Runaway with the Runway - D&G A/W 2011-12 Ready to Wear

Fellow Blogees,
Hope you're all well? This week we have decided to do something a little different, in a feature I like to call 'Runaway with the Runway'. We all lust after that glamour and edge of the designer look, without the hefty pricetag. We know how it feels to turn every page of Vogue and feel your heart sink when you clock the price; realising you'd have to remortgage just to afford one thing they feature. So we decided to take some of the best known and loved collections from across the world and show you how you can get the same look, for a fraction of the cost. So turn that frown upside down, Cinderella shall go to the ball, yeeehahh!

We've taken our inspiration from the Dolce and Gabanna Autumn/Winter 2011-12 collection. The collection demonstrated a group of eye-popping skirts, in bright and majestic colours. Made from marabou feathers,the tutus created a captivating explosion of feathers, each unique and mesmerising.

All photos from Vogue

The models also sported a range of printed tees, ranging from bold checkered prints, to monochrome slogan ensembles. The tops normally clashed with the skirt, probably in effect to try and create more of a fun impact, which it certainly does!

All photos from Vogue

The make up on this look was beautifully understated and elegant. It was kept simple on purpose, to keep all the attention on the outfit, and the contrast works amazingly. The whole face was kept to look as natural as possible. The skin was kept fresh looking and dewy, finished with an amazing glow. There is a very slight hint of blush, with contouring produced by subtle highlighter. In this look, it was all about the eyes. There is heavy liner to add intensity and drama, created by using eye Kohl as the base for a creamy and soft look. Over the top was a more heavy duty gel or liquid liner. There was a classic flick at the end of the eye to elongate the natural eye shape. There was then a nude or white liner used on the inner bottom waterline to enhance the size of the eye and accentuate the eye. The eyebrows were kept natural and slightly bushy looking, which we particularly love, who wants
no eyebrows?? The lips were also kept plain, maybe with  a very small touch of clear/light pink gloss.

The whole look is lots of fun, and probably great if you're Cara Delevingne. However, not all of us get to strut up and down the runway wearing jazzy clothes all day. Neither do we get afforded the luxury of wearing these amazing creations to work or school and get away with it. Instead we get sniggers and funny remarks as we try and imitate Cara down the corridor. So hopefully with our reincarnation, you won't feel silly sitting in the office or hiding at the back of the lecture hall. Ok, so our look isn't an exact replica, but it's a wearable nod to this trend, here's how we did it...

The make up look can easily be recreated. For the eyeliner we used MAC Kohl in the shade Smoulder, with Maybelline Eye Stiletto Liquid Liner over the top. For the lashes we used L'Oreal Volume Millions Mascara, with the shade Faint, from Urban Decay Basics Palette for the eyebrows.

Our answer to the incredible fluffy tutu can be found at either ASOS or Topshop :

The first skirt from ASOS is the most like the skirts featured in D&G's collection, so if you're trying to copy the look exactly, head for this option.This is a slightly more A line shape, meaning it's more 
flattering. Obviously this one is not made from fancy feathers. but simple mesh layers of netting. 
However it does the trick just the same, and at £60 it's a steal!

The middle skirt is £42 from Topshop. Although it looses some of the body and flamboyance of the original skirt, it gains on the fringing front, and who doesn't love fringing? Another point in it's favour is it's colour. Black goes with everything and makes it more wearable with different looks. Definitely a good alternative.

The final skirt is also a Topshop number. This holographic sequined pelmet skirt is just, BRILLIANT. Although it doesn't have a set colour, it encompasses many colours which is a great version on a theme. It's still fun, and still different.

Our alternative to the printed tees can be found at River Island or New Look:

First option from River Island is £25, practically day light robbery! This T Shirt has added texture with  faux fur check print. This is nearly identical to the D&G ones, nobody would ever know! 

Second Option from New Look is an even better option at just £22.99! This combines the boxy shape with the monochrome print brilliantly, again, nobody would ever know! 

Third is another boxy top from New Look. The checks are very D&G, so you can feel super chic wearing this! £15, buy two! 

Last but not least is this laser cut ,pink,boxy tee from New Look for £15. If you're trying to inject colour, this top is the one for you! 

Follow these steps and you should be on your way to recreating this fabulous look! Be creative and have fun! If you try to attempt it, do send us in your recreations, we'd love to see them!

Until next time, 

LLB x