Tag Archives: Forever 21

6/22/11 Darling of the Day: Gwyneth Paltrow is Tailored & Taupe!

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While celebrating the release of her cook book, My Father’s Daughter, Oscar-winning actress & (close to the) top Style Darlings of them all, Gwyneth Paltrow shined in fitted white blazer, button down top, & roll-up khakis.  Her rich camel platforms made this look really professional & fashionable, & it’s also an easy one for Style Darlings everywhere to pull off!  Not to mention, I love how all of these separates are so affordable & can be made versatile by switching up just a few pieces.

For example, take this blazer from White House Black Market & add it to a ruffly floral maxi dress.  Or try the basic white button down shirt from Kohls with red bermuda shorts & slingback sandals.  The pants from Gap would be super cute with a spotted blouse & studded d’orsay pumps.  This novelty necklace from Forever 21 screams Paris & can even call for a striped knit, flared dark denim jeans, & oxford flats.  My favorite part of this whole look is the cognac super chunky platforms sandals from GOjane which can dress up any neutral-inspired look or really tone down some wild brights like a red strapless dress with embellished hoops, or a floral romper & bangles look.

And I’m not the only one who loves this look since I recently found that J (of one of my favorite fashion blogs, J’s Everyday Fashion) also featured it & was able to find pieces in her closet that could be put together in an effort to pay homage to Gwyneth’s very polished presentation of casual chic! Take a look at another Darling of the Day feature of Gwyneth, wearing very similarly fabulous platforms, from back in April too!  What do you think of her style?  What kind of event would you wear this to?  What would you change about it?  Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: A Black Croc Wallet for $225.00 Vs. $10.80!

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Everyone has differing tastes in wallets because you have to consider size, functionality, & appearance.  Something neutral & textured like a black croc wallet is perfect for any time of year with any look (except for something glamorous like a ball, naturally).  Here we have two very similarly looking wallets, however one is genuine leather & goes for $135.00 by the luxury brand Furla, sold @Bluefly & its retail price is $225.  Whereas, the other just as stylish & lovely affordable faux leather (animal friendly!) wallet costs a mere $10.80 @Forever 21!  Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: House of Harlow 1960 Ring Vs. Forever 21!

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Nicole Richie‘s House of Harlow 1960 collection contains a wide variety of vintage & tribal-inspired pieces of jewelry, as well as other accessories & clothing by Nicole’s other line Winter Kate.  Both brand names are named after her daughter, Harlow Winter Kate Madden.  You can items from this line sold at high-end retailers like Revolve Clothing, Shop Kitson, & Shop Bop. Trends in these styles are very popular for the spring to pair with flirty florals & masculine plaids.  One of these rings costs $95.00 & the other is a mere $3.80 @Forever21. Take a look at the entire Fall 2010 House of Harlow 1960 jewelry collection, courtesy of In Style.  Also Forever 21’s entire jewelry line is just one click away, ranging from $1.50 to $24.80! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Cute Spring Finds at Forever 21 ($10 Or Less)!

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Looking for something cute & affordable to add to your spring wardrobe?  How can you beat a deal $10 & under?  These five very unique pieces (a romper, a printed cardigan, a tote bag, boat shoes, & dangly earrings) will certainly make for a special touch that will freshen up any winter duds that you’re still sporting.  Whatever your budget may be, these five items won’t break the bank & they’re all available @Forever21!  Try out the romper with a denim jacket & some strappy sandals.  Wouldn’t the cardigan look great for work with a pencil skirt & classic peep toe pumps?  The bag is perfect for weekend picnics & espadrilles.  Those anchor-embellished boat shoes are fun & flirty for a casual day in cargo pants & a hoodie.  Don’t forget to add a splash of color to your LBD with these ‘mint’ drop earrings. 

Now that you’ve seen these five stylish finds, why not click around & check out these honorable mentions that I just have to bring to the attention of my readers, including a flowered hairclip for $1.50, a vintage floral scarf for $9.80, a pair of grosgrain slippers for $5.80, a rouched crop cardigan in 7 different colors for $4.80, & a metallic knit maxi skirt for $5.99!  Happy Styling!

2/6/11 Darling of the Day: Jennifer Aniston’s Casual Chic Day Out & Bottega Veneta Hobo!

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Jennifer Aniston is the quintessential California girl with a cool, casual style, but her laid-back, effortless glamour is what makes her a stand-out Style Darling.  The actress, whose career was jump-started by her iconic role of Rachel on Friends, has become a best “friend” to fashion with easy, yet timeless looks.  Even though the movie Picture Perfect wasn’t a colossal success, I have to say that I love her character’s style in it & that’s what originally made me notice how she wears clothes & doesn’t let them wear her. 

Here we’re taking a flash back to 2004 with Jennifer, who wears a perfect example of minimalism, yet chic flair.  In a clean white button-down shirt, bootcut jeans, & a pinstriped blazer, her outfit is executed with three very basic pieces.  She adds a Bottega Veneta hobo bag to accessorize her already cool pointed toe shoes & leaf charm necklace.  Wherever she’s headed, she means business!

