The Style Darling has a new home!

Hello darlings,

It's my pleasure to announce that The Style Darling has moved! Just visit me at TheStyleDarling.com. Along with this move, I've decided to change up the scenery, so the site is under construction.

But with a new move comes new changes and lots to look forward to! The new blog will feature beauty tutorials, photography posts, my new on-location makeup business, and of course, tons of style!

To keep up to date with my favorite fashions and daily musings in the mean time follow me on Twitter and Instagram @TheStyleDarling.

Ta-ta for now,
Lauren

Style Summary: February

Among other new changes, February marks the first installment of Style Summary, a look back at the best outfits of fellow bloggers during the last month. These ladies rocked everything from neon pink pants to lucite heels, ankle-length skirts to high-top sneaks and nailed it. So here it is, kids, the top looks from the month of February that really deserve a second look. Well done ladies! Already making notes for March!

 Aptly named "A Little Bit of Audrey", this look is still fantastically modern and is all about classic pieces and great accessories in an attention-demanding red.

 This amazing ASOS skirt is just architectural genius, managing to exude femininity without wandering into cutesy territory. Win.

 Winter tends to bring out two sides of my closet: knockout evening ensembles or super comfy loungewear. This Glamourai post struck me as the perfect middle ground for girls everywhere.

 I love the East Coat but living in Southern California has its benefits. Cue this pinky pairing. While it's months too soon in PHL, the color combo is perfect for Spring and was so appropriate for Valentine's Day.

 My faux fur vest has been an indispensable part of my winter wardrobe. So when I saw this C&C post, it was instant inspiration for how to transition my vest as the weather warms up.

 I can distinctly remember a trip to the mall with a girlfriend years ago, she was on a mission to try out a new trend: skinny jeans. My first thought was how ridiculous these pants were and that they were a fleeting fashion. Many, many...many years later, after altering numerous pairs of bootcut jeans into skinnies, I am definitely eating my words. While skinnies are now my definite go-to style, seeing Brooklyn Blonde in this great flared pair is a refreshing reminder of the style's flattering fit and fun silhouette.

 Textured layers in a neutral palette rely on pattern to create an outfit that is outstanding and anything but ordinary.

Props to Krystal from This Time Tomorrow who managed to style lucite-heeled shoes with a sweater over pleated dress into a chic daytime look while managing to avoid either cliche.

Easily my absolute favorite February look. One of the best examples I've seen for why well-tailored, quality separates are so important in every girl's wardrobe. It's also perfect evidence of the impact the proper pop of color in just the right place has in creating a truly stunning ensemble.

   

 Chiara from The Blonde Salad is a bilingual blogger with a luxe, eclectic aesthetic who has the ability to create unconventional looks that rock. Case in point: sporting Isabel Marant sneaks and a plush faux fur jacket. Bravissima, signorina Chiara!

 Color is clearly coming and in a very big way. However, given the still present chill in the air, I'm not quite ready to embrace the vibrant hues I usually associate with summer. Happily, just like Spring Daffodils, pastels are popping up everywhere. 

 During high school, I went through a pink phase, a very pink phase.  I had it all: hats to shoes and everything in between in every shade imaginable. After years of pink detox, I have rediscovered my love of this rosy shade especially when paired with grays.

 Preppy, pretty, thin, or wide: I am a girl that loves her stripes. Most stripes tend to lend a casual vibe but these stripes are dressy enough for a date night dinner. 

 This abstract jacket could easily have been worn over a khaki sheath or white sundress but it's the striped dress underneath that makes this such a dynamic duo. 

 There's just something about a girl in a dress and heels with a leather jacket thrown over her shoulders that exudes a girlie glam that always works for me. 

 The chameleonic Chiara strikes again in this twist on classic uptown chic. Her fierce footwear and clutch amp up her otherwise soft and muted ensemble.

 I am extremely particular about polka dots. That's why this post by Atlantic-Pacific made the cut. The polka dots aren't overly attention-grabbing and add just enough interest when coupled with the wide stripes.

 Just a singularly unique jacket (made from the same material as a scuba suit!) paired with amazing shoes. I love that while the jacket is the center of attention, she chose footwear that also makes a statement instead of just opting for plain black sandals.

 The slightness of the mint dress and the gorgeous snakeskin booties create such an effortless coolkid vibe. 

 Sweaters and skirts are a tricky combo to pull off. As you can see, Aimee Song of Song of Style manages to do just that with great color and pattern!

 Leopard, white jeans, and ripped denim, need I saw more? 

 February saw the rise of the floral skinny and Aimee did it best. Pairing it with a geometric clutch and heels, she nails it.

And last but certainly not least, the fiercest look of the month brought to you by The Glamourai. In head to toe snakeskin print, you can be Jane of the (urban) jungle. 

The Style Darling + Maria Ramagli Beauty

[model: Maria Ramagli. coat: 60's vintage. tights: American Apparel. booties: True Religion. headband: Tasha available at Nordstrom.]

        Since January has finally yielded the wicked wintry weather the NorthEast is notorious for, I have been trying to occupy myself with indoor activities. One of those weekends, I was rifling through the closets in my house, mostly the ones packed with my grandfather's old things, and I happened upon this adorable 60's vintage coat. My grandfather had a knack for holding onto everything (guess I know where I get it from) and in this case, it paid off fashionably!

