For my first official summer as a mommy, I’m scouring the web for a go-to tote to run out the door with (along with my own purse & the diaper bag) for all outing essentials that aren’t a part of my day-to-day life. For example, a bottle of sunscreen, a picnic blanket, a travel water bottle, spare flip flops, & maybe a magazine or book. I love how this season has so many cute & playful options that capture the spirit of the summer, while also being very spacious & useful for a busy Style Darling like myself. Here are just a few examples of what’s out there & what I have my eye on!
Eva Mendes is one busy woman- not only is she a mother, girlfriend of Ryan Gosling, fashion designer (for New York & Company), & cosmetics mogul (for Circa), she’s also a spokesmodel for Estee Lauder‘s New Dimension Skincare line, including serums & cosmetics to enhance the look of your skin. The Cuban-American beauty is flawless in the ads, featuring her warm honey complexion, killer cheekbones, & natural glow. When talking about her interest in representing the products (ranging in price from $58-$89), Eva shares with Estee Lauder her own experiences getting to know her face as an actress with, “I have an angular face and I kind of had to learn which angles were which, and how I could work that into a scene,” she continues. “It’s probably what was attractive to me about becoming an actress—the art of transformation.”
The actress made an appearance at a Miami mall to promote the line in a timeless Grecian-inspired Halston Heritage dress with pink ankle strap heels, discussing her experiences as a new mother & turning 40. Later in the day, Eva was spotted at the airport, looking every bit elegant as ever in a belted printed shirtdress & sandals. Though she’s known for her sexy roles & stylish magazine covers, any Style Darling can appreciate the busy day-to-day life of the working woman who’s just trying to take care of herself. For more on Eva’s beauty philosophy, check out Estee Lauder’s interview here.
One of my favorite luxury nail beauty companies is Julep, thanks to my lovely writer friend & style twin, Meghan, for gifting me some of the brand’s elegant polishes for my birthday earlier this fall. I’m a registered Maven & love seeing my monthly subscription options for what I can add to my Maven box, as well as exclusive deals through the (FREE) Julep smartphone app!
Thanks to Julep for sharing with me some of their trending winter & holiday colors, including Ilsa ($6.99), Joanne ($6.99), Shari ($11.40), Sawyer ($6.99), & Kiki ($11.20). I love the variety of matte & sparkly colors, which presents some #nailart inspiration to decorate for upcoming holiday parties, dinner out with the girls, or a romantic night in.
However, I have a love-hate relationship with my nails. LOVE: when my nails look perfect after dressing them up in sparkly hues. HAAATE: when the color chips or a nail breaks. SOLUTION: ‘WINTERIZING‘ your nails, which is not just about taking care of the part you’re polishing, since the condition of your hands is equally as important.
I thought I had a solid nailcare routine, but I’ve learned so much from Julep with their valuable tips for a nail, cuticle, & skin regimen for healthy digits when the drop in temperature becomes a factor in your beauty routine! Not only do I wash & moisturize my hands with sensitive hand soap & intensive moisturizer, I’m guilty of skipping a few steps for lack of time. Now, with Julep’s how-to guide, I know just what must-haves to put on my list to Santa & I’m so excited to share these with my readers!
November is nearly over, but it’s not too late to take better steps towards National Sleep Comfort Month… Did you know? I didn’t! Casper, a company that makes latex memory foam mattresses, is holding a Beauty Sleep Challenge & Style Darling is up for the task, sharing favorite ways to relax in style & get ready for bed for a more satisfying night’s sleep. Not to mention the fact that everyone’s life gets crazy, so giving the gift of better sleep to a loved one this holiday season is a great idea, whether it’s with a pajama set, fuzzy slippers, stylish throw blanket, or relaxing extras like candles or moisturizers!
When it comes to sleepwear, I’m all about color. Here’s the one instance where color-coordination isn’t such a big deal for me. I love mixing pops of color since sleep is all about a time for your body to rejuvenate & why not have fun with colors & patterns that you can alternate for a playful sleep ensemble? When hitting the sheets, I’ve picked some must-haves that will certainly make lounge-time even better, & these selections won’t break the bank!
This is definitely the time of year to bundle up & I’m not one to shy away from blanket variety, if I’m snuggling up for a Sunday afternoon nap or curling up with my beau for a restful winter night’s sleep. Here’s another opportunity to let your style speak through your sleep-ready essentials. Soft textures & modern prints are what bring any bedding arrangement to life & these will certainly inspire you to get that much-needed shut eye.
