Tag Archives: Alexander McQueen

Red Carpet Review: The 2013 Screen Actors Guild Awards, Featuring Amanda Seyfried, Marion Cotillard, Jennifer Garner, & More!

Posted on by

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

In this latest Red Carpet Review post, we’re one step closer to rounding out this year’s awards season with the red carpet looks from tonight’s 2013 Screen Actors Guild Awards. The ceremony is currently airing & there’s so much movie news to report, however some of the hottest & most-talked-about celebrities have made a splash in couture, following the runway trends, including black gowns (like what we saw at the Golden Globes) on Anne Hathaway (in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture), Elisabeth Moss (in Dolce & Gabbana), Naya Rivera (in Donna Karan), Michelle Dockery (in Chado Ralph Rucci), Tina Fey (in Oscar de la Renta), Jaimie Alexander (in Marc Bouwer) & Kelly Osbourne (in Jenny Packham).

Also, side parts for hair are big, as seen on Jessica Chastain (in Alexander McQueen), Katrina Bowden (in Badgley Mischka), & Naomi Watts (in Marchesa). Colors of the night that popped were pretty pinks & purples on Lea Michele (in Valentino), Nina Dobrev (in Elie Saab), Freida Pinto (in Roland Mouret), & Sally Field (in J. Mendel).

There was a classic & regal combination of blue & navy hues hit the red carpet with Amanda Seyfried (in Zac Posen), Jordin Sparks, Nicole Kidman (in Vivienne Westwood), Jennifer Lawrence (in Christian Dior Haute Couture), Giuliana Rancic (in Max Azria Atelier), & Edie Flaco (in Chagoury).

Lastly, colorblocking & mixed tones in black & white were a hit, featured on Claire Danes (in Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci), January Jones (in Prabal Gurung), Julianna Margulies, & Julianne Moore (in Chanel Haute Couture).

Which looks were your favorites? Are you watching the show tonight? For more red carpet looks this season, check out gallery posts including the 2013 Presidential Inauguration, all black & leather looks on Miranda Kerr & Scarlett Johansson, Louis Vuitton’s checkered runway pieces on Kerry Washington & Jessica Alba, & the 2013 Art of Elysium Heaven Gala! Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: The 2013 Golden Globes, Featuring Jessica Alba, Tina Fey, Jennifer Lopez, Katharine McPhee & more!

Posted on by

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The 2013 Golden Globe Awards are still airing, but I just couldn’t wait any longer to post this very thorough gallery. Some of my favorite looks include Tina Fey (in L’Wren Scott), Jennifer Lopez (in Zuhair Murad), Katharine McPhee (in Theyskens’ Theory), Kerry Washington (in Miu Miu), Emily Blunt (in Michael Kors), Lucy Liu (in Carolina Herrera), Rachel Weisz (in Louis Vuitton), Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (in Saint Laurent Paris)… just to name a few!

Top trends included lots of black & gold, as seen on Kate Hudson (in Alexander McQueen), Helen Mirren (in Badgley Mischka), & Nicole Kidman (in Alexander McQueen), as well as reds & oranges like Jennifer Lawrence (in Christian Dior Haute Couture), Jessica Alba (in Oscar de la Renta), Marion Cotillard (in Dior), Claire Danes (in Versace), & Zooey Deschanel (in Oscar de la Renta).

Also, you can’t forget about the black looks, some of which I’ve named in my favorites, but I also loved Julianne Moore (in Tom Ford), Adele (in Burberry), Allison Williams (in J. Mendel), Debra Messing (in Donna Karan Atelier), Sofia Vergara (in a floor-length sequin gown), Eva Longoria (in Pucci), & Salma Hayek (in Gucci).

Lastly, softer nearly colorless colors had their place with Anne Hathaway (in Chanel), Lea Michele (in Elie Saab), Amy Adams (in Marchesa), Amanda Seyfried (in Givenchy), Megan Fox (in Dolce & Gabbana), & Hayden Panettiere (in Roberto Cavalli)!

