Target Isaac Mizrahi Obsession

[miel]

God, I don't know how it happened.

I like these three main colors for clothes: Black, Brown and Grey. I like white shirts, red shirts and purple shirts. I have a uniform in other words.

I like simple suits and very straightforward clothes.

I like to wash my own clothes and hate paying for dry cleaning.

I'm also obsessively cheap. The very idea of paying $100 for a suit almost makes me pass out in shock. Also, I have to buy things on sale. And 50% off. I wear Ann Taylor sometimes if I have a coupon and they have a 50% off sale. Otherwise, no dice. (Except on rare occasions.)

I've been like 8 different sizes in the last 5 years. I need to be able to switch around. I seem to change shape constantly.

Of course, I'm not sure how frugal I am. I seem to have a growing number of black pantsuits. (Given my hatred of dry cleaning and my lack of a washing machine this sounds less bad than it is.) But since my pantsuits usually end up costing under $40 that's not such a big, big deal.

For, all these reasons. I am obsessed with Isaac Mizrahi at Target. God, it's getting so I can't control myself. I buy something there all the time. Partly, it's because I can buy these clothes that I can wear interchangably without any thought whatsoever, with almost no ironing and paying almost nothing. They are all my 'uniform' so I never actually have to think about what to wear.

I mean, when I think that I bought those most gorgeous MOST GORGEOUS winter coat there for $25. But before that $25 coat came along my coat was way, way, way raggedy. I had a 10 year old raggedy coat. Now I have this luxurious beautiful stunning coat. I think it was then that I got hooked. The coat hooked me. I felt enormously guilty buying it (because I always feel guilty buying anything except for food, for some reason). And it also started this avalanche of Isaac Mizrahi purchases.

I even questioned whether I should write this post. The good stuff sells out fast. What if more people start buying his clothes? I don't want anyone else to buy them so they go on sale.

Then I went to Target.com tonight and freaked--it's like everything is given a size. It's like all these items aren't there. The stock is rapidly depleting!!

What if Target and Isaac break up?

Isaac makes my UNIFORM! WHAT WILL I WEAR FROM NOW ON? AND SINCE I HAVE NO MONEY (AND AM ALSO CHEAP) HOW WILL I STAND TO BUY ANY OF THOSE CLOTHES THAT COST OVER $30?

I mean, I am no clothes horse. In my own way, I used to be sort of fashionable and maybe I still am in a peculiar sense. (I'm often a slob as well.)

I assume I can't be the only one.

But please stop me from spending $200 there this week. Please. Help! Help. I've become a junkie. Target already makes me weak and always has. But I'm really, really hooked now.

[wendalah]

OK, since you seem to be crying out for help, I'll try to bring you down a little.

The Isaac line is OK. I don't get the Target obsession that so many people seem to have, though. The stuff is fine and they carry a lot of disposable trends that look very nice on their website, particuarly...but I don't perceive a higher quality than, say, Forever 21 or Newport News.

I'm not trying to be snotty, honestly. You are talking to someone who buys shit for 4 bucks on eBay. And, I have several items I've bought from Tarjay that are very cute. I'm just trying to understand and hopefully put a curb on the Target obsession. I don't get it! The stuff is OK...but there are other options, I promise! Target of today seems to be Gap of 10 years ago (in the manner that everyone is freaking out over their affordable, interesting, but not really that durable fashion).

[wendalah]

BTW I hope i wasn't offensive! But your post triggered me because I swear, just today I was thinking: What the F is it about Target? I see about 80 million posts in this forum praising Target...Target purchases...cute Target shoes....Target work clothes...it's making my head spin because I LIKE Target just fine but not THIS MUCH...KWIM? I'm starting to think they pipe some sort of drug into their air.

ETA and I just finished my second glass of wine so I am particularly THOUGHTFUL about Target tonight...KWIM take two?

[miel]

Oh, hell no you aren't offensive. This is just the thing I need.

Thanks!!!! :) :) :)

Actually "Gap of 10 years ago" is particularly effective. Because I'm totally bored by the Gap (except some of their baby clothes). It is so easy to never buy anything from the Gap. Banana Republic, slightly harder. (Old Navy horribly appeals to my cheap side when they sell things for 3.99. Even if some of it is ick.) I don't like that mass produced thing.

I love your approach to talking me down off the Target ledge. Yeah, I need to put it in perspective. It's all so mediocre. Sometimes Calvin Klein goes make me weak (depending) with longing but then I realize it's absurd and I can not buy it and Target is not Calvin Klein either.

