Fashion Flashback: Remembering Vivienne Westwood’s Legacy on the Red Carpet & Screen!


British fashion legend Vivienne Westwood passed away today at the age of 81. Her career began in the 1970s, proving relevant every decade with its blatantly refreshing combination of punk meets glam. Westwood’s signature corseted design with a deconstructed sweetheart neckline has drawn the attention of celebrity A-listers for good reason, especially as many stars have returned to the label time & time again, including Euphoria’s Zendaya, singer Gwen Stefani, Oscar-winner Jessica Chastain, The Crown’s Helena Bonham-Carter, Wednesday actress Gwendoline Christie, the always stylish Kate Beckinsale, Disenchanted star Amy Adams, The Great lead Elle Fanning, pop singer Katy Perry, Westworld actress Thandiwe Newton, & of course, Sarah Jessica Parker’s iconic Carrie Bradshaw in her gown from the Sex & the City film, which reappears in the upcoming second season of And Just Like That.

Take a look through the images below as we honor Westwood’s creative contributions to fashion & the inspiration she imbues on Style Darlings everywhere.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Vogue, as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex & the City, & as Carrie Bradshaw in And Just Like That, wearing Vivienne Westwood.
Kate Beckinsale, Naomie Harris, Scarlett Johansson, Marisa Tomei, & Jessica Chastain in Vivienne Westwood.
Kirsten Dunst, Helen Mirren, Amy Adams, Cate Blanchett, & Jessica Chastain in Vivienne Westwood.
Andrea Riseborough, Kim Kardashian, Natalie Dormer, Angelina Jolie, & Daisy Ridley in Vivienne Westwood.
Gwendoline Christie in Vivienne Westwood.
Rachel McAdams, Amy Adams, Scarlett Johansson, Emilia Clarke, & Kerry Washington in Vivienne Westwood.
Michelle Rodriguez, Demi Moore, Amy Adams, & Kate Beckinsale in Vivienne Westwood.
Salma Hayek, Missi Pyle, Kate Hudson, Thandiwe Newton, & Nicole Kidman in Vivienne Westwood.
Gwen Stefani in Vivienne Westwood.
Anya Taylor-Joy, Eva Longoria, Zendaya, & Viola Davis in Vivienne Westwood.
Zendaya, Katy Perry, Thandiwe Newton, Zendaya, & Christina Ricci in Vivienne Westwood.
Diane Kruger, Katy Perry, Marlee Marlin, Kelly Osborne, & Olivia Rodrigo in Vivienne Westwood.
Daisy Ridley, Jennifer Aniston, Blake Lively in Vivienne Westwood.
Elle Fanning, Tina Fey, Winnie Harlow, & Lashana Lynch in Vivienne Westwood.
Gabrielle Union, Georgia May Jagger, Halle Berry, & Dua Lipa in Vivienne Westwood.
Helena Bonham-Carter in Vivienne Westwood.
Natalie Dormer, Billie Piper, Doja Cat, Kim Kardashian, & Rachel Zegler in Vivienne Westwood.
Elle Fanning, Karlie Kloss, Berenice Marlohe, Olivia Rodrigo, & Marion Cotillard in Vivienne Westwood.
Lana Del Rey, Camila Cabello, & Dita Von Teese in Vivienne Westwood.
Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Alba, Anna Kendrick, & Amandla Stenberg in Vivienne Westwood.
Alexandra Daddario, Priyanka Chopra-Jonas, Paris Jackson, Jamie Chung, & Ashley Madekwe in Vivienne Westwood.
Sza, Camilla Alvez McConaughey, & Sarah Silverman in Vivienne Westwood.

Which look is your favorite? What do you think of Westwood’s signature design? Who do you think wears the designer best? For more stylish posts, check out: bowed flats from J.Crew Factory, Valentine’s sweaters by Time & Tru, & Meghan Trainor’s most stylish music videos! Happy Styling!

Fashion Flashback: The Best Pink Gowns of The Emmy Awards!


The ceremony for The 74th Annual Emmy Awards takes place tomorrow night & I’m so excited to see what my favorite stars are wearing, especially since there are so many deserving returning favorites to the show, along with first-time nominees whose work has been dominating social media fodder. This includes Amanda Seyfried, Lily James, Sydney Sweeney, Zendaya, Elle Fanning, Hannah Waddingham, Rachel Brosnahan, Kaley Cuoco, Selena Gomez, Sandra Oh, Reese Witherspoon, Julia Garner, Christina Ricci, Melanie Lynskey, & more! However, in honor of tomorrow night’s broadcast, I wanted to take a walk down Fashion Memory Lane to celebrate gowns of years’ past in pink!

