Jump for It

Jumpsuits aren't really my thing. Probably because I'm short, and honestly, jumpsuits really only flatter those with a long, lanky frame. But if you can pull it off, more power to you. And if you are in the market for one, why not save some $$ while you're at it?

On the left is Tory Burch's version. Just from the picture, I like this one better, perhaps because of the way it's styled. But it's also a jaw-dropping $425! For a fraction of that, you can get the Liberty of London for Target jumpsuit for just $34.99, which is a more wallet-friendly way to try out a trend like this.

Add a Splash of Color to your Bathroom

The latest installment of Target's StyleBoutique series features ideas for bringing color to an otherwise stark-white bathroom. Target's home decor expert Sabrina Soto shows you how to take basic white shelving, layer in bright towels, accessories and décor items, and add colorful toiletries in glass jars to make a big impact without paying big bucks. You can check out all of Sabrina's tips here.

Wednesday's Rave: this Zac Posen dress

I did end up taking that Zac Posen Sailor Dress back to Target the other day... and while I was there, I felt compelled to try on the Black Sweater Dress. And I'm happy to say, it was a hit! This not-so-basic LBD has subtle diagonal banding, which is not only figure-flattering but reminds me of those Herve Leger "bandage dresses" that are so popular right now. This dress also has a subtle-sparkle to it - with metallic threads woven throughout - and is MUCH better looking in person than in this picture. No wonder this frock is getting rave reviews on Target's web site. Finally, one piece in the Zac Posen for Target collection that lives up to the designer's name!

Double-Take: Crate & Barrel's Chair vs. Target's

It’s time for another double-take, and this time, we take on the furniture department. To be fair, these chairs are not identical. Both come in different fabric options, and I’ve just chosen two at random. But the overall shape is the same, and both get high customer reviews. However, when you hear the price delta between Crate & Barrel's “Décor” chair and Target's “Mitchell” chair, it’s hard to justify paying over 4-times as much for the Crate & Barrel version. Can you guess which is which? The answer is in the comments section.

Not as advertised...

A little warning: if you are looking for this Zac Posen Lipstick Tee as shown on Target's web site, it may not exist. At least not at the two Target stores I've seen it at. In person, this red tee actually has black cap sleeves, and is not solid red. I'm not sure if they made both versions, and the solid red one is only sold on the web site whereas the two-tone one is available only in stores, or whether the solid red was the prototype used for the photo shoot and the other version was the one that was mass produced.

In any case, if you order this particular tee from Target's web site, don't be surprised if it looks a bit different. And, if anyone finds the solid red tee in stores, please be sure to let me know.

Pick of the Week

It's Pick of the Week time: each week I pick one great buy from Target's Weekly Ad (in the Sunday newspaper) and highlight it here on my blog. Today's pick is a practical one: Johnson & Johnson's Safe Travels First Aid Kit, including Band-Aid brand bandages, Cortaid, Neosporin, Tylenol and Motrin. It's on sale for just $4.79 this week (in stores only) and at that price, you can buy one to stash in your car, one for your desk at work, plus one to keep at home.

My review for Zac Posen for Target

Well, dear readers, after all the fanfare, after all the hype, it's finally here. Zac Posen for Target! To which I celebrate with a huge, and audible, yawn.

I wasn't even looking for Zac's line yesterday, but it found me. I travelled to the Target two towns over - the only one near me that still has a Garden Center - in search of some pretty plants. And while I was there, I noticed that this store had put out the entire Zac Posen line a day early. I poured over the racks with glee... only to come away with nothing but this Sailor Dress (shown) which I will detail later on in this post.

I think the high points of this line are the sparkly Sweater Dress (which is form-fitting and sexy) and the lipstick-red Leather Moto Jacket (which is to die for, but at $199.99 is out of my price range). If you want something from the line that's inexpensive but still screams "Zac", then pick up one of his cute Lipstick tees or tanks.

The Pleated White Top and Tuxedo Jacket both have potential, and looked to be well made. But alas, since I have neither the need for another white shirt nor another black jacket in my wardrobe, I passed on both of these.

The Snap Tape Dress (which look more like rivets than snaps, IMO) is cute, but is cut in an EXTREMELY low "V" in the front. Unless you're very bold, this dress will require a cami underneath. The Gold Halter Dress and Ruffled Dresses in Black and Red just screamed "Senior Prom, 1988" to me, so I passed on these. Likewise, this Yellow Raincoat just seemed puzzling to me; with it's boxy shape and toggle closure, it looked like something a fireman might wear. There are also several items in this line that I found just plain ugly, like all the pieces in his "Safety-pin Print".

Now for the Sailor Dress. It's a gorgeous pink color, bordering on lilac. It also comes in a pink & black Tiger Print which I happen not to care for, but Nicki Hilton seems to like it, so go figure. First off, please use caution when trying on this dress; the inner slip-layer is only held to the rest of dress (at the shoulders) by a few small threads. I did, in fact, see two dresses on the rack hanging there without the slip - as they had come apart - so if you do buy this dress in the store, make sure the slip is attached. Also, as with everything else in Zac's line, this dress runs small, so most likely you'll need to go up a size. In addition, the sailor top isn't for everyone; the ruffles are very voluminous, and can overtake a small frame. All that said: once I finally got this dress on, I looked in the mirror, and was like ....."meh". It was OK, but nothing great, so the dress will be going back today.