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 

LSPR Style Staff Tips: April
Spring weather is upon us and the fashion action is heating up on red carpets on both coasts.  Here’s what we are admiring this month. 

Take The Plunge – Gabrielle Union in Bill Blass

Amidst the seasonal transition into warmer weather, celebs aren’t holding off on showing a little skin. Cocktail dresses with deep plunges at the neckline are all the rage this month - a sizzling look just in time for summer.  Gabrielle Union perfected this look at the movie premiere for Think Like A Man, wearing Bill Blass. I love how she turned this sexy cocktail dress into a classy look for the red carpet with gold accessories…and without revealing too much!

 -- Rebecca Dancer, LSPR Intern

Buy Into Bustiers – Selena Gomez in Dolce & Gabbana

Selena Gomez showcased a new trend this year at the Kid’s Choice Awards when she wore a floral Dolce and Gabbana bustier.  Bustiers have been popping up everywhere recently and we even have some super cute ones by The Hellers in our show room. If you haven't tried one out before, now is definitely the time!  Pairing it with a high-waisted skirt like Gomez did keeps it a little less revealing and makes this a great new look to try.

- Katie Schuster, LSPR Intern

 Silky Spring Pants – Bar Refaeli in Escada

Bar Refaeli’s pink silk trousers are the perfect transition from winter to spring. The wide leg pants with a high waistline make this an eye-catching look that can be dressed up or down. Celebrities like Rachel Bilson, Blake Lively, and Anne Hathaway have been spotted wearing these pants on both the red carpet and casually during the day. I personally love the soft silhouette and would wear these pants for a classy evening out or for a dressed down lunch date. One must for this trend to be pulled off successfully is pairing the pants with platform heels or else all of the fabric will overwhelm your body.

 -- Taylor Saviano, LSPR Intern

Tried-and-True Maxi -- Brooklyn Decker in Stella McCartney

With the warmer months fast approaching, Brooklyn Decker showcases the importance of the tried and true maxi dress. Dressed in Stella McCartney and Jimmy Choo, the blonde bombshell looks ultra sleek and feminine in her floor length stunner. The neckline and white paneling create a figure flattering hourglass shape and the belt accent cinches perfectly at the waist. Finding a maxi dress with great fit is essential, as with any dress. The beauty of a maxi dress is the versatility, ranging from a day in the office, a day at the beach, or a red carpet event. With a bounty of maxi dresses online, in glossies, and on our favorite models, there really is no slowing to the maxi trend.

--Samantha Chew, LSPR Intern

Sport a Striped Blazer -- Jessica Alba & Kourtney Kardashian in LOFT
Everyone's favorite wardrobe staple (duh - the blazer!) has gotten a bit more graphic of late.  I love the preppy look of a striped blazer and it looks like Jessica Alba and Kourtney Kardashian do too.  Both have stepped out recently in blazers from LOFT.  
 -- Lauren Stillman, LSPR

Style Star for March: Shay Mitchell

We’ve made no secret of our fondness for “next big things” here at LSPR and we think that our style star this month is just that.  A true style chameleon, she isn’t afraid to make a statement in bold brights or set her sights on a sophisticated look in subtle neutral tones.  One thing is for sure…we can’t wait to see what the sartorial future holds for Pretty Little Liars star Shay Mitchell.  

In LOFT at her Seventeen Magazine Cover Celebration in New Jersey

Shay Mitchell was seen wearing this LOFT color block dress at the Seventeen Magazine cover celebration in New York City. While I probably would have played it safe and gone with a nude shoe, Shay takes it a step further and adds another pop of color with her choice of shoe. This bold decision making is what makes Mitchell our Style Star! Not only is she embracing the color block trend, but she is nailing the neon! 

      -- Katie Schuster, LSPR Intern

In DKNY Blazer at the label’s Spring 2012 Show

Staying true to DKNY at their Spring 2012 show, Shay Mitchell paired this bright blazer with black shorts and pumps – an effortlessly chic way to dress up otherwise casual pieces. Her look is simple and sophisticated, with a snakeskin clutch adding a slight edge.  I often dress up a pair of black shorts with tall pumps for a night out and love the way Shay rocked both neutral and vibrant tones in this pulled together look.

     -- Rebecca Dancer, LSPR Intern

In Tanja Pignatelli at Good Morning America

I'm a sucker for a good navy blazer.  I think I may have at least 6 in my closet.  I love the way Shay kept the navy blazer youthful by pairing it with unexpected colors like a plum top and white skinny jeans.  I’m going to seek out a plum top this summer so that I can recreate this look with my own wardrobe.  Just don’t say that you know where I got it when you see me sporting this color combo in the next few months!!

       -- Lauren Stillman

In Badgley Mischka at the label’s Spring 2012 Show

   Trends come and go, but Shay Mitchell’s look at the Badgely Mischka Spring Runway Show proved her style is timeless. Sticking to the basics, Shay rocked a nude figure hugging dress with nude heels that really popped against her tan skin. The peplum detailing around the waist takes this dress to a new level. Extra Fabric around the waist is always a risk, but when paired with a slimming sheath and plunging v neck it serves to enhance her curves. This is a classic look with a little added flare. 

         -- Taylor Saviano, LSPR Intern

LSPR Style Staff Tips: February

At LSPR, we're emerging from the gloom of winter into a February so bright, we gotta wear shades.  Whether dipping our toes in vibrant neon, going all out in orange or making a statement in saturated blue, it looks like spring is going to be chock full of bright COLOR.  

