The Stylish Five: Charlotte Russe’s Summer Farewell Sale ($15 & Under)!

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In the 5th & final installment of The Stylish Five (for now anyway), I’ve been checking out what’s going on @Charlotte Russe, where the prices on the sale items couldn’t get any better.  I think $15.00 is a pretty good jumping off point when looking for affordable styles to start stocking up on summer pieces for next year, or that tropical vacation you’ll be taking this winter! I love that Charlotte Russe is always a great resource for fun accessories like the rimless studded aviators ($2.50), which are super cute, as well as a bargain if you’re looking for an extra pair of shades to keep in your car.

If you’re headed to the beach or wanna show off that nail art-inspired pedicure, then grab a pair of the braided leatherette t-strap sandals ($10.00) in black which are perfect for a variety of looks including a casual maxi dress for daytime, a graphic tee & shorts on a casual afternoon, or when you’re headed to a picnic in a tank & cotton skirt.  For the more daring Style Darlings, add a pop of color to your look with the peep toe cut-out wedges ($15.00) in pink. The cork texture is classic for summer, essential for bringing out those neutral hues in your outfit.

There’s always a reason to bring out the sequins, which is why I’m recommending the geo-pattern sequin tank ($7.50) in gold which can be worn with a mini skirt, jeans, or leather leggings & paired with a satin blazer, basic cardigan, or over a mock turtleneck.  Also, I’ve gotta mention the zipper-back 2fer dress ($15.00), which plays with the colorblocking trend- one that just isn’t going away.  Depending on how this is styled, you can make this office friendly with textured tights, ankle booties, & a tweed jacket for the fall, or with your favorite metallic platforms & drop earrings for a sexy night out.

For more on my end-of-the-season-themed posts, check out what’s going on with J.Crew, Forever 21, The Gap, & The Limited! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: The Gap’s Go-To Affordable Sale Items ($15 & Under)!

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After recently hitting up The Gap to get an incredible deal on my new favorite striped dress, I’ve been checking back regularly with their website sale items, happy to find more stylish items to add to my Labor Day countdown series of The Stylish Five.  While some of these pieces are on the minimalist side, they each serve a multi-function purpose for a variety of other pieces in your wardrobe.  For example, the canvas shorts ($12.99) in khaki are a chic & casual way to dress down embellished items like a jeweled tank or beaded blouse.  Even pair this with some sequins & a denim jacket & you’re ready for an elegant day date with your beau.

Next, the luxe jersey piped tank ($14.99) in gem stone in perfect for feeling light & breezy during these last few weeks of summer, but also this can be worn with leggings, boots, & a cardigan.  Add a splash of print with a fringe scarf & you’ll be ahead of the game with a fall-friendly layered look! Also, I’m quite obsessed with belts, which is why I picked the striped woven nylon belt ($9.99) in pink.  Aside from the fact that the price is perfect for any budget, you can swap out a fabric belt on a shirtdress & add this for a flirtier look.  Of course, it’s also great to achieve that modern preppy look when wearing an argyle cardigan & skinny jeans.

In the summer, I can’t get enough of cotton since it’s so comfortable & lets my body breathe on the hotter days.  I love the smocked blouson top ($12.99) in white for its romantic & feminine details that are fun are wear with colored jeans, printed cropped pants, or a dark denim mini & your favorite wedges.  Speaking of skirts… the cargo mini skirt ($14.99) in coral is a must-have b/c it’ll look polished against the most basic tanks, but also pairs well with the latest fall neutral- merlot. Keep this skirt around for your opaque tights & knee boots! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: The Limited’s Sleek Summer Sale ($15 & Under)!

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Welcome to part 3 of my daily posts in The Stylish Five! Today’s assessment includes sale items & final sale items from The Limited! I’ve actually been thinking about hitting up my local store since they were generous enough to send me some discount coupons for my upcoming 2?th birthday! What I love most about this store is that their timeless pieces really work for any stylish woman of any age.  Classic pieces like these are what builds a memorable wardrobe & they’re almost always the most flattering separates to own too!

First the Drew Hollywood cargo pant ($12.99) in black are perfect to capture the preppy look while the first half of September is still summer.  Take in those cool summer nights wearing these with your favorite sandals, a tank, & cardigan.  Not to mention the tilted pocket pencil skirt ($12.99) in khaki is office-friendly without looking too stiff.  The neutral hue will brighten up tops in fuchsia, red, lime, & cobalt, whether you’re headed to a meeting or happy hour.

