Category Archives: Watch This Style

Cover Craze: Kate Upton’s American Vogue Cover Channels A Modern-Day Marilyn Monroe!

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Kate Upton for Vogue June 2013 01

To be completely honest, I wasn’t crazy about supermodel Kate Upton at first like the rest of the world has been; however, after seeing the beyond-amazing spread in the June 2013 issue of Vogue– the model’s first major American fashion magazine cover- I was won over! She channels a modern-day Marilyn Monroe with classic all-American style, bombshell curves, & old-fashioned ambition to break away from the typical supermodel mold. The shoot was photographed by the ever-legendary Mario Testino, which includes looks & pieces from Dolce & Gabbana, Cartier, Rochas, Ray-Ban, Donna Karan New York, Oscar de la Renta, Chanel, Max Mara, Jason Wu, Stella McCartney, Michael Kors, Tom Ford, Hermès, & Matthew Williamson.

Kate Upton for Vogue June 2013 03

Kate Upton for Vogue June 2013 04

While Kate looks more voluptuous than most models walking the catwalk, she’s a healthy size 4 & responds to nay-sayers about her shape with the following: “The things that they’re rejecting are things that I can’t change. I can’t change  my bra size. They’re natural! I can work out and I can stay healthy and  motivated, but I can’t change some things.” The Sports Illustrated beauty is breath-taking in sleek separates looks, flirty swimwear shots, & evening couture.

Kate Upton for Vogue June 2013 02

Kate Upton for Vogue June 2013 05

In a behind-the-scenes look at the model strutting her stuff in Uruguay, Kate shares her tips for having the ultimately stylish summer, including how having the right sunglasses & some comfy sandals can make or break your vacation! The resemblance to Marilyn Monroe in uncanny, but it’s really gorgeous to see the celebrated hairstyles of vintage Hollywood starlets like Monroe teased in contrast to contemporary fashion.

What do you think of Kate’s Vogue shoot? Do you think she’s worth all the fashionable fuss? Which is your favorite look from the cover story? For more stylish posts, check out Christina Hendricks for Lucky‘s June issue, Rooney Mara’s latest ad campaign with Calvin Klein, Diane Kruger’s short film for Jaeger Le-Coultre, the latest red carpet looks from Jennifer Aniston & Kerry Washington, & 3.1 Phillip Lim’s designer collaboration with Target!

Ad Madness: Rooney Mara Is The Face Of Calvin Klein’s New Fragrance, Downtown!

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Rooney Mara has certainly cemented her status in fashion, especially after co-chairing this year’s Met Costume Institute Gala with Givenchy‘s Riccardo Tisci. Now the Oscar-nominated actress is the latest face for Calvin Klein‘s new fragrance, Downtown. The cool, edgy scent is geared towards a 25-35 woman, which can be seen in the upcoming, yet-to-be-seen David Fincher-directed TV spots. The print ads were photographed by Jean-Baptiste Mondino, featuring a fresh-faced leather jacket-wearing Rooney, leaning against a brick wall.

Rooney Mara for Calvin Klein's Downtown fragrance

“I am very excited to be included in the group of amazing women that have been featured in the iconic advertising campaigns for Calvin Klein fragrances. It’s an honor to be part of a brand with such a legacy of breakthrough advertising. The Downtown fragrance holds true to the chic, confident and simple feeling of the Calvin brand,” says the actress about the perfume which will be featured in 3,000 department stores nationwide.

For more celebrity ads, check out previous posts including Diane Kruger’s short film for Jaeger Le-Coultre, Beyoncé’s new ad campaign for H&M, Marion Cotillard for Lady Dior by Dior, Kate Winslet for Lancome, & the latest from Kate Moss for Stuart Weitzman! Happy Styling!

Cover Craze: Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks Is Lucky’s June Cover Girl!

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Christina Hendricks for Lucky June 2013 01

Christina Hendricks has been one of the most watched out for celebrities on the red carpet, especially with her success on the drama, Mad Men. Plus, it wasn’t that long ago that I featured the curvy actress in another Cover Craze post for her feature in Canada’s Flare magazine, however the fiery redhead is now the face for Lucky magazine’s June 2013 issue.