Which looks are your favorite? For more posts from Red Carpet Review, check out galleries from the Critics’ Choice Awards & red carpet from the recent People’s Choice Awards! Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review / Watch This Style: All The Sparkle & Skin From The 2013 People’s Choice Awards!

Posted on by

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

While I didn’t get a chance to see the ceremony last night, I was pleased to learn that red carpet favorites like Lea Michele in Elie Saab, Taylor Swift in Ralph Lauren, Naomi Watts in Alexander McQueen, & Julianne Hough in Tony Ward Couture didn’t disappoint when they hit the red carpet.  Also, I was pleased to find out who was wearing which gown / dress & ultimately, the winners chosen by the people.  Winners from the ceremony included Katy Perry (who wore a demure Valentino dress), Jennifer Lawrence (in black sheer sparkling Valentino), Jennifer Aniston (in a black leather Christian Dior frock with Tom Ford shoes) & Grey’s Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo (in Lanvin). For a complete list of the night’s highlights, check out this link to Entertainment Weekly!

For more water cooler fashion talk, check out other posts featured in Red Carpet Review, including Anne Hathaway & Amanda Seyfried’s appearances for Les Miserables, the top 10 Style Darlings to watch for 2013, & the sleek & flirty styles of Emily Blunt, Rachel Weisz, & more!

Also, just b/c I found the videos, I wanted to share Christina Aguilera‘s performance of “Blank Page,” & Alicia Keys singing “Girl On Fire” & “New Day” at the People’s Choice Awards… simply b/c their music can do no wrong in my book! For more from Watch This Style, check out Alicia Keys’ top 5 most stylish music videos, Christina Aguilera’s top 5 most stylish music videos, as well as Christina’s video for “Your Body,” form her latest album, Lotus. Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Alexander McQueen’s Pre-Fall 2013 Collection!

Posted on by

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

After a stunning Spring 2013 Collection by Alexander McQueen, the fashion house has done it again for their latest Pre-Fall 2013 Collection.  With a mixture of strong leather pieces, Scottish tartan nods, head-to-toe black, belted looks, & abstract prints, designs by Alexander McQueen are forever relevant.  In the new year, it’s likely that these pieces will make a mark on well-known stars like Jessica Chastain, Cate Blanchett, Sarah Jessica Parker, & Emma Stone, just to name a few!

Which looks are your favorite? Do you like the edgy menswear-inspired collection? There’s going to be a lot of amazing posts featured in Runway Rundown, so be sure to check back with Style Darling! Happy Styling!

Top 10 Celeb Sightings: The Stars of Les Miserables & More Red Carpet Glamour, Featuring Naomi Watts, Zoe Saldana, Freida Pinto, & More!

Posted on by

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Awards season is officially in full swing with the announcement of the Screen Actors Guild & Critics Choice nominations. All of my favorite celebs have been hitting the red carpet, including the stunning stars of Les Miserables to promote their best work.  While actress Anne Hathaway had some sort of revealing wardrobe malfunction in the (pictured above) black silky Tom Ford number, she still looked every bit the major movie star, along with Amanda Seyfried in a beguiling Alexander McQueen gown.  Other favorites include Freida Pinto‘s golden Ralph Lauren Collection look & Naomi Watts floral gown by Zac Posen.

Also, be sure to check out my other picks for the Top 10 Celeb Sightings, including Cate Blanchett in peplum dress by Peter Pilotto, Elizabeth Banks‘ Rachel Zoe Collection LBD, Emma Stone‘s pastel colorblock ensemble by Project Runway finalist Daniel Vosovic, Jessica Alba‘s leather-accented Narciso Rodriguez dress, Jessica Chastain‘s Elie Saab confection, & Zoe Saldana‘s sexy Preen sheath.

