Notes from the Dressing Room-Kirna Zabete at Target

Do you still get excited for the designer collaborations at Target or are you been there, no big deal anymore? Well, I'm all for a new mix of products from designers and stores in these collaborations, so I was at Target first thing Sunday morning for a peek at The Shops. Home goods and products from Patch NYC and the Curiosity Shoppe, menswear from Odin and what I really came for, womenswear and accessories from the ladies who run a boutique with fabulous things I could only hope to afford one day, Kirna Zabete. Here are some dressing room reviews of several items from this collection:

Kirna Zabete for Target Long-Sleeve Tee in Black/Blue/Gray Kiss Print, $19.99, available here

Kirna Zabete for Target Hi-Low Hem Skirt in Blue Geometric Print. $29.99, available here  

I'm real into Aztec prints right now, so this shirt was up my alley although it has kisses on it. I didn't even realize they were kisses until I saw the product description. They don't stand out as much in the blue print as it does in the pink colored tee. This top is a nice variation on the whole stripe trend going on. I really liked it although the sleeves and length are rather long (so long-waisted girls will be happy). I put this on my maybe list on print alone and the fact that it has a slim silhouette. Fit is tts.

I'm not big on the high-low hemline in skirts, but thought I would give this a try. I could just imagine it now with bare legs and later with tights and ankle boots. The print is really pretty. It has a geometric print on the top layer and the bottom layer is a floral print in the same color palette. It's comfortable (elastic waist) and tts. The low part of the skirt hits about knee-length with the high hitting a few inches longer. It's not a dramatic high-low line, but it is sure to be flattering on lots of ladies. I give this skirt a thumbs up.

 

Kirna Zabete for Target Long-Sleeve V Neck Jersey Dress in Red Geometric Print, $34.99, available here

I love red, but don't have a lot of it in my closet, so when I saw this red printed dress I thought why not. Now it's rather plain with its simple line/shape, but there are some nice details going on. The sleeves have a sheer red panel going down and the hem has a sheer red panel of fabric as well. I like interesting details, but for some reason I wasn't loving this dress. Perhaps it could have benefited from a belt for some shape or a smaller size, but my feelings were meh. Fit is tts to slightly big. Size according to whether you want a fitted or looser shape.

 

Kirna Zabete for Target 3/4 Sleeve Knit Sweater in Gray/Pink Polka Dot, $29.99, available here

Kirna Zabete for Target Faux Leather Skirt in Black, $39.99, available here

This sweater peaked my interest when I saw it in the lookbook, so it definitely went into my shopping basket. The color combo is nice and the fabric is soft. Although the dots are raised, they aren't designed to add tremendous bulk to the sweater. They went a little different with the sleeve-length that I'm not sure what to think of and leaves me on the fence about the sweater. I tried this on in my normal size, but think I could have sized down. What do you think? Size down? Overall, I think this piece went on my like list for detailing. I certainly don't have a sweater like this in my closet.

I'm covering it up a bit with this sweater, but the bottom is a faux leather skirt. Faux leather is always an iffy thing. A lot of times it isn't done right and just looks exactly like what it is, faux. Every once in awhile, it looks like the real thing. Unfortunately, this looks like faux leather. It has a shiny, plastic sheen to it that just isn't nice. It's really too bad though because the shape and fit were totally on point. Maybe if it was that coated cotton that's made to look like leather, it would have been cuter, but in this form, it's not worth the price. Fit is tts.

Kirna Zabete Ponte Zip Front Dress in Gray, $49.99, available here

I don't know what's up with the flamingo pose in the second picture, but I wanted you to see the cute lining. This knit dress has some lovely things going on. First, check out the polka dot lining (the lining is only around the bottom portion of the dress). Second, the color is a perfect shade of gray that will lend itself to so many fabulous colors. Third, the fit is great. It skims the body without being too tight. I can see this dress working with several body types. Now, I'm sure the zipper front will be polarizing. Some people like exposed zippers, some don't. I don't mind an exposed zipper, but I wish this one wasn't silver. I think it would have been better in a black or to have the zipper covered with a panel of fabric. Also, this ponte knit is a bit wrinkle city. I'm completely surprised at how wrinkled this fabric is because I thought this kind of knit was designed to keep the wrinkles at bay. Certainly, nothing an iron couldn't handle, but that took a few points from this dress. I believe I tried this on in my normal size (10) which fit fine, but I think this runs a smidge small.

