Wardrobe Oxygen: The KARL Collection

This week all fashionstas were a twitter over the new line by Karl Lagerfeld exclusively for Net-a-Porter.  KARL, a collection of apparel and accessories is true to Lagerfeld's style aesthetic – streamlined, clean lines, primarily black and white with some rocker and futuristic touches.  While KARL for Net-a-Porter is far more wallet-friendly than Lagerfeld's collections for Chanel, but can still be outside many stylish women's budgets.  Here's some online styles that can evoke the feeling of the KARL line, but at a lower price.

One of my favorite pieces from the KARL collection is a white stretch cotton biker jacket, available for $350.  It's a piece that will look amazing this winter with a black turtleneck and tall black boots, and come spring with a white shift and ankle booties.  Get this look for less from an unexpected retailer – Neiman Marcus.  The tony department store currently has a similar jacket on sale for $43 and is available in sizes M-XL.  Topshop also has a great faux-leather version for $110.

 

I remember watching a documentary about Karl Lagerfeld where he opened a drawer in his home and there were dozens and dozens of crisp white collars.  Staying true to his look, Lagerfelds offers five  collars in his Net-a-Porter collection – white poplin with a cameo, two black ones in crackled leather and printed faux leather, and two sequined styles.  You can get a similar look for less with some simple DIY tutorials from the Web.  With this tutorial from Refinery 29, recreate the white poplin KARL collar for a fraction of the cost (just use a crisp white shirt in place of the colored one that is featured); as you can see from this tutorial from V Juliet, you can easily embellish such a collar – add a layer of faux leather or sequined trim from your local fabric shop for a KARL-worthy creation!

 

Madonna showed up at the Golden Globes in a single black fingerless glove and then Lagerfeld's KARL collection features a pair of black leather cutaway gloves that are already sold out.  Expect this trend to be big this year; get the look for less with these fingerless driving gloves from Leather Gloves Online.  For only $17.95, the price can't be beat!

 

The Sabine sequined shorts are one of the most dramatic pieces in the KARL collection.  Worn now with a black tux jacket and tights it would be a great look for a big night out; come spring pair with a white charmeuse blouse and platform booties.  Get this show-stopping look for less with these sequin-covered tap shorts from Need Supply Co.  At only $52, you can afford to get a new blouse to pair with them!

 

Karl Lagerfeld often infuses his image into his collections and his profile has become quite iconic.  His KARL for Net-a-Porter collection features tees, totes, and tanks with his image on black and white backgrounds.  When I want to find a unique image on a tee shirt or tank, I always head to Etsy.  Entering "Karl Lagerfeld" into Etsy's search feature, I found this black tank, this white canvas tote, this whimsical dress, and this tee – each one priced under $20.00!

 

What is your favorite look from the KARL collection for Net-a-Porter?