This holiday season, I’ve been doing a double-take when it comes to festive, feminine, & one-of-a-kind footwear for holiday gatherings & upping up my at-work style game leading up to mid-December. Before I can hit add-to-cart on any of my selections, I have to do my research to see if I am getting the best deal for my dollar, but also, if the holiday shoe of my choice, with a regal satin texture, sparkly embellishment, & bow adornment, is made in a design that best suits my shoe aesthetic.
Back in March, Harper’s Bazaar declared the below Mach and Mach design the party shoe of the year, which makes perfect sense given its glamour, festive embellishment, & Cinderella appeal–not to mention all the different color & design possibilities that have clearly spawned from this original style.
Check out the below designs from various retailers & at a range of price points. All the styles offer all the bride’s dreams to come true, bridesmaids color-coordination perfection, & party girl giving-you-life flare. Which do you like?
When it comes to summer, there are so many prints that make for a fashionable look, but among them, gingham gets top billing! The typical gingham button down is classic for a variety of outfits, but this summer is all about the trendy, off-the-shoulder, ruffle, or halter gingham top available for shoppers of all sizes! Celebrities even love gingham, as seen on Baby Driver star Lily James, style blogger Olivia Palermo, singer / actress Vanessa Hudgens, A-lister & fashion mogul Reese Witherspoon, & Shameless actress Emmy Rossum.
For a trendy, one-season item like a gingham top, you don’t have to break the bank. There’s so much fashion out in the world & online for shoppers of all budgets, but I do love checking out high-end designer duds for a little inspiration when it comes to finding something to write about, as well as putting together my next outfit. Here are a few examples that range in price from $88 – $265, but still worth keeping an eye on for an end of the season sale item.
The six gingham tops below are much more affordable & perfect for styling with white skinny jeans, red chino shorts, a denim skirt, or with bottoms in a bold pop of color like yellow, green, or orange.
Which summer trends are on your wardrobe wish list? Do you prefer the black, navy, or red gingham color scheme? Where are you shopping for summer favorites? Happy Styling!
The world is our runway. This phrase couldn’t be truer. When a lot is happening in life, I sometimes feel stuck in my wardrobe, seeking something refreshing & exciting to recreate old favorites & discover new trends to move my style forward. However, inspiration is always just around the corner with every click & keystroke on different social media forums.
This spring is probably my favorite spring ever, possibly because so much in life seems to be aligned personally, & I’m also feeling more confident in my style. This knowledge has also informed my newfound respect & developing radar for how accessories can transform your look. While I’m experimenting most right now with separates (mixing prints & color combinations), I’ve noticed how the playful pom pom movement isn’t going away. This includes all sorts of accessories: bags, shoes, earrings, & necklaces. When so much of spring is about light layers & pastels, pom pom accents make a bold statement without being too over the top.
One easy way to embrace the pom pom is with a straw bag, which is perfect for the everyday Style Darling looking to try something different, as well as for a variety of occasions like a weekend away or luncheon with the girls. Sure, there are plenty of expensive designer options making waves in the fashion world, including selections by (above) Kate Spade New York, Rebecca Minkoff, Loeffler Randall, Alice + Olivia, & Nannacay. When seeking out this look, you certainly don’t have to break the bank since the following styles (below) range in price from $29.99 – $43.00.
What spring trends are you most interesting in trying? Where do you shop for new seasonal accessories? How much do you invest in trend items? Happy Styling!
Sienna Miller has had one stylish year, killing it at the Cannes Film Festival, & every red carpet she hits. The actress recently lent her support to the 2015 Social Good Summit where she mixed up fall’s best with a chic menswear look in a striped button-down shirt by Frame Denim (shop here) with black skinny jeans, a beaded black tweed Chanel jacket (shop similar here @Nordstrom), & black patent Mary Jane chunky heels (shop similar here @Saks Fifth Avenue). Get inspired by her menswear take with these affordable look-alike items, playing with texture, print, & layers for Style Darlings on a budget & any size.
Anne Hathaway is hitting every media outlet this week, promoting her latest film, The Intern, co-starring Robert DeNiro. She made a recent appearance on Good Morning America with a quirky, surprising outfit that shows she’s still the cool girl we loved from back in The Devil Wears Prada day. Check out her lip print Equipment x Garance Doré (shop here @Farfetch) & her edgy Osman leather skirt (shop similar here @Bergdorf Goodman), which she paired with chic accessories, including white frame sunglasses, gold bangles & a ring, & red suede pumps (shop similar here @Saks Fifth Avenue).
One of the hottest shoe trends of this summer is the ankle strap sandal, showing off plenty of toe & foot cleavage. A single-strap across the top of the foot helps elongate the legline & make any outfit instantly sleeker.
