How can you successfully translate a runway look to a street look?

(To specify: Am referring to an “everyday” look, not “hookerville” look)

It’s easier than you might think.

I’ve found two things to be helpful:

1. Knowing where to shop                                                                     (sounds easy enough, but a lot of peeps are clueless)
2. Knowing what specific looks and designers to look out for

Some looks (a la John Galliano per exemple) aren’t easily translatable.

Take a look:

While other designers, a la Diane von Furstenberg, tend to be more “user friendly:”

To help break it down for you, I’ve compiled a list of five trends I love and designer pieces that rocked it.

Regardless of your clothing size, these are trends that you can incorporate into your wardrobe today!

As always, if you have any questions or want any specific recs email me: catherine@catherinecollinsinc.com

Enjoy!

1. The Tribal Dress. I’m a big fan of Pocahontas (the Disney movie) and anything eclectic that evokes a “tribal” image. Here are my three fave tribal inspired dresses this spring. I’m particularly obsessed with Diane von Furstenberg’s beaded dress below. Who says fashion isn’t a art? I’d rather have this dress hanging on my wall than a Roy Lichenstein print.

My pics:

Investment Piece                          Moderate            Tots Affordable

Info:

Dress A: Beaded tribal cotton-blend by Diane von Furstenberg. $745@Bergdorf Goodman, New York.

Dress B: Silk “tainted-love tribal-print dress” by Nanette Lepore. Currently on sale for $253@bergdorfgoodman.com

Dress C: Zebr-print cotton dress by Michael by Michael Kors. Available in black and grey for $139@michaelkors.com

1. Polka-dots. I’ve been a huge fan of polkadots since I was introduced to Minnie Mouse (aka age five). So, I was quite ecstatic when polka-dots made a splash on the runway this spring. They’re a youthful, playful, and flirty print that can vamp up any look, on any figure.

My pics:

Pear Shaped Figure Wardrobe Staple   Petite Figure   “Ladies Who Lunch”

Cocktail Hour

Info:

Look A: “Erin breakers” polka dot shirt dress by Lauren by Ralph Lauren. Available in sizes 4-16 for $130@bloomingdales.com

Look B: Dotted denim jacket by Rebecca Taylor. Available in sizes 0-12 for $325@net-a-porter.com

Look C: “Jordana” polka dot dress by Alice+Olivia. $396@bloomingdales.com

Look D: “Reina” silk polka dot dress by Kate Spade. $396@net-a-porter.com

Look E: “Dot-Print Three-Quarter Sleeve Dress” by DKNY. Available in sizes 2-14 for $245@bloomingdales.com

1. Bustiers. I’m a romantic and total cheerleader of donning anything reminiscent of a Jane Austen novel. Hola bustiers! It’s a great compromise between a fitted strapless top and a corset. Au contraire to the title, you don’t have to be busty to rock a bustier. Celebs (voluptuous and size A alike) have been rockin’ the bustier look on the red carpet this season. No reason you can’t too!

My pics:

Daredevil /Splurge                                         WASP/Conservative

Info:

Look A: Silk-satin bustier top avec tulle and lace embroidery by Alexander McQueen. $1995@net-a-porter.com. For a sophisticated look, pair with a black pencil skirt that hits below the knee (try Theory). For a more playful look, pair with a full, black ballerina skirt that hits above the knee (try See by Chloe). Feeling extra daring? Add a thin patent leather belt!

Look B: Combine the look of two trends (bustier and polka dots) for the price of one! Cream cotton bustier top with embroidered polkadots by Rebecca Taylor. In sizes 2-14 for $215@net-a-porter.com.

1. White Tuxedo Jacket. The new “black jacket,” the white tuxedo blazer is a fabulous, timeless investment piece you’ll wear for years to come, regardless of the current trend. If you do wanna look trendy, I love the look of mixing masculine and feminine pieces. One great way to achieve this look is to pair a white tuxedo jacket over a multi-print mini with white oxfords. Initially made popular by the one and only Kate Moss, a white tuxedo jacket evokes effortless cool. This piece is incredibly versatile, and can easily transition you from a chic day look to uber glam night look.

