Zac Posen for Target Review

Runway Fashion Comes to H’Burg

Hot off the runway, Zac Posen debuts his chic new line for Target’s Go International collection.

 

It is no secret that Harrisonburg is not a hot spot for high-end fashion.  With the exception of The Yellow Button, there are only so many places for JMU fashionistas to shop.  While discount stores such as Ross and TJ Maxx carry the occasional luxury items, they are not comparable to department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom.

Luckily for us, high-end designer Zac Posen has created a low-budget collection that we won’t feel guilty purchasing. 

    

Upon hearing that Zac Posen was designing a budget-friendly line for Target’s Go International Collection, I was giddy with excitement.  Each season, I always look forward to seeing who Target will feature next as their guest designer.  With names including, but not limited to, Anna Sui, Jean Paul Gaultier, and the late Alexander McQueen, Target has a history of attracting a diverse selection of high-end fashion designers.  The combination of affordable prices and innovative, fashion-forward designs are what make Target’s Go International collection so appealing.     

Having perused through Zac Posen’s line of flirty day dresses, graphic tees, and formal wear at Target, I must say the young designer does not disappoint.  Using a variety of silhouettes and fabrics, he creates designs much like those featured in his runway collections.  A fun hodge-podge of floral, polka dot, and eclectic tiger prints are just a sample of what to expect.  One print to definitely watch out for is Posen’s multicolored safety-pin print that covers a scarf and top in his collection.  Zac Posen’s attention to detail is what sets his clothing apart from everything else sold at Target.  Whether it is a large bow strewn across the front of a dress or romantic flutter sleeves, each piece of Posen’s collection is equally remarkable.     

As a college student, I am always looking for practical pieces than can be worn on a variety of occasions.  With wardrobe staples such as Posen’s tuxedo jacket, black mesh cardigan, and two-piece ruffled dress, you can’t lose.  Priced at $49.99, I found the tuxedo jacket to be a bargain.  Trimmed with a blue ruffled hem and accompanying blue buttons, the jacket makes an instant statement.  Though the tuxedo jacket is dressy, it would look amazing paired with a crisp, white dress shirt or an equally classy dress.  For a more understated look, I could even see this structured jacket worn with a white tee, skinny leg jeans, and black patent pumps.  The black cardigan is also conventional with its long length and sheer sleeves.  Since it can be worn with anything from a floral dress to a simple shirt, I would definitely consider this an investment piece.  Like the jacket, this cardigan could instantly transform your look from day to night.   

Another sensible look from Posen’s collection is the two-pieced ruffled dress which comes in either black and blue or solid red.  With a removable frilly bottom trim, this strapless dress goes from being a fun, party dress to a more sophisticated LBD.  Priced at $79.99, you basically get two dresses for the price of one.  Can’t get much better than that.   

Although I have many favorites from Zac Posen’s collection, there is one dress in particular that I find incredibly hard to resist.  Floating in a mirage of metallic spring hues, the printed brocade tie dress is more than I could ask for.  The combination of magenta, yellow, and light blue is the perfect complement to the dress’s floral design.  With a statement bow, pleated skirt, and band defining waist, Posen succeeds in creating a truly feminine piece. 

In an otherwise successful collection, the graphic tees that Posen has designed do not rise to my expectations.  While they are not visually awful, I simply find them lackluster when compared to other pieces in his collection.  If worn under a cardigan, however, I am sure that they would make a great statement.  Though the collection is priced between $16.99 and $199.99, the majority of the line’s pieces are under $100.00.  The most expensive piece is a fierce, red leather jacket which, when you think about it, isn’t too outrageous.

Zac Posen makes a flawless transition from runway to Target with his fabulous collection of sophisticated and feminine designs.  With summer break almost here, what better time than now to stock up on wardrobe essentials.  Only in stores until May 29th, don’t miss your chance to snatch a look from this exclusive collection.