Target Spring 2015 Collaboration!

             On Thursday, January 7, Target announced the company’s spring 2015 collaboration with Lilly Pulitzer. The 250 product line addresses the categories of womenswear, girls, swim, beauty and home (wwd.com). The price point ranges from $25 to $250, though 200 of the products are expected to retail for roughly $30 (fashionista.com). 15 new, undeniably Lilly Pulitzer prints were designed exclusively for this collaboration with Target (forbes.com). Additionally, this is the first collaboration where Target is carrying plus-size options in womenswear (peoplestylewatch.com). The collection will launch in stores and online on April 19, just in time for spring break. It sounds like this collection is prepared for great success, though some are hesitant to get behind it.

            Many avid Lilly Pulitzer shoppers turned to Twitter as an outlet to express their frustrations with the collection. Refinery 29 posted an article titled 39 Girls Who Are Mad As Hell About Lilly Pulitzer For Target. In this article multiple tweets are referenced, one being “if people say they got something from Lilly at Target…the name will lose its prestige. The brand was kinda built on class” (refinery29.com).  Overall, it seemed that the majority was most concerned with this collaboration degrading the Lilly Pulitzer brand image.

            Feeling curious, I started to research if there was a similarly negative reaction to the Altuzarra for Target collection, which launched in September 2014. Unable to find anything substantial, I asked myself what is it specifically about Lilly Pulitzer for Target that some are finding offensive.  Past collaborations have been wildly successful, particularly the partnership with Missoni which caused the Target website to crash and stores sold out of product in a matter of days.  Personally, I think the cause of these mixed reactions is that Lilly Pulitzer isn’t exclusive enough.
          A classic Lilly Pulitzer shift dress ranges in price from $168 to $288.  According to missoni.com, that would buy you a winter knit hat on markdown, and a comparable dress in silhouette and fabrication is over $2,000 at full price. Therefore, middle to upper-middle class Americans can likely afford Lilly Pulitzer whereas a small percentage can afford Missoni. I think Missoni for Target felt like a dream come true while Lilly Pulitzer for Target might be like shopping the outlet store. Still, the preppy aesthetic is popular, plus-size is an important market, and the products appear well designed from the look book. For these reasons I predict that many Americans will still shop the collection. As for me, I’ll be on the sidelines waiting for reports on those April 19 sales figures to roll in.

Bibliography:
http://fashionista.com/2015/01/lilly-pulitzer-target-collaboration
http://www.forbes.com/sites/celiashatzman/2015/01/07/get-a-first-look-at-the-lilly-pulitzer-for-target-collaboration/

http://www.refinery29.com/2015/01/80415/lilly-pulitzer-for-target-reactionhttp://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2015/01/08/target-lilly-pulitzer-plus-size-collection/
http://www.wwd.com.ezproxy2.library.drexel.edu/retail-news/mass-off-price/target-links-with-lilly-pulitzer-8091071

Dapperling by Lilly Pulitzer

The new, big to-do recently is the new collaboration being planned between Lilly Pulitzer and Target. The 250- piece collection will hit the target racks on April 19^th 2015 across the United States and Canada.  The collection will be for women and girls and will include accessories, shoes, beach apparel, home décor, beauty and travel essentials.  The collection will also feature 15 new and exciting prints that have not yet been seen from past Lilly collections.  Stacia Anderson, the senior vice president of apparel and accessories at Target says, “This spring, we want to offer our guests a collection that embraces color, print, and pattern in a bold, fresh way.”

         This collaboration has stirred up quite a commotion from some of the loyal Lilly customers.  Some say that they do not believe Target is “classy” enough to sell their beloved Lilly Brand, or it is too “exclusive” to be sold in their stores.  Others are upset that dresses they have previously purchased for a couple hundred dollars will be made at a cheaper price point.  These are all selfish reasons of course and Lilly Pulitzer for Target is expected to wow both Lilly and Target customers. 

 This is an unusually big deal for Ana, a recent graduate, Jessica and myself because for our CIMM collection last spring; we created a Lilly Pulitzer line for Target.  Our collection was a Spring/ Summer clothing line for little boys called Dapperling.  It featured shirts, pants, shorts, blazers, and many furnishings in a variety of fun and playful colors and patterns.  It is pretty exciting to know something we thought and worked incredibly hard on a year ago is about to really happen.   I can’t speak for Ana or Jessica, but I am really excited to see how this collection turns out. 

Flashback to Fashion Week

I will never forget the thrill of attending fashion week. At the time, I was working for fashion stylist Amy Salinger as her media and brand manager. She kindly invited me to shadow her and attend Jill Stuart, Rafael Cennamo, Son Jung Wang and a few other F/W 2013 collections. Every season her invitations piled up, giving her the pleasure to pick and choose her “must see” shows. After years and years of attending fashion week, the passion died out and it became more of a routine. However, as a newcomer, I could hardly wait to jump headfirst into the fashion week scene, wearing my favorite heels of course.

