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!
If there’s one actress to watch, it’s Anna Kendrick who has a total of eight films coming up, including Into the Woods, where she plays a very complicated Cinderella. Anna appears on the cover of the December 2014 issue of Marie Claire, talking about haters who throw shade on her unconventional looks, her 2010 Oscar nomination for Up in the Air, & her ambition. Among those are the highly anticipated sequel Pitch Perfect 2, costarring Rebel Wilson & Elizabeth Banks.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Anna’s supposedly drunk interview, showing her lovable personality quirks, beauty necessities, & other fun quotables! Not to mention Anna’s ability to wear ANYTHING, including flirty separates, sequined gowns, & preppy ensembles, while pulling off an effortless elegance that makes her one of the most interesting A-listers to watch on the red carpet!
Gwyneth Paltrow has done it all. She’s won an Academy Award. She’s a working mom & celebrated lifestyle guru (for goop.com). She’s a designer’s darling, always on the best dressed lists. She never fails to make us envious of her effortless glamour. And now… she is making headlines for her latest collaboration it beauty brand, Max Factor, in a new ad campaign, featuring the actress undergoing a high glamour Old Hollywood makeover, á la Marilyn Monroe with a modern twist.
The Oscar-winner has starred in previous campaigns for the cosmetics company, recalling stylish & vintage decades from the 50s to the 80s, inspired by icons like Brigette Bardot, Audrey Hepburn, Madonna, & Farah Fawcett. This behind-the-scenes look at the photo shoot, courtesy of Harper’s Bazaar UK, shares Gwyneth’s thoughts on blending her personal style with the brand’s signature pink lipstick.
Jennifer Lopez is not only one of the most beautiful & stylish women in the world, but she continues to set trends that are changing the face of fashion. Her latest style adventure includes wide leg pants, & she’s pulling them off like a pro, with statement tops & pops of color. While out & about promoting her new book, True Love, she’s been making headlines with her fabulous outfits as well.
While appearing on the Late Show with David Letterman, Jennifer rocked a head-to-toe all-black look in a Milly crop top & wide leg trouser by Paule Ka with a cape by Noon by Noor & jewelry by Norman Silverman. In full diva fashion, Jennifer mixes up the middle look with a gold beaded Naeem Kahn top with pleated Alice + Olivia gauchos & jewelry by Melinda Maria. Lastly, she showed off her abs in a kelly green monochromatic ensemble by ICB with Christian Louboutin caged booties (shop here) & an Hermes cuff.
To interpret Jennifer’s wide leg pants look with your own wardrobe staples, I found the following comparable styles: Culottes in ruse @Forever 21 ($32.90), Pants in black @H&M ($59.95), & Pants in forest green @ASOS ($66.33).
Sure, it’s still the beginning of November, but the holidays are upon us & it’s time to start thinking about how to translate the season’s must-haves into your budget-friendly wardrobe. There are plenty of luxe details to upgrade your basics with, including lace, embossed metallic, texture, & chains. Investing in smart, stylish accessories is an easy fix to any cold weather wardrobe rut, & what better way to do that than through the following picks, especially textured tights with an LBD & ankle booties, statement earrings to dress up a button down & skinny jeans, a minaudiere to transform a cardigan & pencil skirt from day-to-night, & a braided belt to make an embellished top with ballet flats pop for luncheon with the girls.
Aside from Fashion Week & the general change of seasons (which marks ankle bootie & rich textures like suede time of year), September means that our favorite television shows are returning to make us laugh, cry, sit at the edge of our seats, & of course, be in awe of the characters’ styles. In a first ever on Style Darling, I’ve undertaken a mighty 10 television shows returning this season & found their most stylish leading ladies (two, in some cases), & found pieces & looks to inspire your fall wardrobe. Naturally, we’re talking something budget-friendly, yet still true to the small scree goddesses that have bloggers everywhere in a fashion tizzy!
Scandal(airing Season 4 premiere on 9/25 @9PM on ABC) left Olivia Pope (played magnificently by the one & only Kerry Washington) washing her hands of the controversy & turmoil that she blames herself for in Washington D.C., especially because of her torrid love affair with the president. However, Olivia’s style was only elevated by such drama, sharing with viewers the importance of a luxurious coat collection, classic & statement handbags, as well as clean lines & neutral separates since Olivia is all about getting rid of the fuss in people’s lives.
