Cheryl Shops

Dear readers, it's a first-ever combo post at Cheryl Shops: MasstigeWatch and In These Shoes, together at last! We've seen Nine West here before—past collections with Sophie Theallet and Giles come to mind—but last month they debuted a collaboration with a high-end retailer, Kirna Zabete. This is noteworthy in that Kirna Zabete doesn't have an in-house line—the store is known for its incredibly well-selected stock, and it's the kind of place where, if money were no object, I would totally shop all the time—and that it's a store, not an actual designer (although there are two lovely ladies, Beth Buccini and Sarah Easley, behind it). That said, it's one of the strongest collaborations I've seen thus far at Nine West—so much so that I"m featuring all eight pairs, many of which are on their way to being sold out already!


Top row:
The Bandeau was the style that first got my attention because, let's face it, who doesn't want a satin sandal with a puff of marabou feathers at the toe? Then again, with a nearly 5-inch heel, these are perhaps best suited for activities that don't require standing, if you know what I mean.

I'd hesitate to call anything with marabou feathers practical, but compared to the Bandeau, the Otay, with its 2.5-inch heel, is practically utilitarian. At least you can walk in them.

The one style that's completely sold out, the Jois is, interestingly, also the most expensive in the line, at $169. It has stiff (pun intended) competition in this area, but I would argue that it's also by far the sexiest of the collection.

Middle row:
My one quibble with this collection is that there are 4-inch heels and there are flats, but there's nothing in between. And while I'm not a flats girl, I tend to make an exception in the summer, especially for embellished thong sandals like the Seashell.

The Altra is one of those shoes that looks fabulous on the shelf (who can resist ruffles?!), but I worry a bit that it might not look so great on, especially if your legs are of the thicker variety.

Bottom row:
Another style on the verge of selling out, the Sophi is an edgy update of the every-woman's-wardrobe-necessity black peep-toe pump. It looks like something Alexander Wang would create, but better.

The Wexar would make a great summer-wedding shoe, particularly if you're getting married on the beach (I speak from experience). Unlike regular bridal shoes, I'd venture that you'd definitely wear these again.

As I said earlier, I am generally not a flats person, but the Kneata might just make a convert out of me, if only for accomplishing the nearly impossible: making flats look a little bit dangerous.

One of the best parts of being a fashion blogger is getting invited to showrooms to preview new collections—it's not quite as exciting as going to a runway show, but you get a one-on-one walkthrough with a knowledgable representative, and you get to touch and see everything up close. The other day, I got to see the upcoming Derek Lam for DesigNation collection, which hits Kohl's stores April 5, and let me tell you, it looks amazing. Granted, I am a flag-waving Derek Lam fan, but Kohl's is really stepping up the masstige game—like last fall's Narcisco Rodriguez collaboration, this outing is true to the designer's aesthetic, the fabrics are high quality (unlike, ahem, some other retailers), and the prices are incredibly wallet friendly ($36-$88 in this case). Lam's collection was inspired by a trip to Brazil and features his signature '70s-inspired silhouettes in everything from maxi dresses and pencil skirts to bermuda shorts and swimwear. Here are some of my favorite looks:

Hands down, my favorite item is this striped dress ($70). It's the kind of thing I wear to work all summer, and I love the flattering placement of the stripes.


A close second, I am also in love with this maxi-skirt ($54), which manages to be sexy, thanks to the adjustable button-front styling. The open-knit tank ($40) makes a low-key pairing.


There are lots of fun rainforest-inspired prints, like in this button-down shirt ($48), as well as great updated basics like this subtly pleated pencil skirt ($50).



Speaking of which, check out the groovy print on this shirtdress ($70).



I always say shopping for a jumpsuit is like shopping for a wedding dress—you might try on dozens before you find the right one. That said, this style ($88) looks like a winner.



Excited yet? There aren't any Kohl's stores in Manhattan (there are, however, in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Jersey City), but the website will be fully stocked come April 5. Masstige, it's good to have you back!

I haven't been writing about designer-mass collaborations lately because, to be honest, I am totally fatigued by them. (And, apparently, I'm not the only one.) Poor quality, too-high prices, crazy crowds, over-hyped...mass-market was starting to equal mass-headache. Masstige had jumped the shark.

