Fasionably Frugal

The reality is that few of us can afford to have a closet full of our favorite designers. In order to make ourselves feel better and justify our "splurge" purchases we have to view our coveted items as a fashion investment. Well, times are changing and designers are making the move to make their creations available to the masses via specialty lines for discount stores.

Many designers now have these speciality lines in stores that the average American shopper is quite familiar with and have already been a customer of for years. Target offers Liz Lange Maternity and Issac Mizrahi as staple contributors alonside a revolving door of guest designers that currently include Jovovich-Hawk. JCPenney has its extremely successful Nicole by Nicole Miller line and Kohls hase introduced the Simply Vera by Vera Wang collection.

Our friends at H&M are not exactly in as many cities as the forementioned stores...yet, but should surely be mentioned since they often feature both artists and designers. Beginning April 10, 2008 they will launch a tribute to Marimekko, so be sure to check it out.

If shoes are your vice then thank goodness Payless has come along in very recent years to help scratch that itch for designer shoes. Lela Rose, Abaete and alice + olivia , all relevant fashion heavyweights with loyal followings have designed budget friendly lines for Payless that are becoming increasing popular.

The collaboration between discount retail stores and designers is a genius idea...what took them so long??!! Now that you know where to go, feel free to have a guilt free shopping spree.