Target finds and a game of keep-or-return

Here are my (many) Target purchases from this past Friday (when Sheila and I bumped into each other). Not pictured is the blue dotty twist front dress, because I already cut the tags and have worn it. Pardon that this post is so large ><

I'm usually quite confident in my purchases, but nearly all of these are quite a branch out for me so I'm a bit less sure of them. Some I know I'm keeping, some returning, and some I'm unsure of; listed in each item's notes. My main interest is in whether these are items that work with my new style direction; these are my first purchases since then. I would appreciate any input you all have, and I can keep any/all/none of these items as long as they're Awesome :) None of these are styled.

  1. Blue printed wrap dress. The seaweed one Angie blogged about didn't fit but for some reason this one did. Am a bit unsure of the top; if it droops much it will be gapingly large. This would be one of my few (first?) woven dresses.
  2. Multi-band black belt, definitely keeping and in fact I wore it yesterday; thanks Lyn* for the inspiration! Also, black leather pumps; dislike the rounded toe (which is weird because I have these same shoes in gray and don't mind it there) so these will be going back.
  3. Aqua/mustard front-tie dress. Well. I like the colors and print (though soft) but there are odd fit issues that don't show well in the photos (you can kind of see it in the side/back view, and again in the belt shot in #4). This will be going back.
  4. Detail of belt of dress #3, left is how it sits and right is how I would rather it sit (to hide the seam). Also, how should bust darts fit? I feel like these ones aren't sitting correctly.
  5. Bright orange dress. Love the color, love the fit from the front, don't really love the exposed zipper (I don't really like them in general). Plus since it's super long it sits a bit weird above my backside (you can sort of see it in the side view).
  6. Detail of the orange and green dresses from the front. These dresses are made of rayon.
  7. Bright green dress, same as #5 but different color (more green than photo shows). The zipper bothers me less here since the color is darker but same fit issues. Love both colors, not sure if I want to have two of this dress or not.
  8. Red wedges. Need to walk around at home to test comfort, and if comfy will keep. Also the skirt is newer (from LOFT) but purchased before style direction change; I like it but am not sure if it works for my new style?
  9. Navy top, white cropped pants. I like the idea of the navy top, but in reality the material is so stiff that it fits awkwardly (you can see it a bit in the side views) so it will be going back and I will look for another with more drapy fabric. Pants discussed in #10.
  10. Striped top, same white cropped pants. Top is a size too large, need to exchange. I got these pants with the thought of putting elastic into the hems so they're not flared out (would fit a lot like the side view), but now I don't mind the flare too much. They will be worn only with heels, and I have no other white pants. Thoughts?
  11. Mustard necklace, mustard belt (first mustard items), coral multi-strand necklace, turquoise tie-dye scarf. Will be keeping all three :)

Whew! If you made it this far thank you and I would LOVE to hear your honest thoughts (I've a tough hide)!

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37 Comments

  • annagybe replied 12 years ago

    Love the fluoro orange dress. But I've been on a color kick lately.
    Also like the mustard belt.

  • Jjsloane replied 12 years ago

    You've made me want to go shop at Target! I like 1/2 and 5 (better color on you than the turquoise but I am also not a fan of the exposed zipper - but you don't have to look at it right?), 8 and 10 are cute casual. I think I like 9, but it looks like a lab coat in the tiny photo. 3/4 is not a good color on you IMO. Accessories are my weak point so I say keep all.

  • Mo replied 12 years ago

    funny, I was just perusing the 'net with thoughts in my head of what I would wear to an afternoon wedding and both your first 2 dresses would hit the mark. I also like the exposed zipper one (shock lol). Not sure on the crop pants. I've been craving a sleeker leg line lately.

  • Laura (rhubarbgirl) replied 12 years ago

    I love the first two dresses and the black belt. The orange and teal sheaths - they have some great features, but I think the high necklines are not the best on you, and I agree with you about the above the backside issue - I think you're like me with a small lower back that transitions to a larger booty, which gives you that puddling in the lower back aka a swayback. It's really hard to alter out in an already made dress - I can't tell if there's a waist seam in the back or not.

