end of the week jumble...

{ferm LIVING US wallpaper}

• so excited that Philip Treacy is rumored to be designing Kate Middleton's wedding hat

• definitely going to use these design*sponge city guides next time I travel...unfortunately they don't have one for Palo Alto yet!

• Architect Barbie...one of the most hilarious things I've seen in a long time. My favorite part is the mini-mini dream house...it's like a model of a model!

• if I owned my own place I would cover some of the walls with lovely ferm LIVING wallpaper...I'm trying to find a piece of furniture that I can use this on...

• Target is reissuing 34 pieces from the Go International designer lines...since I'm one of those crazies who shows up on the first day each line is released you can bet that I'm pretty excited about this. The lines are set to release on March 13.

• 12 hour design charrette to design the new Facebook campus in Menlo Park next weekend!
  

collaboration: converse x marimekko

Since I've always been obsessed with Converse Jack Purcells, I'm excited about the new Converse X Marimekko collaboration. Although reports said the shoes wouldn't be out 'til spring, it looks a couple of the designs are already available on the Converse website...

If you're not already familiar with the Finnish textile manufacturer known for their brightly colored '60s graphic patterns, here are a couple more desirable Marimekkos....

{marimekko x crate & barrel sarni bed linens}

{marimekko sointu tunic}

{marimekko lilli knitwear}

{marimekko unikko dinnerware}

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norma kamali for walmart

I just received a pile of clothes that I spontaneously ordered from the Norma Kamali collection at Walmart after reading reports from other fashion bloggers like Julia at Fashion Pulse Daily that this re-occurring capsule collection is worthy of the designer's name. I ordered every item that looked interesting that they had in my size on Walmart.com (or what I think is my size...sizing at Walmart is something I have yet to experience), which added up to a pleasing grand total of only $118 including the 97 cents shipping and handling per item.

So I will sift through my loot and report back about the fabric quality, sizing, and integrity of design. At first glance I have to say the clothes seem pretty impressive for the $15 - $24 price tags...

eugenia kim and cynthia vincent for target

{Image: Target}

Designer collaborations featuring Eugenia Kim for hats and Cynthia Vincent for shoes are releasing today at Targets everywhere. Bloggers have been talking about these collections for weeks because of the New York Pop-Up stores and the few Targets who happened to have early releases...but today's the real day when most Targets should start carrying the collections.

Although not a big wearer of hats myself, after writing daily about hats for Splendicity for the last year I developed a love for Eugenia Kim and her stylish designer hats. Hats can easily go either super cheesy or super glamorous so I was excited to discover a go-to hat designer who has reliably classy designs. Eugenia Kim hats are sold at high-end department stores for $300-$400 each, so it's pretty cool that her new Target collection has fedoras and engineer caps for less than $20.
Cynthia Vincent's collection of gladiator wedges, colorful flats, and strappy sandals are also popping up in Targets today. These designer collaborations sometimes sell out super fast and sometimes stay around until the sale racks, so you'll just have to check a Target near you or Target.com to see how these collections fair.

I'm headed to the Atherton Target in a couple hours and I guarantee there won't be a big rush...not too many fashion-obsessed in the Peninsula...

{Images: Target}

pendleton blankets for all

It seems that those brightly colored thick wool Pendleton blankets that kept me warm through those cold and rainy seasons while I was growing up in Portland, Oregon will now be popping up in college dorm rooms around the world.

Pendleton for Urban Outfitters brings you Navajo print towels and blankets

{pendleton saddle blanket}

I never would have guessed that the distinctively patterned blankets would be such a hit outside of Oregon, but after the success of the Opening Ceremony collaboration last year Pendleton has now paired with Urban Outfitters to create a lower-priced line of products that includes blankets, wallets, and bath towels. I imagine that the blankets are slightly thinner than the originals, but now that I live in California I like the idea of a summer-weight Pendleton blanket.

I can definitely imagine throwing one of these on my couch for movie watching...

You can find out more about Pendleton Woolen Mills online.

{pendleton glacier national park blanket}

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jean paul gaultier for target

{Jean Paul Gaultier for Target Halter Dress $59.99}

Did anyone else check out the Jean Paul Gaultier for Target collection yet?