But then today I got the Prabal Gurung for Target lookbook in my inbox, and call me fickle, but it's a game changer. Literally, it has reaffirmed my belief in masstige and inspired me to write this post. It is truly that good. Let's take a look, shall we?

I mean, I'll just take one of everything. But, for the record:
Sweatshirt in First Date print, $29.99   
Pencil skirt in Dresden Blue/Sulfur Spring, $29.99 
Tote in Nolita print, $39.99 
Bangle in Nolita print/Sulfur Spring, $16.99 
Bangle in First Date print/Dresden Blue, $16.99 
Bangle in Calypso Coral print/black, $16.99 
Wedge sandals in black/gray/white, $29.99


Lace-up pumps in black, Nolita print** and Apple Red*, $39.99 each

Ok, back to the clothes. The dresses may take the cake.
Short-sleeve dress in First Date print/black, $39.99 
Miniaudiere in Nolita print, $34.99 Floral necklace in multicolor, $39.99
Crystal teardrop pendant necklace in black, $19.99 
Crystal teardrop necklace in black, $39.99 
Wedge sandals in Apple Red, $29.99

And for the print-averse, there are a lot of cute solid and colorblocked styles, like this sweetly sexy dress.
Pintuck dress in black/white, $49.99 
Lace miniaudiere in black, $34.99 
Floral earrings in Calypso Coral, $14.99** 
Ankle-strap heels in Apple Red, $39.99

The collection hits Target stores and Target.com February 10. And, for once, I will be there opening day.

Following their fanciful fruit-printed Versace resort wear (that swiftly sold out) and the deliciously-promoted David Beckham "bodywear" collection, H&M continues their full-steam-ahead approach by rolling out yet another designer collaboration for early 2012 - Marni for H&M. While the collection was first announced back in November, it wasn't until very recently that we avid designer-for-less fans actually got a glimpse at what the capsule collection had to offer.... and while it's certainly only a teaser (and a leaked one, at that!) we're by no means disappointed! Earlier reports hinted that Marni designer Consuelo Castiglioni would be focusing on classic Marni designs featuring signature prints - bringing us fans a true designer-look-for-less feel that's recognizable but not dumbed down. And based on this first look-see, I'm loving the moody-yet-lively vibe of the pieces and the ad campaign itself. Our appetites have only been whetted for more jewel tones, texture, and gorgeous prints... and of course, for the upcoming video campaign directed by Sofia Coppola! What do you think - are you intrigued by what lies ahead from Marni and H&M?

- Alexandra Gambardella

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

Jason Wu has already been on the Today show pimping his Target line, and while I have a feeling it won't quite incite the mass hysteria that Missoni did, I think it will sell out pretty quickly. The collection of clothes, bags, and scarves retails for $19.99 to $59.99 and hits stores February 5th. Here are some of my favorites.

Blush blouse ($34.99), lace-print skirt ($29.99), lace clutch ($29.99)

Pleated top ($32.99), pleated skirt ($29.99), lace clutch ($29.99)
Flared dress ($59.99)
Straw flap bag ($39.99)
Cat print scarf ($19.99)




For those of you who like a similar Zooey Deschanel-like aesthetic, Refinery29 reports that New Zealand designer Karen Walker is creating a lower-priced line for Anthropologie, called Hi There From Karen Walker. No word on pricing or exact dates, but it hits stores sometime in March. Check out R29's rather extensive slideshow for a good preview of the nautical-flavored looks, like this cute dress.


For the Zac Posen fans out there, he's designing a special line of 12 dresses exclusively for Lord & Taylor under his Z Spoke label. The collection will hit stores in April and will retail for $149-$199, less than half of what a typical Z Spoke dress usually goes for. No photos (nor exact dates) available yet, but I will post them as soon as I have them.

Finally, for those of you who can't wait for Mary Katrantzou's upcoming Topshop collaboration (due in stores next month), you can buy one of her Longchamp bags right now on the Colette website. Prices range from 55 Euros ($72) for a makeup case to 350 Euros ($456) for a structured tote; the signature Le Pliage bags run 95-160 Euros ($124-$208).

