Style Star for March: Mila Kunis

From ‘70s show starlet to sartorial superstar, Mila Kunis’ red carpet looks, as she made the awards show circuit, have had us awestruck.  Following is a round up of our favorite recent looks from this budding fashionista.    

At the Academy Awards in Elie Saab (above left)

Who says lace only comes in black? Mila Kunis challenged the traditional LBD in an Elie Saab lavender lace, floor length gown at The Oscars. With a flowy train and lace in all the right places, Mila Kunis stole the show and made lavender the new black. Her simple accessories and undone bun add the perfect touch to this cerebral dress. 

– Michelle Balady, LSPR Intern

On the cover of NYLON Magazine, December/January Issue (above right)

Mila Kunis was styled for the issue of NYLON magazine in a look very different from her simple every day style. The leopard jacket paired with a white t-shirt, cropped denim shorts, and black tights was a chic and effortless take on the animal print trend. Mila’s elegant makeup, cropped bangs, and necklace finish off the cute, vintage look. As a fan of NYLON, I love how their looks are always intriguing and different from other editorial shoots. In my everyday wardrobe I love to add funky and chic trends. With Mila as an inspiration, I plan on adding more animal prints including leopard and zebra to my look.

 -- Laura Maruszczak, LSPR Intern

At the People’s Choice Awards in J. Mendel (above left)

I’m a sucker lately for anything in the army/olive green color family.  I love that Mila chose such a feminine dress in such an unusual hue.  Her stick straight hair completed the look to perfection.   

 -- Lauren Stillman

     

At the Golden Globe Awards in Vera Wang (above right)

Appearing at the star-studded Golden Globes, Mila donned a custom Vera Wang dress.  Her emerald green, one-shoulder gown was striking against her dark hair and bronzy complexion.  I don’t know which I love more: her simple-yet-elegant updo or her minimalist makeup approach.

---- Tamara Long, LSPR intern

At the Screen Actors Guild Awards in Alexander McQueen (above left)
Mila Kunis made Alexander McQueen’s Resort wear gown look STUNNING at the SAG Awards. She knows how to pull off a flirtatious look by keeping her eyes smoky and allowing the dress to talk. She complimented her spicy gown with beach wave hair and a lovely bracelet accessory, which makes the finishing touch classy and fun. Always a trendsetter, whether on the red carpet or off, Mila has all eyes on her keeping us wanting more.

-Jamee Riddle, LSPR Intern
 

At the Miu Miu Fashion Show (above right)
Mila's fashion choices were the talk of the town during awards season, but at the Fall 2011 Miu Miu show in Paris, she toned down the glam factor and opted for something sweet and simple. This LBD is one of my favorites on Mila because of the embellishments; it adds some style, without looking overdone. Her peep-toe heels are a great accessory because they don't take away from the overall look of the outfit. The dress shows just enough skin, while still keeping the look classy and elegant. 

-Lacey Ehrlich, LSPR Intern

At the Critics Choice Awards in Nina Ricci (above left)
Mila Kunis revealed her inner Black Swan as she arrived at the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards in black chiffon Nina Ricci dress with an Alexander McQueen clutch and Ofira necklace. Even the ribbons on her Giuseppe Zanotti heels have a ballerina twist – she might as well pirouette her way through the red carpet!
-Dana Jeong, LSPR Intern

At the Cosmopolitan Fun Fearless Female Event in Boca Negro (above right)
They say: a woman who knows her power has in her hands the key to her own happiness and success. Mila epitomized this phrase at Cosmopolitan’s Fun Fearless Female Event.  Her white hot suit by Boca Negro was a classic look for a fun, fearless, modern woman.
 -- Jo Chen, LSPR Intern

Directives West FIRST.LA Fall/Winter 2011

Big kudos to the team from leading merchandising consulting firm Directives West and producer James Campbell who put on a beautiful show Monday night for their FIRST.LA seasonal runway presentation.

For Fall/Winter 2011, Directives West gathered together a handpicked collection of designers -- mixing both emerging brands with beloved notables -- highlighting the best of tomorrow's fashion in the contemporary market.  Designers shown on the runway included Whitney Eve, by Whitney Port, YuYu, Hazel, J Brand, Imposter, Dolce Cabo, Twinkle by Wenlan and more.