Christina Hendricks for Lucky June 2013 02

She talks to the magazine about her favorite red carpet moments, famous for wearing designer duds by L’Wren Scott, Christian Siriano, Zac Posen, & Dolce & Gabbana. Also, her Mad Men fame & iconic role as Joan have created a signature style for the actress who embraces pencil skirts, high heels, & anything bra-friendly. She’s also a bargain shopper as a fan of Nine West & J.Crew, as well as international boutique for vintage-inspired pieces.

Watch the video above to get a behind-the-scenes look at the magazine’s shoot & hear Christina first-hand charm the pants off of us! Christina can be seen next in the Ryan Gosling-directed film How To Catch A Monster, & the Neil Labute ensemble dramedy Seconds of Pleasure. For more magazine posts, check out Scarlett Johansson for Marie Claire, Hayden Panettiere’s beachy shoot for Glamour, & last month’s Lucky cover with Drew Barrymore! Also, be sure to check out InStyle‘s inside look at the costumes worn by Mad Men‘s leading ladies! Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Diane Kruger Stars In A New Short Film For Watch Brand, Jaeger Le-Coultre!

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Former model / actress Diane Kruger is a German-born beauty who ranks among the A-list when it comes to red carpet appearances, & has certainly proven her acting chops in such films as Inglorious Basterds & Farewell, My Queen. She has any & every designer begging to dress her, as she dazzles fashion critics with her bold choices, graces, & timelessness. Speaking of time… The Swiss-based watch company, Jaeger Le-Coultre, recently featured Diane in a short film called Reinvent Yourself, which asks the question, how many times can you reinvent yourself in a lifetime?

Diane Kruger for Jaeger-LeCoultre

Well, we can surely ask the powerful likes of Madonna or Lady Gaga that; however, in this beautiful two-minute piece, we are privileged to see a music-video-like project, set to the powerful voice of Shirley Bassey with “(Where Do I Begin) Love Story.”

During a recent interview, Diane had this to say about “It felt very authentic about my life and my friendship with Jaeger Le-Coultre…It pieces together my professional life and my personal life, and I’m very grateful for that.” She also adds, “Everybody in life can relate to laughter or cry for joy or just that moment of something ending, so that was the inspiration there… I had a couple of sad thoughts going through my head on that one…” In addition, she wanted the film to end on a positive note, one that hopefully inspires women. She says, “You’re not just defined by your job, but also by the choices you make as a woman. You can be anything, if you put your heart to it.” This is certainly the truth for a stylish chameleon of the red carpet.

What do you think about Diane’s style? Do you like the video? For more fashionable videos, check out previous posts from Watch This Style, including 3.1 Phillip Lim’s collaboration with Target, Chanel’s short film Once Upon A Time which stars Keira Knightley, Beyoncé’s latest commercial for H&M, & the trailer for the documentary Scatter My Ashes At Bergdorf’s! Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: 3.1. Phillip Lim Is The Next Designer Collaboration Featured @Target!

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3.1 Phillip Lim for Target

As a regular Target shopper, I’ve been privileged to seeing the evolution of the retailer’s apparel collection. Over the last few years, we’ve seen magic in collaborations with Jovovich Hawk, Missoni, Prabal Gurung, & most recently Kate Young. Also, this past holiday season saw luxury finds from Neiman Marcus regulars like Marchesa & Robert Rodriguez. However, the latest high fashion name to join the ranks of Target greatness for the mainstream shopper is 3.1 Phillip Lim, whose vision for the collection includes men’s & women’s apparel & accessories, ranging from $20 – $300. Extras also include shoes, bags, & travel goodies, which are designed for a wardrobe that’s 24 / 7. In a recent video, the designer talks about his point of view for the line, which looks every bit casual chic with some street smart edge for the modern shopper. In a recent statement, Lim shares, “Since an early age, I’ve been intrigued by the idea of design evolution… One of the reasons I wanted to collaborate with Target is because I felt that together we could create a collection that would inspire—one that is cool and chic, but still very accessible.”

The collection makes its debut for Target in September. Which designer collaboration has been your favorite for Target so far? Do you find the price points for these collections to be affordable for the average Target customer? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out Revenge actress Ashley Madekwe’s Topshop look, stylish spring cardigans for under $25, a budget-friendly red-white-&-blue look for under $100, look-alike flat sandals as seen on Katy Perry, & Beyoncé’s latest ad campaign for H&M! Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: The Trailer For Chanel’s “Once Upon A Time,” Starring Keira Knightley!

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Once Upon A Time, starring Keira Knightley.

