Watch This Style: A Juicy Preview To Tonight’s ‘Project Runway Season 11: Teams’ Premiere!


Project Runway Season 11

I remember the day when you’d have to wait months for the next season of Project Runway, but it was only last week when the 2nd season of Project Runway All Stars crowned Anthony Ryan Auld as its winner & now the real competition with newcomers begins tonight with Season 11. The twist is that the designers will be working in teams for every challenge, which has drama & disaster written all over it! Judge Michael Kors is out & Zac Posen is filling in Kors’ black-blazer-wearing seat! You can count on more LOL moments from judges Heidi Klum & Nina Garcia‘s critiques, & also worry right alongside mentor, Tim Gunn.

After so many posts today, I almost wasn’t going to feature this video promo of the new season & tonight’s premiere episode, but then I watched it! We’ll be seeing Season 4 winner, Christian Siriano, as tonight’s guest judge & throughout the season, we’ll get to hear from Kristin Davis, Susan Sarandon, Miranda Lambert, & Emmy Rossum, to name a few.

For more about this new season, check out my last Haute Headlines post to get to know the designers better. Also, if you’re a die-hard Project Runway fan, then click on over to posts including the Season 2 finale looks, the runway from the graffiti challenge, the Season 10’s finale collections, & Season 10 winner, Dmitry Sholokov’s winning collection! Lastly, to watch more stylish videos, check out a behind-the-scenes look at Carrie Underwood during her Allure cover shoot, Rachel Zoe’s collaboration with ShoeDazzle, & the trailer for Beyoncé’s HBO documentary, Life Is But A Dream! Happy Styling!

Show Me The Shoes: Christian Siriano’s Latest Arrivals For Payless!


Christian SirianoShoe-gasm alert! Yes, I said it! When I saw the latest arrivals from Christian Siriano for Payless, I nearly died from joy… shoe-joy to be specific & I knew, without a doubt, that these just had to be included in my next Show Me The Shoes post! The Project Runway winner continues to share his talents & stylish shoe designs with the mainstream public after a number of successful collections for Payless- my favorite spot to find affordable & comfortable shoes that will only out a smile on my face!

Even though we’re still in the thick of winter, clad with textured boots & leather footwear, getting to see what’s coming for spring is refreshing & exciting, especially since Siriano has selected a soft & feminine color palette, recreating the way we consider neutral shoes. The classic nude patent texture is replaced with a pearlescent shine & a light polka dot pattern can certainly work with stripes, florals, & anything else you can think of. Also, I’m crazy for mint, especially when paired with metallic accents, sure to work with any wrap dress, cotton frock, or mini skirt look as we patiently wait for spring to begin.

The Polina bow flat ($42.99) in champagne or taupe are a playful nod to the New York ballet scene, perfect for pairing with a sheath dress & cardigan for the office, boyfriend jeans & a white blazer for a day out & about, or your favorite colored jeans & a blouse when grabbing a bite to eat with the girls.  The Cynthia sling ($54.99) in taupe or champagne are a sexy way to play up any bombshell look, especially if wearing something with lace details, structure with a belt, or to elongate the legline in skinny pants.

The Julie Mary Jane heel ($54.99) in champagne & mint are by far my favorite, especially the mint pair, which pay homage to old Hollywood screen sirens like Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, or Elizabeth Taylor.  The vintage-inspired shape also bares resemblance to dancing shoes, so you can get the party started in these while wearing your favorite LBD, a-line dress, or sequined top & feathered mini skirt.

Christian Siriano for Payless

Perhaps the most daring of the collection includes the Natalia wedge sandal ($54.99), which is a flirty blend of resort-chic if matched with a maxidress to walk the boardwalk, or to add a mod splash to a printed, sleeveless shift dress.

In addition, this collection is an extension from Siriano’s ballet-themed Spring-Summer 2013 Collection, which I featured in Runway Rundown back in September. Check out the video below to see the collection in motion on the runway, & hear about his inspiration for the light & ethereal colors which are reinventing the way we style with neutral shoes!