I was probably the only person in Menlo Park who was so excited about this capsule collection release that I rushed to the nearest Target in Atherton on opening day. I remember living in New York and rushing to the Flatbush Target only to find that everything had been picked over only hours after the release...not surprisingly Atherton Target did not have any JPG fans knocking down their doors.

{Jean Paul Gaultier Organza Lapel Stretch Crepe Jacket $2,150}

The collection was fully stocked, but also fully disappointing (sad face). I'm never really sure what I'm even expecting when I rush to these releases, but just the idea of hanging an item in my closet that had a Jean Paul Gaultier tag on it got me thoroughly excited.

Although I prefer the designer's high-end funky jackets and wool crepe dresses to the colorful Jean Paul Gaultier Fuzzi line, I was secretly hoping that these Target pieces would be affordably priced reproductions of the mesh tanks and dresses that he produces for Fuzzi every year. Come on...none of us really think that anyone should pay $385 for a Fuzzi mesh tank...it seems like something we should get for $9.99 at Target! But alas, these secret dreams did not become realities.

{Jean Paul Gaultier Fuzzi Ruffle Neck Top $565}

The Jean Paul Gaultier for Target collection had lots of strange slip dresses in colorful polyester polka dot patterns that just didn't look like they would be flattering to any figure (think a tight lingerie top with a flared skirt...strange). The collection did not seem cohesive at all with a mixture of nautical stripes, Ed Hardy-esque prints, and bright wallpaper-inspired florals. There was a fun mustard yellow nylon halter dress, but I just couldn't figure out where I would ever wear it.

After trying on everything in the collection I did come home with my attempt at the Fuzzi piece that I had been searching for...a colorful tattoo print mesh long sleeve tee that I figure I can layer under a long blazer (it's the one worn under the mustard dress in the photo...a combination I would never suggest).

Liberty of London in 4 days...perhaps I will be more pleased this time...I don't want to drive all the way to Atherton for disappointment!

UPDATE: In response to questions about the tattoo print mesh top, it's $26.99 and only available at Target stores.

tavi and rodarte for target

I love this cute video featuring every fashion blogger's 13 year old idol, Tavi Gevinson of Style Rookie, and the Mulleavy sisters from Rodarte discussing the much-anticipated Rodarte for Target collaboration. Tavi visits the set of the photo shoot for this special Rodarte capsule collection in the beautiful plains of North Dakota to give us a sneak peek of her favorite pieces.


December 20 is not so far away...

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sneak peek: rodarte for target look book

I just received the complete Look Book for the Rodarte for Target collection that will be released in stores and online on December 20. I love sisterly design duo Kate and Laura Mulleavy, so I was excited when they were chosen to do this affordable capsule collection.

I'm sharing the entire Look Book with you so you can get the feel for the collection. It is described as "edgy-chic" but it has a distinct feminine goth vibe with black lace and tulle layered over a nude underlayer. My favorite look is the nude lace long cardigan over a lacy dress with a skinny gray leopard belt. Lace tights and tiny motorcycle gloves are two of my favorite trends for winter, so these dresses and cardies will be perfect for the season!



Images: Target.com

jimmy choo and h&m launch

So far all of you ladies (myself included) who weren't able to make it to the Jimmy Choo for H&M launch in 200 stores nationwide today, my friend Julia at Fashion Pulse Daily has a full and complete report to share with you. She addresses the predictable mayhem at the midtown Manhattan store and her tips for creating a more successful collection in the future. Thanks Julia!

Jimmy Choo for H&M - Was it Worth the Wait?

I also heard from a shoe-obsessed friend in Seattle that Jimmy Choo didn't make it to the Pacific Northwest...was anyone else waiting for this day only to find that the collection was unavailable in their area of the world? If only they had H&M online...

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i need a leather jacket

{Belstaff for J.Crew leather bomber jacket}

I never really thought of myself as the leather jacket type...but I changed my mind...I definitely am! I was never interested in the traditional long heavy straight-cut leather jackets, but I love the new unique styles that fit a younger look.

Leather jackets are everywhere this season and I am loving all of the options: 3/4 sleeves, big collars, asymmetrical zippers, embroidered patterns, zip cuffs, metal grommets, unique colors like gray and red, collarless, open front, everything you can imagine! Leather pieces are such an investment that you really need to try on as many as you can to find the style that fits your wardrobe and your body best.

