You don’t have to run marathons or have a relationship with the Stairmaster to appreciate fall’s athletic-inspired looks. Just look at Isabel Marant’s fall ‘09 runway, where sweatshirt tees go from gym to glam when paired with layered skirts and embellished ankle boots. Alexander Wang has been taking sweatpants out of the gym for a few seasons now, and given their slouchy, not sloppy cut, they could almost pass as dress pants if worn with heels and a blazer- just don’t tell your boss you slept in them the night before. On a budget? American Eagle and Free People can hook you up without the pricey membership. The key is to look for pieces with unexpectedly luxe touches (like cashmere or sequins), or pair casual ones with something more polished- in other words, leave the sneakers at home. Checkout the slideshow at Stylehive’s blog here

From our friends at Stylehive.com

Free People top

Here are three great additions to your spring and summer wardrobe. All are versatile, beautiful, and affordable. Take a look.
We still have a few chilly nights to come before summer gets here. Free People has the perfect top for those times. This Free People Women?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s Nordic Nuzzle Top in Ivory has long sleeves and sweater knit trim. It also features a metal button placket on the bust. Made of 59% cotton, 39% Modal, and 2% Spandex, this sweet top is super comfy, too. $88.

French Connection dress

Once those warm nights arrive, however, you?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ll be ready with this sleeveless button front dress by French Connection. This dress is made from cotton, and the style is inspired by the classic shirtwaist dress, made sleeveless with an easy fit. A self belt defines your waist without interrupting the vertical lines of the dress. $178 in Olive Green.

Charles David shoes

High heel sandals are very hot this summer, and with these Charles by Charles David ?¢‚Ǩ?ìChill?¢‚Ǩ¬ù sandals, it is easy to see why. These dressy sandals with leather uppers feature curved vamp straps (the straps that cross the instep) for a great new take on the asymmetrical silhouette. These sandals are available in Coral and Camel. $59.99 at Overstock.com.

Source: TheFind.com

LaRok Jersey Swing Tee Dress - $248

This awesome Jersey Swing Tee Dress is going to be your ?¢‚Ǩ?ìgo to?¢‚Ǩ¬ù dress for casual wear this spring. Comfortable, but sexy, the?Ǭ† LaROK Jersey Swing Tee Dress is a circle tee that is long enough to be a dress. Hitting above the knee, the dress is gray with an underlayer of fine nude colored netting. In back is a silver industrial style zipper. This top pick for spring is casual and comfortable, but never boring! It is available in light heather gray made from 88% modal, 12% viscose.

Sinful Clothing Guardian Lion Tee - $44

Baby tees are once again popular for spring, and one smokin?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ example is this Guardian Lion Tee by Sinful. Made from 100% cotton, it features black flocking and black lava wash. This official Sinful top by Affliction is bound to get a lot of wear this spring. Available in small or medium, this tee is designed to fit close to the body.

Shopping Source: Intermixonline.com and Luello.com

Silk tie-dye maxi dress - $188

The hot trend for maxi dresses is still going strong for spring and summer of 2009. This year?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s maxi dresses feature block colors, graphic prints, tie dye, and ombre effects. Maxi dresses can go from super casual to super dressy, from the most casual summer picnic to the most fabulous summer wedding.
On the casual end of the spectrum, this silk tie-dye dress by Victoria?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s Secret has a gorgeous hippie vibe that won?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢t take the focus away from you. With an empire waist and a 41?¢‚Ǩ¬ù length (from the natural waist), this dress would be a fabulous and versatile garment to pack for your summer vacation!

Gypsy 05 Zoe Long Maxi Dress in Turquoise - $127

The Gypsy 05 ?¢‚Ǩ?ìZoe?¢‚Ǩ¬ù maxi dress (shown above in turquoise) is a big hit for this spring and summer. It features rolled straps, a V neckline, and a tie-dye design at around knee level. This comfortable stunner also comes in a grey combo, an orange combo, and a fuchsia combo.

