College Gloss: Runway DIY

Showing posts with label Runway DIY. Show all posts

Runway DIY: Autumn Lace on a College Budget

It’s official, fall is here! Say goodbye to sweltering, humid temperatures and hello to the season’s gorgeous foliage and fresh crop of fashion trends. Besides a more subdued color palette, you can also expect textured dresses, colored tights and ankle boots. Unlike the summer months when your goal is to wear the lightest layers possible, autumn is all about piling it on.

Start the season of pumpkin-picking brilliantly with this runway-inspired look by Charlotte Ronson.

The Designer Look: For this week’s designer look for less, I want to spotlight an ensemble that is fresh, sophisticated and fashion-forward. While the outfit above -- created with a lace dress, wedge booties and maroon tights -- is the epitome of ladylike-chic, Charlotte Ronson’s entire fall 2012 collection will make you forget summer in no time. Refined pencil skirts, Aztec printed sweaters, serious collars, billowy sheer blouses and dresses in boho prints are all accounted for, and will undoubtedly merit a spot in your wardrobe this season.

Ronson said, "I wanted to design a modern wardrobe for a real girl.” The look above is no exception; wear it to a fancy dinner with your parents, a class presentation or whenever you want to feel extra-special and pretty.

The Look for Less:

1. Black/Cream Lace Dress from Dorothy Perkins, $39
2. Lace-up Platform Wedge Booties from Target, $40
3. Keep it Simple Bag from Francesca's Collections, $48
4. Faux Nubuck Stud Bow Belt from Topshop, $16
5. 80 Denier Burgundy Tights from Miss Selfridge, $11

The Look for Less Total: $154

Style Tip: The great thing about this look is that each piece can be incorporated into several other ensembles. For college fashionistas everywhere, this is fantastic news. Not only can the black/cream lace dress be worn on its own, but it can also be layered over a collared shirt or paired with a smart black blazer. Because every memorable ensemble starts with a killer pair of shoes and statement bag, it only makes sense to invest in ones that you love and will be able to wear again and again. As for the burgundy tights and bow belt, since when can you ever have too many accessories?!

What’s your favorite runway collection this season? Leave a comment below and, who knows, maybe it’ll be incorporated into the next Look for Less!

By: Anjerika Wilmer | Image: Listed retail stores

Runway DIY: City Chic on a College Budget

From street to sleek, every girl wants an outfit that has it all without breaking the bank. Here’s how you can get a great look that will do just that in a New York Minute... for less than $100. This week it’s all about Theyskens’ Theory and College Gloss’ theory of designer style for a college budget.

The Look: This look comes to us from Theysken’s Theory Spring 2012 RTW collection. It’s stylish but simple with a white tank, white jacket, denim shorts, and black peep-toe pumps.

The Look for Less:
1. Agent Ninetynine White Scoop Singlet from generalpants.com.au, $21
2. ONLY High Waist Denim Shorts from bankfashion.co.uk, $19
3. River Island White Broderie Blazer from riverisland.com, $32
4. Solid Jean Belt from wetseal.com, $7.50
5. Peep Toe Black Suede Heels from windsorstore.com, $26

Look for Less Total: $98

Fashion Tip: This outfit can definitely become a staple ensemble in your wardrobe for the summer time as well as the fall because it can be made ready for any occasion with a quick switch in the blazer department. For a more high-end look that’s great for dinner parties or on-the-job, don a single button fitted black blazer. If you’re going on a date with a group of best friends, style it up with a colored blazer or even get creative and bold with the ever-popular floral print. This look has endless possibilities, but remember to always keep it simple when it comes to accessorizing.

If you have a look you want us to style for a future Looks for Less article, shoot our fabulous editors an email including a picture of the look and let us do the rest!

By: Danielle Gosha | Images: Listed retail stores

Runway DIY: Sheer Patterns on a College Budget

It’s that time of year again, when school is starting back up and style is just as important as studying. Show your campus what you’ve got while leaving a little to the imagination with this week’s ensemble. It’s all about you, your sheer beauty and a college girl budget. Here’s how to get this look for less than $100.

The Look: This look is from designer Jason Wu. The outfit includes a sheer yellow, sleeveless blouse with a collar and pleated detail, a black belt, a black, white and blue layered asymmetrical sheer skirt and strappy sandals.

