Photo by Marion Curtis
Call me traditional: I just don’t want to see a man’s ankles on the red carpet – unless he’s in a kilt. Penn Badgley sported the oh-so-current look at the Target Kaleidoscopic Fashion Spectacular in New York this week. Love the bod, dig the pout, but I think he’s going to look back on those pants and the dress shoes without socks and shudder.
And you thought starting the Black Friday sales on Thanksgiving Day was early. Target is staging its first Back in Black Friday Sale – this Friday, July 23. Leave it to Target to beat the crowd. The sale is online only and will include electronics, toys, home goods and more, mostly at 30 to 60 percent off. Looks like there will be camcorders and at least one big screen TV, but the preview list also includes a three-pack of Zhu-Zhu pets for $18.99 and 83 percent off the “Ally McBeal” series on DVD, which is cause to wonder if this sale is just an attempt to generate buzz for garden variety summer clearance.
Just announced: Luxury brand Mulberry is doing a handbag collection for Target – ninth in the retailer’s series of limited-time-only designer accessories collaborations. Mulberry for Target is scheduled to hit stores Oct. 10, 2010.
Impatiently tapping my toes until the April 18 launch of Cynthia Vincent for Target. Colorful ballet flats, gladiator wedges, and strappy, studded flats that are sure to be the summer go-to – for $24.99. Also on the 18th, look for a Target limited edition collection of hip hats from Eugenia Kim. Wish I could say I was as excited about Zac Posen's fashion collection for Target (see below) launching April 25, but while the look book is dutifully modern and edgy, past dressing room disappointments tell me the bitty skirts and retro swimwear won't work on most women beyond high school. Thank goodness for accessories.
By Sunday afternoon, the day the "Gossip Girl"-inspired Anna Sui for Target collection officially debuted in select stores, sizes were picked over (is everyone a medium?). The quality seems better than some past Target designer collections, which photograph amazingly well but disappoint in person. I was generally impressed by the Sui pieces, other than the sequin feather detailing on a gray dress which looked like something my kids glued on. Swept up in the moment, and pressured by the two girls grabbing dresses around me, I wanted a piece of Sui. I picked a silk sleeveless black wrap dress with white geometric print. Realized when I got to work today and reviewed the Target Look Book, which is divided into four themes, for each of the four main female characters, that my dress is a Jenny. A Jenny! I would have thought I'd want to be a Serena, but feel more appropriate in a Blair. Never even considered the rocker-edged Jenny. It's a whole new me. Assuming I don't decide I'm too old, or too busty to wear the dress and return it.
I finally have a grown-up sofa. It's a contemporary sectional purchased new from a serious furniture store where some assembly is not required. But the accompanying C-shaped table that now provides a stylish perch for a beverage is from Target's new dorm collection. $29.99! I saw one quite like it recently at Roam that was around $200.
Blackberrys ready? Here's today's scoop: Imaginative fashion designer Anna Sui (the First Lady is a fan) is working on a collection for Target, drawing inspiration from the four main female characters on Gossip Girl. Funny, it was just last week that one of the show's evil schemers asked another, "Are you a Carrie?" Ancient history. Sooo much more modern to debate Serena vs. Blair tendencies. The collection will hit Target stores Sept. 13. XOXO!
Cocktails, organic cotton and Hollywood notables like Adrian Grenier, Jamie King and Josie Maran (pictured), Elizabeth Banks, Kristen Bell, Anna Faris, Anna Pacquin, Jaime Pressley and Debbie Mazar. Sounds like your average visit to Target. Well, maybe not – even in L.A. – but celebs did turn out in full force for the Loomstate for Target launch party last week in Venice, Calif. You know, it's fashionable to be environmental - especially for $44.99 or less. The limited-edition organic cotton collection hits select Target stores today, just in time for Earth Day on Wednesday. The graphic print tees for women and men are nice.
The Roseville SuperTarget has new shopping carts - new to me anyway; it's not my usual store. They're red and basically the same size and design, but streamlined and more rounded (think Jeep Cherokee 10 years ago vs. today). Anyway, I just have to say, it was the most pleasant cart pushing experience I've had in ages. So smooth. Turned on a dime! Made it much easier to weave in and out of the ridiculous crowd (yes, people are shopping.)
