Ready, Set, Go International for Rodarte at Target

When it was announced that Target would have the new Rodarte line of clothing as part of the Go International campaign, there was much speculation about the quality and price and even more about the style itself. Many were afraid that they would be disappointed with poor quality material or workmanship. Others were just excited that Kate and Laura Mulleavy were designing the new Rodarte line for Target so that they could have an affordable piece of the designers.

Kate and Laura Mulleavy have received high praise since their first collection in early 2005. The sisters have received the CFDA Swarovski Emerging Womenswear Designer award in June 2008, the Swiss Textiles Award in November 2008, and the CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year award for 2009.

"There will be guests who are familiar with the [Rodarte] name and we will also be introducing it to others for the first time," says Target spokesperson Joshua Thomas on WWD.com. "Of course, we use marketing material such as our Web site. We try to provide an appropriate platform for designers and their points of view. Some guests will have shopped the upscale collection. We will introduce Rodarte's design aesthetic to a much broader audience."

The 55-piece assembly has much to offer. According to Target spokesperson Joshua Thomas, "It's very feminine, yet very modern. The collection incorporates a rich mix of patterns and fabrications and everything from sequins and bows to faux fur. The key with Rodarte is layering."

According to Target.com, the designers seem to have been inspired by leading ladies of movies such as Harold and Maude, Rosemary's Baby and Bonnie and Clyde. The combination of leggings, sweaters, skirts, dresses and more will make anybody feel like star.

According to the Full Rodarte for Target Look Book at nymag.com the look and the prices are surprising. Costing only $9.99 is the tan/peach cut out knee highs. Except for the black lace leggings, the $12.99 accessories is slightly wardrobe limiting- slender Bow Belts in yellow leopard, grey leopard and black.

Tee shirts are a basic item that can be used in many ways and recycled numerous times. The $16.99 Striped Tee in white/navy and the Lace Tee in navy are no different and neither is the $19.99 Cami in black.

There are many outfits to be worn with a tulle, lace or leopard flair. A Tulle Bow Top in navy costs $24.99, for only $29.99 are the Lace and Tulle Skirt in mustard, Lace Cardigan in mustard, Lace and Tulle Skirt in navy, and a Lace Cardigan in tan. The cost of $44.99 will get you a Lace Bow Dress in yellow leopard.

Slightly out of step with the rest of the design collection is the $39.99 Slip Dress in black, Swiss Dot Dress in blue, Denim Jacket, Lace Print Dress in tan and the $44.99 Asymetrical Cardigan in grey.

The sequined rib cage dress in black goes for $49.99. In my opinion, out of the various themes of tulle outfits are so much better than this. The combination of glamour and goth is distasteful.

A sample sale scheduled earlier this month gave everyone a sneak peak at the clothing line. If you missed it then you will have to wait till December 20, 2009.