This time of the summer is when retailers are rearing to go with the newest fall items for shoppers to clamor over. This includes trend items that might not stand the test of time, but there are definitely some worth seeking. For inspiration on the best of the newest arrivals for the next season, it’s easy to turn to luxury designers & brands. Those styles trickle down the price point pole & then look-alike items finally become affordable for a Style Darling on a budget.
One example is the lace-up ballet flat, a stylish option to help transition your wardrobe from summer to fall. The below styles range in prices from $685 (wowie!) to $24.99. These are examples of the next level of the ballet flat craze that’s obviously not going anywhere. What will designers think of next? A black ballet flat doesn’t have to be basic anymore, especially when styled with a little black dress or blouse & silk shorts ensemble.SHOP: 1. Gianvito Rossi flats @Neiman Marcus, 2. Sam Edelman flats @Bloomingdale’s, 3. MICHAEL Michael Kors flats @Macy’s, 4. lace-up flats @LOFT, & 5. SO flats @Kohl’s.
Which designers do you follow & invest in? What trends do you buy for less? Where are your favorite places to shop for shoes? What are you most looking forward to wearing for fall? Happy Styling!
There’s nothing more classic than a crisp button down shirt. An extension of this is the chambray shirt for summer. While the season is at its height (let’s ignore fall for just a moment, please), a menswear-inspired chambray shirt is the perfect piece to get optimal use of your wardrobe for a variety of occasions, like day, work, weekend, & date, which is why it’s featured in my latest addition of Fabulous in 4 Ways.
This post is inspired by an equally versatile friend, Meghan, who works boho princess / bombshell prep street style like nobody’s business. When challenged with how to wear a chambray shirt, I advised my very favorite & fashionable friend that any way that a button down shirt can be styled is also any way that a chambray shirt can be styled (depending on the cut, of course). Here are some examples of must-haves tops to build an affordable ensemble at any size:
When it comes to essential basics to fill your closet, it’s always valuable to turn to some top A-listers for a little style inspiration, in the form of the button down shirts for anytime. This includes the flawless likes of Taylor Swiftwho takes the girl next door approach in a skate skirt, red oxford shoes, & retro sunnies. Curvy Kim Kardashian West dresses down her turquoise pencil skirt & ankle strap pumps with a tucked in, low-cut button down for a fierce day look. Draper James creator Reese Witherspoonis all buttoned up while traveling with mixed textures of black denim, leather pointy flats, & a pink lip. Style icon Olivia Palermo makes an appearance at a Kohl’s event in a knotted shirt over a floral pencil skirt with suede pumps.
Mixing chambray with similarly-hued denim isn’t a no-no, as seen on Rihanna who looked sporty & chic in a leather baseball cap & nude slingbacks. Salem actress Ashley Madekweis all about layering with a mini skirt, ankle booties, brocade blazer, & red chain link crossbody bag. Guardians of the Galaxy star Zoe Saldanakept her cool in head-to-toe blue with cowboy boots & aviators when out & about. Lastly, busy mom on the go Jennifer Garneroffers a laid back combo in a chambray pullover shirt tucked into a pencil skirt with ballet flats & a luxe navy snake embossed bowler bag.
Now comes the real-life outfit possibilities. Chambray is so lightweight to wear from week to week, especially if you like to reinvent your favorite pieces in new ways. I styled each look with thechambray shirt ($19.50, was $69.50) @J.Crew Factory because it was not only a bargain, but also the best foundation for a polished & flirty look. Try tucking the shirt in for day by rolling up the sleeves, but on the weekend, open it up & knot it when heading to brunch.
Depending on your job’s dress code, chambray can make a casual Friday a little more elegant when tucked into a minimalist skirt with edgy extras, but then knot it over an LBD for date night to keep cozy with colorful accessories to pop.
