Kate Young for Target Review

Sunday morning I spent some time shopping and reviewing the Kate Young for Target collection. As I suspected, the store was relatively quiet and the racks were fully stocked. Likely because many non-fashion industry folks may not know who Hollywood stylist Kate Young is, this collection didn't bring with it the frenzy that the Prabal Gurung, Missoni, or Jason Wu collections sparked. My store was still calm and employees were in the process of placing the Kate Young for Target signage on the displays as I arrived around 9:30 am. 

Some Quick Observations:

• Prices are considerably higher than previous capsule collections at Target, with some dresses as high as $89.99. On the lower end of the price point scale, some dresses start at $49.99.
• Fabrics are synthetic, with satin, cotton/polyester blends, and rayon dominating the collection.
• Prints vary widely. There's leopard, star, polka dots, and florals - so there's something for everyone.
• Linings are heftier than typical Target dresses and transparency was not an issue with any of the dresses I tried on.
• The bodysuits are sheer enough to require clever layering or undergarments if you're modest.
• The dresses have a retro flair and an elegant glamour to them, especially the gowns, the chiffon leopard and polka dot dresses, and the Peter Pan collar dresses.
• The long length of the gowns make them best for women over 5'6". 
• Some of the dresses have pockets, which always wins me over.
• Sizing runs true to Target's Misses sizing. I tried on size 2 and XS in everything except the satin shorts, which were a size 4.
• Back cutouts, rhinestone buttons, Peter Pan collars, flirty slits, bows, ruffles, and attached belts were some of the thoughtful and feminine details that I appreciated in the line. Since Kate Young is an experienced stylist, she seems to have considered what women really want in a dress (e.g., belts, easy zippers, and quality linings). 
• The arrow and star details on the clutches and jewelry give the pieces a fun and trendy edge. It's all about the playful details in this collection.
• Many pieces are perfect for weddings and proms if you're willing to spend more than usual at Target.
• Based on my research, the yellow beaded dress and black jumpsuit seem to be the best sellers online.

Here's a look at the visual merchandising.







Oddly enough, the store carried a decent selection of accessories, such as these clutches, but they only carried one of each shoe style in a size 8.



I found the arrow necklace to be irresistible and perfect for layering with other pendant necklaces that I own. The flame pumps were surprisingly comfortable and had a fun polka dot insole.





In the Fitting Room



I loved the print and sweetheart neckline of this strapless dress, although in a size 2, I found it to be ever so slightly large. There's tulle in the lining for extra volume. The dress actually reminds me of a Zac Posen for Target dress. The exposed back zip was sturdy, and how fun are these side pockets?



Although I liked the drama of this red high-low gown, I found the fabric to be slightly unforgiving and the length too long for me. I liked the belt, although the buckle in the back was a bit tricky to fasten.



The polka dot open-back gown was surprisingly playful due to the ruffles in the back and the exposed skin. I found the tailoring to be higher quality than generally found at Target, and the dress was comfortable. There's also a slit in the front for an extra flash of skin. Unfortunately, the length of this dress was also too long for me.



As a fan of Peter Pan collars, this softly printed floral dress was a top pick on the racks, although when I tried it on, I would've preferred a shorter length and a shorter shirred waistband area. On the bright side, the soft print and feminine pleats make it ideal for summer parties or casual weddings.



I tried on the peplum dress with tulle just for fun, because it wasn't an obvious choice for me. The belted waist and metallic star print on the bodice were my favorite features. I'm intrigued by how this looks like two pieces when it's really one. My verdict? It's best for taller women, as the tulle can be overwhelming on petites.



The star print evening dress had a side slit, full lining, hefty lining, and voluminous shoulder ruffles (as seen in detail below). The defined waist and easy side zip appealed to me, although once again, the length was too long.



