Category Archives: Super Style Wishlist

Runway Rundown: Project Runway Winner Dmitry Sholokhov’s Debut Collection for Lord & Taylor!

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It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Project Runway & was very happy with last season’s win for Dmitry Sholokhov, so when I found out that his debut collection hit the New York flagship store of Lord & Taylor, I was super excited to see the final product of all of his hard work. The line is full of the designer’s signature lines of structure, as well as feminine details like an above-the-knee hemline, waist-cinching silhouettes, delicate bows, modern cut-outs, & flirty lace.

Sholokhov recently shared with InStyle, “I received such an amazing response from my fans while on ‘Project Runway,’ and a million questions from different people about when and where they would be able to buy one of my designs… I tried to focus on every woman & every type of style… It’s my belief that each of my dresses offers something for everyone. My woman can be so different—she can be classy & chic, frivolous & young, sophisticated & elegant. She is happy with herself, ageless, always busy & full of energy.“

While the collection ranges in price from $259.00 – $329.00, we can hope that the expected success of such a well-received Project Runway winner can translate into a future collection for mainstream shoppers at Target or Kohl’s. Do you like the collection? Do you like Sholokhov deserved to win? Which is your favorite Project Runway season? Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Michelle Franklin’s Winning Look From Last Night’s Project Runway!

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To be completely honest, I haven’t loved this season of Project Runway like previous past seasons- perhaps its the constant struggle within the team dynamic. However, last night’s episode really got my attention as the designers were challenged to create a spring ready-to-wear look, inspired by the Lord & Taylor iconic American Beauty rose.

Project Runway. Lord & Taylor - JS Collections chartreuse shift dress $259.00. Michelle Franklin.

The winning look went to Michelle Franklin, which has been mass produced for sale in stores & online. What I love about the JS Collections chartreuse shift dress ($259.00) is the combination of neon silk with soft, yet unexpected details in the slate leather trim. This dress is so appropriate for this Spring 2013 season & it’s already selling out online! Only available in sizes 8-14, this is perfect to wear with strappy sandals on a day date, under a chic boyfriend blazer with pumps when headed for a fashionable meeting, or with ballet flats & stacked bangles for a sweet, mod look.

To check out the entire runway from the episode, head over to My Lifetime to see the other contenders. Who is your favorite designer this season? Do you agree with the judges’ choice on the winning look? For more Project Runway-related posts, check out a promotional sneak peek at Season 11, the final runway looks from Season 2 of Project Runway: All Stars, Season 10 winner Dmitry Sholokhov’s complete final collection, & the looks from last year’s Lord & Taylor challenge! Happy Styling!

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

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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!

Show Me The Shoes: The Stylish Story Behind J. Crew’s Latest Shoe Collection!

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I’ve been hearing lots of great buzz behind J. Crew‘s newest Italian-made shoe collection & now, I get it. Of course, I always have lots of love for all things shoes, but watching the video below brings me back to the Salvatore Ferragamo museum in Italy. So, for all you shoe lovers out there, this is definitely a post for you! When checking out more from the collection, I learned that these aren’t necessarily affordable shoes for every Style Darling on a budget, but there’s always something to learn from all ends of the retail / fashion spectrum. The line, which is produced in Pisa, Italy, ranges in price between $125 – $378, which is pretty steep, but when you hear the brand’s creative director, Jenna Lyons, talk about the love, artistry, & legacy that goes into producing the incredible footwear, it all begins to make sense.

“Anyone who thinks that a shoe isn’t informative about who you are is making a mistake,” says Lyons & that couldn’t be more on the nose! She adds, “There’s a sense of sparkle in a shoe, & I don’t mean the sparkle like sequins. I mean, you know, add a little extra…Shoes are like fairies, like that sort of little magical piece that finishes everything. I can throw on a silver, five-inch-heel pump, and all of a sudden, I feel a little bit prettier.“

What do you think of J. Crew’s footwear collection? Do these styles speak to your fashionable senses? How much would you be willing to spend on a killer pair of pumps? For more shoe-related inspiration, check out previous posts from Show Me The Shoes including trendy neon shoes, spring break-ready wedges, sexy crisscross stilettos from Forever 21, & 4 ideas for dressing up a graphic tee! Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Chanel Reinvents La Montre PREMIERE!

