Wednesday marked the beginning of New York Fashion Week, but last week, one of the city’s biggest fashionistas was already out and about. Speaking to PEOPLE Thursday at Godiva’s 2012 Valentine’s Day event at the Andaz 5th Avenue in New York, Blake Lively showed off a stunning Valentino ensemble, pairing the chic getup with — you guessed it — Christian Louboutin shoes.

The Gossip Girl star is known for her love of Louboutins — the designer even helps her decide which of his shoes to wear sometimes — but her latest interaction with him really takes their relationship to a new level. “My gosh, [the spring collection] was sent to my house today, and they’re so beautiful,” she revealed. “They’re amazing. I walked around my apartment wearing them.”

Her favorites? “These cage, crystal-encrusted shoes and one with a feather detail coming off of it.”

Lively, who doesn’t have a stylist, described her style muses as “women from times past: Katharine Hepburn, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly. I love the sophistication. I love every single detail.” Sounds like she’d love to live among them, too. “I would love if I could wear little cut-off gloves every day,” she mused. “That would make me so happy. I’d go to a grocery store in a beautiful hat with lace dripping over the eye.”

But her handbag would certainly be current. “I do love my Chanel bags,” she said. “They come with me everywhere. That’s the truth.”

–Catherine Kast

SHOP HOLLYWOOD’S HOTTEST SHOES — FOR UNDER $100

As if it weren’t enough having a heel in her honor, Blake Lively also considers Christian Louboutin her personal shoe stylist.

“When I’m going to an event,” she says in the newest issue of ELLE, “I’ll send Christian a picture of my outfit and say, ‘What shoes do you think I should wear with this?’”

If we had to guess, the footwear guru then suggests a pair of his design from her “embarrassing” arsenal of red-soled masterpieces.

“I hope to have a few girls one day,” Lively continues. “If not girls, they better be trannies. Because I have some amazing shoes and bags and stories that need to be appreciated.”

Some girls have all the luck!

–Justine Harman

PLAY THE NUMBERS GAME IN ‘GUESS THE STAR BARGAIN’

While details on the Duchess of Cambridge‘s 30th birthday celebration remain under wraps, royalty of another kind, reality princess and ShoeDazzle U.K.’s celeb stylist, Kim Kardashian, revealed her own commemoration of Monday’s occasion: a chic pair black pumps appropriately titled “The Duchess.”

The concealed platform design of the black pump channels the birthday girl’s signature style with “gorgeous, classic quilting and a really graceful silhouette,” Kardashian writes on her website and, for only £39.99 (or about $62) on ShoeDazzleUK.com, “would make any girl feel like a princess!”

Head over heels for Kate’s classic look just like the rest of us, Kardashian recommends the fancy footwear be paired with “lavish separates” or “an eye-catching dress” to make an impression on royal watchers. Check out the reality starlet’s warm welcome into the “30s club,” as she calls it, below.

–Christie LaRusso

YOU ASKED, WE FOUND: STAR LOOKS

She saves every penny on her hit CBS comedy, 2 Broke Girls, but blondie Beth Behrs recently made a splurge.

“I bought Christian Louboutins, which is what I’ve always wanted,” she tells LearnVest.com. But don’t judge too quickly: growing up in a working class family, Behrs learned to be a saver — and has continued to stay smart with her money, even as she’s risen to fame.

“I think I learned that kind of practicality from my mom and dad,” Behrs continues of her ability to budget. “There was a time in high school when girls were all getting designer jeans — Citizens and Sevens and all those — and of course my little sister and I were like, ‘Why can’t we have these jeans?’” she recalls. “It was definitely discussed that we couldn’t afford that, or we would need to figure out a way to afford that.”

So when contemplating her Louboutin purchase, Behrs gave it some thought before whipping out the credit card. “I have to justify it … I’ve never had nice, designer shoes,” she says. “But I got a classic, black suede boot. I could wear them every winter from now until I’m 84 and they’ll still be in style.”

Plus, they came at the recommendation of her costar, Kat Dennings. As Behrs recalls, “Kat was like, ‘Every girl should have just one pair.’” Tell us: What was your biggest fashion splurge?

