Monthly Archives: October 2012

The Stylish Five: Must-Have Necklaces From Forever 21 (Under $20)!

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One of the best trends that isn’t just going away, & why should it?, is a statement necklace. In the last year, I’ve been trying to experiment with new necklaces to coordinate with any variety of workplace, day, & night looks.  One of my favorite stores to find affordable accessories is Forever 21, which is where I’ve been drooling over these five necklaces, all under $20.00, which will help transform & amplify any outfit. Typically I like to wear long necklaces with a bunch of charms, but I’m excited about exploring the collar & bib necklace trend.  The sparkling charm necklace ($19.80) is a feminine & elegant explosion of sparkle, perfect for any LBD outfit or cocktail sheath.  For a rich pop of color, I selected the oval collar necklace ($12.80), especially to wear with a button-down shirt, cardigan & blouse, or basic white t-shirt with jeggings.

When I saw the teardrop bib necklace ($12.80), I immediately thought of the pop of turquoise that Eva Mendes wore at the 2009 Golden Globes with the white Dior gown, as styled by Rachel Zoe.  This is the perfect piece to help transition your lighter summer pieces into the fall/winter season.  The snake chain swag necklace ($10.80) is a metallic & minimalist way to dress up your look without overdoing the glitz & glam.  Try wearing it with a monochromatic look in all burgundy, navy, or mustard.

For something sweet, I adore the cupcake & heart necklace ($1.50) for not just its cuteness, but also it’s a piece that I connect with since (when I’m not working, or blogging, or enjoying the final year of my twenties) I’m a baker as well.  It’s a playful accent to wear with a graphic tee & dark wash jeans, or when headed out for a picnic in a denim skirt, knee boots, & chunky knit.

Which necklace would you wear? What kind of jewelry are you attracted to? How much do you invest in fashion jewelry? Happy Styling!

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

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I’m all about style on a budget, but I think it’s very important to stay informed about what’s going on right now in fashion & which trends are worth following, straight from the runways at Paris Fashion Week.  The name Louis Vuitton is synonymous with the LV logo on bags, wallets, & luggage; however, the latest Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection shows a new side of the label with extra bold colors, rich sparkles, nautical-inspired stripes, & an ode to British mod style.  Models hit the catwalk in pairs, wearing coordinated looks & I can’t wait to see some of my favorite celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, Dakota Fanning, Anne Hathaway, & Bella Heathcote wearing these designs as we get closer to spring, even though fall has just begun.  Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Kirsten Dunst Returns To Bvlgari For Fragrance Film, Mon Jasmin Noir!

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Actress Kirsten Dunst wasn’t scared off during her previous shoot for Bvlgari‘s Mon Jasmin Noir fragrance ad while sauntering around a very un-cowardly lion. She’s returned to the luxury brand for a revamped short film, staring with her sultry blue eyes into the camera & wearing a black lace-accented frock. Also, the bejeweled spokesmodel looks more effortlessly gorgeous than ever, channeling the Old Hollywood starlet Grace Kelly.

The fragrance film trend isn’t going away, as seen with videos featured in Watch This Style, including Natalie Portman for Miss Dior Le Parfum, Alexander Skarsgård for Calvin Klein’s Encounter, Julia Roberts for Lancome’s La Vie Est Belle, & Blake Lively for Gucci Premiere! Happy Styling!

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

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I’m continuing to bring readers all the latest runway galleries from Paris Fashion Week, including one of the most gorgeous that I’ve seen so far & that’s from the always feminine, ethereal, & chic Elie Saab.  The designer, who is best known for dressing Rachel McAdams, Jessica Biel, Taylor Swift, & Berenice Bejo, shares a very elegant collection, full of monochromatic looks with plenty of lace & silk to go around.  Surely, these runway looks are beyond the budget of any price tag conscious Style Darling, but if you’re looking to shop the brand, check out Neiman Marcus, Boutique 1, Bergdorf Goodman, & Nordstrom!

To click through more to-die-for galleries from Runway Rundown, take a look at previous posts including Alexander McQueen, Tom Ford, & Yves Saint Laurent! Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: What’s Black & White & Chic All Over?

