Italian Missoni Targets New Consumer

Following in the footsteps of high profile designers such as Mulberry, Alexander McQueen, Thakoon, Anna Sui, Luella Bartley, Zac Posen, Temperly London, and Jean Paul Gaultier (just to name a few), Missoni is the most recent in a string of designers to collaborate with the American retail juggernaut Target. Not only do these collaborations create fantastic business for Target, they also breathe new life into arguably stodgy fashion houses.

By creating this limited "accessible" line (prices range from $2.99 to $399), Missoni is given the chance to tap into an otherwise disconnected market segment. A market segment one might refer to as "regular people." Although many people adore Missoni items, as they're even spotted on shows like "The Rachel Zoe Project," few of us can justify a $450 for a throw.

So with all the buzz about "Missoni for Target" I knew I absolutely had to get my hands on some merchandise. Spending $50 on a single throw seemed much more reasonable to me, although still a lot for Target merchandise. Three stores later, 2 hours of my life, and countless evil stares from other people trying to snatch up what they could find, I was able to get several statement pieces.

Sadly, I wasn't able to acquire any bedding (therefore my head won't be resting on brightly hued zig-zagged stripes). I was, however, able to get quite a few kitchen pieces such as cups, mugs, trays, canisters, a wine box, and few other household items. What surprised me the most about these items was only the exceptional price points, but also the quality. Target's product development team certainly didn't go stingy with the materials and composition of merchandise for this collaboration. The colors were vivid, the prints looked authentic, and each item felt like it truly would last the test of time.

Although most Target stores are entirely sold out, I do encourage everyone to check Ebay as I've found quite a few items I'd like to bid on and add to my collection that weren't priced too high compared to Target's regular retail. Some inflation is to be expected, but overall I feel this collaboration has pieces worth searching for.

Sister Beware/She Keeps Bees

It's in the bag for Nicole Richie

Just a few days ago, Nicole Richie launched a handbag expansion to her House of Harlow 1960 collection. She described the line as being inspired by, "...style icons of the late ’60s and early ’70s, such as Penelope Tree, Peggy Moffitt, and Edie Sedgwick, incorporating a mod twist, while continuing to stay true to the collection’s signature style." What I've personally liked about her HOH and Winterkate lines are the contradictions in them. Her HOH line in particular feels rock 'n roll, boho, and modern glam all in one. And these handbags are certainly no exception.

I of course have a tendency to swoon whenever I see fringe (perhaps due to my Southwest upbringing) which is one of the reasons I fell for the Nadine bag. What really caught my eye though was the leopard inset on the strap. I've honestly never thought to put leopard and fringe together, but I have to admit I'm quite drawn to this juxtaposition.



The line takes a bit a downward turn when it comes to this next piece however. Although I'm willing to accept the fact that black and gold, particularly gold studs, might actually be a foundation for Ms. Richie's brand, I can't help but feel the Val clutch hits a little to close to home in regards to the skull-adorned McQueen hard clutches we saw last year.



Overall, the line does end on a positive note with what I can confidently say is my favorite HOH bag, with this last Rey bag. It's sort of gypsy inspired, boho yet fancy all in one. The cranberry color is perfect for this time of year, and the jeweled accents on top feel like something from another time. I can surely see this bag meshing with all of her lace and crochet pieces from the Winterkate line.

I really can't get over this song