After the Missoni collection, which was, by all accounts, a galloping disaster, Target announced that MObama favorite Jason Wu is their next designer collaboration. The line hits stores February 5 and will retail for $19.99-$59.99. According to Nitrolicious, who attended the super-top-secret press preview, the collection's muse is a black cat named Milu. Okay.

If February is a bit too far away for you, Target has three accessory collaborations hitting stores before then, October 30th to be exact. The first is a line of 14 hats by Albertus Swanepoel, all for just $19.99. This is particularly noteworthy because Swanepoel is a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund recipient, and a similar hat to the one pictured here is on sale at J.Crew for $178, nearly 10 times the price of Target's version! Also in stores that date: Dana Kellin's jewelry ($9.99-$49.99) and Asian-themed lingerie by Josie Natori for $9.99-$34.99.


Finally, if you're excited about the upcoming Versace for H&M line, you can...get more excited with the campaign images, which have been slowly trickling out to the interwebs. Fashionista has 'em; Mert & Marcus shot 'em; and Versace supes Daphne Groeneveld, Abbey Lee Kershaw, Lindsey Wixson, and Sasha Pivovarova feature prominently. The collection hits stores November 17th—think it's worth waiting in line for?

As I predicted last week, Target has released lookbook images from the upcoming Missoni collection in stores September 13,  and all I have to say is, holy Missoni! There are clothes and accessories for men, women, and children, beauty accessories, linens, vases, dishes, office supplies, suitcases, outdoor furniture, and, yes, that bicycle. There is so much awesomeness, I can't show it to you all, lest I crash my site (Nitrolicious, on the other hand, who clearly has either an intern or a lot of spare time or both, has uploaded most of the lookbook.) But here are some of my most anticipated items from the collection.

Pretty much everything here is for sale, from the awesome $16 space-dyed tights to the iconic $39.99 miniskirt. 
 For the color-averse there are some more neutral pieces (there are even all black-and-white ones); the pumps here are $39.99, the dress ($54.99) is the most expensive part, and the cardigan is a downright bargain at $49.99.

More great pieces in shades of blue, from $16 for the tights to $69.99 for the puffer jacket.
 Think these silk scarves are a total bargain at $19.99 each!
 
There are all manner of makeup and weekend bags, from $9.99-$29.99.
Absolutely must have this $29.99 laptop sleeve!
For the home, these serving trays will spruce up your living or dining room for $19.99-$24.99.

A totally luxe duvet set (complete with shams!) for $99.99.

I'm perhaps most excited about the towels, just $10.99-$12.99 each! (The shower curtain, also noteworthy, is $34.99.)

And for the pimped-out roofdeck, an ultra-sleek outdoor furniture set for $599.99.
The items will be available, while supplies last, September 13 through October 22, although a handful of online-only items will be sold through the holiday season. I must say, I haven't been this excited about a Target collaboration in awhile!

If you want to satisfy your masstige fix now, Giles Deacon for Nine West is now available. As I predicted back in May, the shoes—particularly the Polly wedge and the Layla boot, pictured here—look the best. If sweet is more your style, however, it should be noted that this spring's Sophie Theallet collection is now 60% off; I'm thinking of ordering the Tinna espadrille in brown.

Finally, Catwalk Queen reports that Mark Fast is designing a footwear collection for Aldo. Fast, who created a line for Topshop last year, is no stranger to collaborations, and Aldo, which featured a line by Julian Louie earlier this year, it just dipping its toes (pun intended) into the masstige waters. No word yet on when the collection hits stores, but, as always, check back here for more masstige news.

Considering Missoni for Target hits stores in just about a month (September 13, to be exact), it's time for a first look at the campaign images! Because I'm Addicted has 'em, and let me just say, that Missoni bike was no pipe dream! And the rugs, the vases, the linens...it all looks awesome! I can only hope they have sheets and towels--I've been lusting after the real deal for years now (adding to my list of things I should have registered for...).

I'm expecting full collection images any day now and will post lookbook shots as soon as I have them!

