Monthly Archives: April 2011

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

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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!

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

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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!

4/22/11 Darling of the Day: Vanessa Hudgens in Black & White!

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Looking ready for spring, Vanessa Hudgens rocked the black & white trend with some well-accessorized jewelry pieces & Mimi Plange metallic trousers. In addition, while attending a party at Hollywood’s Soho House, her black tank & animal-inspired sandals are the great foundation to build any look. This is great for work with a short-sleeved blazer, or a date night with a bold cardigan.

 

 

Affordable & blingy extras like this ring, bracelet, & necklace can be found at stores like Wet Seal & Forever 21.  Of course Vanessa could mix & match gold & white gold pieces or gold & silver ones since she’s got such a neutral background of black & white to work with.  A look like this can be worn with an animal print accessory like a headwrap or flashy neon sunglasses.  Happy Styling!

4/20/11 Darling of the Day: Drew Barrymore in J Brand & Catherine Malandrino!

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Drew Barrymore looks red hot in this rock chic outfit for the book launch of The Beauty Detox Solution. In J Brand jeggings, a shredded Catherine Malandrino leather jacket, & beige top, she plays up an edgy feel with feathered earrings, a layered pendant necklace, a chunky watch, & embellished clutch. Looking every bit a Style Darling, these pieces are perfect for your next party event if you wanna skip a cocktail dress or for a night out with friends.

 

 

These pieces are perfect for mixing it up, like the heels with some cropped cargos or the long, feather earrings with a jumpsuit! 

 

 

Try a belt over the tee with a wrap skirt & loafers!  Or break out your embellished clutch for a night out in a two-tone dress.  Happy Styling!

 

4/17/11 Darling of the Day: Gwyneth Paltrow Promotes New Cookbook in Neutrals!

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Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow is on a major press tour right now, promoting her new cook book My Father’s Daughter.  She made an appearance on Good Morning America in a beige sheath with a blush satin blazer by Alexander Wang & strappy sandals by Sergio Rossi.  This look is perfect for spring & the pieces can be mixed & matched in many different ways.  For a more trendy affair, add a chunky belt & some peep toes.  The jacket can be worn with jeans & a blouse or even with another sheath dress.  Leather sandals in cognac are really versatile for a maxi dress or a work look in a pencil skirt with a cardigan.  Shoes by Sergio Rossi range from $500 & up @Neiman Marcus, but this entire look only costs about $178!  For more red carpet looks that Gwyneth has donned, check out In Style, Style.com, & Harper’s Bazaar!  Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: Blazers by D&G Vs. Steve Madden!

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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!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: LBD from Nordstrom Vs. a $39.98 Pick from Macy’s!

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While Macy’s is considered in many ways a luxury retailer, part of what I love about the store is the great deals on very wearable items without sacrificing any quality.  Take for example a splitneck LBD & here you have one from Nordstrom for over $100 by Eliza J & another from Macy’s for under $40 by AGB.  The only difference is that one shows off a vintage feel with a jacquard fabric, whereas the other is a functional cotton blend.  Both are elegant for many occasions with bright pumps, a neutralizing blazer, or fabulous tights in the fall.  Scroll over both images to find out which is which!  Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Accessorize @Mandee ($10 & Under)!

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@Mandee, some of their least expensive sale items are up to 50% off!  Not to mention that these accessories are awesome investments for this season & even for next year when fall & winter come back around!  Also, while the store is primarily suited for Juniors’, a Style Darling of any age can find timeless accessories for day, evening, or weekend here.  For your next date night, try out these dangly earrings with your LBD. A rich, luxe burgundy clutch like this is very chic with a neutral dress & metallic heels.  Even a snakeskin-inspired belt would fit nicely over tunic top.  Get warm in these fur-lined boots for chilly days in a shawl sweater & jeggings.  Ribbed tights in a a deep brown make for a preppy accent to a babydoll dress & knee boots.

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: A Black Croc Wallet for $225.00 Vs. $10.80!

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Everyone has differing tastes in wallets because you have to consider size, functionality, & appearance.  Something neutral & textured like a black croc wallet is perfect for any time of year with any look (except for something glamorous like a ball, naturally).  Here we have two very similarly looking wallets, however one is genuine leather & goes for $135.00 by the luxury brand Furla, sold @Bluefly & its retail price is $225.  Whereas, the other just as stylish & lovely affordable faux leather (animal friendly!) wallet costs a mere $10.80 @Forever 21!  Happy Styling!

4/3/2011 Darling of the Day: Eva Longoria’s Pantsuit at the International Film Fair!

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Eva Longoria has been making a splash lately on the red carpet.  She celebrated the International Film Fair, wearing a tailored black & white suit, playing up the menswear trend.  These separates can be mixed & matched with different outfits.  This jacket can be worn with a sheath dress & strappy platforms.  Tux pants are cool for work with a belted sateen jacket & set of bangles.  Everyone loves a lace cami for under cardigans & pullover sweaters.  Peep toe shoes are classic with a LBD & to dress up a printed tank & skinny jeans.  

This look is popular among celebrities like Cate Blanchett, as featured in a Darling of the Day post in January, as well as Katie Holmes & Mila Kunis.  Happy Styling!