My Date With Nate
A bunch of you have been asking what I got from Tar-jay for Nate’s big weekend debut, and since I’m a die-hard fan (remember when our hands almost touched here?) of course I was the first girl at the store on Sunday morning right as they opened. Yup, even though we just got back from Cincinnati the night before, I’m a Noupie (Nate Groupie) so you can bet my buns were there, and they were excited. Then I went in. Womp-womp, no Nate stuff out. And when I asked where it was, the two sweet Target girls were all “Nate who?”
Instead of extolling the virtues of Nate, which I totally would have done if time weren’t of the essence (I was picturing mobs of people at other Targets a la Missoni) I ran out to the car and said “other Target, go!” breathlessly to John. Second Target: nada. Then I started to get nervous. It wasn’t that they’d sold out, nothing had been put out yet. So I started to worry it was only available in exclusive cities. We had a family par-tay to get to on the other side of town, so my hunt was put on hold until we were on our way home and passed another Target. But… they only had an unlabeled end-cap with a few towels by Nate. So I just resolved myself to the fact that maybe it wouldn’t come to Richmond or it was a week late or something. And then John surprised me by stopping at yet another Target on the way home, “just to be sure.” Yes, there about a ten Targets in our city, apparently. And when I walked in, I saw this:
And the clouds parted and I heard angels singing. Stylish accessory-loving angels. Of course I instagrammed that shot immediately, so some of you might recognize it. And I had actually taken that picture after I snatched up the two things I wanted and stood next to them protectively (I was still waiting for a stampede of people to come through and grab every last item). So here’s my “mine” shot:
I’d been ogling the white tortoise shell ever since I saw it in a preview video of his collection, and the little spiky urchin was so quirky and porcupine-esque that I couldn’t resist. When I got back to the car I was holding up my scores and smiling so maniacally that John (who had stayed in the car with Clara) actually started laughing at me. I was that grinny.
And perhaps the funniest thing was that within 24 hours Katie instagrammed her scores, and lookie what she grabbed:
Does it confirm best-friend-ness when you buy the same things without knowing it? I think it should. I called her the second it posted and we both cracked up. Good times.
As for where things ended up, this corner always felt a little heavy on the left side…
… so hanging the tortoise shell seems to balance things out a little more. It’s so glossy and ceramic-animal-esque. LURVE.
Bam. Close up. Isn’t it cute on our stenciled wall?
And here’s where the urchin ended up – on my little fall mantel. Since I already had a bronze spiky orb thing on the other side (you can check it out here), the new guy seems right at home.
So there it is, my date with Nate. What did you guys get? Did you have trouble finding things? Did anyone get any of the bedding or towels? What about those cool chains in those bold colors. I loved the yellow one, I just didn’t really have an idea of where I’d put it, so I passed (it could be a fun DIY project with an old heavy chain and some spray paint though).
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Yes! I made it to Target — online. And am waiting for the doorbell to ring with my goodies. If I don’t like them, I can return whatever doesn’t work. Love your turtle on the wall!
My Berkus purchase? Ber-chuse, if you will? Nothing unfortunately :( I ran to my local Target after ogling your urchin, but no luck. Will have to try another store tomorrow!
Haha! Ber-chus! Hilarious. Happy urchin hunting. Urchunting?
xo
s
YES! Love it :)
Great minds think alike. I was dying to get the white tortoise shell, too. I went to the store and they did not have it. They did not even have a place for it. Then I saw a guy putting out the bedding and I asked. He thought I was crazy looking for a turtle shell, but he and another Target employee were so helpful. They struggled to look it up, but kept trying. They finally found a box of them. They had no idea they had come in. I was so happy.
Then I got to the register and realized my purse was wallet-less. What was wrong with me? Well, the awesome Target employees held my turtle shell while I ran home to get my wallet.
The shell is going to be an awesome addition to my sons animal theme nursery!
Aw, that’s so sweet! Can’t wait to see it in your awesome house Jackie!
xo
s
This is kinda a weird post to put this comment but I just wanted to say that I really admire all the hard work you’ve put into your house – it’s adorable. I love your style! I’m coming to your tour in Wilton on Nov. 2! I’m gonna skip school to see you guys, which makes it that much more thrilling! I hope I get to meet you guys. I might cry (out of joy!) I’m so excited to buy your book too! I love you guys! (PS. Clara is honestly the cutest toddler I’ve ever seen in my life).
Aw thanks so much Claire! You’re so sweet!
xo
s
My Target STILL doesn’t have them. I keep checking again and again! :-(
I saw that tortoise shell the other day and I thought about you! I had seen your instagram and had a feeling I’d see it on the blog. It’s SO your style!
