Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: Studded Loafers By Jimmy Choo Vs. Forever 21!

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During my recent ventures out & about, discovering the trends for spring, I was surprised to see that menswear-inspired loafers had made a comeback, but with Style Darlings like Alexa Chung, Sienna Miller, & Kirsten Dunst spotted in them, I knew this trend wasn’t going away. I’ve yet to add some loafers to my shoe collection, but details like studding over a suede surface seem to be the most popular. I was pleasantly surprised to find these shoes at so many different price point & knew that I just had to include it in my latest Luxury Look-Alikes For Less post!

I’m certainly not endorsing the disappearance of ballet flats, but I love the idea of mixing such a masculine shape to feminine pieces, like a silk blouse & lace shorts or to dress down an LBD with a blazer & colorful tights. Today’s selection includes the Jimmy Choo wheel studded suede loafers ($475.00) in black from Neiman Marcus, which is of course a hefty price to pay for shoes, but if you’re looking for the quality of a luxury brand, by all means, break out the big bucks. However, for those like me who are always shopping on a budget, I recommend the studded canvas slip-on loafers ($24.50) in black from Charlotte Russe, which are also available in white, yellow, pale blue, & pink to fulfill all of your loafer needs. Not to mention that if you’re shopping in a Charlotte Russe store & have a student ID (high school or college), you can earn an extra 10% off your purchase (some exclusions may apply).

Loafers seem to be the best way to transition your wardrobe from winter to spring & I’m sure when we’re headed from summer to fall, the same will apply. Also, the studding embellishments add an extra metallic accent & will contrast nicely with lace, leather, or printed separates in your look. Are you on board with the loafer trend? Would you consider adding this style to your current shoe collection for spring? For more shoe-related posts, check out affordable shoes in emerald, Kate Moss for Stuart Weitzman, behind-the-scenes with J. Crew’s Jenna Lyons, & my favorite new stilettos from Forever 21! Happy Styling!

3/24/2013 Darling Of The Day: Revenge Actress Ashley Madekwe’s Mulberry Look On A Budget!

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I’ve been getting really inspired lately by all of the fabulous ensemble looks that celebrities are donning on the red carpet & for special events. Case in point: Revenge actress & style blogger, Ashley Madekwe, at a dinner in Los Angeles for the English brand Mulberry.

Spring is (sort of) in the air & I can’t wait to let go of heavy knits & layers, so that I can start to embrace lighter & softer fabrics to pair with sandals! There’s so much about this outfit that I love, including the mod black & white color scheme. The clean & classic color combination is always sensational for any age & shape if you’re on your way to a special occasion. The peplum look isn’t going away & it’s especially perfect for spring if you’d like to add feminine, figure-hugging details to your wardrobe. Not to mention that printed pants & jeans are so hot right now & can work for a variety of looks while at the office, going on a date, or headed out with friends.

To start, I found the Green Envelope 3/4 sleeve peplum top ($34.99) from Loehmann’s, which I realize isn’t short-sleeved like what Ashley is wearing, but the price is pretty amazing for such a fashionable staple that will look great with a pencil skirt, dark denim jeans, & leather leggings. Also, the Copper Key animal-print ankle pant ($17.40) from Dillard’s is practically identical to the luxury brand. The accessories that I choose include DSW‘s Mia Bennet reptile pump ($54.95) in black, the Apt. 9 Emma Satchel ($39.99) in white from Kohl’s, & the lacquered diamond shaped earrings ($3.80) from Forever 21.

Would you wear leopard print pants? Do you like Ashley’s outfit? What are your must-haves this season? For more posts featuring celebrity style, check out Nikki Reed’s menswear look for less, Amanda Seyfried & Jessica Alba’s recent red carpet appearances, the neon trend as seen on Freida Pinto & Kristen Stewart, & the stylish ladies of Oz the Great and Powerful. Happy Styling!

Ad Madness: Marion Cotillard Returns As The Face Of Lady Dior!

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Marion Cotillard is certainly one of the most beautiful women in the world & Dior snagged up the French Oscar-winner as its spokesmodel for several seasons now. The actress returns as the face of Lady Dior bags, standing alongside the colorful collection with old Hollywood & vintage-inspired pieces from the Dior line. Her smoky eyes & dark berry lip hue are perfect for translating the brand’s effortlessly chic style, with photographs by Jean-Baptiste Mondino.

