Red Carpet Review: Rachel Zoe Celebrates Paris Fashion Week In Style!


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It wouldn’t be Paris Fashion Week without super celeb stylist-turned-fashion designer Rachel Zoe turning some heads while attending some of the most coveted runways, including Chloe, Christian Dior, Elie Saab, Giambattista Valli, Givenchy, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton, Valentino, & Viktor & Rolf.

Thanks to In Style, I was able to find these looks worn by fashion’s power player & I’m super excited to share with readers.  Of course, she’s donning her best 70s-inspired looks & reinforces all the reasons why I love black & white outfits.

Click through the gallery to see all of the fabulous fashions & be sure to check more posts from Red Carpet Review, including the latest looks worn by Scarlett Johansson & Salma Hayek, Christina Hendricks & Kate Beckinsale’s pencil skirt ensembles, & Olivia Wilde’s LBD reimagined for under $100! Happy Styling!

Fabulous In 4 Ways: A Metallic Faux Leather Pencil Skirt For The Ages From New York & Company!


I was so excited in August to share one of my newest categories, Fabulous in 4 Ways, especially since the debut post was dedicated to my good friend Laurie, as inspired by her fabulous lace-up knee boots from Victoria’s Secret!  Now, I’m talking about faux leather & pencil skirts, but before we dive into the outfits, I turned to some of my favorite celebrities to get some inspiration in how I would style such a classy & modern take on the figure flattering piece.

Kate Bosworth rocks a Proenza Schouler leather-trimmed pencil skirt at the brand’s New York boutique opening with a relaxed white blouse & strappy sandals.  The First Lady, Michelle Obama, wore a high-waist pencil skirt in navy with a cropped cardigan & purple top, while visiting a Wisconsin school.  Mad Men bombshell Christina Hendricks mixes her old school glamour with a Dolce & Gabbana blouse, red clutch, & classic black pencil skirt.

Total Recall star Kate Beckinsale plays with colorblocking with a chic H&M tank, Diane von Furstenberg turquoise skirt, & spiked neutral pumps.  Rashida Jones is polished & professional with a touch of menswear while making an appearance on Good Morning America, wearing a printed button down shirt & white pencil skirt.  Aussie starlet Cate Blanchett showed her support for Givenchy in a head-to-toe look with Roger Vivier heels.

Also, at Fashion Week for the upcoming Spring-Summer 2013 runway collections, the pencil silhouette was everywhere, as seen in Runway Rundown posts, including Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry Prorsum, Christopher Kane, & Oscar de la Renta.  Also, these pieces were shared by more fabulous designers like Nina Ricci, Tadashi Shoji, & Salvatore Ferragamo!

To recreate a pencil skirt look, I’ve selected the faux leather bronze pencil skirt ($59.95) in metallic bronze from New York & Company, which challenged me to find a way to wear this for work, day, date, & cocktail occasions.  If you want to get the most out of your wardrobe for the office, check out the zippered contrast sweater ($24.80) in black from Forever 21 with the short tab sleeves top ($24.80) in teal available @Windsor Store.  The colorblocking & relaxed details tone down the metallic texture of the skirt, especially when paired with Express‘ diamond texture body shaping full tights ($22.90) & suede cap toe chunky heels ($21.50) in black from GOjane.

The look to the right (above) is fun for a day with the girls or feeling like mixing it up because of the contrasting details in Lord & Taylor‘s CK JEANS cable-front cotton cardigan ($29.99) in black over the tab-sleeve plaid-chiffon shirts ($29.94) in black combo from Old Navy.  Of course affordable pieces like these can be reworked with skinny jeans or leggings & chunky accessories.  @Payless, I’ve found the Dexflex Maye strappy boot ($59.99) in black & Minicci micro fiber tights ($6.99) in burgundy to add some extra dimension while playing with trends this fall.

Depending on where you’re headed for a date, this kind of pencil skirt is perfect for an elegant & upscale look, without breaking the bank.  I’ve chosen pieces with luxe details to put this look together, including the Jennifer Lopez pleated mesh overlay tank ($19.80) in tuffet from Kohl’s & glitter lace almond tow pump ($38.50) in champagne from Charlotte Russe.  To complete the ladylike feel, I’ve added the round stone drop earrings ($13.60) @Cache & The Limited‘s zip around wallet ($29.90).

