Wednesday, March 17, 2010

GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH.......


Well, don't take that too literally, but I am very fond of Liberty of London prints. I don't usually go in for shopping crazes/product debuts but for the past couple of days, I have been stalking my local Target stores as the line has been very slow to come out. I have had the fuschia "Dunclare" print uploaded to my Blackberry screen for a couple of weeks now... so I guess you could consider me a "Liberty Groupie".

 My first glimpses over the weekend were of some children's clothes, then womens clothing and a bedding set.  The Liberty for Target line is almost completely sold out online already, with many Ebayers putting up listings for almost double the original prices. It reminds me of the Cabbage Patch doll hoarding craze when I was a kid.
I was first introduced to Liberty prints in the 70's, when my dad wore the floral ties, then I visited the AMAZING London store as a teenager and came away with a classic Tana lawn cosmetics bag and a beautiful capiz shell dish that I have kept to this day. I have been curious to see how the iconic designs would be translated by Target and have yet to see the items I was interested in (pictured above) so the jury's still out. I have to say, most of the pieces I've seen have not tempted me to buy, as they looked much better on the Target site than in person and many items had a slightly cheap look or more muted colors. I guess the old adage "you get what you pay for" can apply in some senses. I have to say, a couple of the women's tops, the photo frames and reversible cushions did not disappoint in person. Has anyone seen the duvet covers or canisters? What are your thoughts?
Oh, and Happy St. Patricks Day to you!

36 comments:

Unknown said...

oh so lovely...happy green day to you too! xoxo

MrsLittleJeans said...

Yup Anne, the old addage (you get what you pay for) nearly always holds for me! Happy Saint Patrick's Day to you too!

xx

Karena said...

Really exciting love the tote with side handles! Thanks Anne for sharing!

Karena
Art by karena

Tracy Watier said...

Haven't had time to go see any of it in person but I did order a bike because I just loved the idea of a flowery one. It should be here tomorrow! If it's great, I'll post about it. Fingers crossed!
By the way, I love those little chairs too and hope they look good - if they make it to the store - my daughter "needs" one.

Dumbwit Tellher said...

Anne - I succumbed, I couldn't help it. The clothing is pretty fun as well, even for the men. Too much loveliness to not buy. Did you see the ladies bicycle?

Sarah B said...

I love the look of it and have been lusting over the pieces on Ebay. I will aim to get one or two littl pieces but I did note the price increases!

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Dear Anne,
Isn't Liberty's in London just THE most beautiful shop ? I always go in when I'm in London. The building is so beautiful, let alone the products.
How lovely that Target have got some of their printed products. I wonder if a store like Target will do the same thing over here ? I certainly hope so !! XXXX

Unknown said...

I love all of these Liberty products too, Ann! I was just in Target on Sunday eve and even the bathing suit prints are adorable!

Kate Coveny Hood said...

This is kind of funny - I wrote about my LoL shopping yesterday on Wishing True and had many of the same thoughts.

I agree that much of this stuff looks less appealing in person - but the storage boxes were great (wish I could have bought some of those...)

I was really disappointed in some of the accessories - but thought the clothes looked better than I expected (I mean - it IS Target!)

pve design said...

I just love the idea of excitement around anything!
My sister had Beatles trading bubble gum cards, now those were exciting. I remember looking at them for hours and ----
I still remember my Liberty outfit that I sewed and loving all things British. Lucky for me I still have some liberty items to cling to.
pve

Acanthus and Acorn said...

I was wondering the same thing....as far as the quality/hype! I do thank you for cleaning up one mystery...there is one particular pattern that I swore I wore in the 70's...now I realize I probably did. I should ask my Mom and see if she can remember the purchase!

Melanie said...

I went to Target and looked at some of the items that they had out. I went online and EVERYTHING is almost gone. Boy, people love that stuff.

Averill said...

The pillows, dishware and frames were at my local Target and they're adorable, though I'd say the dishware and frames are better quality than the pillows. I picked up quite a few items on Sunday!

Katie @ Noodle and Boof said...

It looks SO cute! Love it all for spring! Happy St. Patrick's Day!

