Target Fashion & Fun Finds (aka I’m in Heaven)
A Target opened 5 minutes from my home.
It is one of the greatest joys of my adult life.
It ranks right up there with a washer and dryer of my own and having a refrigerator with an ice maker and filtered water dispenser. These seem like mundane highlights unless you have ever run out between loads to find your wet laundry dumped unceremoniously on top of a dryer upon your return or lived with consistently empty ice cube trays and a water pitcher with an expired filter that constantly needed to be refilled.
When I lived in NYC in in the first decade of this millennium it was amazing. However, as a professional shopper as well as as a regular customer, the absence of brick and mortar Targets was keenly felt. The city that had everything was missing a Tar-zhay. The exception was a “pop up” shop which was just a red bullseye mirage for the holidays or a big release of a much coveted Target-high end designer capsule collection. Blink and it’s gone. I ended up moving out of the city when I had my son. There were Targets but they were not 5 minutes away. Not close enough to run over on a whim like I can now. I am positively giddy!
As I locked my car I found myself almost scurrying as I gazed up at the red concentric circles eager to enter this bastion of shopping. It is the call of the suburban retail siren. The opening was actually delayed a week. I pretended I didn’t plan last Sunday around a Target outing and shook it off like the big girl that I am. Last week’s disappointment only heightened this week’s experience of walking into the shiny newness of it all. At first glance I wondered if the store was a little light on inventory because it was new or if they were selling out already. I stopped my random thoughts to focus on the job at hand. What will I be taking home?
WHAT I PURCHASED
I was drawn immediately to a pair of cotton wide leg light pink pants. The pants are high waisted with an elastic back so comfort is literally built in. I have also really embraced the color pink after having my daughter. It took me awhile as it was a color that I avoided almost all my life but I think that’s precisely why I am attracted to it now. It is just so fresh and fun. The pants are the perfect item to transition into spring and warmer weather with.
Women's Openwork Sweater Tank - Universal Thread™ Multistriped A few racks away buried behind some sleeveless jersey tanks was this adorable delicately knit sweater vest with major Missoni meets granny vibes. The boho color palette of earthy greens and beige is injected with some cotton candy pink to liven it up. Coincidently it matches the pink pants perfectly. Some things were just meant to be! I love that they can be worn together as well as separately with so many existing pieces of my wardrobe. *Note that this vest is cropped so it works best with high waisted pants when purchased to fit snugly. If you don’t want to show your midriff or want to wear with bulkier layers like a fitted button down, make sure you size up.
In the same section of the sweater vest I found this white gauzy cotton romper. Soft to the touch and easy to slip on and off, this is the perfect cover up for lazy days in the backyard with my daughter as we dip in and out of the toddler pool. It also will travel well on any beach outing as a go-with-everything coverup. I bought a size up from my usual so it’s looser and longer. I plan on layering with an an oversized button front denim/chambray shirt or caftan. Available in 2 colors (black sold out) and Junior
In the middle of it all was this blue sundress. The flutter sleeves frame a beautifully straight cut neckline with a tie back that started at the end of the ribcage for a flattering fit. The full skirt is tea length for some but more of a longer midi for me at 5’4” coming a few inches above the ankles. And, trumpets blaring, it also has 2 hidden pockets! Honestly there is so much style in this dress that I feel very lucky to have found it. Like a certain female comedian I plan on wearing it as often as possible but lucky for me it did not cost $4,000. This blue pattern will age beautifully and the fact that I had a mint green and black version of this pattern when I was 8 only makes me love it more.
No trip to target would be complete without a spin through the home goods department even though I told myself I would not buy anything for the house as “we don’t need anything”. I then found myself in the scent aisle. 4oz Oak & Lavender Natural Clay Seasonal Candle Blue - Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia is this adorable votive that just smells sexy and delicious. I figured if I get the small one it is just a little splurge. Next to the candles were the room spray scents. I couldn’t leave without the 4 fl oz Pampas Seasonal Room Refresher Spray - Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia Pampas. It made me think of vacations in exotic locales, something I have sorely missed. For $6.99 that is budget travel as far as I am concerned. Darn it, Chip and Joanna got me again!
A Good Egg
How long have I been shopping? I am starting to panic. Am I late to pick up the kids? I entered a Target vortex where time stands still or passes very, very slowly for me as the rest of the world goes about its business. I head to the check out where there are candy and toys being served on a silver platter with a side of Mom guilt and (I imagine) grandparent kryptonite. I immediately purchase a gift card and wooden bunny painting activity and like my daughter’s book I think to myself “I am a good egg… a very good egg!”
Things I did not buy because it’s only available online:
These chairs are chic, versatile and stackable. Great for entertaining outdoors and keeping the atmosphere fun and fashionable. Goes great with a house with black trim or some modern elements as well as complimenting those super soiree string Edison bulbs! Now you’re ready to par-tay!
Things I did not buy because I did not like the fit on me even though I liked the style:
The pair I tried on were longer, yet not long enough for my taste. Cute cut though and slightly longer in the back. Comes in 5 colors and Women/Women Plus
Honestly this romper brought me back, way back to high school. Sadly this romper like those memories has to stay in the past. I am not that same girl anymore. But you, you should totally get it! Because it’s awesome and so are you! Additional colors (black sold out) and Women/Women Plus
This bag was not a fit issue. It is without a doubt an Adorable Item I had to Put Back because I have Self Control!
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