Givenchy Spring 2010 ready-to-wear collection

Jumpsuits made of light, flowy material are becoming a warm weather staple. If you’re dreading go out this summer in jeans because it’s simply too hot, meet your new best friend. A jumpsuit allows you to pull off the pants look in hot temperatures without having to combust.

A deep v-neck, as Givenchy shows, is just the thing to give a plain black jumpsuit that ‘wow’ factor that makes it an appropriate choice for a cocktail party or a soiree of dancing. If you’re hesitant about trying a jumpsuit because of the ‘puffing’ effect it may have on your midsection, just grab your favorite wide belt and use it to cinch the garment at the waist. Stick to a dark color palette, which is the route Forever21 took with the look-a-like jumpsuit pictured below, or go for a bright color that will pop–the choice is yours.

The final element–some super strappy black platforms to show off your bright summer pedicure.

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Belted Halter Jumpsuit ($23.84, Forever21)

Nine West ‘Ponti’ ($68.95, Zappos)

StealThisDress! Savings Factor: 4

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Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2010 Ready-to-Wear Collection, Photo: Marcio Madeira / FirstView.com

The Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2010 ready-to-wear show was truly a feast for the eyes. The best way to describe it would be an explosion of rich textures and patterns, including velvet, lace, tweed, florals and animal prints. Your mother probably always told you to never wear these together at the same time; D&G brilliantly defies this style principle.

Layering is a recurring theme in this collection. Never afraid to push the envelope, D&G had models marching down the runway wearing black blazers with nothing but lingere-like leotards underneath. While I’m not suggesting you don one of these combinations for your next outing, there are a number of other looks from this collection that translate perfectly to the everyday setting.

You’re probably thinking right now, “Where am I going to find a gorgeous D&G-esque silk yellow dress with black lace accents?” This is where creativity comes in. Simply throw a black lace or delicate crochet scarf over a super girly yellow dress and you’re good! Complete the look with semi-opaque tights, a black tote and pumps.

INC International Concepts Dress, Belted Short Sleeve Silk Ruffle ($64.99, Macy’s)

Lace Scarf ($8.80, Forever21)

Round Toe Platform Pump ($24.50, Wet Seal)

Slouch Shoulder Bag ($32.80, Forever21)

StealThisDress! Savings Factor: 4

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Donna Karan Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear Collection, Photo: Marcio Madeira

It’s been a while since I’ve felt as inspired as I did when I was looking at pictures of Donna Karan’s Sporing 2010 ready-to-wear collection. These garments may not be there as “out there” and unconventional as some couture pieces, but to me they are art.

Granted, this collection will not appeal to everyone’s style. Its overall look  is very feminine and romantic. The color palette consists of a lot of pastels and neutrals, while the fabrics feature tons of draping and ruching.

I love the idea of pairing a peach-colored top with a simple grey skirt. It’s a reserved color combination but it definitely makes an impact. For shoes, choose a grey or silver peep toe pump–one with an ankle strap if you really want to mirror the Donna Karan look. (I would KILL to have the shoes the model is wearing on the runaway, they are amazing.)

Can’t wait to see what Donna Karan will do next!

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Girly Girl Top ($14.80, Forever21)

Robert Rodriguez Twist Knot Pencil Skirt ($159, Nordstrom)

Plump Pumps ($24.80, Forever21)

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Celine, Pre Fall 2010; Photo: Courtesy of Celine

Looking at this stunning outfit from Celine’s Pre Fall 2010 showing, I would never guess that this fashion house started in 1945 as a made-to-measure shoe business for children. I absolutely adore Celine and am issuing a disclaimer that our next Off the Runway segment may also focus on Celine because I saw about a dozen other looks in this collection that I would love to feature.

Replicating this solid-colored ensemble is a piece of cake; just throw on a long-sleeved black mini-dress, red footed tights and red Mary Jane’s.  But don’t be fooled by this seemingly simple combination; red and black make a bold duo that immediately pops. Picking out the right combination of shades is key. Opt for dark crimson red tights; when choosing shoes, stick with a lighter shade of red that has more orange undertones to it.

