Is High Style Worth Low Prices? The Drawbacks of Designer Discount Lines at Stores Like Target, H&M

A clip from CNBC's Luxury Boom explaining why you won't find Manolo Blahnik shoes at H&M.

Crowds lined up today to get their hands on Marni’s collection for H&M. Within an hour, some racks and even mannequins were empty, according to The LA Times.

Marni is the latest in a long line of designers in the past few years to make lines for a fraction of their regular prices for stores like Target and H&M. The trend is considered by many to have started with Isaac Mizrahi’s line for Target. Since then, designers such as Versace, Jason Wu, Missoni and more have made collections. Shoe designers, such as Dolce Vita and Miss Trish of Capri have also made collections.

Crowds for Marni at H&M 

Yet, some designer brands, notably Manolo Blahnik will not be showing up on mass retailer shelves any time soon.

Cheap Summer Fun! Miss Trish of Capri for Target Summer 2011 Collection

If you want fun and cute summer shoes, check out Miss Trish of Capri Summer 2011 collection for Target. After popular previous collaborations, this collection of wedges, sandals, and dressy flip-flops is playful, well-designed and comfortable.

The materials are cheaper than the regular designs but come a sharp discount. The designer’s shoes can be upwards of $300 while the Target collection tops out at $30. This is much cheaper than even when you find Miss Trish shoes in discounters, such as Daffy’s.

 I happened to check out my local Target and found them on clearance for 50 percent off. I purchased a pair of green wedges with flowers for $15 and my mom purchased blue flowered flip-flops for $10. The selection of styles was limited but there were many sizes available. Online more styles are available but they have not yet been marked down.