Target Collections

The Recessionista Reviews Peter Pilotto for Target

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Peter Pilotto for Target

Peter Pilotto for Target on display

I got up bright and early this morning to shop the new Peter Pilotto for Target collection at my local store.  There was no line out front, no frenzy and there was plenty of everything on the shelves.  I was prepared not to like this collection, but it’s much better than I thought it would be.   There are hits and misses of course, and some of the fabrication is a bit stiff, but overall , if you are  a print lover, you will want to check  Peter Pilotto for Target. The sizing is more Misses than Juniors, so more women will be able to wear and enjoy this than I originally thought.  This collection is not a sell-out, so take your time to evaluate it carefully and if you can go to the store to try it on  do.  Here’s The Recessionista’s review of the hits and misses.

red and blue Pilotto target

Peter Pilotto for Target Red and Blue Floral Print blouse, skirt and dress. (Photo: M. Hall)

Honestly, I was prepared not to like Peter Pilotto for Target with it’s bold prints and swimsuit dress like styles.  I wasn’t sure what to expect.  And perhaps because I liked Phillip Lim for Target so much, I had low expectations for Peter Pilotto for Target. But, I have to say, honestly, there are some great pieces in this collection.  You just have to love color and print, and be bold to wear some of this.  However, some of the floral are like modernized Liberty of London prints. They are very mainstream and not edgy at all.  I’m talking about the Red Floral Print dresses and tops, the Blue Green floral print blouses and the Yellow Blue floral print tops and blouses.  In person, these items are good looking and generously cut. I liked the tops in this collection best, because they are more subtle than the dresses.  The slip-on sneakers $29.99 and the canvas bags for $39.99 s with the prints are of good quality for the price.

Taylor Schilling

Taylor Schilling
(Wearing PETER PILOTTO for Target Dress, Makeup by Pixi by Petra at Target)

Some of the dresses, like the Belted Green Blue Yellow Floral print dress  have so much going one, they are just overwhelming.   The eye literally doesn’t know where to look, the overall effect is too busy.  This dress didn’t look great on Taylor Schilling at the press preview and it doesn’t look great just hanging on the rack. The fabrication is polyester and spandex, but it feels like a heavy swimsuit material. For $49.99, avoid this dress.  My prediction: this one is going to go to clearance.   If you want it, you’ll probably be able to get it for a lot less.

 

Peter Pilotto for Target Dress -Purple Floral Print, priced at $70.00 (photo M. Hall)

Peter Pilotto for Target Dress -Purple Floral Print, priced at $70.00 (photo M. Hall)

The Peter Pilotto for Target Dress -Purple Floral Print is another overwhelming design.  If you want a bright dress to announce your presence at any event, then this is for you.  If you want people to notice you first and not the dress, then please pass on this dress. This dress is priced at $69.99, if you love it, I think it will eventually hit the clearance racks.   The fabric blend on the dress is very heavy, but it is listed as polyester and spandex.

The Misses: Things I was disappointed in this collection:

  • The rash guards: Cute design, but they have a big cut-out in the back.  That is not going to give your skin good protection from the sun when you are swimming.
  • The sweatshirts: The print on the front is very stiff, it almost has a cardboard feel.  The print and the shirt is cute, it’s just has a weird fit to it.  The shirt is comfy and oversized.
  • The tanks and the romper.  These are just not special enough to justify the spend. If they hit the clearance racks, then yes, I would consider buying the tanks.  The romper ($49.99)  is very loud, and I think you have to be brave to pull it off.
  • The skirts:  for me , these are too busy and bright.  They are also short. If you can rock them, good on you.  I think they are not going to get much wear for the $35.00 price tag.  If they go to clearance, then that’s a reconsider. The skirts all have a “contemporary” fit.
  • The Maxi dress/Swim Cover-up: Cute but so sheer and flimsy.  For the price, $34.99, not worth it.
  • The Motto Jacket $49.99: Too busy for my taste with the various prints. I think this may hit the sales racks at many Targets.

The Hits:  I like some of the dresses and print tops in this collection.

If you shop this one, let me know what you think.  Shoppers at my local store didn’t know who or what  Peter Pilotto was.  This is the beauty of fashion at Target, many Target shoppers don’t recognize the labels. One women thought some of the pants were pajamas!

If you’re shopping outside the US, remember this collection is on sale at Net-a-Porter.  That’s a plus for customers outside the US who usually only get to shop Target on eBay.

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Since 2008, Mary Hall has been the author of The Recessionista Blog, which is read by thousands of regular readers in over 160 countries. An internationally recognized expert on the art of the living the good life for less, she has been a commentator on local, national, and international radio and TV shows. Her advice has been featured in over 2,000 media outlets, including The New York Times, Reuters, Life & Style magazine, ABC News, NBC News and now The Huffington Post, among many others.