Red Carpet Review: Jayma Mays Promoting ‘The Smurfs’!

I’m totally loving all the latest images (courtesy of In Style) of Glee star Jayma Mays, who is currently promoting her newest film, The Smurfs.  She’s got that girl-next-door thing down, but knows how to keep it classy & sexy.

Jayma shows off her legs in a bright green Reem Acra mini dress with Ferragamo pumps, BaubleBar earrings & a Judith Leiber clutch at the film’s New York premiere. While filming a segment for the Young Hollywood Studio in Los Angeles, the perky actress donned a casual orange & white striped belted dress with layers of chains. During an event at Confederacy in L.A., Jayma sports head-to-toe Rebecca Minkoff, including a belted blue blazer, & purple mini skirt. Upon arrive in NY, she made an appearance at a mock Smurfs village in Central Park wearing a Rebecca Minkoff blouse & shorts with Aldo pumps & Jamie Wolf earrings. Lastly, while at the Empire State Building with co-star Neil Patrick Harris, wearing a Tibi blazer & shorts with a Polo Ralph Lauren shirt, & Aldo pumps.

For more on Jayma’s accessible style, click on over to Darling of the Day, or check out In Style’s Star Finder!  Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: Super Strappy Black Gladiator Sandals from Barneys Vs. Mandee!

If you’re looking for some super sexy strappy black gladiator sandals for a cocktail dress or your favorite little black dress, then check these out!  However, I was soooo enchanted by a pair from Barney’s, but couldn’t get past the $675.00 price tag.  Naturally this is b/c the brand of the ‘Zaira’ is Loeffler Randall, which is also available @Zappos, Neiman Marcus, Singer 22, & Nordstrom.

However, as a Style Darling on a budget, check out Mandee for these four-inch strappy cone heel sandals.  They only cost $15.00 & while the two pairs of sandals are not identical, they’re pretty close in concept.  Think about how much you buy for $675 & why in the world would you want to spend that much on one pair of shoes (unless of course money was not an issue)?

When I look for shoes, it’s all about getting the most for my money.  As a regular on the Mandee website & in their stores, I’ve found their shoe selection very reliable in comfort & style.  Not to mention all the discount rewards you can earn just for having the store’s credit card! Check out previous Luxury Look-Alikes for Less posts for more great affordable & stylish finds! Happy Styling!

7/29/11 Darling of the Day: Kristen Stewart Casual in Converse @Comic Con!

At this week’s Comic Con, Twilight star Kristen Stewart showed off her edgy / casual style in a tissue tee by Market, with a black bra, skinny jeans, & her favorite pair of Converse sneakers.  I wouldn’t recommend this look for most Style Darlings, but lately, the actress has been pulling it off, looking a bit softer & feminine than usual.  Anyone agree?

Endorsing a $47.99 tee isn’t my usual way of style blogging for a bargain, but I came across this see-thru tee from Bluefly that would replicate this look perfectly.  If you alternate this enough with other items you currently own, it will really begin to earn its value. Also, I choose this plus-size top from Old Navy, which is only $8.00 & available in nine other colors.  If you’re looking for some color in a look like this, then that’s your best bet!  As for jeans, I stuck to Old Navy with Flirt skinny jeans for $19.97 & Plus braid-trim skinny jeans for $39.94.

Kristen keeps it simple, but sexy with a black bra underneath & what better way to buy a black bra, than to get a white one with it for practically free!  This duo set is only $32.oo @Victoria’s Secret.  I’ve actually used coupons for this item & it’s been an essential part of my undergarment collection & you can’t get any better than Vickie’s!  A rectangular ring is all that she wears & here’s a great silver pick from Forever 21, costing barely $5.00! Lastly, while brand-name Converse sneakers run up to $90.00, I found high top look-alikes from Payless for $29.99 by Airwalk.

All & all, this look will cost you anywhere between $98.73 to $118.75, which really isn’t bad for one outfit that can be mixed & matched to follow the latest trends. For more on Kristen’s style, check out Red Carpet Review: The 2011 Met Costume Institute Gala & In Style’s Star Finder to see all her red carpet looks.  Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: New Markdowns @White House Black Market!

What’s so great about this end-of-July / beginning-of-August time of year is that all the summer items are being marked down to usher in the new fall goods.  There are such great sales currently @White House Black Market! While you can shop all their sale items yourself to find fabulous deals, I’ve picked out some of my favorites, including a classic graphic print tee, perfect for a flirty ruffled mini skirt, as well as the basic black cami to wear under your favorite shear blouse or bolero cardigan.  I’m a big, BIG fan of skirts & WHBM is my go-to resource for finding gorgeous quality skirts in my favorite color combination.  The striped skirt is flattering for ALL body types & can even be brightened up with a pop of color in a belt or slingback heel.  The design of the floral skirt is great if paired with a blazer to mix up a work outfit, or works well with ankle strap sandals.  Part of what I love about summer footwear is that there’s always plenty of sparkle to choose from, as seen in these pink croc studded flip-flops & the embellished tan wedge sandals (also available in black, red, & blue).  There’s no better way to protect your eyes than with these animal-print sunglasses for $19.99, which command movie star status even for a Style Darling on a budget. In my opinion, one can really never have enough bracelets& a multi-stranded beaded bracelet is a classic option for a wrap dress, or try out a hammered stretch bracelet to match up for a date night. Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Hip Hair Accessories ($10 & Under)!

When you’re having fun out & about in the sun, it’s sometimes too hot out to keep your hair down (unless you’re lucky enough to live in one of those always-perfect climates).  However, an easy fix to keeping your hair stylish amid the weather is with hair accessories.  Back in October, I featured The Stylish Five: Get Happy About Headbands ($10 & Under)!, so I’m pretty well-versed in hair-ware!  Featuring clips, pins, & headbands is always fun b/c there’s just so much variety with feathers, rhinestones, animal prints, & flowers.

Here I’ve selected a rhinestone encrusted headband for $5.80 @Forever 21, which is perfect to dress up a basic tee or to put with something dressier like a cocktail dress (very Blair Waldorf!).  Next up, add some flair with feathers in this clip duo from Wet Seal for $7.00.  They’re cute for pulling back bangs or clipping onto the top of your ponytail! I love pulling my bangs back (in between haircuts) with a bobby pin & the extra delicate daisy detail just screams summer, available @Fred Flare for $6.00! Another fun accessory is a single flower clip like the green one from Target for $3.99.  If you’re crafty, you can even attach a safety-pin to it to wear on the lapel of your blazer or on a canvas tote bag!  Lastly, I saved my favorite, a “leopard blossom” headband, perfect to jazz up an LBD or summer romper.  Check it out @Charlotte Russe for a mere $6.50! Check back for more on The Stylish Five!  Happy Styling!