New Girl(airing Season 4 premiere on 9/16 @9PM on FOX) will surely tackle that whole Jess-Nick romance, even though the adorkable couple ended things last season. Now that Zooey Deschanel‘s character has certainly settled into her man-dwelling apartment, she’s constantly battling life with one vintage look after another, & laughter is sure to ensue. Not to mention that Jess’s girlie girl style fits right in with her job as a teacher, always conservative yet cute for partying it up after hours.
The Mindy Project(airing 9/16 @9:30 on FOX) is one of my favorite must-see shows this fall, not just because the brilliant Mindy Kaling writes a hilarious ensemble comedy, but because the show is after the hearts of its viewers with the on-again-off-again love story with one Danny Castellano, played by Chris Messina. Yes, there’s laughter too, but I’m also super excited to see what Dr. Lahiri (Kaling’s character) will wear. She’s no stranger to bright colors, wild patterns, feminine florals, & layers of preppy chic style.
Revenge(airing 9/28 @10PM on ABC) is returning this fall & Emily Thorne (played by Emily Vancamp) is back & stronger than ever in her plot against the Graysons. I love that her style recalls the effortless ease of a modern day Grace Kelly, with a luxe twist on casual wear. She wears plenty of neutral colors & no-fuss separates so that she can easily slip into scheming mode with the movers & shakers of The Hamptons setting. I love watching out for the designer pieces on this show, especially on additional key characters like Victoria (Madeline Stowe), Charlotte (Chrsta B. Allen), & Ashley (Ashley Madekwe).
When I started assembling these pieces, I realized that they have various uses, for both day & night, as well as creating looks from season-to-season. While most of our lives won’t be centered around law-breaking revenge schemes, the closest we can get to the fabulous life of Emily Thorne is recreating her style with the colorblock roll sleeve shirtdress ($109.99) in cream puff @Ann Taylor, MOD.lusive ruched sleeve long cardigan ($42.00) in white @Nordstrom, v-neck blouse ($24.95) in powder beige @H&M, & true slim chino pants ($44.99) in khaki @Land’s End.
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Nashville(airing 9/24 @10PM on ABC) is the kind of show that not only inspires music, but also fashion. Southern style is loud & clear with this show, especially when it comes to an edgy look & a splash of rock ‘n roll. The show’s leading ladies Rayna James (Connie Britton) & Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere) are constantly at odds, but one thing is clear, they know how to dress. I was especially inspired by the flashy stage looks & modern casual separates that can be jazzed up for a night of music. The last season ended with both divas in trouble, both professionally & personally, but I can’t wait to see what’s gonna happen next.
2 Broke Girls(airing 10/07 @9PM on CBS) combines two of my favorite things: cupcakes & fashion! The comedy’s stars Beth Behrs as the preppy / fashion forward Caroline Chaning & Kat Dennings‘ loveable bad girl Max Black make for the perfect modern day odd couple, just trying to get back. Caroline is always neutral clad, doused in pearls & body conscious dresses, whereas Max’s fashion sense takes on a tougher city vibe in bright primary colors & boots, with a touch of menswear inspiration.
The Good Wife(airing 9/21 @9PM on CBS) keeps raking in the Emmy awards, especially with a constantly compelling performance for the show’s lead, Julianna Marguliesas the powerful Alicia Florrick. Her wardrobe includes power suits & strong jackets, much like Scandal‘s Olivia Pope. In Alicia’s world, there’s no room for floral or fussy pieces. She’s all about structure & strength, so edgy embellishments have no place among the clean details & clean lines.
Modern Family(airing 9/24 @9PM on ABC) is a comedy must-see, especially because of the show’s female leads. When it comes to style, of course there’s always a cute outfit on Sarah Hyland’s character Hailey, but the real sex-pot changing the look of a stay-at-home mom is Sofia Vergara‘s Gloria. Gloria often steals the spotlight from her family members, especially when it comes to showing off her curves in wrap dresses, V-neck tops, & skinny jeans.
