So I wasn’t going to completely ignore the trails of Fashion Week throughout Europe after the polished & sophisticated duds that walked the runways in London. Therefore, it’s time to look at what was going on during Milan Fashion Week! I know from first-hand experience that fashion thrives on the cobblestone streets of Italy, which is where a part of my heart is still beating. I’ve collected nearly 90 images from the tribal-inspired & somewhat controversial new collection from Dolce & Gabbana‘s latest Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear line, featuring a combination of polka dots & stripes, mashed in with literal burlap sack frocks & African-inspired decorative figurines. Of course some of these over-the-top pieces will make a splash on red carpets for this upcoming awards season. For more galleries from Runway Rundown, check out Marios Schwab, Burberry Prorsum, & Christopher Kane! Happy Styling!
Tag Archives: Dolce & Gabbana
Red Carpet Review: 2012 Emmy Awards Featuring Zooey Deschanel, Sofia Vergara, Hayden Panettiere, & More!
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!
Ad Madness / Watch This Style: Scarlett Johansson’s Latest For Dolce & Gabbana Cosmetics!
When you look like Tony-winner Scarlett Johansson, I guess you don’t need much to look like a gorgeous model. For Dolce & Gabbana‘s latest campaign, the actress is lending her sensual pout & old Hollywood beauty to the brand’s cosmetics line, promoting the Perfect Luminous Liquid Foundation ($59.00) available @Saks Fifth Avenue.
Check out the video (commercial, maybe?) for the newest make up product, featuring beautiful shots of Italy & a snuggling Scarlett wrapped in sheets. What do you think of cosmetic ad campaigns? Do you think this is too much? What do you think of Scarlett returning as a spokesmodel for the brand?
For more from Ad Madness, check out Julia Roberts for Lancome’s La Vie Est Belle, Lana Del Rey modeling for H&M, & Lily Collin’s for Movado! Happy Styling!
Cover Craze: Victoria Beckham Is Glamour’s Sept Guest Editor!
Yes, this is my 2nd Spice Girls-related post in a day, however I’m writing about the always stunning Victoria Beckham who acted as guest editor for the September issue of Glamour. I was so excited to flip through the pages & find out VB’s picks, style secrets, as well as read about her thoughts on what’s going on in fashion for the upcoming fall season.
Aside from the fabulous shots of the former singer wearing duds by Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Lanvin, Giuseppe Zanotti, & of course Victoria Beckham, I’m loving what she’s offered to readers, including hair ideas featuring Lily Collins, the best way to experiment with makeup, & how to wear brights for the upcoming season. She’s had a very big hand in putting together the hefty 328-page issue alongside editor-in-chief Cindi Leive.
Also be sure to check out the video I scored below, featuring Victoria talking about her love of fashion, how she wants to empower women, & that at heart, she’s a real soccer mom. What do you think of Glamour‘s choice in picking Victoria for the cover & to guest edit? Is she your favorite Spice Girl? What fall trends are you looking forward to? Happy Styling!
Top 10 Celeb Sightings: Casual Cool Featuring Miranda Kerr, Miley Cyrus, Katie Holmes, & More!
I’m still out in Southampton, celebrating all things creative about the written word, but my eye is scouring the classrooms, computer labs, & lecture halls to see what my new friends & classmates are wearing. However, in an effort to stay up to the minute with Style Darling, I’ve been seeing a lot of separates looks on the red carpet, in pics taken by the paparazzo, or out for promotional events. I wanted to capture the cool & casual style of some of my favorite stars, including who are mixing up their denim, accessories, & skirts in unexpected ways. Take a look at the gallery below & share with readers who’s wearing your favorite looks! My personal favorites belong to Miley Cyrus & Anne Hathaway! Happy Styling!
7/12/2012 Darling Of The Day / Basics For A Bargain: Anne Hathaway’s Cropped ‘Do, LBDs, & Audrey Hepburn Inspiration!
Anne Hathaway has hit the red carpet with a reinvented classic retro vibe, cad with her pixie cut (for Les Miserables), little black dresses, basic black shoes, & elegance pendant necklaces. The Oscar-nominee is in full swing promoting her latest film, the major summer blockbuster The Dark Knight Rises. The Style Darling‘s looks are elegant, contemporary, youthful, & worth making her the Darling of the Day.