I choose pink since I am predicting that is the color that will reign over this year’s red carpet, especially after a summer of Barbiecore. In the past, we’ve seen elegance & edge in black, red, white, & metallic tones, but nothing beats a look in a pink champagne, cotton candy, rose gold, dusty rose, salmon, magenta, or dark fuchsia! No matter if an entire gown is in pink, if it’s in a pattern, or a playful accent to a look, pink hues are timeless & ageless, as well as luxe on any red carpet. Take s look at the range of pinks from previous Emmy Awards below:

Vanessa Kirby, Angelina Jolie, Julie Bowen, Emma Roberts, & Halle Berry at the Emmy Awards.
Maisie Williams, Giuliana Rancic, & Elisabeth Moss at the Emmy Awards.
Beth Behrs, Sophia Bush, Thandiwe Newton, Giuliana Rancic, Sophie Turner Jonas at the Emmy Awards.
Sarah Jessica Parker, Keri Russell, Jewel, Alexis Bledel, & January Jones at the Emmy Awards.
Lena Dunham, Dascha Polanco, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Vanessa Bayer, & Halsey at the Emmy Awards.
Vanessa Kirby, Yara Shahidi, Sandra Oh, Beanie Feldstein, & Debra Messing at the Emmy Awards.
Thandiwe Newton, Rose Byrne, Hannah Einbinder, Hannah Waddingham, & Tracee Ellis Ross at the Emmy Awards.
Brooke Shields, Jane Fonda, Tracee Ellis Ross, Viola Davis, & Zooey Deschanel at the Emmy Awards.
Uzo Aduba, MJ Rodriguez, Elisabeth Moss, Angela Bassett, & Padma Lakshmi at the Emmy Awards.
Taraji P. Henson, Mandy Moore, Marisa Tomei, & Susan Kelechi Watts at the Emmy Awards.

Who wore your favorite pink look? Do you like a midi dress in pastel pink or prefer a dramatic gown in a neon pink? What colors do you like pink paired with? Who are you rooting for at tomorrow’s Emmys? For more celebrity posts, check out: Ana de Armas at the Venice Film Festival, Zendaya’s most gorgeous green looks, & a fashion flashback with singer Kacey Musgraves! Happy Styling!

Fashion Flashback: 200+ Red, White, & Blue Glamour Looks on the Red Carpet, Including Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, & More!


In honor of Independence Day, I’ve gathered fashion from the past in gorgeous red, white, & blue designs–blue, of course in shades of navy, royal, & pastel. Mostly dresses, the below slideshow & gallery showcases some of my favorite red carpet looks from not only recently, but also for the last decade (or more) at awards shows, premieres, film festivals, & more!

Who is your favorite celebrity to watch on the red carpet? Which red, white, & blue looks are your favorites? Which gown surprised you the most? For more stylish posts, check out: Natalie Portman’s cover shoot for Variety, Stranger Things star Maya Hawke in denim, & Selena Gomez’s Alexander McQueen dress for her Rare Beauty Launch! Happy 4th of July! Happy Styling!

Affordable Pearly Whites for the Holidays!


Sometimes when I can’t make up my mind of how I want to style my outfit in terms of jewelry, pearls are an easy go-to for instantly adding some much-needed glam & sophistication to an otherwise casual look. The holidays are the perfect time of year to consider pearls, & not just for jewelry must-haves.Take inspiration from the stylish likes of Angelina Jolie, Brie Larson, Lupita Nyong’o, Reese Witherspoon, Rihanna, & Zooey Deschanel, all donning pearls in earring, bracelet, or necklace form.

One of my favorite shopping spots, New York & Company, has some stylish & affordable pearly finds to wear for your next holiday party, date night, girls’ night out, or even sipping on some hot cocoa while wrapping presents.

cluster stud earrings

pearl drop earrings

pearl statement necklace

pearl beret

pearl hooded sweatshirt

pearl jogger pants

However you choose to wear your pearls, own them. Pearls are timeless & go with any outfit.I love glamming up a casual Sunday with a pair of cluster studs, for example. The pearl resurgence that we saw last holiday season on clothing isn’t going away either. How do you like to wear pearls? Do you have a favorite pearl accessory that you love to wear? For more jewelry inspired posts, click here, here, here, & here. Happy Styling!

06/24/2016 Darling of the Day: Angelina Jolie’s Easy Breezy Summer LBD & Strappy Flats!


I can talk (or write, in this case) for hours about shoes. That’s always been the case for me. Yeah, I’m that girl, a shoe girl! I have to say (or write, in this case) that my relationship with shoes has evolved over the years in the most strangely sensible way too. Once I transitioned from working a job in an office (where sitting meant I could really wear any & every shoe I could stick my feet in) to a commuting job in the city & most currently as a sales associate in the retail world, my shoe needs have drastically & painstakingly changed. Don’t get me wrong, I still gasp in admiration & find high heels sexy as hell. However, my everyday shoes are usually flats that I can actually walk in (go figure!). I save the heels for special occasions of going out with my boyfriend, days in the classroom during the semesters (not much walking to do there), & specific photo opportunities (when I’m really digging an outfit combination). 

During one recent & busy night at work, I had a conversation with a lovely but frustrated customer for whom I was helping put an outfit together. Once a top & skirt found, our conversation turned to shoes. Of course, any kind of black pump (slingback, stiletto, or wedge) would make for a party-ready look, but then I suggested a nude shoe, which time and time again, has proved successful, especially when it comes to a summer ensemble. By now, you’re probably wondering what this anecdote has to do with the title of this post about. While I rely on a nude shoe as my go-to for many stylish summer outfits, my fashion world was rocked once more scrolling through social media, discovering that during a New York City day with her son, Knox, Angelina Jolie simplified a classic LBD-wayfarer shades look with nude ankle tie flats by Gianvito Rossi (shop here). 

