What s Right Meow: Try Purr-sonalized Sweet Treats from Minibrownie!

While growing up in Barcelona, Spain, pastry pro and cat lover Moises Alvarez always had a thing for sweets. But it wasn’t until he lived in N.Y.C. for seven years that he discovered a passion for chocolate brownies (his wife, Juli, happened to ask him to make them for her one day).
From Alvarez’s early days as a test kitchen cook with the Food Network when it first launched—to working with esteemed establishments including Bouley, Lespinasse, Le Cirque, and currently at The New York Palace—he combined his experience with European pastry training from culinary schools in Spain, Italy, and France to open up an Etsy shop called minibrownie. This coming month marks the one-year anniversary of the e-commerce site dedicated to delightful brownie offerings.

“I started playing with fun elements and different textures of the American classic—twisting the basic ones a little bit more with unusual flavors and ganache,” Alvarez tells InStyle. “Like everything in pastry, the quality of the ingredients, a minute more or less in baking time, or a few degrees in the oven temperature makes all the difference.”

Among peanut butter and espresso-flavored desserts, customizable fudgy goods are also available—you can send in any image to put on top of the sweet treat. (Hello, Instagram!) A popular design includes a marshmallow brownie aka the Minimallow Photograph with an adorable feline face (above). “It took about two seconds to decide to put a cat on it—we are a pet-crazy society, and knew people would just love the idea,” says Alvarez, who bakes the desserts straight from a kitchen space in the Financial District of Manhattan. The photo is reminiscent of his dearly departed Russian Blue, Boo Boo. “Both have that same intense look on their faces, like they want to say something to you. Most of the photos sent in are actually of cats—and they’re beyond cute!” 

Shop the delicious sweets from minibrownie ($5 to $32), made-to-order daily at minibrownienyc.com.

Want concoctions that are both scrumptious and oh-so-chic? See our gallery of runway-inspired desserts here.

Last Chance! Enter Our 20 Days of Style Sweepstakes Now

To commemorate InStyle’s 20th anniversary, we ve spent the month of September giving away a bevy of prizes (more than $20,000 worth, to be exact) for our 20 Days of Style Sweepstakes, and there s still time to get in on the action! We ve already given away a $1,000 Amex gift card, 20 Bare Escentuals brushes, a Clarisonic gift basket worth $1,000, and a $1,000 Joie gift card. But we re not done yet.
The contest ends on Sept. 20. Head over to 20th.instyle.com for your last chance to enter to win daily prizes, including gift baskets from Bath & Body Works and gift cards to Vigoss and Aquatalia!
Plus, check out memorable quotes from InStyle cover stars in our gallery!

Summer Jewelry Trend to Try: Upper Arm Cuffs! Get Fitness Tips to Nail the Look

See All Photos While on the hunt to discover with new, chic styling ideas for one of the most long-standing accessories on the market the bracelet we came across a photo of Rihanna working an upper arm cuff (above) and learned an important lesson: It s not just about the kind of bracelet you wear, but the where you wear it matters too. But before you get to shopping the stylish styles pictured below, read on for exclusive tips on how to tone your upper arms straight from Adriana Lima’s trainer, Michael Olajide, Jr.
1. Stand with you feet shoulder width apart and grab a one pound hand weight for each hand.
2. Alternating hands, punch straight out, keeping your hands above your collar bone on the way out and back, getting to about 95 percent extension. Start slowly and pick up speed for 60 seconds, then rest for 30 seconds.
3. Next, frame your face with your fists and punch straight up to the ceiling, alternating hands, and repeat for 60 seconds, then rest for 30 seconds.
4. Finally, put both hands up, and punch your left hand straight out and back as fast as you can for 60 seconds for each arm. As fast as the punches go out they have to be pulled back.
Now that you know the workout—and one that can be done in the comfort of your own home, no less—click to shop our favorite upper arm cuffs.