Since I couldn’t pick just one look that I loved, I decided to share the four most recent images of her Audrey Hepburn-inspired style. Her short ‘do is perfectly understated while these leg-baring frocks reveal that the actress isn’t slowing down her glamour game just yet. Included in these images are dresses by Dolce & Gabbana, Stella McCartney, & Givenchy, paired with Tory Burch ankle strap sandals.
Since there are so many fabulous details in the dresses above, I’ve found some affordable LBDs to help recreate Anne’s breathtaking noir turn. First from Forever 21, we have the shawl collar surplice dress ($27.80) & the mesh yoke bodycon dress ($24.80), which is available in sizes XL – 3X. H&M has this belted dress ($34.95) which moves beautifully & can be dressed up with peep toes or worn casually with flats. To show off your shape, I recommend the ponte knit sheath dress ($48.93) from Express. If you’re looking to imitate the feel of Anne’s forth look above, head over to Lulu’s for the Motown black dress ($38.00). Lastly, since we are talking about one of the most sought after actresses in all the land, we need to step up our style game just a little & share the Jessica Howard sequin cap sleeve dress ($70.00) @JCP.Â
Lastly, to help complete the look, I’ve searched high & low for some of the best accessories. This includes the Forever 21 oval locket necklace ($5.80) & floral pendant necklace ($1.50). In addition, my shoe choices include the Brash Gemini flat ($26.99) from Payless (which I’ve previously featured in champagne), Charlotte Russe‘s fabric mouse ballet flat ($30.00), sueded ankle wrap pump ($35.50), & Michael Antonio Loveme patent pump ($40.00) @Zappos.
Which of Anne’s looks do you like the best? Would you ever rock a pixie cut? How do you feel about all the black-on-black? All comments & suggestions are always welcome, so please share! Check out more posts like this in Basics for a Bargain, Luxury Look-Alikes for Less, & Red Carpet Review! Happy Styling!
Red Carpet Review: Your All-Access Pass To The Cannes Film Festival!
My sincerest apologies to my followers for my lengthy absence, but life has been throwing me some very tiresome curveballs. As a consolation, I’ve dug up the best images that I could find to share with my readers & created a gallery of all of the amazing looks that sparkled at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. So many of today’s most stylish stars turned out for the prestigious event, including Eva Longoria, Jessica Chastain, Salma Hayek, Heidi Klum, Kirsten Dunst, & so on! However, my overall favorite is the very daring & elegant Diane Kruger, who very obviously dominates this gallery. Not to mention that I was happy to get a sneak peek at the latest designs by Atelier Versace, Emilio Pucci, Louis Vuitton, & Gucci. There’s no such thing as too much sparkle & the stars proved this.
Take a look at the gallery & share with us who wore your favorite looks! If red carpets are your thing, be sure to check out more from Red Carpet Review, including the Met Costume Institute Gala! Happy Styling!
Cover Craze: Miranda Kerr Hits Brooklyn For Harper’s Bazaar!
In the April 2012 issue of Harper’s Bazaar, with actress Mila Kunis on the cover, Victoria’s Secret model Miranda Kerr is featured in a 50s-inspired fashion spread shot in the fine city of Brooklyn by photographer Terry Richardson. Now I might’ve just flipped through this spread in the past, surmising it up just for the fashion, but now as a full-time writer in Brooklyn (although I’m still commuting home to Long Island), I can appreciate the beauty behind the city that has taught me more about all the reasons why I love the suburbs! Yes, I said it!
However, I think this is an amazing shoot, especially with the regal & vintage designs of Dolce & Gabbana, Oscar de la Renta, Derek Lam, Donna Karan, Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, Elizabeth & James, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, & Prada (just to name a few). There’s so much high fashion going on here, Miranda puts the women of Mad Men to shame! She looks like an even more glamorous mix between Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Grace Kelly! Not to mention that below the gallery here is an exclusive video behind the shoot, which was inspired by 1960s Italian actress, Monica Vitti.
