THAKOOOOOOOON!!!

So, folks, this morning I went to Target to get some bathroom cleaning supplies and a hairbrush, when what do I see but the new Go International clothes, gently swinging on their hangers next to the in-store Taco Bell.

And what's that whispering to me across a line of shopping carts getting pulled into the store? Why, it's ... tie-dye!! Well, Japanese "shibori" prints, to be exact, but it's all tie-dye to me. And you know I cannot resist the call of the tie-dye.

It's the new collection by Thai-American designer Thakoon Panichgul, a favorite of Michelle Obama and many other notable fashionistas. I promptly forgot the Sani-Flush as I ran to the racks, pulled off a ridiculously pretty blue-and-white print dress and some other pieces, and zoomed off to the fitting room.

Now, Go International styles have been mostly a miss, for me, but this new line seemed really different. The cuts and fit didn't look so tiny, and the materials were mostly soft, cool cottons. But what really caught my eye were the beautiful prints! I looooove ethnic patterns, and Asian fabric prints have a special place in my heart because I'm from Asia, and printing techniques like Batik and Tie-Dye (which my mother learned as a child in her grade-school art class!) have long been part of our cultural history.

This Shibori-print dress was airy, unique, and just beautiful:


(image: Nylon magazine)

Of course, I wouldn't wear it open like in the photo, but even buttoned-up it was just lovely. You can wear it belted or not, but it felt too loose unbelted so I opted to tie the sash-belt. There are interesting pleats that run down the front, which give it a fabulous, slimming effect! And even minimized my big 'ol bust, which is like a miracle. :o)

I loved all the Thakoon pieces in the store. Particular faves:

(image: Target)

In this photo, you can't see the little bands of Thai-style embroidery down the front of this blouse, but it's delicate and eye-catching in person.


(from Nylon Magazine)

This photo doesn't do the bright colors of this dress justice. It's quite loose, but wonderful when belted. This is also a "Shibori" print. I love how women of all different sizes can wear these pieces!


(from Nylon Magazine)

Though this tunic top wasn't yet at the store, the black-and-white print is on other clothes so I got to see it there. I'm thinking of getting this for my mother. It might also work well as a swimsuit cover-up.

(image: Target)

I found this to be a beautiful print for a bathing suit!

I suggest that, if you want to see this collection, go to the store and look at them there. On the Target website there were so many reviews for my dress that stated how "small" it was that I never thought it would fit me. But the one I tried on and bought wasn't tiny at all! It fit me really well, and I'm a top-heavy woman who needs to get large sizes in blouses and dresses just so they'll fit around my chest.

But I think that, like all mass-produced clothes, the sizing of each of these pieces may vary from one to another, so you really have to try them on.

And hey, it's Target -- you can stock up on the toothpaste and batteries and laundry detergent while you're at it! ^_^

Let me know what you all think of this collection!