Frugal Fashion: Diane Kruger at the InStyle Summer Soiree

German top model-turned-actress Diane Kruger has become a fixture at top designer runway shows and various events and red carpets around the world. She is usually on the arm of her beau, Joshua Jackson, and the stylish couple knows how to make an appearance.

The former ballerina is no stranger to best dressed lists. She is frequently featured on Vogue.com's coveted weekly 10-best-dressed list, and last year she was an honoree on the Vanity Fair international best dressed list.

Kruger possesses a sort of fashion diversity, artfully playing with classics and taking risks. When she walks a carpet, she favors Chanel, Lanvin, Calvin Klein and Jason Wu. Kruger gets glam in styles that include classic gowns, and dresses with plunging necklines and daring slits. On her casual days she is photographed looking tres Olsen-twin hobo chic in Ray-Bans, hats and cross body bags.

At the recent InStyle summer soiree in Los Angeles, Kruger donned a Jason Wu menswear inspired ensemble that included a blue tuxedo-style blazer, white button-up, black bow tie and trouser shorts. She balanced the menswear look with some feminine details -- note the  tuxedo color and fit, strappy sandal heels and tousled locks.

Try the menswear look for your next party in a fitted blazer with a feminine touch such as the Chiffon back blazer from Nastygal.com for $68 that features a sheer back. For something bolder, try the Silence & Noise boyfriend blazer for $78 from Urbanoutfitters.com. We've featured this versatile blazer before, but since it's such a great find, and comes in colors like pink, powder blue and fuchsia, it's worth another nod.

Get Kruger's tuxedo shirt look with the Jones New York pleated button down from Jny.com for $36.99 or the Loft tuxedo shirt from Loft.com for $44.50. If you want to go for a bow tie, you'll need the collared American Eagle boyfriend shirt for $39.50 from Ae.com.

Bow ties can be a playful addition to any collared shirt or the perfect dress-up accessory. Definitely borrow from a male friend or spouse, but if you want to own your very own (you never know when a spiffy bow tie will come in handy), snag the All Saints Spitalfields elder bow tie for $15 or for a shiny, dressier version, the American Apparel unisex sateen bow tie for $19 from AmericanApparel.com.

To get Kruger's cropped-tuxedo look, get the Ya Los Angeles turning leaves trouser short from Piperlime.com for $49, Matelot trouser short from Forever21.com for $15.80 or the Charcoal shorts from Needsupply.com for $38.

Finish the outfit with a strappy pair of sandals to give the ensemble a girly feel. For a lower heel try the Naya Tova sandals from Zappos.com in the deep sea green / sea spray green leather for $83.88. For something with a little more height, get the BCBGeneration midnight blue strappy heels for $66 from Bluefly.com or the Madeline Reba wedge sandal from Amazon.com for $43.90 -- $60 depending on the size.

Happy shopping!

Have an outfit you're dying to buy but need a frugal alternative? Email us a picture. We're up for the challenge.

-- Jenn Harris
Twitter.com/Jenn_Harris_

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Photo: Diane Kruger arrives at the InStyle Summer Soiree in West Hollywood. The annual event is hosted by the West Coast editors of InStyle. Credit: Dan Steinberg / Associated Press.

Blazer photos, from left: Chiffon back blazer, $68. Credit: Nastygal.com; Silence & Noise boyfriend blazer, $78. Credit: Urbanoutfitters.com. 

Shirt photos, from left: Jones New York pleated button down, $36.99. Credit: Jny.com; Ann Taylor Loft tuxedo shirt, $44.50. Credit: Loft.com; American Eagle boyfriend shirt, $39.50. Credit: Ae.com. 

Bow tie photos, from left: All Saints Spitafields elder bow tie, $15. Credit: All Saints Spitafields; American Apparel unisex sateen bow tie, $19. Credit: AmericanApparel.com.

Shorts photos, from left: Ya Los Angeles turning leaves trouser short, $49. Credit: Piperlime.com; Matelot trouser short, $15.80. Credit: Forever21.com; Charcoal shorts, $38. Credit: Needsupply.com.

Shoes photos, from left: Naya Tova sandals, $83.88. Credit: Zappos.com; BCBGeneration midnight blue strappy heels, $66. Credit: Bluefly.com; Madeline Reba wedge sandal, $43.90-$60. Credit: Amazon.com.

Look book: Ann Taylor’s super chic fall accessories

Ann Taylor has been undergoing quite a design overhaul over the past year, as written about by our fashion critic Booth Moore, and by the look of the accessories in the fall collection, something’s definitely   working.

