Gwyneth Paltrow is always one to watch when it comes to celebrity style, never failing to impress since she made her red carpet mark back in the 90s. Lately, the actress has been turning heads with hints of skin, wearing bold head-to-toe monochromatic looks, & she continues to set trends for future Style Darlings. During her appearance at The Broad Museum Black Tie Dinner, she choose a modern take on an evening look with a boxy blouse & wide leg pants, both by designer Monique Lhuillier, & styled her ensemble with chandelier earrings by Norman Silverman & black pumps by Brian Atwood (which I would love to see, but I couldn’t find the pic!).
Model turned actress Emily Ratajkowski is a star on the rise, & no wonder. With roles in films like Gone Girl & Entourage, under her belt, the gorgeous star of the upcoming We Are Your Friends, alongside Zac Efron, Emily is making a splash on the red carpet, especially when she’s inspiring easy breezy summer-to-fall fashion transitions in monochromatic & single-color looks. Recently, she’s made a sleek appearance in New York City in blush tones with an Atea Oceanie top (shop similar here) & a suede Brunello Cucinelli skirt (shop similar here), paired with metallic Sophia Webster sandals (shop here).
One of the biggest colors to hit stores in anticipation of fall is mustard, a rich gold hue that’s perfect for transitioning from summer to a cooler, crisper season. It’s not as tricky a shade to pull off as one might think, especially when there’s so much celebrity inspiration to consider when it comes to dresses, separates, outerwear, & accessories that will redefine how you look at mustard, making your outfit pop. This is evident with the always perfect Blake Lively in a leather dress during Milan Fashion Week, Scream star Bella Thorne‘s street style in corduroy overalls, The Twilight Saga actress Ashley Greene‘s casual look in a boyfriend cardigan, & The Honest Company entrepreneur Jessica Alba in a midi length skirt paired with feminine black extras.
If an all-day mustard look just isn’t your thing, then take some inspiration from bold outerwear pieces on American Idoljudge Jennifer Lopez & reality star Kim Kardashian West, as well as statement footwear on pop singer Taylor Swift whose pumps pop against her black & white outfit & socialite / designer darling Olivia Palermo for choosing to dress down her leather leggings with slipper flats.
Now comes the shopping possibilities with plenty of options for Style Darlings of all shapes & sizes, as well as smart shoppers on a budget, looking to get the most use & flare out of their wardrobe.
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.
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.
The always stylish Reese Witherspoon is more than just a red carpet darling. She’s taken her off-duty street style to a whole other level, especially since opening her online boutique & lifestyle site, Draper James. Her latest look in a floral pencil skirt (shop here @Draper James) with a classic Oxford shirt (shop similar here @Nordstrom) is the perfect way to mix up your work wardrobe for a combination of youthful & tasteful flare. Also, Reese accessorized her look with a black & gold chain cross-body bag (shop here @Draper James) & navy espadrilles (shop similar here @Zappos). Check out these four looks below inspired by Reese’s effortless, Southern style.
I’m a sucker for classic style, especially when it comes to staples like an LBD, pointy pumps, pearl studs, & the list goes on. One summer must-have is a shirtdress, especially in white, a look that Cinderella & Downton Abbey star Lily Jameshas mastered in a Ralph Lauren Collection design (shopsimilar here@Farfretch). She’s paired the crisp dress with gilded gold platforms sandals (shop similar here @Net-A-Porter), adding some sparkle to the chic Hamptons-ready ensemble.
One of my favorite summer wardrobe staples is the wedge. This season, I’m seeing so many different styles of wedges, especially in chic metallics like gold, sold at high-end retailers & mainstream stores, appealing to shoppers at multiple price points ($200.00 – $15.00). These shoes are perfect for coordinating with a variety of outfits. Gold wedge espadrilles like the styles shown below are neutral for a maxi dress with drop earrings, a printed romper & chunky belt, & a flirty blouse with linen shorts. Not only are wedges a super comfortable alternative footwear when the temperature rises, but they can dress up the most casual outfit & dress down something cocktail ready. Also, a wedge heel of 3-4 inches elongates the legline & shows off your favorite nail polish hues of the season.
Where do you like to shop for summer’s best shoe styles? What is your shoe style preference? Do you wear wedges? Which metallic is your favorite? Happy Styling!