Elementary(airing 10/30 @10PM on CBS) is a modern day New York City-based take on the classic Sherlock Holmes stories & what’s extra awesome about this version is that the science-minded Watson is played by kick-ass actress Lucy Liu. Instead of John, she’s a Joan who develops an intense partnership with Holmes (Johnny Lee Miller) while they’re soling crimes all over the city. Aside from her brilliant mind, I love her on-the-go style which often includes dark, layering pieces, always with a chic pair of booties.
Hart of Dixie(2015 on The CW) is the last show that I’m sharing & it doesn’t have a set premiere date since star Rachel Bilson, who plays the quirky city doctor Zoe Hart, is expecting her first child & filming seems to be halted. However, I love her character’s edgy side with dark, modern cuts in tops & leather shorts, as well as dark colors in mini & maxi dresses. She’s an accessories queen with chunky necklaces, embellished details, & the highest heels in sandals & booties imaginable. Also, it’s hard to ignore Lemon Breeland, played hysterically by the one & only Jamie King. Lemon’s style is true to the Alabama debutante ladylike way. She loves florals, sparkle, & vintage-inspired looks with a bold lip & finger curls.
One of the most innovative, yet consistently classic designers I’ve ever seen is Carolina Herrera. Her designs are always flirty & feminine, yet there’s a modern element that shows her relevance among the top players in fashion. Her latest presentation of the Spring Summer Ready-To-Wear 2015 collection for this season’s New York Fashion Week(#NYFW) was just that & more. In her own words, the line explores “full bloom,” using the technology of digital prints with bold flower inspiration over seemingly watercolored floral details on each look. Also, the soft blend of pastels against luxe & dramatic separates make this a truly beautiful runway experience, one that I would’ve loved to see in person in motion.
As you an see fro the video, as well as the gallery & slideshow below, there’s an effortless blend of futuristic mosaic cuts with paneling & refined grace that exists in the collection. Sometimes florals can be matronly, but this show appeals to Style Darlings of any age who seek elegance with high style. It’s no wonder why Herrera has a loyal celebrity following that includes Renee Zellweger, Emmy Rossum, Jordana Brewster, Camilla Belle, Olivia Palermo, & many more!
What better way to celebrate New York Fashion Week(#NYFW) than with some true American style brought to you by Long Island-native & Americana designer, Michael Kors & his gorgeous show for Spring Summer Ready-To-Wear 2015. I was taken away on a sunshine-filled & romantic adventure into his world, with the whimsy & crispness of the collection’s effortless throwback to the 1950s with cinched waists & fuller skirts. The Peter Pan-collar is certainly a big trend for spring, as well as easy neutrals with a pop of opulence, which can translate to daywear & party looks. Not to mention that these pieces are sure to hit the red carpet & editorials, attracting the A-lister likes of Blake Lively, Taylor Swift, Emma Stone, & Keira Knightley.
The following videos include a behind-the-scenes look at how the style comes to life through hair & makeup, an interview with the designer himself, as well as a dazzling runway presentation, sure to make any prepster or vintage queen giddy in their seats.
To shop for Michael Kors designs, be sure to check out retailers like Macy’s, Nordstrom, Dillard’s, Net-A-Porter, Neiman Marcus, & Harrod’s. However, don’t let the prices scare you off since the classic, clean looks from this runway are easy to inspire a budget shopper, especially with pieces like a staple button down shirt, a neutral leather belt, & dark denim separates.
Last year when I posted the amazing September issues, I featured a mere 21, but even though we’re already into the ninth calendar month, I figured that in celebration of New York Fashion Week (#NYFW), I’d expand & look for more. My mailbox is bursting with the American issues of some of my favorite magazines, but I was also delighted to see A-listers like Claire Danes, Keira Knightley, Kate Bosworth, & Mia Wasikowskaon international covers. To keep this post short & sweet, here’s what we have!
New York Fashion Week (#NYFW) is upon us (certainly my favorite time of year), but what’s also exciting is to keep an eye out for the newest collections at our favorite & affordable retailers that don’t preview their designs on a traditional runway. I know when it comes to accessories, I generally lean toward scarves & jewelry, but one important & oh-so fashionable accessory for both men & women is a chic frame of eyeglasses- especially styles from Warby Parker‘s new fall line of eyewear. Hey, guess what? It debuts today! Sporting frames just because you have to is a thing of the past! However, a brand like Warby Parker is a long-awaited trendy gift for those of us with eyes needing assistance. I’ve been wearing glasses for over 20 years & was psyched when I was approached by the company to showcase the new styles right here on Style Darling!
