Cover Craze: Michelle Obama’s 2nd Vogue Cover, Kim K for Cosmo, Nicki Minaj’s Makeunder For Elle, & More!

I know I’m looking forward to April for more than the fabulous spring fashions & big upcoming movies, but I have a lot of exciting professional changes ahead of me. However, there’s so much going on in terms of our favorite magazines & the big international headlines are looking more & more fabulous, guiding where fashion is headed as the weather begins to warm up. In this latest post for Cover Craze, I went all out with a total of 15 covers that I just couldn’t stop looking at & reading up on.

The biggest news in covers is that First Lady Michelle Obama returns to Vogue for the April 2013 issue in a sleek two-tone Reed Krakoff sheath dress, photographed by the always impressive Annie Leibovitz. In an interview with Jonathan Van Meter, FLOTUS discusses parenting, marriage, her duties as First Lady, as well as fashion. She shares with readers, “If you’re comfortable in your clothes it’s easy to connect with people & make them feel comfortable as well.”

On the cover of Lucky, two-time Emmy winner & star of Modern Family, Julie Bowen, looks like the modern & sexy cool mom that we all wish we had, wearing pieces from Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Stars, & Pandora. Inside the svelte blond is contemporary & chic in J.Crew, Juicy Couture, Jimmy Choo, & DKNY. Speaking of TV stars, Revenge actress Emily VanCamp looks smoldering in a cut-out Michael Kors dress on the cover of Marie Claire Australia, sharing the spotlight with her dashing male co-stars  Gabriel Mann (Nolan), Barry Sloane (Aiden), & Nick Wechsler (Jack).

Marie Claire shows The Incredible Burt Wonderstone actress Olivia Wilde in a sexy sheer blue dress, as she talks about her engagement to Saturday Night Live star Jason Sudekis. As for Marie Claire UK, Mila Kunis, star of Oz the Great & Powerful, talks about her breakout performance in Black Swan, upcoming Hollywood projects, & taking a break from back-to-back movies.

New Girl star Zooey Deschanel, who takes the cover of In Style in a stunning Carolina Herrera gown. Also featured in the issue are pieces by Oscar de la Renta, Bottega Veneta, Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga, Chanel, & Nicholas Kirkwood, as she talks about her love of all things nail art & being a role model for girls.

I featured Selena Gomez‘s breezy spring look for Harper’s Bazaar in my last Haute Headlines post, but what was awestruck by the young star’s shoot by Terry Richardson featuring red carpet looks by Akris, Dior, Calvin Klein, & Prada. The down-to-earth Texas native & star of Spring Breakers talks about her family traditions, stardom, & her new role as a single lady.

Elle unzips rapper / American Idol judge Nicki Minaj without the big neon hair or exaggerated eyelashes that she’s always famous for donning. Also, Elle UK pays homage to another star in music, Rihanna, who looks effortless in a checkered Louis Vuitton outfit (like from the collection we’ve seen on Kirsten Dunst & Kerry Washington). She talks about her future, family, & more from the pixie-cutted pop star.

Kim Kardashian is always in the news & while photogs are tracking her pregnancy style, you can see her pre-baby-bump curves on the cover of Cosmopolitan in a Sophia Loren-inspired look. Smash star Katharine McPhee look positively fresh-faced for front & back covers of Women’s Health. She models various different makeup looks including striking blue eyeliner, enhanced cheeks, & bold red lips. Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence is the focus of People Style Watch & for her stylish red carpet looks in Stella McCartney, Hugo, & Michael Kors. Also, the mag looks at her street style in Thakoon & Tory Burch, as well as her changing hairstyles for previous films like Silver Linings Playbook, The Hungry Games, & X-Men: First Class.

Lastly, we see country crooner Taylor Swift for Vanity Fair, talking about how she’s the target of constant jokes regarding her love life, including the jab that Tina Fey & Amy Poehler made during last month’s Golden Globes. A topless Kate Hudson let her natural beauty shine for Glamour, decked out in layers of Chanel necklaces. The mom of two talks about her romance with Muse frontman, motherhood in her thirties, & how she balances it all. I almost missed seeing Emily VanCamp‘s second April cover for Canada’s Fashion magazine, but I was glad to catch the former ballerina & leading lady for the Captain America sequel in this gorgeous snake-print dress & necklace, both by Gucci.

