories, or mixed & match (which I only recommend doing with caution), I made a few selections from some of my favorite stores to share how you can wear the latest floral pieces on a budget! The best piece to start building the perfect spring wardrobe is a dress, like the Merona sleeveless tulip wrap dress ($19.00) from Target, which has recently been marked down from its original $24.99 price. The flattering wrap shape is perfect for accentuating your shape & the navy background adds a regal touch is paired with basketweave espadrilles or bright ballet flats. Next is the LC Lauren Conrad floral ruffle tank ($25.20) from Kohl’s, which is a feminine topper piece to wear with dark denim jeans, white skinny pants, or a denim skirt.

Don’t be afraid of florals on your bottom half, especially with the 4 1/2″ belted printed flat front shorts ($32.94) from Express, which add some tropical flair to your look & will dress down a lace blouse. I love the idea of sequins with florals & this skirt ($34.95) from H&M is a stylish marriage of both. This will pair nicely with a chambray button down shirt for a fashionable day out & about or with a solid pullover & pointy toe pumps for a date. Lastly, floral pants are also one of the biggest trends this season, especially in a looser cut to provide plenty of flow & movement, which is why I choose the Full Tilt skinny harem pants ($24.99) from Tilly’s. The chic black, gray, & white color combination is understated & can be coordinated with pastel pieces like coral or mint.

As for accessories, these bright colors will make your outfit pop, especially since they’re so effortless to match with wardrobe essentials. For example, the sequin tulip print pumps ($27.80) from Forever 21 are flirty & will add extra dimension to cuffed jeans & a ruffled top. Also, for a more subtle floral shoe, the novelty ballet flats ($39.95) from Gap. The soft pink & red tones in the shoe can offset any striped tee & jeans look in a ladylike way.

Part of what I love about spring is that I can still wear scarves, which can bring a lot to a look, like the ground floral scarf ($14.99) from Payless for a denim jacket & LBD with ankle strap platforms or a maxi dress & cargo vest with gladiator flats. Lastly, I’m not really a hat kind of girl, but in some cases, you need to protect your face from the harsh rays of the sun, especially this early in the season, which is why I picked the pop floral baseball cap ($8.99) from Charlotte Russe.

What do you think about the latest floral trend? Which pieces would you wear? What’s your spring wardrobe budget? For more affordable fashion posts, check out how to get Drew Barrymore’s latest look without breaking the bank, suede studded loafers, the best green pieces for spring, a budget-friendly spring look with pieces from Old Navy & American Eagle Outfitters. Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Get These Green Pieces For St. Patrick’s Day!

A friend of mine recently asked me what the big color for spring was going to be & from my research & observation of trends, I saw that emerald green was getting to be very popular, amid the rise in pretty pastels & trendy neons. Nearly everyone looks great in emerald, so I thought, what better day to talk about some amazing emerald pieces than on St. Patrick’s Day!

I know when I’m putting a look together, I usually stick to classic black & white pieces, but there’s nothing better than a special pop of color, especially when it comes to green. First, the Merona 3/4 sleeve v-neck cardigan sweater ($19.99) from Target is the perfect topper to any polka dots, graphic print, or houndstooth sheath dress for both the office & a family party. Speaking of dresses, I love the stretch cotton skater dress ($27.93) from Express (which is currently on sale for 30% off) & the AB Studio lace sheath dress ($25.60) from Kohl’s (which has recently been reduced from its original $64.00 price). Both are reasonably priced & can work for any season if paired with cork wedges or even opaque tights & a boyfriend blazer.

If you prefer separates, then try H&M‘s blouse ($12.95) which can be worn knotted with skinny jeans & sneaker wedges for a casual day out & about, or untucked over some rocker chic leather leggings & metallic pointy toe pumps when headed out with the girls. Also, I recommend the Diva skinny ankle pants ($29.94) from Old Navy to be worn with a cable knit sweater for a preppy look or a flirty blouse & ballet flats when meeting gal pals for a luncheon. Not to mention that Old Navy has a special 17% off coupon code (ONLUCKY) which can be used on almost any online only purchase.

Add green accessories into the mix with some jewelry like the bubble bead statement necklace ($12.99) from Charlotte Russe, which is having a sitewide 20% off sale today, online only! Also, there’s Forever 21‘s iridescent arrowhead drop earrings ($4.80), which can be worn with a modern LBD & strappy sandals, or made exotic for your next vacation in a maxi dress & basketweave wedges.

