I know that I’ve expressed my frustration at the new Target (have I mentioned how far it is from my house?) many, MANY times. On the bright side, I’ve cut way back on my Mossimo consumption, but there are some days when you just really want to push that big, red cart around the store and check out all the stuff you don’t really need but feel compelled to buy because LOOK HOW CUTE THOSE VALENTINES PLATES ARE THAT I DIDN’T EVEN KNOW I WANTED!
So on Tuesday, Gulley and I made the fourteen minute trip to Target because we needed to purchase Valentine paraphernalia and I desperately needed to get a new pair of jeans for Caroline.
The good news is I found a great pair of jeans for her for only $9.99. The bad news is I was almost suckered in to buying her a pair of pink madras bermuda shorts for $14.99.
Dear Target,
We are in the midst of the greatest recession of our generation. This is not the time to start charging upwards of $10.00 for an item of clothing that doesn’t even consist of a yard of fabric. Please go back to the days of yore when I could purchase some cute Circo child’s items for $4.99. You are getting way too big for your pink madras bermuda short britches.
Also, I resent the fact that you’ve moved to a location that requires me to stop at three additional stoplights and one superfluous stop sign.
Sincerely,
Melanie
Now for the questions.
1. Angie asks: “Is there a way to LEARN to be fashionable? I am truly so bad that sometimes I come downstairs to leave for church and my husband sends me back up to change shoes! Is there hope for me?”
Yes, Angie, there is hope for you.
If you really want to learn more about fashion, then the best place to start is figuring out your own style and taste. Don’t let those things be completely dictated by fashion magazines. Just because something is trendy doesn’t necessarily mean it’s in your best interest.
Oh how I wish I could go back and give that advice to my twenty-year-old self when I sported those bright red jeans from Express with a bedazzled top.
Buy some magazines or look online at different clothing sites and pay attention to the looks you like and what fits your lifestyle. You’ll probably start to see a common theme. Most retail sites have a section that shows full outfits and it can serve as a great guide to putting together a complete outfit including shoes and a handbag.
Another good tip is to start by wearing basics. Wear jeans and a simple black top, then begin adding fashionable accessories like a scarf and a cute pair of earrings.
2. Desha asks: “Where do you stand on ballet flats? I love them, but most of the men I talk to (including my husband) think they are hideous.”
I don’t stand on ballet flats because I think they are hideous.
Ba-da-pum. Thank you and don’t forget to tip your waiter.
Okay, seriously. I don’t dislike ballet flats but, for the most part, I dislike them on me. I think most of my ballet flat issues can be traced directly back to 1985 when I wouldn’t leave the house unless I had on a pair of ballet flats that perfectly matched my oversized Esprit sweater and the lace bow in my hair a la Madonna.
All that being said, I see other people wearing them and I think they look precious. Maybe I should go to some sort of ballet flat therapy so I can get past my bare-feet-crammed-in-synthetic-leather-shoes-with-no-ventilation phobia.
And then I could go actually make myself wear some darling flats like these or these.
But probably not since just looking at them kind of makes my stomach feel funny. It’s my own personal issue. I’m a girl who likes a heel.
3. Christina and Amy separately asked two questions that go together: “Where are some good places to shop online and what items do I feel safe buying online and not trying on?”
I’ll be honest and say that I do a lot of online browsing for clothes, but not a lot of online buying. I am a big fan of the whole shopping experience. I like to walk through the racks of clothes and feel fabrics and try things on in the dressing room. I prefer the instant gratification of immediate purchase as opposed to “your item will ship in 4-5 days and then there will be a 90% chance that it won’t be as cute as depicted on the size 0 model”.
The few exceptions to that rule are Boden and Bluefly, mainly because neither of those sites has a storefront that I can actually visit, which is a good thing because I am more than a little obsessed with Boden and would like to live in their catalog. If I had actual real-life access to this tunic or these shoes, I would be powerless to resist.
And then I’d come home with them and P would make me return them because have I not noticed that the economy is in the toilet?
Sad times.
Have I even answered either of these questions?
Okay, other than Boden and Bluefly, I like to look online at ShopBop, Anthropologie, Gap, Banana Republic, Francescas Collections, Sam Moon, TopShop, J.Crew, Nordstrom and Piperlime.
There is also a great online shopping service that I’ve mentioned before, but I’ll mention it again because it’s been awhile. It’s called Shop It To Me. You create an account where you can enter in the brands you like, the stores you like and the sizes you wear in everything and then twice a week they send you an email listing everything that’s on sale. It’s like your own personal shopper and it is SOLID GOLD.
As for what I think is safe to buy online, I think it all depends on the return policy. If they offer free returns then I wouldn’t hesitate to order something online, but if I’m going to have to pay to ship something back then I’ll usually opt out unless I just have to have it and can’t find it anywhere else.