It's mass produced. It's not unique. Other Target wearers will identify my Targetwear and see me as just another Target shopper.

I won't be special. I won't be unique. Worse, I'll give money to a huge corporation, one almost as bad as Walmart.

Target, Walmart, Target, Walmart. If I associate them with one another in my mind, maybe I will be cured! I realize that Target is truly on the same plane as Walmart and I would never shop at Walmart! ;0

I must think of a way to take the sheen off the Target. It's not even like I like the name or the store (I think...maybe they are piping in subliminal messages through their in store music!) It's just that they sold me the softest cashmere sweater on earth for $25 and now I am their slave. I'm working on a cure though. I shall overcome.

[miel]

By the way, this is the last thing I bought at Target

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000AMLU9S.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS260_.jpg

I obsessed about this shower curtain for months and months and would think to myself constantly: Should I buy it? Should I buy it?

Isn't that absurd? Just thinking that, I'm like: GET A GRIP.

That's what shopping does: Makes you think your life will be wonderful if you just have a cool bathroom. Everything will change.

Of course, then after I bought it I found the same one on apartment therapy so I was vindicated again.

[Scoutesina]

It's just that they sold me the softest cashmere sweater on earth for $25 and now I am their slave.
LOL! I know what you mean. Years ago, I found the cutest dress at Cato (might be a regional chain--it's discount clothing) for $10 that I wore all the time and always got complimented on. I kept going back, hoping to relive the magic, but it never happened, and anything else I got was just a disappointment.

I'm starting to think they pipe some sort of drug into their air. I think so too, as I could easily blow a whole lot of $ in Target. They must have a fleet of very smart marketing people. There's a Target about 3 miles away from my house, but I avoid going there at all costs and usually manage to just make one trip a year for Christmas shopping.

That's what shopping does: Makes you think your life will be wonderful if you just have a cool bathroom. Everything will change. I am pretty cheap and try to remind myself not to get manipulated by the advertisers...but...then again, I will admit sometimes a purchase can make you like your home or wardrobe more, so I am a moderate on the spectrum of mega-consumer v. anti-consumer. I am good at adapting to my surroundings and have lived in a house I'm not crazy about for years without being upset about the ugliness around me. But I finally talked DH into letting me replace our hideous, gunga-collecting sliding glass shower doors with a shower curtain, and every time I see it, it makes me happy. So, I'm with you on the cool shower curtain. IMO, Target is OK in tiny doses, just go in feeling like it is a dangerous place filled with combustible materials that could blow your budget out of the water in an instant.

[TX Sweetheart]

oh this thread just made my day LOL I so love Target... I have absolutely no idea why, but I do... and ya know? Before this, I hadn't give the IM line a second glance, but I think I'm going to have to now LOL... I mean, I most definitely don't need dressy clothes for work since I just babysit kids, but I have no church clothes whatsoever... thinking I'm gonna have to take a trip to Target and look around :p

[ginastorm]

I love Target so much. If I've had a bad day, it is one of the first stores that I head to for my retail therapy! I haven't tried any of the IM stuff, I'll have to look more closely next time!

[TaterBaby]

When you live in rural America and find a fabulous 100% suede suit by IM at Target for $70, you have hit the jackpot.

I always get compliments on my clothes from there. I do tend to mix them with more expensive piece though and not wear Target head to toe. But yes, I am a fan of IM's line.

[Asha]

i love target too. i have always found their clothing and shoes to be durable. they last me for years and i wear my shoes to the ground. the same pair of black shoes lasted my for 3 years, and i wore them almost every single day at a job that i was on my feet all day.

though, miel, i am more addicted to marshall's, tj max, and burlington coat factory. it's like a treasure hunt there. it is often less expensive than target, and you can be more unique and different with your clothing by shopping at those places.

[greenbunny]

I have never found anything there that works for me. I see a few things that look cute on the rack, but when I put them on they just look strange. I guess I just don't have the figure to wear his line.

ITA about treasure hunting at TJ Maxx, though. I'll find nothing there for months and then score something that makes me squee. Last month I found Ralph Lauren turtleneck sweaters for $19!

[shopaholic]

I prefer the mossimo line over IM

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

I'm a huge Target fan but not so much their clothes. I think it's the fact that everything is there and guys don't dread going there because they have stuff to look at there too. Dh and I can be there for hours me looking at baby stuff, candles, and bathroom stuff while dh is either eyeing cds or action figures.

