Jason Wu for Target?

After a series of cryptic clues from the Target Style Twitter account like "the new @TargetStyle designer began sketching the future of fashion at 5 years old" and "Senior year of high school in #Paris? Oui, oui. Our next designer has international influence," the secret's almost out.

While it hasn't been officially confirmed yet, Jason Wu is rumored to be the next designer to collaborate with Target. Known for his whimsicle dresses and menswear-inspired tayloring, Wu will hopefully apply his keen attention to detail to this mass-market diffusion line.

I know I had a few harsh words to say about the Missoni for Target fiasco, but I haven't given up on the super store's designer collaborations. I'll be first in line for Wu.

Readers, who would you like to see collaborate with Target?

PS Remember to follow me on Twitter for all the latest updates!

Update: The rumors have been confirmed! Check out all the Jason Wu for Target details on HarpersBazaar.com

Totally Craving: Sandra Boynton for Winchell Mountain Coffee

Is there anything better than a large coffee in the morning? I didn't think so until I saw Winchell Mountain's recent collaboration with Sandra Boynton. (I'm sensing a "collaboration" theme for the week!)

This morning I had to get up super early to help with a video shoot for work, and I would have loved nothing more than to have a side of quirky illustrations with my cup of caffeine. Boynton's drawings add a touch of whimsy to your standard morning joe.

"Wine and beer have fun craft labels and coffee is dark and boring, we are changing that," says founder Allen Ricca.

And how fun would these be to give (or get!) as gifts? I'm sure they'd be a much-welcomed housewarming present. Wink-wink!

The Boynton Collection is available online, and each unique blend retails for $11. That wide-eyed rooster might be just cute enough to kick the Starbucks habit for good.

Yarn Bombs in Brooklyn

Have y'all heard of yarn bombing? Don't feel bad. I hadn't either until I read this New York Times article a few weeks ago. I didn't think much of it until I literally stumbled upon the crafting-graffiti phenomenon.

Earlier this week, a few friends and I ventured over the river to Brooklyn for a bit of exercise, views of the Manhattan skyline and a sweet treat from the famed Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. Mere steps off the bridge we ran into this yarn bombed bicycle. The crafter in me loved it. So quirky and bright against the boring concrete background!

Readers, have you seen yarn bombing? What do you think of the trend? Is it odd that the color palette reminds me a bit of Missoni? Check out the ad for their collaboration with Target!

The Row for Toms Shoes

 (Image Credit: LDN Fashion, Toms Shoes)

I've been a fan of MK&A (Mary Kate and Ashley, duh.) since their Michelle Tanner days. I religiously followed their careers from solving any crime by dinnertime to Two of a Kind to Mary Kate's brief stint on Weeds, so I was thrilled to hear about the twins teaming up with Toms Shoes for a collaborative collection.

As I've mentioned before, Toms Shoes is a company that runs on the philosophy one for one: for each pair of shoes sold, a pair is given to a child in need, and this collaboration is no exception to that rule.

Made with cashmere and Italian wool, the collection is currently available for purchase on the Toms website, and prices range from $140-150.

Readers, what do you think of the collection? Is $150 too much to pay for a pair of slip ons?

Tied Tight

(1. Prabal Gurung for J. Crew $225, 2. Sunday Shopping Skirt--Anthropologie $49.95, Felix Rey Lola Clutch--Shopbop $200)

Is there anything more feminine than a bow? I think everything looks better tied tight. Here are just a few bow-laden pieces I'm loving right now. 

What are your favorite trends for summer?

Review: Caylpso St. Barth for Target

Yesterday I took a much-needed study break to check out Target's latest designer collaboration with Calypso St. Barth. I was pleasantly surprised-- the quality of this line seemed better than other recent Target/designer collaborations (cough go-international dress re-release), but I couldn't bring myself to purchase anything and ultimately walked away empty-handed.

I liked the styles of several dresses, but unfortunately the color palate of this line just wasn't flattering on my fair skin tone. Also, while I will admit that the quality of these pieces is decent (the dresses have linings, and there are intricate details and embroidery on most blouses and swimsuits), the price-point is a bit high. If I'm going to spend $40 on a dress from Target, I have to love it, and nothing in the limited selection of pieces from this clothing line at my local store fit that criteria.

 

The jewelry and home lines on the other hand, are different stories entirely. I loved the designs for home. The sea glass-inspired tumblers, metallic votive holders and ceramic elephant teapots were all gorgeous, but I  wouldn't have a place to put them, so I had to pass. I hope I don't kick myself later!

My choice to leave behind the jewelry designs is a similar story. I thought the gypsy-inspired bangles were fun and the playful mix of leather and metallics was endearing, but in the end, nothing sealed the deal. There's a chance I'll go back for one of these wrap bracelets.  They caught my attention and $20 seems like a decent price.