For more celebrity posts, check out black & white looks worn by Jessica Chastain & Jessica Alba, the neon trend as seen on Jennifer Lopez & Freida Pinto, Kate Winslet for Lancôme’s latest ad campaign, & complete red carpet coverage from the Academy Awards! Which magazines are your favorite for April? Which look makes for the best cover? Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review / Rundway Rundown: Style Darling’s Top 20 Best Oscar-Worthy Gown Predictions!

We’re less than a month away from the 2013 Academy Awards & the SAG Awards are this weekend! The speculation behind the results inside those envelopes & what the nominees are going to wear have been bouncing around all over the web & for the first time, I’m going to share my fashion predictions, based off the Pre-Fall 2013, Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear, Spring 2013 Haute Couture, & Resort 2013 collection runways. Of course, Oscar-nominated celebrities like Jessica Chastain, Jennifer Lawrence, Anne Hathaway, Amy Adams & Naomi Watts are subject to one-of-a-kind custom-made haute couture gowns, but it’s been a lot of fun to click around & find the most gorgeous gowns that wowed on the runway. In addition to the nominees who are celebrating their achievements in film, possible presenters like Rachel Weisz, Amanda Seyfried, Jennifer Lopez, Emily Blunt, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Garner & more will be turning heads on the red carpet.

Surely there will be lots of glitz & glamour, but predictions of trends are hard to tell. There was so much going on at this year’s Golden Globes, including black, black & gold, white, pink, long sleeves, cut-outs, high slits, & nude illusions. Starting off is a gold lamé & embellished gown from Michael Kors Resort 2013 Collection, which was recently featured in a Runway Rundown post. From Carlos Miele‘s Resort 2013 Collection comes this beautiful embellished sweetheart gown with an animal print under-lining. Some might call the white & black-leather accented Emilio Pucci dress from the Pre-Fall 2013 Collection is too safe for the Oscars, but I think it’s a modern & refreshing take on a white gown.

For the risk-taking Style Darling, I can see the metallic long-sleeved gown from Monique Lhuillier‘s Pre-Fall 2013 Collection making an entrance on the red carpet. I picked this tangerine Jenny Packham Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection gown b/c of its unexpected color, but on the right skin-tone, it will certainly set some trends on the red carpet for the rest of the year.

Next, we have a floral-embroidered belted gown by Temperley London, which was featured in the Pre-Fall 2013 Collection. This has a very classic, Zooey Deschanel look to it, which is why I loved including it! Badgley Mischka is a name synonymous with red carpets & perhaps we’ll see this all-over embellished metallic gown from their Pre-Fall 2013 Collection on one of the front-running Oscar nominees. One of my favorite designers forever & always is Marchesa & I wasn’t surprised to see so many red carpet candidates in their Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection, including this sari-inspired sheer-overlay blue & gold confection.

I love the feminine softness from the short-sleeved Collette Dinnigan gown from the Resort 2013 Collection. The coral / fuchsia hue is perfect for an ingénue like the ever-changing Dakota Fanning or the retro Krysten Ritter. Roberto Cavalli‘s black sequined & lace overlay corset-structured gown is a stunning choice for a more dramatic look on the red carpet & it’s from the Pre-Fall 2013 Collection.

Designs by Alexandre Vauthier made a style statement at the Golden Globes since both supermodel Heidi Klum & Downton Abbey actress Michelle Dockery both donned looks, but I picked this leg-baring halter gown from the Spring 2013 Haute Couture Collection. J. Mendel‘s Pre-Fall 2013 Collection was a dreamy mixture of texture, detail, flowy fabrics, & strong silhouettes, including this lace-accented spaghetti strap gown with off-the-shoulder tiers. Also, Giambattista Valli‘s white & gold ball gown took my breath away from its Spring 2013 Haute Couture Collection & would certainly wow fashion critics if worn on Isla Fisher, Julianne Hough, or Kerry Washington.

There ought to be room on any red carpet for a Valentino red gown, like this strapless & effortless gown from the Spring 2013 Haute Couture Collection. Also, Christian Dior‘s Spring 2013 Haute Couture Collection featured the pink puffy mermaid ball gown. In addition, someone like Diane Kruger or Zoe Saldana can wear an floral-embellished, dramatic gown like this from Elie Saab‘s Spring 2013 Haute Couture Collection.

