The Smug Mummy Shops: Missoni for Target

Let me begin by saying - YOU MUST CHILL (name that movie!), Target shoppers. If the mayhem I witness in-store and online this fine morning is any indication, we've all been flattened by the multicolored marketing juggernaut that is the Target / Missoni collaboration.

That being said, I'm as big a Mombie as anyone, and a longtime Missoni-loving-on-a-Target-budget one at that. And so it was that Master P & I sped off in the Trophy Wife Wagon this morning pre-music class to investigate. I returned those  ZARA tees, so I had some wiggle room in the Pretty budget for some Operation MILF tees and flats.

To be concise - for once - the collection reminded me of past Target/designer collaborations: (1) the clothing quality is iffy, especially considering the 20-30% markup over normal Target prices; yet (2) there are some darling shoes & housewares to be had:

Left: "Pasione Train Case" ($24.99) / Right: "Zig-Zag Pattern Flats" ($29.99); both available online as of this writing

(Train case interior)

I scored the above - the last of each at my Target, I should note, which was already picked over by 9 am. Target flats are my exception to my general "If you buy the best quality accessories you can afford, you can cheat a bit with the rest of your outfit" rule. I'm typing this now in flats from the Loeffler Randall collaboration from a few years back, and these knit Missonis look & feel similarly well made.

The clothing I saw, however, included some mumsy, unflattering cuts, flimsy materials and a few technicolor pairings at which even a diehard Missoni fan would raise a manicured brow. For the elevated collection prices, the quality just isn't there.

If you're simply chomping at your Gucci bit to get your hands on some of this collection, head to the shoe & housewares departments; my favorites of what I saw - what was left, that is - included these:

Left: Appetizer Plates ($2.99) / Zig Zag Rain Boots ($34.99) ; both available online as of this writing

Did anyone else brave the Target retail danger & live to tell the tale today?

Target Shoes: The Good and the Fug

I could start this post off with a cringe-worthy "Let's get this week started on the right foot!" pun, but I am not that lame.  Most of the time.  Really.

I'll just go ahead and begin, then, by admitting that on my daily latest Target trip, what began as an innocent paper towel excursion ended up in the shoe section.  I have no excuse save the siren call that is the patent stiletto:

I bring you the Mossimo Valonia Pump, available in blue and black.  Longtime readers know my Target Sniff Test;  due to the heinous quality of Target's online photos and occasional in-person quality issues, I try to only recommend that which I've personally inspected on my daily latest adventures.  These pass my TST;  they look far more expensive than they are, and the blue ones in particular are a rich, azure color in person.  If These Difficult Times interfere with my plans to invest in the red shoes of hotness, I will be purchasing these excellent alternatives.

On the other end of the shoe spectrum, I hate to disappoint the more preptastic amongst you, but the recent Miss Trish of Capri collection is . . . um, it does not pass the TST.  Admittedly, this line has always been a bit Palm Beach prepalicious for this Banana Republican, California sort of girl.  However, in the interest of blog reporting - and spending more time in the shoe department - I decided to investigate:

Bejeweled turtles? Cheap-looking pleather?  Insane wedges?  Most un-Pretty.  

Wishing a well-shod, wonderful week to you all . . .

Fashion Fridays a la Target

Why should you care what some random Austin attorney thinks you should wear? I have no idea!

Does she have any idea what she's talking about? Doubtful, but she likes to think so!  

If we humor her and let her talk about her latest Target finds, is she likely to stop talking about herself in the third person? Situation unclear; worth a try anyways.

So I sauntered into you-know-where yesterday to purchase a shower gift and came out with a gift - and the following two retro-inspired goodies.  That it was only two is a testament to my overwhelming self-control . . . (credit all following horrendous shots* to the Target Merona Collection):

*Note to Target: arent' you a multi-squillion dollar business? Why the consistently awful photography?

