Chicago Shopping: Jason Wu for Target

This morning my friend Rachel and I met at the Target in Logan Square 15 minutes before doors opened. This was the line at 7:45AM.  It was mostly women ahead of us, but around 9:50 a huge crowd of women pulled into the parking lot with their significant others and even children.  And if the security Segway was any indication, we could tell we were going to be in for a little madness.

There were fully stocked racks to start.  By 8:10AM, they were almost completely ransacked.  Dozens of women running, grabbing, squealing... it was so intense!  I picked up the signature navy striped dress, which Rachel ended up buying, but I had to fight a man for it.  We both grabbed it at the same time, and I had to give him the look of death.

By 8:45AM, only a few lonely pieces were left and mostly in size L or XL.  As for the accessories, the scarves and wicker bags were gone almost instantly.  When we left, there were a few small racks of unclaimed black clutches, canvas totes and flower satchels.

With some determination, speed and agility, we each took home a few pieces from the Jason Wu for Target collection.  The quality is consistent with previous designer collaborations; the sizing however varied from piece to piece - some true to size, others a bit large.

I am so excited to own two blouses from the collection.  I think both of them will work well tucked into skirts and high waisted jeans and untucked with skinny jeans.  As for the skirt, I love it because I've been wanting a longer pleated skirt, but it's actually a bit large on me so it would need to be taken in.  As much as it is, it does seem a bit silly to spend money tailoring skirt from Target.

Left: Jason Wu for Target yellow peplum blouse and Loeffler Randall black zipper skirt

Right: Jason Wu for Target mesh floral top and H&M lace skirt

Jason Wu for Target pleated skirt.  Marni heels and Tashkent wedges.

Jason Wu for Target Full Lookbook

After seeing last week's teaser images pop up all over the internet, I was more excited than ever to have a look at what all 53 pieces of the Jason Wu for Target collection would look like. Glad to say that my anticipation was not without reason. The collaboration is simultaneously classic, modern and charming. The pieces look like a welcome addition to any woman's wardrobe and they look more expensive than the under $60 price tag they are retailing for

“By working with Target I was able to create an accessible collection that reflects my sophisticated design aesthetic” said Jason Wu. “As with my main collection, special attention has been considered into every detail and I can’t wait to see girls wearing and enjoying the collection.”

Lady O, Day to Night

After much speculation on who Michelle Obama would wear on inauguration day, as anything she has worn has instantly brought national recognition to the designer of choice, our questions have been answered. She can make those only recognized in the design world, suddenly huge household names. I am really glad to say that she so strongly supports the American design industry, she is a beacon of light in troubled times.

She started the day wearing a sparkling gold sheath dress and coat by acclaimed Cuban-American designer Isabel Toledo, who is best known for her slightly avant-garde style. Michelle completed her outfit with green gloves from J.Crew and green Jimmy Choo pumps. It's good to see her dressed appropriately for the occasion but I only wish was that the size was one size bigger, as it seems to be pulling slightly at the bust and hips. I'm impressed she could look so chic in spite of cold weather!

I'm not really going to get into the family much but President Obama kept it simple with a classic red tie and white shirt with a suit, overcoat and an American flag pin. I wish his tailor had hemmed his pants.

Their daughters Malia and Sasha both wore Crewcuts by J. Crew wearing more accesible American fashion, that in the bright colors and cost was very age appropriate.

For the inaugaration ball, Michelle Obama wore a long one shoulder Jason Wu that featured 3-D Applique treatment. Like First Lady's Laura Bush and Jackie Kennedy, the dress choice was white. Perhaps a symbol of a fresh start? Jason Wu the young Taiwanese-American designer was an interesting choice as he only has 3 seasons behind his belt, but not entirely surprising as he was chosen as last years Fashion Group International's Rising Star award and nominated for a CDFA award. I'm not sure how I feel about this silhouette for her, as I don't find it entirely flattering (esp from the hips down). The First Lady is a beautiful, chic woman, but I'm not sure this gown best represents who she is. Wu could do better, although I do believe that the dress and Wu were discovered by Mrs. Obama at a Chicago boutique, Ikram.

First Look: Jason Wu x Target

Today seems to be the day that the world is a buzz with the first look at the much anticipated Jason Wu for Target collaboration.  From Fashionologie to Glamor.com to T Magazine, everyone is giving us just a little taste of what to look forward to come February 5, 2012.

True to Wu sensibilities the collection has a very lady-like flair with it's Peter Pan collars, nipped in waists, nautical stripes and floral ditzy prints.  Everything looks very fresh, very French and very clean.  The styling is classic and sure to be a hit with everything priced accessibly at under $60 a pop.

I'm personally enamored by the little striped number in the Ad campaign.  Do you have any personal favorites?