Don’t forget that pencil skirts are perfect for building a sexy cocktail look. Of course, a dress will save you lots of time, but to get the most out of your wardrobe, why not play with separates in unexpected ways with the snake-print tiered bustier ($88.00) in amethyst from White House Black Market, paired with the Emma WP platform pump ($39.99) from Bakers Shoes.  Also, I love Forever 21‘s looped drop earrings ($7.80), which look red carpet ready, especially with the Mossimo basket weave print clutch ($16.99) in black & white @Target.

How would you wear this pencil skirt? Are you following the metallics trend? What are your favorite work, day, date, & cocktail looks? 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

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!

Top 10 Celeb Sightings: Kate & Pippa Middleton Hit Wimbledon & More Royal Style!


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In my second post for Top 10 Celebrity Sightings, I’m super happy to share some more fabulous looks from fearless fashionista sisters, Duchess Catherine & little sis, Pippa Middleton.  I’ve made it no secret that I have a girl crush on P, but in an effort to share the style spotlight, I’ve also included some additional envious looks.  We’re spanning many different occasions here, from evening ensembles, red carpet looks, & sassy street style, so buckle up b/c it’s going to be a glamorous ride!

Check out: Anne Hathway in Givenchy, Kate Middleton in an ivory suit by Joseph, Charlene Wittstock in a gold gown, Diane Kruger in Azzedine Alaia, Freida Pinto in Raoul, Gabrielle Union in a red shift dress, Kelly Rowland in Christian Louboutins, Leslie Mann in Armani Prive, Pippa Middleton in Project D & Tory Bruch, & Victoria Beckham sporting her own design.

While I always loves me a Middleton duo, I have to admit that my favorite look is worn by Victoria Beckham.  The former spice girl & revolutionary designer knows how to wear a dress! Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: Tons Of Style At The Tony’s!


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Last night’s Tony Awards dazzled, sparkled, & even made history with former Private Practice star Audra Mcdonald winning her 5th Tony award, this year for Porgy & Bess.  Among the stars of the stage, big screen celebrities like Jessica Chastain in a risky sheer Marios Schwab dress & Amanda Seyfried in an accessorized Givenchy slipdress with embellishments.  Take a look at the gallery below & share with us your thoughts on some of the unconventional yet glamorous looks! Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Liv Tyler Rocks Out For The Latest Givenchy Campaign For ‘Very Irresistible’!


Liv Tyler has been a spokesmodel for the French label Givenchy for quite some time now.  She’s showing off her rock roots & killer style in a new ad campaign for the brand’s fragrance Very Irresistible. While singing along to “Need You Tonight,” originally recorded by INXS, she looks amazing & puts other promo ads like Charlize Theron for Dior & Mena Suvari for Christian Siriano to shame! The video reminds me of a mix of Rihanna’s style meets Michael & Janet Jackson’s “Scream.” Check out the video & give Liv’s vocal chops a listen! Happy Styling!

12/21/11 Darling of the Day: Blake Lively Hits The Streets of Boston in Diesel!


To help celebrate my 100th Darling of the Day post, I was searching high & low for a look that would suit most Style Darling & then this super chic image of Blake Lively came to me! The Gossip Girl star was out & about in Boston recently wearing a motorcycle jacket, lace-up boots, A Theodora & Callum scarf, Diesel jeans, & toted around an elegant Givenchy bag.

I’ve selected pieces for both women’s & plus sizes b/c style knows no shape- it knows all of them!  First off, the building blocks to pulling off this look include an essential baseball tee ($14.99) in black from Merona, available @Target, the (minus the) leather military bomber jacket ($82.80) from Express, & the Kut from the Kloth ‘Jennifer’ skinny jeans ($44.99) from Macy’s.  Both the jacket & jeans are reduced from their respective original prices of $138.00 & $79.00.

For my extra-curvy Style Darlings, I’ve picked out some equally-edgy plus size items that will take your wardrobe from girl-next-door to rocker-chic!  First off, head over to Forever 21 & check out their Plus21 department, which is where you’ll find the solid raglan top ($15.80) in black & fab skinny jeans ($13.50).  Also, @Jessica London, you can find the zip-trim leather jacket ($75.00) in black, but it’s also available in bold colors like amethyst, raspberry, blue, & coral in sizes 12-28.