I always enjoy working with Directives West for this show as their expert team has combed the market to present the freshest in fashion for the season.  The show never fails to introduce me to a new obsession and this season was no exception.  Designed by Manhattan Beach native Cameron Danielle Spear, Kolae's easy-breezy 70's style kimono wraps and billowy maxi dresses are on my list to hunt down for fall.  The Kolae collection was styled on the runway by none other than one of my favorite LA stylesetters Erin Weinger of StyleSectionLA.  A fashion free-spirit in her own right, Erin gave the collection the perfect boho-fab look it was calling for.

For the first time, Directives West drew in some of LA's local stylesetters including Erin Weinger, referenced above, as well as Fashion Editor, Stylist and all-around rock star Hellin Kay of ChampagneandHeels.com and Image Consultant and creative styling mastermind Laurie Brucker of LaurieBStyle.com to co-curate and style sections of the show featuring the FIRST.LA designer of their choosing.  It was fun to see each girl's spin on their favorite designer.  Hellin added an edgy twist to 50 Dresses' feminine frocks with oversized cocktail rings and shoulder-sweeping fringe earrings while Laurie Brucker layered Dolan's go-to tank dresses and off-the-shoulder sequined sweatshirts (also one of my future must-haves!!!!) with great aplomb.

A few highlights:

 Whitney Eve: I never thought red pants could be so chic!

Dolan: this chevron striped piece would quickly become my go-to wardrobe staple. 

50 Dresses: preppy stripes done so well in a form-fitting frock.

Kolae: must.own.this.top!

J Brand and Imposter: a glitzy belt over faux fur and skinny jeans.  LA nightlife perfection. 

LSPR loves Elle!

Every once in awhile, we secure a celebrity placement at LSPR that makes me totally geek out.  Thus was the case this morning when I spotted Elle Fanning, who was out and about this weekend with her big sister Dakota, in a striped sweater from LOFT that we had sent her. 

I loved watching her on the red carpet during her press tour for the Sofia Coppola film Somewhere in everything from Rodarte to Valentino.  Totally tickled that this budding fashionista and Rodarte muse (click here to see the video she starred in for the haute line's spring 2011 collection) would choose to pal around in LOFT's sweater.   

LSPR Staff Style Tips: March

We've officially sprung our clocks forward and are preparing our closets for spring.  With the longer daylight hours and LA temperatures that have left us with a bit of spring fever (can you blame us??), we offer the following style tips for March.  

Lighten Up!! -- Charlize Theron in LOFT booties

For those days when I wake in the morning feeling sartorially uninspired, I typically reach for one of my favorite cardigans to pair with jeans and a statement shoe -- my fool-proof outfit.  For spring, I'll be taking a page from Charlize Theron's book and lightening up my typical dark color palette with neutral colored cardigans and accessories like Charlize's suede peep toe booties from LOFT.  

 -- Lauren Stillman

Add a Funky Pair of Sneakers to Your Spring Outfit -- Taylor Tomasi Hill of Marie Claire

As Style and Accessories Director for US Marie Claire, Taylor Tomasi Hill always knows how to dress classic, but edgy. For NYFW Fall 11, Taylor paired a statement pair of graffiti high tops with a grey pullover and skirt combination.  This month, I'll be borrowing from Taylor’s look by pairing my favorite pair of sneaks with everything from skinny jeans and a silk top to one of my favorite floral dresses.  This sporty-chic look is the perfect style for March.

  -- Laura Maruszczak, LSPR Intern

Embrace Your Lace -- Victoria Justice in Rebecca Minkoff

Lace may be a blast from the Victorian age, but it’s one of this season’s sexiest trends. It’s the ideal feminine trend, with just the right amount of edge to really make the outfit.  Victoria Justice wore this look beautifully, combining a classic LBD with this delicate fabric. Too much of this lady-like trend can be a fashion disaster, so I recommend keeping it simple. Don’t mix too many lacey fabrics together, and pair this look with elegant, simple shoes that don’t distract from your overall look. Go get it, ladies! Embrace your lace! 

