Style Star for May: Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez appears to be growing up before our eyes – and we love it!  With a new high-profile romance and a starring role in Monte Carlo (out July 1), the young starlet appears to be making bolder statements on the red carpet such as rocking cut-out sides and notice-me shades of crimson and amethyst.  Here’s a round-up of our favorite recent looks from the adorable youngster. 

At the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Dolce & Gabbana

For her first official outing as part of this cuter-than-cute celebrity couple, Selena rocked a simple chiffon Dolce & Gabbana gown in a ravishing shade of red.  Everything about this look is perfection –accenting an effortless silhouette with gold drop earrings and a bangle.  Wouldn’t you love to hear how the conversation shook down where they decided that Biebs would match his pocket square to her dress?  I would!!! 

- Lauren Stillman

At the Billboard Music Awards in Dolce & Gabbana

When it comes to Selena’s red carpet ensembles, she always sports outfits that are mature, stylish and all around fabulous. We especially love this Dolce and Gabbana number she wore to the Billboard Awards because the cut outs and high slit add an element of sophistication to a dress that could otherwise have looked like just another simple black dress. It’s refreshing to see the singer sporting a look that is unexpected, fresh, and equally as fun as the LBD. We also must point out Gomez’s lovely red shoes, which add the perfect pop of color to her look and stand out, just like her amazing dress. 

- Andrea Stern, LSPR Intern

At the People’s Choice Awards in Paule Ka

Pale pink is quite a difficult color to pull off because often it can make people look washed out. Fortunately, this hue flatters Selena’s glowing complexion. We are big fans of the one shoulder as well as the sheer fabric that forms a wave diagonally across the dress, thus adding much excitement and flair. We also love Gomez’s curly hair that works seamlessly with the flowly fabric.

- Andrea Stern, LSPR Intern

At the Kid’s Choice Awards in Christian Cota with a Lauren Merkin Clutch

Selena stepped out for the Kid’s Choice Awards in a perfectly casual outfit by Christian Cota.  Camilla Skovgaard’s heels add a fashion-forward pop of color.  I love Selena’s Lauren Merkin clutch.  It’s a great addition to her youthful look.

- Jamee Riddle, LSPR Intern

At the premiere of Never Say Never in Reem Acra

Miss Gomez steps out to support her boyfriend in a very daring Reem Acra dress.  I love that the dress is purple, which adds prestige and flirtation.  Her little pops of sparkle from her bag to her shoes are well put together. She’s ready to rock the night away with her love.

- Jamee Riddle, LSPR Intern

At the St. Bernard Project event in a dress by Hype and Shoes by Tory Burch  

My favorite things to wear mix comfort with style and this dress looks like it has both of those bases covered.  The subtle studded detailing showcases another thing I love in a dress – pockets!  I’m also obsessing over her two-toned Tory Burch sandals. 

- Lauren Stillman 

We Predict the Winners!

Someone must read the LSPR blog!  The lovely Kirsten Dunst made an appearance at the Cannes Film Festival amfAR Cinema Against Aids Gala in the same dress we suggested that she should have worn to the MET Gala.  Bravo, Kirsten.  If you're reading this, we're available for future style consultations!   

 

Style Star (Special Edition): Chelsea Kane

Throughout the past few weeks, actress Chelsea Kane has not only cha cha'd into our hearts on Dancing with the Stars, but has also had us taking note of her adorable red carpet and street style.  We're so excited that one of our favorite budding fashionistas has made it to the finals on DWTS that we are devoting a special edition of "Style Star" in her honor.  Following are some of our favorite looks from this emerging sartorial starlet.

At the Pirates of the Caribbean premiere in Nicole Miller with a Kelly Locke clutch
We love the bold print of this dress.  It manages to be both sophisticated and fun at the same time.  Her accessories choices -- including a glistening Kelly Locke clutch -- help keep the look interesting.
 

At a DWTS after-party in a jacket by Gomez-Gracia
Chelsea seems to have mastered the look of rocking a bold print.  Here she lets her Gomez-Gracia mottled print blazer remain the focal point of her outfit by keeping everything else simple.

 

Leaving a DWTS practice in a silk tee from LOFT
Chelsea quickly discovered that all eyes were on her — on the dance floor and off.  She kept her look casual and chic exiting a DWTS practice in a silky tee from LOFT.  

At the 18th Annual Race to Erase MS Event in a Capretta cocktail dress

Showing off her DWTS toned legs she leaves the LBD at home and brings out the red hot mini.  We love the simple addition of stacked bangles. 

At KIISFM's Wango Tango in Rachael Cassar

The spunky starlet shows us her edgier side in this rock & roll look.  While we're big fans of her typically tousled bob, the sleeker hairstyle worn here is picture perfect. 

