Fashion Week takeover: Get designer looks now for less

From New York to Milan to London, the Fashion Week shows previewing fall’s clothing lines have struck us with dreams of designer duds. In New York alone, at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, we spotted fresh takes on fringe (more feminine, less western) at J. Crew’s show. Lela Rose mixed florals and graphic prints like a pro and has us crushing on citrine–we don’t want to wait until fall to wear the soft yellow! And Mara Hoffman’s runway was a gold rush, with the shimmery metallic providing symmetrical details to gowns and tops

Doubt your budget will let you wear the same high-end labels favored by A-list celebs? Think again! Here are five steals we found on designer labels now.

Elie Tahari: Take a bite out of Big Apple style

New York designer Elie Tahari designed an affordable line for Kohl’s that’s inspired by the Big Apple, defined by classic silhouettes and lots of black and white along with splashes of blue. Kohl’s is inbetween DesigNation lines, meaning you’ll find extra-great savings on Tahari’s collection. (Next up in the Kohl’s DesigNation series is Milly, with a capsule collection that draws influence from Capri, Italy and will hit stores this spring).

One of our favorite pieces from Tahari’s collection: This dress, above, that earned props in People Stylewatch magazine and features design details such as lined mesh insets, ribbed elbows and zipper accents at the hem that make it versatile enough for the office and happy hour. Mixed Media sheath dress, $25.20 on sale, Kohl’s

J.Crew Factory: Even more price cuts on classics

Whether it’s a Fashion Week presentation, new catalogue or storefront display, we can always count on J. Crew to give us outfit envy. We like to think of the brand’s creative director Jenna Lyons as our own personal style adviser, showing us how to wear classics in new cool ways–pairing unexpected colors, tying a scarf differently or perfecting the pattern-mixing technique. While J. Crew is known for running some good sales, you’ll find even better deals at J. Crew Factory.

Lace has loomed large on the runways and red carpet, so try incorporating the classic trend into your wardrobe with this lace dress, above, in a universally flattering coral tone. Lace sleeveless dress, $98 on sale, J. Crew Factory

Nordstrom: Up your street style game

At every circus, there’s always a good sideshow. In the case of Fashion Week, our attention is split between the runways and the surrounding street style in some of fashion’s major capitals. And, if we’ve learned one thing from street style stars, it’s that accessories can steal the show.

Nordstrom has a shopping feature that allows you to shop Fashion Week looks, and among the sections is street style-inspired items. Gain insta-street style fame with a stylish fedora, above. Topshop color-block fedora, $52, Nordstrom

Lacoste: Tennis anyone?

The Lacoste presentation in New York celebrated tennis champion Rene Lacoste, with contemporary styles and sportswear coming together. While many of the runway looks are far-fetched when it comes to our everyday wardrobe (so many gorgeous gowns, so few balls to attend!), athletic-inspired pieces have our name on ’em. Let this dress, above, plus a pair of sneakers, be your weekend uniform. Lacoste athletic striped T-shirt dress, $76.99 on sale, Lacoste