Modest With Style: 3/1/09

Wanna Be In A Runway Show?

*At this time we are desperate for models so all who sign up will be accepted! TO SIGN UP: Just email 1 picture of yourself with your full name, age, and phone number to klevesquedesign@gmail.com!

RIGHT OFF THE RUNWAY: Jumpsuits

A big trend was popping up all over the runways at New York Fashion Week for the Spring 2009 season and into Fall. Many well known designers such as Slavatorre Ferragamo, Prada, Yves St. Laurent, and Gucci were gracing the runway with their gorgeous jumpsuits. This trend is fabulous because jumpsuits are so versatile! They can be worn with a jacket, over a blouse or basic tee, with a bold belt, as a suit, as capris, as shorts, dressy, or casual...you name it! I have chosen 6 runway looks as inspiration (from nymag.com) and found affordable jumpsuits in stores now that embody the feeling of each runway look. Enjoy!

1 - Let it Shine (Inspiration - Sue Stemp, Look - Ami Clubwear $38)

2 - Crisp and Casual (Inspiration - Malo, Look - Alexander McQueen at Target $60)

3 - Clean for Spring (Inspiration - Tommy Hilfiger, Look - Spiegel $80)

4 - The Simple Suit (Inspiration - BCBG, Look - Spiegel $35)

5 - Royal Purple (Inspiration - Gianfranco Ferre, Look - Newport News $69)

6 - Harem Today, Gone Tomorrow (Inspiration - A.F. Vandevorst, Look - ASOS $49)

You CAN Afford Designers!

Top designers team up with some of our favorite stores to bring us an affordable line of clothing and accessories!

TARGET: Go International and Alexander McQueen!

Go International Ombre Top $27, Go International Zip Dress $35

Go International Bandage Top $23, Go International Colorblock Tank $27

*Wear over a layering tee from Downeastbasics.com, or modbeclothing.com

Alexander McQueen Tiger Dress $45, Alexander McQueen Zig Zag Swimsuit $35

Alexander McQueen Stud Jumpsuit $60, Alexander McQueen Tattoo Dress $80 & Jacket $60

PAYLESS: Abaete, alice + olivia, and Lela Rose!

Abaete Wyatt Sandal $38, Abaete Nico Mule $38, Abaete Devon Heel $22

Abaete Dylan Laced Flat $15, Abaete Graham Woven Flat $15

Abaete Amelia Satchel $40, Abaete Bryce Clutch $16

alice + olivia Pierce Wedge $38, alice + olivia Erika Heel $38, alice + olivia Eric Flat $28

alice + olivia Jake Platform $38, alice + olivia Handbag $40, alice + olivia Eloise Flat $36

Lela Rose Arcady Slingback $38, Lela Rose Gillian Wedge $38

Lela Rose Marigold Satin Flat $34, Lela Rose Lilliana Plaid Flat $34

Lela Rose Keefe Clutch $17, Lela Rose Plaid Beaumont Clutch $34

Designer shopping has never been so easy...or so affordable!!!

THIS MONTH'S "HOW TO": WEARING BLACK INTO SPRING

Black is a staple color for any wardrobe, but how do you wear it in warmer weather? I decided to tackle this issue and pull some of the black pieces from my closet to warm them up!

1 - The Black Blazer

A black blazer can be transformed into a bright spring piece simply by adding a base item in a warm color such as yellow, orange, or pink. I then added more fun accessories like a scarf and handbag in lime and blue. The brown belt also adds a warmer effect than a black one would have, plus, it ties the whole outfit together.

2 - Basic Black Dress

I decided to keep the basic black dress simple and chic by adding only white accessories. This keeps the look clean and fresh to give it a more spring-like feeling. The baby blue bag added a subtle pop of color to this otherwise simple ensemble. By pulling my hair back, that clean fresh feeling was enhanced ten-fold.

3 - Black Ruffled Blouse

The blouse was a tricky piece to work with. I would suggest saving this outfit for a cooler or rainy spring day. I chose a lighter colored blazer and white pants to offset the darkness on top. The red belt and bag add interest and color while drawing the eye across the whole body taking the focus away from the blouse.

4 - Straight Leg Trouser

The straight leg trouser can be paired with any brightly patterned top to make it appropriate for spring. It is important to remember to always wear an opened-toe shoe with black pants in warmer weather. I also added more casual accessories in neutral tones to make the look appear warmer.

FLIX FASHION: Shopaholic Style Steals

My current movie obsession is "Confessions of A Shopaholic" based on the book written by Sophie Kinsella, starring Isla Fisher. The fashion in this movie is SO fun and really makes the movie. In case you haven't guessed yet, the costume designer for this movie was Patricia Field, the current genius in film fashion costume design. (She was the costume designer for Sex and the City, Ugly Betty, Cashmere Mafia, The Devil Wears Prada, and more). Isla Fisher's character Rebecca Bloomwood has too many adorable outfits to count but they are all designers and WAY too expensive for the average fashionista so I have picked 6 of my favorites to "steal." I was able to find items close enough to the originals that anyone can pull off the same look for WAY less. They are posted from easiest style steal to hardest.

1 - Style and Citrus