Children's Fashion Stylist: Harajuku Lovers

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Kids, get ready to head to Target - Harajuku Mini

Target has done a number of collaborations with boutique childrenswear lines which have more or less flown under the radar. This one is less likely to go so quietly -- or at the very least, it shouldn't be. And you shouldn't miss it. Gwen Stefani happens to be one of my heroes. She is one of those rare rock stars whose venture into fashion actually merits being taken seriously. The only other instance of a strong celebrity venture that I think is comparable would be the Olsen twins. Harajuku Lovers has been one of my favorite children's lines for a while. I own a bunch of their shirts, my daughter owns a bunch of their shirts (and a few sweatshirts, and a mini skirt ...), and on November 13 an irresistible collection from Harajuku Mini will be available to Target customers.

Target previewed the launch with a selection of bags for back to school which are now sold out. On November 13 a much broader collection arrives. In addition to bags, there will be sneakers, an infant line, and even a complete toddler/tween line. The lookbook can be found online at lilsugar.com. I have to admit, I'm not a huge fan of the styling of the lookbook. I would suggest focussing, rather, on the individual pieces. But there are some really precious items. At Target prices, there should be plenty worth scooping up.

Friday, June 12, 2009

gwen stefani rocks out celebrity style

I am always surprised to find a celebrity clothing line that I really like. I don't know why the whole concept seems so inherently wrong to me. But of course some celebrities are in fact multi-talented, or at least have good taste and know how to work with the right collaborators. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olson's women's line, Elizabeth and James, has some great pieces, and I really think Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. is fabulous. So it's no surprise that her Harajuku Lovers collection is as good as it is. I just love the kids' tshirts. The Japanese inspired graphics which feature "Gwen" and her back-up dancers (Angel, Love, Baby and Music), are cute and fun, and for those who care about these things, absolutely on trend right now.

This blog is a bit shorter than usual, since I think the clothes (primarily t-shirts) speak for themselves. The line is pretty focused and consistent. I have liked some of the past season collections a bit better than the current one, so you may find it worth digging around on ebay. The online selection otherwise is a bit thin, so I'm offering a fairly thorough list of websites that carry the line. The selection is most extensive in sizes 2-6, or if your daughter fits in junior sizes. Admittedly, at full retail the collection is on the expensive side but, as always, there are certainly bargains to be had.

Perhaps best of all, the same tshirts are available in women's sizes. This is one instance in which I'm willing to do the mother-daughter thing ... however, I draw the line at actually wearing the same shirt at the same time.