Runway Rundown: Lauren Conrad Gears Up For The Holidays with Paper Crown!


In a recent interview with In Style, Lauren Conrad describes her recent holiday collection for Paper Crown as “all about feeling feminine & festive.” During a recent appearance on Chelsea Lately, the designer modeled a long-sleeved lace mini dress which had my mind reeling b/c of its ladylike details & minimal elegance.

Take a look at the items, which range in price between $85.00 – $395.00 in stores like Nordstrom, Revolve Clothing, & Walk In Closet Boutique. Of cousre this is a way out of budget for me this season, but the effortlessness of these holiday looks that can be taken well into next year!  Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Kate Winslet for St. John’s Spring 2012 Campaign!


Oscar winner Kate Winslet is putting her best face forward, returning as a spokesmodel for St. John‘s spring 2012 campaign.  Thanks for an article I discovered on In Style, I’m able to share a sneak peek of the ads, which can be found in upcoming magazine spreads for spring fashion in February.

Also, in a related article that I came across on Fashion Etc., Kate’s quoted as saying “It has been a great experience working with St. John… I am very excited for this upcoming season. George [Sharp, the brand’s creative director] and St. John have created wonderfully chic and effortless styles for the modern woman.

What do you think of Kate in these ads? Are you a fan of St. John’s?  For more on celebrity fashion endorsements, check out Demi Moore for Ann Taylor & Hailee Steinfeld for Miu Miu.  Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Project Runway: Season 9 Winner, Anya Ayoung Chee’s Collection!


I love that I can post videos on here, so if you missed the finale of Project Runway’s ninth season, here’s a little clip of winner Anya Ayoung Chee‘s runway colletion via a slideshow on YouTube!  Do you think Anya should’ve won?  Who was your fan favorite throughout the season? Who’s your favorite designer from all nine seasons?  Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: Menswear Inspiration from Jennifer Aniston, Lady Gaga, & Evan Rachel Wood!


Menswear inspiration has made quite a comeback over the last few years & it looks like it’s not going away.  We have some amazing celebrity inspiration on how to recreate these looks, embracing the androgynous trend in the most chic & elegant way.  Evan Rachel Wood made a big splash this year in a Dolce & Gabbana suit with Salvatore Ferragamo heels at the Venice Film Festival & also a white Yves Saint Laurent suit with Neil Lane jewelry at the Ides of March premiere.  Fashionista Alexa Chung showed off some color-blocking & layering with a long-sleeved sweater, a button-down shirt, with gray skinny jeans & a red quilted Chanel crossbody bags.

Supermodel Kate Moss wore all-over gray in a slouchy top & trousers with cap toe heels for a Rimmel London event.  Naomi Watts sported her own interpretation of the vest & pants look in this all-white Stella McCartney design.  Jennifer Aniston shows a sultry black version in Dolce & Gabbana for the New York premiere of Five, with a peek-a-boo bra.  In a surprise turn of fashion, Lady Gaga showed up at New York City’s Beacon Theatre in this mustard Viktor & Rolf suit with a mini tube bra & plastic square sunglasses.

To shop for some menswear pieces like blazers, vests, trousers, & button down shirts, check out New York & Company, Express, Ann Taylor LOFT, & H&M.  For accessories to complete your look like belts, necklaces, bags, & shoes, check out some of my favorite stores like Payless, DSW, ALDO, & Steve Madden.

For more on Red Carpet Review, check out the looks from last month’s Emmy Awards, the top looks from the 2011 Toronto Film Festival, & Jessica Chastain’s Summer of Style.  Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Rachel Zoe’s Stylish Spring 2012 Collection!


My favorite celebri-stylist Rachel Zoe just keeps getting more & more fabulous, especially with her upcoming Spring 2012 Collection, sold exclusively @Neiman Marcus. The fashionable force behind Anne Hathaway’s eight costume changes at this year’s Oscar ceremony is a workaholic, but is changing the face of fashion, one Style Darling at a time.  I told my readers about her debut collection back in February & now I’m super excited to share this sneak peak at the upcoming spring line.

My inspiration was Brigitte Bardot, early ‘70s, south of France, super glamorous but never trying too hard, never forced, always easy,” she revealed to In Style during a recent interview. The collection includes textured, whimsical maxi dresses, tailored suits, & retro separates that are so easy to mix up with modern pieces like dark denim jeans or one-shoulder tops.

Of course this collection is out of the average Style Darling’s budget, but it’s always a good idea to check out the latest styles that are making headlines in the industry.  I love the merlot-hued suit, especially with the cropped pants, which just scream for extra high pumps.  Speaking of accessories, you can check out all of Rachel’s glamorous shoes & handbags on the Neiman Marcus website, including all apparel, ranging in price $225.00 – $650.00.

For more on the style behind Rachel Zoe’s empire, check out The Zoe Report, Zoe Beautiful, & AccessZOEries on her official website.  Also, aring Tuesday nights on Bravo, you can check out her always-entertaining reality show, The Rachel Zoe Project. Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review / Runway Rundown: Who Loves Dolce & Gabbana’s Stars Print? Fergie, Jessica Alba, Anne Hathaway, & More! That’s Who!


