Shop Your Closet: Runway Style
Today, we're tweaking our Shop Your Closet format just a touch and dedicating the entire story to a single collection: 3.1 Phillip Lim. In the approximately four years since Lim launched his eponymous company, we've come to depend on his hugely wearable and delightfully understated designs. Whether it's a thoughtfully executed coat or an incredibly adaptable dress, each season is a treasure trove of wardrobe gems and invariably full of those go-to pieces you pull out again and again.
In addition to giving us the expected assortment of outfit essentials, this spring Lim kicked off his show with a head-to-toe must-try look. The foundation of this ensemble was relatively simple: a black pair of pegged trousers and a shoulder-emphasizing, structured, white blouse. Most of you probably have some version of these key items already; though if you don't, or just want to update your basics, try Elizabeth and James' Kingstone Trousers ($329) with either 3.1 Phillip Lim's Origami Sleeve Blouse
($310) or Plastic Island's Bubble Hem Blouse
($70).
Once you've solidified the base of your outfit with these pieces, it's time to add a little flair with a few trendy accessories. Obviously the standout item in this look is the amazing gold-trim vest, which is totally band-geek chic. Frogged outerwear appeared on numerous runways this season—check out the Military Jackets
($5075) at Balmain and the Drummer Boy Jacket ($1933) from Tao by Comme des Garcons for reference—but we like Lim's take on the trend. He endorsed the decorative detailing via the Asymmetrical Vest ($495), a much more reasonably priced piece! Unsurprisingly, this wonderful waistcoat sparked a shopping frenzy and is basically sold out everywhere (though we found it in black at Colette).
Aside from shopping the French boutique, there is another way to acquire a similar vest. The genius folks over at Target created a thoroughly darling version with their Go International Bandleader Vest ($35, 800.800.8800)—it's just absurdly cute! Additionally, if you're the crafty sort, you could make your own version, just check out Caroline Blomst's DIY explanation at Mode Feber (or view this Swedish to English translation for the step-by-step process).
As for the rest of the 3.1 Phillip Lim look, the next necessary component is a monochrome belt like Topshop's Interlink Skinny Belt ($40), shown above, or Element's Noreen Belt ($26). Shoe-wise, Lim showed many of the runway ensembles with Christian Louboutin's Deva 120 Boots
($1095). Also available in nude
, these booties have great fringing on the front of the shoe, which really plays up their sexy, semi-bohemian appeal. While we'd love to own the originals, we're also happy to settle for a similar style, like N.Y.L.A's Fergie Pumps
($102), for a tenth of the price!
Outfit complete, we have one final question for you: why not experiment with a slick hairstyle? While we're probably going to skip the oversized bun—it's probably best to leave it to the runways—we definitely could go for a more realistic variation. Instead, we'll just try the deep side part and neatly pulled back hair, which is easy to achieve with a grooming product like Frederic Fekkai's Extra Control Styling Gel
($23).
You Have: Elizabeth and James Kingstone Trousers ($329)
3.1 Phillip Lim's Origami Sleeve Blouse ($310)
Go Buy: Target Go International Bandleader Vest ($35, 800.800.8800)
Topshop Interlink Skinny Belt ($40)
N.Y.L.A Fergie Pumps ($102)
Frederic Fekkai's Extra Control Styling Gel ($23)
In addition to giving us the expected assortment of outfit essentials, this spring Lim kicked off his show with a head-to-toe must-try look. The foundation of this ensemble was relatively simple: a black pair of pegged trousers and a shoulder-emphasizing, structured, white blouse. Most of you probably have some version of these key items already; though if you don't, or just want to update your basics, try Elizabeth and James' Kingstone Trousers ($329) with either 3.1 Phillip Lim's Origami Sleeve Blouse
Once you've solidified the base of your outfit with these pieces, it's time to add a little flair with a few trendy accessories. Obviously the standout item in this look is the amazing gold-trim vest, which is totally band-geek chic. Frogged outerwear appeared on numerous runways this season—check out the Military Jackets
Aside from shopping the French boutique, there is another way to acquire a similar vest. The genius folks over at Target created a thoroughly darling version with their Go International Bandleader Vest ($35, 800.800.8800)—it's just absurdly cute! Additionally, if you're the crafty sort, you could make your own version, just check out Caroline Blomst's DIY explanation at Mode Feber (or view this Swedish to English translation for the step-by-step process).