(Tangent: Doesn’t this look totally remind you of Kate Spade? I’m not sure if it was a seasonal thing or more of a branding effort, but this fall one of the Kate Spade ads featured red tights AND all of the staff members were wearing them when I went to the Kate Spade store during the holidays.)

Given the intensity of the colors, stick with a simple hairstyle. Try a ponytail with a side part, flat ironed tresses parted straight down the middle or some soft waves. When it comes to makeup, once again–less is more. Emphasize just one feature by pairing a strong red lip with just a bit of liner and mascara. Or you can do a smoky eye with a nude or sheer lip.

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Black Knit Dress Refined ($24.80, Forever21)

Red Nylon/Lycra MicroFiber Solid Color Tights ($12.50, www.welovecolors.com)

rsvp ‘Lauren’ Ruffled Mary Janes ($56.05, Zappos)

StealThisDress! Savings Factor: 5

Technorati Tags: Dress, footed tights, forever21, kate spade, Mary Janes, Red, zappos

Calvin Klein Fall 2009 Ready-to-wear Collection, Photo: Marcio Madeira

I’ve reached the conclusion that black will forever be the most versatile color there is. There is simply not other color that can be easily dressed up or down depending on the occasion you are dressing for. When shopping in this economy, black pieces seem to be an increasingly smart choice. And many designers appear to be of the same opinion. Calvin Klein is no exception.

I pulled  this look from the Calvin Klein Fall 2009 ready-to-wear line.I love the idea of throwing a feminine blazer that has ruffled details over a simple, one-shoulder LBD and then completing the look with boots, as opposed to pumps, for that urban warrior vibe.

If your office environment is not all about conservative suits, I think this outfit  would be great for work; it’s sexy and sharp without being overly revealing. This type of simple black outfit outfit is also perfect if you are always dashing straight from work to a party, dinner or other event; you can just take off the blazer, throw on some funky jewelry and maybe a scarf, and you’re ready.

Limited Edition Wandrous Velvet Dress ($31.99, Target)

Gathered Suede High Heel Boot ($31.99, www.gojane.com)

Ruffle Collar Blazer ($29, Forever21)

StealThisDress! Savings Factor: 5

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Carolina Herrera Fall 2009 Ready-to-wear collection, Photo: Marcio Madeira

I love purple. It doesn’t surprise me at all that it used to be considered the color of royalty in the old world.

Looking through pictures of Carolina Herrera’s fall 2009 ready-to-wear show, my favorite outfit was, hands down, the one pictured here. How gorgeous is that shade of purple? I think that this is a perfect outfit for a holiday party, maybe even with a sleeveless dress as pictured below.

Wear the dress with black footed tights and jeweled flats if you want to channel the look that went down the runway at the Carolina Herrera show. If you want to give it your own twist, try jeweled pumps, closed or peep toe.

For your handbag, choose a clutch or shoulder bag in a different shade of purple for that “different yet harmonious” look. Keep the jewelry to a minimum since this look already contains plenty of jewels.

Goddess Chiffon Dress ($29.80, Forever21)

UO Opaque Tights ($12, Urban Outfitters)

Lulu Townsend Sequined Satin Clutch ($29.95, DSW)

Jessica Simpson Shoes Dereck Pumps ($89, Jessica Simpson)

Zigi Soho Cinda Jeweled Suede Flat ($44.95, DSW)

StealThisDress! Savings Factor: 4

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Chanel Spring 2010 Ready-to-wear Collection, Photo: Monica Feudi

Saying that the Chanel fashion house requires no introduction would be the understatement of the century. I don’t want to repeat that which has already been said countless times and go on and on about the timeless appeal of the Coco Chanel style philosophy. My words would not do it justice. Instead, let’s dive right in and channel a look from the Chanel Spring 2010 ready-to-wear line.

Ruched Top ($17.99, Charlotte Russe)

Zipper Bow Tie Headband ($3.99, Charlotte Russe)

Dotted Jacquard Skirt ($19.80, Forever21)

rsvp Manda Black Patent Pumps ($20.57, www.overstock.com)

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Vera Wang Lavender Label Fall 2009 Ready-to-wear Collection, Photo: Kevin Sturman

It seems like there has never been a better time to check Vera Wang’s Lavender Label, which the designer extraordinaire dubbed as being recession-proof. I’m still saving up for a few pieces from the line and am using its Fall 2009 collection as inspiration in the meantime.

