Runway To Reality

Since launching her line in 1994, French designer Isabel Marant has developed a cult following that includes French It Girls and worldwide members of the cool crowd. For her Spring 2010 collection, Marant wowed her fans once more, creating a breezy, eclectic collection that was part world traveler, part bohemian-luxe.

Printed skirts, with hints of metallic, were paired with sharp-shouldered tweed jackets, embellished at the neckline. Cuffed, slouchy boots were adorned with fringe and chain detail. Low-slung belts were worn over patterned minidresses. Pants were draped tightly and paired with wrap-around sandals. The collection was colorful and sexy.

As with most of our favorite runway collections, the brilliance comes at a price. Our monthly edition of Runway To Reality is designed to combat those designer blues, bringing to you a selection of buys that will help you create a runway-inspired outfit at a budget-friendly price. If you love Isabel Marant’s Parisian chic but can’t afford the prices, this story is for you.

1. Rockefella Fringe Bootie ($147) by Joie
2. Core Sandals ($215.20, reduced from $269) by Elizabeth & James
3. Woven Buds Belt ($28) from Anthropologie
4. Stripe Gold Button Jacket ($55) from Topshop
5. Wave Vision Skirt ($19.80) from Forever21
6. Piper Tie Waist Cotton Shorts ($195) by Kate Spade New York
7. Feather Drop Earrings ($120) by Isabel Marant
8. Long Metallic Scarf ($19) from Rumor
9. Tie Waist Top ($245) by Haute Hippie
10. Silk Harem Pants ($86) by Young, Fabulous & Broke

Please note that this post may contain one or more sponsored links. If you happen to shop using these links, Mama’s A Rolling Stone will receive a commission from the store.

For the last few seasons, Balmain designer Christophe Decarnin has had girls all around the world swooning over his bedazzled, rocker-chic creations. For his Spring 2010 collection, Decarnin didn’t disappoint; once again, he created a look that included all of his signature embellishments, with an added military-chic twist to keep us guessing.

Distressed denim and torn tees were paired with low-slung, studded belts and sequined military jackets; jagged suede and leather skirts were mixed with super-tight leather tops and lace-up ankle boots in khaki and black. The collection was over-the-top yet brilliant.

As with all our favorite collections, the genius comes at an extravagant price. Enter our monthly edition of Runway To Reality, where we feature a selection of buys that will help you create a runway-inspired outfit at a budget-friendly price. If you love the Balmain look, but can’t afford the hefty price tag, this story is for you.

1. Boxy & Batty Top ($68) by Free People
2. Stud Details Jean Belt ($55) from Topshop
3. Expedition Patch Shirt ($19.90) from H81
4. Matte Sequin Jacket ($208) by Antik Batik
5. Ace Leather Strapped Lace-Up Ankle Boot ($78.63) from Asos
6. Ruffle Shorts ($238) by Tibi
7. Gwenevere In Sportif Denim ($109) by 7 For All Mankind
8. Metallic Silk-Blend Bow Dress ($152) by Moschino Cheap & Chic
9. Denim Shorts ($127) by Kettle Black
10. Crinklette Military Jacket ($39.80) from Forever21

Please note that this post may contain one or more sponsored links. If you happen to shop using these links, Mama’s A Rolling Stone will receive a commission from the store.

For the last few seasons, Alexander Wang has had girls all around the world buzzing over his creations. For his Spring 2010 collection, Wang created a collection that paid homage to all-American sportswear, combining several athletic elements into a collection that would awe the audience and spur a spring trend.

The sportier elements of the collection included soccer-inspired knee-high socks and brawny-shouldered sweaters that were instantly reminiscent of a football player. However, the collection wasn’t totally lacking in femininity, with lace skirts and leopard-print wedges adding a flirty touch.

As always, our Runway To Reality feature is designed with one objective in mind: to help you create a runway-inspired outfit at a wallet-friendly price. For that reason, Alexander Wang’s Spring 2010 collection seemed like an obvious choice for our February installment. After all, wasn’t his one of the most buzzed-about collections in September?

1. Looped Biker Jacket ($290.50) by Preen Line // This draped vest is the perfect layering piece; throw it over your oversized leather shorts or your lace bubble skirt for the ultimate Wang-inspired look. If you want to go all-out, wear it with a sports bra underneath and leave it open at the front.

2. Drew Short ($188) by Genetic Denim // Whether they were paired with cropped sweaters or boxy shoulders, the oversized leather shorts at Alexander Wang were a definite highlight. These black leather shorts will give you a similar look and add a rough-and-ready feeling to your outfit.

