Basics for a Bargain: The Plaid + Statement Necklace Combo for Fall, Inspired by Katy Perry, Rachel Zoe & More!


My posts are a bit far & few between these days- I’m working on my grad thesis, but that hasn’t stopped me from being inspired to expand my wardrobe & accessories choices this fall. The season is certainly in full swing & I’m thinking about my cozy / glam look for Thanksgiving. I have the plaid + statement necklace combination on the brain, especially since my statement necklace obsession is at its peak. Who wouldn’t be too? There’s so much inspiration every time I check out my favorite celebrity style blogs & Pinterest, when style stars are winning the statement necklace game. This includes the always flawless Olivia Palermo, The Honest Company founder Jessica Alba, pop star Katy PerryThe Real cohost Adrienne Bailon, the fearless Rihanna, former Gossip Girl actress Leighton Meester, model Amber Rose, & stylist / designer Rachel Zoe

Olivia Palermo, Jessica Alba, Katy Perry, Adrienne Bailon, Rihanna, Leighton Meester, Amber Rose, & Rachel Zoe.I couldn’t NOT share some of my favorite street style images from Pinterest, which have inspired this latest post. There are so many different color combos & metal choices to wear when considering plaid & jewelry. The pairing instantly dresses up a work look, makes date night a little more flirty, & mixes up your weekend favorites for a more glamorous options.

Fall's no-fail combo - a plaid shirt plus a statement necklace.It was tough narrowing down which plaid shirts & statement necklaces to select & feature, especially when I have a budget in mind for my readers & savvy shoppers who are looking for affordable fixes to any wardrobe rut. Also, I was eager to select a variety of jewels like rhinestones, beads, or pearls to coordinate with varieties of plaid shirts for any body type. Style knows no size, after all!

SHOP - Old Navy, Forever 21, Love Culture, Charlotte Russe, Wet Seal, Avenue, Target, Dress Barn, & Kohl's.SHOP: 1. classic plaid flannel shirt ($22.00, was $26.94) in red tartan @Old Navy (available in sizes XS – XXL) & bib necklace ($14.90) @Forever 21, 2. vintage wash plaid shirt ($29.95) @Love Culture & statement necklace ($16.99) @Charlotte Russe, 3. Attention plaid shirt ($15.39, was $21.99) @KMartcoin fringe necklace ($6.99, was $12.90) @Wet Seal, 4. plaid shirt ($38.50, was $55.00) in blue @Avenue (available in sizes 18-32) & leaf necklace ($10.40, was $12.99) @Target, & 5. plaid button down shirt ($40.00) in black / white @Dress Barn (available in sizes 1X – 3X) & Apt. 9 pearl necklace ($13.99, was $24.00) @Kohl’s.

If you’re still stuck on how to style this already seemingly busy pairing, what with some major bling over a pattern, think about basics that are not only rich in texture, but luxe in hue. Tuck your plaid shirt into slim bottoms like a pencil skirt or your favorite dark denim skinny jeans. Since fall is all about layers, try out a faux fur vest in a neutral or stylish jacket to reinvent your ensemble. 

What to wear with a plaid shirt & a statement necklace.SHOP MORE: 1. side split midi skirt ($25.50) in burgundy @Missguided, 2. high waist skinny jeans ($69.50) in indigo @LOFT (sign up for emails & get 40% off), 3. faux fur vest ($26.97, was $54.00) in black @Nordstrom Rack, & 4. crepe jacket ($24.99) in red @H&M.

Which plaid & necklace combination speaks to your style? Which celebrity’s statement jewelry game inspires you? For more stylish posts, check out budget-friendly earrings inspired by Jennifer Lawrence & Angelina Jolie, Olivia Palermo’s cover shoot for Holt Renfrew’s new site, how to get Victoria Beckham’s menswear look for less, & Louis Vuitton’s The Spirit of Travel campaign starring Michelle Williams & Alicia Vikander. Happy Styling!

 

Runway Rundown: The Resort 2014 Collection From Rachel Zoe!


