The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Here's My Review of the Adam Lippes for Target Collection Complete with In-Store Selfies and 35+ Pics!

Review of the Adam Lippes for Target collection at thebudgetbabe.com fashion blog
I had a feeling that the Adam Lippes for Target collection wouldn't sell out as quickly as past designer collabs (cough, Lilly Pulitzer, cough) so yesterday I made my way to the nearest store in the afternoon and was happy to find a wide selection still in stock. In fact I think anything my store was carrying was still available in a range of sizes. Challenged to reinterpret classic plaid for the modern woman, Lippes delivered a collection of clothing and home decor with a rustic sophistication, that retails under $130.

The outerwear was definitely the highlight - including a plaid wool coat and a tassel embellished poncho - as were the sweaters, from a check sweater vest to a sleeveless cowlneck sweater (a steal for $39.99!).

I wouldn't say sizing was all over the place but it was not consistent. More on that below! Most items were intentionally oversized (which is often a characteristic of more expensive clothing, think longer hemlines, exaggerated silhouettes, etc.) so I'm not complaining about that. This was women's sizing, not juniors. Try before you buy, if possible.

The quality of this collection is really nice - you could actually wear these cold weather pieces here in the northeast and stay fashionably warm. The parka weighed a ton and the collarless coat had 10% wool. The plaid weekender looked amazing (lightweight but sturdy) as did the plaid pumps (probably uncomfortable but definite outfit-makers).

The home decor pieces were on par with Target's Threshold line - elegant, Pottery Barn style for less - but nothing jumped out at me. (Okay the plaid dog bowls were super cute but my toddler is in charge of feeding our dog now and I couldn't see him carrying these heavy ceramic dishes around - disaster LOL). I'd rather save my dollars and spend them on Threshold pieces.

So why weren't customers more excited about this line? I seemed to be the only person looking at the collection at my store (and I took my sweet time, too). The L.L.Bean-esque fleece probably threw some people off. And then there's the lack of name recognition. Overall it's a beautifully executed collection but lacks the bells and whistles that attract the eBay throngs.

Admittedly I didn't buy anything on this trip (it's tough when you're pregnant, too!) but I did snag a Liz Lange striped maternity tee for $5.98 on clearance (according to this list of ways to save money at Target, it would have been marked down again...but it was the last one!).

What did you think of the Adam Lippes collection? Did you buy anything?

Adam Lippes for Target review by The Budget Babe fashion blog
The quilted wool coat ($129) : I needed at least a size medium for this coat to fit through the shoulders and arms (I'm 5'8"), plus room for layering over sweaters. This coat is very heavy! The hood is a nice feature. You can see that Adam Lippes worked for Ralph Lauren with pieces like this.

Adam Lippes for Target review by The Budget Babe fashion blog
I'm wearing a size XS in this sweater vest ($39.99) and it fit well. The knit is soft and substantial. You could have a lot of fun layering this piece over dresses or pants.

Adam Lippes for Target weekender
Here's a picture of the weekender ($49.99) to show scale - it's big! As is my bump. Love this bag.

Adam Lippes for Target review
I can't find this blue and black plaid grandfather cardigan ($39.99) online. I'm wearing the XS. It's nice and cozy.

Adam Lippes for Target review
The mohair collarless coat ($69.99) is another sophisticated topper with a Ralph Lauren vibe. I'm wearing the size XS with plenty of wiggle room. The coat showed some creasing which was a bit of a turnoff. A bit itchy, too, but that's thanks to 10% wool.

Adam Lippes for Target review
This mohair poncho ($59.99) is definitely one of the standout pieces from this collection for those with the attitude to rock it. I couldn't help but giggle when I tried it on because my bump was bumpin' way out under there. Not going to work! The size S/M would fit me well post pregnancy.

Adam Lippes for Target review
The "mohair poncho" ($59.99) is fabricated with 10% wool.

Adam Lippes for Target review
The "L.L.Bean" fleece!

Adam Lippes for Target review

Adam Lippes for Target review

Adam Lippes for Target review

Adam Lippes for Target review

Adam Lippes for Target review

Adam Lippes for Target review
I think everyone loves these pumps ($39.99)! Now that I'm examining this photo, it looks like my store had the flats ($29.99), too, but they must have sold out before I got there. So snag those online if you want them, they're going fast.

Adam Lippes for Target review

Adam Lippes for Target review

Adam Lippes for Target review

Adam Lippes for Target review

Adam Lippes for Target review
Here's the dress ($49.99) we featured in a recent Capsule Wardrobe - check it out for styling ideas! I couldn't try this on with my bump but I held it up to myself and think the XS would fit well. Again this is because of the generous sizing. I'm not normally an XS!

Adam Lippes for Target review

Adam Lippes for Target review

Adam Lippes for Target review

Adam Lippes for Target review

Adam Lippes for Target review

Adam Lippes for Target review

Adam Lippes for Target review

Adam Lippes for Target review

Adam Lippes for Target review

Adam Lippes for Target review

Adam Lippes for Target review

Adam Lippes for Target review

Adam Lippes for Target review

Adam Lippes for Target review

Adam Lippes for Target review

Adam Lippes for Target review

Adam Lippes for Target review
Comments
As I indicated on another one of your posts re this collection, the only purchase I made was the plaid bucket bag which I bought online. My Target did not stock any of the Lippes collab. so I was unable to see it in person. The plaid weekender bag was just too large to be practical for me and the white fleece and tan bucket bag seemed impractical as well. Nothing too exciting for me in the clothing. Perhaps if this collection had been released before the other retailers released their plaid collections, there may have been something I would have considered. But, release date being what it was, I already purchased all of the plaid I wanted for the season. Like you, I found the housewares to also be uninspiring. If items from the collection go on sale/clearance, I might consider purchasing a piece or two. If not, ready to move on to the next collections.
#1 Michele on 2015-09-28 09:43 (Reply)
I am just not into big chunky plaid I guess. To be honest I was WAY more interested in the shoes you are wearing here in this post than what I saw in the store.
#2 Shirley on 2015-09-28 10:46 (Reply)
Me too! Where are they from?
#2.1 Kat on 2015-09-29 13:56 (Reply)
Oh! haha! Thanks! My shoes are past season Target - this year's iteration is the 'Ellie' flat, $22.99:

