Red Carpet Review: This Year’s Cannes Film Festival, Featuring Nicole Kidman, Carey Mulligan, Rooney Mara, & More!

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The Cannes Film Festival is still underway; however, I’ve been ravenously collecting a slew of glamorous day & evening looks from the event’s red carpets, including premieres / screenings, press junkets, & parties. Some of the most buzzed about films are being celebrated overseas, including The Great Gatsby, As I Lay Dying, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Bling Ring, & Inside Llewyn Davis. Jennifer Lawrence has been in out & about in several head-to-toe Dior looks. It’s also no surprise that Gatsby actress Carey Mulligan has been making headlines with a series of black & white minimalist ensembles from Vionnet, Balenciaga, Dior Haute Couture, & Chloe.

Other favorites include Nicole Kidman who is promoting Grace of Monaco, where she portrays the always enchanting Grace Kelly. The Aussie Oscar-winner has been staying loyal to her classic elegance with a touch of flair in a leather belted Calvin Klein dress, Alexander McQueen LBD, dreamy Dior Haute Couture tea-length dress, & fun printed column gown by L’Wren Scott. A star who I’ve been keeping an eye out for, especially from earlier this month at the Met Costume Institute Gala, is Rooney Mara who continues to share her androgynous sense of femininity in Vera Wang, Calvin Klein, & Giambattista Valli.

Be sure also to check out the gallery since I’ll continue to add more images to it, including looks by Ziyi Zhang, Freida Pinto, Emma Watson, Isla Fisher, Jessica Biel (especially in Marchesa), & more! Which has been your favorite look so far? Which movies are you most excited to see from the festival? For more from Red Carpet Review, check out previous posts including this week’s Billboard Music Awards featuring Kelly Rowland & Miley Cyrus, mini dresses on Anne Hathaway & Alexa Chung, black & white looks from Gwyneth Paltrow & Kate Beckinsale, & Revenge actress Ashley Madekwe’s Topshop jumpsuit outfit.

Red Carpet Review: The Best Looks From The 2013 Billboard Music Awards, Including Emmy Rossum, Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, & More!

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Last night’s Billboard Music Awards were a big draw for viewers, attracting big names from the worlds of rap, rock, pop, & country. However, it’s the BLUE carpet that has fashion critics & bloggers buzzing today. Designer Zuhair Murad was definitely in-demand, dressing the likes of Jennifer Lopez in a deep-v gold gown, Emmy Rossum in a black velvet & sheer polka-dotted dramatic look, & Taylor Swift who showed off her gams in a blue sparkling mini dress. Also, celebrities worth noting were Hayden Panettiere who looked regal in a black Halston Heritage gown, Chloe Moretz in a printed Fendi frock, & Selena Gomez in a stunning white & neon-accented plunging gown by Atelier Versace. Additionally, some nay-sayers are also giving Nicki Minaj some heat over her red bustier gown, which channeled Rihanna‘s Azzedine Alaia dress from this year’s Grammy’s, but I think that this is almost the best that the rapper has ever looked & she should keep taking tips from Rihanna.

If I was an officer of the Fashion Police, I would certainly fine whoever it was that let the lovely star of the upcoming ABC series Mistresses, Alyssa Milano, out in that awkward palazzo pant ensemble by Emilio Pucci, as well as Jenny McCarthy‘s stylist for the 90s-homage tank & maxi skirt look. Sure, she’s in her 40s, has a great body, & her makeup looks gorgeous, but there are definitely better options out there for the VH1 talk show host.

Who wore your favorite look? Which artist gave the best performance at the show? Did you like the blue carpet looks? For more from Red Carpet Review, check out previous posts including my recent gallery for Top 10 Celeb Sightings including Jennifer Aniston & Victoria Beckham, this year’s Met Costume Institute Gale featuring Emma Watson & Amanda Seyfried, & a complete look at Oblivion actress Olga Kurylenko’s press tour & premieres. Happy Styling!