As for tops, the striped scoop neck tee ($12.99) is a necessary basic, especially if you’re looking to try & mix things up, like with a floral bubble skirt or sequin mini.  You can even wear this under a denim jacket for an all-American look with red jeans! The Limited’s Collins skirt ($12.99) in pink was a big splash this season.  Talk about making menswear even more feminine, without looking over-the-top frilly.  The loose fit is sexy, yet appropriate with your best power suit or over a denim skirt & some drop earrings for lunch with the girls.

Last, but not least, take some time to consider this time of year as an opportunity to freshen up your accessories like jewelry with the latest markdowns, including the multistrand drape bracelet ($14.99). The different hues will bring out warm tones in a printed sheath dress, while also working for a variety of special occasions.

Check out previous posts, including deals @J.Crew & Forever 21! Happy Styling!

Fabulous in 4 Ways: Over-The-Knee Boots From Victoria’s Secret (Dedicated To Laurie)!

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Attention Style Darling Readers: We have a new category alert! Fabulous In 4 Ways is my latest in offering the best style advice that I can, while keeping a budget in mind. Of course, I’ve had this idea (taking one item & showing how it’s worn in 4 fabulous ways) for a while now, just sitting away & linkless on my categories page, but just recently, a good friend has come to me w/ a deal on a killer pair of over-the-knee boots, asking for help on how to wear them once the temperatures cool down & heavy knits emerge from the depths of our closets.  Said friend, Laurie (who I’ve dedicated a total of 4 blogs to now- Jordana Brewster’s style, how to wear turtlenecks, & the best day-to-night blazers) has challenged me in a very good & very stylish way. Let’s take a look…

As I usually do in my Basics for a Bargain posts, let’s start off with some celebrity inspiration to see how some of the most photographed & stylish stars interpret their over-the-knee boot looks. The City star / socialite Olivia Palermo looks Upper East Side chic with her navy suede boots & fur-lined jacket, mixing neutrals with a sweater tunic. Mom-on-the-go Kourtney Kardashian wears her boots with a flowy blouse under a menswear-inspired blazer & floppy hat, keeping accessories like her bag matching in texture with her footwear. Supermodel legend Claudia Schiffer goes casual in jeggings & a cobalt cable knit sweater with a coordinating bag for her tan suede over-the-knee boots. Former Spice Girl / designer Victoria Beckham keeps her polished posh persona in check with ultra tight leggings, a black top, & satin-trimmed blazer while traveling through Heathrow airport. Lastly, Project Runway host Heidi Klum offers an edgy approach to her leather Jimmy Choo over-the-knee boots by completing her look with a graphic tee & abstract print blazer.

The boots inspiring this post are the Colin Stuart over-the-knee boots ($94.00) from Victoria’s Secret, which are on sale for less than their original $118.00 price tag (pictured below, to the left).  These are fierce confections of footwear meant only for the confident Style Darling (for example: Laurie!).  Even though these may seem much pricier than your average pump &/or ankle bootie, I can’t emphasize enough that this is an investment piece, especially one that you can dare to wear from the beginning of fall, all the way to the end of the winter.  Since we’re talking boots, VS is currently having a 20% off sale on all Colin Stuart boots, which you can shop here.

However, let’s get down to business in putting together these outfits wth some of the celebrity inspiration seen above.  Typically when I see boots, I think of sweaters & leggings b/c they’re both just so comfy & very on-trend for effortless fall looks.  My first ensemble includes the asymmetric hem sweater ($59.90) from Express, which is available in orchid, black, grey, & blue.  The loose fit is perfect for recalling that 80s off-the-shoulder bulky sweater look, as well as hugging your curves to show off your legs.  Just so you know, Express is currently having a mix & match BOGO 50% off sale this Labor Day weekend, so if you really love the look pictured, then check out the short metal stick necklace ($44.90) to go with the sweater. I’ve selected Forever 21‘s pebbled pointe knit leggings ($17.80), which will add some texture & shine against the rich suede of the boots.  Of course, any solid legging will do, but if you’re going for something with a print, keep it subtle since you’re dealing with a sexy lace-up detail in the back of the boots.

My second outfit is perfect for an office environment where jeans are allowed.  The Faded Glory jeggings ($12.88) from Walmart are a steal & can work with so many other wardrobe staples all year long.  The colored denim trend is obviously not going away & pairing it with White House Black Market‘s tweed trophy jacket ($188.00) is a professional & elegant way to dress up denim.  When shopping @WHBM, of course the regular prices are on the high side, but if you sign up for their seasonal catalogues, you can get discount codes, as well as earn points for reductions on future purchases. I find that comes in handy around the holidays when in a pinch for a cute cocktail dress.  For an extra feminine splash, I’ve selected the graphic checkered strips tiered cotton tank ($39.99) from LOFT to add some dimension- which also just so happens to marked down another 30% at checkout.

