How to get the Victoria Beckham look from Karen Millen!
Sunday, January 05, 2014
When it comes to my personal style I've always been about the super-luxe, perfectly coordinated, polished look. For me the word "casual" doesn't exist when it comes to my wardrobe choices and neither does the word "practical"! In the world of "The Real Elle Woods" it's totally normal to wear 5inch heels everyday, and we should always dress to impress (after all it takes no more time in the morning to put on a beautifully tailored dress than it does a pair of sloppy jeans and a hoody!) It will therefore come as no surprise for you to learn that Victoria Beckham's super sleek style is one I'm instantly attracted to and admire immensely!
She always looks perfectly put together, and when it comes to her own designs, I can honestly say I have been totally won over. As a designer, Victoria's extremely clever use of cut means her dresses perfectly accentuate the female frame, and her use of expensive materials mean they hold you in and sculpt your body to give you the ultimate kick ass figure! Having tried on some of her designs I've witnessed the quality of the fabrics and finish at first hand, and have seen what they do for the figure! While they are expensive I do see her dresses as an investment worth making, but what to do if you can't justify the £1,000 plus price tag?
Well firstly I'd never go for a cheap knock off (you see them advertised all the time on social media) as they are 9/10 made from cheap fabric which will be badly tailored, and honestly girls they will look completely fake from a mile off! Instead opt to buy from a reputable outlet of Victoria Beckham's designs such as CRUISE Outlet or THE OUTNET (Net-a-Porter's official outlet). Where you can find end of season pieces greatly reduced!
Another option is to consider pieces which are not exact copies of her designs, but rather ones that are reminiscent of her design aesthetic, made with good quality fabric, and are expertly cut/tailored!
Step in Karen Millen!! My regular readers will know I'm obsessed with this label, and probably 90% of my wardrobe is from my beloved KM! This is due to their use of high quality fabrics and expert tailoring, and very reasonable prices when compared to their high end designer counterparts. (Their bandage body con pieces in my humble opinion are every bit as good as Hervé Léger's designs but at a fraction of their price!)
When recently browsing their sale rails I came across their "Tuxedo suit pencil dress" and as soon as I saw it I fell hard for it, with it's distinctive v necked double strapped neckline and peplum detailing, this was a super chic, grown up LBD, that hit all the top style notes!
Karen Millen Tuxedo suit pencil dress (DR189): WAS £175, NOW £85.
However in the back of my mind I knew it reminded me of something I'd seen before, and turned out I was thinking of the Victoria Beckham black halter strap dense ribbed jersey fitted dress! In fact i'd even "Style Spotted" the lovely Velda Murdock wearing the very same dress in my piece on the CRUISE (store) "Summer Style" Party for Belfast Times! (Click HERE to view).
Victoria Beckham Halter strap dense ribbed jersey fitted dress: WAS £1,480 NOW £1,036. Available from CRUISE Outlet.
The Victoria Beckham version has similar double straps, and is also body con in design, and certainly has a similar feel to the Karen Millen tuxedo suit pencil dress!
However that's where the similarities end, as the Karen Millen dress has a very chic v neckline (rather than VB's high necked dress) which is mirrored in it's V shaped front panel, and who could forget those perfectly placed peplums at the hips accentuating a woman's curves and tiny waist!
Karen Millen Tuxedo suit pencil dress (DR189).
Victoria Beckham Halter strap dense ribbed jersey fitted dress.
However the best part was the price, as this stunning Karen Millen dress was a mere £85 in the sale, and as soon as I tried it on I knew it was a total "must have"!!!! This is a dress that would be perfect for any lady wanting to make a statement in the office, or would work equally as well as a super chic dress for dinner or a stylish cocktail party!! I can't wait to wear it!!
As for styling, well I thought it would be rather good fun to channel my inner "Posh" and work it a la Beckham! Below are two looks, the first features Victoria Beckham's black dress, with one of her signature bags, and her favourite shoe label, Christian Louboutin! The second is my Karen Millen number featuring accessories all from KM!
Victoria Beckham Halter strap dense ribbed jersey fitted dress: WAS £1,480 NOW £1,036. Available from CRUISE Outlet.
The Victoria mini matte-leather tote £1750. Available from Victoria Beckham.
Christian Louboutin Pigalle spikes 120 napa leather pumps £750. Available from Net-a-Porter.
TAG Heuer F1 ladies diamond set bracelet watch £1950. Available from Ernest Jones.
Tuxedo suit pencil dress (DR189): WAS £175, NOW £85.
Stud and jewel court shoe (FR221) £275.
Eyelet and stud box bag (GR138) WAS £200, NOW £100.
Ceramic watch (VP001) £225.
All available from Karen Millen.
Let me know what you think, which dress is your favourite!