To mark the 100th anniversary of Chanel‘s first boutique, designer Karl Lagerfeld has cast Oscar-nominated actress Keira Knightley as leading lady, Coco Chanel, in a short film about the designer’s first outpost in Deauville, France. Once Upon A Time… will premiere on May 8th in Singapore, but will also be available for viewing that night on Chanel-News! Check out the very short trailer for the film, which also features French actress Clotilde Hesme & American model Lindsey Wixon.

For more stylish videos, check out previous posts from Watch This Style including Beyoncé’s commercial for H&M, the trailer for Scatter My Ashes At Bergdorf’s, Drew Barrymore’s cover shoot for Lucky magazine, & Taylor Swift’s stylish collaboration with Ked’s. Happy Styling!

Watch This Style / Ad Madness: Beyoncé’s H&M Commercial Is Here, Featuring New Music Too!

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Beyonce for H&M

In case you forgot, Beyoncé, a. k. a. Mrs. Carter, is the new Spring / Summer 2013 face of H&M. Now, we finally have access to Bey’s ad campaign featuring a tropical setting, tribal inspiration, & plenty of splashing around. Take a look at the music video, including the singer’s new track, “Standing In The Sun.” Beyoncé dons some sexy swimwear & changes up her look with watercolor separates.

Take a look at the provocative video & share your thoughts on Mrs. Carter’s latest project. Do you think she’s the best fit for H&M? What swimwear trends are you following? For more fashionable videos, check out previous posts from Watch This Style including a sneak peek at the documentary Scatter My Ashes At Bergdorf’s, Drew Barrymore’s Lucky cover shoot, Taylor Swift’s collaboration with Ked’s, & the trailer for Baz Lurhmann’s The Great Gatsby. Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: The Fabulous Trailer For ‘Scatter My Ashes At Bergdorf’s’!

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Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's

Some of you may already know that I share my online writing time with a film news & reviews website, Movie Buzzers, which has also served readers here on Style Darling. One such story includes the new trailer for the fashion documentary, Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s. The Matthew Miele-directed documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at the ins & outs of one of New York City’s most iconic centers for fashion, Bergdorf Goodman. The title comes from cartoonist Victoria Roberts, whose caption from a classic Bergdorf-obsessed cartoon in New Yorker put all other retailers under par. There are plenty of famous faces talking about, including designers like Chanel’s Karl Lagerfeld, wrap-dress genius Diane von Furstenberg, CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award-winner American Michael Kors, shoe-God Christian Louboutin, among countlessly accomplished and glamorous others. Also, personalities like Joan Rivers, designer / celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe, Sex & the City costume designer Patricia Fields, and actress Susan Lucci all share their experiences of high-profile exposure at the retailer’s central location on 5th Avenue. In addition to these famous faces, the documentary also includes a look at legendary personal shopper, Betty Halbreich, an 85-year-old employee of Bergdorf Goodman since 1976.

Due out in New York theaters on May 3rd, more premieres will follow. What do you think about the documentary? Is this a movie you’d wanna go see? Are you a Bergdorf Goodman shopper? For more from Watch This Style, check out previous posts including Drew Barrymore’s cover shoot for next month’s Lucky, Taylor Swift’s shoe collaboration with Ked’s, Beyoncé’s latest commercial for Pepsi, Christina Hendricks’ photo shoot for Flare magazine, & the newest trailer for Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby! Happy Styling!

Cover Craze / Watch This Style: Drew Barrymore’s May 2013 Lucky Cover Shoot!

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Drew Barrymore for Lucky May 2013

Drew Barrymore is Hollywood royalty, but still keeps a down-to-earth air that makes her one of America’s sweetest sweethearts. She recently shared her secrets to motherhood, breaking into the wine business, & creating her new cosmetics line, Flower, for Walmart in an interview with Lucky‘s May 2013 issue. The cover shoot included lots of fun & flirty looks that share Drew’s effervescent happy glow.

Drew Barrymore for Lucky May 2013

In the video below, we get a sneak peek at Drew during her cover shoot, playing around with fashion, makeup, & sharing with the world why she’s still any girl’s on-screen best friend, exuding joy & embracing every opportunity. “If you have good intentions, everything just works out,” she tells the magazine, adding, “And—I don’t think you can have it all. Something’s got to fall off the table. Let it fall, mourn it & move on. You’ll get your focus back. You can do a couple of things really well. We come from this generation of women where God forbid you give something up. It’s scary to let go, but you make so much more room for yourself that way.”