"Belted Swirl Dress":  because of the characteristically crap Target photography here, it's difficult to make out the flattering boatneck, patent belt detail, and the a-line skirt flare.  And they lobotomized this model, not me.  But trust me - OH MY BETTY DRAPER ADORABLE.

This also passed my Target Sniff Test;  for those of us fortunate enough to live by a store - and I do mean "fortunate" - I believe you should check out the merchandise in person first vs. ordering online.  There are certainly a few poorly made stinkers at Target, as at any discount chain, but this dress felt substantially made, had tidy seams, etc.  

"Ottoman Trench":  loved the retro-looking buttons and ivory piping, as well as the subtle texture of the coat material.  Good lightweight spring trench - and note the dress peeking out underneath.

This line is full of discount cuteness, but here are two more in particular I intend to investigate in person:

"Keyhole Dress"

 - and -

"Large Tote with Brass Hardware":  as I commented to Ms. Classy Chaos recently, I'm generally a believer in saving up for higher quality handbags more likely to thrive despite my daily abuse.  However, sometimes a girl just needs an affordable bag.  I've owned Target bags that have lasted me years with heavy use, so this might be a budget post-Easter spring/summer bag that sneaks into my lineup (after rigorous inspection, of course).

Happy weekend, dolls . . .

Signs You Are No Longer Dating, Friday Night Date Edition

Pre-Marriage Internal Monologue, 6 pm

"Oooh, Anonymous Boyfriend should be here soon - he is SO adorable! I wonder what fabulous restaurant he's taking me to this time? I'd better go re-check my outfit and make sure that these silver heels make my behind look good . . . shaving. SHAVING!! OHMYGOD (or "ZOMG" for the hipsters like myself) I FORGOT TO SHAVE!* Where is the emergency toxic-chemical Nair?" ((sound of crashing and cabinet slamming as search commences))

*In case my late Grandparents are reading this from their Heavenly MacBooks, this is not meant to imply that I had any actual need for shaving before dates. Nopety nope nope. La la la la . . .

Post-Marriage Internal Monologue, 6 pm

"Oooh, Target loungey pants. Sooooo comfy. I wonder if, once I arrive home, I can make it from the car to loungey pants in 60 seconds. And, somehow, convince the Anonymous Husband to cook dinner.** Maybe a movie later, even though this is high school date night & we'll have to wade through the hormones to find our seats? So long as it's not one of those WW II boy flicks out right now? More importantly, so long as I can remain in the loungey pants for the movie?"***

**I did! Singletons, never underestimate the wonders of a spouse who cooks well & willingly. Makes me nearly as happy as my loungey pants.

***I lost, both on the movie and the pants. But see above about the cooking!

. . . In Which I Embrace My Shallow Self and Talk Target

For the past 48 hours, I've labored under some mysterious notion that the next post I brought you needed to be DEEPLY IMPORTANT and TREMENDOUSLY MEANINGFUL and CAPS-LOCKY. I say "mysterious" because I certainly haven't written anything like that before, so it's curious why this instinct struck now, but not to worry . . . I've cued up the appropriately self-important, angsty music a la junior high (think George MichaelPearl Jam and Richard Marx* Wagner) and sulked on the couch long enough now that I'm over it.
*Children of the 80s, like you didn't love him & his magnificent mane too? Please.

Hence I'm afraid you're stuck here with me talking new collections at Target shopping, based on a few daily recent visits. I wish it hadn't come to this, but this is all coming from the girl who had to Google "ZOMG"** today, so my quota of useful knowlege for the day is shot. Let's just agree that a smidge of budget shopping is useful for all of us in these times, shall we? Unless you'd like me to wax on about These Challenging Times in serious and stern ways? Anyone??
**I include the link here for my partners in the perpetually lame. You're welcome! I'm so old!