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In a world where everyone owns a cell phone, tinkers with a tablet on the subway, or uses other such jacked-up flat screen electronic devices at all times, it seemed unnecessary for me to wear a watch since a digital answer was just a click away. However, thanks to a very special someone <3, my favorite Hello Kitty watch has been revamped with a gorgeous new white leather band, a holiday gift which also included a new battery so that its inside hands may carry on. I’ve rediscovered my appreciation for a timepiece- not to mention the value of time, especially when it comes to cherishing the moments that can define a shared connection between two people. Such untimed flashes of emotion include hearing I-love-you & saying it back for the first time, getting lost in one another’s embraces outside during the first snowfall of a relationship & in the stark coldness of a brisk parking lot just before two cars pull away separately, or lastly, how there’s an automatic response to reach across a sticky table surface to hold one’s watch-adorned hand since those fingers belong entangled together more so than any invention with wheels or springs could ever measure. Yes, time has been on my mind.

While this post shares the latest in watch design from Chanel, wearing something with Hello Kitty’s pink-bowed face on it with rhinestones & a silver-tone frame from an Avon catalogue doesn’t necessarily fall on the same level of luxury. It’s still nonetheless valuable in more ways than I could ever put into words, always reminding me the hour of the day, as well the individual who I’ll hold in my heart as time continues to tick away- a metronome for when our song may commence again. To each their own…

However, in the recent down time that I’ve had while enduring the aftermath of last weekend’s winterstorm Nemo, I was able to catch up on some movies that were taking up space on my DVR, including Coco Before Chanel, starring the always lovely Audrey Tautou as the couturière. The film follows Gabrielle Chanel, starting with her days before adopting the nickname Coco, falling in love for the first time, & experiencing her first & only tragic heartbreak. She develops her own fashion sense once moving to the the French countryside, inspired mainly by menswear. She was progressive in rejecting what she thought were gaudy embellishments, as well as offensive & uncomfortable silhouettes for women in real life. Which brings me to my ultimate point…

Chanel La Montre Premiere

The House of Chanel has recently reinvented & re-issued their La Montre PREMIERE watch, which was first released in 1987. Sadly, Chanel herself never designed a watch for the brand in her lifetime, but details like its octagonal case, diamond & pearl decoration in each variation, as well as delicate, yet structured links channel the legendary icon’s personal sense of fashion. I found the video below, which shows the watch in action, mixed with modern-day casual looks, streetwear for the girl-on-the-go, office-friendly outfits, cocktail frocks, & everything in between, needlessly proving the longevity of Chanel style. Yes, that’s a time-related pun in there.

For more fashionable videos, check out previous posts including Beyoncé’s Vogue cover shoot, Justin Timberlake’s Grammy performance, behind-the-scenes for the Versace Spring-Summer 2013 ad campaign, & an inside look at Season 2 of Girls! Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: Diane Kruger’s Floral Print Stella McCartney Pants Vs. Under $25 Forever 21 Picks!

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While searching around the web for some blog-spiration, I was reminded of my post back in December about the super cute floral pants from H&M & how I styled them in Fabulous In 4 Ways. Then I saw a look posted on InStyle of Diane Kruger‘s recent appearance in Berlin for the premiere of her French film, Un plan parfait. She looked nothing short of chic & feminine in this vest & floral pants, both by Stella McCartney. I decided to find out how much they were since I’d been seeing the floral pant trend, especially in black & white, so popular for mainstream shopper son a budget. I soon discovered that they retailed on the official Stella McCartney website for $925.00, made with 100% silk.

It didn’t take me long to see that I just had to feature these amazing pants in some way, but I knew that as a budget shopper, I had to turn it around, which is when I headed over to Forever 21 & found the floral print pants ($22.80), available in sizes X-Small – Large, as well as the rose pattern trousers ($24.80), available in sizes 12-20. You can certainly get a lot of use out of these pants, no matter how much you pay, considering that they’re perfect for a blazer & bright blouse, feminine with a peplum top & peep toe pumps, or even great for a day with a turtleneck & ballet flats.

How would you wear these pants? Do you like the floral pant trend? Would you prefer a colorful print over the black & white? To shop Stella McCartney designs, you can find the luxury brand sold at Net-A-Porter, ShopBop, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, ASOS, DSW, Saks Fifth Avenue, & Harrods.