The arrival of the latest J.Crew catalogue is always a noteworthy occasion in my household, but Saturday's edition was even more momentous due to the inclusion of the Prabal Gurung collaboration. However, this limited-edition collection was so limited that only 50 pieces of each item were created, and by the time I hit the website, everything but the exploding bow dress was sold out. In my case, this is probably for the best, since prices ranged from a not-so-masstige $198-$450. Still, how gorgeous is the bow blazer at right?

In slightly more accessible news, Racked reports that Topshop is opening a "secret" pop-up shop featuring their collaborations with Pamela Love, Nasir Mazhar, Meadham Kirchhoff, and Ann-Sofie Back. Starting Thursday, May 26, it will be located somewhere within the Topshop store on Broadway (hint: look for the florist). For a peek at the Pamela Love collection, check out Fashionologie.

Add Pierre Hardy to the Gap's long list of troubles: Fashionista sadly reports the Parisian shoe designer will not be collaborating with the chain for fall (no word on whether he'll back next spring). That means you should snap up his spring shoes while you can!

Finally, there was reportedly a top-secret press preview of the upcoming Missoni for Target collection last week; attendees (I was not among them, FYI) were reportedly under strict orders not to divulge any details, although it did leak out that there will be...wait for it...a Missoni bicycle. Inspired by this bit of information, Refinery 29 photoshopped what they think it will look like. We'll have to wait until September 13 (or slightly) to see the actual version, but that doesn't mean you can't get excited in the meantime!

The Calypso for Target collection just hit the shelves last week (for the record, I ordered two dresses, a hat, and a bag, and I plan on checking out more of the line in person this weekend), and already Target is announcing its next big designer collaboration: Missoni for Target! Like Calypso, this will be a major, multi-department event, with 400+ items for women, children, and the home. I am particularly excited about linens and flatware, as I've been lusting after the real deal for years. Look for it in stores September 13 through October 22.

Hot on the heels (pun intended) of Sophie Theallet's line for Nine West comes Giles for Nine West. Now, Giles apparently has a character called Eek, a cartoon who decorates everything from totes to jewelry in the line. I find the shoes (like the wedge sandal at left) more exciting; Eek's presence makes the bags and jewelry a bit...young. Fashionista has a preview of the entire collection, which hits stores sometime in August. 

Speaking of shoes, the Pierre Hardy for Gap Design Editions spring styles are now live, and the Charlotte Ronson for Uniqlo collaboration hit stores today; Sugar Rock Catwalk has a full report on the latter.

Finally, this may or may not be related to the fact that Patrick Robinson got canned from the Gap [subscription required], but J.Crew took over as the sponsor of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, and thus will feature collaborations with winners Billy Reid, Prabal Gurung, and Eddie Borgo. Fashionologie was at the launch party, and while there was no preview available, word on the street is that all three designers will re-create pieces based on old collections, in new colors and fabrics. Gurung's five-piece collection will retail for under $500 and hits stores in June; Borgo's will be available in July; and Reid's 7-piece menswear collection is live now. I will, of course, report on the women's lines as soon as they're live, but in the meantime, why not treat that special guy in your life to this good-looking henley?

The Calypso for Target collection is due in stores May 1st, and since that's nearly two weeks away, Target has released a lookbook featuring images of the entire collection--women's clothing and accessories, girls' clothes, and home items. There's a definite bohemian vibe, with strong tie-dye and elephant motifs running throughout. Fans of Calypso should be pretty happy, particularly if you love maxi dresses and ruffles; there are also some very summery woven tote bags and lovely beach hats. Clothingwise, my favorite item is this $36.99 dress, which I intend to wear as a swimsuit cover-up (I am incredibly in need of a new one); really, I'm the most enthralled with the home items, like the $59.99 pouf, a similar version of which Calypso Home sells for--I kid you not--$3,000. Prices range from $1.99-$79.99, and according to Racked, which has the full lookbook posted, quality is pretty high. Let's hear it for masstige!