Who’s wearing your favorite look? Have you been following the latest red carpet appearances? Which stars are you most exciting to see during this awards season? For more fabulous red carpet looks, check out previous posts, including Katy Perry & Scarlett Johansson, Gwen Stefani & Sarah Jessica Parker, as well as Nina Dobrev & Solange Knowles! Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: Anne Hathaway & Amanda Seyfried Dazzle While Promoting ‘Les Miserables’!

Posted on by

Ever since news hit the web that there was going to be a full-on movie musical remake of the legendary novel-turned-Broadway play, Les Miserables, I’ve been following its every move of production, including casting news & sneak peeks at the stars singing their hearts on.  Two of the film’s leading ladies, Anne Hathaway & Amanda Seyfried, have been dazzling on the red carpet, which I, naturally, needed to feature b/c there was just too much great fashion not to!

Let’s start with Amanda whose belted Alexander McQueen column gown was an ethereal turn for the blue-eyed blonde, accessorized with mirrored Rupert Sanderson evening sandals. The January In Style cover girl stole the show in a plunging two-toned Balenciaga gown with towering satin platforms for the film’s London premiere.  Amanda returned to pastels in a soft Marios Schwab dress with patent leather peep toes by Rupert Sanderson.  Also, back in October, as the buzz surrounding the film was just starting, Amanda appeared at the Hollywood Film Awards in a ravishing red bustier dress by Prabal Gurung with earrings by Dana Rebecca Designs & platform Jimmy Choo shoes.  Amanda Seyfried & Anne Hathaway

I’ve been talking about Miss Anne quite a lot this year, ever since she debuted her short ‘do back in July, hit the red carpet in Valentino, & shined on the covers of Vogue & Glamour! The newlywed continued to channel Audrey Hepburn in a sleek Victoria Beckham LBD with black pumps. While talking up the film in Tokyo, she donned a Antonio Berardi keyhole dress with open toe patent leather shoes.  She took a risk in a relaxed midnight column gown a New York screening of Les Mis wearing a moonstone cocktail ring by Graziela.  Most recently, she made quite the movie star entrance while showing off her back in an all-over beaded Givenchy gown in London. 

There’s no doubt that this is Anne’s year on the red carpet, but I know I can’t take my eyes off of Amanda, whose style seems to get better, fresher, & more feminine at every glance.  Whose red carpet style do you like better? Do you like Anne’s pixie cut? Do you think Amanda was a good choice for Les Miserables? Happy Styling!

Basics For A Bargain: The Hottest Tops & Pants Looks Worn By Kristen Stewart, Alexa Chung, Kate Hudson, & More!

Posted on by

I’ve never been a dress pants kind of girl- until lately.  I was always the girl walking around in a skirt or dress b/c those pieces were just always easier for me to find since I wear petite bottoms in most cases, but also have a curvy shape.  However, I’m inspired by these tops & bottoms (pants, more specifically) looks that I’ve been spotting on the most photographed & stylish celebrities.

This includes actress Rashida Jones in jewel-tone trousers by Theyskens’ Theory paired with a studded blazer, an eggplant blouse, Graziela earrings, a Dana Rebecca Designs ring, & metallic cap toe pumps.  This look says so much about her edgy, but conservative style.  The rich hues combined with the luxe fabrics make looking like you’re wearing pajamas with an 80s-esque jacket look super cool.  Next is K-Stew herself, Kristen Stewart, wearing a daring Balenciaga design with a Cartier bracelet, & sleek Christian Louboutins. Critics are calling this look a ripoff of the barely there bra-top & bare midriff look that the blonde-coiffed Miley Cyrus has been sporting, but I think The Twilight Saga star has got it right here. French import / Bond girl Berenice Marlohe is ravishing in colorblocked black with feathers & a white top by Alexander McQueen, Norman Silverman studs, & Sergio Rossi pumps. I love her smoky eye, yet mature Blake-Lively inspired beachy locks, providing a fresh take on an unlikely pairing.

