6/25/2011 Darling of the Day: Charlize Theron in Head-To-Toe Dior!

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Of course we all can’t wear head-to-toe Dior like Charlize Theron, but a Style Darling can certainly dream…

However, it is possible to look as dreamingly chic as Charlize does in a textured party dress with a blazer in the real world.  These were super easy finds at some of my favorite stores like Forever 21, Ann Taylor, & Kohl’s b/c adding that strong menswear touch to even the most frilly & feminine pieces makes for a seriously memorable style moment.

This fun taffeta party dress is such a pretty color that will flatter virtually any skintone, especially paired with chunky dark metallic slingback platforms!  Take advantage of its softness & really bring some edge to it with a silver snake embossed belt!

My featured sateen blazer was marked down from $158 to $99, which is a big drop in price & decent investment to make if you’re a blazer wearing gal!  It’s a piece that can be dressed down with skinny jeans, a patterned blouse, & mustard platforms! Also a blazer like this one can be the perfect item to take your work look from 9-5 to happy hour!

Keeping with the all-black accessories, while Charlize is donning a watch by the Dior brand, I’ve found this really pretty crystal stretch bracelet that is fun for  a striped maxi dress in the summer or with a cardigan for the office.  To add a little more sparkle to this fun occasion, I came across a super affordable butterfly sequined clutch for under $13 that will match with virtually any cocktail look & really stand out in a regal & youthful way with your favorite LBD!

But my favorite part of this dress is the faux suede heels that really add more dimension to this already very polished ensemble, especially since they come from a store that offers BOGO $15 deals on shoes!  Check out a previous Darling of Day post featuring Charlize, as well as the whole collection including looks worn by other stylish stars like Amy Adams, Sophia Bush, & Rihanna! Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: Drop Earrings by Swarovski Vs. New York & Company’s $20 Pair!

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While I’m more of a stud earrings girl myself (what with always wearing my glasses & headbands so frequently), I do love checking out drop earrings, especially for fancy occasions. Although I have none coming up, I was inspired to search around the Swarovski website & check out their jewelry line, when a fellow Style Darling cried out for some help trying to find luxury look-alikes to another pair of gorgeous crystal earrings by the famous brand.  Even though I was unable to find near replicates to the fabulous pair that she selected, I did happen to notice a correlation between a pair of earrings that had caught my eye during my recently documented trip to New York & Company.

The more expensive pair sold at Swarovski goes for $75.00, which is a good investment in jewelry for anyone on a budget, however compared to the equally as gorgeous pair sold at New York & Company, you’d be spending $19.95!  Usually I have a link up to show which is which over the images, but in an effort to sir up some online style browsing, as well as some much-needed feedback, check out the links within the text here.  Which pair would you buy?  Would you trust your jewelry more to Swarovski for a special occasion or are you always looking for the best bargain even if it’s in a CZ? Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: All Dressed Up For Summer!

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Rather than the usual slew of budget-friendly details, I’m gonna tell a little story.  I recently decided to treat myself to a shopping splurge, in a search for some new, cute capris to wear this summer, but of course, that didn’t happen (otherwise the name of this post would be about capris).  I ended up bringing home 5 dresses, 4 of which were from my old stomping grounds, New York & Company.  Having worked there this past holiday season, while saving up some extra cash for my recent trip to Italy, I got to see some of the best sales in action- or so I thought.

When I went into the store, during this particular trip, most items were BOGO 75% off & I had a spend $150, get $80 off coupon.  Now, I had set a spending budget for myself, so my best friend / shopping partner in crime combined our purchases to get the best deal & use the coupon & between the two of us, we did pretty darn good.  Naturally, as a way to get out of the crazy unexpected heat wave that was going on that week, later in the evening, I returned to the store with a second coupon in tow & really went at it.

