Monthly Archives: September 2012

9/29/2012 Darling Of The Day / The $100 Challenge: Olivia Wilde’s Little Black Dress Look For Under $100!

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Actress Olivia Wilde is one of the most in-demand beauties hitting red carpets & every time she makes an appearance, the photogs emerge & fashion critics pay attention.  During a recent appearance on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, the former House star dazzled in square neck black A.L.C. dress with Iwona Ludyga Design jewelry & red accented accessories.

Although I wasn’t able to recreate the exact little black dress, I’m crazy for this figure-flattering dress ($34.95) from H&M, which is also available in burgundy.

Luckily, I was able to find affordable accessories to bring this look together, including the metal trim waist belt ($4.80) from Forever 21, the Fioni glitz clutch ($16.99) from Payless, GOjane‘s low cut pumps ($23.80), & the dazzling Apt. 9 gold tone simulated crystal linear drop earrings ($13.00) from Kohl’s.

The total for this bargain look comes to $93.54, which fits perfectly for The $100 Challenge. For more Darling of the Day posts, check out other Olivias, including Olivia Palermo & Olivia Munn! Also, if you’re looking for more fabulous looks worn by Ms. Wilde, check out more images featuring maxi dresses, a Prada gallery, peplum hemlines, as well as her latest look in a Top 10 Celeb Sightings gallery! Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Lanvin’s Spring-Summer 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection From Paris Fashion Week!

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When it comes to fashion, you have to talk about Paris & Paris Fashion Week has been making headlines.  In my continuous series of gallery posts for Runway Rundown, I just had to include the looks from Lanvin‘s Spring-Summer 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection, which includes raven black tones, luxurious neutrals, & rich jewel hues that are perfect for transitioning from season-to-season.  Lanvin has always been known for its structure & blend of cocktail & evening attire.  With the red carpets unfurling for the upcoming shower of awards for film & television, surely the likes of Natalie Portman, Charlize Theron, Blake Lively, & Jennifer Lopez will don these frocks with their own personal twist.

Which designers are your favorites during fashion week? Which shows are you still talking about? Which are your favorite looks? Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Calvin Klein’s Newest Fragrance Short Film For Encounter Starring Alexander Skarsgård!

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I’m always writing about women’s fashion & what’s going on with the fairer sex, but for those of you who can’t get enough of the tall & brooding male type, buckle up for some men’s fashion talk. Well, in this case, it’s men’s fragrance chat… More specifically, Calvin Klein‘s latest fragrance Encounter ($58.00 – $72.00)for men has been turned into a short film, starring True Blood hunk Alexander Skarsgård, opposite model Lara Stone. Under the direction of Fabien Baron, there’s something very Fifty Shades of Grey & James Bond about this just-over two-minute video. Take a look & share your comments. Do you think fragrance commercials are getting too overproduced? Would you like to see more videos like this? Which fragrances are you most attracted to?

For more scents on Style Darling, check out posts in Watch This Style, including Crystal Renn for Reem Acra, Beyonce’s latest fragrance, Heat, & Blake Lively as the face of Gucci Premiere. Be sure to check out videos featuring Sarah Jessica Parker on Glee, Lana Del Rey singing “Blue Velvet” for H&M’s latest ad campaign, & Lindsay Lohan starring as Elizabeth Taylor in Liz & Dick. Happy Styling!

Splurge or Save… On Classic Polka Dot Tights?

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What better way to spruce up a fall wardrobe & amp up your office style than by playing with different patterns & textures when it comes to hosiery. You can find virtually anything these days, however I’m partial to classics like zebra & houndstooth. The most feminine & universally-stylish of them all is polka dots.  I must have at least four pairs of polka dot tights, especially since they look great against more masculine prints like argyle on a cardigan & can really make plaids pop.  Of course, when it comes to tights, you always have to consider quality to ensure no snags or runs, so I always advise that garments like these are an investment, especially when you find a reliable & comfortable brand.

