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Red Carpet Review: Top 10 Style Darlings To Watch For 2013!

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Miranda Kerr, Solange Knowles, Jessica Chastain, Emma Stone, Rooney Mara, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Olivia Wilde, Malin Akerman, Ashley Greene, & Freida Pinto.

It’s now the final week of 2012 & fashion critics everywhere are compiling their lists of the best looks & best dressed throughout the year. Of course you have the A-listers like Anne Hathaway, Angelina Jolie, Rihanna, Diane Kruger, & Jennifer Lopez who always make a fashionable entrance, but I wanted to share my list of the Top 10 Style Darlings To Watch For 2013, meaning the gals who’ve made their mark on 2012, but still have a lot to share for the upcoming year.  This list includes, in no particular order, Victoria’s Secret model Miranda Kerr, singer / DJ Solange Knowles, stage & screen siren Jessica Chastain, America’s latest sweetheart Emma Stone, Oscar-nominated Rooney Mara, the pillowy-lipped Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, former House star Olivia Wilde, blonde bombshell Malin Akerman, Twilight starlet Ashley Greene, & Indian beauty Freida Pinto.

Miranda Kerr

Miranda Kerr has single-handedly reinvented street style for the mom-on-the-go. Avoiding leggings & oversized tunic sweaters, she’s busting her gams in towering heels, skimpy shorts, classic pencil skirts, & modern looks to show that everyday is a runway.  Here we see the Aussie in a belted white dress by Willow while taking in Sydney. She shows off her tough side in a biker jacket, green sweater by Acne, Tabitha Simmons lace-up booties, & a chic Christian Louboutin bag while in New York. The model isn’t afraid of matching prints in this Helmut Lang shorts suit, paired with Tabitha Simmons ankle strap sandals. Miranda certainly knows how to dine in style in a sultry pewter column gown at the Gramercy Park Hotel.  Lastly, she’s effortless in a Balenciaga printed skirt matched with black separates, including an enviable Givenchy tote bag. 

Solange Knowles

News of Beyonce’s baby girl, Blue Ivy, might have started off 2012, but it was little sister Solange Knowles who really made it a year of newsworthy style. She plays with prints & proportion, never afraid of letting her personality show, often experimenting with bright colors. Just last month the singer partied in Miami in a Kenzo sheath dress with transparent sandals. She plays with colorblocking in this demure red & black ensemble with a sparkling tote back & bow bedecked heels. For a garden party at the MoMa, Solange’s floral separates show off her feminine side, especially with killer nude Casadei pumps. While celebrating a Ferragamo event, the talented DJ wears colorful separates by the designer, along with tons of perfectly coiffed curls.  Lastly, one of my favorite looks includes the printed Vera Wang peplum dress that she donned with matching heels for the Runway To Win Launch Party.

Jessica Chastain

Jessica Chastain epitomizes what a modern-day movie star should be & she’s quickly climbing the fashion ranks with such a spectacular 2012 in front of the camera. She always brings out the nonstop glamour with every frock, cocktail dress, & gown that she wears- & they definitely don’t wear her.  It was hard to narrow down five of her best looks since she’s yet to hit on a red carpet slump, but I love the green Karen Caldwell sheath dress paired with suede bold Barbara Bui slingbacks & Harry Winston earrings for an appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman earlier this year.  She went for an all-black sparkling gown with green Bochic earrings, which was to die for against her alabaster skin & rich red hair.  At New York’s Beacon Theatre, this transparent beaded Marios Schwab dress caused quite the stir, but looked radiant with Harry Winston earrings & Giuseppe Zanotti satin heels. It’s rare that we see the Oscar-nominated actress in separates, but I love the look of her Kirna Zabête for Target ensemble, including a printed blouse, full blue skirt, black blazer, & peep toe heels.  Lastly, for the opening night of her run on Broadway in The Heiress, Jessica wowed in a yellow lace Stella McCartney design with nude Christian Louboutins. 