Marion Cotillard for Lady Dior

For more celebrity ad campaigns, check out Beyoncé’s latest for H&M, behind-the-scenes with Kate Winslet for Lancôme, Jennifer Lawrence’s debut ads for Dior, Evan Rachel Wood & Chris Evans for Gucci’s Guilty Black fragrance, & a look at Kate Hudson’s Almay shoot! 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!

3/22/2013 Darling Of The Day: Nikki Reed’s Embellished Blouse Look For Less!

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This week, actress Nikki Reed, of The Twilight Saga fame, hit up Justin Timberlake‘s Target-sponsored release party for his latest album, The 20 / 20 Experience, in a long-sleeved white blouse with stud embellishments on the collar, curve-hugging black skinny pants, towering platforms, & added a bright pop of color with a turquoise clutch. Her look is hitting all the right notes here & I love the simplicity in her menswear-inspired outfit with some trendy touches that any Style Darling can pull off. The prove my point, I went seraching for similar items to complete an affordable outfit that a woman of any size can sport.

This includes the pyramid stud collar blouse ($22.80) from Forever 21, as well as their plus size studded collar Georgette top ($24.80), which is available in sizes XL – 2XL. Both of these tops can work perfectly with a textured pencil skirt at the office, under a blazer with leather leggings for a girl’s night out, or with dark denim jeans & ballet flats for a chic day out on the town. I turned to Old Navy for the bottoms & happily found the Diva skinny jeans ($29.50) in Black Jack, which are sold in sizes 0-20, with short, regular, & tall inseams, & in different washes including dawn, authentic, & rinse. Of course we know that the darker the wash, the better the look, but I’m always excited to share Old Navy’s selection in sizes when it comes to staples like skinny jeans!

As for shoes, I included two options: the nubuck platforms ($24.70) in black from GOjane, as well as Payless‘ Brash Kosmic platform pumps ($24.99) in black, which is a wide width option for those who have difficulty fitting in narrower shoes. I also added two clutch bags since I wasn’t able to find a studded match for the one that Nikki carries, but I loved the contrasting textures & color combination found in  Duro Olowu‘s snakeskin foldover clutch ($30.00) @JC Penney, as well as the simplicity of a patent exterior with Charlotte Russe‘s textured patent envelope wristlet ($12.99) in teal.

Lastly, the final touch to this look is Nikki’s rings which are always a fun way to accessorize any outfit, especially when there are so many subtle details like the collar & on the bag, which is why I thought the Jennifer Lopez silver tone simulated crystal stack ring set ($16.80) from Kohl’s was a good investment if you like to mix up your digit decorations.

While the combination of pieces comes to just over $100, this is still an affordable look inspired by a celebrity on the red carpet. For more red carpet fashion ideas, check out previous posts including the latest Top 10 Celeb Sightings gallery featuring Stacy Keibler & Jessica Alba, neon looks as seen on Beyoncé & Kristen Stewart, the ladies of Oz the Great and Powerful on their stylish press tour, & a complete look at this year’s Oscars red carpet! Happy Styling!

Ad Madness: Beyoncé’s Debut For H&M Is Finally Here!

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It seems like 2013 is Beyoncé‘s year, & when rumors began to circulate that the multi-talented Texas-native was going to be the new face of H&M, fashion bloggers everywhere were gasping in anticipation. Now, the moment has finally arrived when we can see the almighty & fearless Beyoncé fronting the Swedish company.

Beyonce for H&M

Take a look at the sultry image, featuring a sleek neutral button-down blouse, printed short shorts, stacks of bangles, hoop earrings, peep toe sandals, & a tropical flower hair accessory. This is the first time we’ve seen Jay-Z’s wife wearing lower-end duds & we like it! Not to say that Lana Del Rey’s previous fall campaign & music video for “Blue Velvet” weren’t fantastic, but when it comes to summer style, Beyoncé is a pretty good model for the upcoming season!

For more posts on Beyoncé, check out a behind-the-scenes look at her Vogue shoot, her complete halftime show performance at this year’s Super Bowl, her ads for her latest fragrance Pulse NYC, the trailer for her recent HBO documentary Life Is But A Dream, & my picks of her top 5 most stylish music videos! 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!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Get These Green Pieces For St. Patrick’s Day!