Kate Hudson is a vision in Alexander McQueen menswear with towering Brian Atwood pumps at the Glee premiere in September, while donning a sexy lace cami underneath.  Style icon Alexa Chung has never looked sleeker in this Maje button-down shirt & slacks with minimalist black pumps- again another menswear-ish look that couldn’t be more fabulous.  Lastly, reality star Olivia Palermo is getting on board with the volume trend wearing an Elin Kling for Marciano oversized sweater with cropped pants, ankle-strap Gucci sandals, & tribal-inspired accessories.

I gave myself the daunting task (while the power could hold out during the crazy snow storm that hit the Northeast on Wednesday) to try & replicate these looks- all in one post! Of course, I’m still working on those PhotoShop skills, but I’m happy to share affordable versions of these six looks, which cost b/w $41.50 – $124.99. If you take a look below, you’ll see that I’ve recreated the pieces of clothing from Rashida’s look, including a textured Lark Lane foil-print zip jacket ($45.00) from JCPenney, the Honey Punch ‘high-waisted hopes pants ($42.00) in red from Lulu’s, & the LC by Lauren Conrad embellished chiffon blouse ($26.40) from Kohl’s. Kristen’s look was tougher to put together, but a daring Style Darling can certainly pull off the stretch lace bralette ($24.50) from Victoria’s Secret & pair it with White House Black Market‘s legacy bi-stretch modern bootcut pant ($49.99).

For Berenice’s look, I couldn’t find feathers, but the peplum trend was easy to put together when I found the laser cut dot peplum tank ($21.99) from Charlotte Russe & the Lauren Jeans Co. Biltmore trouser pants ($44.99) @Macy’s. A winter white tuxdeo on a budget was an even trickier ensemble to recreate, but Kate’s look wasn’t too far off when I found the Bar III three-quarter open-front tuxedo blazer ($26.99) from Macy’s & the White House Black Market modern bootcut tux pant ($98.00). Alexa’s look is comprised of pieces from Forever 21, including the tail hem shirt ($18.90) & coated trimmed trousers ($22.80). Lastly, Olivia’s look was perfectly timed now that heavy knits are in stores, & I selected The Limited‘s cowlneck poncho ($49.99) & Logan fit slim ankle pant ($49.99) from Banana Republic.

For more celebrity-inspired posts, check out features in Red Carpet Review, Darling Of The Day, & Top 10 Celeb Sightings.  Also, if you’re looking for the best ways to acquire an affordable wardrobe, take a look at updates blogs in Basics For A Bargain, Luxury Look-Alikes For Less, The $100 Challenge, & Splurge or Save?! Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less / Show Me The Shoes: Studded Ankle Booties From Neiman Marcus & Charlotte Russe!

Posted on by

Since I’m all about the bargains & fabulous shoes, I wanted to bring the best of both worlds together for my latest Luxury Look-Alikes For Less post, which just so happens to be cross-listed with my posts for Show Me The Shoes.  Anyway, when I reorganized my closet for the fall-winter season, I was happily reunited with my ankle booties that I just love to wear with textured tights, pencil skirts, straight leg jeans, & classic cardigans.

I’m excited to share two very similar studded ankle booties, which call on your rocker sensibilities, but would also play nicely off of more delicate pieces like lace accents, stripes, or luxe fabrics like brocade.  From Neiman Marcus, I found the studded heart-toe platform bootie ($1,185.00) by Alexander McQueen, which are utterly gorgeous & I especially love the edgy, but sweet heart detail.  Opposite is the studded double buckle heel bootie ($38.50) from Charlotte Russe, which is much more budget-friendly than the luxury pick.  In addition, Charlotte Russe is currently having a Buy One Get One $10 sale on all shoes, which only makes me even more gleeful to go shoe shopping- when the weather clears up, that is.

For more shoe-lovin’ posts, check out hot two-tone boots by Ivanka Trump, Stuart Weitzman’s James Franco-directed video, & what pumps to wear with your stripes & floral look! Happy Styling!