My Favorites



The leopard and polka dot chiffon dresses above and below were surprise hits for me. The defined/belted waist, flirty shape, and godets make this style a major winner in my book. The fabric is lighter in weight than some of the other dresses, but I was impressed by the tailoring. This style evokes an elegant and simple 1950s glamour, and I could imagine how I'd style either one of these: with red heels, a lightweight white cardigan, red lipstick, and a fun pendant necklace.



The drop waist dress below also comes in purple and pink but I chose black for its versatility. There is a triangular cutout (not seen) in the upper back for some exposed skin, and once again, an attached patent belt. I love the classic vibe, A-line silhouette, darts, and the seam details in front. While seams at the hips can be tricky for me, I found this dress to be flattering. The rayon/nylon/spandex blend fabric felt both comfortable and hefty. I'd probably style this with the leopard booties and a red skinny belt.



As a lover of floral prints, this rose print dress caught my eye in the lookbook and even more so on the racks. There's a peplum, a vertical ruffle, and also a hemline flounce, making this dress ultra feminine and ladylike. The button behind the neck was tricky to fasten, but when I got past that, I fell in love with the tailored waist and sophisticated shape of the dress. The length was favorable, and although I didn't buy it, I may go back for it. I think it would work well in an office (with a blazer, cardigan, or pumps), or for a party (with strappy heels and some sparkly bracelets).



The satin blazer runs big, as I'm wearing XS and had to push up the long sleeves. I paired it with the satin shorts in size 4 and the lace bodysuit, which wasn't itchy at all. Since I already own a similar white blazer and black lace top, I didn't find them special enough to buy. The satin shorts, however, won me over. I didn't intend to buy them when I saw the lookbook, but I loved them when I tried them on. They're made of comfortable cotton/polyester satin (with a slight sheen) and they have pleats with belt loops and side pockets. I can envision dressing them up with a sequin jacket, pumps, or a tuxedo blouse, or styling them more casually with a sweater, some wedges, or a cropped top.



Since shoes are my weakness, I had to try on the pumps and the number one item on my wish list - the leopard bow booties. Both seemed comfortable and easy to walk in. The ankle boots were an obvious choice to add to my collection. The bow detail and satin fabric dresses them up just enough to make them a special addition to my shoe wardrobe, and I'm looking forward to showing how I wear them on The Key To Chic.



For those of you who shopped the collection or are looking to buy some of these pieces, I hope you find this review helpful! 

If you have any questions, feel free to tweet me @thekeytochic or drop me a comment on Instagram.

Derek Lam for Kohl's DesigNation Review

Despite a busy weekend, my curiosity got the best of me on Friday night, so I made a quick trip to Kohl's to inspect the new Rio-inspired Derek Lam for DesigNation capsule collection. As I wandered into Kohl's, neatly curated racks of modern printed pieces at 25% off greeted me front and center. I quickly perused the goods in order to pull my favorites and try them on in the fitting room for this review. 

Here are my first impressions:

• The prints are fun, colorful, and easy to mix and match within the collection. They are on-trend with the global nomad trend that's gathering momentum for 2013-2014. The deep shades of blue, green, and coffee really spoke to my personal color preferences.
• The dresses have long lengths and are more flattering on taller figures than petite ones. Being petite, I avoided some of the pieces that I thought would not work for me.
• Some of the fabrics were disappointing due to scratchy polyester, wrinkled jersey, and awkward draping.
• The collection epitomizes modern American sportswear with its casual silhouettes and boxy shapes.
• My store was well stocked, but didn't carry swimwear and some of the skirts and shorts that I sought.
• Fit and sizing runs large for most pieces. I tried on XS and 2 in everything, and found most items to be roomy or require a belt. 
• I didn't make any purchases, although there are some pieces that I'm considering. 

Read on to see my favorites and for fitting room photos.

I appreciated the visuals seen below, which show looks from the lookbook and give the customers ideas on how to style the collection. Unfortunately, most Kohl's customers don't have the same body type as the statuesque model. 