In getting to know the brand a little better, I learned so much & was especially impressed with the company’s target unisex audience: “those who own their style, exercise their wit, & add life to the party. Personality is what makes a good pair of glasses great.” Not to mention that investing in one of these 9 new styles (in titanium & acetate), you’ll be investing ($95.00 for a single vision pair) in a good cause since Warby Parker donates a pair of glasses to someone in need with the help of their partnered non-profit organizations. Click here for more info on this very worthy cause!
When I got a good look at the promotional shots & different styles, my blog-ready brain was eager to pair up some of my favorite designs with outfits for various occasions. This includes a relaxed day look for when you’re running errands & an evening outfit, á la Zooey Deschanel‘s lovable character, Jess, on New Girl. Also, I must share my vision for wearing chic frames to the office, as well as when you’re headed out of town for a weekend getaway of luxury & style!
Accessorizing when it comes to work looks can be tricky, especially when you want to impress your boss & colleagues, which is why I simply added the braided chain bracelet ($9.97) from New York & Company & the diamond texture full tights ($16.03) from Express. Both mixed metals & textured tights are staples for any fall wardrobe & allow for a sophisticated layered & interesting overall look.
Finally, my absolute favorite new design in the Wary Parker collection is the Annette frames in petal tortoise, which immediately makes me think of spectacle-wearing icons of old Hollywood. These are perfect for the weekend look since they capture the playful side of any Style Darling. I started building the outfit with the patterned cotton shirt ($29.95) from H&M, Old Navy‘s sweetheart gray super-skinny jeans ($34.94) in mudcave, & the Rocket Dog ‘Sayla’ vintage worn boots ($49.95) in mushroom from Zappos. For such a minimal outfit, I wanted to dress it up with some elegant & effortless accessories, which is what a weekend look is all about. For example, the gauzy crinkled infinity scarf ($9.99) from Charlotte Russe works well with the colors in the shirt. Also, I haven’t shared anything with pearls & here’s my chance with the pearl hinge bangle bracelet ($34.00) from BaubleBar & Ann Taylor‘s modern pearlized triangle studs ($29.50) in gold.
And since we’re still on the topic of glasses, I wanted to share some more notable designs in the collection, for their shape, colors, & androgynous appeal:
The above styles include (clockwise, starting at upper left) Baxter Ti in sugar maple, Chandler Ti in English oak, Durand in whiskey tortoise, Greenleaf in woodgrain tortoise, Annette in striped sassafras, & Eli in crystal.
And if looking like a real life Clark Kent or the (insert your hometown here)-equivalent of Tina Fey isn’t enough, here are a few other incredibly attractive famous people to help inspire your frames fetish for fall! Whether you’re trying to recreate a vintage look, sport some menswear inspiration, or play with different trends, eyeglasses are a must-have, as seen on actress Anne Hathaway, musician / singer Alicia Keys, No Doubt frontwoman & fashion icon Gwen Stefani, R&B crooner Ne-Yo, mega hottie Ryan Gosling, & talented boy-next-door Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
As much as I’m a fan of dresses, especially this summer since I’ve worn a dress most days of this season, I’m always pro-skirt, especially when it comes to transitioning from one look to another for a variety of occasions. This fall, I’m headed all over the place: the classroom, my academic job, my retail job, an internship in NYC, & wherever my personal life takes me. I turned to some of the most stylish celebrities for a little skirt inspiration, both on the red carpet & when they’re showing off their street style. This includes Miranda Kerr‘s emerald green & violet matching separates(shop here) by Escada at the Escada Joyful event last month, supermodel Chrissy Teigen in a printed crop top & pencil skirt (shop here) by Milly with nude ankle strap sandals, & Lily Collinsin a head-to-toe mix print look by Chanel while attending the label’s latest fall/winter runway show.