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

Posted on by

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The legend of Alexander McQueen continues with a ravishing new Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection that has once again made fashion critics pay attention to the incomparable Sarah Burton. The confident opulence of the line can be deconstructed into luxe separates I’d love to see on the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Solange Knowles, Elizabeth Banks, & Salma Hayek Pinault. Models hit the catwalk in strongly sculpted jackets, metallic belts, & ornate hoop skirts.  Take a look at the collection & check out more from Runway Rundown, including Tom Ford, Yves Saint Laurent, & Chloe. Happy Styling!

Top 10 Celeb Sightings: Embroidery & Pretty Menswear Featuring Olivia Palermo, Anne Hathaway, Sarah Jessica Parker, & More!

Posted on by

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Now that New York Fashion Week is over, the celebs are stepping out in serious style in preparation for awards season & movie premieres.  However, I’m excited to share some looks that have been catching my eye, especially when stars like Anne Hathaway, Olivia Palermo, & Sarah Jessica Parker have lent their support to Valentino Haute Couture designs. In addition, I’ve included another stylish look of Olivia Palermo at the Burberry Prorsum show at London Fashion Week, as well as Amy Adams in Roksanda Illincic, Elizabeth Olsen in Topshop & ASOS, Gwyneth Paltrow‘s LWD while on the campaign trail, Hailee Steinfeld‘s mixed prints in Rebecca Minkoff & Mary Katrantzou, & Olivia Wilde in Alexander McQueen. Which looks are your favorite? Which celebrities are your following on the red carpet?

For more from Top 10 Celeb Sightings, check out looks from Emma Watson & Zoe Saldana, Jennifer Lopez & Kristen Bell, & Ashley Madekwe & Malin Akerman! Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: White Hot Style At The White House Correspondents’ Dinner!

Posted on by

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The hot red carpet ticket this week has been the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, featuring celebrities like Charlize Theron, Kate Hudson, Rachel Zoe, & Ginnifer Goodwin. Of course the stars are showing their support for the president, but the biggest news coming from the celebration is the fabulous fashion. Take a look at the gallery below & share your favorite looks! Happy Styling!

Basics for a Bargain: Best Black Jackets For Day & Night (Dedicated to Laurie)!

Posted on by

During a recent breakfast date with my uber-stylish friend Laurie, the subject of blazers came up since she’s in search of a jacket with enough flair to dress up a going out look, but one that can also be worn for a daytime casual look.  Because a black blazer is such an essential item, I thought I’d turn to some of my favorite celebrities for some inspiration on the different styles of blazers for a number of different occasions.

First off, we have Olivia Palermo in a velvet Giambattista Valli mini dress with brogues from Zara & a Mango clutch.  She tops her look with a button-embellished jacket for a more polish at a Macy’s event.  Fergie attended an affair for Black Eyed Peas in a feathered & gold skirt with a satin-trim blazer & Christian Louboutins.  Rachel Weisz paired her velvet jacket with leather leggings at the DVD launch for Deep Blue Sea.  At the premiere of Sandra Bullock‘s latest film, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, the Oscar-winner donned an Alexander McQueen suit with a plunging jacket & corset-inspired belt.  Jessica Alba went out for a stroll in West Hollywood, pairing a single-button jacket with a high-neck white dress & black tights.  Lastly, Kristen Bell played down her cropped pink trousers with a Rachel Zoe tuxedo jacket & satin pointy toe pumps.

When looking for a blazer that works for you, there are a lot of factors to take into account like fit around the waist, where the sleeves fall, & details like trim & structure.  Since jackets are investment pieces, these bargains are a little higher in price, but totally worth it if you find one that works best for your shape.  I picked out a variety of jacket suggestions to be worn casually with shorts & tights, with your favorite dark denim jeans & a button-down top, over an LBD, or over a sequin cocktail dress.