For more posts from Cover Craze, check out Mad Men actress Christina Hendricks for Flare magazine, Hayden Panettiere for Glamour, & Kate Hudson for Elle UK! Also, for more videos, take a look at Taylor Swift’s collaboration with Ked’s, the newest trailer for Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby, & Beyoncé’s latest commercial for Pepsi! Happy Styling!

Show Me The Shoes: Taylor Swift Collaborates With Keds For A New Collection!

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Country crooner Taylor Swift recently lent her good-next-door, all-American style chops to a new collection with the shoe brand Ked’s. Her affinity for playful details like polka dots, kittens, sunglasses, & nautical inspiration is evident in the collaboration which retails at $50.00 a pair. Not to mention that Taylor is using the her foray into fashion as a role model, calling all “brave girls” to share their bravest moments.

Taylor Swft for Ked's

As seen in the video below, Taylor talks about her move from Pennsylvania to Nashville with her family once she convinced them of her dream to be a singer / songwriter. In addition, check out the video below, which features the shoes in action, perfect for spring, as Taylor encourages her fans & Ked’s customers to embrace life. It’s a pretty amazing message that she’s sending via shoe design, which makes me consider how many different ways Ked’s can be mixed into your everyday wardrobe.

Obviously, I don’t normally features sneakers in my Show Me The Shoes posts, but I love the idea behind this collaboration? Would you wear Ked’s designed by Taylor Swift? Which style is your favorite? How would you wear them? Happy Styling!

Cover Craze: Christina Hendricks’ Flare Cover Shoot!

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Christina Hendricks for Flare May 2013

It’s no secret that Mad Men has been inspiring a retro sophistication in fashion since the show premiere in 2007, especially with stunning leading ladies like Elisabeth Moss & January Jones. However, it’s Christina Hendricks‘ curves that have always caught the attention of critics on the red carpet. She fills a pencil skirt like nobody’s business & even admits during her recent cover shoot for the May 2013 issue of the Canadian fashion magazine, Flare, that she owns about 75 pencil skirts!

The shoot, which took place in Beverly Hills, was inspired by Dolce & Gabbana‘s Spring / Summer 2013 collection. We see a celebration of spring with includes lots of florals, pin-up silhouettes, bright colors, & fun patterns. Christina looks amazing with her big hair, smokey eye, complimenting turquoise jewelry, & soft lip. She’s definitely an inspiration when it comes to style & I love how she celebrates her figure every chance she gets!

Christina Hendricks for Flare May 2013

Christina Hendricks for Flare May 2013 02

Not only does the stunning redhead talk fashion, but also she sheds light on her experiences working with Ryan Gosling. The pair were both cast in Drive, and she’s now one of the stars of Gosling’s directorial debut in How To Catch A Monster. Also, during the interview, she talks about the audition process & accepting career setbacks. “It’s something that I’m used to,” she says about rejection. “You’re either right for it or you’re not right for it. You could leave thinking you had the best audition in the world and they say you don’t look like the person I imagined. It has nothing to do with your talent. Someone could have just broken up with a redhead the other day and not want to hire me.“

Talk about one classy lady! Watch the video below for a behind-the-scenes look at the actress in action & share with readers what you think about the sexy & sweet shoot! Do you follow Christina’s red carpet style? For more fabulous photo shoots, check out previous posts including Hayden Panettiere for Glamour, Kate Hudson for ELLE UK, & Zöe Saldana for InStyle!

Watch This Style: Pepsi’s New Ad Campaign Captures Beyoncé’s Career Highlights In ‘Mirrors!’

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Beyonce for Pepsi

Beyoncé really needs no introduction. She’s stylish, talented, & an awesome role model for women everywhere. Her latest effort is a new ad campaign for Pepsi with the short video “Mirrors,” which puts a hip-shaking Bey up against her career highlights in a mirror’s reflection. A troubled Beyoncé is practicing her famous moves in front of mirrors, when a sip of an ice-cold can of Pepsi suddenly revives the diva within.