For more affordable fashion posts, check out my new shoes from Target for under $10 each, a first look at Lauren Conrad’s latest spring collection for Kohl’s, yellow dresses & pieces inspired by Taylor Swift & Anna Kendrick, & how to wear winter white dresses like Nicole Richie & Kerry Washington! Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review / Runway Rundown: Style Darling’s Top 20 Best Oscar-Worthy Gown Predictions!

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We’re less than a month away from the 2013 Academy Awards & the SAG Awards are this weekend! The speculation behind the results inside those envelopes & what the nominees are going to wear have been bouncing around all over the web & for the first time, I’m going to share my fashion predictions, based off the Pre-Fall 2013, Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear, Spring 2013 Haute Couture, & Resort 2013 collection runways. Of course, Oscar-nominated celebrities like Jessica Chastain, Jennifer Lawrence, Anne Hathaway, Amy Adams & Naomi Watts are subject to one-of-a-kind custom-made haute couture gowns, but it’s been a lot of fun to click around & find the most gorgeous gowns that wowed on the runway. In addition to the nominees who are celebrating their achievements in film, possible presenters like Rachel Weisz, Amanda Seyfried, Jennifer Lopez, Emily Blunt, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Garner & more will be turning heads on the red carpet.

Surely there will be lots of glitz & glamour, but predictions of trends are hard to tell. There was so much going on at this year’s Golden Globes, including black, black & gold, white, pink, long sleeves, cut-outs, high slits, & nude illusions. Starting off is a gold lamé & embellished gown from Michael Kors Resort 2013 Collection, which was recently featured in a Runway Rundown post. From Carlos Miele‘s Resort 2013 Collection comes this beautiful embellished sweetheart gown with an animal print under-lining. Some might call the white & black-leather accented Emilio Pucci dress from the Pre-Fall 2013 Collection is too safe for the Oscars, but I think it’s a modern & refreshing take on a white gown.

Michael Kors, Carlos Miele, Emilio Pucci, Monique Lhuillier, & Jenny Packham.

For the risk-taking Style Darling, I can see the metallic long-sleeved gown from Monique Lhuillier‘s Pre-Fall 2013 Collection making an entrance on the red carpet. I picked this tangerine Jenny Packham Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection gown b/c of its unexpected color, but on the right skin-tone, it will certainly set some trends on the red carpet for the rest of the year.

Next, we have a floral-embroidered belted gown by Temperley London, which was featured in the Pre-Fall 2013 Collection. This has a very classic, Zooey Deschanel look to it, which is why I loved including it! Badgley Mischka is a name synonymous with red carpets & perhaps we’ll see this all-over embellished metallic gown from their Pre-Fall 2013 Collection on one of the front-running Oscar nominees. One of my favorite designers forever & always is Marchesa & I wasn’t surprised to see so many red carpet candidates in their Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection, including this sari-inspired sheer-overlay blue & gold confection.

Temperley London, Badgley Mischka, Marchesa, Collette Dinnigan, & Roberto Cavalli.

I love the feminine softness from the short-sleeved Collette Dinnigan gown from the Resort 2013 Collection. The coral / fuchsia hue is perfect for an ingénue like the ever-changing Dakota Fanning or the retro Krysten Ritter. Roberto Cavalli‘s black sequined & lace overlay corset-structured gown is a stunning choice for a more dramatic look on the red carpet & it’s from the Pre-Fall 2013 Collection.

Designs by Alexandre Vauthier made a style statement at the Golden Globes since both supermodel Heidi Klum & Downton Abbey actress Michelle Dockery both donned looks, but I picked this leg-baring halter gown from the Spring 2013 Haute Couture Collection. J. Mendel‘s Pre-Fall 2013 Collection was a dreamy mixture of texture, detail, flowy fabrics, & strong silhouettes, including this lace-accented spaghetti strap gown with off-the-shoulder tiers. Also, Giambattista Valli‘s white & gold ball gown took my breath away from its Spring 2013 Haute Couture Collection & would certainly wow fashion critics if worn on Isla Fisher, Julianne Hough, or Kerry Washington.

Alexandre Vauthier, J. Mendel, & Giambattista Valli.

Valentino, Christian Dior, & Elie Saab.

