Cheryl Shops

LoveShackFancy is a brand that I tend to shop very sparingly—it's ultra-feminine, in a way that often reads young to me (and I'm not alone)—but they do a boho summer dress like no one else, and when they get it right, they're very very good. Case in point: I still wear this dress, which I featured back in 2018, all the time. That said, their dresses are on the pricey side (usually $300–$400). So when I heard talk of a good dupe from Gap, my ears perked up—given Gap's propensity for sales, chances were I could get one for a song (spoiler alert: I did). So I decided, in the name of journalism, to put it head-to-head with its reported inspiration, the Edie dress. Here's how they compare. 

Nitrolicious, as usual, has leaked photos from two upcoming Target collaborations: first, a few advertising images from the Carlos Falchi handbags collection, which hits stores November 1st. She also has leaked photos, here and here, of the Rodate Go International collection, which hits stores December 20th. Based on these images alone, I am getting pretty pumped about Rodarte. As for Carlos Falchi, meh. (Then again, that's usually how I feel about Target's shoe and handbag collaborations.)

But if November and December seem a long way away, The Cut reports that Pierre Hardy's long-awaited fall shoes and boots hit the Gap on October 19th. These boots, which I admit I'm totally lusting after, are $175, which, while not exactly a bargain, is significantly more affordable than a regular-priced pair of Pierre Hardy shoes, which can easily run more than $1,000. That said, I think I'll wait till my Gap Friends & Family coupon turns up—while Pierre Hardy's shoes are always awesome (I own a pair from every Gap collection he's done thus far), they don't sell out nearly as quickly as the Design Editions, thus buying the bargain-inclined among us a little time.

MasstigeWatch!
Now that the Jovovich-Hawk Go International is available at Target, customer reviews have started to trickle in, and as I feared, the collection appears to be ill-fitting and made of mostly synthetic fabrics. The earlier collections, like Paul & Joe and Proenza Schouler, had mostly silk and stretch cotton, but the more recent lines have been heavy on the polyester and rayon. The tops and pants seem to be getting better ratings, however, so perhaps those are worth a try.

I am not a huge fan of synthetic fabrics, but I will gladly wear costume jewelry, so I'm happy to report that Target's next designer collaboration will be with Justin Giunta of Subversive jewelry. Featuring the line's signature clumpy-chic look, the collection will retail for $14.99 to $59.99 (the groovy earrings pictured here are $14.99) and hits stores March 23rd. (What's left of the Dominique Cohen jewelry collection is on major markdown.) Joy Gryson's bags hit stores April 6th, with prices from $19.99 to $49.99 (check out this awesome bag, for $49.99). As for Go International, the next designer confirmed after Jovovich-Hawk is Rogan Gregory, although there's no date yet. So many designer collaborations at Target, so little time...

...which is why Wal-Mart is getting in on the Masstige bandwagon (WWD subscription required). They announced last week that '80s icon Norma Kamali will design a fashion and home line for them, a la Vera Wang for Kohl's. It sounds like a strange pairing, and it is: Kamali is an advocate of the arts and a believer in holistic wellness; Wal-Mart is known for underselling its vendors and refusing to pay benefits to its workers. If you're still intrigued but refuse, as I do, to even set foot in Wal-Mart, the collection will also be available in Kamali's NYC store at 11 W. 56th St. (although it should be noted that there is no Wal-Mart store within the five boroughs of New York City). The line will debut this fall.

Thankfully we do have a Uniqlo in NYC, so we can partake of their upcoming designer collaborations (WWD subscription required): Brazilian Juliana Jabour created six looks that will hit stores later this month (this is one of her dresses--cute, no?); for the guys, Tim Hamilton will also be in stores in a few weeks. Then, in May, downtown girls will be lining up for Alexander Wang and guys can score Loden Dager. I love me some Wang (pun intended), so I will of course keep you updated on the details.

Finally, the Pierre Hardy for Gap shoes are now in stores, but it's not like you'd know, because they're doing so little to publicize it. Besides for blog mentions here and there, the only press I saw was an article in this month's Elle. Also, in the stores and on the website, there is no mention whatsoever of Pierre Hardy's name anywhere--it's lumped in with the European Collection. Now I know most people who shop at the Gap have no idea who Hardy is (for the record, he's a French designer who has a namesake line and also makes all the shoes for Balenciaga and Christian Dior). But think of all the attention that, say H&M and Target get for their Masstige collections--all the press, and all of the foot traffic and curiosity-seekers that they draw. We all know the Gap is in major financial trouble, so don't you think they could benefit from some media attention? Maybe they can't afford to pay a marketing department anymore. Nevertheless, the Times Square Gap by my office had the same shoes that are currently available online; I have my eye on the blue-and-white striped wedge, so I might try the store on 5th Avenue, which, according to Racked, has the entire line in a special popup shop. In the meantime, my other favorite style is the wooden platform sandal pictured here, but keep in mind that only whole European sizes are available, up to 41 (which is a 10)--sorry, big-footed gals.

MasstigeWatch!
Sometime in between Fashion Week and my bout with the flu, I missed some very important information: Pictures of the Jovovich-Hawk Go International collection for Target are online now! Yay--it seems like ages since we've had a good Go. Anyway, the collection is very boho-chic, a look that, according to retailers, is going to be a big hit for this summer (fashion magazines seem split on it--some are pushing a more '80s technicolor trend). I am always up for a little Summer of Love, however, so if you ask me, I think the flowy dresses and pretty floral prints are supercute. Here are some of my favorite looks. The collection drops March 2nd, just in time for my birthday. Hooray!




In other Masstige news, this month's Elle has a nice story on Pierre Hardy, complete with a picture of four of his six designs for the Gap. The line hits stores March 4th, and based on what's in Elle, I think I might need to buy one of each. Let's hear it for cheap shoes!

MasstigeWatch!
Fashion Week Daily reports that Target's next designer accessories collaboration will be with Joy Gryson, the namesake of Gryson bags. All we know so far is that the line will hit stores sometime next year, but I expect more details (and photos!) will leak out after the press preview on December 12th.

And not to be outdone, WWD reports that in February, Gap will debut a line of shoes designed by Pierre Hardy. The shoes will be a very affordable $78-$98 at a select 75 or so Gap stores and will include this awesome gladiator sandal, pictured here. Pierre Hardy shoes normally go for upwards of $500 at stores like Barneys, so I am quite excited about this one.