More specifically, we get to see the Texas-native reunite with her Sasha Fierce alter ego in her “Bootylicious” hot pink costume during her Destiny’s Child days, as well as her tank & shorts look for “Crazy in Love,” & the always fabulous hand armor-baring “Single Ladies” leotard. Also, there are flashes of Beyoncé from past videos including, “Naughty Girl,” “Beautiful Liar,” “Baby Boy,” & “Love On Top.” The theme of the video is: “Embrace your past, but live for now,” which is a phrase I’ve been experiencing all too well these days.

For more on Beyoncé, check out previous posts including my picks for her top 5 most stylish music video, her recent photo shoot for Vogue, the Super Bowl halftime performance that will go down in the books, & a behind-the-scenes look for her fragrance, Pulse NYC! Happy Styling!

Cover Craze: Hayden Panettiere’s Beachy Shoot For Glamour!

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Hayden Panettiere for Glamour May 2013

I’m a huge fan of Nashville & think it’s appropriate that the show’s petite star, Hayden Panettiere, is Glamour‘s May 2013 cover girl. The newly engaged star talks to the magazine about shedding her cheerleader image from her years on Heroes, as well as playing the bad-girl-with-a-heart Juliette Barnes on Nashville.

In a photo shoot with Peggy Sirota, we see a beach-ready Hayden in summer looks, including pin-up-inspired separates & an edgy cut-out swimsuit. She’s candid about growing up in the spotlight, her parents’ divorce, as well as her relationship with fiance, Wladimir Klitschko.

Hayden Panettiere for Glamour May 2013

Hayden Panettiere for Glamour May 2013

Check out the video below for a behind-the-scenes look at Hayden’s cover shoot, along with clips from the interview, including how her last name how been mispronounced, her guilty pleasures, & worst fashion faux pas caught by paparazzi. For more magazine posts, check out Kate Hudson for ELLE UK, behind-the-scenes with Zöe Saldana for InStyle’s annual hair issue, & Vogue‘s homage to Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window with Tobey Maguire & Carolyn Murphy. Happy Styling!

Silver Screen Style: A Visionary, New Trailer For Baz Luhrmann’s ‘The Great Gatsby,’ Starring Leonardo DiCaprio & Carey Mulligan!

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Some of you may already know that I lend my writing skills to a movie news & reviews website, Movie Buzzers, as a freelance film critic & news reporter. This has its benefits since I love to examine fashion in films & one of the most anticipated movies of 2013 is certainly Baz Luhrmann‘s The Great Gatsby, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Tobey Maguire, Joel Edgerton, Isla Fisher, & Elizabeth Debicki.

Leonard DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, & Joel Edgerton in The Great Gatsby. Carey Mulligan, Isla Fisher, & Elizabeth Debicki in The Great Gatsby.

Not only does the movie celebrate the Jazz Age classic tale, originally written by American author F. Scott Fitzgerald, but it’s Luhrmann’s imagination that brings new life to the 3-D film. Also, costume designer Catherine Martin (Moulin Rouge, Australia) collaborated with Miuccia Prada, whose accomplishments include Prada & Miu Miu, for an impeccable vision for men’s & women’s fashion for the era. You can be certain that luxurious lace details, flapper-inspired hemlines, & art deco accessories will make a comeback once the film premieres on May 10th.

Take a look at the latest trailer, which features an in-depth look at Gatsby’s romance with Daisy, & the love triangle that ensues when Daisy’s husband Tom sees his wife swept away by the millionaire. Are you excited about the premiere of this film? Do you like the casting decisions? What do you think about the fashions? For more posts from Watch This Style, check out a behind-the-scenes look at Zöe Salanda’s cover shoot for InStyle, the Lena Dunham-directed video for designer Rachel Antonoff, the story behind J.Crew’s shoe collection, & Katie Holmes’ beauty talk with Allure. Happy Styling!

Cover Craze: Behind-The-Scenes With Zöe Saldana For InStyle’s Annual Hair Issue!

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Zoe Saldana for InStyle Hair Spring 2013

Zöe Saldana has been an actress to watch over the last few years, especially with her starring roles in Avatar and Star Trek, & is slated for both highly anticipated sequels, as well as taking on the titular role in Nina, a biopic about singer Nina Simone. However, the Jersey girl is lending her stunning face to the cover of InStyle‘s annual Hair issue, in breath-taking looks by Dior, Balmain, Gucci, Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci, & Lanvin.

