Celebrity Inspired: Emma Watson in Tartan Punk

The LBD, or little black dress, has been synonymous with glamour and sophistication throughout fashion history. And while I am a huge fan of black cocktail attire, it can quickly become repetitive. Thinking outside the raven box, Emma Watson stuns in this McQ dress, which is devastingly gorgeous and infuriatingly unattainable. To achieve a similar look, keep one principle in mind- the red carpet is a spring board for real life fashion. If you break down Watson's outfit, what are the major elements? Plaid, leather, and tough girl accessories are the main components of this ensemble- and all are easily incorporated into an existing wardrobe and easily found at low and high-end stores. The two dresses above will mimic Watson's get-up, but to achieve volume for her fun party look, try adding a petticoat-style skirt underneath (while this perfectly suits Watson's boyish figure by adding definition at the waist, it would also work to balance out a large-busted gal and would complement pear-shaped ladies). Here Watson chose a pointed toe black pump, which adds miles to her legs and toughens up the cupcake style of her dress. While plain black pairs nicely with the plaid, feel free to play with textures and added touches (love those ubiquitous Sam Edelman studded pumps). Each part of the look would work fabulously on its own (Pointed heels with black skinny jeans? To DIE for! A Leather jacket over a floral spring dress is a fantastic transitional option to stretch your wardrobe!), but if you have the courage (and the occasion) to wear these pieces together, you will stand out in the sea of black sheaths in this youthful and modern look. 


Miss Selfridge biker jacket, $135
TopShop leather biker jacket, $300
Manoush petticoat skirt, $530
Gail Berry Petticoat skirt, $210
Motel Remember the Tartans Dress, $90
Bourne black high heels, $270
Sam Edelman black high heels, $225
Kelsi Dagger black high heels, $120

I SPY: Miranda Kerr

Winter can get, well, BORING. There are only so many times you can wear your black trousers from J.Crew before your co-workers start to notice your slovenly appearance. When faced with such a dire situation, look no further than Miranda Kerr's edgy street style. The model can be seen stomping down the pavement in fabulous looks that include strong blazers, rich leather accessories, and retro sunglasses- looks that could snap anyone out of their winter slump. The exact look pictured above is definitely more suited for taller gals (cuffed jeans AND ankle boots? yeah, you need to be about ten feet tall to wear her outfit and still  have legs that look a mile long), but with some adjustments (either stick to full length skinnies, or wear a more classic heeled pump) petite ladies could sport the ensemble as well. And while Kerr is strutting in head to toe designer, this look is SO simple to recreate with cheaper pieces. Head over to Forever21 for an enormous selection of blazers, or to ASOS for chic booties that won't break the bank. Remember, celebrity style can serve as inspiration for any outfit- don't feel like you have to copy the look exactly. Each person has a slightly different body, so adapt the outfit to a version that looks best on YOU!

Items pictured above: 
Hollister Co. destroyed jeans, $50
TopShop black booties, $124
Banana republic handbag, $90
Mulberry zebra print scarve, $150
House of Harlow 1960 Chelsea Sunglasses in Black, $139
Wilfred satin jacket, $195

Gift Guide: Part 4

If you are still stuck on getting your little sis a Justin Bieber T-shirt or Hannah Montana disc set, upgrade to one of these fun and colorful gifts!

1. Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift Eau de Parfum, $60
2. Ettika link jewelry, $62
3. Deborah Lippmann Do Ya Think I'm Sexy, $18
4. Wildfox Couture denim top, $105
5. TopShop bra, $22
6. Fresh Sugar Honey Lip Tinted Treatment, $23
7. Forever 21 Necklace
8. Kate Spade Iphone 4 Cover, $35
9. Tory Burch patent handbag, $395
10. tokidoki Kabuki Brush, $28
11. Juicy couture pajama shorts, $55