Long story short, these were just 2 of the fantastic items that I bought & b/c of the super sale that was going at that weekend, I think the total of these 2 dresses alone came to about $36, which is why New York & Company is my dress destination for the summer.  The black & white pinstripe summer dress was originally marked up to $59.95.  I should also mention about the rosey pink dress, which originally went for $42.95, I also took home in black too!  I was able to get some super cozy tanks with ribbon details, as well as a few pullover tops that would work well all year long for work looks with pencil skirts or for at night with an embellished cardigan & animal ankle booties.

These will come in especially handy since I’m headed out to Southampton in July for a Writer’s Conference! These are just two of the looks that I’ll be wearing, as I’ve already been forewarned that there will be come evening events where dressier clothes are recommended.  Now.. what shoes to pack?!  Happy Styling!

6/22/11 Darling of the Day: Gwyneth Paltrow is Tailored & Taupe!

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While celebrating the release of her cook book, My Father’s Daughter, Oscar-winning actress & (close to the) top Style Darlings of them all, Gwyneth Paltrow shined in fitted white blazer, button down top, & roll-up khakis.  Her rich camel platforms made this look really professional & fashionable, & it’s also an easy one for Style Darlings everywhere to pull off!  Not to mention, I love how all of these separates are so affordable & can be made versatile by switching up just a few pieces.

For example, take this blazer from White House Black Market & add it to a ruffly floral maxi dress.  Or try the basic white button down shirt from Kohls with red bermuda shorts & slingback sandals.  The pants from Gap would be super cute with a spotted blouse & studded d’orsay pumps.  This novelty necklace from Forever 21 screams Paris & can even call for a striped knit, flared dark denim jeans, & oxford flats.  My favorite part of this whole look is the cognac super chunky platforms sandals from GOjane which can dress up any neutral-inspired look or really tone down some wild brights like a red strapless dress with embellished hoops, or a floral romper & bangles look.

And I’m not the only one who loves this look since I recently found that J (of one of my favorite fashion blogs, J’s Everyday Fashion) also featured it & was able to find pieces in her closet that could be put together in an effort to pay homage to Gwyneth’s very polished presentation of casual chic! Take a look at another Darling of the Day feature of Gwyneth, wearing very similarly fabulous platforms, from back in April too!  What do you think of her style?  What kind of event would you wear this to?  What would you change about it?  Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: The Stars at Cannes Part Two!

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Just a few days ago, Style Darling featured some of the most gorgeous looks from the Cannes Fim Festival, such as Rachel McAdams, Uma Thurman, & Diane Kruger. The prestigious event is currently taking place in the south of France, but it seems that (thanks to In Style), the stars just keep a-comin’ & style, glamour, & elegance is all the rage on the red carpet, at the parties, & other fashionable press events. While my monstrous gallery for the Met Costume Institute Gala is getting a lot of hits, we can’t ignore what’s going on across the pond, especially when stars like Angelina Jolie, Gwen Stefani, Bar Rafaeli, Zoe Saldana, Sarah Jessica Parker, & Penelope Cruz are making a splash.  Those are just some of my favorites!  Designers like Versace, Marchesa, Emilio Pucci, Roberto Cavalli, The Row, Giorgio Armani, & Stella McCartney are just a few of the stellar visionaries behind the looks worn by these international beauties.  Take a click around & tell us who your favorites are! Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: The 2011 Met Costume Institute Gala!

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Courtesy of In Style, here are the noteworthy looks from this year’s Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual Costume Institute Gala, honoring the late Alexander McQueen.  The website has 86 images of the stars who came out in their best, whereas I somehow narrowed my favorites down to 78! Yes, there are a lot here, but if you click on each image, you can get a close-up on the fabulous & risk-taking stars who sparkled & wowed last week.  My top picks include Diane Kruger, Jennifer Lopez, Ashley Greene, & Eva Mendes.  Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: Top Looks from the 2011 Cannes Film Festival!

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Get ready, get set, Go! There must a race of style at this year’s Cannes Film Festival because there’s an abundance of ravishing beauties hitting the red carpet in names like Calvin Klein, Salvatore Ferragamo, Monique Lhuillier, Marchesa, just to name a few.  Today we’re celebrating the many, many highs on the red carpet, at the movie premieres, & for photo calls.  Check out In Style’s Photo Gallery for a more detailed look at all the stars attending this ultra glamorous event. Let’s take a look at first & foremost, the scene-stealers, the true best of the best.  These are the looks that celebs wear for which red carpets are made!

