Category Archives: Darling Of The Day

4/22/11 Darling of the Day: Vanessa Hudgens in Black & White!

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Looking ready for spring, Vanessa Hudgens rocked the black & white trend with some well-accessorized jewelry pieces & Mimi Plange metallic trousers. In addition, while attending a party at Hollywood’s Soho House, her black tank & animal-inspired sandals are the great foundation to build any look. This is great for work with a short-sleeved blazer, or a date night with a bold cardigan.

 

 

Affordable & blingy extras like this ring, bracelet, & necklace can be found at stores like Wet Seal & Forever 21.  Of course Vanessa could mix & match gold & white gold pieces or gold & silver ones since she’s got such a neutral background of black & white to work with.  A look like this can be worn with an animal print accessory like a headwrap or flashy neon sunglasses.  Happy Styling!

4/20/11 Darling of the Day: Drew Barrymore in J Brand & Catherine Malandrino!

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Drew Barrymore looks red hot in this rock chic outfit for the book launch of The Beauty Detox Solution. In J Brand jeggings, a shredded Catherine Malandrino leather jacket, & beige top, she plays up an edgy feel with feathered earrings, a layered pendant necklace, a chunky watch, & embellished clutch. Looking every bit a Style Darling, these pieces are perfect for your next party event if you wanna skip a cocktail dress or for a night out with friends.

 

 

These pieces are perfect for mixing it up, like the heels with some cropped cargos or the long, feather earrings with a jumpsuit! 

 

 

Try a belt over the tee with a wrap skirt & loafers!  Or break out your embellished clutch for a night out in a two-tone dress.  Happy Styling!

 

4/17/11 Darling of the Day: Gwyneth Paltrow Promotes New Cookbook in Neutrals!

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Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow is on a major press tour right now, promoting her new cook book My Father’s Daughter.  She made an appearance on Good Morning America in a beige sheath with a blush satin blazer by Alexander Wang & strappy sandals by Sergio Rossi.  This look is perfect for spring & the pieces can be mixed & matched in many different ways.  For a more trendy affair, add a chunky belt & some peep toes.  The jacket can be worn with jeans & a blouse or even with another sheath dress.  Leather sandals in cognac are really versatile for a maxi dress or a work look in a pencil skirt with a cardigan.  Shoes by Sergio Rossi range from $500 & up @Neiman Marcus, but this entire look only costs about $178!  For more red carpet looks that Gwyneth has donned, check out In Style, Style.com, & Harper’s Bazaar!  Happy Styling!

4/3/2011 Darling of the Day: Eva Longoria’s Pantsuit at the International Film Fair!

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Eva Longoria has been making a splash lately on the red carpet.  She celebrated the International Film Fair, wearing a tailored black & white suit, playing up the menswear trend.  These separates can be mixed & matched with different outfits.  This jacket can be worn with a sheath dress & strappy platforms.  Tux pants are cool for work with a belted sateen jacket & set of bangles.  Everyone loves a lace cami for under cardigans & pullover sweaters.  Peep toe shoes are classic with a LBD & to dress up a printed tank & skinny jeans.  

This look is popular among celebrities like Cate Blanchett, as featured in a Darling of the Day post in January, as well as Katie Holmes & Mila Kunis.  Happy Styling!

3/29/11 Darling of the Day: Zoe Saldana in a Leather & Denim!

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Avatar star Zoe Saldana has made a huge mark on the fashion scene in the last two years, having wowed critics at the 2010 Academy Awards in a decadently intricate & colorful Givenchy couture gown in shades like glitttering blush, lush lavender, & regal plum!  Here we have a much more casual, yet polished ensemble, complete for daytime with an oversized Diane von Furstenberg hobo, Decades Denim jeans, a leather biker jacket, & leopard heels.  Even on the red carpet, she looks effortlessly minimal, but this look can easily be glammed up for night with a clutch & smokier eye.

I’ve picked out some very affordable pieces to help recreate the look, including a mesh tank as a suggested garment for under the uber chic jacket.  To get Zoe’s rich red smile, check out Sephora’s Make Up Forever Professional Paris Rouge Artist Intense!

For more of her fabulous & stylish looks, take a look at our previous Darling of the Day post on Zoe, as well as EW‘s Pop Watch, Elle, & People Style Watch! Happy Styling!

3/23/2011 Darling Of The Day: Taylor Swift in Parisian Chic!