I’ve selected five pairs, ranging in price from some of my favorite stores, including the Falke dots tights ($44.00) from Bloomingdale’s, DKNY dotted tights ($25.00) from Nordstrom, sheer small dot full tights ($16.90) from Express, Simply Vera Vera Wang polka dot control top tights ($9.99) from Kohl’s– which are regularly priced at $14.00, & Minicci swiss dot tights ($7.99) @Payless.

How would you wear polka dot tights? How much are you willing to spend on hosiery? How often do you wear tights? Do you prefer them for work or a night out? For more fabulous Splurge or Save? posts, check out burgundy & oxblood blouses & leopard ballet flats! Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Giorgio Armani’s Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection From Milan Fashion Week!

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The style just keeps on coming from Milan & you can’t talk Italian fashion without showing off the grandeur behind Giorgio Armani‘s Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection. The line features an ice blue, gray, & black color scheme with plenty of jackets, blouses, skirts, pants, & dreamy dresses.  Of course, you can’t miss out on this gallery, with designs sure to attract the likes of red carpet a-listers such as January Jones, Emma Watson, Olivia Wilde, & Cate Blanchett.  Which look is your favorite? For more fabulous galleries from Runway Rundown, check out collections from Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry Prorsum, & Jason Wu. Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection From Milan Fashion Week!

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So I wasn’t going to completely ignore the trails of Fashion Week throughout Europe after the polished & sophisticated duds that walked the runways in London.  Therefore, it’s time to look at what was going on during Milan Fashion Week! I know from first-hand experience that fashion thrives on the cobblestone streets of Italy, which is where a part of my heart is still beating. I’ve collected nearly 90 images from the tribal-inspired & somewhat controversial new collection from Dolce & Gabbana‘s latest Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear line, featuring a combination of polka dots & stripes, mashed in with literal burlap sack frocks & African-inspired decorative figurines.  Of course some of these over-the-top pieces will make a splash on red carpets for this upcoming awards season. For more galleries from Runway Rundown, check out Marios Schwab, Burberry Prorsum, & Christopher Kane! Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: What’s More Exciting Than Sarah Jessica Parker, Fashion, & Glee??

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Glee is doing all the right things this season so far, only after 2 episodes & tomorrow night’s episode just got a little juicier with these 2 clips! However, the first video is the better of the pair, especially since it includes the iconic & incomparable Sarah Jessica Parker as fictional fashion designer Isabelle Wright who will be Kurt’s New York City mentor.  I know the show already did a Madonna episode, but why do I have the feeling that a number as glamorous as “Material Girl” is right around the corner.  Also, I’m crazy for Kurt’s fashion sense & how his character is turning another fashionable chapter.

Secondly, we’ve seen Brittany’s downward spiral hopefully at its worst, & here’s a sneak peek at her version of Hole’s “Celebrity Skin.” I always love it when the show reinvents songs, like Lea Michele singing “Oops I Did It Again,” but breaking out late 90s songs brings me back to my teenaged years of wearing neon pleather pants, or days straight of nothing but black (in a very Posh Spice kind of way).

What do you think of the videos? Are you excited about SJP’s return to television? What’s your favorite storyline this season on Glee? Which songs are you dying to see the cast reimagine? Happy Styling!

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

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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!

Red Carpet Review: 2012 Emmy Awards Featuring Zooey Deschanel, Sofia Vergara, Hayden Panettiere, & More!

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This is a first for Style Darling. The 64th Annual Emmy Awards are currently airing & I’ve been scouring the web for the last 45 minutes to put together a complete gallery of the fabulous red carpet looks. Some of my favorites include Zooey Deschanel in a princess-like Reem Acra look, Julie Bowen in neon Monique Lhuillier, Claire Danes as a blushing mom-to-be in Lanvin, & Christina Hendricks in a belted design by Christian Siriano. Who are you rooting for? I’m a big fan of Girls, so keep an eye out for the very multi-talented Lena Dunham! Check out the gallery & share with readers which looks are your favorites! Enjoy the show! Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Lea Michele Sing’s Britney’s “Oops I Did It Again” For Kate Hudson On Glee!

