Snag Alabama-Inspired Accessories for a Flirty Look That’s True Romance

By Erin Donnelly
September 29, 2008

Who doesn’t love a good love story that revolves around a hooker with a heart of gold, her Elvis-obsessed new hubby, and a bunch of criminals? In 1993’s True Romance, Patricia Arquette stole the show as the feisty Alabama, this week’s style inspiration. While we couldn’t in good conscience send you out the door in animal-print leggings, blue cowboy boots, and a bra, we can show you how to liven up your fall wardrobe with some bold ‘Bama accessories.

Blue Shades: Clarence had his Elvis shades; Alabama had her blue-trimmed sunglasses. Scoring a pair of your own is the easiest way to channel Alabama, and adds a instantly fun and unexpected kick to any outfit. Fred Flare’s likeminded Risky Business Sunglasses come in blue and pretty much every other color found in a Skittles bag, while Forever 21’s F6021 Sunglasses are a true bargain find. Or, give the look a luxe twist with Ray-Ban’s sleek and California-cool red Classic Wayfarer Sunglasses.

A Wide Belt: Alabama’s wide blue belt proved to be a useful tool for cinching, er, skin-tight animal-print leggings (hey, it’s fashion, people!). Forever 21’s Elastic Croc Belt is a close replica, or you can opt for a more modern, funkier version like ASOS’s Buckle Detail Wrap Belt. Or, skip the blue entirely and go with a more versatile black number like this Wide Elastic Belt from Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti. To keep this look from smacking of Peg Bundy, save the belt for dresses.

Animal Prints: Don’t worry—there’ll be no tragically dated (ah, the ‘90s) cow prints or head-to-toe Animal Planet gear. And while Alabama’s afore-mentioned leopard-print leggings had a certain sleazy-kitsch appeal, keep in mind that homegirl was a hooker, and you are not (right?). That said, you may be able to pull off the reasonably tame Vintage Couture Leopard Leggings by Karen Zambos, provided you keep things simple with a long blousy black top or dress. Otherwise, unleash the leopard print in small doses, whether it’s Oasis’s spotted silk scarf, ASOS’s wild ballet flats, or Forever 21’s purr-fect hot pink Pop Art Safari Wallet. Should you really feel the urge to flash some (animal) skin, make it What Comes Around Goes Around Garbo Faux Leopard Jacket. Meow. 

Earrings: There are two ways to approach Alabama’s big and bold ear candy. One is to go for the in-your-face doorknocker, as exemplified by Fred Flare’s True Blue Bamboo version. The other way is to take her heart hangers and give them a more elegant update, as shown by these Gorjana Gold Love Hoops.

A Vanity Case: Who needs a handbag when a perfectly good Marilyn-pink vanity case will do in a pinch? Though Juicy Couture’s Sailing Train Case gets the color right, it’s give’s gilded Metallic Round Vanity Case that we’d throw our cash and cell phone in.

Now repeat after me: ''You’re so cool. You’re so cool. You’re so cool.''


 

If you want more fashion week coverage, or need a quick recap in case you missed it, click here for a slideshow of the top 20 looks inspired by NY Fashion Week 2009.

Ray-Ban Two-Tone Wayfarer Sunglasses ($139.00)

Original 1952 Wayfarer model; aqua and cream color; Square frame; Silver mirrored lenses; Ray-Ban logo printed on the top right hand corner of the lens; tiny "RB" etching on left frame; Contrasting temples feature Ray-Ban iconic signature logo; 100% UV protection; Ray-Ban case included; Handmade in Italy