I guess what I’m saying is that I’m a fashion pessimist. I always assume most things won’t fit or might be made of some kind of itchy synthetic alpaca.
Alright. That’s all the questions for today because it’s actually Thursday night and I’m tired. I need to gear up for our weekend ‘o Valentine festivities. And by that I mean we really don’t have much going on other than plans to listen to some Air Supply while eating Candy Conversation Hearts.
I’m putting up the Mr. Linky if anyone wants to add their fashion two-cents.
Y’all have a great Friday!
Girl what time do you get up? Good luck with the Valentine’s hu-rah today. You are a blessing!
If I come back from this trip with the perfect pair of jeans you’ll hear my cry of joy all the way down at your house:)
I love the fact that at Target (and at Jo Ann’s, Michael’s, Wal-Mart, etc.) they began pulling out the Valentine (and now Easter) memorabilia before Christmas. Target has gotten very proud of stuff. I don’t mind paying a little more for items, but not from a discount store.
Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!!!!
I loved your letter to Target LOL…
Target HAS gotten pricier! I bought 2 two- peice swimsuits for my daughter yesterday in the juniors area. $14.99 for the top AND $14.99 for the bottoms. So I spent over $60.00 on 2 suits from Target. I told my cashier I had never paid that much at Target for 2 suits before. Now granted, this is (my) Carolines first year in juniors and I may just be comparing prices to the Ciro days of old, but I thought it was a bit much for Target. I thought each peice would be $9.99…I mean it’s not that much material…and don’t even get me started about that.
I do almost all my shopping online because I have 3 kids 5 and under and taking them into a store where I actually intend to focus on shopping, well, it is torture! I can almost always get free shipping with a coupon code and sometimes even free returns. My 5 year old is a 6 slim in pants and I rarely find that size in stores but always can online! Also, I find the greatest deals on Ebay! Maybe there will come a day when I return to shopping in the physical stores, but for now online definitely works for me!
You gotta check out this site! It’s in Mr. Linky and it is like therapy for my fashion fears!
I’m not a fan of fashion, I’m a hippy who thinks it terrable that people put so much stock into what others think of your choice of shoes. (Don’t think dirty poncho hippy, I’m more of a stain free t-shirt and flipflops hippy) That’s just my oppinion. I decided to not read the fashion posts but I love your blog so much I couldn’t resist clicking my updated google reader.
Let me just say, your refrence to Air Supply made my day.
I always forget about Frencescas! I love Fashion Friday. It’s great to see what things you have found online and to get other peoples’ opinions about what it cute. Not that I can afford to shop anymore, but it’s fun to look!
You know, I think you’re on to something. Part of Target’s appeal is those stinkin’ red carts. They’re so big and bright and SMOOTH. It just feels good to push them. Mmmm…
AIR SUPPLY!!!!
I got my 4 year old a pair of jeans at target on clearance the other day for $3.49. I love sales. I don’t even attempt to look for clothes for me right now with no extra money.
Everyone can register to win free jewelry from me on my blog with no strings attached if you feel compelled to enter.
It is very fashionable jewelry.
I’d love to hear your assessment of the March In Style magazine. I thought it was the most hideous, vile, over the top edition I had ever seen, and I’ve been a devoted follower since the first issue. There wasn’t a single trend that I would wear for Halloween let alone in public on any given day. Jumpsuits? They have to be joking. What did you think?
On the brighter side, more expensive kids’ clothes at Target means it’s less likely they were made by six-year-olds in Chinese sweatshops.
I totally agree with you on Target and their pricing. Sometimes I wonder what they’re thinking.
Oh – and I LOVE ballet flats. I could live in them. I very well might be a fashion victim.
When I go to Target, I shop the outer regions. If I go near the middle of the store, I am a goner.
Things seems to magically jump in that red cart. Especially capri pants.
We only have one Target in my south Texas city and it’s a 20 minute drive from my house — and it’s the only one in our city. So needless to say I don’t shop there very often.
And you’re right about their childrens clothes — they are overpriced and they never go on sale. I can go across the street to JCPenney’s and get better quality clothes for a cheaper price. Or even better down the street to Kohls with all the fabulous coupons!!! My current coupon is 30% off (regular price, sale or clearance – it doesn’t matter) and I just got 8 tops for me and the girls for $40!!
Like you (and many others), I used to think Target was getting pricier.
But then I had a baby and started shopping in the toddlers area again, and I realized it’s not Target — it’s just my kids. They are growing up. And once you cross out of 5T and into the land of Kids, the prices change dramatically. (Although, ironically, the amount of fabric doesn’t.)
You can still get tops and shorts for $3.99 — but only for the little kids.
I’m not a flat shoe girl either. They’re cute on other people. I don’t know why I keep buying them, I think they make my feet look big.