What do you think of this collection? Are you a fan of the color palette? Which shoes are your favorite? For more shoe-love, check out posts including Rachel Zoe’s collaboration with ShoeDazzle, Prabal Gurung’s lookbook for Target, affordable pointy toe pumps inspired by Miranda Kerr & Katie Holmes, as well as a look at the designer shoes the stars wore for the Golden Globes after parties! Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: 2013 Art of Elysium Heaven Gala Featuring Kelly Osbourne, Camilla Belle, Ashley Madekwe, & More!


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For those of you who have been focusing on the red carpets of the major awards shows, there’s one carpet that I haven’t featured in the last week & that’s the 2013 Art of Elysium Heaven Gala. I didn’t know what it was, but could tell that the star-studded red carpet was fabulous, so I went ahead & learned that the gala is run by a non-profit organization which encourages working artists of the stage, screen, & so forth to dedicate their time to helping children who are battling mental conditions.

Go figure! With that, I’m happy to share the event’s red carpet, including favorites like Camilla Belle, in a dramatic Carolina Herrera gown, as well as a very pregnant Busy Phillipps in a flapper-inspired Alberta Ferretti dressm, Hart of Dixie star Rachel Bilson in an animal-print Valentino design, & Anna Kendrick‘s sweet emerald Dior party look.

Click through the gallery & share your favorite looks. For more from Red Carpet Review, check out galleries including the Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice Awards, & People’s Choice Awards! Happy Styling!

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


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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!

Show Me The Shoes: One Stop Shoe Shop For Day, Work, & Cocktail @Payless!


It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of the styles @Payless, which is why I continue to share the best finds from the store for all seasons. Not to mention, while celebrating the holidays, you can hone your style a little better without breaking any budget with a special 20% off coupon code (82028) to ease any shopping stress & it expires on 12/19. 

I’ve selected styles that vary for occasions, including day, work, & evening. I believe in a versatile shoe, while getting the most for your money, which is why I’m starting off with the dexflex by Dexter Kappy toe pump ($16.49) in bronze, the most inexpensive of my quintet here.  I’ve been getting into the less popular metallics like copper, rose gold, & bronze, loving the way they offset some of this season’s trendiest colors.  Not only are they perfect for a pencil skirt & blouse for work, but will also contrast any powersuit. 

For some menswear inspiration, I love the Dexter Kylie wedge pump ($22.99) in grey-black plaid, which changes up a traditional wedge to a work-ready investment. Of course the pattern is specific, but you won’t do wrong with a lace-detail sweater with jeans for day or an embellished top & trumpet skirt for the office. 

Payless shoes

For the vintage lover out there, I love the latest from Project Runway winner Christian Siriano‘s Hadley t-strap pump ($34.99) in burgundy, which is the go-to color for fall & winter! This screams for some corduroy, tweed, or textured tights- always cute for a sophisticated night out with the girls or if you’re headed to the board room. 

We can’t talk about the holidays without bringing up any upcoming parties. If you’re not afraid of heights, I recommend the Silvia Tcherassi Lyon platform pump ($29.99) in tan, but it’s also sold in a very regal navy with the same luxe gold details.  Lastly, for the party girl & flirt, the Fioni Kipsie stitch peep toe heel ($29.99) is the perfect touch for a polka dot frock on a date.  There’s a special bow detail right at the toe, which is always a favorite of mine!

Which shoes are your favorite? Have you set aside a spending budget for footwear this season? Do you like bargain shopping when it comes to shoes? Happy Styling!

Splurge Or Save… On Feminine Peep Toe Pumps?


If you’ve been following Style Darling on Instagram, then you know that I’ve been busy with some shoe shopping as of late, but it’s not all for me, for once! My bestie asked for my help in finding closed toe evening pumps & I advised her on investing in Christian Siriano‘s La Femme pumps for Payless, which I featured in a post back in January. I love patent leather for the holidays, but also it’s a luxe material for a shoe any time of year. 