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Just this week, In Style featured Taylor Swift leaving a hotel in France, looking effortlessly Parisian chic.  Equipped with a casual striped tee, dressed up in a skirt with tights & oxfords,  the Grammy winner & country superstar brought her Southern style to the fashion capital of the world.   This is a perfect look for any day of shopping in any gorgeous city.  It’s really an elegant way to go about your day, without any fuss of too many accessories or too much print.  Miley Cyrus could take a style cue here! 
 
 
 
This look is so easy to make for yourself with a three-quarter sleeve striped tee, a tiered skirt, & sheer black tights!  Throw in your favorite shoulder bag, something in a neutral, or a navy satchel with your most delicate ballet flats & you’d be unstoppable! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sporting her signature loose & wild curls (that can be maintained even in the most treacherous weather with John Frieda spray) & classic red lips, the Cover Girl spokesmodel’s look truly makes her a Darling of the Day! Happy Styling!
 

2/26/11 Darling of the Day: Malin Akerman’s Rock of Ages Red Carpet Look!

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Swedish-born actress & current star of the biopic Inferno: A Linda Lovelace Biopic, Malin Akerman stepped out in Los Angeles recently for the premiere of Rock of Ages, looking simply chic.  This image of the beautiful blonde in a flyaway cardigan & leather skinny pants comes courtesy of In Style‘s Look of the Day.  These very basic pieces in neutral colors can be put together in an elegant way.  Leather skinnies are the new dark denim.  If worn with just the tank, Malin would be showing off some rocker edge, but the softness of the cardigan brings some feminine flair.  What’s even more fabulous is that these items total under $100!  This would be a perfect look for a date night or even as the actress is wearing it, for a night out on the town.

Check out some of my favorite of Malin’s looks, like in J. Mendel at the People’s Choice Awards, in Dolce & Gabbana at an Emmy after party, in Beverly Hills wearing Monique Lhuillier, & in a J.Crew bustier dress at the Going the Distance premiere. 

 

 

 

 

For more on Malin’s style, take a clicky over here to check out some of her most gorgeous red carpet looks.  Happy Styling!

2/6/11 Darling of the Day: Jennifer Aniston’s Casual Chic Day Out & Bottega Veneta Hobo!

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Jennifer Aniston is the quintessential California girl with a cool, casual style, but her laid-back, effortless glamour is what makes her a stand-out Style Darling.  The actress, whose career was jump-started by her iconic role of Rachel on Friends, has become a best “friend” to fashion with easy, yet timeless looks.  Even though the movie Picture Perfect wasn’t a colossal success, I have to say that I love her character’s style in it & that’s what originally made me notice how she wears clothes & doesn’t let them wear her. 

Here we’re taking a flash back to 2004 with Jennifer, who wears a perfect example of minimalism, yet chic flair.  In a clean white button-down shirt, bootcut jeans, & a pinstriped blazer, her outfit is executed with three very basic pieces.  She adds a Bottega Veneta hobo bag to accessorize her already cool pointed toe shoes & leaf charm necklace.  Wherever she’s headed, she means business!

The items that I’ve selected are all affordable- although the blazer (which is nearly a clone of the one Aniston is wearing) may be a little bit over budget for some.  It’s from Banana Republic, therefore its quality will stand the test of time.  You’ll definitely get your money’s worth by making the investment, but I also recommend some blazers from Ann Taylor LOFT, New York & Company, & Express to pair with any classic button-down. 

For more stylish accessories to choose from while you’re on a budget, I always recommend Forever 21, Payless, The Limited, & Style Find! Also, if your style inspiration takes you to a blend of feminine meets menswear, don’t forget to check out my post about Cate Blanchett & take a look at In Style‘s previous Look of the Day picks of Rachel Bilson, Thandie Newton, & Victoria Beckham. 

Happy Styling!

1/31/11 Darling of the Day: Rihanna in Stella McCartney- inspiring warmer weather!

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Rihanna took a stroll in New York back in August, doing what she does best- mixing & matching unlikely trends that work so well on here.  Here she is wearing a Stella McCartney boyfriend blazer over a sheer striped tee & cutoff shorts.  Her legs look a mile long with adorable polka dot Brian Atwood pumps that add a perfect touch of class to her edgy look.  Topped off with a bold red short ‘do & a single silver bangle, she’s a woman about town & no one can stop her.  Part of what I love about this look is that it mixes so many great pieces that most of us already have in our wardrobe.  If you’re at a loss for cutoff shorts, then maybe try a denim skirt, or if a sheer tee isn’t something you have, then layer up some tanks with a button down for the same casual chic effect.  Or if you don’t have polka dot heels, try something in an animal print or something striped.   