I found the printed blouses below to be appealing, but the slightly scratchy polyester on a some of the tops left something to be desired. 



I envision the open weave mesh tank top and utilitarian maxi skirt shown below to be worn together (with the top tucked in) with wedge sandals or strappy flats, but unfortunately, neither piece worked for me due to fit. The skirt's thin fabric also makes it harder to wear, although I loved the muted color and the modern-looking hardware.



Here are the striped dolman top and Bermuda shorts styled together. Pros: comfortable and perfect for casual days. Cons: the seam at the bust and the sleeve length on the tee were unflattering, and the shorts were longer than I'd prefer. I was (and still am) intrigued by the shorts because of their '80s-culottes-meets-nautical details, but I didn't purchase them. I'd probably dress them up with a tailored top and heels for a more refined look. The edgy yet classic juxtaposition of the shorts has me dreaming up many more ways to potentially style them if I buy them.



The chambray hooded jacket really got my attention due to its versatility, but the sleeve length and hem length weren't optimal on my petite frame (even when worn closed and bunched up). Otherwise, I loved the crisp fabric, side pockets, sporty snap details, and the mid-range blue color.



I liked the fit and panel blocking of the splatter print blouse, which I paired with the pieced crop pants in blue. The easy fit and light fabric of the blouse make it an easy option for casual days (although it can be prone to static cling), and the seamed panels on the knees of the trousers make them more sporty. 



Although it has a drop-waist silhouette, I went back to another Kohl's store this weekend to give this striped dress a try. 



I was pleasantly surprised. It actually looked much better on me than on the hanger, and I'm glad I tried it on. Its pullover style, thin stripes, and comfortable fabric make it an easy and chic dress to wear. I'm wearing it slightly ruched for a shorter length. I can imagine this dress being styled for a variety of occasions, from a casual Saturday with Converse and a denim jacket to a fancy party with strappy heels, some sparkly jewelry, and a tweed blazer. It's definitely one of my top picks from the collection, and completely unexpected. 



Being a fan of bold prints, this striped shirtdress had instant appeal on the hanger. All that was missing was a belt to give it some more shape and define the waist. I found the covered button placket slightly tricky to manage, but I appreciated the cotton fabric that had just enough structure without being bulky. The fit ran big, and if I were to buy it, I'd roll up the sleeves, add a belt, and wear it with heels. 



Another item that I tried on during my visit to the second Kohl's store was the chambray jumper dress. It's a piece that I'd normally overlook due to its simplicity and lack of "wow" factor that I typically seek out in capsule collections. (I'm rarely drawn to more basic items, and I'd consider this dress to be a basic in my wardrobe.)



Just like with the black striped dress, I thought that the chambray dress looked better on me than on the hanger. The side pockets were a fun detail, and the slight A-line shape worked for my body type. This was another surprise hit in the collection for me. Since I find chambray to be a versatile and comfortable part of my wardrobe, I can imagine wearing this with some standout accessories to give it more character.



I couldn't leave the fitting room without some of my signature print mixing. The printed tee was comfortable and soft. It's tucked into the pleated striped skirt, which was surprisingly too large in the waist in the size XS. I am drawn to how all the colors work together.



My favorite piece in the collection, and the one that fashion editors also gave a lot of press to, was this linen blend striped dress. The diagonal lines create unexpected and mesmerizing energy, and I can see how it may have been inspired by Brazil's landscape or architecture. The tailoring was impeccable, with great construction, limited wrinkles, and an easy back zip. I confess that I fell head over heels for this dress. I imagine wearing it in the blue colorway with strappy flats and a structured tote bag while wandering the streets of Paris with a camera in hand and a lighthearted attitude. It's the kind of piece that creates an effortlessly chic look when worn in a carefree, simple way. 



Below are more of my top picks from the collection. The blue maxi dress had a pretty print, but the ruching (front and center) was not flattering to my mid-section. The printed peplum top and matching trousers appealed to my desire for head-to-toe print and matched sets this season. Although the peplum top ran big because of the long straps, I liked the slim fit, pieced knee panels, cotton construction, and cropped hem of the trousers. 