Oscar winner & style icon Charlize Theronis all over the place lately, promoting her new summer blockbuster, Mad Max: Fury Road. Not only is she making killer press appearances on all the best talk shows & hitting the Cannes Film Festival in true Hollywood glamour, but she’s also wowing fashion critics with her red carpet style, including some affordable pieces from Forever 21 & Adidas. We can all get inspired by Charlize’s laid-back ensemble, especially when traveling or spending the day running errands. Get the most out of your wardrobe by layering favorites for optimal comfort & style.
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!
This has been a season of leggings, especially for those us who have been feeling the sweet consequences of the holidays & blizzards in the north-east. However, that’s no reason to get lazy about your style, especially when leggings come in all prints & patterns. Floral leggings are a stylish play on stretchy bottoms & the possibilities of outfits are endless, thanks to my friend, Kristen, who came to me with this idea. In my latest Fabulous in 4 Ways post, instead of styling just one pair of floral leggings, I sought out four must-have & affordable pairs to wear for day, work, date night, & weekend looks.
When headed out on daily errands, coffee with the girls, or planning your next dinner party, floral leggings work, allowing for a mixture of textures to enrich your daytime look.
Depending on your office environment, floral leggings are also a possibility for your work look. When it comes to casual Friday or a business casual dress code, try leggings with a mini dress, boyfriend cardigan, or long blazer.
When it comes to date night, instead of a classic LBD, try floral leggings with some metallic detail, which instantly dresses up your look. Pairing them with a pop of color & luxe accessories is the perfect way to dress to impress.
I love weekend looks because they present a combination of casual & chic. If you’re going to a B&B, traveling to a vineyard for a four-day weekend, or reading a good book & drinking hot chocolate, layering cozy separates in lightweight fabrics can transform the way you enjoy your down time.
When it comes to seeking out some style inspiration, turning to my friends is always the best resource, which is how I came to find (from one Marlene) that there was a big trend that’s been building in the fashion world. Fringe is back. Have no fear, when it comes to fringe, it’s all about moderation. I’m not talking about a full-on Western look, or anything crazy from the 70s, but a nod to another time or fantasy world isn’t so bad to include in your day-to-day wardrobe.
Over the years, celebrities have also been sneaking this trend on the red carpet, wearing fringe on dresses, tops, capes, & skirts. When done right, fringe can do no wrong. For example, fringe works on actress Scarlett Johansson (in Preen), Shameless star Emmy Rossum (in Stella McCartney), Bond girl Naomie Harris (in Naeem Khan), & model Suki Waterhouse at a Topshop event.
To integrate fringe into your wardrobe, here are some affordable & easy-to-wear fringe toppers & fringe bottoms that are sure to dress up your casual separates & create new opportunities to get the most out of your closet.
Lastly, fringe accessories are also here to stay, including bags, scarves, & shoes. When it comes to adding detail to your look, fringe is a fresh way to go, also coordinated with metallic grommet, textured panels, & colorblocking.
When it comes to street style, there are so many A-listers to look to for inspiration, including British model & actress, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. She was spotted out & about in London this week, showing off her usual blend of edgy meets classic, mixing neutrals with luxe fabrics in a look that can be easily duplicated for a Style Darling on a budget.
When asking around through social media to some of my friends for some style inspiration since I was stuck on what my next blog post should be, my lovely & brilliant friend, Nicole, inquired about spring dresses to expect for next season, especially when winter is such a rich season for playing with texture & prints when it comes to dresses. For spring, my research tells me that dresses are all about the details- what makes them special, whether it’s lace, metallic embellishment, bold colors / patterns, shine, or shape. I had so much fun getting inspired by dresses from the runway & my favorite A-list celebrities.
The always stylish Girls actress Allison Williams mixed patterns with her paisley printed silk dress by Giambattista Valli with black pumps. Scandal star Kerry Washington played up detail in a checked Prada dress with a violet clutch & metallic Christian Louboutin pointy toe pumps. This season’s Oscar nominee Julianne Moore dared to be different in a cherry red off-the-shoulder Delpozo dress with Givenchy sandals. The adorable & playful Anna Kendrickwore a flirty cobalt blue laser cut Temperley London shirt dress & nude Christian Louboutin pumps when making an appearance on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Former House of Cards co-star Kate Mara donned a lattice paneled little white dress by Vielma with a clutch by Botkier & nude pumps. Lastly, fashion it-girl Camilla Belledid Gucci proud in the brand’s blue printed dress with t-strap pumps.
