Beauty Buys: Barbie-Inspired Nail Polish by OPI!


With the new Barbie movie out now, the doll, character, & fashion icon are taking over the world! Not only can you dress up as the titular legend, like Margot Robbie when off-camera, but your beauty look can also pay homage & celebrate the biggest movie of the summer! Specifically, OPI has just the sparkly hues & sets inspired by Barbie! Take a look at the slideshow & gallery below for all of the exciting & playful colors!

SHOP: OPI Barbie Collection nail lacquer in 9 colors ($11.49) & OPI Barbie Collection Xpression Nail Art in 2 sets ($15.99) @OPI.

Which color is your favorite? How often do you apply nails? Are you excited about seeing the Barbie movie? For more stylish posts, check out: Joyspun sleep dresses for day too, colorful gauze tank & short sets, & Olivia Wilde & Taylor Swift in white midi skirts! Happy Styling!

Beauty Buys: A Jade Roller & Rose Quartz Gua Sha Stone!


The countdown to 40 begins! In six months, I’ll be entering a whole new decade, having spent these six months doing any & everything I can (with doing anything drastic) to improve my health & wellness. This includes stress relief & skincare, which is why my recent purchases of a jade roller & some rose quartz is the focus of this post!

SHOP: Mei Apothecary mini Jade facial roller beauty tool @Target ($9.99).

SHOP: Mei Apothecary mini rose quartz gua sha facial massage beauty tool @Target ($7.99).

I’ve only been using both for a few days & I haven’t seen any results; however, I feel calmer & my face feels less tense. I have a lot of sinus issues & this massage definitely technique, as directed on the packaging, at least 1-2 times a day, results in a relaxed feeling across the face & neck.

Also, I’ve invested in various body massages for shoulder & back pain & they’ve always been too intense or uncomfortable to operate, but the roller & stone allows me a few minutes to feel centered internally & tactilely relieved.

Are stones or rollers a regular part of your skincare routine? What alternative methods do you use to relieve stress on your face? How often do you seek out methods to reduce puffiness? For more stylish posts, check out: long cardigans for spring, the stylish red carpet from the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards, & a silver anti-statement necklace for under $6! Happy Styling!

Beauty Buys: The Frostiest Winter Nail Polish!


As stated in previous Beauty Buys posts, I do love a metallic & glittery nail polish by Essie or Sally Hansen. Always have, always will! This week, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my Sally Hansen Insta-dri nail polish in “Silk is…” @Target ($5.29) lasted from Sunday to Friday! I did use a top coat, but I have to say that I’m really impressed by not only the endurance of this nail polish, but also the pretty, frosty hue for this festive, holiday season.

The polish, which only required 2 coats (but then I applied Sally Hansen’s Diamond Shine Top Coat, is also available in light blue, silver, baby pink, & burgundy. While I usually gravitate towards bronze, rose gold, & silver polishes, this will definitely enter the regular nail polish rotation & I may even reapply it for next week’s work week to have something pretty to look at while I’m grading an ocean of final essays!

Which brand do you trust for nail polish? What holiday hues are you wearing? Do you prefer metallic or matte polishes? For more stylish posts, check out: Nicki Minaj’s fashion flashback for her 40th birthday, the perfect metallic bags from Target for the holidays, & LOFT’s chic velvet pull-on pants that are a must-have this season! Happy Styling!

Beauty Buys: The Best Black Nail Polish by Sally Hansen!


If you’re looking for a stylish & no-fuss way to incorporate some Halloween glam into your everyday look, my best recommendation would be to find some black nail polish. Of course, a glittery black is fabulous, but a classic matte black polish goes a long way!

Sally Hansen is one of my favorite nail polish brands for their affordable prices, variety of hues, & durability!

SHOP: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color in black out @Target ($2.99).

Do you wear festive nail polish? Do you prefer a matte or sparkly black? What’s your favorite nail color brand? For more stylish posts, check out: Anne Hathaway on the cover of Vogue Hong Kong, a fashion flashback for Gabrielle Union’s 50th birthday, & Julia Roberts’ best red carpet looks in black! Happy Styling!

Beauty Buys: Sally Hansen’s New Miracle Gel Nail Polish Inspiration by Netflix’s The School for Good & Evil!


