Pumps & Pleats: Get rad with Rodarte for Target

Photos courtesy of Target

By Michèle De Meglio

Target isn’t all about great prices on household goods. The mega-chain has made a name for itself with a series of hugely popular fashion collaborations.

The bull’s-eye brand has teamed with such designers as Anna Sui, Thakoon and even couture powerhouse Alexander McQueen to bring fashionistas cutting-edge pieces for wallet-friendly prices.

The latest collab is with Rodarte, a relatively new line blending romantic elements with tough touches.

A recent visit to the Atlantic Center Target had Pumps & Pleats elated to discover that much of the Rodarte line had been restocked (most pieces immediately sold out when they hit Brooklyn shelves last month). It’s like Christmas all over again!

This collection is more avant-garde than its predecessors. Anna Sui’s pretty party dresses are quite different from Rodarte’s sequin dress outlined with an image of a human rib cage. It could be a cool Halloween look.

The classic denim jacket gets a twist with an extra pair of pockets and delicate braided trim. Pass on the identical short-shorts and instead wear it with the navy lace skirt with tulle overlay.

One of the most coveted pieces in the collection was the belt. It’s a thin fabric belt in black or leopard secured with a sweet bow. It would be cute over one of Anna Sui’s A-line numbers.

There’s several things to keep in mind when shopping a Target collection. One, get there early. Most collections are released on Sunday mornings but some stores will put a few garments out a day or two before.

Two, grab now, try on later. Don’t leave a top on a rack and plan to pick it up after a fitting room visit. Chances are it’ll be gone. If you see something you like, grab it! And pick a second size just in case the first doesn’t work out.

Third, come back for seconds. If you visit a Target the day after a collection is released, you might be greeted by empty racks. Don’t fret, check back in a few days or even a week since many lines are often restocked.

Four, if shopping online, hop to it immediately. Most collections sell out in just a few hours.

With these tips you should be ready for future collaborations. Jean Paul Gaultier and Zac Posen are reportedly up next.

Target has three stores in Brooklyn — at the Triangle Junction at 1598 Flatbush Avenue, in Gateway Mall at 519 Gateway Drive, and at the Atlantic Center Mall at 139 Flatbush Avenue. Visit www.target.com for hours.

Michèle De Meglio is a native Brooklynite addicted to all things chic. Check out Pumps & Pleats each week for more adventures as she scours the borough for fab duds and accessories.