Darling of the Day - Angelina Jolie's Easy Breezy Summer LBD & Strappy FlatsI was instantly inspired by this delightful & obvious (really!) style choice that I had to share its versatility with my readers. Speaking of evolutions, the ballet flat has come a very long way & as a result of that journey, shoppers don’t have to break their budget (even when there’s a time crunch) to achieve this level of style perfection. Really, this sort of shoe would amplify a belted cotton frock with a cardigan, a cargo vest & skimmers, or a sheath mini & blazer.

SHOP: Misses tee dress @Old Navy (available in sizes XS – XXL), black sunglasses @Icing, lace-up pointed flats @Charlotte Russe, Plus dress @Forever 21, Betsey Johnson sunglasses @Nordstrom Rack, Wild Diva ankle strap flats @Aeropostale (also available in black), Petites Worthington dress @JCPenney, ELLE sunglasses @Kohl’s, & ankle strap d’orsay flats @GOjane.

Do you like to wear ankle strap or lace-up flats? Where do you shop for your summer shoe must-haves? Do you like Angelina Jolie’s street style? How do you like to style a day-ready little black dress? How does summer inspire your style? Happy Styling!

Accessories Access: Budget-Friendly Earrings for the Jewelry-Obsessed ($15 & Under)!


My biggest style obsession this fall & really for 2015 is earrings, as seen in detail with my Instagram posts (Follow Style Darling Daily @MissAlissaL). I’ve rediscovered my love of the blingy accessory, especially since I’ve recently cut my hair, showing off my collection of studs, chandeliers, hoops, dangles, drops, front-to-backs, & jackets for the every day runway that is life. In an effort to save some cash, but still treat myself here & there, shopping for budget-friendly earrings has been my simple solution when it comes to transforming a look & when I’m in need of some retail therapy. Before I share some of my favorite & elegant picks for not just the season, but really any occasion, I loved the idea of seeking out some extra special inspiration from celebrities who are lucky enough to rock the real thing during red carpet appearances. Jennifer Lawrence, Cara Delevingne, Kerry Washington, Olgy Kurylenko, Chrissy Teigen, Angelina Jolie, Bella Thorne, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, & Jenna Dewan-Tatum.Celebrity inspiration for killer earrings comes in many metals, colors, & shapes, including some jaw-dropping duds for movie premieres, awards shows, & a slew of other special occasions. Get inspired to upgrade your street style with Jennifer Lawrence, Cara Delevingne, Kerry Washington, Olga Kurylenko, Chrissy Teigen, Angelina Jolie, Bella Thorne, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, & below on Jessica Chastain, Sofia Vergara, Chanel Iman, Kate Winslet, Drew Barrymore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Julianne Moore, Demi Lovato, Sarah Hyland, & Diane Kruger. 

Jessica Chastain, Sofia Vergara, Chanel Iman, Kate Winslet, Drew Barrymore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Julianne Moore, Demi Lovato, Sarah Hyland, & Diane Kruger.Of course, there are tons of retailers to select discounted fashion jewelry from, including multi-metal hoops that’ll take your blouse & skinny jeans from day-to-night, oversize studs from work to happy hour, clustered stones from a date to brunch, & other genius possibilities. What’s even better is that the below deals are all under $15.00!

Accessories Access - Budget-Friendly Earrings for the Jewelry-Obsessed $15 & Under!SHOP: 1.vintage hollow out earrings ($3.99, was $5.22) in gold @Romwe, 2. tassel earrings ($12.99) in purple @H&M, 3. filigree earrings ($10.00) in black @Dress Barn, 4. Milania dangle earrings ($13.00) in white @Charming Charlie, 5. evil eye earrings ($14.99) in silver / gold @Bollywood Chic, 6. round stud earrings ($9.00) in champagne @Francesca’s, 7. pave disc front & back earrings ($12.00) in gold @River Island, 8. clustered faux stone studs ($5.90) in antic gold @Forever 21, 9. carved cluster earrings ($5.00, was $9.50) in pastel @Icing, & 10. faceted kite earrings ($6.57, was $10.95) in black @New York & Company.

To shop more affordable earrings (where you can also watch out for great sales & coupons), shop Express, JC Penney, Kohl’s, Boohoo, LOFT, BaubleBar, The Limited, ChicNova, Lane Bryant, Target, Charlotte Russe, Belk, GOjane, & Zappos.

Where do you like to shop for fashion jewelry? What’s your earrings style? How many pairs of earrings do you wear daily? For more stylish posts, check out Olivia Palermo’s Victorian photo shoot for Holt Renfrew, how to get Victoria Beckham’s orange pants look for any size, Michelle Williams & Alicia Vikander for Louis Vuitton’s The Spirit of Travel, & fall flats for the office inspired by Emmy Rossum & Jennifer Lopez. Happy Styling!

Show Me the Shoes: Affordable Fall Flats for the Office, Inspired by Emma Stone, Victoria Beckham, & More (Dedicated to Christine)!