A pair of black ankle strap platforms with a treacherous looking heel immediately caught my attention, as did a pair of animal print “shooties” that are basically like a smoking slipper with a tall, spiky heel. There’s also some double platform lace-up ankle booties that have a super sleek look and are bound to be mistaken for high end. Nothing about any of the styles reflects an older Ann   Taylor but certainly speak to the more hip and fashion-forward customer they’ve been working to attract.

Even the fall jewelry is a bit edgier. There’s no trace of pearls or even a baubley cocktail ring, necklaces are more architectural and earrings have an Art Deco appeal.

The collection isn’t void of trend-driven pieces. Besides the leopard print shooties, a few jackets have a similar print and faux fur collars, and details are attached to double-breasted coats and boho-style vests that are bound to be everywhere through fall and winter.

--Melissa Magsaysay

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Photos:
Top - Lilia Platform Buckle Pump, left; Aiza platform lace-up bootie, right; pyramid stud structured lady bag, below right; Leandra platform haircalf shootie. Jewelry from left: sculptural metal necklace, snake cuff with textured lock, tort and pave chandelier  earrings.

Credit for all: Ann Taylor

Your morning fashion and beauty report: Lady Gaga offers bracelet to aid Japan, Emma Watson fronts for Lancome, Jillian Michaels teams with K-Swiss

Lady Gaga lends her name to aid efforts in earthquake-and-tsunami-ravaged Japan with a wristband for sale on her online store that reads "We pray for Japan" in red letters on a white background. It's on sale for $5, and customers can add an extra donation, with all proceeds going to relief efforts. [Time]  

Emma Watson just gets more fashionable by the day. The "Harry Potter" star has been designing eco-friendly fashion in collaborations for a while, and she was the celebrity face of a couple of Burberry campaigns. Now she's signed on as a brand ambassador for Lancôme. [Telegraph]

Tough fitness trainer Jillian Michaels of "The Biggest Loser" displays her softer side in a new line of activewear for K-Swiss. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

Another fashion house has lost its creative director, but in a much less dramatic way than the kerfuffle that led to John Galliano's split with Christian Dior. Clare Waight Keller resigned quietly as creative director of Pringle of Scotland, sending a letter to select fashion editors saying she is leaving with a "mixture of sadness, pride and anticipation." No reason was given, but it is believed to be at least partly personal since she is expecting a third child in May. [Telegraph]  

Ann Taylor is losing its surname. The company, whose transformation to a more youthful vibe has been chronicled by our Booth Moore, henceforward will be known as Ann Inc. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Emma Watson will be a new brand ambassador for Lancôme. Credit: Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images

Frugal Fashion: Emma Roberts goes girly at an Oscar soiree

If British fashion goddess Alexa Chung and American golden girl Michelle Williams had a style-child, it would be Emma Roberts. This DNA wonder mash-up is the result of Roberts' slightly indie wild-child style artfully whirled around her super girly outfits. And let's not forget who her aunt is - pretty woman Julia Roberts, who comes from the same favorable real gene pool.

The 20-year-old actress, singer and songwriter, who has already mastered the art of captivating the tween movie audience, is moving on to become a well-dressed style leader for the rest of us with fashion choices that would rival the likes of Serena Van der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf. Frequently featured on InStyle magazine's Look of the Day feature, Roberts can always be found looking fab in the latest designer wear on a red carpet somewhere.

She looked ultra girly at the Chanel and Charles Finch pre-Oscar dinner party celebrating fashion and film at Madeo restaurant in Los Angeles. The young starlet wore a cream-colored bow-tie blouse, black shorts, a dainty cardigan, weather-appropriate tights and black satin pumps. The bows on her blouse and shorts are ultra feminine and chic, the look is age appropriate and the tousled hair and red lipstick are a double win.

Roberts' outfit would be perfect for any spring fling and according to our own very stylish Melissa Magsaysay, shorts are definitely in for spring. Roberts chose a simple black pair with a bow, a great addition to any wardrobe. The Limited makes a similar pair, also with a bow, called the Cassidy elastic waistband short for $39.90. If a bow doesn't suit your taste, maybe some lace will? Urban Outfitters carries the Nom De Plume Kit short with pretty lace trim for $19.99.

Roberts' blouse evoked a feminine feel without resembling the outfits of your childhood dolls. For an equally flirty blouse with a bow, try the Asos short sleeve chiffon mix pussy bow blouse for $35.86, Cooperative Peter Pan bow blouse from Urban Outfitters for $44.99, or the Asos pussy bow blouse for $53.79. These blouses will add character to any outfit without going overboard with the bow detail.