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What’s a spring-summer without indulging in one of my favorite fashion-related reality shows, The Rachel Zoe Project? The answer is: kind of bananas, but at least we all can take a second to enjoy what Rachel Zoe has cooked up for her Resort 2014 Collection. The stylist / designer keeps her signature 1970s inspiration, but this time offers a stylish flair of eased preppiness mixed with an elegant sporty vibe. These separates are perfect for mixing & matching with other amazing designer pieces like  Gucci, Tory Burch, or even Chanel, especially if you’re headed somewhere fabulous to celebrate these warmer months.

Which are your favorite runway looks from this line? Which designer collections are you keeping an eye out for during the Resort 2014 season? For more posts from Rachel Zoe, be sure to check out previous collections including the fabulous pre-Fall 2013 Collection & Spring 2013 Collection, a video about her collaboration with ShoeDazzle, & a conversation with Neiman Marcus fashion director, Ken Downing! Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: The Fabulous Trailer For ‘Scatter My Ashes At Bergdorf’s’!


Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's

Some of you may already know that I share my online writing time with a film news & reviews website, Movie Buzzers, which has also served readers here on Style Darling. One such story includes the new trailer for the fashion documentary, Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s. The Matthew Miele-directed documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at the ins & outs of one of New York City’s most iconic centers for fashion, Bergdorf Goodman. The title comes from cartoonist Victoria Roberts, whose caption from a classic Bergdorf-obsessed cartoon in New Yorker put all other retailers under par. There are plenty of famous faces talking about, including designers like Chanel’s Karl Lagerfeld, wrap-dress genius Diane von Furstenberg, CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award-winner American Michael Kors, shoe-God Christian Louboutin, among countlessly accomplished and glamorous others. Also, personalities like Joan Rivers, designer / celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe, Sex & the City costume designer Patricia Fields, and actress Susan Lucci all share their experiences of high-profile exposure at the retailer’s central location on 5th Avenue. In addition to these famous faces, the documentary also includes a look at legendary personal shopper, Betty Halbreich, an 85-year-old employee of Bergdorf Goodman since 1976.

Due out in New York theaters on May 3rd, more premieres will follow. What do you think about the documentary? Is this a movie you’d wanna go see? Are you a Bergdorf Goodman shopper? For more from Watch This Style, check out previous posts including Drew Barrymore’s cover shoot for next month’s Lucky, Taylor Swift’s shoe collaboration with Ked’s, Beyoncé’s latest commercial for Pepsi, Christina Hendricks’ photo shoot for Flare magazine, & the newest trailer for Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby! Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: Winter White Dresses Inspired By Rooney Mara, Nicole Richie, & Runway Looks Of Michael Kors, Rachel Zoe, & More!


Winter white is a big trend right now, especially when it comes to LWD (little white dresses). I’m a big fan of dresses- no surprise there- but I’ve yet to find a winter white dress that works for me. Whatever I have is definitely too summer-friendly in eyelet, cotton, or linen, however I’ve been very inspired by what’s happening on the latest runways when it comes to feminine white looks, featuring dresses of skirt outfits.

For example, take a look at the chic cocktail & casual white dresses, which were shown for seasons other than winter, but are certainly inspiring fashionistas everywhere. These looks include Rachel Zoe Spring 2013 Collection‘s shimmering shift dress, J. Mendel Pre-Fall 2013 Collection‘s old Hollywood sweetheart dress, Michael Kors Spring-Summer 2013 Collection‘s button-down shirt-dress, a slitted peplum dress by Marios Schwab Spring Ready-To-Wear 2013 Collection, the strapless bow-bedecked dress from Christopher Kane‘s Spring Ready-To-Wear 2013 Collection, Erin Fetherston Pre-Fall 2013 Collection‘s sheer lace mini dress, & Hervé Léger by Max Azria Pre-Fall 2013 Collection‘s belted body-conscious frock.