Also, during Fashion Week, the Spring 2015 Ready-To-Wear Collections that hit the runways were all about detail-oriented dresses, chock full of bold colors, modern twists on classics, floral embellishments, playful prints, & much more!
Although the holidays may be over, that doesn’t mean it’s time to put away your best & most sparkly accessories & that includes statement necklaces. I’m pretty new to the bauble club, but I’m having fun experimenting with different ways to wear the bold piece of jewelry, which is what inspired my latest post for Fabulous in 4 Ways. I’m excited to explore the variety of style choices one can make with a statement necklace, especially when headed out for a day off of lunch with the girls, to the office for a big meeting, a cocktail party on a date, or a weekend getaway trip.
To start this project, I choose thestatement necklace($11.98) in black & gold from Target,which has just enough glitz & glam to dress up several combinations of basics with prints & rich textures.
For daytime, I love the ease of this look & how just one piece instantly adds some punch against the backdrop of casual separates. Also, the necklace is successful over a basic blouse & colorblock look for a fashionable office environment, playing up your personality, yet still remaining professional.
When headed to a cocktail party, a statement necklace is just the piece to elevate a classic LBD, sheath, or lace frock. Lastly, when taking a road trip for the weekend, a statement necklace is perfectly interchangeable when considering how to efficiently pack to get the most out of your wardrobe.
I’d like to start 2015 off right with some refined celebrity style inspiration & the year’s firstDarling of the Dayis none other than the always flawlessNatalie Portman who attended a celebration in a navy top, Dior tweed skirt (& matching jacket on the chair behind her), opaque tights, & satin pointy toe pumps. The Oscar-winner looks chic & winter-ready in her elegant ensemble, perfect to inspire any office look. These separates are wardrobe essentials & can be mixed up for a variety of looks, especially a tweed skirt to pair with a moto jacket or ruffled blouse when heading to lunch or out for a night of cocktails.
If you’ve seen Style Darling‘s Instagram (@MissAlissaL), then you know that I can’t wait for the fourth season premiere of HBO’sGirls. It’s one of those shows that I love because I can relate to it when it comes to friendships & relationships, I laugh my butt off at the wit & ridiculousness of the show’s clueless & brilliant characters, & because it almost always makes me feel a little bit more together as a young woman trying to make it in the world. Also, the show is a terrific example of real-life style from its four main characters: Hannah Horvath (Lena Dunham), Marnie Michaels (Allison Williams), Jessa Jenkins (Jemima Kirke), & Shoshanna Shapiro (Zosia Mamet). Clearly, each character isn’t trotting the streets of New York in impossibly expensive designer duds, which is something else that I can appreciate about the exciting dramedy!
Hannah isn’t without style, but her interpretation combines basics with her quirky sense of self. She’s not afraid of color & pattern, & always wears what she likes above what trends may be most popular. She can be seen in cutesy Peter Pan collared shirts, floral print rompers, teeny sweaters & bright pants, & shoes that she almost always can’t walk in. But we love Hannah because she tries her best to be inspired by the 50s classic cuts & whimsical patterns.
Marnie is certainly the sophisticated shopper among the characters, wearing tailored looks that blend femininity & maturity. She tries to exude through her style the life she wants to live, often in sleek dresses, preppy separates, unstructured pieces, & core accessories that interfere with her goals. She invests in pieces that can be worn a variety of ways, but are still timeless as she seeks to attain a lifestyle equally as fancy as her tastes.
Jessa is a bohemian of the quartet, mixing prints & billowing volume to express her carefree spirit. She’s always feminine, but on the verge of hippie chic with peasant tops, maxi dresses, long sweaters, crop tops, & loose-fitting pants. I love watching Jessa for her accessories, which almost always include some sort of feather detail, gemstone, layers of metals, or harder gothic inspiration against the softness of her preferred fabrics.
