Fashion Collaborations

I think it's really important that fashion houses have learned to collaborate with other retailers. Lately it seems like the trendy thing to do, which has been really beneficial for consumers who like high fashion but can't always afford it. H&M has had long-standing partnerships with designers such as Jimmy Choo, and I am glad to see these other retailers following suit. Here are the ones I am liking and buying right now.

In February, Prabal Gurung for Target hit stores. It was floral, colorful, and perfect for Spring. I got up super early and hit my Target. Good thing I did, because I got the last floral blazer and dress. They fit so perfectly and they add instant vibrancy to any outfit. I also like the neon yellow dress, though it didn't look best on me, and the neon tie-up shoes, which were online only and sold out. The blazer and dress were $49.99 each. I even wore the dress to a spring wedding already. It was the perfect item.

In January, Kirna Zabete partnered with Nine West to begin the release of six months of shoe partnerships.  Not being an avid Nine West shopper, this slipped under my radar. But later on when I saw these feathered beauties on Instagram, I knew I had to have them. The tall, red heels were just $129.99 and they look way more expensive than that. The kitten heels are under $100. When I saw the June preview with the pink, vibrant colors, I got really excited for the coming months. I am happy to be a newly converted Nine West fan.

I was so thrilled to hear that Marchesa's Georgina Chapman was doing a collection for JC Penney called Pearl. However, I have to admit, I was a bit put off. I hadn't been in a JC Penney for years. It is definitely not the place I would associate with stylish clothes, let alone the rosettes, tulle, and ornate decor that is Marchesa. But on a whim I went to check it out and am oh so glad I did. The pieces are beautiful for how affordable they are, and they have the Marchesa flavor. My picks were an embellished LBD and this vintage-looking peppermint tulle dress. While these looks are marketed toward prom wear, the sizes are regular and the quality is definitely there. If you want a classy frock to wear for any occasion, check out these deals at JCP. The Pearl section is marked off with these gorgeous pearl chandeliers, so you can't miss it. And by the way, they are doing a couple other cool collabs as well, with Mango and Sephora. I am really feeling the new JCP. 

The biggest surprise for me has been Kate Young's collection for Target. This stylist is really hooked up in Hollywood, but since I wasn't that familiar with her style I didn't know what to expect. The preview pictures I saw for this line weren't moving me that much. But when researching this post, my jaw dropped. I literally saved this draft and ran to Target. Luckily my Target is tucked away so they had pretty much everything (save for the fuchsia tiered dress) in stock. I picked up three of these gown-like dresses that look absolutely stunning. And for under $100 each, they are perfect. I just need more nice occasions to wear them to. Oh and a new pair of shoes made it home with me too. Just $45 for these bow-tied beauties. Kate Young is now my new favorite designer.

I sincerely hope more retailers keep up the collaborating, making high-taste haute couture affordable for those on a shoe-string budget. Fashion can be affordable; fashion is for everybody.

Now, happy shopping!