While thinking about holiday shoes, I wanted to share a classic & festive staple & that’s the peep toe pump. Of course you can find any old peep in whatever material you so desire, but for the holidays, I thought it was important to emphasize feminine details in ruffles & bows, especially when our outfits are covered in lace, sequins, or embellishments. 

I’ve selected five pairs of peep toe pumps at varying price points for to share with readers & shoppers that you don’t necessarily have to break the bank when looking for holiday essentials like fashionable footwear. I’ve started off with the Stuart Weitzman peep toe pump ($201.49) that have recently been reduced by 50% @Farfetch. The all-patent exterior is luminous & the shoe offers a stiletto that is sure to show off your legline.  If that’s too out of your price range, then Badgley Mischka sail suede pump ($84.50) from Last Call by Neiman Marcus is sure to get you plenty of bang for you buck. Of course this shoe is definitely more dressy, if worn to at least 2 occasions during the holiday months & throughout the winter, you’ll have 10 wears & each will only cost $8.45! Fancy that!

An even better deal thrives behind my Zappos find with the RSVP Sheryl pumps ($55.99) with an all-over satin finish, perfect for not just the holidays, but evening weddings with a sweeping empire waist gown.  Next, I’m happy to finally share a shoes by Fergalicious (yes, that’s Fergie Ferg) from 6pm, & the Energy pumps ($27.99) break down to less than $3 per wear. The soft ruffle around the peep toe frames your new pedicure, while contrasting any edgy pieces that complete your look like a leather jacket or white satin blazer.

Finally, I’m re-sharing the Valencia bow pumps ($19.99) by Lela Rose for Payless, which I featured back in an August post as a must-have for its patent body & satin bow. The shoe is marked down from its original $44.99 price (which I paid + 20% off with a coupon), but I couldn’t pass these up, thinking that they wouldn’t be around when I needed them (& I wore them for my birthday back in September!). Now, the even lower price makes these all the more desirable & I can tell you from firsthand experience that they’re very comfortable!

Where do you like to shop for holiday shoes? What are your must-have footwear pieces for the holidays? Do you prefer satin over suede or leather over patent? Would you splurge or save on a pair of peep toes like these? Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: Carrie Underwood’s 12 Stunning Looks As The 2012 CMA Hostess!


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Better late than never! I didn’t have power or cable or anything the night that the 2012 Country Music Awards aired on ABC & missed out seeing hostess & singer Carrie Underwood, alongside host Brad Paisley, in her dazzling looks from the evening’s crooning festivities.  Thankfully, my online resources haven’t let me down & I was able to put together this incredible 12-look gallery, which ranks close to Anne Hathaway’s costume changes as co-hostess of the Academy Awards last year. Of course, the biggest night in country music called for some big style & Carrie delivered, wearing looks by Alice + Olivia, Reem Acra, Georges Chakra, Jenny Packham, & many more.  Click through the gallery & share with us which is your favorite look! Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: 2012 Emmy Awards Featuring Zooey Deschanel, Sofia Vergara, Hayden Panettiere, & More!


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This is a first for Style Darling. The 64th Annual Emmy Awards are currently airing & I’ve been scouring the web for the last 45 minutes to put together a complete gallery of the fabulous red carpet looks. Some of my favorites include Zooey Deschanel in a princess-like Reem Acra look, Julie Bowen in neon Monique Lhuillier, Claire Danes as a blushing mom-to-be in Lanvin, & Christina Hendricks in a belted design by Christian Siriano. Who are you rooting for? I’m a big fan of Girls, so keep an eye out for the very multi-talented Lena Dunham! Check out the gallery & share with readers which looks are your favorites! Enjoy the show! Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Christian Siriano’s Spring / Summer 2013 Collection From New York Fashion Week!