Rachel Zoe Spring 2013 Collection, J. Mendel Pre-Fall 2013 Collection, Michael Kors Spring-Summer 2013 Collection, Marios Schwab Spring Ready-To-Wear 2013 Collection, Christopher Kane Spring Ready-To-Wear 2013 Collection, Erin Fetherston Pre-Fall 2013 Collection, & Hervé Léger by Max Azria Pre-Fall 2013 Collection.

In addition, some of the most photographed stars have been hitting the red carpet in the last month while wear white dresses. Side Effects actress Rooney Mara hit the premiere of her latest film in this flower-embellished dress by Alexander McQueen, which she paired with neutral patent leather Nicholas Kirkwood peep toe pumps. This month’s Self magazine cover girlEmmy Rossum, took a break from promoting her new album, Sentimental Journey, in Santa Monica in this pleated Andrew Gn dress with sparkling pumps. Everywhere it-girl Kerry Washington attended an after-party for Django Unchained in a white lace Dolce & Gabbana shift dress with pointy toe Christian Louboutin stilettos.

Rooney Mara, Emmy Rossum, Kerry Washington, Taylor Swift, Emma Stone, & Nicole Richie.

Award-winning singer-songwriter, Taylor Swift, hit the blue carpet for the  40 Principales Awards in this plunging Kaufmanfranco three-quarter sleeve design with mixed-fabric sandals by Christian Louboutin & geometric drop earrings. Everyone’s favorite girl-next-door & Gangster Squad star, Emma Stone, helped announce this year’s Oscar nominees in a belted 50s-inspired dress by Andrew Gn with black patent leather pumps. Lastly, the always polished Nicole Richie stepped out for a party in Los Angeles in this white zip-up m ini dress with embellished leather accessories by Salvatore Ferragamo.

For the budget-conscious Style Darling, I wanted to find pieces that are perfect for wear now in the winter, given some mixing & matching of accessories, as well as dresses that’ll work for the upcoming spring season, although that seems to be getting further away from us on this Groundhog’s Day.  The first is the sheer sleeve lace dress ($24.80) from Forever 21, which would be perfect with black opaque tights or neon pops of color in a belt or pointy toe heels. Next, for a curve-hugging dress, I found the long & lean dress ($19.00) from Venus, which will also pair nicely over leather leggings & under a plaid button-down. While white is sometime bridal-looking, it can also be worn to work, like with this sleeveless ecru ponte sheath dress ($39.99) from White House Black Market.  I’d recommend wearing it with a red blazer & loafer-detailed pumps.

white dresses & accessories

I found this simply sweet & feminine shirt dress ($29.95) from H&M, & it’s the perfect foundation for a metallic braided belt, patent leather accessories, or classic lace & pearl details.  Lastly, for my plus-size readers, I was so happy to find this modern Alyx belted twist neckline dress ($40.00) from JC Penney, which is available in sizes 14W-24W.

White is such a stunning & pure color for a dress, but I was successful in searching for white accessories that will make any all-white, monochromatic, or trendy printed look stand out for every occasion. There’s never any reason why you shouldn’t have a pair of white shoes on hand, which is why I’m suggesting the pointed silver toe pumps ($32.50) from Charlotte RusseC Label Divine flats ($19.99) from 6PM, & the Wentzell pumps ($44.98) from ALDO shoes. Also, I’ve selected the patent skinny belt ($29.50) from Banana Republic, bejeweled bib necklace ($12.80) from Forever 21, & the Jennifer Lopez gold tone disc drop earrings ($12.00) form Kohl’s.

Which white pieces are your favorites? Would you wear a winter white dress now? How do you like to wear white? Which celebrity look do you like the best? For more Color Me Style posts, check out monochromatic looks in coral, neon, berry, & teal inspired by Penelope Cruz, Victoria Beckham, & more, as well as all-black outfits featuring Jennifer Lawrence & Kate Moss, & the best of yellow as seen on Kate Mara, Lauren Conrad, & Olivia Palermo! Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Rachel Zoe’s Pre-Fall 2013 Collection!


