Contrary to popular style belief, sometimes the most fashionable looks aren’t necessarily the fanciest. I’m of the mindset that style should exist on the daily & even on my most casual of days off, I take care of myself in the best way I know how—comfortably! Still, on those days, I have things to do like see my family or prepare a dinner date night with my boyfriend, so even if I give my face a break & go makeup-free, I like to put together an easy breezy outfit (comfy top & jeans perhaps) with unexpected twists (usually in the form of accessories).
Actress Rachel Bilson is showing her casual style with a combination of no-fuss neutrals with denim, heather gray, tan, black & silver during a sunny afternoon in Beverly Hills. Typically, one might not think these colors work together, but the Nashville / former Hart of Dixie / The O.C. it-girl knows how to style even the simplest seeming looks, especially with Old Navy’s $40 Rockstar skinny jeans! Earlier in the week, I featured Blake Lively mixing her high-low look with the same jeans in a darker wash!
Where do you like to shop for you favorite go-to jeans? Are you a fan of Old Navy’s Rockstar skinny denim? Which celebrity style appeals most to you? For more fashionable celebrity posts, check out how to recreate looks from Blake Lively & Jennifer Lawrence, as well as mixed prints on Jamie Chung & Olivia Palermo. Happy Styling!
Aside from Fashion Week & the general change of seasons (which marks ankle bootie & rich textures like suede time of year), September means that our favorite television shows are returning to make us laugh, cry, sit at the edge of our seats, & of course, be in awe of the characters’ styles. In a first ever on Style Darling, I’ve undertaken a mighty 10 television shows returning this season & found their most stylish leading ladies (two, in some cases), & found pieces & looks to inspire your fall wardrobe. Naturally, we’re talking something budget-friendly, yet still true to the small scree goddesses that have bloggers everywhere in a fashion tizzy!
Scandal(airing Season 4 premiere on 9/25 @9PM on ABC) left Olivia Pope (played magnificently by the one & only Kerry Washington) washing her hands of the controversy & turmoil that she blames herself for in Washington D.C., especially because of her torrid love affair with the president. However, Olivia’s style was only elevated by such drama, sharing with viewers the importance of a luxurious coat collection, classic & statement handbags, as well as clean lines & neutral separates since Olivia is all about getting rid of the fuss in people’s lives.
New Girl(airing Season 4 premiere on 9/16 @9PM on FOX) will surely tackle that whole Jess-Nick romance, even though the adorkable couple ended things last season. Now that Zooey Deschanel‘s character has certainly settled into her man-dwelling apartment, she’s constantly battling life with one vintage look after another, & laughter is sure to ensue. Not to mention that Jess’s girlie girl style fits right in with her job as a teacher, always conservative yet cute for partying it up after hours.
The Mindy Project(airing 9/16 @9:30 on FOX) is one of my favorite must-see shows this fall, not just because the brilliant Mindy Kaling writes a hilarious ensemble comedy, but because the show is after the hearts of its viewers with the on-again-off-again love story with one Danny Castellano, played by Chris Messina. Yes, there’s laughter too, but I’m also super excited to see what Dr. Lahiri (Kaling’s character) will wear. She’s no stranger to bright colors, wild patterns, feminine florals, & layers of preppy chic style.
Revenge(airing 9/28 @10PM on ABC) is returning this fall & Emily Thorne (played by Emily Vancamp) is back & stronger than ever in her plot against the Graysons. I love that her style recalls the effortless ease of a modern day Grace Kelly, with a luxe twist on casual wear. She wears plenty of neutral colors & no-fuss separates so that she can easily slip into scheming mode with the movers & shakers of The Hamptons setting. I love watching out for the designer pieces on this show, especially on additional key characters like Victoria (Madeline Stowe), Charlotte (Chrsta B. Allen), & Ashley (Ashley Madekwe).
When I started assembling these pieces, I realized that they have various uses, for both day & night, as well as creating looks from season-to-season. While most of our lives won’t be centered around law-breaking revenge schemes, the closest we can get to the fabulous life of Emily Thorne is recreating her style with the colorblock roll sleeve shirtdress ($109.99) in cream puff @Ann Taylor, MOD.lusive ruched sleeve long cardigan ($42.00) in white @Nordstrom, v-neck blouse ($24.95) in powder beige @H&M, & true slim chino pants ($44.99) in khaki @Land’s End.
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Nashville(airing 9/24 @10PM on ABC) is the kind of show that not only inspires music, but also fashion. Southern style is loud & clear with this show, especially when it comes to an edgy look & a splash of rock ‘n roll. The show’s leading ladies Rayna James (Connie Britton) & Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere) are constantly at odds, but one thing is clear, they know how to dress. I was especially inspired by the flashy stage looks & modern casual separates that can be jazzed up for a night of music. The last season ended with both divas in trouble, both professionally & personally, but I can’t wait to see what’s gonna happen next.
2 Broke Girls(airing 10/07 @9PM on CBS) combines two of my favorite things: cupcakes & fashion! The comedy’s stars Beth Behrs as the preppy / fashion forward Caroline Chaning & Kat Dennings‘ loveable bad girl Max Black make for the perfect modern day odd couple, just trying to get back. Caroline is always neutral clad, doused in pearls & body conscious dresses, whereas Max’s fashion sense takes on a tougher city vibe in bright primary colors & boots, with a touch of menswear inspiration.