Eva Mendes is one busy woman- not only is she a mother, girlfriend of Ryan Gosling, fashion designer (for New York & Company), & cosmetics mogul (for Circa), she’s also a spokesmodel for Estee Lauder‘s New Dimension Skincare line, including serums & cosmetics to enhance the look of your skin. The Cuban-American beauty is flawless in the ads, featuring her warm honey complexion, killer cheekbones, & natural glow. When talking about her interest in representing the products (ranging in price from $58-$89), Eva shares with Estee Lauder her own experiences getting to know her face as an actress with, “I have an angular face and I kind of had to learn which angles were which, and how I could work that into a scene,” she continues. “It’s probably what was attractive to me about becoming an actress—the art of transformation.”
The actress made an appearance at a Miami mall to promote the line in a timeless Grecian-inspired Halston Heritage dress with pink ankle strap heels, discussing her experiences as a new mother & turning 40. Later in the day, Eva was spotted at the airport, looking every bit elegant as ever in a belted printed shirtdress & sandals. Though she’s known for her sexy roles & stylish magazine covers, any Style Darling can appreciate the busy day-to-day life of the working woman who’s just trying to take care of herself. For more on Eva’s beauty philosophy, check out Estee Lauder’s interview here.
While there’s snow outside during this first week of spring, I have my eye on transitioning between seasons with the color white. Celebrities have made winter white super white-hot, but as we move into the warmer season, a bright pop of white, when it comes to separates, a dress, a full on monochromatic look, & accessories, will certainly look fresh & stylish.
Also, white isn’t just for brides since it works to brighten any skin tone, as we can see during the latest red carpet appearances of some of our favorite A-listers, especially in gorgeous white dresses & gowns.
Shailene Woodley stunned in an ivory silk & organza gown with an open back by Ralph Lauren Collection (shop here) at the London premiere of Insurgent. Supermodel Karlie Klosswent minimal in a white & black accented Tom FordFall 2015 Collection cut-out column gown at the Brit Awards red carpet. Brit beauty Elizabeth Hurley hit the red carpet in a white curve-hugging lace-paneled pencil dress with Chopard diamonds, a metallic clutch, & gray pointy toe pumps at the NYC premiere of The Royals. Actress Olga Kurylenko was gorgeous in a sleeveless white midi length dress with a hot pink ombre clutch & metallic rose pumps at The Winter Music Brit Party 2015.
There’s nothing more classic than a white button down shirt, blouse, or t-shirt, but sometimes it’s adding that topper to your color blocked, playful, or formal looks that can transform your entire view on the staple must-have white top.
Fashion icon Gwen Stefanihit the street in a white sheer top with black zippered skinny jeans, an oversize shopper, & mesh open-toe booties in L.A. Singer Solange Knowlestook a risk in a white caped Balmain top (here) & belted wide-leg pants with a wooden clutch & black sandals at the Balmain Fall Winter 2015 show at Paris Fashion Week. Oscar-nominee Reese Witherspoonspent the day shopping in a white blouse with a floral flounced Dolce & Gabbana skirt, Tabitha Simmons basket weave wedges (shop here), & white leather bag from The Row. Author of The Divergent Series, Veronica Roth, wowed in an Ann Demeulemeester white blazer with a camisole, striped Michael Lo Sordo asymmetric skirt, Salvatore Ferragamo clutch, Tory Burch sandals, & Le Vian jewels.
Wearing white on the bottom is sometimes a big risk, but try mixing up skirts, trousers, & jeans in a quality fabric to get the most out of your favorite blouses, sweaters, & crop tops.
Modern Family actress Sarah Hylandlooked playful in a lavender busier top with a white midi skirt, bejeweled clutch, & mint green Bionda Castana pumps (shop here) at the 32nd Annual Paleyfest. Style blogger / actress Jamie Chungtook her adorable pup for a walk in a striped tank by twenty with a white midi length skirt, leather moto jacket, cut-out booties by Sol Sana (here), & black leather shoulder bag. Fashion it-girl Olivia Palermoshowed her support for the Chalayan Fall Winter 2015 show during Paris Fashion Week in an oatmeal turtleneck knit with a white leather fringe midi-length pencil skirt, a white clutch, lavender pumps. Academy Award winner Julianne Moore was effortless in a navy sweater & blazer with white trousers & a long pendant necklace.
There are even those who have dares to wear head-to-toe white in a chic, sleek monochromatic look, playing with menswear inspiration, volume & cut-outs, & soft edges.