So from the DEEPLY IMPORTANT and TREMENDOUSLY MEANINGFUL Thakoon collection at Target, I bring you the apple of my coat-adoring eye:

(Credit: Target)

For once - hello, Target, PLEASE improve your web photos - this coat actually looks like this in real life. Gorgeous, vibrant pattern that is floral enough for spring, yet the colors are winter appropriate. I'd love it a bit more if it had a belt to cinch in the waist, but at $44.99, it shall be mine. One more note: it's a roomy fit, so you may need to size down as I did.

(Credit: Target)

Love the batik-y print and pockets - let's pause for a salute to the skirt pocket trend, by the way - but the colors and cut are classic enough to pull off in a traditional setting.

And from the equally ANGSTY Hayden-Harnett handbag collection:

(Credit: Target)

I can't explain the odd glass logo hardware you see on the left - perhaps it's a spare, extremely large monocle? - but I love the stud and chain detail otherwise. Very Jordan Catalano-worthy, so long as we're on the angsty self-importance track tonight, and nicely lined and put together in person.

(Credit: Target)

Again, I can't explain the looking glass thingy to you, but I'm convinced that it is DEEPLY IMPORTANT. Plus, from my inspection you can just remove it. This is a nice neutral bag for daytime totage purposes.

Anything else I've missed? Any other questions for me of Earth-shattering significance?

From Tory to Target, A Budget Look

Just back from a successful Junior League meeting in which the controversial topic of Miss Posh didn't come up event once, unfortunately. Absent such thought-provoking subject matter, I dedicated myself to trying to make friends here in town, or as my BF-EM so elegantly puts it, "hitting on the Ladies of the League."

In any event, I figure it's been at least 5 minutes since we've done a Target shopping round-up, and with the holidays coming up and the economy tanking and tigers and bears oh my, blah blah, we all could use some budget-friendly holiday attire ideas. After all, I'm all about being Prettier Than Everyone Else, not Less Financially Responsible Than Everyone Else.

So imagine my delight upon entering Target on one of my daily occasional visits and seeing a few pieces clearly, ahem, inspired by some festive holiday Tory Burch and J. Crew pieces I've been intrigued by but not been able to / willing to justify. The Target Limited Edition collection in particular is such a welcome relief after that Sigerson Morrison / Elf Attire debacle we talked about here.

Here is the fancy-pants TB / J. Crew version of the object o' my holiday party frock eye (which looks somewhat garbage-bag esque in photos, but is gorge in person) & shoes:

(Credit: Tory Burch)

Tough to see in this photo, so just take my word for it that this is lovelier in person. Perhaps not $995 lovelier (gaah!), but nice nonetheless.

(Credit: Tory Burch)

Love the jewel details. Hate hate hatey hate the $850 price.

(Credit: J. Crew)

Remeber these J. Crew Gabrielle beauties? Love these both in the heel and flat editions.

And now for the Target version . . . bear in mind the legendary horribilityness of the Target website and web photography. Again, these are so cute in person:

(Credit: Target)

In person, this is a yummy brocade shift with a great, 60s-ish neckline. And:

(Credit: Target)

OK, so it isn't identical to the Tory, but it also isn't (gulp) $850. And finally:


(Credit: Target)

(Credit: Target)

A nice twist on both the J. Crew and the usual Revas.

Target, I'm so glad we're friends again. Now if only I didn't have those pesky Christmas presents to buy for, you know, other people . . .

Target v. J. Crew Smackdown: More Shoes

Alas, we suspected that our recent good fortune with the designer Target collections (and stint in speaking in the first person) was drawing to a close. Call it a hunch, but after relishing in discount cuteness with the recent Anya Hindmarch and Mossimo collections, we just knew a stinker was en route. Sure enough, our worst fears were confirmed today when we personally inspected the new Sigerson Morrison shoe line. Actually, that's not true; our worst fears run more along the lines of Mister Clooney depriving the world of his iconic beauty (if not his endless political opinions), but that's a subject for a different post - er, love you, Anonymous Husband! Moving right along - the design, the quality = all bad. Let's take a look at the hard evidence, shall we?

