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 Style, Style 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!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: New Markdowns on H by Halston Shoes @Bakers!


If you didn’t know already, legendary designer Halston has created some super sexy styles of shoes.  The H by Halston brand can be found @Bakers.  Halston has been worn on red carpets by such celebrities as Sarah Jessica Parker, Halle Berry, & Nicole Richie.

When I was looking a the store’s website, I found some really amazing style son sale.  Although some of these prices are not necessarily in my fall budget, but if you’re looking to get your feet on the luxury footwear, take a look at the sale items, which are marked down!

I picked these four, which range in price from $29.99 – $94.99 & are perfect to add some height, thus making you look slimmer.  Check out the Alexa ($29.99, marked down from $90.00), Brodie ($49.99, marked down from $100.00), Ruby ($49.99, marked down from $110.00), & Rosalind ($94.99, marked down from $100.00), as well as other styles on the website.

The Alexa platforms are perfect to wear with a maxi dress while on vacation or even with a pencil skirt & glittery blazer.  The red snake & suede details on the Brodie peep toes would look super fierce with a structural LBD or with a metallic draped number.

The black & silver suede Ruby platforms are a mix of 70s & mod, perfect for a solid sheath dress or with a flowy jumpsuit.  The playful Rosalind maryjanes are a modern way of showing off a 20s flapper look, or even for a work look with wide leg trousers & a pinstripe button down shirt.

Fore more news on the latest shoe sales, check out lace peep toes inspired by Christian Louboutin, killer heels from GOjane, & Pippa Middleton’s ballet flats! Happy Styling!

Silver Screen Style: Sarah Jessica Parker & Friends in ‘I Don’t Know How She Does It’!


In Sarah Jessica Parker‘s new movie, I Don’t Know How She Does It, she plays a working mom who loves her job & family with a passion.  I recently wrote on Movie Buzzers about the movie that opened this past weekend, based on the best-selling novel by Allison Pearson.

I’m so happy to SJP back on the big screen, especially during all the press & promotional events for this film b/c we get to see our favorite Sex & the City star out & about & very stylish!  I’ve included a bunch of stills from the new movie, which also stars Pierce Brosnan, Greg Kinnear, Christina Hendricks, Olivia Munn, Kelsey Grammar, & Busy Philipps.

What I love about some of these images is that the characters are wearing outfits that aren’t high-fashion, but very wearable for a career gal.  Some of my favorite stores to shop for workwear include New York & Company, LOFT, Ann Taylor, The Limited, Gap, & Target. I like to find pieces that are both neutral, but still flattering to my shape.  I don’t want to look too stuffy or that I’m hiding my style.  For Style Darlings on a budget, you’d be swapping out pencil skirts, blouses, trousers, & pumps on a day-to-day basis to keep your look fresh & here’s where accessories (in moderation, of course) can really work to your outfit’s advantage!

Here we see SJP wearing lots of gray, beige, & black. Her character, Kate, is often traveling across the country & she needs to wear pieces that are both easy to pack & catch for her meetings & work events.

Look at pretty Christina Hendricks is even in modern-day attire like a tweed  coat, dark red leather gloves, soft curls, & a fashionable handbag!

Check out the movie’s trailer too!

Check out our last post on Silver Screen Style featuring images from Michelle Williams’ upcoming role as Marilyn Monroe in My Week with Marilyn.  What are your favorite styles from movies? Where do you like to shop for office attire?  What are your favorite go-to pieces that you can wear as a mom-on-the-go?  Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: Cap Toe Pumps Worn by Sarah Jessica Parker, Lake Bell, & Ashley Greene!


One of the biggest shoes trends this fall is a cap toe pump.  No one’s saying to give up your pointed toe platforms or towering round toe slingbacks, but perhaps as an upgrade beyond peep toes, the answer is cap toe (also to solve any procrastination in getting that pedicure!).

