For those of you heading to Target this weekend, you might want to check out the new Cat & Jack kids' clothing collection, which launched in stores mid-July. My store had unveiled apparel and accessories for girls and boys; a store employee wearing a Cat & Jack apron told me that toddler sizes would be arriving August 7. He seemed well informed about the new brand, which is replacing Target's Circo and Cherokee brands, and is poised to be a huge new source of revenue for the second-largest discount retailer in the United States. I overheard a Target manager briefing a group of employees on the new merchandise, telling them they'd be watching sales closely every day, and that Cat & Jack would be "huge." I tried to lean in closer for details but my own kids were making too much noise for me to hear much else.
Back in 2015 Target added mannquins to the women's apparel department for the first time (which I talked about here); then followed up with a makeover of the dollar bin area (which I talked about here). The Cat & Jack displays have mannequins and playful hot air balloons (which my 3-year-old son noticed, loved and wanted to take). It has an elevated feel for shoppers but the same low prices. Cat & Jack is priced from $4.50 to $39.99, and target.com is touting a 1-year guarantee (return with receipt).
In terms of style, there's an excellent article about Cat & Jack on Bloomberg which I recommend reading if you're a Target diehard fan like myself. They describe Cat & Jack as being similar to Crewcuts by J.Crew: "With its playful layers, boho-chic cuts, and muted shades juxtaposed with hits of neon, Cat & Jack looks a lot like Crewcuts, J.Crew’s adventurous line for young fashion plates (or their aspirational parents)." I'm inclined to agree but in my mind Crewcuts is a bit more elevated. At first glance, Cat & Jack reminded me of Gymboree.
As I looked closer, I noticed many pieces that us moms would want to steal...a pint sized jean vest, cargo vest and plaid shirtdress. It's cute, you guys, it's really cute and age appropriate.
I saw a lot of things I'd buy my boys, too, so I'm looking forward to the toddler launch and will report back. What I'm struggling to figure out - and what may come as a shock to many of you - is why I don't actually buy that much clothing or shoes or accessories at Target. I get super excited about them, snap photos, and share on my blog, but ultimately don't end up buying. I think it's because they quality is a bit lacking and because when all is said and done, Target clothing appears cheap but can really add up pricewise. Does anyone else feel this way?
As for kids' clothing, I have been utterly spoiled by secondhand Janie & Jack (hmmm, names sound so familiar!). Let me explain: My aunt has impeccable taste and gave me all her son's old clothing, with most pieces looking and feeling brand new. That stuff washes and wears so well, it's hard to find other clothes that compare. And the styles are ridiculously cute, in my opinion. I know it's not for everyone but I love that stuff. I don't go for crazy colors and logos and slogans for kids' clothing, and I know lots of moms like me who just want simple yet fun fashions. (Zara Kids and Primary come up frequently in conversations.)
Your initial thoughts on Cat & Jack?
In terms of style, there's an excellent article about Cat & Jack on Bloomberg which I recommend reading if you're a Target diehard fan like myself. They describe Cat & Jack as being similar to Crewcuts by J.Crew: "With its playful layers, boho-chic cuts, and muted shades juxtaposed with hits of neon, Cat & Jack looks a lot like Crewcuts, J.Crew’s adventurous line for young fashion plates (or their aspirational parents)." I'm inclined to agree but in my mind Crewcuts is a bit more elevated. At first glance, Cat & Jack reminded me of Gymboree.
As I looked closer, I noticed many pieces that us moms would want to steal...a pint sized jean vest, cargo vest and plaid shirtdress. It's cute, you guys, it's really cute and age appropriate.
I saw a lot of things I'd buy my boys, too, so I'm looking forward to the toddler launch and will report back. What I'm struggling to figure out - and what may come as a shock to many of you - is why I don't actually buy that much clothing or shoes or accessories at Target. I get super excited about them, snap photos, and share on my blog, but ultimately don't end up buying. I think it's because they quality is a bit lacking and because when all is said and done, Target clothing appears cheap but can really add up pricewise. Does anyone else feel this way?
As for kids' clothing, I have been utterly spoiled by secondhand Janie & Jack (hmmm, names sound so familiar!). Let me explain: My aunt has impeccable taste and gave me all her son's old clothing, with most pieces looking and feeling brand new. That stuff washes and wears so well, it's hard to find other clothes that compare. And the styles are ridiculously cute, in my opinion. I know it's not for everyone but I love that stuff. I don't go for crazy colors and logos and slogans for kids' clothing, and I know lots of moms like me who just want simple yet fun fashions. (Zara Kids and Primary come up frequently in conversations.)
Your initial thoughts on Cat & Jack?
I got my 10 year old a pair of jeans and she loved them so we went back and spend $100.00 on about 5 pair of jeans, a skirt outfit and shirts, and a jacket. You can not beat th.at
I was looking for plain black cotton legging pants like I've got every year for my daughter to wear in the fall especially for school. They were priced just right and perfect for easy up and down for toddlers running to the bathroom. Cat & Jack did not have any plain black legging pants. All of them had patterns and designs. The tops all have too elaborate of designs.
I'm a very frequent Target shopper and spend a lot of money there, maybe too much. But not impressed at all by Cat & Jack. I had bought my daughter a tshirt 2 weeks ago which shrunk and pilled after one wash. I left Target yesterday and went to The Children's Place instead.
The issue I do have is that I continually find myself frustrated when items are "no longer available." It seems like they make X amount and once those are gone then that's it for that item and you just don't have the option to buy it anymore - even if it is still in season. For example, it is summer now and I clicked on a pair of sandals to add to my cart to purchase online and it says no longer available. I even put in an area code for a different state thinking if they were there then my sister could get them and ship them to me. But although they are still listed on website, it's as if they don't exist anymore. This has also happened for jeans and just now today, for a boys denim hat. It's frustrating and disappointing. Wish they wouldn't just "run out" of items and not continue to have them available- again, especially when it's still within the right season like the sandals.
Again, love this brand otherwise.