After Lucy Liu‘s splash at the Globes in Carolina Herrera, I knew I had to look further into her Pre-Fall 2013 Collection, which included this gorgeous black & white graphic print gown, perfect for fans of the label including Renee Zellweger, Emmy Rossum, or Olivia Wilde.  Next, from Oscar de la Renta‘s Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear, this aqua tiered dream of a gown is borderline bridesmaid, but the color is just so pretty & it reminds me of the Romona Keveza ball gown that Kaley Cuoco wore at last year’s SAG Awards.

You can’t have a look at the best from the runway without talking about American designer, Zac Posen, & his Pre-Fall 2013 Collection, which is a dramatic statement that will change the way black gowns appear on the red carpet. Lastly, a daring look for the Oscars comes from Jason Wu‘s Spring 2013 Ready-To-Wear Collection & perhaps a young starlet like Emma Watson would wear this will some extra lining to fill the skirt since the ceremony is so formal.

Which designers are you hoping to see on the red carpet? Which gown is your favorite? Which nominees are you rooting for during this year’s Oscars? For more runway goodness, check out galleries including Rachel Roy, Calvin Klein Collection, Diane von Furstenberg, & Narciso Rodriguez! Also, to read more from Red Carpet Review, check out looks from the 2013 Presidential Inauguration, leather & black oufits featuring Elisabeth Moss & Scarlett Johansson, the 2013 Critics’ Choice Awards with looks from Eva Longoria & Jaime King, & this year’s red carpet from the People’s Choice Awards with Jennifer Aniston & Chloe Grace Moretz! Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: Top 10 Style Darlings To Watch For 2013!

It’s now the final week of 2012 & fashion critics everywhere are compiling their lists of the best looks & best dressed throughout the year. Of course you have the A-listers like Anne Hathaway, Angelina Jolie, Rihanna, Diane Kruger, & Jennifer Lopez who always make a fashionable entrance, but I wanted to share my list of the Top 10 Style Darlings To Watch For 2013, meaning the gals who’ve made their mark on 2012, but still have a lot to share for the upcoming year.  This list includes, in no particular order, Victoria’s Secret model Miranda Kerr, singer / DJ Solange Knowles, stage & screen siren Jessica Chastain, America’s latest sweetheart Emma Stone, Oscar-nominated Rooney Mara, the pillowy-lipped Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, former House star Olivia Wilde, blonde bombshell Malin Akerman, Twilight starlet Ashley Greene, & Indian beauty Freida Pinto.

Miranda Kerr has single-handedly reinvented street style for the mom-on-the-go. Avoiding leggings & oversized tunic sweaters, she’s busting her gams in towering heels, skimpy shorts, classic pencil skirts, & modern looks to show that everyday is a runway.  Here we see the Aussie in a belted white dress by Willow while taking in Sydney. She shows off her tough side in a biker jacket, green sweater by Acne, Tabitha Simmons lace-up booties, & a chic Christian Louboutin bag while in New York. The model isn’t afraid of matching prints in this Helmut Lang shorts suit, paired with Tabitha Simmons ankle strap sandals. Miranda certainly knows how to dine in style in a sultry pewter column gown at the Gramercy Park Hotel.  Lastly, she’s effortless in a Balenciaga printed skirt matched with black separates, including an enviable Givenchy tote bag. 

News of Beyonce’s baby girl, Blue Ivy, might have started off 2012, but it was little sister Solange Knowles who really made it a year of newsworthy style. She plays with prints & proportion, never afraid of letting her personality show, often experimenting with bright colors. Just last month the singer partied in Miami in a Kenzo sheath dress with transparent sandals. She plays with colorblocking in this demure red & black ensemble with a sparkling tote back & bow bedecked heels. For a garden party at the MoMa, Solange’s floral separates show off her feminine side, especially with killer nude Casadei pumps. While celebrating a Ferragamo event, the talented DJ wears colorful separates by the designer, along with tons of perfectly coiffed curls.  Lastly, one of my favorite looks includes the printed Vera Wang peplum dress that she donned with matching heels for the Runway To Win Launch Party.