A simple black cardigan is a great piece to have on hand for any occasion. To wear with a dressier top and shorts a shorter cardigan will work nicely. Old Navy makes a satin-trim rib-knit cardigan for just $10.50, Ann Taylor Loft has a long-sleeve crew neck cardigan for $39.50 and J.Jill makes the essential cardigan for $29.99. A small price to pay for a piece that will complement 90% of your existing closet.

Put on your new frugal finds with some basic black tights and heels you already own, and you're ready for a soiree of your own.

Happy shopping!

Have an outfit you're dying to buy but need a frugal alternative? E-mail us a picture. We're up for the challenge.

-- Jenn Harris
Twitter.com/Jenn_Harris_

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Photos from top: Actress Emma Roberts arrives at the Chanel & Charles Finch pre-Oscar Dinner Celebrating Fashion & Film at Madeo Restaurant. Credit: Scott Kirkland /Getty Images.

Cassidy elastic band short from the Limited. Credit: TheLimited.com; Nom De Plume Kit short from Urban Outfitters. Credit: UrbanOutfitters.com.

Asos short sleeve chiffon mix pussy bow blouse. Credit: Asos.com; Cooperative Peter Pan bow blouse. Credit: UrbanOutfitters.com; Asos pussy bow blouse. Credit: Asos.com.

Satin-trim rib-knit cardigan from Old Navy. Credit: Oldnavy.com; Long sleeve crew neck cardigan from Ann Taylor Loft. Credit: Anntaylorloft.com; Essential cardigan by J.Jill. Credit: JJill.com.

Ann Taylor, CFDA/Vogue fashion fund designers partner on size zero looks being auctioned on eBay

Ann Taylor, the great American mall-based retailer in the midst of a fashionable turnaround, has partnered with the Council of Fashion Designers of America/Vogue Fashion Fund on a design challenge.

Ten finalists for the 2010 award for emerging designers (including Prabal Gurung, Joseph Altuzarra, Christian Cota, L.A.'s own Gregory Parkinson and Billy Reid, winner of the $300,000 award) have made one-of-a-kind looks now being auctioned on eBay.  

The designers were asked by Ann Taylor's head of design Lisa Axelson to create "a look for a modern, professional woman," and the results include trench coats, shirt dresses, statement accessories and more. 

The only catch? That modern, professional woman must be a size zero. 

Which doesn't sound like much of a design challenge to me. A bigger challenge would have been to create a look for a modern, professional woman who is a size 8 or 10 or 12 or 14. Guess they worried that the photos wouldn't look pretty. And from the photo at left, you can see the stylist had to clip model Karlie Kloss' size zero Prabal Gurung dress to make it even more form-fitting.

For those who are not sample size, there are accessories on offer, including a pair of Moss Lipow sunglasses, which have the lowest starting bid of anything in the lot--$450.

The auction runs through Feb. 10 and all money raised will go to support the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.

--Booth Moore

Model Karlie Kloss wearing the Ann Taylor-inspired look by Prabal Gurung, with the designer. Courtesy of Ann Taylor.

Your morning fashion and beauty report: Katie Holmes, Rumer Willis, Amanda Seyfried do their part in luxe ad campaigns

Ann Taylor, in the midst of a campaign to revamp, has picked Katie Holmes (pictured) as the face of its spring ad campaign. She succeeds Heidi Klum. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

The ubiquitous Kardashian Klan is set to do a collaboration with that granddaddy of mass marketers Sears. Go Khloe, go Kourtney, go Kim. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

Meanwhile, the Kardashians are reportedly being sued for more than $12,000 in hairdressing expenses. ... That's right, the upkeep of the 'do. Well, it's a long story. [StyleList]

Jessica Szohr must have gotten tired of her "Gossip Girl" costars (current "it" girls Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Taylor Momsen) getting all the fashion ink -- so she got inked, in a way. She's appearing in a new series of SoBe Lifewater ads wearing nothing but body paint. [People]

OK, it's kind of scary when Women's Wear Daily asks: Is fashion dead? Let's hope not! These days, we need the diversion, if nothing else. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

British designer Katharine Hamnett has been named a Commander of the British Empire, one of those royal-bestowed titles that sound unspeakably classy. But better yet, she has a collection debuting on Net-a-porter in March. [Telegraph] 