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Even if you’re not a Gleek, you still need to check this out! Britney Spears has been making headlines as the latest new addition to X-Factor, but Glee is helping bring Brit-Brits music back to life, especially with Lea Michele‘s super sexy performance of “Oops I Did It Again,” which in my opinion is nothing compared to the original red pleather get-up that Britney wore in the song’s music video.

Check out this video, while Lea’s character, Rachel Berry, is trying to prove to her dance teacher, played by the smoldering Kate Hudson, that although she’s in her first year of college, she can still stand up on stage as a temptress.  Check out the video & share your thoughts! Did you watch the Britney 2.o episode? Do you want to see Lea Michele more? Which is your favorite character? Happy Styling!

Top 10 Celeb Sightings: Embroidery & Pretty Menswear Featuring Olivia Palermo, Anne Hathaway, Sarah Jessica Parker, & More!

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Now that New York Fashion Week is over, the celebs are stepping out in serious style in preparation for awards season & movie premieres.  However, I’m excited to share some looks that have been catching my eye, especially when stars like Anne Hathaway, Olivia Palermo, & Sarah Jessica Parker have lent their support to Valentino Haute Couture designs. In addition, I’ve included another stylish look of Olivia Palermo at the Burberry Prorsum show at London Fashion Week, as well as Amy Adams in Roksanda Illincic, Elizabeth Olsen in Topshop & ASOS, Gwyneth Paltrow‘s LWD while on the campaign trail, Hailee Steinfeld‘s mixed prints in Rebecca Minkoff & Mary Katrantzou, & Olivia Wilde in Alexander McQueen. Which looks are your favorite? Which celebrities are your following on the red carpet?

For more from Top 10 Celeb Sightings, check out looks from Emma Watson & Zoe Saldana, Jennifer Lopez & Kristen Bell, & Ashley Madekwe & Malin Akerman! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Last Day Of Summer Sale Items ($15.00 & Under)!

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Today is officially the last day of summer & tomorrow starts the fall. I’ve probably never been so sad to see the summer end (even though I’m crazy for suede & booties right now). It was an especially lovely season, partly b/c I was a free bird all over Long Island & had a great time with my boyfriend & friends.  Of course, now that my birthday is over & I’m back to school (working for one & no longer a student!), I still can’t get those last-minute summer deals out of my mind.  I didn’t have to look very hard to find these five very stylish pieces to include for a special post, all for $15.00 or under!

First, the racerback rugby stripes tank ($1.99) from Forever 21 is perfect to wear still, but for fall, you have to keep in mind that fall is all about layering.  This bright pop of color can be worn under a button-down shirt & sweater vest or cardigan.  Of course, yellow isn’t necessarily the color of the season, but it’s still fun to add against something red or cobalt!  Also, even though here on the east cost, it’s getting too chilly even during the day for shorts, but if you’re headed on vacation soon or traveling south where the summer sun is still beaming, check out the patterned shorts ($15.00) from Old Navy that are available in dark tone chambray (pictured above), as well as navy stripe & green stripe.

I love checking out what’s going on @J.Crew, which is where I found the perfect-fit tee ($14.99) in light blade & deep turquoise, however you’ll also be able to score this tee is spice for $9.99.  These colors are fun to mix up by colorblocking with a pencil skirt, trousers, or leggings & some chunky, oversized accessories or printed scarves.  For those who love daring prints, check out the floral/houndstooth printed mirror t-shirt dress ($12.00) from Windsor Store, which is a mini that calls for opaque tights & a boyfriend blazer.  I’m not saying you have to hide your shape in this flattering frock, but another way to keep it seasonal & fresh is by adding a belt & a knit cardigan.

Lastly, I’m crazy for the American Eagle sparkling flip-flop ($6.00 – $9.99) from Payless.  This pewter hue is higher in price, but they’re available in eleven other colors to help fulfill all of your flip-flop needs, especially if you’re headed for a hot tub or looking to something with some sheen for next season! What are you shopping for on this last day of summer? Do you have a favorite store where you love to shop clearance? Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: The Trailer For Lifetime’s “Liz & Dick” Starring Lindsay Lohan As Elizabeth Taylor!

