I didn't realize until I saw the promotion online that the theme of the new Jason Wu for Target collection was mischief. Cute and appropriate. The promotional photos include a very mischievous kitty, that according to the TV commercial, inspired most of the details that you see in the clothes. If the line wasn't pretty and accessible enough, Mr. Wu added an adorable mascot to his marketing. Genius.
I headed north to the Everett Target location Sunday morning, specifically because I had heard that only the suburban stores would be carrying the line. This turned out not to be true, but from what I've read of the Northgate experience, I was lucky to remain in the dark.
My purpose was mostly window shopping, but there there were a couple of things I thought I might buy. Once I saw the kitty tee, however, I was sold.
I decided in January that I wasn't going to ruin a Sunday morning getting up with the alarm and trying to be there first. I'd just get there when I got there. From everything I'd seen prior to that morning, the collection looked uber cute, and a little too sweet for my taste, but truly affordable, wearable clothes that women across the country would be snapping up. Even the black & white pleated dress is sweet. In fact, the whole collection is pleated and fitted with delicate, discreet details placed just so. The colors are very fresh and mostly pastel, but done with sophistication.
What struck me when I arrived at 10:30 am is that - NO ONE was there. And there were still plenty of garments hanging on the racks. I could have purchased one of each in my size. It was admittedly an abbreviated collection from what I've seen online, and the check-out girl confirmed as much telling me "We never get the full collection of the designer collaborations."
The skirts are a real throw back to vintage, sitting properly on the true waist, with voluminous pleats, but modernized with a hem that grazes the knee. The silhouette I liked the most online was a navy floral dress with sheer material at the top. I found out when I got to the store that it was actually separates - skirt and top (below).
The simple blouses with their soft trimmed neckline that ties with a bow in the front are very girly and extremely wearable, but sort of unremarkable. Almost everything is constructed from 100% polyester, but the tees are 100% rayon and they have a very nice hand and drape.
I'm not sure if this location carried any of the accessories - maybe I just couldn't find them in the store. The dozen or so satchels and bags I saw online were decent, but again, nothing too special. I would have liked to see them in person. There were 3 scarf options mixed in with the clothing and I once again, had to have the one with the kitty on it (this is getting embarrassing). On the heels of the drummed up hype surrounding the Missoni x Target collection, this launch was a cake walk.
By the way, since I'm focused on a net zero closet for 2012, I'm going to have to get rid of a couple of items to work those Wu pieces into the mix, but I think it's worth it. He's going to be an American icon someday. Looking at his higher end Spring 2012 looks, its clear that he very successfully maintained his aesthetic in creating a discount line for Target. That's something all designers struggle with.
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