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 

LSPR's Favorite Red Carpet Looks of 2011

As 2011 draws to a close, we would like to join some of our favorite media outlets (not going to pretend it is an original idea!) and remember the red carpet moments that made us cheer in the past year.  For those of you not in the industry, you may not realize the importance of a celebrity's red carpet look.  The right red carpet moment can help catapult an unknown to stardom, help secure a fashion or beauty campaign and help advance an actresses career.  Below are those who we think achieved perfection this past year - all from stars who are clearly on the rise.  We can't wait to see what you have in store for 2012!  

Emma Stone in Lanvin 

There's no doubting that 2011 was Emma Stone's year.  It was difficult to pare down my list of favorite Emma moments to just one, but since that's the name of the game, I have decided on this pleated grecian gown by Lanvin that she wore to the Glamour Women of the Year Awards.  The celery color is a bit unusual, but looks phenomenal against her fiery red hair.  I loved that she paired the look with a bold gold necklace (also by Lanvin) as opposed to diamonds.  The entire look is cool and unfussy like she's not trying too hard, but still makes a stylish statement.  

 - Lauren Stillman

Olivia Wilde in Marchesa

Every girl dreams of being a princess, but Olivia Wilde lived that dream in this breathtakingly dazzling Marchesa gown at the Golden Globe Awards. Instead of chasing trends, the beautiful starlet decided to wow the crowd with a classic full skirt embroidered with infinite stars. Even after almost a year, this real-life version of a Cinderella dress still makes my heart skip like an eight-year-old girl.
- Dana Jeong, LSPR Intern

Nina Dobrev in Donna Karan

This red carpet look had people everywhere taking notice of Nina Dobrev.  The show-stopping Donna Karan dress she wore to the Primetime Emmys is stunning from head to toe. The perfect waved hair, the smokey eye, a flawless hip hugging dress, and understated jewelry.  She looks effortlessly chic, glamorous and sexy all at the same time.    Many young stars should take after Nina's red carpet style. 
 - Allie Haitz, LSPR Intern  

Mila Kunis in Elie Saab Couture

I’m an avid award show viewer and out of all the dresses I’ve seen gracing the red carpets this year, I have to say my favorite has to be this stunning Elie Saab Lavender Lace Gown from the Spring 2011 Haute Couture Collection. Mila Kunis wore this to the 2011 Oscars and has never looked better. I love the way that the dress beautifully drapes her body showing off her perfect figure and all the lace detail throughout the dress. I would do anything to be able to wear a dress like this for even a second.  
- Emily Giovannini, LSPR Intern  

Dear Santa...

Dear Santa,

On the whole, the girls of LSPR have been very good this year.  We were hoping you might take this into consideration and bestow upon each of us a very special stylish gift.  In case you're having trouble finding something for each of us, here are some small hints.  

For Dana - Prabal Gurung's Pyschdelic Fur

A soft, luxurious fur coat is at the top of every fashionista’s wish list during holiday season, but why not put a little spin to it and splash on some color? This adorable Prabal Gurung coat dipped in coral would definitely be my escape from dreary winter days. Add an edgy leather belt and an airy maxi dress, and you have the perfect combination of sweet ironies.

For Emily - American Gold's Divine Lace

All I want for Christmas is this gorgeous White Sacred Heart Cut Out Maxi by American Gold. This dress has wide bell sleeves, cutouts on the sides, and an unlined lace fabric. I’d wear it everywhere; to the flea market, when shopping, to do lunch in Silver Lake, to school, art shows, EVERYWHERE SANTA! I would pair it with my Black Jeffrey Campbell Litas and a Black Phoebe Price Designs Felt Hat. This dress is a must have for every girl's closet and I must have it.  

For Lauren - Charlotte Olympia for Matthew Williamson's Dreamy Heels

OK, Santa, I'm issuing you a challenge as these probably aren't in stores yet.  But if anyone can track them down early, I'm hoping it is you.  From the neutral base to the neon lemon ankle strap and beetle-wing-green Lucite heel, everything about these is utter footwear perfection. 

For Laura - Proenza Schouler's It Bag

Laura has been a bit busy prepping for finals and her upcoming semester abroad in London, so we're going to help you shop for her.  This Proenza Schouler bag perfectly matches her laid-back-yet-fashion-forward vibe and would be handy for zipping around Europe hands free in the coming spring.  

 

The Real Housewives of Candy Cane Lane Visit Bravo Andy's Gingerbread Clubhouse

At LSPR, we're serious about many things -- fashion, shoes, caffeine, handbags, champagne, jewelry and, as it turns out, gingerbread house decorating.  We dedicated the last two evenings this week to dominating this Dancing Deer Baking Co. Gingerbread Cookie House Kit in the hopes of winning Whole Foods' gingerbread house decorating contest.  If we win, free tea sparklers on us!!!

May we present, for your consideration -- The Real Housewives of Candy Cane Lane Visit Bravo Andy's Gingerbread Clubhouse.

 
With a special appearance by American Horror Story's Rubberman!!!!