I love getting inspired about fashion when chatting up my friends, & today’s post is no exception. My dear friend Christine, styling it up in New Jersey, recently shared her concerns about finding comfy, yet stylish flats for the office & my brain went spinning with inspiration. Given my crazy day-to-day schedule between two jobs & grad school, I’m constantly on the go, which also means that my collection of flats has grown exponentially with fashionable possibilities for a chic, professional look. To get started, I sought out some images of the best dressed A-listers wearing elements that make up a great work look, especially with a fall wardrobe on the brain.Angelina Jolie, Camilla Belle, Emma Stone, Emmy Rossum, Jennifer Lopez, & Karlie Kloss in flats.These celebrities include: Angelina Jolie, Camilla Belle, Emma Stone, Emmy Rossum, Jennifer Lopez, Karlie Kloss, Mandy Moore, Olivia Palermo, Pippa Middleton, Reese Witherspoon, Taylor Swift, & Victoria Beckham. Flats are certainly not a cop-out, adding a little extra splash of femininity against a cardigan & shirt pairing, sleek menswear look, blouse & trousers ensemble, & sheath dress.

Mandy Moore, Olivia Palermo, Pippa Middleton, Reese Witherspoon, Taylor Swift, & Victoria Beckham in flats.And for some affordable flats to amp up your office style, consider a few elements for an interesting look: pattern, texture, & shine, which will also help transition any Style Darling from day-to-night, as well as date & weekend. 

Show Me the Shoes - Affordable Fall Flats for the Office!SHOP: 1. loafers ($14.99) in navy @H&M (also available in black, camel, hot pink, & gray), 2. boucle pointed flats ($15.00, was $25.99) in black & white @Charlotte Russe, 3. stud flats ($15.00) in black @Wet Seal (also available in burgundy), 4. pointed patent flats ($19.90) in black @Forever 21 (also available in nude), 5. Gigi flats by Christian Siriano ($24.99, was $29.99) in wine @Payless (also available in black & taupe), & 6. lace pointed flats ($34.90) in black @Express.

What do you wear to work? What details do you look for when it comes to flats? Where do you shop for your favorite office footwear? For more stylish posts, check out affordable plaid accessories for fall, florals to wear this season from New York & Company & Hollister, capes & ponchos inspired by Gwen Stefani & Jamie Chung, & Olivia Palermo’s BaubleBar collaboration. Happy Styling!

Style Tip: How To Dress Your Best For Your Body Type (Dedicated to Kerri)!


After a lot of research & gathering of information, I’ve FINALLY put together some really important tips for how to dress your best for your body type, especially after getting feedback from my friend, Kerri! Clearly, not all women are created equally & thank goodness for that! It’s about time I’ve addressed this issue, especially since the rules are always changing, but here are some very essential ideas in order to work your assets the best way possible for hourglass, diamond, rectangular / straight, inverted triangle, pear, & oval / apple body shapes.

How to style an inverted triangle shape

How to style a diamond shape. How to style a pear shape. How to style a straight shape. How to style an hourglass shape. How to style an oval apple shape.

What shape are you? How do you like to dress to best show off your curves or enhance your figure? For more stylish posts, be sure to check out complete red carpet galleries from the SAGs & Golden Globe Awards, celebrity-inspired spring dress predictions, how to style an affordable statement necklace, & Natalie Portman’s Dior look for less. Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: The Best Dressed Of 2015’s #CriticsChoiceAwards, Featuring Angelina Jolie, Reese Witherspoon, Keira Knightley, & More!


Angelina Jolie, Emily Blunt, Felicity Jones, & Diane Kruger at the 2015 Crtic's Choice Awards.

Last night’s Critic’s Choice Movie Awards kept the awards season momentum going, with not just the celebration of fantastic performances on the big screen, but also with A-listers dressed to the nines, making a stylish splash on the red carpet. This includes some usual favorites like Angelina Jolie (in Atelier Versace), Amy Adams (in Max Mara), Reese Witherspoon (in Lanvin), Emily Blunt (in Emilio Pucci), Keira Knightley (in Delpozo), & Jamie Chung (in Yanina Couture). A lot of trends hit the red carpet, including whimsical white, as seen on Rosamund Pike (in Valentino Haute Couture), Marion Cotillard (in Dior), & Jessica Chastain (in Antonio Berardi), as well as black lace on Felicity Jones (in Dolce & Gabbana), Michelle Monaghan (in Elie Saab), & winner, Julianne Moore (in Saint Laurent). Making major style statements for the ceremony were nominee Jennifer Aniston who suited up in a crimson Gucci deep-v black & trousers, & the always perfect Diane Kruger in a printed Naeem Khan gown (as previously featured in the designer’s Pre-Fall 2015 Collection in Runway Rundown).

Which looks were your favorites? Who’s style stands the test of time? What was your favorite part of the show? For more stylish posts, check out the complete red carpet gallery from this year’s Golden Globe Awards, lookbook collections from Jenny Packham & Christian Siriano, style inspired by HBO’s Girls, & winter-ready affordable capes. Happy Styling!

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Basics For A Bargain: Little White Dresses Inspired By Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez, & More!