As for the rest of the 3.1 Phillip Lim look, the next necessary component is a monochrome belt like Topshop's Interlink Skinny Belt ($40), shown above, or Element's Noreen Belt ($26). Shoe-wise, Lim showed many of the runway ensembles with Christian Louboutin's Deva 120 Boots
Outfit complete, we have one final question for you: why not experiment with a slick hairstyle? While we're probably going to skip the oversized bun—it's probably best to leave it to the runways—we definitely could go for a more realistic variation. Instead, we'll just try the deep side part and neatly pulled back hair, which is easy to achieve with a grooming product like Frederic Fekkai's Extra Control Styling Gel
You Have: Elizabeth and James Kingstone Trousers ($329)
3.1 Phillip Lim's Origami Sleeve Blouse
Go Buy: Target Go International Bandleader Vest ($35, 800.800.8800)
Topshop Interlink Skinny Belt ($40)
N.Y.L.A Fergie Pumps
Frederic Fekkai's Extra Control Styling Gel
Hi guys, the vest is on Target.com under new items ;]
Posted by: aimy | 2009-04-21 16:49:44
Hey everyone! My target store had a couple of the vests left so i'm selling them on ebay if you're interested! just search for "Target Go International Vest"
Posted by: Lisa | 2009-04-19 14:40:45
I want that go international vest!! damn it. it's no where in sight..probably on ebay, but i bet ppl are selling it for a $100+
Posted by: lianna | 2009-04-17 17:39:47
I ran out an bought the Target vest as soon as I saw it here (I'm told it was the last one in LA)! pics on http://jazzimcg.com
Posted by: Jazzi M. | 2009-04-17 15:28:13
is the Target vest available on the website? do i need to call the number to purchase it or will it be in stores/online?
Posted by: L | 2009-04-17 13:35:43
Does anyone know where I can get a pair of pants like those Elizabeth & James ones but for cheaper? I'm on the lookout for the perfect black trousers..
Posted by: lulu | 2009-04-15 21:36:24
Can you please post where we can find something similar OUT OF THE US!? Thanks
Posted by: S-R | 2009-04-15 20:09:11
I want that VEST!!! Damn Canada for not having a Target!!!! How the hell do I get it now!?
Posted by: S-R | 2009-04-15 20:07:54
wow, that vest is adorable! good job, target! sugarrockcatwalk.com
Posted by: lani | 2009-04-15 18:40:15
This post has my heart skipping a beat... 3.1 Phillip Lim and Balmain!!! You guys know the way to my heart! And even though its Trendy, what a great year for Fashion!!! I don't care what anyone says, I have to have that Balmain jacket, and I love the rough edge design on the example model cut-out! 3.1 Phillip Lim runway was outstanding and I love all the pieces u choose for shoppers ...Such a great job WWW.. This is by far another one of my favorite post! GREAT COPY ALSO!
Posted by: The Illistrious | 2009-04-15 11:42:43
The vest is really cute, but it runs big and they didn't have any XS left at my store =/
Posted by: aimy | 2009-04-15 11:23:45
Love this post!! :) love the E+J pants! But Target isn't in the UK. I wish I lived in America!
Posted by: Molly | 2009-04-15 10:45:27
I love the vest! www.lovellegirl.blogspot.com
Posted by: Tara | 2009-04-15 10:33:27
Best post in a while!!
Posted by: Jenny | 2009-04-15 09:57:18
I bought that vest at my local Target yesterday, the last one. Check your Target fast! Love it!
Posted by: Kelly | 2009-04-15 09:54:28
I work at a fashion magazine and we had the target vest come in as a sample. I asked the PR person when they would be available online and she said they would soon and that its currently in Target stores. love those E + J pants!!
Posted by: Lee | 2009-04-15 09:53:40
i LOVE the vest from target!! it's great esp. because it isn't too over the top and could definitely translate into any wardrobe without looking like someone was trying too hard. do you know when it is going to be in stores or available online?
Posted by: mollymc181 | 2009-04-15 09:20:34
Where can I find that Targegt Go International vest! I am obsessed and it's not online yet and there are no targets in the city. Help!
Posted by: C | 2009-04-15 08:54:24
i am loving the look! i love the Phillip Lim blouse & E&J trousers! very very cute! yours truly, \\yy xo http://yvetteyeau.com
Posted by: Yvette | 2009-04-15 08:33:17
Good post, but I miss WWW TV. What happened to it?
Posted by: T | 2009-04-15 07:08:16
Really great post,the cheaper "copy"-options looks awesome. Also love the Philip Lim 3.1 line for this spring and the coming fall. He can really make clothes that people could and actually want to wear. Love 3.1!
Posted by: Vanessa | 2009-04-15 03:42:52