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I’ve done my best to consistently share with readers some of my favorite designers with all these posts of the Pre-Fall 2013 Collections for Runway Rundown, but I couldn’t forget about Rachel Zoe. Not only is the talented celebrity stylist continuing her reign on the red carpet, pieces from her Rachel Zoe Collection has been spotted on celebrities like Krysten Ritter, Elizabeth Banks, Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Mara, & Karolina Kurkova.

With plenty of 1970s inspiration, the collection includes lots of separates, perfect for press events & any Style Darling looking to improve their daytime & work wardrobe. I love the casual feel of this crisp & cool collection, especially the leather-trimmed hats, knee boots, & utilitarian belts. For more collection galleries, check out posts including Michael Kors, Badgley Mischka, Monique Lhuillier, & Zac Posen! Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Rachel Zoe Partners As Chief Stylist For Shoe Dazzle!


Rachel Zoe for Shoe Dazzle

I’ve said it before & I’ll say it again… I love any & everything that Rachel Zoe does! The amazing celebrity stylist & designer has joined forces with ShoeDazzle as their newest chief stylist, offering advice to shoppers who are looking for affordable glamour. While I know I can’t make the financial investment in a pair of Rachel Zoe Collection shoes, I can absolutely support this collaboration since it’s all in the name of shoes!

Check out the website for Rachel’s picks, some of which I’ve included above. The Madelaine pumps ($39.95) are floral wonders, perfect for mixing your winter separates as the season changes. Next, to go along with the cap toe trend, the Dana pumps ($43.95) are perfect for coordinating your neutrals with other pops of color. For those of you looking for comfort, the Maude wedges ($39.95) are sophisticated & luxe with a velvety texture & contrasting wooden heel.  Lastly, the Alejandra booties ($44.95) are modern, feminine, & chic if worn with edgy pieces like leather leggings, a motorcycle jacket, or cut-out LBD.

Which shoes are you looking to buy? Do you use ShoeDazzle often? Do you like to buy shoes online? What do you think about this latest collaboration? For more video posts featured in Watch This Style, check out a behind-the-scenes look at the shoes celebs wore at the Golden Globes, Destiny’s Child top 5 most stylish music videos, a peak at Jason Wu’s Miss Wu collection, & Jessica Alba’s photo shoot & interview for InStyle! Happy Styling!

Show Me The Shoes / Watch This Style: See What Shoes The Celebs Like Sofia Vergara, Selena Gomez, Rachel Zoe, & More Wore For InStyle’s Golden Globes After Party!


Julianne Hough, Sofia Vergara, Megan Hilty, Thandie Newton, & Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

So we’ve seen what the stars wore on the red carpet for this year’s Golden Globes, but it was at InStyle magazine’s after-party where the stars shared an exclusive peek at their shoes, including brands like Roger Vivier, Jimmy Choo, Casadei, Charlotte Olympia, Brian Atwood, & plenty more. The video includes interviews with nominees Sofia Vergara & Julia Louis-Dreyfus, celebrity stylish / designer Rachel Zoe, tween powerhouse Selena Gomez, the multi-talented Julianne Hough, Twilight actress Nikki Reed, British import Thandie Newton, Sucker Punch star Jena Malone, former One Tree Hill regular Sophia Bush, a neon-clad Michelle Monaghan, blonde beauty Malin Akerman, Smash sensation Megan Hilty, & Homeland star Morena Baccarin.

Which celebrity wore your favorite dress & shoe combination? For more posts featured in Show Me The Shoes, check out Fergalicious clearance items @DSW, affordable flats for under $25, & where to buy pointy toe heels inspired by Sarah Jessica Parker, Katie Holmes, & more! Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: 2013 Critics’ Choice Awards Featuring Naomi Watts, Jennifer Lawrence, Rebel Wilson, & More!


