It was recently...

announced that Jean Paul Gaultier will be gracing Target with a diffusion collection. I found this news very exciting, but upon further reflection, realized that I had felt the same about every other Target designer collaboration. And guess how many items I have from these collections? None. Why is that? Why, when I have been known to count down the days to the launch of the collection, do I not own a single piece from any of the many collections? I think the problem lies in my expectations for the line. I see the “real” collection, and then when the diffusion line reaches Target, it’s not so much diffused as diluted. What I expect from these collections is the same silhouette and “look” of the designer’s line, but in less expensive fabrics and finishes. This, alas, is not so. H&M, however, churns out beautiful capsule collections. Why does H&M hit it so on the nose, and Target falls so far short? First of all, H&M has a slightly higher price point, so the materials can be a little “better” than those used at Target. Second, H&M, unlike Target, does not do one diffusion line after another. They take their time collaborating with designers, and then they let the whole concept rest before premiering another. Targ on the other hand rests for maybe three weeks before releasing another collection.

That being said, I will more than likely (eagerly) check out the Jean Paul Gaultier. Who knows, maybe I can get a cone bra of my very own.

When I was..

about seven, I begged TS for a pair of purple clogs by Hannah Anderson. They were fabulous, and I rocked them until my feet grew too big (insert Sasquatch joke here). Around this time last year, I desperately yearned for a new pair. It seems the dear Karl Lagerfeld heard my cries, because he sent his models in Paris clomping down the runway in high-heeled clogs for Chanel’s spring 2010 show. Now, to me clogs are just about the closest thing to a physical embodiment of autumn as you can get. However, the fact that Karl sees them as a spring shoe means two things. First, they span the seasons. They can be worn in fall, winter, and spring. Purchase a pair now and you are guaranteed seven to eight months of fashionable wear. Second, I’ll be purchasing a pair promptly.

Craving your own pair? I recommend a color that will work with both your fall and spring wardrobes. Cognac, caramel, and other shades of brown would be a good neutral choice. A reddish-chestnut would also work well. I’ll be going with a milk-chocolate pair, to wear with jeans and sweaters in the fall and winter, and tights and my white dress in the spring.