LSPR Staff Style Tips: May

Its officially hot, hot, hot in LA these days.  When we're not spending our working hours longing for a lounge chair at the beach or a cool cocktail on the perfectly temperate patio of the Palihouse Hotel, we're hunting down the hottest seasonal trends.  Here's what we'll be rocking for the month of May.  

"Flatforms" are the new wedges – Jessica Alba Wearing Prada Shoes and Tote

"Flatform" shoes are essentially chunky platforms that ruled the spring runway during fashion week, and now, celebrities are embracing these super comfy heels as well as shown here by Jessica Alba.  Bright accessories are the best way to start off a warm day!

 – Dana Jeong

Make a splash in nautical stripes – Eva Longoria 

Nautical stripes are a must have this season. Classic blue stripe like Eva's are a staple in any fashionista's wardrobe. But don't just stick to blue---venture out and try dominant red stripes for a more vibrant look. As spring brings warmer weather, pair your stripes with a white shorts like Eva, or even a pair of jeans for an afternoon outing.  Eva chose a pair of nude heels to add some flair to this simple look, but a pair of "flatforms" would add a little something extra, too!

-Lacey Ehrlich

Lace dresses for Summer – Harley Viera-Newton

This summer, stay cool in a cute lace dress accessorized with pops of color. DJ and It girl Harley Viera-Netwon paired together a fun summer outfit at Mulberry's pool party at this years Coachella Music Festival in Palm Springs, California. In her cute black sunnies, white lace dress, flats, and yellow Celine bag, Harley inspires every California girl to have fun this summer with their wardrobe. Pull off an effortless summer look by wearing dresses with fun prints and fabrics that are easy to put on for a day shopping on the town or having a late lunch with friends. Pairing neutral dresses allows one to wear fun jewelry and accessories in bright colors lime green, yellow, and pink. This summer have fun with your style while keeping cool and fresh.

- Laura Marucsczak

Clogging Around with Kate Beckinsale

Kate Beckinsale is stylish no matter where she goes.  Kate rocks her clogs with a simple look at LAX. Clogs are an unique touch to any summer outfit from jeans, to long skirts, short skirts-you name it and clogs will work.  The easy slip on and go shoe is perfect for summer!

-Jamee Riddle

Try a Blush Evening Bag -- Jessica Lowndes with a Handbag by Lauren Merkin
Heading to a summer wedding?  Try toting your evening essentials with a blush evening bag, like this one by Lauren Merkin.  The subtly neutral color won't weigh down the look of a vibrantly colored frock.  You'll be surprised by how versatile it can be. 
 -- Lauren Stillman  

LSPR Styles the MET Gala

If there's one celebrity fashion extravaganza we look forward to every year, it is hands down the MET Gala.  The New York locale and culture clash of fashion and entertainment worlds mean that celebrities and their stylists can loosen up a bit from stiff-and-safe awards show looks and really make a daring style statement.  Here's a round up of who we think aced the test and who might need to study up a bit for next year.


Lauren Stillman's Picks:
Hailee Steinfeld in Stella McCartney -- Grade: A+
She might be a youngster, but Hailee always beautifully straddles the line between youth and sophistication.  The hi-low hemline keeps the dress formal without looking too stuffy and allows Hailee to show off a killer pair of statement-shoes. 

Diane Kruger in Jason Wu -- Grade: A
I absolutely love the effect of the sheer beaded bodice countered by a darker skirt.  The look manages to ooze old Hollywood glamour while still remaining modern.   

Jennifer Lopez in Gucci -- Grade: B
I love the fresh berry color and shape of her dress, but it is difficult to see beyond that feathery bolero.  She is too young and beautiful to be covering up that way.  I would love to have seen her rocking a different look from the Gucci runway as shown at right.  If there's anyone who could pull off a sheer skirt over hotpants at the MET Ball, it would be J. Lo. 

Beyonce in Emilio Pucci -- Grade: C
Beyonce, you declared yourself Fierce with a capital F and we agree!  But sadly, this look is reading a bit more fussy than fierce.  I would have liked to have seen you go for something a bit more effortless like Pucci's amazing jersey gown with beaded sleeve and cut-outs.   

Kirsten Dunst in Chanel Couture -- Grade C
While this look wasn't my fave, Kirsten remains one of my perennial favorites on the red carpet.  I admire that her choices are always a bit quirky and unexpected.  I think she looks best in light and airy looks like this one from Chanel's Spring 2011 Couture show. 

  
I was saddened that one of my MET Gala must-sees, Sienna Miller, wasn't in attendance last night.  If she had been, I would loved to have seen the sassy Brit in this gown by emerging UK-based brand Gomez-Gracia.  The gown perfectly mixes glamour with the bohemian sensibility Sienna for which Sienna is known. 

