Runway to Reality : Inspiration Station
Personal style. Where does it come from? Some have an innate sense of it. Others look to the runways in New York, Milan and Paris for style cues.
Trend-setting designer looks are cause for either inspiration or consternation. But we’re all curious to know what’s new.
Some women may be lucky enough to actually purchase the outfits seen on the runways. But most would not spend that kind of money. The creative will search for new items that fit their budgets.
Now that fall merchandise is arriving in the stores every day, it’s time to shop. Clever shopping for less is a challenge but it can be done.
Here are three hot designer looks (expensive versions are in the insets). Buy the big labels, or get it for less. You decide. It’s your personal style.
RICH HIPPIE
THE LOOK: Rich fabric combinations make the bohemian chic look work for women of all ages. Women who grew up in the ‘60s and their daughters are wearing the hippie styles with a new twist.
HOW TO DO IT BIG: French designer Emanuel Ungaro started his couture house in the 1960s. Now for fall 1999, the designer has created a gypsy chic collection of gorgeous rich fabric combinations in wonderful shapes, accessorized with ethnic American Indian feather necklaces.
The floral peasant silk skirt retails for $1,420. The fur tank vest is $960. The designer necklace, made completely of feathers, costs $2,150. The designer boots are $1,950.
The parts of the Emanuel Ungaro Parallele Collection can be found at Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills.
TOTAL: $6,480.
HOW TO DO IT FOR LESS: The rich hippie look does not have to be expensive. This long, flowing wrap skirt in floral silk velvet fabric, designed by Citron, retails for $89. The silk charmeuse floral print tank top by Alfani is available for $37 at Macy’s citywide.
Necklaces are a combination of designs. The leather choker with feathers is by Neda for Royal Flesh on Melrose Avenue in L.A. for $58. It’s worn with two sets of necklaces by Lee Angel sold at Jennifer Kaufman, L.A., $45 a set.
Cowboy boots from Maya’s, Hollywood, are $139.
TOTAL: $413.