Emma Stone

Emma Stone has been playing up her red & blonde locks on the red carpet, especially for the promotional tour for The Amazing Spider-Man, which catapulted this girl-next-door into super stardom.  Everyone in Hollywood wants to be her friend & everyone else is coveting her wardrobe.  This includes the two-tone jeweled design by Burberry with a sparkling green pencil skirt & ring by Jennifer Meyer.  Emma’s bubble gum pink Valentino dress worn with the houndstooth pumps by Ferragamo was the match of the year in this feminine take on menswear-inspiration.  For a premiere, she wore a party-worthy Chanel dress with Cartier jewelry & Christian Louboutins to finish the look.  Emma not only sports a dress like no other, but she’s taken risks like this luxe black Elie Saab jumpsuit in London, as well as her Gucci suit with t-strap heels & emeralds by Tiffany & Co. for the People’s Choice Awards.

Rooney Mara

Rooney Mara not only kicked butt on-screen in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, but she made one heck of a red carpet debut while promoting the film. Her minimalist style was a refreshing & much-needed dose of reality on while showing that you can be edgy & feminine at the same time.  Her blunt bangs have set a trend, as well as her unforgettably mysterious look, mixing progressive silhouettes with that ambiguously flirty stare.  Most recently, Rooney stepped out in Dubai in a custom sculptural dress by Calvin Klein.  She showed off her love of primary colors in this green Louis Vuitton cocktail dress for the Santa Barbara Film Festival.  For the Oscar nominees luncheon, she mixed a jumpsuit from ASOS with a chic white blazer by Thierry Mugler.  When in Rome, Rooney choose a ravishing red gown by Valentino, clad soft lace details. Last, she continues her sometimes androgynous look with a jacket by Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci, mini skirt, & ankle strap heels by Louis Vuitton.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is a regular featured in my posts for Red Carpet Review & Top 10 Celeb Sightings b/c she always gets it right. She’s turned heads not just b/c of her beautiful face & rocking body, but she brings a whole new level of taste to the red carpet as a model-turned-actress.  She’s got movie-star looks & isn’t backing down from any opportunity to steal the spotlight, especially in the stunning two-toned cocktail dress by Burberry with metallic cap toe heels.  One of my favorite looks of the year includes her green ruffled column gown by Gucci, topped off with Jennifer Meyer jewelry & white ankle-strap heels.  Also, Rosie smoldered in a lace overlay design by Jason Wu with a sleek updo, black pumps, & a deep lip color.  She knows how to work a trend, including the leather-detailed peplum dress with contrasting cap toe pumps.  Finally, her street style is pretty amazing too, especially the Stella McCartney printed mini dress with a Jason Wu tote, Alexander Wang sandals, & Burberry sunglasses. 

Olivia Wilde

Olivia Wilde was all the talk last year & she’s lived up to her last name in 2012 with a series of looks only a chameleon could pull off.  The green-eyed actress is slated for more than a dozen films in the next few years & she looks happier than ever.  She’s a designer’s darling & can work any number of looks, including Old Hollywood, boho chic, contemporary bombshell, & so on.  Whether she’s blonde or brunette, she can pull off a sleek LBD like this red-belted A.L.C. design paired with pointy toe red pumps.  She looks ethereal in a silver embellished Carolina Herrera gown with a leather Jimmy Choo clutch.  Olivia has made cocktail dresses look renewed again with this lace-trimmed frock by Prada, & I love the contrasting tone peep toe Aperlai slingbacks. She’s not afraid of playing with shapes, as seen in the Calvin Klein caped dress that she wore with strappy sandals & a House of Lavande ring.  Lastly, she’s even effortless in L’Wren Scott separates with bowed Christian Louboutins at a premiere in New York. 

Malin Akerman

Malin Akerman mixes her sunny smile with one of the biggest trends of the year: leather.  She’s not afraid of blending her beachy blonde locks with the rock-friendly material, while constantly showing off her love of separates & classic black.  There’s always a retro feel in everything she wears, including her plunging leather vest & leggings with a printed clutch by Barbara Bui & pointy toe Aldo pumps.  She plays with shape in the leather-accented peplum top with trousers by J. Mendel, studded Walter Steiger pumps, & bangles by House of Lavande.  At the Los Angeles premiere of Nobody Walks, Malin wore this classic-cut LBD in leather by Boss Black with a Stephen Webster cuff & suede peep toe heels.  In support of designer Vena Cava, she wore the brand head-to-toe including flared printed trousers & a leather clutch.  Last, the Swedish import looks nothing short of gorgeous in a high slit Cushnie et Ochs tangerine gown with a Coach clutch & sandals by Tibi.