Designer Victoria Beckhamshowed off her own Victoria Beckham design in a high neck sleeveless dress with cut-outs, a full skirt, & white pointed toe platform pumps at the amfAR Hong Kong gala. Dancing with the Stars alum Julianne Houghmixed menswear in a semi-sheer A.L.C. blouse with flared trousers & Kurt Geiger snakeskin pumps (shop here) for an appearance on Extra. Cinderella star Lily James was ethereal in a Camilla & Marc white top (shop here) & skirt with a statement gold necklace, Jennifer Fisher rings, & metallic sandals at a Cinderella event. At the House of Cards season premiere in London, Robin Wright looked sleek in a white suit with a black cami & python pumps.
Aside from the red cart, white stunned on recent runways during Fashion Weeks across the world, especially in gorgeous dresses from the collections of Roland Mouret Spring 2015 Ready-To-Wear, Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2015 Couture, & 3.1 Phillip Lim Fall Winter 2015.
Also, white separates glowed on the runway, especially in the catwalk shows from Jonathan Saunders Spring 2015 Ready-To-Wear, Honor Spring 2015 Ready-To-Wear, & Osman Spring 2015 Ready-To-Wear.
With all this celebrity & designer inspiration, it’s time to take the white idea to your wardrobe & on your must-have shopping list, starting with affordable dresses, perfect for a variety of shapes & sizes.
Step away from black tops & try these options in white to add a bright pop against a pencil skirt, pastel jeans, menswear trousers, or leather paneled leggings.
Now is the times favorite white accessories, including shoes like flats with a shirt dress, embossed sandals for a cocktail frock, wedges with jeans & a blouse, & pumps for an office look.
When breaking out new spring separates & jackets, a white bag or clutch is great to pair against primary colors, rich neutrals, soft pastels, & bold prints.
Wearing white jewelry is sure to pop against with any ensemble. Choose drop earrings for a party look, a statement necklace over a sheath dress, studs for a casual outfit, & bangles in mixed metallics.
One of the biggest bag trends for spring is the bucket bag, perhaps for the variety of fabrics, patterns, material, & detailed straps that can go into the spacious accessory. Although bucket bags have been around for quite a while, celebrities have been toting the bag around since last year. They’re perfect for traveling, when you’re on the go, or headed for out for lunch with the girls.
Just for fun, I wanted to share some gorgeous luxury bucket bags, which come in many forms, with many strap varieties, buckets, studs, & ties. Of course, these gorgeous & high quality bags are investment pieces, but when you’re shopping on a budget, they’re pretty steep when it comes to price tags.
And for those Style Darlings who are looking to upgrade their accessories collection for less with an affordable bucket bag, I’ve found these six picks, for $25.00 & under!
When it comes to new style resolutions for 2015, an easy way to spruce up a boring wardrobe or upgrade to a more mature style is to step outside of your comfort zone & that starts with prints. An attention to detail immediately shows off your personality & gives off a very positive first impression. I’ve learned (from shows like What Not to Wear) that when you put a thoughtful effort into what you’re wearing, you’ll have more confidence & the people around you will notice. I’d like to dedicate this post to my favorite cousin, Lisa, who has turned to me with advice & questions on how to dress more appropriate to her age, while shopping on a budget & discovering who she is through her own personal style.
When it comes to prints, there are a lot of opportunities to discover your personal style, which is why I turned to recent Spring 2015 Ready-To-Wear runway collections for a little inspiration of what’s trending this coming spring.
Of course, not all of these outfits are meant to be taken literally as inspiration, but it’s apparent that the range of prints, from classic to crazy, will instantly amp up any look, including those from Altuzarra, Dries Van Noten, Louis Vuitton, & Valentino.
Also, when it comes to prints, mixing separates with basics is the perfect way to build a variety of outfits for day, work, night, & weekend looks, as seen with these tops & sweaters on actress Jessica Alba, model Miranda Kerr, Glee star Lea Michele, fashion darling Alexa Chung, singer Gwen Stefani, & it-girl Kendall Jenner.