I used to obsessively tear out the pages of my favorite fashion magazines to keep in what I like to call an “inspiration book” to help me put outfits together, get motivated to blog, or for that one day way way waaaay in the future when I’d dabble in my own desiging, but instead of collecting the stacks of paper in a super heavy binder, I’ve decided to post them for my readers. What do you think of Miranda’s shoot? Do you recognize these spots in Brooklyn?
For more from Magazine Must-Haves, check out my previous posts featuring Carrie Underwood in Self and Selena Gomez in People Style Watch & Cosmopolitan. Also, for more of Miranda Kerr, check her out in a Darling of the Day post here! Happy Styling!
Watch This Style: My Five Favorite Lady Gaga Videos / Performances!
Lady Gaga is a commited artist when it comes to her music, performances, & costumes. In recent months, she’s been showing off her softer side in high-end designs by Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Versace, Michael Kors, & Salvatore Ferragamo. I think it’s time to feature some of my favorite Lady Gaga style moments, whether they’re music videos, or videos of live performances. What are your favorites? Happy Styling!
Watch This Style: The Style Behind Tonight’s Episode of Gossip Girl + Video Clips!
In tonight’s episode of Gossip Girl, the style meter was on fire since Serena was planning Blair’s Tiffany-themed bridal shower. While the scheming was at an all-time high in “All The Pretty Sources,” Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, & Kaylee DeFer looked effortlessly stunning in some of the most important designers today! Not to mention that we got just one step closer to the big reveal of who the mysterious woman behind the actual “gossip girl” is!
To the far left, Serena is wearing a Dress L’Agence mini with Dolce & Gabbana shoes & necklace by Sequin.
At the bottom, Serena is an editorial vision in a Mary Katrantzou dress with a necklace by Auden & rings by Roberto Coin & Lulu Frost. Blair, a blushing princess bride & mother-to-be, steals the scene in a Christian Dior dress with Tzen earrings.
Up top, Charlie / Ivy hides from her ex-boyfriend at the party in a dress by Bensoni with jewelry by Sequin.
Not to spoil anything for those of you who haven’t watched tonight’s epsiode yet, but here are two clips of it. One includes a plot summary with the show’s exective producers & the other is a scene of yet another one of Blair’s classic diva flipouts! Of course, the melodrama & over-wordy dialogue sometimes take away from the entertainment of the show, but you can’t resist loving the style!
For more on the show, check out my Style ABCs (x3) post fetauring Gossip Girl, along with posts about Blake Lively & Leighton Meester‘s red carpet style! Happy Styling!
Red Carpet Review: Menswear Inspiration from Jennifer Aniston, Lady Gaga, & Evan Rachel Wood!
Menswear inspiration has made quite a comeback over the last few years & it looks like it’s not going away. We have some amazing celebrity inspiration on how to recreate these looks, embracing the androgynous trend in the most chic & elegant way. Evan Rachel Wood made a big splash this year in a Dolce & Gabbana suit with Salvatore Ferragamo heels at the Venice Film Festival & also a white Yves Saint Laurent suit with Neil Lane jewelry at the Ides of March premiere. Fashionista Alexa Chung showed off some color-blocking & layering with a long-sleeved sweater, a button-down shirt, with gray skinny jeans & a red quilted Chanel crossbody bags.
Supermodel Kate Moss wore all-over gray in a slouchy top & trousers with cap toe heels for a Rimmel London event. Naomi Watts sported her own interpretation of the vest & pants look in this all-white Stella McCartney design. Jennifer Aniston shows a sultry black version in Dolce & Gabbana for the New York premiere of Five, with a peek-a-boo bra. In a surprise turn of fashion, Lady Gaga showed up at New York City’s Beacon Theatre in this mustard Viktor & Rolf suit with a mini tube bra & plastic square sunglasses.
To shop for some menswear pieces like blazers, vests, trousers, & button down shirts, check out New York & Company, Express, Ann Taylor LOFT, & H&M. For accessories to complete your look like belts, necklaces, bags, & shoes, check out some of my favorite stores like Payless, DSW, ALDO, & Steve Madden.
