Un-"Accessible Style"

We've all heard the term "accessible style" in recent years thanks to the fashion choices of several powerful women. The catch phrase "accessible style" has been used to describe clothing that is easy to obtain and is reasonably priced for average American woman. While I applaud celebrities and extremely influential women for wearing pieces that are not $1,000+ each, I don't believe it's fair to market a majority of these styles as "accessible."

A couple of the pieces that Kate Middleton and Michelle Obama were praised for wearing (pictured above) are $375 (Diane von Furstenburg green silk dress) and $189 (Talbot's floral dress) respectively. If you read this blog, you are well aware I am frugal, far too frugal to pay hundreds of dollars for any one item and I am willing to bet I am far from the only one. The median household income in the United States is $46,326 - not exactly the kind of income that can afford a closet full of Diane von Furstenburg, Talbots or even J. Crew.

Olivia Wilde and First Lady, Michelle Obama in J. Crew

Yes, I said J. Crew, the company many have dubbed the epitome of "accessible style." I have honestly not set foot into a J. Crew in about two years. I realize that is a personal preference, but to me, even most sale items are not budget conscious.  Magazines also try to show inexpensive options and have sections with "deals" in them that make me, a middle class fashionista, cringe. If I do see something with a less than $50 price tag it is usually a hat, gloves or some other accessory and then I pout.

So in my opinion, What does constitute accessible style? I believe there are so many options no matter your age that ring in a lot cheaper, and are just as stylish as items from pricier lines. Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe offer trendy items and inexpensive prices for the younger set. H&M has become extremely popular with fashionable ladies and celebrities alike with their fashion forward clothing and reasonable pricing. I am also a fan of Target partnering with designers to give the average American the taste of high priced designers at a price that many can afford. I am happy to see these brands rising up and becoming more popular because they are catering more to average Americans like me.

Nikki Hilton and Katie Holmes in H&M

 This is my plea to the media: Show actual affordable options (i.e more pieces that are $50 and under) that will appeal to the average American without making them feel like they have to max out a credit card to stay on trend.  I commit to always keep this blog about affordable fashion. I may not always show styles that appeal to you, but hopefully I will give you ideas to make choices that will save you money. Hopefully the shift toward actual affordable items will continue to happen, because all women have the right to be fashionable on any budget.

What do you consider to be "accessible style"?