Laura Maruszczak's picks:
Cara Delevingne in Burberry -- Grade: A
British newcomer and the new face of Burberry, Cara looks striking in her silver and gray Burberry dress with its deep neckline and gorgeous tailoring. Her sultry makeup and matching clutch and necklace  complement this model's classic outfit.

Liv Tyler in Givenchy -- Grade: A+

This actress who is always a risk taker when it comes to the red carpet pulled off another exceptional look in a yellow and white feathered accented dress paired with a bright yellow clutch. The Givenchy creation's color palette and ombre effect accentuated Liv's hair and makeup giving her an all around gorgeous look. 

Blake Lively in Chanel Couture: Grade B 

Blake has been wearing numerous Chanel pieces recently as the new face of Chanel's handbag campaign and always knows how to pull off amazing look. Although I love the color and sparkle of the dress, I would have rather seen Blake in another Chanel couture dress that complements her figure and new red locks. This long white crystallized dress from 2011 Chanel Couture runway would have been the perfect match.  

Rihanna in Stella McCartney -- Grade: C 

Pop sensation Rihanna has a unique sense of style and daring personality that allows for unexpected red carpet choices. Although I love Rihanna in black lace, I would have enjoyed seeing Rihanna in a different hair hair style and dress choice. This Stella McCartney dress from her Fall 2011 Ready to Wear collection is a mix of funky and classic just like Rihanna. 

Ashley Olsen in Christian Dior -- Grade: C 

Ashley Olsen has become a fashion style star and for the event wore a vintage Christian Dior black and white gown. I love the actress/designer's simple hair and makeup, but think she could pull off an even more elegant and unique dress like this 3d Christian Dior dress from their 2010 Couture Collection.  

Reader's Question: The 2011 Met Gala was attended by many fashionable dates. Who was your favorite? 

Sisters: Dakota and Elle Fanning both in Valentino 

Daughter and Mother Duo: Bee Shaffer in Balenciaga and Anna Wintour in Chanel

Model and Rockstar Couple: Lily Aldridge in Ralph Lauren Collection and Caleb Followill in Ralph Lauren Black Label

Hollywood Couple: Jessica Alba in Ralph Lauren Collection and Cash Warren in Ralph Lauren Black Label

Style Star for April: Ashley Tisdale

As Ashley Tisdale made the rounds to promote her new film Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure this past month, we couldn't help but marvel at the young starlet's fierce looks.  Typically relying on a color palette of classic black, white and nude, Ashley's style always makes a statement without looking overworked.  Here's a round-up of our recent faves.  

At the Good Housekeeping Shine On Awards in Catherine Deane (above left)

WOW!  Ashley sure has grown up and she is NOT afraid to show it! At the Good Housekeeping’s Shine On Awards, she stunned the crowd. With her perfect LBD from Catherine Deane and stunning new hair, she brought grace and sophistication to the event. I love how she accented her look with a pair of Brian Atwood’s Maniac Metallic Leather Pumps and classy gold watch.  All together she looks fabulous!

 -- Jamee Riddle, LSPR Intern

 

At the Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Party in Jenny Packham (above right)

This look is flawless.  So many things to love about the dress -- the subtle metallic sheen on the lace, the asymmetrical neckline and the beautiful beaded belt.  A unique and modern take on old Hollywood glam, it’s the perfect Oscar evening look for one of Hollywood’s rising stars. 

-- Lauren Stillman

At Jay Leno in Gomez-Gracia (above left)

Ashley Tisdale brought out her sexy side in a plain white dress with a twist. It was the perfect mix of classic lines and edgy accents. The studded neck and hemline added a rocker touch to her sweet reputation and tinted lips. She completed the look with polished black nails and sleek black pumps.

-- Michelle Balady, LSPR Intern

At Planet Hollywood in Camilla & Marc and LOFT necklace (above right)

Fashionistas throughout history have been in love with the LBD's classic elegance and Ashley is no exception. She appeared at Planet Hollywood Times Square donning a simple-cut silk dress by Camilla & Marc, but her outfit was in no way basic – thanks to her turquoise statement necklace by LOFT and House of Harlow 1960 platform sandals. Way to stay classy and eye-catching at the same time!

--Dana Jeong, LSPR Intern

At the Toronto Premiere of Sharpay in Robert Rodriguez
The spring trend may be to bring back the 70's, but Ashley's taking it back a few more decades in this flapper-inspired dress. The nude tone gives it that "this season" feel, mixing an old design with a new trend. Tisdale keeps the shoes simple, so as not to take away from the dress' beautiful beaded embellishment. While the design may be a blast from the past, Tisdale wears it beautifully, showing off her young, but elegant style.

 -- Lacey Ehrlich, LSPR Intern