Overall, I thought the collection had some real potential, but nothing worked for me. Readers--have you seen the line? What do you think?

Target Re-releases the Best of Go International

For the past five years, Target has been bringing designer fashion to the masses with its Go International  collaboration lines. This March the retail giant is showcasing the best of collections past with the re-release of 34 Go International dresses.

I definitely regret missing out on Thakoon and Proenza Schouler for Target, so I'm super excited to have this second chance. The dresses will be available online and in stores from March 13th to April 10th and will range in price from $25 to $45. Check out my favorite pieces below or click over to College Fashion for a complete look at the collection.

 Reader's will you be shopping this collection? Which looks are you favorites?

PS How cute are the Dolce Vita wedges some of the models are wearing?

 (All photos courtesy of Target)

Dolce Vita for Target

 

Last fall, when Dolce Vita launched their shoe collaboration with Target, I was less than pleased with the square-toed flats and Doc Martin-inspired boots.While searching for toothpaste this morning, I stumbled upon their new collaborative line for spring. I was quite pleasantly surprised! The collection is small, but chic, and perfect for spring. I'm loving the cognac wedges shown in the middle photo, but I was in a rush this morning and couldn't commit. They're only $30, and would be a fun addition to my spring wardrobe.

Readers-what do you think of Dolce Vita's new collaboration with Target? Should I go back and buy those wedges?

PS The brand runs a bit small, so if you're in between, size down.

William Rast for Target

William Rast for Target hits stores today. Will you all be shopping the collection? Weigh-in in the comment section about what you think of the line!

Mulberry for Target

Yesterday, I swung by my local Target to scope out the new Mulberry for Target handbag line. I hate to say it, but I'm underwhelmed by the collection. While the purse designs resemble the classic handbag shapes Mulberry is known for, the bags are made of PVC and cotton. They feel cheap. I know you can't produce hand-crafted leather bags for $49.99, but these aren't even worth fifty dollars. The collection had quite a bit of hype, and I was disappointed when it didn't meet my expectations.

I personally won't be shopping the collaboration, but I'd love to hear your opinions. What do y'all think of the collection?

Trick-or-Treat Tote

In my book, Halloween preparation begins October 1. We have pumpkins on our kitchen table, candy corn in our cabinets, and I've already started planning my costume. Nothing's better than spooky fun that supports a great cause, so I was super excited to hear about Feed's latest collaboration.

Feed co-founders Lauren Bush and Ellen Gustafson recently teamed up with the Home Shopping Network to create a chic Trick-or-Treat tote benefiting UNICEF. The bag, sold on HSN.com retails for $13.20 with $3.50 from each purchase going toward UNICEF nutrition programs-enough to supply a child with micronutrient powder for one year. 

Readers--Do you have Halloween plans?

Venomous Villains Collaboration is Finally Here

Can you believe it's already October? Somehow, I missed yesterday's official launch of Disney's collaboration with Mac Cosmetics, but I could not be more excited that "Venomous Villains" is finally available for purchase.

The collection, which includes nail polish, powder, blush, lipstick, gloss and eyeshadow in shades representative of  the Evil Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Maleficient from Sleeping Beauty, Dr. Facilier from The Princess and the Frog and Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmations is currently available both in MAC stores and on their website.

With devilish names like “Toxic Tale” (a deep red lipstick) and “Oh So Fair” (a pale powder), and prices ranging from $12-30, I'm tempted to pick up several new additions to my beauty regimen. Here are the products I'm loving:

Heartless Lipstick inspired by Cruella de Vil ($15.50) 

 

 Oh So Fair Beauty Powder inspired by the Evil Queen ($25, but currently sold out online)

Formidable! Nail Lacquer inspired by Maleficent ($13, but currently sold out online)

My Dark Magic Eyeshadow Duo inspired by Maleficent ($21, but currently sold out online)

 Readers, will you be shopping the Disney/Mac collaboration? Who's your favorite villain? 

Sunday Evening Trip to Target

After a day filled with sorority nonsense, I headed to my local target to check out the Tucker for Target line in person. I don't know whether my store put the collection out early or eager shoppers picked it clean this morning, but there wasn't much to look at. Hopefully they will restock soon!

Out of the pieces I was able to try on, this top was definitely my favorite, but I can't decide if I would ever wear it. I picture it tucked into a black pencil skirt--very Mad Men-esque, but as a college student, I don't have all that many places to wear such an outfit. At $25 it's definitely within my price range, but I'm going to pass on it for now.

Here are some of the other pieces in-stock at the Winston-Salem target. How cute is this 90's-inspired floral dress? I love the buttons. And I wish they'd had the burnt orange camisole in my size- I'll have to keep checking back.

