The Recessionista Reviews 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.

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
(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)

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.

•  Floral tops & dresses: Red Floral Print dresses, the belted red print dress and tops, the Blue Green floral print blouses and the Yellow Blue floral print tops and blouses.
• The Sneakers:  They are surprisingly comfy and have a cushion at the heel.
• The Canvas Bags and clutches:  These are adorable and they looked sturdy too. You can carry your gear well in these, they are not going to quickly fall apart.
• The Purple Floral Criss-Cross Dress: Do try this one on, it will surprise you. It has such a flattering fit with the criss-cross top.  If you are a pear or an eggplant shape, this dress with the empire waist will make you look longer and slimmed.  Priced at $29.99, this is a good value.  I also like the peplum top in the same Purple Floral print for $24.99.
•  The Jacquard Dress -Red Iris Print: I saw several ladies try this one on.  It’s very good looking on the right shape. For $80.00 it’s more than you want to spend for a Target dress, but it’s really the standout piece in the collection.  The dress is now sold-out online, but check your local store.  The dress is a bit bold, and not everyone will be grabbing it off the racks!
• The One-Piece Swimsuit: I loved the print on this and bought it.   I generally size up in Target suits, but this seems to have enough fabric and is a modest one piece style.
• The Colorblock Blazer $49.99.  I like the style and the colors, just beware of white on the hips.  That’s won’t be flattering for everyone.  Try this one on if you can.

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.