Diane Kruger is my current favorite Style Darling!  The model-turned-actress is experimental when it comes to fashion.  Not to mention that she is effortlessly chic, especially in this gorgeous Calvin Klein shimmering gown that looks like flowing liquid medal against her enviable shape.  Rachel McAdams really surprised me with this intricately detailed in a red lace Marchesa number & Veronica Lake hair.  I just can’t get over how it makes her look like such a movie star. Salma Hayek Pinault can’t go wrong in a silver Gucci Premiere strapless gown.  It hugs her curves in all the right ways & she looks like a princess! Uma Thurman is a tower of pure elegance in a white feathered Versace sweetheart gown.  In no way does she wear it like a bride, but as an accomplished & stylish movie star. I’m not usually a fan of Tilda Swinton, but I do respect her passion for fashion.  This navy satin Haider Ackerman gown is so regal, very feminine, & timeless!

Additionally, there was quite an impressive slew of international beauties, including Mexican beauty Salma Hayek Pinault in a leather Gucci dress with a hand-painted flower shrug (kind of recalled Jennifer Lopez at the Met Costume Gala),  Indian actress Aishwarya Rai in navy & white silk strapless bustier Giorgio Armani Prive, & British import Cheryl Cole (who was recently named the latest judge on Simon Cowell’s The X-Factor) wearing a plunging Stephane Rolland gown with gold accents on the belt.

Australian star of Sucker Punch Emily Browning (who appears twice more in this blog) wears a sweet deep-v embroidered Valentino creation in nude, & fellow Aussie Alice in Wonderland star Mia Wasikowska in a Roland Mouret column gown & drop earrings!

Last, but not least, Canadian sweetheart Rachel McAdams switched it up in a Monique Lhuillier embellished bustier top & matching wide leg pants.  The Salvatore Ferregamo clutch & stacked bangles make this a chic & modern way to show up at a formal event.  There aren’t many women who can pull off a pants look on such a prestigious red carpet, but Rachel hits a homerun!

Some of the photo calls during the day called for the stars to face the press in very chic & elegant day looks.  These include Cannes stunner Tilda Swinton in a two-piece look that virtually everyone can wear.  A loose-fitting blouse tucked into a pencil skirt with flower-accent Roger Vivier heels. Rachel McAdams was front & center in an uber-feminine bright white flower Maxime Simeons dress with peep toe pumps by Salvatore Ferragamo.  Mia Wasikowska brought some sweetness in a lace Valentino pleated dress with beige strappy sandals.

Uma Thurman stayed with white once again in a slimming Dolce & Gabbana dress with silver Jimmy Choo sandals.  Emily Browning brough some color to the mix in a jungle print Louis Vuitton tube dress & nude peep toe platforms.  Angelina Jolie celebrated Kung Fu Panda 2 in a beige chiffon wrap dress with a leather belt & round toe pumps, a throwback to vintage Hollywood, but still very modern & minimalist.

At night some of the stars hit yet another red carpet wearing some of the best of the best designers.  Sarah Jessica Parker showed up to support a Weinstein Company press event in a belted Dolce & Gabbana with an embellished belt & layers of pearls (very Carrie Bradshaw)!  Somewhere at the celebrity-riddled circuit was a Calvin Klein sponsored bash which featured Uma Thurman in black, Vanessa Hudgens in yellow lace, & former Gossip Girl co-star Clemence Poesy in a color block shift dress, all designed by the label.

Check back with my Red Carpet Review for more upcoming events, as well as series of blogs for the Costume Gala!  Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: A Michael Kors Peep Toe Platform Vs. A GOjane Super Deal!

