7/12/2012 Darling Of The Day / Basics For A Bargain: Anne Hathaway’s Cropped ‘Do, LBDs, & Audrey Hepburn Inspiration!


Anne Hathaway has hit the red carpet with a reinvented classic retro vibe, cad with her pixie cut (for Les Miserables), little black dresses, basic black shoes, & elegance pendant necklaces.  The Oscar-nominee is in full swing promoting her latest film, the major summer blockbuster The Dark Knight Rises. The Style Darling‘s looks are elegant, contemporary, youthful, & worth making her the Darling of the Day.

Since I couldn’t pick just one look that I loved, I decided to share the four most recent images of her Audrey Hepburn-inspired style.  Her short ‘do is perfectly understated while these leg-baring frocks reveal that the actress isn’t slowing down her glamour game just yet.  Included in these images are dresses by Dolce & Gabbana, Stella McCartney, & Givenchy, paired with Tory Burch ankle strap sandals.

Since there are so many fabulous details in the dresses above, I’ve found some affordable LBDs to help recreate Anne’s breathtaking noir turn.  First from Forever 21, we have the shawl collar surplice dress ($27.80) & the mesh yoke bodycon dress ($24.80), which is available in sizes XL – 3X. H&M has this belted dress ($34.95) which moves beautifully & can be dressed up with peep toes or worn casually with flats.  To show off your shape, I recommend the ponte knit sheath dress ($48.93) from Express.  If you’re looking to imitate the feel of Anne’s forth look above, head over to Lulu’s for the Motown black dress ($38.00). Lastly, since we are talking about one of the most sought after actresses in all the land, we need to step up our style game just a little & share the Jessica Howard sequin cap sleeve dress ($70.00) @JCP

Lastly, to help complete the look, I’ve searched high & low for some of the best accessories. This includes the Forever 21 oval locket necklace ($5.80) & floral pendant necklace ($1.50).  In addition, my shoe choices include the Brash Gemini flat ($26.99) from Payless (which I’ve previously featured in champagne), Charlotte Russe‘s fabric mouse ballet flat ($30.00), sueded ankle wrap pump ($35.50), & Michael Antonio Loveme patent pump ($40.00) @Zappos.

Which of Anne’s looks do you like the best? Would you ever rock a pixie cut? How do you feel about all the black-on-black? All comments & suggestions are always welcome, so please share! Check out more posts like this in Basics for a Bargain, Luxury Look-Alikes for Less, & Red Carpet Review! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal / Show Me The Shoes: Up To 60% Off @Nine West!


This summer is all about color & sparkle, but if we’re talking shoes, then you gotta have a platform! Nine West is currently having a sale with deals up to 60% off, including these Intuitive platforms ($39.00), which have been reduced from their original $99.00 price tag. Aside from the thick straps & classic buckle, I love that these shoes serve so many different purposes in each color.  You can be flirty & fun for day in aqua wearing a shorts romper, party with girlfriends in silver wearing a belted jumpsuit, get glamorous with the black velvet & sparkling pair & your favorite LBD, or shine by the poolside in gold donning a printed maxi dress.  There is also a pink style, which are reduced to $49.00. 

What style of shoe are you shopping for this season? Which is the next shoe you think I should feature in Show Me The Shoes? Happy Styling! 

Fashion Flashback: Marilyn Monroe & A Casual Look!


Since I’ve recently finished reading Blonde: A Novel by Joyce Carol Oates, Marilyn Monroe has been on my mind. Not only am I intrigued by her iconic status as a movie star, but also how influential her style still is today. Young starlets today continue to channel Marilyn’s curly blonde locks & sexy pin-up silhouettes on the red carpet. As Marilyn’s life was riddled with personal demons & rocky relationships, her life was tragically cut short & Hollywood lost one of its shining stars. We have preserved images of the forever-young beauty to inspire us for evening looks, weekends in the country, & daytime. Marilyn’s richly porcelain skin glistened against sexy whites & rich creams. Her voluptuous curves screamed sex appeal & lush femininity in sweetheart necklines & pencil dresses. Her blend of All-American & sultry radiated in dark denim & belted outfits with heels.  Here’s an effortless three-piece look that the misunderstood comedienne pulls off in true Hollywood style:

While this is a black & white image, here’s something understated that I found to represent Marilyn’s minimal off-camera style:

   

Top (American Apparel), Pants (Forever 21), & Shoes (DSW).

Keep an eye out for more blogs on Marilyn’s timeless style, as well as flashbacks of Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Vivien Leigh, Jean Harlow, & many more!  Happy Styling!