        So naturally, when I discovered such a vintage treasure, I knew it was the perfect centerpiece for a long overdue collaboration with my dear friend and vintage junkie, Maria Ramagli of Maria Ramagli Beauty. Using pieces from both of our closets, I styled two looks, one featuring a 60's vintage coat with gorgeous chain embellishments and the other highlighting a couture piece by designer Hally McGehean. 

 [Stylist: The Style Darling. Hair & makeup: Maria Ramagli.]

 [blouse & pants: Modelista. jacket: Laundry by Shelli Segal. necklace: J.Crew. shoes: Vince Camuto (last seen here). sunnies: Marc by Marc Jacobs. clutch: Hally McGehean.]

 All content property of Lauren Mantilla.

[one of a kind, couture clutch. designer: Hally McGehean.]

For more things 'Maria', visit her blog here.

For your own unique Hally McGehean design, find it here.

Winter's Winning Combos

        While I'm just as excited as the next girl for all of spring's fantastic new trends, now that the temperature has finally dropped to one more appropriate to a NorthEastern Winter, rocking those looks will have to wait for the actual Spring. But just because I don't live in Southern California, doesn't mean all style hibernates during the winter! I've been focused on my outerwear and the visible accessories (shoes!). And while practicality is key, let's be honest, looking cute definitely doesn't take a back seat. I've put together some cold-weather combos that will have you more than happy to bundle up!

[coat: Mackage. bootie (t): Max Studio Carlie. bootie (b): Sam Edelman Zoe.]

[jacket (t): Hinge Waterfall. bootie (b): Jeffrey Campbell See-Stars. bootie (t): Jeffrey Campbell Zip-2. trench (b): Veda Washington.]

[trench: Victoria's Secret. bootie (t): bebe Olivia. bootie (b): Vince Camuto Jerrell.]

[coat: Sachi. bootie (t): Sergio Rossi. bootie (b): Plenty by Tracy Reese Daida.]

[coat: J.Crew Matinee Trench. bootie (t): Sperry Topsider Shearling Trinity. boot (b): Sorel Joan of Arctic 64.]

[jacket (t): Trouve. bootie (b): Seychelles Theory. bootie (t): Jessica Simpson Francis. jacket (b): Elie Tahari.]

[coat (t): Elie Tahari. bootie (b): Kate Spade Kirkland. bootie (t): Alexander McQueen. coat (b): GUESS.]

[coat (t): GUESS. bootie (b): N.Y.L.A. Teodor. bootie (t): Plenty by Tracy Reese Pam. cape (b): KUT from the Kloth.]

Images courtesy of Nordstrom.com, JCrew.com, VictoriasSecret.com, and Dillards.com.

Cobalt Cool

[model: Anna Rudenko. blazer: BCBG. skirt: French Connection. top: Abercrombie & Fitch. tights: Hue. shoes: Vince Camuto. wallet: Kate Spade. earrings: H&M. watch: Michael Kors.]

        Color is coming! It's absolutely everywhere for Spring 2012. And while I could not be more excited for all of the vibrant hues popping up like the first blossoms of spring, it's too chilly to truly embrace the trend just yet so I've been experimenting with incorporating touches of color into my winter wardrobe. Here I've paired bright cobalt heels and a cobalt wallet which echo the tones of my neutral navy ensemble. For a bit of unexpected color, I chose orange earrings with simple, geometric lines.

 All content property of Lauren Mantilla.

Fuchsia Focus

[model: Anna Rudenko. dress: A via Bloomingdale's. tights: poof! booties: Max Studio. belt: Bebe. purse: BCBG. bracelet: Swarovski. eyes: MAC Deep Truth. nails: OPI silver crackle.]

        While black always look chic, I find that I crave colorful pieces. So since the past few weeks have been unseasonably warm so I took the opportunity to wear this fuchsia silk dress without a jacket. I just adore this color and the ruffle detail (which would be much less visible under a jacket, another plus!). Black tights provided a little bit of warmth for strolling by the riverfront. I also added the studded belt and leather booties to keep the look from getting too girlie. The black purse with the studded tassel, distinct quilting, and adjustable gold strap made it a very necessary recent addition to my closet. The little pop of cobalt shadow pairs beautifully with vibrant fuchsia since the accessories are so neutral.

All content property of Lauren Mantilla.

Arrivederci 2011

[beautiful day at my desk]

        As a very dear (and diplomatic) friend put it, 2011 was a year of "education". And while I couldn't agree more, I still wanted to take a look back at all the bright moments of the past year. I'm thrilled that 2012 has arrived and cannot wait for the new adventures and amazing experiences that await! Looking forward to a few changes here, can't wait to unveil them! Wishing you all a wonderful year full of the hope of new beginnings, health, happiness, and the strength to live fully. Cent'anni!

[my collection of makeup brushes]

[exotic eyes]

[alexander mcqueen exhibit at the metropolitan museum of art in NYC]

[alexander mcqueen:savage beauty | 'jungle remix' photoshoot]

[two friends, summer love]

[las vegas birthday trip | 'hot hues' photoshoot]

[reading terminal market | crepes and cappuccino]

[inspired by my surroundings: spiked railing | vince camuto studded bow flats]

[st. augustine, fl: champage toast | historic downtown at dusk]

[attention-demanding lips | crystal cascades at the ritz-carlton]

['blazer gets dressed up' photoshoot | christmas in love park]

[absolutely adore the ben franklin bridge]

[taking a walk on the wild side in my fur vest | bcbg leopard pony hair flats]

[twinkling tealights | sparkling on new year's eve]

All content property of Lauren Mantilla.