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I was so pleased to find these (sort of) look-alikes!  One pair is just over $30 from GOjane & the other is a big whopping $850.00.  That’s of course b/c of the label: Michael Kors.  Although one is a buckled peep toe platform & the other is a bow back platform, you can still achieve the same sense of a covered-up ankle.  Sometimes I think this style of shoe cuts off the legline, but both pairs are also available in nude & there, you really can’t go wrong.  That’s when the style became a focal point of illusion.  For example, take a look at Rachel Bilson back in February sporting peep toe shooties.

An ankle wrap peep-toe platform is sexy for lace shorts & cowlneck top for a dressy occasion.  Or go casual chic in a jersey tank, city shorts, & a linen hobo bag. Even mix & match different pieces like a plaid button down with a zippered mini skirt! Why not try a lacey tee with black skinny jeans & a ruffled blazer!

If you’re in constant pursuit of finding affordable & stylish shoes, subscribe to the GOjane emails!  If you’re looking to learn more about the designs of Michael Kors, check out Neiman Marcus, where this item is sold.  Happy Styling!

5/10/11 Darling of the Day: Amy Adams in a Tory Burch Shirtdress!

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Amy Adams is one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood right now! She’s got some super style, as seen here in a navy Tory Burch belted shirtdress, which runs about $350.00 on the designer’s official store website.  This look is so regal, especially the navy against her striking red hair.

To put together a stylish ensemble like this, we have a few simple steps at affordable prices to help!  I searched high & low (& the search still isn’t over!) for a navy dress like the one is Amy wearing, but I found a black shirtdress @Macy’s for under $20.  You can switch up the fabric belt for a more special belt in cognac.  Don’t worry about the loop holes b/c something as thick as this from Forever 21 will cover them up & really cinch in your waist.  This is a little trick that celebrities like Kim Kardashian & America Ferrera always use.

Right now is the perfect time to find some great deals on open booties from last season.  This laced-up style runs close to $60, but they’re an investment piece with shorts & a vest, or in the fall with a sweater dress & textured tights & in the winter with a pantsuit.  On the DSW website, the shoes have earned some great ratings & originally ran for $150.00!

For the finishing touches, since we can’t all afford a gorgeous Cartier bag like Amy, try out something fabulous like a bucket bag to go with any day romper & scarf or sheath dress & ballet flats this season.  Lastly, the squared sunglasses make for a stylish way to hide from all the flash photography, or even the blingy ring.

The total for this look comes to just about $141.00, which is pretty decent when you think about all the different ways this dress can be styled throughout the spring & summer (with some gladiator sandals & dangly earrings), & how you can make great use of these accessories all year long!  Check out our previous Darling of the Day posts to find more celebrity look-alike deals!  Happy Styling!

Basics for a Bargain: Black Round Toe Pumps like Keira Knightley, Lauren Conrad, & More!

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And so it seems that even though it’s fabulous to wear crazy high strappy heels or cut-out shooties, sometimes it’s the basic black pumps that really do the trick for your look.  Like every woman should a little black dress, every woman should have basic black pumps for every occasion from formal (like Keira Knightley wears in satin with a stunning short dress by Chanel), for work (as seen on Malin Akerman in a black blouse & high waist pencil skirt) to cocktail (for example, Lauren Conrad wearing a blue dress by BCBG Max Azria) to casual (well, sort of like the always stylish Rihanna in a menswear-inspired look of a white jacket & black pants).  These celebs find comfort & style solace in turning to a classic favorite of rounded toes with or without a platform.

Showing off textures like leather, patent, suede, or velvet, luxurious basic black is an elegant and sexy way to complete your look with every step. Of course in this case, by affordable, I mean $30 or under, especially when compared to brands like Christian Louboutin or Salvatore Ferragamo.  These pictured styles are from stores like Forever 21, Payless, Aldo, Mandee, AMI Clubwear, & GOjane.

More great outlets for bargain footwear are Victoria’s Secret, Charlotte Russe, Wet Seal, Zappos, & Love My Shoes. If you’re still looking for some style inspirate for your black pumps, check out Dianna Agron at this year’s Grammys in Vivienne Westwood, Natalie Portman at last year’s Gotham Awards, Kirsten Dunst at the Tribeca Film Festival, Emma Roberts at the Sucker Punch premiere in leather leggings, Eva Longoria in a dramatic Ashi Studio minidress, Michelle Williams at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards, & Scarlett Johansson in a bright Oscar de la Renta party dress.  Happy Styling!