Before heading off to bed, I always have to take care of my skin since I suffer from dryness. Staying moisturized will keep your skin glowing & healthy for when you wake up!
Lastly, the writer in me loves a good book before dozing off at night. When prepping my mind for dreamland, I have a few other valuable pre-sleep rituals to relax & distress me from everything going on during my hectic day of work, school, relationships, & writing. I try to keep hydrated, especially since this the dryness in the air this time of year sometimes affects my mouth and throat.
When it comes to sleep, the best thing you can really do is invest in a quality mattress & pillows that meet your sleeping needs. For more from Casper, be sure to check out their informative & helpful blog, Pillow Talk, featuring plenty of tips for better sleep habits & ways to relax before heading to bed!
I’m known for my dresses, shoes, & earrings collections, but I’m also a sucker for a good cosmetic case, full of eye-popping shadow colors, fun lip hues, & basic blushes to enhance your beauty look. Not to mention, that all-in-one sets are the perfect holiday gift for the Style Darling in your life. Even if you’re just starting to discover your makeup style, a kit with plenty of color options is fun for experimenting to discover what looks best withy our eye shape or skin tone. Also, it’s important for space efficiency to have your cosmetics in one unit in order to keep your personal space as organized as possible for a stress-free morning & getting ready routine.
Gwyneth Paltrow has done it all. She’s won an Academy Award. She’s a working mom & celebrated lifestyle guru (for goop.com). She’s a designer’s darling, always on the best dressed lists. She never fails to make us envious of her effortless glamour. And now… she is making headlines for her latest collaboration it beauty brand, Max Factor, in a new ad campaign, featuring the actress undergoing a high glamour Old Hollywood makeover, á la Marilyn Monroe with a modern twist.
The Oscar-winner has starred in previous campaigns for the cosmetics company, recalling stylish & vintage decades from the 50s to the 80s, inspired by icons like Brigette Bardot, Audrey Hepburn, Madonna, & Farah Fawcett. This behind-the-scenes look at the photo shoot, courtesy of Harper’s Bazaar UK, shares Gwyneth’s thoughts on blending her personal style with the brand’s signature pink lipstick.
Aside from Fashion Week & the general change of seasons (which marks ankle bootie & rich textures like suede time of year), September means that our favorite television shows are returning to make us laugh, cry, sit at the edge of our seats, & of course, be in awe of the characters’ styles. In a first ever on Style Darling, I’ve undertaken a mighty 10 television shows returning this season & found their most stylish leading ladies (two, in some cases), & found pieces & looks to inspire your fall wardrobe. Naturally, we’re talking something budget-friendly, yet still true to the small scree goddesses that have bloggers everywhere in a fashion tizzy!
Scandal(airing Season 4 premiere on 9/25 @9PM on ABC) left Olivia Pope (played magnificently by the one & only Kerry Washington) washing her hands of the controversy & turmoil that she blames herself for in Washington D.C., especially because of her torrid love affair with the president. However, Olivia’s style was only elevated by such drama, sharing with viewers the importance of a luxurious coat collection, classic & statement handbags, as well as clean lines & neutral separates since Olivia is all about getting rid of the fuss in people’s lives.
New Girl(airing Season 4 premiere on 9/16 @9PM on FOX) will surely tackle that whole Jess-Nick romance, even though the adorkable couple ended things last season. Now that Zooey Deschanel‘s character has certainly settled into her man-dwelling apartment, she’s constantly battling life with one vintage look after another, & laughter is sure to ensue. Not to mention that Jess’s girlie girl style fits right in with her job as a teacher, always conservative yet cute for partying it up after hours.
The Mindy Project(airing 9/16 @9:30 on FOX) is one of my favorite must-see shows this fall, not just because the brilliant Mindy Kaling writes a hilarious ensemble comedy, but because the show is after the hearts of its viewers with the on-again-off-again love story with one Danny Castellano, played by Chris Messina. Yes, there’s laughter too, but I’m also super excited to see what Dr. Lahiri (Kaling’s character) will wear. She’s no stranger to bright colors, wild patterns, feminine florals, & layers of preppy chic style.