Shoshanna is the youngest of the girls with a lot to learn about self-editing. She is as accessorized as she is articulate, with plenty of hair styles to match with her girlie, on-trend style. She can be found in form-fitting mini dresses, always looking all sorts of cute because she’s always running into crushes, exes, old friends, & making new friends wherever she goes. Her clothes are party-ready & she’s fearless when it comes to taking fashion risks. No skirt is too short, no heels are too high, & no print is too wacky for her to play with, especially when combined with color-coordinated extras like a statement necklace or stacked bangles.
For a little extra taste of what’s to come on the highly anticipated fourth season of Girls, which premieres on Sunday, January 11th on HBO, check out these teaser & promo videos of what’s to come for Hannah, Marnie, Jessa, & Shoshanna.
If Santa didn’t fulfill all of your style picks on your holiday wishlist, you haven’t missed out on the best must-have outerwear of the season yet! Capes of all varieties have been everywhere, making that transition from fall to winter all the more stylish. However, the weather has been pretty fickle here on Long Island, which makes the necessity of a cape all the more important. The great news is that you don’t have to break the bank to add a cape to your wardrobe. Capes present a style opportunity to play with prints & textures, from color blocking to plaid to tribal to menswear inspiration.
One of my resolutions for 2015 includes spending less money on my wardrobe, mostly because I just don’t have as much space as I’d like for all of my favorite shopping finds. In a last stitch (no pun intended) effort to grab some must-haves, I asked Santa for a few essentials & picked up some great buys with all of the post-holiday sales / coupon deals.
It’s been a very fortuitous holiday season for my blog so far & the style keeps on coming! Style Darling has been invited to participate in Daily Look‘s New Year’s Eve Style Challenge, featuring the website’s best little black dressesto sport from party-to-party before the year is up. Of course there are many ways to don classic black, a favorite to feature in Color Me Style, such as lace, leather, silk, satin, along with many different shapes & styles.
However, before we get started, I’ve had LBDs on my mind, especially when there’s so much celebrity inspiration hitting the red carpet. For example, Diane Krugerin a black lace Elie Saab cocktail dress with a black Osman blazer, a graphic Charlotte Olympia clutch, & striped lace-up Sophia Webster heels. Also, Scandal star Kerry Washington makes a bold statement in a leather little black dress with Jennifer Fisher jewelry & white pumps. Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o was stunning in a ruffled LBD by Fitriani, black pumps, & jewelry headband.
There’s so much to look forward to when it comes to upcoming fashion trends, but the little black dress is here to stay, especially when seen with runway inspiration from the recent Spring 2015 Ready-To-Wear Collections that hit the runway during this past Fashion Week season. LBDs were seen on the runway in modern cuts, with plunging necklines, embellished details, cinched wasitlines, sweetheart necklines, & figure flattering shapes. This includes looks from Kenzo, Dolce & Gabbana, & Saint Laurent.
Now that there’s LBD inspiration oozing off the screen, here are some of the best little black dresses from Daily Look, which can work for a variety of shapes & sizes, if you want to show off your legs, neckline, figure, or shoulders.
You can’t shop for New Year’s Eve without considering some blinged-out accessories, sparkling jewelry, & sexy shoes to complete your look, which is why I picked some of the most affordable & investment-worthy pieces to really bring out your inner glam girl.
Lastly, when it comes to the holidays, not only do your outfits get a chance to shine, but also your beauty look is allowed to be a little extra special, which is why I’ve shared some of my favorite celebrity looks that emphasize one facial feature or makeup style in order to show off the best version of you. This includes new mom Mila Kunis who nails a smoky eye & neutral lip for a dramatic & sexy look, prefect for any cocktail dress. IngenueBella Thorne plays with metallic eyeshadows to emphasize the shape of her eyes, as well as play up the glitz of the holiday with playful hues. Experiment with bright eyeliners like Jessica Biel who is making quite the beauty statement with an edgy turquoise swipe of a pencil underneath her lower lash line.
Another way to play up your eyes is to followBeyoncé‘s lead with winged liner, recalling a dramatic Cleopatra look that works with a sheath dress or sleek jumpsuit. American sweetheart Reese Witherspoon goes for a soft look with rosy cheeks & classic makeup, which easily makes you photo-ready before the ball drops. Brit singer Rita Ora looks stunning with a bold red lip that draws on her Old Hollywood appeal for some vintage inspiration, perhaps paired with a lacy or beaded frock.