I always love green in multi-color patterns too, which is why I selected the bright geometric scarf ($19.95) from New York & Company to wear with a denim jacket & jersey skirt while shopping, or to dress up any solid pullover & dark denim jeans. Lastly, you can’t talk about green without mentioning shoes & there are so many ways to wear the Worthington Pennie faux suede ballet flats ($28.00) from JC Penney like with a pair of neutral trousers & button-down shirt. Also, there’s the Payless‘ American Eagle sweetheart high wedge sling ($24.99) with a cotton wrap dress or a chambray tunic & colored denim shorts.

How do you like to wear green? Do you wear green on St. Patrick’s Day? Which are your favorite pieces? What’s your budget for new spring-friendly fashions? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out a budget-friendly spring look for under $100, the complete lookbook of Kate Young’s collection for Target, colorful crossbody bags for under $15.00, neon looks inspired by Beyoncé Knowles & Jennifer Lopez, chic spring break must-haves, & how to wear yellow like Emmy Rossum & Miranda Kerr! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Chic Spring Break Must-Haves For Your Next Vacation!

The weather outside is pretty nasty here on Long Island & while I’m trying to keep my head up & attitude positive, I know with the recent personal trials that I’ve been through, I need a vacation. Unfortunately, I’m not in the position to do so, but a girl can dream when there are still some shreds of dreams left to ponder. Also, after some inspiring messaging with another Style Darling, I decided to just throw myself into the online retail forum & find some amazing & affordable pieces, perfect for a Spring Break vacation or much-needed warm-weather getaway in my latest post for The $100 Challenge.

Whenever the temperature rises, it’s always stylish to add a maxi dress to your wardrobe, which is why I picked out the chiffon tribal print maxi dress ($16.80) from Forever 21, which can be dressed up with beaded earrings & platform sandals, or made day-ready with a chunky leather belt & gladiators. I also always love checking out the latest in spring shoes, which includes the Brash Molly side t-strap wedge sandal ($19.99) in black from Payless. They’re also available in coral, gold, & white- perfect for mixing with a cotton spring dress, cropped pants & a blouse, or with cut-off jeans & a graphic tee. When spring rolls around, I’m happy to switch out my heavy wool & knit scarves for something lighter & more feminine, like the daisy print infinity scarf ($9.99) from Charlotte Russe to wear with basics like a cotton tee & denim jacket.

Don’t forget that spring & vacations are all about embracing bright colors & while I’m not one to wear shorts myself, I love the shorts ($12.95) in red from H&M, which are also sold in powder pink, black, white, blue, pink, & yellow. For a nautical feel to your look, I recommend the striped roll-tab scoop neck tee ($13.47) in blue from New York & Company, which are a limited quantity item, reduced from their original $26.95 price tag. Also, florals are very popular this time of year, so if you’re headed somewhere chic, the a.n.a. ankle-length skinny jeans ($14.00) in all over floral from JC Penney are great for coordinating with different prints like stripes, polka dots, or plaids. Lastly, for some sparkle with versatility, I choose Old Navy‘s sheer sequin-chiffon tank ($11.99) in pink to wear with satin shorts & platforms for a night out with the girls, dark denim jeans & ballet flats for brunch, or a pencil skirt & boyfriend blazer when headed to an office meeting.

All of this also considers a $100 budget & the total for these comes to $99.19 (before taxes), which is pretty awesome for any Style Darling on a budget. Which pieces are your favorites? Which trends are you following to revamp your spring wardrobe? How much are you willing to spend on essentials for the new season? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out fabulous neon criss cross stilettos from Forever 21, 4 fashionable ways to wear a graphic tee from Old Navy, varying price points on trendy pink jeans, my latest bargain shoe purchases from Target, & floral pants inspired by Diane Kruger’s Stella McCartney look! Happy Styling!

Fabulous In 4 Ways: An Old Navy Graphic Tee For Day, Weekend, Date, & Cocktail!

