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

This week flew by and I could not be happier. I have a packed schedule this weekend - volunteering at the MoMA, BBQ with friends and family and celebrating my sister-in-law's birthday with brunch. So to kick off the weekend, here are my favorites for this week. Have a great weekend and enjoy the sun!

1. Trina Turk for Banana Republic: California native, Trina Turk, has brought her signature Palm Springs style to Banana Republic with a line of colorful clothing and accessories. The items in this line are adorable and perfect for summer. Filled with punch colors, these pieces will add a bit of glamour to your summer wardrobe without the usual hefty price associated with Turk's designs. Oh and the bracelets practically beg to be stacked!!

Shop the collection here

2. Cindy Sherman at the Museum of Modern Art: Cindy Sherman is a genius and a pioneer for women in photography. This is the last weekend to catch her retrospective at the MoMA and I highly recommend going to see it. The show spans her career from her early series of  Untitled Film Stills to her present work. This show is truly a must see for photography lovers.

3. Big Apple BBQ Block Party: For the 9th year, Madison Square Park is hosting the Big Apple BBQ Block Party, featuring amazing BBQ food from Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Rack & Soul and more. Admission is free and plates of food are only $8 each. The Party starts on Saturday, June 9 and lasts until Sunday.

For more information click here

4. Monet's Garden at the New York Botanical Gardens: Claude Monet was an avid gardener and his love for gardening was evident in his paintings. Monet even hinted that flowers might have been the reason he became a painter. From now until October, the New York Botanical Gardens will have on display rare artifacts from Monet's life, as well as paintings, one of which has never been exhibited in the United States before. Photographs of Monet's garden at Giverny are also on exhibit. The Conservatory features gorgeous plants, including Monet's beloved waterlilies.

For more information click here

5. Watermelon Sangria: I am known (well in my family) for making an awesome red wine sangria. This recipe calls for white wine and watermelons. It is the perfect summer drink for BBQs, summer parties or anytime you want something refreshing. I plan on making a batch this weekend.