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My last post in Color Me Style was published just days before my trip to Italy earlier this year, so I thought that since I don’t have a third go-around to look forward to for 2013, I’d revisit the category in a way only appropriate for this Style Darling. My favorite color combination is black & white, which is what I’m featuring- although quite impressed with the fall collections that celebrities are sporting since this season doesn’t typically see all-white looks.  Of course, the beach-filled party days of summer are long gone, but white is still thriving, black has never looked better, & when you put them together, there’s a serious style moment happening.

It wasn’t very hard to find some celebrity inspiration for these colors & this is what I’m sharing. Gwyneth Paltrow looks demure & ladylike in a white knit, wool Misha Nonoo skirt with bright Sergio Rossi pumps. It-girl Olivia Wilde is bold-shouldered in a figure-flattering LWD, House of Lavande jewelry, & metallic platform pumps. 666 Park Avenue star Rachael Taylor wears a head-to-toe Calvin Klein Collection look, including silver lace-up heels & a box clutch. British actress Felicity Jones looks flirty & cool in an all-black sweater & skirt outfit with bowed pumps at the Miu Miu show. Olivia Palermo continues to catch my eye in an all-black leather Dior look with Giuseppe Zanotti pumps. Modern Family bombshell Sofia Vergara shows off her curves in her Sofia by Sofia Vergara for KMart black sparkling dress with tights & suede platforms.

As for black & white looks, I love the variety here when it comes to feminine dresses, vintage-inspiration, as well as nods to menswear with separates all in my favorite color combination! Jessica Alba goes androgynous sexy in a Narciso Rodriguez blouse with loose-fitting trousers & cap-toe Jimmy Choo pumps. French import Laetitia Costa shows the softness of a slim-fitting black suit & sandals, all by Dolce & Gabbana. The sultry Penelope Cruz is elegant & statuesque in an embroidered black & white cardigan by L’Wren Scott with cuffed trousers & Salvatore Ferragamo pumps. Rock of Ages actress / former Dancing with the Stars dancer Julianne Hough is mod in a black & white mini dress with silver pumps at a Henri Bendel party. Scandal star Kerry Washington is as pretty as ever in a white feminine sheath dress with black accents, rose gold Anita Ko studs, & metallic cap-toe pumps.

Black & white has also made the Spring 2013 runways, with especially fabulous designs from Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Chloe, Yves Saint Laurent, Carolina Herrera, & Catherine Malandrino Black Label.

Naturally, I’m excited to share with readers how you can achieve the perfect black & white looks while on a budget. From LOFT, you can find the polka dot wedge top ($39.99), or if you’re looking for a more streamlined look, try New York & Company‘s contrast trim banded collar blouse ($39.95) which will pop against any pencil skirt, colored jean, or slim leg pant.  For a more feminine touch, I love the dolled-up darling ruffled bow blouse ($28.99) from Ruche, which I’d wear to work with a lacy tweed skirt & textured tights, or for a fun night with the girls wearing my favorite dark wash jeans & metallic sandals.

However, if you’re looking to add an unexpected edge to any fall/winter ensemble, try the Danielle seamless skirt ($12.48) in white from G by Guess, which is also available in black.  Also, I’m always a big fan of zebra, which is why I picked the knee-length zebra print skirt ($19.80) from Forever 21. Black & white dresses are perfect for any occasion, especially with a modern graphic print or something in a classic polka dot.  I love the Ronnie & Nicole short-sleeve mitered stripe dress ($35.00) from JC Penney & White House Black Market‘s strapless dot dress ($29.99). Also, Superfly flats ($49.00) from Nine West are a fun touch for the office or a day date, especially when worn with brighter pieces like skinny cords or dark denim jeans.

How do you like to wear black & white? Do you prefer one color over the other? Which staples in these colors do you wear for day & night? For more posts on affordable & fashionable finds, check out posts from Quickie Darling Deal & Steal, Fabulous in 4 Ways, The $100 Challenge, & Splurge or Save! Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Christina Aguilera’s New Video For “Your Body!”