There’s so much going on in fashion right now & all of the latest spring styles have been hitting retailers, which means that it’s time to consider how you can revamp your wardrobe for the upcoming season. One trick that I recently experimented with was how to dress up a graphic tee for more than just a day look, which is the inspiration behind my latest Fabulous in 4 Ways post. I’m always drawn to pretty t-shirts with fashion-related designs, something Parisian, or a classic Hello Kitty print, however the watercolor-graphic v-neck tee ($14.94) in lodge khaki from Old Navy caught my eye for its modern look over a neutral hue. I’ve decided to share how to style this top for day, weekend, date, & cocktail, ranging in price from $83.52 – $133.48.

For the day look, I loved bringing out fun colors like the 1969 always skinny jeans ($21.99) in lemon meringue from Gap & pairing it with the Christian Siriano Camile bow flat ($26.99) in dark green from Payless. Of course there’s always dark denim as an option, but I loved the neutrality of the tabbed sleeve jacket ($22.50) in Olive from Wet Seal. For an extra splash of style, I picked the 1928 jet-tone filigree teardrop earrings ($5.00) from Kohl’s, which will dress up any casual look & even work with a sheath or LBD for a night out on the town.

When you’re headed away for the weekend, consider comfortable options like the Mossimo Supply Co. bootcut denim ($22.99) in dark wash from Target. To add some extra height to this already casual chic look, I love the basic longline cardigan ($12.80) in black from Forever 21, which gives that boyfriend-sweater menswear look, especially when paired with the Michael Antonio Mallory bootie ($24.99) in black from Piperlime. Lastly, the tribal style bangle set ($7.80) in gold / dark brown from Forever 21 highlight the colors in the graphic tee & bring some extra personality to the whole ensemble.

On the flipside, experiment with this graphic tee, or any printed top for a cocktail look with the feminine skirt ($29.95) in black from H&M & edgy Jacquez jacket ($24.98) in jet black from G by Guess. To contrast the softness of the watercolor butterflies, I choose Charlotte Russe‘s spiked zip-back sueded pumps ($38.50) in black, which complimented the two tone chevron statement necklace ($12.90) from Windsor Store.

A date night look is the perfect opportunity for dressing up a graphic tee, especially when there are options like The Limited‘s silver & rose gold sequin jacket ($49.99) with the faux leather moto leggings ($39.80) in black from Forever 21. Sexy accessories for this look include the sparkling geo drop earrings ($4.80) in black / gold, also from Forever 21, as well as the patent faux leather pumps ($23.95) in black from GOjane, which have been recently marked down.

For more posts on affordable fashion, check out how to find the best bargain-priced pink jeans, look-alike floral Stella McCartney pants as seen on Diane Kruger, clearance heels & flats from Target, winter white looks inspired by Nicole Richie & Taylor Swift, Lauren Conrad’s latest Kohl’s collection, & Christian Siriano’s newest designs for Payless. Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Christian Siriano Launches ‘Striking,’ A Spring Series Collection For HSN!

Accessing luxury designers has just got a little easier! Project Runway winner Christian Siriano is expanding his mainstream fashion palette beyond a shoe collection for Payless with a new collaboration for HSN called Striking. The collection features dresses & separates priced between $80.00 – $170.00, which will debut on air on February 22nd. Siriano discussed his inspiration for the line with InStyle, saying that he wanted women to feel “striking & beautiful” in his designs, adding that ”the collection is romantic, powerful, and of course, glamorous because that is how I love women to feel when they get dressed.”

As for the opportunity to share his work with HSN & the HSN shopper “This is runway style that is accessible with a wide variety of styles that can be worn every day, at any age… It’s great thing for any designer to be able to explain the process of their work in front of any customer… I think when you have a face and a heart behind a brand to support it then it’s much more powerful. I’m excited to bring my collection into women’s homes and make them feel comfortable when they make a purchase of any new spring item.“

For more from Christian Siriano, check out posts including his spring / summer 2013 runway collection, the brand’s ad campaign starring Mena Suvari, & last season’s colorful loafers @Payless! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Pastels, Polka Dots, & Pops Of Color!

I’ve been up to earrings in fashion news lately, but I’ve definitely wanted to spend more time focusing on shopping tips for an affordably fashionable spring & that starts with pastel & neon jeans. I’ve yet to find a pair that works for me since I’m a little self-conscious about wearing the lighter & brighter hues on my curvier lower half, but the search isn’t over yet. One example that I need to pursue is the 1969 neon always skinny skimmer jeans ($21.99) in neon violet from Gap, which are also available in neon mint green. What I love about these is that they’re available in sizes 4-20.