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.

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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.

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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!

Splurge Or Save… On A Striped Maxi Skirt!

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Most of my spring go-to looks consist of black & white outfits, but as I’m trying to find a balance between lightweight & frilly separates, while warding off the chill from cooler nights, I’ve been thinking a lot about maxi skirts. They’ve been all over storefront windows lately & I’m loving the idea of a modern skirt that can be dressed up for a date or made casual chic with gladiator flats.

Even though I’m usually a fan of black & white in polka dots, houndstooth, or zebra print, I’m getting on board the stripe trend for spring, especially since there are so many different versions of this skirt to pick from. This includes the plus size a.n.a. striped maxi skirt ($19.99) from JC Penney & Dress Barn‘s Roz & Ali two-toned striped maxi skirt ($30.00), which will pair nicely with solid tops in red, pink, or mint. You can find the third option @Forever 21, which is the striped jersey maxi skirt ($15.80), available in sizes XS – L.

My fourth selection is the BCBG striped knit maxi skirt ($48.30) from Last Call by Neiman Marcus, which has been marked down from its original $98.00 price tag. Lastly, the TWO by Vince Camuto nautical stripe maxi skirt ($79.00) from Zappos offers a summer-ready look for boat shoes & a crochet tank.

Which striped skirt do you like the best? How much would you spend on a maxi skirt this season? For more posts from Splurge or Save? check out black peplum tanks inspired by Naya Rivera & Amy Adams, leather moto jackets from True Religion & Jil Sander, Kim Kardashian’s silver Jimmy Choo pumps, & pink skinny jeans by Michael Kors & Ann Taylor! 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!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Seven Must-Have Sale Items For Under $100!

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Now that I’m in the throes of dual employment, it’s become clearer than ever to be conscious of what investments I’m making in my wardrobe. I always love to find end-of-the-season deals on sale, especially when they feel like brand new pieces the following year. However, I’ve been seeing a lot of cute separates & accessories that I’m eager to mix & match on these cooler spring nights, into the summer, & eventually include for some fashionable fall outfits. Making tiny purchases here & there are easy on your budget & can really change the way you reinvent old favorites.

Recommended sale items include Dress Barn‘s shimmer stripe sweater ($19.00) in silver, which is perfect for over a maxi dress with ankle boots, or how I recently wore it with leggings & sparkly ballet flats. Also, the Just Chic tee ($7.99) from Forever 21 is exactly what it advertises to be; try wearing this with leather skinny pants & a bold boyfriend blazer, or to dress down a peasant skirt & gladiator flats. I’m always one for a cute skirt, which is why I’ve included the striped jersey pencil skirt ($12.99) in blue from Old Navy. It’s casual enough to wear for brunch with a pullover & a denim jacket, but it can also be worn with a blouse & belted cardigan.

My favorite piece is the Drew dotted cuffed ankle pant ($22.49) from The Limited, which mixes spring’s trendiest fabric, chambray, with the always-classic polka dot print. These will pair well with a nautical-inspired top in stripes or a neon embellished blouse. Affordable accessories include the faux suede colorblock flat ($13.95) in red from GOjane, jewel drops diamondite stretch cuff ($9.25) from Claire’s, & the snakeskin embossed metallic skinny belt ($13.93) in ivory from Express.

The total for these pieces is under $100, ringing in at $99.60, which is quite the bargain! How would you style some of these pieces? What sale items are you eyeing? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out the details behind 3.1 Phillip Lim’s latest collaboration with Target, Ashley Madekwe’s Topshop jumpsuit look, spring-ready cardigans for under $25, & stylish shirt dresses for any size! Happy Styling!

Top 10 Celeb Sightings: Mini Dresses & Leather Accents, Featuring Jennifer Aniston, Anne Hathaway, Victoria Beckham, & More!