Tech, Yeah! Preppy-Meets-Hipster Label Band of Outsiders Launches E-Commerce

LA-based fashion label Band of Outsiders has developed quite the cult following since its menswear-inspired, modern all-American designs hit the market in 2008 (Just ask longtime fan Emma Stone). While fashion fanatics have been able to hunt down the line s covetable threads at specialty stores like Opening Ceremony and Matches Fashion in the past, shopping for their covetable staples just got a whole lot easier (ehem, and dangerous) thanks to the relaunch of their website and the introduction of their own e-commerce platform.
Like the clothing designs themselves, the site eschews traditional aesthetics in favor of a long-running feed that begins with the title This Is Where You Should Be For Band of Outsiders, and continues with a seemingly infinite number of tweets, tumblr images, and Instagrams to scroll through from designer Scott Sternberg s personal account.
But our favorite part, of course, is their brand-spanking-new shopping feature. The selection includes both men s and women s core clothing as well as web-exclusive and one-of-a-kind items all shown on the most peppy, fun models we ve ever stumbled upon (and no wonder they are actually real-life actors).  Now that s a shopping experience we dig.
Plus, see below for our top buys from the site!
1. Patch Stripe Sleeveless Shirtdress, $465
2. DBL Gauze Suiting Colorblock Halter Dress, $895
3. Patch Stripe Boyfriend Shirt, $325
4. Wave Print Shirtdress with Ribbon Trim, $195
5. Bandana Print Pleated Skirt, $395

Oscars Fashion in 90 Seconds, Lena Dunham Goes Live, and More

1. Red carpet flashback! Relive the fashion from the 2013 Oscars in 90 seconds. [People]
2. Get your Girls together: Lena Dunham will host SNL for the first time March 8. [EW]
3. Can t cope without Pope? Watch an exclusive clip from Scandal s mid-season premiere. [Hypable]
4. What a paper doll! This pint-size designer will leave you speechless. [Mommy Shorts]
5. Peek inside Kristen Wiig s N.Y.C. apartment, on sale for $2.6 million. [Celebuzz]
6. Kate Upton finally joins Instagram! See her first snapshots. [Huffington Post]

Olivia Palermo Teaches Us All a Lesson in How to Properly Wear Sneakers

See All Photos Leave it to Olivia Palermo to put a whole new spin on the athleisure trend. The style star (who is known for putting her own twist on all things style) stepped out in New York City yesterday, braving the cold weather in a pair of striking chunky Etro sneakers. Palermo showed off her sartorial prowess in the bold kicks, which feature a paisley print, rich orange and turquoise hues, and a shaped rubber heel.
RELATED: Elevate a Casual Outfit with These Dressed Up Sneakers!
Paired with a black turtleneck, cozy fur sweater topper, skinny leather leggings, and an oversize black tote, the fashionista s cool and colorful tennis shoes were the perfect way to spice up her otherwise neutral look. Love Palermo s footwear? These oh-so-fancy sneakers aren t the sort that you wear to hit the trails in Central Park—coming in at $620 on etro.com, they call for a full and less athletic commitment to the sporty fashion trend. Here s to comfy and stylish kicks!
PHOTOS: Olivia Palermo s 65 Most Stylish Looks Ever

We Found the Perfect Cold-Weather Cure: Craig & Karl x Le Specs Sunglasses

After a very long winter, the sun is making a shy reappearance in some parts of the country—a telltale sign that we re on the brink of spring, which has us seeking, albeit prematurely, some stylish shades. Cue Le Specs. The Australian sunglasses brand (its celebrity fan-base includes Beyonce and Rihanna) has partnered up with the artistic duo behind Craig & Karl to deliver a 15-piece limited edition collection, cleverly called For Eyes. We were looking to work with someone who had a fresh take on sunglasses and who could bring something new and totally different to the eyewear market, said Hamish Tame, product design and brand manager of Le Specs, in a statement.
Mission accomplished. The slightly eccentric shades are said to blend reality and fantasy, with playfully mixed prints, hand-drawn squiggles and color-blocking frames. And in case we haven t gotten your attention just yet, the vibrant images will certainly do the trick. Shot by Alex Sainsbury, the campaign was inspired by Australian performance artist Leigh Bowery with the intention of magnifying the striking and graphic nature of the shades. Basically, the capsule serves as the perfect cold-weather remedy to jolt us out of hibernation. At $90 a pop, shop select styles at net-a-porter.com or lespecs.com.
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• Launch You ll Love: Asos x Puma
• The Secrets Behind the Pretty Little Liars x Aeropostale Line
• J. Crew & Sugar Paper Collaborate on Bridal Stationery

What Did Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Name Their New Baby Girl?