    I agree with you on the navy shirt, it's a little tenty. I am OK with the white pants, although you could narrow them at the hem a tad if you wanted. The accessories are great.

  • bella replied 12 years ago

    I like: #1 (with the belt, not so much w/out the belt), #2, #5 and #7 ( actually love the exposed zipper. they both look good on you, hard to decide on the color), #8, #10 (top)

    I don't like so much: #3, #9, #10 (pants - I think you need more tapered bottoms)

    I tried on those same red wedges but they rubbed on my toes, so I didn't buy them. :( They are super cute.

  • CocoLion replied 12 years ago

    I love the dress in #1 and how you've belted it in #2. So both are KEEP (I know you are keeping them but I'm going to play the keep-return voting game regardless of your opinion ... not to be sassy, but I figure you want honest opinions right?)

    #3 -- Return. (Let me know if you want me to expand on this.)

    #5-6-7. Return. I love the colors and the style and length on you. My complaint is that these dresses look poorly made, especially the neckline in the teal dress. If you want to keep one, keep the orange one. I'd save your money and look for some similar dresses with better fabric and construction.

    #9 -- Return. I like the color on you and the style but it looks a little conservative for Aida, it could be the fabric that looks too prim and starched for you.

    #10 -- A great basic top (KEEP) and the wide stripes around the bust call attention to that area. I don't think this size looks too big but if you want something more fitted around the waist, yes, size down.

    White pants -- KEEP.

    #11 -- Love that mustard necklace (KEEP) and the belt (KEEP) is a good basic. I also love the coral necklace (KEEP). I am going to refrain from casting a vote on the scarf because I don't wear scarves in the summer, it's too hot here. But I could see it being useful in perennially chilly Seattle.

  • CocoLion replied 12 years ago

    I forgot -- Red wedges -- KEEP

  • cheryle (Dianthus) replied 12 years ago

    Love the dress in 1 especially with the great belt. Excellent choice. Please keep.

    I'm not loving the second dress. The color doesn't seem alive enough for you and as you said the fit is a bit off.

    I like both the orange and the teal but I am a teal gal so that is my fave. The dress fits well so whichever color fits your wardrobe best should stay.

    I really like the skirt and the red wedges. I hope they are comfy and stay.

    You are right to return the navy top. It overwhelms you. I am not sure about the striped tank either but perhaps the smaller size will make the difference.

    Great haul. You found some really nice pieces.

  • Sheila replied 12 years ago

    Really like the dress in #2 with the new belt -- perfecto! Also like the mustard belt. The navy tunic is not doing anything for your shapely body, I would return. The striped top is very casual, but if you have a wardrobe hole and this fills it, I say why not keep it. Otherwise I am neutral about it. The print on the dress in 3/4 is quite busy and does not seem consistent with the vibe and colors you usually wear. I say return.

    As to the twin dresses, I am definitely in favor of the teal green dress but to be honest I am not a fan of that bright orange color and never wear it so I know I am biased against it. You probably wear it as well as anyone can! Have you tried the green dress with the new black belt? Can't tell if the waistline on the dress is high, medium or low...but maybe a belt would look nice with the dress. Also like the red wedges, if they will work with other items in your wardrobe.

  • Aida replied 12 years ago

    Thanks for the input so far ladies, I really appreciate it! It seems my thoughts were in line with what you think as well, with bright dress & white pants opinions varying. Keep 'em coming :D

    Laura - The lower-back-curve-going-into-full-booty thing always messes with my clothes -_- There is a waist seam that goes across the full garment, including the back.