For the woman who wanted to know if she could learn style I would recommend Omiru.com They show lots of potential outfit combinations.
Why, you’re just the fashion go-to person for my highly unfashionable self to consult.
Store this one for next time: Cowboy boots with skirts – yay or nay?
Oh! Just one more: What’s the latest in outdoor painting couture?
Hmmm, personal shopper that tells you when things are on sale!? I am SO there!
From one Melanie to another. Oh how I wish I were as cool as you!!
I could not and did not resist the Valentine’s plates at Target.
I adore flats, but I do think I should have some heels in my life. However, they just kill my feet! How do you go about finding a good, semi-comfortable pair of heels that don’t cost a ridiculous amount of money and that won’t cause me to fall on my face every few feet?
Thanks again for letting join in on all the fun that fashion has to offer! 🙂
I am loving Fashion Fridays!! And thanks for putting the spotlight on Boden. Seriously, does it get any better??? Nope! I just got the spring catalog and spent days dreaming of the things in it that I cannot afford. *sigh*
I’m NO FASHION expert….but neither of
those shoes look like ballet type slippers to me …. just flats….am I sooo off target that I can’t tell a flat from a ballet “type” slipper??
I do admit that some ballet flats take me back to the late 80’s when I had every color that Sam and Libby made…but as can be seen by your links times have changed. I’ll keep wearing my cute flats and be content. Thanks for answering my question. I feel important now!! =D
That Boden store has some great blouses and tunics! Just too steep of prices for me. I’m with ya on Target prices and prices in general. All of my normal “Cheap” and “Sales” finds this year – are welll – I don’t know where they are!
You amaze me with the stuff you come up with!:)
LOL at your letter to Target!!! So true!
OH YOU WILL NOT BELIEVE [email protected][email protected]!!!!!
I am a BIG fan of all things sports and try to watch “Around the Horn” and “PTI” every day. JUST NOW – – – Friday the 13th, day before Valentine’s day – – – Tony Kornheiser (or however his name is spelled) is ACTUALLY hosting PTI wearing a RED SNUGGIE with a big glitter heart pinned on his chest.
I KID YOU NOT!!!!!!!!
My husband DISPISES ballet flats. He says they look like grandma slippers. I have a bad back so I can’t do heels. I stick to leather flats and he doesn’t complain to much 🙂
you have an uncanny ability to recall all details of 80s pop culture. it’s amazing. do you have any idea how long it’s been since i heard the name Esprit? remember when Esprit used to be IT?
Can I just say again, how much I HEART you!! Seriously you could be my best friend!! I miss those days when Target fit into their own britches. How right you are!!
Okay, first of all those black wedges from Boden are TO.DIE.FOR. Love them. But obviously not at $124. I’m waaaaaaaaaaay too cheap for that.
Second, I love ballet flats, but suffer from the same closed-toe syndrome that you suffer from. Can’t stand it!
Plus, I also buy Mossimo. And my jeans are way too long for flats. Suits me well though b/c I am a heel girl for sure. Love em.
I have a “Dear Mossimo” letter. It reads, “Dear Mossimo, can you please make some really cute jeans in a style for moms with all of the mom problem areas that are not hideous. Not all of us can wear “lowest rise” without flashing some crack every.single.time we bend over, which God knows is like a trillion times a day with a toddler. Oh, I’m sure Target & their many customers would appreciate it for that reason as well, as they are first hand recipients of my coin slot every time Saylor drops her binky or current keep-busy toy that I let her play with yet have NO intention of buying. Thank you, my dear Mossimo people.”
Hi Big Mama,
As always,love your blog. I added my entry to Mr. Linky. It seems like I am not the only Boden fan out there! I can’t even get started on Target. What is up with those crazy “AMAZING DEAL” signs that are actually not amazing deals? So sad.
I’m a big lover of ballet flats, as my clumsiness is only rivalled by my fear of heights. Heels are reserved for sitting-down occasions! 😉
You Target is only 14 minutes away?? Mine is in California…which requires at least two planes rides…I’ll take 14 minutes in a heart-beat!
yeah…my taarget is an hour and the second closest is an hour and a half and I have had to go to the second one twice recently for something I had HAD HAD to have ASAP…(a pack and play and a LCD TV…)
I am all for the 14 minutes even with 3 stoplights and a superflous stop sign…cause trust me when I say my wal mart is not an option
steff
hey. I was just looking at your post from last Friday. Clicked on my link and it was the same one from the week before. I’m so sorry for the screw up. I don’t have any idea how I managed to do that…
My mom sent me here. She said that you know Ladd and Ree. Nice to meet you.
Ok, so I definitely went and bought a purse from Sam Moon after reading this post! 🙂
Oh, by the way, I think this is my first time commenting. I’m Liz, and I have been reading your blog for a few months. I think I found you through Angie Smith’s site. 🙂