The Diffusion Delimma

There is a lot of discussion out there about diffusion lines, such as Marc by Marc Jacobs, Armani spin offs, or the Go International collaborations available through Target.  The pros of having diffusion lines available are that pieces by highly respected designers are made available to consumers trying to live within their means.  The cons are that some diffusion lines are made by design teams instead of the lead designer (this can mean the line has little in common with the runway line), thus the consumer is not getting what they are paying for; the quality can be poor, and often the sizing can be difficult to predict. 

Personally, I've enjoyed the spoils of the Go International collaborations.  Here are two examples of pieces I've gotten this year:

{Rodarte for Target} {Seen in this post and this post}

{Zac Posen for Target} {Seen in this post}

It also is no secret that bloggers are clamouring for these pretty babies:

{via}

I'm also aware that the Posen skirt may have been an impulse buy; just so I could own something by Zac Posen.  What I haven't shared is that I have a nearly identical skirt that I got at a thrift store for 6 bucks.  It is a dark olive green that looks black (the Posen skirt is black), and a tad longer; however only you lovely readers would probably notice the difference.  Don't get me wrong, I love the skirt, but I didn't buy it because there was a lack in my wardrobe; in part I bought it for the label.  I know it is a piece I'll use for a long time in many different ways...  however it was unnecessary.

I will tell you that I did not have a striped shirt before the Rodarte purchase, and I have clearly gotten my money's worth out of it.

For me, I can appreciate a diffusion line.  I think it is a matter of consumer discernment and having the sand to admit that it is a diffusion product.

So, readers, what do you think of diffusion lines?

xoxoxo