The finishing touches on this look are easy to find, affordable to purchase, & most of all perfect for transforming a number of looks all season long.  The safari fringed printed scarf ($8.50) in grey / black is from Forever 21 & also comes in jade & blue options. The imitation leather messenger bag ($24.95) from H&M is perfect for carrying your iPod, Kindle, & some extra necessities when you’re on-the-go like Blake.  Lastly, the boots bring it all together!  The Fergalicious ‘Kerin’ boots ($17.49) are currently marked 75% off @6PM! Happy Styling!

Basics for a Bargain: Leather Pants Inspired by Gwyneth Paltrow, Ciara, & More!


Part of what I love about fall fashion is how stylishly we can embrace texture!  Wearing leather is a fabulous way to upgrade any cotton button-down from day-to-night, but when it comes to leather pants, we have some really awesome celebrity inspiration for a number of very fashionable looks.  Leather pants can certainly be made into an item for any style & it’s a great basic, if worn the right way.

If you’re preppy, add a gray cableknit sweater with some patent leather mary janes.  Or let the diva in you show off a lacey bustier top with your skinny leather pants & some major platforms.  Leather pants aren’t necessarily just for a rock & roll look, but they definitely add that extra splash of edge with a blouse, tweed jacket, or tunic top.

Jennifer Lopez is on the set of her latest music video, wearing Balmain leather pants with a metallic sweater from H&M & studded Christian Louboutin pumps.  With extra zipper details & stacked bangles, this look is very high-profile for day, but also party-ready for evening.  Fergie takes in a day of travel in caramel colored leather leggings, a Balenciaga printed top, gold sandals, oversized shades, & hoop earrings, all while sporting a tight bun, perfect for letting your outfit get all the attention.  Ciara leaves a New York City hotel wearing destroyed Rag & Bone trousers with a shirt by Equipment, Louboutin platforms, & tote by Givenchy. She looks effortless & veyr natural, not pairing her rich pants with anything too flashy.  Gwyneth Paltrow made an appearance on The Early Show, doing a cooking segment while promoting her new cookbook, wearing straight leg motorcycle pants by The Row & finished off her look in a printed silk top & feminine ballet flats.

I went on a hunt to find affordable leather / faux leather pants to upgrade the bottoms in any Style Darling’s wardrobe.  My main goal was to find something $100 or less & I came pretty close to that with these chic finds.  @Victoria’s Secret, the pencil pants in black are $59.50.  You could take a cue from the model in the picture & try on this style of leather pant with a heavy knit.  What makes leather look even more luxurious is the combination against neutral shades like gray or cream.

For $66.00, head over to Topshop for these faux leather skinny trousers which would look perfect with a graphic tee & menswear vest for day.  If you already wear knit leggings or jeggings, then you’ve got to have leather-inspired bottoms like these!  Marked down from $130.00, Bluefly has on sale the BCBGeneration faux leather skinny pants for $77.35.  These slim fit bottoms are especially stylish for a girl’s night out or date night with your beau.

Of course, I haven’t forgotten about my plus-size Style Darlings who can take advantage of the Jessica London leather jeggings @One Stop Plus.  These are available in sizes 12-28, but range in price from $119.99 – $139.99.  Considering that leather pants are a must-have basic, investing the money in just one pair will last you a long time & can be worn just about any season (but be careful on sticky, humid summer days!).

Since our celebrity-inspirations were also wearing leather pants in the brown family, I searched high & low to find affordable look-alikes, but could only come across the rich brown leather pants from Jamin Leather for $55.00.  Break out your favorite black tank, metallic accessories, & pointed toe pumps to dress these up & you’ll be on your way to a very luxurious fall!

Who do you think wears leather the best?  Would you wear leather or faux leather pants this season?  How much would you spend on them?  Do you think the leather leggings trend is over or just getting started?  Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: The 2011 Teen Choice Awards Go Glam!


