Review: Peter Pilotto for Target

Yesterday was the launch of the Peter Pilotto for Target collection. I had a feeling that this collaboration wasn't going to be as big as the previous ones, and I was right. I actually completely forgot about it until I woke up yesterday morning at 7 am and checked Instagram. I follow Net-A-Porter and they had already posted several photos of the collection that morning. I wasn't planning on hitting Target that early, but since I was up I decided to head to my local Target for the launch. I parked at exactly 8 am, just in time to see them unlock the door...and there was no line in sight. I easily walked in as the first customer that morning and was quite pleased that I was able to shop the entire collection in peace. A couple other women followed in soon after me, but that was it. We were all different sizes and looking for different pieces, so there was no sense of competition or anxiety that I usually feel at these launches. Below are the pieces that I tried on. There were a couple more that I had planned on trying on, such as the Swim Coverup in Green Floral Print, but upon seeing it in person, I realized it was far too sheer to try to pull off as a dress, which is what I had originally planned even though I knew it was a beach coverup.

Peter Pilotto for Target Tank in Red Floral Print

Size XS

$24.99

This blouse is right up my alley - sleeveless, gathered front, fun print. But the material was SO thin. I understand that the Target price accounts for the not-so-stellar quality, but this felt so cheap and thin that I felt I could have gotten better quality at Forever 21. The XS fit perfectly, but the sleeves cut in too much that I had to push the straps of my bra inward so they wouldn't show. Wearing a strapless bra would solve this issue, but would take away from the comfort of wearing this tank.

I didn't care much for the ribbed edges. I actually felt it cheapened the overall look.

I do love the gathered front, but even that looked a bit sloppy to me - it hung a little too loose; I would've liked it better if the gathers were pulled in a bit more. A definite pass for me, and I wouldn't even reconsider this on sale. 

Peter Pilotto for Target Top in Green Floral Stripe

Size XS

$29.99

This is a top I would wear even if it didn't have the appeal of being a designer collaboration piece. It was the one piece from the entire collection that I felt was the most wearable for my everyday life, both at work with a cardigan and on the weekends with jeans. The XS felt very comfortable and had just the right amount of boxiness to pair well with skinnies. While it's 100% polyester, I felt the quality far exceeded the Red Floral Print Tank and was on par with what's to be expected at this price point in the designer collaborations. I love the stripes and floral combo, perfect for the upcoming spring season! This was the one item I purchased from the collection.

Peter Pilotto for Target Bikini Crop Top in Black/White Print

Size XS

$24.99

I'd been looking at the promo photos for this line in the weeks leading up to its launch, and I was quite intrigued by this crop top, simply because crop tops are a huge trend for spring. I'd finally lost all my baby weight and have been more adventurous and open to trying this trend. I was quite disappointed however to discover that it was actually a bikini top. Yes, it's made from the same nylon material as your favorite bathing suit, so I find this completely impractical to wear as part of an outfit. Which puzzles me because that's how it's styled in many of the promo photos. Had this crop top been a sweater material or even cotton, I would've considered it. As is, it was a pass. I wouldn't even wear it as a bikini top.

Peter Pilotto for Target Pencil Skirt in Light Blue Floral/Check Print

Size XS

$34.99

I absolutely love pencil skirts. They are my staple for workwear. This skirt in an XS fit and felt great on. The perfect rise, the perfect length (right at the knees). It wasn't too tight, but it was still fitted. The main reserve I have about this skirt (and it's one that I have about pretty much the entire collection) is the print! I know these prints are what the designers are known for, but a lot of them are simply too loud and crazy for me. Had the floral pattern continued throughout, I could've made this work. But the checkered hem is what gave me pause, so back to the rack this went.

Peter Pilotto for Target Skirt in Black/White Print

Size XS

$34.99

This skirt I pretty much tried on for fun. It's totally not my style, but I've always been drawn to asymmetrical clothing, just not necessarily in skirts. Again, it's the print that kept me from purchasing (well, that and the length. Definitely could not wear this to work). I like the checkered print better and would have preferred that pattern to continue throughout. The XS fit and felt great again. Not tight at all, but fitted. 

Like I was saying, the crop top was paired with skirts in many of the photos I saw, so I recreated those looks here. I like how both skirts sit higher on the waist, therefore concealing the belly button. I think that's the only way to wear a skirt and crop top combo. It just seems more polished and sophisticated that way (if you can even say that about something so revealing). 

Peter Pilotto for Target Dress in Green Floral Print

Size XS

$39.99

This was the last piece I tried on. Again, I like this print the best (just seems the most wearable), but I did not like the fit of this dress. I understand it's meant to be a shift dress, but to me it was just screaming for a belt, and I felt it would've looked even better as a fitted dress, cinched in at the waist.

Maybe it's just my love of fitted clothes speaking here, but I really do think it looks better this way. Other than that, the dress is still lovely. Feels very flowy and comfortable, and it's super easy to slip on. There is a sheer lining underneath, which was nice. Even though it's not the cut I prefer, I still like it and think I could make it work with a belt to cinch in the waist and give it the fitted look I like. A pass for now, but will reconsider it at sale time.