Here we have some celebrity inspiration from which to draw, including Sarah Jessica Parker attended a press event in Moscow for her upcoming film I Don’t Know How She Does It.  She paired her cap toe pumps with an elongating Prabal Gurung sheath dress & megawatt smile.  Also, Lake Bell showed off some skin in a Cushnie et Ochs peek-a-boo dress at a screening of A Good Old Fashioned Orgy in Los Angeles.  She accessorized with M.C.L. By Matthew Campbell Laurenza cuff, a black & gold clutch by Lena Erziak, & Salvatore Ferragamo pumps.  Lastly, Ashley Greene supported Ferragamo’s latest collection wearing the designer head-to-toe, including the two-tone cap toe pumps.

While the Ferragamo brand cap toe pumps run anywhere in the ballpark of $700 @Nordstrom & Prada makes a square toe version for $650 @Neiman Marcus, there are other affordable means by which one can sport the trend & maintain a proper style budget. Go to Victoria’s Secret to see the Bebe brand pointed toe pumps in fuchsia, blue, & black for $99.00.  If you can’t commit to just two colors, try the colorblock suede pumps from Charlotte Russe for $35.50. For a softer touch of lace, there’s always the blush faux leather & lace pumps from AMIClubwear & you’ll also find the black & blue glitter pumps, both for $29.99.  If you want to show your wild side, the lace & animal print bowed pumps from GOjane are only $27.50 & would look fierce with an LBD.  @ASOS, you’ll find the striking yellow court shoe with the stud toe cap for $47.57.  Last, but not least, Project Runway winner, Christian Siriano has expanded his exclusive collection for Payless with the pearl platform pump for $59.99.

Do you own any cap toe pumps?  Do you like this trend?  Who do you think wears it the best?  Have you seen this look on anyone else?  Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: The Stars at Cannes Part Two!


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Just a few days ago, Style Darling featured some of the most gorgeous looks from the Cannes Fim Festival, such as Rachel McAdams, Uma Thurman, & Diane Kruger. The prestigious event is currently taking place in the south of France, but it seems that (thanks to In Style), the stars just keep a-comin’ & style, glamour, & elegance is all the rage on the red carpet, at the parties, & other fashionable press events. While my monstrous gallery for the Met Costume Institute Gala is getting a lot of hits, we can’t ignore what’s going on across the pond, especially when stars like Angelina Jolie, Gwen Stefani, Bar Rafaeli, Zoe Saldana, Sarah Jessica Parker, & Penelope Cruz are making a splash.  Those are just some of my favorites!  Designers like Versace, Marchesa, Emilio Pucci, Roberto Cavalli, The Row, Giorgio Armani, & Stella McCartney are just a few of the stellar visionaries behind the looks worn by these international beauties.  Take a click around & tell us who your favorites are! Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: Top Looks from the 2011 Cannes Film Festival!


Get ready, get set, Go! There must a race of style at this year’s Cannes Film Festival because there’s an abundance of ravishing beauties hitting the red carpet in names like Calvin Klein, Salvatore Ferragamo, Monique Lhuillier, Marchesa, just to name a few.  Today we’re celebrating the many, many highs on the red carpet, at the movie premieres, & for photo calls.  Check out In Style’s Photo Gallery for a more detailed look at all the stars attending this ultra glamorous event. Let’s take a look at first & foremost, the scene-stealers, the true best of the best.  These are the looks that celebs wear for which red carpets are made!

Diane Kruger is my current favorite Style Darling!  The model-turned-actress is experimental when it comes to fashion.  Not to mention that she is effortlessly chic, especially in this gorgeous Calvin Klein shimmering gown that looks like flowing liquid medal against her enviable shape.  Rachel McAdams really surprised me with this intricately detailed in a red lace Marchesa number & Veronica Lake hair.  I just can’t get over how it makes her look like such a movie star. Salma Hayek Pinault can’t go wrong in a silver Gucci Premiere strapless gown.  It hugs her curves in all the right ways & she looks like a princess! Uma Thurman is a tower of pure elegance in a white feathered Versace sweetheart gown.  In no way does she wear it like a bride, but as an accomplished & stylish movie star. I’m not usually a fan of Tilda Swinton, but I do respect her passion for fashion.  This navy satin Haider Ackerman gown is so regal, very feminine, & timeless!