Spot Check: Jason Wu for Target at Atlantic Terminal

After a 3am online shopping failure of items not adding to my cart, sizes not found and going in circles I gave up at 3:32am for the comfort of my pillow.  Unfortunately my online failure left me unsettled and wanting a piece of Wu even more.  While lines at Atlantic Terminal began at 6am, by the time I headed over they were completely wiped out of sizes XS, S and M.  If you are a size L or XL, the world is still your oyster with racks still laden with dot printedand striped dresses and tie neck blouses.  If you are looking for the floral print illusion top, pearl neck floral dress or floral pleated skirt, you're out of luck.  Ditto on accessories. Nary a scarf or purse to be seen.

Lack of sizes didn't stop women from hoping as they rummaged the racks in hopes of sizes.

One style there was plenty of was the tie neck blouse.  I even found a couple size Smalls unfortunately one had a mysterious stain on it that appeared to be morning coffee spilled during the early am shopping scuffles.

A trip to the change room revealed a rack full of unwanted merch - mostly Jason Wu for Target but unfortunately all in sizes M-XL.  A lady in front of me scored the last size small illusion top as staffers helped organize and sort out customer wants.

If you were thinking of heading out to the Target by Flatbush/Brooklyn College, don't bother unless you are a size XL - a most wonderful gentleman volunteered himself to attempt to snag a few items for me but was left empty handed (still thankful though that he tried :)!).  Apparently it's a bi-coastal phenomenon as my friend in Seattle did not have better luck.  Did you manage to snag a piece of the collaboration or is there still any left where you live?

New Skirt Shape of a Confused Economy: Hi-Lo Tulip

3.1 Phillip Lim Resort 2010

I was looking at the Resort 2010 collections and noticed that something interesting was going on with the hemlines. No longer is the micro mini or the maxi the new length, but hi-low tulip style skirts seem to be the way to go. Designers like Phillip Lim, Jason Wu, Alice Temperley and Alexander Wang showed this look with Wang pushing hardest with 5 out of 41 looks featuring the new skirt shape.

Perhaps it's because the economic outlook looks uncertain and if you abide by the Hemline Index Theory, designers are not sure where to go next? The Hemline Index theory believes in a relationship between skirt lengths and the economy, in good times the hemlines rise, while in bad they fall. This hasn't seemed true recently but it's an interesting concept nonetheless.

I think this look could be lengthening to the leg, which is a good thing but not for everyone especially for women when hoping to hide upper portions of leg. While the back portion of the skirt is longer the front reveals just as much as a mini, if not more when sitting down. I like Lim and Wang's fluid drapey approach as opposed to Wu and Temperley's approach that may add unwanted hip attention.

Alexander Wang Resort 2010 included multiple Hi-Lo looks

Jason Wu Resort 2010, Temperley Resort 2010

Pre-Fall 2011 Trends: Cherry Bomb

I’ve previously wrote in Pre-Spring 2010 that red shoes were a definite trend to keep your eye on, but now the designers have taken it from the feet and moved on up, many creating bold head to toe color outfits in all shades of red.  From Cherry to Pimento, Apple to Beet the reds are all here to stay and making a statement. 

Pre-Fall 2011 was an explosion of red all over the runways, regardless of occasion or fabrication.  Deep red tones from Adam, Armani Collezioni and Elie Tahari look great for eveningwear, while classic reds at Jason Wu,  Carolina Herrera and Vera Wang look great for cocktails and making a statement.  My personal favorite use of red is the top and bottom combos that have a slight menswear feel by DKNY, Jenni Kayne and Thakoon.  If you are feeling lady like though Oscar De La Renta, Nina Ricci and Reed Krakoff looks might fit the bill.  If all that red makes you nervous though, just try on a red jacket ala Preen, Stella McCartney or Michael Kors. 

Would you wear head to toe red or is it a look for runways only?

Adam, Armani Collezioni, Elie Tahari

Jason Wu,  Carolina Herrera, Vera Wang

DKNY, Jenni Kayne, Thakoon

Oscar De La Renta, Nina Ricci, Reed Krakoff

Preen,  Stella McCartney, Michael Kors

Kate Young x Target Lookbook

This time around Target's designer collaborations take a twist by partnering with a famed stylist instead.  Kate Young who is considered by many to be one of the most influential celebrity stylists in the fashion industry will be introducing a limited-edition collection of women’s apparel and accessories, including handbags, shoes and jewelry.

Young began her career at Vogue magazine. After spending time assisting Anna Wintour and styling the first cover of Teen Vogue, she quickly transitioned into one of the most sought-after stylists in the fashion industry. Her clientele includes Natalie Portman, Michelle Williams, Jennifer Connolly, Rachel Weisz and more. In addition to celebrity styling, Young consults for various labels and often styles runway shows for designers such as Jason Wu, Derek Lam, Nina Ricci, Peter Som, Yigal Azrouël and Vena Cava. No stranger to Target, Young styled a number of the brand’s campaigns, such as Jason Wu for Target, as well as Target’s well-remembered vertical fashion show in New York back in 2005. In 2012, Young topped The Hollywood Reporter’s list of the 25 most powerful stylists, recognizing her ingenuity and expertise in the fashion industry.