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The world keeps giving Lindsay Lohan another chance, even though her reckless behavior & poor attempts at a comeback keep making headlines, but here’s something to chew on. We all heard that the Lifetime network cast the Long Island native in Liz & Dick, where Lindsay plays the late & great Elizabeth Taylor, opposite Grant Bowler (previously seen in Ugly Betty as Vanessa Williams’ character’s boyfriend, Connor) as twice-divorced husband, Richard Burton. Well, by the looks of the trailer for the TV movie, Lindsay can certainly pull off the black wig, overdone eye makeup, & vintage clothing, but we’ll have to see an actual scene before we can judge her in the role. Of course, we’ll have to wait until November, but here’s a taste of the long-awaited portrayal.

For more from Watch This Style, check out previous posts, including Lana Del Rey’s music video for H&M & Scarlett Johansson’s latest cosmetics commercial for Dolce & Gabbana! Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Marios Schwab’s Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection From London Fashion Week!

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I’m always checking out the latest in what celebrities are wearing & always manage to find myself looking at dresses designed by Marios Schwab, a London-based designer who just unrolled his latest Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection for London Fashion Week! I’ve put together a gallery of the collection, which featured details like pleated skirts, sheer fabric, & leather panels, as well as a strong color palette with red, blue, & black dresses. The edgy pieces include sequins & fringe, perfect for making a bold statement on the red carpet.  I can see celebs like Elizabeth Olsen, Chloe Sevigny, & Leighton Meester wearing some of these looks.  Which are your favorite pieces? Which designers have you been checking out during fashion week? Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Burberry Prorsum’s Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection From London Fashion Week!

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In keeping with the fabulous celebration of London Fashion Week, I knew I had to share the Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection from Burberry Prorsum. The sophisticated line includes metallic sheen fabrics, bright pops of color, lacy tops, peplum hemlines, reinvented trench coats, & plenty of figure-flattering belted looks! If you didn’t know Burberry Prorsum has been worn on the red carpet by celebrities like Olivia Palermo, Leighton Meester, Gwyneth Paltrow, & Kate Bosworth.  For more Runway Rundown galleries, check out the latest from Christopher Kane, Jason Wu, & Christian Siriano! Happy Styling!

Watch This Style / Ad Madness: Lana Del Rey’s “Blue Velvet” Video For H&M!

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A month ago, I shared images of Lana Del Rey‘s latest venture, her ad campaign for H&M, featuring vintage-inspired looks & a gorgeous pink angora sweater! Now, the music video for the campaign has hit the web & Style Darling is excited to share the full-length version of her cover of “Blue Velvet.” Check out H&M for store locations & to price the items featured in the video. For more celebrity-fronted ads, check out Scarlett Johansson for Dolce & Gabbana & Julia Roberts for Lancome! Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Christopher Kane’s Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection From London Fashion Week!

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Of course, New York Fashion Week has ended, but that only means that the rest of the world is reeling with joy over the continuous wave of fashion, including London. The city is seeing lots of designers embracing the lightness of spring, as seen in the fabulous Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection.  Scottish-born designer, Christopher Kane, has been favored on the red carpet by celebrities like Anne Hathaway, Alexa Chung, Chloe Grace Moretz, & Shailene Woodley.

Take a look at the gallery to see the collection that’s filled with whites, pastels, & plenty of feminine flair.  For more looks featured in Runway Rundown, check out Jason Wu, the Season 10 Project Runway finale collections, & Holmes & Yang! Happy Styling!

Cover Craze: Six Fabulous Mags Featuring The Faces Of Emma Watson, Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani, & More!

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I couldn’t decide which October 2012 issue to feature in my next Cover Craze post, so I searched the web for a bunch of covers, which helps cover a lot of bases. Anyway, I’ve just about finished filing through the heaps of pages from the ripe September issues & can now start sorting through what October has to bring, especially considering the fact that we’re nearing the official start of fall this weekend! I’ve selected only 6 October issues so far b/c this is what I’ve received in the mail & I’m still super anxious to see what’s going on with In Style, Shape, Harper’s Bazaar, & Allure.