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Last night’s red carpet for the 18th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards, movies like Argo, Silver Linings Playbook, Zero Dark Thirty, & Lincoln were celebrated along with their very well-dressed cast. The leading ladies of the film hit the red carpet, showing off their assets.  There was plenty of sheer paneling, giving off the sexy illusion of skin, as seen on Jennifer Lawrence (in Oscar de la Renta) Helen Hunt (in Philip Armstrong), Amanda Seyfried (in Marios Schwab).  Also, bold colors were a big trend with Leslie Mann (in Honor Spring ’13), Jessica Chastain (in Prada), & Sally Field.  Not to mention floral & sequin embellishments which were made all the more fabulous by Marion Cotillard (in Zuhair Murad), Elle Fanning (in Chanel), & Nina Dobrev (in Monique Lhuillier). Check out the complete gallery & share with us who you think was the best dressed of the night!

For more Red Carpet Review posts, check out the 2013 People’s Choice Awards, the top 10 Style Darlings to watch for in 2013, & the latest in movie premieres, featuring Emma Stone & Kerry Washington! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Must-Have Necklaces From Forever 21 (Under $20)!


One of the best trends that isn’t just going away, & why should it?, is a statement necklace. In the last year, I’ve been trying to experiment with new necklaces to coordinate with any variety of workplace, day, & night looks.  One of my favorite stores to find affordable accessories is Forever 21, which is where I’ve been drooling over these five necklaces, all under $20.00, which will help transform & amplify any outfit. Typically I like to wear long necklaces with a bunch of charms, but I’m excited about exploring the collar & bib necklace trend.  The sparkling charm necklace ($19.80) is a feminine & elegant explosion of sparkle, perfect for any LBD outfit or cocktail sheath.  For a rich pop of color, I selected the oval collar necklace ($12.80), especially to wear with a button-down shirt, cardigan & blouse, or basic white t-shirt with jeggings.

When I saw the teardrop bib necklace ($12.80), I immediately thought of the pop of turquoise that Eva Mendes wore at the 2009 Golden Globes with the white Dior gown, as styled by Rachel Zoe.  This is the perfect piece to help transition your lighter summer pieces into the fall/winter season.  The snake chain swag necklace ($10.80) is a metallic & minimalist way to dress up your look without overdoing the glitz & glam.  Try wearing it with a monochromatic look in all burgundy, navy, or mustard.

For something sweet, I adore the cupcake & heart necklace ($1.50) for not just its cuteness, but also it’s a piece that I connect with since (when I’m not working, or blogging, or enjoying the final year of my twenties) I’m a baker as well.  It’s a playful accent to wear with a graphic tee & dark wash jeans, or when headed out for a picnic in a denim skirt, knee boots, & chunky knit.

Which necklace would you wear? What kind of jewelry are you attracted to? How much do you invest in fashion jewelry? Happy Styling!

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!

Runway Rundown: Rachel Zoe’s Spring 2013 Collection at New York Fashion Week!


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It continues! I’m all over this Runway Rundown with New York Fashion Week, offering up the latest images from Rachel Zoe‘s Spring 2013 Collection.  As you may know, I’m a big fan of the celebrity stylist-turned-designer.  Her eye for glamour never fails & she understands how to dress for success.  I’m super excited that she’s recently announced that her reality show, The Rachel Zoe Project, will be returning for its fifth season soon on Bravo! Take a look at the gallery to see Rachel’s retro / contemporary separates with a timeless glam factor.  Although we’re talking high-end fashion here, there’s no doubt that her designs fit so many different styles & the pieces are tangible enough to mix & match with any wardrobe!

For more galleries from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, check out Monique Lhuillier, Christian Siriano, & Victoria Beckham! Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Video Of Brad Goreski & The Styling Industry with Nightline!


If you’re addicted to fashion & can’t stop talking about styling (just like me), not only are you a Style Darling, but you will LOVE the next (almost) six minutes of this video taken from a segment on ABC’s Nightline, which discusses the work of stylist Brad Goreski, as well as how stars like Jessica Alba, Lady Gaga, & Mila Kunis have become fashion icons during their red carpet appearances. In addition, the video talks about the empire that Brad’s former boss, Rachel Zoe, has built, not only as a stylist who charges upwards of $10,000/day, but as a designer for QVC & her high-end collection for Neiman Marcus. Who do you like better- Brad or Rachel? Do you watch It’s A Brad, Brad World & The Rachel Zoe Project?