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On this very bright & sunny Happy Mother’s Day, I wanted to share the best looks from the last week, worn by our favorite celebrities & some really noteworthy up-and-comers. Of course, there’s more to come since the opening of The Great Gatsby this weekend, fashionistas of the world will have to up their game with inspiration from pearls, sequins, & other luxe embellishments. However, today’s gallery includes some regulars like Victoria Beckham‘s chic travel look when landing at JFK recently, Stacy Keibler‘s sculpted leather dress by Monique Lhuillier, & the always lovely Scandal star, Kerry Washington, in a designer mix featuring Marni, Isabel Marant, & Jennifer Fisher.

Also featured are Alexa Chung in a head-to-toe Dior look, Anne Hathaway‘s mod mini by Givenchy, Gwyneth Paltrow‘s continued obsession with black & white in Barbara Bui, Jennifer Aniston‘s gray suede shift dress at the Living Proof website launch, Fast & Furious 6 star Jordana Brewster in a stunning Jenny Packham column gown, Kate Bosworth‘s edgy flared skirt & pointy toe pumps at the Black Rock premiere, & Olivia Munnn‘s minimalist J. Mendel–Christian Louboutin combination.

Which are your favorite looks? Who is your go-to star for red carpet inspiration? For more celebrity posts, check out the complete gallery from this year’s Met Ball including looks worn by Jennifer Lopez & Katie Holmes, Keira Knightley in the Karl Lagerfeld-directed Chanel film Once Upon A Time, Beyoncé’s latest ad campaign for H&M, black & white looks on celebs like Kate Beckinsale & Jennifer Lawrence, & Scarlett Johansson’s recent cover shoot for Marie Claire! 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!

Red Carpet Review: Complete Coverage Of The 2013 Met Costume Institute Gala, Featuring Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Richie, Miley Cyrus, & More!

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This year’s Met Costume Institute Gala‘s theme was “PUNK: Chaos to Couture,” which means that we expected to see a lot of black, leather, cut-outs, sheer panels, & edge on the red carpet, but I don’t think fashion critics quite expected so much interpretation of the rock & roll vibe. This included some amazing looks worn by a platinum Anne Hathaway (in vintage Valentino), gothic Ashley Greene (in Marchesa), plaid-happy Christina Ricci (in Vivienne Westwood), spiked Miley Cyrus (in Marc Jacobs), a pretty Jennifer Lawrence (in Dior Haute Couture), Kylie Minogue‘s colorblocked look (in Moschino), as well as headlining statements of style from a silver-haired Nicole Richie (in Topshop), an under-stated Nicki Minaj (in Tommy Hilfiger), Beyoncé‘s show-stopping ensemble (in Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci), Sarah Jessica Parker‘s powerhouse pieces (by Giles & Philip Treacy), & Nina Dobrev‘s brave one-piece (in Monique Lhuillier).

Enjoy the nearly never-ending slideshow, which also includes a bottomless Madonna (in Givenchy), elegant Jessica Alba (in Tory Burch), awkward babydoll look from Lena Dunham (in Erdem), funky & fringed Kelly Osbourne (in Marc Jacobs), sophisticated Claire Danes (in Oscar de la Renta), dramatic Kerry Washington (in Vera Wang), uber-sexy Jennifer Lopez (in Michael Kors), coy Katy Perry (in Dolce & Gabbana), & sultry Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (in Gucci). Which looks were your favorites? Who do you think played it too safe? Which designers do you look for on the red carpet? Happy Styling!

5/6/2013 Darling Of The Day: Ashley Madekwe’s Checkered Topshop Jumpsuit!

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Usually when I post something for Darling Of The Day, I share look-alike pieces that are much more affordable than what a celebrity is wearing. However, Revenge actress & style blogger extraordinaire Ashley Madekwe (who is making her second appearance in DOTD) calls on the pajama trend for a recent red carpet in support of a Topshop event. She showed up in the brand’s check dungaree jumpsuit ($110.00), which is currently available for purchase online. Yes, it’s a lot higher than I would pay, but the one-piece has a lot of versatility & plays with the same light flirtiness of a maxi dress.

