As if talking about Michael Kors, Victoria Beckham, Zac Posen, & Rachel Zoe wasn’t enough… now I’ve gone & found the entire Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection designed by Oscar de la Renta! Runway Rundown continues to share with readers the latest from New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. The fun & flirty collection features bright separates, a-line & pencil skirts, printed trousers, belted dresses, & show-stopping gowns, all of which are sure to be worn by celebrities hitting the red carpet, making promotional appearances, & while living it up at parties. Which look is your favorite? Who do you want to see wearing these amazing designs? Happy Styling!
Monthly Archives: September 2012
Runway Rundown: Zac Posen’s Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collectoin From New York Fashion Week!
Although New York Fashion Week has come to a close, Style Darling will still be talking about all of the glamour, elegance, & of course trends for the upcoming seasons. I’m also going to keep posting galleries of some of my favorite runway shows, & Zac Posen is no exception! The American designer, worn by the likes of Rihanna, Claire Danes, Jessica Biel, & Kate Beckinsale, made more than the average Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week splash since famed models like Naomi Campbell, Angela Lindvall, Coco Rocha, Karolina Kurkova, Crystal Renn, & Hilary Rhoda appeared, lending their support to the brand, as well as showing off the unforgettable designs for the Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection. With award’s season just around the corner, surely the stars will be donning these dresses which feature details like lace, mermaid hemlines, peplums, & sweetheart necklines. Click through the gallery & share which looks are your favorites!
For more from Fashion Week & Runway Rundown, check out Michael Kors, Rachel Zoe, & Victoria Beckham! Happy Styling!
Splurge or Save… A Burgundy Blouse?
The color of the upcoming fall-winter season is burgundy & its related hues, including brick, deep red, maroon, oxblood, merlot, & so on. I have to say that this isn’t a color I wear often, but I can see the luxury in it, especially when it comes to classic & feminine pieces like a burgundy blouse. Lately, Style Darling has been all about what’s been going down at New York Fashion Week with manic posts under Runway Rundown, but if we’re going to look ahead, let’s talk about what we should be considering for updating our wardrobe this fall. Even if you’re not looking to stay on-trend, the idea of a burgundy blouse is pretty timeless. It will look lush & expensive against any black, gray, navy, cream, mustard (yes, I said mustard), or denim pieces that you already own & rely on for building your everday looks. Keep with the jewel tones & add a splash of deep purple for some colorblocking!
I’ve found five similar blouses that fit the criteria for Splurge of Save?, ranging in price from nearly $400 to under $20. Of course, when it comes to a blouse, you have to consider the care that you will take in cleaning it, if it’s hand wash or dry clean only, which will entail an extra cost & time spent going to & from a reliable dry cleaners. Also, let’s say that for the sake of variety, we’d be looking at wearing this blouse twice a month from September to April. That’s 8 months & 16 wears, which is how we’ll figure the always important CPW (cost per wear).
The most expensive, but perhaps my favorite of all these blouses is the Equipment Signature 2-pocket silk chiffon shirt ($398.38) from ASOS. The subtle polka dot print can also be mixed with other prints like a pinstripe pant or always fashionable houndstooth pencil skirt if you’re going for a real runway-inspired look. At most, this comes to just under $25 per wear, which can always buy you a great lunch & dessert with a refreshing glass of wine when you’re out with the girls. Next, the Joie ‘Marru’ pleated blouse ($198.00) @Neiman Marcus is a less conventional looking blouse, but the modern pleats down the front add texture to this flowy feminine piece. Wearing this will cost you less than $13 each day, which doesn’t sound so bad, but for some, the sleeve-length may not be favorable. This can always be remedied with a cool cardigan or heavy knit wrap sweater. ALso, keep in mind that light pieces like blouses can always soften up tough separates like a leather jacket!
Thirdly, the Calvin Klein roll sleeve shirt ($69.50) from Bloomingdale’s doesn’t necessarily fall under the blouse category, but if worn with the right separates, this shirt can be utilized for day or night, in the office or for a date. The sporty sleeves are perfect for pairing with a menswear-inspired vest, but this can also be coordinated with faux leather leggings, tucked in with satin shorts & tights, or simply worn with distressed boyfriend jeans & flats. Dress this up with an embellished cardigan & drop earrings, or keep it simple with a croc embossed belt & riding boots. For just over $4 a day, this doesn’t seem like such a bad deal, but of course, every Style Darling knows to keep their budget in mind.