Revenge(airing 9/28 @10PM on ABC) is returning this fall & Emily Thorne (played by Emily Vancamp) is back & stronger than ever in her plot against the Graysons. I love that her style recalls the effortless ease of a modern day Grace Kelly, with a luxe twist on casual wear. She wears plenty of neutral colors & no-fuss separates so that she can easily slip into scheming mode with the movers & shakers of The Hamptons setting. I love watching out for the designer pieces on this show, especially on additional key characters like Victoria (Madeline Stowe), Charlotte (Chrsta B. Allen), & Ashley (Ashley Madekwe).
When I started assembling these pieces, I realized that they have various uses, for both day & night, as well as creating looks from season-to-season. While most of our lives won’t be centered around law-breaking revenge schemes, the closest we can get to the fabulous life of Emily Thorne is recreating her style with the colorblock roll sleeve shirtdress ($109.99) in cream puff @Ann Taylor, MOD.lusive ruched sleeve long cardigan ($42.00) in white @Nordstrom, v-neck blouse ($24.95) in powder beige @H&M, & true slim chino pants ($44.99) in khaki @Land’s End.
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Nashville(airing 9/24 @10PM on ABC) is the kind of show that not only inspires music, but also fashion. Southern style is loud & clear with this show, especially when it comes to an edgy look & a splash of rock ‘n roll. The show’s leading ladies Rayna James (Connie Britton) & Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere) are constantly at odds, but one thing is clear, they know how to dress. I was especially inspired by the flashy stage looks & modern casual separates that can be jazzed up for a night of music. The last season ended with both divas in trouble, both professionally & personally, but I can’t wait to see what’s gonna happen next.
2 Broke Girls(airing 10/07 @9PM on CBS) combines two of my favorite things: cupcakes & fashion! The comedy’s stars Beth Behrs as the preppy / fashion forward Caroline Chaning & Kat Dennings‘ loveable bad girl Max Black make for the perfect modern day odd couple, just trying to get back. Caroline is always neutral clad, doused in pearls & body conscious dresses, whereas Max’s fashion sense takes on a tougher city vibe in bright primary colors & boots, with a touch of menswear inspiration.
The Good Wife(airing 9/21 @9PM on CBS) keeps raking in the Emmy awards, especially with a constantly compelling performance for the show’s lead, Julianna Marguliesas the powerful Alicia Florrick. Her wardrobe includes power suits & strong jackets, much like Scandal‘s Olivia Pope. In Alicia’s world, there’s no room for floral or fussy pieces. She’s all about structure & strength, so edgy embellishments have no place among the clean details & clean lines.
Modern Family(airing 9/24 @9PM on ABC) is a comedy must-see, especially because of the show’s female leads. When it comes to style, of course there’s always a cute outfit on Sarah Hyland’s character Hailey, but the real sex-pot changing the look of a stay-at-home mom is Sofia Vergara‘s Gloria. Gloria often steals the spotlight from her family members, especially when it comes to showing off her curves in wrap dresses, V-neck tops, & skinny jeans.
Elementary(airing 10/30 @10PM on CBS) is a modern day New York City-based take on the classic Sherlock Holmes stories & what’s extra awesome about this version is that the science-minded Watson is played by kick-ass actress Lucy Liu. Instead of John, she’s a Joan who develops an intense partnership with Holmes (Johnny Lee Miller) while they’re soling crimes all over the city. Aside from her brilliant mind, I love her on-the-go style which often includes dark, layering pieces, always with a chic pair of booties.
Hart of Dixie(2015 on The CW) is the last show that I’m sharing & it doesn’t have a set premiere date since star Rachel Bilson, who plays the quirky city doctor Zoe Hart, is expecting her first child & filming seems to be halted. However, I love her character’s edgy side with dark, modern cuts in tops & leather shorts, as well as dark colors in mini & maxi dresses. She’s an accessories queen with chunky necklaces, embellished details, & the highest heels in sandals & booties imaginable. Also, it’s hard to ignore Lemon Breeland, played hysterically by the one & only Jamie King. Lemon’s style is true to the Alabama debutante ladylike way. She loves florals, sparkle, & vintage-inspired looks with a bold lip & finger curls.
When it comes to animal prints, my go-to is zebra, which goes back to my natural love all black & white patterns. However, as we’re in the thick of summer, stores are filling up with fall fashions, including luxe leopard pieces to mix up with neutral separates & pops of color in your accessories.
Trendsetter Olivia Palermostyled her separates by Tibi with a pop of leopard in her skinny belt, which offset the geometric look of her ankle strap sandals. Model Miranda Kerrwas flawless this spring when hitting the street for a stylish day out with a bold leopard A.L.C. duffel bag to add a trendy splash of personality to her button down shirt, denim skirt, & thigh high boots. Project Runway host Heidi Klumshows off her wild side (& her legs!) in a high slit skirt & embellished too.