http://fave.co/1jytAL7

:-)
#2.1.1 The Budget Babe on 2015-09-30 09:30 (Reply)
Thanks Shirley, my shoes are past season Target - check out this year's style, very similar, called the 'Ellie,' $22.99:

http://fave.co/1jytAL7
#2.2 The Budget Babe on 2015-09-30 09:31 (Reply)
The blue grandfather cardigan is online as a men's item... but I liked it so much that I ordered one online for myself! And now I'm trying to order smaller sizes online because I think my regular size is going to be huge based on your reviews. I'll be returning several items back to Target next week since I placed multiple orders for different sizes. But I actually really like the pieces I ordered (flats, cowl neck sleeveless sweater, grandpa cardi and longline vest). I hope I like them as much when they arrive!
#3 Michelle on 2015-09-28 12:41 (Reply)
I checked it out yesterday too, but I didn't find anything I particularly liked. I was a fan of the shirt dress, but at $50 it was just too pricey for me to splurge on considering the slit up the side was far too high for it to actually be a work dress. Shrug. I've liked other collabs more.

lifestyle by joules
#4 Joules (Homepage) on 2015-09-28 12:57 (Reply)
Aww, you look so cute in these pieces! Love reading these reviews and I'm on the same page with you on the home items, Threshold has a wayyy better plaid collection! I ordered the B&W bucket bag and flats online, but will probably pick up a few of the items on clearance if I get lucky :-)

Tracy
www.TracysNotebookofStyle.com
#5 Tracy (Homepage) on 2015-09-28 13:15 (Reply)
I checked out the collection in store today and while I really liked the weekend and some of the dishes, overall, its not my favorite collab Target has done.

Wishes & Reality
seen dulkil
#6 Heidi (Homepage) on 2015-09-28 14:10 (Reply)
I went today and most of it looked untouched. I tried on the Layered shift dress and I hated it on me. I ended up just getting the plaid heels. I went up half a size so they wouldn't kill my feet.
#7 Tracie on 2015-09-28 16:21 (Reply)
Thanks for the informative review and all the pics!
www.motownsavvy.com
#8 Carla (Homepage) on 2015-09-28 22:04 (Reply)
You're so adorable ... the cutest pregnant gal around! I bought that long sleeveless sweater/coat/vest. The sizing was weird for sure. I might think about some of the home decor items. I was focused on clothing this trip. The doggie biscuit container was cute!

OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com

My review if you're interested
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com/2015/09/quickie-adam-lippes-for-target-review.html#.Vgp_6ekXlFI


:-)
#9 Dawn Lucy (Homepage) on 2015-09-29 07:17 (Reply)
Thanks for sharing, loved reading your review - straightforward and to the point! If I were to buy anything it would be the vest you bought, too. I liked the pockets and the plaid print. I didn't love the modern abstract plaid print on the dresses and blouses, guess I just like my plaid to be classic.
#9.1 The Budget Babe on 2015-09-30 08:28 (Reply)
I went to the Target in Bellingham WA & they did not have any of Adam's stuff (apparently not all Targets are getting his line). But they still had a lot of plaid so I ended up buying a lamp & a serving tray from their threshold line. As for the clothing, I agree with you that fleece is not very au courant so that's probably why the clothes are not selling. Its not a high end look.
#10 Vmac on 2015-09-29 14:34 (Reply)
I actually really loved the collection. I bought the backpack, sleeveless turtle neck, short jacket, and the sweater vest! I thought the quality was really good and each piece would really elevate a casual outfit while still remaining comfy and effortless. Honestly one of my fav Target collections. It didn't seem forced like other ones in the past. I LOVE the target collections and get so excited when each one comes out.
#11 Kc on 2015-09-30 13:23 (Reply)
Are you really tall? I'm only 5'4" and while most of me is leg I wear a Jr Size 3 in super skinny jeans/leggings. I can't see most women being able to wear clothing with such a bold print or a large plaid. I know if my micro-mini bodycon dresses and skirts aren't very form fitting I look like I'm wearing my mother's clothes, and I'll bet I'm much older than all of the other posters. Back to wearing teen clothing as it fits better than Petites. Love fleece for very casual, comfy lounge wear at home. Weather forecasters have predicted colder weather for the West Coast so need to look into "foreign" extremely warm clothing for Vegas living too. Still when it's so warm in the winter indoors coats and jackets need to be lightweight enough to be easily carried

Specially wanted to thank the author for the pictures and her reviews. I really regret I forgot all about Target's designer lines as the clothes post Isaac Mizrahi seem to be designed for a very different body type. I still appreciate knowing what's offered.
#11.1 DavidaRochelle on 2015-11-25 05:03 (Reply)
You make some good point regarding the prints and silhouettes. I'm 5'8" and felt overwhelmed by some of the garments. Thanks for your feedback!
#11.1.1 The Budget Babe on 2015-12-05 17:02 (Reply)
I bought the long sweater vest and the dress which I'm on the fence about. I ordered the plaid puff vest online and I might buy the puff plaid jacket if it goes on clearance. I have a feeling the items will get marked down quickly. I stopped at Target during lunch yesterday and the racks were full.
#12 alycat on 2015-09-30 14:27 (Reply)
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