The first shots of Amanda Seyfried in Clé de Peau Beauté ads are making the rounds, and she does indeed look flawless. [People]

And Rumer Willis, actress and daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, looks just as beautiful as that gene pool suggests in her new ad campaign for Badgley Mischka. [People]

Vionnet boutique on North Robertson in Los Angeles got into a bit of a trademark kerfuffle with high-fashion label Vionnet -- to which it's not connected -- so has changed its name to Les Pommettes. [Mondette] 

Vogue.com is getting the likes of Tom Ford, Claudia Schiffer, Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham and  Manolo Blahnik to help celebrate its 15th anniversary -- 15 years is an age in the dot-com world! [Vogue UK]  

Fashion blogging has more than reached the mainstream. We mentioned on Monday that Swedish blogger Elin Kling was in a fashion collaboration deal with H&M. Now Rebecca Minkoff, the handbag maven, has hired blogger Daniel Saynt of the Fashion Indie blog, as head of marketing. [The Cut] 

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Katie Holmes. Credit: Fred Prouser / Reuters 

Frugal Fashion: Camilla Belle in winter white at the Hollywood Style Awards

All year we watch enviously
as celebrities parade down red carpets in gorgeous and sometimes outrageous gowns. Awards shows and movie premieres give us a close-up look at designer collections as actresses bring their A-game. And since Hollywood glamour is all about presenting your best self, why not have an entire awards show devoted to those who do it best?

It seems there really is an awards show for everything, and there's no exception when it comes to style. The entertainment industry’s fashion elite gathered Sunday at the Hammer Museum for the Hollywood Style Awards. Instead of pops of color or even black, Hollywood stylemakers started a new trend of snowy white tones on the red carpet.  Maybe the unseasonably warm temperatures prompted the actresses to create their own white winter. Whatever the reason, they put the “don’t wear white after Labor Day” rule to shame.  

Kate Bosworth covered up in a casual white tee and pale green floor-length skirt, and "Glee’s" Lea Michele went for a white patterned strapless dress, but the belle of the night was none other than actress Camilla Belle.

Belle looked perfectly chic in a curve-hugging Kimberly Ovitz architectural ivory dress with a pleated high-necked collar and cinched waist. She paired the structured dress with black satin Stuart Weitzman heels, an ivory-colored Maia N clutch and white gold jewelry by Cartier. Check out more photos from the awards.

Our frugal alternatives are winter white chic, and because we have your holiday shopping budget in mind, they're under $100.

On the left is a Jessica Howard Sheath dress from Kohl's for $84.99 and on the right is the pleated neck sheath dress from Ann Taylor Loft for $89.50. (Online shoppers at Ann Taylor Loft can take advantage of a 40% off promotion on this dress, too.) 

Have an outfit you're dying to buy but need a frugal alternative? E-mail us a picture. We're up for the challenge.

-- Jenn Harris

jenn.harris@latimes.com

Top photo: Actress Camilla Belle arrives at the 2010 Hollywood Style Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday. Credit: Dan Steinberg / Associated Press

Left photo: White dress from Kohl's. Credit: Kohl's

Right photo: White dress from Ann Taylor Loft. Credit: Ann Taylor Loft

 

Frugal Fashion: Carey Mulligan gets festive in red

The name Carey Mulligan is synonymous with the terms chic, alternative and all-around fashion it-girl. Wherever the petite, pixie-haired actress goes, she is sure to be dressed in stunning designer frocks that are far from ordinary. With the sparkling, cosmic Chanel sequin dress and jeweled cape at the Vogue Fashion Fund Awards and the countless gowns and dresses she’s worn while promoting the film “Never Let Me Go,” Mulligan shows it’s a good thing to break away from the classics. 

Mulligan's style choices exemplify a fearless free spirit, one that has the fashion world taking notice. Not only is she a regular on best-dressed lists for numerous fashion magazines and websites, but she also earned a spot on Vogue's coveted 10 Best Dressed list of 2010.

At the Moet British Independent Film Awards, Mulligan owned the red carpet in a Prabal Gurung poppy-colored dress with a large flower detail on her chest and a cinched waist. She paired the stunning red dress with a sparkly sequined Roger Vivier clutch and black peep-toe heels. The actress officially took home the award for best actress for her role in "Never Let Me Go," but she gets our award for best dressed of the night. The color of her dress and the chest detail speak for themselves, and the sparkly clutch is the perfect, delicate finishing touch.