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I’ve come to notice that when I say I’m excited about something, I usually say I’m super excited, but why would I share anything less with my readers? For those of you who haven’t caught Christina Aguilera‘s newest music video for “Your Body,” off her upcoming album Lotus, due out November 13th, I’m sharing the fun dance-heavy track in all of its Stripped & 80s-inspired flavor! Of course the Grammy winner has been making headline lately for her weight gain, but she’s embracing her curves & in my opinion, she looks damn good in this video!

The Voice coach dons leopard leggings, a mini black dress, denim & tie-dye, a “Rich Bitch” collar necklace, & layers of lingerie. Also, her hair pays tribute to those Stripped days with braids, funky & fun bursts of color á la Nicki Minaj & Katy Perry, but Christina’s also got some feminine curls, nodding to the Lucille Ball reference at the end of the video.  Take a look & share with your Xtina fan friends! What do you think of Christina’s fuller figure? Are you pre-ordering her latest album? Happy Styling!

Cover Craze: November’s American & European Magazine Covers Featuring Sarah Jessica Parker, Taylor Swift, Sofia Vergara, & More!

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I know it’s only week two into October, but fashion magazines are always ahead of the curve & not just here in the states.  Thanks to a gallery of images from Fashionologie, we can all rejoice in a sneak peek at the latest covers for November’s most fashionable magazines.  This includes Sarah Jessica Parker for Elle, Jennifer Lawrence for Vogue UK, Taylor Swift for Glamour, Sofia Vergara for Lucky, Nicole Kidman for Harper’s Bazaar, & Diane Kruger for Marie Claire France.

Which is your favorite cover look? Which celebrities do you follow on the newsstands? For more from Magazine Must-Haves & Cover Craze, check out October’s best including Zooey Deschanel & Emma Watson, Victoria Beckham’s assistant-editor job @Glamour, & Lady Gaga’s fabulous Vogue September issue! Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: Rachel Zoe Celebrates Paris Fashion Week In Style!

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It wouldn’t be Paris Fashion Week without super celeb stylist-turned-fashion designer Rachel Zoe turning some heads while attending some of the most coveted runways, including Chloe, Christian Dior, Elie Saab, Giambattista Valli, Givenchy, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton, Valentino, & Viktor & Rolf.

Thanks to In Style, I was able to find these looks worn by fashion’s power player & I’m super excited to share with readers.  Of course, she’s donning her best 70s-inspired looks & reinforces all the reasons why I love black & white outfits.

Click through the gallery to see all of the fabulous fashions & be sure to check more posts from Red Carpet Review, including the latest looks worn by Scarlett Johansson & Salma Hayek, Christina Hendricks & Kate Beckinsale’s pencil skirt ensembles, & Olivia Wilde’s LBD reimagined for under $100! Happy Styling!

Ad Madness: Rihanna’s Latest Fragrance Ad For Nude!

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Lady Gaga & Christina Aguilera both bared their bodies recently, & now Rihanna is joining the bandwagon with her latest fragrance ad, Nude. Sporting her formerly bleached blonde 80s-inspired locks, the singer wears a peach bra with a matching shawl.  The old Hollywood waves, pretty pink lips, & delicate silver jewelry all show off a softer side to the usually edgy Style Darling, especially considering the success of Rebelle, the fastest selling celebrity perfume in the U. K., according to Billboard.

For more Ad Madness posts, check out the James Franco-directed video for Stuart Weitzman, Natalie Portman for Miss Dior Le Parfum, & Alexander Skarsgård for Calvin Klein’s Encounter! Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Alexander McQueen’s Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection!

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The legend of Alexander McQueen continues with a ravishing new Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection that has once again made fashion critics pay attention to the incomparable Sarah Burton. The confident opulence of the line can be deconstructed into luxe separates I’d love to see on the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Solange Knowles, Elizabeth Banks, & Salma Hayek Pinault. Models hit the catwalk in strongly sculpted jackets, metallic belts, & ornate hoop skirts.  Take a look at the collection & check out more from Runway Rundown, including Tom Ford, Yves Saint Laurent, & Chloe. Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: James Franco Directs Petra Nemcova For Stuart Weitzman (Episode 1: The Backflip)!