Be sure to check out Nashville star Hayden Panettiere on the cover of Women’s Health, where she talks about how she’s dealt with the rise to fame from child star to leading lady.  Also, get your girl friends together for a gossip session when you’re looking at the very umm… informative issue of Cosmopolitan with New Girl actress Zooey Deschanel on the cover, looking all sorts of adorkable, as always. I’m loving Emma Watson‘s grown out pixie cut right now & that she’s taking some very youthful, but elegant fashion risks in her article for Glamour.  Did anyone see her on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon promoting her new movie, Perks of Being a Wallflower? Adorbs!

For the season fashion mag reader, Keira Knightley continues her reign as period drama princess while talking about her latest film, Anna Karenina, as the role of a lifetime for Vogue.  Gwen Stefani proves that she’s still got it for Marie Claire, baring her abs (two babies later!) while No Doubt preps for their long-awaited comeback. Check out the music video for their latest single “Settle Down” here! Lastly, Britney Spears puts her pout to good use with the help of some stylists for Elle, showing off a combination of some pop / rock star style & talks about her latest gig as a judge on X-Factor alongside British grump, Simon Cowell.  Which magazine cover is your favorite? Who do you turn to for the best advice on fall fashion? Happy Styling!

Basics For A Bargain: Fall’s Faux Leather Forecast, Inspired by Jessica Chastain, Lucy Hale, Maria Sharapova, & More!

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I’ve been on the prowl for great fall finds & one trend that keeps stopping me in my tracks is leather & it’s just not going away.  Why should it? The luxe, lush material adds an edge to a feminine blouse, contradicts a flirty skirt, makes you look like a rock star, or just helps any Style Darling stand out a little bit more.  Take it from some of our favorite celebrities, including Jessica Chastain, Kate Bosworth, Lucy Hale, Nicole Richie, Sophia Bush, Maria Sharapova, & Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

My previous post about summer leather shared looks worn by Emma Stone, Alexa Chung, & Julianne Hough, but our calendars change to fall in just a few days, so why not start looking at ways to wear leather- or faux leather in this case, that can really spruce up your current wardrobe, as well as help welcoming the season.

At the recent celebration of New York Fashion Week, we saw lots of leather in recent posts for Runway Rundown, including Spring 2013 collections by designers Jason Wu, Holmes & Yang, Oscar de la Renta, & Michael Kors. Also, there was more leather to be found hitting the runway with metallic pencil skirts from DKNY, jackets by Marc Jacobs, pleated dresses by Tracy Reese, cut-out accents from Pamella Roland, & chic tops for Helmut Lang, as seen below.

However, when it comes to affordable fashion, it’s not always easy to find leather when you’re shopping on a budget. Enter: faux leather. You can’t forget that faux leather isn’t harmful to animals & is always less expensive.  It’s so easy to find faux leather separates, jackets, & dresses these days & I couldn’t decide on just a handful of items, so brace yourself… there’s a lot to look at!

What caught my attention to start posting about all these leather trends was a recent post made by Venus that I spotted on my newsfeed on Facebook.  These looks all include faux leather items, including (from left to right) the faux leather trimmed blouse ($36.00), faux leather mini skirt ($32.00), peep toe ankle strap heel ($39.00), sweater with faux leather ($18.00), faux leather leggings ($44.00), & faux leather dress ($64.00) in black. Of course, I couldn’t just write about items from one store, so here’s some more!

I should disclaim that I do not condone wearing any of these items with other faux leather pieces. You can take that risk if you’d like, but to avoid looking like a biker chick or appearing as though in costume, I’d recommend allowing for one item to be the standout & then mix with other fabrics to create a multi-dimensional & textured look.  First, the zipped faux leather denim skirt ($19.80) comes from Forever 21 & is available in plus sizes 12-20.  Underneath, you’ll find the essential faux leather shorts ($15.80), which are perfect for fall with tights & ankle booties.  Pair either of these bottoms with a fabulous blouse, studded tee, or menswear-inspired button-down.  The a-line skirt ($39.00) from Joe Fresh is cute for bringing to life the looks worn by Selena Gomez & Nicole Richie at the top of this post.  Also, add just a hint of leather with the zip back pencil skirt with (minus the) leather ($59.90) from Express.

