Drop It Like It's Haute!

I felt it only right that I complete the circle and share how my in-home dressing room session went last night. I suppose it could have turned out horribly; like in the movies when someone wakes up next to someone they’d never say ‘boo’ to in the light of day, in a sober state. Thankfully, that is not, nor has it ever been, my experience! There will be no ‘Missoni for Target’-induced walk of shame for me; no siree.

I was surprisingly pleased with almost all of the clothing items that I purchased. Attention was paid to the details.The sweaters had ribbons sewn in to keep them from sliding off the hangers, the labeling closely resembled the designer line with the exception of a slightly larger font and larger tag size to accommodate the addition of ‘for Target’ in very fine print, and I found the fit to be consistent with the designer line as well. In those regards, the Target items are on par with the main line, but clearly the items are fabricated from more affordable materials.

Of the 11 items of apparel and shoes that came home with me, eight made the cut. I have to admit that when I put some of the items in my cart I was luke warm on them at best. However, I am now very much in like with the ones that I most doubted. I think that what made the difference was trying everything on in the comfort of my own closet. There, I was able to see how pieces actually could be integrated into my style, which generally consists of ‘scaled’ monochromatic pieces that I accent with jewelry, scarves, and lovely shoes. Keeping with that approach I was able to temper the ‘Missoni-ness’ of it all. So, instead of it looking like Missoni (for Target) was wearing me, MY own personal style was simply amped up a bit.

Had I not taken that approach I can say with almost complete certainty that an in-store fitting room session would have resulted in a much more limited purchase. To me, it is a real turn-off to look at someone and be able to identify every designer they are wearing - - whether that is because they are emblazoned with logos, tatted with brand names, or because they are dressed head-to-toe in one designer’s or brand’s wares. I am a true believer that you can mix thrift shop, with Target, with designer and pull it off. It’s not about how much you spend, but rather investing in the right pieces and then knowing how to mix it all up!

As for the other items I purchased, the housewares, stationary and electronic stuff, it’s all going back. I like it, but it’s really not consistent with my decor. On that count, I can admit to getting a bit swept up.

Today was the highly anticipated launch of Missoni for Target. Since I suspected that only a fraction of the selection would even be available in my region, I devised a plan — Part A1: Logon at midnight and get the party started; Part A2: Take the party to the streets and be at Target when the doors are flung open! But of course Part 1 of Plan A was a bust; the products weren’t available on the Target site at midnight, or 12:30 or 12:45… So, on to Plan B! I left my laptop cued up and ready to go. When my alarm went off at 6:20 a.m., I jumped into action and for a few glorious minutes I thought my plan was being well executed. But, five items into my cart and a few attempts at the sixth and the Target site came to a grinding halt.

After many attempts at refreshing the site as I brushed my teeth, applied makeup, and did my ‘do’ I realized that Target’s site had been overtaken by others just like me! “Rut Ro,” I thought… Does this mean that there’s going to be a hellacious line? Would it look like the day after Thanksgiving? Motivated by a desire not to miss out entirely, I kicked it into a whole other gear. Upon arriving at Target I was pleased that there wasn’t an outrageous crowd and upon a quick scan, I could see that the few others who were there weren’t my size or gender. Things were looking pretty good.

Once inside, the items were fairly difficult to locate even though they were placed in the same locations as previous collaborations. However, I overcame that obstacle and I went for it. One of everything went into my cart. There was no time to contemplate. The situation called for action first, thought later. At this moment a bevy of tops, a dress or two (?), cardigans, scarves and shoes are awaiting me in my in-home dressing room. In addition, there are throw pillows waiting to be thrown, and this laptop is waiting to be placed in its case, and there are frames that are awaiting pictures…Yep, I bought some of almost everything that was there.

That said, I didn’t get the throw I wanted. It was sold-out online (during the limited time I was able to view items) and there were none to be found in-store…any of the three that I visited en-route to work. In fact, by the time I made it to my third Target at 8:45 a.m., the Missoni Collection looked like prey lost in the dessert — a picked over carcass left for scrap. Staff at every store was talking amongst themselves about how quickly almost EVERYTHING was wiped out. There may be an idle thong lying around, but that’s only because it hasn’t been found yet.

By all accounts this has to be Target’s greatest collaboration ever! A total bull’s eye! I wonder what they will, or even can do to top it!

Oh, and in case anyone is wondering, I likely will only keep a few of the items I acquired today. I’m sure some things won’t look good on me or won’t knock my socks off, which is a requirement…not to mention that I almost audibly gasped for air when I saw the total! I mean how did THAT happen? So, if there is anything you wanted that you didn’t get, there’s a good chance that I have it! Let me know and we’ll see if there’s a trade we can make or if there’s a reasonable way for me to get it to you (at cost, I’m not going to do the eBay markup thing).

Wish me luck. I’m off to my personal dressing room!

While for some school started in late August, September really feels like the official “back-to-school” month.  So, with that here’s my back-to-school shopping list:a new back pack, a tablet, a few pins, a new bike, and a new outfit! These ought to work nicely…

Well, Gap Rome and Milan may have had Valentino, but in 33 days Target will have Missoni.  Here’s a hint of what can be expected - - for man, woman, child and home.  On you mark….