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A friend of mine recently asked me what the big color for spring was going to be & from my research & observation of trends, I saw that emerald green was getting to be very popular, amid the rise in pretty pastels & trendy neons. Nearly everyone looks great in emerald, so I thought, what better day to talk about some amazing emerald pieces than on St. Patrick’s Day!

I know when I’m putting a look together, I usually stick to classic black & white pieces, but there’s nothing better than a special pop of color, especially when it comes to green. First, the Merona 3/4 sleeve v-neck cardigan sweater ($19.99) from Target is the perfect topper to any polka dots, graphic print, or houndstooth sheath dress for both the office & a family party. Speaking of dresses, I love the stretch cotton skater dress ($27.93) from Express (which is currently on sale for 30% off) & the AB Studio lace sheath dress ($25.60) from Kohl’s (which has recently been reduced from its original $64.00 price). Both are reasonably priced & can work for any season if paired with cork wedges or even opaque tights & a boyfriend blazer.

If you prefer separates, then try H&M‘s blouse ($12.95) which can be worn knotted with skinny jeans & sneaker wedges for a casual day out & about, or untucked over some rocker chic leather leggings & metallic pointy toe pumps when headed out with the girls. Also, I recommend the Diva skinny ankle pants ($29.94) from Old Navy to be worn with a cable knit sweater for a preppy look or a flirty blouse & ballet flats when meeting gal pals for a luncheon. Not to mention that Old Navy has a special 17% off coupon code (ONLUCKY) which can be used on almost any online only purchase.

Add green accessories into the mix with some jewelry like the bubble bead statement necklace ($12.99) from Charlotte Russe, which is having a sitewide 20% off sale today, online only! Also, there’s Forever 21‘s iridescent arrowhead drop earrings ($4.80), which can be worn with a modern LBD & strappy sandals, or made exotic for your next vacation in a maxi dress & basketweave wedges.

I always love green in multi-color patterns too, which is why I selected the bright geometric scarf ($19.95) from New York & Company to wear with a denim jacket & jersey skirt while shopping, or to dress up any solid pullover & dark denim jeans. Lastly, you can’t talk about green without mentioning shoes & there are so many ways to wear the Worthington Pennie faux suede ballet flats ($28.00) from JC Penney like with a pair of neutral trousers & button-down shirt. Also, there’s the Payless‘ American Eagle sweetheart high wedge sling ($24.99) with a cotton wrap dress or a chambray tunic & colored denim shorts.

How do you like to wear green? Do you wear green on St. Patrick’s Day? Which are your favorite pieces? What’s your budget for new spring-friendly fashions? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out a budget-friendly spring look for under $100, the complete lookbook of Kate Young’s collection for Target, colorful crossbody bags for under $15.00, neon looks inspired by Beyoncé Knowles & Jennifer Lopez, chic spring break must-haves, & how to wear yellow like Emmy Rossum & Miranda Kerr! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Spring Into A Budget-Friendly Dress Look!

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‘Tis the season to be pretty! There are hints of spring everywhere & I even see flowers starting to pop up out of the ground, which means that it’s time to start considering the new & bright pieces for our wardrobe. This includes cotton dresses, wedges, lightweight cardigans, & baring some skin from under the heavy layers of winter. I was clicking through the Old Navy website, which is when I found the striped fit & flare dress ($20.00) in black & white, which is also available in creme caramel.

I knew this look deserved a pop of color, which is why I added the peep toe wedges ($24.90) in green from Forever 21 & American Eagle Outfitter‘s perforated crossbody bag ($19.99) in lemon yellow. Both pieces are perfect to mix & match with other wardrobe staples like dark denim jeans & a ruffled blouse, a graphic tee & mini skirt, or wrap dress & ballet flats.

To complete the look, I headed to LOFT for the dot haircalf skinny belt ($20.99), which is on sale 30% off with no code needed after its already reduced price. I love the idea of matching stripes & polka dots for a truly feminine look, so I wanted to keep with a black accent in the outfit with Forever 21‘s teardrop rhinestone earrings ($5.80). Lastly, the 4-pack bracelet ($7.95) from H&M is a fun way of adding some personality with the layers of chains, studs, & rhinestones.

