I utterly adore luxury designers, but I don’t tout myself as someone able to purchase them on the regular.  While being a blogger occasionally feels glamorous, I’m not yet at a place to feasibly afford designers like Versace, Prada, Chanel, etc.  Where I excel as a blogger is being able to take current runway styles and recreate them… to show my followers that you can be fashion-forward no matter your income.

THE HUNT:

Finding high-fashion trends on a budget can be difficult. Stores at typical malls carry styles that are a MINIMUM of one season behind runway styles.  Did stripes just hit the runway? You’ll see them pop up at H&M next season.  Is cerulean the new favorite color? You’ll be able to grab it at Express next Summer.  **Cue Meryl Streep’s monologue in The Devil Wears Prada about how styles filter down here. **.  Personally, I find it extremely fun building looks similar to runway favorites.  But honestly, it can get exhausting searching for the perfect pieces when they can’t be found in stores yet.

FINALLY FOUND:

Designer Christopher John Rogers gave me a reason to gasp, LOUDLY, in Target last week.  It’s rare to find a luxury designer that a creates high fashion collections at an inexpensive price.  I completely understand and appreciate that when you buy designs created by leading fashion houses, you are paying for the artistry, the beautiful vision, quality materials, and the time spent to create/manufacture each piece.  Christopher John Rogers, who creates ensembles showcased at NYFW, designed a collection for Target that is the closest I have found to shopping high fashion within my budget!  

WHAT I LOVE:

He created bold pieces that aren’t just trendy, but extremely fashion forward. Additionally, he’s giving women (and men, if it’s your style) a chance to turn heads and feel confident.  Each design feels like it’s directly off the runway, showcasing SS2021 details such as vertical stripes, elaborate ruffles, and bright color blocking.  These trends can also be seen within runway shows such as Bottega Veneta, Versace, Badgley Mischka, and more.  My personal favorite is his Floral Puff Sleeve Shirtdress, which has a flattering silhouette, heightened sleeves, and graceful, flowy movement. Quite honestly, it makes me feel beautiful. Conquer how to style puffy sleeves here.

I will always strive to support artful haute couture, but I am truly thankful for this rare opportunity to grab these affordable designs with ease while they’re available!

Check out the full Christopher John Rogers for Target collection.

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The puffy sleeve trend has made its rounds from the 1800’s to the 80’s, and started resurfacing in the 2019 runway shows of designers such as Marc Jacobs and Valentino. You probably even caught a regal glimpse of Beyonce sporting the style at the 2020 Golden Globes! Here are a four tricks of the trade to style puffy sleeves!

FOCUS ON FABRIC: Finding the right fabric is the basis of conquering a puff-sleeve ensemble. A light fabric can be too wispy and cling, where as sturdy fabric will help the look from losing its shape.

BOLD ACCESSORIES: You can add heightened accessories to help even out the drama of the look. My recommendation, wear your hair up with a large pair of earrings, or even go with a bright color. In this look, I chose to do both with the hot pink Forever 21 bag and earrings.

PRINTS: A good print, like the floral motif seen in this H&M dress, is a perfect way to help camouflage as well as accentuate the puff. You’d almost think that adding a bold print with puffy sleeves would be too over the top, but really, it ups the drama and can give the whole look high-fashion vibes.

CINCH THE WAIST: To even out the fullness of the sleeves, find a design that has a cinched or form fitted waistline, or even do it yourself with a cute belt! It will allow the puff sleeves to be the statement piece without feeling frumpy everywhere else!

Trying this dramatic look takes some getting used to, but with these four style tips, you’ll be ready to wear puffy sleeves like a pro! Who says the runway models should have all the fun?

The post How to Style Puffy Sleeves appeared first on She's Red Haute.