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You can shop Target.com all you want, but nothing beats actually ogling and touching their private collection and various collaborations in person. This weekend Racked headed to the land of milk of honey (meaning department stores and 3% sales tax): Jersey City. Still within sight of the Empire State Building sits not just any Target, but the microcosm that is a Target Greatland. With only one week until the Rogan for Target debut at Barney's, and two weeks until it hits actual Target stores, we were flabbergasted to find so much detritus from past collaborations. Small pockets of everything from Loeffler Randall to DwellStudio popped up around the store, with even some Jovovich-Hawk jammed into the clearance racks.
Our frighteningly detailed review of the state of Target's Collections:
In Apparel: Target's own Go International Private Label clothing is not only gathering dust in the women's section, but it is also cut too small to belong there. The sizes are juniors (up to13), the bubble hems require lack of hips to even get them on, and often the fabric is so flimsy as to be translucent. Beyond them is the sporty and well-constructed Converse One Star line, and even further back you'll find the bright and fresh Isaac Mizrahi collection designed for short torsos and Charlotte from Sex and the City. Pajamas are cute with new designs from Nick & Nora and a whole section of silky sleepwear from Gilligan & O'Malley.
In Accessories: Lots going on here! Gryson's purses are still hanging out, and feel very soft. Next to them is the more popular Target Limited Edition Collection of summer clutches and bags, featuring touches of patent with a very Kate Spade meets Banana Republic aesthetic. The smallest flower clutch from this collection is almost identical to the design of the gold bag from the Loeffler Randall line. Speaking of Loeffler Randall, their metallic shoes and bags from December (!!) are discounted more and more by the week, and it's quite telling to see that the elastic on the ballet flats is starting to go. Probably the best choice here is Subversive's jewelry, with eye-catching colors and organic designs to compliment neutral summer outfits.
In Home and Outdoor: Move over patio furniture, Whim by Cynthia Rowley has taken over the rear corner of Target with plastic beach pails, ice cube trays and whole rows of inflatable pool floats. The stuff is entertaining simply to look at; distracting wicker prints, crab-shaped server platters and ice tubs perfect for a kegger will rule this summer. Over in bedding and bath are whole aisles of DwellStudio and cross stitch-covered Simply Shabby Chic with which to cover your Thomas O'Brien Vintage Modern furniture. Also spotted: stationery and gift wrap in colorful, modern patterns from Ayomi Yoshida.
· Cynthia Rowley Gets All Whimsical at Target [Racked]
· Rogan for Target: Plan Your Buying Strategy Now [Racked]
· Disappointments: Shopping Target's Go International Private Label Collection [Racked]
· Shopping Jovovich-Hawk for Target [Racked]
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