Design History: a refreshing, affordable fashion oasis

10.04.09

I was shopping for a client over the weekend and found myself browsing in Saks. She needed cardigans for layering and easy-to-wear sweater-dresses for her busy life as a working mother. My client does not have a tight budget and is very trusting of my selections - if I think that it will work for her, she is happy to have me purchase it for her regardless of the price. Despite this freedom, I am always on the hunt for a good value and any way to make her dollar go farther. Perhaps this is due to my five-year career at Second Time Around, a designer consignment boutique, or to my upbringing by my very frugal and budget-conscious mother. But, whatever the reason, this is how I operate no matter what my client's budget.

Back to my shopping trip....

So, there I was, browsing in Saks. I saw a lot of beautiful things that I wanted to buy for my client, but I was hard-pressed to spend half of the day's allowance on one sweater dress when I had other things to buy for her. That was when I stumbled across the Design History rack in Saks' Contemporary Section.

I already knew about Design History, but I often forget about it since it is overshadowed by the more uniqe or higher-profile brands. While they don't make terribly exciting pieces, they consistently make fashionable basics, most of which are knits. But, perhaps the best part of the line is their extremely affordable price points. I bought my client a long charcoal cardigan with a shawl collar for $170. It can be worn open as a cardigan or sweater-coat or belted over leggings as a sweater-dress. This was a refreshing departure from the other sweater-dresses and cardigans at Saks which averaged in at $250 - $500.

If you want to check the line out for yourself, head over to Saks Fifth Avenue in the Back Bay or to Wish, a boutique on Charles St. in Beacon Hill. The sweater pictured above was my favorite of this Fall's pieces and can be found at www.saks.com. Happy Shopping!

                                                                             --Marisa

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