My pics:

The Rockstar             The CEO                     The Prepster          ..and Kate Moss

Info:

Look A: White stretch-cotton tuxedo jacket by McQ by Alexander McQueen. $500. Available@net-a-porter.com (My personal fave:).

Look B: White polyester tuxedo blazer by Elizabeth and James. $395. Available@shopbop.com

Look C: White polyester “Fiance Blazer” by Bop Basics. $198. Available@shopbop.com

Look D: She’s not called a “style icon” for nada. Kate Moss rockin’ a white tuxedo jacket in Paris this winter. Proof that this is a piece you can truly wear all year round.

1. Multi-Prints/Multi-Colors. If you’re a) not a fan of the kitsch or “matchy-matchy” look or b) have difficulty matching clothes, this is your season baby! Multi-prints are huuuge this season. If you’re drawn to retro, eclectic looks like I am this spring’s hit multi-print dress is for you! Don’t hesitate to mix a striped sweater with a floral print dress. This season, mixing is in vogue.

My pics:

The Classic            Ballerina Hippie    Boho Elegance     Greenwich Village Hipster

The Romantic                The Flirt         Cowgirl Chic           Edgy Sophisticate

Info:

Look A (The Classic): “Tri-color lace dress” by Milly. I’m obsessed with this dress. Love the color/fabric contrast and it’s timelessness factor. A fabulous, classic transitional piece that will take you from the office to cocktail hour. Available in sizes 0-12 for $360@net-a-porter.com

Look B (Ballerina Hippie): “Ukita Patchwork Skirt” with welt front pockets by Marc by Marc Jacobs. Available in sizes 2-10 for $328@shopbop.com

Look C (Boho Elegance). “Printed silk dress” by one of my favorite designers, Anna Sui. 100% silk. Available in sizes 0-12 for $475@net-a-porter.com. This dress is definitely an investment, but one you won’t regret. The empire waist and loose fitting skirt make this dress uber flattering on fuller figures. NOTE: If you’re trying to hide a bit of tummy flab, a dress like this is a great solution. Use this dress as a template of what to look for: The empire waist accentuates your boobs and your waist where it’s smallest, and the full mutli-layered, multi-colored skirt distracts from any “mid area” problems.

Look D (Greenwich Village Hipster): “Maize sweater” by Marc by Marc Jacobs. $228@shopbop.com. For a really mismatched look, pair with a multi colored short skirt. For a more streamlined, every day look pair with skinny jeans and white oxford shoes.

Look E (The Romantic): “Drifting Blossoms print silk shirt;” colarless with three quarter length sleeves by Rebecca Taylor. Available in sizes 0-12 for $295 on net-a-porter.com. NOTE: This shirt has a layered bottom which is loong (aka hits below the bumb and below the crotch area…yes I really just said ‘crotch’) and ties at the waist. Because of the length, this shirt is ideal for long legged women (it will help to elongate your torso). Also an ideal choice for hiding any “extra tummy.” Pair with a white tuxedo blazer.

Look F (The Flirt): “Tribal Colorblock Dress” by Catherine Malandrino. $225@shopbop.com. NOTE: This dress is very form fitting and short. As such, I’d recommend it for svelte, small figures (sizes 0-4/6) with more of a boyish figure (i.e. very leggy, no boobs). There’s really no wear to hide in this dress!

Look E (Cowgirl Chic): “Diamond Denim Jacket” by Marc by Marc Jacobs (big fan as you can tell:). $298@shopbop.com. This jacket has a very vintage, Western feel that I love. You could wear it on a ranch in Wyoming or towing around NYC. Country or cosmopolitan, you’d still look really cool. Such is the joy of Marc Jacobs.

Look F (Edgy Sophisticate): “Printed Jersey Dress” by BCBG. Made from wrinkle-resistant jersey, which make this dress suprisingly travel friendly! An edgy, color take on a very classic silhouette. $148@bloomingdales.com