Look #3 required a little more attention since I wanted to find pieces that would work for more than just the over-the-knee boots challenge.  I started with this streaky knit t-shirt dress ($39.99) from The Limited, which has been marked down 50% on the store’s website. With a solid sheath-like dress as this, I immediately thought of a belt & found this duo of ivory cheetah & glossy black skinny belts ($10.79) from Bluefly. To keep warm during the cooler fall days, I picked out the basic, yet affordable Style & Co. three-quarter ruched sleeve cardigan ($14.99) in black from Macy’s. If you’re headed out to happy hour with the girls or going from the office to an evening function, this look is perfect with the boots, especially when the Minicci scroll weave tights ($7.99) from Payless are hiding underneath your layers.

Lastly, the forth look is my favorite, but perhaps not too far of a departure from the previous blazer look above.  When I saw the Merona tailored blazer ($34.99) @Target, I immediately loved the idea of mixing the plaid with the laces, as well as navy & black, along with integrating the fall’s best new neutral deep red hue with New York & Company‘s satiny roll-tab shirt ($39.95). Of course you can complete the look with skinny pants, but Style & Co. skinny stretch jeggings ($36.75) from Macy’s looked too good to be true in a classic dark wash!

What do you think of these looks? Would you wear over-the-knee boots? If so, how would you style your look with them? What boots are you shopping for this fall? Happy Styling!

Watch This Style / Ad Madness: La Vie Est Belle For Lancome & Julia Roberts!

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While sifting through the knee-high pile of the September issues of my favorite magazines, I noticed that several (Self, Cosmopolitan, & Allure) have the ads for Lancome‘s latest fragrance La Vie Est Belle featuring Julia Roberts‘ infamous smile on their back covers.  The Oscar winner’s Mirror Mirror director, Tarsem Singh has, from behind the camera, brought out the best in Julia in a short film to go along with the stunning ad campaign.  Luckily, I was able to find the video on YouTube, along with a making-of video, which includes a brunette-tressed Julia in an elegant white gown breaking free from conventions & embracing a beautiful life, all with the help of the perfume.  Having graduated from the previously popular Tresor fragrance, La Vie Est Belle is set to hit stores in mid-August.

What do you think of Julia Roberts as a spokeswomen for Lancome? Do you like the videos? Would you try this scent? For more celebrity campaigns, check out posts from Ad Madness, including Lana Del Rey for H&M, Lily Collins for Movado, & Kate Hudson for Ann Taylor.  In addition, Watch This Style videos include stylist Brad Goreski talking to Nightline, a behind-the-scenes look at Victoria Beckham as guest editor for the September issue of Glamour, & my top 5 most stylish music videos from the Spice Girls. Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Feel Fabulous With Forever 21’s End Of The Season Sale ($15 & Under)!

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Yes, I’m still talking about the great end of the season sales online to help Style Darlings complete their summer wardrobe with this latest installment of The Stylish Five! What better place to check up on than Forever 21, where their sale items & plus size sale items are crazy affordable right now! Of course, read b/w the lines to see that these are all final sale items! These are perfect from making the transition from day-at-the-beach to poolside-under-the-stars!

For my fuller figured Style Darlings, I love the colored denim shorts with belt ($10.99) in aqua & ombré fringe slub top ($8.99) in black since they can be mixed & matched with so many other staples including a striped tank, printed wedges, dark skinny jeans, & ballet flats.  I’m always a big fan of dresses, which is why I’ve picked out the smocked midi-length tube dress ($8.99) in green.  Not only is the price unbelievable, but the length is super cute for showing off your shoes & new Labor Day pedicure.

You can never go wrong with accessories & I love the striped canvas floppy hat ($8.99), very Jennifer Lopez.  It’s essential for any day activities if you’re looking to protect your beautiful face from the sun, as well as creating that retro look with a maxi dress & stacked bangles.  Not to mention the desert heart shoppers tote ($9.99) is plenty big for your next beach excursion.  The fun print is bold for running errands with your gal pals or simply ‘toting’ around your favorite items.

Be sure to check out yesterday’s post with items $15 & Under from J.Crew! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: J.Crew’s End Of Summer Sales ($15 & Under)!

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I’ve been getting loads of emails about the latest end of the season sales, so I’m making a 5-part series of the best deals for under $15 at my favorite stores as a countdown to Labor Day weekend- a celebration of summer style, fun in the sun, & a way to welcome all the new fall trends.  However, @J.Crew, I was able to find some chic pieces, among many other sleek sale items, to help create some fun & last-minute looks if you’re headed to the beach, a barbecue, or a party with loved ones!

