Here at StealFashion we are always keeping a keen eye for fashionable looks that recessionistas will gravitate towards. After long hours spent on grueling shopping excursions, I came up with a list of the best stores to shop for affordable fashion. Thanks to the recession, some of these retailers have increased their fashion quotient with their collaborations with fashion designers, such as Richard Chai, Thakoon and Charlotte Ronson. Budget fashion has never looked so good!

H&M- The Swedish retailer has been a long-time favorite of mine because they have the best choices of fashion trends at very affordable prices. They have a great selection of accessories, including belts, print scarves, earrings, bangles, sunglasses and handbags. I also love their denim, sweaters, dress trousers, summer dresses and casual tees. H&M also scored big because of their fab projects with Matthew Williamson and Jimmy Choo, which debuts in November.

dELiA’s – The youth-friendly shop has some of the cutest graphic tees, which are also kind to your wallet. Pair these fun print tees of classic phrases or movies, such as Sixteen Candles, with the great-fitting jeans from their denim line. I also like the new plaid button down shirts and short corduroy skirts from their fall collection.

Target - From their exclusive collabs for clothing, shoes, and accessories to lower-priced lines from makeup artists Napoleon Perdis and home designer Dror Benshetrit, Target has everything for your wardrobe and your abode. Guest designers, such as Alice Temperley, Tracy Feith, Anna Sui and Rodarte, have created fashion-forward collections for the retailer. I visit the store to find all of my basics from shorts and swimsuits to layering tees and jackets. Be sure to check out their fall lines and exciting new collections for affordable fashion choices.  

JCPenney - The store has a semi-annual catalog, which is full of great ideas for women, men and kids’ clothing and shoes. Now, the chain has added e-commerce for their customers, and a fab roster of popular fashion designers, including Charlotte Ronson, Nicole Miller and Allen Schwartz. The I Heart Ronson collection reflects Ronson’s downtown girl atheistic, and lucky for us, owning a couple of pieces or so of her chic looks won’t break your bank.