SEE MORE STAR SPLURGES IN ‘I REALLY LOVE MY …’

When Rachel Bilson dived into creating a collection for ShoeMint, she didn’t merely dip a toe.

“Understanding the footwear design nuances that make a shoe feel both authentic to my personal style, and are versatile enough to work with all women’s styles, has been a terrific learning experience,” she tells PEOPLE.

“We’re lucky to be involved in every part of the process,” adds collaborator Nicole Chavez, who calls Steve Madden’s “craft of molding something like a piece of leather into a gorgeous finished shoe” an “art form.”

In this never-before-seen video (after the jump), the team grants access behind the velvet curtain. Watch as a towering wedge is drawn, cut and stretched to perfection!

And once you’re wooed by the craftsmanship, don’t fight the urge to splurge: StyleWatch readers and new ShoeMint.com members can enter promo code StyleWatchDeal to receive 20 percent off their first purchase (ie. $64 instead of $80!)

–Justine Harman

SHOP TO IT WITH MORE EXCLUSIVE STYLEWATCH DEALS! 

–Justine Harman

CHECK OUT MORE DRAMATIC STYLES IN ‘LIGHTS! CAMERA! FASHION!’

Stylist turned TV star turned new mom, Rachel Zoe, has a love-hate relationship with heels.

“I used to live in New York, so I ran all over from place to place just like everybody else,” she tells Daily Front Row. “I was dashing to an appointment somewhere, the sidewalk was raised, and it caught my shoe. The heel just snapped right off.”

That said, her passion for fancy footwear outweighs any residual trauma. “The shoes I first coveted were when Tom Ford was designing for Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent,” she recalls with nostalgia. “I don’t think I even wore them. I just wanted to look at them. I mean, they basically are art.“

Not that it hurts to have friends in high places. “Brian [Atwood] is just the most deliciously kind person,” she gushes of her designer pal, whom she recently lauded for the launch of celeb-adored collection, B Brian Atwood. “It’s weird how much I love him. I like to say that we’re soulmates.”

And in case you were wondering: shoe game is most definitely hereditary. “I’m venturing to say around 30 pairs,” she divulges of 9-month old son Skyler’s budding collection. “It’s under 100 pairs, for sure.”

–Justine Harman

CHECK OUT MORE CELEB FASHION PASSION IN ‘I REALLY LOVE MY’

Having a stylish sister definitely has its benefits — especially when you’re a rising star in the spotlight. That’s the case for sisters Kate and Rooney Mara, both finding themselves under Hollywood’s fashionable magnifying glass these days.

“My sister and I, we share a lot of clothes cause we’re relatively the same size,” Kate told FabSugar.com last week during a Michael Kors party in Los Angeles. “We share shoes a lot, although [my feet] are a little bit smaller than hers so I kind of have to put padding in her shoes when I borrow hers, and she has to squeeze into mine.”

The American Horror Story star, whose younger sister stars in the upcoming Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, enjoys shopping for new items just as much as she loves shopping her sister’s closet. “I’m looking for some good booties,” she said. “There are some cool combat boots with studs on them, which I’m obsessed with. I love studs on leather jackets and boots.”

She’s also a fan of less conventional fashion trends, like wearing white in winter. “Black’s kind of easy, but I love a white blazer … a white dress during the holidays is always super-flattering,” she shared. “Then you can pump it up with a great necklace, or great shoes.” Tell us: Do you have a sister? Do you (or did you) share clothes?

SHOP STARS’ HOTTEST FALL SHOES

It’s time to put on makeup, it’s time to dress up right! It’s time to look like the Muppets since the film comes out tonight. Yes, The Muppets hits theaters Wednesday, and while we’re super excited to see the film and have fun with Kermit, Piggy and the gang, we’re also excited about the plethora of fun products recently launched to celebrate our favorite fuzzy friends.

M.A.C Cosmetics is honoring the most stylish swine in showbiz with a limited-edition, online-exclusive collection for eyes (top left), which includes Miss Piggy Pink eye shadow ($15), Penultimate eyeliner in Rapidblack ($17.50) and fabulous fake lashes ($15).