The espadrilles ($14.99) in yellow are casual, yet perfect for creating that nautical chic look if you’re bound for the bay.  The pop of color matches well with navy, red, kelly green, as well as staple neutrals like white, black, & khaki.  Scoping out deals on accessories like the chevron tie belt ($9.99) in aqua will make the rest of this summer’s wardrobe, as well as next year’s, all the more stylish.  Tie this around a cotton dress, with a shorts romper, or for more polish to come cargo pants & you’re good to go!  When the nights turn cooler, I recommend the perfect-fit tape boatneck tee ($14.99) in white, which is ideal for a linen pencil skirt, bright denim skinnies, or a flowy peasant skirt.

I’ve found that when it comes to swimsuit shopping, sometimes the pre-set separates just don’t work for my shape, but I like mixing it up just like any other outfit.  If you have a favorite colorful bottom or textured top that you wanna reinvent, then I recommend checking out the jersey Lomellina ruffle top ($14.99) in dark slate, which has some femininity along the bustline, as well as the belted bow bikini ($9.99) in brown, which offers a retro feel to any tankini top or triangle top. Check out more to come from The Stylish Five! Happy Styling!

8/24/12 Darling Of The Day: Olivia Munn’s Geometric Dress From KMart!

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Up & coming actress Olivia Munn has been making the rounds on the red carpet lately, especially having co-starred in this summer’s Magic Mike & The Babymakers, but also appearing on HBO’s The Newswoom doesn’t hurt either.  She’s getting  a lot of attention for her style, including this look which was spotted walking the streets of New York just recently, thanks to a post found on In Style.

She’s polished & on-trend with a colorful print, classic round toe pumps, & a confident smile, however what’s so great about this look is the fact that the Attention geometric print shirtdress ($17.49) is from Kmart! Look at the price on that dress & how effortlessly she’s wearing it.

Of course this can transition into fall with some dark tights & ankle booties, or even be worn these last few days of summer while running from the beach to a block party.  The dress runs typically for $24.99, but it currently on sale on the store’s website.  It’s available in sizes XS – XL, but also in an autumn orange color scheme as well.

Typically in my Darling of the Day posts, I find pieces to recreate the whole look, however I’m just so excited to share the dress that I will simply refer readers to Payless for the Brash Liv pump ($29.99), Forever 21 for the patent med shoulder bag ($29.80), & round sunglasses ($3.50).

What do you think of Olivia’s bargain dress?  Would you shop @KMart? Don’t forget that this isn’t the first KMart-related post to appear on Style Darling, since I’m a big fan of Sofia Vergara’s line, Sofia by Sofia Vergara & Selena Gomez’s Dream Out Loud collection.  Also, for more on Olivia’s style, be sure to check out the latest Top 10 Celeb Sightings post, images of her alongside Sarah Jessica Parker from I Don’t Know How She Does It, & an Express look from last year’s Darling of the Day! Happy Styling!

Top 10 Celeb Sightings: Poised, Polished, & Pumped Up Featuring Jennifer Lopez, Lea Michele, Kate Beckinsale, & More!

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It’s been a whirlwind for celebrities recently, what with movie premieres, prepping for the Emmy’s, press appearances, & charity gatherings, yet I’ve been able to sift through some of the best looks for my Style Darlings.  It seems that our favorite ladies of the red carpet haven’t forgotten to dress like ladies, especially since they’re all sporting pretty dresses with pumps, just enough plunging necklines, & figure-flattering frocks.  I’ve been keeping an eye out for the fall trends as well, finding that suit separates are one of the top trends, but I’ll save that for another post since 9/10 of these Style Darlings are pants-free.

Click around through the gallery to see more of fashionable actress Camilla Belle in Jason Wu, Eva Longoria looking red-hot (& affordable) in ASOS, Jennifer Lopez making a splash in Las Vegas wearing Edition by Georges Chakra, the soon-to-be Mrs. Timberlake, Jessica Biel, in bridal white by Giambattista Valli, Dallas star Jordana Brewster in Dolce & Gabbana, Total Recall badass Kate Beckinsale in neon Preen, Hit & Run actress Kristen Bell in a Jenny Packham jumpsuit, Glee songstress Lea Michele baring her assets in Giorgio Armani, rising star Olivia Munn in Raquel Allegra, & the always adorkable New Girl, Zooey Deschanel in polka dots! For more from Top 10 Celeb Sightings, check out links to see Oscar nominee Anna Kendrick & Revenge actress Ashley Madekwe, Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton & the lovely Emmy Rossum, & a cropped Anne Hathaway & Victoria’s Secret model Miranda Kerr! Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown / Show Me The Shoes: The Entire 106 Piece Fall 2012 Collection By Nicholas Kirkwood!