Last week Uniqlo announced its upcoming three-part Designer Invitation Project [subscription required]. It kicks off with the return of Costello Tagliapietra next week on April 21, Charlotte Ronson arrives on May 5, and Vena Cava follows on May 12. Supposedly items will remain in stores until May 21; I have a feeling they'll sell out long before then, especially since every piece is just $29.99. The Cut has a full preview of the collection for your shopping-strategy purposes; hands off this Charlotte Ronson design--it's mine.

In shoe news, a reminder that the Swedish Hasbeens collection for H&M hits stores April 20; and always a favorite, the spring Pierre Hardy for Gap shoes are high-heeled, pointy-toed, colorblocked, and totally right up my alley. Fashionista has the scoop; shoes are due in stores mid-April, which means any day now!

If, like me, you're salivating over the Derek Lam for eBay crowd-sourced collection, good news: You can pre-order it now before it technically goes on sale to the public on May 10. And, finally, for the patterned-leggings fans out there, Topshop collaborated with Meadham Kirchoff, a London duo known for flowy, trippy, magpie-ish creations like, well, this. Proceed with caution.

 

Pamela Love, downtown darling extraordinaire, makes very raw, organic-looking, and often tribal-inspired jewelry that's just this side of scary. I, for one, am a big fan, and so I am totally looking forward to her upcoming collaboration with Topshop. Apparently there are pictures in the April issue of Vogue; no word on prices, but the five-part collection will reportedly have a Native American inspiration--something that normally would give me pause, but in Love's hands will undoubtedly be cool--romantic, bohemian, and perfect for summer. The line hits stores sometime next month, exact date TBD.


For a more immediate accessory fix, Linea Pelle created a line for Target, called LPLP Linea Pelle. Prices range from $14.99 for wallets to $34.99 for more intricately detailed hobos, and considering Target's buy one get one 50% off offer, you can pretty much treat yourself to one (or more) of each style. My favorite, however, is this bright blue crossbody bag. It should be noted, of course, that none of these styles are leather, but considering they're a fraction of what Linea Pelle bags normally cost, one can't really complain.

Also available now is Rachel Antonoff's collection for Bass. It's heavy on saddle shoes and penny loafers, which are styles I am, shall we say, a bit too world-weary to pull off, but if you are in your 20s, I say go for it. I think the high-heeled saddle shoes (pictured at right) are actually quite adorable and the prices for everything ($99-$129) are reasonable.

Just when I thought I was Masstiged out, there are some new and exciting collaborations to look forward to this year. First up, more details have emerged on Calypso for Target, and Racked has word that, based on the press preview, it looks very promising. First of all, this is a "lifestyle" collaboration, a la Liberty of London last year, so there are clothes and accessories, plus items for children and the home, all with Calypso's signature bohemian-bourgeois aesthetic. Racked also notes that--haleluah!--the collection is heavy on soft cotton voile with some silk and linen thrown in. As you guys know, my biggest complaint about the Target lines tends to be about the janky fabrics, so this is welcome news. And all for $1.99-$59.99! My calendar is marked for May 1st--May Day indeed!

Also hitting stores May 1st is Sophie Theallet's line for Nine West, which is actually part of a bigger initiative called...wait for it...Shoelaborations. According to WWD [subscription required], Theallet's line will be priced similarly to Nine West's usual fare ($79-$109), and she'll be followed by Giles Deacon in fall 2011. (Whenever I hear of Giles Deacon, I think of Henry Holland's cheeky "Get your freak on Giles Deacon" T-shirt. But I digress.) Of the images released so far--a straw bag and an espadrille-ish heel--the line looks very summery and chic. Which, considering the weather outside, is practically making my mouth water.

In even more exciting shoe news, H&M is collaborating with Swedish Hasbeens, a line of which I am quite fond. No boots--this is a summer line--but lots of chic sandals, and at just $59.99-$69.99, they're less than a third of what the real deal costs. Fashionista has photos of the entire collection, which hits H&M stores on April 20; I have my eye on these strappy red sandals.

Finally, if you just can't wait till spring to get your Masstige on, Racked has the full scoop on the latest +J collection, which hit Uniqlo stores this morning. Word is that it's selling briskly and heavy on Egyptian cotton. As they say, shop early and shop often...