    Denise - The bright dresses are constructed decently for a $20 dress from Target. I have very few summery dresses so I wouldn't mind keeping one of these in addition to looking for higher quality ones. Aha! The navy top being a bit conservative is spot on, I couldn't really tell what else was off besides the fit, thank you (it's resorty, which I'm always a sucker for)! The tank is definitely too large and is artfully arranged so as not to be indecent in the photos 0:)

    Sheila - The bright dresses can be belted, the waist seam sits pretty close to my natural waist (rarity). The red wedges will probably go with everything in my closet :)

  • sarah replied 12 years ago

    Aida - I like the first dress (funny, I hated that print on *me*). I like the red version of the third dress, which seems to hang better than the teal. I see what you mean about the mustard dress not fitting well in the back. I agree. I'm not so keen on the navy top or white pants. Love the striped tank, mustard belt, red shoes, turquoise scarf. PHEW! Great haul!

  • Girl X replied 12 years ago

    1/2 - keep keep keep!
    3/4 - almost, but everything is just a little off, the colours aren't quite deep enough for your colouring, the empire waist isn't quite at the right spot to accent your figure
    5 - again, the colour is a bit off somehow, I think your colouring needs an ever so slightly deeper red
    7- I love this colour on you, the exposed zipper looks great, and the fit looks fab - I'm not sure what's bothering you about the back, the seam looks fine across the zipper.
    8 - I hope the shoes are as comfy as they are cute! The skirt is actually pretty neutral, it could go in whatever style direction you want to take it.
    10 - I think the pants at that length really do need to taper in a bit at the hem. The width pictured in the side view looks great. If you prefer it flared, maybe consider taking the hem up a bit. In any case, keep!
    11 - cute!

    Sorry if this it's totally gauche to ask, but - have you lost weight?

  • kellygirl replied 12 years ago

    LOVE the woven wrap dress. OMG, it's killer on you! I love it in all variations. It's slaying me that I couldn't get it to fit ME. I couldn't fill out the top and the waist made me looks like I had no waist. But I digress, this is about you : ) You have to keep it because I am going to enjoy it vicariously through you! The pastel dress is cute but kind of "meh" in the color department. I prefer the tomato red knit dress. Wow--that one is for sure a keeper in terms of color and fit. The blue is pretty but it doesn't look like it fits as well. I love the red peep toes too. The white pants are quite nice on you. I like them with heels but I think you could look sleeker in a more fitted pair. I have cropped pants in wider and narrower legs and find them both versatile. Love everything in the last pic. Great haul!

  • Aida replied 12 years ago

    Thanks for the comments Sarah, Girl X, and Kelly! Leaning towards my initial idea with the white crops to elasticize the hem and make them more tapered.

    Girl X - The zipper fit issue with the bright dresses is that since the zipper is long the bottom of the zipper hits the top of my bum so the dress gets pushed up a bit; not a huge thing, but it does affect the drape of the dress a bit. No worries, not gauche: yes I have lost weight (a size or two); been working on getting fitter and eating well since the start of this year. Much of my clothing is now large on me and I'm trying to be pickier about the new stuff I get to replace them :)

    Kelly - That is my concern with the wrap dress too, I don't fill the top out either but the fabric drapes well enough that I'm hoping it'll stay PG ;) The seaweed version seemed to run a half size larger so I couldn't make that one work for me.

  • Kappy replied 12 years ago

    1/2 - I LOVE the 1/2 dress on you. I think the cut and color are great (but I am crazy about navy and that print).
    3/4 - Dress 3/4 looks great on you, and it's an adorable dress. Do you like these colors? I don't recall seeing you in lots of pastels.
    5/6/7 - I think both colors look nice on you. Not sure about the fit (I don't feel qualified to judge)
    8 - Cute wedges!
    9 - Agree.
    10 - Love the top and backside of the pants. Unsure about the hemline. The top would be cute smaller.
    11 - Cute items!

  • Girl X replied 12 years ago

    Nice - not only do you look even awesomer, but you have a totally valid reason to go shopping!

