Target vs. J. Crew Smackdown

Given our recent urge to hide under the nearest blankie upon reading our latest 401(k) statements, we figure it's time to get back to our discount shopping roots. We'd say we would just stop shopping for the time being, but - well, that's just a tad bit unrealistic, so let's go with budget-friendly shopping on a slightly less-regular basis . . .

To further this cause, as well as our much-needed wardrobe rut-busting (situation: dire, as evidenced by coworker exclaiming, "I didn't know you owned anything but jeans!"), we explored our neighborhood SuperTarget this weekend and happened upon more of the J. Crew "inspired" finds that we brought you last month:

(credit: J. Crew)

What if this classic boatneck shift in on-trend color mated with . . .

(credit: J. Crew)

. . . this cozy looking sweater dress to produce . . .

(credit: Target)

. . . voila, a comfy sweater dress in a classic silhouette for $29.99. Ignore the mysteriously fug, beheaded Target model; in person - and we know because we purchased this post haste - it's an adorable and wildly comfy dress, complete with flattering neckline and a-line shape for us girls with what a certain Anonymous In-Law once dubbed "child-bearing hips." Ahem. In addition to this rich plum color, it also comes in a lovely heather gray.

We paired this with our Tahitian pearls and tasteful brown suede boots and soon recalled that universal truth . . . without delving too much into the male psyche, this being a ladylike blog (or attempt at same), what is it about boots that sends the boy-types into a tailspin, even non-strumpet-y boots like brown suede? We simply must note this for when we're next attempting to take over the neighborhood association or sweetly cutting in line at Starbucks. But we digress, on to the next choice . . .


(credit: J. Crew)

Love, love the flower detail and, of course, the cashmere, but at $238 we're looking elsewhere . . .

(credit: Target)

It's admittedly missing the flower detail, and the cashmere fabric, but for $27.99 we're intrigued. And what if we went with this less expensive dress and just added the J. Crew flower flair:
(credit: J. Crew)

Even by our humanities major math, $27.99 plus $38.00 for this belt = less than the original cashmere cuteness.

A few other Target lovelies that tickled our fashion bone on their own merits:

(credit: Target)

Again, thanks to those crack Target photographers, this photo really doesn't do this dress justice. The boatneck, belted waist, and silver buttons at the sleeves and waistline gave this a Tory-like feel. This was a wee bit boxy on us, but for those with more of an hourglass figure like La Joan of "Mad Men" ((deep, cleansing breaths to avert jealousy)) . . . you lucky folks would probably look divine in this. And we'll try hard to like you anyways.

(credit: Target)

Complete with fantastic name "Eternal Flame", there's no way this Bangles lover wouldn't like this. Also available in a pretty teal/ olive combination. We would probably wear this as pictured, with dark tights and strappy mary janes. If we were feeling particularly mod and bold, we might pair it with the insanely bright, chunky belts Target had on display (but MIA from website).

And in honor of our overseas reader(s), we bring you what the BF-J swears is a Marks & Spencer Cute Shoes knockoff - perhaps Europafox can confirm? Since M&S is also a discount chain, we found this perplexing, but upon further research we did find distinct similarities, albeit at a similar price point:

(credit: Target)

Again, we fall victim to the gratuitous bow. Priced just under $20. Let's see the M&S version:


(credit: Marks & Spencer)

Also priced just under 20 - pounds, that is.

To conclude - oh, how we doodling-on-our-mental-Trapper-Keeper-level love Target, no matter who they're, ahem, inspired by . . . have you all seen any other good ones lately that I've missed?