When it comes to nail polish, I’m pretty committed to metal hues on the regular, such as rose gold, copper, gold, silver, & bronze; however, I do love a metallic finish for other colors, such as purple, blue, green, pink, black, & white. Just in time for the spooky Halloween season, Netflix’s The School for Good & Evil has inspired Sally Hansen’s new line of beautiful miracle gel nail polishes.

SHOP: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel x The School for Good & Evil Nail Polish in True Beauty Comes from Within, The Storian, Lovey Dovey, Good is Great, Fresh Villany, It’s Better Being Bad, Magic Mirror, & Color Lesson Go @Target ($8.29).

The film, streaming on October 21st, features an all-star cast that includes, High School Musical: The Series star Sofia Wylie and newcomer Sophia Anne Caruso, along with Cate Blanchett, Charlize Theron, Kerry Washington, Michelle Yeoh, Laurence Fishburne, Patti Lupone, Rachel Bloom, & more!

Catch the trailers below & get inspired to add some drama & sparkle to not only your wardrobe, but your nail arsenal too:

Do you like the colors in Sally Hansen’s collection, which is your favorite? Where do you typically shop for affordable & trendy beauty buys? Are you excited to see The School for Good & Evil? For more stylish posts, check out: the perfect cami for holidays & work, stylish Halloween bling, & velvet ballet flats from Old Navy! Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: Selena Gomez Celebrates the Kind Words Launch of Rare Beauty in Alexander McQueen!


Selena Gomez is at it again! No, she’s not solving murders, like her character, Mable Mora, does on Only Murders in the Building. No, she’s not cooking up a feast for her friends & family, like she does on the hit HBOMax show Selena + Chef. No, she’s not singing her heart out, like she did on her most recent album, Revelacion. This time, she’s promoting her new lipstick & lip liner launch for her cosmetics brand, Rare Beauty, Kind Words in effortless, mature, & elegant style.

The mogul & entertainer stepped out in a Santa Monica Sephora wearing a blazer mini dress with lace detailing by Alexander McQueen (shop similar here) from the Fall/Winter 2022 collection, finished with Jimmy Choo Minny sandals in black (shop here), maintaining a polished, professional, & posh style for yet another blogworthy appearance, as seen below.

In an email interview with Harper’s Bazaar last month, Selena revealed the process behind developing the Kind Words matter lip colors, along with her favorites, stating: “I wanted to create a classic lipstick that’s truly comfortable. Every shade is easy and wearable, and just perfect for every day…This is everything I’ve ever wanted in a lip liner. Super smooth and doesn’t tug on your lips and made to last all day without feeling sticky.”

In the same Harper’s Bazaar piece, Selena adds, “I’ve been testing and wearing these products for the past year with my friends and makeup artists. This year, I’ve worn the lipstick and liners to the SAG Awards, Critics Choice Awards, Only Murders in the Building press days, and on my days off…I can’t stop wearing the new Kind Words Matte Lip Liner in Fun, which I have been pairing with the Kind Words Matte Lipstick in Lively. Fun is a beautiful neutral mauve, and Lively is more of a rose-pink shade, and they complement each other well. If I want a bold lip look, my go-to is Gifted, which is a deep dusty plum. That’s what I’m wearing in the campaign! The lipsticks and liners are so easy to wear, because they’re comfortable and creamy, so the lips stay soft and supple. I love this collection because every shade is wearable and perfect for an everyday look whether I’m mixing and matching or wearing the same shades.”

Check out the below video, from Beauty Velle, for a glimpse into Selena’s Kind Words collection in rich matte hues for any occasion:

For $15-$20, the liners & lipsticks seem like a worthy investment, if you’re the lipstick-loving type!

Are you excited for Selena’s next beauty venture? Which hues are your favorites? Do you wear any of her cosmetics? Which celebrity beauty line do you follow & love the most? What’s your lipcare routine? For more stylish posts, check out: Zendaya’s disco glam cover for Vogue Italia, Margot Robbie & Ryan Gosling dressed as Barbie & Ken for the new live action film Barbie, the best red carpet looks from the 2022 Daytime Emmys, including Drew Barrymore & Kelly Monaco, & the most daring red carpet styles from the 2022 BET Awards, featuring Janelle Monae & Blac Chyna! Happy Styling

Beach Bound & Weekend Totes!