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I’m always (trying to be, at least) on top of what’s going on with my very favorite designers, including Project Runway winner, Christian Siriano, whose latest Spring / Summer 2013 Collection hit the runway of New York. I was super excited to feature this elegant & feminine line in the latest for Runway Rundown, so that my readers can get a taste of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Also, I’m happy to continue showing support to the talented Maryland native who never ceases to stun on the runway & when celebs wear his looks on the red carpet. What do you think of these glamorous looks? Happy Styling!

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


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

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

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: New Markdowns On Christian Siriano Shoes For Payless!


Always & forever, Christian Siriano, will be one of my favorite Project Runway winners, especially since he continues to stay relevant with shoppers beyond the runway with his ever-evolving collection @Payless.  Aside from his styles being super chic for the mainstream public, I’m loving that his designs, like these Rosa strappy toe sandals ($29.99), are currently marked down from their original $62.99 price! These are daring heels, especially with such a slim 4.5-inch heel, but with the right simmer dress & accessories, you’ll look like you spent a lot of money on a look that’s so affordable that only a true Style Darling will understand!

There’s no such thing as too many shoes, especially when you have two very eager feet to wear them! I should also mention that Payless is offering a special in-store & online Father’s Day 20% discount code: 73574, valid until 6/17 only! Also, for a little bit of Project Runway news, the newest seasons starts 7/19 @10pm on Lifetime! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: We’re Swooning Over Christian Siriano’s Spring Collection @Payless!


Now that spring is officially here, I’m stoked about all the new styles of spring shoes coming out! As always, I’m featuring designs from my favorite affordable shoe store, Payless! I make no apologies for that, especially when Project Runway winner Christian Siriano continues to create beyond beautiful confections of footwear for the masses.

This hyperbolic statement of course refers to the t-strap wedges ($19.99) in turquoise. Details like the patent leather straps, basketweave wedge, and t-strap across the ankle make this a diverse pair of go-to shoes for the spring & summer.

I love how they’re multi-toned, but still easy to wear with so many different looks, including a floral spring dress & cardigan, graphic tee & boyfriend jeans, polka-dotted blouse & walking shorts, or silky cami & mini skirt.

The wedges are currently on sale, marked down from their original $29.99 price!  This also includes the black, coral, and wide-width turquoise styles!

For more of the fabulousness that is footwear, check out posts like animal print flats from Nine West, Lea Michele modeling for Candie’s, & gorgeous creations from Prada, Valentino, & Christian Louboutin!

If you’d like to read more about the popular designer, Style Darling has plenty of Christian Siriano love for you to indulge, including his new ad campaign starring actress Mena Suvari and some classic round toe pumps in nude & black!

What do you think about these wedges? Are they too high for you? Are you a loyal Payless shopper? Do you like Christian Siriano’s designs? Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown / Watch This Style: Mena Suvari Stars in Christian Siriano’s Latest Ad Campaign!


One of my favorite Project Runway designers, Christian Siriano, has cast actress Mena Suvari as his muse in his latest Spring / Summer 2012 ad campaign, featuring ballgowns & nautical-inspired separates.  Siriano, whose looks have been worn by starlets like Christina Hendricks, Heidi Klum, & Sarah Hyland, has made a name for himself as an over-the-top ballgown designer, but this collection shows a more tailored & thoughtful side to the Season 4 winner, but bold hues like tangerine and chartreuse show that he’s staying true to his roots.  Check out the images below, as well the short film, featuring the colorful & flowy chiffon designs! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Starting Off 2012 In Style & On The Right Foot!


Dear Style Darling Readers, My endless apologies for my nearly month-long absence, but due to my amazing trip to Italy & subsequent illness that sidelined me for a whole week after my return, I’d like to make January count for something on here, so let’s talk about shoes!

Since I’ve been in bed, ignoring all email alerts for sales on the latest spring styles, my first stop (once I peeled myself out of misery & a layer of tissues) was Payless.  I was happy to find the La Femme pumps ($32.99) by Christian Siriano, my very favorite winner of Project Runway.

Not only are they perfect for transitioning your winter / fall wardrobe, but the price is pretty awesome too! Right now, Payless is offering their fabulous Buy One, Get One 50% off sale, so spending $33 on a pair of pumps isn’t such a bad deal.

