Runway to Real Way: 3.1 Phillip Lim Fall 2008

I want to own most of the pieces in Phillip Lim's Fall 2008 collection, and maybe, just MAYBE, I will end up buying a piece or two months from now on mad sale - because I can truly see myself treasuring his clothes for years to come - but in the meantime, I must settle for imitating his style, on a budget.

In this look, Lim combines a few updated classics in a way that's mature without being too severe. I found affordable options to recreate this ensemble but I would recommend buying the best possible pieces you can afford if you like this look. A gray blazer, denim pencil skirt, and black leather boots will last for seasons to come. You can swap out just about any tee, belt, bag, scarf and tights. However, make sure they interact visually. Lim's purple scarf and red clutch really add an element of interest and it's those two colors which, when combined, make a big impact overall.

Tee: Cheap Monday Tina Tee in Black at RevolveClothing.com, $20
Blazer: Urban Renewal Vintage Ladies Blazer at UrbanOutfitters.com, $48
Scarf: Simply Vera Waffle Weave Ribbed Scarf at Kohls.com, $24
Belt: Madisson Croc Belt at Forever21.com, $8.80
Skirt: Bisou Bisou Dark Denim Pencil Skirt at JCPenney.com, $17.99
Boots: Mossimo "Kat" Tall Boots at Target.com, $34.99