 

Kirna Zabete for Target Full Jacquard Skirt in Teal, $39.99, available here

I love a full skirt, so this was right up my alley. The color is gorgeous, the fabric is interesting and feels nicely made (at least for Target). I looked at the selection online before heading out to the store and this skirt was at the top of my must try/might buy list. It was still at the top of my list once I tried on lots of stuff. I didn't think it was too voluminous and the length is great at just above the knee. Now about that fit....this skirt is designed to be high-waisted so the waistband is a bit tight. There is no way that I would have fit into my normal size, so I actually sized up two sizes because that's what was on the rack and it fit! Now, I do have a bit of  tummy action going on, so that affected my sizing, but I would size up at least one if you are interested in this skirt. Along with the fit, there was a section of pleating that didn't want to lay flat. I'm not sure if that was a packing issue or if that was an issue with the design of the skirt, but keep that in mind if those kinds of things bug you. Overall, this is my favorite piece in the collection and I give it a thumbs up. If this blue doesn't necessarily float your boat, it also comes in black (available here).

Kirna Zabete for Target Zip Front Sleeveless Tweed/Faux Leather Dress in Black/White, $44.99, available here

I can't resist tweed, so this was a must try. It has a simple shift shape, but really nice black faux leather accents. The faux leather I don't mind so much on this piece because it's done in small quantities here and there. Overall, I thought this was really nice because of the accents, but the tweed is definitely not high quality. Not that I would expect it to be on par with pricier tweeds out there, but this was wrinkle prone. One sitting and it would just look unkempt. I was really disappointed in that aspect because otherwise it would be a great buy. Also, not great was its short length. Sure, it would work fine for the weekend, but this was a bit too short for office-wear. Despite my misgivings, I still like this dress and think the design is cute.

So what do you all think of this collection? Did you have a chance to check it out at your local Target or online? I ended up buying the teal skirt and some candleholders from the Patch NYC collection (check out my Instagram for a pic). That was my favorite collection out of all four, but that's probably because I'm in a home decorating kind of mood these days.

OOTD- You Look Like Something I Used To Know

I saw this dress in one of the Sunday circulars and instantly knew I had to check it out in person. It reminded me of a Proenza Schouler for Target dress that I loved and never purchased, even when it was re-released (see #3). I still kind of kick myself for that one since Proenza Schouler was one of my favorite Target designer collaborations. Oh well, this little number will do just nicely, especially when it kept me semi-cute despite the fact that my face started melting in the heat this morning. Although this wasn't what I originally wanted to wear this morning, a lack of time and the need to wear some color created a wardrobe change. I don't think I've shown these kelly green shoes before and that might have something to do with them sitting in a shoe box for a good part of a year. Tsk, tsk, for staring at that box everyday and not reaching for it. I guess these babies were just waiting for this outfit.

Outfit Details:

Pink/purple dress- Target (available here)

Gray cardigan- BCBG

Lilac belt and pink studded bracelet- J. Crew

Lilac studded handbag- Spotted Moth (available here)

Green pointy pumps- Sugar (similar here in limited sizes)

Shades- Ray-Ban (available here)

"Unlock My Hear" chain necklace- JewelMint (available here)

OOTD- Flower Power

Have you ever worn something that was a little bit out of your comfort zone and you weren't quite sure you could pull off? That would be me with this dress. I first spotted it on The Look For Less as an alternative to this pretty Rebecca Taylor print that came out last season that I loved so much. I am a big fan of Rebecca Taylor and her flower power (and love of the leopard too), but I would be giving you tales similar to Confessions of a Shopaholic with some serious dodging and hiding from creditors if I would allow myself to be wooed every time I spotted something from Rebecca. That's all to say that this pretty dress was much more pleasing to this bargainista.