Ashley Greene

Kristen Stewart might have been the talk of the town b/c of her affair & cheating on Rob Pattinson, but it’s Ashley Greene who’s emerged on top of the whole Twilight Saga, what with landing a campaign gig with DKNY & hitting every major red carpet looking bit a lady. She’s got the pose down & has designers in her back pocket, never failing to look age-appropriate, as a good role model for young actresses.  At The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 premiere, Donna Karan Atelier custom-made this one-shoulder blush gown for the actress, which she accessorized with Bvlgari diamonds.  While attending a premiere in Los Angeles, Ashley sported another custom gown by the fashion house in fuchsia with jewelry by Kimberly McDonald. She sure knows how to play up her shape, especially in this nude Emilio Pucci dress with a statement necklace by Karine Sultan, a studded Christian Louboutin clutch, & Casadei pumps.  Back in February at the Loveisrespect launch party, she choose black & white for this sequined Oscar de la Renta frock with Cathy Waterman jewelry.  Last, she surprised in a peach lace design by Yigal Azrouel with suede pumps. 

Freida Pinto

Freida Pinto is probably one of my favorite stars to emerge over the last few years since her debut in Slumdog Millionaire.  She’s so beautiful & brings a fresh vibe to many of her red carpet looks.  Whether she’s walking at Cannes or attending press events, she’s nothing short of sophisticated & youthful, all with the flash of her smile.  At the Dubai International Film Festival, she accents her Sam & Lavi printed dress with layered necklaces by Lindsay Vallan & Roger Vivier sandals. Black on black has never looked so chic than on Freida while promoting Desert Dancer in a black AllSaints blouse with skinny jeans & heels.  She mixes eras in a black & white collared top with a ruby red skirt by Contrarian New York & classic Louboutin pumps.  When viewing the Ferragamo show at the Louvre, she donned a beaded dress by the label with a shimmering box clutch & satin pumps. Earlier this year, she played with color in an Yves Saint Laurent bustier with a pencil skirt & satin platforms. 

Which celebrities are you looking forward to seeing more of in 2013? Who do you think has the best up-and-coming style? Which designers are on your radar next year? Happy Styling!

Splurge or Save… On Spiked Bracelets?

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Spiked bracelets are no longer for the goth at heart.  This edgy fall trend is revamping the way shoppers style their fall wardrobes.  I’m excited to share five different, but equally as stylish spiked bracelets that I’ve searched the web for, ranging in price from super splurge-worthy to a money-saving option for the Style Darling on a budget.

@Piperlime, I found the CC Skye Mercy spike bracelet ($185.00), which can be layered with other gold bangles for a daring way to amp up an LBD look.  The gold points can also juxtapose any gauze or lacy outfits if you’re mixing this with a soft, feminine sheath dress.  Also, one of my favorite sites to check out jewelry is Bauble Bar, which is where I found the glam cone cuff ($48.00) in a rose gold hue, which is certainly my favorite piece of the quintet in this edition of Splurge or Save. 

For those who aren’t afraid to make a style statement with bold jewelry, then the Christel’s long gold metal spike bracelet ($37.95) from Fantasy Jewelry Box is an investment piece that’ll add an extra splash of spice to a casual look in a graphic tee with leather shorts or can really pop to wear at a cocktail party with a cut-out dress.  @ASOS, I found a subtler piece with the double spike bracelet ($10.55), which featured spikes on the inside & outside of the bracelet.  Again, here’s a sweet rose gold finish to accentuate a mixed metal look when paired with silver, gold, & copper.  Lastly, the spikes & rhinestones bangle set ($7.80) offers a two-in-one look, offering evidence that once again, you can rely on Forever 21 for the most value in fashionable accessories. 

Of course, I’ve chosen a selection that includes a bangle, cuff, stretchy, & clasp bracelet, but that just goes to show how versatile the spike bracelet trend is becoming.  Do you like any of these bracelets? Can you find a way to wear spikes everyday or for more fabulous occasions? How much are you willing to invest in your jewelry?

For more affordablr & fashionable posts, check out necklaces for under $20, chic black & white outfits, & dresses from HauteLook for under $30! Happy Styling!

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

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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!

Splurge or Save… A Burgundy Blouse?

