Target has certainly stepped up its game when it comes to affordable fashion. What has helped it gain a reputation for cute threads is its Go International campaign. The campaign, which began two-and-a-half years ago, brings known designers whose names are synonymous with style and high-end fashion to the national chain store. Beyond the Mossimo and Exhilaration labels, every several months a designer is selected to create an affordable clothing line exclusively for Target. In the past, names like Tara Jarmon (Paris), Luella Bartly (London), and Alice Temperley (London, but whose designs have a bit of a French flair) have become associated with the Target brand. The great thing about Go International is that Target keeps outdoing itself in terms who they snag as an exclusive designer. Starting next month, Thakoon, a Thai-born designer who is known for his feminine yet sporty looks, will create his line for Target, affordable and no doubt chic.
If you have a disposable income (I certainly don’t!), then you can definitely afford these Thakoon dresses:

Graffiti Gathered Dress, $1,175 / Floral Inside Out Dress, $1,250

However, if you are like me, a woman who loves to dress up and have fun, but doesn’t want to break the bank while doing so, the clothes that will be at Target from Thakoon will be more up your (price) alley. A few sneak peeks at the line reveal flirty skirts and dresses, tops for all occasions, and inexpensive accessories. In look one, the black-and-white plaid skirt costs $27 while the top is $23. The black dress, perfect for the cooler weather that will soon be upon us, $40, and the eye-popping red vest in look three costs $25 (and will also be available in yellow).

The best thing about having international designers create clothing for Target is that it frees you up to splurge on other accessories…like shoes. Have fun shopping!

-Sara

The bible of the fashion world–Vogue–has many incarnations in a number of countries across the globe. There are a few issues during the year that garner press, most notably the thick September issue of the US edition. That usually boasts nearly one thousand pages filled with advertisements galore from various designers–Louis Vuitton, Zac Posen, Gucci, and Prada, to name a few. Top models (not to be confused with Tyra’s show) are found on page after page, striking fierce pose after fierce pose. Well, the July issue of one of Vogue’s cousins–Vogue’s Italian cousin, to be exact–has been in the news as of late. Why? Because it will be the magazine’s first all-black issue.

In response to the cry of “Where have all the black models gone?” Italian Vogue has answered, “Here they are!” The hope is that other fashion magazines will follow suit. Two of the models who will reportedly be in the issue are Ajuma Nasenyana, the leggy Kenyan model who walked in Martin Grant’s Spring 2008 and Vivienne Westwood’s Fall 2008 shows, and seventeen-year-old British stunner, Jourdan Dunn. Jourdan Dunn being chosen for the cover spot is unsurprising. She recently made headlines as the first black model since Naomi Campbell (who walked in 1997) to walk the runway during Prada’s Fall 2008 show. Since Naomi’s reign, it seems as though black models have fallen off. The move to create this issue comes from the dearth of black models that were seen (or not seen, as the case may be) during the Spring/Summer 2008 and Fall/Winter 2008 shows.

The question that has yet to be answered is why do so few designers book black models. A sufficient answer has not been given. Dame Vivienne Westwood, one of my favorite designers alongside Alexander McQueen, Martin Grant, and Tracy Reese, commented that the blatant disregard for hiring black models borders on racism. Her solution to the problem was to feature Ajuma in several ads. Aside from the fact that she creates far out designs that I find quite artistic, I knew there was a reason why I liked Dame Westwood.

What saddens me most about this is that US Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, she who was the inspiration (supposedly) for The Devil Wears Prada and who no doubt considers herself and her baby on the cutting edge, wasn’t the first to come up with the all-black issue. What makes it doubly worse is that her right hand, Andre Leon Talley, is black. C’mon, Andre! As a black man in the fashion world, he should definitely know and understand the struggle.

The Italian issue with Jourdan on the cover should be out towards the end of June. Be sure to look for it at a local Borders or Barnes & Noble. I, for one, can not wait.

I am in love with clothes. Perhaps that isn’t something I should admit, but it most certainly is the truth. I’ve had a thing about clothes and shoes and accessories since I was a young girl and I only have my dear mother to blame. She enabled the hobby by buying me those wonderful paper doll books. When I would tire of dressing and changing a doll in the clothes provided in the workbook, I would take pencil to printer paper and create my own designs. All of the designs mirrored trends of the moment by designers. One trend this season that has popped up seemingly out of nowhere is floral sprays.

Balenciaga’s Spring/Summer 2008 show was a hit. It set the tone for the trend we now see blooming this season—flowers everywhere! From dresses to skirts to tops, many designs are sporting spring blooms on their fabrics. Of course, as with any trend, it’s best not to overdo it. If you choose to add some petal prints to your spring and summer wardrobes, please do so in moderation (kind of like drinking alcohol, if you will). You want heads to turn as you sashay past looking fashionable and fabulous, yes, but not in the “Oh no she didn’t!” way. And whether you’re a fashionista on a budget or a lady who can splurge all she likes, you can still get up on the trend.

Here are several dresses that you can find in a variety of stores and price points:

Express, $128, Forever 21, $24.80

Vivienne Tam, $415

-Sara