  

 

      

 

 

Although this was months & so many degrees warmer ago, it’s a look worth looking forward to honoring as soon as all this terrible snow in the Northeast clears up.  For more on Rihanna’s unbelievably fabulous no-fail style, check out these awesome links at InStyle, Elle, & Rihanna Daily.  Happy Styling!

1/30/11 Darling of the Day: Ali Larter at 2007 Emmy’s in Reem Acra!

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At the 2007 Emmy Awards, Heroes star Ali Larter wore a shining crimson gown by Reem Acra.  She was a favorite among critics for her effortless style & glamorous delivery of chic minimalism, while still channeling something Grecian too!  Red is sometimes hard to pull off on the red carpet, you wouldn’t want to blend in, but with the right accessories, this scarlet sweetheart satin gown is a stunning creation & perfect for her slim frame.  The simplicity of the dress screams for accessories & nothing will pop against this quite like diamonds or platinum, but if you’re a Style Darling on a budget, the perhaps sticking to chandelier earrings & a bauble of a cocktail ring will do the trick! 

 

                     

If you love red, then you have to see these dresses by worn on the red carpet like Anne Hathaway in Marchesa, Christina Hendricks in Romona Keveza, & Nicole Kidman in Balenciaga.  Happy Styling!

1/29/11 Darling of the Day: Kerry Washington at Sundance!

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 At this year’s Sundance Film Festival, Kerry Washington brings winter casual forward with a jacket from Ann Taylor, Hudson jeans, ring from Lia Sophia, & Rene Caovilla clutch.  Her knee boots, hoop earrings, & lace  top are items that most of us have in some form or another, but here at the premiere of The Details, she shows us again her effortless & trendy style.  Nothing completes an outfit like a blazer, but the Lakeview Terrace star makes hers a little more special for evening. For more on Kerry’s chic sense of style, check out In Style, Cosmopolitan, & Fashion Indie!  Happy Styling! 

                                        

1/28/11 Darling of the Day: Kate Mara in a Kenneth Cole LBD!

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Kate Mara may be an actress that you don’t know right away, but if you’ve had your eye on all the latest fashion magazines, the sister of the upcoming The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo star Rooney Mara, is about the blow up on the Hollywood radar.  She co-starred alongside James Franco in the Oscar-nominated 127 Hours.  Not to mention, having a small role in Iron Man 2, as well as Entourage, Kate is the newest redhead in town.  She didn’t just show up on the scene though, as this look is from 2008.  She’s wearing a Kenneth Cole tank dress with a leather motorcycle jacket, a red clutch, & embellished peep toe pumps.  She combines casual & chic, a touch of femininity & some roughness.  And she’s no stranger to fashion!  This look can easily be replicated to bring new life to your basic LBD. 

   

 

 For more on Kate’s style, check out this link from In Style & this archive from My Fashion Life. 

 

1/27/2011 Darling of the Day: Eva Longoria at this year’s Golden Globes!

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Eva Longoria was my favorite at this year’s Golden Globe awards, hands down (Olivia Wilde was a close second)!.  She went old school Hollywood in this all-black Zac Posen cap sleeve dress with an embellished belt.  For a petite actress, the dress really captures her curvy figure, and she doesn’t get swallowed up by the solid color or length.  Wearing Neil Lane jewels and accessorizing with a black rectangular clutch, she stole the show for the black dresses.  Part of what’s so spectacular about this look is that even though she had trouble walking in it during the ceremony, she showed off her natural confidence as her best asset.  I was so happy to see this design knocked off at an affordable price & it would be my first pick to try on for an upcoming formal event. 

 

 

For more on Eva’s street & red carpet style, check out this link & here too! Also look at Harper’s Bazaar profile of the newly single actress!  Happy Styling!

1/26/11 Darling of the Day: Reese Witherspoon in Colbalt!

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Reese Witherspoon recently showed up in this gorgeous cobalt blue Jason Wu cascade creation to help Avon celebrate its 125th anniversary.  The spokeswoman & Oscar-winning actress relies on her confident smile & some basic black pumps to show off her look.  She proves that sometimes that’s all you need- stick to something classic & timeless without any fuss.  Since my search only really included a dress & pair of shoes, I just so happened to stumble on two dresses that fall into this color family that are really similar & super affordable if you’re a fan of Reese‘s professional, yet elegant look. I choose these pumps that have a little touch of animal print to them for some extra flair at such an awesome price from Payless. 

