Bargains can be found in back-to-school outfits from top designers
fashion-forward for fall
It’s tough to admit, but the summer is quickly approaching its end. While few are looking forward to the change in weather and the return to school, it’s always exciting when new fall styles begin appearing at our favorite retailers. Watching the fall clothes filter into stores is one of the few redeeming qualities of this time of year, but it’s also a reminder that the summer has pretty much emptied our wallets.
Not to worry: Collaborations between affordable retailers and fashion influentials continue this fall, making it increasingly easy to sport high fashion designer duds without putting a dent in your bank, much less breaking it.
GO International, a brand of Target, has been bringing affordable clothing to the masses since 2006 by teaming up with notable fashion-makers, offering their items for a limited time. GO International has received an enthusiastic response from shoppers as well as designers, eager to increase their reach in fashion.
“While we can’t speak for the designers, we feel these partnerships are mutually beneficial,” Joshua Thomas, Target spokesman, wrote in an e-mail. “We provide access to our production methods which gives designers the opportunity to offer an affordable collection to a broader audience.”
This August marks the launch of GO International’s 12th line, designed by Richard Chai. Chai made a name for himself by designing for Marc Jacobs and TSE before launching his own line in 2004, and now, his partnership with Target will offer his intricately tailored pieces to girls across the country. Chai is noted for his superior craftsmanship, and his line for Target features structured dresses, skinny denim trousers and long cardigans. Ranging in price from $12.99 to $79.99, the modern looks have an understated feminine quality about them, and are a perfect transition from summer to fall.
Vera Wang, queen of the wedding dress, joined forces with Kohl’s last fall to produce Simply Vera, an ultra-feminine collection of women’s wear, accessories, jewelry and housewares. The airy collection of knits, dresses and sweaters has become a mainstay of the department store’s appeal. Given the designer, Simply Vera is incredibly affordable, but in the world of high fashion/low cost clothing, it’s a bit pricier than most lines, with an average price of $50 per item.
Sarah Jessica Parker, on the other hand, has designed perhaps the most affordable line on the market. While Parker isn’t a designer by nature, it’s safe to say that Carrie Bradshaw knows a little something about what looks good on girls, and she’s offering up her stylings for prices so good they’re hard to believe. BITTEN Sarah Jessica Parker, carried exclusively by Steve &
Barry’s, features jeans, knits, wool and cashmere sweaters,
dresses, jackets, shoes and accessories –and not one item costs more than $19.98 (most fall around $8.98). Just like Parker, the line is fun, girly and eccentric.
Boys, don’t think they forgot about you. Last year, the Gap named Patrick Robinson (who previously worked with Anne Klein, Perry Ellis and Armani) head of design, and he has since fully revamped the all-American retailer. The fall line is filled with plenty of plaids, great jackets and relaxed fits with a hint of ’90s grunge. Similar styles are communicated with the women’s line as well, but it’s Robinson’s take on menswear that’s really shaking up boys’ styles this fall.
But if the promise of clothes designed by a fashion notable doesn’t excite you, maybe the idea of dressing like your favorite sports star will.
Shaun White, the popular 21-year-old snowboarder and skateboarder, is trying his hand at fashion and jumping on the Target bandwagon.
Shaun White for Target hit stores at the end of July, and features apparel designed by White and his brother, Jesse White. The pair wanted the line to reflect their interests: skateboarding, art and music. The result is casual and cool apparel that’s easily mixed and matched, and it’s easy to imagine White wearing the pieces himself.
Graphic tees, skinny jeans, hoodies and plaid button-downs round out the line’s signature look, with prices at $9.99 to $29.99. Like many of Target’s collaborative endeavors, however, the line will only be available for 90 days, adding a touch of exclusivity.