Holiday Gift Styles: Affordable Finds for Mother’s Day!

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For this mother’s day, pick out some stylish pieces, for your mom or a friend who is a mother! You can find plenty of household appliances & functional items for their everyday life, but sometimes it’s something a fashionable & pretty item that will do the trick.

If fancy dangly earrings wouldn’t function for a busy mom-on-the-go, try these rose gold-tone flower earrings which would look just darling with a ruffled dress & strappy shooties.  With a classic LBD that every woman should have, bangles with an antique finish really add some poshness to an outfit & they can even be mixed & matched with other bangles with beads or something Egyptian-inspired.  Try an embossed clutch as a gift if you know that your favorite mom is headed to a cocktail event, or maybe even a woven clutch by Lela Rose.  When in doubt, a feminine cardigan by Lauren Conrad would look great with her favorite pair of Levi’s bootcut jeans & organic cotton bowed flats from Payless.  To prepare for upcoming summer looks, a macrame natural belt looks very finished with a pair of white shorts & a ruffled babydoll top.

If your mother is not so much into fashion, but is an organiz-ista, check out the black decarative magazine rack for $20, or even a white decorative pen / pencil cup, both available @Barnes & Noble.  Or, to help her relax after a long day with the kids, at the office, or doing chores, break out a few candles like this Green Tea votive from Ulta (which also has a bunch of other fun scents!).

Another good suggestion is a magazine subscription for publications of In Style, Allure, PEOPLE Style Watch, or The Food Network Magazine!  Happy Styling!  Happy Mother’s Day!

The Stylish Five: Cute Dresses for Spring ($15 & Under)!

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It’s not news that I loooove dresses & I love ones that are especially body conscious & uber-flattering.  In my hunt to find some cute & affordable looks for this spring (& can be translated into summer), I came across these five very stylish pieces, all under $15!

While the black & white strapless dress may verge on clubwear, if you add a pastel cardigan with a metallic belt & wedge sandal, it would make for a great day out & about with the beau’s family.   You can really stand out in the red & white striped illusion dress which instantly hides a belly & creates some slimming shape.  For day, try a ruched open sweater & some neutral bowed flats! Then there’s a the purple twisted dress which calls for something edgy like buckled cone heels, beaded earrings, & a utility jacket.  Go bright with an orange ruffled front dress with calls for some mixed gold bangles & printed platform pumps for a night out on the town. Lastly, for work, try on this sleeveless scoop neck dress in black & gray under a bold tweed jacket, with a sparkly chained necklace & braided strappy sandal!

When you’re building a look on a budget, finding versatile & flirty pieces like these for under $15 is a great start, especially when you have items from last season that you’re dying to bring back like scoop wedge platforms, a two-tone circle necklace, a linen moto jacket, a comfy cardigan, or a tweed belt. Keep in mind some of my favorite places to look for stylish bargains, including Forever 21, Ann Taylor LOFT, The Limited, Old Navy, Target, Walmart, GOjane, Charlotte Russe, Wet Seal, Mandee, Macy’s, Kohl’s, JC Penney, & American Apparel.  Check out my previous posts of The Stylish Five for updates on the cutest flats from Aldo, deals on flip-flops @Payless, & many more! Not to mention, I recently posted on The $100 Challenge five adorable dresses that total under $100, which can really make you stand out in the crowd!  Happy Styling!

5/5/11 Darling of the Day: Sophia Bush’s Ann Taylor look!

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At a recent Ann Taylor event at the Chateau Marmont, One Tree Hill star Sophia Bush showed up in the brand’s own sunburst sheath dress & jacket to show off a playful, but professional spring polish.  The brand was celebrating its new line for Summer 2011.  Some of my top pick from the site include a blush floral halter, a yellow & gray graphic cardigan, & an eyelet tank dress, which can be found at the store’s official website.