Take note from celebrities in an all-purpose black pair like Rihannain a gold Giorgio Armani skirt set with black ankle strap sandals at the 2015 BET Awards. Also, Rachel McAdamsattended the Southpaw screening in a white embroidered Zuhair Murad floral dress & black ankle sandals.Michelle Monaghanmixed separates in a black & pink polo with a ruffed leather skirt by Erdem & black ankle strap sandals at the New York premiere of Pixels. Mad Men actress Kiernan Shipkawas youthful & sophisticated in a jacquard Giamba little white floral dress (shop similar here @Saks Fifth Avenue) with a yellow Miu Miu clutch (shop similar here @Miu Miu) & black Stuart Weitzman sandals (shop here @Stuart Weitzman) at the Los Angeles Confidential Women of Influence party.
For a little variety, I’m also inspired by neutral & metallic options for ankle strap sandals, great for pairing with pastels & softer looks. For example, Jennifer Lawrencewas radiant in a lace macramé Antonio Berardi little white dress with a black & white Roger Vivier chain purse & nude sandals. Model Miranda Kerrshowed her support at the Swarovski collection launch event in Austria in a cream Halston Heritage high low column dress (shop similar here @Neiman Marcus) with rose gold Jimmy Choo heels (shop similar here @Nordstrom). Teen actress Bella Thornewent monochromatic in an olive camisole & wide-leg culottes by Camilla & Marc with stacked bracelets & metallic sandals at her visit to The Lowdown with Diana Madison. It-girl Hannah Davis was feminine in a lace little white dress by Chloe with a nude belt, Edie Parker clutch, & nude Stuart Weitzman ankle sandals (shop here @Stuart Weitzman) at the 2015 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Sports Awards.
I’ve assembled a variety of ankle strap sandals, which are available in multiple colors & range from high-end prices like those worn by the above A-list Style Darlings, as well as budget-friendly options for the shopper looking to save some money on her wardrobe.
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.
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.
One of my favorite designers of all time is Marchesa, the epitome of glamour & elegance when it comes to ornate & timeless red carpet gowns, as famously seen on the red carpet on celebrities like Sandra Bullock, Halle Berry, Blake Lively, & Kerry Washington. The brand’s newest Pre-Fall 2015 Collection is everything & more to expect, including lots of brocade, lace, metallic textures, & just-right ruffles. Of course these designs are perfect for the upcoming awards season, likely to be seen on red carpet favorites like Big Eyes star Amy Adams, American’s sweetheart Jennifer Garner, model-turned-style-icon Kendall Jenner, & Girls actress Allison Williams.
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.
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!
In an ongoing effort to bring readers the best from New York Fashion Week(#NYFW), I’m very excited & inspired to share the latest from Monique Lhuillier, who continues to present a combination of modernity with classic femininity. The blend of flowy separates & evening gowns made for a really beautiful show. I love the soft, luxe pastels in this Spring Summer Ready-To-Wear 2015line, especially when they’re shown with a little sparkle.
These looks are made for the red carpet & editorials in upcoming fashion magazines & I can’t wait to see which star wears one of these designs first. The videos capture a behind-the-scenes look at the collection, beauty prep, & an interview with Ms. Lhuillier herself.
Check out the gallery of gorgeous shots from the catwalk, as well as the slideshow. Also, to shop the designer’s current pieces & bridal collection, head over to Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, & Shop Bop. Which look is your favorite? What trends are you looking forward to for spring? How is this season’s fashion week inspiring your own personal style? Happy Styling!
Somewhere around the corner is spring, & while Pantone’s color of 2014 is orchid, I’ve been seeing so much navyeverywhere. I love the idea of this regal neutral all over the runways for spring, breaking away from basic black to match with other bold hues.
A-list celebs have been embracing navy on the red carpet, including Blake Lively & Rose Byrne in head-to-toe Michael Kors looks straight from the runway. Also, House of Cards actress Kate Mara shows off her feminine & edgy side with the crop top trend in lace Dior separates & pointy toe pumps.
Also, navy appeared on the runway during New York Fashion Week in all forms. Navy is perfect for casual wear, the office, & a night out, as seen on Derek Lam, Rebecca Minkoff, & Marchesa. There’s a decadence to the marvelous midnight color, which was shown with futuristic cut-outs, mod layered lines, & romantic drama.
To bring the red carpet & runway to your closet, I’ve found a few must-have pieces that will transition easily from winter-to-spring, including the belted button-front shirtdress ($40.00) from Dress Barn. To wear it now, in the midst of yet another wintry snow storm here in New York, coordinate this with tights, knee boots, & a chunky boyfriend sweater.
