accepting...my addiction to Target

I feel like I need to take a moment and wax poetic on my love for Target. At no other establishment can you stock your fridge, decorate your home, dress yourself from head to toe and pick up deodorant all in one trip other than the great Target. I am either blessed, or cursed to work around the corner from a Target. I go for lunch, I stop by after work--I am ashamed to admit that I once actually ran into Target before work to pick up an accessory for that day's outfit!! You see why I say I am addicted?

So my latest trip to Target was nothing short of miraculous. In assessing my wardrobe for fall I observed that I was lacking a simple staple that seems to be popping up quite a bit: the black blazer. Not your typical work jacket complete with shoulder pads and double buttons--this one is laid back, loose and hits at the hip:

Ashley Olsen

Gwyneth Paltrow

Lindsay Lohan

Rachel Bilson

Reese Witherspoon

As you can see, it is ridiculously versatile and can be paired with everything from an evening dress to jeans--one of those pieces that pays for itself based on how much you'll wear it.

So, being the Target obsessed shopper that I am--I headed into Target hoping to find something to suite my needs. I could not have predicted what happened next.

Upon setting foot in the store, the clouds parted and angels started singing as there before me hung the PERFECT black blazer for a whopping $22.99!!!! Get a load of this baby:

Target Boyfriend Blazer

Now, you have to forgive Target for the horrible picture--while they are a retail giant they haven't exactly mastered the art of fashion photography...yet ; ) But please just trust me when I say that this is a fantastic piece! Its lined in adorable embroidered cream-color cotton so you can roll the sleeves up to reveal. Fits loose and hangs at hip--just love it. And for under $30!! Snagged it before heading to the shoe department where I picked these up:

Target Vergie Bootie

Once again Target comes through with an on-point trend for less--$30! I think you'd agree that they're a great alternative to this Gucci pair which cost exponentially more:

Yes they're more fabulous--I know...but have you looked at your portfolio lately? Take my advice, go for the Target version...

So...I thought I was done after the booties and blazer. But THEN I saw these adorable burn-out dresses and I couldn't resist!

On sale for $17.99 a piece and will look great paired with black tights and those booties I scooped up OR black tights and these fantastic Banana Republic riding boots I scored as a gift last Christmas:

I scanned then new GO International line by Jonathan Saunders and I wasn't impressed...looked like a dummed down version of the real thing. The last thing you want to look like when that's exactly what you're doing. The high points were this sweater dress: And this belted shirt:

Both cute--not must-have's...I'll wait, if they end up on the clearance rack I'll grab them.

In the end, I left the store with some great fall pieces plus a roll of paper towels for around $100 and felt great. Lesson learned: Most addictions are bad, but my Target addiction is good for my closet and my wallet : )

The only advice I would give before heading in to load up on cheap trends is:

1. Scan your closet for what you need: Trust me, I have personal experience on this one. Do not walk into Target and aimlessly wonder through the clothing section without an idea of what you need--you'll wind up walking out with a truckload of things you don't.

2. Take a look at your most recent Lucky or Bazaar: Knowing what's online at Shopbop.com or on the rack at Revolve will help sharpen your eye for those more price-conscious knockoffs at Target. Not to mention, these mags often call out cool finds at stores like Target and H&M so you know exactly what to look for when you go in.

3. Bring a friend. They'll tell you the dress is hidious...even if it does only cost $9.99 ; )

So, happy shopping, good luck and go buy that blazer!

See Yah,

acceptingwhoiamnot