Mini-Review: Altuzarra for Target

Been a while!  Sorry for the lack of updates.  Life has been busy these days, but the most recent Target collab has brought me back out of hiding.  And that would be Altuzarra!

I have such mixed feelings about this collection.  The degree of anticipation I had leading up to launch day exceeded that of any other collab.  I loved just about everything on paper.  More of it was my style than any collab since this all started with Jason Wu.  I loved the sleek silhouettes, darker colors, and sophisticated styles.  But when I tried them on, most of it was a huge disappointment.  This collab was riddled by fit issues, which isn't new when it comes to Target clothing, but it was really ridiculous this time...

- The dresses I liked were cut really oddly.  Target, why do you hate broad shoulders and long torsos?!?
-Lots of the pieces I liked were sheer, either over the whole top or just the back.  Target, why do you hate bras?!?
-I really coveted the over-the-knee boots and thought the rest of the shoes were pretty awesome, but they did not come in my size.  Target, why do you hate people with big feet?!?  We like pretty shoes too!

Anyway, here goes...

This maxi was my #1 must-have piece of the collection, and one of the few that didn't disappoint.  Others have mentioned the poly fabric as a downside, but I think it photographs well and doesn't look cheap.  The top is a little tight, but I can still move my arms.  The only problem is that there seem to be a lot of sizing inconsistencies.  I loved the way this particular one fit, but it had a few fabric pulls, so I had to return it.  Unfortunately, the one I got from my online order doesn't fit quite as well.  The waist sits just below the bust in a true empire style, whereas this one, as you can see, sits closer to my natural waist.  I very much prefer the natural waist because I have a long torso with a wide ribcage, and I look pregnant in many empire waist styles.  If I don't find another one that fits like this, I'll probably wear it with a wide belt to cinch the waist.

I really wanted to love this dress.  The color is perfect with my fake red hair and skin tone, the sequins are pretty, and it has pockets!  But sadly, it looked frumpy on top, even with a belt, and the waist hit far above my natural waist, although it doesn't look like that in this photo.  No good.

Oh, the disappointment.  This was also on my list as a must-have, and had it worked out, I would have kept it over the black orchid maxi because it seems more versatile.  Unfortunately, it's completely unwearable.  It has a gorgeous shape and is reminiscent of the Issa Banana Republic dresses, but with one major difference: the fabric has absolutely ZERO give.  It is impossible to raise my arms in this dress.  You can see the fabric straining on my left shoulder as I attempt to raise my arm to take this picture.  It ruins an otherwise beautiful and well-fitting dress...the bust, waist, hips, and sleeves are all perfect.  I won't buy a dress that I can't drive, eat, or move in.  Sad.

This was the dress that everyone seemed to love, but I hated the fabric.  The entire dress is covered with these silly raised dots that make me want to rip them off.  It's a shame it wasn't flat like the red one, because it fits beautifully, is nice and comfy, and has pockets.  The belt, on the other hand...winner winner chicken dinner!  I'm so glad I ordered it online because it sold out right away.  It's structured and substantial.  It came in the mail rolled around itself so it would maintain its shape without being crushed.  Can't wait to wear it!

A lot of people really liked the crane embroidered items (sweater and dress).  The sweater was nice, but I felt the $50 price point was not justified, since the design is very simple, and the crane embroidery is scratchy.  I might have bought it if it were long enough to wear over leggings, since I really like that look, but it didn't cover my booty.  The dress was, as usual, too tight on anyone with a booty, so I didn't even try it on.  It looked great on skinny girls and hourglass figures, but isn't for the pear-shaped.

Finally, I'm expecting the black trench coat in the mail, and I hope it fits, because it's really gorgeous.  I didn't buy it on launch night because I convinced myself I had too many coats and didn't need it, but then I couldn't stop thinking about it.  Luckily I was able to find it through a wonderful Facebook group.

So even though I coveted so many items from this collection, I only ended up with the black maxi, belt, and trench coat.  I hope Target learns from the problems with the fit and fabrics enough to improve them for the next time around.