Little white dresses are a go-to for this spring & summer, which make for a fresh take for a date, as well as night out with the girls. Of course, white at a wedding is for the bride only, but some of the most photographed celebrities have been spotted in figure-flattering silhouettes of LWDs! This includes actress / model Rosie Huntington-Whitely at the Cannes Film Festival in a strapless silk bustier dress by Christian Dior with Christian Louboutin stilettos & Kerry Washington‘s Giambattista Valli frock at a screening of Scandal with a gold-accented wristlet. Also, Bond-girl Gemma Arterton is all smiles while visiting BBC Radio One in a Talbot Runhof dress with classic black pointy toe pumps & a colorblocked handbag.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Kerry Washington, Gemma Arterton, Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie, & Samantha Barks.

Next, Jennifer Lopez shows off her shape in a curve-hugging Louise Goldin pencil dress with matching Casadei pumps at a press event for Verizon Wireless. Everyone’s talking about Angelina Jolie‘s return to the red carpet in a gold-belted Ralph & Russo peplum dress with feminine rose gold jewelry & white pointy toe pumps. Lastly, Les Miserables breakout star Samantha Barks contrasts her white lace sheath dress with a strategic black belt & adorable fuchsia heels at a Royal Academy of Arts event.

Personally, I think you can get away with wearing a white dress any time of the year, depending on the material & cut of the dress. For example, something in eyelet or linen is strictly for the warmer months with metallic sandals or peep toe pumps & a tweed fabric would work best in the winter with suede ankle booties.

My first pick is the embroidered sundress ($50.00) from Dress Barn, which not only cinches in at the waist, but also will work with any pop of color in a cardigan, boyfriend blazer, ballet flats, or espadrilles. If you like to show off your arms, check out the sleeveless ecru ponte dress ($39.99) which is currently marked down from its original $150.00 price @White House Black Market. For a sleek look, the eyelet sheath dress with patent belt ($35.00) from New York & Company offers up a variety of looks, especially with a sophisticated built-in accessory that can match with other staples like a printed shrug sweater or opaque tights.

The midi strapless dress ($36.50) from Lulu’s is definitely sexier is matched with a blinged out necklace & stacked bangles, while the cut-out makes for a flirty show of skin. For my plus-size Style Darlings, I picked out the mesh back chiffon dress ($24.80) from Forever 21‘s Plus 21 line, which creates a classic hourglass figure for day & evening, & is sold in sizes XL – 3X. My final selection includes the detailed dress ($17.95) from H&M, which is also available in black, & will certainly turn heads when you walk in the room.

Which is your favorite little white dress? How do you like to accessorize white dresses? Do you like to wear white over the summer? For more posts on affordable fashion, check out luxury look-alike flip flops, summer-ready striped maxi skirts, must-have sale items for $100, & a behind-the-scenes look at 3.1 Phillip Lim’s Target collaboration! Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: Get Golden Globe Knock-Off Gowns @EDressMe!


Since it is awards season, watch out for knock off gowns worn by the hottest celebrities. My favorite resource for these affordable gowns is EDressMe, although I’ve never actually purchased anything from the site.  I’m so happy to share these with my readers since getting Gucci, Dior, & Versace are just so hard to get on the phone!

If you’re looking to recreate the Golden Globes red carpet, check out EDressMe for the dresses inspired by Jessica Alba ($498.00), Charlize Theron ($358.00), & Angelina Jolie ($358.00).

For more on celebrity-inspired Luxury Look-Alikes for Less, check out Katherine Heigl’s Ann Taylor booties, Pippa Middleton’s red ballet flats, & Gwyneth Paltrow’s Calvin Klein gown from last year’s Oscars!

Also, be sure to keep a look out for this Sunday’s Oscars where I’m excited to see stars like Michelle Williams, Viola Davis, & Jessica Chastain celebrate their nominations. Also, I’ll be featuring all the glamour from the ceremony in Red Carpet Review! Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: The Best (310) Celebrity Looks of 2011!


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I’ve been compiling a long list of my favorite looks during the 2011 calendar year & while there are still a few days left, I wanted to share the highs of the red carpet, press events, famous Style Darlings on the street, as well as the looks that have made the headlines.  This is the ultimate gallery of the ensembles to wear for formal occasions, out & about on the street, to a cocktail party, or a date night, including the best descriptions that I could find of who wore what!  For more looks that I’ve featured this year, check out Darling of the Day, Red Carpet Review, Magazine Must-Haves, Silver Screen Style, Style ABC’s (x3), & Watch This Style– all categories that thrive on celebrity-inspiration for your style on a budget.  I hope all of you had a prosperous 2011 & continue to do good for those around you, as well as for your style!  Happy Styling!

Basics for a Bargain: Slip Into A Sweater Dress with Inspiration from Angelina Jolie, Nicole Richie, & Cameron Diaz!


It’s fall, which means that it’s time to take out your favorite knits & sweaters.  The easiest way to start your outfit is with a sweater dress, both comfy & chic.  I’m on the prowl to get one for myself, now that I’ve discovered that I too can wear leggings!  Like it was really such an epiphany lol! Anyway, you have your basic black dress, basic cocktail dress, but what about your basic sweater dress?  You can pair it with tights & knee boots, or flat boots & a crossover bag, a scarf & sunglasses, or some opaque tights & a belt.