Additionally, there was quite an impressive slew of international beauties, including Mexican beauty Salma Hayek Pinault in a leather Gucci dress with a hand-painted flower shrug (kind of recalled Jennifer Lopez at the Met Costume Gala),  Indian actress Aishwarya Rai in navy & white silk strapless bustier Giorgio Armani Prive, & British import Cheryl Cole (who was recently named the latest judge on Simon Cowell’s The X-Factor) wearing a plunging Stephane Rolland gown with gold accents on the belt.

Australian star of Sucker Punch Emily Browning (who appears twice more in this blog) wears a sweet deep-v embroidered Valentino creation in nude, & fellow Aussie Alice in Wonderland star Mia Wasikowska in a Roland Mouret column gown & drop earrings!

Last, but not least, Canadian sweetheart Rachel McAdams switched it up in a Monique Lhuillier embellished bustier top & matching wide leg pants.  The Salvatore Ferregamo clutch & stacked bangles make this a chic & modern way to show up at a formal event.  There aren’t many women who can pull off a pants look on such a prestigious red carpet, but Rachel hits a homerun!

Some of the photo calls during the day called for the stars to face the press in very chic & elegant day looks.  These include Cannes stunner Tilda Swinton in a two-piece look that virtually everyone can wear.  A loose-fitting blouse tucked into a pencil skirt with flower-accent Roger Vivier heels. Rachel McAdams was front & center in an uber-feminine bright white flower Maxime Simeons dress with peep toe pumps by Salvatore Ferragamo.  Mia Wasikowska brought some sweetness in a lace Valentino pleated dress with beige strappy sandals.

Uma Thurman stayed with white once again in a slimming Dolce & Gabbana dress with silver Jimmy Choo sandals.  Emily Browning brough some color to the mix in a jungle print Louis Vuitton tube dress & nude peep toe platforms.  Angelina Jolie celebrated Kung Fu Panda 2 in a beige chiffon wrap dress with a leather belt & round toe pumps, a throwback to vintage Hollywood, but still very modern & minimalist.

At night some of the stars hit yet another red carpet wearing some of the best of the best designers.  Sarah Jessica Parker showed up to support a Weinstein Company press event in a belted Dolce & Gabbana with an embellished belt & layers of pearls (very Carrie Bradshaw)!  Somewhere at the celebrity-riddled circuit was a Calvin Klein sponsored bash which featured Uma Thurman in black, Vanessa Hudgens in yellow lace, & former Gossip Girl co-star Clemence Poesy in a color block shift dress, all designed by the label.

Check back with my Red Carpet Review for more upcoming events, as well as series of blogs for the Costume Gala!  Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: My Favorite Past Oscar Styles!


It’s Oscar night & I’m dying over darlings like Amy Adams, Scarlett Johansson, Halle Berry, & Reese Witherspoon‘s dresses on the red carpet.  Keeping it classic & timeless, effortlessly glamorous, & oh-so gorgeous is what a night like this is all about.  I decided to take a quick look back at my top ten favorite looks from previous years at the Academy Awards.  Among my favorites are designers Oscar de la Renta, Versace, Valentino, & Carolina Herrera.  I have a thing for some glitter, but also frills & clean lines are always amazing trends to show off at an elegant occasion such as this.  Take a look (at these, of course which are in no particular order) & lemme know which are your favorites?

Last year Cameron Diaz wowed in this gold princess gown by Oscar de la Renta.  She usually goes a little more eccentric, having worn a red Alexander McQueen gown for the Globes just weeks before, but thanks to her famous stylist, Rachel Zoe, this dazzling gold confection of elegance stole the red carpet.  Gold was a big theme at the show as winner Sandra Bullock showed off her embroidered Marchesa column gown.