Jessica Chastain epitomizes what a modern-day movie star should be & she’s quickly climbing the fashion ranks with such a spectacular 2012 in front of the camera. She always brings out the nonstop glamour with every frock, cocktail dress, & gown that she wears- & they definitely don’t wear her.  It was hard to narrow down five of her best looks since she’s yet to hit on a red carpet slump, but I love the green Karen Caldwell sheath dress paired with suede bold Barbara Bui slingbacks & Harry Winston earrings for an appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman earlier this year.  She went for an all-black sparkling gown with green Bochic earrings, which was to die for against her alabaster skin & rich red hair.  At New York’s Beacon Theatre, this transparent beaded Marios Schwab dress caused quite the stir, but looked radiant with Harry Winston earrings & Giuseppe Zanotti satin heels. It’s rare that we see the Oscar-nominated actress in separates, but I love the look of her Kirna Zabête for Target ensemble, including a printed blouse, full blue skirt, black blazer, & peep toe heels.  Lastly, for the opening night of her run on Broadway in The Heiress, Jessica wowed in a yellow lace Stella McCartney design with nude Christian Louboutins. 

Emma Stone has been playing up her red & blonde locks on the red carpet, especially for the promotional tour for The Amazing Spider-Man, which catapulted this girl-next-door into super stardom.  Everyone in Hollywood wants to be her friend & everyone else is coveting her wardrobe.  This includes the two-tone jeweled design by Burberry with a sparkling green pencil skirt & ring by Jennifer Meyer.  Emma’s bubble gum pink Valentino dress worn with the houndstooth pumps by Ferragamo was the match of the year in this feminine take on menswear-inspiration.  For a premiere, she wore a party-worthy Chanel dress with Cartier jewelry & Christian Louboutins to finish the look.  Emma not only sports a dress like no other, but she’s taken risks like this luxe black Elie Saab jumpsuit in London, as well as her Gucci suit with t-strap heels & emeralds by Tiffany & Co. for the People’s Choice Awards.

Rooney Mara not only kicked butt on-screen in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, but she made one heck of a red carpet debut while promoting the film. Her minimalist style was a refreshing & much-needed dose of reality on while showing that you can be edgy & feminine at the same time.  Her blunt bangs have set a trend, as well as her unforgettably mysterious look, mixing progressive silhouettes with that ambiguously flirty stare.  Most recently, Rooney stepped out in Dubai in a custom sculptural dress by Calvin Klein.  She showed off her love of primary colors in this green Louis Vuitton cocktail dress for the Santa Barbara Film Festival.  For the Oscar nominees luncheon, she mixed a jumpsuit from ASOS with a chic white blazer by Thierry Mugler.  When in Rome, Rooney choose a ravishing red gown by Valentino, clad soft lace details. Last, she continues her sometimes androgynous look with a jacket by Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci, mini skirt, & ankle strap heels by Louis Vuitton.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is a regular featured in my posts for Red Carpet Review & Top 10 Celeb Sightings b/c she always gets it right. She’s turned heads not just b/c of her beautiful face & rocking body, but she brings a whole new level of taste to the red carpet as a model-turned-actress.  She’s got movie-star looks & isn’t backing down from any opportunity to steal the spotlight, especially in the stunning two-toned cocktail dress by Burberry with metallic cap toe heels.  One of my favorite looks of the year includes her green ruffled column gown by Gucci, topped off with Jennifer Meyer jewelry & white ankle-strap heels.  Also, Rosie smoldered in a lace overlay design by Jason Wu with a sleek updo, black pumps, & a deep lip color.  She knows how to work a trend, including the leather-detailed peplum dress with contrasting cap toe pumps.  Finally, her street style is pretty amazing too, especially the Stella McCartney printed mini dress with a Jason Wu tote, Alexander Wang sandals, & Burberry sunglasses. 

Olivia Wilde was all the talk last year & she’s lived up to her last name in 2012 with a series of looks only a chameleon could pull off.  The green-eyed actress is slated for more than a dozen films in the next few years & she looks happier than ever.  She’s a designer’s darling & can work any number of looks, including Old Hollywood, boho chic, contemporary bombshell, & so on.  Whether she’s blonde or brunette, she can pull off a sleek LBD like this red-belted A.L.C. design paired with pointy toe red pumps.  She looks ethereal in a silver embellished Carolina Herrera gown with a leather Jimmy Choo clutch.  Olivia has made cocktail dresses look renewed again with this lace-trimmed frock by Prada, & I love the contrasting tone peep toe Aperlai slingbacks. She’s not afraid of playing with shapes, as seen in the Calvin Klein caped dress that she wore with strappy sandals & a House of Lavande ring.  Lastly, she’s even effortless in L’Wren Scott separates with bowed Christian Louboutins at a premiere in New York. 

Malin Akerman mixes her sunny smile with one of the biggest trends of the year: leather.  She’s not afraid of blending her beachy blonde locks with the rock-friendly material, while constantly showing off her love of separates & classic black.  There’s always a retro feel in everything she wears, including her plunging leather vest & leggings with a printed clutch by Barbara Bui & pointy toe Aldo pumps.  She plays with shape in the leather-accented peplum top with trousers by J. Mendel, studded Walter Steiger pumps, & bangles by House of Lavande.  At the Los Angeles premiere of Nobody Walks, Malin wore this classic-cut LBD in leather by Boss Black with a Stephen Webster cuff & suede peep toe heels.  In support of designer Vena Cava, she wore the brand head-to-toe including flared printed trousers & a leather clutch.  Last, the Swedish import looks nothing short of gorgeous in a high slit Cushnie et Ochs tangerine gown with a Coach clutch & sandals by Tibi.

Kristen Stewart might have been the talk of the town b/c of her affair & cheating on Rob Pattinson, but it’s Ashley Greene who’s emerged on top of the whole Twilight Saga, what with landing a campaign gig with DKNY & hitting every major red carpet looking bit a lady. She’s got the pose down & has designers in her back pocket, never failing to look age-appropriate, as a good role model for young actresses.  At The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 premiere, Donna Karan Atelier custom-made this one-shoulder blush gown for the actress, which she accessorized with Bvlgari diamonds.  While attending a premiere in Los Angeles, Ashley sported another custom gown by the fashion house in fuchsia with jewelry by Kimberly McDonald. She sure knows how to play up her shape, especially in this nude Emilio Pucci dress with a statement necklace by Karine Sultan, a studded Christian Louboutin clutch, & Casadei pumps.  Back in February at the Loveisrespect launch party, she choose black & white for this sequined Oscar de la Renta frock with Cathy Waterman jewelry.  Last, she surprised in a peach lace design by Yigal Azrouel with suede pumps. 

Freida Pinto is probably one of my favorite stars to emerge over the last few years since her debut in Slumdog Millionaire.  She’s so beautiful & brings a fresh vibe to many of her red carpet looks.  Whether she’s walking at Cannes or attending press events, she’s nothing short of sophisticated & youthful, all with the flash of her smile.  At the Dubai International Film Festival, she accents her Sam & Lavi printed dress with layered necklaces by Lindsay Vallan & Roger Vivier sandals. Black on black has never looked so chic than on Freida while promoting Desert Dancer in a black AllSaints blouse with skinny jeans & heels.  She mixes eras in a black & white collared top with a ruby red skirt by Contrarian New York & classic Louboutin pumps.  When viewing the Ferragamo show at the Louvre, she donned a beaded dress by the label with a shimmering box clutch & satin pumps. Earlier this year, she played with color in an Yves Saint Laurent bustier with a pencil skirt & satin platforms. 

Which celebrities are you looking forward to seeing more of in 2013? Who do you think has the best up-and-coming style? Which designers are on your radar next year? Happy Styling!

Basics For A Bargain: Pointy Toe Heels Are Here To Stay, Inspired By Katie Holmes, Stacy Keibler, Miranda Kerr, & More!

While this little Style Darling has been busy with holiday preparations & fighting off a nasty cold, I’ve been finding joy in shoes, pointy toe shoes, more specifically. While perusing through the latest gallery pics of the most recent & fabulous red carpet looks worn by my favorite celebrities, I started noticing that pointy toe shoes have been making a sneaky comeback.  Of course, celebrities have been donning these on & off, but throughout the summer & fall, they’ve been mixing up their looks with towering platforms, round toe pumps, as well as cut-out & deep-vamp booties this season. I decided to feature some affordable pointy toe shoes in classic black, nude, & fun designs for a variety of looks for day, evening, & work. 

First off, I wanted to share some celebrity inspiration with nude pumps. Katie Holmes pairs her neutral shoes with a bright magenta Narciso Rodriguez sheath dress & olive trench coat. Kerry Washington softens her leather A.L.C. frock with nude shoes & House of Lavande jewelry.  This is 40 star Leslie Mann is all smiles in a knotted coral number with a luxe cream coat.  Singer / actress Mandy Moore offsets her stunning cobalt asymmetric dress with a colorful Bvlgari clutch & super pointy shoes. 