 “I like androgyny,” Saldana told the magazine, adding, “I don’t feel like myself when I’m looking pretty. But every now and then, maybe four or five times a year, I just want to be a girl and look like a cherry apple.” Also, she talks about her beauty secrets, including her at-home remedies for treating her hair, as well as her hair style inspirations like Halle Berry, Sissy Spacek, & even Brad Pitt!

Take a look at the video below for a behind-the-scenes look at the high fashion shoot! Which celebs do you look to for hair inspiration? What’s your hair philosophy this spring? For more video posts, check out Katie Holmes’ shoot for Allure, Gucci’s Spring / Summer ad campaign, the Lena Dunham-direct video for Rebecca Antonoff, & Alexander McQueen’s Fall 2013 Ready-To-Wear runway show! Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Lena Dunham Directs A Short Film For Designer Rachel Antonoff!

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Everything that Girls creator-writer-director-star Lena Dunham touches turns to gold & in the wake of the HBO series’ second season, the absence of girl-power has been temporarily filled with a new video for designer Rachel Antonoff. Lena directs the short film, “Best Friends,” which stars her sister, Grace, & writer Alice Gregory, under the narration of Brit-accented Girls actor, Adam Driver. The on-screen story follows Grace & Alice who are best friends through everything, including their Rachel Antonoff-designed outfits for her latest fall 2013 collection.

Take a look at the video below & share what you think! For more stylish videos, check out previous posts for Watch This Style including Katie Holmes for the April 2013 issue of Allure, Gucci’s Spring / Summer’s ad campaign, Kate Moss for Stuart Weitzman, & Alexander McQueen’s Fall 2013 Ready-To-Wear collection during Paris Fashion Week! 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!

Cover Craze: Katie Holmes Talks Beauty Secrets For Allure’s April Issue!

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Katie Holmes for Allure

If you followed the tabloid reports, then you know that 2012 was a pretty crazy year for actress / designer / celebrity mom Katie Holmes, however as the latest face to grace the cover of Allure for the April 2013 issue, she’s taken the time to talk about her beauty secrets (as the new face of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics), aging gracefully like her mother & grandmother before her, & what she hopes to pass on to her daughter, Suri.

Katie Holmes for Allure 01

This latest shoot, by photographer Tom Munro, offers a very sultry & summer-ready new look for Katie, especially with wetted tresses, swimwear duds, smoky eyes, & an extremely bronzed, all-over glow. Not to mention that the usually conservative Style Darling’s cover look alludes to nudity, but her wardrobe for the shoot includes items from Agent Provocateur, Jason Wu, & DKNY. She talks to the magazine about her recent Broadway appearance in Dead Accounts, as well as her hopes for a “peaceful” 2013 amid Hurricane Sandy & the tragic shooting in Connecticut late last year.

Katie Holmes for Allure 02

Watch the video below to see a behind-the-scenes look at the former Dawson’s Creek star? What do you think about Katie’s sexy cover look? Do you appreciate her as a beauty icon? If you like reading about Katie, then be sure to check out her collections for Holmes & Yang, including the latest for Fall 2013 & Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear!

Katie Holmes for Allure 03

For more from Cover Craze, check out posts including more April covers like Michelle Obama for Vogue & Nicki Minaj for Elle, the ladies of Oz the Great and Powerful for InStyle, & Keira Knightley’s sexy shoot for Marie Claire! Also, for more stylish videos, check out previous Watch This Style posts including Gucci’s new spring / summer ad campaign, Kate Moss for Stuart Weitzman, & the stylish story behind J. Crew’s shoe collection! Happy Styling!

Watch This Style / Runway Rundown: Gucci’s Spring / Summer Collection & Ad Campaign Video!

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Gucci Spring Summer 2013

It feels like spring is just around the corner, especially here in New York where we’ve been seeing plenty of sunny days, but snowy & chilly nights. However, it inspire some spring fashion fun, I wanted to share the latest videos that I found from Gucci, including the Spring / Summer 2013 runway show, as well as the ad campaign video showing off plenty of bright colors & whimsical style. There’s a mod 60s influence with hints of oversized sleeves, loose-fitting leglines, & bursts of berry, crimson, banana, & cobalt, crisp white, & teal.

Which looks are your favorites? Does this collection inspire your spring / summer wardrobe? Which designers are you following during the season change? For more fashion videos from Watch This Style, check out Kate Moss’ new ad for Stuart Weitzman, J. Crew’s Jenna Lyons talking about shoes, Kate Winslet’s latest beauty campaign for Lancôme, Alexander McQueen’s Fall 2013 Ready-To-Wear show, & Chanel’s new La Montre Premiere watch! Happy Styling!

