Find that trendy look without breaking the bank
It’s that time of the year again: blazing sunshine, much-needed vacations and of course, fashionable outfits.
Ladies, listen up. This spring and summer, pair bright, bold colors together along with bright heels to complete the color-block look. Whether it’s aqua-blue skinny jeans paired with a bright purple shirt and fuchsia pumps, play it up. Sport some chunky necklaces and bangles. This accessorizes it up and ties the look together. Don’t forget a chunky belt to create a cinched waist and give an hourglass figure. Men, bright colors and necklaces apply to you, too.
Feeling bold, yet don’t want to play your outfit up as much as bright colors do? Try a bold pattern instead: jungle-esque, snakeskin, sunset patterns or even western. The “basket weave” look is also chic, whether it’s a hot pair of wedges or a big, woven bag. You could also try a pastel, which is always classy no matter what the occasion.
To find these trends, check around the exclusive Ann Arbor shops downtown. Target (bathing suits), Marshalls, Old Navy (Two-for-$5 flip flops!), J.C. Penney, Nordstrom (especially sunglasses), Charlotte Russe, Arden B and H&M (my favorite) have items to complete these trends on sale. Shop around; try one of them and you’ll be sure to turn some heads.
Fashion icon profile: KATE MIDDLETON
Princess Kate shines after Royal Wedding
April 29 marks the one-year anniversary of Kate Middleton and Prince William, pushing Kate into the spotlight once again. The 30-year-old Duchess of Cambridge may be a beautiful princess, but she could also be the most stylish member of the Royal Family thus far.
Because the anniversary of her wedding was viewed by billions worldwide, she was an easy choice for our Fashion Icon Profile, especially since her ascension into fashion is an accomplishment all on its own.
From mixing her classy, High Street one-piece dresses to her signature designer L.K. Bennett nude pumps, women worldwide look up to her for her style, including celebrities here in the States. Even actress Demi Moore was wearing a Philip Treacy (Kate’s favorite) fascinator within a week of Middleton wearing one.
Between her classic pumps, dainty jewelry, cinched waist, elegant yet non-flashy clutches, and a modest hemline, Kate has elements of style fit for a commoner turned princess. She has even brought pantyhose back into style. Not only that, but she is known as the “Royal Recycler” while she wears outfits more than once. Now that is a great fashion role-model.
Her outfits sold by e-commerce sell out in just minutes of her appearing in them. Duplicates of her wedding dress were made within seconds of her getting out of the car on her wedding day. People crave Kate’s look, and some have even had plastic surgery to look like her!
Do you want to dress like Kate without breaking the bank? Don’t fret. You don’t need an Alice Temperley, Issa, Jenny Packham or LK Bennett dress to match the Duchess. There are simpler alternatives.
Her designer items, such as her favorite L.K. Bennett shoes, may be a bit pricy ($345), but many of these items have look-alikes for much less money. Look for nude pumps at chain stores such as Dillard’s or Payless for a good selection. Check out H&M or Target for one-piece, bold dresses fit for a Duchess.
Less expensive, yet modest blazers (black, navy, gray, white) and look-alike pea coats can be found at Gap, JCPenney or even Kohl’s. Shop around in your area, and you’ll be guaranteed to find a “royal match” fit for your own style.
The Duchess of Style
Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge was once just a commoner from Reading, Berkshire, England. But once she stepped out of her commoner car to marry her prince, the world gasped.
They were all waiting for the moment to see who the designer of ‘the dress’ was. The beautiful, long sleeved and lacy detailed dress resembled a modernized version of Grace Kelly’s wedding dress. The best part is that this was not only a huge fashion moment in the Duchess’ life, but for the fashion industry as well.
The designer was Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, who took over the British label after McQueen tragically, took his life a year before. This tribute was huge for Middleton, in that it started the frenzy over her
own style.
CAMPUS STYLE: Trendy student of the season
Kim Williams, 25, Dexter, broadcast arts
Kim WIlliams, the ‘trendy student of the season’ for Spring. (Jennifer Danczak/Contributor)
As a child, Williams would shop with her mother at designer stores, which sparked her interest in fashion early in life.
She now has friends all over the country, including New York, Miami and Las Vegas, who influence her style. Fashion-designer friends are always a plus!
Because these cities are more “fashion forward” than the Midwest, she gets ideas on trends and inspirations for her own personal style when she visits. Even though her email is filled with missives from Prada, Gucci and other designer brands, she needs to keep her fashion affordable and practical. Why? She’s a mother! Hard to wear mini dresses around a 5-year-old.
Nevertheless, her style is classy, colorful and never dull. Always the cutest accessories are paired with a statement piece. Even when she tries
to dress down, she still seems dressed up. Now that’s a
hot mom!
WV: What is your favorite trend to wear for spring/summer?
KW: Bright colors, big watches, embellished wedge heels.
WV: What would you label your style as?
KW: Trendy, classy.
WV: Who/what influences your taste and why?
KW: I get emails from high-end designers and stores to see the new trends, then shop at discount stores for those trends.
WV: What fashion icons do you look up to?
KW: Nicole Richie, Heidi Klum, Roberto Cavalli
WV: Where can your look be achieved while on a budget?
KW: Nordstrom Rack (for discounted designer styles) or online sites (Bluefly, Ideeli, Belle & Clive, eBay)
WV: What has been your best fashion buy of the season?
KW: A Kenneth Cole watch at Nordstrom rack for $60 (originally $200) and a studded sundress at Dolce Moda in Royal Oak on sale for $70
(originally $160).
