Cheryl Shops

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When I first reported back in March on Libertine as Target's next Go International designer, I must admit, I was a bit underwhelmed by the collection. It seemed like a Vivienne Westwood-lite mix of punky and preppy, with a little Victorian thrown in--three genres I tend to stay away from. Now that the collection is live, however, I have completely changed my tune: It is damn cool, a vast improvement over the ho-hum Patrick Robinson collection, and quite possibly one of the best Go International collections to date. The strange punk-prep-Victorian vibe is still there, but it all somehow works. The looks, which seem more British-inspired to me than anything else, are presented as either East Coast or West Coast; when viewed this way, I definitely prefer the East Coast looks, but there is something for everyone in both.

A lot of the items have trendy graphic prints--skulls, birds, etc.--but I like the starkness of this tree-print tee.


These bermudas have a bat print that makes them a bit more edgy than your typical short--J.Crew bermudas these are not.


I'm not quite sure that I could pull off this military jacket, but I love its rock-and-roll look.


But not everything in the collection is so casual--I was surprised by how sophisticated many of the pieces are, like this gorgeous crepe dress.


This subtly sexy tank dress looks like Alaia!


There are several secretary-esque tie-neck blouses, but I like this one better--it almost looks like (dare I say?) Chanel.


And, of course, it wouldn't be a Go International collection without "signature prints"--Libertine's turns up in a shirt and in this delicious silk scarf--a bargain at $16.99.


Also, I should note that the Devi Kroell bags are now live, and judging by the customer reviews thus far, the bags appear to be very well made considering the circumstances. I think I'm going to order the Anthracite hobo. For $34.99, why not?