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!

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.

Some summer must-have items that I have my eye on for inside my go-to tote include:

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.

What are your summer must-haves? Where are you headed on weekends for some fun in the sun? Where are you shopping for affordable travel pieces? For more stylish posts, check out pretty pendant necklaces from Kohl’s & LOFT, Victoria Beckham’s neon high heels, & New York & Company’s most popular maxi dress! Happy Styling!

Ad Madness: Eva Mendes for Estee Lauder’s New Dimension Skincare!


Eva Mendes for Estee Lauder's New Dimension Skincare

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.”

Eva Mendes in a red Halston Heritage dress at a mall in Miami for Estee Lauder New Dimension skincare & a belted floral dress at the airport.

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.

What beauty products do you trust with your skin? Are you a fan of the New Dimension line from Estee Lauder? What concerns do you have about your skincare? Shop around for the best deals on Estee Lauder at Macy’s, Nordstrom, Sephora, Bloomingdale’s, & Neiman Marcus. For more posts, check out the newest from The $100 Challenge featuring an affordable summer dress for every size, the latest red carpet looks from Halle Berry & Olivia Palermo, Dress Barn’s Calvin Klein design for less, & Taylor Swift’s fashionable music videos from her 1989 album. Happy Styling!

Ad Madness: Gwyneth Paltrow’s Marilyn Monroe Transformation for Max Factor!


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.

Gwyneth Paltrow for Max Factor 01The 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.

Gwyneth Paltrow for Max Factor 02 Gwyneth Paltrow for Max Factor 03 Gwyneth Paltrow for Max Factor 04 Gwyneth Paltrow for Max Factor 05

Max Factor’s aim is to continue celebrating a landmark of 100 years of glamour, under the direction of creative director Pat McGrath, also behind the previous campaigns. To achieve Gwyneth’s flawless Marilyn look, check out Boots for Max Factor’s clump defy volumizing mascara & masterpiece color precision eyeshadow in Pearl Beige & Coffee, as well as Superdrug for Max Factor’s color elixir lipstick in Bewitching Coral.  

For more stylish posts, check out Jennifer Lopez’s wide leg pants trend & look-alike items for less, five must-have holiday-ready affordable accessories, & TV-inspired style from shows like Scandal, 2 Broke Girls, & more! Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Fall Wardrobe Inspiration from Returning TV Favorites!


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

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.

Scandal inspired look.

To recreate Olivia’s style, I found the Jessica Simpson toggle double pocket coat ($99.99) @TJX.com, & paired it with chic separates like the flutter sleeve blouse ($39.95) in black @New York & Company, which is also available in white, & the studio stretch tab waist slim flare columnist pant ($39.90) in black @Express. In keeping with the character, I thought the lovely Lolita satchel ($39.00) in ivory / black @Charming Charlie was just the right touch. Lastly, for some more Olivia Pope inspiration, be sure to check out the new Scandal collection for The Limited, which hit stores 9/23!

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New Girl

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.

New Girl inspired look.

Just about any ’50s/60s-inspired frock will do for recreating Zooey’s on screen look as Jess. This includes the ‘storytelling it like it is’ dress ($39.00) in blue @Mod Cloth, which can be mixed & matched with other bold solids or layered with a floral cardigan. Also, try the Worthington long sleeve crew neck sweater ($19.99) in Lafayette rose @JC Penney over a classic button down shirt or with a mini flip skirt & opaque tights. Jess believes in wearing strong, yet playful pieces like this stripe high waisted full midi skirt ($24.99) in black & white @Charlotte Russe, which will only make her nerdy Durand frames ($95.00) in whiskey tortoise @Warby Parker all the sexier!

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The Mindy Project

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.

The Mindy Project inspired look.

To build a Mindy-friendly look, I found these gorgeous pieces to mix & match with other bold separates. This includes the double breasted hooded trench ($64.00) in khaki @Dress Barn (for plus size, click here), short sleeve lace dress ($108.00) in chrysanthemum red @LOFT, Merona 3/4 sleeve v-neck cardigan ($16.08) in lime juice print @Targetplaid 2-button jacket ($138.00) in berry plaid @The Limited, & berry blast handbag ($47.00) in fuchsia @LuLu’s. Of course some of these are pricey pieces, but I’ve come to believe that there are certain pieces worth investing in, like a blazer with endless color combination possibilities, or a day-to-night dress.

