Runway to Reality : Inspiration Station

Personal style. Where does it come from? Some have an innate sense of it. Others look to the runways in New York, Milan and Paris for style cues.

Trend-setting designer looks are cause for either inspiration or consternation. But we’re all curious to know what’s new.

Some women may be lucky enough to actually purchase the outfits seen on the runways. But most would not spend that kind of money. The creative will search for new items that fit their budgets.

Now that fall merchandise is arriving in the stores every day, it’s time to shop. Clever shopping for less is a challenge but it can be done.

Here are three hot designer looks (expensive versions are in the insets). Buy the big labels, or get it for less. You decide. It’s your personal style.

MILLENNIUM

THE LOOK: The space age-inspired minimalism style is the most defining new look for the next century.

HOW TO DO IT BIG: English designer Alexander McQueen for Givenchy in Paris experimented with this futuristic design for his fall collection. The long-sleeved, shiny silver tunic top was made in a new silk quilted fabric that had the right look but did not make it to the retail stores.

For his Paris fall runway show, McQueen paired the top with tight white leather pants that retail for $3,540. They are available only at the Givenchy boutique in New York City.

TOTAL: $3,540 for the pants. The top is not available.

HOW TO DO IT FOR LESS: Los Angeles designer Maggie Barry didn’t wait until the future to put a tunic top in a fabric called liquid silver in her fall line. This stretch nylon and polyester fabric has been a mainstay of her last two collections.

Her mock turtleneck will be available at Selfish on Melrose and H. Lorenzo in Sunset Plaza in Los Angeles for $198.

The tight stretch jeans in cotton and polyester are $14.80 at Fashion 21 mall stores citywide.

TOTAL: $212.80.