The classic two-button blazer ($59.99) from Gap ranges in sizes 0 – 20 & has been marked down from its original $98.00 price tag.  There’s plenty of room here to add a fancy antique brooch if it looks too office-ready for a going out ook.  If you’re looking for something with some built-in personality, try the zebra stripe textured blazer ($32.80) from Forever 21.  A dressy option for a jacket comes from JC Penney, the MNG by Mango tuxedo jacket with satin trim ($60.00) is just enough to wear over a blouse or with a jersey dress & metallic belt.  If details like buttons are your thing, the H&M blazer ($59.95) is not just available in black, but also light pink & bright blue.  A classic single-button stretch jacket ($48.96) like the one from New York & Company adds confidence to a t-shirt & jeans look, especially with knee boots & hoop earrings.  Lastly, I remembered my recent post about Kmart’s Sofia by Sofia Vergara collection & the velvet tuxedo blazer ($31.99) came to mind, especially if worn with a slinky cami & skinny pants.

For more Basics for a Bargain looks, check out scarves inspired by Claire Danes & Rihanna, tees & leather like Miranda Kerr, & look-alike sweater dresses to those worn by Nicole Richie & Eva Mendes! How do you wear your favorite blazers? Where are your favorite places to shop for blazers? Happy Styling!

11/16/11 Darling of the Day: Pippa Middleton’s Leggings Look Is So Genius, It’s Inspired A Contest!

Posted on by

Big props to The Huffington Post for sharing a link to Style Darling, especially when I’ve been talking so much about the one & only, Pippa Middleton & her effortless street style!  Check out the entire 80+ picture gallery of Pippa’s outfits here.

However, these leggings that Ms. Pippa is wearing are causing quite the style stir since she’s not wearing the traditional tunic top, sweater, or any other rear-covering garment that typically requires leggings so that it looks like you’re not wearing something too short & you’re not showing off your bum, as the Brits say.

Does anyone see a problem with this look? I particularly do not. Personally, I wear leggings without a longer top all the time- around the house- but here with the suede ankle boots & a cute toggle coat, I am inspired!  And any not be?  She’s embracing her shape & probably isn’t paying as much attention to the fact that her behind is such a whopping focus, like the rest of the nay-saying bloggers.

Just because Kate Middleton is Pippa’s sister, it doesn’t mean that she can’t still look & dress like a woman.  Weren’t there even some comments made about Pippa’s rear curves during the royal wedding when she wore the silky Alexander McQueen gown?  What-evs!

I should mention that I especially have leggings on the brain since an upcoming leggings-themed birthday celebration for my fellow blogger Stacey (of EtsyBrook) is just days away & I think news like this just fuels the fire!

Normally, I feature affordable items that help shoppers recreate looks worn by celebrities, but really… any one of us can put together a look like this!  Need some leggings? Then check out my post here.  You can’t beat $8.00 from Target.  I have 5 pairs of these now!

So, I have a challenge for my Style Darling readers out there: Submit a picture to StyleDarlingEmail@gmail.com of your best leggings look (long top or not- but some type of top layering is required!), or if you’ve been inspired by Pippa’s shape-baring ensemble.  The subject of your email should read: Pippa Wears Leggings & So Do I! You should also include a brief description of the outfit, where it was purchased (any necessary links of the items), what you love about it, & where it is that you can be seen wearing it. By the end of the week, I’ll post my favorite image with some details behind its inspiration.  What’s the criteria to win?  Be tasteful, trendy, & classy- just like Pippa!

The prize for whoever I deem the winner is a dedicated post with your image, a polite thanks for being a reader, & a virtual nudge which can bring Style Darling one step closer to blog royalty- no pun intended! Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: The 2011 Teen Choice Awards Go Glam!

