Thakoon for Christmas

With the Holiday shopping season starting early this year, we probably have many more shopping days ahead of us before the rush is over. Why not reward yourself with a little something for all of your time and effort for finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list? Thakoon Panichgul, the latest designer to grace the GO International series for Target, has designed some cute and cheap designer clothes to brighten the post-holidays hangover.

The haute images of Thakoon’s collection have just started to appear, and it has a resort-vibe which would be perfect to pack along for a winter getaway to the beach. If you are not lucky enough to be jet setting to somewhere warm, you can always buy the clothing now and save them for spring. I especially like the green and navy dress because it can be either casual or dressed up with some heels for a café brunch date. I also like the floral prints, which are great to layer with long-sleeved cardigans and great boots. All of the looks are very affordable, priced between $20-$70, and will be available at Target stores and Target.com starting Christmas Day, December 25th.

McQueen to Target

On the heels of their success with GO International collections, Target will launch a new type of fashion genius in 2009. Designer Collaborations, which will be an on-going program, will bring a series of established designers at affordable prices to the Target masses. The first designer who has been tapped by the retailer is Alexander McQueen, who will design a version of his McQ line, called McQ Alexander McQueen for Target. The collection should arrive in stores in March of 2009.

Designer Collaborations is a separate program from Target’s GO International, which focuses on young or emerging designers and, in the past, has featured names such as Proenza Schouler, Luella Bartley, Behnaz Sarafpour and Rogan. Target also stated that they have other Designer Collaborations in the works for 2009.

Hailing from across the pond and known as the bad boy from London’s East End, McQueen is the founder and the creative director of Alexander McQueen, the fashion house owned by the Gucci Group. The fashion innovator worked as the chief designer for the Givenchy couture label before launching his own collection, which has grown to include ready-to-wear fashion for women and men, accessories and fragrance.

McQueen, whose penchant is for pairing feminine fabrics with tough details , has chosen Leila Moss, the lead singer of the British band The Duke Spirit, for his muse to give the collection a rock ’n’ roll-punk vibe and hip accents, such as the studded belt . His collection will feature lightweight sweaters, skinny jeans, and signature pieces including, gray denim cropped studded jackets and men’s wear-inspired tuxedo blazers. I can’t wait until the images of his fab creation become available!

Michelle Obama on Vogue

Election night was a historical event for many reasons. Not only was Barack Obama chosen as the 44th President of the United States but there was an increased in the voter turnout, proving that many people felt that their candidate of choice deserved their support. President-elect Obama stood proudly with his family, including his beautiful wife, Michelle who wore a red and black Narciso Rodriguez dress from the Spring 2009 collection. During the Democratic campaign, her wardrobe choices, which ranged from Thakoon Panichgul to Maria Pinto, captured the eyes of many fashionistas and placed her on Vanity Fair’s International Best Dressed List this year.

Now it looks like another fashion magazine is interested in the new leading lady. Vogue is very interested in having a Michelle Obama cover, according to a spokesperson from the publication. The tradition of a photograph with the new first lady originated with Eleanor Roosevelt. While the offer is still being discussed, if she does accepts, Obama would be the second first lady ever to grace the cover of the magazine. Former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton appeared on the December 1998 issue.

Boutique's Clothing Drive

Do you have some clothing that hasn’t seen the light of day outside of your closet in awhile? If you do, you should bring your gently worn clothing to Miss Groove Accessories and Apparel for their fifth annual “Do a Kind Deed for Women in Need” clothing drive. Now thru November 2nd, the popular boutique on Brady Street will hold the drive to benefit the Nia Imani Family, Inc., a Milwaukee organization that provides homeless or at-risk women and their children with a transitional living program. Nia Imani Family teaches life skills to help women reunite with their children and establish an independent lifestyle free of drugs and alcohol abuse. The donated clothing will be sold at their “Dress for Less” store to provide these women with fashionable clothing at a lower price and assist them in job training.

As a way of thanking those customers who donate their clothing, Miss Groove will reward them with a 15% discount on new apparel, accessories and lingerie. The boutique is located at 1225 E. Brady Street in Milwaukee. Time to clean out those closets!

Ess Elle's Second Win

Congratulations to Ess Elle Style Studio for their coveted win as Milwaukee’s Best Women’s Boutique on WISN.com’s A-List. For the second year in a row, the trendy Eastside boutique was selected by their customers for their superb personable service and their fantastic selection of fashionable clothing and accessories.

Also, the girls at Ess Elle know that everyone loves a great deal when shopping for a new fashion essential. Stop in and visit them during their Bailout Bucks Sale now thru tomorrow October 24th, and receive $25 off a purchase of $100 or more. The offer applies to regular merchandise only. Ess Elle Style Studio is located on 1919 E. Kenilworth Place in Milwaukee.