Rocawear Evolution ad featuring actress Joy Bryant
It's back-to-school time and with the major economic downturn, consumers are pretty leery about how and where they should spend their money. Most are on the hunt for fashionable yet affordable items that will give them the best their money can buy. Often we pick up the wrong items while in "penny-pinching" mode, letting price be a determining factor when snagging those last-minute finds. Not sure of what to get on a budget that's also eau de current?
Here, we offer items that fall under several key trends to invest in from various celebrity fashion lines including Beyonce's House of Dereon, Kimora Lee Simmons' Fabulosity, Jay-Z's Rocawear and Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Lovers. Rockers Lenny Kravitz and Avril Lavigne's take on style inspired brands such as Levi's for mass retail chain Kohl's while Fabulosity was designed exclusively for JC Penney. Don't want to be seen at your local mass retailer? Take advantage of the world wide web where these same items are available at just the click of your mouse. Either way, you'll still be on point with your fashion and your wallet.
Joy Bryant Beauty Tips
Joy Bryant keeps her hair in place during the summer using hair pomades such as Kizzi "Stay-Put" Hair Pomade by Carol's Daughter. For more summer hair care tips, visit the BV Hair Blog Hair Apparent.
Vince Bucci, Getty Images
In addition to acting in films like 'Get Rich or Die Trying' with 50 Cent, Joy is also a spokesperson for Roxy Fashions and Cover Girl.
Kevin Winter, Getty Images
Joy likes to keep her summer style simple. This is a girl-next-door look that Bryant somehow makes feel glamorous.
Andrew H. Walker, Getty Images for IMG
For a summer event, Bryant likes to "keep it simple." She wore an elegant strapless cocktail dress with simple shoes and jewelry to the Whitney Contemporaries Art Party in New York City in June.
Amy Sussman, Getty Images
Ever that fan of the maxi dress, Joy looks especially good in this season's hottest dress trend.
Jean Baptiste Lacroix, WireImage.com
Her recent marriage to David Pope is a new step in Joy's life. She married her stunt man husband in the Hamptons in June of this year.
Alexandra Wyman, WireImage.com
Fabulosity by Kimora Lee Simmons at JC Penney offers several key trends
TREND: Hi-WAISTED This works on the straight narrow-hipped body type seeking waist-defining curves as well as the curvy for a va-va-voom Jessica Rabbit effect. It also elongates the long and lean figure ready to feaux-pose as an America's Next Top Model contestant.
Dereon Diva High Waisted Skirt, $89, dereon.com
Fabulosity High Waisted Skinny Jeans, $39, jcpenney.com
TREND: METALLIC MOMENT A metallic topper or bottom is a great way to dress up a casual look. It's a guaranteed standout that will bring out your inner superstar. Autographs not included.
Baby Phat Windbreaker Coat, $49.99 sale!, drjays.com, babyphat.com
G-Unit Metallic Puff Sleeve Jacket, $46.99 sale!, drjays.com
Rocawear Clarisa Fashion Jean, $88, rocawear.com
Candies Silver Bomber Jacket, $44.20, kohls.com
TREND: VESTS Menswear-inspired elements rule women's fashion every fall. Any surprise that this summer's favorite worn with t-shirts is still here? Layer it over dresses too for a hipster-meets-boho vibe. If you weren't on it then, get one now.
Rocawear Cowgirl Vest, $64, rocawear.com
Candies Menswear Vest, $26.60 sale!, kohls.com
TREND: MAD FOR PLAID It was a runway hit in black & white, buffalo check and deep, dark fall hues. It adds pop to blah solids. Just avoid looking heir to Donald Trump's Scottish bloodline wearing tartan plaids. Friends will expect a bagpipe to match.
Baby Phat Plaid Bubble Skirt Trench, $149, babyphat.com
LAMB Hooded Jacket, $465, l-a-m-b.com
Abbey Dawn Pleated Plaid Mini-Skirt, $28 sale!, kohls.com
TREND: WIDE-LEGGED PANTS This 70's show piece is especially great when worn with wedges, boots or heels for a slimming, elongating effect. It's a totally chic, dramatic departure from last spring's skinny jean. The really petite should be wary, it's just not for you.
Apple Bottoms Ingrid Trouser, $79, applebottoms.com
LAMB Utility Pant, $265, l-a-m-b.com
TREND: MILITARY MOMENT Atten....tion! Military details may have been inspired by our American boys off at war. Or maybe it's this season's take on last spring's safari look. No matter the reason, cop some military-inspired. That's an order!
Harajuku Lovers Serious Windbreaker, $78, harajukulovers.com
Apple Bottoms Military Jacket, $138, applebottoms.com
1. Are you kidding? The only thing cheap about those clothes is probably the quality. I wouldn't attach my family name to anything that I wouldn't wear myself, and we all know damn well Beyonce wouldn't be caught dead in that cheap, tacky ass skirt.
LIA at 11:35PM on Sep 2nd 2008