I didn’t want to play down the fun color in the jeans, which is why I picked out the jumbo polka dot print shirt ($13.50) from Forever 21 & the ribbon & jewel bodyshaper tank ($8.00) in heather grey from New York & Company. Both pieces are perfect for mixing & layering with other basics like a pencil skirt, boyfriend jeans, or leggings.

For this look, I wanted to create a fashionable day outfit for any season, but with an extra punch of femininity & polish, which is why I picked Payless‘ Lower East Side Chelsea flat ($16.99) in black glitter. Also, I picked these shoes since I know that they’re super comfortable b/c I own the gold version. They’re perfect for wearing a demure LBD with opaque tights, or casually with leather shorts & a crisp white shirt. Additional accessories include the Mudd Kara triple-zip cross body bag ($23.80) in lemon from Kohl’s, carved roses Parisian charm necklace ($8.50) from Claire’s, & Forever 21‘s lacquered rhinestone studs ($3.80).

To see more affordable looks, check out more posts from The $100 Challenge, including three all-black outfits, a black & silver look with pieces from The Limited & GOjane, how to dress up with black textured accessories, a striped & tweed cocktail ensemble, & a leopard print date-ready dress from Old Navy! Happy Styling!

Show Me The Shoes: Christian Siriano’s Latest Arrivals For Payless!

Shoe-gasm alert! Yes, I said it! When I saw the latest arrivals from Christian Siriano for Payless, I nearly died from joy… shoe-joy to be specific & I knew, without a doubt, that these just had to be included in my next Show Me The Shoes post! The Project Runway winner continues to share his talents & stylish shoe designs with the mainstream public after a number of successful collections for Payless- my favorite spot to find affordable & comfortable shoes that will only out a smile on my face!

Even though we’re still in the thick of winter, clad with textured boots & leather footwear, getting to see what’s coming for spring is refreshing & exciting, especially since Siriano has selected a soft & feminine color palette, recreating the way we consider neutral shoes. The classic nude patent texture is replaced with a pearlescent shine & a light polka dot pattern can certainly work with stripes, florals, & anything else you can think of. Also, I’m crazy for mint, especially when paired with metallic accents, sure to work with any wrap dress, cotton frock, or mini skirt look as we patiently wait for spring to begin.

The Polina bow flat ($42.99) in champagne or taupe are a playful nod to the New York ballet scene, perfect for pairing with a sheath dress & cardigan for the office, boyfriend jeans & a white blazer for a day out & about, or your favorite colored jeans & a blouse when grabbing a bite to eat with the girls.  The Cynthia sling ($54.99) in taupe or champagne are a sexy way to play up any bombshell look, especially if wearing something with lace details, structure with a belt, or to elongate the legline in skinny pants.

The Julie Mary Jane heel ($54.99) in champagne & mint are by far my favorite, especially the mint pair, which pay homage to old Hollywood screen sirens like Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, or Elizabeth Taylor.  The vintage-inspired shape also bares resemblance to dancing shoes, so you can get the party started in these while wearing your favorite LBD, a-line dress, or sequined top & feathered mini skirt.

Perhaps the most daring of the collection includes the Natalia wedge sandal ($54.99), which is a flirty blend of resort-chic if matched with a maxidress to walk the boardwalk, or to add a mod splash to a printed, sleeveless shift dress.

In addition, this collection is an extension from Siriano’s ballet-themed Spring-Summer 2013 Collection, which I featured in Runway Rundown back in September. Check out the video below to see the collection in motion on the runway, & hear about his inspiration for the light & ethereal colors which are reinventing the way we style with neutral shoes!

What do you think of this collection? Are you a fan of the color palette? Which shoes are your favorite? For more shoe-love, check out posts including Rachel Zoe’s collaboration with ShoeDazzle, Prabal Gurung’s lookbook for Target, affordable pointy toe pumps inspired by Miranda Kerr & Katie Holmes, as well as a look at the designer shoes the stars wore for the Golden Globes after parties! Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: Chic & Affordable All-Black Looks Inspired By Rihanna, Alexa Chung, & The Spring 2013 Runway’s From Victoria Beckham, YSL, & More!