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I talk about a lot of shoes here on Style Darling, but this is the biggest shoe gallery I’ve ever shared with readers- on top of this being my 600th post!  As I was happily surfing through Facebook & Twitter today, I came across a link to Refinery 29 which included a 106-image slideshow gallery of designer Nicholas Kirkwood‘s Fall 2012 Collection of shoes.  The line ranges in sandals, pumps, flats, & wedges- each sleek, flirty, fierce, & sexy for a variety of occasions. Here’s a chance for you to check out the latest trends in fall styles, including platforms & towering high heels that can match perfectly with so many colorblocked, solid, printed, or textured looks for the upcoming season.

For more shoe posts, check out Show Me The Shoes, including Lela Rose’s latest for Payless, Christian Siriano’s loafer pumps, & Prada’s fall runway shoes @Neiman Marcus! Happy Styling!

Show Me The Shoes / Inside A Style Blogger’s Closet: Pretty Patent Peep Toes With Bows From Payless (+ Coupon Codes)!

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I confess. I splurged. I bought a pair of shoes for which I have no immediate need, aside from the sudden smile they brought to my face & the hopes that said smile would thrive each time I saw the shoes.  Aren’t these perfection? The Valencia bow pump ($44.99) from Payless by Lela Rose is nothing short of feminine, polished, elegant, & timeless.  I love the combination of patent leather & the satin bow, especially since I’m always looking for new textures to help complete a look.  Since I’m currently on the hunt for a job, spending $44.99 on ANY pair of shoes just isn’t logical, but I’m a smart & savvy Style Darling & had some coupon offers in my email from Payless. I received $10 off my purchase & walked out of the store $10 richer, but with $34.99 less in my wallet.

However, I am not lamenting b/c I’ve since accumulated a few coupon codes for Payless that I’d like to share with readers, all for the same $10 off a purchase of $25 or more offer.  This includes 74685, 75762, & 75453 each with the a 9/3/12 expiration.  I can’t post images of the coupons online since they’re codes from receipts or postal mail offers, but these can be used for online purchases.  Don’t worry about shipping costs with Payless since they offer FREE SHIPPING when you have your order (on any total amount) shipped to one of their store locations.  Be sure to sign up for emails from Payless to get all the latest updates on sales & even more coupon codes in the future!

Also, Style Darling is covering all blog/web bases with updates to Instagram (@MissAlissaL) as well, so be sure to check out what I’m sharing on a daily basis during my spur of the moment shopping outings, or if I’m just browsing around for something to ogle at! For more fabulous shoe news, check out posts from Show Me The Shoes, including Christian Siriano’s loafer pumps, Christian Louboutin look-alikes from GOjane, & the latest Steve Madden markdowns! Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Chanel’s Fall 2012 Haute Couture Collection!

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It’s been a while since I posted a runway gallery, & what better day to celebrate the fabulous styles of Fall 2012 Haute Couture than by featuring the latest collection from Chanel.  If you didn’t already know, August 19th marks the 129th birthday of designer Coco Chanel. In honor of the day, I’ve collected images of the 65-piece line from Elle, which shows a feminine & elegant homage to the legendary house of fashion.  In addition to tweed separates, stylish jackets, & feathered dresses all in hues of black, gray, & pink.  For more Runway Rundown favorites, check out looks from Lauren Conrad’s Fall 2012 collection for Kohl’s, Gucci’s 2013 Resort collection, & Stella McCartney’s Spring 2013 collection! Happy Styling!

Designer’s Best: Coco Chanel’s 129th Birthday Is Today & She’s Never Been More Fabulous!

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When I was sifting through my Twitter feed (@MissAlissaL) this morning, I was surprised to learn that today marks the 129th birthday of the one & only Coco Chanel.  The blogosphere is a embracing the day with #CocoChanelDay attached to every tweet, so I thought that today would be the perfect day to debut my latest category here on Style Darling, Designer’s Best. I’ve searched high & low to find some of the most fabulous looks by Chanel that have been worn by some of our favorite celebrities like Alexa Chung, Blake Lively, Emma Stone, Jennifer Aniston, Katy Perry, Sarah Jessica Parker, & many more!

