Food, Home and Style

At the End of Your Robe: Big Names for Small Prices

Matthew Williamson for H&M

With so many designers jumping on the “high-low” bandwagon, there are a lot more ways for the budget-conscious to get big names at small prices. (Thanks, Target, for starting the trend.) But it’s hard to keep track of who’s designing for who and what to get where. Here are the nine best designer collaborations this spring, a look at what you should get now, and a sneak preview of what’s to come.

Matthew Williamson
The most exciting collaboration this spring is by far Matthew Williamson for H&M. Available April 23 in select stores and May 14 in all locations, the offerings are truly inspiring—and  not for the fashion-timid. His bright color palette, including electric blue and shocking pink, screams for attention. The silk fabrics and bold prints will having you running back for more. Price points are a bit high for H&M, but still manageable. Silk short-shorts come in at around $50 and the best silk party dress retails for $129.

Kate Moss
Moss is continuing her collaboration with TopShop. Her uber-trendy “playsuits” and sweet but sexy sundresses make Britian’s coolest store one of the best resources for summerwear. The first and only U.S. location just opened in New York, but the online outlet is just as fun. One-shoulder tank tops and skinny jeans are a hit at under $100.

Charlotte Ronson
Ronson’s I Heart Ronson collection for JCPenney is a low-priced way to get her hip downtown style. The release of her “tushies” lingerie-inspired romper sent the cool girls running to one of the oldest department stores still standing, and her short-shorts and ruffled tops and dresses are bringing them back for more. Shop online for sale merchandise and get even more bang for your buck. Grab a tunic for $9.99, a striped dress for $19.99 and even a cardigan for $12.99.

Vera Wang
Wang’s Simply Vera collection for Kohl’s offers the financially challenged strong, versatile and stylish clothes at very reasonable prices. Artful prints and voluminous shapes fit right into any modern woman’s wardrobe. The quality is decent and the offerings are fresh and ready to layer. Stock up on her lingerie and sleepwear and don’t forget to grab one an oversized print scarf to top off your look.

Lela Rose
Lela Rose continues to design feminine flats and ladylike slingbacks for the budget shoe retailer Payless. And I mean budget—the average shoe price is $30. About to walk down the aisle but don’t want to blow the budget on a one-time-only shoe? Consider her collection of dainty white heels and pumps. My favorite is the Elsby Brocade Pump, which retails for a very wallet friendly $38.

Jil Sander
A ripple went through the fashion industry when Sander came out of retirement and signed a deal to design men’s and women’s collections for the Japanese retailer Uniqlo. Look for her line to come out this fall, and in the meantime check out Uniqlo’s Designers Invitation Project. Steven Alan and the emerging designers Opening Ceremony, Shipley & Halmos and Gilded Age will all make an appearance this spring.

Loomstate and Tracy Feith
Just when you thought affordable designer fashions couldn’t get any better, Target comes through with two new collaborations. The bullseye is working with Loomstate (Rogan Gregory is one of the designers in this duo) to offer eco-friendly, 100% organic cotton creations that take sustainable fashion to a new (and more affordable) level. Guys will be pleased with the chambray shirts and printed board shorts. May 17th is the launch for Target’s next collaboration with Texas designer Tracy Feith. Florals abound in this retro, summery collection of dresses, swimsuits and shorts. Prices range from $12.99 for a tee to $139.99 for a cropped leather jacket. And don’t forget to grab the last of the McQ by Alexander McQueen merchandise, on sale online.

Zara
Everyone’s favorite European retailer has teamed up with MTV to create an urban men’s tee-shirt and hoodie collection named Streetmuse. The collection is currently available at Zaras in Europe only, but we’re hoping the right-on-trend retailer will continue the project in the U.S. so our guys can grab a piece of the action.

Grey Ant
Not to be left out of the “in” crowd, Urban Outfitters is doing its part to bring up-and-coming designers to the forefront. Grey Ant, the coolest line to come out of the West Coast in recent years, has released Grey Antics for Urban Outfitters. Their burnout tanks and graphic tees are worth checking out at your nearest location or online.

Julie Greene is an independent fashion stylist, wardrobe consultant and writer. She lives in New York City. Read more of her column about looking fierce in a financial crisis here.

Recessionwire is on Twitter! Follow us to get the latest headlines, tips and insights for surviving and thriving in the recession. http://twitter.com/recessionwire.

Tags: At the End of Your Robe, designers, H&M, Kate Moss, spending, style, Target, Vera Wang