Juniors Xhilaration?Ç¬Æ Floral Maxi Dress - Turquoise Floral Print - $24.99

Good old ?¢‚Ǩ?ìTar-zhay!?¢‚Ǩ¬ù Target isn?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢t sitting out the maxi dress trend. Quite the opposite, in fact. This strapless maxi dress, shown below in the blue floral print, is a perfect summer pick for a summer baby shower or wedding. It can go casual when paired with a denim jacket, or more formal with a sweet bolero jacket and heels. It is also available in a black floral print.

Shopping Source: VictoriasSecret.com, PinkMascara.com, and Target.com

Exclusive VV Brown video, where she takes Getlippy around her favourite fashion haunts in London:

Miss Sixty is a really hip, cool, and trendy brand to shop at. I actually really enjoyed looking at their online store. They have a lot to choose from. From cute jeans and denim skirts. Gloves and bags, to really trendy little dresses to boot. I love the way they designed their online store for easy access and buying. I chose a few of my faves from the site above. For their easy looks and trends right now. Their prices are really good too. For a more inexpensive designer brand. That ranges in the $45-$400 range. I would recommend these styles as your every day trends. With your jeans for comfort, the denim skirt instead of the jean. The cool grey dress - with pockets! And gloves are essential for the up and coming cooler months. Mix and match the styles. And what especially can look good. Is the grey dress with the jean. And of course the essential parker top to wear with anything. Try this brand at your leisure - and most of all - have fun!

Source: Miss Sixty

Article by ?Ǭ© Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer 2008

Couture in the City reader Lucy asks:

I have an event in Dallas tonight and it is “casual chic”. I borrowed a pair of pants from a friend and I’m not sure if they are cheesy or not. ?Ǭ†The are black and split at the knee so when you walk it is almost like having a dress on. ?Ǭ†Any thoughts???

Good one Lucy! Yes, split knee pants are a murky area; on one hand, you are probably going to be the only one at your event wearing them. On the other hand, that may not be such a good thing.

There are a few ways that you can wear pants like these without looking like a refugee from the midnight buffet on a Carnival cruise. Try these options for a “casual chic” event with split knee pants the next time you feel adventurous:

1) Black on black: create an ensemble that Angelina Jolie would be proud of and go for black on black. Not only will this make your outfit look more seamless, it will be slimming and sophisticated. Top off with some layered chains (very big right now) or long artsy necklaces and high heels and you are done.

2) Disco Queen: really play up the novelty of these pants with an equally edgy top. Think sequins, think glitter, and don’t look back. Ok, there could be a point where too much is more than enough. I would suggest a neutral colored tank with a sequin or bead embellished bolero jacket, metallic heels and a clutch.

3) Peek-A-Boo: take advantage of this seasons’ uber popular textured tights and wear a pair under these pants with a neutral top, belted sweater or tunic. Every time you take a step, people will get a flash of interesting texture instead of your leg. Top this look off with t-strap sandals or pumps for maximum effect.

So there you have it Lucy, and you were right to be skeptical. Generally speaking, split-to-the-knee pants are not so hot right now. Lucky for you, they are black and with a little imagination, you can make them work. Enjoy your chic soiree!

Got a question for the Couture in the City fashion experts? Drop us a line…we’ll tell you how to wear those acid wash jeans you can fit into again, and whether or not to ditch those neon pink go-go boots. Bring on the fashion quandries!

Riller & Fount Jenny Kimono Sleeve Dress as seen on Kristen Cavallari

Blue & Cream “Singer22 online Exclusive” Bowery Hoody as seen on Samantha Ronson

Monrow Motorcycle Jacket as seen on Rachel Bilson in Atlantic Blue and Black

Source: Singer22.com

Michael Kors ‘Astor Grommet Large’ Satchel - was $498.00 now $329.00

Braided handles, leather tassels and laced, grommeted seams define a boxy satchel with a two-way top-zip closure.

Source: Nordstroms.com

Linea Pelle - Sterling leather ‘Danielle’ clutch

was $195.00 now $117.00

With supple grain leather and chic studding this small ‘Danielle’ clutch is big on style!

Source: bluefly.com