Of course there are thousands more images to appreciate when celebrating the Chanel legacy, so check out Karl Lagerfeld’s “The Tale of a Fairy,” behind-the-scenes footages from Keira Knightley’s Coco Mademoiselle commercial, & Chanel’s denim-inspired nail polish! Also, I would love to share with readers some of my other favorite Chanel-related articles that are featured exclusively for today including Elle‘s “Looking Back: Coco Chanel”, “Coco Chanel Birthday: The Design House’s Signature Look Throughout The Years” from The Huffington Post, & Vogue’s “Honoring the Life of Coco Chanel!” Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Video Of Brad Goreski & The Styling Industry with Nightline!

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If you’re addicted to fashion & can’t stop talking about styling (just like me), not only are you a Style Darling, but you will LOVE the next (almost) six minutes of this video taken from a segment on ABC’s Nightline, which discusses the work of stylist Brad Goreski, as well as how stars like Jessica Alba, Lady Gaga, & Mila Kunis have become fashion icons during their red carpet appearances. In addition, the video talks about the empire that Brad’s former boss, Rachel Zoe, has built, not only as a stylist who charges upwards of $10,000/day, but as a designer for QVC & her high-end collection for Neiman Marcus. Who do you like better- Brad or Rachel? Do you watch It’s A Brad, Brad World & The Rachel Zoe Project?

If you can’t get enough of fashion-related videos online, then let me guide you through more from Watch This Style, featuring Victoria Beckham’s guest editor position for Glamour‘s September issue, a behind-the-scenes look at Lady Gaga in Vogue’s September issue, & Mariah Carey’s top 5 most stylish music videos! Happy Styling!

Ad Madness: H&M’s Lana Del Rey Ads For Fall Are Finally Here!

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Lana Del Rey has been making headlines in the music industry for quite some time now, but her bombshell style & old Hollywood allure have been raising eyebrows in the fashion world as well.  Naturally, the talented singer has snagged herself a modeling gig for H&M‘s latest fall ad campaign.  Thanks to Fashionologie, I’m sharing these 10 images of Lana, photographed by Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin which H&M has recently released.

In addition, H&M creative director Donald Schneider explains, “Lana is totally unique, and we wanted to create a print and film campaign that’s just as special… The mood is very LA noir and is inspired by our Fall collection, which also fits with Lana’s own personal style.“

Not to mention that the NYC-born chanteuse will release a music video covering “Blue Velvet,” which will also feature looks from the latest fall collection from H&M.  The style doesn’t end here either since the video will be edited down for commercial-length to appear on television.  Also, Lana’s relationship with the Swedish-based retailer will continue on into the winter with ads shot by photographer Solve Sundsbo.

For more celebrity-fronted ad campaigns, check out more from Ad Madness including Lily Collins for Movado, Blake Lively’s commercial for Gucci’s Premiere fragrance, & Kate Hudson’s latest as spokesmodel for Ann Taylor! Happy Styling!

Cover Craze: Victoria Beckham Is Glamour’s Sept Guest Editor!

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Yes, this is my 2nd Spice Girls-related post in a day, however I’m writing about the always stunning Victoria Beckham who acted as guest editor for the September issue of Glamour.  I was so excited to flip through the pages & find out VB’s picks, style secrets, as well as read about her thoughts on what’s going on in fashion for the upcoming fall season.

Aside from the fabulous shots of the former singer wearing duds by Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Lanvin, Giuseppe Zanotti, & of course Victoria Beckham, I’m loving what she’s offered to readers, including hair ideas featuring Lily Collins, the best way to experiment with makeup, & how to wear brights for the upcoming season.  She’s had a very big hand in putting together the hefty 328-page issue alongside editor-in-chief Cindi Leive.

Also be sure to check out the video I scored below, featuring Victoria talking about her love of fashion, how she wants to empower women, & that at heart, she’s a real soccer mom.  What do you think of Glamour‘s choice in picking Victoria for the cover & to guest edit? Is she your favorite Spice Girl? What fall trends are you looking forward to? Happy Styling!

Inside A Style Blogger’s Closet / Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: New Striped Dress From The Gap For Under $14!

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I was strolling through the mall the other day to get out of the heat & do a little walking when I was struck to hit up The Gap to see if there were any to-die-for bargains waiting for me to take them home. Alas, this asymmetrical striped dress ($49.99) is my newest friend that I almost didn’t buy, but this is one of those too-good-to-be-true stories, but I wouldn’t lie to my Style Darlings about affordable fashion!

Now you might look at the price & think that $49.99 is not a bargain… well, in the store, I found this marked down from its original $64.95 price to $16.99.  Since it was Tuesday, I was able to earn another 10% off & b/c I opened a Gap card on top of that, the store granted me an additional 15% off. I paid under $14.00 for a dress that was originally marked up $50 more!

