Denim Dress-Up Dreams
In our latest Chic On A Shoestring, the focus is on denim.
Denim is about more than just blue jeans; it is one of the more versatile fabrics — giving denim fashion longer legs in the very fickle fashion world.
The September issue of Glamour magazine features some of fall's hottest denim fashions. Suze Yalof Schwartz, executive fashion director at Glamour magazine, says you don't have to spend a lot to look fashionable. She puts Early Show co-anchor Rene Syler, resident chef Bobby Flay, and weatherman Dave Price to the test to see if they can tell which outfits were steals, costing a fraction of designer prices of the other outfits.
And the winner of Chic On A Shoestring challenge was Dave Price. The game was hosted by Harry Smith.
Schwartz says denim is hotter than ever. The fabric owes it vitality to its ability to change constantly. It can be found bleached, sand-washed or dyed. It can also be glittered or painted to meet individual needs.
Schwartz presents three denim looks — Pleated Denim Minis, Colored Denim and Denim Dress — all of which are "hot" for fall.
Pleated Denim Minis
Minis are all the rage this fall according to Schwartz, and the pleated mini is hot. She says these skirts are flattering on all body types because they have an A-line shape, which conceals the hip area. Schwartz suggests pairing these minis with tights for a covered-up look if you're concerned about showing too much leg.
The Burberry skirt is more expensive because it is made out of a more durable denim and the buckles are leather.
Splurge, $1,005.00
Marc Jacobs Sweater: Barneys, $640
Burberry Skirt: Bloomingdale's, $365
Steal, $173.00
CK Top: Bloomingdale's, $38
Miss 60 skirt: Bloomingdale's, $135
Colored Denim
Schwartz says the newest trend is colored denim, hitting the runways in pastel colors such as baby blue, mint green and pink.
The jeans are also extra long, which Schwartz says is great for petite figures because they elongate their look. For an updated twist, Schwartz suggests a monochromatic look. If that's too much, try pairing these jeans with a crisp, white, button-down shirt.
Schwartz says the Balenciaga jeans are more expensive because they are hand-dyed.
Steal, $136.00
Express Top, $30
Juicy Jeans: Barneys, $106
Splurge, $900.00
Celine Top: Bloomingdale's, $445
Balenciaga jeans: Jeffrey, $455
Denim Dress
Schwartz says this is a sexy, form-fitting dress that will turn heads, she explains. It can be worn year-round. For winter, Schwartz recommends throwing a cardigan over your shoulders. You can easily dress it up with this year's hot metallic gold shoes and chandelier earrings.
The Alaia dress is more expensive than the Marc Jacobs dress because it is hand stitched.
Splurge, $980.00
Azzedine Alaia: Jeffrey, $980
Steal, $97.00
Marc by Marc Jacobs, $97