Tag Archives: menswear inspiration

Fashion Flashback: Cara Delevingne’s Best Pants Looks for Her 30th Birthday!

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While there are so many fabulous & swoon-worthy red carpet gowns to post about, a suit or pant look is a modern, daring, & stylish take on representing one’s self, as well as appearing professional with an edge. Case in point: model / actress Cara Delevingne (currently on the second season of Only Murders in the Building) celebrates her 30th birthday today & I can’t think of anyone more fashionable who pulls off suit & pants looks with more polish & punk than her.

The Paper Towns star often coordinates her pants with lace or cut-out blouses, crop tops, no top at all, corsets or body paint, decadent jewelry, strappy shoes, or towering heels. She’s the most rock & roll model / actress on the red carpet today & I can’t wait to see what she does next: in her career & with her androgynous style.

Cara can be seen next in the action film The Climb & thriller Punk! What do you think of Cara’s style? Do you opt for menswear inspiration over a tradition dress? For more celebrity posts, check out: a fashion flashback tribute to Olivia Newton-John, Stranger Things star Sadie Sink on the September cover of FASHION magazine, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel actress Rachel Brosnahan in a head-to-toe Loewe look, & Selena Gomez’s orange sequin outfit by LaPointe in Italy! Happy Styling!

07/17/2015 Darling of the Day: 5 Ways to Wear Chrissy Teigen’s Summer Menswear Separates!

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Chrissy Teigen is winning the internet right now & why shouldn’t she be? The model / TV personality is all things gorgeous & brilliant with her impeccable style, legs for days, & eff-you sense of humor- no wonder hubby John Legend keeps writing songs about her! However, Style Darling is posting today to share Chrissy’s effortless menswear-inspired separates that she’s been sporting this summer (& last year too!). Like most curvy girls, I’m a little skeptical about wearing shorts, but reinterpreting Chrissy’s shorts + blazer + heels style seems to be a feasible possibility. I’ve scoured the web to find affordable separates to recreate her looks in 5 interchangeable & fashionable ways!

Chrissy Teigen in shorts, a blazer, & heels. Chrissy was flawless in a pair of gray high-waist shorts, a cream blouse, & shorts with jewelry by Jennifer Meyer & lace cap-toe Kurt Geiger pumps at the NASDAQ Opening Bell in New York City. Last year, she rocked a cream shorts, a white A.L.C. blouse, jewelry by EF Collection & Vita Fede, & white pumps. Also in 2014, Chrissy wasn’t afraid of playing with texture in leather shorts by Halogen with an ASOS blazer, Givenchy bag, Express necklace, & black pointed toe pumps. Then, she combined a white tee with denim cut-offs & an ivory double-breasted blazer with a taupe fedora, studded white purse, & neutral mules. For the Cannes Film Festival, Chrissy was carefree in white shorts with a plunging top, blush blazer, ankle strap sandals, & sunglasses.

Shorts, blazers, heels, oh my!SHOP: LOOK 1. blazer ($24.99, was $59.00) in gray @Urban Outfitters, top ($7.00, was $17.95) in white @H&M, shorts ($14.99, was $29.50) in white eyelet (also available in navy, shop plus size here) @Dress Barn, & shoes ($12.49, was $30.99) @Charlotte Russe. LOOK 2. blazer ($20.00, was $50.00) in black @Boohoo, top ($10.83, was $21.28) @Romwe, shorts ($6.99, was $12.99) in black (also available in taupe & blue) @H&M, & shoes ($15.00, was $39.99) in brown (also available in silver) @Payless. LOOK 3. blazer ($24.80) in gray (also available in cream, burgundy, & black) @Forever 21, top ($4.99, was $29.99) in gray (also available in green, pink, & blue) @MANGO Outlet, shorts ($4.44, was $14.80) in khaki @Forever 21, & shoes ($35.00, was $70.00) in black @ALDO shoes. LOOK 4. blazer ($30.00, was $59.98) in nude @Missguided, top ($5.99, was $14.00) in black (available in other colors, &up to size 2x) @JC Penney, shorts ($12.00, was $26.94) in green (also available in black & white, up to size 20) @Old Navy, & shoes ($20.53, was $27.40) in taupe (also available in red & black) @GOjane. LOOK 5. blazer ($24.05) in white (also available in blue & peach) @ChicNova, top ($5.99, was $12.99) in blue (also available in white) @Charlotte Russe, shorts ($14.99, was $26.00) in black / white (also available in other patterns) @JC Penney, & shoes ($14.97, was $39.00) in black @Nordstrom Rack.