At what point does a grown woman stop buying clothes in the junior section? I know there will always be an item of exception that doesn't look like it is strictly for teens. And of course you should wear what makes you feel good, but I do wonder when you determine if something cute that you might have worn at 16 or 21 still works for you? Thoughts?

Outfit Details:

Red flower dress- Target (available here)

Green jacket- Forever 21

Tan woven belt- secondhand

Red patent bag- Rebecca Minkoff Mini Nikki

Bracelets- Jeweled (Forever 21), White metal (Accessories & Beyond), Brass (Club Monaco)

Yellow bow flats- Seychelles

OOTD- Walking Shorts Stroll

Pardon the goofy face, but isn't that wind action awesome!!??  :)

I've come to the conclusion that linen bottoms just don't work for me, so I broke out some of my warm weather items that were packed away last year and took these linen shorts for a last hurrah (off to the consignment shop you go). I have a pretty purple pair in mind to replace you.

Elaine of I'm Clothed Much posted a picture last week wearing the cutest scarf headband bow in her hair. I commented to her that she shouldn't be too upset if she sees me rocking it. Although I only have a little baby bow going on, it was the perfect touch to keep my hair off my face and add something fun to my outfit.

Are you big into headbands/turbans/headscarves??

Outfit Details:

Scoopneck tee- J. Crew (similar color here)

Blue cardigan and blue anchor belt- Madewell (similar cardigan here on sale)

Tan linen shorts- Banana Republic

Yellow/white scarf (as headband)- Forever 21

Yellow wedges- Target (available here)

Handbag- Louis Vuitton Speedy

OOTD- Channeling Teen Spirit

Today's outfit was inspired by this image of Lucy Hale from Pretty Little Liars in Teen Vogue:

(source)

Despite the fact that I'm a woman about her thirties, I have to admit I'm still into teen things. I like to watch Vampire Diaries every Thursday, I still flip through Seventeen and Teen Vogue and I'm still shopping Forever 21 just like my teen self did. What can I say, they are a source of enjoyment and inspiration even though I'm am definitely not the target demographic.

While flipping through Teen Vogue a few months ago, I came across a picture of Lucy Hale wearing an outfit that immediately had my fashion wheels turning. I had a yellow top, a wine colored skirt and a statement necklace. I loved the outfit on her and loved how it came out with what was in my closet. Although my necklace from this past weekend would have been a better choice, adaptations had to be made for office appropriateness (boo!).

I can't be the only one!! What teen-related guilty pleasures do you still indulge in?

Outfit Details:

Yellow twist top- Zara (old) (cute option here)

Black/yellow circle cardigan- Target (option similar to inspiration pic here)

Skirt and pendant necklace- Forever 21

Black pumps- Hot in Hollywood from HSN (available here and they are comfy!!)

Tan trench- Jean Paul Gaultier for Target

OOTD- Pretty Pirouettes

Graceful this is not!!

On my last solo trip to NYC, I walked past the Lincoln Center and saw a huge billboard for the NYC Ballet. I instantly put it on my list of performances to see, but soon forgot about it when I got home. Thanks to them putting the show on the road, I got the opportunity to semi-drag the bf to see some wonderfully talented dancers on stage at the Kennedy Center. I took ballet in the 2nd grade and unfortunately I don't remember anything beyond the first 4 positions. I'm always amazed at the twirls and graceful leg work (especially en pointe) that ballet dancers display.

Although it might seem as if my outfit is a little early for Easter, I thought this floral dress and bright yellow cardi would be soft and feminine. Pretty much adjectives I think of when it comes to dance. My outfit definitely fit the bill, but as you can tell from the last pic, I should probably work on being a bit more graceful with the arms. It might get me one step closer to the lead in Swan Lake (minus the Black Swan crazy though). 

Outfit Details:

Flower dress- I "Heart" Ronson (sold out online, but locate in store here)

Yellow cardigan- Target

Denim jacket- Gap

Tan woven belt- ?? (secondhand)

Brown wedges- Dolce Vita for Target (available here)

Purple patent clutch- Rebecca Minkoff

OOTD-Sparkle Saturday

This sweater has been hanging on the front of my bedroom door since the last time I wore it (in this post). I feel happy just to see it give me a little shimmer. I would wear it pretty much every day if I could, but then that might be a bit weird if I show up at work in the same thing and I'm sure you guys would get tired of seeing it over and over again. The same goes for these jeans as I think they could work with a million things.

