How- To: Copy the Catwalk For Under $100

The runway is a place that not many people can relate to. Gorgeous clothes on beautiful dead-pan, thin models float back and forth on a stage that seems unattainable- carrying a price tag that only celebrities can afford. While the experience seems unrealistic in the everyday world, what I do love about the space is the story that designers attempt to tell in their choices in color, fabrics, prints, patterns, styles and femininity. IMAG3118

The opportunity for me and Nothing2Wear is to adapt those designer stories and re-tell them in a way that makes sense to you. There is a way to flip those catwalk pieces and restyle them into your own closet, as featured on nationally syndicated, The Better Show. WATCH.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uu5R_kSsUyc]

In my Catwalk to Closet segment on The Better TV show, I took a Nothing2Wear green approach by working with seven staple pieces from Ideel.com and Lands’ End. Each piece is versatile+affordable, under $100, and can be paired with several fantastic spring+summer accessories.

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The Spring 2015 runway shows revealed texture, bold prints+pattern like gingham, stripes, florals, fringe and lots of spring hues.

Here are practical ways to realistically copy the looks.

Prints+Pattern: Let’s start with this houndstooth two piece look from Ideel.com. While the two pieces are shown as a set, the top and skirt can be broken up and worn with other separates already in your closet. The top can be styled with another print; like the scribble a-line skirt I wore below. The skirt can be paired with a crisp white oxford and cardigan. Another idea for the top is to pair it with denims or a solid black pencil skirt.

Style Tip: When trying to figure out how to pair prints, start with the colors in each piece. If the hues are a match, chances are the prints are too.

Amanda & Chelsea A-Line Skirt IMAG3130

Accessorize: Toss in a spring hue for a polishing pop. These waterproof silicone clamshell handbags from Pisidia are stylish, sleek+smart, especially in the Spring rain.

Another way to amp your look is to toss in a printed accessory. Floral is another hot runway trend. Print on print is stylishly acceptable.

Stripes: Bold stripes also aligned the runway in various spring+summer hues. Stripes can be a little tricky to replicate. As I wrote about recently in the Elite Daily, the key is to focus on the size of the stripes and the direction their pointing. These wide-leg pants are comfy like yoga pants, flattering and versatile. Style them with any tee or a white oxford.

Fringe: I love texture! Fringe is another spring trend that’s easy to copy. Whether on a skirt or a handbag, it’s easy to shimmy in fringe. I showed this salmon fringe skirt in the segment, paired with a gingham pattern blue oxford– a fantastic work look. Taking the same pieces from work to weekend is simple if paired with a strappy heel for a night out or toned down with wedges or sneakers and a white oxford for a fun Saturday look.