If you have any questions about the collection, feel free to email me. You can also tweet me @thekeytochic and let me know what you think of the collection and which piece is your favorite.

October 18, 2018 update - For more Kohl's style, see my POPSUGAR at Kohl's review. 

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

© 2013 http://fashiontrendguide.blogspot.com. May not be republished, rewritten, or reproduced without permission. 

Spring Summer 2014 Fashion Trend Forecast

London-based trend forecasting firm WGSN is featuring three macro trends for womenswear for spring summer 2014. I was able to attend their trend seminar during MAGIC Market Week and fortunately, I took detailed notes. 

Brief note: please note that this information is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced or republished without permission. Please email me with any questions. 

Read on for my wrap-up of the trends, colors, prints, materials, and key items that WGSN is highlighting for spring summer 2014.  

With the first trend, N.D.A. (New Digital Aesthetic), we question the possibility of the real avant-garde, a computer-based visual aesthetic for the 21st century. N.D.A. is all about merging virtual and reality. We're constantly on our phones, hardly engaged with the person in front of us. It's about how to make technology more human. So how does this translate to fashion? Well the trend can go sporty, minimal, or tailored. Waist emphasis is key, as are bold colors, sheer materials that are layered, and graphics. Prints to note are: stripes, dots, and photorealism. Translucent and mirrored effects are also seen with this trend. Irridescence and clear plastics take center stage for apparel and accessories. Color palettes include saturated shades, with blue, purple, yellow, orange, and green. Pastels with high shine and dusty casts are also key.

In the second trend, Next Nature, we're inspired by nature and we look at it in terms of the unfamiliar, and as we've never seen it before. It's a dark, sensual trend with a spiritual, ironic side. It celebrates life. There's a sexy focus on sustainability and ecology. Is influenced by the Next Nature movement, in which we'll be thinking more in terms of ecology, rather than mechanically. It's about how to make technology seamlessly integrate into our lives for a more natural approach. So how does this play out in terms of design? We'll see the tropical influence, but a bit darker. Also key are the Carnival spirit, matched sets, and bold, feminine looks. 

In the third trend, Neo Geo, it's an alternative kind of newness that's not based on consumption but on making things yourself. This is where D.I.Y., D.I.T. (do it together) and upcycling evolves. It's inspired by a new geological age that promotes slowness and ritual. The Anthropocene is the basis for this trend. It's a geological layer that scientists have discovered. It's man made materials such as plastics and thinking about how future generations will mine the garbage that we've left behind. It's also about not looking at it as garbage but as an opportunity to create something new. In fashion, this means we will see such things as: unfinished edges, linen fabrics, and Moroccan, boho, or rustic influences. Prints and patterns are London-based trend forecasting firm WGSN is featuring three macro trends for womenswear for spring summer 2014. I was able to attend their trend seminar during MAGIC Market Week and fortunately, I took detailed notes. 



Colors for next season
White is key in optic and off-white versions. White is the key neutral. Black and white is emerging for fall 2013 at all levels from mass to prestige. It lends itself well to graphic and color blocking looks. Baked earth tones are important for Neo Geo trend. Pretty pastels such as pitaschio and lilac will be prominent. Denim blue and synthetic watermelon pink/salmon are key. Orange is a standout color for spring sumer 2014. It can go Neo Geo or pretty and feminine. Red is also a color to watch, in mandarin red or saturated versions. Raspberry pink becomes sophisticated and tropical in Next Nature. Pink is used with black and mixed with patterns. Emerald is Pantone's color of the year in matte and shine. Teal lightens things up from the petrol tones of fall 2013. Cobalt blue replaces Yves Klein blue. 