It didn’t take very long to find some affordable counterparts, without having to break the bank.  This includes Forever 21‘s patent & faux leather pump ($27.80) in tan with a 4 1/2-inch heel, perfect for elongating your legline.  I also recommend the Madden Girl Tartt pumps ($34.99) in blush patent from 6PM, which are currently 30% off from their original $50 price tag.  Of course these shoes are perfect for any dress look, making any pair of gams long miles long, but they’re also especially flattering with skinny jeans & a tunic top, leggings & an oversized sweater, or a 70s-inspired jumpsuit. 

As for the basic black pump, a pointy toe is edgy when matched with feminine frocks, & they can even dress up the most basic of outfits.  Tina Fey shows off her digital printed top with skinny pants, whereas Kate Bosworth mixes her pumps with a sophisticated Emilio Pucci peplum dress. 

Maria Sharapova plays with separates, including a floral Zimmermann top, Tanya Taylor skirt, & Iwona Ludyga earrings for her Giuseppe Zanotti pumps. The svelte Stacy Keibler looks long & lean in her wool & leather Monique Lhuillier suit while walking the red carpet at the VH1 Divas show. Clearly, black pumps are an essential for any wardrobe, including the Nine West Love Fury pumps ($47.99), as well as the Dianna pumps ($39.95) by Diba from DSW.

Lastly, if you’re going to wear pointy toe pumps, there are some occasions when a fun & flirty shoe is a must-have.  Make an unexpected move by going monochromatic like Miranda Kerr‘s all-white look at an event for Mango, or get wild with something textured like Sarah Jessica Parker‘s Jean-Michel Cazabat snake embossed pumps which well-coordinated with her vintage Estevez dress & Fendi bag. 

Rashida Jones plays with color in her slim leg cobalt suit, Peter Pilotto blouse, Jimmy Choo clutch, & Dana Rebecca Designs jewelry.  Lastly, Olivia Wilde makes her sexy leather head-to-toe look even more enviable with spiked Christian Louboutins & a House of Lavande ring. 

For a splash of sass, I looked for pointy toe pumps with some color & personality.  @Charlotte Russe, I found the patent pointed toe pump ($25.50) in hot pink, which will pop against any all-black look, or bring out the best from a watercolor print dress.  Also, since it’s the holiday season, add a little sparkle to your pump with the Robidoux ($27.99) in bright multi from Aldo. Try these with a classic LBD, leather jacket & mini skirt, or sweater dress & tights.

Which pointy toe shoes do you like? How much do you usually spend on footwear? Do you prefer pointy toe or round? Happy Styling!

Color Me Style: What’s Black & White & Chic All Over?

My last post in Color Me Style was published just days before my trip to Italy earlier this year, so I thought that since I don’t have a third go-around to look forward to for 2013, I’d revisit the category in a way only appropriate for this Style Darling. My favorite color combination is black & white, which is what I’m featuring- although quite impressed with the fall collections that celebrities are sporting since this season doesn’t typically see all-white looks.  Of course, the beach-filled party days of summer are long gone, but white is still thriving, black has never looked better, & when you put them together, there’s a serious style moment happening.

It wasn’t very hard to find some celebrity inspiration for these colors & this is what I’m sharing. Gwyneth Paltrow looks demure & ladylike in a white knit, wool Misha Nonoo skirt with bright Sergio Rossi pumps. It-girl Olivia Wilde is bold-shouldered in a figure-flattering LWD, House of Lavande jewelry, & metallic platform pumps. 666 Park Avenue star Rachael Taylor wears a head-to-toe Calvin Klein Collection look, including silver lace-up heels & a box clutch. British actress Felicity Jones looks flirty & cool in an all-black sweater & skirt outfit with bowed pumps at the Miu Miu show. Olivia Palermo continues to catch my eye in an all-black leather Dior look with Giuseppe Zanotti pumps. Modern Family bombshell Sofia Vergara shows off her curves in her Sofia by Sofia Vergara for KMart black sparkling dress with tights & suede platforms.

As for black & white looks, I love the variety here when it comes to feminine dresses, vintage-inspiration, as well as nods to menswear with separates all in my favorite color combination! Jessica Alba goes androgynous sexy in a Narciso Rodriguez blouse with loose-fitting trousers & cap-toe Jimmy Choo pumps. French import Laetitia Costa shows the softness of a slim-fitting black suit & sandals, all by Dolce & Gabbana. The sultry Penelope Cruz is elegant & statuesque in an embroidered black & white cardigan by L’Wren Scott with cuffed trousers & Salvatore Ferragamo pumps. Rock of Ages actress / former Dancing with the Stars dancer Julianne Hough is mod in a black & white mini dress with silver pumps at a Henri Bendel party. Scandal star Kerry Washington is as pretty as ever in a white feminine sheath dress with black accents, rose gold Anita Ko studs, & metallic cap-toe pumps.