I don’t usually find myself attracted to stripes, but there’s something a little nautical, something a little Parisian about this very flattering dress (which I bought in a smaller size since I’ve dropped a dress size this year!), that makes me want to layer it with pearls & wedges to feel feminine or add a chunky belt & ankle boots for a transition-to-fall look.  However, I already know that I’m saving it for a special family gathering when I go on a little road trip with my boyfriend next week b/c that’s the perfect occasion to break out this new bargain.

The lesson here is to always check both the store & online price before you commit to buying something, b/c if you’re lucky enough to have access to both, you could really be serving your budget wisely, especially since the styling never stops! Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Top 5 Most Stylish Music Videos From The Spice Girls!

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I’m still thinking about the Spice Girls reunion for the closing ceremony of this summer’s Olympics in London & how happy it made me to see the original female fab five together on stage.  Although the performance, standing atop those cars, was a little lack lustre for audiences watching on the tele, I thought that the ladies, now in their mid-to-late 30s, looked better than ever.  However, I wouldn’t dream of wishing for them to reunite for a full-on album/tour since my favorite, Victoria Beckham, a.k.a. Posh Spice, has been doing so much these days as a full-time fashion designer. Every now & again I find myself glued to the tube watching the movie, Spice World, since every time, it feels like the gals have joined me in my room for a sleepover full of gossip & girly guilty pleasures.

Anyway, I thought I’d invite my readers to go back to the 90s with me & watch what I think are their top 5 most stylish music videos.  Of course, you have to take into context the decade in which these videos were made. Neon pleather, midriff tops, high-heeled sneakers, & other bubble gum pop trends were in full swing, thanks to Posh, Ginger, Scary, Baby, & Sporty.   I’ve included the videos for “Too Much (my favorite!!!), “Say You’ll Be There,” “2 Become 1,” “Who Do You Think You Are?,” & “Spice Up Your Life.” Of course I’m leaving out obvious favorites, including “Wannabe” & “Stop,” but we have only five to post here today. Also, I’m fond of “Goodbye,” although that signifies the end of a pop music era with the ladies who officially became a quartet just days before hitting the stage for a concert on Long Island in 1998.  Who is your favorite spice? What’s your favorite song? Do you want the girls to get back together? Happy Styling!

Watch This Style / Ad Madness: Lily Collin’s Is Movado’s Newest Face!

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Mirror Mirror actress Lily Collins is making her next big mark with Movado as the newest face of the 130-year-old brand’s latest ad campaign, following in the footsteps of other up-and-coming names like Kerry Washington & Amanda Seyfried. The strong-browed daughter of musician Phil Collins shares with InStyle, “I have always been an admirer of Movado watches.” Watch the video below ingénue strike a pose wearing the sophisticated Cerena style. Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown / Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Lauren Conrad’s Fall 2012 Collection for Kohl’s!

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Former reality star-turned-fashion designer Lauren Conrad has been working very hard to set her image apart from her previous days at the face of MTV’s The Hills, or whatever show she was one.  The talented personality continues her relationship with Kohl’s creating a feminine, wearable, & polished Fall 2012 collection.  While the prices for some of the pieces in her line may seem high, keep in mind that Kohl’s offers so many sales & discounts that you’ll be saving much more than you’re spending! I’ve collected these images, courtesy of InStyle, & created a short gallery of what you can look forward to seeing the next time you’re in a Kohl’s store.  These items are hitting stores this month, so save up your Kohl’s cash & get your fall wardrobe ready for a professional makeover, date-ready duds, & cute casual essentials.

For more on Lauren’s collections, check out previous posts including the Paper Crown holiday collection & my favorites from last summer! Also, check out more cool collections in Runway Rundown like Rachel Zoe’s 2013 Resort Collection, Mischa Barton’s debut for Mischa’s Place, & Jennifer Hudson’s QVC collection! Happy Styling!

Ad Madness: Model Crystal Renn Models For Reem Acra’s Debut Fragrance!

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Fragrance ads have been getting more & more press as the weeks go by. I’ve talked lots about Blake Lively for Gucci Premiere, featured Keira Knightley for Coco Mademoiselle, & shared my love of Old Hollywood with Charlize Theron’s commercial for Dior’s J’adore which shows virtual cameos by Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, & Marelene Dietrich. Designer Reem Acra is debuting their very first fragrance, eponymous of course, featuring former plus-size model Crystal Renn, looking svelte, stunning, & sexy.