Right now I have a gray stand-up collar faux leather that is cropped with elbow-length sleeves, but I am thinking that it is getting a little bit impractical as the weather cools down. I need to find a new one...

British motorcycle jacket designer Belstaff has created an exclusive collection with J.Crew this Fall. I have my eye on the short women's leather bomber (pictured above). This is such a great cut for younger women with the waist-length and snug shoulders. Love it.

pendleton meets opening ceremony

{pendleton meets opening ceremony classic flare coat}

Since I'm from Oregon, every winter I've added a thick woolen Pendleton blanket with bright native-american patterns to my bed. My favorite one is neon pink with a geometric pattern in saturated purple, black, yellow, and blue. The heavy blankets are amazingly warm and my family has an entire collection of them.

{pendleton meets opening ceremony full wool mini turquoise}

This Fall Pendleton is celebrating their 100th year with the collaboration Pendleton Meets Opening Ceremony. As someone who grew up with the Pendleton brand, it's exciting to see that they have expanded into the fashion world. I'm happy that they chose international fashion forward boutique Opening Ceremony to design and sell this collection. The coats, pants, shirts, skirts, and even a onesie use the traditional recognizable Pendleton fabric in modern Opening Ceremony style designs. I love the saturated color and the distinct Pacific Northwest vibe in the Pendleton clothing. You can shop the collection online at the Opening Ceremony website.

{pendleton meets opening ceremony pintuck blouse}

For those of you who aren't too excited about the vibrant colors and patterns, Pendleton also has clothing made from their Pacific Northwest looms in many other traditional styles online.

{pendleton meets opening ceremony long sleeved onesie}

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jimmy choo and h&m save the date

{image: nymag.com}

Mark your calendars!

The Jimmy Choo and H&M designer collaboration collection that includes men's and women's clothes, shoes, and accessories will be hitting stores on November 14. I am way behind on my news it seems because it seems that the date was set awhile ago...that's what happens when you leave NY!

Check out a slideshow of the collection from NY Magazine. The collaboration has lots of metal studs, black leather, rhinestones, suede, and zebra print. If you are looking for an outfit to wear for a night out, this is definitely going to be an easy way to put together a complete ensemble from head to toe. My favorite pieces are definitely the shoes, with fun thick embellished ankle-strap sandals. The prices are unfortunately much higher than I am used to at H&M: strappy sandals $129, zebra print clutch for $129, open-toe suede ankle booties $149.

Regardless, I'm sure everything will sell out in the first couple days...so see you at H&M on November 14.

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alexander mcqueen & puma

While I'm on the topic of Alexander McQueen as an artist, I just watched a short film for the collection of men's and women's athletic clothing and shoes for Puma...amazing! It was created by movie director Saam Farahmond and is called Ghost. You can watch the video and see the collection online.

{women's nylon bomber}

{SS griffin print}

{quilted pants}

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keds and opening ceremony collection

As I've mentioned before, designer collaborations are one of my favorite concepts in today's fashion culture. Pairing designers from different ends of the fashion industry is a fabulous idea that usually comes up with products that reach a new demographic and give new ideas about design a greater reach.

Opening Ceremony has paired with Keds, the creator of the original sneaker, to create a capsule collection of footwear that will be available in stores and online Thursday, September 10. I have images of the collection before they are available to the public!
This is such a great meeting of classic and modern! Opening Ceremony has been one of the hottest names in the fashion industry over the last few years, with one of the best collections of up-and-coming designers and innovative collaborations with fashion elite like Chloe Sevigny. The Soho store was one of my favorite places to visit when I lived in New York. Now that I've moved across the country, I'm excited to see that they have a fabulous online store as well!
The Keds and PRO-Keds x Opening Ceremony collection is a great interpretation of the 80's styles that are fashionable this Fall. The acid wash style is definitely my favorite. I've been talking about getting a pair of Keds for quite awhile now...I really just need to find the perfect pair and go for it! They are a perfect shoe for end of Summer/beginning of Fall...

If you want to find out more about the designer's inspiration for the Keds x Opening Ceremony designs, check out this fun little video online:

Opening Ceremony x Keds/PRO Keds

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fall nail colors

{Image: NYMagazine}

I must have these nail colors for Fall!!