If you can’t get enough of fashion-related videos online, then let me guide you through more from Watch This Style, featuring Victoria Beckham’s guest editor position for Glamour‘s September issue, a behind-the-scenes look at Lady Gaga in Vogue’s September issue, & Mariah Carey’s top 5 most stylish music videos! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Piperlime’s Tinley Road Mixes Nautical Inspiration & Lace For This Super Sale Deal!


I always love looking to see what’s going on @Piperlime, especially since one of my idols, Rachel Zoe, is so involved in sharing the best trends with shoppers.  Typically I’m always looking for end-of-the-season deals, but on this very browsing occasion, I was surprised to find this Tinley Road Raglan lace detail top ($11.97), which have been marked down to final sale from their $24.00 original price.  This offers a comfy mix of a nautical inspiration with the stripes & a touch of femininity in the lace details. Wear this casually with dark denim or color jeans, or try this tucked into a wool blend skirt in the fall with some knee boots.  Or for now, break this out on cool summer nights over a cotton dress when you’re snuggling with that special someone down by the beach.

For more on Quickie Darling Deal & Steal, check out the affordable finds featured in the latest issue of People Style Watch, how I fantasy-styled my less than $12 skirt from Target, & H&M’s sequin skirt for under $25.00! Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Rachel Zoe’s Resort 2013 Collection!


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Any time Rachel Zoe adds one more fashion / style credential to her name, Stye Darling will be there.  This time, we’re talking about her Resort 2013 collection, featuring brights, basics, & bold prints.  The always stylish designer / stylist has created an admirable empire that have made stars like Jennifer Garner, Demi Moore, & Anne Hathway red carpet A-listers.  Not to mention that Zoe’s collections @Neiman Marcus are wildly popular, trend-setting, & always gorgeous for us to gasp over.  Here’s a gallery of the latest from the star of The Rachel Zoe Project, which I hope will premiere another season on Bravo sometime soon! Check out The Zoe Report for everyday finds & for all the best fashion finds! Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: Celebrating The Best In Fashion At The CFDA Awards!


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If you follow fashion, then you know all about the Council of Fashion Designers of America Fashion Awards which took place last week.  I’m excited to share all the red carpet style, featuring favorites like Jessica Chastain, Zoe Saldana, Mandy Moore, Rachel Zoe & the Olsen twins who were awarded the big prize of the night: Womenswear Designer of the Year, for their high-end label, The Row.

Click through the gallery to see who wore what & share with reader your favorite looks! As always, for more posts in Red Carpet Review, check out the latest which includes stars like Julianne Hough & Emma Stone rocking leather looks, Charlize Theron’s high-profile promotional appearances for Snow White & the Huntsman, & what went down at this week’s Country Music Television Awards! Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: White Hot Style At The White House Correspondents’ Dinner!


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The hot red carpet ticket this week has been the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, featuring celebrities like Charlize Theron, Kate Hudson, Rachel Zoe, & Ginnifer Goodwin. Of course the stars are showing their support for the president, but the biggest news coming from the celebration is the fabulous fashion. Take a look at the gallery below & share your favorite looks! Happy Styling!

Super Style Wishlist: The Top 10 Wedges From Neiman Marcus!


I’ve been flipping through the pages of all my favorite magazines, falling madly in love with all the latest spring styles.  I’m most excited about the new spring shoes that are coming out & since Fashion Week, I’ve been keeping an eye out on all of the best luxury brands.  My go-to store for such labels is Neiman Marcus.  Low & behold, when I was searching through their shoe selection, they showed a to-die-for Top 10 Best Wedges portion to their online store & I just had to share it with my readers!

The stylish selections includes designs by Rachel Zoe, Giuseppe Zanotti, Jimmy Choo, Ash, Christian Louboutin, Prada, TOMS, Tory Burch, Gucci, & Manolo Blahnik.  If you hover your mouse over the image, you’ll see the expensive prices on these shoes, which ranges from $138.00 to $965.00! For more from Super Style Wishlist, check out my previous posts featuring the Miu Miu store in Italy & colorful resort styles! Happy Styling!