 

 

 

 

Reese does love wearing blue, as you can see here at last year’s Vital Voices 2010 Global Leadership Awards in Washington D.C., here taking a stroll in Beverly Hills, & here at last year’s Golden Globe awards in Giorgio Armani Prive.  For more on Reese’s style, check out this link & here too!  Happy Styling!

 

 

 

1/25/11 Darling of the Day: Mandy Moore’s LBD & Red Heels!

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So this is day two of Mandy Moore‘s fabulous fashion choices.  She brings glamour & simplicity together in a little black dress with an adorable sweetheart neckline.  While at an event for her new movie Tangled, she shows off her newlywed glow & chooses a statement necklace & gorgeous red satin platforms for some old school charm.  Her song for the film, “I See The Light,” was just nominated for an Academy Award, which surely means that the multi-talented entertainer will be hitting Oscar’s red carpet next month.  In my search for fabulous look-alikes for today’s darling, these suede bow pumps kept popping into my head, so I just had to post them.  For that price, you could even invest the black pair.  Not to mention, Mandy’s elegant & understated stud earrings are easy to affordably find & here, I’ve offered up a set of nine pairs.  If you’re like me with multiple ear piercings, this is probably the chicest way to do up your lobes without looking too overaccessorized. 

 

    

If Mandy keeps this up, I’m sure we’ll be seeing her again tomorrow!  Happy Styling!

1/24/2011 Darling of the Day: Mandy Moore!

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Mandy Moore is one of my red carpet favorites.  She never dresses to upstage anyone, she’s very natural & seems like the kind of girl I’d want to go shopping with!  Here she is last month at the Los Angeles premiere of Frankie & Alice, in a dark grey three-quarter sleeve dress (maybe a sweater dress?).  She’s adorned in jewels by Miriam Haskell & Nicky Hilton.  She dons dark tights & black booties to complete her winter in California look.  The classic blend of dark colors is both sexy & understated.  Her statement necklace does all the work for her, drawing attention to her soft makeup & curls. 

                 

   

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re a big fan of Mandy’s red carpet looks, take a clicky here & here.  Another way to wear this look can be with textured tights and knee-high boots, or even with a blazer, belt, & drop earrings.   If you’re loving grey sweater dresses, take a look at this pick & this one.  Happy Styling!

1/23/11 Darling of the Day: Taylor Swift’s gown at last year’s Grammy’s!

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Taylor Swift‘s look from last year’s Grammy awards put her at the top of best dressed lists all over the fashion media world.  Not only does she look youthful, but she takes a risk with a modern neckline in this Kaufman Franco navy blue sparkled gown.  While most of us are bigs fans of her  music, she’s a big fan of the designer who she’s worn at several different red carpet events during the last year.  She sticks to her signature curly updo, which frames her face so nicely.  In addition to this deep sapphire stunner, she’s decked out in jewels by Ofira & Lorraine Schwartz.  Take a look at these less expensive investment pieces if you’re seeking to pay homage to the singer’s unforgettable look.  The gown is perfect for any time of year & can be accessorized with heavy drop earrings, while showing off some tasteful cleavage. 

   

Part of what’s so unique to her red carpet choices, aside from looking like a star, she’s a very accessible figure in fashion & age-approriate role model for her younger fans.  She looks both sexy & sophisticated, putting others who try too hard to shame.  If you’re a Taylor style junkie, check out this link to Glamour‘s guide & People Style Watch‘s profile of the versatile entertainer.  Happy Styling! 

1/22/11 Darling of the Day: Natalie Portman at the Golden Globes!

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At this year’s Golden Globes ceremony, Natalie Portman was the talk of the town as a favorite.  Her performance in Black Swan has earned her some serious Oscar buzz & her red carpet styles while promoting the film have offered up some glamorous fashoin cred.  After recently announcing her engagement & pregnancy, everyone in the world wanted a picture of the actress showing off her baby bump.  Here in a sweetly youthful, yet classic pink Viktor & Rolf strapless dress, a single red rose detail is carefully placed at the bustline.  Natalie glows like a joyful & elegant mother-to-be.  She’s decked out in a delicate string necklace & stud earrings, sporting a red Dior cluth, & hot red platform sandals. 