Dolce & Gabbana‘s latest fall / winter collection is headed for the stars- seriously! While playing with classic silhouettes in pencil skirts, flowy blouses, & oversized blazers, the mix of the celestial black & white pattern stands out even more with sequins, lace, animal print, & fur.  These are just a few of the very fabulous runway looks, courtesy of the official website. Even the separate items can be matched with dark denim skinny jeans, a bold tee, & colorful pointed tow heels & socks (as pictured).  To shop for these items, head over to Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Net-A-Porter, & Saks Fifth Avenue.  Which is your favorite?  Do you think stars look juvenile or luxury?

But if the runway isn’t somewhere you normally hang, take a look at the latest fashion magazine covers & their stylish cover girls, donning star-themed dresses by the famed fashion house.  This includes One Day‘s Anne Hathaway for Marie Claire, pop princess Britney Spears for Harper’s Bazaar, & everyone’s favorite Virgo, Beyonce for In Style!

And since this is a partial red carpet post… Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen a slew of celebs of all styles opting for astronomical-inspired looks, as opposed to the tradition go-to polka dots or a simple LBD for camera-ready events.  First there’s Rose McGowan shows off her figured in a ruches sweetheart dress, Fergie isn’t afraid of color in the yellow & black mini, a very pregnant Jessica Alba wears a comfortable & elegant halter, Rosario Dawson plays with voluminous sleeves, Olivia Wilde sneaks around in sequins, Kim Kardashian isn’t afraid to wear curve-hugging stars during the dat, & Lily Allen is ladylike in a white coat & black tights.  Lastly, Evan Rachel Wood & Solange Knowles take on this print in legwear, both pairing the pants with loose-fitting tops & a masculine black jacket!

For more on Dolce & Gabbana, check out our Style ABC’s (x3) post, featuring the gorgeous Scarlett Johansson as the brand’s cosmetic spokesmodel.  Also, check out past runway shows at In Style!  Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Karl Lagerfeld’s Stylish Line for Macy’s Starting August 31st!


The name Karl Lagerfeld is synonymous with luxury fashion, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to proudly own & wear a design by the legendary talent.  Thanks to In Style, we have a sneak peek at the his latest collection for the Impulse department, exclusively @Macy’s.  Prices range from $50 -$170, but if you wait for the right sale & take advantage of your Macy’s cardholder rewards, these very chic & modern looks can be yours for a steal! The genius behind brands like Chanel & Fendi said of the collection, “To me Macy’s is the perfect department store in the U.S. where everybody can find what they’re looking for without ruining their budget.

Which is your favorite look of the ones shown above?  I’m kind of crazy for the navy belted dress with those awesome tights!  That screams out for fall & some suede ankle booties!  Maybe I wouldn’t be sporting the cutoff leather gloves, but I can definitely see all of the dresses for a day at the office & mixed up with some metallic or patent accessories to dress up for cocktail hour!  For more looks by the designer, check out these links of Emma Watson, Diane Kruger, Katy Perry, & Blake Lively. Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Hailee Steinfeld Starring in Miu Miu Ads!


While we’re not seeing Hailee Steinfeld on the runways of Paris or Milan, we are seeing her take runway looks straight from a photo shoot into the laps of fashion magazine readers everywhere!  The Academy Award nominee has been named the new spokesmodel for the latest campaign by designer Miu Miu.  Here we can see the ads, starring the fourteen-year-old actress as very serious, sultry, vintage, & downright beautiful!  After recently catching her breakout role as Mattie Ross in True Grit, I was blown away b/c I knew how gorgeously she debuted on the red carpet during last year’s awards season. She’s following in the footsteps of Katie Holmes, Vanessa Paradis, & Kirsten Dunst who have each previously modeled for the brand.

I usually don’t say how much I love muted colors like brown & navy, but I can see how a young girl like her can make these pieces work in her everyday professional life.  Of course, Miu Miu is an expensive brand name, but we can translate the idea of pairing these colors of silhouettes together & confidently stand as Style Darlings! Also, for those of you who don’t know, Miu Miu is a brand derived from the house of Prada.  It’s also a nickname to designer Miuccia Prada.

When I hear Prada, I can’t help but think of young Hailee b/c she has been seen so frequently sporting looks by the designer. She’s such a perfect fit, exuding youth, sophistication, & a modern sensibility when it comes to fashion.  I wish I was so lucky at that age!

First Hailee is wearing a long sleeved shift dress by Miu Miu at the brand’s fashion show.  Next, she sports the swan trend (yes, there is one!) at the 61st Berlin Festival celebrating the premiere of True Grit.  She went for edgy stripes in Prada for the 17th Annual Screen Actor’s Guild Awards (the same dress that Amanda Seyfried wore on the cover of Elle).  Last, she wears a dazzling sequined outfit with a tea-length skirt, & satin pumps to the Orange British Academy Film Awards.  So you see that she is already a trend setter at such a young age.  Keep an eye out for the actress who appears next in a remake of William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, as none other than Juliet! To check out more looks from the designer, head to Net-A-Porter, Shop Style, & Neiman Marcus. And if you’re looking to see more from Miss Hailee, take a look at In Style‘s profile of her best red carpet appearances!  Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Banana Republic & ‘Mad Men’ Style!