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Revenge

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).

Revenge inspired look.

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

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.

Nashville inspired look.

For Rayna’s all-American look, I choose the Harper denim jacket ($54.50) in dark wash @GbyGuess, classic rise slight curve slim jeans ($24.90) in extra shade @Levi’s, & Calimesa tie dye loop scarf ($24.00) @Francesca’s, which can be worn with a sequined tank, graphic tee, or cropped top. Then, to channel Juliette’s playful & sexy stage look, I found the sequined tailored dress ($69.99) @Mango Outlet & Michael Antonio ‘Mains’ booties ($29.94) in black @DSW, which makes for a great night-out outfit that can also be accessorized with bangles & drop earrings.

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2 Broke Girls

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.

2 Broke Girls inspired look.

For Caroline’s look, I was excited to find the Casual Couture by Green Envelope long sleeve surplice jersey top ($29.00) @Bluefly, Jcolor casual pants ($24.00) in khaki @YOOX, & Madden Girl Getta pumps ($39.95) in nude @Zappos. Also, for Max’s style, I loved the Joe Fresh boyfriend plaid shirt ($24.99) in navy @JC Penney, Juicy Couture knit skinny jeans ($36.99) in black @Kohl’s, & buckled strap slouchy boots ($34.90) in black @Wet Seal. Each piece is fall-ready & great for layering for a day out with the girls or a casual chic dinner with friends.

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The Good Wife

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 Margulies as 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.

The Good Wife inspired look.

Start building a professional wardrobe like Alicia’s with strong-shouldered jackets that have unique details & cuts. These will look great with any go-to pair of trousers. As toppers, I picked the ANNE KLEIN Single Button Houndstooth Blazer ($129.00) from Lord & Taylor & H&M‘s fitted jacket ($49.95) in gray mélange. Also, an easy way to complete the look is with the Roz & Ali smart fit trouser pants ($34.50) in black @Dress Barn, which are also available in straight leg, plus sizes, & petites.

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REID EWING, SOFIA VERGARA

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.

Modern Family inspired look.

Straight from Sofia Vergara’s collection for KMart, including the longsleeve wrap tunic ($19.99) in red, faux wrap dress ($29.99) in animal abstract, & embellished blazer ($39.99) in white. Since Gloria is always seen in high heels, I knew a classic, yet sexy black pair of platforms would do the trick in recreating the look, which is why I found the Fergalicious holler back shoes ($23.98) from 6PM.

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Elementary

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.

Elementary inspired look.

To achieve Joan’s chic style, I picked the Dantelle open pleat front cardigan ($39.00) in ebony @Nordstrom, leggings ($34.50) in black @J.Crew, tulip back knit blouse ($14.80) in silver black @Forever 21, canvas utility jacket ($39.94) in arugula @Old Navy, knit infinity scarf ($12.00) in black @Target, & Qupid cuffed side-zipper chunky heel ankle boots ($42.99) in black @Charlotte Russe.

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Hart of Dixie

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.

Hart of Dixie inspired look.

To get you Zoe look, try getting inspired with the Liz Claiborne long sleeve blouse ($30.00) @JC Penney, hue leatherette leggings ($48.00) in black @Nordstrom, faux leather moto jacket ($39.80) in black @Forever 21, & Jessica Simpson Adriana mixed -media ankle booties ($94.99) in charcoal @Saks Off Fifth. For a classic Lemon look, you’ll love wearing the Joan Vass wavy sequin crewneck sweater ($47.25) @Neiman Marcus Last Call, scuba midi skirt ($42.50) in peach dusk @New York & Company, Bare Necessity plain pointy heels ($21.30) in fuchsia @GOjane, & No Business Like Show Business dress ($30.99) in poppy @ModCloth.

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Which show are you waiting for? Which character do you think is the most stylish? Which returning fall shows did I leave out? For more stylish posts, be sure to check out Fashion Week runways from Carolina Herrera & Michael Kors, my newest Target dress purchase, textured jackets from Alice + Olivia & Dress Barn, & Altuzarra’s new collection for Target! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Loving A Little Leopard, Inspired by Heidi Klum, Miranda Kerr, & More!