What do you think of Chrissy’s style? How do you like to wear menswear? Do you feel comfortable in shorts? For more stylish posts, check out a nine-piece outfit for under $100, Reese Witherspoon’s recent Draper James street style, summer-ready totes for $20 & under, & Chloe Grace Moretz’s Coach look. Happy Styling!

11/21/2014 Darling of the Day: The Ultimate Olivia Palermo Gallery, Featuring Over 300 of Her Most Stylish Looks!

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In a world where reality stars (sometimes unfortunately) rule pop culture, there’s one who’s made an everlasting mark on the fashion world. That’s reality star-socialite-style-icon-fashion-blogger, Olivia Palermo. She’s been on the fashion radar for years & there’s nothing she can’t wear. Whether it’s mixing prints, playing with texture, donning luxe furs, bringing back the belt, taking risks with pops of color, & experimenting with every type of shoe under the sun, her style & beauty is utterly flawless.

Olivia PalermoThe designer darling is a favorite on the red carpet & of photogs’ when it comes to street style. Her level of sophistication is equal to haute couture gowns at the Cannes Film Festival & a casual day walking her dog in skinny jeans & ballet flats. Ever since I started gathering fashionable photo galleries on Style Darling’s Facebook page, I couldn’t help but think about Olivia’s masterful style strategy for taking over the web with one frock at a time.

Check out the gallery below, along with the inspiring slideshow, which can influence any tired wardrobe looking for a change. Rethink a metallic belt, statement necklace, chic coats, lace-up booties, peasant skirts, & a classic tote when putting together your ensemble with basics like a printed scarf, white button down, leather leggings, sparkly LBD, suede knee boots, & tortoise sunglasses. Not to mention that her effortless expression through fashion goes beyond trends since she can wear anything, including menswear, boho chic, minimalist, classic Hollywood, beachy, preppy, bombshell, city casual, utilitarian, girl next door, & ultra chic- all in the same week!

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Since there’s just so much style-wise to examine about Olivia’s constantly gorgeous looks, I’ve put together some affordable ways to upgrade your style with go-to pieces that she wears, & isn’t afraid to be seen wearing out & about more than once, making her wardrobe function for multiple occasions!

Olivia Palermo-inspired pieces.Shop: little black dress ($65.00) @Lulu’s, bib necklace ($20.00) @Charming Charlie, jacquard skirt ($40.00) @Topshop, peep toe bootie ($26.87) @GOJane, Calvin Klein belt ($20.99) @Bluefly, slim leg pant ($26.47) @New York & Company, rose print scarf ($17.94) @Express, cowlneck sweater ($27.80) @Forever 21, faux fur vest ($39.95) @H&M, tote bag ($27.00) @Old Navy, button down shirt ($30.32) @ASOS, zipper jacket ($41.30) @Dress Barn, & leopard flats ($19.99) @JC Penney.

For more on Olivia Palermo, check out her official blog, as well as Facebook, Twitter @TheRealOliviaP, Pinterest, & Instagram @oliviapalermo to see more of her sensational style! Also, for all the latest from Style Darling, take a look at recent posts, including pastels for winter featuring designs from Rebecca Taylor & Chanel, as well as red carpet inspiration from Kerry Washington & Elle Fanning, all-in-one cosmetic kids for the holidays from Sepha & Victoria’s Secret, cold weather accessories from Express & Forever 21, & Anna Kendrick’s beachy cover shoot for Marie Claire‘s December issue! Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: A Fall-Ready Textured Jacket, Featuring Alice + Olivia Vs. Dress Barn!

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Since my closet space is already limited & bursting, I only have a few must-haves on my fall wardrobe shopping list. However, when it comes to textured jackets, it kind of becomes an impulse buy only because I have a historical love affair with cardigans. But one such jacket has left an impression on me & I had to have it, which only made me happier for my choice upon the discovery that it was already a luxury brand imitation at a much more affordable price.

Bergdorg Goodman - Alice + Olivia Burma tween jacket $550.00. Dress Barn - collared shawl jacket $44.00.

At Bergdorf Goodman, one can acquire the Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet Burma tweed jacket ($550.00) to don the original design, which is a very beautiful combination of menswear inspiration & the sort of modern interest that affords staple everyday separates. My latest addition was the shawl collared jacket ($44.00) from Dress Barn, which I was happy to buy in one size smaller for a sleeker fit on my arms, without having to break the bank either. Also, for shoppers looking to save a little extra, use code jkt25 for an additional 25% off when ordered online. One thing that I love about shopping with Dress Barn is that there’s free shipping anytime your online order is shipped to a store location.