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The color of the upcoming fall-winter season is burgundy & its related hues, including brick, deep red, maroon, oxblood, merlot, & so on. I have to say that this isn’t a color I wear often, but I can see the luxury in it, especially when it comes to classic & feminine pieces like a burgundy blouse. Lately, Style Darling has been all about what’s been going down at New York Fashion Week with manic posts under Runway Rundown, but if we’re going to look ahead, let’s talk about what we should be considering for updating our wardrobe this fall.  Even if you’re not looking to stay on-trend, the idea of a burgundy blouse is pretty timeless.  It will look lush & expensive against any black, gray, navy, cream, mustard (yes, I said mustard), or denim pieces that you already own & rely on for building your everday looks.  Keep with the jewel tones & add a splash of deep purple for some colorblocking!

I’ve found five similar blouses that fit the criteria for Splurge of Save?, ranging in price from nearly $400 to under $20.  Of course, when it comes to a blouse, you have to consider the care that you will take in cleaning it, if it’s hand wash or dry clean only, which will entail an extra cost & time spent going to & from a reliable dry cleaners. Also, let’s say that for the sake of variety, we’d be looking at wearing this blouse twice a month from September to April. That’s 8 months & 16 wears, which is how we’ll figure the always important CPW (cost per wear).

The most expensive, but perhaps my favorite of all these blouses is the Equipment Signature 2-pocket silk chiffon shirt ($398.38) from ASOS. The subtle polka dot print can also be mixed with other prints like a pinstripe pant or always fashionable houndstooth pencil skirt if you’re going for a real runway-inspired look.  At most, this comes to just under $25 per wear, which can always buy you a great lunch & dessert with a refreshing glass of wine when you’re out with the girls.  Next, the Joie ‘Marru’ pleated blouse ($198.00) @Neiman Marcus is a less conventional looking blouse, but the modern pleats down the front add texture to this flowy feminine piece.  Wearing this will cost you less than $13 each day, which doesn’t sound so bad, but for some, the sleeve-length may not be favorable.  This can always be remedied with a cool cardigan or heavy knit wrap sweater. ALso, keep in mind that light pieces like blouses can always soften up tough separates like a leather jacket!

Thirdly, the Calvin Klein roll sleeve shirt ($69.50) from Bloomingdale’s doesn’t necessarily fall under the blouse category, but if worn with the right separates, this shirt can be utilized for day or night, in the office or for a date.  The sporty sleeves are perfect for pairing with a menswear-inspired vest, but this can also be coordinated with faux leather leggings, tucked in with satin shorts & tights, or simply worn with distressed boyfriend jeans & flats.  Dress this up with an embellished cardigan & drop earrings, or keep it simple with a croc embossed belt & riding boots.  For just over $4 a day, this doesn’t seem like such a bad deal, but of course, every Style Darling knows to keep their budget in mind.

For those who love the retro look, consider the ‘Prepare to Bordeaux’ top ($49.99) from Mod Cloth, which recalls that sexy librarian / secretary vibe, while also donning an air of Old Hollywood.  With a metallic-accented brocade pencil skirt or sequined mini, this is perfect with a killer blazer or worn to show off the sheer sleeves.  Not to mention that the scarf-like knot at the neck draws attention to your face.  Not to keep getting too math-y, for just over $3 a day, this blouse is worth the investment.  Lastly, Forever 21‘s shirred high-low shirt ($19.80) is our least expensive blouse, costing barely $1.25 per wear & is also great for styling for day or night.  Take a cue from the pic above & try your favorite pair of colored jeans, or create a 70’s look with wide leg jeans & camel accessories.

Which blouse is your favorite? Are you getting into the burgundy trend? How would you style this look? What piece would you like to see next in Splurge or Save? Happy Styling! (Special thanks to graphic designer, Nino Vlacich <3, for his time & skills in creating the image above!)

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

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

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

3/23/12 Darling Of The Day: Elizabeth Banks Colorblocks In A.L.C.!

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During a recent appearance on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, The Hunger Games actress Elizabeth Banks showed off one of this season’s biggest trends, which is colorblocking! She wore this beautiful royal blue & black A.L.C. Zenya dress ($893.00), which is available @Barneys. Of course this price tag is way out of budget, but we can appreciate the soft pleats & feminine deep-v. Elizabeth paired the dress with basic, but classic black round toe pumps, similar to those seen here, but you don’t have to have a stylist or a movie star to have access to this kind of style.