For those who love the retro look, consider the ‘Prepare to Bordeaux’ top ($49.99) from Mod Cloth, which recalls that sexy librarian / secretary vibe, while also donning an air of Old Hollywood. With a metallic-accented brocade pencil skirt or sequined mini, this is perfect with a killer blazer or worn to show off the sheer sleeves. Not to mention that the scarf-like knot at the neck draws attention to your face. Not to keep getting too math-y, for just over $3 a day, this blouse is worth the investment. Lastly, Forever 21‘s shirred high-low shirt ($19.80) is our least expensive blouse, costing barely $1.25 per wear & is also great for styling for day or night. Take a cue from the pic above & try your favorite pair of colored jeans, or create a 70’s look with wide leg jeans & camel accessories.
Which blouse is your favorite? Are you getting into the burgundy trend? How would you style this look? What piece would you like to see next in Splurge or Save? Happy Styling! (Special thanks to graphic designer, Nino Vlacich <3, for his time & skills in creating the image above!)
Runway Rundown: Michael Kors Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection At Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week!
To me, Michael Kors is the quintessential American fashion designer. Of course, there’s Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, & even those Olsen twins & their brand, The Row, who are making American designers all the more competitive against those French & Italian types. However, as a big fan of Project Runway, I’ve put MK above all the others since I love his sense of humor about fashion, but also the minimalist elegance that so many celebrities embrace in his designs, including Jennifer Lopez, Blake Lively, Penelope Cruz, & Viola Davis.
When it came time to start sharing runway picks from New York Fashion Week, I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if I didn’t include his Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection, which features men’s & women’s looks, combining Americana with 80s hues, all in the name of quality fashion. These pieces are fun to consider, exciting to watch, & probably darn amazing to wear.
For more galleries from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, check out the latest posts in Runway Rundown, including Rachel Zoe, Victoria Beckham, & Christian Siriano! Happy Styling!
Runway Rundown: Rachel Zoe’s Spring 2013 Collection at New York Fashion Week!
It continues! I’m all over this Runway Rundown with New York Fashion Week, offering up the latest images from Rachel Zoe‘s Spring 2013 Collection. As you may know, I’m a big fan of the celebrity stylist-turned-designer. Her eye for glamour never fails & she understands how to dress for success. I’m super excited that she’s recently announced that her reality show, The Rachel Zoe Project, will be returning for its fifth season soon on Bravo! Take a look at the gallery to see Rachel’s retro / contemporary separates with a timeless glam factor. Although we’re talking high-end fashion here, there’s no doubt that her designs fit so many different styles & the pieces are tangible enough to mix & match with any wardrobe!
For more galleries from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, check out Monique Lhuillier, Christian Siriano, & Victoria Beckham! Happy Styling!
Runway Rundown: Victoria Beckham’s Spring Summer 2013 Collection At New York Fashion Week!
I’ll never get tired of posting galleries in Runway Rundown, especially when there’s still so much to talk about from New York Fashion Week. If you haven’t noticed, I’m a big fan of any & everything related to Victoria Beckham. She was my favorite Spice Girl (mostly for her style) & she’s one of my favorite designers! Her latest Spring / Summer 2013 Collection for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week was well-received, & why wouldn’t it be? The tailored combination of dresses & separates in crisp white, posh black, & radiant red made a splash on the runway, proving that the multi-talented Brit is still a powerful force in fashion to be reckoned with. Take a look at the gallery & slideshow to see what all the fuss is about. Also, be sure to check out previous galleries of the latest from fashion week, including Monique Lhuillier & Christian Siriano! Happy Styling!
Runway Rundown: Christian Siriano’s Spring / Summer 2013 Collection From New York Fashion Week!
I’m always (trying to be, at least) on top of what’s going on with my very favorite designers, including Project Runway winner, Christian Siriano, whose latest Spring / Summer 2013 Collection hit the runway of New York. I was super excited to feature this elegant & feminine line in the latest for Runway Rundown, so that my readers can get a taste of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Also, I’m happy to continue showing support to the talented Maryland native who never ceases to stun on the runway & when celebs wear his looks on the red carpet. What do you think of these glamorous looks? Happy Styling!
Runway Rundown: Monique Lhuillier’s Spring 2013 Collection @New York Fashion Week!