 

  

 

 

 

For more on Natalie’s effortless & always perfect style, check out Harper’s Bazaar & Marie Claire.  Keep an eye on for more red carpet fashions as we get closer & closer to the Oscars!  Happy Styling! 

1/21/11 Darling of the Day: Zoe Saldana!

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I went a little further back in the style logs to find today’s look.  While it’s still winter out & definitely mighty cold in New York, I was looking for a go-to comfortable, yet stylish ensemble.  Zoe Saldana wore this equestrian-inspired look to a Pepsi event in Los Angeles, just about this time last year.  This three-piece look includes a black turtleneck, fitted leggings, & knee-high boots, creating a lean & stylish way to wear your basics.  Perhaps you could subtitute a red turtleneck or maybe jeggings to add some dimension, but Zoe’s all-black look brings that LBD glamour to daytime. 

 To recreate this very basic look, my only advice would be to match up your blacks.  Sometimes, I’ve found, that some blacks look a little more gray, while others that may be washed out could appear green. To make your turtleneck look less frompy, make sure it hits right at your hips (if you have Zoe’s shape) & scrunch up the sleeves at your elbows. 

  

 Here are a few suggested accesssories, if you’re looking to jazz up a minimal look like this, but keep in mind that carefully picking out one item to be the star of your look is essential! 

                                        

For more stylish looks by the Avatar actress, here & here.  AND… if an outfit like this really tickles your style pickle, but you’re more of a risk-taker with your leggings, check out these by William Rast, these by BCBGeneration, & these by Miley Cyrus & Max Azria!  Happy Styling!

1/20/11 Darling of the Day: Sofia Vergara at the Golden Globes!

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Not only did Sofia Vergara wow on the red carpet in this corseted Vera Wang honeysuckle strapless gown, but hers is among the first to be knocked off (from what I’ve found). The actress was nominated for her hit comedy Modern Family & although she went home empty-handed, she sparkled throughout the night in dazzling jewels by David Webb.  This is the perfect dress for any curvy woman.  The black sash belt creates a waste & accents the inner va-va-va-voom vixen! 

 

A little extra frosting never hurt a Style Darling.  It would definitely enhance this glamorous Hollywood homage.  Although drop chandelier earrings were big during last year’s awards season, some looks just can’t do without them.  Stack on some glistening bangles & a big cocktail ring, but let your decolletage do all the work, otherwise you’ll look over-accessorized. 

                            

                          

For more of the gorgeous looks from this year’s ceremony, check out In Style‘s red carpet arrivals & this retailer‘s selection of celebrity-inspired gowns from red carpet events. Happy Styling!

1/19/11 Darling of the Day: Cate Blanchett in Menswear!

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Talk about sexy in menswear!  Although Cate Blanchett can sometimes be mistaken for an androgynous male alter ego (I’m Not There anyone?), she’s certainly one of the most versatile & respected actresses of today with a killer sense of style.

At a recent red carpet event, she wears a Dries van Noten pantsuit in classic black & white, but with white trousers & a black jacket.  How daring is she for winter?  With a hint of a peep toe & pink lips, she puts fashionistas half her age to shame!  A sharp look like this needs no other accessory (well, maybe a pair of studs doesn’t hurt!) than some attitude & confidence!

For more on Cate’s one-of-a-kind style, click here.

QUICK NOTE: I’ve become quite blog savvy in the last few days, what with inspiration from my trip to Italy thus making me a more ambitious writer & lover of style, so I’ve added a bunch of new features to my blogs, starting with this one.  If you grace your cursor over the image, you’ll see where the item is from & how much it costs, saving a great deal of text to what I hope is a more professional looking article.

While I continue to focus on celebrity looks, I will also endeavor to provide more style details about this history on the red carpet & so forth.  Any comments, questions, or suggestions, send them my way!  Happy Styling!

1/17/2011 Darling of the Day: Emmanuelle Chriqui!

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Entourage starlet Emmanuelle Chriqui rang in 2011 with some basic black & a splash of sparkle.  She’s wearing a Bird by Juicy Couture sleeveless blouse with skinny Habitual Denim leggings and platform booties.  She kept her accessories simply chic with bangles & drop earrings.  I choose a tank & a bib necklace to create the same effect as Emmanuelle’s top, which is a quick fix to dress up any basic. These boots are more ornate than the pictured pair, but they’re by Christian Siriano (yes, Project Runway winner) & they’re fabulous!  Also, they’re available at Payless, so you can’t go wrong with that!

1/17/11 Emmanuelle Chriqui