Designers at a Discount

Upscale designers are now going "downscale" by selling through mass-market retailers to reach a broader set of customers. If you have reservations about downscale shopping, you should reconsider what you're really getting for your money. Although the garments don't compare to a designer's own boutique, the same designer's mass market clothing is reasonably priced and often reflect the same design sensibility.

Most all of the products now are imported, packaged as separates within a seasonal collection, and include coordinating accessories. The quality is comparable whether they are sold through a department store or discount retailer. The main difference is that the items are heavily promoted via sale prices at a department store, whereas the discounter will price it lower to begin with.

Here are three brands that are especially appealing for moms:

Dana Buchman (Kohl's) - If your wardrobe is based on neutrals and you like a refined, clean look, Buchman's work for Kohl's - called "Signature Style" - is worth examining. Do you shop at Talbot's? Then you will find several pieces to like.  Although the jackets are not fully lined, they do have fabric where it counts most; inside the sleeves, the front panels, and the back shoulders. Of course, the fact that they have lining at all is a surprise at price points below $50. Look at the chain detail shown on the jacket here;  nothing "downmarket" about it.

Norma Kamali (Wal-Mart) - This collection is based almost entirely on navy, gray, and black. Most of the pieces are offered at price points of $10, $15, and $20. The basic pieces feature machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant polyester with an easy drape. If you shop at Chico's or J. Jill, you may want to take a look at what this brand offers.

Vera Wang (Kohl's) - Vera's name goes far beyond wedding dresses these days and is liberally sprinkled throughout the women's apparel and accessories at Kohl's. The designs are decidedly trendier, with the inverted pleats, graduated colors and sillhouettes that are of-the-moment. If you're a boutique shopper and pride yourself on wearing the most current look, "Simply Vera" is a good bet. There is a slight risk that you will see yourself coming and going, but if you don't shop by collection and combine pieces with your existing wardrobe, you can get more mileage for your money.

No listing would be complete without mentioning Isaac Mizrahi, who helped Target follow through on its "Design for All" theme. Now Target is collaborating with designers on limited collections- Anna Sui is on deck for this fall - but we BirminghamMoms can benefit from the best in design for no more than we would spend on any no-name garment.