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Head to toe designer fashion is a hotly debated topic. One side contends that if women could afford it they'd wear head to toe designer fashions, while the other side would definitely choose mix and match. Given the options, the general consensus is that mixing it up is more fun and affordable.
Celebrity Muse
In the past, some of the greatest celebrities have been the muses of various fashion designers --- Audrey Hepburn for Hubert de Givenchy, Madonna for Jean Paul Gaultier. Current celebrities now have the option to represent favorite designers "on the red carpet." Because the designers dress the celebs gratis -- even though they must return the clothing -- the red carpet provides an enormous opportunity for the celebrity and the designer to command attention. And of course, head to toe makes sense for this particular venue, because it is being bank rolled by the designer. Very rich women have this option also. Wearing head to toe Chanel, like Anna Wintour frequently does, (she is the editor in chief of "Vogue") has its caché. It screams status, power and affluence. Wintour is purported to make $8 million dollars per year at her post. However for most women, head to toe designer fashion is likely unattainable and for the most part, unwanted.
Mix and Match
Mix and match is fun. Great wardrobes are built on sophisticated choices. While you're shopping, define your personal style and purchase items that have longevity and durability. The choices are fantastic with many of the great global designers jumping into the low-end market. Karl Lagerfeld, Roberto Cavalli, Stella McCartney, and in the past, Isaac Mizrahi, have all done collections for H&M and Target, making the high-end design sensibility available to the mass market. Even Jimmy Choo produced a line of shoes for H&M.
Accessory Hunt
For ladies on a limited budget, the best way to acquire designer pieces is through the accessory market -- a pair of sunglasses by Armani, a coveted Prada handbag (bought on sale of course) and a pair of designer shoes found at discount retailers. These items reflect the quality that you long for, but at affordable. Even when designer merchandise threatens to become "vintage", it still maintains its allure.
Shop Smart
Building a smart wardrobe takes a thoughtful approach to buying. Haunt the clearance racks of designer stores, and watch for great buys that fill out a low-end or middle range closet. You can never go wrong with a Ralph Lauren jacket or trousers by Calvin Klein, and buying them on sale will assure that you have all the right pieces for every event that comes your way. Mix it up. High end, middle and mass market combine to fill your closet with every wardrobe options.