Aw thanks Christina!
xo
s
I have to add…
I DVR’d your Nate episode, and I STILL have it….
May I point out, perhaps it’s no accident that it was aired on OCTOBER 25, exactly 2 years ago….
Love Love LOVE Natey. want the chevron urns, too…
Cheers,
Natalie in Oklahoma :)
No WAY!!! That’s hilarious! I love it. Can’t believe that was two whole years ago!
xo
s
That’s so funny! I did the same thing on Sunday morning and the two sales associates had no idea what I was talking about either! Luckily when I went to the Target by my work at lunch on Monday they had it out! I also picked up the white turtle shell and since I’m an Aries, I had to get he ram too! :) I can’t wait to meet you both at the book signing in Chicago, I’m so excited!
Aw thanks Amy!
xo
s
I was just editing my “quest for nate” post when I read this so I mentioned you in mine. Glad you got what you wanted! I got most of what I wanted (chevron urn, brass urchin, brass bowls) and my sister-in-law is holding the lamp I wanted three states away! http://sueathome.com/2012/10/25/the-quest-for-nate/
Love it! Such a fun post!
xo
s
i had the exact same experience–got there right when it opened (expecting to have to pull hair and scratch faces), only to find that nothing was out and none of the target employees knew what i was talking about. on monday, i checked a different target, and they had just put out the towels and bedding. i bought two of the ikat link towels, a handtowel, and the diamond bathmat. they hadn’t put out any of the decorative stuff yet, so i went back the next day. it was all in stock! i got the white tortoise shell and the white springbok-y head thing. i love them (especially the tortoise shell–that was number one on my wish list)!
John/Sherry, sorry to highjack this post, but would your publisher be able to figure out what’s going on with your Chicago appearance? West Elm’s Facebook notes are ambiguous, at least to me. They recently posted:
“The RSVP list is there to let us know how many people will attend. We are now expecting to be at full capacity for the duration of the event, so it is going to be very crowded. We can only recommend that you get there early. Of course we don’t want to turn anyone away, and want to accomodate as many fans as possible! Because of this, we have to play certain aspects of the event by ear, but we hope that this answers your question!”
From this, I can’t tell if they’re actually going to be checking names, or doing a first come first served deal, which may leave many people who RSVP’d literally out in the cold. People keep asking on Facebook and not getting a clear response, IMO.
Also, they keep showing the time in Eastern, rather than Central – at this point, I’m not even sure if the event starts at noon or 1:00 pm Chicago time.
FYI, for out of towners, parking in the area is liable to be very limited – be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to find a spot or a parking garage if you’re driving in.
John and Sherry, thank you for whatever clarification you can get on this – I think a lot of your fans will be grateful.
From what we understand, the RSVP request was implemented to get an idea of the number of books/beverages/helpers to have on hand, and they’re using that number to be sure they’re prepared and staffed. Many of the tour hosts do this for all of their book signing events so it’s fairly routine. A guest list or anything guaranteeing a place in line would be really hard to police, would make the wait much longer, and would involve turning people away, which isn’t typically done at book signings. So we hear it’ll be run like any other book signing is run (on a first come first served basis). Trust me, it’s our nightmare to have unhappy people at these events. Seriously, I’m sweaty just thinking about this. Please know that it’s completely in the host and the publishers’ best interest to make people happy and sell books there, so that is their #1 goal. And of course no one wants these things to run more smoothly than we do because we friggin love you guys.
The great news is that the Cincy event was packed (there were over 600 people who stood in our line!!) and everyone had a great time! If you show up ready to make friends, dressed warm in case you’re outside for part of the wait, and ready to chat folks up while you wait in line it can be really fun. There was a line from the start in Cincy even though it was run amazingly well – it’s just a function of us only being two people and signing books as fast as we can but still taking a moment to say hi and snap a picture with each person (we don’t want folks waiting forever and then feeling rushed when it’s finally their turn to say hi). My best advice would be to come with a full stomach, an expectation that there’s going to be a bit of a wait, wearing something comfortable, and without any kiddos that are antsy (Clara would never last in line, but a sleeping baby in a sling or an eight year old with a Gameboy might). Haha. Hope that makes sense!
xoxoxo
Sherry
Thanks so much for trying to clarify the logistics of this event. I hadn’t realized the RSVP request was basically irrelevant, since it sounds like they’ll just let anyone in if they show up early, until the fire marshal closes the door. I had planned arrving at the store around 9:00 am, but that may be way too late if they’re not going to honor their RSVP list.