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.

Olivia Palermo, Miranda Kerr, & Heidi Klum

Trendsetter Olivia Palermo styled 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 Kerr was 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 Klum shows 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.

leopard images

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 Moss in an embellished leopard jacket. Scarlett Johansson added 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.

Kate Moss for Vogue UK, Scarlett Johansson in a Vivienne Westwood dress & Christian Louboutin pumps, Leopard earrings by River Island, Sally Hansen leopard nail stickers, leopard scarf from Kohl's, & Escada leopard panel dress from Neiman Marcus.

How do you like to wear leopard? What’s your favorite leopard accessory? Which leopard pieces are your favorites? Happy Styling!

Watch The Style: Scarlett Johansson & Matthew McConaughey Star In Dolce & Gabbana’s “The One”!


Dolce & Gabbana - The One, featuring Scarlett Johansson & Matthew McConaughey

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.’

For more celebrity videos, be sure to check out previous posts, including Robert Pattinson for Dior Homme, a behind-the-scenes look at Chloe Grace Moretz for Glamour, Rooney Mara starring in ‘Downtown’ for Calvin Klein, & Nicole Kidman’s debut campaign for Jimmy Choo! Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Robert Pattinson Stars In The New Ads For Dior Homme!


Robert Pattinson for Dior's Dior Homme

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.

What do you think of these images? Does the English-born actor fit the Dior image? For more celebrity ads, check out previous posts including Michelle Williams for Louis Vuitton, Rooney Mara for Calvin Klein’s Downtown fragrance, Diane Kruger for Chanel skincareNicole Kidman for Jimmy Choo, & Adam Levine’s debut fragrance line!

Beauty Buys: Downton Abbey-Inspired Beauty Line Debuts In October!


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Season four of Downton Abbey may still be far away (January 2014!), but we can reap the joys of the successful British drama with a new beauty line inspired by your favorite characters. The PBS series has teamed up with UK retailer Marks & Spencer for a collection of goods sure to elevate your level of beauty sophistication including lip balms, candles, soaps, & bath goodies. The collection ranges in price from $8-$19, perfect for stocking stuffing for that Crowley Family fan in your life!

What’s next? A Walking Dead cosmetics line? Game of Thrones fragrance collection? Just kidding! What do you think about this beauty line? For more posts from Beauty Buys, check out Jessica Chastain’s ad for Yves Saint Laurent‘s “Mainfesto” perfume, the Revenge-inspired scent “Double Infinity,” Chanel’s classic nail polish hues, & Kate Winslet for Lancôme! Happy Styling!

Ad Madness: Jessica Chastain’s Latest Yves Saint Laurent Fragrance Ads!


Beauty & fashion are synonymous with the leading ladies of the big screen, as well as how we determine our desires. Maybe that doesn’t make sense, but while looking over my previous posts for Ad Madness, I’ve found that Oscar nominees & winners have a history of lending their image to both beauty products & fashion collections. This list already includes Jennifer Lawrence‘s debut ads for Dior, as well as Marion Cotillard‘s collaboration with Lady Dior & Natalie Portman for Diorshow Iconic Overcurl mascara. Also, there’s Christoph Waltz for Prada menswear, Rooney Mara for Calvin Klein’s Downtown, a behind-the-scenes look at Kate Winslet for Lancôme, Kate Hudson for both Almay & Ann Taylor, Rachel Weisz for Bvlgari’s Serpentine collection, & Brad Pitt‘s highly publicized monologue for Chanel No. 5.

Last fall, Hollywood’s it-girl Jessica Chastain made her debut as the face of Yves Saint Laurent‘s fragrance Manifesto. it looks like the ad campaign is evolving with a more dramatic edge, showing the raw beauty of the two-time Academy Award nominee in all-black looks with a smoky eye & Veronica Lake-inspired curls. These latest photos were taken by Max Vadukul & under the direction of YSL’s creative director Hedi Slimane. For those of you who haven’t taken a whiff of the $82.00 fragrance, it effervesces with luscious notes of bergamot, green accord, sambac jasmine, wood & vanilla.

