Cover Craze: Single Lady Katie Holmes Sizzles on Elle!


The gossip columns were on overload this past week when actress Katie Holmes announced to the public that she was divorcing husband of five years, Tom Cruise.  However, it’s clear that the world is on Katie’s side, especially since she looks better than ever on the August 2012 cover of Elle & isn’t letting anyone or anything get in the way of her independence. 

That’s to Facebook updates, I learned that the Dawson’s Creek star even made an appearance as a guest judge during a taping last week for the latest season of Project Runway: All Stars. I haven’t received my issue of this magazine yet, but when I saw these images circulating online- clad with blunt bangs, menswear-inspiration, & the long-missed glitz & glamour that the star hasn’t revealed in a long time- I knew I had to share them with readers.  What do you think of this next chapter for Katie? Are you for or against the split?

For more fabulosity when it comes to the mags, check out my newest category Cover Craze which will be dedicated solely to the glossy celebrity-graced pages of our favorite magazines.  Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: One Skirt – Two Ways!


One Skirt - Two Ways

Forever 21 sheer top
forever21.com

Polka dot top
shoptaintedkiss.com

Winter white skirt
target.com

Wedge sandals
modcloth.com

Charlotte Russe high heels
charlotterusse.com

Mango straw shoulder bag
$42 – mango.com

Clutch handbag
stylesforless.com

Wallis beaded jewelry
wallisfashion.com

Bracelet
myspringshoes.com

Retro jewelry
modcloth.com

I just bought this summer-friendly white a-line skirt with side button @Target ($11.48 on clearance- $22.99 online). I’m so excited about it & trying to get inspired on how I can mix it up with other fun pieces. It really pays off to shop those sale racks! Not to mention that I scored an extra 20% off by checking out Target’s coupons from their website.  I printed it out & got an even better deal than I expected.  Happy Styling!

 

Runway Rundown: Michael Kors Resort 2013 Collection!


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Michael Kors is one of the most celebrated America designers, famously worn by celebrities like Blake Lively, Jennifer Lopez, & Mary J. Blige.  With this, I’ve decided to add his Resort 2013 Collection to the arsenal of galleries that I’ve recently posted in Runway Rundown.  With details like gold lace, vintage-inspired swimsuits, & printed maxi dresses, this is probably one of my favorite collections of the season, which the designer describes as “opulent minimalism.” Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: A Summer In Sequins With A Skirt From H&M!


If you’re looking for something affordable to brighten up your wardrobe for day or night, then this sequin skirt ($24.95) from H&M is just the thing! I’m crazy about rose gold right now, so the skirt on the right is something I’ve got my eye on.  Available in sizes XS – XL, this is perfect for a button-down with a leather jacket, a tank & strappy sandals, or an understated blouse & ballet flats. 

For more of the best buys on the trendiest items, be sure to check out more from Quickie Darling Deal & Steal for posts on 60% off styles @Nine West, 80% off deals from New York & Company, & marked down wedges from Payless! Happy Styling!

Ad Madness: Blake Lively Is Beautiful For Gucci Premiere’s Fragrance Ad!


Blake Lively is everywhere! With the premiere of Savages, the Oliver Stone-directed action drama, as well as her latest campaign for the fragrance, Gucci Premiere.  The bombshell shows off her Old Hollywood glamour with Veronica Lake-like waves, a long-sleeved embellished evening gown, & open back.  The former Chanel-spokesmodel is high in-demand, especially since it’s been announced that this coming fall will see the farewell season of Gossip Girl

In addition, a short film about the fragrance is set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival on September 1st, directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, starring Blake. Do you think the California-born actress is overexposed or do you want to see more of her? Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Balenciaga’s Resort 2013 Collection!


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I recently posted about Balenciaga‘s latest ad campaign featuring their newest ambassador, Kristen Stewart, for their fragrance, Florabotanica, almost completely forgetting about their fabulous Resort 2013 Collection.  I was able to snag the images from Elle, so that I can share them with readers, especially since I’ve been getting so much traffic for the galleries of Salvatore Ferragamo, Rachel Zoe, & Herve Leger by Max Azria in Runway Rundown.

This collection by Balenciaga is full of chic separates, sweet cut-outs, & a juxtaposition of soft & hard.  I could totally see Stewart wearing some of these pieces, along with celebrities like Cate Blanchett, Elizabeth Banks, & Solange Knowles.  Click through the gallery & share with readers your favorite looks! Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Better With Bandage Dresses – Herve Leger by Max Azria’s Resort 2013 Collection!


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The summer / fall forecast for fashion is clearly not letting go of the bandage dress trend, made famous by Herve Leger by Max Azria.  Of course, they can be seen on celebrities at movie premieres, reality stars on red carpets, & blinged-out housewives. While the trend has transformed the way curvy Style Darlings dress, the latest collection from the design house has proved that the bandage dress is still going strong.  Check out the Resort 2013 Collection, featuring pop-art color blocking, sexy cut-outs, & just enough glitz to get your rearing for a red carpet. 

If you’ve been loving my coverage of the Resort 2013 Collections in Runway Rundown, be sure to check out lines from Jenni Kayne, Derek Lam, & Salvatore Ferragamo! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Tilly’s Latest Summer Markdowns ($12 & Under)!


This is the perfect time of year for the best sales.  The 4th of July week is saturated with big in-store & online sales, including 30%-50% off deals @Tilly’s.  I normally don’t shop at this store, but considering the markdowns that I found while clicking through their sale items, I knew I had to bring back The Stylish Five.  Who doesn’t love affordable styles, especially when it comes to tanks, tops, skirts, leggings, & rompers- essentials for the season. 