I searched high & low to find similar dresses at affordable prices, including the colorblock mod dress ($19.80) from Forever 21, Arctic Circle Black & Blue Dress ($51.00) from Lulu’s, & Honor Gold colorblock dress ($34.02) from ASOS. Lots of celebrities have been wearing colorblocking, but when you take these two colors & put them together, it creates a whole new regal, refined, & fashion forward look.

I haven’t posted in Darling of the Day in quite a while, but I’m always happy to share some of my favorite celebrity looks, which is also what I do for my other blog @Ladies Outfitters. Do you like the colorblocking trend? Which of these three less expensive suggestions is more your style? Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Celebrate Spring With A Sale @ASOS!

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I’ve been crazy busy beyond words lately & haven’t devoted any time to Style Darling.  I know, I know, shame on me! However, I was inspired by a recent conversation that I had with my favorite new co-worker (see his fashionable photography blog here) about the styles found @ASOS. It occurred to me that I hadn’t visited the site in quite some time so I took a click just tonight to find out what’s going on. I’m happy to share that right now the website has sale items up to 70% off, including shoes and accessories as well!

I found this modern & spring-ready mini dress with strap sides ($34.91) in yellow pictured here, but it is also available in cream, black, & blue.  I love the pop of yellow, which is very popular as we transition our wardrobes from dark & heavy to light & airy!

I love that this can be worn in so many different ways.  Call on the old ketchup-and-mustard trend (yes, it’s a trend) & slap on some red beads & a pair of red pumps.  Or go bolder with vibrant cobalt blue accessories.  If yellow is a tricky color, but you love the dress, it can easily be downplayed with some neutrals like beige, charcoal, or a classic black cardigan.

I recently featured an all-yellow post on a blog for work, featuring celebrities like Gwen Stefani, Reese Witherspoon, & Nicole Richie wearing yellow for day & night, which you can read here!

Do you dare to wear yellow? I do! Do you like side cut-outs? Well, not so much for my shape, but it does look great on the Style Darlings with the confidence to show off that hint of skin, especially on such a feminine & minimalist dress.

Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Get Ruffled With a Blouse from ASOS!

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I always like to wear a top that can be mixed & matched with any type of bottom, or layered with a vast array of separates.  I especially love blouses that can be worn for work, daytime, or going out.  Hence, my choosing the true decadence ruffle top ($35.94, originally $70.08) in navy from ASOS. It’s also available in cream, but both colors are essentials for any season!

I wanted to share this sweet find, which is perfect to wear when you’re at the office with the seamless scoop neck cami ($24.90) underneath from The Limited.  Or, go sexy for nighttime & wear a cute solid-colored bra, but pair the blouse with the hammered satin blazer ($39.99)  from Charlotte Russe for a little extra pop of shine.

I realize that there’s a whole lot of ruffles going on here, but they can easily be tucked into a pair of pleated cuff shorts ($39.99) on sale @Express with textured tights & boots, or with the yarn-dyed pencil skirt ($49.99) from @White House Black Market & cardigan for a more professional look.

For an effortless casual day, take the essential nylon leggings ($5.50), which are available in eight different colors @Forever 21.  Break out a chunky knit or flyaway cardigan with hoop earrings to complete the look while you’re running errands this fall!

How would you wear this blouse? What are your go-to separates for building an outfit? For more looks from ASOS, check out The $100 Challenge / Darling of the Day featuring Lea Michele & Color Me Style featuring Eva Longoria, both wearing ASOS frocks.  Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge / 10/8/11 Darling of the Day: Lea Michele In An ASOS Mini Dress!

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Lea Michele is by far the best dressed Gleek of them all- Dianna Agron is a close second.  What I love about Lea’s looks is that they’re unexpected, a little risky, & very natural on the young actress.

Here, she’s wearing a mini lace high neck cut-out top dress in navy by ASOS ($52.38).  Although it may seem like there’s part of the dress missing, especially considering that the model is wearing leggings, Lea pulls it off with to-die-for patent leather Brian Atwood ankle booties!