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.
In a world where reality stars (sometimes unfortunately) rule pop culture, there’s one who’s made an everlasting mark on the fashion world. That’s reality star-socialite-style-icon-fashion-blogger, Olivia Palermo. She’s been on the fashion radar for years & there’s nothing she can’t wear. Whether it’s mixing prints, playing with texture, donning luxe furs, bringing back the belt, taking risks with pops of color, & experimenting with every type of shoe under the sun, her style & beauty is utterly flawless.
The designer darling is a favorite on the red carpet & of photogs’ when it comes to street style. Her level of sophistication is equal to haute couture gowns at the Cannes Film Festival & a casual day walking her dog in skinny jeans & ballet flats. Ever since I started gathering fashionable photo galleries on Style Darling’s Facebook page, I couldn’t help but think about Olivia’s masterful style strategy for taking over the web with one frock at a time.
Check out the gallery below, along with the inspiring slideshow, which can influence any tired wardrobe looking for a change. Rethink a metallic belt, statement necklace, chic coats, lace-up booties, peasant skirts, & a classic tote when putting together your ensemble with basics like a printed scarf, white button down, leather leggings, sparkly LBD, suede knee boots, & tortoise sunglasses. Not to mention that her effortless expression through fashion goes beyond trends since she can wear anything, including menswear, boho chic, minimalist, classic Hollywood, beachy, preppy, bombshell, city casual, utilitarian, girl next door, & ultra chic- all in the same week!
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Since there’s just so much style-wise to examine about Olivia’s constantly gorgeous looks, I’ve put together some affordable ways to upgrade your style with go-to pieces that she wears, & isn’t afraid to be seen wearing out & about more than once, making her wardrobe function for multiple occasions!
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.
Since my closet space is already limited & bursting, I only have a few must-haves on my fall wardrobe shopping list. However, when it comes to textured jackets, it kind of becomes an impulse buy only because I have a historical love affair with cardigans. But one such jacket has left an impression on me & I had to have it, which only made me happier for my choice upon the discovery that it was already a luxury brand imitation at a much more affordable price.
At Bergdorf Goodman, one can acquire the Alice + Olivia by Stacey BendetBurma tweed jacket ($550.00) to don the original design, which is a very beautiful combination of menswear inspiration & the sort of modern interest that affords staple everyday separates. My latest addition was the shawl collared jacket ($44.00) from Dress Barn, which I was happy to buy in one size smaller for a sleeker fit on my arms, without having to break the bank either. Also, for shoppers looking to save a little extra, use code jkt25 for an additional 25% off when ordered online. One thing that I love about shopping with Dress Barn is that there’s free shipping anytime your online order is shipped to a store location.
Now, I recognize that these aren’t identical designs, but the mixture of a heavy fabric that wears lightly is the main appeal, along with the endless styling possibilities for both day & the office, transitioning perfectly for happy hour cocktails. I choose the H&Mcrepe dress ($29.95) in black, accessorized with the Sonya dress bootine ($34.99) in black from Payless & Francesca’sBailey coil belt ($9.99).
SHOP: LOOK 1: stripe floral blouse ($25.00, was $49.00) @Dorothy Perkins, pants ($11.67, was $20.95) in black @Romwe, Jennifer Lopez teardrop earrings ($12.10, was $22.00) @Kohls. LOOK 2: Vince Camuto top ($31.60, was $79.00) in clay @6PM, sailor pants ($16.99, was $24.90) in black @Forever 21, rhinestone drop earrings ($5.00, was $14.50) @Icing. LOOK 3: floral plaid top ($34.30, was $49.00) in black multi (available in sizes 14-32) @Avenue, JM Collection pants ($34.98) in black (available in sizes 14 – 24) @Macy’s, pavé earrings ($10.00) @Charming Charlie. LOOK 4: printed flared sleeve top ($59.50, use code PLAY for 30% off) in black & white @Eloquii, Alyx pants ($20.99, was $42.00) in black (available in sizes 1X – 2X) @JC Penney, crystal dangle earrings ($12.00) @River Island. 
Style Darling Daily 