First up: Jill Stuart. Amy politely pointed out the eccentric styles around us as we waited to take our seats. Some were more practical than others, but I will never forget the outrageous combinations of bold prints and colorful furs. After being amused by those around me, I noticed a familiar face not too far from where I was standing. Before even realizing it was my cousin Alexa, I was appreciating her subtly chic sense of style in my mind, which was not overdone like most in the line. My cousin Alexa happened to be attending the show, with the help of her friend who does public relations for Jill Stuart. The fashion world isn’t that big after all, I thought to myself. Just minutes after taking our seats, the music blared and the models began their strut. The collection was dominantly black and navy, with progressions of rose-colored flouncy dresses. Overall, the collection had darkly romantic undertones, but stayed true to the brands girly image.

My favorite opportunity of the day, aside from the Jill Stuart show, was attending Rafael Cennamo’s couture presentation. First and foremost, a fashion presentation is very different than a fashion show. During a fashion presentation, the designer will create an environment representative of the collection. The models will either be standing or sitting in a group, styled in the latest pieces from the line. Groups of individuals wait to enter the room, and are able to walk right up to the models to view the intricate detailing of the clothes. Attending a fashion presentation helps the audience to appreciate the work that goes into the construction of the garments. This was personally my favorite, because of the intimacy between the clothes and the audience. Also, I was able to get right up to the models and snap a photo without worrying about a blurry photo. I was amazed with Rafael’s beautifully constructed gowns, draped and ruched lavishly in gold.

As the day started to wind down, I was excited to take off my heels and exit the crazy world of fashion. If there was one thing I learned through this experience, it is that there are thousands of individuals stepping into Lincoln Center to feel somewhat a part of this industry. Seeing the accessibility of these shows also outlines a very important point, that it’s not what you know, but who you know.

DIY Dip Dye Hair Color

Three easy steps to dip dyeing your own hair just like a pro!

Colored hair is becoming huge in fashion these days. From Kylie Jenner to Nicole Richie, the colored hair we see is becoming a popular trend people can’t seem to get enough of.

Being one of the many who partake in this trend, I’ve been dip dyeing the tips of my hair a variety of colors for the past 3 years, so unfortunately for Kylie Jenner, I started the trend first. I has grown to be a huge part of who I am to the point that which my friends have now asked me to dye their hair after seeing me test it out first. It was my first attempt at cosmetology and I have to say it went quite well. After 3 years of dyeing my own hair, and now multiple friends hair, I have mastered the techniques of achieving the perfect ombre color combinations; here are the simple, easy steps to do it yourself at home:

Step 1: Materials & Preparation:

You’ll need to prepare your materials in front of a mirror, preferably over a sink. As you can see from the picture above, the materials are pretty simple: tinfoil, cut into 4” strips; hair clips, used to section off hair; tinting brushes with rods; and lastly the dye, Manic Panic. Manic Panic has a huge selection of colors. I use this brand over others because it’s a semi permanent dye which means each time you shower and shampoo your hair, the dye starts to fade away. By the end of a month, the color is barely visible, leaving you with a clean palette to try it again!

Step 2: Dyeing

Before you start painting color all over your head you’ll want to section off your hair; using the clips, divide your hair into four main parts.

Starting with the bottom most layer, take a strip of hair about 1-2” thick (depending on the thickness of your hair) and place it along the strip of tinfoil. Using the tinting brush, apply the color dye directly from the jar onto your hair; brush the color evenly over the hair exposed.

Once the color is fully covering the hair you want, fold the tinfoil up into a square. Repeat this process until all of your hair is folded up in tinfoil. Once all the color is set, depending on how long it took to dye the hair, wait 30-45 minutes for the color to fully sink in.  

Step 3: Washing

Once the color has rested in the hair, it’s time to wash it out. To wash the color out, take out all the tinfoil and shower normally. As you shampoo, you will see color start to run but it’s normal to have excess color. Once the water is runs clear, condition and style normally. The color is now set into the hair and will fade during each wash with shampoo; you are now free to style your hair normally with the added pop of color!

Five 90’s TV Shows to Binge Watch Right Now

The 1990’s was by far the greatest decade to end a century. During this era flannel shirts were considered fashion-forward, boy bands were heartthrobs, and couch commando was most widely played game since every television show produced was just that good. In the midst of a 90’s comeback and with summer vacation approaching here are five 90’s TV shows to binge watch all summer long or, if you just cannot wait that long, right now.

Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990-2000): Thank you 1990’s for reviving primetime soaps. Follow the dramatic world of rich teens growing up in Beverly Hills as they embark on their adolescent journey. Plus, watch Tori Spelling play a wasted teen at prom, Jason Priestly get drugged by one of his many girlfriends, and Luke Perry hook up with both Jennie Garth and Shannen Doherty, which inevitability causes a lot of catfights.

Friends (1994-2004): A classic 90’s sitcom and one of the best to ever grace our television screens. This show offers an array of characters, or friends, that are present in your life including: your best friend from college, your crazy roommate, annoying sibling, and cute next-door neighbors. In addition, you should thank this sitcom for glorifying the idea of coffee shops and making the “Rachel” haircut socially acceptable.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996): If you don’t already know the catchy theme song by Will Smith you should go memorize the lyrics immediately as to not embarrass yourself when you inevitably hear “From West Philadelphia Born and Raised…” A classic and paramount 90’s sitcom, Will Smith stars as a novelized version of himself who moves from the hoods of Philly to live with his auntie and uncle in the fancy town Bel-Air where he inescapably manages to cause trouble.

