Michael Phelps' mom swimming in her own endorsements

As Debbie Phelps watched her son sweep the Olympics, viewers watched her and what she was wearing -- outfits from Chico's.Michael Phelps struck gold in many ways with his unprecedented eight gold medals at the Olympic Games in China, and the length of his coattails is beginning to show as others capitalize on his popularity.Chico's women's store has posted a photo of Debbie Phelps on its Web site along with 15 sets of apparel and accessories from Chico's that she wore in Beijing. The so-called "Debbie Phelps Collection" ranges from necklaces and belts to jackets and pants."Before I left for Beijing, I went to Chico's and picked out my entire wardrobe for the trip," said Phelps in a Chico's news release. "I knew I was going to need to be prepared for a variety of events, activities and climates, so I picked key pieces that I could mix and match, dress up and dress down."Executives noticed Phelps wearing the clothes on television after employees at the Chico's store in Towson, Md., reported that she'd been shopping there for clothes to take on the trip. Now, they're looking into continuing the relationship."We are working with Debbie and her management to discuss collaborative opportunities," said Jessica Wells, director of public relations for Chico's. "We think she looks amazing. We think she really resonates with women everywhere."Chico's, based in Fort Myers, Fla., targets baby-boomer women -- Phelps is 57 -- with colorful, contemporary fashions that combine tailored pieces with unstructured, drapey garments. The company celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.One of the items worn by Phelps is a $34 wood-and-stone charm bracelet. But it looks as if she may already have found her million-dollar lucky charm.X...X...XTarget continues to bring designer-name chic and edge to discount-department-store shopping with three new limited-edition collections.New York designer Dean Harris' line of women's accessories fuses organic shapes and designs with delicate, feminine adornments. Necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings incorporate pebbles, pearls, semi-precious stones, sterling silver and 18-karat gold.Prices range from $19.99 to $99.99, and the items will be for sale through Dec. 26.Harris, a self-taught jewelry designer, won the Council of Fashion Designers of America's Perry Ellis Award for best new accessory designer in 2000. His pieces have been used in runway presentations by Marc Jacobs and Bill Blass and are sold at Barney's New York and other fine retailers.Richard Chai is the latest up-and-coming designer in the store's GO International series.Chai won the prestigious Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Award as an emerging designer in 2005. As an undergraduate at the Parsons School of Design, he interned at Geoffrey Beene and later worked at Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs, as a sketcher for Lanvin and as creative director of all TSE brands.His tailored, detailed womenswear has a minimalist feel. The collection, available at Target stores and online until the end of the month, includes dresses, skirts, shorts, blouses, tank tops, trousers, a leather vest, plaid trench coat and satin tuxedo racerback dresses priced $12.99 to $79.99.Denim, shorts, corduroys, graphic tees and hoodies for young men and boys are part of The Shaun White Collection, a line designed by the California Olympic gold medalist and his brother, Jesse."Shaun and I have worked on projects together ranging from showboards to skate shoes, and we're extremely excited to have the chance to create apparel together," said Jesse White.Items will be available through late October with prices ranging from $9.99 to $29.99.(E-mail Pittsburgh Post-Gazette fashion editor LaMont Jones at ljones(at)post-gazette.com.)(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.)