There ought to be room on any red carpet for a Valentino red gown, like this strapless & effortless gown from the Spring 2013 Haute Couture Collection. Also, Christian Dior‘s Spring 2013 Haute Couture Collection featured the pink puffy mermaid ball gown. In addition, someone like Diane Kruger or Zoe Saldana can wear an floral-embellished, dramatic gown like this from Elie Saab‘s Spring 2013 Haute Couture Collection.

After Lucy Liu‘s splash at the Globes in Carolina Herrera, I knew I had to look further into her Pre-Fall 2013 Collection, which included this gorgeous black & white graphic print gown, perfect for fans of the label including Renee Zellweger, Emmy Rossum, or Olivia Wilde.  Next, from Oscar de la Renta‘s Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear, this aqua tiered dream of a gown is borderline bridesmaid, but the color is just so pretty & it reminds me of the Romona Keveza ball gown that Kaley Cuoco wore at last year’s SAG Awards.

Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Zac Posen, & Jason Wu.

You can’t have a look at the best from the runway without talking about American designer, Zac Posen, & his Pre-Fall 2013 Collection, which is a dramatic statement that will change the way black gowns appear on the red carpet. Lastly, a daring look for the Oscars comes from Jason Wu‘s Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection & perhaps a young starlet like Emma Watson would wear this will some extra lining to fill the skirt since the ceremony is so formal.

Which designers are you hoping to see on the red carpet? Which gown is your favorite? Which nominees are you rooting for during this year’s Oscars? For more runway goodness, check out galleries including Rachel Roy, Calvin Klein Collection, Diane von Furstenberg, & Narciso Rodriguez! Also, to read more from Red Carpet Review, check out looks from the 2013 Presidential Inauguration, leather & black oufits featuring Elisabeth Moss & Scarlett Johansson, the 2013 Critics’ Choice Awards with looks from Eva Longoria & Jaime King, & this year’s red carpet from the People’s Choice Awards with Jennifer Aniston & Chloe Grace Moretz! Happy Styling!

Designer’s Best: AnnaSophia Robb, Kristen Stewart, Hailee Steinfeld, & More In Louis Vuitton’s Checkered Print!

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One of the most memorable galleries that I posted from Paris Fashion Week was of the Louis Vuitton Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection, which featured a breathtakingly refreshing look at checkered prints. These looks, which have certainly made their mark on fashion, have been seen all of the red carpets since, proving that Louis Vuitton is a brand worth knowing beyond their famous handbags.

Kirsten Dunst chose the rust & white combination to wear while attending The 2013 Art of Elysium Heaven Gala, accessorizing the look with pointy matching Jimmy Choo pumps. InStyle cover girl Jessica Alba showed her support for the magazine at their Golden Globes after-party with black patent leather pumps by Casadei. It-girl Kerry Washington showed her flirty & feminine side in a pastel version at a Berlin press event for her latest film, Django Unchained, with a VC Signature clutch & towering white & metallic pointy toe pumps. Actress Hailee Steinfeld made an entrance in a romper at a Vitamin Water / Sally Hansen-sponsored event, while celebrating her 16th birthday!Kirsten Dunst, Jessica Alba, Kerry Washington, Hailee Steinfeld, Berenice Bejo, Kristen Stewart & AnnaSophia Robb.

Last year’s Oscar-nominated French import Berenice Bejo walked the red carpet at the premiere of Populaire with red suede pumps, stacked bangles, & a sparkling clutch. Kristen Stewart showed some leg at a Tokyo press conference for The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part Two in a shorts romper with strappy Brian Atwood heels. Most recently, The Carrie Diaries up-and-comer & cover girl AnnaSophia Robb posed for Teen Vogue in a midriff-baring top & mini skirt from the collection.

Would you wear a checkered look? Do you like the color combinations or the way these celebs have styled their Louis Vuitton pieces? Which designers do you like the follow on the runway & red carpets? To shop the Louis Vuitton collection, check out links to Neiman Marcus, Americana Manhasset, & Bag Borrow or Steal! Happy Styling!

Show Me The Shoes: Ann Taylor’s New Shoe Collection!

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The holidays are coming up, including the time when it’s most important to give back… however, I am a strong believer in taking care of oneself, especially in times of style crisis. You can budget all year long to save money on your wardrobe, but once- just once- wouldn’t it be nice to splurge a little? Well, I couldn’t think of a better way to recommend Ann Taylor‘s latest shoe collection, which includes the Delilah leather shooties ($178.00), zebra print haircalf perfect pumps ($198.00), perfect exotic leather city flats ($64.99), & Josie suede & leather high heel boots ($298.00).

