Fashion Trend Report: High-End Designers, Affordable Lines
Love Vera Wang, but not her outrageous price tags? Learn about the latest trend of affordable junior lines from high-end designers.

Cincy Chic's fashionista, Missy Scalia, always has her finger on the fashion-forward pulse. With this new monthly "Fashion Trend Report," she'll make sure you have a full fashion forecast to weather all the hottest trends. Also, make sure you catch her monthly trend reports on Fox 19!

Ever wish high-end designers would cater to the everyday woman's pocketbook? The merge of mass merchants and top designers is a new trend that equals high style at an affordable level. Lucky for us, frugal fashion followers everywhere will get their wardrobe wish granted. And you don't even need a genie!

Simply Vera by Vera Wang
Jennifer Lopez and Victoria Beckham have Vera Wang on speed dial. Known famously for her introduction of femininity and modern style to bridal design, Wang has expanded her empire to include ready-to-wear accessories and home decor.

Last year Wang teamed up with Kohls department store to form Simply Vera, an affordable alternative to her high-priced fine apparel. The result is simply fabulous. We love the Pleated Reglan Tee ($28), one of many options that mimic the famous designer's modern styling and sophisticated yet relaxed shapes and silhouettes. Walk down the aisle at Kohls knowing an affordable high-fashion wardrobe awaits you.

Hawks by Geren Ford
Geren Ford is a high fashion clothing line that Hollywood types like Cameron Diaz and Kate Hudson adore. Locally you can find the high-end line at The Wardrobe Cincinnati or Alligator Purse with a price tag ranging from $200 to $400.

We were very pleased when our fashion radar discovered Hawks, a more affordable but equally fabulous line by Geren, at Urban Outfitters. With price points ranging from $58 to $118, Hawks is a great alternative for those craving high style on a budget. Innovative designs like the cotton Empire Waist Dress ($98) mirror the modern and wearable sophistication designer Geren Lockhart is known for. Stop in on the fly and discover it for yourself.

Nicole by Nicole Miller
The name Nicole Miller is synonymous with celebrity glam divas and their red carpet arrivals. Bottom line: high-end designs that are easy on the eyes but rough on the pocket book. A beautiful modern yet feminine Nicole Miller Collection dress will run you around 200 to 600 hard-earned buckaroos.

Miller teamed up with retail giant JCPenney to create an affordable alternative: Nicole by Nicole Miller. Unlike her previous, pricey collections, the retail price at Penney's ranges from $26 to $100. Wear the line if you want a smart style that can take you from day to night easily, like her colorful Sleeveless Peasant Blouse ($32). But be careful. Paparazzi may be on our tail.

Alice + Olivia
Alice + Olivia began as a contemporary women's clothing line worn by fashion forward celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker and Mena Suvari. With a price range of $200 to $500, having "superstar" in your mantra helps foot the bill.

Alice + Olivia recently joined forces with Payless to create their first ever shoe line. Summer selections like the Platform Missy Sandal ($19.99) are wearing thin, but look forward to a fall line with 60s pop colors with ‘70s silhouette references to fill your shoe-hungry appetite. Don't forget to leave a tip.

Botkier
Botkier bags have a trendy, downtown edge, with functionality for the modern woman. Unfortunately you'd have to be overly "functional" at work, or be part of their celebrity clientele to afford the $295 to $775 price tag.

Botkier recently joined the Target Go International campaign (limited edition designers), selling a line of affordable purses until Sept. 24. The edgy and metallic, utility-driven and high-priced bags look amazingly similar to Target's affordable option: handbags and clutches ranging from $19.99- to $49.99. The money you save will fit nicely in their White Python Hobo bag ($39.99).

High-end styling should be as fun to buy as it is to wear. Opt for the affordable alternative many designers have made readily available. Your wish is their command.

Click here or on the play button below to see Missy's appearance on Fox 19 and more about high-end affordable designs. Wondering where you can score the clothes seen in the segment below? Click here to learn more.

Click here to see even more of Missy and high-end designer bargains.

Make sure you tune in on Sept. 25 at 8:15 a.m. to catch the next installment of Missy's fashion trend report which will feature local designers.

Melissa Scalia
		About the author:
		Melissa “Missy” Scalia is the Cincy Chic fashionista, drawing inspiration from high atop Mt. Adams. Send her an e-mail at mscalia@cincychic.com.
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Last update: 16-09-2008 14:57

Published in : Magazine Items, Fashion