GFW Fall '09: Etc. Boutique + Natalie Kim Runway Review

Last night's Gainesville Fashion Week show was all about celebrating the college lifestyle. From the high-end, stylish basics presented by Etc. Boutique to the array of inventive orange and blue dresses presented by Natalie Kim at Allure Boutique, the evening was a call to arms for the revival of street-wear on the runway. The two collections showed us that practical doesn't have to mean boring.

Straight Up With a Twist

Round two of Gainesville Fashion Week was opened by Etc. Boutique, which showed us how to do basics with style. The store featured an assortment of designer jeans—Hudson, Joe's and True Religion to name a few—paired with flowing tanks, summer scarves and a few embellished tops.


The show also highlighted our favorite frugalista trick of transforming "going out" pieces into daywear when it showed us a shiny legging paired with a Bohemian top.


We loved the opening look—a seemingly simple black dress with geometric designs that remind us that the best aspects of fashion are in the details. For the most part Etc. kept it's show casual and reflected a realistic aesthetic for the on-the-go college girl who wants to look good without the fuss.

It's Great to Be a Cute Florida Gator

Natalie Kim was unapologetic in flaunting cutesy game-day dresses, as girls were accessorized with embellished wine glasses, footballs, pearls and Tebow-cutouts.


The collection exceeded expectations as models strutted styles ranging from a Carolina Herrera-esque wrap-dress to a chic, evening gown version of Gator mascot Alberta, which Natalie presented as her final look.

In between, the designer delighted us with punky tulle accents and flattering pleating.

If there was ever a way to converge fashion and sports, Natalie found it. She provides girls an opportunity to revel in their feminine charms, while cheering on their favorite team. Needless to say she made a believer out of an unenthusiastic sports fan.

—Stephanie Granada
Photos by Sarah Hsu and Sean Kelly