3. Jackpot Lace Up Shoetie ($44.07) by Unlisted // If you’re going to fully channel Alexander Wang’s spring collection, you’ll need a pair of peep-toed booties to complete your look. This black lace-up pair is a great option for the warmer months and will complement almost anything in your closet.

4. Dimension Striped Top ($14.80) from Forever21 // If you plan to start channeling Alexander Wang this spring, a striped top is a great way to start off your collection. The stripes add the sportswear element that you need, while still keeping your outfit lighthearted and fun, which is a must.

5. Knitted Curved Crop Jumper ($60) from Topshop // Observers of Alexander Wang’s spring collection will have realized that a cropped knit sweater is an absolute must-have for spring. The knit fabric on this sweater will keep you cozy while the cropped shape will add a hint of sexiness to your outfit.

6. Unisex Solid Knee-High Sock ($10) from American Apparel // Knee-high socks were an integral part of the sporty-chic aesthetic at Alexander Wang and should be an essential part of your Wang-inspired closet. Usually in fashion these would be considered slightly school-girlish but when worn right, the outfit comes straight from the soccer field.

7. Premium Quilted Shorts ($65) from Topshop // It is all about the detail when it comes to these quilted shorts. The quilted fabric adds the sporty-chic element to the look, while the simple black fabric and high-waisted fit keep the shorts classic and simple.

8. Lace Bubble Skirt ($19.99) from Arden B // Although Alexander Wang’s spring collection contained many tough, robust elements, it wasn’t entirely devoid of its feminine side. This black lace skirt is a great option if you want to add something a little flirty; the bubble shape sticks to the original aesthetic, while the black lace adds a playful touch.

Please note that this post may contain one or more sponsored links. If you happen to shop using these links, Mama’s A Rolling Stone will receive a commission from the store.

For our January installment of Runway to Reality – the story that helps you create a runway-inspired outfit at a budget-friendly price – we are looking at New York’s Proenza Schouler; specifically, their scuba-infused Spring 2010 collection. After all, there’s nothing like looking ahead to spring to feel warm on the inside.

Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, who founded Proenza Schouler in 2002, looked to their youth when designing their spring collection. “We wanted something young, something that felt fresh, so we looked to surfing and skating, the things we grew up on,” they said.

Their approach paid off. The spring collection was laid-back, effortless and cool, without looking shabby. They singlehandedly brought tie dye prints back for spring, while their colorblock wedged-heel sandals will be a mainstay this season. Whether you are inspired to try this collection or not, it is sure to bring you back to your fashionable youth.

1. Tie-Dye V-Neck Dress ($435) by Willow // While it is not as budget-friendly as we would like, the gorgeous print was too hard to pass up. The draped cut of this dress will flatter your figure while the tie dyed print is more luxe than hippie.

2. Angelina Gladiator Pump ($114.92) by Rough Justice // Whether they were paired with harem pants or a sequined skirt, the colorblock heels at Proenza Schouler were a highlight. These black and red gladiator pumps will give you the same two-tone effect and add some tough leather to your look.

3. Hurley Ezra Watercolor Swimwear Bottom ($31.50) from Buckle // If you’re going to channel a surf-inspired collection, you may as well head to the beach; that was our thinking when we chose this painted swimwear bottom, with its summery colors and fresh print.

4. Dot Explosion Scarf ($29.50) from The Limited // If you plan to start channeling Proenza Schouler earlier than spring, this lightweight scarf is an absolute must-have for your closet. The aquatic palette is sure to leave you with a yearning for spring.

5. Cameo Sunglasses ($119) by Smith Optics // Purveyors of Proenza Schouler’s spring collection will have realized that a pair of wraparound sunglasses are must-haves. These ‘red pearl’ sunglasses are the perfect option: dark, mysterious and oh-so-cool.

6. Harlequin Sequin Mini Skirt ($186.97) by French Connection // Sequins have been a huge trend recently and if Proenza Schouler has anything to do with it, the trend will outlive fall and make its way through spring. While we’d love to get our hands on the green fringed number that Proenza Schouler sent down the catwalk, this printed version is sure to satisfy.

7. Wrap Front Harem Trousers ($65) from Topshop // The harem pant was another huge trend that looks set to continue through 2010. This black version has the same laidback, draped cut that Proenza Schouler were inspired by and would look perfect when paired with the heels at #2.

8. Daytrip Tie Dye Flyaway Cardigan ($28) from Buckle // The slouched style of this cardigan is the perfect ode to the laidback look of Proenza Schouler’s spring collection. The ocean green tie-dye print adds a little extra freshness while the longer sleeves and open front make this the perfect layering piece.

Please note that this post may contain one or more sponsored links. If you happen to shop using these links, Mama’s A Rolling Stone will receive a commission from the store.