The Stylish Five: Don’t Sweat The Cold Weather With These Cardigan Sweaters ($20 & Under)!

With all the budget shopping I’ve been doing lately, I am continually drawn to cardigans (although I am in search of the perfect motorcycle jacket), especially since I’m getting ready to head back to work this spring semester. For under $20, you can add these stylish toppers to you look, if you’re headed out on a date, to brunch with the girls, or trying to spruce up your work wardrobe.

@Forever 21, my plus size Style Darlings can add some fierce style to their look with the leopard print cardigan ($19.50) in cream/black, available in sizes XL – 3X & sold in purple/magenta. Next, for a more sophisticated & feminine ensemble the Worthington open front cardigan sweater ($20.00) in gray/yellow from JCP is the perfect addition to a spring wardrobe.

Instead of wearing the same old boring black sweater, I recommend LOFT‘s tie neck 3/4-sleeve cardigan ($19.88) to wear over a blouse, camisole, or pullover top. One sweater that made it into my closet was the Merona 3/4 sleeve sweater cardigan ($14.98) from Target, which I purchased in stores for under $9.00. Lastly, for a classic cardigan to wear with pearls, over an LBD, or with your favorite pencil skirt, H&M‘s cardigan sweater ($14.95) in yellow, which is also sold in eight other hues to coordinate with printed basics.

What pieces are you unable to resist when bargain shopping? Which stores are you hitting up for great end-of-the-season buys? For more on affordable fashion featured in The Stylish Five, check out posts including scarves from Forever 21, flats for any occasion, statement cocktail rings, & skirts perfect for parties & work! Happy Styling!

Black Friday Sale Update: Get BOGO 50% Off @Dress Barn!

Where I live, Dress Barn has become quite the hub of fashion, especially when you’re shopping on a budget. Of course the demographic that the store is aiming for is for the professional woman, with special departments for plus & petite sizes, which is why I wanted to share the latest Black Friday sale from here.  They’re offering BOGO 50% off on regular priced items only, ending on Sunday at midnight.  Also, I should mention that Dress Barn is offering some really great deals on their sale items, which have been reduced to jewelry as low as $7.50, sweaters for as low as $9.99, & plus size casual skirts for as low as $9.99!

On a personal note, I’ve had a lot of success @Dress Barn, finding a cute sweater dress that came with me this year to Italy (see post here), & with a cocktail dress for my very special New Year’s Ever first date with my boyfriend (see post here <3).

Since it’s the time of year to start thinking about the holidays, I wanted to share a party-friendly look from Dress Barn, including dresses that can also work for the office during the day if you add a blazer or embellished cardigan. Not to mention that these are accessorized with classic pieces that will work for plenty of future dressy occasions.

The first look consists of the side knot dress ($40.00) in royal, paired with chain Peter Pan collar necklace ($30.00), crystal bracelet set ($20.00), & sequined peep toe pumps ($30.00). Then the look to the right is plus size faux sarong scoop neck dress ($50.00) in eggplant, with the mesh & bead frontal necklace ($20.00), colorblock diamond bracelet ($15.00), & metallic peep toe heels ($45.00), which are also sold in wide width. All eight of these items are included in the BOGO 50% off sale, so you do the math to find out how much you’ve saved with this one-stop-shop look for the upcoming sparkling holiday season! Happy Styling!

Splurge Or Save… Stripes & Florals, Inspired By The Pages Of Marie Claire!

While preparing for the imminent hurricane, I’ve gathered plenty of reading materials that will have to suffice as both entertainment & education in case of a power outage.  I have Monday & Tuesday off from work b/c of this Sandy nuisance, so I was starting to refer back to some of my favorite magazine articles that I checked out while at work & this page from Marie Claire sticks out most in my mind.  The latest issue, which features the lovely Ashley Greene, actress from The Twilight Saga & spokesmodel for DKNY, on its cover.  However, I posted this image on my Instagram (@MissAlissaL), sharing the daring dud combination of stripes & florals- one I’ve yet to explore.

Of course any Style Darling would be lucky to own any of the pictured items from page 72 of MC (ranging in price from $44.95 – $565.00, from brands like Sergio Rossi, Coach, Chris Benz, Kate Spade, & more); however, I wanted to share my version of this page, hoping to see this trend done right without breaking the bank!

My recommendations all cost under $50.00 per item & will certainly help transform your fall favorites into fresh, new outfits to wear to work, going on a date, a family occasion, or a party.  We know how figure flattering pencil skirts are, so I stuck with the idea of a floral pencil skirt, matching with uncomplicated basic stripes, as well as strong neutral accessories.  The jewelry has enough visual interest to add the perfect amount of dimension for an evening occasion, while still looking expensive & luxurious.