Also, A-listers know how to play with prints when it comes to bottoms, which is why I sought out chic printed shorts, skirts, & pants. Examples include The Americans star Keri Russell, Victoria’s Secret supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio, Oscar nominee Reese Witherspoon, TV personality Kelly Ripa, style icon Olivia Palermo, & actress / fashion blogger Jamie Chung.
And so… with a budget shopper in mind, I’ve searched high & low to find great deals on stylish printed separates. First, these printed tops are great building blocks to a more sophisticated look, when layered with staples like a military or moto jacket, flyaway cardigan or cropped bolero, or with leather leggings, tuxedo pants, dark denim jeans, or bootcut trousers.
Also, printed blouses are must-haves when you’d like to sport a clean, professional look. Not only do smaller patterns work on flowy toppers, but they’re great for when you really want to go all out with your prints & mix them with other bolder prints, like animal spots, polka dots, colorblocked stripes, & many more.
In these colder months, printed sweaters are a fun way to play with patterns, while also staying warm. Also, sweaters in different textures will surely show off a variety of colors to play with when it comes to accessories too!
When headed to the office in a dress or skirt outfit, try on a printed cardigan to wear open or closed over basics like a button down shirt, scoop neck tee, tie-neck blouse, or ruffled camisole.
When it comes to bottoms, we’re often so quick to pick out a pair of jeans or leggings, but wearing prints on your lower half is unexpected & certainly a way to get the most out of your solid tops, like a black turtleneck, three-quarter sleeve sweater, or pocket tee. However, printed skirts are fun since you can not only layer with neutrals, but also enhance your look with a pop of color.
Maxi skirts are everywhere & great when headed on vacation, to a day by the water, or lunch with the girls, which is why playing with printed maxi skirts has so many possibilities, especially with metallic gladiator sandals, riding boots with button details, & textured wedges.
For those who dare to wear shorts, think outside of the box with printed shorts in delicate fabrics. not only can these be perfect for day, but they’re easy to dress up with decadent pieces in lace, leather, & brocade.
Printed pants aren’t new, but not everyone gives them a chance, especially when concerned about emphasizing your assets in an unflattering way. However, loose-fitting pants in subtle prints are perfect for neutral tops & jackets when on the go. These are also great for pairing with ballet flats or pointy toe stilettos.
Lastly, I’m certainly not saying that anyone should abandon jeans in any way, but perhaps instead of wearing regular washes, try a printed jean, which will not only perk up a casual look, but will surprise those around you, especially when paired with a blouson top, graphic tee, or tunic sweater.
Must-have prints to have in your wardrobe, yet worn with caution, include polka dots, animal prints, graphics, modern florals, lace, stripes & chevron, tribal, plaid, & houndstooth. I even made a quick guide to learning prints, which will perhaps also serve as a chart on how to successfully mix prints too.
Jenny Packham is one of Britain’s top designers, famously worn by the likes of Kate Middleton, Emmy Rossum, Nina Dobrev, Kate Winslet, Taylor Swift, & Emma Roberts. Since it’s awards season, there’s no doubt that some, if not most of these looks will appear on the red carpet, especially at this weekend’s Golden Globes. The Pre-Fall 2015 Collection is full of gorgeous column gowns with plenty of sequin & beadwork detail, elegant belts, soft draping, metallic embellishments, & sophisticated pleats.
Among keeping your resolutions for the new year, something else & perhaps more stylish to look forward to is the Pre-Fall 2015 Collection lookbooks that hit the web last month & continue to send fashion critics & bloggers in a tizzy! I couldn’t help but gush over the recent images released by Project Runway winner Christian Siriano. The collection features any & everything luxe with lace details, metallic foil fabrics, fierce fringe, stunning coats, & timeless silhouettes that are sure to attract consistent celebrity clients of the designer, including Sarah Hyland, Christina Hendricks, Solange Knowles, & Mena Suvari. It’s hard to resist anticipating some of the formal pieces in the line for this season’s awards shows, especially when flawless nominees like Emma Stone, Amy Adams, Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, Viola Davis, & Lizzy Caplan are about to his the red carpet looking their best to celebrate an amazing year in entertainment.