A tasteful red dress is a way to stand out -- in a good way -- at those upcoming holiday parties. Here are a few rouge-colored frocks for less than $100 that will have you relishing the holiday spirit:
T Tahari red dress from Nordstrom for $99.50, one-shoulder red French Connection dress from Bluefly.com for $89.59, Sparkle and Fade chiffon dress from Urban Outfitters for $69 and the Winter Rose strapless dress from Ann Taylor for $99.99. 

 

 

For just a touch of sparkle, pair one of these clutches with a holiday party outfit or evening wear: Lulu Townsend sequined clutch from DSW for $36.95, Kate Landry "peacock" clutch from Dillards for $35 or the Sequin slouchy bag from Express for $39.90. Since the sparkly clutch is the essential party accessory, you'll need to find the perfect one for you, so check out more frugal finds from resident stylist Melissa Magsaysay.

Now that you're set with a new red dress and sparkly clutch, all you'll need is a pair of super simple heels to finish the look. A pair of solid-colored black heels from your own closet should do.

Happy shopping.

Have an outfit you're dying to buy but need a frugal alternative? E-mail us a picture. We're up for the challenge.

-- Jenn Harris

jenn.harris@latimes.com

Photos, from top: Actress Carey Mulligan attends the Moet British Independent Film Awards at Old Billingsgate Market in London. Credit: Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images. Tahari dress from Nordstrom. French Connection dress from Bluefly.com. Sparkle and Fade dress from Urban Outfitters. Winter Rose dress from Ann Taylor. Lulu Townsend clutch from DSW. Kate Landry clutch from Dillards. Sequin bag from Express. 

 

 

 

Frugal Fashion: Emma Watson's magical mini at the 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 1" premiere

It's been nine years since Emma Watson first starred as the lovely, know-it-all Hermione Granger in the first "Harry Potter" film. The cute 11-year-old is now a 20-year-old screen goddess.

For those of us who grew up with the books and the films, it almost feels wrong to call the woman who played Hermione sexy, but with Watson's Burberry ad campaign and the dresses she’s been wearing to recent public appearances, you have to. Watson is smart and daring in her fashion choices and tends to artfully amp up her sex appeal in couture on the red carpet.

For the much-anticipated world premiere of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 1,” Watson sported a hot pixie haircut and a revealing Rafael Lopez for Atelier Mayer black lace cocktail mini and black heels. She looks a little Twiggy-esque with the hair, and the feathers channeled a playful 1920s flapper attitude. 

We searched everywhere for a frugally priced lace dress with feathers but decided sans feathers was the way to go. We love Watson's dress for a movie premiere but thought a more conservative version would work for office holiday parties or your next night out.

Retailers such as Macy's, Bloomingdales and Kohl's all have their own versions of a chic, affordable black lace mini.

Here are our picks for the top five dresses under $100: From left, the INC INternational Concepts sleeveless lace dress with an exposed zipper sheath for $48.99 from Macy's, the Aqua black lace sleeveless dress from Bloomingdales for $88, the Lace Scallop dress from Ann Taylor Loft for $98, the AB Studio lace sheath dress from Kohl's for $59, and a lace dress by Marc New York on Bluefly.com for $99.45.

Happy shopping.

Have an outfit you're dying to buy but need a frugal alternative? E-mail us a picture. We're up for the challenge.

-- Jenn Harris

jenn.harris@latimes.com

Photo, from top: Emma Watson attends the "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 1" premiere on Nov. 11, 2010, in London. Credit: Gareth Cattermole /Getty Images. Bottom, from left: Macy's, Bloomingdales, Ann Taylor Loft, Kohl's, Bluefly.com.

Heidi Klum and Ann Taylor deck the halls

 

Heidi Klum hosted a dinner at Pali House on Thursday night to celebrate her holiday ad campaign for Ann Taylor, the mall brand that is getting more chic every day. The centerpiece of the room was a tree trimmed with the retailer's sparkly gems, including pearl starbursts ($128), snowflake necklaces ($98), and snowcap stretch bracelets ($88).

Debra Messing, Maria Menounos, Rachel Zoe, Pippa Black and Michelle Alves joined in the fun, bedazzling themselves with sparklers from the tree. And in case you're wondering, that's the winter white tuxedo jacket ($218) and modern pant ($128) that Klum is wearing, both at anntaylor.com.

With all the pieces I've collected during the lifespan of the current statement-jewelry trend, I may just bling my own tree.

- -Booth Moore 

Photo: Heidi Klum at the Ann Taylor holiday dinner. Credit: Alex Wyman / Wireimage