While I was flipping through the first wave of September issues of my favorite magazines, I came across a few ads that caught my eye & was suddenly inspired by skirts for fall. Here are a few of my top picks that are sure to work with your current wardrobe staples, as well as make a new statement about your fall style. Below, said skirt that inspired this post was the Worthington long pencil skirt ($19.99) in blue geo print from JC Penney, which I could imagine worn with a crisp white button down, a black t-shirt, or a cobalt pintucked blouse. To bring out your softer side, I choose the brushstroke print A-line skirt ($22.80) in black & cream from Forever 21 because it just screams Charlotte York to me!
If you’re really looking to mix things up, try this metallic skirt ($29.95) in silver from H&M, which is a great investment for any time of year, paired with a pastel blouse (like that shown in the image above) or an embellished sweater for the holidays. The assymetrical zip skirt ($24.99) in black from Target is a modern twist on the classic, all-purpose pencil skirt, especially if you’re headed to an interview at a trendy office, or looking to dress up your favorite rocker tee. I’m also a big fan of this because it’s available in gray & sizes X-Small to XX-Large. Lastly, to work the menswear trend this fall, I picked the plaid pencil skirt ($30.00) from Dress Barn, which has hints of so many different colors that you can pop it with a regal purple top or make it work-ready with a navy cardigan. Also, this skirt is sold online & in-stores in plus sizes.
It’s about that time of year when not only is fall fashion hitting your favorite stores, but also the magazine racks with the coveted September issues, thriving with new outfit options for the changing of the seasons, as well as the trendiest new pieces to transform & upgrade your style. Actress Olivia Wildegraces the cover of Glamour, discussing her upcoming 30th birthday, her newest role as motherhood to baby Otis (with fiancé Jason Sudeikis), changing how women are perceived in the film industry, & her latest HBO project with Martin Scorsese.
I can appreciate celebrity collaborations with fashion designers, as well as the special one-time only capsules with celebrity inspirations, but most of the time, the prices & styles aren’t necessarily accessible to the mainstream Style Darling. Clearly, there is an exception to that & that’s Lauren Conrad‘s new LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl’s collection. Not only is the reality star-turned-fashion mogul sharing a sneak peek on her website, but she’s also conducting a contest to win $100 to shop her collection at the department store. The designs are clean, feminine, & versatile for a variety of looks, which is why I love featuring her collections with my readers.
For more details on the contest, check out the rules here. Which look is / pieces are your favorite? How would you style these separates? What’s your favorite Kohl’s shopping experience? Also, to check out some of Lauren’s previous collections, hit up the following links: July 2013 lookbook, Spring 2013 gallery, & the holiday collection! Happy Styling!
Summer is certainly in full swing, but we can look to the red carpet to see what’s coming for fall on our favorite celebrities. This includes the young & sophisticated Chloe Grace Moretz, star of the highly anticipated YA adaptation If I Stay. At a recent book signing, the actress wore tailored trousers with a multicolor shirt & metallic pumps. I was so inspired by this look, especially since I’ll be headed back to work next month & will need to start transitioning from sandals to stilettos.
Of course when you put a look like this together, you can reinterpret the separates in many different ways. The essential ingredients are easy: a button down shirt, tailored trousers, & pointy toe pumps. This outfit would also be uber-chic if worn monochromatic in white or red, as well as using menswear inspiration.
To achieve this look, I found some affordable pieces that can certainly be mixed & matched for a variety of looks for day, night, & anything in between. The floral tile softened shirt ($22.00) from LOFT is currently 60% off. While it doesn’t share the same glitz as Chloe’s sequined shirt, you an easily bling it up with some oversized jewels or pearls. The 7th Avenue City double stretch slim ankle pant ($54.95) from New York & Company are BOGO 50% off, & can be very work appropriate, as well as fun for a night out with an embellished top & strappy sandals. As for the shoes, I found the Heart Soul Gizelle pump ($24.94) in silver from DSW, which add that extra special posh touch.
What are your favorite menswear inspired pieces? How would you wear a look like this? Where are you shopping for your fall must-haves? Happy Styling!
The sun is shining & the sandals are out, which means that considering sun protection is a must! With that, I’ve taken some inspiration from my writer bestie, Christine, in exploring the world of floppy hats. Of course, with a budget in mind, I wanted to turn to some of my favorite & most stylish celebrities to see the variety of ways to wear floppy hats.