For more on Red Carpet Review, check out the looks from last month’s Emmy Awards, the top looks from the 2011 Toronto Film Festival, & Jessica Chastain’s Summer of Style. 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: 2011 Venice Film Festival Featuring Kate Winslet, Abbie Cornish, Madonna, & More!
At this year’s Venice Film Festival, the stars walked the red carpet, made appearances at screenings, & promoted their films in pure style. There were some very exciting style surprises, as well as back-to-back hits on the red carpet. Menswear inspiration, minimalism, vintage Hollywood, & sleek separates were among the trends dominating the fashion world right now. Among these stars were Marisa Tomei, Kate Winslet, Diane Kruger, Madonna, Keira Knightley, Cindy Crawford, Bar Rafaeli, Abbie Cornish, & Evan Rachel Wood.
Marisa Tomei, co-star to George Clooney & Ryan Gosling in Ides of March, was colorful, wearing a sheath dress by Erdem, an embellished top with an orange Preen skirt, & a pearl-accented neon yellow draped Marios Schwab gown. And then there was Kate Winslet, the unofficial spokesmodel for chic. The Carnage star wowed in a mocha Victoria Beckham dress with strappy Jimmy Choo sandals. Then for day, she chose a classic LBD with a gray blazer, thick-strapped sandals, & House of Lavande‘s Panetta gold & diamante bracelet. She once again stole the show in a stretch cotton multi-colored Stella McCartney dress with drop earrings & peep toe pumps at the Mildred Pierce premiere. Then for another day event, she kept her all-black ensemble simple with a tank, shorts, a blazer, & the same peep toes!
Younger up and coming stars like Abbie Cornish turned some heads with this ombre silk organza tiered Atelier Versace stunner. For a more movie star-esque day look, the W.E. star continued to earn raves in this Elie Saab a-line LBD with polished touches of gold in the House of Lavande choker. Abbie isn’t shy when it comes to print either, as we can see in the keyhole maxi dress while attending the Venice Film Festival’s Movie Star Lounge.
Also making a splash, especially with the menswear trend was Evan Rachel Wood who’s shown above a whopping four times, just like her Mildred Pierce co-star, Kate Winslet. She suited up in an outfit by Dolce & Gabbana with Salvatore Ferragamo houndstooth pumps (which I just drooled over on the Nordstrom website, for $950.00!). Then she brought new meaning to shirtdress with this flowing white Alessandra Rich design with jewel-studded black ankle strap heels. Then she returned to her black & white suit look, but with a vest over a feminine white blouse with some serious black Christian Louboutin pumps.
Diane Kruger stepped out in a textured Chanel dress with a matching striped clutch, but kept her German-girl-next-door look with a messy side braid. Then she stepped up her look in this Grecian-inspired cascading nude Elie Saab bustier gown. Madonna also made an appearance in support of her directorial debut, W.E., wearing a black & white L’Wren Scott dress with a gold cross & platform pumps by Yves Saint Laurent. To show that she’s still got it, Madonna choose a custom-made butterfly-embellished Vionnet dress with Miu Miu sunglasses for the film’s premiere.
Also, Keira Knightley stepped off a gondola in a printed Mary Katrantzou dress for a photocall for A Dangerous Method. Cindy Crawford proved that you don’t have to be a movie star to look like one in one-shoulder Roberto Cavalli gown with Chopard jewelry. And last but not least, model / actress Bar Rafaeli opted for a lace-paneled jumpsuit by Emilio Pucci.
Who do you think was the best dressed during the festival? Did Madonna get it right with all those butterflies? Was Evan Rachel Wood too bland in black & white? Do you think Kate Winslet stole the show? Check out our last Red Carpet Review post with a look at The Help‘s Jessica Chastain & some of the best looks from the Cannes Film Festival back in May! Happy Syling!
Red Carpet Review: Jesscia Chastain’s Summer of Style!
You may not know who Jessica Chastain is now, or maybe you recognize the fair redhead from a few recent red carpet events, but after this year’s whopping seven movies starring the California native, you’ll definitely be seeing a lot more of her! Since May of this year, the actress has been seen everywhere all summer long, promoting films like The Help, The Debt & The Tree of Life. Some of her co-stars include very high profile names like Brad Pitt, Ralph Fiennes, Al Pacino, & Gerard Butler.
