Fashion dashing without paying runway prices

By Zenaida Serrano Espanol
Advertiser Staff Writer

When Donna Therrien shopped at Ala Moana Center one Thursday afternoon in August, she did a whole lotta running — mad dashes, even.

Donna Therrien of Kailua, center, went shopping with "The Look for Less" designers Chip and Pepper Foster for a show taped at Ala Moana Center. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

Therrien, of Kailua, was among four O'ahu women chosen for a fashion makeover on Style Network's "The Look For Less," a show about bringing runway looks to someone on a budget. The Hawai'i episodes will air Saturday and Jan. 17 (see box).

The show takes real people — from a neighbor who wants a killer first-date outfit to a fifth-grade teacher preparing for her high-school reunion — and

re-creates a specific designer look for them in one hour, on a budget, usually between $100 and $200.

Therrien, 39, said she was really nervous about taping in front of the mass of shoppers at Ala Moana Center.

"Then I thought, 'You know what? You either do it all the way or not at all,' and I just let go of all my inhibitions and just had fun with it," the science resource teacher said.

The trio raced through stores, finding pieces to match their runway look — white tank top from the White House Black Market, red and pink pareus (or pareos) from Splash Hawai'i, beige sandals from the Slipper House and a belt from Jeans Warehouse — all for $99.86.

Therrien wore her outfit on a date with her husband of 11 years, Thom, at Paradise Cove. Their lu'au outing also was taped for the show.

While Therrien had tons of fun drinking mai tais and dancing hula at the cove, she said she had a blast dashing around the mall with the boys.

Liana Mulleitner

Morgan Andaluz

Executive producer Jennifer Ferraro watched as curious shoppers crowded around the lively commotion during each take.

"They'll linger and they want to talk, but everyone's really great," Ferraro said.

Host Elisabeth Hasselbeck, a first-time visitor to the Islands, said she loved the friendliness of the locals.

"There are few places that you can go where everyone is so nice and welcoming," Hasselbeck said outside Splash Hawai'i. "I keep saying it. I mean, there's something in the air here, because everyone is so happy."

The Hawai'i shows will also feature Liana Mulleitner, 38, of Salt Lake; Morgan Andaluz, 33, of Makiki; and Simonette dela Torre, formerly of Honolulu and now living in Italy.

Mulleitner, a marketing manager, wanted an outfit with sass.

"In my profession, I always wear suits, and I'm kind of conservative, so I wanted something different," she said.

The Foster brothers replicated another Carolina Herrera runway look worth hundreds of dollars for Mulleitner. They whipped up an identical outfit for less than $130: dark brown sleeveless blouse from Macy's, a beige pleated miniskirt from bebe, strappy sandals from Robins, and sunglasses and a belt from Sears.

She revealed her sexy new look at her birthday party at the Hawai'i Prince Hotel with friends and co-workers used to seeing her more modest side.

"Oh, they were surprised," Mulleitner laughed. "They've never seen me look like that. ... They did say I should try to dress like that more often."

Both Therrien and Mulleitner said they'd learned a fashion thing or two from the "Look For Less" crew.

"If you really like a look, especially a designer look, you can replicate it at any budget," Therrien said.

Therrien now considers herself more fashion-conscious.

"I've never really worn belts before, and now I've got belts on all the time, and all these different shoes," she said.

Mulleitner also is trying to change her ways.

"I'm not wearing suits as much. ... I'm trying to lean more towards the casual but still kind of an elegant look," she said.

Before the "Look For Less" experience, Mulleitner never really paid attention to fashion shows.

"But now I watch them to see what's popular and what the trends are now, because I might be able to find the same look at a better price."

Reach Zenaida Serrano Espanol at zespanol@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8174.