Of course, this isn’t the first time I’m talking about classic black pumps or sleek nude patent pumps, but these will really never go out of style!  They’re perfect for pairing with something a little wild, or even if you’d like to keep your look streamlined & professional. For more shoe-related posts, check out the sales @Nine West, how to get green for 2012, & rich rust heels from Lulu’s! Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Let’s Talk About Bravo’s Mad Fashion With Project Runway Finalist Chris March!


I started this category to feature some of my favorite inspirations of style on the tele.  There’s plenty more to come from Gossip Girl, The Rachel Zoe Project, & E!’s Fashion Police, but first I have to talk about one of my new favorite shows, Bravo’s Mad Fashion, which follows Season 4 Project Runway finalist Chris March (that year Christian Siriano won)!  I couldn’t find any clips of the show online, but if you haven’t watched the series which started last month, here’s something to help catch you up with Chris’ extraordinary vision for his designs.  Check back with Watch This Style for more on your favorite TV Style Darlings!  Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: Heidi Klum, Drew Barrymore, & Zooey Deschanel In Glitters, Sparkle, Pastel, Details, Pink, & Pretty at the 2011 Emmy’s (Part Three)!


When it came to glitz, & glamour, the stars were on hand at this year’s Emmy Awards.  There were no details left behind during the red carpet festivities & we learned that the ladies love some sparkle & pastel hues.  In a hodge-podge of images below, we see some of our favorites succeed with their luxury looks & some give it an honorable try.

Jennifer Carpenter wore this blush beaded Tony Ward Couture gown with Martin Katz jewelry.  Cat Deeley went for some super glamour in this gold beaded Monique Lhuillier gown with Bulgari diamonds & a metallic clutch to complete the look.  Taraji P. Henson could’ve used a little help in this embellished Blumarine column gown, although her Fred Leighton drop earrings & cocktail ring helped the look.  Maria Bello glowed in the one-shoulder Kaufmanfranco column gown with a satin clutch & Martin Katz cocktail ring.  Christina Hendricks never shies away from showing off her best assets & this Johanna Johnson gown hugs her curves in all the right ways.  I could’ve done without the slit in the front, but she still looks like a million bucks.  Drew Barrymore took the stage with the new cast of ABC’s Charlie’s Angels in a Givenchy couture gown with Jimmy Choo platforms & gems by Van Cleef & Arpels.

Mad Men star Elisabeth Moss was stunning in this encrusted illusion gown by MarchesaPadma Lakshmi looked golden in this Armani Prive gown with Jimmy Choo sandals & her own jewelry.  Jane Krakowski looked a little over-tanned in this white deep-v gown with a jewel embellishment, but for a lady who recently had a baby, her body looks fantastic.  Kudos to her for showing it off!  The Good Wife star Julianna Margulies puzzled critics in this Armani Prive lampshade-corset white gown with peculiar embellishments.  Heidi Klum supported Project Runway winner Christian Siriano in a custom-made greige (gray / beige) ruffled cocktail dress with colorful jewelry by Lorraine Schwartz & extra high Christian Louboutin heels.  Charlie’s Angels star (& former Grey’s Anatomy doctor) Rachael Taylor made her Emmy’s debut in a memorable way with this iridescent beaded Giorgio Armani column gown with diamonds by Neil Lane.

The stars were also pretty in pink, for example, Modern Family‘s Ariel Winter showed that she’s all grown up in this powdered pink botanical-themed halter dress with diamond flower studs & matching ring by Jamie WolfJayma Mays channeled her inner ballerina in this tiered Zuhair Murad gown with a Swarovski clutch, Brian Atwood shoes, & Neil Lane jewelry & brooch.  Rashida Jones looked ladylike in a pink Alberta Ferretti strapless number with bangles by Van Cleef & Arpels.  Footloose star & former Dancing with the Stars champ Julianne Hough took a risk in this multi-tonal Carolina Herrera gown with jewelry by ForevermarkZooey Deschanel disappointed in this bubble gum pink Monique Lhuillier gown with a red sash. Even though she’s so pretty & stylish, the whole look seemed like a costume.  Anyone agree?