The Jin Soon for M.A.C. Cosmetics Collection is available now at M.A.C. counters and stores. Dark matte finish nails will definitely popular this Fall/Winter. My favorites are definitely the Beyond Jealous (dark blue/green at the far right) and Dry Martini (muddy gold at the bottom center).

These colors aren't available online (I just checked) so you'll have to get to a store to snag them. I hope they aren't at all sold out already...

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architect + shoes = zaha + melissa

{Zaha Hadid + Melissa Black}

I just received an email from Adele at fabulous Brookyln boutique Epaulet announcing the arrival of this season's new Melissa styles! There is an amazing collaboration with female Pritzker Prize winning architect Zaha Hadid and beautiful new styles in the Vivienne Westwood collection.

Zaha Hadid created this distinctive shoe with the Melissa seamless plastic construction in mind. Her concepts for the design were fluidity and asymmetry to create a sense of movement. I think this futuristic design will soon be a collector's item...I need someone to go try these on!

{Zaha Hadid + Melissa Silver}

New to the Vivienne Westwood + Melissa collaboration is these completely fabulous three-strap platform Mary Janes. I must have the Teal! They also come in black or eggplant. Lovely!

{Vivienne Westwood + Melissa Three Straps Elevated Teal}

The super popular Vivienne Westwood Lady Dragon (that Katy Perry was wearing!) is back in gorgeous new colors. This open-toe slingback with a bow is the perfect combination of sweet and sexy. My favorite new color is definitely the Emerald, but it also comes in Black, Tortoise, Yellow, and Red.

{Vivienne Westwood + Melissa Lady Dragon II Bow Emerald}

If you live in a climate with rainy and slushy weather in the winter, then the cultural acceptance of the functional Wellie as a fashionable piece of footwear is the best thing that's ever happened to you. I wish these were around when I was growing up in Portland, Oregon. It only makes sense for a waterproof plastic shoe designer to come up with a design for some cute Wellies...

{Vivienne Westwood + Melissa Squiggle Wellington Navy}

Visit Epaulet's online store to see the entire collection of Melissa shoes available. If you live in Brooklyn, check out the store on Smith Street.

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h&m and jimmy choo

Could it be true? The next designer collaboration for H&M is Jimmy Choo! On November 14 H&M will release a collection of men's and women's shoes, bags, and accessories designed by fabulously high-end British shoe designer Jimmy Choo. I can't wait to see images of the collection!

finally tracy feith for target

I'm not an enormous Tracy Feith fan, but I was at Target this weekend so I decided to check out what was left of the collection. That's another great thing about living in Portland...the Target doesn't get mobbed on opening day when a much anticipated line is released. There was only one rack of clothing left, but I still managed to snag some cute items.

The collection is dominated by really vivid brightly colored florals in tropical inspired patterns, so if that's not really something that you find in your summer wardrobe then it's probably not really worth it to check it out. I have been pretty disappointed with the designer collections at Target lately, but this is one of my recent favorites.

Tracy Feith is a long blonde-haired Texas-born American surfer dude who designs beach-inspired breezy women's clothing in unique brightly colored fabrics.

Tracy Feith for Target Canvas Print Jacket $44.99
I got this tropical 3/4 sleeve double breasted cropped jacket with buckle details in slightly faded yellows and oranges. I don't wear lots of bright colors, but when I do it's usually with pieces that can be layered like a jacket instead of an entire piece like a dress. I'll wear it over something really simple like cropped jeans and long white tank.

Tracy Feith for Target Embroidered Top in Lollipop Red $24.99
I also got this cap sleeve A-line pullover blouse in a bright orange with cute floral embroidery and lace details. It has a festive feel to it and fits very big and blousy in the middle.

Tracy Feith for Target Strappy Dress in Cobalt Blue $44.99
I thought this dress was cute too, but they didn't have it in my size. The color is very vivid and I like the colored eyelet lace at the trim.

Tracy Feith for Target Stripe Sleeve Cardigan $29.99
I really loved this slouchy surfer cardigan with brightly colored sleeves. It looks great layered over summery beach clothes and unbuttoned (see picture at top of post).