The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Jonathan Saunders for Target Review



Colorblock Open Neck Tee, $16.99; Buckle Ponte Dress in Eternal Flame, $39.99; Colorblock Dress in Multicolor/ Ebony, $29.99

Jonathan Saunders for Target arrived in stores yesterday, and (surprise, surprise) I was there to check it out. Let me preface this review by saying that my favorite part about these GO International collections is that they enable me to try on styles and looks that I might otherwise never try on. It's like playing dress up. And at these low prices, you can actually buy what you like, make the look your own and incorporate it into your regular wardrobe. I didn't end up buying anything on this trip, but I had so much fun trying everything on and just sort of experiencing the garments, and appreciating the creative thought process behind them. Now, on to the clothes...



Screen Tee Ebony Kaleidescope, $17.99; Colorblock Dress White/Ebony, $29.99

Quality was comparable to past GO collections: Good but not stellar. A red jumper really stood out for its solid-feeling construction and vibrant hue, as did a banging black pencil skirt. I didn't bother trying on any of the button down blouses, though, because the cotton seemed super thin and they looked cheap on the hangers, which is unfortunate. A few of the more artsy dresses were amazing - in theory - but in real life, they proved to be unflattering and too flimsy to be dresses. They might work as tops with leggings or jeans at best.



Turtleneck Sweater Ebony, $29.99Ombre Prnt Skirt Blue Whale, $26.99; Self Belt Dress Ebony, $39.99

A black turtleneck sweater with a beatnik vibe was surprisingly chic, but sweaters are one area where I don't skimp. Cheap sweaters aren't warm and they tend to lose their shape overnight. An ombre skirt caught my eye with its rich sky blue coloration, and it looked classy (you can't tell from my pic, but trust me). Finally, I tried on a flirty little black dress that was perfection. It was modern, it fit well, and it had just the right amount of flare to make it interesting, without being fussy. I'm definitely considering going back for that dress as I think I could get a lot of wear out of it during the holiday season.

If nothing else, I will definitely keep Jonathan Saunders the designer on my radar. He was relatively unknown to me before this collaboration, and I'm eager to learn more about him and see much more of his work.

Have you shopped the collection yet? Thoughts?

Comments
Other than the cool ombre dress/skirt and the plain black dress with the modest flare, I do not like anything in this collection. The rest is just too out there for me to wear to class or work.
#1 Joann on 2008-10-06 07:34 (Reply)
I HAD to make a pit stop at Target this weekend since I was on the prowl for something fun and artsy to wear to an upcoming party at our MFA. So, I was seriously considering the kaleidescope scope UNTIL I spied with my little eye, the Richard Chai rose print sweetheart neckline dress on the clearance rack. Happily, the dress fits - no need to alter the straps, not too snug since I normally can't wear junior sizes, and with a little innovation I can wear it through the fall down here. But the best part - it was under $15!!!! Woo hoo. But I am still thinking of the funky kaleidescope top with black leather pants and my hot faux Gucci nine west gold sandals - hmmm, sounds like another trip to Target is in the future.
#2 TexNYQueen on 2008-10-06 07:43 (Reply)
I saw the collection on Saturday, hoping to find that black jacket with the brown leather trim, but it wasn't available at the two Targets I stopped by. I may have to purchase online if it receives good reviews...

I did try on that red dress, and loved it, but didn't buy it. I ended up buying the black pencil skirt with the satin panel and the black zip-up vest, which I felt were both of good quality. I agree, though, a lot of the shirts felt really cheap, unfortunately.

What's really a shame is those boots in the promo pictures aren't available! I wish I knew what brand they were--I NEED them.
#3 taylor on 2008-10-06 07:49 (Reply)
Ditto on the black pencil skirt, I may go back for that as well. It didn't register well in my photographs, but I'm wearing it in pics 3 & 4.

I also wanted that jacket but they didn't have it at my store.

Finally, THOSE BOOTS!? Where can we get them? I have no idea. Usually the GO collections DO NOT include shoes. But Target usually styles the models with shoes from Mossimo or Xhilaration, so I'm hoping they will appear soon...let's flood Target's customer service with requests.
#3.1 The Budget Babe on 2008-10-07 10:00 (Reply)
that colorblock dress is superb. love it with that belt!
#4 Cupcakes and Cashmere (Homepage) on 2008-10-06 09:11 (Reply)
I like the black dress too; that is cute. Can't wait to go check it out - thanks for the update! Let us know what you end up buying.
#5 Beth B. on 2008-10-06 09:45 (Reply)
I think you should go back for the black dress-it looked good on you! BTW, I tagged you :-)
#6 Real Style Real people (Homepage) on 2008-10-06 12:13 (Reply)
I stopped at target this morning.

I tried on that red dress. I seem to be inbetween land with their sizes right now--the red dress was cute, but definitely not forgiving of 'extra' junk around the hips/thigh area. same way with an awesome block print dress. it was indecently short in small and too big in medium.

i ending up buying the Colorblock Open Neck Tee & the dot print skirt. along with a mossimo gray sleeveless sweater.

the other dresses/shirts are all very flimsy material. not at all warm enough for the harsh ohio winters!
#7 Amber e on 2008-10-06 13:25 (Reply)
I was JUST at Target yesterday and saw none of these duds. What the ...

I'm glad to read this honest review, tho, BB. Those designer-for-Target collections always look smashing in the preview photos, but never seem to deliver in person. The quality just isn't there!
#8 Sal (Homepage) on 2008-10-06 18:08 (Reply)
Other than the black dress, which looked great on you(btw)


it just seems to be too much of a mod look going on
#9 neira on 2008-10-06 18:15 (Reply)
I agree with taylor. I want those booties!...I went today and bought three of the jonathan saunders pieces. I tried on some of the tunics but i guess i was just way too curvy for those! lol
#10 bee on 2008-10-06 20:58 (Reply)
I like the way you look in the self-belted ebony dress. It is clean line and chic!
#11 sasha on 2008-10-06 23:59 (Reply)
I actually really like the off-the-shoulder graphic dress on you. I'm excited to check all the new stuff out myself!
#12 Tara (Homepage) on 2008-10-07 12:41 (Reply)
Wow, I don't know. I lived the 80s literally, and I just think designers should just move on. Enough of the retro throwback thing. It worked then because it was fresh, but its so played out in this decade. Totally rehashed and not in a good way either.
#13 Budget Chic (Homepage) on 2008-10-08 07:33 (Reply)
I went to Target last weekend and purchased the black jacket with the brown trim and I absolutely ADORE it!!! It is very well made an does not look cheap at all. Probably one of the best pieces in the line. It has just enough strech so that it fits really well (even though I'm really petite) and it goes great with black knit riding pants. It's definetely worth the $59.99 and I would recommend ordering it online!
#14 TeshaMarie on 2008-10-26 15:49 (Reply)
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