Adidas Originals came up with a clever take on its classic Superstar shell-toe shoe (top right, $80), producing it in green suede with Kermit the Frog’s unmistakable collar over the tongue “in honor of the original hip-hop artist,” the brand writes on its site.

Opening Ceremony got in on the game early, launching T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters and dress shirts for men and women earlier this year all featuring our favorite characters: Piggy and Kermit, plus Gonzo, Fozzie Bear and Animal. (bottom left, prices range from $45 to $230.)

Finally, there’s the super-fun OPI Muppets collection, with glimmering hues like the blue Gone Gonzo (bottom right), multi-colored Rainbow Connection, fuchsia Meep-Meep-Meep and deep berry Wocka Wocka (prices vary at salons nationwide.)

Miss Piggy, who appeared in a number of designer fashions in InStyle recently, tells PEOPLE she considers herself ahead of the fashion game. “I don’t want to name names like Lady Gaga or Sharon Osbourne or any of those people, but I will say this: moi is a trendsetter and I pretty much did everything that you see out there five years ago, at least.”

All joking aside, the actress “loved” all the couture she wore in the movie, including a dress by Zac Posen. “I had just a wonderful wardrobe,” she shares. And though beau Kermit isn’t quite as into fashion — “I don’t always wear clothing,” he tells BrooksBrothers.com — he still has sage style advice for his fans. “Wear what makes you smile and feel comfortable,” he advises. “When you find it, wear it with confidence … it’ll put a hop in your step.”

–With reporting by Scott Huver and Oliver Jones

SEE STARS ON SET IN ‘LIGHTS! CAMERA! FASHION!’

Vocal about her distaste for trends, Kirsten Dunst‘s must-have items run the gamut from the traditional to the thrifty.

“I use this as my toiletry bag,” she tells WhoWhatWear.com of seafood exporter Petrossian’s trademark caviar cooler (bottom left, $10). “It looks cute in my bathroom.”

Underscoring her crafty beauty solution, the Melancholia star also confesses to indulging in luxe home accessories. “Yes, I have an adult blankie,” she says of her penchant for sinfully soft $595 Ralph Lauren cashmere throws (top right), which she complements with $45 A.P.C. candles in Jasmine Vert (top left). They are “reasonably priced in the world of high-end candles,” she says. “And they last a long time.”

Her ultimate splurge? Candy red $1,055 Sonia Rykiel heels (bottom right), which she dubs “the most perfect shoe I’ve seen in a long time.” It’s the versatility you’re paying for, she explains: “They’re mules, they’re pumps and they’re Mary Janes!”

–Justine Harman

CHECK OUT MORE CELEB-LOVED ITEMS IN ‘I REALLY LOVE MY‘

“They all look so beautiful,” Rachel Bilson gushes of the pumps, booties and flats that will be offered by her new website, ShoeMint.com. And from the looks of the clip above (first seen on InStyle.com), we have to agree!

ShoeMint, launching with a winter/holiday collection, is a collaboration between Bilson, stylist Nicole Chavez and shoemaker Steve Madden — three tastemakers who seem perfectly in sync.

“I think we do share a brain when it comes to fashion,” Chavez, who met Bilson on The O.C., says to her co-designer. Madden is an admirer, too. “We were mad crazy fans of The O.C., so when we got the opportunity to work with Rachel, we were excited,” he says.

The service will work just like JewelMint, StyleMint and BeautyMint: users will take a survey about their style likes and dislikes, sign up and receive a new pair of shoes every four weeks, for just $80 per month. “I think ShoeMint is so cool because you’re getting something new every month, and it’s something that you’ll love,” Bilson says. “The price point is awesome, so anyone can get the quality and the look that you would find in shoes that may be on the higher price point. I wish it had been around so long ago.”

Want to score a pair for even less? PEOPLE StyleWatch readers can get 20 percent off of their first ShoeMint.com purchase by visiting the site when it launches next week and entering “PSW20″ at checkout!