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Like all fashionable Style Darlings, more often than not, a pair of shoes will do the trick.  I don’t care how shallow that sounds, if you’re nodding or grinning, then you know what I mean & I don’t need to expand on that any further.  Apparently, footwear designer Stuart Weitzman wants to share the shoe love with a series of short films, directed by Oscar-nominated actor James Franco. According to an article on In Style, the brand hopes to spread the message that “no matter how high the heel, Stuart Weitzman stilettos can take you from day to night.”

Model, Dancing with the Stars dancer, & activist Petra Nemcova walks to Patsy Cline’s “Walking After Midnight” in this less-than-a-minute vignette, entitled “The Backflip.”  This is the first of four episodes that have been posted to the Stuart Weitzman Facebook page, which will also premiere the subsequent videos every Wednesday for the rest of October.  What do you think of the multi-talented Franco’s work here? Do you buy & wear Stuart Weitzman shoes? What footwear trends are you following this season?

For more fabulous videos from Watch This Style, be sure to check out previous posts including Tom Ford’s Spring-Summer 2013 Collection, Solange Knowles’ latest single “Losing You,” & Natalie Portman starring in Dior’s Miss Dior Le Parfum commercial! Happy Styling!

Top 10 Celeb Sightings: Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, Emma Stone, & More Take In Paris Fashion Week!

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What with all the galleries featured in Runway Rundown, did you seriously think I was going to forget about who’s who in the front rows of these shows? Not for a minute. I’ve been super swamped with trying to get over a nasty cold all week, but have been keeping entertained with updates from In Style‘s “Look of the Day” posts, which are always my source for celebrity inspiration.  While Paris Fashion Week is making headlines for its guests & designs, I’m happy to share with readers all the latest when it comes to celebrity style.  Some of my favorites for this particular gallery include Jennifer Lopez in a LWD by Chanel for Chanel, the always sultry Salma Hayek Pinault who’s looking better than ever these day, Malin Akermann‘s chic leather sheath by Boss Black, & a reappearance of Scarlett Johansson who was attending a bash for Tod’s in a darling Dior dress.

Also, be sure to spot Amanda Seyfried in an all-red pantsuit, Berenice Bejo‘s arrival at the Louis Vuitton show, Dianna Agron in Miu Miu, Emma Stone‘s feminine LBD look, Jessica Chastain in vintage Yves Saint Laurent, & Taylor Swift supporting Elie Saab‘s latest collection!

Which celeb do you think looks the best? Which designers are you following during the fashion week wave? For more posts in Top 10 Celeb Sightings, check out previous galleries including Olivia Palermo & Elizabeth Olsen, Emily Blunt & Selena Gomez, as well as Eva Longoria & Kate Beckinsale! Happy Styling!

Watch This Style / Runway Rundown: Tom Ford’s Exclusive Video For His Spring-Summer 2013 Womenswear Collection!

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American designer Tom Ford has been everywhere lately, but his eponymous collections are usually kept hush-hush & shared with an exclusive bunch of his closest pals in the business, as I’ve recently learned from an article on In Style. In a creative new way to show off his latest Spring-Summer 2013 Collection, the A Single Man-director has brought his vision to life with a percussion-infused music video. The collection’s 29 looks are strictly black & white with rare pops of cobalt, peach, & metallics, however hardened with patent, leather, & tailored menswear details.  Take a look at the video below & share this innovative display of what’s to come for next season! Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Solange Knowles’ Wears DVF, J.Crew, & More For Her Fashionable New Music Video, “Losing You”!

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Solange Knowles has broken away from her big sis Beyonce’s shadow since her last album in 2008, Sol-Angel & the Hadley St. Dreams, but it’s time to take another look at her blend of fashion & music with her latest single “Losing You.” Filmed on the streets of Cape Town, South Africa, the Madewell spokesmodel is stylish while crooning to the dance / pop track with the help of designer duds from Diane von Furstenberg, J.Crew, Kenzo, Suno, & Opening Ceremony.