To get a little inspired for this basic, I’ve found a slew of famous faces donning the very fall-forward look.  Cameron Diaz slipped into a Bottega Veneta with color Jimmy Choo sandals at the premiere of Knight & Day last year.  Heather Graham sports a black & white striped Diesel turtleneck sweater dress with metallic pumps. Oscar-winner Catherine Zeta Jones wore her gray sweater dress with leggings, a short-sleeved cardigan, slouchy boots, & a scarf while running errands on a chilly November day in New York City.  Lauren Conrad attended an event for Kohl’s in her black sweater dress with matching gladiators, by LC by Lauren Conrad.  Nicole Richie also did some self-promotion wearing her own House of Harlow 1960 ankle boots & a dark green sweater dress at a signing for her book, Priceless.  Angelina Jolie enjoyed a night out in Manhattan, wearing a navy cableknit sweater dress by Loro Piana with Salvatore Ferragamo knee boots.  And way back in 2006, Eva Mendes was super stylish, wearing this Max Azria turtleneck sweater dress with killer brown knee boots & stunning silver cuff bracelet.

These seven sweater dresses will instantly update your dress collection for the season & impeccably show off your figure!  @Macy’s you can find this Style&co. sweater dress / cableknit tunic ($26.98) in espresso.  The ‘Happy Place’ black & taupe sweater dress ($49.00) from Lulu’s is a little more sexy & wild for a sweater dress, but with the right black tights & black patent leather pumps, you’ll look fierce in this 80’s-inspired dress! The third pictured above is the one I want!  I’ve never actually bought anything from Dress Barn, but this cabled sweater dress with envelope collar in fern ($39.99) best represents my style in the form of a sweater dress!  The neckline is modern & flirty, but the cableknit calls on everything I love about preppy style.

I thought it was fitting to find this next dress @Forever 21, which is a burgundy ‘Angelina’ sweater dress ($27.80), since I featured Ms. Jolie up top. The matching belt is super cute & allows for its wearer to mix it up with something in leather.  The dress is also available in cream for the same price.  While clicking around my favorite store, White House Black Market, I saw that the black bateau neck sweater dress ($29.98) was marked down from $100.00! I should warn my readers before clicking that it is only available at this time in size: XL.

As for my fuller figured Style Darlings, I went nuts when I saw the ivory cabled sweater dress ($49.00) @Dress Barn, which I definitely want for myself, but it’s not available in my size.  This would look very chic with a gold belt & metallic ballet flats for a day at the office, or spice it up with something red for the upcoming holidays.  Also, the gray ruffle front sweater dress ($64.90) isn’t necessarily a bargain @Avenue, but is sold in sizes 14-28. It’s professional enough for work, but dressy enough for a special occasion dinner with your beau.

Check out my previous Basics for a Bargain posts, featuring classic items like leather pants, pencil dresses, & more! Do you have a sweater dress?  Where did you get it? Would you wear one of these sweater dresses?  Which celeb looks best in a sweater dress?  Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: The 2011 Toronto Film Festival Featuring Angelina Jolie, Megan Fox, Freida Pinto, & More!


Tis the season for film festivals, which means that not only are we celebrating the latest slew of must-see major & independent films, but the stars are supporting their work with some fabulous fashions! At various events for the 2011 Toronto Film Festival, we saw many stylish cocktail & formal looks from some of our favorite Style Darlings!

Kate Mara looked radiant in a black overlay Christian Dior dress with nude pumps & a messy side braid.  This season’s it-girl Jessica Chastain accented her porcelain skin with a gold dress by Derek Lam & ankle-strap sandals by Tory Burch.  Marisa Tomei wore a geometric print dress by Proenza Schouler & carried a Stark clutch. My favorite part of this look is the halfway-to-the-knee strappy sandals. Evan Rachel Wood continued her androgynous menswear streak in a pinstripe suit by Dolce & Gabbana.

Long lost Megan Fox showed up in a red hot Thakoon ruched dress with leopard print Brian Atwood ankle-strap pumps & a gold David Webb ring. Freida Pinto brought the sparkle in a blush Valentino dress with Jimmy Choo sandals & a mirrored Roger Vivier clutch.  Last, but not the least, the festival’s best dressed star was Angelina Jolie who wore this black cowl Vivienne Westwood gown at the Moneyball premiere with a Louis Vuitton clutch & Stuart Weitzman satin shoes.

If you haven’t already, check out the two-part post of the Venice Film Festival here & here! Who’s wearing your favorite look? 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: Top Looks from the 2011 Cannes Film Festival!


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!

Red Carpet Review: 2011 SAG Awards (PART ONE)!


Last night’s Screen Actor’s Guild Awards were a red carpet dream come true, filled with florals, belted looks, sparkles, brights, & enough black & white to go around.  Oscar de la Renta was the most worn designer & the stars were frosted in names like Fred Leighton, Neil Lane, Chopard, Lorraine Schwartz, & Swarovski.  Scroll your mouse over each image to see who’s wearing which designers.

My favorite of the night was an unexpected ballerina-inspired pale pink Monique Lhuillier ruffled number that Angie Harmon wore, although some may say that its beauty was Oscar-worthy & too overdressed for this event. With that, here we have the ladies wearing blush & pink showing off their femininity & boldness.  We saw a splash of pink at last month’s Golden Globe awards with Claire Danes, Lea Michele, & Megan Fox.