During her various appearances at press events, screenings, & premieres, we see how her ladylike red carpet looks are helping catapult her into further stardom. First Jessica plays with structure in a single sleeved teal Roland Mouret dress with a small neon green patch at the waste, perfect for posing on the red carpet. Obviously a fan of the designer, she wears Roland Mouret again, but this time in a muted gray / dusty blue dress with pewter sandals by Dana Davis. At the annual luncheon given by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, she turned up the style in a lacey Emilio Pucci dress with black satin peep toe pumps. The girl knows her color palette, as this bright cobalt really highlights her flawless skin & radiant hair. At the premiere of The Help, she choose one of fall’s biggest trends: jewel tones. In a ruched sweetheart Oscar de la Renta gown, metallic Jimmy Choo shoes, & drop turquoise earrings, she came pretty close to stealing attention away from the film’s star, Emma Stone.
She keeps its demure, but regal in a navy wrap dress by Doo.Ri at an In Style event, also wearing feathered earrings & patent Christian Louboutin pumps. At the New York City screening of The Debt, she lightened up her look with a soft robin’s egg blue tiered dress by Christian Dior, Harry Winston diamonds, & nude Louboutins. Part of what I love about this look, aside from the dess, is her smoky shadow, which makes this even more sultry & Old Hollywood. Even when she’s not attending an official press event, she looks every bit a movie star. The papparazzi caught her making a coffee run in a classic polka dot Dolce & Gabbana dress with Louboutin slingbacks, a tan cardigan, & square-framed shades. Most recently, at a press conference for The Tree of Life in Beverly Hills, Jessica played up a 50s inspired lavender sheath with neutral strappy sandals & hoop earrings.
Take a look at these above stills from some of this year’s must-see movies, as well as a video clip below of Jessica attending the 2011 Cannes Film Festival (Style Darling coverage here & here), discussing her time studying at Juilliard, working on Take Shelter, as well as her whirlwind career.
Who’s your favorite newcomer on the red carpet this summer? Are you excited about any of Jessica’s upcoming movies? Which look of hers is your favorite? Happy Styling!
Red Carpet Review / Runway Rundown: Who Loves Dolce & Gabbana’s Stars Print? Fergie, Jessica Alba, Anne Hathaway, & More! That’s Who!
Dolce & Gabbana‘s latest fall / winter collection is headed for the stars- seriously! While playing with classic silhouettes in pencil skirts, flowy blouses, & oversized blazers, the mix of the celestial black & white pattern stands out even more with sequins, lace, animal print, & fur. These are just a few of the very fabulous runway looks, courtesy of the official website. Even the separate items can be matched with dark denim skinny jeans, a bold tee, & colorful pointed tow heels & socks (as pictured). To shop for these items, head over to Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Net-A-Porter, & Saks Fifth Avenue. Which is your favorite? Do you think stars look juvenile or luxury?
But if the runway isn’t somewhere you normally hang, take a look at the latest fashion magazine covers & their stylish cover girls, donning star-themed dresses by the famed fashion house. This includes One Day‘s Anne Hathaway for Marie Claire, pop princess Britney Spears for Harper’s Bazaar, & everyone’s favorite Virgo, Beyonce for In Style!
And since this is a partial red carpet post… Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen a slew of celebs of all styles opting for astronomical-inspired looks, as opposed to the tradition go-to polka dots or a simple LBD for camera-ready events. First there’s Rose McGowan shows off her figured in a ruches sweetheart dress, Fergie isn’t afraid of color in the yellow & black mini, a very pregnant Jessica Alba wears a comfortable & elegant halter, Rosario Dawson plays with voluminous sleeves, Olivia Wilde sneaks around in sequins, Kim Kardashian isn’t afraid to wear curve-hugging stars during the dat, & Lily Allen is ladylike in a white coat & black tights. Lastly, Evan Rachel Wood & Solange Knowles take on this print in legwear, both pairing the pants with loose-fitting tops & a masculine black jacket!
