Fashionable Collaborations

Last week I saw a commercial for the 2013 Chrysler 300C John Varvatos Limited edition. I was sucked in to this commercial. It made me NEED this car, which is odd because I do not know how to drive and we already own or car payment free. I figured out why I needed it, though. In general I am a sucker for John Varvatos. In my opinion, not much smells better than a man in John Varvatos cologne. If  he is wearing a pair of John Varvatos Converse sneakers, well that just makes him even more appealing (yes,  hunny I am talking about you!). However, the real reason this car appealed to me was the collaboration -  Two great companies coming together to offer the consumer a great item. I love collaborations. The idea that I am able to buy one item that represents two companies I like is very appealing. Often times these collaborations bring high end designers to stores that are much more affordable. In the case of Feed for Target and Michael Kors Watch Hunger Stop, they benefit an important cause. Retailers, obviously, realize the financial success that a collaboration could bring to them. Here are some of my favorite ones:

J.Crew's In Good Company category features over a dozen collaborations for adults from New Balance, Birkenstock, The Laundress, FACE Stockholm and Thomas Mason, but it is their children's collaborations that are really impressive. They carry diaper bags from Sea Bags, clothing and accessories from Nature Baby and K-Way Claude Klassic jackets. 

Heart Stack K-Way Jacket $55

Banana Republic has turned out some fantastic collaborations in the last few years. Their 2 Mad Men collections featured such fun, flirty and affordable work and party pieces. Earlier this summer, Banana Republic showcased preppy pieces from Milly (many of which are on sale on the site still!). Their current collection is from Issa, the company who made Kate Middleton's iconic blue engagement dress. It features figure flattering dresses, colorful cardigans, blouses and some great accessories. 

Issa Collection Leopard Print Ponte Dress $130

Target is arguably at the head of the class lately when it comes to affordable collaborations. Jason WU, Neiman Marcus, Prabal Gurung and Missoni have all done wildly successful  collections for the mass retailer. Currently, Sam and Libby for Target features the most adorable, fashionable and affordable shoes I have seen all summer. Later this year Phillip Lim will be available in Target stores and I cannot wait. The look book was just released and it is amazing. I will definitely be waiting on line when my local store opens up on September 15 because I NEED that yellow bag. 

Phillip Lim for Target 

I can only hope that this holiday season will bring us some great collaborations once again. Last year's Neiman Marcus for Target and Disney for Barney's blew my mind. Fingers crossed!

Friday Five

1. Domino Magazine: In 2009, when Domino Magazine stopped publication, I was devastated. I still have every single copy of this stylish shelter magazine, so you can guess how I excited I was when the company announced that they would be publishing a special edition of the magazine called Quick Fixes. The magazine focuses on easy, inexpensive changes that will help to make a big difference in your home. The $11 price tag is a bit hefty for a magazine, but I feel like I have been saving up for it for the last 3 years!

2. Missoni for Converse: This past weekend, Converse and Missioni released their special edition high top sneakers and they do not disappoint. They are available in three colors and retail for $200. While this is not the first collaboration Converse has done with Missioni, it might be my favorite. Last years stripe pattern was bold and bright and limited what you could wear the sneakers with. This years chevron pattern comes in muted tones of pale mint green and white.There is also a navy blue woven pattern. Personally, I think they outdid themselves this year. They seem to go with so much more.  My favorite is the green. I cannot wait to wear them all summer long. You can purchase them here.

3. Andy Warhol for Uniqlo: Since Uniqlo hit New York a few years ago, the Japanese store has been bringing affordable fashion to the masses. The company does a great job of partnering with famous brands to offer cute pieces for both men and women. Currently, Uniqlo offers clothing collaborations from Lulu Guiness, Barbie, Orla Keily, the Museum of Modern Art and Andy Warhol. The Warhol shirts are fantastic. They are exactly what Warhol intended - art for the masses. There are six designs and each shirt is $24.90. Buy them here.

4. Rebecca Minkoff Sunglasses: It is no secret that I am obsessed with Rebecca Minkoff. What can I say, I love everything she makes. Although I have been patiently waiting for the Rebecca Minkoff Baby G watch, I am very excited that her line of sunglasses will be available on April 27 - right in time for summer in New York. I am particularly fond of the Varick style. The dark to light brown fade of the frames will go great on all complexions - tan or not. They are UVA and UVB coated, which is the first thing you should look for when purchasing sunglasses. You can buy them right on the Rebecca Minkoff site.

5. Ciate Caviar Manicure: Nail art is so popular right now. Salons like Valley NYC do the most amazing designs and make each nail look like miniature pieces of art. Ciate Caviar Manicure is nail art in a bottle. The two part system, features pearlescent beads that give your nails a 3-D effect. It comes in black, white or rainbow and is available at Sephora.