Thakoon for Target, Charlotte Ronson for JCPenney, Comme des Garcons for H&M, and alice + olivia for Payless? Be still my fashion heart!

Affordable high end fashion? Surely it must be an oxymoron, but it's not! It's no secret that the country is in an economic crisis. Costs are rising everywhere, but the fashion industry is getting a bit more affordable as high end designers partner up with retailers to provide their products at more affordable costs. These deals are perfect for the fashionista who appreciates designer fashions, but can also afford to have more cash in her pocket.

Thakoon for Target
Target was one of the ring leaders in teaming up with high end designers for more affordable products. Years ago the Isaac Mizrahi for Target collection debuted, and since then, they've teamed up with designers such as Richard Chai and Proenza Schuler. The Jonathan Saunders collection is currently in stores, and Thakoon for Target will launch later this year.

Since launching his first ready to wear collection, Thakoon Panichgul has become a favorite for his feminine dresses and pretty prints. His pieces can retail for upwards of $1,000 but his deal with Target will make his famous designs available at a fraction of that cost. The line debuts at Target on Christmas Day, December 25, 2008.

Charlotte Ronson for JC Penney
Starting with Kimora Lee Simmons' Fabulosity collection earlier this year, department store JC Penney has begun teaming up with well known designers to create lines exclusively for the department store, in an effort to boost their sales in contemporary clothing divisions.

Their next collaboration is with New York based fashion designer Charlotte Ronson. The I "Heart" Ronson collection will debut for Spring 2009 sales. Expect to find all the essentials for your wardrobe at a discount from Ronson's normal retail price. According to a press release for JCPenney, I "Heart" Ronson will feature "items ranging from $15.00 for layering tees and tanks to $26.00-$44.00 for tops, sweaters and jeans to $40.00-$65.00 for dresses and jackets."

Comme Des Garcons for H & M
No one will soon forget the excitement of when H&M teamed up with Roberto Cavalli to create a collection for the affordable chic store. The lines were crazy, and the clothing flew off the racks.

This time H&M teams with Japanese label Comme des Garcons designer Rei Kawakubo to create men and women's collections for the store. Comme des Garcons typically sells in the label's boutiques and "guerilla stores," which typically stay open for one year only. The H&M line will debut on November 13th and feature a color palette of black white, midnight blue and rose for the winter.

alice + olivia for Payless
Now that you can get clothing from high end designers at vastly more affordable prices, you need some shoes to go with them. Payless has been leading the pack signing deals with designers like Patricia Field and Lela Rose.

This Fall alice + olivia for Payless was launched. Co-founder Stacey Bendet's alice + olivia line started out as pants only and has branced into a full range of modern contemporary wear with alice + olivia stores in NYC, Los Angeles, and the Hamptons. Bendet has teamed with Payless to offer a line of shoes and accessories, which are in store now.