To complete this look without breaking the bank, I’ve selected affordable pieces from Forever 21, including the essential layering tank ($2.80) in white, Love pendant necklace ($1.80) in gold, & lacquered geo hinge cuff ($5.80) in cream / white. Also, other pieces to build the outfit include the strappy faux leather heels ($22.60) from GOjane & Lulu Townsend flower snap box clutch ($34.95) from DSW. I also wanted to share that Ashley’s showing off some major toe cleavage & her pedicure looks fantastic with this season’s greatest color trend. To achieve this look, I recommend the salon formula nail lacquer ($6.00) in mint condition @Ulta.

What do you think about Ashley’s stylish overalls? Would you wear this look? Do you follow Ashley’s style blog, Ring My Bell? For more celebrity posts, check out the most recent update from Top 10 Celeb Sightings, Olga Kurylenko’s latest red carpet looks, Gwyneth Paltrow’s promotional tour frocks for her latest cookbook, spring floral looks inspired by Elizabeth Olsen & Miranda Kerr, & Scarlett Johansson’s Marie Claire cover shoot! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Fun & Flirty With A Bicycle Print Blouse!

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Since starting my second job, I’ve been re-thinking my spring / summer wardrobe & have found a lot of inspiration from unusual prints, for example: the bicycle print keyhole to ($38.00) in navy from Dress Barn. This really struck me since I’m so used to wearing polka dots, stripes, graphic prints & watercolor florals, however I’ve taken a new look at the possibilities for this top. This includes a white skirt, colored jeans, or an opposing, yet color-coordinated print for the bottom.

I recently wore this top to a friend’s baby shower with red pants & nude canvas wedges, but I wanted to re-style it with The $100 Challenge in mind. I couldn’t get the idea of navy & red out of my mind, which is also why I picked the rockstar super skinny jeans ($25.00) in ‘apple of my eye’ from Old Navy, which are available in sizes 0-20.

Accessories that make for perfect finishing touches to this look include the ankle-strap single sole pump ($25.50) in nude from Charlotte Russe, the Croft & Barrow silver tone striped bead drop earrings ($5.40) in red white from Kohl’s, & Forever 21‘s multi strand woven cuff ($4.80). This whole look has a nautical feel to it, not to mention the Americana color combination that’s sure to liven & brighten up the season. I really love how each piece can be mixed & matched with other wardrobe essentials, as well as reinvented with pieces like the blouse with a hot pink pencil skirt, the jeans for a sequined tank, or the shoes with an embellished sheath dress.

Would you wear a bicycle print blouse? Which details are your favorites for a blouse? Would you wear red, white, & blue in an outfit? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out previous posts including Katy Perry’s white & silver sandal flats, spring-ready shirt dresses, my favorite latest dress purchases, & Derek Lam’s DesigNation collection for Kohl’s. 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!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: Katy Perry’s Silver & White Sandals From ALDO!

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Katy Perry has been everywhere these days, promoting her upcoming film, The Smurfs 2. Along with hitting Europe & Mexico, Katy turned up in Los Angeles to the I Create Music Expo. The “Teenaged Dream” singer wore a cell phone-designed graphic print collared tank dress ($650.00) by Suno, as well as Kasota sandals ($80.00) from Aldo. While I think it’s a great idea for the pop star to don accessories from retailers that can be found in the local mall, $80 is still a pretty penny to spend on sandals. Surely this style can be worn with plenty of looks throughout the spring & summer, but I was really inspired to search for silver & white look-alikes to recreate Katy’s footwear choice, without breaking the bank.

