Designer Dish
Justin Timberlake debuts at Target; Chloe Dao looks for designers
William Rast collection: tape flag V-neck tee $19.99; terrie hoodie, $34.99;leather jacket, $199.99; skinny jeans, $49.99, at Target.
William Rast collection: Plaid button-down, $34.99; embellished skirt, $39.99,at Target.
Rock & Republic jeans like these Abigail Bootcut Stretch Jeans will be on theracks at the Warehouse Sale.
Free People moves into CityCentre in January. Free People velvet Victorianjacket, $148, Decades denim tux pants, $128, foxy fabric platforms, $148.
William Rast collection: Printed flag tee, $19.99; straight jeans in medium washwith oil stains, $49.99 at Target
In the middle of all of our Christmas prep, it's good to know the fashion and shopping spheres keep spinning.
An Open Letter to Justin Timberlake
Oh JT. I wish you would stop fiddling with all this movie nonsense and go ahead bring music back. At least your kind of ridiculously infectious, highly danceable kind of music. Until then, I will listen to Justified, watch Saturday Night Live clips and head to Target Sunday when your William Rast limited-edition collection for men and women hits.
From what I can tell, you and co-founder Trace Ayala have stayed true to your higher end aesthetic, bringing lots of denim (although skinny jeans aren’t for me, I can appreciate them along with bootcut and straight-leg jeans) and plaid. A lot. Of plaid. It’s kind of a throwback for me, when I was wearing plaid and you, well, we won’t talk too much about that matching faded denim ensemble you and Brit Brit wore to the American Music Awards back in the day. The skirts have attitude and skew a bit young, but I’m guessing this style writer and mother of two isn’t exactly the demo you were going for when designing the high-waisted, thigh-grazing embellished skirt for $39.99.
I like that you kept most of the collection affordable and can only assume the $200 leather jackets (which look very modern biker BTW) are real leather and not some high-end pleather. There’s no sexy in that at all. Sloppy seconds also aren’t sexy, so I’ll make sure to tell everybody that your casual bad boy collection of clothes for men and the women who love them, will be gone Jan. 22.
Maybe by then you will announce a new collection. Of songs. That I can dance to while wearing one of your leather jackets from Target.
Rockin’, Shoppin’ Around the Christmas Tree
The Warehouse Sale, a traveling sale of deeply discounted premium denim and other clothing, stops in Houston just in time for Christmas. Rock & Republic designer jeans are the highlighted denim during the sale and will be marked up to 80 percent off , along with tops, sweaters, shorts, skirts, jackets and a variety of children’s wear and maternity lines. The Warehouse Sale is Dec. 23-24 and Dec. 26-27 at the Westin Galleria Houston ballroom. Doors open at 11 a.m. Advance registration is encouraged at The Warehouse Sale for complimentary admission.
Chloe Dao’s Project Yourway
One of the most endearing qualities of designer Chloe Dao is her character. After winning Project Runway, she could have gone all Christian Siriano and snubbed her PR past. After she hit QVC, she could have surrounded herself with bodyguards and said adios to Houston. Instead, Dao has stayed approachable, sincere and committed to designing in Houston. She continues that spirit with an open call for designers interested in having their clothing, accessories and jewelry sold at her Lot 8 boutique in Rice Village. Saturday, Jan. 8 from noon to 5 p.m., Dao will hold first-come-first-serve interviews for prospective designers to show their portfolios and clothing and choose emerging talent for the store.
Free People
It’s nice to know some retailers got the memo about how much Houstonians like to shop (I’m looking at you H&M). Free People moves into CityCentre in January, bringing an edgy/romantic/boho kind of vibe with clothing, shoes and accessories. Before there was Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie, there was Free People, a forward-thinking store in Philadelphia that has grown, opening stores across the country.
And soon, right here in Houston.
Polished headbands and statement accessories with a timeless twist.Photo courtesy of Lele Sadoughi
Sleek, small-frame sunglasses that channel effortless ’90s cool.Photo courtesy of Krewe
Delicate jewelry and one-of-a-kind pieces for everyday minimalism.Photo courtesy of Fly High Little Bunny/Instagram 
Understated luxury handbags with clean lines and quiet sophistication.Photo courtesy of Moreau Paris 
Classic denim fits and elevated staples for a polished, everyday look.Photo courtesy of DL1961
Tailored essentials, including the perfect crisp white button-down.Photo courtesy of Alchemia 
Easy, versatile pieces like midi skirts that work season after season.Photo courtesy of Frock Shop 
Low-key grooming and fragrance for a naturally polished finish.Photo courtesy of Kiehl's 