The total for this look comes to $99.53 (before taxes) & can make for a wonderfully feminine look for a variety of occasions. Try this dress with a blazer to play up the juxtaposition of its softness with some menswear-inspiration, or consider adding the belt with a floral wrap dress & slingback heels. For more posts on affordable fashion, check out previous posts like Kate Young’s new collection for Target, neon looks inspired by Chloe Grace Moretz & Kristen Stewart, spring break-ready must-haves, sexy stilettos for under $30, how to save on the pink skinny jeans trend, all-white ensembles as seen on Rooney Mara & Nicole Richie, & Lauren Conrad’s latest spring collection for Kohl’s. 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!

Runway Rundown: The Entire Kate Young For Target Lookbook!

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The fashion world has been buzzing stylist Kate Young & her upcoming collection collaboration with Target, & I even featured the news in my latest post for Haute Headlines. Young is responsible for the praised red carpet looks worn by top celebs like the always dazzling Michelle Williams (especially during her press tour for Oz the Great and Powerful) & Oscar-winner Natalie Portman. In addition, Young was named the most powerful stylist by The Hollywood Reporter last year, although her place dropped to fourth this year. Big names have seen lots of success in previous years with Target, including Prabal Gurung, Missoni, Rodarte, & Jason Wu.

I’ve included a thorough gallery of all the pieces from the chic collection, ranging in price from $14.99 – $89.99, including apparel & accessories that will mesh perfectly with current wardrobe staples. Check out each look which will hit stores on April 14th! Can’t wait!

Which looks are your favorites? Do you shop the designer collections at Target? Do you think the prices for the mainstream lines are comparable to lesser-known brands? For more on affordable fashion, check out posts including neon crossbody bags from Aéropostale, Lauren Conrad’s latest spring line for Kohl’s, how to dress up a graphic tee in 4 ways, floral pants inspired by a Stella McCartney design, stylish stud earrings for any budget shopper, & Kate Hudson’s ad campaign for Ann Taylor!

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!

Cover Craze: Michelle Obama’s 2nd Vogue Cover, Kim K for Cosmo, Nicki Minaj’s Makeunder For Elle, & More!

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I know I’m looking forward to April for more than the fabulous spring fashions & big upcoming movies, but I have a lot of exciting professional changes ahead of me. However, there’s so much going on in terms of our favorite magazines & the big international headlines are looking more & more fabulous, guiding where fashion is headed as the weather begins to warm up. In this latest post for Cover Craze, I went all out with a total of 15 covers that I just couldn’t stop looking at & reading up on.

The biggest news in covers is that First Lady Michelle Obama returns to Vogue for the April 2013 issue in a sleek two-tone Reed Krakoff sheath dress, photographed by the always impressive Annie Leibovitz. In an interview with Jonathan Van Meter, FLOTUS discusses parenting, marriage, her duties as First Lady, as well as fashion. She shares with readers, “If you’re comfortable in your clothes it’s easy to connect with people & make them feel comfortable as well.”

Michelle Obama for Vogue, Julie Bowen for Lucky, & Emily VanCamp for Marie Claire Australia April 2013.

On the cover of Lucky, two-time Emmy winner & star of Modern Family, Julie Bowen, looks like the modern & sexy cool mom that we all wish we had, wearing pieces from Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Stars, & Pandora. Inside the svelte blond is contemporary & chic in J.Crew, Juicy Couture, Jimmy Choo, & DKNY. Speaking of TV stars, Revenge actress Emily VanCamp looks smoldering in a cut-out Michael Kors dress on the cover of Marie Claire Australia, sharing the spotlight with her dashing male co-stars  Gabriel Mann (Nolan), Barry Sloane (Aiden), & Nick Wechsler (Jack).

Marie Claire shows The Incredible Burt Wonderstone actress Olivia Wilde in a sexy sheer blue dress, as she talks about her engagement to Saturday Night Live star Jason Sudekis. As for Marie Claire UK, Mila Kunis, star of Oz the Great & Powerful, talks about her breakout performance in Black Swan, upcoming Hollywood projects, & taking a break from back-to-back movies.

Olivia Wilde for Marie Claire, Mila Kunis for Marie Claire UK, & Zooey Deschanel for In Style April 2013.

New Girl star Zooey Deschanel, who takes the cover of In Style in a stunning Carolina Herrera gown. Also featured in the issue are pieces by Oscar de la Renta, Bottega Veneta, Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga, Chanel, & Nicholas Kirkwood, as she talks about her love of all things nail art & being a role model for girls.