SHOP STARS’ HOTTEST FALL SHOES

Dakota Fanning has a sense of style that’s generally spot-on. The young fashionista has relationships with a roster of fabulous designers, and looks put together every time she leaves the house — even if she is just going to class.

But sometimes even the chicest stars can make minor mistakes. Case in point: Fanning wore clear pumps to Marc Jacobs’s spring 2012 presentation in New York in September, a move that’s often considered a fashion faux pas. However, given her age — she’s just 17 — and the light color of her dress, it’s not necessarily an awful decision — maybe she can pull it off. Regardless, we want to know what you think of the look.

SHOP STARS’ HOTTEST FALL SHOES!

Not every 14-year-old gets to spend an evening with Drew Barrymore, Blake Lively, Emma Stone and Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. But that’s how Chloë Moretz spent her Tuesday night — albeit with her mother in tow.

“Mom’s a pretty good date,” the actress told PEOPLE before Tuesday’s star-studded tribute to director Pedro Almodóvar. “We look exactly alike and she’s beautiful.”

Moretz’s ensemble was also beautiful: the rising star wore a sparkly black-and-blush Chanel number and black heels. But the outfit came with a couple of complications. “I had to be sewn into it,” Moretz admitted. “There are no clips in the back and these aren’t real buttons.”

The Kick-Ass star has had her fair share of sartorial milestones since hitting the scene: she’s been dressed by just about every big-name designer, and even won an award for her fashion sense at last week’s Hollywood Style Awards. But a major highlight for the teen was trying on Hick costar Blake Lively‘s Christian Louboutins.

“We were [on set] in North Carolina,” Moretz recalled, “and she brought like 40 pairs with her. And she said, ‘This is like one-third of my collection.’” What was her impression of the designer shoes? “They’re tall,” she said. “Really tall.”

Mom Teri Moretz admitted to being “a little less glamorous” at her daughter’s age. “I was climbing trees and playing hide-and-seek,” she told PEOPLE. But she’s enjoyed watching her daughter’s rise to fame — and reaping some benefits, too. “Having tea in Martin Scorsese’s living room,” she said of her biggest ‘pinch-me’ moment thus far. “That was amazing!”

–Jeffrey Slonim

MEET HOLLYWOOD’S MOST STYLISH TEENS AND TWEENS

With her penchant for oversize sunglasses, sky-high heels and on-trend baubles, it’s understandable that the Accessories Council Excellence Awards named Nicole Richie its 2011 ‘Influencer of the Year.’

Less expected is the House of Harlow designer’s laid-back attitude toward personal style: “It’s not that deep for me,” she confesses to WWD. “It’s whatever I feel comfortable in at that time.”

A seasoned businesswoman, Richie’s first concern is the consumer. “To me, success isn’t measured by dollar signs,” she explains. “It’s really about paying attention to feedback and talking to my customer.”

And with an empire that includes jewelry, footwear, sunglasses and handbags, Richie refuses to expand for expansion’s sake. “With everything I do, I want to make sure that I take the time and make each category the best that it can be,” she continues. “I tend to move very slowly and I do that on purpose so that I can make sure that everything that I design really is the best version of what it is.”

But has the influencer always had a handle on personal style? “When I was a little girl, my mom used to always get us matching dresses for everything—so I was wearing the poufy skirt version of whatever my mom was wearing,” she laughs before adding, “I had the worst, hairiest eyebrows and a big afro.”

Doesn’t she know the bold brow is back?

–Justine Harman

FIENDING FOR FOOTWEAR? SHOP STARS’ HOTTEST FALL SHOES!

Blake Lively was swept off her feet by another man on Tuesday night: designer Christian Louboutin. Lively, along with stars like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Calvin Klein and Tyrese, came out to Barneys New York to fête the legendary shoe designer on the 20th anniversary of his collection.

“They are the most beautiful shoes out there,” Lively told PEOPLE of Louboutin’s scarlet-soled creations. “And incredibly innovative.” Wearing her own pair of splatter-paint snakeskin stilettos, the Gossip Girl star said “it’s embarrassing” how many pairs of the heels she owns. But she’s not alone: more than 200 fashion lovers toasted the designer Tuesday and waited patiently as he autographed copies of his new self-titled book. When he signed Klein’s tome, he wrote, “For my dear, Calvin.”

After the Barneys bash, VIP guests headed to a private celebration at Le Caprice in the Pierre Hotel — and Lively was lucky enough to get a lift, courtesy of Louboutin. There, Alicia Keys — another fan of the designer — joined the intimate group for dinner.

–Reporting by Stephanie Davila

SHOP STARS’ HOTTEST FALL SHOES

Rumer Willis has admitted to raiding mom Demi Moore‘s closet in the past, but there’s one item she can’t ever get away with borrowing: shoes.

“She’s a size-and-a-half smaller than me in shoes, so I can’t wear any of them,” she told PEOPLE recently at Arcade Boutique’s second annual Autumn Party at the London in West Hollywood. “It’s kind of a bummer.”

However, Willis wouldn’t necessarily want to be in her mom’s Jimmy Choos and Christian Louboutins all the time anyway: the actress said she doesn’t wear heels during the day very often. “When I see women walking around L.A. in heels I just wonder how they can do it,” she shared. “I’m baffled.”

That goes for New York City, too, where walking rules. But Willis explained that when she’s spending time in Manhattan, her style changes to fit the city’s vibe. “You almost become this very different person,” she said. “I don’t know what it is.”

But regardless of where she’ll be in the weeks ahead, the big sis to-be has a few staples on her fall shopping list. “A cashmere sweater, definitely a good pair of boots and maybe some looser jeans,” she said. “I can’t do the tight jeans in winter because you have to put long johns underneath them and it never works. But that’s only if you’re in a winter state. California … not so much.”

–With reporting by Reagan Alexander

SHOP STARS’ HOTTEST FALL SHOES

Leighton Meester‘s label-happy on-screen alter ego, Blair Waldorf, is content to pick up the closest pair of Louboutins she can find. Off screen, however, the Gossip Girl star said she searches for shoes “that really speak to me,” regardless of designer name.

“If it’s my daily kind of shoe, I usually go for the same type of style, like a platform with a thick heel,” she explained. “But I think variety is important.”

Speaking to PEOPLE Tuesday night at the Roger Vivier Fall/Couture Showcase to benefit Music Unites in New York, Meester said she actually prefers heels to flats. And when searching for shoes, her top requirement is “definitely not comfort.”

Wearing a J. Mendel dress, Bulgari jewels and Vivier shoes — which she called comfortable — Meester admitted that there is one time of day when you won’t find her in platform heels. “When I’m walking the dog, I wear sneakers,” she revealed, “because they look and feel better.”

Though Blair Waldorf would never imagine lacing up a pair of sneakers, the character does have a lot of surprises in store for her on new episodes of Gossip Girl. “It’s just so crazy, I can’t even begin to tell you,” Meester said of upcoming events that include a wedding, “craziness” between Chuck Bass and Waldorf and additional drama with Dan Humphrey. “I get to live vicariously through the good and the bad,” she shared, “which is really fun.”

–Elyse Roth

SHOP STARS’ HOTTEST FALL SHOES

Petra Ecclestone became known this summer as the world’s richest bride. But her older sister Tamara is no slouch in the luxury department, either — particularly when it comes to shoes.

Tamara, 27, a TV personality in Britain and the daughter of Formula One billionaire Bernie Ecclestone, opened her shoe closet to Closer magazine to reveal 100 pairs of Christian Louboutin heels, 15 pairs of Ugg boots, 20 pairs of sneakers (“though I never work out,” she tells the magazine) and a handful of Ginas and Jimmy Choos.

The value of her shoes alone? Easily $100,000, the Daily Mail estimates.

Her shoes and clothes take up the entire spare bedroom of Ecclestone’s apartment in London’s chic Chelsea district. She also owns loads of designer bags and dresses, and admits that she “usually only wears clothes once.” The Closer staff believes her entire wardrobe to be worth around one million British pounds.

“My mum’s horrified by the amount I spend on clothes,” the socialite shares. But she’s determined to change her ways. “People think I’m a spoiled rich girl, but I want to demonstrate that I’m more than just the daughter of someone famous.” For more with Eccelstone, pick up the latest issue of Closer, on British newsstands now. Tell us: Do you think her clothing collection is excessive?

Courtesy Closer Magazine

Courtesy Closer Magazine

–Tim Nudd

SHOP STARS’ HOTTEST FALL SHOES

October may be winding down, but finding a cure for breast cancer is always at the forefront of our minds. With this being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite pink products to share — and proceeds from all of them help support the cause.

Reba and Fergie Footwear
The company behind Reba McEntire’s boots and Fergie‘s sparkly pumps (bottom left; also available in black), the Brown Shoe Company, has pledged $20,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure with sales from the limited-edition “Collins” cowboy boots, $179 on dillards.com, and the pink pump, $79 on FergieShoes.com.

Old Navy
Celebs like Shenae Grimes and Maria Menounos support BCA month in their Old Navy Komen tees; five percent of the retail price of each shirt will go toward the organization. If you don’t want to purchase a shirt, make a cash donation at any Old Navy store, and the company will match, up to $100,000. $23-$25 at oldnavy.com.

ShoeDazzle’s Powerful Pink Collection
Throughout October, 10 percent of sales on the curated site will benefit Susan G. Komen — and the company guarantees a minimum donation of $10,000. The site is also stocked with pink products, including two shoes named for clients who are breast cancer survivors.

Dana Davis Shoes
Proceeds from the designer’s Allie heels (top left) and Kristen loafers benefit Bright Pink, a non-profit that provides education and support to young women who are at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer. $295-$450 on danadavis.com.

Juicy Couture
The brand’s super-cute pink lace tee (right), which features a bold black bow, is an easy way to support the cause. And for every tee purchased, Juicy will donate $25 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. $118 at juicycouture.com.

Ron White Shoes
For each pair of passion pink “Robin” peep-toe pumps sold, Ron White will donate $100 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. $495 at ronwhiteshoes.com.

Avon
Avon always supports women’s causes, particularly breast cancer research, and this year is no different. The company created the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade denim jacket (center), which Reese Witherspoon wore recently to a brand event. One-hundred percent of the net profits — $27.07 per jacket — will benefit the crusade. $45 at avon.com.

Style maven Rachel Bilson seems to have a solution for every fashion fiasco. She recently made it a lot easier to walk a mile in her shoes with her collaboration with ShoeMint.com, and shares style picks regularly as a Piperlime.com guest editor.

So when she stopped by the Rachael Ray Show earlier this week, naturally, the Hart of Dixie star was happy to share her fashion expertise:

How to find the best boot for your size:

“The mid-calf is definitely a safe go-to,” she told Ray. “The riding boot is definitely a great everyday thing and it looks good on anyone. You can tuck your jeans into it. It’s really easy. But same with … mid-calf; I think it works. So anywhere between the ankle and mid-calf would be good for the more petite.”

How to wear square scarves:

“I think the square scarf is definitely a little trickier because of the shape and the silk and everything,” she shared. “I do like it as a purse accessory.” But it’s easy to wear, too. “If it’s in a triangle, not a square … if you wrap it around and you kind of tie it … at an angle, I think that’s kind of cool. I like it a little more funky. You can wear it square on, too, if you want to be more conservative, but I kind of like the little funk to it when it’s a little off.”

How to incorporate tabletop pieces in the rest of the home:

“I always love a pitcher as a vase, and I think if you have flowers it’s a great way to use it,” said Bilson, who has her own whimsical homeware line. “I use that usually more for flowers than serving drinks.” And other serviing pieces work well as home décor, too. “If you have a tiered dish, you can use it for jewelry,” she suggested. “I think that’s really cute if you display your rings, your bracelets or whatever and you can see it, it’s out in the open. I think it’s kind of a nice thing.”

–Kim Peiffer

YOU ASKED, WE FOUND: STAR LOOKS