Kohl's: Affordable Shopping's Best Kept Secret?

We've all been to Target. We've all been to Walmart. But who's been to Kohl's?

I, for one, have been once. Upon entering, I became overwhelmed by the sheer size of the store-- and the eerie lack of people-- and immediately left. Now, I regret that decision.

Did you know that Kohl's has an ELLE collection? Did you know that Kohl's has a Lauren Conrad collection? Did you know that Kohl's has a Vera Wang collection? Now you do. So, head on over to your nearest Kohl's store (MapQuest it, since I can bet money that you don't know where it is) or check out Kohls.com for their Fall 2010 Collections.

ELLE Ryder Ankle Boots, $24.97

ELLE Larson Over-the-Knee Riding Boots, $69.99

LC Lauren Conrad Floral Ruffle Camisole, $22.99

Simply Vera Vera Wang Sequin Tank, $32.99

Simply Vera Vera Wang Faux-Leather Motorcycle Jacket, $53.99

Simply Vera Vera Wang Punky Flap Handbag, $69.30

Simply Vera Vera Wang Gatson Tall Boots, $69.99

-Annie Wazer

Collection Review: Tucker for Target

Before I begin, I'm going to give a little background info on the clothing line, Tucker.

Tucker is a high end line of clothing, designed by Gaby Basora. Basora is best known for her flouncy, smocked, silk blouses, her whimsical patterns, and her bold use of color. A typical Tucker blouse will retail for somewhere around $100.

On September 12th, Target unveiled Tucker's limited-edition Target Collection consisting of jackets, sweaters, shorts, skirts, tops, and dresses, all ranging between $19.99 and $79.99.

I have been eagerly awaiting this discounted designer collection for months. I have stalked sneak peak pictures, and even made a few premature trips to Target, just to make sure the collection hadn't been released early.

September 12th came and went, and so did my excitement. Yes, Basora's whimsical patterns and silky pieces are all present and accounted for in the recently released collection. But her color choices are questionable at best, and her pieces look more frumpy than flouncy.

There are a few pieces that could be salvageable with some accessories and the right attitude, but who really wants to put in that much effort? I think I'll save my money for the next Target designer...

Top, $29.99

Top, $29.99

Dresses, $59.99 each

-Annie Wazer

The Look for Less: Emma Roberts' Style for Under $100

Emma Roberts proves to be a style connoisseur with this trendy outfit. She impeccably employs a variety of hot trends— with her denim jacket, black tights, and leopard print boots — to create a melodious ensemble. Her pristine style can’t be bought, but her outfit can be— if you have several hundred dollars lying around. So, I’ve found a poor couture alternative for those of us who don’t, enjoy!

Dress - $18, Forever 21, forever21.com

Jacket - $16, American Eagle Outfitters, ae.com

Shoes - $34, ASOS, asos.com

Tights - $13, HUE, amazon.com

Clutch - $13, Forever 21, canada.forever21.com

Total - $94

-Annie Wazer

A Thrifty Trend: Statement Necklaces

From the runway shows of the world’s top designers to the accessory section at Old Navy, statement necklaces are everywhere— and that’s why I love them. Statement necklaces are intended to, well, make a statement and they do that with a combination of bright colors, intriguing textures, and obscure shapes. Since these necklaces come in a variety of designs, they also come with a variety of price tags. So, here are some with poor couture approved price tags, enjoy!

$24 - Chain Wrapped Stone Necklace, Arden B, ardenb.com

$12.50 - Chunky Layered Metal Necklace, Charlotte Russe, charlotterusse.com

$29.95 - Pantone Triple Strand, Anthropologie, anthropologie.com

$19.95 - Grand Chandelier Necklace, Anthropologie, anthropologie.com

$12.80 - Netted Charms Necklace, Forever 21, forever21.com

$10.80 - A Bold Catch Necklace, Forever 21, forever21.com

$8.80 - Pear Shaped Collar, Forever 21, forever21.com

$14.50 - Women’s Large Necklace, Old Navy, oldnavy.gap.com

$8.50 - Lucite Necklace, Charlotte Russe, charlotterusse.com

$17.99 - Magnificent Magnolia Necklace, Mod Cloth, modcloth.com

$23.99 - Highlight-her Necklace, Mod Cloth, modcloth.com

$21.99 - Cutenkhamun Necklace, Mod Cloth, modcloth.com

$19.95 - Eccentric Concentric Necklace, Anthropologie, anthropologie.com

$10.50 - Half and Half Necklace, Charlotte Russe, charlotterusse.com

-Annie Wazer

Worth the Splurge...