The scent, which will be sold exclusively @Saks Fifth Avenue, will hit shelves in October, exuding “orange blossom, pear, bergamot, ginger, jasmine, lily of the valley, peony, amber, cedarwood, patchouli, and warm musk,” according to Styleite. Prices for the fragrance will range from $35 – $125, & will include body lotions, shower gels, & creams. What do you think of this ad? Are you interested in trying the fragrance? Do you think Crystal Renn was a good choice to be spokesmodel? Happy Styling!

Cover Craze: Behind-The-Scenes With Lady Gaga For Vogue’s September 2012 Issue!

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When it was announced that Lady Gaga was going to be the face of Vogue‘s September 2012 issue, only the most popular month for the legendary magazine, the fashion world was buzzing with what the pop icon would be wearing.  The singer has been in the news recently b/c she announced the title of her upcoming record, ARTPOP, as well as the fact that troubled actress Lindsay Lohan would be starring in the newest single’s music video.

Not only does Style Darling have a sneak peek of the highly anticipated magazine cover, which will hit stands on August 14th, but we have exclusive video to share with fans of the singer’s, as well as readers of the magazine, which includes some behind-the-scenes footage of the photo shoot! This comes courtesy of a post by Fashionologie! Enjoy the short video set to Lady Gaga’s song “Hair!”

For more on what’s going on with & in your favorite magazines, be sure to check out Magazine Must-Haves, Cover Craze, as well as my post of Lady Gaga’s Top 5 Most Stylish Music Videos / Performances! Happy Styling!

Top 10 Celeb Sightings: Stars Like Emmy Rossum, Malin Akerman, & Ashley Madekwe In Sweet Dresses, Minis, & Pretty Pumps!

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Get your dresses ready for the end of the summer & even if you’re not heading anywhere special, make a standout entrance in your favorite frilly frock.  I’m all about the dresses any time of year, but I think right now is the perfect season for feeling feminine & fashionably fierce.  If you need a little celebrity inspiration, check out the below gallery, featuring some of my favorite summer looks that have hit the red carpet, made public appearances, or have been caught walking out & about.

My top picks include Shameless actress Emmy Rossum in Monique Lhuillier, Hart of Dixie star Jaime King‘s Marchesa masterpiece, & a sultry Jessica Biel in a belted Giambattista Valli dress while promoting her latest summer blockbuster Total Recall.  In addition, I’m featuring Anna Kendrick in Mulberry, Revenge style icon Ashley Madekwe in Zimmermann, a lovely Jennifer Garner in Lanvin, Jordana Brewster in laser-cut Bec & Bridge, Leslie Mann cute in coral, Lizzy Caplan‘s multi color Lisa Ho mini, & Malin Akerman‘s sexy slitted Cushnie et Ochs halter dress. For more fabulous celeb looks, check out previous posts of Top 10 Celeb Sightings featuring sheath dresses & Kate Middleton, stylish separates worn by Miranda Kerr & Anne Hathaway, & sweet summer looks worn by Emily Blunt & Krysten Ritter! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Lovely Loafer’s By Christian Siriano For Fall At Payless!

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I haven’t been super crazed about fall fashions- until now. I was looking through the Payless website to see what was going on, especially by my favorite Project Runway designer Christian Siriano, which is when I found the Lambert loafer pumps ($34.99) in multi. They are also sold in black & grey, perfect for mixing up your fall separates, including tweed jackets, textured tights, & printed scarves.  This plaid is special b/c I love the color combination that can pick up on rich reds, florals in coral, or darks like green or grey.  I’ve decided to feature the shoe in my latest installment of Quickie Darling Deal & Steal since it’s time to start thinking about the fall.

How would you style these pumps? Is the 4.5-inch heel too tall for you? What shoe styles are you looking forward to adding to your autumn apparel? Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: A First Look At The Fashions From The Final Season Of ‘Gossip Girl!’

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I’m excited to share with readers these sneak peek images of the latest & final season of Gossip Girl, which is currently in production.  Not only has the show been in the news with buzz surrounding the fabulous fall fashions, but British style import Alexa Chung is reportedly making a cameo in an upcoming episode, possibly playing herself.

As for the images, courtesy of People Style Watch, it looks like the cliffhanger of a downward spiraling Serena Van Der Woodsen has been resolved since the beloved character, played by the one & only Blake Lively, looks fresh, fearless, & fashion-forward.  For more fabulous news on GG & the cast, check out previous posts which include Blake’s Gucci Premiere commercial, video of GG‘s “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend” featuring the cast, & a behind-the-scenes look at an episode from last season! Happy Styling!