 -- Lacey Ehrlich, LSPR Intern

Sport a Flirty Romper with Heels -- Blake Lively in Vena Cava 

What better way to welcome the warm weather than by showing off a little leg? Rompers that are loose and flowing are the perfect look for both Spring and Summer.  This look has a hippie-bohemian vibe and works best with soft floral prints and abstract patterns. To add some extra height and see a little more leg, pair your romper with some enticing heels. But remember, stick with solid or neutral colors so your shoes don’t distract from the rest of your outfit

----- Tamara Long, LSPR Intern

Ankle Boots are Back! -- Miranda Kerr in Balenciaga

Showcase your legs with a pair of adorable ankle boots like supermodel Miranda Kerr did in Paris. Some say these ankle-height boots are for long skinny legs, but actually, women who have short legs like myself can pull them off too as long as they know what to pair. Opaque tights, skinny jeans and above the knee pencil skirts in the same (or similar) colors as the boot are all go to options. They help to give the illusion that your legs are long. Go with dark colors if you want them to look slender. For ladies with long legs, you know you look good in them anyway.

  -- Junzhou (Jo) Chen, LSPR Intern

Mix and Match Bright Colors -- Camilla Belle in Gucci

Don’t be afraid of bold colors! Camilla Belle looks super glam in her multi-color outfit at the Gucci and RocNation Pre-Grammy Brunch. How does she pull off three different colors without looking like a tacky ‘80s teenager? By keeping the silhouettes simple, of course. Mix up basic items in vibrant colors like Camilla’s clean-cut blazer and high-waisted pants from Gucci.

- Dana Jeong, LSPR Intern

Style Star for February: Emma Roberts

Consistently pulled together and exhibiting a confidence that belies her youthful 20 years, Emma Roberts never gets it wrong!  We aren't ashamed to admit that we have a bit of a style crush.  Here are some of our favorite recent looks from this fashion savvy starlet.  

At NYFW in Jenny Packham with a Kelly Locke clutch (above left)

As one of the perks of following fashion week, celebrity sightings provide us with an unique opportunity to see what stars wear other than floor-length gowns and glitzy dresses. Sitting in the front row of the Jenny Packham show, Emma stays true to her feminine side with a sheer floral blouse and tan trousers. Her fishskin Kelly Locke clutch glams up her outfit just enough to take it up a notch. 

 –- Dana Jeong, LSPR Intern

At the InStyle Golden Globes After-Party in Julien MacDonald (above right)

Emma’s appearance in a white floaty Julien Macdonald mini-dress at the Golden Globes afterparty totally blew my mind. With the addition of Brain Atwood heels and a cylinder handbag, the young actress succeeded in giving herself a fashionable fairy-tale look from Neverland and I love it!

–- Jo Chen, LSPR Intern

Heading to a meeting in Beverly Hills (above left)

Emma has the effortlessly chic look down to an art. I love how the floral print on this classic dress is bright and cheery for day. Her Miu Miu studded bag, oversized frames, and back flats give the street chic look understand beauty along with her minimal makeup and hair updo. 

– Laura Maruszczak, LSPR Intern

At the Teen Vogue Young Hollywood Party in Malandrino with a Kelly Locke clutch (above right)

Emma shines in this stunning Malandrino gown. She takes it to a whole new level with her daring (plunging) neckline. I like the way she added a bit of rebellious youth to the look with a studded Kelly Locke clutch. Snaps to Emma! 

-- Jamee Riddle, LSPR Intern

At the People's Choice Awards in Dior (above left)

Emma stepped out in this flirty Dior LBD at the 2011 People’s Choice Awards. I love the fact that she chose to wear nude pumps instead of a basic black pair; they elongate her legs and don’t distract from the overall look.  

 –- Tamara Long, LSPR Intern

At the British Fashion Awards in Julien MacDonald (above right)

We’ve seen countless open-side dresses at award shows this season, but few can pull off the style as well as Emma. The floral print paired with black tights gives her a young, fun look, while still keeping it classy. Wearing her hair down with this dress added the perfect mix of elegance to complete the look.  

 –- Lacey Ehrlich, LSPR Intern

At NYFW in Michael Kors with a Lauren Merkin clutch (above left)

I'm obsessed with the color of this dress.  I love the way she coordinated her accessories, which include a Lauren Merkin clutch, to her black sash. 

At the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Jenny Packham with a Kelly Locke clutch (above right)

I couldn't narrow it down to one look!  Especially when she is absolutely flawless at the Vanity Fair Oscar party in a graphite beaded Jenny Packham gown with a Kelly Locke clutch.  Her picture perfect look was elegant without being fussy.  She always seems to have so much fun in what she's wearing.  Cheers Emma!  We can't wait to see what you step out in this spring when Scream 4 is released. 

-- Lauren Stillman, LSPR