The weather was perfect for just wearing my fun sweater and I thought pops of color all around would be perfect. I got so into color that new nail polish was purchased and now my tootsies are bright blue just so I can be well on my way to being a Crayola color explosion.

Are you into the colored denim trend? If you are, what color would you go for?

Outfit Details:

Sequin sweater- J. Crew (available here)

Red ankle jeans- Forever 21 (similar here)

Yellow wedges- Target (same shoe, different color here, similar here)

Bracelets (left to right)- JewelMint, Target, Forever 21

Tan clutch- Urban Expressions (available here in lots of fun colors)

Opinion Poll-Keep or Return?

Have you all had a chance to check out the William Rast for Target line yet? I was up way too early on Sunday morning at Target for a certain somebody's Xmas gift. After checking off a name on my list, I wandered through the store and ended up in the clothing section. I would have totally missed the William Rast items since the Tucker for Target sign was still up. Interesting that they are getting no love or strong advertising from the store? I tried on a few things, but was a little disappointed in the selection. The styles were rather simple and although the jeans were nice, at $50 I feel like I can walk into Marshall's or Nordstrom Rack and find an actual pair of designer jeans at a comparable price. Besides, the cost of buying them and then getting them tailored made it lose even more points. Nothing was truly stand-outs or must-haves and I usually get one item from each Target designer collaboration line. However, I ended up with a little something in my shopping bag, but I'm wondering if I should keep it. I'd like to poll the class to see what you all think.

Keep and rock it or put that money back in my wallet ???

William Rast Twill Vest in Green (available here)

OOTD-Mad for Plaid

Yay for the weekend finally getting here!!! I'm going to get all fancied up this evening for our company's Christmas party and I'm looking forward to it (fingers crossed I win the raffle this year).

Although it took a little bit of time figuring out what dress to wear for tonight, this outfit took about a year in the making. I don't know why it was so long before I decided to wear this skirt, but I had several questions to ponder. How do you take a plaid skirt and not look like a Ralph Lauren ad or like you are ready to hop a saddle and ride off on a horse? I think making it shorter a la Britney Spears in the Baby One More Time video would help, but getting looks and possibly being sent to the principal's office (aka the boss as a grown up) is not really my style. I nixed the idea of a sweater because that brought back flashbacks of wearing a uniform and those weren't pretty days of the past. Instead I rolled up the waist (did you ladies do that to your skirts back in the day too?), added a little animal print, and loaded up my wrists with some arm candy. I think I need to hunt for sexier shoes and definitely a blouse, but what would you do to make plaid a bit hipper?

And so completes my tap dance routine!

Outfit Details:
White tee- J Crew
Tan blazer- Forever 21
Plaid skirt- J Crew
Leopard belt- J Crew outlet
Brown suede wedges- Target (thrifted)
Jewelry- bracelets (Hollywood Intuition for Target, mall vendor, JewelMint), rings (House of Harlow), rose gold watch (Shock Boutique, available here)

OOTD- Confetti Fun Like the Party Cake

Do you love khaki? It conjures up images of a uniform to me, especially since I had to wear them when I volunteered at a museum once and at a part-time gig ages ago complete with a badge and name tag. My bf jokes that we should dress up in our khakis one day, find a red shirt to match and play tricks on the staff and patrons of Target. I can totally see him getting us busted by acting crazy on the store intercom system asking for price checks on things that don't exist.

Since buying this skirt earlier this year, I've only worn it a few times. Besides being a wrinkle monster, I've been trying to rack my brain and figure out how to make it less of a standard issue item. I figured I would ground it with some black, then I layered on some jewelry and added a touch of color. I'm rather certain I wouldn't be mistaken for a Tar-jay team member in this ensemble.

Outfit Details:

Black tee- American Apparel

Blazer- Jones of New York (thrifted)

Khaki skirt- Zara

Pink patent belt- J Crew

Black pumps- Taryn by Taryn Rose

Black handbag-??? (some Italian brand)