Mini Altuzarra Haul/Review

I woke up early on September 14th, and drove out to the Target in Paradise Valley to get my hands on the latest designer collection at Target, Altuzarra. I was most looking forward to buying the Tailored Dress with Crane Embroidery, mainly because I haven't seen many other dresses (in my budget) like it.  When my mom and I got there at 7:40 a.m., (the store opened at 8 a.m.) no one else was there. Then, around 7:45 a.m, five or six other groups of women showed up. When they opened the doors, several of the girls ran past me, but I was still able to get my hands on a few of the pieces. The only item that I wanted, but was sold out was the Trench Coat with Black Detail. This particular Target did not carry the entire line, but most of it I didn't like anyway. The only Altuzarra shoes they had in stock were the Ankle Boots, which I also bought, just to try on with the other pieces.

I admire Target for giving customers an opportunity to wear high end designer pieces at a more reasonable price. Unfortunately, the limited quantities and buzz around the collections forces them to sell out quickly, causing a high mark-up on eBay. Target is trying to combat this by selling the items at select Target locations, and adjusting the return policy to only a two-week period. 

Current sales at Target:

buy two, save 15%.
buy three or more, save 25%

on women's clothing, accessories & jewelry.*

buy one, get one 50% off
shoes for the family.*

family shoe deals 

Tailored Dress with Crane Embroidery $49.99

Size 10

I still like this dress as much as I did when I saw it online. This is a size 2, and I would say in runs more on the small side. It's fully-lined and washable. This dress is going to work better for women with a smaller chest, because it runs small, and because the collared neck is not tacked. The fuller the chest, the wider the collared opening becomes (exposing cleavage in an awkward way). Also, there is a slit that goes up the side of the leg. It definitely adds to the sexiness of the dress, but  its also means that it is not really a work-appropriate dress for some.  

Ways to wear it: 

-Nude booties, black, cream, gold or red heels. 

-Tone down the sexiness with tights,  a long sleeve blouse that mimics the neckline, closed-toe heels 

-A long black duster coat like this one

-Modern messy french twist updo

Ocasssions:

-To work, in an appropriate field like an art field

-Dinner and a show

-Work events (the collar makes it look more professional, but the sexiness and fitted silhouette makes it more event-appropriate)

Wrap Dress- Ruby Hill $39.99

With the Ankle Boots

Here it is a size 10. The draping is flattering.

I really wanted to like this dress. I love the color, the belt, and the drape of it; however, once I put it on,  I was disappointed with a few things. For one, this is a modified wrap dress, so the wrap is not adjustable. It has a zip back. This dress drapes way too low in the front, and because it is sewn down, you cannot adjust this. In these photos I tacked the dress with a safety pin, but as you can see, it still is very low, and also sort of an awkward display of boobs (or lack there of). The material is NOT a stretch jersey, its polyester, and very uncomfortable. It is really HOT, and does not breathe. Again, the slit in the middle of the dress is very high, so even if you put a tank under this dress, its still not necessarily work-appropriate. The dress does have some interest; I like the 70's vibe, the draping, and the belt, although for $39.99, I was not sold. 

Ways to wear it:

-Nude Heels to lengthen your legs

-Long Camel Coat to tone down the color

-Opaque black tights, closed toe heels, gold statement necklace

-Loose, wavy curls to add to the 70's vibe

Occasions:

-Holiday party (be aware of the high slit and low cut bodice if its a work party)

-Evening events--I don't see this working in an office setting. the fabric is bright, and some-what iridescent.

Striped Sleeveless Dress $39.99

I'm 5'4"-5'5", and the proportions felt completely off. I have been wanting a shirt dress for awhile, and was eager to try this one. I tried to style this dress in a few different ways, but it wasn't successful for me. It's polyester, so it isn't a very breathable fabric. I want a shirt dress that I can layer, and that would be versatile, but I could not seem to make this work with my body type. It ran big (this is an XS), and I just couldn't get over the awkward color-blocking proportions. This may work well for someone taller who can balance out the proportions.

Ways to wear it:

-Skinny leopard belt and block-heeled sandals

-Oversize coat, or tunic sweater, and flat knee-high boots

-Sparkle belt, t-strap heels, and sparkly clutch

Occasions:

With the different styling options above, this dress is very work-appropriate, good for a casual setting in the summer, or even a day to night look by swapping out your accessories. 

Ankle Boots $59.99

I pretty much hate these, so this was just for experimenting. I am all for ankle boots, but I have found better for the same price. These are NOT real leather, and they look like they are on the wrong feet when you have them on (yes, I checked to make sure they were on the right foot). They are fairly comfortable, but definitely not attractive on, especially for the price.

Better options:

Elvin Booties

Faux suede heeled booties

Sorry for the late review, this has been an eventful two weeks for me (good and bad), Thanks for reading!

Cali