Just so you know, the Brian Atwood booties have a black leather look-alike pair, which is sold @Saks Fifth Avenue for $850.0o! However, the petite star who stands at 5’3″ (my height) looks lean & leggy with the four-inch heel.

Since there’s so much memorable detail in the lacey dress & contrasting edgy booties, she accessorizes her look with a cocktail ring by M.C.L. by Matthew Campbell Laurenza.  Consider that when your look consists of several details that offer a lot of dimension to the overall statement of your personality, keeping the extra, background pieces simple is always the best way to go!

The reason why I’ve cross-categorized this blog is b/c it just so happens to fall under the criteria of The $100 Challenge!  You can add Steve Madden ‘Menlo’ platform bootie ($39.94) from DSW, as well as the sparkling sunburst ring ($5.80) from Forever 21 to get a look that costs $98.12 before taxes!

I did recently feature Lea in a Darling of the Day post, wearing Jason Wu & Brian Atwood, but you can check out stars like Rosie Huntington – Whiteley & Jessica Biel sporting looks that are easily translatable to pieces that you may already own in your wardrobe!  Also, if you’re a bargain shopper, check out a comfy chic look & how to style your summer favorites for fall in The $100 Challenge!

Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: Cap Toe Pumps Worn by Sarah Jessica Parker, Lake Bell, & Ashley Greene!

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One of the biggest shoes trends this fall is a cap toe pump.  No one’s saying to give up your pointed toe platforms or towering round toe slingbacks, but perhaps as an upgrade beyond peep toes, the answer is cap toe (also to solve any procrastination in getting that pedicure!).

Here we have some celebrity inspiration from which to draw, including Sarah Jessica Parker attended a press event in Moscow for her upcoming film I Don’t Know How She Does It.  She paired her cap toe pumps with an elongating Prabal Gurung sheath dress & megawatt smile.  Also, Lake Bell showed off some skin in a Cushnie et Ochs peek-a-boo dress at a screening of A Good Old Fashioned Orgy in Los Angeles.  She accessorized with M.C.L. By Matthew Campbell Laurenza cuff, a black & gold clutch by Lena Erziak, & Salvatore Ferragamo pumps.  Lastly, Ashley Greene supported Ferragamo’s latest collection wearing the designer head-to-toe, including the two-tone cap toe pumps.

While the Ferragamo brand cap toe pumps run anywhere in the ballpark of $700 @Nordstrom & Prada makes a square toe version for $650 @Neiman Marcus, there are other affordable means by which one can sport the trend & maintain a proper style budget. Go to Victoria’s Secret to see the Bebe brand pointed toe pumps in fuchsia, blue, & black for $99.00.  If you can’t commit to just two colors, try the colorblock suede pumps from Charlotte Russe for $35.50. For a softer touch of lace, there’s always the blush faux leather & lace pumps from AMIClubwear & you’ll also find the black & blue glitter pumps, both for $29.99.  If you want to show your wild side, the lace & animal print bowed pumps from GOjane are only $27.50 & would look fierce with an LBD.  @ASOS, you’ll find the striking yellow court shoe with the stud toe cap for $47.57.  Last, but not least, Project Runway winner, Christian Siriano has expanded his exclusive collection for Payless with the pearl platform pump for $59.99.

Do you own any cap toe pumps?  Do you like this trend?  Who do you think wears it the best?  Have you seen this look on anyone else?  Happy Styling!

Basics for a Bargain: Pencil Dresses Inspired by Olivia Wilde, Dianna Agron, Emma Stone, & More!

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Pencil dresses are the perfect way to accentuate your figure!  What’s even more fabulous about a dress like this is that you can show off some serious leg without worrying about a short hemline.  No matter your accessories (platforms, peep toes, belts, or chandelier earrings), a pencil dress recalls Old Hollywood & never goes out of style.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon star Rosie Huntington-Whiteley dons a feminine lace Dolce & Gabbana frock with neutral stilettos to a press event in Shanghai.  The softness of the lace details adds dimension, as well as creating a longer legline.  Emma Stone is trendy in a belted black lace pencil dress by Tom Ford, paired with Fred Leighton jewelry for the New York premiere of Crazy Stupid Love.  The Change-Up star Leslie Mann rocked a LWD with sequin accents by Marchesa with a gold clutch & Jimmy Choo peep toes.  Dianna Agron promoted Glee in a velvet Stella McCartney peplum dress & towering YSL platforms.  Lastly, super Style Darling of the moment, Olivia Wilde of Cowboys & Aliens went siren red in a knee-length Antonio Berardi pencil sheath with satin Brian Atwood pumps.

