style inspired: Oscar style favorites

I'm excited to see what gorgeous gowns show up on Sunday night's Oscars broadcast, so today I'm looking back at some of my favorite looks - and how you can recreate each of them.

1. Penelope Cruz looked amazing in this Atelier Versace gown in 2007, and you can copy her look with a feminine bandage dress from Herve Lager. Bonus- you don't have to have a black tie event to wear the A-line Lager. (Romona Kaveza has a similar bridal gown- with less bandage, more chiffon-, which the new Mrs. Hefner chose for her New Year's Eve nuptials.)

2. Mila Kunis's 2011 choice from Elie Saab is one of my all-time favorites. This red lace gown is a more dramatic- but still boldly feminine- option.

3. At first, I didn't think Hilary Swank's 2005 Guy Laroche gown was anything special - until I saw it from the back. Gorgeous! I'd copy this look any day. This black Nicole Miller, available at Rent the Runway for a steal of $125, is a still-dramatic but safer option for those of us who don't walk a red carpet on the regular.

Follow me on Twitter to find out my thoughts on this year's red carpet wonders.

style inspired by Downton Abbey

I was loving this look on Lady Mary in the Season Three premiere of Downton Abbey. A simple, burgundy maxi shift would look great on anyone. And is that a long necklace she is wearing backwards? 

White shift dress from Neiman Marcus // BaubleBar Gold Button Lariat // BaubleBar Onyx Tassel Pendant // Theory Silk Maxi Dress

Create a modern version of the 1920s style by pairing a maxi shift dress with a long necklace - and why not wear it backwards, so that the tassel piece hangs down your back, especially if your shift has a low back or a gorgeous deep V? I wouldn't go with a 1920s hairstyle, unless you are heading to a costume party, so keep your locks long and wavy or maybe tied back in a low bun.

White eyelet and orange silk - clearly, I am ready for the start of summer!

Downton images via 1, 2

style inspired: Paris at dusk

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1 - macaron trinket box

2 - polka dot tights

3 & 4 - bracelets from j.crew

5 - love necklace

6 - enameled belt from j.crew

7 - glitter pencil skirt

8 - stack rings

9 - gold dot masking tape? need this!

style inspired: rustic glamour

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1. glitter TOMS // 2. gold glitter tapers // 3. Topshop faux fur vest

4. aerie Juliet bra // 5. crystal ring // 6. Zara Home "Emily" coasters

7. initial ring // 8. Z. Gallerie deer set

what I wore: style inspired by a green & blue bedroom

Occasionally, I'll be picking out an outfit in the morning and will think back to a picture I saw - whether it's a bedroom (in this case), a piece of art, or something from nature. (This bedroom image is a much more muted version of what I put together, but it still was in my head nonetheless.)

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Earlier this week was no exception, when I decided to pair my lime green suede "tennis ball shoes", as I affectionately call them, with a bright blue blazer and plain white tee. A sparkly necklace and standard MK watch later, I was out the door for another exciting day at my desk. Bonus: Check out how cool our office carpet is, with hints of pink and yellow in the gray base.

Michael Kors tortoiseshell watch // blazer from Nordstrom Rack (similar) // Steve Madden pumps (similar) // Lucky Brand skinny jeans

Not pictured: white Old Navy tee // necklace from Nordstrom Rack (similar here and here)

style inspired: j.biel's "in style" cover

Kudos to the fashion editors at In Style - Jessica Biel's Fall cover has an amazing outfit, featuring Gucci heels and an embellished Ralph Lauren blazer. Here's my take on a dressier version of the outfit, keeping the velvety texture of the jacket and some embellished black/gold detail.

alice + olivia pleated dress

Rupert Sanderson booties

splurge jacket from Alexander McQueen // save jacket from J. Crew