From what I saw, the collection seems extremely well made. Much better than previous Target collaborations. I definitely recommend checking it out.

I don't know about y'all, but when I go to Target, I always leave with more than the items on my list. I was almost seduced by these hilarious Halloween-themed piggy banks, especially this surgeon one; a cheeky ode to swine flu, perhaps?  Even though they were on sale for $10, I was able to restrain myself.

And as a middle child, I had to pick up one of these bottles of wine:

When I got home, I clicked over to the brand's website, and I love it. So sassy. Check out these pictures of the Drama Queen sister at fashion week-hilarious!

Overall, a moderately successful trip to Target. I wish I'd seen more of the Tucker collection, but oh well. You win some you lose some.

Readers, what did you think of the line?

PS Check out the article I wrote for my university's paper about the great designer collaborations coming up this fall!

Alexa Chung for Madewell

After much anticipation, Alexa Chung's line for Madewell has finally arrived!  Feminine and flirty, the collection is filled with fall essentials like these two polka dot numbers.

Readers, what do you think of the Chung/Madewell collaboration? Will you be shopping the line for fall?

Sorry for posting something that's all over the blog-o-sphere, I just think these pieces are fabulous :)

Tucker for Target

Tucker by Gaby Basora's collaborative line with retail giant Target premieres next week, on September 12.  The collaboration capitalizes on the brand's feminine design aesthetic, including vintage floral prints and girly silhouettes while keeping a low price point- Every piece in the collection will be under $80.

The popular fashion blog, Nitrolicious, posted pictures of the collection's look book earlier this week, and I couldn't be more excited about the line. Readers, do you think you'll be shopping Tucker for Target?

Vena Cava Collaborates with Bloomingdale's

A few weeks ago, edgy design firm Vena Cava announced their partnership with Bloomingdale's in-house brand Aqua. The collaborative line, which debuts online and in stores tomorrow, September 1, will feature VC's signature styles without the hefty price tag. Pieces will range from $98 for an embellished t-shirt to $198 for a statement ponte coat. My favorite piece from the collection? The gorgeous color-blocked silk chiffon dress ($158) pictured above. To preview the collection and watch a video of the line's photoshoot, click over to the Bloomingdale's website.

Readers what do you think of Vena Cava for Aqua? Will you all be shopping the line tomorrow?

(Image Credit: Bloomingdale's)

Cynthia Rowley Designs Band-Aids for a Cause

While Cynthia Rowley's line of designer diapers for Pampers left me baffled, I'm intrigued by her most recent collaboration with Johnson and Johnson that juxtaposes gore and glamor. The American designer best known for her vibrant collections of women's wear recently produced a set of designer Band-Aids to benefit Design Ignites Change, "an organization that engages high school and college students in design and architecture projects that address social issues in their own communities." Each tin of 20 bandages costs $10, with $1 benefiting the program. The product is available for purchase exclusively on Cynthia Rowley's website.

Readers, will you be covering your cuts with Cynthia's designs?

Click below for more images of the collaboration courtesy of cynthiarowley.com

Simon Doonan to Design for Target

 Simon Doonan, creative director of Barneys New York is the latest celebrity stylist to design for Target. But Doonan's collection isn't your average ready-to-wear line. Instead, the Brit decided to take on Halloween. Doonan's line of chic costumes will range in price from $10 for pet looks to $30 for adult costumes. Isn't this spaghetti outfit from his collection cute? I'm not sure how I feel about some of the other looks, but this one definitely hits the mark.

Readers, do you already know what you want to be for Halloween? It's hard to believe, but October is just around the corner!

(Image Credit: Target)

With Liberty (of London) and Justice for All

If you missed Liberty of London's collaboration with Target, you're in luck. The website is restocked with all the fan favorites including bedding, dishware and the oh-so-popular floral print bicycle. Channel the spirit of Independence Day and, treat yourself to some Liberty!

From right to left:
Set of 8 Large Tumblers ($24)
Set of 8 Cereal Bowls ($20)
Ladies "Garla" Bicycle ($200)
Black Floral Lidded Box ($15)
Picture Frame ($10)

Designer Diapers

I'm am dumbfounded. Cynthia Rowley is collaborating with Pampers for a line of designer diapers. Say what?

The woman who continuously designs classic looks like this dress is decorating poop pads. I haven't been able to find  how much the new line will cost, but heaven help us if these diapers come with a designer price tag. What's next? Burberry designing baby wipes?  Theory coming out with a line of toilet paper?

The line will be available at Target starting in mid-July. Maybe I can't understand this phenomenon because I don't have children. Any readers who are moms, feel free to enlighten me!

(Photo Credit: Luxist)