I’ve been to Chicago-area events where you get an email to print to show security, so that you’re slotted into the line that is guaranteed admittance to the talk and a signed book purchased at the event, and then the overflow, non-RSVP-ers are slotted into another line for admission only if there is room after the RSVP line is admitted. I thought that’s what West Elm was going to do, since they went to the trouble of saying RSVPs were closed.
I do hope the logistics work here – and that Chicago weather cooperates! I have to admit I’m not looking forward to standing on North Avenue for hours in November. :-) Hmm, maybe I could start a pop-up hot chocolate stand right there!
Thank you again for trying so hard to make everything work! If nothing else, I’ve got my first book coming from Amazon – and hope to be able to buy another at West Elm-Chicago!
Thanks Linda! We hear they’re thrown similar events with the same amount of people at that exact location for other authors with the same method and it worked out well, so we’re keeping the faith!
xo,
s
I feel so out of the loop! I didn’t even know Nate Berkus had a collection at Target until tonight when I was there. I think I may have been drooling. I haven’t bought anything- yet- but just give me some time!
Those are the two items I am most interested in as well. I’m going to hold out for when they go on clearance and hope what I want is still around. I think I’ll be alright because I have a secret Target that I shop at that always has the good stuff. I picked up Missoni stuff for 50% and 70% off.
Wow- that’s amazing! It was all gone at ours in like three days.
xo
s
It is the best and I do take requests, but I like to keep the location a secret (but if you find yourself in Michigan I will share it with you)! Truth be told I just think it is in a weird location in a kinda no mans land where people just stop in to pick up milk and shampoo or something.
Love the urchin-like sculpture. I’m headed to Target in the morning for a few things and will be checking over the Nate line for sure!
On another note; I’m having some trouble deciding on lighting for over our island in the kitchen. When you hang a chandelier over your dining table will you coordinate or just be free about it? I’m dying to see what you’ll do!!!
Lately we’ve been thinking about something dark (like the orb pendants) but not glassy like them- maybe a big wire orb? Will keep you posted!
xo
s
YES!! Love the tortoise shell! I immediately called my mom and said OMG I have to have it!! Im glad you guys got one!
Boo for all Targets not carrying Nate! The mental picture that I got from reading your post made me laugh so hard, I think mostly because I’m the same way. Not so much about decor items, but if it’s new technology, watch out! I’m one of those crazy people that will wait in the lines outside if I want it bad enough :) John and my husband should start a support group, because he’s also the one that waits in the car while I run like a maniac into stores.
Haha! Seriously!
xo
s
I will have to check that out at Target when I stop by later today, i have a gift card…should be fun. :-)
A couple of days ago I went into Tarjay and walked past this exact end cap (only in Huntington, WV) and immediately said to myself oh migration we have Nate now and John and Sherry are going to love this!! Then I get on to read your blog and see your instagram shot. Needless to say I went back last night when I had more shopping time and got two of the chevron jars : )
Great choices!
Would it be weird if I set up a lawn chair and just camped out next to his Target aisle to breathe in the Nate-ness? I think you should totally frame a hand print of the “hand that almost touched Nate” before all of his molecules totally rub off.
Can I tell you how heartbroken I am that his show isn’t on anymore? It’s last episode of Six Feet Under sad–in that bittersweet I’m-glad-I-got-to-be-a-part-of-it in some small way sort of fashion. So glad you all got on the show and I was able to discover you Katie and some other awesome DIY bloggers.
Hahahahh! So funny about framing a print of the hand that almost touched Nate. And yes, it stinks that his show isn’t on anymore. I bet he’ll be back someday though! That man has magnetism like crazy!
xo
s
Oh Sherry I LOOOOVE IT! So funny, last month I was at West Elm, stalking the clearance section and came across a paper mache tortoise shell. I instantly fell in love and am waiting to hang him in my bedroom once it’s complete. A lot of times when I’m shopping now, I say, hmm…”What would Sherry and John do?” haha! It always turns out right when I channel you guys!
Okay,I NEVER comment, but the Nate Berkus thing is crazy! Why am I the only one in my town that knows who he is or about the collection?? Anyway, I ended up ordering the sea urchins, both, online and the hammered bowls as well. The bowls ARE really pretty. Not as substantial feeling in person if you know what I mean and color is slightly unever/silvery in some places but I still love them! The bronze sea urchin ended up on my console table and when my husband walked in he was like, “Uh, something landed on the table here…” He’s still giving it funny looks but he knows better than to question it if it makes me happy! Awesome blog BTW I love it and am a daily stalker/reader!