$298 - The Archive Leather Boot, Madewell, madewell.com

My poor head says no but my couture heart says yes, yes, yes! These Madewell boots are slightly (okay, more than slightly) out of my budget, but leather this silky smooth is worth the splurge. Some riding boots can look too little-house-on-the-prairie and not enough sleek-and-sophisticated, but these boots’ classic shape, flat sole, and rounded-toe work together to create a timeless look. Thanks to their rich cognac coloring, they are easy to pair with any outfit, making them the perfect accessory. These boots are made for walking…to a casual date— paired with your favorite pair of jeans and a flouncy floral tank— or to the office— paired with a black sweater dress and tights— or even to the grocery store— paired with leggings, an oversized gray tee, and your favorite scarf. Enjoy!

-Annie Wazer

The Look for Less: Kate Bosworth's Style for Under $100

Tie-dye clothing has lived many lives throughout fashion history. In the 1960’s, peace-loving flower children brought it to life. In the 1990’s, it was revived with a rush of girl power and boy bands. Although some may have expected tie-dye to enter into retirement with the new millennium, it proved its longevity by never straying far from the world of fashion. In 2010, it can be seen, once again, as a top trend. Kate Bosworth expertly dons this fashion old-timer with leather sandals, a white cuff bracelet, and a pair of classic aviators. By pairing her dress with the sandals and cuff, Bosworth gives tie-dye a modern edge, but with her addition of the aviators, she reminds us all of its vintage past. Although tie-dye has been worn by the masses, Bosworth’s tie-dye dress has a price tag that few could afford. So, here’s a poor couture alternative for the rest of us, enjoy!

Dress - $35, ASOS, asos.com

Sunglasses - $15, BKE, buckle.com

Shoes - $36, MIA, endless.com

Bracelet - $5, ASOS, asos.com

Total - $91

-Annie Wazer

A Plea

Dear affordable clothing manufacturers and retailers,

It has come to my attention that a plague has swept across the world of affordable clothing. As a self-proclaimed shopaholic, I feel that it is my duty to inform you of this ubiquitous tragedy and to beg you to put an end to it. So, if you care for your loyal shoppers at all, please heed my advice: stop trying too hard.

Enough is enough. Do you know how many nearly perfect shirts I've rejected because of some irreconcilable flaw? Do you know how many dresses I've denied thanks to over-embelishment? Do you know how many shoes I've snubbed due to their unfathomable degree of tackiness? Do you?

Stop with the sequins. Forget the fringe. No more neons. All of these things can be fabulous if done with a certain amount of restraint-- of which, I'm sorry to say, you lack.

A word of advice: don't try to do too much with one item. If you are going to make a trendy piece, please avoid trend overkill by picking just ONE trend to focus on. Yes, ruffles are trendy, but not when they're made of leather, coated with sequins and bordered by zippers. No one wants to look like franken-trend.

The time has come to make changes in affordable clothing. Fashion is starting to overcome budget boundaries and is becoming more and more accessible to the financially-challenged. Although this is a positive improvement, set backs, such as incessant tackiness, are disappointing.

Please, please, please just stick to the basics. Your shoppers are not stupid. We know that we're not paying $10 for the best-made shirt in all of fashion history. We know that those $20 "leather" boots only look chic from at least a 3 foot distance. We know what we're paying for, and we know what we're not paying for.

To make my point for clear, I've included some evidence of the atrocities you have created (for your sake, I will not name names) :

Sequins? Yes. Camo? Yes. Leggings? Yes. Sequin-Camo-Leggings? Oh no.

I can't.

The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Dress.

Who invited the flower?

Was the inspiration a straight-jacket?

I see where it's going, but I don't like where it took me.

I think I've made my point. So, if you care for your shopper's retail well-being at all, you will make some necessary changes.

