The Retail Therapy Diaries: Chic Collaborations

Dream of owning a designer piece but not willing to pay the designer price? Have no fear! Over the past few seasons popular designers and labels have been collaborating with affordable stores such as Target and H&M to bring the average fashionista trendy pieces without the high fashion price tag. With so many fashion lovers on a budget, when it comes to trends, it seems like a smart plan to save on pieces that will most likely be out of style within the next few months and splurge on classic basics that you know will stand the test of time season after season. Now with these modern designer collections for the everyday retail therapy lover, we can have the best of both worlds, designer pieces for reasonable prices. To keep things in perspective, I've made comparisons between the prices in these affordable collections with prices of items in the label's normally priced collections so you can clearly see the great deal you would be getting. So whether you are a fan of the edgy and dramatic pieces complements of Versace or the classic and feminine look of Jason Wu, there's something for everyone!

Karl Lagerfeld for Macy's

Released late last summer, the head designer for Chanel Karl Lagerfeld, incorporated high fashion with the feel of ready-to-wear for a collection that would please a wide range of women. Unlike the other collaborations that I've only seen in magazines, I've had a chance to take a peek at his handiwork first hand! I love that the collection incorporates a fashion forward feel through details and silhouettes, without completely making the piece unwearable for the everyday fashionista. Full or fun floral printed mini dresses as well as edgy leather leggings, his masterpieces can be found in the Impulse section in the women's department.

Price Range: $50.00-$170.00

The Real Deal in Perspective

Chanel Lumiere Highlighting Powder $72.00 (Nordstrom)

Versace for H&M

The luxurious pieces from the Italian fashion label combine with the affordable prices of H&M for a collection that has fashionistas scrambling to snatch a beauty from this collection. Released in November, pieces from this collection have been selling out all over the online world. Selling for thousands on sites such as Ebay, if you have your eye on a Versace for H&M piece, you'll have to act quickly! In such high demand, this successful collaboration is gearing up for a spring 2012 collection release. Full of intricate cutouts, bold prints and colors, and edgy studs, this is truly a fashionista's dream collection!

Price Range: $20.00-$300.00

The Real Deal in Perspective

Versace 'Couture' Patent Crossbody Bag $1,095.00 (Nordstrom)

Jason Wu for Target

The next time you head out for a trip to Target, you may want to add a Jason Wu piece to your list! Set to release early next month the collection has been buzzing for months now as excited fans wait patiently to add one of his pieces to their wardrobes. The designer made famous through designing Michelle Obama's inaugural ball gown, he mixes classic silhouettes with ultra feminine patterns for pieces that can be worn for day or evening. Just in time for spring, this collection is full of fun dresses to welcome in the warming temperatures!

Price Range: $20.00-$60.00

The Real Deal in Perspective