For affordable leopard love in your wardrobe, I found these functional & fashionable pieces that are sure to make a splash when corrdinated a variety of ways. First, the leopard tote ($2.50) from Forever 21 is great for all of your on-the-go needs, especially when wanting to use a durable recyclable bag when hitting the market. Also, you can dress up or dress down the tiered leopard tank ($34.00) from Dress Barn (which I own & love!) with dark denim skinnies & a blazer for a girls’ night out, or cardigan & pencil skirt for the office. For a truly wild look, pair these loose fit pants ($17.95) from H&M with a black tank & gold flats for day, or mix up your look with a crop top & pointy heels for evening.
I love shopping for printed belts, which can work well with a wrap dress, shirtdress, over a cardigan, or when you wanna cinch in a tunic top to show off your waist, like the leopard skinny belt ($24.90) from Express. One of my most recent purchases come from Charlotte Russe, & that is the patent thong sandal ($7.50), which was such a great buy too since there’s currently a BOGO $5 sale of select shoes. So, I also indulged in a white pair to wear with sporty jersey dresses & when heading out to the beach this summer.
For one last look at some leopard inspirations, I put together some of my favorite images, high end & affordable items, & celebrity moments that include leopard. This includes a September 2010 Vogue UK shoot fetauring supermodel Kate Mossin an embellished leopard jacket. Scarlett Johanssonadded a pop of leopard in her Christian Louboutin pointy toe pumps with a Vivienne Westwood dress. Also, to celebrate leopard on your nails, there’s the Sally Hansen strips ($9.99) in leopard, available @Ulta. Also, you can keep warm on those cool summer knits with this Apt. 9 leopard scarf ($11.99) from Kohl’s. For some designer inspiration, the paneled leopard dress ($1,150.00) by Escada is sold @Neiman Marcus. Lastly, the leopard heart drop earrings ($16.00) from River Island are playful & flirty to dress down a classic LBD.
How do you like to wear leopard? What’s your favorite leopard accessory? Which leopard pieces are your favorites? Happy Styling!
Two of the biggest stars in Hollywood are lending their acting chops & model-worthy good looks to the fashion industry’s latest short film, Street of Dreams, directed by the one & only, Martin Scorsese. Dolce & Gabbana spokesmodel Scarlett Johansson & Southern heartthrob Matthew McConaughey join forces under Scorsese’s direction for this commercial / video, celebrating the Italian fashion house’s fragrance The One ($59.00 – $82.00), which can be purchased through the brand’s official website, Sephora, Macy’s, & Ulta.
In a recent press release, Domenico Dolce shared how pleased he was with the final result, as well as Scarlett’s performance: “Scarlett is the embodiment of ‘The One’ woman… She lives and breathes every womanly nuance. She exudes desire and innocence. She is both sobriety and sensuality. There is innocence in her eyes yet her smile is laced with mischief. She is a talented actress and a beautiful woman.“
Below, check out the commercial of Scarlett, clad in the brand’s signature black lace & old Hollywood glamour, playing the role of ‘The One.’
In a thoughtful effort to featuring more news for any male readers out there, I have something here for everyone. About a month ago, news hit the web about The Twilight Saga heartthrob, Rob Pattinson, had set to star in the new ads for Dior‘s Dior Homme cologne. The below video features a series snapshots of the ad campaign, which took plane in New York City, under the direction of German artist Nan Goldin. The teaser images will certainly make for a special cinematic moment, especially since participating in fragrance ads for luxury designers has been a hot trend in the few years.
The scent features notes of amber, vetiver, & leather blend, according to In Style, which sounds like all things sophisticated & masculine- a perfect gift for the upcoming holiday season. You can shop the fragrance at Sephora & costs between $60.00 – $80.00.
SHOP: Hello Weekend tote @Windsor, Life’s A Beach tote @New York & Company, Magid multi color stripe tote @Stein Mart, Magid pink & black tote @T.J. Maxx, & City Streets bananas tote @JCPenney. 
SHOP: eyeglass case @Walmart, red sunglasses @Forever 21, silver braided flip flops @Charlotte Russe, watermelon makeup pouch @Rue 21, travel water bottle @Five Below, Neutrogena sunscreen @Target, & tropical beach towel @H&M. 