Print and pattern
Stripes are important in wovens and knits. Another version of the stripe takes inspiration from uneven layers of color. We'll see lots of tie dye with the N.D.A. trend, in addition to ombré and pixelated interpretations. Distorted, pixelated checks and stripes are fresh and new due to distortion. Digital bohemia brings a mirrored aesthetic (inspired by McQueen a few seasons ago) with fun depth and color. Jungle palm fronds, botanical prints, and tropical wovens are key prints. Florals and jungle motifs on dark backgrounds transition nicely from fall to spring. Abstract parts of the jungle (such as butterfly wings or parrot feathers) will be done in a photoreal/painterly way or zoomed in for an abstract effect. Fractured geometrics give a sporty or natural feeling. Camouflage has new interpretations in oversized, blob-like shapes.



Materials and finishes
Dip dye effects and space dye yarns are key treatments. The sweatshirt continues as a reverse loopback jersey in marled or heathered cotton/viscose. Sport mesh is done in vibrant colors, with contrasting trim, laser cuts, and active shapes. Synthetic yarn for an artisan effect puts texture in the Neo Geo trend. Pieced and paneled is an important design detail with mixed fabrics. Remastered tweed plays on the ladylike trend with lightweight and playful, bright textures. Engineered lace with geometric repeats are on trend. Metallic leathers and knits play off light with the N.D.A. trend. PVC and transparency are also notable. Leather is continuing for spring 2014, and is ideal for minimal looks with structured styling. The unfinished, raw edge is important for lace and jersey. Lacing details and corset effects seen at the fall 2013 shows and key for spring for Neo Geo, boho, and Western influences. 

Trims and embellishments
Sparkle is notable in the form of sequin embellishments and rectangular sequins. Mosaic stones act as ethnic references to Morocco, Brazil, and Peru. Bejeweled embellishments and clusters of jewels are key for the tee, sweatshirt, and blouse. Embroidery and hand craftsmanship are important for Next Nature and Neo Geo. Solid and sheer paneling with sporty references will continue as seen at Yigal Azrouël pre-summer. 

Key items for spring summer
The muscle tank can be done in a worn-in look or for a sheer, layered effect. The short-sleeve boxy woven is becoming even boxier for a cool feeling. The message T-shirt continues. The cocooning/boxy shape is sophisticated and taking some time to get used to. It has a curved back panel, rounded shoulders, exaggerated armholes, and high-low hemlines. It can be a long-sleeved raglan sweatshirt. Intarsia continues to be important. Colorblocking and material blocking (mixed materials) are key. The button-up shirt works with a return to suits. Shirts are sheer and there are contrasting collars and plackets. Lengths are still cropped. Open-knit sweaters and crochet are key. Color blocking updates knits. The turtleneck has a minimal sensibility and works for 1960s references. The cardigan in V-neck, crewneck, or draped works for layering and boy-meets-girl. The fit and flare dress is a key silhouette. The shirt dress with patch pockets and covered plackets is notable. The maxi dress works for Neo Geo. Straight or pencil skirts continue. Asymmetry is seen in wrap skirts, with slits common. The long skirt is a circle silhouette with high slits. Athletic dolphin shorts, Bermuda shorts and flat front tailored shorts are important. Relaxed midi shorts are more A-line. Cropped pants work well with ankle strap shoes. Carrot tapered pants are still happening. Slouchy pants (I adore these) are interpreted for a sporty influence. Trousers hit at the natural waist. Flared pants make a showing. The tailored blazer is seen as a staple item with details such as the shawl collar. The printed blazer pushes the envelope. The ladylike cropped, collarless, Isabel Marant-inspired jacket stands out. The baseball bomber jacket is another variation. The moto jacket returns and evolves with color and details. The anorak can be done in sheer or prints. 

For more fashion trend forecasting information, have a look at my other spring summer 2014 forecast on The Key To Chic and follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more photos. 

© 2013 http://fashiontrendguide.blogspot.com. May not be reproduced without permission.

See more on-trend items here: