editor: BYRON BECK contributors: MARK BAUMGARTEN, KIM COLTON, ELIZABETH DYE, KATRINA RAMSER art direction: ANNE REESER, JASON LANDIS style direction: ELIZABETH DYE photography: MARK KOHLMAN production assistant: ALEX VALDIVIESO stylist: GALEN AMUSSEN production: AMY RYAN, THOMAS COBB, FRANK ZURBANO, SAMANTHA GARDNER, TOM HUMPHREY, KENDON GRAY, SARAH BODEN copy editors: IAN GILLINGHAM, MARGARET SEILER special thanks to: RANDY CAPRON, BIRTHDAY BOY FRANK, ADAM AND ALL THE GOOD FOLKS AT DANTE'S

SOUND CHECK

BY KATRINA RAMSER - 243-2122

High-low versions of the latest trends.

Icons from Gwen Stefani to Courtney Love, Metallica to Madonna, have found their signature looks by digging through the trash bins--even if they didn't stay in their thrift-store togs for long. Now these role models catch the eye of their fans--and the ever-watchful media--with a more frocked-out look. But it's not easy going from torn tees to diamond-encrusted stilettos overnight. Just like every other fashionista in the world, musicians have to figure out how to look good on a budget before they go for the big bling-bling. Keeping balance between light and dark, pairing Gucci with Gap, is how a musician goes from shabby to chic this spring.

The DRESS

Are You Ready-Made?

Fakin' It: Create your own ready-made couture look by layering colored slips. Slip on hand-dyed vintage slip dresses by Gung Ho ($46, Frock, 2940 NE Alberta St., 595-0379). Go homemade, as well as locally made, with a pink sundress in pinwale corduroy with front pockets by Genna Golden ($149, Gold, 1524 NE Alberta St., 284-4645).

Makin' It: Think feminine, with a cascade of flowing chiffon and silk in soft shades of peach and pink. Then get a backless chiffon dress with flowing ruffles dripping off the hem ($276, BCBG, 700 SW 5th Ave., 227-2224). More outstanding local talent with this messy yet flowing look can be found in Kathyrn Towers' "Kate" dress in sherbet with Raggedy Ann layers ($252, Seaplane, 3352 SE Belmont St., 234-2409).

The COAT

London Foghat

Fakin' It: Jackets are of two extremes this season. You're either wrapped in a great trench coat in light pink with big buttons ($59, Galore Department Store, 827 NW 23rd Ave., 279-8946), or you're in a mock-Chanel tweed jacket in pink and black ($32.50, Red Light Clothing Exchange, 3590 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 963-8888).

Makin' It: Word on the street says Courtney Love hired a local designer/store owner to cut her Chanel jackets to pieces. Forget that. Just get the cotton cropped "Judy" by Edward An tweed coat ($375, Elizabeth Street, 635 NW 23rd Ave., 243-2456) or a trench coat in light pink with white poplin at the collar and sleeves ($348, Coach, 700 SW 5th Ave., 294-0772).

The SHOE

She's Got Legs

Fakin' It: Just like music, women's shoe styles strut all over the fashion scene. You can step into pink leather slides with pointed toes by Irregular Choice ($76, Imelda's, 3426 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 233-7476) or sequin blossom mesh slippers ($10, Urban Outfitters, 2320 NW Westover Road, 248-0020). Asian-patterned flats by Sugar ($27, Galore, 827 NW 23rd St., 279-8946) with little bow ties do the trick, too.

Makin' It: Reach for a pair of candy-colored high heels. Blue leather-trim slides by Michael Kors ($195, Nordstrom, 701 SW Broadway, 224-6666) and a pair of hot pink patent-leather platforms by Marc Jacobs ($280) are nifty, if not thrifty. Leather T-strap heels by Fornarina ($149, Imelda's, 3426 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 233-7476) will bring a bit of glam back into your life.

The BAG

Glad Bag to Glamour Bag

Fakin' It: The "it" bags are the "Lady" bags by Burst in a variety of Mediterranean colors ($55, Dana Lynn, 720 NW 23rd Ave., 971-230-0144) and recycled Mugwump bags ($29). Mugwump uses shower curtains and placemats as materials for the purses. Christian Dior leather clutches ($12-$16, Goodwill, 2215 W Burnside St., 224-3084 and other locations) can be found alongside faux Gucci ($14-$18) if you hunt hard and often enough.

Makin' It: Your bag needs to be medium-sized, because a true groupie would never go anywhere without an extra pair of underwear. The suede "Soho" tote in moss with the signature round buckles ($278, Coach, 700 SW 5th Ave., 294-0772) or a Gucci suede tote in burnt orange ($790, Saks Fifth Avenue, 850 SW 5th Ave., 553-5254) with the green ribbon stripes will rock your wardrobe.

The ACCESSORY

Not Your Grandmother's Pearls

Fakin' It: The look this season is all about rock-star style: pink, gold and metallic. A triple-pearl necklace with adjustable tie string by Bijoux Luck ($26, Gold, 1524 NE Alberta St., 284-4645) will do the job. So will Lucky LooLoo's adjustable vintage button rings with carved flowers ($10, Frock, 2940 NE Alberta St., 595-0379) and gumball charm bracelet in lime ($24).

Makin' It: Must-haves are the pearls and gold. If you can swing the real thing, go with yellow-gold dangling earrings ($950, Tiffany & Co., 330 SW Yamhill St., 221-5565) and an intertwined freshwater pearl necklace in moss, copper and pink ($225, Dana Lynn). The look is begging to be taken to a concert, whether you're a Bowie fan or a Big Bad Voodoo Daddy type.