Retail Math # 5: Badass Beauty like Balenciaga

 Houndstooth is huge for fall, but my love for the bold pattern was rekindled by Balenciga's spring 2011 collection. Nicolas Ghesquiere turned out several beautiful and badass houndstooth pieces as well as the oh so covetable cutout boot that inspired the Jeffrey Campbell's seen below.

While the traditional black and white pattern normally skews more uptown (think ladies who lunch) the exploded scale and sequins on the ASOS top and skirt paired with edgy accessories make for a look that is 100% downtown rocker chic.

From Left to Right: ASOS Dog Tooth Crop Top, Jeffrey Campbell Roscoe Boot, Vestal Monte Carlo Watch,  ASOS Sequin Houndstooth Skirt

Spread created on Shopstyle

Runway Photos via Style.com

Retail Math #4: Decked out like Dior

Christian Dior's s/s 2011 collection was rife with looks suitable for characters stepping out of a modern day interpretation of South Pacific. While most of the looks were a little too kitschy for my taste one in particular stood out from the rest. Something about the pairing of a casual blue print dress, neutral shoes and bag, and retro cat eye sunglasses done in a thoroughly modern pop color was quite pleasing to my eye.

What drew me to this look and inspired me to try to recreate it is the fact that I could totally visualize an urban fashionista throwing this on whether she was on holiday exploring the market of a tropical locale or on a weekend excursion searching for treasures at the neighborhood flea. All of the pieces I put together to recreate this look can work seamlessly into your warm weather wardrobe, but together they conjure up the casually sophisticated feel of the runway original.

Clockwise L-R: Lilly Pulitzer Dress, Spitfire Daxx Sunglasses, Marc by Marc Jacobs Purse, Jeffrey Campbell Munroe Heels

Christian Dion S/S 2011

Spread created on Shopstyle.com

Runway Photo via Style.com

Retail Math # 3: Much like Michael (Kors that is)

Lately I am all about slouchy, relaxed looks and Michael Kors Spring 2011 runway was all about easy, breezy American style. I'd love to rock this Kors inspired look for a weekend escapade in the city or while strolling along at an outdoor mall or flea market on a sunny day.

My favorite part of this look is that the lax-ness of the easy, knit top and full skirt are balanced by the rich, earthy-luxe texture and color of the accessories.  



Items from L-R: JCrew Whisper Linen Boatneck, Dooney and Bourke Crossbody Satchel, Zara Long Skirt, Ralph Lauren Brown Embossed Belt, Ecote Platform Crisscross Sandal





Retail Math Lesson #2: Going for Gucci

I am kind of feeling a '70s disco vibe this week. The seed was planted earlier in the week when I created a Disco inspired bridal look taking cues from Bianca Jagger and the Spring '11 runways, where white and '70 styles had a major moment.

 From there the next natural step was to tackle recreating a look from Gucci's Spring 2011 runway where '70s era sexy was on full display. As always, I had a blast looking for pieces to pull the look together.

Check out how it all adds up below:

Lesson #2: Gucci Spring 2011

Going for Gucci :

Asos Twist Detail Bodysuit, American Apparel Sash Belt in Teal, BCBgeneration Maya Clutch , Cheap Monday Juliana Drape Pants, OPI nail polish, Topshop Logan Blue Metallic Platform

Going For Gucci spread put together on Shopstyle.com

Gucci Runway Photo via Style.com

Retail Math Lesson # 1: Recreating Rodarte

Attempting to recreate runway looks at a fraction of the price is a formidable challenge, but one of the most exciting things to do.
I, like many fashion lovers, find myself spending countless hours scouring the inventory of numerous stores to find just the right pieces.

For me, discovering the perfect parts to complete a style puzzle elicits a certain sense of euphoria. For that reason I am starting a new series of post called Retail Math- all about the elements that add up to recreate that runway inspired look or feel.

Lesson #1: Rodarte Spring 2011

H&M WaterAid Collection Dress

Jeffrey Campbell Skate

The elements needed to recreate this look are surprisingly simple- the H&M WaterAid Collection Dress mirrors the lovely blue and white print of the Rodarte original and Jeffrey Campbell's Skate bootie (also available in tan and black) hints at the sculptural beauty of the footwear seen on the runway.

Photos via nitrolicous, singer22, and style.com

Everything Was Beautiful at the Ballet

The above look from Chloe's Spring 2011 collection is perfection. In a dream world I would be able to afford the hefty $3,000+ price tag of the real thing (currently available at saks), but in the real world my budget is much more modest. Fortunately for the ballerina in us all you can create a similar look with the 3 easy pieces below at a fraction of the price!

1) American Apparel Cotton Spandex Short Sleeve Leotard in Nude
 $28.00

2. American Apparel Chiffon Double-Layered Full Length Skirt in Tan

$58.00

3. Bloch Prima Ballerina Flat in Fossil

 $150.00