To help recreate Sophia’s look, I searched for a few items at crazy reasonable prices, like a beaded cuff for under $5 & a delicate bow pendant necklace for under $7.  This look is classic enough for any long gold pendant necklace, considering the graphic backdrop of the bold sheath dress.  As for footwear, I’ve found these flirty clogs, perfectly neutral for looks with dark denim jeans, walking shorts, & a belted romper.

For more celebrity looks wearing the brand, check out In Style, which features stars like Kerry Washington & Rachel Bilson, just to name a few. Also, look back to an oldie but goodie blog of Hilary Swank from last year, wearing a look with piece’s from the Ann Taylor sister store, LOFT.  Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: Animal Print Espadrilles by Jimmy Choo Vs. A Darling Charlotte Russe Deal!

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Espadrilles are perfect for warm weather days.  The natural feel & look of shoes like these make for a chic way to finish off a lightweight summer dress & bangles, a casual day in a sleeveless shirt, khaki shorts, & a shoulder bag, or for a date night in a dolman top & pencil skirt.  What I love most of these two items is the animal print, which is an interesting contrast against fashionable textures like denim, linen, or cotton.  Of course snake & leopard prints are very different & so are the colors in the shoes, but here we have two adorable heels, but the difference in price is in the hundreds of dollars!  One style is a fabulous Jimmy Choo creation that goes for nearly $400 @Neiman Marcus & the other is a super steal @Charlotte Russe for $32.50. What animal prints are you loving this season?  Where are your favorite places to shop for spring deals?  Happy Styling!

Fashion Flashback: Marilyn Monroe’s Black & White Outfit Style!

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So it’s time for another look at the forever fabulous Marilyn Monroe in a black & white look, perfect for a cool spring day. During one of the actresses most stylish photo shoots, famed photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt was able to capture several gorgeous images of the Hollywood siren in 1953, fact courtesy of Immortal Marilyn. What people don’t know about the Gentleman Prefer Blondes star is that her off-camera style was very minimalist, wearing lots of neutral colors, especially white to show off her creamy skin & platinum blonde locks.  With a little mascara, a swipe of black eyeliner, & an even skintone, the actress, is simply dressed in a 3/4 sleeve turtleneck & cropped white pants.

This look can be enhanced if accessories are your thing by adding an animal print belt, strappy sandals, layers of beads, or a blinged out watch.  The pieces can be separated for some everyday looks like the top with a pencil skirt & cut-out shooties.  The bottoms are perfect for the spring & summer with a floral peasant top & espadrilles.

We see this look emulated by Gwen Stefani in her music video for “Cool,” where she pays homage to Monroe with bouncy blond curls & many other looks. Check back soon for more updates to Fashion Flashback.  Who would you like to see featured next?  Happy Styling!

Basics for a Bargain: Pencil Skirts Inspired by Jennifer Lopez, Kate Bosworth, & More!

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The best way to revamp your wardrobe from season to season is by freshening up your essential, basic pieces.  In this new series of blogs on Style Darling, I’ll be bringing to you some irresistible selections of the basics necessary for the most fashionable foundation of a wardrobe.  Items such as a button down shirt, pair of black trousers, trench coat, LBD, or patent leather pumps are the timeless building blocks for any Style Darling’s budget-conscious look.

 It’s no secret that a must-have basic item for all body types is a pencil skirt. Here we have some inspiration from just a few of the best dressed stars of the red carpet who are wearing pencil skirts, like Jennifer Lopez, Kate Bosworth, Whitney Port, & Abbie Cornish.  This isn’t just a piece that you can wear to a special event since it’s versatile for work (although beware of sequins!), as well as a date night. You’ll look poised & professional in a classic pencil skirt with any number of special touches to really add some polish, such as a contrasting blazer, knee boots for a short hemline, an off-shoulder dolman top, peep toes, or an embellished cardigan.

Take a look at these six choices below, which are all under $40.  When you have to put together an outfit on a budget, starting off with flattering items like these helps you spend a little more on the extras that make your look really special. 