Style Darling featured the multi-talented celeb back in June with a post in Red Carpet Review, especially after her smash appearance at the Met Costume Institute Gala, wearing a sweet yellow peplum Rachel Roy confection. Take a look at her latest video, download the infectious track onto your iPod, & share with readers what you think about her bold menswear-inspired style!

For more stylish music videos, check out previous posts from Watch This Style, including Glee‘s remake of “Celebrity Skin,” Lea Michele’s sexy interpretation of “Oops I Did It Again,” & Lana Del Rey’s cover of “Blue Velvet.”Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Dresses On Sale @HauteLook For Under $30!

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I’ve been keeping my eye on HauteLook for quite some time now, but since Fashion Week, I’ve been bombarded with the urge to share galleries from the catwalk in Runway Rundown.  However, it’s been a while since I’ve spotted a great deal for Quickie Darling Deal & Steal that I just had to write about, especially since the barrage of fall favorites which have been trending all over the place.  I’ve recently started a new job where the dress code calls for business casual, but all of my years in a professional office hasn’t afforded me a business casual wardrobe. I’m trying to find ways to blend both worlds, but I always recommend dressing for the job you want, instead of the job you have.

I love mixing up my summer dresses with heavier knits & mixing feminine tights with suede booties.  It’s no secret that I’m all about the dresses, which is why my jaw dropped when I found these amazing deals @HauteLook for under $30.00. These 7 dresses scream summer fun, but with a few fabulous tweaks, these bargains can transform your fall look while at work, hitting up a bistro for lunch, or if you’re going on a date.

The Blu Pepper scoop neck sequin front dress ($27.00) in gold is currently 50% off & would look rich & flirty if paired with tights in a jewel tone & cut-out shooties. The sleeveless v-neck lace dress ($27.00) in navy is also available in ivory, but can look extra luxurious if paired with a sequin jacket or bolero, or can even be made work appropriate when worn with opaque tights, an embellished cardigan, & ballet flats.  The studded neckline dress ($22.00) is in an adorable orange, which begs for regal neutrals in your accessories like a patent leather belt, slouchy boots, & stacked bangles with beads.

The cutout back short sleeve print dress ($22.00) is a date-friendly frock that can be coordinated with other belts in your arsenal, encouraging its wearer to alternate complimenting hues for emphasis.  Also, trading in a corset-like belt will add some edge to the pretty pattern on the dress.  The pleated colorblock dress ($22.00) is the ideal canvas for any time of the year.  Colorblocking is one of the biggest trends & can work with multiple textures like embossed croc for a belt, argyle tights, & suede lace-up knee boots.  Reveal your feminine side with an ivory lace jacket & some drop earrings.

Don’t be fooled by the season since you can still get away with maxi dresses for the cooler days! Take advantage of these prints in order to reinvent your basics, especially with the sleeveless waist tie print maxi dress ($22.00) if worn with a bomber jacket & flat boots.  The spaghetti strap print maxi dress ($28.00) in olive will work with a tuxedo jacket & strappy platforms, as well as over a turtleneck with knee boots. Just look to boho chicqueen Nicole Richie for endless ways to make a maxi dress look chic.

Be sure to sign up with HauteLook to receive news on events & sales, & check out their Facebook page to see all the newest merchandise to add to your already stylish wardrobe for every season! Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Yves Saint Laurent’s Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection!

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As if gawking at runways for Lanvin, Giorgio Armani, & Dolce & Gabbana wasn’t fabulous enough, I’ve decided that I just have to add one more to Runway Rundown & that would be the 70s, boho chic-inspired Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection from Yves Saint Laurent. I love the layers of blousy tops with flowy vests, mixes of wide leg & skinny pants, maxi skirts, & menswear blazers.  The line reminds me very much of Rachel Zoe‘s debut collection, Nicole Richie‘s style empire, & the occasional Jennifer Lopez throwback red carpet appearance.  Which looks are your favorite? Are you following the trends this fall? Which designers are you keep tracking of this season? Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Dior’s Reinvented Miss Dior Le Parfum Commercial Starring Natalie Portman!

