Saturday, September 21, 2013

My review of 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target...

Today I thought I'd give you a review of the Phillip Lim for Target items I was able to score in store this week. Over the past several days I've visited 3 local Target stores in my area, and was lucky enough to get several items I'm really happy with. The 3 original items I ordered online - the Black Tote with Gusset, the Khaki Trench, and the Brown Carryall Tote - haven't shown up yet, although I did get an email confirmation from Target that they've shipped and are on their way.

Despite the fact I had already ordered the Black Tote with Gusset, this week in store I happened to find one of the Large Carryall Totes in Black, so I nabbed it just in case the online order doesn't show up. I was pretty impressed with this bag. Obviously at a $60>under price point, Target isn't going to produce something in real leather. However the grain of the "pleather" has a nice texture to it and from afar could pass for the real deal. The bag also seems sturdy and roomy, with plenty of handy pockets and compartments inside. Based on this sample, I think the bags in this line are a real "win", and I'm not surprised that they sold out so fast.

Moving on to the clothing: I found the sizing to be a bit varied (depending on the piece) although overall the sizing seems more generous than past Target designer-collabs. I bought this gorgeous Green Blouse in store and had to go down one from my usual size. I love this vibrant shade of green, and plan to pair it with classic black pants for a job interview next week.

On the flipside, I had to size up on the Sparkle Peplum Tank in order to fit my bust. This top has a flattering, structured shape, with a gentle peplum that's not too "flared". The fabric is substantial and not flimsy, making it look more expensive than it really is. This will be a perfect top to wear for the holidays, paired casually with jeans or dressed up with a sleek pencil skirt. Since I liked the shape so much, I also bought this top in the Floral Print.

On all the clothing items, I found the quality and workmanship to be far superior to prior collabs. The materials seem of better quality (at least in the items I bought) and seem like they'll last past a couple of seasons wear.

What do you think, readers? Were you pleasantly surprised (as I was) by this collab? And if you bought anything, what were your favorite pieces?

13 comments:

bookstalker said...

Good luck on your job interview!

Target Addict said...

Aw, thanks Bookstalker!

weremarchinon said...

Good luck with the job interview! I know you'll look fantastic in the green blouse. I think the collection is one of better designer collab collections I've seen and the materials and execution are well done. I am obsessing over the black and white tuxedo dress (which is sold out) and never carried by any of the Targets within a 50 mile radius of my house (I drove and checked everyone). I hate to pay close to $150 for it on eBay. If anyone sees it at their store in a size 12 or above please pick it up for me!! (I can paypal you the money). <3 Target Addict

Catherine said...

I only got the yellow crossbody top handle bag and I LOVE it! Debated getting the Boom sweatshirt. When I saw it in store I was less thán impressed but seeing pics if everyone in theres makes me want it! Lol I really dont need any clothes so didnt buy anything else.

Target Addict said...

Weremarchinon: thanks for the well-wishes, and don't give up! The tuxedo dress you want could show up via a customer return. And if I happen to find it in your size, I'll nab it and let you know!

Sue T: I'm jealous of your yellow bag ;-)
And re: the BOOM sweatshirt, I wasn't impressed either. The material is really thin and not that soft.

amy r said...

My friend and I were pretty impressed with the fabric quality too. I didn't like the green/blue pullover on-line; but tried it in the store and I love it. Think I might also treat myself to the Sparkle Dress in black. PS I love my yellow crossbody too!

Critifur said...

Good luck on your interview!

Unknown said...

Great picks, and I agree. I also have discover the print dress with the side rouching....debating whether to keep the printed dress. http://is.gd/hToy7T

Amy said...

I hope your interview went well! Can I just comment that Target's "find in store" feature on their website sucks? Out of curiosity I tried it today and braved the traffic to a different Target, and not only did they not have what I was looking for, they had significantly less Phillip Lim than my local Target, which on the web site, said there was nothing.
Please don't offer a service that is misleading at best!

Target Addict said...

Critifur and Amy: thanks for the good wishes!

And Amy: I'm in total agreement with you that the "find in store" feature is a waste of time, and I've blogged about that fact before. I want to say that in response to my post a reader (who was also a Target employee) commented that the reason it's so bad is b/c Target only updates the "finder" database every 48 hrs. or so. So when you look up something and "find" it at your local store, the information could be up to 48 hours old, and that item could have sold out 2 days ago :-(

Elizabeth said...

From what I saw that was left at our Target, I was not impressed at all. The only thing that looked decent was the blue dress with sequins. Never got to see any handbags, because according to the sales person, they were all gone in 9 min. flat. Like I have commented before, I'm so over these collaborations. If they ever do another Liberty one, I'll go for that, but other wise I could care less.

Anonymous said...

I collect scarves and really liked the leopard scarf. I didn't see it the first week, it looked like it had sold out from my two local targets but later found it, it may have been a return. The bags look good but pricey, I'd rather spend a bit more for real leather.

Ashlyn said...

I also got both of the peplum tops because the fit was so flattering and I loved the weight of the material. They're really cute as vest,s too!