I featured Selena Gomez‘s breezy spring look for Harper’s Bazaar in my last Haute Headlines post, but what was awestruck by the young star’s shoot by Terry Richardson featuring red carpet looks by Akris, Dior, Calvin Klein, & Prada. The down-to-earth Texas native & star of Spring Breakers talks about her family traditions, stardom, & her new role as a single lady.

Elle unzips rapper / American Idol judge Nicki Minaj without the big neon hair or exaggerated eyelashes that she’s always famous for donning. Also, Elle UK pays homage to another star in music, Rihanna, who looks effortless in a checkered Louis Vuitton outfit (like from the collection we’ve seen on Kirsten Dunst & Kerry Washington). She talks about her future, family, & more from the pixie-cutted pop star.

Selena Gomez for Harper's Bazaar, Nicki Minaj for Elle, Rihanna for Elle UK April 2013.

Kim Kardashian is always in the news & while photogs are tracking her pregnancy style, you can see her pre-baby-bump curves on the cover of Cosmopolitan in a Sophia Loren-inspired look. Smash star Katharine McPhee look positively fresh-faced for front & back covers of Women’s Health. She models various different makeup looks including striking blue eyeliner, enhanced cheeks, & bold red lips. Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence is the focus of People Style Watch & for her stylish red carpet looks in Stella McCartney, Hugo, & Michael Kors. Also, the mag looks at her street style in Thakoon & Tory Burch, as well as her changing hairstyles for previous films like Silver Linings Playbook, The Hungry Games, & X-Men: First Class.

Kim Kardashian for Cosmopolitan, Katharine McPhee for Women's Health, & Jennifer Lawrence for People Style Watch April 2013.

Lastly, we see country crooner Taylor Swift for Vanity Fair, talking about how she’s the target of constant jokes regarding her love life, including the jab that Tina Fey & Amy Poehler made during last month’s Golden Globes. A topless Kate Hudson let her natural beauty shine for Glamour, decked out in layers of Chanel necklaces. The mom of two talks about her romance with Muse frontman, motherhood in her thirties, & how she balances it all. I almost missed seeing Emily VanCamp‘s second April cover for Canada’s Fashion magazine, but I was glad to catch the former ballerina & leading lady for the Captain America sequel in this gorgeous snake-print dress & necklace, both by Gucci.

Taylor Swift for Vanity Fair, Kate Hudson for Glamour, Emily VanCamp for Fashion April 2013.

For more celebrity posts, check out black & white looks worn by Jessica Chastain & Jessica Alba, the neon trend as seen on Jennifer Lopez & Freida Pinto, Kate Winslet for Lancôme’s latest ad campaign, & complete red carpet coverage from the Academy Awards! Which magazines are your favorite for April? Which look makes for the best cover? 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!

Accessories Access: Spring-Ready Neon Crossbody Bags!

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During a recent trip to the local mall with a good friend, Jennifer, in an effort to find affordable pieces for her upcoming cruise vacation, we stopped into Aeropostale to seek out some cute accessories & clothing, perfect for any tropical island escape. However, what surprised us was the plethora of big sale items in a store that is generally geared toward tween & teen shoppers, but these must-haves were perfect for any Style Darling & making our mission successful.

Although I couldn’t find the exact crossbody bag that Jennifer purchased on the online website, I was happy to share the essential neon crossbody bag ($14.00) in kale, lemon zest, radiant coral, & think pink. The bag was recently reduced in price from its original $36.50. The latest neon trend is more than apparent in accessories, which will certainly make any spring / summer outfit all the more fashionable.

Aeropostale - neon crossbody bag $14.00

I picked this particular style since it’ll work nicely with any casual look, including a blouse with shorts & flats for a brunch, a day of checking out antique shops with some girlfriends, running errands in a button-down & skinny jeans, & lastly, with a maxi dress & gladiator flats when headed out for a picnic with that special someone. Which color is your favorite? Are you currently shopping for a crossbody bag? Do you frequently shop at Aeropostale?

For more posts on affordable fashion, check out more from the neon trend with looks inspired by Chloe Grace Moretz & Kristen Stewart, spring break must-haves from Payless & JC Penney for under $100, sexy stilettos from Forever 21, how to style a graphic tee in four fabulous ways, & Christian Siriano’s ‘Striking’ collection for HSN! Happy Styling!

Top 10 Celeb Sightings: Menswear, Black & White, & Cute Cocktail Frocks, Featuring Jessica Alba, Allison Williams, & More!