I’ve come up with the following shoes: Forever 21‘s studded strappy sandal ($27.80), the Sperry top-sider Meridian sandals ($29.99) from 6PM, & the Impo Gaga wedge sandal ($39.95) from DSW. Aside from wearing these with a spring or summer dress, they’re also perfect for pairing with a blouse & cropped pants, a tunic top & leggings, & a pullover tee with silk shorts.

Which sandals do you prefer? Do you like Katy’s Suno & Aldo look? How would you style these shoes? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out cork heels by Michael Kors, peplum tops inspired by Cate Blanchett & Olivia Palermo, studded loafer flats for spring, how to get Taylor Swift’s sophisticated menswear look, & Kim Kardashian’s silver pointy toe pumps! 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!

Top 10 Celeb Sightings: A Gallery Full Of Black & White Looks, & The Best Dressed Kates!

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I’ve been one busy little Style Darling lately & it kills me that I went for so many days without posting! So much has been going on in fashion & the May issues of my favorite magazines are stacking up, collecting dust. I can’t wait to flip through them, but in the mean time, I’ve been scoping out some seriously stylish red carpet looks from our favorite celebrities, including Gwyneth Paltrow, who wore a sleek two-tone Narciso Rodriguez frock during an interview on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Also, trends I’ve been noticing are black & white looks, appropriately on my favorite Kates, such as mom-to-be Kate Middleton in a polka dot Topshop dress & Ralph Lauren jacket, Kate Hudson in a leather-accented belted dress, & Kate Beckinsale‘s patterned suit while attending the TCM Classic Film Festival.

Other looks worth mentioning are Charlize Theron‘s Jason Wu jumpsuit, Claire Danes in a leopard print Lanvin dress, Jennifer Lawrence in a sculpted LBD by David Koma, Jessica Biel in an elegant LBD at the Time 100 gala, Kirsten Dunst in a lace & leather mini dress by Emilio Pucci at the GLAAD Media Awards, & lastly, there’s Olivia Palermo looking flawless in an embellished Louis Vuitton sheath dress while at the opening of the brand’s Munich boutique.

Which looks are your favorites? Which trends are you following this spring? Which celebrities do you think always get it right? Happy Styling!

Show Me The Shoes: Celebrating Spring With A Flirty Design By Sophia Webster!

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It’s been a while since I’ve posted in Super Style Wishlist, but as soon as I saw the Sophia Webster Leilou polka dot t-strap sandal ($595.00) from Neiman Marcus, I knew I had to share them. I love all of the aspects of this shoe, including the blue & pink polka dot color combination & mod black & white striped heel. These are right up Carrie Bradshaw’s alley, which will work with plenty of looks. These can be worn with a classic LBD, skinny jeans & a boyfriend blazer, a belted sheath dress, & shorts romper look.

Neiman Marcus - Sophia Webster Leilou Polka-Dot T-Strap Sandal $595.00.

Do you like these shoes? How would you style them? Do you like Sophia Webster designs? For more amazing styles by Sophia Webster, check out the official website, as well as Net-A-Porter, Style.com, & Bloomingdale’s! Also, for more shoe posts, check out more from Show Me The Shoes, including my new metallic flats from Dress Barn, accessories with nautical inspiration, Taylor Swift’s collaboration with Ked’s, silver Jimmy Choo pumps as seen on Kim Kardashian, & trendy mint shoes for spring! Happy Styling!

Cover Craze: Scarlett Johansson’s Sultry Looks For Marie Claire’s May Issue!

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She’s the face of Dolce & Gabbana cosmetics, a Tony award-winning actress, one of the most desirable women in the world, & the latest cover girl for Marie Claire‘s May 2013 issue. We’re talking about Scarlett Johansson, star of the upcoming Don Jon with Joseph Gordon-Levitt & the sequels to The Avengers & Captain America as the catsuit badass Black Widow.