Basics for a Bargain: Best Black Jackets For Day & Night (Dedicated to Laurie)!


During a recent breakfast date with my uber-stylish friend Laurie, the subject of blazers came up since she’s in search of a jacket with enough flair to dress up a going out look, but one that can also be worn for a daytime casual look.  Because a black blazer is such an essential item, I thought I’d turn to some of my favorite celebrities for some inspiration on the different styles of blazers for a number of different occasions.

First off, we have Olivia Palermo in a velvet Giambattista Valli mini dress with brogues from Zara & a Mango clutch.  She tops her look with a button-embellished jacket for a more polish at a Macy’s event.  Fergie attended an affair for Black Eyed Peas in a feathered & gold skirt with a satin-trim blazer & Christian Louboutins.  Rachel Weisz paired her velvet jacket with leather leggings at the DVD launch for Deep Blue Sea.  At the premiere of Sandra Bullock‘s latest film, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, the Oscar-winner donned an Alexander McQueen suit with a plunging jacket & corset-inspired belt.  Jessica Alba went out for a stroll in West Hollywood, pairing a single-button jacket with a high-neck white dress & black tights.  Lastly, Kristen Bell played down her cropped pink trousers with a Rachel Zoe tuxedo jacket & satin pointy toe pumps.

When looking for a blazer that works for you, there are a lot of factors to take into account like fit around the waist, where the sleeves fall, & details like trim & structure.  Since jackets are investment pieces, these bargains are a little higher in price, but totally worth it if you find one that works best for your shape.  I picked out a variety of jacket suggestions to be worn casually with shorts & tights, with your favorite dark denim jeans & a button-down top, over an LBD, or over a sequin cocktail dress.

The classic two-button blazer ($59.99) from Gap ranges in sizes 0 – 20 & has been marked down from its original $98.00 price tag.  There’s plenty of room here to add a fancy antique brooch if it looks too office-ready for a going out ook.  If you’re looking for something with some built-in personality, try the zebra stripe textured blazer ($32.80) from Forever 21.  A dressy option for a jacket comes from JC Penney, the MNG by Mango tuxedo jacket with satin trim ($60.00) is just enough to wear over a blouse or with a jersey dress & metallic belt.  If details like buttons are your thing, the H&M blazer ($59.95) is not just available in black, but also light pink & bright blue.  A classic single-button stretch jacket ($48.96) like the one from New York & Company adds confidence to a t-shirt & jeans look, especially with knee boots & hoop earrings.  Lastly, I remembered my recent post about Kmart’s Sofia by Sofia Vergara collection & the velvet tuxedo blazer ($31.99) came to mind, especially if worn with a slinky cami & skinny pants.

For more Basics for a Bargain looks, check out scarves inspired by Claire Danes & Rihanna, tees & leather like Miranda Kerr, & look-alike sweater dresses to those worn by Nicole Richie & Eva Mendes! How do you wear your favorite blazers? Where are your favorite places to shop for blazers? Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: ‘It’s A Brad, Brad World’ (on Bravo) & We Just Live In It!


It’s not very often that I feature style for guys on here, but if there’s one stylist & budding style icon to watch out for, it’s Brad Goreski, former assistant to super stylist & designer, Rachel Zoe.  When I first learned that Brad left Rachel’s side, I was a little heartbroken, but Bravo quickly picked up the hilarious personality for his very own reality show, which airs on Monday nights.  The first episode aired this week & I absolutely loved it & wanted to share my love all of things style with readers, including this little red carpet clip of Brad talking about what to expect on the series’ first season!  His celebrity clients (so far) include Jessica Alba & Keri Hilson, but I’m sure there’ll be more on horizon as he makes a bigger name for himself away from the shadow of the all-powerful & mighty Rachel Zoe.  Brad’s adorable, well-dressed, & a very hard-working stylist, making his way up the style ladder & I really want him to be my GBFF!  Show your support by checking out the video below, courtesy of YouTube, & check your local listings for when the show airs! Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: The Best (310) Celebrity Looks of 2011!


