Red Carpet Review: The Best Looks From The 2013 Billboard Music Awards, Including Emmy Rossum, Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, & More!

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Last night’s Billboard Music Awards were a big draw for viewers, attracting big names from the worlds of rap, rock, pop, & country. However, it’s the BLUE carpet that has fashion critics & bloggers buzzing today. Designer Zuhair Murad was definitely in-demand, dressing the likes of Jennifer Lopez in a deep-v gold gown, Emmy Rossum in a black velvet & sheer polka-dotted dramatic look, & Taylor Swift who showed off her gams in a blue sparkling mini dress. Also, celebrities worth noting were Hayden Panettiere who looked regal in a black Halston Heritage gown, Chloe Moretz in a printed Fendi frock, & Selena Gomez in a stunning white & neon-accented plunging gown by Atelier Versace. Additionally, some nay-sayers are also giving Nicki Minaj some heat over her red bustier gown, which channeled Rihanna‘s Azzedine Alaia dress from this year’s Grammy’s, but I think that this is almost the best that the rapper has ever looked & she should keep taking tips from Rihanna.

If I was an officer of the Fashion Police, I would certainly fine whoever it was that let the lovely star of the upcoming ABC series Mistresses, Alyssa Milano, out in that awkward palazzo pant ensemble by Emilio Pucci, as well as Jenny McCarthy‘s stylist for the 90s-homage tank & maxi skirt look. Sure, she’s in her 40s, has a great body, & her makeup looks gorgeous, but there are definitely better options out there for the VH1 talk show host.

Who wore your favorite look? Which artist gave the best performance at the show? Did you like the blue carpet looks? For more from Red Carpet Review, check out previous posts including my recent gallery for Top 10 Celeb Sightings including Jennifer Aniston & Victoria Beckham, this year’s Met Costume Institute Gale featuring Emma Watson & Amanda Seyfried, & a complete look at Oblivion actress Olga Kurylenko’s press tour & premieres. Happy Styling!

Haute Headlines: My Review Of ‘The Great Gatsby,’ Selena Gomez’s InStyle Cover, Jennifer Lopez Returns To Kohl’s For Fall, & More!

I haven’t posted in Haute Headlines for a while, but I recently came across so many awesome news stories that I had to feature. Of course, there’s plenty going on this spring, & even more to look forward to this coming summer. What stories are you following this week? Who is your favorite celebrity to talk about? Happy Styling!

*Check out the video for Selena Gomez‘s InStyle June cover*

*The Cannes Film Festival is around the corner. Check out the best red carpet looks*

*Nicole Kidman is the new face of Jimmy Choo shoes*

*Redbook shares 100 colorful wardrobe updates for under $100*

*My review for The Great Gatsby is currently up on Movie Buzzers*

*E!’s Fashion Police breaks out this week’s best & worst fashion moments*

*Zoe Saldana bares all for the Allure June 2013 issue*

*Christina Aguilera is returning to The Voice for a fifth season*

*Get a sneak peek at Rihanna‘s sequel collection for River Island*

*Donna Karan New York‘s latest ad campaigns are extra steamy*

*Jennifer Lopez debuts her Fall 2013 Kohl’s collection*

Basics For A Bargain: It’s Finally Spring & Finally Time For Florals!

There’s still a chill in the air here in New York, but it’s finally starting to look like spring. There’s change in the air & I know I’m really excited about it- & not just for my change in wardrobe. However, speaking of spring fashions, the go-to print of the season is florals & I couldn’t turn my back the trend, especially when I’ve been seeing it everywhere! For example, A-list celebs have been wearing florals even during the winter, ushering in the warmer season. Miranda Kerr is all smiles in a floral skirt with a leather Prada tote while taking in the day in Sydney. Elizabeth Olsen mixed her floral top with a mustard coat & skinny jeans. Actress Diane Kruger attended a press event for Farewell, My Queen in a 10 Crosby Derek Lam ensemble.

Superstar Selena Gomez hit the SXSW Festival in a matching bustier & skirt by Dolce & Gabbana. Two-time Oscar nominee Jessica Chastain wears an Erdem sheath dress with nude Christian Louboutins. Lastly, former Glee star Dianna Agron attended a luncheon with The Hollywood Reporter in an Oday Shakar floral dress with suede Jimmy Choo heels.