How would you style these shoes? Are you wearing animal-inspired textures on your footwear? How much do you usually spend on staples like booties, booties, pumps, & flats. Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Banana Republic’s Anna Karenina-Inspired Collection Arrives October 30th!

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My anticipation for Anna Karenina has extended beyond Style Darling in that I’ve been writing about it for Movie Buzzers, tweeting (@MissAlissaL) as many spoilers as possible, & even sharing images from magazines on Instagram. We’re one step closer to the film, which premieres on November 16th, with the inspired collection for Banana Republic. I started talking about this back in July, which is when the trailer first hit the internet & earlier this month, I featured 8 new movie posters for the romantic drama. Stars Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Alicia Vikander, & Kelly Macdonald were lucky enough to be dripping in luxury with the film’s costumes, but now, Banana Republic’s upcoming collection offers a modern take on the Russian decadence.  The gallery, courtesy of In Style, includes both women’s & men’s look, ranging in price from $29.50 – $250.00, & will be available in stores for purchase on October 30th! Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: The 10th Anniversary Collection of ‘Project Runway’ for Lord & Taylor!

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Yes, I’m a few days behind, but if any of you watched last week’s episode of Project Runway, then you saw the amazing 10th anniversary collection for Lord & Taylor than features 10 looks from 10 of the reality competition show’s favorite designers, including latest challenge winner, Christopher  Palu.  I’m featuring the fashion dresses from each season, which are currently being sold on the Lord & Taylor website.  This is a pretty big deal for the show & its designers, especially b/c there was not a single flop walking down the runway, & the judges could not eliminate anyone.

Take a look to see looks from Christopher Palu ($275.00), Bert Keeter ($328.00), Mondo Guerra ($248.00), Seth Aaron Henderson ($275.00), Gordana Gelhausen ($275.00), Korto Momolu ($275.00), Chris March ($348.00), Uli Herzner ($275.00), Nick Verreos ($275.00), & Jay McCarroll ($298.00). Which look is your favorite? Which past designer would you like to see more from? Happy Styling!

Super Style Wishlist: The Top 10 Wedges From Neiman Marcus!

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I’ve been flipping through the pages of all my favorite magazines, falling madly in love with all the latest spring styles.  I’m most excited about the new spring shoes that are coming out & since Fashion Week, I’ve been keeping an eye out on all of the best luxury brands.  My go-to store for such labels is Neiman Marcus.  Low & behold, when I was searching through their shoe selection, they showed a to-die-for Top 10 Best Wedges portion to their online store & I just had to share it with my readers!

The stylish selections includes designs by Rachel Zoe, Giuseppe Zanotti, Jimmy Choo, Ash, Christian Louboutin, Prada, TOMS, Tory Burch, Gucci, & Manolo Blahnik.  If you hover your mouse over the image, you’ll see the expensive prices on these shoes, which ranges from $138.00 to $965.00! For more from Super Style Wishlist, check out my previous posts featuring the Miu Miu store in Italy & colorful resort styles! Happy Styling!

Super Style Wishlist: Italy & Miu Miu & Black & White… Oh My!

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During my recent trip to Italy, I passed two different Miu Miu storefronts, one in Florence & another in Venice.  The brand has been on my mind lately, especially after seeing the gorgeous window displays of the luxury designs, as well as seeing an image of Oscar nominee, Rooney Mara, at a recent press event in Berlin, promoting her career-making film, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, wearing a Miu Miu design.

However, I wanted to check out some of the latest styles from the brand & fell in love with these black patent leather t-strap platform pumps ($1981.00) available @Bluefly.  They’ve been reduced in price from their original $2467.00 tag, but are still a little out of reach for me.

Black & white never goes out of the style & even though I don’t own or wear t-strap shoes, I can see these perfectly paired with a number of different looks.  While the weather is a little chilly, the patent leather would pop against an opague tight with an art deco-inspired sheath dress.  Also, these are darling for a cocktail party in a halter dress, or even for a more polished affair with a pencil skirt & cardigan- very sexy librarian!

Do you have your eye on a Miu Miu piece? Do you like t-strap shoes? What would you wear these with? Happy Styling!