Affordable Designer Styles

Who: Geren Ford and Urban Outfitters

What: Hawks by Geren Ford, a handful of subtly ladylike pieces with ruffles and ruching

When: This onetime collaboration launched spring 2008

Pricing: $42 (for an open-shoulder tee) to $108 (for a tiered tulip dress)

The Piece We're Obsessed With: Hawks by Geren Ford jacquard dress, $98, urbanoutfitters.com

Who: Project Runway star Christian Siriano and Payless

What: Christian Siriano for Payless, an assortment of bold booties, pumps, and flats with cool gold zipper details

When: Launched fall 2009

Pricing: Between $30 and $50

The Piece We're Obsessed With: Christian Siriano for Payless boot, $49.99, payless.com

Who: British designer Christopher Kane and hip British chain Topshop

What: Christopher Kane for Topshop, a tough-gothic collection of clothes and accessories in his signature sheers with loads of gem and eyelet embellishments

When: Launched September 2009

Pricing: $120 (for a dress) to $210 (for a riveted gladiator sandal)

The Piece We're Obsessed With: Christopher Kane lace dress, $160, topshop.com

Who: Lucky favorite Charlotte Ronson and JCPenney

What: I 'Heart' Ronson for JCPenney, a line of flirty options true to her laid-back, '70s-inspired style

When: Launched spring 2009 Pricing $15 (for layering tanks) to $72 (for jackets)

The Piece We're Obsessed With: I 'Heart' Ronson pegged pants, $14.99, jcpenney.com

Who: Brian Wolk and Claude Morais, the designers behind über-ladylike line Ruffian, and Anthropologie

What: Mise en Scene by Ruffian—everything from party dresses to hand-seamed hosiery, and it all has a '40s feminine flair

When: The first installment of a four-collection series launched November 2009

Pricing: $18 (for glassware) to $348 (for a wool and cashmere dress coat)

The Piece We're Obsessed With: Mise en Scene by Ruffian overcoat, $328, anthropologie.com

Who: Rachel Roy and department store Macy's

What: Rachel Rachel Roy, a fashion-forward selection of boldly printed, modern pieces and edgy-luxe accessories

When: Launched August 2009

Pricing: $26 (for accessories) to $249 (for a leather jacket)

The Piece We're Obsessed With: Rachel Rachel Roy leopard-print one-shoulder dress, $74.25, macys.com

Who: Famed wedding gown designer Vera Wang and Kohl's

What: Simply Vera Vera Wang for Kohl's, filled with everything from her signature drapey tops and leggings to accessories, intimates, and home goods

When: Launched September 2007

Pricing: $30 (for a tee) to just under $88 (for a puffer jacket)

The Piece We're Obsessed With: Simply Vera Vera Wang embellished cardigan, $39.99, kohls.com

Who: Lela Rose and shoe giant Payless

What: Lela Rose for Payless, a line of elegant, feminine-detailed shoes (think bows and ruffles) at wildly low prices

When: Launched August 2007

Pricing: Most pairs are $30

The Piece We're Obsessed With: Lela Rose for Payless ankle booties, $49.99, payless.com

Who: Reality TV star Lauren Conrad (of The Hills) and Kohl's

What: LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's, a collection of soft, flowy shirts and dresses and classic denim

When: Launched last September

Pricing: $20 (for a basic tank) to $50 (for a chic sheath)

The Piece We're Obsessed With: LC Lauren Conrad brushstroke dress, $34.99, kohls.com

Who: Legendary designer Norma Kamali and massive discount retailer Walmart

What: Norma Kamali for Walmart, a line of basics—cardigans, leggings, and LBDs—with a cool edge

When: Launched last year; will be available through 2012

Pricing: $10 (for a tee) to $35 (for a winter coat)

The Piece We're Obsessed With: Norma Kamali "Sleeping Bag" jacket, $35, walmart.com

Who: The sisters behind the ethereal Rodarte, and Target

What: Rodarte for Target, a limited-edition line of modern feminine pieces made for layering

When: Launching December 20, 2009

Pricing: $9.99 (for knee-highs) to $79.99 (for a leopard-print jacket)

The Piece We're Obsessed With: Rodarte for Target slipdress, $39.99, available December 20 on target.com and in select Target stores

(Lucky magazine)

I love the Christopher Kane, Rachel Roy and Rodarte dresses.....such beautiful designs. I purposely went into Payless to see the Christian Siriano boot after seeing it modeled on Wendy Williams.....the picture doesn't do it justice, the "crinkled' patent leather and gold zipper accent work well together; it's certainly one of my favorites of all the peep toe booties out there. Now I'm going to head into Wal-mart and check out the Norma Kamali coat.....it looks warm as well as stylish.