Congratulations are in order for Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard! The pair has welcomed their second child, a daughter named Delta.
Delta Bell Shepard is here, Shepard tweeted late Friday night. She doesn t look like either @IMKristenBell or me, but we re gonna keep her anyway. #christmascameearly. Shortly after, mom Bell also announced the news on Twitter. The estrogen has now hit critical mass! Good luck, @daxshepard1, she wrote.  And welcome to the world DELTA BELL SHEPARD :).
PHOTOS: Kristen Bell s Most Stylish Looks Ever
Bell and Shepard announced in June that they were expecting baby number two. The adorable duo, who has been married since 2013, are already parents to one and a half-year-old daughter Lincoln Bell Shepard. Throughout her pregnancy, Bell has wowed us with her effortlessly stylish maternity ensembles, including an airy white Elizabeth and James dress and a figure-hugging floral print Wayf dress. Congratulations to the expanding family!
PHOTOS: Chic Celebrity Maternity Style

We re Fascinated by Lykke Li s Nomadic Lifestyle, Fashion Line, and Reason for Wearing All Black

In the October issue of InStyle, on newsstands and available for digital download now, musician Lykke Li takes on fall s cool-girl wardrobe—and paints it black. The following is an excerpt from the Swedish-born songstress and high-fashion minimalist s feature.
Judging from her structured all-black outfits and the exquisite heartbreak of her 2014 hit single, No Rest for the Wicked, it would be easy to cast Lykke Li as just another melancholic Swede. But the starkness is simply a layer of Li s no-nonsense sensibility. When you re always traveling, you can t wear color because you don t have time to wash clothes, explains the pragmatic chanteuse to InStyle. So you refine your style to the basics.
Li is certainly no newcomer to a life on the road. My mother was a crazy restless soul, she says. The first time I circled the globe I was 9 months old. Now the singer splits her time between Stockholm and Los Angeles. But between three acclaimed albums in six years, modeling gigs for Levi s and H&M, and a grueling performance schedule, she still leads a largely nomadic life. When it comes to style, Li prides herself on slicked-back simplicity: I like to travel with good perfume and a pocketful of gold jewelry, she says. This fall Li debuts her first fashion line, mostly black ready-to-wear pieces and accessories she designed together with the Swedish fashion house & Other Stories (available in late October). The collection is inspired by her lifelong wanderings.
Here, the singer shares some of the places that feel like home:
Los Angeles
Every American tour I did ended here. The city makes me dream and blossom. L.A. welcomes you: Here s a perfect avocado and silence so you can sleep.
Alagarve
We used to live in a small town on a hill in the south of Portugal. My parents still have a house there. Every summer I visit with the same bunch of friends to grill fish and just chill.
Stockholm
When you tour this much, you need to know that you can go somewhere and close the door. I don t think Sweden is that great for creativity, but I can just hang out in my sweatpants.
To see Lykke Li s full fashion feature, pick up the October issue of InStyle, available on newsstands and for digital download now.

Our July Sweeps Is Open! Enter for a Chance to Win Chic Beach Essentials

Looking to add extra oomph to your beach gear? We ve got you covered! This month, in celebration of InStyle’s 20th anniversary (have you peeked at our 20 -themed style galleries yet?), we are rolling out the latest summer sweepstakes that will award 20 lucky winners a Profile by Gottex cover-up and sun hat. Enter for a chance to win the prize pack and make the ultimate splash this summer.
The contest is now open! For full rules and to enter our sweepstakes, visit 20th.instyle.com. Good luck!

This Week s Wow: What Is the Meaning Behind Barneys s Hypnotic (& Creepy) Window Display?

In this weekly feature, InStyle’s Fashion News Director Eric Wilson shares his favorite fashion moment of the week, and explains how it could shape styles to come. Look for it on What’s Right Now every Friday.
The Moment: They are not quite on the scale of the phenomenal Dries Van Noten Inspirations exhibition that opened at Les Arts Décoratifs in Paris this month, but the latest windows of Barneys New York on Madison Avenue gave New Yorkers at least a sense of the Belgian designer s creative process. While the Paris exhibition is most impressive for visually demonstrating how a disparate range of ideas, eras, artworks, images, and films can take shape in the design of a single garment, the Barneys windows are more abstract. Each display shows two Van Noten outfits from recent years (Barneys has been carrying his collections for nearly 30 years), next to short films by the artist Andrew Zuckerman (pictured on the right next to Van Noten, below) that show butterflies, birds, and flowers in motion. It’s hypnotizing, if not a little creepy, to see, from the sidewalk, Van Noten s exotically printed sportswear flanking a video of an amber-eyed owl in flight.
Barneys hosted a series of events this week to celebrate the designer and the success of the Paris exhibition, which has helped expand an appreciation of Van Noten beyond his well-known interests in India, flowers, and color. His ideas, it turns out, are equally influenced by punk rock, movies and music, art history from the Renaissance through the present and more. When the museum first approached him, Van Noten says, the last thing he wanted was a retrospective.
I wanted it to be about inspiration, but to really show the way I am thinking, how I work and how I make associations, he says. That’s how the whole thing started.
Why It’s a Wow: Van Noten and Pamela Golbin, the curator, plan to bring the show to Antwerp in the fall, and possibly later to the United States, but the pieces and subjects included will likely change at each venue. (Curatorial standards require some vintage fashions to rest for several years each time after they are displayed.)
Barneys also introduced a limited edition version of a book of his designs related to the exhibition, this one including a second volume of bonus images from his archives and a fancy black cloth cover. (The original version is $90; the special edition costs $275.) If you can’t get to the show, it’s a wonderful place to start to gain a better understanding of one of fashion’s most cerebral designers.
Learn More: Visit the online home of the Dries Van Noten Inspirations exhibition and plan your Paris vacation accordingly. The designer also hosts a short video about the show and his work here.