Shame on me for not updating my readers about the fabulous on-goings of New York Fashion Week. Not only is that excitement happening, but I’ve just come off a multi-day celebration of my 29th birthday, which was super exciting since I decided to skip last year’s birthday. Of course, in the midst of the wine-drinking & dress-wearing, I’ve finally acquired a new job & decided to freshen up my wardrobe with some affordable new additions from the end-of-the-season clearance racks.
However, let’s talk business & I mean Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City. The first collection that I’ll be featuring in this latest edition of Runway Rundown is Monique Lhuillier‘s Spring 2013 Collection. The line features feminine details like lace, ruching, slits, cut-outs, & peplum hemlines. Leave it to Monique Lhuillier to create a timeless collection that is sure to grab the attention of celebs like Eva Longoria, Emma Stone, Jessica Chastain, & Krysten Ritter, especially as the big fall / winter awards season is descending upon us.
Take a look at the gallery to ooh & ahh at the 45-piece collection. Also, for more runway talk, check out previous posts, including the 10th anniversary collection of Project Runway for Lord & Taylor, shoe designer Nicholas Kirkwood’s jaw-dropping 106-piece Fall 2012 collection, & Chanel’s dazzling & classic Fall 2012 Haute Couture collection! If you’re looking to shop these trendy new looks, Monique Lhuillier designs can be found at Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, & Saks Fifth Avenue. Happy Styling!
Ad Madness / Watch This Style: Scarlett Johansson’s Latest For Dolce & Gabbana Cosmetics!
When you look like Tony-winner Scarlett Johansson, I guess you don’t need much to look like a gorgeous model. For Dolce & Gabbana‘s latest campaign, the actress is lending her sensual pout & old Hollywood beauty to the brand’s cosmetics line, promoting the Perfect Luminous Liquid Foundation ($59.00) available @Saks Fifth Avenue.
Check out the video (commercial, maybe?) for the newest make up product, featuring beautiful shots of Italy & a snuggling Scarlett wrapped in sheets. What do you think of cosmetic ad campaigns? Do you think this is too much? What do you think of Scarlett returning as a spokesmodel for the brand?
For more from Ad Madness, check out Julia Roberts for Lancome’s La Vie Est Belle, Lana Del Rey modeling for H&M, & Lily Collin’s for Movado! Happy Styling!
Runway Rundown: The 10th Anniversary Collection of ‘Project Runway’ for Lord & Taylor!
Yes, I’m a few days behind, but if any of you watched last week’s episode of Project Runway, then you saw the amazing 10th anniversary collection for Lord & Taylor than features 10 looks from 10 of the reality competition show’s favorite designers, including latest challenge winner, Christopher Palu. I’m featuring the fashion dresses from each season, which are currently being sold on the Lord & Taylor website. This is a pretty big deal for the show & its designers, especially b/c there was not a single flop walking down the runway, & the judges could not eliminate anyone.
Take a look to see looks from Christopher Palu ($275.00), Bert Keeter ($328.00), Mondo Guerra ($248.00), Seth Aaron Henderson ($275.00), Gordana Gelhausen ($275.00), Korto Momolu ($275.00), Chris March ($348.00), Uli Herzner ($275.00), Nick Verreos ($275.00), & Jay McCarroll ($298.00). Which look is your favorite? Which past designer would you like to see more from? Happy Styling!
Splurge Or Save… On Leopard Print Flats?
I recently had a very insightful discussion on the preferences of animal print, how to wear it & what the essentials are for one’s wardrobe (yes, this really happened). Of course I’m crazy for zebra (with a purse, flats, sheets, laundry bin, skirt, etc…), however leopard print just won’t go away, & why should it? I own a satin pair of ballerina flats with a fabulous leopard print & bow-crystal accent at the heel. They’re super comfortable & perfect for any casual look or fashionable dinner with the girls.
In my newest category (yes, the creativity just keeps pouring out- see Fabulous in 4 Ways), Splurge or Save? will investigate an item at different price points. Staples like leopard print flats can be found virtually anywhere, especially this time of year when we’re preparing our fall wardrobes for chic splashes of personality when the weather becomes crisper.
As you can see, we have a little celebrity inspiration joining us. Fashion icon Alexa Chung wears her pointed toe leopard flats with a menswear-inspired shirtdress, reinforcing why she’s just so darn fun to watch. Designer Whitney Port looks sweet mixing prints in her Whitney Eve outfit & leopard flats. Socialite Olivia Palermo, who’s been everywhere lately it seems, breaks out in a feminine floral shorts look & some bowed leopard flats. However, now that we’ve seen some of Style Darling‘s favorite celebrities wearing leopard print flats, let’s take a look at what I’ve found, ranging in price from $14.99 – $275.00!
