The news is out: Rodarte will be designing a collection for Target’s Go International series, scheduled to hit stores on December 20th. There has been an awful lot of discussion about mass-market designer collaborations and how the items never live up to the designers’ higher-priced collections. Well, DUH. In order to make clothes less expensive, the materials have to be less expensive — and less expensive fabrics just don’t drape or hang as well. However, I do believe that there is some great design to be found. I, for one, have a number of pieces in my wardrobe that have come from various designer collaborations. A few of my faves: a Stella McCartney for H & M parka (still in great shape, actually), a Thakoon for The Gap white cotton tunic (that I live in), and my ultimate fave, a ball skirt from Alexander McQueen for Target (with a crinoline — it’s a lot of design for the money).

I don’t expect to walk into Target and find an affordable — and good-looking — version of those sick thigh-high boots from Fall09…

…but I do very much expect to get my hands on a rockin’ pair of knee-highs — shredded the way only the Mulleavy sisters could do it.

Manage your expectations and you just might find some cheap treasures to mix with your pricier ones!

Rodarte runway images from Style.com, Rodarte product image from Opening Ceremony, Stella McCartney parka image from iamfashion, and McQ image from Nitrolicious. 

McQ for Target ads shot by Gina Garan

I was born in the 1960’s. The late ’60’s, but still. Anyway, back in 2000 when the fabulous Gina Garan published her first Blythe-inspired book of photography (This is Blythe), I had never heard of Blythe. For those of you who don’t know who she is, Blythe is an odd (but utterly FABulous) doll that was produced for only one year — 1972 — and was lovingly resurrected by the brilliant and talented Gina Garan. Blythe has a body the size of a Barbie with a head proportionate to a much larger frame. She didn’t do well — I’m assuming due to her irregular proportions, not to mention the freaky (and awesome!) way that her eyes turn (thanks to a pull string on her back) from blue to green to pink to orange.  

When I discovered this fabulous book and realized that Blythe had been produced during a year when I was at prime doll age, I began to relentlessly interrogate my mother about whether or not I may have had a Blythe doll in my childhood and, if so, where it may be located. You should know that my search and inquiry were in no part related to Blythe’s newly found celebrity status, but instead had everything to do with my wanting to have my very own Blythe doll to dress up and play with (regardless of the fact that I was WAY past doll age).

My incredibly sweet, amazing and unforgettable mother swore she had never heard of, or seen, such a thing. I have to interject here and mention that my mom just passed away. She was my very best friend and my biggest cheerleader and I’m not sure yet how my life is going to work without her. In the days following her funeral, I began to seek solace in some of the normal activities of my day-to-day life. Along these lines, I finally began to look at all of my fashion mags. I opened Vogue and instantly came across an Alexander McQueen for Target ad featuring BLYTHE. I’ll tell you, I just about fell over.

I missed my mother more in that moment than I can possibly express. She would have been thoroughly prepared for, and supportive of, my immediate, unstoppable spiral into Blythe and McQueen obsession. She loved fashion — and loved my love of fashion — and we probably would’ve sat and talked and laughed about the impact that a quirky, misfit doll had on the world of fashion. So, for my mom, and for all you other Blythe fans out there, enjoy the beauty and brilliance of Gina Garan, Alexander McQueen and, of course, Blythe.

Photos courtesy of nitrolicious.com/blog.

Although, I get excited about every new designer collection that comes out for Target’s Go International series, nothing gets me more excited than Alexander McQueen.  Just saw the lookbook on The Cut. I. Can’t. Wait.

See the lookbook here:

McQueen for Target lookbook on the cut

Okay, we all know how much I adore Alexander McQueen, so it is not surprising that I have been following the news regarding his diffusion line for Target very closely. I have been keeping my eyes peeled for pictures and, so far, can only find the 2 posted below. I’m getting excited, though, by the prospect of studs, mesh, and tattoo prints all for under 129.99!!!! If you don’t own any McQueen yet (which is understandable, given the price), get ready for your chance to add some to your wardrobe. You might even be able to afford more than one piece! Just be prepared to get in line after me ’cause I’ll be camping out. Seriously. I’ll keep you posted on the news as I hear it. 

McQueen for Target, inspired by the lead singer of The Duke Spirit

It’s official!!  Target’s next partner is none other than Michelle Obama’s favorite, Thakoon Panichgul. Fashionistas from all walks of life can now get their hands of his vibrant and luxurious prints and florals for $20-$70.   The capsule launches Dec 25.  Now that’s something to look forward to Christmas morning!

LOVE it!

Vogue Darling, Thakoon Panichgul