There's a Missoni for Everyone at Target

By Laura Medina

Half of the entire Womenswear Collection.

Of course, everybody is hot and bothered about the womenswear set from the Missoni for Target Collection for Fall 2011...and that was the first thing that came out of the gate. That is to be expected.

Not that there's anything wrong with doing that. Matter of fact, the womenswear knits are downright adorable. There is a reason why the collection is going to be released in the middle of September-these knits are right for the more mature high school student or the college student who needs cool but dressier duds.

Come to think of it, the Missoni for Target is a great cross-over investment in transiting from high school to college to young adulthood in twenties.

Infused with Missoni's trademark zig-zag striped knits, they are quirky enough for that cuteness factor but stylish enough to cross over into the early adult market. The mix-and-match shorts, rompers, miniskirts, and tunics/minidresses keeps it youthful. Add the longer, maxi skirts, the longer cardigans, and a halter, knit maxi dress, they will lend a more edgier, mature look.

It is not all about the women.

Missoni for Target insert some stalwarts for the men. A very traditional striped cardigan and socks in muted Fall tones of heather, gray, and brown. Silk neckties punched up with teal and signature zig-zag stripes. The caps and scarves add a dot of dash to the wardrobe.

There are some big items here, proving that this collection is meant to encapsulate a whole lifestyle beyond the closet. The most expensive iten is the mesh wire patio set with lounges and a coffee table. The most popular is the bike. The travel set of the carry-on bag and the wheeled suitcast are the most attainable of the big item sub-set.

Target proved that going downmarket never meant losing an eye for quality or design.

The pumps are Prada-sque from a mile away. The zig-zag ballets flats jazz any ole pair of jeans. The rain boots are just plain adorable in a downpour.

Looking closer, Target's Missoni lifestyle collection is just plain dorm-ready or first apartment/home ready.

The orange/brown/blue zig-zag tote is great for textbooks, iPad, and notebook. There is still room to stash a Missoni Target makeup case with coordinating brushes. The black and white weekender briefcase makes a great traditional purse with room-again-for an iPad or a notebook.

This collection is ready for the young lady on-the-go, dashing about.

If the Italian zany psychadelic stripes are not your idea of fashion sense, then you sneak it in subtly in office supplies to punch up a drab homework alcove or office desk.

The office supplies are great for anyone at any age, whether it's for the teenager or the middle-aged office drone. The punchy patterns and color patterns are enough liven up anyone's long work days.

For those who moved onto the first apartment, the condo, or the first house, Missoni for Target provides gifts, an elegant cocktail set, espresso set, and kitchen set for more grown-up desires.

The wine boxes are great gift alternatives to the gift bag. The frosted cocktail glass and etched silver cocktail shaker are so streamlined Art Deco, that it is debonair for a man while chic enough for a woman...at a reasonable price.

Jaunty striped appetizer platters make great portion-controlled plates for wontons, sushi, and tapas for you and your friends.

Target's Missoni collection goes beyond the closet and the kitchen. Some of the bigger items are still within a reasonable double-digit price range.

The Murano-sque glass vases and bowls look pricey but not. They're affordable to both dress up your abode and give away as gifts...without busting the bank.

Still little too mature for the clothes? In addition to the kitchen ware, you can jazz up your home with throw pillows, a bathroom set, then toss in some throw rugs for the livingroom and hallway.

Missoni for Target collection shows that Target's limited edition designer collections have grown beyond outfits to encompassing a lifestyle that was only attainable in ELLE Decor to a point where one can live that lifestyle on a reasonable budget for anyone.

It is not just clothes anymore.