I heard somewhere that 2015 is all about the 70s, & when you see the Alice + Olivia Pre-Fall 2015 Collection lookbook, it couldn’t be clearer. The line includes knotted blouses, maxi skirts, flowy dresses, fringe details, & deep-v necklines. These new separates are perfect for mixing & matching with plenty of other wardrobe essentials like skinny jeans, a boyfriend blazer, cigarette pants, ankle booties, a white tee, & pencil skirt. Fans of the brand include Sarah Hyland, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Alba, & Emily Blunt.
2014 is nearly over & I can’t help but look back on the incredible names in fashion that the industry has lost, including the one & only Oscar de la Renta. This month, the lookbook for his Pre-Fall 2015 Collection debuted, & it’s nothing short of fabulous, continuing to celebrate the designer’s timeless legacy. De la Renta has been worn by some of the tops names in Hollywood, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Amal Clooney, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Chastain, & Zooey Deschanel. It won’t be a surprise to see these latest designs featured on A-listers for the upcoming Golden Globe, Screen Actor’s Guild, & Academy Awards ceremonies. The collection includes a chic blend of minimalist separates, sleek silhouttes, exotic & bright florals, as well as the sort of classic ball gown volume we’re used to seeing from the designer.
It’s awards season, which means that it’s time for the stars to weigh their red carpet options & many, many press appearances promoting the best films of the year. One line that’s sure to grab the attention of A-listers is Badgley Mischka‘s Pre-Fall 2015 Collection, which is why I’m sharing it first. It includes luxe gowns that are perfect for the red carpet, as well as chic frocks & sheath dresses for those token interviews & events leading up to the big night. The collection tells a lovely story with lace details, delicate architecture, fine lines, & classic silhouettes. These pieces would shine on a Style Darling of any age, including this year’s nominees like Into the Woods star Emily Blunt, awards season favorite Julianne Moore, & Game of Thrones heroine Emilia Clarke.
Jennifer Anistonis all over the fashion radar, promoting her newest films, Horrible Bosses 2 & Cake, the latter of which is generating a lot of Oscar buzz. However, during these appearances, our favorite Friend has been looking nothing short of glamorous, staying true to her go-to LBD style, as well as experimenting with bold colors & modern structure.
While hitting the red carpet for the comedy sequel in London, Jennifer stunned in a red & black Antonio Berardi one-shoulder dress with long earrings by Jennifer Meyer, an Irene Neuwirth cuff bracelet, & black patent leather pointed toe Christian Louboutin pumps (shop here). Also, across the pond, she played with separates in an ivory Bouchra Jarrar belted peplum top & a fitted black pencil skirt. Wowing in bubble gum pink, Jennifer attended a screening for Cake in a Calvin Klein frock, burgundy nails, & a pewter Christian Louboutin pointed toe pumps.
At an In Styleevent, Jennifer went mod in a plaid sheath dress, velvet knee boots, black tights, & chic black coat. She looked flawless in a Los Angeles in a black & white lace Zuhair Murad cocktail dress jewelry (again) by Jennifer Meyer, as well as the same pewter Louboutins. Lastly, wearing another lace embroidered dress by Zuhair Murad, Jennifer styled it with Irene Neuwirth earrings, a bracelet by Melissa Kaye Jewelry, & black patent leather pumps (again!) by Christian Louboutin.
Clearly, the actress has a favorite style of shoe, which is similar, if not the same as the Christian Louboutin Pigalle pump ($675.00) @Neiman Marcus. However, keeping a Style Darling shopping around for a go-to pump when making the rounds this holiday season, I’ve found a comparable & affordable alternative that won’t break the bank!
There were so many styles to choose from, but I especially found the Jessica Simpson Adeni pumps ($39.99) @6PM the best price & classic look for any street-ready, cocktail party, or office ensemble.
Pastels don’t only belong to spring time. They’re the perfect color palette for winter, paired with metallics when you’re looking to avoid an uber-holiday-inspired outfit. Also, pastels this time of year isn’t such a crazy fashion risk when you think about cuddly sweaters against the outdoor snowy landscape.