Ad Madness / Watch This Style: Kate Moss Stars In Mario Testino’s Latest Ad For Stuart Weitzman!

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Kate Moss for Stuart Weitzman

Kate Moss is still one of the busiest & most in-demand supermodels & she’s clearly never looked better. The face of fashion is now also the face of Stuart Weitzman. Of course the sleek shoe designs speak for themselves, including the above Naughty pump ($335.00) in silver specchio, which Kate dons in a new video shot by the one & only Mario Testino. The futuristic classic pumps are chic & the patent leather exterior can dress up mod sheath dresses, add some flair to skinny jeans, & make a basic LBD more contemporary. Watch the video below for 25 seconds of shoe love.

For more celebrity campaigns, check out previous posts in Ad Madness, including Jennifer Lawrence’s debut Dior ads, Evan Rachel Wood & Chris Evans for Gucci Guilty Black, Kate Upton’s shoot for Sam Edelman shoes, & behind-the-scenes with Rachel Weisz for Bvlgari! Also, check out the James Franco-directed video short for Stuart Weitzman starring model Petra Nemcova! 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 / Beauty Buys: Behind-The-Scenes With Kate Winslet for Lancôme!

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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!

Runway Rundown: Alexander McQueen’s Fall 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection!

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The House of Alexander McQueen is known for its over-the-top decadence & high fashion luxury. Of course, we’ve all seen the brand’s gorgeous designs on the red carpet, including Amanda Seyfried, Salma Hayek, Nicole Kidman, Mila Kunis, Cate Blanchett, & countless others which have stunned critics & celebrated the vision of the late designer. It was announced that a pregnant Sarah Burton, creative director of Alexander McQueen, would not be showing a collection during fashion week; however, this limited 10-piece Fall 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection is beyond any runway presentation seen at Paris Fashion Week. Check out the video below & click through the gallery above to see each feat of fashion in motion.

Clearly, no detail was overlooked & while these pieces aren’t necessarily street-ready or red carpet-friendly for the average movie premiere, the collection honors the brand’s legacy with ornate beading & studding, lush lace-over-lace, exaggerated peplums, jeweled masks, metallic crown-inspired corsets, & a no-sparkle-left-behind philosophy. In Style spoke with the label which shared that the “hyperworked embellishment” details take a cue “from communion gowns to cardinals’ robes, the high church, nuns, popes, angels.” What better timing than now for such an homage when the Christian community is buzzing about who will be the next pope!

Of course I don’t see very many occasions for these pieces in my everyday life, but as an informed Style Darling, I can definitely appreciate the artistry & craftsmanship, especially having had the privilege to view pieces from this historial brand at the Metropolitan Museum of Art back in 2011. For more an up close & personal look at these pieces, check out a detail-focused gallery on Elle & share with us what you think of this collection. 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!

Watch This Style: An Inside Look At The First 5 Episodes Of ‘Girls’ Season 2!

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GIRLS

I’m a huge fan of HBO‘s Girls & watched the entire first season about 3 or 4 times over. We’re already halfway through the sophomore season, which stars Lena Dunham, Allison Williams, Zosia Mamet, & Jemima Kirke. I can’t believe I just came across the HBO YouTube videos which feature an inside look at each of this season’s episodes, where show creator, writer, star, & director, the all-mighty & powerfully charming & brilliant Golden Globe-winner Lena talks about her inspiration behind the episodes.

GIRLS

Also, costume designer, Jennifer Rogien has shared her ideas about coming up with the individual styles of each character: Hannah, Marnie, Shoshanna, & Jessa. “We joke amongst ourselves that Marnie probably lives at Lord & Taylor and Bloomingdale’s, while Shoshanna is a mix between Saks & H&M & Zara. We love that Shoshanna wears Shoshanna,” Rogien has shared with The Daily Beast, adding, “Jessa is clearly a world traveler so she collects things … Hannah, being so vintage-driven, none of that is shot for editorial, so it was Etsy girls, & style blogs, and [I] pulled some stuff from Madewell & Anthropologie.”

Check out the 5 videos below & share with readers your favorite looks! Whose style is your favorite? Which character do you like the best? Happy Styling!