The above five shoes range quite a bit in price, but each share the same concept of a bow detail & black trim around the foot, which emphasize the classic design of a ballet flat. First, the RED Valentino leopard print ballerina flat ($275.00) from Neiman Marcus would cost you just over $10/wear if you wore them once every other week. Perhaps this doesn’t sound so bad, but dropping the cash to buy them initially will put a big dent in any shopper’s budget. I’d feel lucky to the proud owner of any Valentino piece, but at this point in my life, such luxuries will only appear on Super Style Wishlist. Next, the Ashley bow ballet flat ($98.00) from Banana Republic will earn you plenty of rewards points for future discounts if you’re a cardholder, but the fact that this style of ballet flat is available in other such trendy textures like tweed, patent leather, croc, houndstooth, metallic, & suede will certainly suit your shopping fancies.
While clicking around @Nine West, I discovered the Cacey flats ($79.00), which serve double purpose with the patent leather cap toe accenting the wild print. However, the cost-per-wear for these is down to $3/wear, if worn once every other week. NOTE: Select designs of this shoe (polka dots & pink colorblock leather) are currently reduced to $29.00 on the website! Moving on… I was pleasantly surprised to find that ALDO‘s clearance section included the Warnack flats ($35.00) which have been reduced from their original $70.00 price tag. The metal tips on the bow add some extra detail to what surely will be an already polished look.
Lastly, the most affordable pair in our collection includes the American Eagle Flash flat ($14.99) @Payless– my go-to source for shoes. I know I can always rely on Payless for comfortable, yet stylish shoes that work with my budget, especially when I’m on the go & can’t always take the time to go shopping in a store. When ordering online, Payless offers FREE SHIPPING if your purchase is shipped to a store location, which always makes me happy. Since these are the least expensive of all of the selections, I’d like to inform readers that the CPW (again, cost-per-wear) now becomes less than .60/wear. If you plan on wearing them more than once every other week- & I don’t blame you b/c they’re just so cute!- you’re still getting a bargain for a reliable must-have when building an outfit.
How much would you spend on a pair of leopard flats? This sort of investment will keep paying your back, since these versatile statements of footwear can go with you to the office, school, on a date, or wherever your day may lead you. I know I’m a sucker for a good deal, but when it comes to shoes, there are a few other factors to consider like fit, how well the texture is made, if I like the print, & so on. What about you? What would you do? Would you splurge or save? Happy Styling!
The Stylish Five: Charlotte Russe’s Summer Farewell Sale ($15 & Under)!
In the 5th & final installment of The Stylish Five (for now anyway), I’ve been checking out what’s going on @Charlotte Russe, where the prices on the sale items couldn’t get any better. I think $15.00 is a pretty good jumping off point when looking for affordable styles to start stocking up on summer pieces for next year, or that tropical vacation you’ll be taking this winter! I love that Charlotte Russe is always a great resource for fun accessories like the rimless studded aviators ($2.50), which are super cute, as well as a bargain if you’re looking for an extra pair of shades to keep in your car.
If you’re headed to the beach or wanna show off that nail art-inspired pedicure, then grab a pair of the braided leatherette t-strap sandals ($10.00) in black which are perfect for a variety of looks including a casual maxi dress for daytime, a graphic tee & shorts on a casual afternoon, or when you’re headed to a picnic in a tank & cotton skirt. For the more daring Style Darlings, add a pop of color to your look with the peep toe cut-out wedges ($15.00) in pink. The cork texture is classic for summer, essential for bringing out those neutral hues in your outfit.
There’s always a reason to bring out the sequins, which is why I’m recommending the geo-pattern sequin tank ($7.50) in gold which can be worn with a mini skirt, jeans, or leather leggings & paired with a satin blazer, basic cardigan, or over a mock turtleneck. Also, I’ve gotta mention the zipper-back 2fer dress ($15.00), which plays with the colorblocking trend- one that just isn’t going away. Depending on how this is styled, you can make this office friendly with textured tights, ankle booties, & a tweed jacket for the fall, or with your favorite metallic platforms & drop earrings for a sexy night out.
For more on my end-of-the-season-themed posts, check out what’s going on with J.Crew, Forever 21, The Gap, & The Limited! Happy Styling!
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