Sincerely,

Concerned


-Annie Wazer

Request: A Red Dress

Thanks to Laura, Annie's wonderful friend, we are adding a new feature to our site. From now on, you can ask us to search for anything you want within whatever price range you choose, and we promise to find as many options for you as soon as we can. To request an item, comment on this post, or any subsequent request posts (any post within the "request" section of the website), with a description of what you're looking for, how much you want to spend on it, and, if you have a particular look in mind, list a couple of adjectives to describe your personal style to help us narrow down your options. We are open to any and all requests, so don't be shy!

Not only was Laura brilliant enough to come up with this idea, but she also just happens to be our first requester. Laura will be attending the Red Dress Gala, which is an annual charity event put on every year by the Alpha Phi sorority in support of the American Heart Association. Laura needs a red dress for the event, and is hoping to spend around $60 on it. We've listed options below, in order how price, from lowest to highest. Also, we've included some helpful hints where necessary. We hope this helps, Laura!

Price: $15

Who: GRASS, What: Stretch Satin Belted Dress, Where: www.15dollarstore.com


*If you don't like the belt, remove it and carefully cut the belt loops off with sewing (or very sharp) scissors. Voila, it's a corset dress!

Price: $22.80
Who: Forever 21, What: One Shoulder Ruffle Dress, Where:www.forever21.com

*If you order this dress-- or anything from Forever 21-- online, keep in mind that Forever 21 sizes can be a little off. Word of advice: be sure to leave enough time when you order it so that you can return it if it doesn't fit.

Price: $29.80

Who: Forever 21, What: Poised Sheen Shoulder Dress, Where:www.forever21.com

Price: $35.99

Who: 2cute2trendy, What: Ruby Red One Shoulder Cocktail Dress, Where: www.2cute2trendy.com

Price: $35.99

Who: 2cute2trendy, What: Ruby Red Strapless Cocktail Dress, Where:www.2cute2trendy.com

Price: $35.99

Who: 2cute2trendy, What: Red Strapless Cocktail Dress with Pockets, Where:www.2cute2trendy.com

Price: $39.99

Who: 2cute2trendy, What: Red Bandage Sheath Dress, Where:www.2cute2trendy.com


*Although this dress is cute and cheap, it may not be appropriate for a charity event. Typically, you should avoid anything short, tight, and low cut (so basically, this dress) for formal functions.

Price: $49.99

Who: ModCloth, What: Valley Party Dress, Where: www.modcloth.com

Price: $59
Who: Spiegel, What: One-Shoulder Satin Sheath Dress, Where:www.spiegel.com

Price: $60.66
Who: ASOS, What: Tailored Pleat Waist Tulip Dress, Where:www.asos.com

Price: $68.75

Who: Esley, What: Flower Thread Dress in Red, Where:www.theonlineclothingboutique.com

Price: $69.99

Who: J.Crew, What: Silk Tricotine Anouk Dress, Where: www.jcrew.com

Price: $80

Who: BB Dakota, What: Whitman Dress, Where: www.shopbop.com

*Annie's personal favorite!

If you don't like any of the dresses shown above, don't worry because there's more! The links below will bring you to even more trendy and affordable red dresses.


http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=dress&product%5Fid=2082969198&Page=2&pgcount=100#


http://www.johnlewis.com/87851/Style.aspx


http://www.asos.com/countryid/2/Asos/Asos-Ponti-Tulip-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=903355&MID=35719&affid=2135&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-8.tMuSJ9LhvL_TCwoTURUg


http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModCloth/Womens/Gig+Harbor+Dress+in+Red


http://www.2cute2trendy.com/Marilyn-Monroe-Chiffon-Halter-Cocktail-Dress-Red_p_695.html


http://www.asos.com/countryid/2/Asos/Asos-Cross-Back-Skater-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1199032&MID=35719&affid=2135&siteID=J84DHJLQkR4-LOSCDsCKKIdmZ8FIL0Iiwg


http://www.dillards.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=301&storeId=301&langId=-1&productId=502028625&linkshare=http://www.shopstyle.com/affiliate


http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=dress&product_id=2080618173&Page=19&pgcount=25

-Annie Wazer