We all know that leggings are all the rage right now, so to find the perfect pair for this edition of Basics for a Bargain, I turned to H&M for their leggings ($24.95) in black, which are also available in white, if you dare! Break these bad boys out with a chunky oversized knit & your fiercest pointed toe pumps, or help a graphic tee look less casual & top it off with a satin blazer.

I also found the plus size tee with faux leather shoulders ($34.99 – $39.99) from Jessica London & Antonio Melani Sardinia faux-leather top ($34.65) @Dillards which pair well underneath a suit for the office, or with dark denim pieces like jeggings or a mini.  If all-over leather isn’t your thing, then the touch of texture on the shoulders helps frame your face & becomes an accessory to your look. Lastly, the faux leather strapless cocktail club dress ($54.99) in black 2 cute 2 trendy crawls near the borderline of pinup, but with asymmetric zipper details, you could be working it just like Kristen Stewart or Brooklyn Decker do when making red carpet appearances.

Which leather pieces are your favorite? Which celeb looks the best in leather? Are you a fan of real leather or would you rather wear faux leather? How would you style your leather look? Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Jason Wu’s Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection From New York Fashion Week!

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The fashion madness continues even though Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week has ended.  We can all still clamour over the style galore that hit the runway, including in-demand brand, Jason Wu.  His Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection is jam-packed with leather details, menswear-inspiration, strong corsets (perhaps á la 50 Shades of Gray?), layers of tulle, & pretty prints.  Jason Wu, of course, has been popularized by First Lady Michelle Obama, as well as celebrities like Julianne Moore, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Camilla Belle, & Diane Kruger. Take a look through the gallery & share with us which looks are your favorites? Would you wear any of these separates?

For more Runway Rundown, check out previous posts including  Holmes & Yang, Oscar de la Renta, & Zac Posen. Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Your Spoiler Alert Sneak Peek At Project Runway’s Season 10 Finale Collections!

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I only got around to watching last Thursday’s episode of Project Runway last night & also just happened to come across a the All Project Runway blog on Blogspot, which shared the collections from the remaining 8 designers of the show who were still in the aired episodes, so as not to give anything away about who would be the final designers really showing at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  We saw Gunnar go home on Thursday after an unfortunate construction of his hands & bird print for the HP Challenge, but luckily, we’re able to see his designs one more time hitting the runway.

The gallery includes looks from Christopher Palu, Dmitry Sholokhov, Elena Slivnyak, Fabio Costa, Gunnar Deatherage, Melissa Fleis, Sonjia Williams, & Ven Budhu. Who do you think will make it to the top 3? Which past designers would you like to see back on the show? Which has been your favorite challenge? Happy Styling!

Top 10 Celeb Sightings: Elegant & Embellished Looks By Michael Kors, Stella McCartney, Elie Saab, & More!

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With all the much-deserved hub bub going around about New York Fashion Week & my birthday last week, I didn’t want my readers to think that I forgot about one of my most-viewed categories here on Style Darling, which is Top 10 Celeb Sightings.  There has been so much going on in the last week or so, which only means that you’re likely to see more than one of these posts in the next few days.  I’m loving the way some of my favorite actresses are dressing these days, not to mention all those fabulous wow-moments on the red carpet lately.  My best picks of this gallery include Hailee Steinfeld in Erin by Erin Fetherston, Isla Fisher in Stella McCartney, & Jessica Chastain in Jason Wu.  Their looks are classic & modern at the same time.

Also, be sure to check out Emily Blunt in Roland Mouret, Emma Watson in Peter Pilotto, Kristen Stewart‘s red carpet return in Zuhair Murad, Nikki Reed in Michael Kors, Selena Gomez in Atelier Versace, Taylor Swift‘s J.Mendel suit, & Zoe Salanda in Elie Saab for the premiere of The Words (read my review on Movie Buzzers here).

For more red carpet bests, check out previous posts which include Jennifer Lopez & Lea Michele, Emmy Rossum & Anna Kendrick, & Katy Perry & Rachel Bilson! Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Holmes & Yang’s Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection!