(credit: Target via Flickr)

"Introducing the Psychedelic Elf Collection at Target . . ."

(credit: Target and Flickr. And Beelzebub.)

"Elves Gone Bad: See 'The Keebler Story: When Bedazzlers Strike' at 10/9 pm Central on Lifetime"

(credit: Target and Flickr)

Jem & the Holograms called from 1986, and they'd like their pumps back. (Seriously, this was the worst of the bunch as far as looking cheap went. Boo all around.)

The bummer of it is, we WANTED to like this collection due to these appealing little flats:

(credit: Target and Flickr)

Me likey the fun colors & jewels - not to be confused with Be-Dazzling - but the quality of the line is so poor overall, we're not touching these. Instead, we're going lay in wait for a good promotional code from our more expensive friends at J. Crew. We present for your delectation:


(credit: J. Crew and Flickr)

The Babette heel. If loving this shoe is wrong, then we don't want to be right.

(credit: J. Crew and Flickr)

The Gabrielle heel.

(credit: J. Crew and Flickr)


The Gayle patent leather heel. And:

(credit: J. Crew and Flickr)

The Felice (like Mrs. Martin a la vintage "90210"! Except much more fun! Exclamation point!) jeweled ballet flat.

Conclusion: J. Crew wins in the first round, knocking out ol' Sigerson Yucky-son. Target, this won't keep us from darkening your doorstep every 5 minutes or so, but we will cut a wide swath around the shoe section for the time being . . .

Perhaps We Should Re-Name This Blog "I Pick Target"

Lovelies, while on our daily latest walk around the Target website, we happened upon an intriguing development:

(credit: Target)

Behold the cashmere turtleneck dress from Mr. Mizrahi himself, for $99. We're a bit perplexed - we go to Target expressly so we can buy at least 20 things for $99, not one. For budget cashmere, we head to J. Crew or the Ann Taylor post-Christmas sales. On the other hand, as card carrying members of the Cashmere Cabal, the thought of $99 cashmere has us a bit lightheaded. Can any of you dolls confirm or deny the worthiness of these new dresses?

In other designer Target news, and as first brought to you by The Preppy Princess here and SLynnRo (in one of her nifty new writing projects) there, we had the opportunity to investigate the Anya Hindmarch line in person today. We've grown leery of the "designer" Target bag lines, having been disappointed in the *cough*Botkier*cough* past, but Ms. Hindmarch doesn't disappoint:

(credit: Target)

By far, this is the best detailing we've seen on a Target designer bag line; this one has the cutesy Hindmarch bow logo, little gold feet (a rare but much appreciated treat on a bargain bag), lovely faux-python detailing outside, and even cute lining inside. Will you mistake it for a $2,000 bag? No - it does have a bit of that PVC sheen to it - but at $44.99, it's truly adorable for an everyday bag.

So what to make of these "luxury discount" products - a wonderful way to make good products accessible to the mere mortals, or a way for Target to sneak prices up on us? As a member of, well, the mere mortal team with a budget and stuff, we like to think it's the former - what do you think? Aside from that The Pretty ought to spend a wee bit less time at Target, that is?
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For a blogette that professes to know a thing or three about etiquette - or at least a predilection for lecturing people about it - I've shown an appalling lack of same here for the kind awards bestowed on me by my pretty, witty, lovely readers. So I hereby send a belated apology and thank you, Preppy Little Dress, for the "Smile Award". If I've forgotten anyone else in regards to similar honors, please drop me a note so I can give you credit. Thank you again!

Frugal Fashion Faceoff

. . . as I briefly mentioned yesterday, I've come to the crushing realization that I'm in a fashion rut. Not crushing on the level, of, say, Britney once again appearing at the VMAs, despite our urgent pleas for her to just go hide out for five minutes at Sunshine Meadows or whatever the rehab of the week is. In any event, sitting in a room of 500 Impossible Girls, wearing impossibly elegant clothes, can inspire a clothing crisis in any girl, but in this case, my suspicion probably has merit.