Reviews: Linosa Top, Fluttered Dot Peplum, East Falls Pullover, and Ballad Swing Skirt

January is my birthday month and every year I look forward to buying myself a gift with my Anthropologie birthday discount. I always wait until the end of the month to make my purchase, just to see if anything will go on sale. I finally made my way to Anthropologie just a couple days before January ended, to try on some items from my wish list and to discover any other goodies I might not have noticed online. 

Maeve Linosa Top

Yellow, size XS

$118

I love the color combo of this top and the adorable cloud motif. I'm a sucker for quirky prints and this one definitely fits the bill. This blouse is made of silk, which felt very nice against the skin. The silk is a bit see-through as you can see the top of my high-waisted jeans in the photos above. However, I don't think it's too see-through that I'd have to wear an extra layer underneath. The sleeves were a bit too long, hitting me almost at my wrists, which I personally think is unflattering. I think it should either be a full long sleeve or just a three-quarter sleeve - not in-between! I like how the online model rolls her sleeves up to the elbows, which is how I would style it. This blouse is meant to be a bit flowy, but I still think it looks a tad too big here, so I'd size down to an XS petite to purchase. $118 is still a bit too pricey for me, so I'm going to wait for a sale on this one.

Fluttered Dot Peplum

Black & white, size XS

$68

This blouse was originally at the top of my wishlist. Even though I prefer the navy blue below, I actually have a hard time buying just plain solid clothes because I almost feel like they're too boring (like I said, I'm a sucker for a quirky print). But all the little details - the textured material, peplum, and ruffles - keep it from being too plain. On the model and on the hanger, I liked all the ruffle details. On me, I thought it was simply too much. I felt the collar sat too high and honestly could have done without the ruffles along the neckline. Just a simple scoop neck would have been fine by me. Also, the material is super stretchy, and the armholes a bit too big. A pass for me.

Sunday in Brooklyn East Falls Pullover

Ivory, size XS

$88

This blouse was not even on my wish list, but found this while walking around the store. I was intrigued by the eyelet hem and the striped top - an unexpected yet pleasant combination. I thought the XS fit fine, but maybe just a tad bit too boxy. I would've liked it better if it cinched in more at the waist to create that fitted look I like, but I think this blouse it meant to be a bit boxier for a more casual look. The top portion feels almost like a sweatshirt material, but it's not too thick so it's a great multi-seasonal top, as well as a great transitional piece for those days when it's not cold enough for a jacket, but not quite warm enough yet for just a t-shirt. I absolutely love the lace details on the bottom - my favorite part! It makes it look like you have two shirts in one. I ended up purchasing this top with my Anthropologie birthday discount and I wore it immediately this weekend. 

Maeve Ballad Swing Skirt

Pink, size XS

$98

When I first saw this skirt on the hanger, I wasn't too sure about it. I thought maybe the pink color was too bright or neon, but I was still intrigued and wanted to try it on anyway. I really like the black and white waistband - the thickness is flattering, cinching in the waist and making it easy to tuck in a shirt. When I put it on, the colors magically didn't seem so bright anymore. From afar, the dots actually look quite subtle. And then my Mom said it looked like something Jess from New Girl would wear and I immediately wanted it! Everything Jess has worn, I've been obsessed with. But my budget only allowed for one purchase so I had to leave this skirt behind. The East Falls Pullover seemed like the better purchase as I know I'll get a lot more wear out of that top. This skirt, although completely adorable, is not very practical for my everyday life - I wouldn't be able to wear it to work because it's too short and on the weekends I'm too busy running around after my son, so it's mostly jeans for me. I do still want this skirt, but will wait for a sale.

All of the details are SO cute, from the pink dots to the black and white waistband. In theory it doesn't seem like this combo would work (stripes and polka dots?!), but somehow it looks so good here. Even the back zipper detail is adorable!

Outfit Of The Day: Lace and Stripes

What I'm Wearing:

Sunday In Brooklyn East Falls Pullover

Joe's Jeans

Toms Burlap Alessandra Ballet Flats

Kate Spade Catherine Street Pippa purse in Dusty Mint

It's finally starting to warm up a little here in Florida. Today the high was in the 70s, whereas just a couple days ago, we were in the 40s. It was the perfect weather for throwing on a pair of jeans and this casual pullover that I recently purchased with my Anthropologie birthday discount (upcoming review soon!) Happy Saturday and I hope everyone's enjoying their weekend!

Orla Kiely for Clarks Shoes

Great news! Orla Kiely recently released a shoe line collaboration with Clarks...but only in Europe :( I'd been excitedly awaiting this release for months now so I was delighted when Orla Kiely released a statement on Instagram to announce its arrival. I was a bit thrown off because I'd heard the line wasn't going to come out until February, but I was excited nonetheless. So I took to the internet immediately...but found that the shoes were not available on the US Orla Kiely site, nor the US Clarks site. So I tried the UK Orla Kiely site, but stock was quickly sold out in my size. The UK Clarks site had my size, but they don't ship worldwide. It was maddening! I'd been eyeing these oh-so-adorable maryjanes and I knew they had to be mine. 