 

 

 

While I’m not featuring any basic black pencil skirts in this installment, I’d like to have some fun with different textures & patterns which create visual interest & more dimension- key if you’re trying to make a good impression at a work function!  First we have a denim pencil skirt (far right) that doesn’t even look like it’s denim, perfect for a solid fringed top & open toe zip-up booties. Navy is always an elegant choice, which can be made even more regal with a black blouse, an animal print belt, & cross-strap sandals.   Speaking of some animal print, take a strut on the wild side & get some fabulous red pumps, a cocktail ring, & sequined clutch to steal the spotlight!

 

A lace skirt calls for something uber feminine, so go with a bold floral cami & crystal drop earrings. Black & white looks excite me a whole lot because here’s where you can show off a trendy pop of color in a pump or cardigan, while still offering up a truly classic look.  And lastly, much like the Kate Bosworth look above, we have a faux leather camel pencil skirt that goes perfectly with a military blouse, hoop earrings, & metallic pointed toe pumps. 

For next time, watch out for some deals on sandals, shorts, or perhaps we’ll be taking a look at the best denim picks!  Also, feel free to share with readers your favorite pencil skirt stories, or where you know a great sale is for this figure-flattering favorite. If you’re still looking for pencil skirt inspiration, check out some of my other favorite celebrity looks like Jessica Stroup, Olivia Wilde, Kristen Bell, & Jayma Mays.  All comments, questions, suggestions are always welcome.  Happy Styling!

4/26/11 Darling of the Day: Alexis Bledel Works Casual Chic at MTV!

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Alexis Bledel has really been coming into her own, especially with her upcoming role in Robert Redford’s The Conspirator. She’s been hitting the red carpet non-stop, including at MTV’s The Seven in flared MiH Jeans, a silk A.L.C. top, & delicate touches of gold House of Lavande jewelry. This look is perfect for brunch with friends or a casual day event.

Check out the actress during her many recent appearances on red carpets like at the Shine Awards, The Conspirator‘s premiere in New York, & the movie’s D.C. premiere earlier this month! I loved the actress on Gilmore Girls, but I think I’m loving her chic & mature red carpet styles more!  Happy Styling!

4/22/11 Darling of the Day: Vanessa Hudgens in Black & White!

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Looking ready for spring, Vanessa Hudgens rocked the black & white trend with some well-accessorized jewelry pieces & Mimi Plange metallic trousers. In addition, while attending a party at Hollywood’s Soho House, her black tank & animal-inspired sandals are the great foundation to build any look. This is great for work with a short-sleeved blazer, or a date night with a bold cardigan.

 

 

Affordable & blingy extras like this ring, bracelet, & necklace can be found at stores like Wet Seal & Forever 21.  Of course Vanessa could mix & match gold & white gold pieces or gold & silver ones since she’s got such a neutral background of black & white to work with.  A look like this can be worn with an animal print accessory like a headwrap or flashy neon sunglasses.  Happy Styling!

4/20/11 Darling of the Day: Drew Barrymore in J Brand & Catherine Malandrino!

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Drew Barrymore looks red hot in this rock chic outfit for the book launch of The Beauty Detox Solution. In J Brand jeggings, a shredded Catherine Malandrino leather jacket, & beige top, she plays up an edgy feel with feathered earrings, a layered pendant necklace, a chunky watch, & embellished clutch. Looking every bit a Style Darling, these pieces are perfect for your next party event if you wanna skip a cocktail dress or for a night out with friends.

 

 

These pieces are perfect for mixing it up, like the heels with some cropped cargos or the long, feather earrings with a jumpsuit! 

 

 

Try a belt over the tee with a wrap skirt & loafers!  Or break out your embellished clutch for a night out in a two-tone dress.  Happy Styling!

 

4/17/11 Darling of the Day: Gwyneth Paltrow Promotes New Cookbook in Neutrals!