Now, I recognize that these aren’t identical designs, but the mixture of a heavy fabric that wears lightly is the main appeal, along with the endless styling possibilities for both day & the office, transitioning perfectly for happy hour cocktails. I choose the H&M crepe dress ($29.95) in black, accessorized with the Sonya dress bootine ($34.99) in black from Payless & Francesca’s Bailey coil belt ($9.99).

For a chic day out, pair the jacket with basics like the collared surplice blouse ($17.80) from Forever 21, leggings ($24.90) in black from Gap (available in XS – XXL), & the round flat over-the-knee boots ($40.99) in black from Charlotte Russe. How would you style this jacket? What textures are you most drawn to for the upcoming cooler season? What fall trends are you shopping for? For more stylish posts, be sure to check out the latest runway show from Diane von Furstenberg, Warby Parker’s new fall eyewear collection, the fashionable international magazine covers for September! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Budget-Friendly Skirts For Fall ($30.00 & Under), Inspired by Chrissy Teigen, Michelle Dockery, & More!

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As much as I’m a fan of dresses, especially this summer since I’ve worn a dress most days of this season, I’m always pro-skirt, especially when it comes to transitioning from one look to another for a variety of occasions. This fall, I’m headed all over the place: the classroom, my academic job, my retail job, an internship in NYC, & wherever my personal life takes me. I turned to some of the most stylish celebrities for a little skirt inspiration, both on the red carpet & when they’re showing off their street style. This includes Miranda Kerr‘s emerald green & violet matching separates(shop here) by Escada at the Escada Joyful event last month, supermodel Chrissy Teigen in a printed crop top & pencil skirt (shop here) by Milly with nude ankle strap sandals, & Lily Collins in a head-to-toe mix print look by Chanel while attending the label’s latest fall/winter runway show. Miranda Kerr, Chrissy Teigen, & Lily Collins.

Jamie Chung, Michelle Dockery, & Hilary Swank.

Also, there’s Style Darling Jamie Chung out & about in Los Angeles this summer in a black pleated midi-length skirt with a chambray top & accessories (shop here & here) by Loeffler Randall, Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery showing off her playful side in a look by Victoria Beckham with rings by Melinda Maria & EF Collection while attending the show’s photocall this summer, & two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank at the Marc Cain spring/summer 2015 show in a blouse & polka dot skirt by the designer with black patent pumps.

While I was flipping through the first wave of September issues of my favorite magazines, I came across a few ads that caught my eye & was suddenly inspired by skirts for fall. Here are a few of my top picks that are sure to work with your current wardrobe staples, as well as make a new statement about your fall style. Below, said skirt that inspired this post was the Worthington long pencil skirt ($19.99) in blue geo print from JC Penney, which I could imagine worn with a crisp white button down, a black t-shirt, or a cobalt pintucked blouse. To bring out your softer side, I choose the brushstroke print A-line skirt ($22.80) in black & cream from Forever 21 because it just screams Charlotte York to me!

Skirts from JC Penney, Forever 21, H&M, Target, & Dress Barn.

If you’re really looking to mix things up, try this metallic skirt ($29.95) in silver from H&M, which is a great investment for any time of year, paired with a pastel blouse (like that shown in the image above) or an embellished sweater for the holidays. The assymetrical zip skirt ($24.99) in black from Target is a modern twist on the classic, all-purpose pencil skirt, especially if you’re headed to an interview at a trendy office, or looking to dress up your favorite rocker tee. I’m also a big fan of this because it’s available in gray & sizes X-Small to XX-Large. Lastly, to work the menswear trend this fall, I picked the plaid pencil skirt ($30.00) from Dress Barn, which has hints of so many different colors that you can pop it with a regal purple top or make it work-ready with a navy cardigan. Also, this skirt is sold online & in-stores in plus sizes.

Which skirts are you most inspired by? How will you be wearing your separates this fall? Which celebrity skirt look is your favorite? Where will you shop for the new fall skirts? For more stylish reads, check out previous posts including Olivia Wilde’s Glamour September photo shoot, Lauren Conrad’s newest collection for Kohl’s, & If I Stay star Chloe Grace Moretz’s recent red carpet look! Happy Styling!

 

08/09/2014 Darling Of The Day: ‘If I Stay’ Star Chloe Grace Moretz!

