Cheryl Shops

MasstigeWatch!
Today, Target confirmed the rumor that Scot Jonathan Saunders will be the next Go International designer (that is, after Richard Chai, who's up next); his line will hit stores in October. And if you haven't already heard, Rogan Gregory's collection is now available. When I first looked through it, I thought it was kind of boring, but on closer look, the pieces are sophisticated and modern--and most of them are organic silk or cotton, making it all eco-conscious as well as style-conscious. There's a lot of black and beige, yes, but the animal prints make it fun. I have my eye on the romper, the crocheted sweater, and the printed silk blouse. After a few misfires, the Go International collections are back on track; now I can't wait for Richard Chai.

The latest Kate Moss Topshop collection is now available too, and I think it's one of her strongest lines yet; I am lusting after this pansy dress, and since it's sold out in my size online, I'm hoping it turns up at Opening Ceremony.

Finally, Alexander Wang's Uniqlo line hits stores next Friday; based on the pictures here, I think I might have to ditch work in order to wait in line.

MasstigeWatch!
With all the excitement surrounding Fashion Week, I fear Kate Moss' second Topshop collection is going to get lost in the shuffle--which is a shame, because it's pretty awesome, and possibly even better than the first pass. If her first could be described as "Kate's greatest hits," then this new collection could be called "English lass goes punk;" half of the items are preppy and classic, while the other half are definitely very rock'n'roll. It's not a new juxtaposition, but this is Kate Moss we're talking about, so of course it all works.

Like the last collection, this one has a lot of great jersey tops; I think the detailing is what sets them apart from something you'd get at, say, Forever 21. This studded top would be great for layering under a sleeveless dress for day, or you could wear it with jeans or a mini at night.


While not a direct copy of a look Kate has worn before, you can picture her wearing this striped sweater nonetheless.


This tweed blazer is a chic update of an English classic; the tiny fit and belt give it a totally modern look.


How totally sexy is this asymmetrical leather jacket? If I hadn't bought a Paul & Joe one last year, this would be the first thing I'd buy from this collection.


I had a very similar dress during the early '90s; I have a feeling we'll see Nicole Richie wearing this one before she pops out her baby next spring.


Remember when Kate started the rage for wide-leg jeans? Why not go straight to the source for this retro '70s flare jean?


So, as I was writing this, I realized that none of these items is currently available for purchase online; hopefully this is a temporary glitch that will be resolved by the time you read this! Also, no word on whether Barneys will be carrying this collection, so I think your best bet at this point is Topshop's website. Um, or any friends you might have in Britain. (Bon voyage, HG!)

MasstigeWatch!
While they've apparently forgotten the international part of Go International, Target is going forward with the campaign, announcing Jovovich-Hawk as their next designer collaboration. Based on what I saw of their line for Mango (which, apparently Target doesn't care about), I'd say this sounds like a promising collection. It will debut sometime in the spring, after Erin Fetherston. Also, in stores and online now is Target's line from L.A. jeweler Dominique Cohen. The pieces are kind of Goth and very heavy, but much nicer than most of Target's regular costume jewelry. My favorite is this dramatic three-strand necklace.

Everyone has been buzzing for months about the Vera Wang for Kohl's collection; while it's reportedly already on the floor in the Jersey City Kohl's, it won't be available for purchase online until the official launch date of September 9th, which is Sunday. However, due to some weird glitch, some of the items can be viewed now online. Click on my favorite item thus far, the impractical but chic short-sleeved coat, to get started, then keep clicking on the recommended items for a mini-preview of the whole shebang.

And, hey, remember when Kate Moss had a collection for Topshop? Her new line drops September 7th, and word is that it's more directional--read: not knockoffs of stuff she already wore. No word on whether Barneys is going to carry it this time, but I suggest going straight to the source anyway--especially if you're above a size 6. I'll post an update once it's live.

Cheryl Shops...Kate Moss for Topshop at Barneys
I am going to preface this post by saying that I love Barneys, and, as longtime Cheryl Shops readers know, it is probably my favorite place to shop. However, I think they dropped the ball completely on this Kate Moss for Topshop thing. But I'll get to why in a minute.

9:30 a.m. I arrive at the Upper West Side Barneys Co-Op and am the 10th person in line. I spend the next half hour congratulating myself on avoiding the certain mayhem at the Madison Avenue store (the Soho and Chelsea branches don't open until 11, so I ruled them out altogether).

9:58 a.m. The lovely salesgirls open the doors two minutes early! Hurray!

10:00 a.m. Panic ensues. There is one rack of clothing. One. Rack. Some 25 women grab desperately at it; I manage to snag two of the items I had wanted, the sequined gray jersey tee and the posy-print babydoll dress.

10:10 a.m. I try both items on. The tee is a size smaller than what I'd normally wear, but it looks fine. The dress, a UK 12, is too small on me. I ask the salesgirl if there are any size 14's left. She said the 12 was the largest size. Okay, note to Barneys: US sizes are two sizes smaller than UK sizes, and Topshop clothes run small to begin with. I'm not sure you're aware of this, but many of your shoppers are bigger than a size 6. Topshop goes up to UK 16. Why can't you?

10:12 a.m. I decide to buy both the tee and the dress, figuring if I can't resell the dress on eBay for at least $150 (it was $120), I'll return it within 30 days. The tee is very cute, however.

10:13 a.m. The salesgirl tells me that Madison Avenue was supposed to get "a lot more" than the UWS store. The devil on my shoulder tells me to check it out.

10:20 a.m. I hop on the M72 crosstown bus and head over to the Upper East Side.

10:32 a.m. I arrive at the Madison Avenue store. Trucks are being packed up with velvet ropes, chairs, and red carpets from last night's party. TV reporters are interviewing shoppers. It appears calm on the ground floor, but it's mayhem on the 7th floor. Men are snapping photos. Women are circulating with roughly 12 garments in their arms. More women are circling the racks, hoping aforementioned women put some of their unwanted items back on the racks. I check it out--the posy-print dresses are all gone. There are some chiffon tattoo dresses left, but they're $200. Lots of striped tees, logo tees, and the henley tanks. Some black pants and capri jeans. Lots of sequined-shoulder jersey tees; I take one and don't try it on.

10:35 a.m. I pay for my tee and hightail it out of the store.

So, my beef with Barneys is twofold: One, they said they'd be carrying the entire line, which was an all-out lie. I didn't see the white dress, the black cutout dress, the long skirts, any vests, or any accessories. Two, they only carried up to size UK 12, which is a small US 8, which totally defeats the point of masstige--which is for the masses, who are not all size 2. Also, don't go looking for any Kate Moss stuff on their website--it's completely sold out.

The silver lining in all of this? Topshop's website has some items still in stock, and they're supposedly gradually rolling out more in the coming weeks. I think at this point, it's that or eBay, where I'll be looking for the things I wanted but didn't get, like the corset top, the cream cropped jacket, and the vests. Now if only Topshop would open a bricks-and-mortar store in NYC...