Episode: Modern Vintage Mission Accomplished

From feminine draping to military structure and even Avatar-inspired tribal splash, there's a lot going on in this season's trends. Afiya and Janette help you translate over-the-top runway spectacles into trendy, wearable looks for real life.
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Takeaway Tips
  • Runway Shows are Theatre, not Real Life
  • Look for Wearable Pieces Inspired by Runway Trends
  • Mix & Match to Create Your Personal Style
Agent Blogs February 2010
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Lately, fashion has a fresh face as individual style is taking center stage. From Lady Gaga to Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, individual style (marked by eclectic mixes of eras and tastes) is giving fashion and taste-makers a much needed break from predictable, prescribed fashion. The overall trend of individual style is really about mixing trends to create a unique look that is totally you!

For spring, we are seeing so many great trends. Some of my faves include the lingerie as outerwear (think Great Gatsby, not Madonna), Avatar (futuristic yet organic, think futuristic tribal-inspired), military (more distressed than formal) and '70s rocker (a la Joan Jett). What is cool about these looks is that they can all work together to create a super-cool outfit that's says edgy confidence.

When Afiya and I went shopping we found these trends in so many stores at Vaughan Mills. Carriere Studio had just about every trend, and style mecca XXI had every trend and more! When mixing these trends remember to include elements that are hard (edgy rocker, tribal-modern) with softer elements like lingerie and girly, frilly looks (Lolita-inspired looks, ruffles and plenty of soft pinks are huge this season as well). The edge and the feminine balance off each other and make a "look" appear more individual and less formulaic (just like our final outfit). Happy Trend Shopping!
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Runway shows and editorial spreads are beautiful and theatrical, meant to entertain and inspire. So how to translate your fave over-the-top looks from the runway into outfits for real life? A tip is to choose defining elements that lend a similar feel. Look at the fabrics, colours, cuts and textures of your fave trends and incorporate them into your wardrobe.

For example, a designer may send his models down the runway in total Avatar-inspired looks – but rather than copy the look from head-to-toe, you should choose pieces that work for your wardrobe. While the models may wear an armload of wooden bangles to the elbow, you can get a similiar, more wearable feel with a few bracelets of the same material. Rather than wear a tattered loincloth (so few people can pull them off :) a suede mini makes a perfect alternative.

Stores like XXI and French Connection are perfect destinations as they are pros at bringing the hottest trends to real shoppers at super affordable prices. You don't have to break the bank to get the look you want!