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Now that Katie Holmes is a single woman, she’s been everywhere, including New York Fashion Week, with friend & stylist Jeanne Yang.  The duo have been hitting runways together with their brand, Holmes & Yang, since 2009 & this season’s Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection can be added to that stylish legacy-in-the-making.  Katie often wears pieces from the line, which was created in an effort to create looks to be worn from day-to-night seamlessly no matter any age or time.  I’m sharing this collection which includes printed sheath dresses, evening & edgy jackets, trousers & shorts, as well as elegant formal looks.  Check out the gallery & share with us which are your favorite pieces!

Be sure to also check out previous posts from Runway Rundown, including collections from Oscar de la Renta, Zac Posen, & Michael Kors! Happy Styling!

Inside A Style Blogger’s Closet: Topping Off The Season With Sparkle & Sass!

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In my last post, I shared with readers my fabulous corduroy skirt find from Old Navy, but the bargains continue since I’ve used some special discount codes & gifts birthday coupons to help freshen up my fall duds.  If you follow me on Pinterest (@MissAlissaL), then you’d know that I’ve been eyeing some really chic tops lately that can do double duty for my wardrobe when I’m working & heading out for tea with some girl friends.

This includes the raglan sleeve Hacci top ($14.99) in silver from Charlotte Russe, which I was able to score for 20% less since I showed my student ID. I picked this since it can easily go from day-to-night & will work with any of my colorful layering tanks when I’m running errands with a scarf & jeans, or would like a polished look with a pencil skirt & statement pendant.

Next, LOFT‘s cotton sequin animal spot tee ($44.99) was reduced to $19.99 in stores, but thankfully I received a $15 off gift just for being a cardholder with the store.  The bill for this top (which ran big, so I picked up a small- who knew??) came to just under $5.50 (thanks Laurie!). I’ve already worn it to work with a white pencil skirt & neon yellow cardigan, excited to mix the metallic details with a few classic summer pieces that I want to wear one more time before the season is over.

Lastly, the long sleeve snow leopard burnout layering tee ($29.90) from Express was a lot of fun to try on since I usually gravitate towards zebra prints.  However, this black, gray, & white snow leopard is fun & will look great with dark denim jeans, colored leggings, & even some with a pair of satin shorts & tights for a stylish night out.  I bought this top for $10 less since I had a coupon & in doing so, I added some rewards points to my Express Next card for discounts on future purchases.

Which tops do you like the best? Are you more into sparkles, sequins, or animal print? How would you style these? Which stores offer the best coupons for birthday discounts? For more fabulous deals & to see what I’m wearing, check out previous posts from Inside A Style Blogger’s Closet & Quickie Darling Deal & Steal, including my favorite striped dress from The Gap for $14, feminine peep toe bowed pumps from Payless, & the best buys on leopard print flats! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Catch The Fall Cord Trend @Old Navy!

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While trying to figure out just what I should do with all those coupons that I received for my birthday last week, I couldn’t think of anything other than using them for the greater good of my wardrobe! Of course, I would’ve been more than happy to share them with friends, but since I had a few days off after starting my new job (yay!) I headed straight to the mall & local stores to treat myself to some super bargains & affordable style.

I must go to Old Navy at least once a month- that’s how often it seems that I get a coupon- & wasn’t entirely too successful in the clearance section.  I wandered around the store to find these perfect-cord pencil skirts ($17.50) which were marked down from their original $29.94 price.  In addition, my coupon & discount code for an extra 20% off (code: ONBIG20, which expires 9/16) made the price even less.  I choose the jute green color since I know how beautifully it will pair against my black & gray staples for building an office look.  However, I did love the rich deep space blue, warm creme caramel, feminine raspberry punch, & trendy candied lemon hues to think about matching with printed blouses, argyle cardigans, & suede ankle booties.

Keep in mind that prices & sales online don’t always match store prices, but I lucked out with the cheaper store price.  I can’t wait to break out my fall shoes & some textured tights & head to work in this stylish pencil skirt that will last me until next spring! Which color do you like the best? Happy Styling!