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The stars have been hitting the latest in Paris Fashion Week, while also making the rounds at various press events looking nothing short of fabulous. The latest trend for in-between-seasons is black & white pieces, whether it’s a one-piece colorblocked look, or timeless, menswear-inspired separates. Also, even though awards season has ended, the ladies of the red carpet are sure to be seen in the most photo-worthy frocks. Some of my favorite looks from the last two weeks includes Allison Williams in a Prabal Gurung silk set, Jessica Alba‘s Valentino jumpsuit, & Naomi Watts‘ little white dress look by Louis Vuitton.

Addition highlights include Les Miserables star Amanda Seyfried in leather & a pencil skirt, Revenge actress / fashion blogger Ashley Madekwe in a dress by Versus, Gwyneth Paltrow‘s age-defying leather leggings & Nicholas Kirkwood booties, Jessica Chastain in black & white, Lily Collins in a gold & black printed minidress, Fashion Star mentor Nicole Richie in her 80s-inspired separates, & Stacy Keibler celebrating the launch of Joe Fresh for JC Penney in a slim-leg suit.

Which look if your favorite? Do you like / wear the current black & white trend? Which runways have you been following during the international fashion weeks? For more from Top 10 Celeb Sightings, check out previous posts including red-hot looks worn by Cate Blanchett & Jennifer Lopez, LBDs on Krysten Ritter & Anne Hathaway, gorgeous red carpet looks on Emma Stone & Kerry Washington! Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: Spring Into Neon Yellow This Season!

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Last month I blogged about neon blouses at different price points, sharing the big neon trend that will help Style Darling transition from winter to spring. I’ve seen so much in stores lately in neons, especially in the highlighter yellow variety in tops, dresses, pants, skirts, & accessories, which are perfect for mixing with essentials like dark denim jeans, crisp white pieces, & other bold separates.

Neons have been on the rise for quite a while now, especially on the red carpet & seen on celebrities on the street. This includes Indian beauty Freida Pinto in a lace Atelier Versace peplum gown at the Cannes Film Festival. Also, Jennifer Lopez‘s honey-hued glow looks even more chic in a long-sleeved Michael Kors sheath dress with hot pink pumps by Casadei. Hollywood it-girl Chloe Grace Moretz was all smiles at the People’s Choice Awards in a floral Simone Rocha party dress with black ankle-strap pumps.

Freida Pinto, Jennifer Lopez, CHloe Moretz, Kristen Stewart, & Beyonce Knowles.

At last summer’s Comi-Con, Twilight actress Kristen Stewart mixed a neon BCBG Max Azria skirt with a cropped tee & leather Barbara Bui high tops. Beyoncé knew about the neon trend a few years ago when she hit the streets of Manhattan with neon accessories, including a straw hat & ankle-strap platform sandals with an over-sized tank & grey shorts.

One thing to keep in mind when it comes to neons is that you must wear them in moderation. I did recently show neon yellow in a head-to-toe monochromatic look in a Basics for a Bargain post, however these separates & dresses are perfect for any style. For example, the Prabal Gurung ruffle dress ($39.99) & Mossimo ponte colorblock v-neck dress ($27.99) from Target are timeless & affordable essentials to wear at the office with a blazer or for date night with some textured pumps. Also, Express‘ split back dolman sweater ($23.94), Forever 21‘s contrast racerback trapeze tank ($6.80), & New York & Company‘s two-pocket blouse ($20.00) are cute, affordable, & versatile tops to mix with patterned pants, colorful jeans, or neutral pencil skirts. The varying neon hues from bright & bold to soft & near-pastel are elegant & modern.  

Next, the cropped high rise trousers ($19.80) from Forever 21 are ideal for elongating the legline if you dare to wear neon on your bottom half. Also, for a softer look with neon, I recommend the Worthington colorblocked pleated skirt ($25.00) from JC Penney for a white scoop neck tee or a lacy button-down blouse. You always see celebs wearing shorts & the H&M shorts ($29.95) can work for both casual & dressy occasions, if paired with pointy toe heels, ballet flats, or a sleeveless top.