Gigi Hadid Dishes On Her Style Essentials (and What Her Closet Really Looks Like)

It-girl and model of the moment, Gigi Hadid, has got some serious style on and off the runway. Winning hearts of her 1.9 million+ Instagram followers with every new outfit post (insert thumbs up emoji here), we can’t help but wonder what does her closet look like?

At the Diesel Black Gold fall 2015 show this week, we caught up with the 19-year-old rising star backstage. “Right now, my closet is a mess because it’s Fashion Week. I don’t have time to organize it!” Hadid tells InStyle. “But besides that, I have about 75 percent simple pieces, and 25 percent unique, standout pieces. That’s really my style—jeans, a T-shirt, and one piece that pops,” says Hadid, who fittingly rocked an all-black ensemble from Diesel Black Gold, including a swoon-worthy spiky-studded leather jacket from the brand’s recent pre-fall collection.

RELATED: See All the Star-Studded Instagram Snaps From NYFW

As for her celeb style crush? “I think Blake Lively always has great style, especially when she was pregnant!” says Hadid. Much agreed on that note—everyone needs a little fashion inspo. We re already curious to know what Gigi will be wearing next.

PHOTOS: Our Favorite Runway Looks From NYFW

First Look! Kerry Washington Is InStyle's Gorgeous March Cover Star

Every Thursday, millions (13.9 million, to be exact) tune into ABC to watch Scandal, and they do so for more than the undeniable chemistry between the show’s star, Kerry Washington, and the two men dangerously and viciously vying for her affection. The fashion worn by Washington’s character, Olivia Pope, plays a major role in the show’s draw each week, thanks to crisp suits and sophisticated toppers by the likes of Dior, Escada, and Salvatore Ferragamo—who she wears for her first appearance on the cover of InStyle, available on newsstands and for digital download Feb. 13.
RELATED: The First Time Kerry Washington Found Red Carpet Kerry
Washington’s go-to style, however, is decidedly different. She arrived to our shoot at L.A.’s Milk Studios wearing a rosy pink Ella Moss top (which matched daughter Isabelle’s ruffled dress), black Vince pants, and $39 T-strap flats by MIA. In between dancing to hits by Beyoncé and doting on her other baby, shih tzu-Yorkie mix Josie, the 38-year-old chatted with us about her post-baby workout routine (yoga, pilates, and cardio).
Watch the video above for a sneak peek at some of the looks by Gucci, Alexander Wang, and Proenza Schouler that she wears inside our pages (as well as an inarguably adorable reaction to being at her first InStyle cover shoot). And for more of our candid chat with Washington, where the notoriously private star talks about juggling fame, a new husband, and an even newer baby, pick up the March issue of InStyle, available on newsstands and for digital download Feb. 13.
PHOTOS: Kerry Washington s Best Beauty Moments Through the Years

The New Cast of Dancing with the Stars Is Revealed, Arby s Buys Pharrell s Hat, and More

1. These celebs are joining Dancing with the Stars season 18 cast. [ABC]
2. Arby s buys Pharrell s Vivienne Westwood hat for a whopping $44,100! [Rolling Stone]
3. Look at that sparkler! Mary-Kate Olsen shows off her engagement ring. [Popsugar]
4. Lea Michele s album, Louder, is out! Read the reviews here. [Huffington Post]
5. It s time to say goodbye! Reebok is introducing a brand new logo. [Complex]
6. The most expensive cities to get a haircut? Right this way. [The Cut]

Spoil Mom with These Mother s Day Sweets and Treats

See All Photos We love Mother’s Day! It’s the annual chance to let our moms know how much we love them. This year, spoil her with our roundup of sweets and treats.
If she’s a chocolate lover, we found luxurious truffles that are worthy of a Queen—Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth to be exact. You can give your mom the same chocolates that satisfy Her Royal Highness s sweet tooth.
For moms who love hot sips, we found an addictive chai tea (it brews pink!) and a super-indulgent coffee that will keep her cozy.
If your mama prefers happy hour, we suggest mixing up a batch of Mama-jitos to serve alongside brunch and gifting her a box of macarons inspired by cocktail flavors. Cheers!
Take a look at these perfect gifts for the fabulous mothers in your lives.
Still want more? We found dazzling jewelry and dreamy spa getaways that any mom would love.