Black & white has also made the Spring 2013 runways, with especially fabulous designs from Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Chloe, Yves Saint Laurent, Carolina Herrera, & Catherine Malandrino Black Label.

Naturally, I’m excited to share with readers how you can achieve the perfect black & white looks while on a budget. From LOFT, you can find the polka dot wedge top ($39.99), or if you’re looking for a more streamlined look, try New York & Company‘s contrast trim banded collar blouse ($39.95) which will pop against any pencil skirt, colored jean, or slim leg pant.  For a more feminine touch, I love the dolled-up darling ruffled bow blouse ($28.99) from Ruche, which I’d wear to work with a lacy tweed skirt & textured tights, or for a fun night with the girls wearing my favorite dark wash jeans & metallic sandals.

However, if you’re looking to add an unexpected edge to any fall/winter ensemble, try the Danielle seamless skirt ($12.48) in white from G by Guess, which is also available in black.  Also, I’m always a big fan of zebra, which is why I picked the knee-length zebra print skirt ($19.80) from Forever 21. Black & white dresses are perfect for any occasion, especially with a modern graphic print or something in a classic polka dot.  I love the Ronnie & Nicole short-sleeve mitered stripe dress ($35.00) from JC Penney & White House Black Market‘s strapless dot dress ($29.99). Also, Superfly flats ($49.00) from Nine West are a fun touch for the office or a day date, especially when worn with brighter pieces like skinny cords or dark denim jeans.

How do you like to wear black & white? Do you prefer one color over the other? Which staples in these colors do you wear for day & night? For more posts on affordable & fashionable finds, check out posts from Quickie Darling Deal & Steal, Fabulous in 4 Ways, The $100 Challenge, & Splurge or Save! Happy Styling!

Top 10 Celeb Sightings: Embroidery & Pretty Menswear Featuring Olivia Palermo, Anne Hathaway, Sarah Jessica Parker, & More!

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Now that New York Fashion Week is over, the celebs are stepping out in serious style in preparation for awards season & movie premieres.  However, I’m excited to share some looks that have been catching my eye, especially when stars like Anne Hathaway, Olivia Palermo, & Sarah Jessica Parker have lent their support to Valentino Haute Couture designs. In addition, I’ve included another stylish look of Olivia Palermo at the Burberry Prorsum show at London Fashion Week, as well as Amy Adams in Roksanda Illincic, Elizabeth Olsen in Topshop & ASOS, Gwyneth Paltrow‘s LWD while on the campaign trail, Hailee Steinfeld‘s mixed prints in Rebecca Minkoff & Mary Katrantzou, & Olivia Wilde in Alexander McQueen. Which looks are your favorite? Which celebrities are your following on the red carpet?

For more from Top 10 Celeb Sightings, check out looks from Emma Watson & Zoe Saldana, Jennifer Lopez & Kristen Bell, & Ashley Madekwe & Malin Akerman! Happy Styling!

Super Style Wishlist: Prada Dresses Worn by Scarlett Johansson, Olivia Wilde, & More!

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If you’ve been following the latest red carpet trends, you’d know that not only is Prada still one of the top designers in the industry, but spring is all about Prada, as seen on Camilla Belle & Olivia Wilde at the Tribeca Film Festival, Freida Pinto at a Nylon party, Kate Bosworth at the Life Happens premiere, & most fabulously on Scarlett Johansson at the Moscow premiere of The Avengers. To shop some of Prada’s amazing designs, or at least browse the brand’s remarkable confections of fashion, check out Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, & Bluefly. Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: The Best (310) Celebrity Looks of 2011!

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I’ve been compiling a long list of my favorite looks during the 2011 calendar year & while there are still a few days left, I wanted to share the highs of the red carpet, press events, famous Style Darlings on the street, as well as the looks that have made the headlines.  This is the ultimate gallery of the ensembles to wear for formal occasions, out & about on the street, to a cocktail party, or a date night, including the best descriptions that I could find of who wore what!  For more looks that I’ve featured this year, check out Darling of the Day, Red Carpet Review, Magazine Must-Haves, Silver Screen Style, Style ABC’s (x3), & Watch This Style- all categories that thrive on celebrity-inspiration for your style on a budget.  I hope all of you had a prosperous 2011 & continue to do good for those around you, as well as for your style!  Happy Styling!