The Need for Neon – Brittany Snow in Jimmy Choo

Whether it’s your outfit, jewelry, bag or shoes, it’s got to be neon.  Brittany Snow rocked a neon yellow pair of Jimmy Choo Caesar Sandal Heals to one of her premieres.  I’m sure all about it with my Jeffrey Campbell Neon Yellow Darian Shoes. Every girl should get themselves a pair of neon heals, and rock it like the stars do.

-- Emily Giovannini, LSPR Intern 

Craving Cobalt – Maggie Grace in Yeojin Bae and Lauren Merkin

There’s something so fresh about a beautiful saturated cobalt blue.  It’s almost shocking yet soothing at the same time.  Maggie Grace made a statement at the premiere of The Grey in a chic blue frock paired to perfection with a color-coordinated clutch by Lauren Merkin.  I have a pair of Mary Jane-style pumps in this color that I love to wear with just about everything – especially things you wouldn’t necessarily expect to see it with like army green, slate gray and sunny yellow. 

 -- Lauren Stillman 

Tango with Tangerine – Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston left her typical LBD at home, instead choosing to add some color to her wardrobe by rocking this tangerine Vivienne Westwood dress in New York. Jen is right on par with the latest trends as tangerine has been named the “it” color for 2012. It is the perfect pop of color for any spring or summer outfit. The color was all over the NYFW Spring/Summer 2012 runways and its no surprise that several fashionistas have since been spotted in the color. This is one of my favorite looks on Jen as the color really makes her stand out.

-- Taylor Saviano, LSPR Intern

Winter White – Cameron Diaz and Kate Bosworth 

A drop in temperature hasn’t stopped the likes of Cameron Diaz and Kate Bosworth from putting away their white frocks just yet. By transcending above the age-old buff of “don’t wear white after Labor Day,” the starlets shine in their frothy dresses and stand out amidst the crowd of typically dark and heavy winter hues. With Cameron dressed in Valentino and Kate in Jimmy Choo, both stars wear their white so effortlessly by pairing their ensembles with minimal jewelry and nude pumps. These ladies show that stark white is stunning anytime of year, so don’t shy away from that white blazer or pantsuit. This is fashion, after all, and rules are meant to be broken. 

 -- Samantha Chew, LSPR Intern

Style Star for January: Nina Dobrev

At LSPR, we’re constantly attuned to Hollywood’s rising starlets, keeping a watchful eye on those who are not only able to make a Nielsen ratings or box office impact but also wow the fashion glitterati on the red carpet.  While her popular CW series is already in its third season, 2011 was Nina Dobrev’s biggest year yet sartorially.  The crimson Donna Karan number she wore to the Emmys had just about everyone taking notice (see below on our Favorite Red Carpet Looks of 2011).  We’ve had our eyes on this her for awhile and are excited to feature her as the first style star of 2012.  

In Jay Godfrey at the CW Upfronts

Color blocking was one of the biggest fashion trends last season and for good reason as it lightens up any winter day. Nina Dobrev rocked this grey and chartreuse dress with nude heels in New York City. I love adding a splash of color to any outfit whether it be with a colorful pair of shoes or a stand out clutch. This trend has transformed plain dresses into bright looks. It doesn’t only belong on the red carpet either and can easily be incorporated into a wardrobe. Any girl can make this trend a part of her style.

-- Taylor Saviano, LSPR Intern 

In Georges Chakra at 2011 InStyle/Warner Brothers Golden Globes Party

I love when a girl isn’t afraid to have all eyes on her and Nina definitely accomplished that at the 2011 Instyle/Warner Brothers Golden Globes Party. She demanded attention in her sparkly two-tone mini dress, which she paired with a pale pink pump and an ice blue ring. She knows how to set the bar high when it comes to looking good on the red carpet.  

-Emily Giovannini, LSPR Intern

In Monique Lhuillier at the InStyle Pre-Golden Globes Party  

Mastering every red carpet with grace and a consistently enviable coif, it really is no wonder how Nina Dobrev has generated such a cult-like following. The 22-year-old star stepped out at the InStyle and Forevermark soiree in a blossoming Monique Lhuillier number from the designer’s Spring 2011 collection. By pairing the ethereal frock with a nude strappy Christian Louboutin sandal, she was able to garner focus on the dress and fuchsia Rebecca Minkoff clutch, not to mention the 18k H. Stern stunners. Young women everywhere should take heed of how the young starlet emulates elegance and femininity by revealing the perfect amount of décolletage and picking subtle accessories to polish off her look. But let’s all be honest here, no matter that she always dresses to perfection, her best accessory sometimes is co-star and gorgeous beau, Ian Somerhalder. 

         -- Samantha Chew, LSPR Intern

In Elie Saab and Lauren Merkin at the People’s Choice Awards

As the people’s choice for Best TV Actress in a Drama, Dobrev didn’t disappoint in the fashion department, donning a dress in one of the season’s hottest hues – emerald green.  The dress was paired to perfection with a neutral shoe and nude Lauren Merkin clutch.  A new addition to Lauren Merkin’s collection, the oval shaped “Lucca” clutch has been a red carpet favorite, also worn by Emily Blunt, Mandy Moore and Selena Gomez.    

        -- Lauren Stillman

In Dolce & Gabbana at the Teen Choice Awards

I love that this flirty Dolce & Gabbana number she wore to the Teen Choice Awards elevates the humble gingham print from picnic staple to paparazzi worthy.  Gingham is an unusual print for the red carpet, helping Nina stand out amongst her peers as a fashion rule-breaker in the making.  I always applaud a starlet who doesn’t simply follow trends, but attempts to set them.         

 -- Lauren Stillman