As a southern Californian by heritage, I feel it is both my duty and privilege to spread designer jeans and sunglasses throughout our great nation. This is by no means to say we have a monopoly on the situation, but just that in my homeland, a good pair of each will get you through most, if not all, social situations.

I've slowly realized that in my particular slice of South Central Texas, this credo won't always fly. While I both live and work in casual towns where Wranglers (well, at least where we work it does - for reals!) suffice, my beloved Citizen jeans Simply Won't Do at a shower or most Junior League meetings. Nonetheless, I find my closet full of jeans as well as those summer dresses the Etiquette Grrls demand I put away despite the current, stupendous 95 degree weather. Fall-appropriate yet lightweight, dressy-casual dresses and tasteful, non-sandal shoes are clearly in order.

Faced with this uber-pressing dilemma while dealing with a limited fashion budget for this month - otherwise we'd just load up on DVF goodies like this - I hit the stores today and discovered some interesting parallels for fall fashion. Turns out some budget favorites, like le Target and Gap, are cleverly knocking off design favorites left and right - however did we miss this memo? Let's take a look at the hard evidence:

- In search of dressy-casual wear that can go from the office to the evening Junior League meeting, I was inspired by Kate's finds to go a-hunting at Ann Taylor LOFT, which is not a normal favorite, and was pleasantly surprised:

(credit: Ann Taylor LOFT)

Love the flattering cowl-neck, waist-emphasizing wide belt, and a-line skirt. We're a "Charlotte" both in body type and temperament - ok, we only wish we were that sweet - so this one is a likely purchase.

But look at this from Le Target:

(credit: Target)

Tough to see from this picture, but this also has a nice cowl-neck and fun, prep pattern - for $39.99! Too heavy for the still-hot Texas weather, but on my watch-list.

The plot thickens with shoewear, where the J Crew / Target faceoff begins in earnest. Observe the J Crew lovelies we've been lusting after:

(credit: J Crew)

$128 at J Crew, but from what we hear, their ordering process of late is so Un-Pretty that we shouldn't even bother (can anyone confirm or deny this?). We like the trendy metallic take on the classic silhouette, but are scared off enough to keep looking . . .

So check out this Le Target pick for $24.99:

(credit: Target)

And these too-lovely ballet flats - the catalog description even invokes "The Preppy Handbook" author in the description . . . if you haven't noticed already, we have a bit of a thing for gratuitous bows here at the Pretty:

(credit: J Crew)

And now let's look at the Gap edition, for $39.50


(credit: Gap)



Finally, let's review these spectator Mary Jane pumps, which have caused my own AmEx no small amount of eager anticipation - we're talking that random Mac guy getting to date Drew Barrymore level of how-could-this-possibly-be-happening-to-me excitement:

(credit: J Crew)


Lovely, and Louboutin knockoff themselves, but $228. So let's see the Target alternatives:

(credit: Target)

(credit: Target)

OK, so these aren't identical, but I love the two-tone and t-strap silhouette. And also not identical, but me likey these two anyways:

(credit: Target)

(credit: Target)

You'll have to take our word for this, but the latter of these two are much more luxe-looking in person. This is making them look oddly shiny and more multi-colored (vs. the two-toned spectator norm) than they appear in real life.

In our other perambulations around the interwebs, we stumbled across a few other classic, budget-reasonable deals at Martin + Osa, a store we've heard much ado about but not visited ourselves, as well as at Bluefly:

(credit: HRH Tory Burch at Bluefly)

This Tory lovely also has a fun, mod zipper feature in the back, something we also noticed on the Target dress above:

Readers, any budget friendly picks I've missed? What Would Fantasy GBF Tim Gunn Do? I'd pretend this wasn't urgent, but we do have a function we'd like to be dressed for next week . . .