I wanted to feature Raising Hope‘s Martha Plimton in my red-theme Emmy post, but was unable to find an adequate image at the time, so here is she is, looking beyond gorgeous in a curve-hugging sparkly Zac Posen dress.  Elizabeth McGovern wore a merlot-hued sweetheart dress, but I wish that the clutch didn’t blend in so much- something gold would’ve been especially gorgeous against the rich hue.  Hostess of the night, Jane Lynch, turned heads in a strapless David Meister gown with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.  Sarah Hyland also collaborated with Christian Siriano with Grecian-inspired coral belted dress & Lorraince Schwartz jewelry.  Julia Stiles has never looked better on a red carpet wearing this lavender Georges Hobeika gown with a clutch by Kotur.

We’ve seen dozens of looks from the stars in red, black, blue, & now the paler, sparkly hues… Have you picked your favorite?  Do you think Taraji P. Henson & Zooey Deschanel could do better?  What would you have liked to see them wear on the red carpet?  Happy Styling!

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


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!

8/23/11 Darling of the Day: Kerry Washington’s Wild Side in Express & Christian Louboutin!


Actress Kerry Washington recently made an appearance at Jennifer Klein’s annual Day of Indulgence party wearing a mix of affordable & luxury brands.  The wild leopard short-sleeved blouse is from Ann Taylor which she paired with Express red jeggings.  Last week’s guest judge on Project Runway was also sporting lace-up booties by Tory Burch & carried a Christian Louboutin clutch.

The balance of animal print here is very edgy, yet still elegant for a day event.  Red is a sometimes risky color to pair with leopard, but here we see Kerry pulling off the look flawlessly with some feminine flair.

It was hard to find the original blouse worn here, but I discovered that it is currently out of stock, since it was an item from an earlier season.  However, @Ann Taylor, you can find this leopard print trench blouse for $88.00.  That’s a high cost for a top, but if you’re looking to stay as true to the inspired look, that’s the best way to go!  I was able to recover the exact Zelda red jeggings from Express, which cost $69.90.  These are also available in other colors & with embellishments like studding.

@Payless, Christian Siriano‘s new line for fall has arrived & this includes the modern harness ankle boot for $69.00.  While this also may seem like a lot of money to spend on a pair of shoes, sign up at the store’s website to get coupons emailed to you & news on all the latest sales so that you never have to pay full price for a luxury pair of shoes like these!

The final touch comes from Kohl’s.  The leopard clutch by Relic is a great deal for $31.90, marked down from $58.00.  It’s a classic piece to wear with your favorite LBD or for something as chic & tailored as this day look.

For more on Kerry Washington, check out her two previous appearances on Darling of the Day from back in January @Sundance & in November in a sexy all-black look.  In addition, if you’re an Ann Taylor shopper, check out my recent post about the brand’s newest spokesmodel, Demi Moore.

Finally, just to keep with the fabulousness of leopard (& all the other beautiful animals of the jungle), take a click on over to last week’s post about affordable animal-inspired accessories in Quickie Darling Deal & Steal! Happy Styling!

1/17/2011 Darling of the Day: Emmanuelle Chriqui!


Entourage starlet Emmanuelle Chriqui rang in 2011 with some basic black & a splash of sparkle.  She’s wearing a Bird by Juicy Couture sleeveless blouse with skinny Habitual Denim leggings and platform booties.  She kept her accessories simply chic with bangles & drop earrings.  I choose a tank & a bib necklace to create the same effect as Emmanuelle’s top, which is a quick fix to dress up any basic. These boots are more ornate than the pictured pair, but they’re by Christian Siriano (yes, Project Runway winner) & they’re fabulous!  Also, they’re available at Payless, so you can’t go wrong with that!

1/17/11 Emmanuelle Chriqui