During a night-in with my boyfriend, I kept my look simple & casual in all-black with a comfy oversized sweater & leggings.  He shared with me how much he liked my head-to-toe black ensemble & how good I looked in it too. I like keeping my looks classic with black & white, black & cream, black & grey, or the occasional color blocking, but black is always somewhere in my look since it’s so slimming & fun to wear when you consider different textures like leather, lace, suede, or brocade.  So, I’m inspired by all-black looks by the following celebrities who have hit the red carpet or donned their monochromatic street style with the ultimate dark shade. 

Alexa Chung‘s all black look while deejaying in New York includes leather shorts, a three-quarter sleeve sweater, tights, & ankle strap platforms. During a recent appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman, Naomi Watts turned up the style volume in Calvin Klein Collection coat with Christian Louboutin booties, Jamie Wolf earrings, & a Joan Hornig cuff.  Rihanna plays with volume at her latest album’s release launch party with an all-leather look & pointy toe heels. Jennifer Lawrence gets some style tips from her latest collaboration with celeb stylist Rachel Zoe in this chic suit by Christian Dior & stappy peep toe sandals at a screening for Silver Linings Playbook.  Everyone’s favorite Sex & the City star, Sarah Jessica Parker, layered a quilted jacket over her black jumpsuit & unique tasselled necklace.

Supermodel Kate Moss made an appearance last year at The Hope Variety Show mixing her separates in a fitted blazer over a cotton top & gorgeous silk skirt.  Julianne Moore offers her take on menswear in a strong-shouldered suit with feminine earrings & wedge booties.  Oscar-winner Natalie Portman shows off her effortless style in head-to-toe black with a sheer blouse & straight leg trousers at the Nevada Women’s Summit this past summer.  Kate Bosworth gave her support to Chanel in the label’s embellished button-down, tweed miniskirt, sequin purse, & leather lace-up booties.  Trendsetter Diane Kruger took a risk in her all-black look in an embellished Chanel suit over leather leggings & boots while attending an event in Paris. 

You can also find all-black on the runway, with looks from some of the most well-known designers in the upcoming Spring 2013 collections.  Aside from florals, pretty prints, pastels, & bold colorblocking, black is & always will be a favorite among the fashionable.  This is evident with collections from Michael Kors, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Lanvin, Jason Wu, & Monique Lhuillier. 

I also couldn’t resist finding more head-to-toe black, especially when I saw the mix of casual chic, evening, cocktail, & work looks shown in the Spring 2013 collections by Zac Posen, Rachel Zoe Collection, Alexander McQueen, Victoria Beckham, Holmes & Yang, & Yves Saint Laurent.

My first look is a fabulous deal for under $100, & this one goes out to my plus size Style Darlings! With this fabulous & classic coated trim shirt with belt ($24.50) from Forever 21, sizes XL – 2X will look ready for the evening.  Also, to keep the look streamlined, you can find @Torrid, the Tripp NYC skinny pant ($29.99), which have been reduced from their original $48.00 price.  These are the perfect foundation for any dressy look, ranging in sizes 12-16.  For an evening of bar hopping, or dessert with the girls, I selected the Lindsay stud ballet flat ($24.50) from Wet Seal.  Also, for an extra splash of sparkly, the Apt. 9 two-tone kite earrings ($10.80) from Kohl’s are the perfect touch, especially with the contrasting metallic texture. 

For a sexy & feminine evening look, try out the sequin & peplum trends with the middle outfit, consisting of the sequin tank ($26.99) from Banana Republic & Arden B.‘s matte latex peplum skirt ($24.50). Also from Kohl’s, the Apt. 9 web net-to-waist tights ($6.99) are the perfect accessory to show off your legs with the Fioni Vice booties ($20.00) from Payless. 

Lastly, an outfit that’s slightly more expensive, but easy to coordinate with other wardrobe staples includes the seed stitch dolman sleeve tunic sweater ($39.99) from Express with the i jeans by Buffalo Paolo knit leggings ($25.00) from JC Penney. To help accentuate your figure, I’ve added the knot-front stretch belt ($12.99) from The Limited, which is perfect for any sweater or cardigan & blouse set.  Finally, for a modern twist on a basic look, the leather velvet wedge booties ($29.10) from GOjane add lots of texture & a sneak of some toe cleavage!

My three mannequins are affordable & perfect for any all-black moment you wish to have. Which are your favorite pieces? Do you like to wear all-black or do you prefer bolder colors? Which celebrity pulls off all-black the best? Happy Styling!