Scarlett Johansson for Marie Claire May 2013

In the interview, she talks about her career, including her work alongside JGL, who’s making his triple threat debut in Don Jon as actor-writer-director, which focuses on a man addicted to porn who is conflicted upon meeting the love of his life. Also, she sheds some light on continuing her action hero streak as Natasha Romonoff since Iron Man 2. Not to mention, she addresses the controversy behind her hacked intimate photos that she shared with ex-husband, Ryan Reynolds, while the pair were still together.

However, in terms of fashion, red is certainly the color for Scarlett, especially given her first name. It’s refreshing to see the elegant actress return to her classic bombshell style for this shoot, which is comprised of red-hot pieces from Giambattista Valli, Miu Miu, Dsquared2, Dolce & Gabbana, Calvin Klein, & David Yurman!

Scarlett Johansson for Marie Claire May 2013

Scarlett Johansson for Marie Claire May 2013

In addition, you can win all of the beauty products from Scarlett’s cover shoot, including a year’s supply of Dolce & Gabbana items worth $232.00, by checking out this link. What do you think of Scarlett’s cover shoot? Do you like the red theme? For more from Cover Craze, check out previous posts including Drew Barrymore’s shoot for Lucky, Christina Hendricks’ for Flare magazine, Hayden Panettiere’s day at the beach for Glamour, & Kate Hudson talks motherhood with Elle UK! Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: ‘Oblivion’ Actress Olga Kurylenko Makes A Stylish Splash!

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Ukrainian-born French actress Olga Kurylenko first caught our attention as a sexy Bond girl in Quantum of Solace. Since then, the leggy beauty has slowly climbed the fashion ladder with stunning red carpet looks. Lately, I’ve been catching Olga’s stylish appearances while promoting her latest sci-fi action flick, Oblivion, opposite Tom Cruise. In addition, she’s also been out & about sharing her work in Terrence Malick’s To the Wonder with Ben Affleck & Rachel McAdams.

However, what I wanted to share was how the former model continues to transform her red carpet image in gowns, cocktail frocks, mini dresses, & sleek separates. She’s certainly made her mark, what with designers like Marchesa, Salvatore Ferragamo, Elie Saab, Roland Mouret, Balmain, Stella McCartney, & many more, ready to dress her! What do you think of Olga’s red carpet style? Which is your favorite look?

For more from Red Carpet Review, check out previous posts including Gwyneth Paltrow’s gam-tastic looks while promoting her newest cookbook, Emmy Rossum’s stylish 2013, peplum looks as seen on Freida Pinto & Olivia Palermo, floral inspiration from Selena Gomez & Diane Kruger, & a complete gallery from this year’s Academy Awards! 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!

The Stylish Five: Spring-Ready Shirt Dresses ($50 & Under)!

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I’ve been focusing a lot lately on dresses b/c I think that spring is the best time of year to invest in new dresses. I’ve definitely already started my 2013 collection, which I will definitely wear well into the summer, however, one style of dress that I always turn to is the shirt dress. There are so many shirt dresses out there in stores & online right now, which are perfect for wearing to a brunch with girl friends, a family party on the weekend, or to the office for a feminine change of pace.

The first I found is the Merona sateen belted shirt dress ($22.00) in purple from Target, which is also available in five other bright & neutral hues, & in sizes XS – XXL. This is the perfect dress for matching with a pair of espadrilles, ballet flats, or gladiator flats. Next is the chambray belted shirt dress ($24.50) from Old Navy, which can be made rugged with suede ankle boots or dressed up with cork patent heels, for a Style Darling of any size (XS – XXL).  Forever 21‘s belted high-low shirtdress ($27.80) in turquoise is a soft & lightweight way to add layers to your look, or even mix things up with leggings & knee boots, or a matching suede hat & belt.

To stay on trend with bold neons for spring, I picked the roll-sleeve pocket shirtdress ($34.99) in active yellow from Gap, which is also sold in blue, orange, & pink, in sizes XS-XXL. I recommend pairing it with pointy toe pumps & a printed blazer when headed to a meeting, or with floral flats & a basketweave clutch for a sunny picnic. Lastly, the belted denim shirtdress ($46.00) in orange from Dress Barn is also sold in plus sizes ($50.00) to wear with peep toe wedges & a chainlink bag.

