Thursday, January 29, 2009

Orla Kiely for Target: Oh YES WE CAN!

Just when I thought life could not get one smidge better: A line of housewares designed by Orla Kiely is coming to Target on February 1. That's Sunday. Get up early, or blow off church (they'll forgive you) and get over there, because very little of it will be available online--you'll be at the mercy of your local Target and its vicissitudes. If your Target is in an area with a high-density of design freaks, pickings might be slim. You know how it is when they have a limited-edition designer range. Some pieces of it go gangbusters, like those elusive John Derian melamine trays, and get talked about and talked about in blogs and higher-end magazines. Those pieces don't stay in stores long, but they should be available right after the line debuts if you're on the ball about it. (Actually, I didn't think that Derian stuff was so stinkin' hot, but Orla Kiely is a whole 'nother thing.)

You might be saying, "What is an Orla Kiely?" Orla Kiely is an Irish designer who is best known for handbags and stationery with pretty, graphic prints. She makes clothing and other things too, but if you know me, you know I'm all about the purses. Her patterns are so appealing and modern, yet to me they also have a kind of 60's Pop-Art sensibility. So she's doing a line of kitchen stuff and organizing accessories for Target. This is kind of a big deal because in the U.S. her stuff isn't just everywhere. You might have seen it in the Garnet Hill catalogue, but that's the only mass retailer I know of who carries any Orla Kiely. The rest is here and there in little boutiques, though Nordstrom has a few things. So she has some crazy devotees, kind of the way those Cath Kidston people are like a cult.

I am behind in my design-blog reading, or I would have known this was happening before today. Caught unawares, people! Here's the folks at Apartment Therapy freaking out about it, and here's Holly at Decor8 freaking out about it. And here's me freaking out about it: I was at Super Target today, pushing my man Hank around in the buggy, and on an endcap back near the throw pillows, I spied some pretty storage boxes. From across the store I knew it was something new and different. I am, like, straight out of that Malcom Gladwell Blink book when it comes to retail. Thinking without thinking, that is my way. But I thought it looked like more Dwell stuff. When I got close enough to see the label, I had a talking-out-loud-to-the-merchandise moment. I said, "Stop it. No way. Just STOP IT!" People were too polite to turn and look. And Hank is used to shopping with me--he knew Mama wasn't fussing at him.

I don't know why my store had a few things out early (the storage boxes), but it wasn't the stuff I really wanted. So here's what's coming (pics from Apartment Therapy). There are canisters (ooh, according to the NYT the canisters have wooden tops), trays, dishes, boxes, tablecloths, napkins, cork placemats, aprons, and more. Holly at Decor8 says it's all priced between $2.49 and $21.99.
What do you think? I saw the storage boxes today, and they weren't a must-get. That flower print is not that special. And the whole over-the-door organizer thing does not really work. But I see several tumblers, placemats, napkins, mugs, serving bowls, and plates that need to come to my house. My fever for melamine has been documented here before, and Mama needs more. Really anything with that pear print will be mine. Those pear seat cushions? They'll be cushioning my seat soon. My only Orla Kiely thing right now is this bag. Hi, precious.

The only problem is that Matt will most likely divorce me if I bring home any more coffee cups or dishes. So I have some tough choices to make.

Thanks for scrolling. I needed to tell someone. Have a great Friday!

15 comments:

Veronica said...

Um, cups, trays, placemats, and napkins are totally coming to live at my house. But omigod, my wedding shower is on Sunday, what will I do???? How can I simultaneously be at the shower and at Target, buying up everything they have?

Coffee with Cathy said...

Becky -- After over-Targeting during the holidays, I've been out of the loop, too, so thank you so much for this heads-up. These look so fresh and clean and springlike -- can't wait to see what my Target has.

Hootie said...

I want someone to genetically engineer fruit so that it has some of those designs on the skin. Wonka-fresh!

Jenni said...

holy cuteness! we are so having a family day at target on Sunday.

Sara said...

Tumblers! And I hope tea towels. I love funky tea towels.

Reprimanding the merchandise--that made me laugh!

The Stiletto Mom said...

You aren't just a teensy bit excited are you? I heart anything with pears on it. Mainly bc they so closely resemble my body. :)

Amy said...

Allow me a moment of bitterness because I live IN FREAKIN' AUSTRALIA. ...Okay. Those are really adorable! I love the canisters. And I must admit that I agree with Matt that some of your OTHER mugs, saucers, etc may need a new home if you bring new stuff home. Unless Hank is giving up his fuzzy blankets to sleep with melamine instead.

Keely said...

Man I wish we had a Target here.

Unknown said...

Me likey.. No me lovey! So cute gotta check 'em out! Just love target!

Leciawp said...

Argh - I just went to Target yesterday!! I clearly will have to head back. Thanks for the tip - I too am waay behind on my design blog reading.

Debbie said...

thanks for your comment...you have a cute blog..and yes I love the blogging world too. I love your pear bag!!! sooo cute!

Minnesota Matron said...

Oh, I love this stuff. Tar-jay Boutique, we say. Thanks for the heads up!

Unknown said...

I adore Orla Kiely and I'll be dropping by my local Target soon to score some (if not all, Heaven forbid) of her stuffs.

Cute bag, btw!

Gannet said...

Good luck with the shopping in Target, am very jealous as no Target stores in Ireland! Btw, Orla Kiely is not English, she is Irish - Dublin born and educated!

Becky said...

Whoops! Thanks for the correction, Gannet. Didn't know she was Irish! I'm correcting my post.