Posted on by

At this weekend’s Teen Choice Awards, young Hollywood came out in full force style! Some of these ladies in line are going to be the next Gwyneth Paltrows, Julianne Moores, & Kate Hudsons of the red carpet.  This is evident in their choice of styling, but let’s get down to who’s wearing who!  First up is Twlight star Ashley Greene who sticks to the pencil dress trend in a color-blocked design by Givenchy.  Zoe Saldana goes metallic in a belted Lanvin frock with shoes by the late great Alexander McQueen.  The Vampire Diaires leading lady, Nina Dobrev, was probably my favorite in this figure flattering D&G dress with a Salvatore Ferragamo clutch.  Canadian singer Avril Lavigne does some shameless advertising for her brand, Abbey Dawn in a chic LBD & patterned peep toes.  However, it is a nice chang eof pace for the usual punky blonde.  The svelte star of CW’s Nikita, Maggie Q, went all white in a two-piece Max Mara look with black & white pumps- very Mad Men looking, eh?

Next, Lucy Hale took a risk in this sparkling Cengiz Abazoğlu mini dress with Giuseppe Zanotti ankle strap platforms.  It-girl of the moment, Emma Stone, juggled her press tour for The Help, by showing up to the ceremony in a Christian Dior shift dress with jewelry by Irene Neuwirth.  Current In Style Makeover cover girl, Rachel Bilson, looked ultra-femme in a ruffled Chloe dress with Brian Atwood studded ankle booties.  Country crooner, Taylor Swift, channelled Marilyn Monroe in a Rafael Cennamo LWD halter & of course, donned Neil Lane diamonds & bowed silver peep toe pumps.  Last, but not least is Selena Gomez, looking all grown up in an asymmetrical Erin Fetherston minidress & strappy Brian Atwood sandals.

Which is your favorite look?  Who’s your favorite young Style Darling?  Are you loving the little white dress trend?  What’s your favorite black & white look?  For more scoop on red carpet glam, check out Red Carpet Review!  Happy Styling!

NYC Street Style: Alexander McQueen’s Savage Beauty Exhibit @The Met!

Posted on by

Here I usually post about the styles & trends that I see during my occasional weekend trips into New York City, but since the city was all abuzz over fashion, I decided to place this blog under this category b/c the streets will never be the same again…

Late designer, Alexander McQueen was honored this summer with a very special exhibit at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Featuring his unique vision with looks from the last decade or so, it was called Savage Beauty. The opening kicked off the Costume Institute Gala back in May (see Red Carpet Review & Gala pics here), where stars like Sarah Jessica Parker, Salma Hayek, Gisele Bundchen, Christina Hendricks, & Naomi Campbell shared their love of the designer by wearing his gowns.

Upon the closing of the fashion event, crowds & crowds of fashionistas & art lovers drew into the thousands, wrapping lines from 82nd Street, all the way down to 78th on its final day. This was very notably comparable to when DaVinci’s ‘Mona Lisa’ was temporarily housed at the Met in 1963 & everyone flocked to see the once in a lifetime exhibit in New York.

Lucky I was an early riser with the companionship of my stylish gal pal Stacey, to wait in line in the rain, preparing to be awed. Although no photographs were allowed once inside the exhibit (& btw: make friends on lines for places you really wanna get into b/c you never know if they can help get you in sooner.  Case in point: Stacey & Me!), I warmed up my ‘photo ninja’ skills & decided to share some of the greatest pieces of the exhibition with my Style Darlings.

Of course, I believe in the integrity of the exhibition, but how can you be there & not want to document everything? I turned off my flash & did manage to get some amazing shots in the darkly lit rooms of gowns, ensembles, head pieces, & jewelry, all of which I knew were especially blog-worthy. I’m simply doing my part so that everyone gets a chance to experience the wonder, darkness, & genius behind the lost, but not forgotten legend that is McQueen.

This tartan collection was especially amazing to see b/c McQueen was celebrating his Scottish heritage, trying to dispel any negative connotations about the culture. The last dress all the way in the back was the runway version which Sarah Jessica Parker wore while accompanying McQueen to the 2006 Costume Institute Gala, just a year before his death.

You think you’ve worn some crazy headbands?  Take a look at these!  In the wall display, there were pieces which recalled a very aggressive, but vixen nature, including a red lace mask like the one worn by Lady Gaga in 2009!