The items that I’ve selected are all affordable- although the blazer (which is nearly a clone of the one Aniston is wearing) may be a little bit over budget for some.  It’s from Banana Republic, therefore its quality will stand the test of time.  You’ll definitely get your money’s worth by making the investment, but I also recommend some blazers from Ann Taylor LOFT, New York & Company, & Express to pair with any classic button-down. 

For more stylish accessories to choose from while you’re on a budget, I always recommend Forever 21, Payless, The Limited, & Style Find! Also, if your style inspiration takes you to a blend of feminine meets menswear, don’t forget to check out my post about Cate Blanchett & take a look at In Style‘s previous Look of the Day picks of Rachel Bilson, Thandie Newton, & Victoria Beckham. 

Happy Styling!

Fashion Flashback: Marilyn Monroe in Floral!

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I recently scored a 2011 Marilyn Monroe calendar photographed by Sam Shaw for only about $4.  I do already own another one, which I’ve yet to put up since I have a Barbie calendar currently hanging on my wall.  As a big fan of Marilyn’s, I love finding modern-day pieces that really emulate her sexy elegance, while also staying true to my style-on-a-budget philosophy. Her casual private style was very Americana in white button down shirts & eyelet summer dresses.  Here however, I’ve found an image that’s probably from one of her films, but I don’t know which.  When I find out, I will certainly revise this blog b/c I love to be precise.

Take a look at this really gorgeous floral print pencil dress (yes it’s hardly visible, but it must chic since she’s wearing it!) with a white knee-length coat & classic round toe pumps.  Now that spring fashion has arrived & that little groundhog told us that spring is just around the corner, let’s hope that we can break out the lighter fashions sooner rather than later. Also, I’m reminded of this demure Oscar de la Renta dress worn by Eva Mendes from back in August.  Also we see Eva channels this very sophisticated silhouette back in September 2008 in Bill Blass for the premiere of The Women.

This is a luxurious combination of items that could work in a really fabulous way right now! Check out the earrings, which are only $1.50 (also available in mint & pink) @Forever21!

If you’re a fan of these vintage looks & of Marilyn’s, check out my previous Fashion Flashback posts too! Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: Fabulous Lanvin Flats!

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For a fresh take on evening or to dress up a casual day look, why not go for a jeweled ballet flat? While checking out this delightfully informative & stylish post by Marie Claire, I was inspired to reinvent a previous post about these gorgeously feminine Lanvin navy flats.  They are quite the hefty investment at $760.00, but with a little online surfing, there’s a great variety out there for inexpensive look-alikes.  Instead of knee-high boots with dark tights & a sweater dress, or ankle boots with skinny jeans & a flyaway knit, this embellished option will turn heads. 

                                       

Some of my favorite sources for great, fun flats include Payless, Charlotte Russe, Wet Seal, & Forever 21.  Which stores do you love to shop in for flats?  Which brand is your go-to when it comes to comfortable shoes?  Any comments, questions, or suggestions are always welcome!  Happy Styling! 

1/20/11 Darling of the Day: Sofia Vergara at the Golden Globes!

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Not only did Sofia Vergara wow on the red carpet in this corseted Vera Wang honeysuckle strapless gown, but hers is among the first to be knocked off (from what I’ve found). The actress was nominated for her hit comedy Modern Family & although she went home empty-handed, she sparkled throughout the night in dazzling jewels by David Webb.  This is the perfect dress for any curvy woman.  The black sash belt creates a waste & accents the inner va-va-va-voom vixen! 

 

A little extra frosting never hurt a Style Darling.  It would definitely enhance this glamorous Hollywood homage.  Although drop chandelier earrings were big during last year’s awards season, some looks just can’t do without them.  Stack on some glistening bangles & a big cocktail ring, but let your decolletage do all the work, otherwise you’ll look over-accessorized. 

                            

                          

For more of the gorgeous looks from this year’s ceremony, check out In Style‘s red carpet arrivals & this retailer‘s selection of celebrity-inspired gowns from red carpet events. Happy Styling!

Fashion Flashback: Marilyn Monroe & A Casual Look!

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Since I’ve recently finished reading Blonde: A Novel by Joyce Carol Oates, Marilyn Monroe has been on my mind. Not only am I intrigued by her iconic status as a movie star, but also how influential her style still is today. Young starlets today continue to channel Marilyn’s curly blonde locks & sexy pin-up silhouettes on the red carpet. As Marilyn’s life was riddled with personal demons & rocky relationships, her life was tragically cut short & Hollywood lost one of its shining stars. We have preserved images of the forever-young beauty to inspire us for evening looks, weekends in the country, & daytime. Marilyn’s richly porcelain skin glistened against sexy whites & rich creams. Her voluptuous curves screamed sex appeal & lush femininity in sweetheart necklines & pencil dresses. Her blend of All-American & sultry radiated in dark denim & belted outfits with heels.  Here’s an effortless three-piece look that the misunderstood comedienne pulls off in true Hollywood style:

While this is a black & white image, here’s something understated that I found to represent Marilyn’s minimal off-camera style:

   

Top (American Apparel), Pants (Forever 21), & Shoes (DSW).

Keep an eye out for more blogs on Marilyn’s timeless style, as well as flashbacks of Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Vivien Leigh, Jean Harlow, & many more!  Happy Styling!