This afternoon, I had the chance to attend a press preview for The Shops at Target, a new design program from Tar-jay. Through this ongoing program, Target will partner directly with the shop owners of specialty stores and boutiques to co-create affordable, limited-edition collections for its guests. The first flight of The Shops at Target, which debuts on May 6 at all Target stores and Target.com, features five exclusive collections across five different product categories: Sweet treats from The Candy Store, beauty products from Cos Bar, pet treats and accessories from Polka Dog Bakery, home decor from Privet House and chic apparel, shoes and jewelry from The Webster. The collections reflect each shop owner's unique perspective, offering Target's guests the opportunity to experience each shop's distinct aesthetic simply by visiting their local Target store or Target.com. With prices ranging from $1 for a nail file to $159.99 for an online-only pouf for the home, the five collections total nearly 400 exclusive products.

I had the chance to meet all the boutique owners and they seemed universally thrilled to be able to share their passion with a larger audience. I will definitely be spoiling my dog with chic treats from Boston-based Polka Dog Bakery, sprucing up my home with melamine plates from Connecticut-based Privet House, and treating myself to a manicure with the amazing nail polish colors from Cos Bar. My only concern will be the execution of this ambitious plan - will the mini boutiques at my local Tar-jay look half as glamorous as the displays I saw today? I hope so!

Click through to see a sampling of products from each boutique. Mouse over any image for details and pricing.

What do you think of this concept? Yay or not so sure?

This afternoon I attended an exclusive press preview for The Shops at Target, a new initiative by the mass retailer to bring a boutique experience to Target shoppers everywhere. For the initial May 6th launch, Target has teamed with 5 unique shops to produce nearly 400 exclusive items: The Webster, The Candy Store, Privet House, Polka Dog Bakery and Cos Bar. The concept is unique in that Target will construct mini boutique experiences within their stores to showcase the products from each boutique, ranging from home decor to clothing to makeup to candy. Prices range from just $1 up to $160. Target is rolling these out in (almost) every single store as well as online (some items like the candy won't be available online, while the kids apparel will be available exclusively online).

Watch the video above for a quick introduction to The Shops at Target, and stay tuned to see a sampling of some of the products in store for the launch.

As promised, here are all the Jason Wu for Target accessories from the just-released lookbook. Yes, some of the hardware say "Jason Wu for Target" but it's done in a discreet and tasteful manner. No, there's no genuine leather. Wu told Style.com it's not about "replicating more expensive materials." Instead of using faux leather for the handbags, for example, he used raffia or canvas. "The focus isn't just getting Jason Wu at a lower price point," he says. "It was about creating an entirely new collection that I think my regular customers will enjoy, too." Available Feb. 5, the collection blends sophistication with a mischievous nod to the 1960s (cue Milo the cat), and ranges in price from $19.99 to $49.99 for handbags and scarves. I'll have to wait to see these in person but I wish Wu had just used faux leather rather than fabric and raffia which is often too lightweight, fragile and difficult to keep clean. But I do love the shapes of these bags, classic and chic!

See all the apparel looks here.

Mouse over any image for details and pricing.

The complete Jason Wu for Target lookbook is out! As you know, Target is partnering with Jason Wu, celebrated New York-based designer, to introduce an affordable, limited-edition collection of women's apparel, handbags and scarves. Jason Wu for Target features a mix of modern, sophisticated pieces in bold hues and feminine prints. The designer collection is inspired by the vision of an American girl in Paris, bringing Wu's signature aesthetic and attention to detail to budget babes everywhere.

Ranging in price from $19.99 to $59.99 for apparel and $19.99 to $49.99 for handbags and scarves, Jason Wu for Target will be available Feb. 5 through March 6, 2012 at most Target stores and on Target.com.

Here's the apparel, I'll post the accessories in a separate post shortly to prevent browser overload. Mouse over any image for details and pricing.

UPDATE: Jason Wu for Target Handbags and Scarves

Style.com has a few more images from the Jason Wu for Target collection for us to ogle, and I'm proud to count myself among the throngs of fashion bloggers the world over who are "frantically" publishing the few images that have surfaced thus far. Note the black trench coat, blush-pink blouse and raffia bag. Swoooooon. Jason Wu for Target is priced from $19-$60 and drops February 5th.





More Jason Wu for Target images:

• 
  Jason Wu for Target in T Magazine
  


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  Jason Wu for Target in Lucky and Glamour mags
  


• 
  Jason Wu for Target print ad in People StyleWatch
  


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  Jason Wu for Target in Harper's Bazaar
  


• Jason Wu for Target in People StyleWatch