Runway To Reality

by Mandi Pimental

How often have you dreamt about owning a designer wardrobe?  How often have you attended a fashion show or trunk show, wishing you could purchase a swoon-worthy, head-to-toe completed look instead of just choosing a single piece?  If you are like me, that answer could very well be, daily.  Or at the very least, a few times each season.  You find yourself coveting a gown that would be perfect for a dinner you’ve RSVP’d to.  Or a casual coat that you could wear all winter, one that you know would go perfectly with your favorite fall boots.

Well, Runway is making it easy to obtain hot off the Runway looks for much, much less.  While we should all agree that classic, designer pieces are a necessity and every girl should have at least one great bauble, wrap or pair of heels, you needn’t stock your entire closet with pricey pieces.  You can just look like you do.

Below are eight looks taken straight off the fall 2014 runways that you can re-create for a fraction of the cost.  Taking you from runway to reality, one fabulous outfit at a time.  



Antonio Grimaldi presented some cool, throwback looks for fall this season.  Psychedelic print dresses and retro Lois Lane vintage-inspired trenches were among the highlights.  To get this look for less, pair Mango’s tan trench with this colorful dress by River Island.  Add a stylish pair of Cordani Wayland clogs, and accessorize with an animal-friendly Harvey faux fur clutch and false lashes by Benefit.


Product Info: Trench - Mango, $100,  Dress – River Island, $45, Clogs – Cordani Wayland $150, Clutch – Harvey $225 & Lashes by Benefit.


For a look that is simple and sweet, go head to toe in a single hue.  When worn correctly, wearing one shade looks sophisticated, instead of bland. BluMarine used varying fabrics and textures to liven up this look.  We started with the softest cotton white turtleneck by Mango and paired it with a tapered blush trouser by Phillip Lim.  Adding a leather and fur jacket by Patrizia Pepe gives us the texture, while the Steve Madden pointed pump adds subtle glam.

 
Product Info: Coat – Loiza by Patrizia Pepe, $160, Trousers – Phillip Lim, $375, Turtleneck – Mango, $20, Pumps – Steve Madden Intrude in Blush, $79


The classic palette of black and white was seen time and time again, in solids, color blocks and patterns.  A favorite was the use of chevron and stripes, as it adds depth and character to a simpler ensemble.  To achieve this look, pair Mio’s chevron cardigan with classic black skinny denim by 7 For All Mankind.  ASOS patent leather boots give the outfit added edge.  Play up your makeup with a rusty orange shadow by Ulta and an ultra-glossy nude lip by YSL.

 

Product Info: Cardigan – Mio, $83, Jeans – 7 For All Mankind, $168, Boots – ASOS F-Troupe Patent Leather Boots, $149, Makeup – YSL Nude Gloss, $23 and ULTA eye shadow in Mimosa, $6

 
Louis Vuitton’s fall collection included alpine inspired sweaters and jackets.  Emblazoned with patterns that would befit a ski lodge, Vuitton mixed in bright fun leather separates and accessories.  To modernize this look, try a Charter School Navy Cardigan by Modcloth, accented with a Finding the Fun Scarf, and Motel’s vintage leather skirt.  Top it off with sweet Mark and Spencer Patent Leather Dolly Court Shoes and a Rag and Bone Jet Belt.


Product Info: Skirt – Motel, $100, Cardigan – Mod Cloth, $34,99, Shoes – Mark and Spencer Leather Dolly’s $48, Scarf – Finding The Fun, $39.99, Belt – Rag & Bone, $150

Dolce & Gabbana used a delicious palette of cherry red and deep plum in their collection of feminine separates.  This sophisticated look would be fitting for the office or for a girl’s night gathering for drinks.  Pair a textured tunic dress, like this lovely one by White Stuff, with basic leggings, such as LNA’s Olivia Cotton Basics.  Add a signature vintage brooch, like this vintage Chanel Coin, and sparkling Joe Jean’s ballet flats.  And a girl can’t be without a fabulous handbag, try this doctor bag by Debenham’s as a finishing touch.


Product Info: Tunic Dress – White Stuff Lorelai Broderie Tunic Dress, $60, Leggings – LNA Olivia Cotton Basics, $53, Purse – Debenham’s Doctors Bag - $85, Shoes – Joe Jeans Sparkle Ballet Flats, $69, Brooch – Vintage Chanel


If “rugged-girl-next-door” sums up your favored style then Isabel Marant’s fall collection is the one to emulate this season.  This outfit is all about woodsy tones and natural elements.  Start by pairing a deep green or brown sweater, such as this hunter green option by Mango, with a brown leather mini.  We are loving the cross zip Sugar Maple leather mini by Bailey.  Top with a Vintage Pendleton wool flannel to add warmth, and finish off with fur-lined Sorel boots and Dinny Hall’s Gold Three Leaf Pendant Necklace as a nod to nature.


Product Info: Flannel – Vintage Pendleton Pure Wool Flannel, $45, Sweater – Mango, $45, Skirt – Bailey Sugar Maple Leather Skirt, $267, Boots – Sorel Joan Of Arc Ankle Boots, $220, Necklace – Dinny Hall Gold Vermeil Three Leaf Pendant Necklace, $195

Design houses Altuzarra and Gareth Pugh, among others, went for wintery white on white.  This choice is a perfect head-to-toe ensemble to pick up in the fall and wear until spring thaw.  It also presents many mix and match options for the rest of your wardrobe.  To obtain this crisp style you will need quality white basics such as a Theory Boatneck Tee and a pair of Top Shop’s white Cigarette Trousers.  Complete the look with Mango’s Funnel Neck Coat and a basic sandal in an off-white shade for diversity, such as the Spurr Basic Crystal. 

Product Info: Coat – Mango Funnel Neck Coat, $129, Trousers – Top Shop Cigarette Trouser, $80, Top – Theory Boatneck Tee, $85, Shoes – Spurr Basic Crystal - $28 

This youthful look by H&M is a favorite this season for its simplicity.  Effortlessly chic, you can achieve this look by pairing a sparkle-embellished mini-dress or sweater dress, such as Nelly’s Body dress, with a striking pair of knee high leather boots.  Nine West boots are comfortable and have a little heel that adds femininity.  Accessorize with a single sparkling JC Penney cuff and darken eyes with NARS Lola Shimmer shadow.  To complete the look swipe on YSL Gloss in Corain Trapeze and you are ready to take on the night.

Product Info: Dress – Nelly Body Dress, $120, Boots – Nine West Inga Boots, $199,   Cuff – JC Penney, $10, Makeup – NARS Lola Shimmer shadow, $25 and Gloss – YSL in Corain Trapeze, $32