Style Stars for May: Ashley Madekwe and Christa B. Allen

Is there anything more satisfying than a good nighttime soap?  This year, ABC introduced us to Revenge, the best evening soap since the glory days of 90210, Melrose Place and Models, Inc. (my personal fave!), and in the process has introduced the fashion world to two uniquely different but equally awesome rising red carpet superstars – Ashley Madekwe and Christa B. Allen.  Ashley shows her instinct for mixing polish with edge not only on the small screen as the talented-but-possibly-devious Grayson family flack but also on her own fashion blog ashley-ringmybell.blogspot.com while Christa’s red carpet style is just as wonderfully sweet yet a touch naughty as her character Charlotte Grayson.  Here, we celebrate them as our Style Stars for the month.        

Christa in Contrarian New York at Tyler Shields’ Art Opening

Christa rocked this bright red dress to a party for photographer Tyler Shields.  She dressed up this Contrarian sundress with classic black heels and metallic accessories, creating an effortlessly perfect look for summer.  I absolutely love her choice of a bold red tone and admire the way she used fashion-forward accessories to give her look a sophisticated edge. 

-       Rebecca Dancer, LSPR Intern

Ashley in LOFT at The Vow Premiere

What I love most about Ashley’s style is her casually confident approach to dressing.  She always looks like she’s wearing what she feels good in, which has become my own personal motto for dressing on a daily basis.  I love that she opted for a striped top (from LOFT), skinny jeans and heels for a recent premiere instead of the standard cocktail dress.  She looks fashionable, but not overdone – what more could we ask for?    

 - Lauren Stillman

Christa in Maria Lucia Hohan at the New.Now.Next Awards

Wow is all I can say.  I love the striking color and the daring plunging neckline.  But my favorite thing about the look?  She paired the deep red color with long blue and black crystal earrings.  Totally unexpected and totally awesome. 

 - Lauren Stillman

Ashley at the HFPA and InStyle “A Night of Firsts”
Ashley Madekwe went for a flirty and fun look at the InStyle party with her printed fringe dress. The pattern looks great on Ashley and provides a nice silhouette on her body. This is the perfect party look for both spring and summer.

 -- Taylor Saviano, LSPR Intern

Christa in Donna Karan at the Lucky Magazine Party
Christa took a fashion risk in this black cropped top and tribal print midi skirt by Donna Karen at the Lucky Magazine party. This look made Christa stand out from the crowd and prove she is not afraid to take chances on the red carpet. I love the pairing of the crop top and printed midi skirt; two of this seasons biggest trends.

-- Taylor Saviano, LSPR Intern

Ashley in Armani Exchange at the New.Now.Next Awards

Ashley kept it classy and clean in Armani Exchange at the NewNowNext Awards held at the Avalon. There is something about the combination of her barely there strappy heels with her dress that I just cannot get enough of! That paired with her blue nail polish is pure genius.

-       Katie Schuster, LSPR Intern

Christa in Naeem Khan at the Disney International Upfronts

Christa was stunning at the Disney International Upfronts in this Naeem Khan dress. The cut is so flattering on her, and having the back open like that just takes the dress to a whole other level. Her simple hair and makeup not only pair seamlessly with her outfit, but she looks beautiful! Not to be forgotten are her Aperlai shoes - those things are crazy in the best way!

 - Katie Schuster, LSPR Intern

Ashley at the Naeem Khan Private Dinner

Ashley went for an edgy, but classy look with her silver grid sheath dress. Madekwe added pops of color with yellow neon nail polish and a coral lip color.  The dress may have been simple in shape, but the overall effect was an eye-catching one.  

--Molly Goldberg, LSPR Intern

Christa at the NYLON Magazine Annual May Young Hollywood Issue Party

Christa B. Allen showed off her summer flare with the perfect amount of color at the recent NYLON Magazine party. Allen sported the hot trend of a white button down, but added a fashion-forward twist with this eye drawing Kelsey Quan necklace. The pink in the necklace perfectly coordinates with her skirt, giving her a sweet, but fun look.

-- Molly Goldberg, LSPR Intern

LSPR Style Staff Tips: May

The girls of LSPR are rolling out the red carpet and ushering in the start of summer.  Below are a few celebrity-inspired fashion trends you might spot us sporting over the next few months. 

