Fusion Fashion for the Financially Fit Fashionista

It should come of no surprise that I love fashion. One day I WILL own a pair of Christian Louboutins. Preferably in the year 2011. But that's neither here nor there. I know my fellow fashion addicts lust for the looks on the runway, but since few of us are celebutants, A-listers, or a Trump, the prospect of having a closet full of Chanel, Dior, Dolce and Gabbana, and the likes any time soon is not yet in the cards. How does a budgetista make due in the meantime while working on on becoming their own CEO?

The fashion dieties have heard our pleas and created affordable lines for the masses, available at our neighborhood H&M, Payless, Target and Kohl's. With price points that fit everyone's budget, the financially savvy fashionista in all of us is finally satiated.

I remember being in elementary school and watching Cindy Crawford report on the latest and greatest fashion trends by designers like Isaac Mizrahi on MTV's House of Style. Yes, I've been in love with fashion since then. By the time I got to high school, I heard about his line at Target and felt like a little kid on Christmas morning! I could finally own something with Isaac Mizrahi's name on it! And so, my love affair with diffusion lines was born.

These days, high-end designers have taken diffusion lines to a whole new level. Today, H&M will have a sneak preview in select stores of it's newest collaboration line and will be available in more stores on November 23rd. The Parisian designer Lanvin has collaborated with the brand to create gorgeous dresses, with hints of vintage flair. Ruffles and bright hues make these looks perfect for any holiday soiree you have on your planner. And you know if it's at H&M, it's going not going to cost an arm and a leg. Lanvin is just the newest addition to H&M's designer collaborations. Over the years, Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Madonna and even Jimmy Choo have worked with the brand, and the buzz over Lanvin Heart H&M is proving to be as anticipated as its predecessors.




Target has long been known for teaming up with designers to give us fashion hungry shoppers access to the hottest looks for less. Their latest partnership with handbag designer Mulberry is truly delightful. Together with the retailer, Mulberry has put together a collection of satchels and crossbody pocketbooks that are closely resemble their original handbags for a fraction of a fraction of the cost!

Mulberry Satchel - $1,250

Mulberry for Target Satchel - $49.99

In January of 2009, First Lady Michelle Obama looked stunning in a mint green dress by Cuban-born designer Isabel Toledo. Now we can all partake in her delicate and highly feminine designs for Payless Shoesource. Yes, I said PAYLESS! And it doesn't stop there. Project Runway's Christian Siriano is also contributing his fierce styles to the discount shoe store. With chunky heels and bold accents, we can all make the sidewalk our runway. Can we say "Vicious"?

Isabel Toledo for Payless, Toreador Pump - $44.99

Christian Siriano for Payless, Mena Dress Boot - $59.00

With that said, if you hunger for high-end fashion, you can finally satiate yourself on a low-end budget. Designers all around the world have heard your plight. Go forth and be fabulous... Budgetista style!

♥  - The Bougie Budgetista