The Good Wife(airing 9/21 @9PM on CBS) keeps raking in the Emmy awards, especially with a constantly compelling performance for the show’s lead, Julianna Marguliesas the powerful Alicia Florrick. Her wardrobe includes power suits & strong jackets, much like Scandal‘s Olivia Pope. In Alicia’s world, there’s no room for floral or fussy pieces. She’s all about structure & strength, so edgy embellishments have no place among the clean details & clean lines.
Modern Family(airing 9/24 @9PM on ABC) is a comedy must-see, especially because of the show’s female leads. When it comes to style, of course there’s always a cute outfit on Sarah Hyland’s character Hailey, but the real sex-pot changing the look of a stay-at-home mom is Sofia Vergara‘s Gloria. Gloria often steals the spotlight from her family members, especially when it comes to showing off her curves in wrap dresses, V-neck tops, & skinny jeans.
Elementary(airing 10/30 @10PM on CBS) is a modern day New York City-based take on the classic Sherlock Holmes stories & what’s extra awesome about this version is that the science-minded Watson is played by kick-ass actress Lucy Liu. Instead of John, she’s a Joan who develops an intense partnership with Holmes (Johnny Lee Miller) while they’re soling crimes all over the city. Aside from her brilliant mind, I love her on-the-go style which often includes dark, layering pieces, always with a chic pair of booties.
Hart of Dixie(2015 on The CW) is the last show that I’m sharing & it doesn’t have a set premiere date since star Rachel Bilson, who plays the quirky city doctor Zoe Hart, is expecting her first child & filming seems to be halted. However, I love her character’s edgy side with dark, modern cuts in tops & leather shorts, as well as dark colors in mini & maxi dresses. She’s an accessories queen with chunky necklaces, embellished details, & the highest heels in sandals & booties imaginable. Also, it’s hard to ignore Lemon Breeland, played hysterically by the one & only Jamie King. Lemon’s style is true to the Alabama debutante ladylike way. She loves florals, sparkle, & vintage-inspired looks with a bold lip & finger curls.
It’s been quite the fashionable fall, & there’s just too much to talk about, but I’m sure that these top 10 images in my latest gallery are sure to blow away even the most critical of style critics. As signs of autumn have never been more present here on Long Island, it’s impossible not to look to the most buzzed about celebrities without some major fashion envy. Some of the favorites from the last week or so include a dressed downSelena Gomezin a white t-shirt with olive buckled leather pants fromRachel Zoe Collection, gold hoops byMelinda Maria, & black leather sneakers, as well as Oscar-winnerNatalie Portmandonning a cashmere sweater with a silver brocade full skirt byChristian Dior & blackCharlotte Olympia pumps. Also, I’m loving the formal styles of Carrie Underwood‘s beaded blue number byRandi Rahm, Diane Kruger‘s graphic print frock byCushnie et Ochs, &Michelle Williams‘ sleek LBD fromLouis Vuitton.
I’m a huge fan of Nashville & think it’s appropriate that the show’s petite star, Hayden Panettiere, is Glamour‘s May 2013 cover girl. The newly engaged star talks to the magazine about shedding her cheerleader image from her years on Heroes, as well as playing the bad-girl-with-a-heart Juliette Barnes on Nashville.
In a photo shoot with Peggy Sirota, we see a beach-ready Hayden in summer looks, including pin-up-inspired separates & an edgy cut-out swimsuit. She’s candid about growing up in the spotlight, her parents’ divorce, as well as her relationship with fiance, WladimirKlitschko.
I couldn’t decide which October 2012 issue to feature in my next Cover Craze post, so I searched the web for a bunch of covers, which helps cover a lot of bases. Anyway, I’ve just about finished filing through the heaps of pages from the ripe September issues & can now start sorting through what October has to bring, especially considering the fact that we’re nearing the official start of fall this weekend! I’ve selected only 6 October issues so far b/c this is what I’ve received in the mail & I’m still super anxious to see what’s going on with In Style, Shape, Harper’s Bazaar, & Allure.
Be sure to check out Nashville star Hayden Panettiere on the cover of Women’s Health, where she talks about how she’s dealt with the rise to fame from child star to leading lady. Also, get your girl friends together for a gossip session when you’re looking at the very umm… informative issue of Cosmopolitan with New Girl actress Zooey Deschanel on the cover, looking all sorts of adorkable, as always. I’m loving Emma Watson‘s grown out pixie cut right now & that she’s taking some very youthful, but elegant fashion risks in her article for Glamour. Did anyone see her on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon promoting her new movie, Perks of Being a Wallflower? Adorbs!
For the season fashion mag reader, Keira Knightley continues her reign as period drama princess while talking about her latest film, Anna Karenina, as the role of a lifetime for Vogue. Gwen Stefani proves that she’s still got it for Marie Claire, baring her abs (two babies later!) while No Doubt preps for their long-awaited comeback. Check out the music video for their latest single “Settle Down” here! Lastly, Britney Spears puts her pout to good use with the help of some stylists for Elle, showing off a combination of some pop / rock star style & talks about her latest gig as a judge on X-Factor alongside British grump, Simon Cowell. Which magazine cover is your favorite? Who do you turn to for the best advice on fall fashion? Happy Styling!