If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

In the past five years, more and more couture designers are partnering with corporate retailers to give the average buyer a chance to own an original design instead of the chop house version.

Designers like Stella McCartney and Karl Lagerfield have worked with discount retailer H&M to deliver their work to the masses. This month, the classic Jimmy Choo designs that are reveled within the jet-set culture will retail for a fraction of their department store and boutique prices at H&M. The playful and innovative designs of Sonia Rykiel will be the retailer's next guest designer in December.

There are many others:

Anna Sui has brought her famous colorful patterns and edgy designs to Target this fall.

Vera Wang has been working with Kohl's since 2006, but has devoted more time and designs into her offerings this season. Elle Magazine has also teamed with Kohl's with lookbook offerings that resemble the hottest trends found within their pages.

Wal-Mart asked teen idols Taylor Swift, Keke Palmer, and Miley Cyrus to team with popular design houses to create affordable tween fashion this fall/winter. Miley teams with Max Azria for an extensive decorative T-shirt line. Swift-inspired sundresses with L.E.I. Palmer's line is called "Mad Style by True Jackson" and offers a little more sophistication to girly.

J.C. Penney just announced that Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who have created a fashion tidal wave with their upscale Elizabeth & James line, will release an exclusive line in select stores and online at www.jcp.com this month. The limited pieces are in lieu of their larger release in February. The new line will be called Olsenboye for junior girls and range in sizes 0-15. Maybe I can squeeze into them after all.

This year, Project Runway winner and prodigy Christian Siriano worked with Payless Shoes to create a "fierce" line of shoes and handbags that resemble his Fall Ready-to-Wear line. Peep-toe patent boots and strappy, patent triangle heels were inspired by his runway show.

He has also recently been on a book tour promoting "Fierce Style," his lighthearted guide to becoming your most fabulous self. The book plays up his knack for inventing descriptions for personal style and fashion. For example, when an outfit scores tacky on the fashion scales it becomes "tick, tack, toe." In person, Mr. Siriano is well spoken, without the "hot tranny mess" adjectives.

"I wanted the book to be fun and kitschy," he says. "But in real life you have to explain."

He teamed up with Payless Shoes partly because of the economy. He also sees working with a discount retailer as a way to reach his younger fan base while he is building his brand.

"To do a bag and shoe brand on my own would be a lot with my runway collections. I thought this was a good way for me to start," he says.

Because working with a corporate retailer means a broader audience, Christian got the opportunity to create pieces that are more casual than his usual daring designs.

"I can make a flat for something my mom would wear," he says. "And then a pump a fashionista would wear."

"I think guest designer collections are amazing because they are limited and exclusive. You get amazing quality and that designer experience for an amazing price."

While building his label, he has been working trunk shows to help him connect with his clientele.

"I get to be in the stores and be with women and it's personal. We get to do alterations and it's great because it helps me to design next season."

He is quick to say that he is not a casual designer and does not want to compete with daily wear outlets. Pieces from his runway line are available at Dress Circle in Shadyside.

A good part of his inspiration actually comes from historical designs. When Project Runway's Tim Gunn compared him to Marc Jacobs, he feels his inspiration comes from a more vintage place.

"I do more period designs. I look at 18th-century art," he explains. "So for me it's even older than the '80s. I like to add a modern twist."

Shopping tip: In case you don't find a designer in stores, check online and most styles can be mailed to the store or directly to you.