Celebrity Style

It's not difficult to look gorgeous when you're built like Charlize Theron, but humor me: I think she's nailed a look here that we can all learn a little something from. The former supermodel and Oscar-winning actress has a style that's glamorous, sexy and yet - that adjective that seems to epitomize great style in this modern era of ours - effortless. Here, she mixes a number of trends with such finesse that you hardly notice the clothing, but you certainly can't help but notice the woman wearing them. What caught our eye: The soft, flowing chiffon dress juxtaposed with a fitted, tailored blazer. Gold accessories that glow without being gaudy. And on a practical note, that chic blazer is the perfect layer for transitioning from warm days to chilly nights. Plus, add tights and booties to this look and you'll be ready for fall.

Are you inspired by Charlize's style?

[1] Clutch, NYandCompany.com, $16.95
[2] Tiered Ruffle Dress, Expressfashion.com, $49
[3] Sunglasses, Forever21.com, $5.80
[4] Necklace, BananaRepublic.com, $39
[5] Blazer, NYandCompany.com, $41.96
[6] Stone Hinged Bracelet, BananaRepublic.com, $39
[7] Gold Sandals, Ninewest.com, $59.99

Katie Holmes has been taking a lot of heat lately for wearing her rolled-leg boyfriend jeans just about everywhere (or did she raid Tom's closet?). Personally, I love the look, and the more people judge and criticize her, the more appealing she becomes. How's that for odd fashion inspiration. Katie's got a good head on her shoulders and if she prefers to dress in a classic, modest manner rather than flashing her goodies around town for the whole world to see, that's her business. So, back to the jeans: This look has always been popular in places like Europe (hmmm...I see you're still grimacing), and it's a refreshing alternative to skinnies, which have reigned supreme for so long - although recently I've started rolling my skinnies, and I love that, too. Katie keeps the rest of her look simple and chooses neutral hues for a laid-back look that still manages to be sophisticated and chic.

So let's hear it, ladies: Do you love Katie's style or does it make you wince?

[1] Fedora, Bananarepublic.com, $59
[2] Sunglasses, Target, $12.99
[3] Black crewneck tee, Nyandcompany.com, Was $14.95 Now $10.46
[4] Studded Belt, $19.80
[5] Boyfriend jeans, Urbanoutfitters.com, $58
[6] Primo Limited Costa Bag, baghaus.com, $50
[7] Jessica Simpson flats, 6pm.com, Was $63 Now $36.45

BFFs Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore have both been spotted carrying the Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Tote in black quilted patent leather with a wickedly stylish crocodile pattern. No doubt each star probably has her own, but it got me thinking...what if you and a trusted gal-pal were to go halfsies on a bag you both desired? You split the cost, and split the time each of you gets to bag-sit. Trouble may arise if you both need the bag on the same evening, or if you go absolutely everywhere together, but those are details that could be worked out. Anyways, I'd never suggest you co-own the original YSL bag, which costs a whopping $1,395.00, meaning you'd each pay $697.50 if my math is correct. Instead, get a similar-looking faux-leather croc tote from Accessory Bug (above center). At $51.99, you can each afford to get your own.

>> Black Tribute Faux Patent Croc Leather Tote at Accessorybug.com, $51.99. For a limited time, use coupon code skool08 for an additional 10% off any purchase. Offer ends October 31st.

Eva Longoria Parker's petite frame and classy yet sexy style make her a fashion muse for many women. While I question the way she mixes flip-flops with diamonds, somehow she makes it work for her. What I appreciate most about Eva's casual, California-chic look above is the strapless smocked dress, which is probably a pricey Juicy Couture number or possibly Shopbop's smocked mini dress, but you can get a similar look for just $19 during the Newport-News last call summer clearance sale. I picked up another version of this popular dress from Forever 21 for my cruise to Bermuda, and now I fully understand the appeal: Slip it over your swimsuit, layer it over a white tank or pair it with a cardigan for a variety of looks. Yup, definitely a no-brainer, which makes this frock a winner. If you opt to wear yours for a day of shopping as you enjoy the last days of summer, add a slouchy hobo and some girly accessories and you're good to go.

What do you think of Eva's style?

[1] Short bandeau dress, Newport-News.com, Was $34 Now $19
[2] Sunglasses, Forever21.com, $6.80
[3] Manhattan cuff watch, Forever21.com, $12.80
[4] Yoga headband, Jcrew.com, $14.50
[5] axcess Landon bag, Kohls.com, Was $50 Now $35
[6] Dean Harris for Target Necklace, Target.com, $44.99
[7] Studded Flip Flops, at Target.com, $12.99

Emmy Rossum, Liv Tyler and Lauren Conrad all love their black ballet flats.
Solid black ballet flats are everywhere, on everyone, and have been for a while now. They're a classic style that matches almost everything and can morph to suit your personal style, from downtown chic to impish gamine and beyond. Yet while this simple black flat seems innocuous enough, I've discovered that many fashionable gals have very bitter feelings towards it.

Personally, it's been a love/hate relationship. For years, I avoided this shoe like the plague. I thought it was too delicate, too flat, too much like a slipper. Then, slowly but surely, the look started to grow on me more and more, until I finally caved, and bought the most adorable, buttery leather black flats from--of all places--the Gap, for $40 (just last week, so they might still be in stores.)

Here's the thing: The right style can make your ankles look graceful, your legs longer and your feet smaller. The wrong style, however, can make your feet look like saucers, and your body look squat and schlumpy. Cheap versions of this shoe can also kill your feet, causing blisters and pain from lack of arch support. My recommendation is to buy the best quality flat you can afford, as they will actually serve their function by providing a stylish slip-on that's comfortable to wear.

Is the black ballet flat an essential part of your wardrobe?

Pop star Rihanna manages to look cool in everything she wears. The Barbados native has a sense of style that's always evolving, always edgy and always sexy. When I saw her looking casual-chic in this simple tank and jeans, I jumped on the opportunity to steal her style. It's something we could all adapt to our own tastes: White top, flattering denim, colorful scarf, personality-injecting bracelets, and some quality leather heels and handbag. Of course, I love her getups when she's rocking the stage or the red carpet, but her casual wardrobe is covetable as well. Are you feeling Rihanna's style?

[1] White Tank at Delias.com, $14.50
[2] Herringbone scarf at Forever21.com, $9.80
[3] Show Stopper Skinny Jean at Wetseal.com, $24.50
[4] Folio Briefcase Bag at Urbanoutfitters.com, $58
[5] Isaac Mizrahi for Target sunglasses, $17.99
[6] "Fourty Fourty" Bangle set at Forever21.com, $4.80
[7] Dolce Vita "Cancun" Sandals at shopdolcevita.com, Was $123 Now $89.99

Hey, look everybody! It's your favorite judge from Project Runway. ::grins:: Ok, so listen: I don't know Nina Garcia from Adam, but what I do know is that I like this look, which was brought to my attention by alert reader TexNYQueen. For my budget-friendly spin-off, I found a simple satin sheath that gets pruced up with a black patent leather belt (cinching the waist continues to be a great trend I just love), a natural straw tote and killer wedge platform wedges--killer style, yet so kind to your feet! And since the dress doesn't have rhinestone embellishments like Nina's does, I found a glamorous necklace to doll it up instead. What do you think of Nina's look?

[1] Puff-Sleeved Satin Dress at Oldnavy.com, $34.50
[2] Beaded necklace at BananaRepublic.com, $39.00
[3] Black patent leather belt at Forever21.com, $9.80
[4] Straw beach bag at JCrew.com, $45
[5] Tahiti Wedge Sandal at Shopdolcevita.com, $79.99