  • AJ replied 12 years ago

    Wow! I went to Target last week and didn't see any of these items. Time for another Target run!

    The print and colors of that first dress make me swoon! Luv it with the belt!

    I wasn't sure about the pants in 9, but I really like it with the striped tank in 10.

    The accessories in 11 are FAB!

  • RandomThoughts (Andrea) replied 12 years ago

    Omigosh, Aida, too funny!

    I was just at Target today and bought #1, tried on #3 and sincerely considered trying on #7.

    So...

    #1 - Keep! I love the way you styled it. I will be wearing mine with a cami and belted also.

    #2 - Keep! See above. Looks great on you.

    #3 - Return! I had similar problems with #3, but mostly attributed it to size as I was forced to go up one. I put it on without even realizing it was a side zip. The darts felt funny and wrongly placed and though I loved it on the hanger I didn't feel it flattered my figure. It looks much better on you. I usually like the darts to follow along the curve of my breast such that it doesn't have a weird fake nipple or point in the wrong area. Re the belt, couldn't you stitch it in place, but widely enough apart that you can still take it on and off comfortably?

    5/6/7 - Hmm... Toss up. I like both on you, but feel the teal flatters you a bit more. That said, if you keep it, exchange it. I don't like the way the neckline turns up. The fit may not be perfect in back but I think it looks good. I really wanted to try this one on but I couldn't justify spending the money. I felt badly enough about buying #1!
    If you don't want the skirt in #8, pick me! I love it. It would be perfect for one of my dog events. What's your new direction? I missed that post.

    #8 - Keep! Love the wedges.

    #9 - Meh, I say return. It's a little boring for you.

    #10 - Return, IMO. I amnot crazy about the length - too long, IMO.

    I like both belts (black and mustard) so they are keepers. Not sure on the necklace and scarf. They are not doing it for me here.

  • Laura (rhubarbgirl) replied 12 years ago

    Aida, since the sheaths have a back waist seam, you could have that taken up (just in the back) which might help the swayback somewhat. However, with the zipper you'd have to rip out and put back in, and if they're indeed a lightweight knit which can be a pain to alter, and with Target prices anyway, it may not be worth the fuss for you. You could pin it up (basically take the most out at center back, tapering to nothing at the side seam) and see if it helps.

    I have a serious swayback and have a long torso besides, so I can rarely buy RTW dresses that fit :/

  • Heather replied 12 years ago

    Whoa, this is FUN.

    1/2: Keep for certain! Great color/print/silhouette for you. And that belt! Very Lyn! Is that from Target, too? I love all of the tiny buckles--looks like you piled four belts on. Another query: do you have to unbuckle all of them for removal or just one cleverly placed buckle? Do tell!

    3/4: *sigh* Okay, if it doesn't fit or isn't quality, you can't keep it for $40; however (this is a strong however that should be read in your deepest, sternest voice--haha, okay, I fold--I already laughed....you may say it in your regular, sweet voice) so where was I, ah yes, however, if this dress didn't have all of these fit/fabric issues, I am in total swoon over the moon about it. Very UN-TARGET of Merona, huh?

    5/6/7: I prefer the orange on you and oooo, you had me at exposed zipper. Did you/have you worn one of these around the house? Perhaps sneak out to your suped up coupe and put your seat belt on for a bit, etc. Rayon can be pesky and there could be giant lap wrinkles. Perhaps they is fine or you don't get those, but just a thought.

    8: The red wedges are a definite keep. You will get a lot of mileage out of those. The skirt--you KNOW I like it. Start a new thread with options for that. Have fun print mixing and layering (BF blazers, moto jackets, cardis, the draped piece...what? who said that?!)

    9: I like the tunic and the cropped trousers but NOT together. Can you send me the link for that tunic? Sigh. I, too, am so attracted to resort wear. I think this navy tunic is not the old you, but I think it certainly will move with you in your new style direction. Think about wearing it with your awesome gray denim and your new red heels. This can go in many directions! Keep. As for the cropped white trousers, I really like your idea of adding elastic to the bottom. I know this style isn't a universal fav, but I appreciate it and think you could rock it. :D

    10: Definitely go down a size in that tank and it will be super for summer. I love red, white and blue.