Some of our favorite celebrities have turned to pastels when hitting the red carpet or making a street style splash. Fashion it-girl Olivia Palermo mixed a white Dior jacket with a ruffled pastel skirt & blinged out belt. Young actress Elle Fanning played with pastel hues with a houndstooth dress, blue jacket, & floral heels by Miu Miu. Scandal actress Kerry Washington was a knockout in a lace & brocade Oscar de le Renta gown & matching pink minaudiere.
Camilla Belle stole the spotlight in a pale green Gucci crop top & matching skirt with gold metallic sandals. Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o made a splash at Fashion Week in a pale purple Calvin Klein sweater dress with a gray clutch & matching strappy sandals. The always glamorous Victoria Beckham showed off a relaxed separates look in a white t-shirt & blue wide leg trousers by Malene Birger.
If that isn’t proof enough that pastels belong to the colder months, plenty of designers displayed Fall Collections featuring pale pink, periwinkle, lilac, mint, winter white, & yellow. This includes pastels featured on the runway by Reed Krakoff, Rebecca Taylor, Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Ermanno Scervino, & Gucci.
I put together some outfits, inspired by some of the prettiest pastel colors in stores this season. Of course, there are other hues to make any Style Darling swoon, but the working pale blue, winter white, blush pink, & mint green into your winter wardrobe will make everyday staples like rhinestones & sparkles, as well as cold weather accessories really pop.
Lastly, to break up the monotony of this chillier season, add a splash of pastel to your wardrobe with a winter coat. While black & grays have their place in a classic must-have closet, mix it up with the paler shades in rich textures like wool & leather.
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.
One of the most innovative, yet consistently classic designers I’ve ever seen is Carolina Herrera. Her designs are always flirty & feminine, yet there’s a modern element that shows her relevance among the top players in fashion. Her latest presentation of the Spring Summer Ready-To-Wear 2015 collection for this season’s New York Fashion Week(#NYFW) was just that & more. In her own words, the line explores “full bloom,” using the technology of digital prints with bold flower inspiration over seemingly watercolored floral details on each look. Also, the soft blend of pastels against luxe & dramatic separates make this a truly beautiful runway experience, one that I would’ve loved to see in person in motion.
As you an see fro the video, as well as the gallery & slideshow below, there’s an effortless blend of futuristic mosaic cuts with paneling & refined grace that exists in the collection. Sometimes florals can be matronly, but this show appeals to Style Darlings of any age who seek elegance with high style. It’s no wonder why Herrera has a loyal celebrity following that includes Renee Zellweger, Emmy Rossum, Jordana Brewster, Camilla Belle, Olivia Palermo, & many more!
What better way to celebrate New York Fashion Week(#NYFW) than with some true American style brought to you by Long Island-native & Americana designer, Michael Kors & his gorgeous show for Spring Summer Ready-To-Wear 2015. I was taken away on a sunshine-filled & romantic adventure into his world, with the whimsy & crispness of the collection’s effortless throwback to the 1950s with cinched waists & fuller skirts. The Peter Pan-collar is certainly a big trend for spring, as well as easy neutrals with a pop of opulence, which can translate to daywear & party looks. Not to mention that these pieces are sure to hit the red carpet & editorials, attracting the A-lister likes of Blake Lively, Taylor Swift, Emma Stone, & Keira Knightley.
The following videos include a behind-the-scenes look at how the style comes to life through hair & makeup, an interview with the designer himself, as well as a dazzling runway presentation, sure to make any prepster or vintage queen giddy in their seats.
To shop for Michael Kors designs, be sure to check out retailers like Macy’s, Nordstrom, Dillard’s, Net-A-Porter, Neiman Marcus, & Harrod’s. However, don’t let the prices scare you off since the classic, clean looks from this runway are easy to inspire a budget shopper, especially with pieces like a staple button down shirt, a neutral leather belt, & dark denim separates.
SHOP: 1. Gianvito Rossi flats @Neiman Marcus, 2. Sam Edelman flats @Bloomingdale’s, 3. MICHAEL Michael Kors flats @Macy’s, 4. lace-up flats @LOFT, & 5. SO flats @Kohl’s. 