[miel]

though, miel, i am more addicted to marshall's, tj max, and burlington coat factory

I used to have a major problem with TJ Maxx.

Every once in a while I find something really spectacular for really cheap. At Mervyns there was this pretty much free silver silk suit and another sort of cool similar jacket in this silk metallic thread (much cooler than it sounds). I don't know what it was doing at Mervyn's. All I know is that all three items cost me about $23.00 including tax. Everyone loves those clothes. They are just so cool.

It's more a time thing that drives me to Target. I'm not sure I like to shop all that much. I love the convenience of internet shopping.

[la_bride_2004]

Yeah, I had an internet shopping addiction too, but for me, 90% of the time I can find things cheaper in the brick and mortar store. (Excluding shoes!).

I do have a charcoal grey pinstriped IM suit that I love. I also have a few Target lacy camisoles in pretty pastels, and a 2 shrugs. I find them trendy so I am willing to not buy quality.

Speaking of quality, if I can find a great classic suit for $100 I buy it, because I know it will last me for years. (I'm in banking, suits are my uniform, and nothing looks worse than a cheap suit!).

Loehmann's is my addiction right now!

[princesse]

Oh I just love you guys. LMAO at this post. I need to go shopping today. Yes that is right, NEED....I need clothes that fit......celebrate with me chicka's, they are all too big:-) I digress.... so I am checking about here getting some ideas wondering which mall to go to and BAM! I should start at the bullseye! I haven't been to Tarjay in about 6 weeks. I think that's a record!

I have to try to stay away because you are right, it is like they give you crack when you walk in the door...or like they have told you they've discovered fat free donuts or Long John SIlver's (sorry, I love that junk) that taste the same. You are on cloud 9. Shower curtain for $17.99 that will transform my world? Oh yes, please! What? And some make up to make me lovely? Throw that in, too. My that table would be just keen for the play room. Oh and dear we need some toothpaste. WHAT? And fabulous Mizrahi fashions?????? I AM in heaven! Purses, shoes, accessories, paper towels, dog food, curling irons........

I have to go shopping!

[Adaya]

I liked IM's line for the most part until I watched his show on Style Network. Now I'm really trying not to like it. He just makes me ill. There is something about him that works my nerves and that just makes me say no to buying anything he makes.

But some of his clothes and shoes are so darn cute. Why God why are some of his things so cute? Ugghhhh....I was just in Target today to buy some shoes (not IM) I've had my eye on for a while, and of course I saw an even cuter pair of IM shoes. But I just refused to buy them.

[bellezzadolce]

I liked IM's line for the most part until I watched his show on Style Network. Now I'm really trying not to like it. He just makes me ill. There is something about him that works my nerves and that just makes me say no to buying anything he makes.

But some of his clothes and shoes are so darn cute. Why God why are some of his things so cute? Ugghhhh....I was just in Target today to buy some shoes (not IM) I've had my eye on for a while, and of course I saw an even cuter pair of IM shoes. But I just refused to buy them.

You are so funny {{{LOL}}}! I watch his show all the time and I think its adorable! Most people either love it or hate it.

[Rose]

I've only watched his show once but I thought he was funny. Didn't care for him on the red carpet though.

[ginastorm]

I've watched his show and the thing that bothers me is that I don't think that he listens to his guests or that he does any prep work before hand about his guests. Read the little notecards with info about your guests, it makes you look better Issac!

I was at church yesterday morning and spotted a bunch of ladies wearing IM's clothes. They all looked very nice in their IM Easter finery!

[ssstephanie]

When I do buy clothes at Target I tend to stick with the Mossimo brand. And then I usually just get tees in bulk, peasant skirts and vacation clothes. IM stuff doesn't really fit me properly although there is a cute black dress with a round back cutout I've been wanting but it's always sold out;(

[Cr8nme]

I too shop at target adn I am overly obsessed with target as w hole because I HATE Walmart yes you heard it I HATE WALMART...mainly because there always seems to be a bunch of crap in the aisle.uggg Anyway back to target I do buy some of my clothig there and usually its mossimo and I stock up on their tees they fit really well and some of their jackets or sweatshirts to wear with jeans. I do think they have nice stuff and frankly I think for the looks that they have at the prices its great. THey are very trendy and for the price you don't mind not wearing them next season

[la_bride_2004]

I bought a beautiful cream colored IM suit and 3 IM silk tanks this weekend- love them- totally perfect for work.