First, I’m sharing a plus size look, which can be built from the lace pencil skirt ($40.00) @Eloquii by The Limited, available in sizes 14W-24W. Yes, I see that this isn’t a basic floral print, but the flower concept is in the feminine lace details. To help make the elegant skirt pop, I’ve added the Extra Touch plus-size top ($19.99) from Macy’s, which is also available in green, fuchsia, & purple. To finish off the look, I turned to Torrid for the patent system heel ($26.70) in red, which is available in size 7-13 wide width.  Also, the Candie’s two tone bead multistrand necklace ($7.20) is from Kohl’s & can be worn over any graphic tee, with an LBD, or to add a splash of personality to a solid cardigan.

My next looks run in misses sizes, including New York & Company‘s tapestry print wrap skirt with pleating ($46.95) in black plum, but this can also be bought in saffron. Since the print is so busy, I wanted to stick to an all-flattering stripe with the striped cowlneck waffle tee ($29.95) in black & white from the Gap. The neckline of the top is pronounced, so I opted for the patent hip belt ($4.80) in eggplant from Forever 21 over a necklace & matched it with the Moda Spana Nadine patent pump ($29.94) from DSW.

The third look is definitely a bold statement, mixing the floral pencil skirt ($24.99) from The Limited with Forever 21‘s cream & navy striped 3/4 sleeve top ($10.80). The Brash Kosmic platform pump ($29.99) in tan suede from Payless & BaubleBar‘s triple tear pendant ($26.00) are neutral pieces that can be mixed with any variety of casual, office, & evening looks.

Look’s #1-3 total out to $93.89, $111.64, & $91.78, respectively. That’s a pretty amazing deal for such versatile pieces that will work with jeans, skinny pants, button-down shirts, & other wardrobe staples. Would you dare to wear stripes & florals? Which of these looks is your favorite? How much would you spend on an outfit like this?

9/26/2012 Darling Of The Day: Olivia Palermo- Casual Chic Is Layered With Luxury!

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.

Now, for the look on the right, I like the refreshing hue of the August Silk round neck pullover ($24.99) from Loehmann’s, especially since it can be mixed with other office-friendly pieces like a pencil skirt or be worn with a sequin mini for a date.  Also, @Forever 21, I found the hooded moto jacket ($24.80) & braided collar necklace ($12.80), which only enhance the casualness of the whisker wash skinny jeans ($41.40) from GOjane.  Normally, I don’t recommend a light wash jean, but these pieces really add a modern feel to an 80′s-90′s looking wash.  Lastly, I added the posh Mossimo gradient smoked lens sunglasses ($16.99) from Target, must-have Charlotte Russe pointed toe gold pumps ($32.50), & Dana Buchman gold-tone texture button stud earrings ($14.00) from Kohl’s.

Which pieces are your favorite in recreating this look? Where would you wear this? Do you like Olivia’s choice of accessories? For more posts from Darling of the Day, be sure to check out Olivia Munn’s KMart dress, colored jeans worn by Kate Middleton & Christina Hendricks, & LBDs copied from Anne Hathaway’s press appearances! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Feel Fabulous With Forever 21′s End Of The Season Sale ($15 & Under)!

Yes, I’m still talking about the great end of the season sales online to help Style Darlings complete their summer wardrobe with this latest installment of The Stylish Five! What better place to check up on than Forever 21, where their sale items & plus size sale items are crazy affordable right now! Of course, read b/w the lines to see that these are all final sale items! These are perfect from making the transition from day-at-the-beach to poolside-under-the-stars!

For my fuller figured Style Darlings, I love the colored denim shorts with belt ($10.99) in aqua & ombré fringe slub top ($8.99) in black since they can be mixed & matched with so many other staples including a striped tank, printed wedges, dark skinny jeans, & ballet flats.  I’m always a big fan of dresses, which is why I’ve picked out the smocked midi-length tube dress ($8.99) in green.  Not only is the price unbelievable, but the length is super cute for showing off your shoes & new Labor Day pedicure.

You can never go wrong with accessories & I love the striped canvas floppy hat ($8.99), very Jennifer Lopez.  It’s essential for any day activities if you’re looking to protect your beautiful face from the sun, as well as creating that retro look with a maxi dress & stacked bangles.  Not to mention the desert heart shoppers tote ($9.99) is plenty big for your next beach excursion.  The fun print is bold for running errands with your gal pals or simply ‘toting’ around your favorite items.

Be sure to check out yesterday’s post with items $15 & Under from J.Crew! Happy Styling!