by Jen Houston

While we may have less cash to spend, the recession has left us with a tantalizing availability of affordable pieces by formerly exclusive luxury brands. Riding on the heels of its successful Matthew Williamson and Comme Des Garcons collections, H&M has announced that they will carry accessories by Jimmy Choo this fall. “We adore [their] shoes and bags. They are glamorous and sexy, and they add instant style to the simplest of outfits,” said H&M creative adviser Margareta van den Bosch.  

Jimmy Choo and other high-end designers have implemented discount lines as a shrewd response to economic conditions – New York market research group NPD reported a 23 percent decline in sales of dress shoes throughout January, February and March this year. Priced at about $50-$140 USD, we’ll be more than willing to plop down the dough when the collection becomes available November 14th. Expect massive line-ups and maybe even a catfight or two over the last size-8s, as the drool-worthy heels regularly run upwards of $500.