Jessica Chastain for Yves Saint Laurent Manifesto 01

Jessica Chastain for Yves Saint Laurent Manifesto 02

These are quite the departure from the previous ad campaign, featuring the Zero Dark Thirty star rolling around in purple paint, as well as bidding on her art work in a gold auction room, as seen in the video below.

For more celebrity posts, check out the latest July magazine covers featuring Amy Adams & Shakira, Adam Levine’s self-titled debut fragrance, recent red carpet looks from Jennifer Lopez & Hailee Steinfeld, Lily Collins on the cover of next month’s Glamour, LWD looks on Angelina Jolie & Kerry Washington, & a gallery of this year’s CFDA red carpet featuring Sofia Vergara & Karlie Kloss! Happy Styling!

Beauty Buys / Watch This Style: ABC’s Revenge Gets Its Own Fragrance, Double Infinity!


Revenge's Double Infinity fragrance

In the past, fashionable television shows have included Sex & the City, Gossip Girl, the long-running Mad Men series, & now we can currently add ABC’s primetime soap, Revenge, to the frothy & glossy mix, which often includes to-die-for runway looks brought to life by the show’s leading ladies: Emily VanCamp (Emily), Ashley Madekwe (Ashley), Madeleine Stowe (Victoria), & Christa B. Allen (Charlotte). However, now the show, which will premiere its third season in the fall, is debuting its own beauty line, including a fragrance called Double Infinity, paying homage to Emily’s infinity tattoo, which drives her throughout the story. InStyle shares that “The red bottle boasts a dramatic combination of jasmine, peony, & pink pepper, with citrus notes like grapefruit & orange blended into the mix,” which sounds delightful enough to try. It’s sold @Kohl’s, ranging in price from $39-$49, a perfect pre-stocking stuffer gift for the Revenge fan in your life.

Catch up with the series in the video below & share which episodes & characters are your favorites. Will you be checking out this new fragrance inspired by the show? For more posts from Beauty Buys, check out Adam Levine’s latest fragrance ad campaign, Chanel’s celebration of nail polish, & Gwyneth Paltrow’s collaboration with Butter London! Also, for more stylish videos, check out the trailer for HBO’s Love, Marilyn documentary, a behind-the-scenes look at Lily Collins’ cover shoot for Glamour, & Prada’s Fall / Winter 2013-2014 Menswear ad campaign! Happy Styling!

Beauty Buys: Adam Levine Talks About His Debut Fragrance!


Adam Levine fragrance

Maroon 5 frontman, Adam Levine, has been expanding his horizons beyond music with an appearance in the last season of American Horror Story, & now he can add fragrance entrepreneur to his resumé with his debut self-named women’s & men’s scents. In the video below, he starts off by sharing that he’s always hated celebrity fragrances, but then goes into detail why the idea of him backing a scent & getting involved in the process. While the singer is sincere with his intentions, the sexy rock & roll side comes out with flashes of video during his lengthy description.

To shop Adam’s perfumes & colognes, check out Ulta, Macy’s, BonTon, & Perfume Emporium. What do you think of Adam’s latest venture? Would you try or wear his fragrance? For more posts from Beauty Buys, check out Chanel’s homage to classic nail hues, behind-the-scenes with Kate Winslet for Lancôme, Natalie Portman for Dior’s mascara, & Evan Rachel Wood & Chris Evans for Gucci Guilty Black. Happy Styling!

Watch This Style / Beauty Buys: Chanel Celebrates Classic Staple Hues!


My personal nail art style includes anything sparkly or metallic. I’ve been working so much this later-spring / early-summer already, I have to keep my nails short, which means that I’m looking for a lot of neutral metallic shades, like a glittery rose gold & other non-matte shades. However, it’s these classic hues that are the focus of the latest video from Chanel, called Couleurs Culte de Chanel.

The 30-second feature includes the legendary Chanel logo, as represented through nail colors like Pirate, Particuliere, & Rouge Noir. Each lacquer whether bold & bright or sleek & neutral costs $27.00 a bottle at the brand’s official website. To shop more beauty products from Chanel, be sure to check out Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, & Neiman Marcus.