The Look for Less:
1. Warehouse Broderie Sleeveless Shirt in Lemon for $31 from johnlewis.com
2. Glamorous Polka Dot Dip Hem Skirt for $24 from bankfashion.co.uk
3. Gold Long Tassel Dangle Earrings for $13 from sheinside.com
4. H&M Belt for $6.27 from hm.com
5. Bank Sienna Strappy Heel for $19 from bankfashion.co.uk

The Look for Less Total: $93.27

Fashion Tip: To further your sheer beauty outfit, finish up the look with a touch of makeup. Feel free to do whatever you think looks best, but we recommend you go for sheer mineral makeup or the au natural look. A hint of bronze to the eyelids does wonders for this look, keeping it light and airy. For the lips, simply apply gloss, or if you’re a lipstick kind of girl, go for a nude color that compliments your skin tone.

Have you seen a look online or in a magazine you’d love to get for less than $100? Send it to us, and let us help you out.

By: Danielle Gosha | Images: Listed retail stores

Runway DIY: Statement Style on a College Budget

Sometimes we can make the biggest statements with the littlest of effort, and when it comes to style, this is no different. This week, we go back to basics and get a runway look for less than $100.

The Designer Look: Balenciaga throws together a flawless chic look with a thick strapped white tank and rust colored trousers matched with leopard peep toe heels.

The Look for Less:
1. Ava tank top from monki.com, $12
2. Red poppy chino trousers from misselfridge.com, $18
3. Kenneth Jay Lane natural wooden bangle from pret-a-beaute.com, $38
4. Grace Candy peep toe leopard print wedge boots from yesstyle.com, $42

The Look for Less Total: $100

And there you have it, a simple look with a bold statement all for $100. The best thing about this look, aside from its obvious versatility, is that the terracotta pants can easily be taken throughout all the seasons. An outfit like this easily benefits from a wild print or a bold color, and that’s why the purple and white leopard print heels are an awesome choice.

If you have an outfit you would like us to put together with a $100 budget, simply shoot our editors an email, and let us do the rest!

By: Danielle Gosha | Images: Listed retail stores

Runway DIY: Navy Nautical on a College Budget

Is the hot weather killing your sense of fashion and eating up your savings to stay cool? If this is you, then you’re not alone...don’t worry, with this Look for Less you’ll learn how to keep your cool while looking cool.

Don’t let the summertime blues get you down this season -- here’s how to keep your pockets looking green and get a high-fashion look with less than $100.

The Designer Look: Bill Blass gives us a nautical chic all-blue look that screams comfort and class. Here, we have a navy blue scoop neck racer back tank and trendy wide leg trousers held together at the waist by a simple gold buckle belt.

The Look for Less:
1. Navy J. Crew Tank from jcrew.com, $18
2. Bi-stretch Trousers in wide leg from asos.com, $31
3. Black and gold Keeper skinny belt from dorothyperkins.co.uk, $9
4. White half moon clutch from dorothyperkins.co.uk, $17
5. Gold Michael Antonio wedge heel from piperlime.com, $20

The Look for Less Total: $95

The best thing about this look is how easy it is to dress it down or dress it up for a luncheon or office meeting. To take this look to business casual, don a blazer in a neutral color (like black, cream or white). Avoid going for colors, as blue isn’t as versatile fashion-wise as you might think. Forego that neon blazer you have and save your pop of color for a small clutch or handbag. For further office attire, wear a closed-toe heel or peep-toe wedge, classy yet conservative.

Fashion Tip: When you have a top with such a low neckline like this one, skip the necklaces. Low tops already draw enough attention, and even the classiest of pieces like your mother’s pearls can make this look go wrong. Save your jewelry for a simple cuff bracelet or even watch. With a look like this, minimalism is always best.

Remember, when it comes to summer fashion, the key to looking stylish is keeping cool -- sweating it out in a warm outfit is never good!

If you have a look you want us to Look for Less, shoot our editors an email, and we’ll do the rest!

By: Danielle Gosha | Images: Listed retail stores

Runway DIY: Colorblocking on a College Budget

Fashion can be as easy as 1, 2, 3...especially when you know the latest trends. That’s why you should get into color blocking! Say goodbye to your plain Jane ensembles and throw a splash of color here and there to liven up your wardrobe.

It’s elementary, my dear! Just like one of your favorite childhood activities, painting by numbers. With just four pieces, you can paint yourself into a high fashion look for just under $100.

The Designer Look: This week’s look comes to us from the fabulous designer Giambattista Valli. Here we have a vibrant pink and gold colorblock cocktail dress matched with black booties and a large chunky necklace.