Top off your favorite skinny jeans, pencil skirt, or tuxedo pants with the daydreamer peasant top ($22.80) from Forever 21 & H&M‘s lace top ($17.95). Lastly, get rid of those old, boring pants & trade them in for New York & Company‘s 7th Avenue bootcut pants ($52.95) in windowpane print. Mix up your look with a cashmere sweater, embroidered cardigan, or studded vest.
Fashion critics & bloggers have been on the look out for Kim Kardashian‘s pregnancy style, which has included lots of pencil skirts, body conscious dresses, & empire-waisted looks to show off her growing shape & glow. Kim is never one to turn away from a high heel, & during a recent appearance in New York City, she donned the Anouck metallic leather pumps ($650.00) by Jimmy Choo from Saks Fifth Avenue. Not every expectant mom-to-be would be so bold as to keep up their pre-baby bump style with such confidence & sophistication.
Of course, that’s a heft price to pay for silver pumps, but the neutral metallic trend is coming back for spring, especially when paired with bright neons, soft pastels, & edgy embellished pieces. I recently shared a pic on Instagram featuring a shoe find in the latest issue of Harper’s Bazaarof a killer pair of silver pointy toe heels, but I also found several options at lower price points for any budget.
Fragrance ads have been getting more & more press as the weeks go by. I’ve talked lots about Blake Lively for Gucci Premiere, featured Keira Knightley for Coco Mademoiselle, & shared my love of Old Hollywood with Charlize Theron’s commercial for Dior’s J’adore which shows virtual cameos by Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, & Marelene Dietrich. Designer Reem Acra is debuting their very first fragrance, eponymous of course, featuring former plus-size model Crystal Renn, looking svelte, stunning, & sexy.
The scent, which will be sold exclusively @Saks Fifth Avenue, will hit shelves in October, exuding “orange blossom, pear, bergamot, ginger, jasmine, lily of the valley, peony, amber, cedarwood, patchouli, and warm musk,” according to Styleite. Prices for the fragrance will range from $35 – $125, & will include body lotions, shower gels, & creams. What do you think of this ad? Are you interested in trying the fragrance? Do you think Crystal Renn was a good choice to be spokesmodel? Happy Styling!
Instead of posting yet another click-worthy gallery, I’ve selected these five outstanding red carpet looks, worn recently by some of my favorite celebrities. Each of them are showing how leather isn’t just a material for the cooler months. The sexy skin is also no longer just for jacket & bags, as seen in these above photos. Designers are all about texture this season, showing leather off in all sorts of articles of clothing. This includes dresses, as most frequently seen on the likes of rivaling stars like Angelina Jolie & Jennifer Aniston, but here I’m featuring Rock of Ages actress Julianne Hough in a blue leather dress at the film’s premiere & the always adorable Emma Stone in a red frock by Monique Lhuillier for an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
In addition, trendsetter Alexa Chung mixes her leather motorcycle jacket with a menswear-inspired look, paired with a printed mini skirt, embroidered clutch by Charlotte Olympia, & patent leather flats. Model Karolina Kurkova hit the streets of New York in leather leggings, Monika Chiang sneakers, a printed blouse, & chic double-breasted jacket. Zoe Kravitz plays with leather & tweed in a black & white ensemble at a cash celebrating Chanel.
For the rest of us on a budget, real leather may not be as tangible, but while keeping animal-friendly, faux leather is always an option, especially with these cute & affordable options to mix up your wardrobe. Check out the faux leather sheath dress ($27.00) from Venus, which makes the idea of an LBD all the more sexier. While I was searching through the Venus website, I came across this super sweet faux leather circle skirt ($24.00) in brown, which will toughen up even the most feminine of blouses or dress up the most basic silk camisoles for a stylish night out!
If you’re daring enough to wear leather on your bottom half, head over to Sears for the faux leather leggings ($25.99) which will pair nicely with any bohemian-inspired tunic top, a dolman top, or your favorite tank & blazer. For more subtle ways to wear leather, Cynthia Steffe has created this Maggie draped faux leather trim top ($47.00), available @Saks Fifth Avenue. To keep a classic faux leather look in your wardrobe, I’ve found this chic faux leather zip front jacket ($27.49 – $29.99) from Fashion Bug, which is sold in sizes Small – 4XL. This can make any pair of trousers & blouse fiercer & more fashionable because of the front pinhole details & rugged zippers.
For more celebrity-inspired style for the budget buyer, check out previous posts of Basics For A Bargain, as well as Luxury Look-Alikes For Less to get the latest & greatest in affordable fashion! To see more of what the celebrities are wearing & what trends are hitting the red carpet, take a look at Red Carpet Review, especially Charlize Theron’s latest looks & who wore what at the MTV Movie Awards! Which faux leather pieces are your favorites? Do you often wear leather or faux leather in the spring & summer months? Happy Styling!
Style Darling Daily 