For more posts from Beauty Buys & Watch This Style, check out previous posts, including Gwyneth Paltrow’s collaboration with Butter London, behind the scenes with Kate Winslet for Lancôme, Kerry Washington’s cover shoot for ELLE, Kate Upton’s debut cover for next month’s Vogue, & the trailer for Karl Lagerfeld’s Once Upon A Time, starring Keira Knightley! Happy Styling!

Beauty Buys: Gwyneth Paltrow’s Latest Nail Polish Collaboration With Butter London!


Gwyneth PaltrowIn the last year, nail polish has made a big comeback, especially with the trend in nail art, thanks in part of quirky New Girl star Zooey Deschanel. However, she’s not the only star lending a hand to the culture of nail polish. Oscar-winner Gwyneth Paltrow has collaborated a second a time with Butter London to create spring-ready sets, perfect for everyday looks, dramatic evening shades, & go-to neutrals, which will be sold exclusively on GP’s website, goop. This includes “Earth-friendly 3-free formula, which keeps harmful chemicals like DBP, formaldehyde, & toluene out of the mix,” according to InStyle.

Take a look below at Candy Coated Trio ($40.00) in a sweet pastel blue, lemon yellow, & cotton candy pink. Also, if you’re into sparkle with metallic shimmer (like me), the Stones Set ($40.00) calls on emerald, sapphire, & amethyst hues. The Starkers Set ($40.00) is a perfect base for a neutral look, especially when you’re looking for a matte finish under a modern French manicure. Lastly, keep your nails healthy with Tops & Tails ($28.00), the famed base & top coats that Butter London is known for.

Butter London

Of course these collections aren’t exactly budget friendly, but if you like to invest in your beauty products, particularly ones that don’t use harsh chemicals, then maybe it’s worth it to keep your tips looking & feeling great.

Which sets do you like the best? Do you prefer matte or sparkly colors? How much do you invest in your nail polish collection? For more celebrity fashion / beauty posts, check out Kate Winslet for Lancôme, Rihanna’s debut collection for River Island, Jennifer Lawrence’s debut ads for Dior, behind-the-scenes with Natalie Portman for Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara, & the commercial for Gucci Guilty Black with Evan Rachel Wood & Chris Evans! Happy Styling!

Watch This Style / Beauty Buys: Behind-The-Scenes With Kate Winslet for Lancôme!


It’s no surprise that Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet has a cosmetics deal. The timeless beauty really knows how to pose in front of the cameras & I love how she’s always standing up for her shape. However, the spokesmodel for Lancôme has returned as the face of the brand, promoting their newest anti-wrinkle cream, Renergie Lift Multi-Action Reviva Concentrate, which sells for $120.00, which is pretty pricey, but perhaps there’s something to it!

Kate Winslet for Lancôme

The cream hits stores in April & while some of us still under 30 might not have to think about wrinkles, it’s always impressive to see how strong & inspiring women like Kate are celebrating their beauty. The actress recently told In Style, “A good eye cream is really important when you’re traveling, busy, &stress.” She adds, “That’s when the dark, puffy circles can get you!”

Watch the video below to get a sneak peek at Kate behind-the-scenes in London, shot by Miguel Reveriego. To shop Lancôme products, check out Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, HSN, Harrods, & Dillard’s! For more fashion videos, check out previous posts from Watch This Style, including the Fall 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection by Alexander McQueen during Paris Fashion Week, Chanel’s latest watch collection, La Montre PREMIERE, Lena Dunham discussing Season 2 of Girls, & Beyoncé’s Vogue March 2013 cover shoot! Happy Styling!

Ad Madness / Beauty Buys: Natalie Portman’s Lush Lashes For Dior’s New Mascara!


Natalie Portman in Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara

The celebrity ad campaigns continue on with Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman who returns to Dior for their newest Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara ($29.00), which is available @Sephora. Not only does Natalie look absolutely stunning, but I’m nearly convinced that I should drop my Maybelline mascara for this new Dior product which contains formula-strengthening ingredients like plant nectar and abyssinv oil.

Take a look at the short video clip below which reveals a behind-the-scenes look at the ad’s photo shoot. You can see the ad currently running in March issues of the best fashion & beauty magazines. For more Ad Madness posts, check out Gucci Guilty Black starring Evan Rachel Wood & Chris Evans, Kate Upton for Sam Edelman shoes, behind-the-scenes with Beyoncé for Pulse NYC, & Kate Hudson’s Almay cosmetics shoot! Happy Styling!