I often shy away from wearing fancy dresses for non-work related daytime occasions for fear of looking overly dressed up. The Lavender Label combo pictured here reminded me that dresses during the day is a totally feasible look. All you have to do it toughen up the look with a jacket and pair of motorcycle boots (or riding boots if buckles and other hardware are not for you.)

When choosing a jacket, resist the temptation to put on an ultra feminine blazer with ruffles or other delicate details. No, this look calls for something more androgynous, more along the lines of a boyfriend blazer or simple tailored jacket with minimal accents. Lastly, top off the ensemble with a chunky statement necklace.

For more Vera Wang duds at relatively affordable prices, head over to Kohl’s, which carries her other line, Simply Vera.

Ruby Rox ITY Emma Dress ($59, Dillards)

Textured Woven Jacket ($29.80, Forever21)

Motorcycle Boots ($39.50, WetSeal)

Sequin Mesh Necklace ($6.80, Forever21)

StealThisDress! Savings Factor: 4

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Bottega Veneta Fall 2009 Ready to Wear Collection, Photo: Marcio Madeira

If you are searching for an outfit that screams DRAMA, look no further than the Bottega Veneta Fall 2009 Ready to Wear collection.

You can definitely still do strapless bustier-style dresses in the fall. All you have to do is throw an elegant pea coat over it. As far as the “no white after Labor Day” rule–it primarily applies to shoes. However, people often get shy about wearing white garments during the colder seasons. But this need not be the case. Just stick with whites when selecting your coat. The result will be a dazzling, winter wonderland-esque ensemble.

Now, on to the accessories. A ruffled purse gives this otherwise sleek, clean look a punch of texture. The lace-up ankle booties (and just a bit of sock peeking over the top) add a touch of vintage femininity. The black, on the other hand, provides the look with edge. Overall, this Bottega Veneta combination is a brilliant mix of several aesthetics.

Take this already unstoppable look to the next level with strong red lips and a vintage-inspired hairdo. Vavavoom!

Women’s White Wool-Blend Tab-Waist Coat ($89.50, Old Navy)

As U Wish Ruffled Strapless Dress ($58, Nordstrom)

Big Buddha Rose Tote ($81, Baghaus)

Carlita Lace Up Bootie ($18.80, Forever21)

StealThisDress! Savings Factor: 3

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Jaeger London - Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear Collection, Photo: Marcio Madeira)

You must have a look at Jaeger’s Spring 2010 ready-to-wear line. From fabulous prints to subdued solid colors, roomy rompers to tiny sweater dresses–it is a breath of fresh air.

In the look I’ve chosen, Jaeger brilliantly pairs a long sleeved blouse with gray cocktail shorts. Let me begin by saying that a great blouse is an investment piece for this season. It can easily be part of your office wardrobe during the week and a layering piece under funky vests and jackets for more laid-back weekend looks.

You can tailor this look for fall by choosing tweed winter shorts as opposed to ones made of lighter fabrics like silk or satin. If you throw on a pair of tights under the shorts, this look can even carry you through winter (just be sure to get a good jacket!) A sturdy leather or suede belt can take a pair of shorts up a notch, giving them definition and a sharper look.

If you are not a fan of peep toe booties, you can easily pull off this look with tall boots. Over-the-knee boots are this season’s shoe obsession and they would also work really well with this look. If this is the direction in which you want to take your Jaeger-inspired outfit, choose either tighter-fitting shorts that end above the knee or looser, Harem-style shorts that reach the knee.

Style & Co. Pleated Scoopneck Animal Print Top ($40, Macy’s)

Tweed Wool Shorts ($49.50, Gap)

Women’s Faux-Leather Fashion Belt ($10, Old Navy)

Sleakk Bootie ($109.95, Steve Madden)

StealThisDress! Savings Factor: 4

Technorati Tags: Jaeger, Jaeger London, Spring 2010