Pop of Pink -- Kate Bosworth in Richard Nicoll

Kate Bosworth is a total showstopper in her neon pink sundress by Richard Nicoll. The pop of pink is fun and flirty for summer and perfect for any day-to-night event. This look totally stands out from more traditional hues and is a great alternative to the typical sundress look. Summer is a great time to try incorporating more neon and jewel tones into your wardrobe and dresses can be easily transitioned from brunch with the girls to after work cocktails. Take note from Kate and pair your look with nude sandals and minimal accessories.
-      Samantha Chew, LSPR Intern

Step It Up with a Cap-Toe Pump – Brooklyn Decker

I tend to get dressed everyday from the ground up, starting with the shoes I want to wear.  So whenever a new shoe trend comes along, I can’t wait to try it out.  First on my list this season is the cap-toe pump.  I love the way Brooklyn Decker works the look here with her crimson dress paired with a matching nude and red cap toe.  Obsessed. 

- Lauren Stillman

Break Out the Body-con – Charlize Theron in Dion Lee

Charlize Theron showed off her fit physique in a cut out body-con dress this spring at CinemaCon. A black form-fitting dress flatters any shape, and Charlize wisely paired it with heels to create a slim and sleek silhouette.   Body-con dresses are a must have right now, and we have some amazing ones by Gomez-Gracia in our showroom.  While this look is not too revealing, it is definitely a great choice for a night out, and I can’t wait to rock one of my own!

-       Rebecca Dancer, LSPR Intern

Pep Squad – Blake Lively in Jason Wu for Target

Once only known to a few hard core fashion devotees, peplum is now taking Hollywood by storm. Blake Lively wore this Jason Wu for Target dress at the line’s launch at Skylight Soho in New York City.  She styled the look perfectly, keeping the jewelry minimal so that the peplum is the focus of her outfit. If you want to feel comfortable while making a chic fashion statement, peplum is the way to go! It flatters any silhouette and is a simple solution for any date night or event.

-       Katie Schuster, LSPR Intern

Chic Peep-toe booties – Gwen Stefani

I am obsessed with Gwen Stefani’s peep-toe booties. The camel colored shoe accessorized with a simple tassel is a fantastic way to make a statement without being over the top. Pairing the shoes with a casual sweater and skinny jeans put all of the focus on the booties. This is a simple way to incorporate heels into a daytime look.

 - Taylor Saviano, LSPR Intern

Style Star for April: Taylor Swift

She’s topped the pop and country charts, starred on the big screen opposite Taylor Lautner (swoon!) and consistently sets our fashionista hearts aflutter, whether styled to the nines on the red carpet or photographed as she shops with friends.  Let’s face it --Taylor Swift rocks.  Here’s why:     

At the ACM Awards in J. Mendel

No stranger to red carpets, Taylor Swift looked positively glowing in a crisp white J. Mendel gown for the ACM awards. The sophisticated look was striking enough to need only minimal accessorizing, which the singer chose to pair with stacked pave bracelets. With a sleek blowout and cutouts to match, her gown is picture perfect and a great offset to the red carpet. As the season of award shows dwindles down, it is fun to anticipate what Taylor and other starlets choose to wear. A white gown or even casual day/night maxi is perfect for recreating her look at home. 

-- Samantha Chew, LSPR Intern

In Vintage at the Flea Market 

Taylor Swift went vintage with her wardrobe while shopping for bargains at the Ventura County Flea Market.  Her cream crochet dress is perfect for spring adding a subtle bohemian touch. Although the accessories are what make this look with her skinny brown belt, long gold necklace and gorgeous brown saddlebag.  I am in love with this bag and am now searching for one of my own. Taylor pulls off this spring chic outfit with ease.

-- Taylor Saviano, LSPR Intern

In Honor at the Lorax Premiere

Taylor Swift has yet again taken a classic look and given it a twist. Whether in a sparkly dress on stage or something vintage, Swift is never one to bore. Taylor's Honor dress not only exemplifies the class and timelessness that she embodies, but its illusion creating cuts make this dress just as edgy as it is elegant. Paired with simple jewelry and the perfect hair and makeup Swift is definitely on point as our Style Star!

-- Katie Schuster, LSPR Intern

In a striped dress with Lauren Merkin bag in Beverly Hills

In this perfectly effortless yet put together summer outfit, Taylor pairs a blue and white striped dress with red accents, which tie the look together.  Taylor’s Lauren Merkin cross-body bag stands out as the staple piece of this nautical look.  I am a big fan of sundresses and admire Taylor’s addition of bold red accessories – a brave choice that I’m sure will become a summer trend!

 -- Rebecca Dancer, LSPR Intern

In Zuhair Murad at the GRAMMYS

Taylor literally took my breath away at the GRAMMYS in this gown.  From the intricate beadwork to the unique cut-out back to the simple hair and make-up, Taylor was absolutely flawless in this look.    

 -- Lauren Stillman