Beavis and Butt-head (1993-2011): This one may come as a surprise, but cartoons in the 1990’s, most notably “The Simpsons”, paved the way for crude cartoons that we all love and religiously watch today. The series follows two rudimentary, dim-witted teenage boys who show no moral, have no parental supervision, and wannabe delinquents. Laugh at Beavis and Butthead as they partake in immature and idiotic activities that you just can’t even.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003): Sarah Michelle Geller redefines the horror genre in her role as Buffy Summers where the girl is plays the hero rather than the damsel in distress. When Buffy isn’t dealing with her ordinary high-school drama she’s slaying the demons of darkness with the help of her trusty “Scooby Gang”. As if a girl kicking-butt isn’t addicting enough steamy romances, sexy vampires, and of course action are all more reasons to get binge watch this show.

Let's Go To The Movies

When I watch movies, my mind expands inch by inch. It is as if I have a bookcase in my head that is slowly filling up with untold adventures, mysteries, romances and stories to be told. I am transported to another time, place and catapulted into a story that is not my own. Opportunities are endless and countries are transported in seconds, allowing me to experience things that I never will first hand. I am inspired to make my moments memorable. I too wish to be the object of someone’s awe and I hope my experiences can entertain and inspire others to make a change. Movies aren’t a waste of time, or rotting my brain. Instead, they are the nourishment that feeds my imagination, the fuel to my fire.

The history of film started in the 1890’s when motion-picture cameras were invented and the first cinemas were built. My history in film started when I was five, watching the 1982 classic, Annie. The song “Lets Go To The Movies” from the Broadway production-turned-film subliminally fed my love for the cinema. Oh how I wished to watch an authentic silent film, as opposed to only seeing the respectable 2011 Academy award winning film, The Artist.

Later as I grew older, movies became my books, and my stories. Once a week my family would go to the movie theatre and learn. Some were better than others, but regardless, like clockwork we went. Fueled by classics from Woody Allen to John Hughes, I became a mild form of an addict. On Christmas our celebration consisted of a double feature, particularly seeing two Academy award winning nominated movies back-to-back.

As I started thinking about a career I contemplated going into film and even took courses at the University of California, Santa Barbara as a high school student. However, I learned quickly that some elements of life should stay sacred. If I were to learn how movies were made, it may ruin the one form of magic I believe in. I was not about to and still refuse to give that up. Instead of becoming consumed by the behind the scenes nature of the business, I choose to stay a naive scholar letting my mind roam and educate myself in the only library I pay to visit, Netflix.

Breaking Black

Barbie pink was never my thing. If anything, I would say my choice of color lived on the complete opposite side of the spectrum. Most tell me it’s not a real color, or that I wear it too much, but I politely disagree. The color black is the best color. Period. You can mix and match it and always look chic and put together, it never contradicts my mood, and it just makes me feel good. After all, lets be real, who wants to throw on a bright pink sweater when their mood is far from bubbly pink? No one. Whether you realize it or not, you’re going to grab the darkest piece in your wardrobe. Regardless if you’re feeling like a Debbie Downer, or you are in the happiest of moods, the color black is for everyone. Despite my personal visual attraction to the color, my roommate thought it was time for me to step outside of my comfort zone, and what better time than on Halloween?

As I stepped into American Apparel, I only had one thing on my mind. I was on a mission to find a black leotard to go help me transform into a ballerina, a slight homage to my younger years when I used to dance. I had two days until Halloween, and this was the only costume I knew I would be able to throw together in a matter of minutes. Thankfully for my roommate, my luck ran dry and there was no leotard in sight. I searched through the American Apparel maze disappointed pondering now what am I going to be? Before I could even begin brainstorming, my roommate pulled out a velvet bright pink dress and held it before my eyes. I starred blankly back at her, feeling disgusted by the fuzzy pink ensemble. Seconds before I could voice my disapproval, her eyes grew wide and she proclaimed YOU’RE GOING TO BE BARBIE. She was so enthusiastic, that I really couldn’t really say no. After all, it’s just Halloween.

My transformation to becoming Barbie began. I bought shiny nude tights to make my legs look plastic, some temporary Barbie tattoos and called it a day. I made my hair as voluminous as anyone with fine hair can make it, threw on some bright pink lipstick and I felt instantly transformed. I was completely out of my comfort zone, pink dress and all. Although it was a great night, I couldn’t wait to get that pink dress off.

Playing dress up for the night had me thinking how much of an impact color has on your emotions and mood. But where do these feelings about certain colors originate? Of course, our feelings about color are deeply rooted in our own experiences. For some, the color yellow could strike up feelings of anxiety, or it could even bring back a sense of nostalgia. A past experience, whether you remember it or not, does impact how you view the colors around you. As for myself, I can’t really say why I dislike the color pink but I know taking a trip down memory lane may confirm my deep disapproval for it. Until then, I am perfectly content staying away from the color, although breaking black was a nice experiment for the night.