JMW said...

I need to pay closer attention the next time in Target, to see what Liberty of London (if any) items are available. Love the prints!

72 and sunny said...

just saw these yesterday at my local Target. The chair is especially cute. DIdn't see that.

Halie said...

Great minds think alike! I also went to Target last weekend to check out this selection and was saddened when it was almost all sold out!!! I was about to go to ebay but now I'll know to avoid. Love the post. Happy St. Paddy's day!

carla rothberg said...

OMG...i had a cabbage patch stolen from me as a child in Sear's! can you imagine??

i agree - loving some of the liberty stuff.

bazaarofserendipity said...

This is the first time Ive seen these! love the canister, super cute!!! great finds ;)


www.bazaarofserendipity.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Very Sweet! smiles.

Unknown said...

I think these prints are so charming, especially when they show up in unexpected places like the chair you show, or the bike at Target...so cute!

Anonymous said...

Went to Target this afternoon in search of all Liberty items - but especially the canister set. Have to say that I was really really disappointed! They are very cheap looking in person and the colors are not strong and clear like the ads portray them. I honestly walked out with nothing - and my store had most items in stock... I love Liberty but apparently you really do "get what you pay for". I did buy a bunch of other stuff, though, ha ha. I love Target!

Christy said...

I haven't seen the items you posted above - but I did see the little girls dresses and they were oh-so-cute! I didn't buy them though, as we tend to dress the foo in leggins and tee shirts every day - and she already has a stash of dresses we need to put her in for a photo shoot at the very least - before she outgrows them!

Kwana said...

Happy St. Patrick's Day to you. Now I really want that chair.

My Interior Life said...

Love your blog. First time commenting. I actually blogged about this yesterday with almost the same title (http://myinteriorlife.blogspot.com/2010/03/give-me-liberty.html).

I saw one of the chairs (the black and white print) and thought it looked great. I was rushing through with my kids so I didn't get a good look at everything. I was disappointed in all the polyester clothing with unflattering cuts. I bought a bathing suit and cover-up/top and my daughter a top. Very cute!

I love your blog! I did a post a while back on Elkins chairs and linked to your Etsy store for your wonderful rendering.

Sally@DivineDistractions said...

I remember as a child, my mother would sew clothes for me, and on the few occasions we could afford the high quality Liberty of London print, I would have a very special dress indeed. I love that they are available to the masses now. Thanks Target!

Sarah said...

I can't wait...I love Liberty prints too...that chair is divine!! I will be stalking my local 'Tar-jay' very soon!

Renae Moore said...

I too, have some Liberty things I got while visiting too many years ago now. I haven't been to Target lately but knew they were carrying a 'line'. Glad to hear your take on it all!

I really do like Target but there is not one super close to me.

xx

Stina said...

Nice things.:-) Stina

escapade said...

Oh, it`s times like these that I miss living in the States and being close to Target!

The Buzz Blog said...

We grew up with a dad wearing Liberty ties, too, and robes, as well! Our mother used to buy us the smocked dresses for special occasions and the prints have never faded from fashion. That's why the NY pop up shop Target opened for their Liberty wares sold out in a day!

Susan Dench said...

I love Liberty and always make a trip to the mecca when in London! Thanks for reminding me to hit Target for this stuff, Anne!

Pigtown*Design said...

I went early on Sunday to one of the "urban" stores, where I thought I'd be able to find things, but the manager told me that someone had come in and bought everything! All before noon!

Henley on the Horn said...

I bought several things for our girls. They are really PRECIOUS on them!!!

message mom said...

I can't believe someone else calls it "tar jay"! That is too funny. Me and my children call it that too just playin around trying to be "fancy". LOL But really,we are a lower income family, with a beer budget and champagne taste. So I thought the new Liberty line fit the bill! I went to our store expecting to find nothing left and they had practically everything!! Needless to say, I went WILD! Sure, Sure, some of the prints on a few items weren't quite as bright, but who cares? All in all,for the price,the designs are fabulous and very cheery!

lily said...

very colorful, really are eyecathing, love them very much, great design

 
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