[miel]

OK, LA Bride but you have to tell me WHICH CREAM COLORED SUIT.

Was it the sweater collection? Or the Oyster Sateen button down? Buff white button down jacket???

Do tell.

I was really proud of myself for buying a shower curtain for the house we are trying to sell and only buying ONE IM THING which were shoes on sale for 6.97.

I'll probably hate them and take them back.

But maybe I'm making progress people!!! Maybe?

Everytime I buy something these days I hate myself more. Of course, I spend like average $20 a week on stupid things and I realize other people probably do too so it's not totally evil. I don't buy lattes or things like that. But still...

I have birthday money. But I feel I already spent it in February.

[la_bride_2004]

LOL I just keep a running total of the expenses on Quicken so it doesn't get too out of hand. I recently took on a new work contract and my new bank is standard business wear (meaning suits) not business casual, so I've had to stock up.

The suit I bought is the "buff white" with the button down collar. IRL its a gorgeous medium deep ivory and has a lovely texture to it.

I went back to target tonight because I loved the silk cami so much (I bought two before- one in black with an ivory sash and one in blue with a champagne sash.) I bought a 3rd in orchid with a multicolored striped tie sash. The camis are great basics under suits! For $22 for real silk you just can't beat it.

I also bought the Eisenhauer (sp?) suit, but it doesn't work for me- I notice some of IM clothes tend to be more boxy cut and I need to avoid those.


Found pictures!

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000CL1TGQ.16._SCMZZZZZZZ_SS128_.jpg

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000DCOTP2.16._SCMZZZZZZZ_SS128_.jpg

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000CL1TGG.16._SCMZZZZZZZ_SS128_.jpg


http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000CKVTQM.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS260_.jpg

[Ade]

I usually don't buy clothes there too often, but now that I'm pregnant, I'm loving their stuff. I'm at that weird stage where I'm not into maternity sizes, but I'm quickly running out of pre-preggo clothes that still fit. I'm still trying to hide my pregnancy a bit longer from my work, so need some good transitional clothes that will hide the baby bump and just make it look like I've put on a little weight. I know I'm not going to be able to wear these clothes for too long, so I don't want to spend a ton of money on them and really don't care about the quality. Target fits the bill nicely! But, like ssstephanie said, I tend to favor the Mossimo brand.

Like Asha, I'm usually a huge Marshall's and Ross whore. But, when my wardrobe is limited to Medium size button down dress shirts, nice T-shirts that cover all of my belly and pants and skirts with either drawstring or elastic waists, it is much easier to get what I need at Target. I have no clue what actual size I am right now, and I think it would depress me to know. I really prefer just shopping by Small, Medium and Large which is standard Target sizing, forget those silly numbers! And, the selection is so much better. When I find something that fits and looks well, then I can buy one in every color, no need to hunt through racks trying to find the right size or something similar. Seriously makes my life so much easier.

BTW, I went to Marshall's last night, and while at this stage they are great for casual wear and bras, after over an hour of hunting, I was able to find one work appropriate shirt and another pair of gauchos (which Target had in a slightly better fit in 5 different colors for the same price!). At this point I'm sticking with the bull's eye.

[Asha]

since someone did mention marshall's again, i just thought i'd share this.. i am soooo excited bc they are renovating my marshall's to be a mega marshall's. i don't know what that will exactly mean, but it sounds good and sounds like there will be even more selection.

[Tanya]

I'm another Marshalls addict, and our Marshalls just turned into a MegaMarshalls a year ago. I'm actually kinda disappointed, because their home stuff and shoe section are different. Meaning, I used to be able to find some great shoes at an awesome price that they only had, like, 3 pair of. Now, it's like a DSW where they have tons of different shoes in tons of sizes, which on the surface is good, but the quality and price is not there like it was before. I mean, I snatched up a pair of Cole Haan ankle boots at the old Marshalls for $40. That will never happen at the MegaMarshalls. And the home stuff is now Home Goods, so a totally different supplier. Still good stuff, but it's not the same. There's much more selection, though.

Also, w/regard to Target, I was so excited to go to the "bad" Target yesterday (best one to shop for clothes because ours is so busy and there's never anything good left) and score a ton of stuff either 30 or 50% off. Apparently it's the after-Easter sale. And it wasn't picked over since they were actually tagging it as I was shopping.