Kate Hudson showed off some serious sparkle power at the 2003 ceremony in this Atelier Versace hand-sewn gown.  This look is listed among In Style’s 10 Best Oscar Dresses ever & is probably one of my favorite worn by the actress. She is also a client of Rachel Zoe’s, who has taken more risks in recent years on the red carpet, like for last years Globes in a white feathered Marchesa & her teal Gucci number at the 2009 People’s Choice Awards.

Keeping with the glamorous glitter theme so far, Diane Lane appeared at the 2003 ceremony in Oscar de la Renta.  Having seen the feathers for tonight’s show with Hilary Swank & Sharon Stone, I have to say that the gown is one that transcends time.  At the 2009 ceremony in ruched black Chanel & her white Azzaro gown at the 2004 show were just as gorgeous in the truest movie star fashion.

Renee Zellweger‘s Carolina Herrera gown for her 2004 win for her performance in Cold Mountain is one of those dresses that you just look at & know that a winner is wearing it.  Recalling the vintage elegance of Grace Kelly & the star power of Marilyn Monroe, this is one of Renee’s finest appearances in fashion.  Always a fan of Carolina Herrera’s designs, 7 years later, the actress even wowed in this sparkly gown for a German awards show.

Cate Blanchett‘s 2007 Armani Prive marcasite gown was a dramatic revelation against the usually ruffled & mainstream looks that we see on the red carpet.  Always a risk taker, we even saw her on tonight’s red carpet in a pastel beaded Givenchy gown that even wowed fashion icon & Oscar commentator Tim Gunn.

Keira Knightley was nominated in 2006 for her lead role in Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice & showed up in this merlot Vera Wang gown & Bulgari necklace.  She was certainly the best dressed of the night & took the trend of statement jewelry to a new level.

Kate Winslet is a consummate favorite at the Oscars, having won two years ago for The Reader, I have to say that nothing pleases me more than seeing a pistachio dress draped in such a sophisticated way over a truly beautiful talent.  This Valentino dress helped make the 2007 ceremony a memorable night, as I recalled the sari-inspired Valentino dress that Jennifer Lopez wore in a similar shade in 2003.

Penelope Cruz showed up this year’s Oscars just weeks after giving birth, but when she took home Oscar for her performance in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, she looked like a modern-day Audrey Hepburn.  This vintage Balmain bridal-inspired gown pulled at every fashionista’s heartstrings.  She looked like an absolute princess that night & this is probably one of my favorite Oscar looks ever.  In previous years, she was very elegant in Versace and forward thinking in Chanel, but for this pivotal moment in her career, she looked flawless.

2009 was also a dazzling year for Sarah Jessica Parker in this belted princess Christian Dior.  Embodying all things Carrie Bradshaw & the whimsical way that Sarah Jessica has stolen our fashionable hearts off-screen, this is one of the most quintessential princess gowns that I’ve ever seen.  Critics didn’t embrace her 2010 look for the ceremony, but she’ll always be turning heads no matter where she goes.

Demi Moore impressed fashion critics last year in her strapless silk organza ruffled gown by Versace.  Rachel Zoe was once again behind this look, which was a far cry from Demi’s 1989 shorts look that made In Style’s Most Unforgettable Oscar Looks.  Seeing this dramatic actress in such softness put her among the best dressed & was a lovely departure from her usually darker looks.

 To catch some of your favorite Oscar dresses from years of yesterday, check out In Style’s Oscar Index & the official Academy Awards website. Also, you can find some really incredible deals on celebrity-inspired gown from all of the awards shows at EDressMe, PromGirl, & SerendipityProm.  Don’t forget to check out our previous Red Carpet Review posts from this year’s awards season & our upcoming review from the 2011 Oscars red carpet.  Happy Styling!