Oscar winning actress & designer darling Lupita Nyong’o mixed a conservation black hat with her printed Alexander McQueen dress at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic. For a casual day out & about, Michelle Williams topped off her chambray & striped shorts look with a country-inspired straw hat, which soften her camel leather sandals & shoulder bag. Lastly, Jamie Chung shows off her weekend style in a pale floral jumpsuit & tortoiseshell sunnies with a straw Panama hat.
As you can see, there are many different ways to wear a floppy hat, but you don’t have to spend a lot of cash to get the most out of your summer wardrobe, especially if you’re looking to mix things up. The David & Young straw floppy hat ($22.80) in pink stripe from Kohl’s is also available in yellow, blue, & black to match up with any beachy look. For a truly nautical feel, head to Forever 21 for the tasseled straw hat ($14.80) to wear with a searsucker dress & gold sandals. For the perfectly neutral topper, the floppy hat ($22.94) in brown sugar from Old Navy to protect your face and shoulders from the harsh rays of the sun. My forth selection is the Kate Landry floppy hat ($12.00) in black from Dillard’s, which is also sold in a flirty red & both will make any cotton dress pop.
Checking out these floppy hats also made me think of how classic & current straw & basket weave details are for the season. The following items are also versatile to celebrate summer style:
The Dexflex Margaret wedge espadrille ($12.00) in coral from Payless is also available to wear with any dress, separates outfit, or shorts romper in black, white, turquoise, & nude. Also, to mix up your shirtdress look, switch it up with this Lauren Ralph Lauren stretch belt ($29.40) from Dillard’s, which has recently been reduced from its original $42.00 price. My last pick is the Kelly & Katie striped straw clutch ($19.94) from DSW to help transition your day look to evening.
Where do you like to shop for summer accessories? Do you like to wear floppy hats? What do you think of straw accessories? Happy Styling!
Oscar-winner Jennifer Lawrence can’t go a day without being photographed, and it makes sense, especially after catching this behind-the-scenes look during her recent photo shoot for In Style‘s December 2013 cover. Of course, we get to see the tall, leggy blonde with her longer, fuller hair, while still loving all the recent shots for her press tour of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
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The Dior spokesmodel wows inside the magazine’s pages, decked out in luxe winter whites by designers like Alexander McQueen, Valentino, Proenza Schouler, Marc Jacobs, Céline, & naturally Dior Haute Couture. The ravishing images come courtesy of photographer Michelangelo Di Battista, who captures Hollywood’s it-girl alongside an article which features her chatting about being a high school cheerleader, being a sex symbol, her choice of not going to college, & her biggest spending splurge- so far!
I know it’s only November 9th & all, which is realistically too early to start making holiday wish lists, but at my current (& second) retail job, the holiday music has started & the decorations have been displayed. While scanning my Facebook newsfeed for blog inspiration, I saw some affordable jewelry picks from LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl’s, which made me feel like it was time to write a shopping post, after all this celebrity stuff I’ve been sharing lately.
If you follow Style Darling‘s Instagram, then you know that I’m a big fan of stud earrings, especially with my five fabulous ear piercings in each ear. Not a day goes by where I don’t fill up my ear with my favorite studs, which always coordinate with my outfit & other jewelry pieces. However, I’m getting more & more keen on the idea of mixing up stud earrings with each other to create a visually-interesting look to my ear bling. Part of the former reality star & current fashion mogul’s collection includes these super adorable earrings, which will certainly put a smile on any Style Darling’s face. I love the richness of the gold-tone metal, as well as the very feminine rose gold hues that make Conrad’s line of accessories perfect for my style (at least).
There are just so many resort collections to cover & only one Style Darling to do the job, however one of my personal favorites of the season is the latest Alice + Olivia Resort 2014 Collection, which features plenty of youthful, yet sophisticated separates & dresses that are red carpet-ready & perfect for upcoming magazine editorials. The line includes feminine details like lace, bows, A-line skirts, floral prints, & fun colorblocking schemes which are sure to attract the likes of Taylor Swift, Diane Kruger, Emmy Rossum, Kerry Washington, & Zoe Saldana.
