Runway to Reality: Red Valentino Fall 2014

Lauren has been telling me about the extreme cuteness that is Red Valentino for quite a while, but it wasn't until I saw a blogger on my Instagram feed wearing this shirt that I truly understood. A swan head collar?! It's so amazing that I can't even stand it. Since that beauty caught my eye, I started looking through the collection archives on style.com to see what else I've been missing. This adorable outfit especially caught my eye because it's actually pretty achievable.

A sweater with a bow front blouse underneath is already a staple of my cold weather wardrobe, but I never would have thought to combine prints this way. I really love how the solid colored sweater breaks both prints up and changes the look from busy to fun and polished. And although I probably wouldn't be bold enough to wear socks with heels myself, this model sure makes it look cute!

Although Red Valentino is supposed to be a more affordable line, on an educator's salary it just ain't happening! Luckily I was able to create something very similar for a fraction of the cost. If only there was a way for me to get an affordable version of that swan shirt!

Anyone else totally crushing on Red Valentino?