Look at them. Standing on street corners, all dressed up and painted. Wanting, waiting, and craving all your dirty love and attention. They know you want what they have, which makes their appeal all the more alluring. They’ll make you think you need it because one taste is never enough. You’ve got to have it, because it’s all too good to pass up… yet you hesitate. No, I’m not talking about a Lady of the Night. I’m talking about high-end retailers and designers.

This story is nothing new. Designers have been doing it for years; releasing designer exclusives at consumer friendly price points to entice even the most frugal of shoppers. And today it seems the only way for designers to remain afloat in our tumultuous economy.

The idea of luxury is no longer practical and practical is becoming more of a luxury, so design houses are trying any and everything to keep price points down and their names ever relevant. In many cases, quality has suffered. Some  designers have skimped on materials to try to give consumers the latest fashion for a lower price. Essentially, they cut the quality and sell their products for the same or lower price.

Still others, wanting a more consumer-friendly approach (a.k.a. on a college budget), have begun partnering with “Big Box” retailers like, Wal-Mart, Target, Macy’s, Payless, JC Penney,to create products for the more price sensitive shoppers. Designers have seen much success. Some match-ups worth checking out include,  Jimmy Choo for H&M, Norma Kamali and Miley Cyrus/Max Azria for Wal-Mart, Anna Sui for Target, Rachel by Rachel Roy for Macy’s, and even my favorite designer from Project Runway, Christian Siriano, has done a collection of shoes for Payless.

So what does mean for you, the savvy and fashionable college student? Milk this recession for all it’s worth! Long gone are the days of brand loyalty. Today everyone is in it for themselves. It’s all about personal style, and if these thrifty finds just so happen to align themselves with your aesthetic, you’d be foolish not to take advantage. Make sure to check the big name stores as well.

You’d be surprised to find out what brands have made themselves a lot more attainable recently. The truth is, these brands need us. So secure daddy’s credit card and give them everything they want… you dirty little whore!