Affordable Designer Styles
Who: Geren Ford and Urban Outfitters
What: Hawks by Geren Ford, a handful of subtly ladylike pieces with ruffles and ruching
When: This onetime collaboration launched spring 2008
Pricing: $42 (for an open-shoulder tee) to $108 (for a tiered tulip dress)
The Piece We're Obsessed With: Hawks by Geren Ford jacquard dress, $98, urbanoutfitters.com
Who: Project Runway star Christian Siriano and Payless
What: Christian Siriano for Payless, an assortment of bold booties, pumps, and flats with cool gold zipper details
When: Launched fall 2009
Pricing: Between $30 and $50
The Piece We're Obsessed With: Christian Siriano for Payless boot, $49.99, payless.com
Who: British designer Christopher Kane and hip British chain Topshop
What: Christopher Kane for Topshop, a tough-gothic collection of clothes and accessories in his signature sheers with loads of gem and eyelet embellishments
When: Launched September 2009
Pricing: $120 (for a dress) to $210 (for a riveted gladiator sandal)
The Piece We're Obsessed With: Christopher Kane lace dress, $160, topshop.com
Who: Lucky favorite Charlotte Ronson and JCPenney
What: I 'Heart' Ronson for JCPenney, a line of flirty options true to her laid-back, '70s-inspired style
When: Launched spring 2009 Pricing $15 (for layering tanks) to $72 (for jackets)
The Piece We're Obsessed With: I 'Heart' Ronson pegged pants, $14.99, jcpenney.com
Who: Brian Wolk and Claude Morais, the designers behind über-ladylike line Ruffian, and Anthropologie
What: Mise en Scene by Ruffian—everything from party dresses to hand-seamed hosiery, and it all has a '40s feminine flair
When: The first installment of a four-collection series launched November 2009
Pricing: $18 (for glassware) to $348 (for a wool and cashmere dress coat)
The Piece We're Obsessed With: Mise en Scene by Ruffian overcoat, $328, anthropologie.com
Who: Rachel Roy and department store Macy's
What: Rachel Rachel Roy, a fashion-forward selection of boldly printed, modern pieces and edgy-luxe accessories
When: Launched August 2009
Pricing: $26 (for accessories) to $249 (for a leather jacket)
The Piece We're Obsessed With: Rachel Rachel Roy leopard-print one-shoulder dress, $74.25, macys.com
Who: Famed wedding gown designer Vera Wang and Kohl's
What: Simply Vera Vera Wang for Kohl's, filled with everything from her signature drapey tops and leggings to accessories, intimates, and home goods
When: Launched September 2007
Pricing: $30 (for a tee) to just under $88 (for a puffer jacket)
The Piece We're Obsessed With: Simply Vera Vera Wang embellished cardigan, $39.99, kohls.com
Who: Lela Rose and shoe giant Payless
What: Lela Rose for Payless, a line of elegant, feminine-detailed shoes (think bows and ruffles) at wildly low prices
When: Launched August 2007
Pricing: Most pairs are $30
The Piece We're Obsessed With: Lela Rose for Payless ankle booties, $49.99, payless.com
Who: Reality TV star Lauren Conrad (of The Hills) and Kohl's
What: LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's, a collection of soft, flowy shirts and dresses and classic denim
When: Launched last September
Pricing: $20 (for a basic tank) to $50 (for a chic sheath)
The Piece We're Obsessed With: LC Lauren Conrad brushstroke dress, $34.99, kohls.com
Who: Legendary designer Norma Kamali and massive discount retailer Walmart
What: Norma Kamali for Walmart, a line of basics—cardigans, leggings, and LBDs—with a cool edge
When: Launched last year; will be available through 2012
Pricing: $10 (for a tee) to $35 (for a winter coat)
The Piece We're Obsessed With: Norma Kamali "Sleeping Bag" jacket, $35, walmart.com
Who: The sisters behind the ethereal Rodarte, and Target
What: Rodarte for Target, a limited-edition line of modern feminine pieces made for layering
When: Launching December 20, 2009
Pricing: $9.99 (for knee-highs) to $79.99 (for a leopard-print jacket)
The Piece We're Obsessed With: Rodarte for Target slipdress, $39.99, available December 20 on target.com and in select Target stores
(Lucky magazine)
I love the Christopher Kane, Rachel Roy and Rodarte dresses.....such beautiful designs. I purposely went into Payless to see the Christian Siriano boot after seeing it modeled on Wendy Williams.....the picture doesn't do it justice, the "crinkled' patent leather and gold zipper accent work well together; it's certainly one of my favorites of all the peep toe booties out there. Now I'm going to head into Wal-mart and check out the Norma Kamali coat.....it looks warm as well as stylish.