Super Style Wishlist: Get Gussied Up in Lanvin, Pucci, & More @Net-A-Porter!

So I don’t see any shooting stars for me to wish on, but I do have a style wishlist where price is not an issue.  That’s always the case whenever I’m checking out Net-A-Porter, the luxury retailer that sells the gorgeous confections made my designers like Gucci, Prada, Chloe, & Derek Lam.

I’m absolutely loving how jewel-tones are on-trend for fall & when I saw this emerald Lanvin silk-satin dress ($2390.00), my jaw dropped & I struggled to pick it back up! A Style Darling of any age or shape can wear this dress.  The color is so bold & perfect for accenting glowy skin & freshly ‘did hair!

Taking a cue from Gucci (as seen on Olivia Wilde & Camilla Belle), I decided to mix this dress with to-die-for fuchsia Emilio Pucci lace-up suede & satin sandals ($1250.00).  These colors together make me so exited.  It’s unexpected, but very on-trend for the fall, while putting nearly all other shoes to shame! To pick up on the color of the shoe, I was inspired by how the dress was styled & found this Marni brass & resin necklace ($505.00).

For the rest of the look, I wanted to find classic pieces that were a little more edgy since this is a very high-fashion look.  That means that I had to find something by one of my favorite designers: Alexander McQueen.  This ‘De Manta’ studded leather clutch ($795.00) is the prefect example.  Wear it with an LBD, jeans & a tank, or something like this!  Its interesting shape & studding detail make for a playful & versatile take on your average evening clutch.  The necklace is already just so glamorous, but I wanted just one more piece, like the Kenneth Jay Lane 22-karate gold-plated link bracelet ($150.00).  It’s a little art deco, but subtle enough to complete the look.

The whole ensemble overall costs just over $5,000.00- just a few months of rent, but us Style Darlings can dream… Sigh… Who are your favorite luxury designers? If you could afford this look would you wear it?  Do you have these colors to combine in your own wardrobe?

Check out my previous Super Style Wishlist posts, featuring items by Elizabeth & James, Mod Cloth, & House of Harlow! If you’re on the hunt for luxury without the price tag, take a click on over to Luxury Look-Alikes for Less!

Red Carpet Review / Runway Rundown: Who Loves Dolce & Gabbana’s Stars Print? Fergie, Jessica Alba, Anne Hathaway, & More! That’s Who!

Dolce & Gabbana‘s latest fall / winter collection is headed for the stars- seriously! While playing with classic silhouettes in pencil skirts, flowy blouses, & oversized blazers, the mix of the celestial black & white pattern stands out even more with sequins, lace, animal print, & fur.  These are just a few of the very fabulous runway looks, courtesy of the official website. Even the separate items can be matched with dark denim skinny jeans, a bold tee, & colorful pointed tow heels & socks (as pictured).  To shop for these items, head over to Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Net-A-Porter, & Saks Fifth Avenue.  Which is your favorite?  Do you think stars look juvenile or luxury?

But if the runway isn’t somewhere you normally hang, take a look at the latest fashion magazine covers & their stylish cover girls, donning star-themed dresses by the famed fashion house.  This includes One Day‘s Anne Hathaway for Marie Claire, pop princess Britney Spears for Harper’s Bazaar, & everyone’s favorite Virgo, Beyonce for In Style!

And since this is a partial red carpet post… Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen a slew of celebs of all styles opting for astronomical-inspired looks, as opposed to the tradition go-to polka dots or a simple LBD for camera-ready events.  First there’s Rose McGowan shows off her figured in a ruches sweetheart dress, Fergie isn’t afraid of color in the yellow & black mini, a very pregnant Jessica Alba wears a comfortable & elegant halter, Rosario Dawson plays with voluminous sleeves, Olivia Wilde sneaks around in sequins, Kim Kardashian isn’t afraid to wear curve-hugging stars during the dat, & Lily Allen is ladylike in a white coat & black tights.  Lastly, Evan Rachel Wood & Solange Knowles take on this print in legwear, both pairing the pants with loose-fitting tops & a masculine black jacket!

For more on Dolce & Gabbana, check out our Style ABC’s (x3) post, featuring the gorgeous Scarlett Johansson as the brand’s cosmetic spokesmodel.  Also, check out past runway shows at In Style!  Happy Styling!