Vanessa Bruno Salutes America With This Limited-Edition Sequin Flag Bag

Celebrity-loved Parisian designer Vanessa Bruno (Rachel Bilson and Kate Bosworth are fans) is having a bit of a love affair with America. She just opened her pop-up shop in New York s chic Soho neighborhood, and to mark the special occasion, she also designed a limited-edition sequin bag with an American flag on it. The whole thing has the American flag on it, and we did 50 of them exclusively for the store, Bruno told InStyle.com at the store s grand opening last night. We could have this kind of thing: 50 states in America, 50 bags. Voila! The bags are $249 each, and available exclusively at the pop-up, located at 131 Greene Street (or call 212-228-1085).

Plus, see more stars wearing Vanessa Bruno!

STARS LOVE BRUNO
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• Bilson s Hart of Dixie Fashion
• SK-II Books Bosworth
• See Kate Bosworth’s Engagement Ring

Emma Watson Gave BAFTA s Britannia Awards an Extra Dose of Chic

See All Photos It s hard to recall a fashion mishap by Harry Potter star Emma Watson (the sartorial perfection of the coatdress she wore to give a speech at the United Nations is seared into our minds), and the outfit she wore for her latest excursion, being honored at BAFTA Los Angeles s annual Britannia Awards on Thursday, earned major style points.
PHOTOS: See Emma Watson s 10 Best Red Carpet Looks Ever
Watson collected the British Artist of the Year award at the Beverly Hilton Hotel event did so in an off-the-shoulder Balenciaga top with sheer sleeves and a beaded neckline, and tailored black pants that featured diamond-shaped detailing. She accessorized her ensemble with a gold Jennifer Fisher choker, a black clutch, and black pointed-toe heels. The Brit, who graduated from Brown University earlier this year, topped off her monochrome out with a swipe of bright pink color on her lips.
Also among the event s honorees were Dame Judy Dench, who took home the Worldwide Contribution to Entertainment Award, Mark Ruffalo, who received the Humanitarian Award, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who nabbed the award for Excellence in Comedy, and Robert Downey Jr. who earned the Excellence in Film honor. A slew of both British and American stars, like Eddie Redmayne (above, left), Dustin Hoffman (above, right), and Gugu Mbatha-Raw, were on hand to support their peers.
RELATED: Emma Watson Announces an Exciting New Humanitarian Role!

Knitting Circle: The Best Knits of the Fall Season

See All Photos What s the best thing about winter? Snuggling up in a cozy sweater! Thankfully, designers have taken the wool trend and made it available from head to toe. From knitted tops to dresses and skirts, it s comfort dressing at its finest.
What makes these must-have pieces all the more wearable is their colors, like cream, charcoal, and camel. The subtle shades mix right in with the rest of your wardrobe, so these chunky knits, sweater dresses, and turtlenecks can be your go-to on mornings that you re rushing out the door—think of them as a building block for your fall looks. Because theses pieces are casual, wear them with elevated extras like a structured handbag or a sharp statement shoe.

PHOTOS: Shop Our Favorite Knits of the Fall Season
Runway inspiration (at top, from left): Prabal Gurung, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, The Row.

Real-Time Beauty: Make a Statement with Nude Lips

From the Street to the Red Carpet: See Victoria Beckham s 36 Most Stylish Looks Ever

See All Photos Fashion designer, singer, mother…model? Leave it to Victoria Beckham to be the most stylish walking advertisement of all time! The Spice Girl-turned-acclaimed fashion designer has impeccable style, whether on the street, at the airport, or on the red carpet—and more often than not she is donning her own designs.
When it comes to developing your best wardrobe, Beckham has an important tip to keep in mind. At the beginning, you should try everything. Good, bad, awful,  she says. As you get older, you start getting a good idea of what suits you. Trust your gut, not a stylist or a rule maker.
Over the years, Beckham has stepped up her sartorial game, though she has never been one to disappoint when it comes to fashion. To celebrate her inspiring style, we rounded up 36 of her best fashion moments for your viewing pleasure.
Click through our gallery now to see Victoria Beckham s most stylish moments ever!