At this weekend’s Teen Choice Awards, young Hollywood came out in full force style! Some of these ladies in line are going to be the next Gwyneth Paltrows, Julianne Moores, & Kate Hudsons of the red carpet.  This is evident in their choice of styling, but let’s get down to who’s wearing who!  First up is Twlight star Ashley Greene who sticks to the pencil dress trend in a color-blocked design by GivenchyZoe Saldana goes metallic in a belted Lanvin frock with shoes by the late great Alexander McQueenThe Vampire Diaires leading lady, Nina Dobrev, was probably my favorite in this figure flattering D&G dress with a Salvatore Ferragamo clutch.  Canadian singer Avril Lavigne does some shameless advertising for her brand, Abbey Dawn in a chic LBD & patterned peep toes.  However, it is a nice chang eof pace for the usual punky blonde.  The svelte star of CW’s NikitaMaggie Q, went all white in a two-piece Max Mara look with black & white pumps- very Mad Men looking, eh?

Next, Lucy Hale took a risk in this sparkling Cengiz Abazoğlu mini dress with Giuseppe Zanotti ankle strap platforms.  It-girl of the moment, Emma Stone, juggled her press tour for The Help, by showing up to the ceremony in a Christian Dior shift dress with jewelry by Irene Neuwirth.  Current In Style Makeover cover girl, Rachel Bilson, looked ultra-femme in a ruffled Chloe dress with Brian Atwood studded ankle booties.  Country crooner, Taylor Swift, channelled Marilyn Monroe in a Rafael Cennamo LWD halter & of course, donned Neil Lane diamonds & bowed silver peep toe pumps.  Last, but not least is Selena Gomez, looking all grown up in an asymmetrical Erin Fetherston minidress & strappy Brian Atwood sandals.

Which is your favorite look?  Who’s your favorite young Style Darling?  Are you loving the little white dress trend?  What’s your favorite black & white look?  For more scoop on red carpet glam, check out Red Carpet Review!  Happy Styling!

3/29/11 Darling of the Day: Zoe Saldana in a Leather & Denim!


 

Avatar star Zoe Saldana has made a huge mark on the fashion scene in the last two years, having wowed critics at the 2010 Academy Awards in a decadently intricate & colorful Givenchy couture gown in shades like glitttering blush, lush lavender, & regal plum!  Here we have a much more casual, yet polished ensemble, complete for daytime with an oversized Diane von Furstenberg hobo, Decades Denim jeans, a leather biker jacket, & leopard heels.  Even on the red carpet, she looks effortlessly minimal, but this look can easily be glammed up for night with a clutch & smokier eye.

I’ve picked out some very affordable pieces to help recreate the look, including a mesh tank as a suggested garment for under the uber chic jacket.  To get Zoe’s rich red smile, check out Sephora’s Make Up Forever Professional Paris Rouge Artist Intense!

For more of her fabulous & stylish looks, take a look at our previous Darling of the Day post on Zoe, as well as EW‘s Pop Watch, Elle, & People Style Watch! Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: Anne Hathaway’s Fabulous Oscar Costume Changes!


While the Oscar telecast may not have been the success that the Academy was looking for, there’s no doubt that Anne Hathaway failed to wow the audience in her eight different looks throughout the course of the night.  She began on the red carpet, on the arm of Mr. Valentino himself, wearing the designer’s bustled red strapless creation which makes the Oscar nominee’s skin glow like pearlized porcelain. You can even pre-order a knock-off of the red Valentino gown here on EDressMe for $375.00! The actress sparkled in designers like Tom Ford, Lanvin, Armani, Versace, Vivienne Westwood, Oscar de la Renta, & of course, Givenchy.  Thanks to her super celebri-stylist Rachel Zoe, I would have to say that Anne’s entire collection of looks stole the show.  Of course Natalie Portman looked like a goddess of a movie star & everyone was talking about Reese Witherspoon & Mila Kunis the next day, but it’s no surprise that Anne’s fashion star rose infinitely that night. This electric blue off-the-shoulder Armani number was probably my favorite, showing off Anne’s sophisticated & sometimes underestimated bombshell style.  We usually see her in red or soft creams, but this was a magical hue that I think some fashion critics should look back on.  Nobody, in my opinion, has pulled off a powerful blue like this in a long time.

For a full dossier on Anne’s red carpet highs & on-screen fashion, check out In Style, Style.com, & Celeb Style! Which look was your favorite of Anne’s during the Academy Awards?  Leave some comments!  Happy Styling!