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.