As soon as I saw this dress (sorry it’s blurry), I had to do some serious style thinking & eventually remembered that Debra Messing wore it to the 2002 VH1 Vogue Fashion Awards.  She caused quite a stir, but helped make the fashion world see that McQueen’s designs were daring works of art.

These were two of my favorite dresses, so very visually interesting.  The one on the left is made from neck to floor from pheasant feathers. The leather bustier dress to the right had some much detail in the skirt, you get lost in it!

The first dress below to the left was part of McQueen’s final collection last spring.  The pattern may look familiar to those who saw Salma Hayek wear a mini on the cover of In Style, as well as at Vanity Fair’s Oscar party last March.  Also, Demi Moore wore his dress & shoes on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar last year.

For more on the history of McQueen on the red carpet & in fashion, check out In Style. Also, check out the official website to see where the future of the fashion house is headed, now under the direction of Sarah Burton (designer of Kate Middleton’s wedding gown)!   Happy Styling!

8/9/11 Darling of the Day: Anna Paquin in Black & White & Herve Leger!

Posted on by

We all know how super hot True Blood is this summer, but take a look at the show’s star, Academy Award winner, Anna Paquin.  During a recent appearance at the L.A. Shorts Fest, the actress kept it simple in black & white.  She plays up her basic white tee with a Hervé Léger pencil skirt, cinching in her tiny waist.

Take a look at her layered statement necklace, something that you can achieve by wearing two of your favorite chunky necklaces & wear them at the same time.  Also, a simple black bangle keeps it simple since she’s wearing towering leopard print platforms.

To get this look for your next gal pal luncheon or night out with the beau, try out a tee like the crewneck by St. John’s Bay from JC Penney, available in small to extra large, or even something super basic like a double pack of White Stag tees (that go up to XXL) from Walmart for only $10.00. On the bottom, I’ve picked two different pencil skirts, one tiered bandage skirt to flatter your curves & another lace trimmed skirt from Torrid for fuller Style Darlings!

As far as accessories go, I’ve selected these fierce leopard & black leather slingbacks.  The mixture of the animal print with the black & white color blocking suggests a youthful spirit & some summer flair.  Anna is carrying a square textured clutch, but probably not in mesh like the $22.90 version from Windsor Store.

For some final touches, I found this bracelet with heart details, available in red & fuchsia for $2.80 @Forever 21.  Suggested layerable necklaces are the webbed chains necklace for $14.80 & a layered Singapore chain necklace for $8.80.

For more on Anna’s out & about style, as well as her ever fabulous red carpet looks, take a look at her in Prabal Gurung, Proenza Schouler, Marios Schwab, Stella McCartney, & Alexander McQueen.  Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: Lace Pumps From $33 – $758!

Posted on by

If you’ve got a summer evening wedding coming up, I always say: Go for some lace pumps!  But what if you don’t already own a pair, then it’s time to start shopping.  If you’re first step is to check out what’s online & where, then take a deep breath b/c we’re spanning across MANY different price points here.  I know I’m always looking for something stylish & affordable, which is why I turn to some of my favorite resources like GOjane, 6PM, & Windsor Store for budget-friendly special occasion items!

However, if you take a look at the image to the right, you’ll see that three pairs of these lacey shoes are very pricey.  This (I guess) makes sense since we’re dealing with designs by Christian Louboutin, Alexander McQueen, and Elizabeth and James (by the Olsen twins).

Some advice: Don’t ever do all-over lace, unless it’s in something by Dolce & Gabbana b/c otherwise it’ll look cheap or like lingerie, or like both!  Lace pumps would look very demure with your favorite little black dress, or perhaps something ruffled.  Of course when you’re doing lace, you can go a little more sexy with them by picking out a peep toe pair for your most flattering cocktail dress, or try dressy shorts with a silk tank to wear with the cut-out pair.  Maybe even dress up a romper or separate the pieces of a skirt suit to make it look happy-hour-ready with pumps like these!

What do you like to wear lace pumps with?  Which are your favorite bargain shoes stores? Happy Styling!