Ad Madness / Watch This Style: Evan Rachel Wood & Chris Evans For Gucci’s Guilty Black!


Evan Rachel Wood & Chris Evans for Gucci Guilty Black

For those of you who love the black & white noir angle of films like Sin City or Sucker Punch, then you’ll love the director’s cut for Gucci‘s latest men’s & women’s fragrance, Guilty Black. The sexy & dramatic commercial stars previous Gucci models, The Ides of March actress Evan Rachel Wood & the big screen’s Captain America, Chris Evans. Prices for the fragrance range between $80 – $90, with notes of pink pepper, coriander, patchouli, & orange flower.

For more celebrity ad campaigns, check out more Ad Madness posts including Kate Upton for Sam Edelman, Beyonce latest perfume, Pulse NYC, behind-the-scenes with Kate Hudson for Almay, & Amber Heard for Guess Girl. Also, for more stylish videos, check out Watch This Style posts like Keira Knightley’s Marie Claire shoot, Beyonce’s halftime show performance for the Super Bowl, & behind-the-scenes with Emmy Rossum for Self magazine. Happy Styling!

Ad Madness / Watch This Style: Behind-The-Scenes with Beyoncé For Pulse NYC!


Beyonce for Pulse NYC

Beyoncé is at it again! Not only is she this weekend’s Super Bowl halftime act & hitting the small screen for an upcoming documentary on HBO, but she’s recently shot an ad for her latest fragrance, Pulse NYC, inspired by her new hometown with a Gotham City-inspired bottle. The multi-talented singer has focused this scent on a woman who is “impossible to ignore, exuding sensuality & strength.” ELLE‘s Joe Zee styled the shoot, sharing metallic wardrobe pieces that resembling the mirrored buildings of the New York City.

Do you follow celebrity fragrances? Have you tried any of Beyoncé’s perfumes? Check out the video below to get a behind-the-scenes look at the photo shoot. To shop Beyoncé’s fragrances, shop Beyoncé Parfums, Macy’s, or Walmart! For more Beyoncé news, click on over to previous posts including a gallery from the 2013 Presidential Inauguration, Beyonce’s top 5 most stylish music videos, & my favorite video picks from Destiny’s Child! Happy Styling!

Beauty Buys / Ad Madness: Behind-The-Scenes At Kate Hudson’s Almay Shoot!


Kate Hudson for Almay

Kate Hudson is one busy lady! Not only is she returning as the face of Ann Taylor, working on her debut capsule collection for the store, & has recently appeared as a recurring character on Glee, but she’s also continuing her role as spokesmodel for cosmetics giant, Almay. Courtesy of InStyle, I was able to find behind-the-scenes images of Kate in action, showing off her beautiful features with Almay’s Intense i-Color Shimmer Eyeshadow ($6.00) in Bold Nudes, which is available @Ulta. This color trio is also available in blue, hazel, & green shades to match with your eye color.

Kate Hudson for Almay

What do you think about Kate’s modeling efforts for Almay & Ann Taylor? Do you use Almay cosmetics? For more from Beauty Buys & Ad Madness, check out posts including Victoria’s Secret latest nail polish launch, Sally Hansen’s sparkle-friendly polishes, Kirsten Dunst’s Bvlgari film, Mon Jasmin Noir, & Scarlett Johansson for Dolce & Gabbana’s Perfect Luminous cosmetics.  Happy Styling!

Beauty Buys: Victoria’s Secret Sexy New Nail Polish Launch!


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Nail art is about to get a whole lot sexier with the new launch of Victoria’s Secret’s latest collection of nail polish. For $10 a bottle, you can wear the same brilliant & elegant shades that were seen on the runway at last month’s Victoria’s Secret fashion show.

Courtesy of InStyle, I was able to scope out the entire collection which ranges in soft feminine hues, classic mattes, & sparkling glitter shades, perfect for day & date. My favorites include Steal the Show, Break the Rules, & Drama Queen. Additionally, there are loads of potential for fingertip fun with Boudoir, Backstage, & No Strings. For more VS beauty, check out the latest fragrances, body lotions, & cosmetics.

Which colors do you like the best? How much would you spend on nail polish? Happy Styling!