[Asha]

tanya - well, it's good i found a pair of sandals there before they make the big switcharoo. it seems like every pair of shoes is around $30 no matter the brand. what is home goods? you mean they won't have the name brand linens anymore? if that's so, i better scour the home section soon.

[miel]

Apparently it's the after-Easter sale. And it wasn't picked over since they were actually tagging it as I was shopping.

Darn it Tanya!!! Did you have to tell me this?

Good thing I have too much work to do to go anywhere at all for the next couple weeks. Still, I'm having dangerous yearnings.

One funny thing--a few months ago there was this cool colored sweater 75% off that I bought and I unashamedly bought it even though it was a Liz Lange maternity sweater. I wore it and my husband was like 'Um, that sweater looks a little funny or something." Damn, busted before I even left the house. But it was only $3.49 or something. But the good news is that I plan on having another baby in the next couple years and I actually did hoard a few maternity things from the 75% off when I was trying last time and they were the only clothes that fit me by the end of my pregnancy. So maybe it won't be a waste of $3.49.

[Tanya]

miel, if it makes you feel better, none of the IM stuff was on sale. I like the Merona and Mossimo stuff better, anyway, since IM usually fits me funny.

Asha, no, the Home Goods is not a brand, so they still have various name-brand stuff, but the price tags say HG instead of Marshalls--so you can't return it to other Marshalls'. I've still gotten some nice stuff there, but the furniture they carry is usually overpriced and a little bizarre;). I did get a gorgeous framed painting on clearance, though--limited edition, to boot! So there are still deals to be had.

[Rose]

I went to Target the other day and I couldn't find one thing to buy! So I ended up with some toilet paper and a new toothbrush. I needed a new top and I couldn't find anything I liked. Nothing. I couldn't even find a cute purse. I was so disappointed.

[miel]

I went to Target the other day and I couldn't find one thing to buy!

I WISH that would happen to me someday. Did you go to the everything for a dollar section? That section makes me weak.

[Asha]

miel - maybe, it would help cure your target obsession if you really thought about why those items are so cheap.

[miel]

But I do think about it! That's another reason it kills me that I always want to by that $#%$!

[shopaholic]

the $1 stuff does not impress me. I only look when its holidays and they have cute "homemade" cards or little decorations...other than that its junk.

[Heidi9771]

I will admit I went to Target yesterday and scored the cutest summer purse for when I am in Cape Cod for under $25.
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000CD5PDM.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS384_.jpg

[shopaholic]

^^ I think I saw that...it was really cute!

[SiValleySteph]

miel - maybe, it would help cure your target obsession if you really thought about why those items are so cheap.

The problem I have with this is that when I think about why these items are so cheap, I think about how clothing at BR/Gap/Express, etc. are most likely all manufactured in the same way and are so much more expensive. :confused:

I'm not sure that more expensive = more ethical. Any thoughts on that?

I have a weekness for Tar-jay Mossimo stretch tees, myself. I have 3 long sleeve and 4 or 5 short sleeve. It's my basic wardrobe.

[miel]

I'm not sure that more expensive = more ethical. Any thoughts on that?



You are quite right. The hottest designer jeans usually get made in sweat shops like everything else. If you are going to spend $150 for a pair of jeans you'd be more ethical spending $40 and giving the $110 to one of the many organizations that works to help laborers. Or even give it to Drs. Without Borders or something. Anything!

I should do that even though I've never even spent $40 on a pair of jeans--I don't have the money to buy clothes but I do so shouldn't I give the money to something good instead?

I admit, I've been severely tempted to buy more expensive jeans lately. I'm a mom and it just seems so depressing to get mom a** and wear mom jeans. (There was a sale at Victoria's Secret that was cheap-like 19.99 for jeans-- but I was in one of my guilty phases and could not shop it.)

Admittedly, being fat and looking crappy always makes me spend less on clothes in the long run but in the short run the many sizes I have been (from a 6 to an 18 if you include pregancy) has required a rather extensive work wardrobe. I had times at work when I was getting atrociously fat where I'd look down and my shirt had suddenly become too small to constrain the girls and my students were getting a free show, pretty much.

If you want to know where to look about labor conditions, STITCH is one I've heard of--that campaigns for labor rights. They are supposed to be good.

http://www.stitchonline.org/exchange.asp

I love mixing my discussion of horrible labor conditions with fashion talk. Like "Victoria's Secret uses sweatshop labor and women have become severely ill because they aren't allowed to take bathroom breaks. Oh, by the way their London jean is on sale and they are soooooo cute!" :rolleyes: