posted: November 30, 2009

Written by: Yekaterina Burmatnova
Edited by: Jo Ann L.B. Duggins

BALMAINise Yourself

This past fashion week was missing the bells and whistles as many designers had to scale down the grandeur of their productions. The economy has touched us all and in turn showed its reflection in the work of the invincible designers. Many have said that when the funds are lacking the only thing you can fall back on is your creativity. The balance tipped as the shows were downsized but the creativity exploded all over the runways.

I was sitting in front of my computer screen, drooling at the clothing that came down the runway. It was screaming my name; it wanted to come live with me. It was begging in desperation: “Buy me, please! I will look mind-blowingly amazing on you.” Mesmerized, I answered the pleading calls and went on to find the Balmain jacket I was salivating over online. As soon as I saw the price tag my jaw dropped and hit the keyboard and suddenly I got rid of the spell that clouded my mind and messed with my judgment.

I am not saying that no one can afford a Balmain jacket or any piece of his clothing for that matter, but let's be realistic, not many of us can. People these days are refusing to spend. Here is my approach...when you can’t afford it, make it yourself. I could go on and on and talk about how beautiful the collections were but why should I, when you can go online and see it for yourself. Instead, I figured, letting you know how to achieve the runway looks of less would be more valuable.

What Balmain sent down the runway this season was pure genius; you could call it rock and roll chic. There was leather, sequins, torn up t-shirts, militaristic jackets, more leather and lets not forget utility (zippers, metal button, etc.). Well if you want the Balmain - THIS is how you should go about it:

1. The leather pants can be substituted by a pair of American Apparel shiny leggings, that look like leather. (retail at $46)
2. To get the ripped t-shirt look, well this one it self-explanatory. Take an old t-shirt and cut it up until you get the desired look. (as low as your top drawer)
3. The jacket is the hard part. You have a few options here: you can go to H&M and buy a jacket with Balmain sleeves, or just update your old coat to give it more of a militaristic look. (thrift store works as well)

Whichever option you prefer, here is how you can make it your own. It’s really simple, find some old gold military buttons and replace your old ones with them.

Voila! You have been Balmainised and for under $100, that’s in comparison for $11,000 for the jacket alone.

Vive Balmain! Fashon for less.

And don’t forget to over accessorize!
SEE!



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