    11: And of course you know I love all of the accessories in photo 3.

    And your Derby dress was awesome. Do go back and fetch the brown one. I think this Target polka dot dress is the new Nine West magic dress! It seems to be working for so many.

  • yublocka replied 12 years ago

    Wow Aida you have totally scored. Makes me want to run straight to Target, although I have not had any luck there lately at all.

    I think you are pretty much spot on with your assessments. The blue print dress and the organe dress are divine on you. Love the red wedges and all your accessories. The crop pants and the blue top do not do you justice at all!!!

  • Angie replied 12 years ago

    I haven't read any of the comments!

    Seeing as our Summer is so short - I'd keep the KILLER stuff only - #1 and #5. I am very strict about what goes into a Seattle Summer wardrobe :(

    Was there consensus?

  • Debora replied 12 years ago

    Aida, #5 has me swooning! It looks so amazing on you! I definitely prefer the fit and color of the red over the aqua.

  • rae replied 12 years ago

    1 and 5-6 blow me away! I don't notice the fit issues you mentioned... to busy hauling my jaw off the floor. Especially with the belt on #1. 4 and 8 kind of jump out at me as the odd ones out. 4 seems way too soft compared to the rest of your outfits, and I just can't put my finger on what it is about 8, but it seems like a departure. The accessories are all lovely, and I'm happy you're keeping them.

  • san replied 12 years ago

    Aida, you are so beautiful with great coloring and a great figure. The dress in pic #1 is so pretty on you and the belt took it up to great on you.
    IMO the white crop pants hide all of your great physical features. I think slim leg white cigarette pants would be killer on you.

  • Shauntelle replied 12 years ago

    Aida, I'm echoing the others that #1 looks awesome on you and makes me wanna head over to Target and try it on too! Love that belt and may have to buy it as well! lol. Also love #5 on you-- I love both colors but my jaw dropped when I saw #5. I don't really see the fit issues you're talking about but I know what you mean since I have that problem a lot too...

    Love the accessories and you've made me wanna run out and buy the mustard belt and necklace too... I don't like the navy top on you, it looks not your style to me and I do think you should taper the white pants because front view has me "meh" but the narrower look on the side seems much better.

    Did the white shoes come from Target as well?

  • Kari replied 12 years ago

    I am definitely a huge fan of #1 (the blue patterned dress), and #5 (the orange dress) on you. *gorgeous!* However, if you are not a fan of the exposed zipper, I'd say to pass on it - you don't want something in your summer wardrobe that you hesitate to wear.

  • catgirl replied 12 years ago

    Hey gorgeous! Great story about you and Sheila, btw.

    #1 and #5 are my standout favorites (I know I'm late here...). #1 for the fit and shape, #5 for the color and exposed zipper, which I love (I know you don't). I'm not a fan of 3/4 which looks a little prissy for you, or the navy top - I like it in theory but it seems a bit too big on you. I'm always surprised at how difficult navy can be, perhaps because it seems such a conservative color? The rest seem like basic practical keepers if you enjoy them and they fill a wardrobe hole.

    Off to read other comments - hopefully I'm not off the wall here!

  • amyreh replied 12 years ago

    I had the same issue with the print vs. the green one - the green one was huge on me in the same size! I think #1 is gorgeous on you, and seeing #3, I actually want to go try it on, but if the belt and fit will bug you, take it back. Also love that red color on you, I would keep that over the teal I think if you must choose. Not sure about the white pant, definitely like it better with the shorter shirt, not the navy one.

  • Aida replied 12 years ago

    Ladies, thank you all SO much for the wonderfully well thought out and detailed comments, I really appreciate them!! Off to tally, will post results shortly...