I’ve selected some super cute & affordable pencil dresses that are the foundation to any cocktail or work look.  We’ll start with the printed belted sheath dress from Macy’s by Charter Club, which costs $44.99.  If you break out your store card & check your local newspaper for coupons, you can reap the rewards of this great deal that can be made to look more professional with a blazer or jazzed up by switching the belt for something metallic.  Also, click here to see this dress is available in sizes 14W – 24W.  Next, @Victoria’s Secret, you can find a form-fitting tee midi dress for $59.50, that can be dressed up or down with just a few simple accessories, but really makes an impression as a stand-alone LBD.  Kohl’s sells this illusion brush stroke dress by AB Studio, which looks like a blouse & pencil skirt, but it is put together in one fashionable piece for only $41.30.

For my fuller-figured Style Darlings, I did find a mega sexy red dress from Torrid which runs in sizes 16-26.  No wonder it’s called Stop Staring! Red Millions Dollar Baby Dress, although it costs $120.50 (which is a lot for our budget, but this is definitely a dress that you can get a lot of miles out of for work or a wedding!).  It can be downplayed for a day at the office with a printed cardigan or simply worn for a fancy night out with black patent pumps, like those pictured.  Over @White House Black Market, I came across an affordable steal of a dress- the white jacquard strapless dress for $39.98, marked down from $158.00! It’s perfect to wear this season or it can be saved for the holidays with a sequined bolero cardy.  Over @ASOS, this cafe creme cowl front pencil dress costs $46.55.  The dress just calls out for a subtle, but complimentary animal print, like a leopard belt or chunky cut-out booties.  Also, it kind of reminds me of the slinky, nude dress that Carrie wore on her first date with Big in the first season of Sex & the City!

For more celebrities wearing pencil dresses, check out Rachel McAdams & Uma Thurman at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival in Red Carpet Review, as well as a Darling of the Day post featuring Sophia Bush wearing Ann Taylor. For more Basics for a Bargain, check out my post on pencil skirts inspired by Jennifer Lopez & Kate Bosworth, as well as denim dresses like those worn by Pippa Middleton & Reese Witherspoon! Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: ‘Orange’ You Glad You’re In Orange?

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Bright rich hues are the hot for summer, especially those in the  orange family.  Not everyone can pull of the boldness of persimmon, tangerine, or saffron, but here we have some stylish examples of how to pull off the tricky color in a dress.  Eva Longoria dons an ASOS sheath with coordinating Brian Atwood slingbacks.  Emma Stone plays up her auburn locks at a Today Show appearance.  Olivia Palermo shows off a Victoria Beckham design with leopard pumps & a pink Sondra Roberts clutch.  The Tree of Life star Jessica Chastain mixes hues with bright pink sandals.  Jennifer Aniston breaks out of her LBD with this draped cut-out Vivienne Westwood dress & Christian Louboutins.  Lastly, Kristin Cavallari wears a Jessica Barkley mini dress with nude pumps. To really play up this color, choose softer tones like neutrals in your accessories, or go a little bolder with bright pinks & animal-inspired shoes.  Also, nothing looks better with this color than a healthy tan (but DO avoid tanning beds), but as you can see on Emma & Jessica, a pale glow can also work with the right orange tone!

The selected dresses range in their orange hues from cinnamon to tangerine, & are all under $50! First, the ruched jersey dress by AGB is available @Macy’s.  Second, Urban Outfitters has this Sparkle & Fade knit bow back dress for $48.00.  If orange really isn’t for you, then this orange / red cotton-blend dress from Lulu’s might work better for you.  @Jessica London, this side ruche dress is flattering on many shapes & is currently marked down to $39.99.  The fifth dress is chiffon in rust from Forever 21 & can be coordinated with many different accessories like a chunky or metallic belts & a crochet vest.  Finally, the one-shoulder Bar III dress from Macy’s is reduced in price to $37.49 & can be matched with platform sandals & stacked bangles. Check out our previous Color Me Style posts for more color-coordinated style finds!  Happy Styling!