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Summer is certainly in full swing, but we can look to the red carpet to see what’s coming for fall on our favorite celebrities. This includes the young & sophisticated Chloe Grace Moretz, star of the highly anticipated YA adaptation If I Stay. At a recent book signing, the actress wore tailored trousers with a multicolor shirt & metallic pumps. I was so inspired by this look, especially since I’ll be headed back to work next month & will need to start transitioning from sandals to stilettos.

Chloe Grace Moretz

Of course when you put a look like this together, you can reinterpret the separates in many different ways. The essential ingredients are easy: a button down shirt, tailored trousers, & pointy toe pumps. This  outfit would also be uber-chic if worn monochromatic in white or red, as well as using menswear inspiration.

LOFT top, NY&Co pants, & DSW shoes.

To achieve this look, I found some affordable pieces that can certainly be mixed & matched for a variety of looks for day, night, & anything in between. The floral tile softened shirt ($22.00) from LOFT is currently 60% off. While it doesn’t share the same glitz as Chloe’s sequined shirt, you an easily bling it up with some oversized jewels or pearls. The 7th Avenue City double stretch slim ankle pant ($54.95) from New York & Company are BOGO 50% off, & can be very work appropriate, as well as fun for a night out with an embellished top & strappy sandals. As for the shoes, I found the Heart Soul Gizelle pump ($24.94) in silver from DSW, which add that extra special posh touch.

What are your favorite menswear inspired pieces? How would you wear a look like this? Where are you shopping for your fall must-haves? Happy Styling!

Top 10 Celeb Sightings: Menswear, Black & White, & Cute Cocktail Frocks, Featuring Jessica Alba, Allison Williams, & More!

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The stars have been hitting the latest in Paris Fashion Week, while also making the rounds at various press events looking nothing short of fabulous. The latest trend for in-between-seasons is black & white pieces, whether it’s a one-piece colorblocked look, or timeless, menswear-inspired separates. Also, even though awards season has ended, the ladies of the red carpet are sure to be seen in the most photo-worthy frocks. Some of my favorite looks from the last two weeks includes Allison Williams in a Prabal Gurung silk set, Jessica Alba‘s Valentino jumpsuit, & Naomi Watts‘ little white dress look by Louis Vuitton.

Addition highlights include Les Miserables star Amanda Seyfried in leather & a pencil skirt, Revenge actress / fashion blogger Ashley Madekwe in a dress by Versus, Gwyneth Paltrow‘s age-defying leather leggings & Nicholas Kirkwood booties, Jessica Chastain in black & white, Lily Collins in a gold & black printed minidress, Fashion Star mentor Nicole Richie in her 80s-inspired separates, & Stacy Keibler celebrating the launch of Joe Fresh for JC Penney in a slim-leg suit.

Which look if your favorite? Do you like / wear the current black & white trend? Which runways have you been following during the international fashion weeks? For more from Top 10 Celeb Sightings, check out previous posts including red-hot looks worn by Cate Blanchett & Jennifer Lopez, LBDs on Krysten Ritter & Anne Hathaway, gorgeous red carpet looks on Emma Stone & Kerry Washington! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Affordable Flats For Any Occasion ($25 & Under)!

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‘Tis the season to be fashionable & when it comes to shoes, I love all styles, including flats. I’ve been lucky enough to find some great deals lately on late-summer designs, as well as the latest fall markdowns with trends like animal print, cap toes, colorblocking, embellishments, & neons.  Luckily, I was able to scope out these latest picks, all under $25 & are versatile enough for any occasion with some styling tweaks.

First off, I love me some houndstooth, which is why the Fergalicious Alana flats ($24.99) from 6PM are perfect for an office look with trousers & a blouse, a casual day with girlfriends with a cableknit sweater & skinny jeans, or a night in with your beau in a studded cardigan & jeggings.  The all over stone flat ($14.99) in lavender from Wet Seal is a mix of feminine & rock star, & is also available in turquoise, blush, pink, & black for up to $19.50. Break these out to dress up a denim skirt & pullover with a collar necklace, or for that retro-inspired shift dress you’ve been dying to wear!

The dexflex Claire scrunch flat ($24.99) from Payless are right up my alley, perfectly chic with a mix of cream & the metallic toe.  I’d pair this with a sequin top & neutral skirt, or to offset textured tights with a colorblock dress.  The Cyphers flats ($22.49) from ALDO are office-friendly with menswear-inspired tassles, but the playful fuchsia shade is just the right touch of pink to contrast a monochromatic look in navy or charcoal.  Since neon just isn’t going away, I just had to feature the neon toe ballet flats ($16.80) in nude/aqua @Forever 21, which are also sold in nude/pink & nude/yellow.  I’d recommend wearing these with a lace frock & thick belt or to play up your favorite pastel sweater dress.