    Laura - I think you are right, for the low cost of the dress it's not worth altering. I was thinking of trying it on with my super push-up bra and maybe the extra lift will raise it enough 0:)

    Heather - The belt is sneaky (and yep, from Target too), it snaps together in the back! The navy top is part of the Calypso collection (link!) and if I knew that the cotton would soften upon washing I'd probably keep but I've no idea :\

    San - White slim cigarette/skinny jeans are on my shopping list, but I haven't had a chance to go look for them. I do hope I can find a pair though!

    Shauntelle - The white heels are from Payless from a couple springs ago. I got them to try out and found I love using them in outfits but they're not terribly comfy; on the lookout for a better pair. If you wear a lot of white in spring/summer I recommend giving similar shoes a try!

    Amy - Weird about those wrap dresses, right? I checked the tags several times to make sure I hadn't grabbed a size up hehe.

  • Aziraphale replied 12 years ago

    Aida, I absolutely love that orange dress on you. The red shoes are also a big thumbs up. In fact, I quite like all your selections; the only outfit I wasn't crazy about was the navy top with white pants -- I think the pants are a bit wide for that top, and also cropped at not the best length. Overall everything is just great, though.

    I'm a bit late to this thread -- been busy this week -- but better late than never, eh?

  • Aida replied 12 years ago

    Results are in! THANK YOU ALL AGAIN :D Keeping in mind Angie's smart comment that we don't get much summer, here is what I'm going to do:

    There was nearly unanimous consensus to keep #1 (blue print dress) and most people favored #5 (orange dress) so I will certainly keep both and take the green one back; I will try the wrinkle test first (thanks Heather!) to be sure the orange dress doesn't get lap wrinkles. I like that both these dresses can be layered in cooler weather as well.

    General consensus to return the aqua/mustard dress. Those that noted I don't wear pastels much are right, but the colors in this dress are quite saturated which is what drew me to it. But the fit is too wonky, so it'll go back.

    General consensus to return the navy top. If the fabric draped at ALL I would likely keep it, but with its serious stiffness I must take it back.

    No strong feelings overall about the striped tank, but I tossed nearly all of my tanks so it does fill a hole. Will exchange for a smaller size.

    Mixed feelings on the white cropped pants, more of you dislike than like them. I am going to keep them to experiment with cropped hem lengths because I don't have much experience with them, and also have no other white pants :) Will also likely elasticize the hems so they're more fitted. I'll be looking for white slim fit cigarette/skinny jeans though!

    General consensus to keep all accessories (especially the black belt), which is great because I like them all too! I still need to test the wedges for comfort; if they pass I'll keep if not they'll go back.

    Final returns: aqua dress, green dress, black pumps, navy top, striped tank (exchange). Glad to get some validation that my initial thoughts were on the right track. And now I'll have a little extra money to spend this Saturday at the meet-up 0:)

  • Heather replied 12 years ago

    Aida, thanks for the link and info. Sorry the tunic wasn't drapey. Boo. So thanks for the review of that belt...I now own it and call it my "Aida Belt" Awesome.

    I think you made very wise decisions!

  • Aida replied 12 years ago

    Heather I'm debating whether or not the tunic will soften after a wash, but my hunch is that no it won't so I'm not going to risk it. Hooray for getting the belt! Though it should probably be the Lyn* belt for the both of us; when you get a studded white belt, I'll take that as the Aida Belt ;)

  • Heather replied 12 years ago

    Thanks again for the link. Keep the resort dream alive....a better one will come along! :D

    p.s. The belt is on sale now. You should get a price adjustment.

  • Aida replied 12 years ago

    Heather! It just occurred to me that my previous comment may have sounded rude, I certainly didn't mean for it to come across that way sorry D: *meekly holds up her "I'm an engineer?" card....*

  • fathenry replied 12 years ago

    You should definitely keep the red/coral dress. It looks great!

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