Cheap chic

Photo: Nicole Radja; Model: Mireille/Elite

With the Target–Isaac Mizrahi collaboration paving the way, a growing number of chains and designers are jumping in bed to offer budget-friendly fashion for the masses. This fall, some of these partnerships are a match made in heaven, while others could use some relationship counseling.

Alice Temperley for Target
Her nearly all black-and-white Target collection is stripped-down and a bit less sophisticated compared to her regular line’s elaborate prints, beading and embroidery. We recommend bypassing the dated items (a cropped sweater vest and floral halter dress) to get to the good stuff: ruffle-front blouses ($29.99); a cropped vest ($29.99) and a velvet short-sleeved jacket ($39.99); and cropped pants ($34.99) paired with a military coat ($44.99). Add a metallic snakeskin Devi Kroell hobo bag ($34.99, pictured) for a little glitz. Available Sept 16–Nov 6 in store and at target.com.

1 Diodiore for Anthropologie
Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock charge a pretty penny for their vintagey looks sold under the brand name Vena Cava. Lucky for us, the design duo recently partnered with Anthropologie to introduce a new more affordable line, Diodiore. Their first pieces, two simple cap-sleeved dresses ($168, pictured), retain the look we love—bold silhouettes, subtle but sparkling embellishments and interesting prints—but cost $200 less than Vena Cava frocks. Watch for the dresses’ debut, which will blend right in with Anthro’s eclectic aesthetic. Available mid-September in store and at anthropologie.com.

2 Lela Rose for Payless
Abaeté’s Laura Poretzky helped Payless’s reputation when she spearheaded the store’s first designer shoe collection last year, but her kicks have companions this fall. Ready-to-wear and bridal-gown designer Lela Rose’s first stab at footwear is heavy on the fabric and designed to complement her ’30s- and ’40s-inspired garment collection. Her bow-tied flats, peep-toes, and T-strap pumps ($30, pictured) in wool twill, bright patent leather and herringbone tweed prove that old-school grace never goes out of fashion. Available now in store and at payless.com.

3 Simply Vera for Kohl’s
For years, Vera Wang has crowned an empire of $10,000 bridal gowns for fairy-tale weddings. But in an effort to expand her brand, the designer’s new line, Simply Vera, is about everyday attire. More timeless than trendy—excluding items like footless leggings and a bubble skirt—the collection hits its stride with classic cover-ups (satin car coat, $128, pictured); and accessories like long leather gloves ($75) and skinny fur scarves ($30). But between the funeralesque palette of black, dark brown and charcoal, and the barely embellished, knee-length tank dresses, we find this line more drab than daring. Available Sept 9 in store and at kohls.com.

Erin Fetherston for Target
Erin Fetherston became an It-girl favorite with her playful, ethereal frocks, and her Target collection stays true to her originals. Channel your inner Lolita with red, black and white mod minidresses sporting Peter Pan collars, tuxedo fronts and ruffles ($29.99–$49.99); an oversize heart-shape handbag ($29.99) completes the look. Just don’t overdo it with the bunny-print thermal leggings ($17.99). Available mid-November for 45 days in store and at target.com.

Roberto Cavalli for H&M
Cavalli’s couture designs are intended for the daring, and his H&M line of 45 pieces plus accessories is no different. For the ladies, his Latin-inspired style features sex-kitten tuxedo pants and shorts in black and white ($49.99–$59.99) and beaded gowns ($250–$350). Men can score full tuxes ($249), trench coats ($198) and leather jackets ($250). Jeans and tees bring a casual layer to the collection, but why not maximize the glam? After all, it’s a serious steal to get a leather jacket or a tux for $250. Available Nov 8 in store and at hm.com.

Keanan Duffty for Target
David Bowie, the Sex Pistols and Aerosmith have all worn Duffty’s rocker rags, and now regular guys can, too. A toned-down version of Duffty’s rebel style, this is the Brit’s third line of Target menswear and is inspired by Bowie himself. Excluding the cheesy lightning bolt screen-printed tees, we’re impressed by the well-balanced hip-to-classy items like a skinny tie–adorned button-down ($28.99) paired with a hoodie ($29.99–$31.99). Available Oct 15 in store and at target.com.