New York - September 25, 2007

Oh, Spare Me

Artean Debuts

If only more designers followed the lead of Proenza and Abaeté and made affordable versions of their clothes.

Taking the cue are the ladies behind Redtoenails, with Artean, the new lower-priced clothing line from the trendy Brooklyn boutique and label whose luxe designs border on the subversive (think frocks and tops made with naughty toile prints).

For the collection they’re doing dress-up clothes with big collars and hoods (Yoda Hoodie swing coat), high waists (pencil skirt), and bodices (tiered party dress) starting at $100.

Right on point with the season’s trends: a back-drape dress that hangs just so on the shoulders, a puffed-sleeve blouse in cream with contrasting black yoke, and an awesome brocade hooded coat with gold rope and tassels.

So make some space in your closet.

Your spending habits can spare the change.

Available at Redtoenails, 622 Metropolitan Avenue, Williamsburg (718-387-6987 or redtoenails.net); Jessie James, 95 Greenwich Street, between Bank and West 12th Streets (212-217-9944).