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You’ve probably seen the very gorgeous Natalie Portman sporting a black bow & Parisian couture in the ads for Dior‘s Miss Dior Cherie, however footage from the previous commercial has been revamped for the latest luxury scent, Miss Dior Le Parfum.  Natalie looks ever so romantic, indulging in the sensual scent while frolicking about with a handsome leading man.  Take a look below at the latest commercial, along with a video from last year, showing a behind-the-scenes look during the shoot.  For more posts from Watch This Style, check out Alexander Skarsgård in Calvin Klein’s latest short for Encounter, Sarah Jessica Parker making her stylish mark on Glee, & Lindsay Lohan in the trailer for Lifetime’s Liz & Dick. Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Revamp Your Fall Wardrobe With Affordable Accessories!

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Since I spend most of my week surrounded by the younger generation of trendsetters, I’ve found that there are still a careful few of college age who actually take the time to get dressed in the morning before heading to class… just a few. Working in the academic arena has forced me to look to my wardrobe & try & switch things up in a professional, but relatable way so that I’m seen as an authority figure, but also someone who the students would like to talk to. I’m excited to explore my wardrobe & find great fall pieces to make this semester a memorable & stylish one, but every now & again, I need to refresh some basics & go-to classics with that latest accessories, which is why I’m happy to share my newest post for The $100 Challenge!

For under $100 (before tax), I’ve selected these 8 accessories to try wearing for a number of occasions this season with favorites that are transitioning from the summer & stand-by items making a return now that the temps are lowering.  Every year, I’ll always be talking about patterned tights & since I’m always shopping on a budget, I manage to grab up a bunch of different styles to match with pencil skirts & sheath dresses.  Get a polished look with the sheer stripe patterned tight ($7.50) from Charlotte Russe, especially when worn with something frilly & feminine like a lace overlay pencil skirt.  Cinch in your waist with a fun animal print with the zebra-print faux-leather belts ($16.00) from Old Navy, which will look especially polished with a bold cardigan.  I love anything black & white, which is also why I’ve picked out Forever 21‘s fringed houndstooth scarf ($6.80) to tuck in your lightweight jacket for those windier fall mornings.  If it’s not needed around your neck, you can always transform your tote back by tieing ir around the straps or body of the bag.

I’ve been trying to expand my jewelry pieces, which is I was drawn to the lemon drop long earrings ($22.90) from The Limited, which look like neutral & luxe additions to any LBD look, or if you want to make a plaid shirt & skinny jeans appear less casual.  For simpler necklines, I love the idea of a collar necklace, but also, the Sonoma life + style gold tone multistrand necklace ($15.60) from Kohl’s punches up any basic with the metallic accents, instantly drawing all focus to your face.  The burnt gold tear drop bracelet ($10.90) from Windsor Store is a fun pop of color to wear with any three-quarter sleeve top, or contrast with another rich jewel tone ensemble.

Lastly, I love the affordable price & classic look of the Minicci capulet rhinestone sunglasses ($9.99) from Payless, especially if you’re trying to save on must-have items when the holiday season is just around the corner.  Not to mention that you’re going to need to hide those peep toe pumps on occasion & cover your toes with some allover argyle socks ($7.95) from Gap. What better way to show off your preppy side than with this menswear-inspired print that’ll work well with any trouser & button-down shirt look?

The total for this look comes to $97.64, which is pretty incredible considering the variety in which these pieces can be alternated all season long.  Are you a scarf-fiend? Do you love chunky jewelry or do you prefer dainty pieces? Are you drawn to particular prints or patterns for your accessories this fall? Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Chloe’s Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection!

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Everyday I’m checking out my newsfeed on Facebook & Elle keeps adding links to their latest runway galleries & it’s driving me crazy b/c I’m super excited about sharing those images with readers.  The latest that I’m adding to the slew of catwalk stills in Runway Rundown is the Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection from Chloé as seen during Fashion Week in Paris.  The collection includes ladylike pieces with ruffles, skirts, layers, & lush, feminine fabrics.  I’m eager to see the likes of newlyweds Anne Hathaway & Natalie Portman, as well as Rachel McAdams & Zoe Saldana in looks from this collection.  Which looks are your favorites from the collection? Happy Styling!