As for accessories, a neon pop of color is always a great choice. Bags that I just couldn’t resist sharing are the Nine West tech mini cross body bag ($19.95) from DSW & H&M‘s clutch ($24.95). Not to mention chic jewelry pieces like the BCBGeneration Le Piaget neon & crystals stretch bracelet ($24.99) from 6PM & enamel coated stretch ring ($6.00) from Charlotte Russe can turn a day look into something ready for cocktail hour. Lightweight gauzy scarves are always fun to consider with your casual look when you’re running errands or headed out shopping with girlfriends, which is why I picked the plaid scarf ($29.95) from Gap to wear with a denim jacket, leather bomber, or twill blazer.

We can’t talk about neon without mentioning shoes, which are always my favorite part of an outfit! I selected the Prabal Gurung pointy toe pump ($39.99) from Target, neon cap toe ballet flats ($19.99) from American Eagle Outfitters, & Forever 21‘s neon strap platform sandals ($26.80).

What do you think about the neon trend? Would you wear it? Do you like the pieces of clothing or prefer the accessories? Which trends are you following this season? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out spring must haves from Old Navy & Payless, stylish stilettos from Forever 21, all-white looks inspired by Kerry Washington & Emmy Rossum, stylish stud earrings for any occasion, & the latest collection for Kohl’s by Lauren Conrad! 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!

The $100 Challenge: Chic Spring Break Must-Haves For Your Next Vacation!

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The weather outside is pretty nasty here on Long Island & while I’m trying to keep my head up & attitude positive, I know with the recent personal trials that I’ve been through, I need a vacation. Unfortunately, I’m not in the position to do so, but a girl can dream when there are still some shreds of dreams left to ponder. Also, after some inspiring messaging with another Style Darling, I decided to just throw myself into the online retail forum & find some amazing & affordable pieces, perfect for a Spring Break vacation or much-needed warm-weather getaway in my latest post for The $100 Challenge.

Whenever the temperature rises, it’s always stylish to add a maxi dress to your wardrobe, which is why I picked out the chiffon tribal print maxi dress ($16.80) from Forever 21, which can be dressed up with beaded earrings & platform sandals, or made day-ready with a chunky leather belt & gladiators. I also always love checking out the latest in spring shoes, which includes the Brash Molly side t-strap wedge sandal ($19.99) in black from Payless. They’re also available in coral, gold, & white- perfect for mixing with a cotton spring dress, cropped pants & a blouse, or with cut-off jeans & a graphic tee. When spring rolls around, I’m happy to switch out my heavy wool & knit scarves for something lighter & more feminine, like the daisy print infinity scarf ($9.99) from Charlotte Russe to wear with basics like a cotton tee & denim jacket.

The $100 Challenge

Don’t forget that spring & vacations are all about embracing bright colors & while I’m not one to wear shorts myself, I love the shorts ($12.95) in red from H&M, which are also sold in powder pink, black, white, blue, pink, & yellow. For a nautical feel to your look, I recommend the striped roll-tab scoop neck tee ($13.47) in blue from New York & Company, which are a limited quantity item, reduced from their original $26.95 price tag. Also, florals are very popular this time of year, so if you’re headed somewhere chic, the a.n.a. ankle-length skinny jeans ($14.00) in all over floral from JC Penney are great for coordinating with different prints like stripes, polka dots, or plaids. Lastly, for some sparkle with versatility, I choose Old Navy‘s sheer sequin-chiffon tank ($11.99) in pink to wear with satin shorts & platforms for a night out with the girls, dark denim jeans & ballet flats for brunch, or a pencil skirt & boyfriend blazer when headed to an office meeting.

All of this also considers a $100 budget & the total for these comes to $99.19 (before taxes), which is pretty awesome for any Style Darling on a budget. Which pieces are your favorites? Which trends are you following to revamp your spring wardrobe? How much are you willing to spend on essentials for the new season? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out fabulous neon criss cross stilettos from Forever 21, 4 fashionable ways to wear a graphic tee from Old Navy, varying price points on trendy pink jeans, my latest bargain shoe purchases from Target, & floral pants inspired by Diane Kruger’s Stella McCartney look! Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: The Ladies Of ‘Oz the Great and Powerful’ Hit The Red Carpet!

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I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to review an advanced screening of Oz the Great and Powerful, which stars James Franco as Oz, a magician from Kansas who becomes a wizard. Also in the film are beauties Michelle Williams, Mila Kunis, & Rachel Weisz as three battling witches: Glinda, Theodora, & Evanora, respectively. The movie premieres on Friday nationwide, but if you just can’t wait to hear about the spoiler-free juicy details, check out my review on Movie Buzzers.