We can see that Jennifer Lawrence‘s whirlwind award’s season is only getting better after her ruffled Louis Vuitton pick.  I can’t wait to see what she’ll choose to wear at the Oscars- she’s nominated for her gritty performance in Winter’s Bone.

 We saw Christina Hendricks & January Jones showing off their love of red, but here we have four looks (including one demure burnt orange, a little warmer than Emma Stone’s coral) proving that no gorgeous color or design can clash with the red carpet at this event if you’re confident.  Tina Fey‘s red Oscar de la Renta was a most unexpected choice for the usually conservative comedienne, but I’m sure critics will love her bold choice, especially after last year’s stunner. For more on Oscar de la Renta’s Spring 2011 collection, click here.

Other nominees lit up the red carpet with thier elegant choices, embracing a deep crimson, magenta red, & a pretty pumpkin.  These rich colors make for incredible photographs & remind us of how truly stunning the female form can look in a column-inspired gown.  Whather cinched at the waist or knotted for a Grecian-style, these dresses made each starlet look like a tall glass of glamour!

 

Everybody was dying to see what glowing mother-to-be Natalie Portman was going to wear & she turned this white Azzaro number into a ridiculously chic maternity gown that would put red carpet moms-to-be like Angelina Jolie, Heidi Klum, & Naomi Watts to shame. White was definitely on-trend with Amy Adams & a creamy Rosario Dawson presented her own interpretation as well! Winona Ryder‘s Alberta Ferretti creation reminded me so much of a modern-day version of this famous Marilyn Monroe dress.

  

It isn’t a true awards show without some sparkle.  Bejeweled looks have been a staple for the red carpet in recent years, as we’ve seen on Sandra Bullock, Claire Danes, & Cameron Diaz.  Adding glistening touches to dresses with color was a popular trend too!  It must’ve been winner & Oscar-bound actress Melissa Leo of The Fighter who stole the sparkle show with a fitted golden number & a plunging neckline.

While other sparkles were subtle & elegant, none could quiet compare, but we have to give it up to Eva Longoria & Jayma Mays for their stylish efforts.  We could look forward to some of these fabulous ladies at the upcoming Oscar ceremony- that’s for sure!

Glee stars Lea Michele (keeping with her Globes Oscar de la Renta choice) & Naya Ramirez were on hand to lend some youthful glow to this parade of glitters.  We can see the diversity in a plunging neckline, a modest one-shoulder, spaghetti straps, & a short-sleeved dress in a hint of periwinkle.

Well, there’s really only so much fashion a girl can handle, but I’m excited to report that tomorrow’s post will contain the dark, black, & purple dresses (like Dianna Agron), as well as the risk takers of the night (including one of my favorites- Claire Danes!).  Any questions, comments, or suggestions are always welcome!  Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: 2011 Golden Globe Awards!


What better way to return to the blogging circuit than with a Red Carpet Review for this year’s Golden Globe Awards?  There were so many delicious trends that I couldn’t nail which one was my favorite since black & green are both my favorite colors.  There were splashes of blush & rose, shimmering metallics, blues & reds, funky risk-takers, long sleeves & ruffles… where to begin. 

Since Natalie Portman, winner for her role in Black Swan, was THE actress everyone has been talking about this season, let’s go with the pinks… Here she is wearing a pink strapless Viktor & Rolf rose embellished gown.  Also, Lea Michele wears a pink one-shoulder Oscar de la Renta ruffled gown.  Claire Danes sticks to one of her favorites with a neon Calvin Klein collection halter gown. Emma Stone went a backless peachy sherbert-hued Calvin Klein collection column dress. Julianna Margulies went with two-tones in a pink & black strapless vintage YSL strapless number.  Megan Fox flaunts in a custom-designed pale pink Giorgio Armani slitted gown.  Sandra Bullock shows off some sparkled in a rosy, intricately beaded Jenny Peckham design.

 Natalie Portman  Lea Michele Claire Danes  Emma Stone

Golden Globes - Julianna Margulies - YSL Golden Globes - Megan Fox - Giorgio Armani Golden Globes 2011 - Sandra Bullock - Jenny Packham

Neutrals were all the rage, spanning from nudes to ambers in prints, chiffon, sparkles, & sleek numbers. Anne Hathaway dazzles in an amber open back shimmering Giorgio Armani Prive long-sleeved gown. Leighton Meester shows off the long-sleeved trend in a nude Burberry long-sleeved printed gown. Carrie Underwood glows in a Badgley Mischka quartz sequin strapless fishtail sweetheart gown. Scarlett Johansson shimmers in an Old Hollywood plunging blush Elie Saab dress. Heather Morris is sleek in a neutral shimmering gown by Lorena Sarbu. Julie Bowen loves her ruffles in a Tadashi Shoji appliqué gown. Dianna Agron looks like a princess in a blush silk chiffon J. Mendel strapless beaded gown. Sarah Hyland is warm in a Max Azria cafe au lait crystal embellished sweetheart gown.
 