Orla Kiely Milly Shoe in Mustard & Cream

About $150

Oh my gosh, even the soles are to-die-for. I've heard of people taking their Louboutins to a cobbler to put a protective cover on the bottom to help preserve the signature red soles. I might have to do the same with these.

Over the years, I've been able to accumulate quite a collection of Orla Kiely purses, wallets, makeup bags, and even clothing now, and shoes would make my collection seem complete. Not wanting to miss out on owning a pair of Orla Kiely shoes, I emailed customer service to inquire when/if the shoe line would be available in the US. Here's the response I got:

So US Orla Kiely fans, rejoice! There's hope after all. We just have to wait patiently for these adorable shoes to arrive, and I'm sure they'll be worth the wait :)

For now, let's take a closer look at each one. Admittedly, the rest of the collection is not really my style, but I can still appreciate the cuteness of each one.

Orla Kiely Maggy Shoe in Navy

About $165

Orla Kiely Marianne Shoe in Mustard & Cream

About $200 (the most expensive shoe in the collection)

Orla Kiely Matilda Shoe in Natural

About $165

Orla Kiely Mary Shoe in Natural & Green

About $165

Orla Kiely Muriel Shoe in Navy & Coral

About $165

Once I get my hands on a pair, I'll be sure to post a review on the craftsmanship, comfort, and fit, as well as some photos of how I would style them with outfit-of-the-day shots.

Outfit Of The Day: Penguin Haul

What I'm Wearing:

(Left)

American Eagle Cute Animal Sweater

Joe's Jeans

Ugg Bailey Button Triplet Boots in Grey

(Right)

Monogram Emperor Kiss Sweater

Joe's Jeans

Dr. Scholl's Boots

Dogeared Pearls of Friendship Necklace

I decided to do a special double edition of my Outfit Of The Day since both are pretty similar. It's still been cold here in Florida, which is fine by me because that means I get to wear my penguin sweaters! I'd been looking for the American Eagle sweater (left) at all my local malls, but didn't have any luck so I was thrilled when a friend of mine got this for me for my birthday. The Anthropologie sweater (right) had been on my wish list for months and finally went on sale so I bought it right away as a birthday gift for myself. All the details are completely adorable, especially the elbow patches.

I hardly ever wear my hair curly. It's actually naturally wavy, but I always blow-dry it straight. However, this weekend I was in the mood to curl it. When it comes to using a curling iron however, I'm terrible. So again, I resorted to YouTube. Whenever I search for tutorials I try to find one that's short and simple. This is the one that I found that I really liked and helped me to achieve the type of waves I wanted.

Last week was my birthday and I got a pretty nice penguin haul from friends.

I bought these boots from Belk because they reminded me of the Valentino Ruffle-Top Tall Motorcycle Boots that I wanted a couple years ago. Those boots were about $1400. These were about $50. I love how they have a similar ruffle detail and that the front is a little higher than the back, just like the Valentino boots. Plus, they are the most comfortable boots I have ever worn! Which is surprising since they have a heel. But they're Dr. Scholl's and there's a special cushion inside that molds to your feet. They felt so good the first time I tried them on that I just had to get them. The first time I wore these, I spent the entire day running errands and they didn't hurt my feet at all. I usually prefer flat boots, but the heel is fine on these since the insides are so comfortable!

The cutest photo-bomber ever.

My son also joined me, wearing his adorable penguin hat :)

Orla Kiely Birthday Party

What I'm Wearing:

Orla Kiely Seaview Print Ottoman Dress

BCBG Heels

J. Crew Factory necklace and bracelet

I turned 30 this week and for my birthday, my parents got me this Orla Kiely dress and a purse (upcoming post on that later!). My parents know me far too well :)

Not only is the print on this dress unique and gorgeous, but the back has a cutout detail that I definitely wanted to show off. So I decided to attempt the high bun that's pretty popular right now. After several attempts, YouTube views, hairpins, hairspray, and cutting up an old sock, I finally achieved the look I wanted. After watching several YouTube videos, this was the one I found to be the easiest to use and yielded the best results:

This birthday was made even more special by my husband, who thew me a surprise ORLA KIELY themed birthday party. 

Just look at these awesome Orla Kiely cupcakes he had made!

My little boy got in on the action early and devoured one right away (look at some of the remnants at the corner of his mouth :)

This was definitely so special to me and I was beyond excited that my husband did this for me. 

And by the way, the cupcakes were delicious :)

Some of the most special and important people in my life.

And here's the man who made it all happen. I love you so much! By the way, he's started a blog, too. It's definitely different from mine to say the least, but if you're interested in the Bible, Quran, or Torah, please check it out here!