It’s impossible to suggest that TV does not influence fashion & vice versa.  Carrie Bradshaw anyone? Anyway, you better watch out for fall fashions at Banana Republic, where we’re seeing a straight-from-the-set collaboration of Mad Men‘s costumer designer Janie Bryant with the retailer.  Courtesy of In Style, we have a sneak peek at the fall line which will hit your local stores on August 10th!  Bryant told the magazine, “The collection is about dressing with effortlessly chic style, bringing a dressed up look to American style for the modern man and woman.”  You can pick being a Joan (Christina Hendricks), Peg (Elisabeth Moss), or Betty (January Jones), looking super sensational with a whole lot of vintage.  These separates are also great for pairing with more modern pieces like a one-shoulder top, boyfriend cardigan, skinny jeans, wide leg trousers, or cropped pants.  In addition, there are tailored mens looks included in the line, which you can spot by going to the magazine’s article.

*Note: The outfits in the picture to the far right are not sold at Banana Republic.  That is simply a promotional image to show the styles of three characters.  Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Matthew Williamson’s Collection for Macy’s!


 

 

 

Celebrities like Blake Lively, Selena Gomez, & Cat Deeley all love to wear designer Matthew Williamson’s creations, as we can see! If you don’t know who the English-born fashion innovator is, well you’re about to find out! You may even remember that Williamson created a line just for H&M back in 2009, which was a big hit among stylish stars like Sienna Miller & Thandie Newton.

 

In April, an exclusive line just for Macy’s will debut, featuring bright, bold color, fun separates, & plenty of cocktail looks. Items start at $24 & other pieces cost up to $300. If you’re a smart & savvy Macy’s shopper, you know where to find all the best discount offers.

In Style offers a sneak peek at the designer’s entire collection for Macy’s & I’ve picked out just a few of my favorites. Williamson shared with the magazine that his aim for the pieces is to “capture the essence of the mainline brand, with a focus on effortless glamour, dynamic prints, loosely structured silhouettes and pops of strong color.”

If spring has taught us anything, it’s that trench coats are timeless & this gorgeous cobalt-printed belted trench will instantly perk up any rainy day. This chartreuse one-shoulder dress with an embellished belt can be worn for any number of events like a cocktail party or a summer wedding with nude pumps. Romantic & wild graphic / animal-inspiration makes for a great dress for work, paired with a boyfriend blazer & chic shoulder bag. The boldness of this purple & neon blouse can be balanced with navy shorts & platform sandals for day or a black pencil skirt & cut-out pumps for night. This heart-printed romper can go from day-to-night as well with some ballet flats & a canvas tote, & then some metallic pumps & a bold cuff for a date. For any cool day of running errands, you’ll need an easy, casual look of a tee & walking shorts, paired with this graphic scarf & your favorite boat shoes.

After doing a little research, here are just a few of Williamson’s most fabulous pieces from his Spring 2011 Runway Collection, which can be purchased for a hefty price at Net-A-Porter. Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Gwen Stefani & L.A.M.B!


 

Gwen Stefani showed off her L.A.M.B. line at New York’s Fashion Week & its eclectic mix of inspirations are a fun & flirty blend of everything that we love about the No Doubt frontwoman.  In Style gives us a complete look at the line, but here are some of my favorites.  Gwen created six different styles which included Soldier Girls in military prints, Raga Muffin Girls wearing rasta-inspired looks, London Girls in English prep style, Buffalo Girls in Navajo printed knitwear, Mod Girls donning 60s inspiration, & Glamour Girls in all-black evening looks. 

While all of these looks are hip & trendy, Gwen’s vision is so accessible to everyday Style Darlings.  Featuring many layers that can be incorporated into your daily wardrobe, the entire line can be deconstructed & mixed & matched in several different ways.

 

 

To shop these looks at a hefty price tag, check out Shop Style & Shop Bop.  Of course, I’m all about the bargains, but how can you go wrong with amazing style inspiration like this? Gwen’s hip style has made headlines even before the birth of L.A.M.B., earning her the title of spokesmodel for L’Oreal Paris.

Her signature red lips & preppy / punk / glam coolness made her the perfect face of the brand.  If you’re a fan (and who isn’t?), take a look at Gwen’s other fabulous project, Harajuku Lovers, featuring a variety of adorably-packaged fragrances & accessories!  These are also sold at Zappos, Amazon, & Endless!

You can follow Gwen on Facebook & Twitter for all of the latest details on her upcoming projects! Also, check out her videos for “Cool,” “What You Waiting For,” & “Don’t Speak” (which are some of my favorite stylish videos!)!  Happy Styling!