Haha- so funny about your hubby’s reaction to the urchin!
xo
s
OMG! I’m totally in love with the tortoise shell. I think I need to go track one down, too. Also, total best-friend-ness!
Thank you for the heads up about Nate Berkus at Target! I had no idea! As soon as I read the post I headed over to Target and purchased the antlers, turtle shell and urchin. Such great afforable accessories for any house!
I think John might need to make a deeper mantle for you for Christmas! Something just a little more substantial with the same simple lines. He does such a good job.
Yes! That’s on the to-do list! Although maybe not for this Christmas…
xo
s
Ooooh. Beautiful picks– I live the reef theme of his collection. im only looking on my phone screen, but I think that shell is actually a green sea turtle (chelonia mydas)not a tortoise. :) I’d LOVE to have one since I’m working with the cute little critters; sucks there are no targets down here… :(
That’s crazy because as soon as I saw Katie’s photo I’ve been looking for it! I fell in love with west elms paper mache version but wasn’t willing to pay the price. Can’t wait to get my hands on one!
I went to 6 Targets on Sunday and 3 of them had nothing and didn’t know who Nate Berkus was. The other 3 only had selected bedding and bath.
It wasn’t until Wednesday that I was able to snag the white tortoise, green and gold chains, 4 decorative pillows (gold striped and blue), the gold urchin, and the chevron vases!!! I’m also wanting the antlers;)
I know i’m addicted!! :)
Thanks so much for the heads up. I had a “date with Nate” this morning at my Target and it was fabulous. My husband and I are obsessed with turtle shells and have looked for months to find some affordable enough to use in an art display. I ran right out this morning and bought 2 (all they had, will keep looking). If I can keep them hidden for 2 more weeks I will have pulled off an awesome anniversary present!
Thank you!
My Target in Columbia MD didn’t have any Nate stuff out late Sunday either, checked back on Wednesday and there were a few bedding items. It was a big letdown!
I haven’t read through all of the comments so you may know this already. I just left the target in short pump. They are stocked with Nate stuff including bedding bath and accessories.
I have a feeling the tortoise shell won’t last long in your house. It’s one of those things that you really want to like… but something is just off about it. Kinda looks like a hard hat.
Congrats on your book btw, looks beautiful!
im a noupie too! ;]
just went there and got the turtle shell since i noticed a lot of items online going out of stock. luckily, they were down low and kind of hidden. i wanted to buy them all while maniacally laughing but i held back. did you know west elm has like the same thing but paper mache? its like $75. im hoping target seriously considers partnering with him regularly.
not sure why there weren’t lines or people trampling each other but i was glad to escape unscathed.
Went tonight to check out the shell. It was in my cart and then was out of my cart… and then I called friends for back up… “Do I want the shell or not”… it didn’t come home with me. but I am so iffy if I should go back. I wouldn’t hang it on the wall so I’m not sure what I would do with it…. any other ideas?
Hmm, you could put it on a tabletop or something? Or hang it with a 3M hook if you don’t want to make a hole in the wall. I think it would look especially cool in a grouping or on a small sliver of a wall (like between two windows, etc). Hope it helps!
xo
s
FYI, did you see the feature on david wiseman, the king of white ceramic animals and everything else in the NYT Style Magazine, Fall 2012?
http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/05/the-secret-gardener/
Amazing! Love him!!
xo
s
I went to one target that only had a few things, but a larger target had much better variety. I loved what you got. Money was tight so I only went with the herringbone/chevron type frame. I really wanted the brass gold bowl, bathroom towels & some of his pillows were cute too. They even had his book, but I’m planning on getting yours first :)
Sorry but that turtle shell is hideous looking. Why is it all mashed in an awkward corner like that? I don’t think it balances anything out, in fact it does the opposite. Kinda hard to tell what it is too.
Any tips on hanging the turtle shell?
We just used an anchor to make sure it was held up well (predrell a hole in the wall, hammer in the anchor, drill in the screw to the anchor, and hang the shell on that screw). Hope it helps!
xo
s
I held out and on our most recent trip to tar-jay i scored a gold nate vase for like $7 :) LOVE IT!
Hi Sherry! I know this is an older post and you might not see this but I just have to share. Today, I got the tortoise shell on SALE at Tar-jay for…wait for it….$9.98!! Can you believe it?? It was originally $40! Score! I totally thought of you guys when I spotted it. Love you, Nate & Target!
Oh my gosh, that’s AWESOME!
xo
s