Alphabet soup on the runway

D&G, the younger brand of Dolce & Gabbana, hits Milan Fashion Week

D&G is the younger sister of the better-known Dolce & Gabbana brand. It is also cheaper and for the frugal fashionista, and it’s more fun to look at. I might be able to buy the pieces by saving up $500 instead of $5000.

However,  I want to stress that even if you don’t want to buy the designer clothes you can still get inspiration from the fashion shows that are happening throughout February–which is when fall/winter fashion week takes place.

D&G has usually played off of its older sibling when it comes to overall themes and this year they again shared a similar theme of menswear. Of course since D&G is the younger brand the menswear elements were more tomboy and punk influences instead of the lacy, grown up suits and ties we see from Dolce & Gabbana.

I’m undecided on this collection, but there has not been a show this season so far that I just died over.

Then again Paris Fashion Week has yet to come. Some of the fashions were just down right tacky. Instead of using a print as a pattern the designers used letters. It is definitely unique, but instead of conveying the message of sexy attire, the letters—combined with bright pastels—conjure up images of kindergarten.

If you’re like me and don’t like screen-printed tees with sayings on them you can still appreciated this collection.  I loved the mixture of girly and boyish clothing as well as the fact that Converse sneakers can be considered high fashion since the designers used them as footwear. Converse are my go to winter shoes. Don’t be afraid to wear them with dresses or skirts either.

Another fashion tip to take away from the D&G show is the fact that black isn’t the only color you can rock in winter.

This collection as well as many others from Milan Fashion Week proved that bright colors aren’t just for spring. Pull out your teals and pinks and hopefully we’ll see more brightly colored sweaters hit the racks in stores in time for this fall.

Layering is one of my favorite things to do in the winter and it just makes sense. In the show, there were shorter cotton skirts layered over sheer tulle skirts and sweater dresses over leggings.

The final piece of advice to take away from this collection is don’t afraid to be crazy.

The last few looks were all different combinations of crazy lettered tees and feathery skirts with tons of volume. If you take a fashion risk you’ll look pretty brave.