I really think you’re lying if you “don’t dream of your post-collegiette life.” Think about it: no more superfluous homework and instead of sporting the same sweat suit (ew) to class, you can wear stunning eveningwear after a long day at the office. Let’s not forget about the most anticipated gown you’ll ever wear: your wedding dress. Irina Shabayeva’s AW 2012 collection made me yearn for those days even more, if that’s possible. The presentation, which took place on February 13th at New York City’s Eventi Hotel, was equipped with fabulous dresses, strawberry-infused water, and a string quartet. Some soiree,right? I was so lucky to attend this event on behalf of Her Campus and am showing you how to incoporate trends from this show into your collegiette wardrobe.
It’s the Little Things That Count
I know what you’re thinking: “Sure, evening gowns and wedding dresses are gorgeous, but I can’t wear one of these showstoppers to Lambda- Chi-Pi…whatever frat I’m headed to this weekend.” You’re right; however, we can all take a note from Shabayeva’s collection and spice up our daily attire with some fun and fashionable fripperies. Can’t get enough of the lace appliqué? Try rocking a lace top to the next party you attend. Obsessed with that fur shrug? Take it to the next level and sport a fur faux vest or jacket. Just because we don’t have the event- or budget- to wear a Shabayeva original doesn’t mean that we can’t take inspiration from this collection.
Fierce Makeup
Okay, so there’s only so much fur and lace a collegiette can own. Another thing to take from this collection is the fun makeup. Every model at Shabayeva’s presentation sported a red lip and a phenomenal cat eye. Can it get any more fierce than that? I don’t think so. Lucky for us, this trend is super easy to copy. If you don’t have a red lip by now, I highly suggest you get one STAT. While there are so many different shades and price points, I’m obsessed with NARS’ Heat Wave and Trans Siberian lipsticks. Super glam! As for the cat eye, a liquid liner will do the trick. The best part about this trend is that you can wear it wherever, whenever: parties, classes, internships, etc. The options are limitless!
Ahead of the Fashion Curve
I’m sad to say that the days of hats are over. Instead of our favorite less-than-perfect hair remedy, Shabayeva gives us a fun alternative that’s as lovable as our hats: oversized flowers. What an avant garde mix of Blair Waldorf and Carrie Bradshaw! Nobody expects you to wear a huge flower to your morning lecture: the cute boy behind you won’t be able to take notes! Instead, find a smaller flower or even a floral headband. As Shabayeva’s collection shows us, florals aren’t just for spring!
If you think that Christian Siriano is the only Project Runway winner to really break into the fashion industry, think again! Shabayeva won the sixth season of the hit reality show. Since then, she’s been very busy dressing celebrities like Selena Gomez and Lady Gaga as well as creating a capsule collection for INC International Concepts. Shabayeva debuted her first NYFW collection at Lincoln Center last February. With an already impressive start, we’ll be hearing about Shabayeva for a very long time!