If you're like most girls,
teens, and women, you’d love to be able to go into a store and buy the
same dress you saw your favorite actress wearing. The one tiny problem
is the not-so-tiny price tag that dress usually has. So what’s the
alternative? Hunt around for something similar in your budget, right?
Yes and no.
While that’s
always a great idea, and one that will help you express your own
creativity, there’s another exciting option. Who designed that dress you
love? There’s a good chance that very designer is making clothes that do
fit your budget. The trend for more affordable stores making deals with
high-end designers has been on the rise for years, for good reason.
Designers are beginning to pay attention to those of us who love
fashion, but don’t have the bank accounts to keep up. Lucky for us! Here
are a few examples of where to find designer clothes at prices any
fashion loving girl can afford.
H
and M: Even without designers, H&M is great for things that look very
of-the-moment, but don’t cost much. Over the years they’ve done
collaborations with many designers, starting with Karl Lagerfield back
in 2004. Since then, they’ve gotten sought after designers like Stella
McCartney, Roberto Cavalli, and Jimmy Choo. French designer Lanvin is
the store’s most recent designer, and considered their biggest scoop
yet. The Lanvin prices are slightly higher, going above $200 for some
dresses.
Forever 21:
It seems like this is every girl’s go-to place for an outfit that’s
trendy and cheap, but they ran into legal troubles when they were
accused and sued for copying high-end designers illegally. Since then,
they’ve tried to work directly with the designers that their customers
love. Right now, Petro Zillia, known for bright colors and general sense
of fun, and Rory Beca, who does modern spins on boho and vintage like no
one else, are bringing in happy shoppers. Especially because all prices
are between $5.80 and $32.80.
Payless
Shoes: Christian Siriano gained lots of fans when he won the fourth
season of Project Runway in 2004. Since then he’s made the smart choice
to go for both high-end and affordable markets. While his clothes are
worn on red carpets, he also has a great collaboration with Payless. His
shoes fly off the shelves and most are very affordable. The most
expensive boots are about $60, with most shoes much cheaper than that.
Target: The store that took designer collaborations to the next level.
First was Isaac Mizrahi in 2002. Things only got more exciting with
Alexander McQueen joining Target in early 2009 and the most recent
announcement is one with iconic designer Jean Paul Gautier with all
pieces priced between $17.99 and $199.99.
JC Penny: Charlotte Ronson is one of those designers adored by young
starlets. Now we can all have a piece of her line at JC Penny’s with her
I Heart Ronson collection. All items are priced under $86 and include
dresses, denim, and lots of accessories like patterned tights. With the
combination of such a trendy designer with remarkably low prices, this
is already a favorite of fashionistas on a budget.
Kohl’s: Taking a fashion icon that most woman love was a smart move for
Kohl’s. Vera Wang’s Simply Vera line has been hugely popular, with
pieces all under $100. Generally made up of business separates, it also
has become known for dresses accented with sequins, which are popular
for special occasions.