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Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow is on a major press tour right now, promoting her new cook book My Father’s Daughter.  She made an appearance on Good Morning America in a beige sheath with a blush satin blazer by Alexander Wang & strappy sandals by Sergio Rossi.  This look is perfect for spring & the pieces can be mixed & matched in many different ways.  For a more trendy affair, add a chunky belt & some peep toes.  The jacket can be worn with jeans & a blouse or even with another sheath dress.  Leather sandals in cognac are really versatile for a maxi dress or a work look in a pencil skirt with a cardigan.  Shoes by Sergio Rossi range from $500 & up @Neiman Marcus, but this entire look only costs about $178!  For more red carpet looks that Gwyneth has donned, check out In Style, Style.com, & Harper’s Bazaar!  Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: Blazers by D&G Vs. Steve Madden!

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In for Spring is white… & white blazers do the trick for nearly any outfit!  You’re in luck b/c I’ve found a gorgeous white blazer- make that two.  Clearly, you can see the label in the image to the left, by Dolce & Gabbana‘s D&G brand.  The one to the right is by Steve Madden.  You can then guess which costs nearly $800 & which is affordably under $50.  Of course when it comes to a finishing piece like a jacket, you want to make an investment, but while we’re Style Darlings on a budget, perhaps the Steve Madden one (which can be found at Zappos) is the best choice for your mini skirt, tank, & peep toes.  Check out Net-A-Porter for more fabulous Dolce & Gabbana designs, as well as our previous Style ABC’s (x3) post which features the glam Italian duo!  Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: LBD from Nordstrom Vs. a $39.98 Pick from Macy’s!

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While Macy’s is considered in many ways a luxury retailer, part of what I love about the store is the great deals on very wearable items without sacrificing any quality.  Take for example a splitneck LBD & here you have one from Nordstrom for over $100 by Eliza J & another from Macy’s for under $40 by AGB.  The only difference is that one shows off a vintage feel with a jacquard fabric, whereas the other is a functional cotton blend.  Both are elegant for many occasions with bright pumps, a neutralizing blazer, or fabulous tights in the fall.  Scroll over both images to find out which is which!  Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Accessorize @Mandee ($10 & Under)!

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@Mandee, some of their least expensive sale items are up to 50% off!  Not to mention that these accessories are awesome investments for this season & even for next year when fall & winter come back around!  Also, while the store is primarily suited for Juniors’, a Style Darling of any age can find timeless accessories for day, evening, or weekend here.  For your next date night, try out these dangly earrings with your LBD. A rich, luxe burgundy clutch like this is very chic with a neutral dress & metallic heels.  Even a snakeskin-inspired belt would fit nicely over tunic top.  Get warm in these fur-lined boots for chilly days in a shawl sweater & jeggings.  Ribbed tights in a a deep brown make for a preppy accent to a babydoll dress & knee boots.

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: A Black Croc Wallet for $225.00 Vs. $10.80!

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Everyone has differing tastes in wallets because you have to consider size, functionality, & appearance.  Something neutral & textured like a black croc wallet is perfect for any time of year with any look (except for something glamorous like a ball, naturally).  Here we have two very similarly looking wallets, however one is genuine leather & goes for $135.00 by the luxury brand Furla, sold @Bluefly & its retail price is $225.  Whereas, the other just as stylish & lovely affordable faux leather (animal friendly!) wallet costs a mere $10.80 @Forever 21!  Happy Styling!

4/3/2011 Darling of the Day: Eva Longoria’s Pantsuit at the International Film Fair!

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Eva Longoria has been making a splash lately on the red carpet.  She celebrated the International Film Fair, wearing a tailored black & white suit, playing up the menswear trend.  These separates can be mixed & matched with different outfits.  This jacket can be worn with a sheath dress & strappy platforms.  Tux pants are cool for work with a belted sateen jacket & set of bangles.  Everyone loves a lace cami for under cardigans & pullover sweaters.  Peep toe shoes are classic with a LBD & to dress up a printed tank & skinny jeans.  

This look is popular among celebrities like Cate Blanchett, as featured in a Darling of the Day post in January, as well as Katie Holmes & Mila Kunis.  Happy Styling!