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I’ve been compiling a long list of my favorite looks during the 2011 calendar year & while there are still a few days left, I wanted to share the highs of the red carpet, press events, famous Style Darlings on the street, as well as the looks that have made the headlines.  This is the ultimate gallery of the ensembles to wear for formal occasions, out & about on the street, to a cocktail party, or a date night, including the best descriptions that I could find of who wore what!  For more looks that I’ve featured this year, check out Darling of the Day, Red Carpet Review, Magazine Must-Haves, Silver Screen StyleStyle ABC’s (x3), & Watch This Style– all categories that thrive on celebrity-inspiration for your style on a budget.  I hope all of you had a prosperous 2011 & continue to do good for those around you, as well as for your style!  Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown / Watch This Style: Rachel Zoe’s 60s-Inspired Pre-Fall Collection + A Video Interview by Neiman Marcus Fashion Director, Ken Downing!


It’s not a secret by now that one of my favorite style icons is the one & only Rachel Zoe!  I’ve posted so much about her collections (here & here), as well as honoring her as Style Darling’s very first (& so far only) .com Darling! Also, for my column “A Dash of Fashion” on Culture Mob, I recently wrote about Rachel’s fabulous jewelry collection on sale @QVC!

However, courtesy of In Style, we have some amazing images of Rachel’s latest pre-Fall collection, which includes a lot of 60s-inspiration with her signature 70s / boho chic elegance.  Rachel told the magazine, “I am so madly in love with this Pre-Fall collection! I really wanted to add a lot of mod elements to this season, the 60s is truly one of my favorite eras… We also expanded a ton on suiting, which will always be my signature, but we added an amazing new pencil skirt which should be a staple in everyone’s closet. There are definitely still some elements of the ‘70s too and the leathers and faux fur are to die for.”

There’s definitely evidence of inspiration here from icons like Coco Chanel, with the glamorous & tailored suits.  Not to mention that the more delicate pieces like mini dresses in soft fabrics & glittery cocktail dresses show off a youthful flair that Rachel is famous for bringing out in clients like Eva Mendes, Anne Hathaway, & Molly Sims.

Take a look at some of the best images from the multifaceted collection that will be available at upscale stores like Nordstrom & Neiman Marcus. Also, check out the exclusive interview with Rachel, courtesy of Neiman Marcus where she talks about her vision for her collection, as well as her style dos!  Happy Styling!

Runway Rundown: Rachel Zoe’s Stylish Spring 2012 Collection!


My favorite celebri-stylist Rachel Zoe just keeps getting more & more fabulous, especially with her upcoming Spring 2012 Collection, sold exclusively @Neiman Marcus. The fashionable force behind Anne Hathaway’s eight costume changes at this year’s Oscar ceremony is a workaholic, but is changing the face of fashion, one Style Darling at a time.  I told my readers about her debut collection back in February & now I’m super excited to share this sneak peak at the upcoming spring line.

My inspiration was Brigitte Bardot, early ‘70s, south of France, super glamorous but never trying too hard, never forced, always easy,” she revealed to In Style during a recent interview. The collection includes textured, whimsical maxi dresses, tailored suits, & retro separates that are so easy to mix up with modern pieces like dark denim jeans or one-shoulder tops.

Of course this collection is out of the average Style Darling’s budget, but it’s always a good idea to check out the latest styles that are making headlines in the industry.  I love the merlot-hued suit, especially with the cropped pants, which just scream for extra high pumps.  Speaking of accessories, you can check out all of Rachel’s glamorous shoes & handbags on the Neiman Marcus website, including all apparel, ranging in price $225.00 – $650.00.

For more on the style behind Rachel Zoe’s empire, check out The Zoe Report, Zoe Beautiful, & AccessZOEries on her official website.  Also, aring Tuesday nights on Bravo, you can check out her always-entertaining reality show, The Rachel Zoe Project. Happy Styling!