 

 

 Anne Hathaway  Leighton Meester  Carrie Underwood  Scarlett Johansson  

Heather Morris Julie Bowen  Diana Agron Sarah Hyland

Green was a surprising choice for some of this year’s nominees and presenters, but the deep regal and bold hue stood out on the red carpet in long-sleeved, one-shoulder, and strapless numbers. Catherine Zeta-Jones exudes elegance in a forest green textured dress by Monique Lhuillier. Mila Kunis is statuesque in an emerald one-shoulder gown by Vera Wang. Elisabeth Moss looks radiant in a hunter green Donna Karan strapless design. Angelina Jolie steals the green trend with a shimmering emerald green long-sleeved Versace gown.
 

 

 

Golden Globes - Catherine Zeta-Jones - Monique Lhuillier Mila Kunis   Elisabeth Moss  Golden Globes - Angelina Jolie - Versace 

Blue wasn’t the most popular color of the night, but here are three stunning looks in different shades of the color, which are timeless and chic. Amy Adams is gorgeous in a strapless teal blue Marchesa with lasercut detailing & a scalloped bodice. Jane Krakowski glows with maternal joy in a cornflower lace-trimmed Badgley Mischka one-shoulder gown. Mandy Moore is Grecian-inspired in a blue Monique Lhuillier gown.
 

 

 

Amy Adams  Golden Globes 2011 - Jane Krakowski - Badgley Mischka  Golden Globes 2011 - Mandy Moore - Monique Lhuillier 

While we’re talking about solid colors, those basics are effortless to pull off, but here we have three looks in reds & orange that lit up again a glamorous Hollywood red carpet. Christina Hendricks is sexy in a red ruffled one-shoulder Romona Keveza gown. Sofia Vergara channels her inner vixen in a reverse corseted Vera Wang. January Jones wears a custom colored red plunging fringed Versace gown. Kyra Sedgwick stands out in a bright mango Emilio Pucci silk chiffon gown.
 

 

 

Christina Hendricks  Golden Globes - Sofia Vergara - Vera WangJanuary Jones Kyra Sedgwick 

You can’t have an awards show without some shimmer. At any age, in any style, shimmer is always a go-to choice for such a fabulous event like the Golden Globes. Screen legend Jane Fonda shines in a George Hobieka sharp-shouldered long-sleeved black embellished gown. Olivia Wilde wows like a princess in a chocolate ombre sequined Marchesa gown. Winner Melissa Leo keeps it simple but elegant in a black shimmering -Lora- gown. Amber Riley goes gunmetal in a figure flattering belted sequined Oliver Tolentino one-shoulder gown. Jessalyn Gilsig sparkles in an eggplant jacquard David Meister strapless gown.
 

 

 

Jane Fonda  Golden Globes - Olivia Wilde - Marchesa Golden Globes - Melissa Leo 

Golden Globes - Amber Riley - Glee Jessalyn Gilsig

My favorite of the night, if I had to choose, would have to be the black gowns. Black proves time & time again to be not just the stand-by, but the effortless classic that we all know & love. Julia Stiles ruffles up in a black mermaid Romona Keveza tulle one-shoulder gown. Eva Longoria (in my favorite look of the night overall) brings new meaning to simple in a black cap sleeved Zac Posen dress with an embellished belt. Jayma Mays turns back time in a sparkly black art deco Alberta Ferretti dress. Halle Berry proves that age ain’t nothing but a number in a black bustier Nina Ricci mini/overlay dress.
 

 

 

 Julia Stiles  Golden Globes - Eva Longoria - Zac Posen  Golden Globes - Jayma Mays - Alberta Ferretti Golden Globes 2011 - Halle Berry - Nina Ricci

Where there are dark dresses, there will be lighter dresses. These stars turned to whites, creams, & pearl hues to show off their Hollywood style. Nicole Kidman stands tall in a cream belted column gown by Prada. Jennifer Lopez contrasts her honey glow with a draped white Zuhair Murad gown. Hailee Stienfeld looks youthful & age appropriate in a Prabul Gurung halter. Jennifer Love Hewitt shimmers in a pale blue Romona Keveza ruffled & bejeweled gown. Gia Mantegna, a.k.a. Miss Golden Globe, debuts in a silver floral appliqué gown with a black sash.
 

 

 

Nicole Kidman  Jennifer Lopez  Hailee Steinfeld  

Golden Globes 2011 - Jennifer Love Hewitt Gia Mantegna  

And last but not least, we have an ode to the risk-takers. With beads, flowers, ruffles, & disco, there will always be the ones who stay true to their style with someone fabulous & risky. Christina Aguilera pays homage to her inner burlesque gal in a sheer black beaded Zuhair Murad sweetheart gown. Michelle Williams is sunny in a daisy-printed Valentino gown. Nominee Jennifer Lawrence makes her mark in a swirling asymmetrical Louis Vuitton dress. Heidi Klum models a 70’s inspired Marc Jacob’s printed halter gown.
 

 

 

Golden Globes 2011 - Christina Aguilera - Zuhair Murad  Michelle Williams  Jennifer Lawrence Heidi Klum

We still have the SAGs, Oscars, & Grammys coming up, so stay tuned for some more exciting Hollywood style!  Happy Styling!