What dresses are you shopping for this spring? What stores do you like to hit up when searching for that perfect dress? Do you like to wear shirt dresses? For more affordable fashion posts, check out nautical inspiration for under $100, Derek Lam’s DesigNation collection for Kohl’s, spring-friendly polka-dotted pieces, peplum tanks inspired by Olivia Palermo & Zoe Saldana, & floral must-have pieces like Selena Gomez & Jessica Chastain! 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!

Inside A Style Blogger’s Closet: My New Spring Must-Haves From Dress Barn!

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I’ve been a busy girl lately, especially having just started a new position at work & getting a second part-time job to save up some extra money. However, returning to retail has its disadvantages, including a very tempting employee discount. I have some summer plans coming up, so I knew that I’d have my eye on classic dresses that I’d be able to wear while in the Hamptons & it just so happened that while at Dress Barn, I found some must-have spring items that needed to be in my wardrobe!

This includes the ruched waist floral dress ($40.00) in yellow & eyelet sundress ($46.00) in white. Both are perfectly my style & can be mixed with a variety of accessories like strappy black platforms, white ballet flats, & metallic sandals, or an embellished cardigan, three-quarter sleeve blazer, & or cropped sweater.

Dress Barn

The lace back bolero ($29.00) in black was an easy choice, especially b/c of the feminine detail across the back. It’s also available in white & yellow, but I knew I’d get a lot more use out of the black shrug even over a long-sleeve top in the cooler months. Finally, the metallic toe ballet flats ($25.00) in gold were right on trend with other cap toe footwear that I’ve been eyeing, along with the metallic trim which is will coordinate well for any outfit this season.

What’s on your shopping list to upgrade your spring wardrobe? What kind of dresses are you looking for? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out nautical inspiration for under $100, cork heels from Forever 21 & Steve Madden, Derek Lam’s new DesigNation collection for Kohl’s, & striped dresses under $35! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Update Your Wardrobe With Nautical Inspiration!

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There are a lot of trends that come & go, & I’m still waiting for this sneaker wedge thing to go away. However, as the weather warms up & we begin to plan more outdoor activities, I’m looking for new ways to wear my favorite spring & summer pieces. The nautical trend keeps coming back for its crisp all-American feel & classic color combinations.

I’ve selected five pieces that will cost under $100 total to help bring a fresh, youthful, & flirty nautical look to your spring & summer essentials. This includes the luxe jersey striped ringer tank ($17.99) in gray heather from Gap, which is perfect for skinny jeans, a dark denim mini skirt, white cropped pants. Also, a fun topper for any casual outfit is the cropped canvas hooded jacket ($34.94) in sea turtle from Old Navy, which will work for over a tank & jeans, with leather pants & a graphic tee, or to dress down a sheath dress & ballet flats.

Also, I love the nautical stripe lightweight scarf ($9.99) from Charlotte Russe to wear with patriotic separates like a red top or blue capris. The striped boat shoes ($19.80) in red / white from Forever 21 are a literal way to include nautical inspiration into your wardrobe & will allow for all of your current love of menswear loafers to make a preppy appearance this summer. Lastly, the Brash dusty crossbody bag ($16.99) from Payless offers a cute seersucker neutral pattern to offset florals, polka dots, & pastel paisley prints.

The total for these pieces comes to an affordable $99.17! How do you like to wear nautical inspired looks? Do you prefer articles of clothing or striped accessories? For more posts on shopping on a budget, check out Steve Madden cork heels, Derek Lam’s DesigNation collection for Kohl’s, how to wear polka dots this spring, & peplum looks inspired by Cate Blanchett & Zoe Saldana! Happy Styling!