In addition, the lovely ladies of the movie have been making the global rounds at premieres & press events, wearing the best of the best, including Elie Saab, Jason Wu, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Burberry, Michael Kors, Alexander McQueen, Atelier Versace, & so on. To see the more from the trio of Style Darlings, check out my recent Cover Craze post, featuring the glamorous actresses on the cover of In Style. Which of these red carpet looks is your favorite? Are you looking forward to seeing the movie? Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: Complete Coverage Of The 85th Annual Academy Awards, Featuring Naomi Watts, Reese Witherspoon, Zoe Saldana & More!

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The 2013 Oscars are just starting & there’s so much to talk about from tonight’s red carpet, including the anticipation behind the performances from the cast of Les Miserables, as well as the tribute to the James Bond series. Some of my favorites so far include Naomi Watts‘ high fashion look from Armani Prive, Reese Witherspoon‘s classic old Hollywood Louis Vuitton cobalt gown, Zoe Saldana‘s two-tone fishtail gown by Alexis Mabille, & Sandra Bullock‘s lace-detailed Elie Saab gown.

Other notable hits include Jessica Chastain (in Giorgio Armani), Nicole Kidman (in L’Wren Scott), Jennifer Garner (in Gucci), Kerry Washington (in Miu Miu), & Charlize Theron (in Dior Haute Couture). Not to mention that I predicted Jennifer Lawrence‘s Dior Haute Couture gown as an Oscar pick in my recent post, which is nothing short of fabulous when it hit the red carpet!

Who wore your favorite looks? Which nominees are you rooting for? Are you excited to see performances by Adele, Norah Jones, & Jennifer Hudson? For more from this year’s awards season, check out more from Red Carpet Review including the Golden Globes, Grammys, BAFTAs, & SAGs! Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Rihanna Debuts Her River Island Collection At London Fashion Week!

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Last month, word got out that superstar Rihanna was making her debut as a fashion designer with a new collection for British retailer, River Island. During London Fashion Week, the collection hit the runway & included models like Cara Delevingne, Jourdan Dunn, & Rochelle Wiseman in tight-fitting frocks, bold colors & tropical patterns, slitted dresses, beach-ready separates, & midriff-baring tops. The looks were very true to Rihanna’s personal street style & speaks to her effortless red carpet looks.

What do you think about this debut collection? Would you shop for these pieces? Are you looking forward to more from the fashion icon? For more posts on celebrity designers, check out collections from Rachel Zoe, Victoria Beckham, Holmes & Yang, & Lauren Conrad’s latest for Paper Crown! Happy Styling!

Show Me The Shoes: Crisscross Stiletto Sandals From Forever 21!

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Retail therapy has been proven to cause endorphins of joy, feelings of success, & stress relief (or so I’ve heard & experienced), which is why women often turn to shopping in times of need. This little Style Darling apologizes for the inconsistency in new blog updates, thus breaking my New Year’s Resolution for sharing posts with readers everyday for 2013, but while I’m coping with the hardships behind a broken heart, I’m eager to get back on the horse & try to find some inspiration, even if it’s just in a pair of shoes. When clicking around the web, I found myself on the Forever 21 website & came across the crisscross stiletto sandals ($29.80) in black, tomato, & citron.

Forever 21 - Crisscross Stiletto Sandal $29.80

Of course these colors range from basic to flirty to bold, but they can work for a variety of occasions, including a night out with the girls in a sheath dress, with skinny jeans & a blouse for a weekend luncheon, or for happy hour cocktails with co-workers when you want to slip out of your regular office attire & into something more casual, yet dressed up. I’ve never been one to add a lot of texture or coverage over my ankles, fearing that it would cut off my legline, but I’m really drawn to the juxtaposition of a really sexy, slim heel that will emphasize any feminine outfit, especially with a rear zipper & faux suede outsole. The strong & edgy feel will sharpen any menswear-inspired pieces & can work for any season. Naturally, neons are big for spring & summer, but if you’re into a classic shoe, there’s always a sleek black pair.

What do you think of these shoes? Which color would you choose? Do you like the crisscross detail? How much do you like to spend on shoes when shopping on a budget? For more Show Me The Shoes posts, check out affordable footwear including how to wear flats, heels, & booties with a graphic tee, my latest shoe purchases from Target, Christian Siriano’s latest arrivals for Payless, & Rachel Zoe’s collaboration with ShoeDazzle. Happy Styling!