Some of the best buys from Tilly’s include the solid body con skirt ($4.97), chiffon kimono women’s wrap ($7.97), animal women’s tank ($9.97), double strap women’s romper ($11.97), & women’s ankle leggings ($4.97). These pieces can be mixed & matched with several wardrobe staples, such as a knotted button-down, denim cut-offs, cropped jeans, strappy platforms, & ankle boots.  Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Rachel Zoe’s Resort 2013 Collection!


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Any time Rachel Zoe adds one more fashion / style credential to her name, Stye Darling will be there.  This time, we’re talking about her Resort 2013 collection, featuring brights, basics, & bold prints.  The always stylish designer / stylist has created an admirable empire that have made stars like Jennifer Garner, Demi Moore, & Anne Hathway red carpet A-listers.  Not to mention that Zoe’s collections @Neiman Marcus are wildly popular, trend-setting, & always gorgeous for us to gasp over.  Here’s a gallery of the latest from the star of The Rachel Zoe Project, which I hope will premiere another season on Bravo sometime soon! Check out The Zoe Report for everyday finds & for all the best fashion finds! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal / Show Me The Shoes: Up To 60% Off @Nine West!


This summer is all about color & sparkle, but if we’re talking shoes, then you gotta have a platform! Nine West is currently having a sale with deals up to 60% off, including these Intuitive platforms ($39.00), which have been reduced from their original $99.00 price tag. Aside from the thick straps & classic buckle, I love that these shoes serve so many different purposes in each color.  You can be flirty & fun for day in aqua wearing a shorts romper, party with girlfriends in silver wearing a belted jumpsuit, get glamorous with the black velvet & sparkling pair & your favorite LBD, or shine by the poolside in gold donning a printed maxi dress.  There is also a pink style, which are reduced to $49.00. 

What style of shoe are you shopping for this season? Which is the next shoe you think I should feature in Show Me The Shoes? Happy Styling! 

Red Carpet Review: Beyoncé’s Bold Style & More From The BET Awards!


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The second I saw Beyoncé in this gorgeous belted lemon Stephane Rolland gown, I knew I had to feature it.  She was by far the best dressed at this week’s BET Awards, stealing the spotlight from every other stylish celebrity that his the red carpet.  Of course, props should also go to Mariah Carey, Monica,  & Kerry Washington who range in classic glamour, sassy menswear-inspiration, & sexy separates.  Check out the gallery to see who wore what & share your comments if Beyoncé was also your favorite of the night! Happy Styling!

Ad Madness: Kristen Stewart Is The Face of Balenciaga’s First Fragrance, ‘Florabotanica!’


Actress Kristen Stewart, a self-proclaimed tomboy, has reluctantly given in to the world of fashion, as a result of her star status.  Her red carpet style as of late has been hitting all the right notes, especially since she’s had a little help from Balenciaga.  After becoming an ambassador for the brand back in January, the star of The Twilight Saga was named the face of their first ever fragrance, Florabontanica

In a recent interview with WWD, Kristen reveals that she’s never worn perfume until the project with Balenciaga was presented to her.  In addition, she adds “I’m very lucky that I like the fragrance, because I would have done anything with [Balenciaga designer Nicolas Ghesquiere]… and I’m a terrible liar… There is something natural about it. It’s very alive. I think that as a young person wearing it – considering that I’ve never worn a scent – it kind of puts you on this level of, like, ‘Whoa, check me out.'”

Typically, when you see ads for fragrances, spokesmodels are all about skin, showing lots of it & selling sex.  Here, Stewart represents a younger, cooler generation, vibrant with color, rock glamour, & excitement. 

I should also add that Ad Madness is a new category for Style Darling, where I’ll be featuring exclusive ads for magazines starring our favorite celebrities.  To see some more, check out supermodel Daria Werbowy alongside Betty Boop for Lancome’s latest mascara! Happy Styling!

Silver Screen Style / Watch This Style: Keira Knightley’s ‘Anna Karenina Trailer & Banana Republic-Inspired Collection!


It’s not a secret that Oscar-nominated actress Keira Knightley is fond of making period pieces, especially with director, Joe Wright (Atonement).  However, when the news came out that the British siren was going to star in a remake of Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, I was super excited since the novel is one of my favorites of all time.  I’ve been following the production of this film on Movie Buzzers, covering all the casting news & now, not only has the official trailer hit the web, but costume designer Jacqueline Durran has told WWD that she is creating a collection inspired by the film for Banana Republic.

What’s curious about this collaboration is that the classic Russian drama is set in the late 19th century, however the BR line will feature a ’50s feel with a historic twist on blouses, coats, furs, jewelry, & accessories, ranging in price from $29.50 to $250.00.  Durran describes her vision for the film & capsule collection as “a once in a lifetime experience. I was given the chance to apply my passion for period styles to a collection that translates to fashion today.” The line is set to debut in stores in October & audiences can revel in the fashionable film when it hits theaters November 2nd.

For more stylish films, check out previous posts in Watch This Style, including the trailers for Les Miserables & The Great Gatsby. Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Kylie & Kendall Jenner Share Closet Time With Oprah!


The 17 & 15 year-old sisters of the Kardashians, Kylie & Kendall Jenner, have recently spoken with the one & only, Oprah Winfrey, about their rise to fame as reality stars & models, epitomizing the all-American girls who can have it all.  In this barely two-minute clip, we get a glimpse of the teens’ closets, featuring platforms by none other than Christian Louboutin.

I wouldn’t normally post a video like this, but I think that these girls are on the rise, just like older sisters Kourtney, Kim, & Khloe, certainly bringing more attention to the brand that is the Kardashian family.  If you have a couple of minutes to spare, have a click & Happy Styling!