For more on Dolce & Gabbana, check out our Style ABC’s (x3) post, featuring the gorgeous Scarlett Johansson as the brand’s cosmetic spokesmodel. Also, check out past runway shows at In Style! Happy Styling!
Basics for a Bargain: Pencil Dresses Inspired by Olivia Wilde, Dianna Agron, Emma Stone, & More!
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!
The Stylish Five: Bargain Beach Accessories ($10 & Under)!
Summer is all about bright colors, fun in the sun, & light, easy style. What better way to head to the beach than with a few fabulous must-haves for a bargain of $10 & under?!  These few essentials will help out your wallet & help you save for that vacation you’re planning this season!
You can’t go wrong with sunscreen! @Ulta, this spray is super easy to apply, but if you’re looking for lotions or oils, those are available as well. Not to mention, if you’re not a beach bum, but want to show off a fresh sun-kissed tan, take a look at the brand’s very affordable bronzers for $10 & under! If you sign up for the website’s emails, you’ll receive all the latest news on sales, coupon deals ($3.50 off $10 or more!), free shipping events, & specials for free samples! This is great to keep in mind if you’re about to travel, or want to save a bundle on skin care items.
Next, we have a bright & playful beach towel from Target. Obviously, you don’t need me to say this, but the brighter your towel, the more comfortable it is. And it’s sooooo soft! Stay away from dark colors which will absorb more UV rays. Not to mention, I just bought 2 towels like these which just so happened to be on sale for $5 at the time. If you check out the coupons available at the store’s website, you can receive $1 off your next towel purchase of $5 or more!
So, what are you gonna put all of your beach accessories in? A resuable recyclable bag, of course! This is an eco-friendly item & VERY budget-friendly for only $1.50 @Forever 21. From time to time I feature these bags sold in stores & on the website b/c they’re so cute & really easy to carry around. All year round the store sells brightly decorated bags like this that are perfect for running errands, carrying books from the library, or if you’re just out grabbing some groceries. Or while you’re at the beach, throw all of your essentials in it, including a book, iPod, & cell phone!  Even though we are talking accessories here, I have to mention that the website has some really fabulous finds on swimwear & coverups for all sizes!
While you’re shopping around the Forever 21 site, don’t forget to take a look at their fashionable selection of eyewear, including these gray square frames. They sell hundreds of different styles for only $5.80! So if you are looking for something inexpensive to protect your eyes during a round of beach volleyball, put away your investment shades by brands like Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, or Fendi, & break out these very cute sunglasses! You can go with classic movie star frames, sqaures ones, aviators, or even something neon with some 80s flair!
Last, but not least, you can’t have a sunny day at the beach without some flip-flops! Yeah, gladiator sandals & other flat strappy picks are all the rage, but don’t flip-flops just feel like the best go-to shoes sometimes? I know that’s how I feel! You can’t go wrong with a bright patterned rubber pair like these from Old Navy which are only $5! If you catch your email alerts right, you can even find them on sale for as low as $2.50! They sell up to 9 different pairs of prints, including florals, animal-inspired, tropical patterns, & stripes to go with whatever mood or swimsuit you’re wearing!
What are your beach essentials? What music do you love to listen to? Any suggestions on how to keep your hair looking fun & healthy during the heat? Have a safe summer! Happy Styling!
Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: Blazers by D&G Vs. Steve Madden!
In for Spring is white… & white blazers do the trick for nearly any outfit! You’re in luck b/c I’ve found a gorgeous white blazer- make that two. Clearly, you can see the label in the image to the left, by Dolce & Gabbana‘s D&G brand. The one to the right is by Steve Madden. You can then guess which costs nearly $800 & which is affordably under $50. Of course when it comes to a finishing piece like a jacket, you want to make an investment, but while we’re Style Darlings on a budget, perhaps the Steve Madden one (which can be found at Zappos) is the best choice for your mini skirt, tank, & peep toes. Check out Net-A-Porter for more fabulous Dolce & Gabbana designs, as well as our previous Style ABC’s (x3) post which features the glam Italian duo! Happy Styling!
Style Darling Daily 