Not to mention that there have been plenty of florals hitting the runways this year, including luxe vintage from Valentino, 80s-inspired rocker chic designs from Betsey Johnson, youthful & bright patterns from Tracy Reese, Lanvin‘s elegant & sophistication, & Erdem‘s playful & refreshing angle on flowers.

Whether it’s on clothing, accessories, or mixed & match (which I only recommend doing with caution), I made a few selections from some of my favorite stores to share how you can wear the latest floral pieces on a budget! The best piece to start building the perfect spring wardrobe is a dress, like the Merona sleeveless tulip wrap dress ($19.00) from Target, which has recently been marked down from its original $24.99 price. The flattering wrap shape is perfect for accentuating your shape & the navy background adds a regal touch is paired with basketweave espadrilles or bright ballet flats. Next is the LC Lauren Conrad floral ruffle tank ($25.20) from Kohl’s, which is a feminine topper piece to wear with dark denim jeans, white skinny pants, or a denim skirt.

Don’t be afraid of florals on your bottom half, especially with the 4 1/2″ belted printed flat front shorts ($32.94) from Express, which add some tropical flair to your look & will dress down a lace blouse. I love the idea of sequins with florals & this skirt ($34.95) from H&M is a stylish marriage of both. This will pair nicely with a chambray button down shirt for a fashionable day out & about or with a solid pullover & pointy toe pumps for a date. Lastly, floral pants are also one of the biggest trends this season, especially in a looser cut to provide plenty of flow & movement, which is why I choose the Full Tilt skinny harem pants ($24.99) from Tilly’s. The chic black, gray, & white color combination is understated & can be coordinated with pastel pieces like coral or mint.

As for accessories, these bright colors will make your outfit pop, especially since they’re so effortless to match with wardrobe essentials. For example, the sequin tulip print pumps ($27.80) from Forever 21 are flirty & will add extra dimension to cuffed jeans & a ruffled top. Also, for a more subtle floral shoe, the novelty ballet flats ($39.95) from Gap. The soft pink & red tones in the shoe can offset any striped tee & jeans look in a ladylike way.

Part of what I love about spring is that I can still wear scarves, which can bring a lot to a look, like the ground floral scarf ($14.99) from Payless for a denim jacket & LBD with ankle strap platforms or a maxi dress & cargo vest with gladiator flats. Lastly, I’m not really a hat kind of girl, but in some cases, you need to protect your face from the harsh rays of the sun, especially this early in the season, which is why I picked the pop floral baseball cap ($8.99) from Charlotte Russe.

What do you think about the latest floral trend? Which pieces would you wear? What’s your spring wardrobe budget? For more affordable fashion posts, check out how to get Drew Barrymore’s latest look without breaking the bank, suede studded loafers, the best green pieces for spring, a budget-friendly spring look with pieces from Old Navy & American Eagle Outfitters. Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review: 2013 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards Featuring Katy Perry, Jessica Alba, Fergie, & More!

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Last night, young Hollywood celebrate the biggest hits & most popular kids in show business for the 2013 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards! Normally, this isn’t an event that I’d cover for Style Darling, but there were some pretty fantastic style moments on the red carpet, celebrating the brightest colors, busiest patterns, & most flattering silhouettes for spring. This includes favorites Jessica Alba in a printed Mary Katrantzou dress with pointed toe bowed heels, as well as a midriff-baring Katy Perry in a printed Herve Leger by Max Azria two-piece outfit with black pointy toe pumps. Also, in tow was a very pregnant Fergie also wearing a colorful Mary Katrantzou dress with neon ankle strap sandals & Victoria Justice in a printed Pia Pauro dress with coral ankle strap sandals by Aldo. The big winner of the night was Kristen Stewart who surprised in a checkered top & shorts outfits by Osman with black patent Christian Louboutins.

Which looks are your favorite from the red carpet? Are you on board the bright & colorful pattern trend? For more from Red Carpet Review, check out posts including Nikki Reed’s appearance at Justin Timberlake’s album release party, black & white looks on Amanda Seyfried & Jessica Chastain, the ladies of Oz the Great and Powerful at the film’s premieres, complete coverage of last month’s Oscars, & the red carpet from the Grammy’s. Happy Styling!

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!