Remember “The Shops at Target“? Where Target would collaborate with a small designer, and carry an affordable line in their stores? Right. It didn’t seem to really work all that well. The goods would show up. The goods would seem to sit on the shelves. The goods would go to clearance.
At first glance, this ain’t that, and while the new “Target Collective” initiative might have its roots in the “Shops at” era, it appears to be better in just about every way possible.
The six brands currently featured. Some recognizable names here.
This time, Target is collaborating with six smallish, but already recognizable brands that lean more classic than trendy. AND… the stuff is made in the USA. It’s not styles inspired by a 3rd party brand, then Target takes over with off shore production. It’s these brands getting a larger platform for some of their already existing goods, while other new items are designed in tandem with some of Target’s people. Here’s a potential top 10 (in no particular order) of what they just released on Sunday…
A hundred bucks for a pair of pants at Target? Well… yeah. But they’re not a standard pair of jeans. Description says their cut from lighter-weight chambray, instead of a heavy denim. Might be a perfect way to work a jeans-look into your warm-weather wardrobe without risking overheating. Made in the USA of course. A bit more on Taylor Stitch over here.
Billykirk bags are not cheap. But it looks like, at least for this model, they’ve cut down on the use of leather, and instead focused on (more affordable) twill. The structure at the top is created by an internal metal frame, reminiscent of mason’s bags from the past. And while the online shots might make it look on the smaller side, it’s 14.0 ” x 16.0 ” x 12.0 ” dimensions make for a respectable 2688 cubic inches of space.
A decent bar of soap in the bathroom your guests use can be an easy & effective way to add some style to an otherwise plain room. Everybody will wash their hands (or, so you’d hope), so, everyone will see, use, and smell the soap. Much more impressive than a bottle of liquid dial. “Smells like a cedar cigar box.” Cedar soap rest included.
A standard shaving kit with a not so standard exterior, & finger-guns worthy interior message. One of those bags that’s going to be a nice visual reminder that travelling should be fun.
Solid brass. Deliciously functional. But twenty five bucks for a keychain? Are Target shoppers (or any shoppers) gonna drop that kind of cash on something they might get for free from a radio station or a craft brewery looking to push their swag?
Yes, that’s three bucks a card. BUT… these are the thank you cards you save for those times when someone has really done right by you. Was lucky to snag some Terrapin Stationers cards & envelopes from East Dane during a sale a while back, and they’re pretty darn fantastic. Of course, not everyone is going to care about the quality of the card stock, or the lined envelopes, or how they feel more like an invitation to a state dinner than some limp shoebox greeting card you got at Walgreens. And that’s totally understandable. But if you’re the type who likes to use a nice pen to write an honest thank you on good stationery, then keep these in mind.
Listen, all you “man bag” haters… some of us, unfortunately, have to lug more into work than just a standard briefcase will allow (between the products for review, giveaway stuff, lunch bucket, etc… some days your humble neighborhood affordable-style-website-editor looks a sherpa). And this option offers a zippered top to keep the elements out. Like everything else in this collection, it’s made in the USA. Available in black, pine, and… wait, not sure what the color shown here is called. It’s not showing up on the product page? Odd.
Great shade of blue. A minimalist, masculine (AH SAID AH SAID BOY!) graphic, and a great message behind it all. But $32 for a single t-shirt is… that’s gonna be just out of reach for some. Made in the USA of course, contemporary fit, 50% Polyester / 25% Cotton / 25% Rayon blend should be nice and soft.
Yes really. For those who write down a list of goals for their week every Sunday. The “NOT GOING TO HAPPEN” message is a perfect reminder that there are those out there who are always going to doubt you and never give you the credit you deserve. Visualize a few of those types. Prove them wrong. Living well is the best revenge. 50 sheets. That’s almost an entire year of setting things up, then knocking them down.
A lot of the look & feel of an English Bridle Leather Belt without all the overseas shipping charges and overall cost. Brass buckle. Hand-oiled cowhide.
For more on this new “Target Collective” initiative, you can head here to Target’s PR/Online Magazine/Blog thing. No word on whether or not they’ll rotate in other brands in the future, or how long this specific collection will run for?
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