The Designer Price: $3890

The Look for Less:
1. Vivi Boutique Ruched Shirt from houseoffraser.co.uk, $24
2. Izabel London Tight Fit Skirt from houseoffraser.co.uk, $23
3. Crossed Chunky Chain Necklace from romwe.com, $14.99
4. Faux Suede Booties from forever21.com, $29.80

The Look for Less Total: $92.58

And there you have it. You don’t need to be a mathematician to know this is a match made in heaven for any frugal fashionista. If you want to give this look a little more pop of summer charm, try trading out the booties for a pair of gold t-strap heels or even a pair of gladiator style sandals. Remember to choose your accessories with an eye to your jewelry, if you choose to wear it. If you have a gold necklace, go for a similar gold tone in your footwear.

Have you been eyeing something on the runway and want the same look for less? Send us the picture by clicking Submit an Outfit on the homepage, and we’ll do the rest!

By: Danielle Gosha | Images: Listed retail stores

Runway DIY: Flower Power on a College Budget

We are all guilty of wanting our cake and eating it, too, and at one point or another we’ve been forced to make some unwanted sacrifices. Sometimes we choose to keep the cake while others choose to eat theirs, but with fashion the choice isn’t as obvious. When summer rolls around we often find ourselves staring at our closet for hours asking if we would rather be stylish or comfortable. Well, stare no more...because with a lightweight tulip skirt you’ll not only be fashionable, but comfortable.

Here’s how to put a little flower power in your wardrobe and look like a million bucks for less than $100.

The Designer Look: This particular look comes from the 3.1 Philip Lim Resort Collection. It consists of a high waisted asymmetrical tulip skirt, gray crew neck top and white ¾ sleeve blazer.

The Designer Estimate: $1165

The Look for Less:
1. Gray Racer Back tank from yesstyle.com, $15
2. Gold braided belt from beltiscool.net, $5
3. Lily White High Low Asymmetrical Skirt from chinadollboutique.com, $43.89
4. Miso White Jacket from republic.co.uk, $31

The Look for Less Total: $94.89

Given the overall look consists of a neutral palette of creams, whites and grays, I recommend adding a pop of color when accessorizing. A simple outfit like this would benefit from turquoise heels or ruby red flats. For jewelry, go for statement bracelets that are gold in color to complement the gold belt. A necklace with this outfit won’t be needed, but if you want to add a little shine up top, accessorize the ears with either simple pearl studs or a pair of flirty teardop earrings.

Summer Fashion Tip: Remember, when dressing for the heat, go for light colors as they reflect sunlight while dark colors absorb them. If you’re wearing layers, be sure that they can easily be removed, such as a blazer or cardigan. Lighter fabrics should be worn closer to your skin while heavier fabrics should be the layering article.

Have a designer favorite that you want us to “look for less?” Let us know by clicking “Submit an Outfit” on the College Gloss homepage or emailing one of our editors.

By: Danielle Gosha | Images: Listed retail stores

Runway DIY: Pastel Party on a College Budget

Every year we find ourselves tasked with finding the perfect Father’s Day present for our fathers, which isn’t always the easiest. But somehow, we find the perfect gift. Let’s face it, when it comes to dear ‘ole Dad, we always end up spending just a bit too much for that “had-to-have” gift.

If you find yourself with little cash and still need an outfit for the special occasion, no worries because as Daddy’s little girl, you deserve the best. If you’re a fashionista that always wants to rock the latest looks without rocking your bank account, then you’re in luck. This Father’s Day, become a pastel princess and do it for just under $100.

The Look: For spring 2012, Preen went with pastels as the theme of their collection, giving us an array of airy, contemporary looks that beg to be reinvented. Our personal favorite? The baby pink swizel skirt matched with a pale yellow brocade cotton blend top with white and pink frill hem.

Designer Estimate: $2,800
The Look for Less:

Yellow Short Sleeve Slash Tee from Dorothy Perkins, $9
Glamorous Dip Hem Skirt from Bank Fashion, $39
Leather White Frill Belt from Jordu Store, $12.99
Mint Platform Sandal from Zara, $39.99

Look for Less Total: $89.99

Whoever thought you could get a designer outfit for less than a fraction of the original cost, shoes included? Anything is possible when you keep your eyes peeled for bargain finds. And the best part is, you have a little bit of cash left to get the tip after taking Dad out to eat.

Despite the contemporary feel, this outfit is a versatile style -- both simple and chic. This sweet pastel ensemble is sure to remind Dad that no matter how old you get, you’ll always be his little princess.

Have a designer favorite that you want us to “look for less” for a special occasion, work or a date? Simply email one of our editors a photo!

Love this look? Leave a comment to let us know where you would wear it.

By: Danielle Gosha | Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

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