Fabulous In 4 Ways: A Metallic Faux Leather Pencil Skirt For The Ages From New York & Company!

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I was so excited in August to share one of my newest categories, Fabulous in 4 Ways, especially since the debut post was dedicated to my good friend Laurie, as inspired by her fabulous lace-up knee boots from Victoria’s Secret!  Now, I’m talking about faux leather & pencil skirts, but before we dive into the outfits, I turned to some of my favorite celebrities to get some inspiration in how I would style such a classy & modern take on the figure flattering piece.

Kate Bosworth rocks a Proenza Schouler leather-trimmed pencil skirt at the brand’s New York boutique opening with a relaxed white blouse & strappy sandals.  The First Lady, Michelle Obama, wore a high-waist pencil skirt in navy with a cropped cardigan & purple top, while visiting a Wisconsin school.  Mad Men bombshell Christina Hendricks mixes her old school glamour with a Dolce & Gabbana blouse, red clutch, & classic black pencil skirt.

Total Recall star Kate Beckinsale plays with colorblocking with a chic H&M tank, Diane von Furstenberg turquoise skirt, & spiked neutral pumps.  Rashida Jones is polished & professional with a touch of menswear while making an appearance on Good Morning America, wearing a printed button down shirt & white pencil skirt.  Aussie starlet Cate Blanchett showed her support for Givenchy in a head-to-toe look with Roger Vivier heels.

Also, at Fashion Week for the upcoming Spring-Summer 2013 runway collections, the pencil silhouette was everywhere, as seen in Runway Rundown posts, including Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry Prorsum, Christopher Kane, & Oscar de la Renta.  Also, these pieces were shared by more fabulous designers like Nina Ricci, Tadashi Shoji, & Salvatore Ferragamo!

To recreate a pencil skirt look, I’ve selected the faux leather bronze pencil skirt ($59.95) in metallic bronze from New York & Company, which challenged me to find a way to wear this for work, day, date, & cocktail occasions.  If you want to get the most out of your wardrobe for the office, check out the zippered contrast sweater ($24.80) in black from Forever 21 with the short tab sleeves top ($24.80) in teal available @Windsor Store.  The colorblocking & relaxed details tone down the metallic texture of the skirt, especially when paired with Express‘ diamond texture body shaping full tights ($22.90) & suede cap toe chunky heels ($21.50) in black from GOjane.

The look to the right (above) is fun for a day with the girls or feeling like mixing it up because of the contrasting details in Lord & Taylor‘s CK JEANS cable-front cotton cardigan ($29.99) in black over the tab-sleeve plaid-chiffon shirts ($29.94) in black combo from Old Navy.  Of course affordable pieces like these can be reworked with skinny jeans or leggings & chunky accessories.  @Payless, I’ve found the Dexflex Maye strappy boot ($59.99) in black & Minicci micro fiber tights ($6.99) in burgundy to add some extra dimension while playing with trends this fall.

Depending on where you’re headed for a date, this kind of pencil skirt is perfect for an elegant & upscale look, without breaking the bank.  I’ve chosen pieces with luxe details to put this look together, including the Jennifer Lopez pleated mesh overlay tank ($19.80) in tuffet from Kohl’s & glitter lace almond tow pump ($38.50) in champagne from Charlotte Russe.  To complete the ladylike feel, I’ve added the round stone drop earrings ($13.60) @Cache & The Limited‘s zip around wallet ($29.90).

Don’t forget that pencil skirts are perfect for building a sexy cocktail look. Of course, a dress will save you lots of time, but to get the most out of your wardrobe, why not play with separates in unexpected ways with the snake-print tiered bustier ($88.00) in amethyst from White House Black Market, paired with the Emma WP platform pump ($39.99) from Bakers Shoes.  Also, I love Forever 21‘s looped drop earrings ($7.80), which look red carpet ready, especially with the Mossimo basket weave print clutch ($16.99) in black & white @Target.

How would you wear this pencil skirt? Are you following the metallics trend? What are your favorite work, day, date, & cocktail looks? Happy Styling!