Liz Claiborne Steps Up Its Game

Leave it to Isaac Mizrahi. In just a few seasons, the designer has transformed Liz Claiborne from a matronly brand suffering from over-the-hill aesthetic tendencies to arguably as chic and cheap a mainstream retailer as one can find these days. Take the brand’s Fall 09 Look Book for example, of which Coutorture says, “every item ... from the boots to the bracelets to the outerwear, is affordably priced and perfectly merchandised.”

In this case, styling is everything—sweaters and blazers are belted to generate a slimmer silhouette, while tartans and stripes are matched in a surprisingly complimentary pairing. Meanwhile, Mizrahi has also included a sleek motorcycle-inspired leather jacket, high-waisted, wide-legged trousers (a likely next step in the post-harem pant evolution), and lots of plaid (2009 isn’t done with the 90s quite yet). So, if you’re already over Topshop, or just looking for something a bit more mature than your typical H&M or Forever 21 selection but at no higher a price point, Liz Claiborne is without a doubt one shop to hit this year. Considering The Limited is likewise proving itself still relevant for the sartorial savvy, there seems to be no shortage of affordable fashion these days. For a full gallery of all of the Liz Claiborne Fall 09 looks, click here.