I love these designs by Stacey Bendet, which seem to be inspired by the fun & flirty nature behind the Betsey Johnson legacy, with a mix of preppy Michael Kors in there too. I’ve been watching a lot of Johnson’s reality show XOX Betsey Johnson on the Style Network, finding her efforts to rebuild her brand pretty inspiring myself. Let’s hope that color is here to stay, even as we’re still delving into summer with fall trends quickly on their way.
The weather outside is pretty nasty here on Long Island & while I’m trying to keep my head up & attitude positive, I know with the recent personal trials that I’ve been through, I need a vacation. Unfortunately, I’m not in the position to do so, but a girl can dream when there are still some shreds of dreams left to ponder. Also, after some inspiring messaging with another Style Darling, I decided to just throw myself into the online retail forum & find some amazing & affordable pieces, perfect for a Spring Break vacation or much-needed warm-weather getaway in my latest post for The $100 Challenge.
Whenever the temperature rises, it’s always stylish to add a maxi dress to your wardrobe, which is why I picked out the chiffon tribal print maxi dress ($16.80) from Forever 21, which can be dressed up with beaded earrings & platform sandals, or made day-ready with a chunky leather belt & gladiators. I also always love checking out the latest in spring shoes, which includes the Brash Molly side t-strap wedge sandal ($19.99) in black from Payless. They’re also available in coral, gold, & white- perfect for mixing with a cotton spring dress, cropped pants & a blouse, or with cut-off jeans & a graphic tee. When spring rolls around, I’m happy to switch out my heavy wool & knit scarves for something lighter & more feminine, like the daisy print infinity scarf ($9.99) from Charlotte Russe to wear with basics like a cotton tee & denim jacket.
Don’t forget that spring & vacations are all about embracing bright colors & while I’m not one to wear shorts myself, I love the shorts ($12.95) in red from H&M, which are also sold in powder pink, black, white, blue, pink, & yellow. For a nautical feel to your look, I recommend the striped roll-tab scoop neck tee ($13.47) in blue from New York & Company, which are a limited quantity item, reduced from their original $26.95 price tag. Also, florals are very popular this time of year, so if you’re headed somewhere chic, the a.n.a. ankle-length skinny jeans ($14.00) in all over floral from JC Penney are great for coordinating with different prints like stripes, polka dots, or plaids. Lastly, for some sparkle with versatility, I choose Old Navy‘s sheer sequin-chiffon tank ($11.99) in pink to wear with satin shorts & platforms for a night out with the girls, dark denim jeans & ballet flats for brunch, or a pencil skirt & boyfriend blazer when headed to an office meeting.
Retail therapy has been proven to cause endorphins of joy, feelings of success, & stress relief (or so I’ve heard & experienced), which is why women often turn to shopping in times of need. This little Style Darling apologizes for the inconsistency in new blog updates, thus breaking my New Year’s Resolution for sharing posts with readers everyday for 2013, but while I’m coping with the hardships behind a broken heart, I’m eager to get back on the horse & try to find some inspiration, even if it’s just in a pair of shoes. When clicking around the web, I found myself on the Forever 21 website & came across the crisscross stiletto sandals ($29.80) in black, tomato, & citron.
Of course these colors range from basic to flirty to bold, but they can work for a variety of occasions, including a night out with the girls in a sheath dress, with skinny jeans & a blouse for a weekend luncheon, or for happy hour cocktails with co-workers when you want to slip out of your regular office attire & into something more casual, yet dressed up. I’ve never been one to add a lot of texture or coverage over my ankles, fearing that it would cut off my legline, but I’m really drawn to the juxtaposition of a really sexy, slim heel that will emphasize any feminine outfit, especially with a rear zipper & faux suede outsole. The strong & edgy feel will sharpen any menswear-inspired pieces & can work for any season. Naturally, neons are big for spring & summer, but if you’re into a classic shoe, there’s always a sleek black pair.
While preparing for my very lovely & exciting New Year’s Eve date tonight, I started thinking about the year 2011, which is when Style Darling really became a vehicle for me to share such a big part of myself as not only a writer, but as a woman, friend, world-traveler, & shoe lover. I’ve had some personal highs & many recent personal lows, but during these last few emotional months, this virtual forum is where I can not only share what I love about fashion & style, but for the loyal readers that I do have, I’d like to think that I’ve set up a little community here where all styles & walks of life are welcome.