Which flats are your favorites? What stores do you usually shop in when looking for flats? Do you gravitate towards the sale racks to find the latest markdowns? For more fabulous shoe posts, check out these pointy toe heels inspired by Katie Holmes & Sarah Jessica Parker, the best bargains for peep toe pumps, & GOjane’s crazy sale on booties! Happy Styling!

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

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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!

Basics For A Bargain: The Hottest Tops & Pants Looks Worn By Kristen Stewart, Alexa Chung, Kate Hudson, & More!

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I’ve never been a dress pants kind of girl- until lately.  I was always the girl walking around in a skirt or dress b/c those pieces were just always easier for me to find since I wear petite bottoms in most cases, but also have a curvy shape.  However, I’m inspired by these tops & bottoms (pants, more specifically) looks that I’ve been spotting on the most photographed & stylish celebrities.

This includes actress Rashida Jones in jewel-tone trousers by Theyskens’ Theory paired with a studded blazer, an eggplant blouse, Graziela earrings, a Dana Rebecca Designs ring, & metallic cap toe pumps.  This look says so much about her edgy, but conservative style.  The rich hues combined with the luxe fabrics make looking like you’re wearing pajamas with an 80s-esque jacket look super cool.  Next is K-Stew herself, Kristen Stewart, wearing a daring Balenciaga design with a Cartier bracelet, & sleek Christian Louboutins. Critics are calling this look a ripoff of the barely there bra-top & bare midriff look that the blonde-coiffed Miley Cyrus has been sporting, but I think The Twilight Saga star has got it right here. French import / Bond girl Berenice Marlohe is ravishing in colorblocked black with feathers & a white top by Alexander McQueen, Norman Silverman studs, & Sergio Rossi pumps. I love her smoky eye, yet mature Blake-Lively inspired beachy locks, providing a fresh take on an unlikely pairing.

Kate Hudson is a vision in Alexander McQueen menswear with towering Brian Atwood pumps at the Glee premiere in September, while donning a sexy lace cami underneath.  Style icon Alexa Chung has never looked sleeker in this Maje button-down shirt & slacks with minimalist black pumps- again another menswear-ish look that couldn’t be more fabulous.  Lastly, reality star Olivia Palermo is getting on board with the volume trend wearing an Elin Kling for Marciano oversized sweater with cropped pants, ankle-strap Gucci sandals, & tribal-inspired accessories.

I gave myself the daunting task (while the power could hold out during the crazy snow storm that hit the Northeast on Wednesday) to try & replicate these looks- all in one post! Of course, I’m still working on those PhotoShop skills, but I’m happy to share affordable versions of these six looks, which cost b/w $41.50 – $124.99. If you take a look below, you’ll see that I’ve recreated the pieces of clothing from Rashida’s look, including a textured Lark Lane foil-print zip jacket ($45.00) from JCPenney, the Honey Punch ‘high-waisted hopes pants ($42.00) in red from Lulu’s, & the LC by Lauren Conrad embellished chiffon blouse ($26.40) from Kohl’s. Kristen’s look was tougher to put together, but a daring Style Darling can certainly pull off the stretch lace bralette ($24.50) from Victoria’s Secret & pair it with White House Black Market‘s legacy bi-stretch modern bootcut pant ($49.99).

For Berenice’s look, I couldn’t find feathers, but the peplum trend was easy to put together when I found the laser cut dot peplum tank ($21.99) from Charlotte Russe & the Lauren Jeans Co. Biltmore trouser pants ($44.99) @Macy’s. A winter white tuxdeo on a budget was an even trickier ensemble to recreate, but Kate’s look wasn’t too far off when I found the Bar III three-quarter open-front tuxedo blazer ($26.99) from Macy’s & the White House Black Market modern bootcut tux pant ($98.00). Alexa’s look is comprised of pieces from Forever 21, including the tail hem shirt ($18.90) & coated trimmed trousers ($22.80). Lastly, Olivia’s look was perfectly timed now that heavy knits are in stores, & I selected The Limited‘s cowlneck poncho ($49.99) & Logan fit slim ankle pant ($49.99) from Banana Republic.

For more celebrity-inspired posts, check out features in Red Carpet Review, Darling Of The Day, & Top 10 Celeb Sightings.  Also, if you’re looking for the best ways to acquire an affordable wardrobe, take a look at updates blogs in Basics For A Bargain, Luxury Look-Alikes For Less, The $100 Challenge, & Splurge or Save?! Happy Styling!