Even though I didn’t expect to have plans tonight, especially by the side of the individual with whom I have said plans, I’m super excited that I was able to find such a great deal on a cute dress to share with everyone. Which brings me to think about some of my favorite icons of style… I wanted to share this video I found on YouTube of what’s probably one of the best New Year’s Eve movie moments, of course from the Sex & the Citymovie, starting with Miranda’s late-night phone call to Carrie.
Ladies, we’ve all been there, feeling lonely & down, especially when there may not be a romantic partner in the picture to share the special event of the changing of the year, but I’ve learned that in spending so much time all year building friendships, laughing, & experiencing life, no one is ever alone. If you have a close group of friends, let them be your soulmates & every other guy (or whoever it is that you prefer) just enters & leaves your life if / when it’s supposed to happen. Love yourself. Love style. Love life. Happy New Year! Auguri! Be safe & responsible! Happy Styling!
I’ve spent a great deal of time the last 2 weeks shopping & preparing my closet for fall-ready fashions, but nothing makes me happier than documenting this trial of trends. I did a serious workout this Sunday doing the great closet switch, which included all my bags, shoes, dresses, & other everyday apparel from the spring / summer now tucked in whatever storage space I have & in its place are the loads of fall / winter glam with which I am obsessed.
Of course this was no shallow feat of materialism, this required a great deal of soul-searching via style! I thought it would have to be a full weekend process, but my motivation was high & level of organization was even higher, so I banged it out without tribulation! I have a limited space to work with & I’m happy to share what I’ve got!
One day I’ll have a spacious walk-in or a better organizer, but I have my shoeboxes labelled, tops color-coordinated, dresses & skirts separated by texture & length. You see all those shoeboxes? Well, they’re 99% from Payless & I love the sturdiness of the Lela Rose boxes sold @Payless.
My adventure did go beyond the closet as I reorganized by color, the slew of hand-made headbands that I try to wear regularly. I have them also organized by color, but as you can see from the clothing above & headbands below, I love my black! One of these days I’ll get my Etsy shop running (making Stacey of EtsyBrook very happy) & then you can get your hands on those bands too!
While I’m more of a stud earrings girl myself (what with always wearing my glasses & headbands so frequently), I do love checking out drop earrings, especially for fancy occasions. Although I have none coming up, I was inspired to search around the Swarovski website & check out their jewelry line, when a fellow Style Darling cried out for some help trying to find luxury look-alikes to another pair of gorgeous crystal earrings by the famous brand. Even though I was unable to find near replicates to the fabulous pair that she selected, I did happen to notice a correlation between a pair of earrings that had caught my eye during my recently documented trip to New York & Company.
The more expensive pair sold at Swarovski goes for $75.00, which is a good investment in jewelry for anyone on a budget, however compared to the equally as gorgeous pair sold at New York & Company, you’d be spending $19.95! Usually I have a link up to show which is which over the images, but in an effort to sir up some online style browsing, as well as some much-needed feedback, check out the links within the text here. Which pair would you buy? Would you trust your jewelry more to Swarovski for a special occasion or are you always looking for the best bargain even if it’s in a CZ? Happy Styling!
While celebrating the release of her cook book, My Father’s Daughter, Oscar-winning actress & (close to the) top Style Darlings of them all, Gwyneth Paltrow shined in fitted white blazer, button down top, & roll-up khakis. Her rich camel platforms made this look really professional & fashionable, & it’s also an easy one for Style Darlings everywhere to pull off! Not to mention, I love how all of these separates are so affordable & can be made versatile by switching up just a few pieces.
And I’m not the only one who loves this look since I recently found that J (of one of my favorite fashion blogs, J’s Everyday Fashion) also featured it & was able to find pieces in her closet that could be put together in an effort to pay homage to Gwyneth’s very polished presentation of casual chic! Take a look at another Darling of the Day feature of Gwyneth, wearing very similarly fabulous platforms, from back in April too! What do you think of her style? What kind of event would you wear this to? What would you change about it? Happy Styling!
While I’m more of a stud earrings girl myself (what with always wearing my glasses & headbands so frequently), I do love checking out drop earrings, especially for fancy occasions. Although I have none coming up, I was inspired to search around the 
Style Darling Daily 