A First-Hand Account of the Prabal Gurung for Target Launch

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We asked Boston shoppers if they braved Nemo this weekend to shop Prabal Gurung for Target, and Sara Seepo was quick to share her tale. Dig in.

"As I proclaimed all weekend long, Nemo/Snowmageddon/Blizzardizzle 2013 was not going to keep me away from the launch of the Prabal Gurung collection Sunday morning at my local Target in lovely Watertown. I had a sneaking suspicion that it indeed did keep other fashionistas away, at least for the 8am opening, as the city was still without MBTA services at this time and driving was not for the faint of heart sans 4-wheel drive vehicles.

I unsnowed my car in Allston early this morning and arrived at Target in Watertown around 8:15am. Not so surprisingly, only a few dozen cars were in the parking lot amongst the new giant snow mountains. I scurried into the store with the plan of picking clothes, grabbing shoes, and then heading to the dressing rooms. One of the Target associates must have noticed my eyes widen as I grabbed two sizes (the size I wish I was and the size that will likely fit me) of almost every single piece on display and asked what the big deal was about the clothes.

I explained that I was in love with Prabal Gurung because of the beautifully striking patterns, playful use of bright colors, and interesting lines you tend not to see in normal commercial clothes. By 8:30am, there were a dozen or so women trying on their options, including a twenty something and her mom as well as a fabulous senior. The senior asked me if the "Floral Crush" print was too young and I, of course, said she looked amazing.

As for my selections, I had size options for every article of clothing and nabbed boxes of the shoes I wanted. The associates let me know that there were no more shoes in the back and I only saw 1-2 pairs/size on display, so I got started there first. The shoes were a real delight for the price (all under $50). The Pointy-Toe Pump is just about the perfect sexy stiletto to strut around in comfortably—it's that perfect height heel to walk in all day long. I have a feeling they will be my new favorite go to pumps.

The other shoes I purchased were the Lace-up Pumps in the "Meet the Parents Print" (black and white roses), which to me seem liked like what Anna Karenina would wear beneath her most dramatic look for Count Alexei. The side panel is clear mesh and actually does not cheapen the look; instead, it adds a real sexiness to the shoe.

As for the overall fit of the collection, it definitely leans to more of a junior cut, but as a curvy petite girl, I didn't feel that the pieces were out of reach for my body type. That being said, I didn't end up purchasing some of my favorite pieces. First, the black and white pleated bow dress was absolutely precious. The fit was pretty good, although it was really meant for a taller girl. The other standout dress to me was the drop waist "First Date" print dress. It was not really on my radar and I was delighted to find that the drop waist ruffle was a light polyester material compared to the cotton body of the dress. It would be so lovely for a less-curvy girl. The construction was really nice on these pieces.

The dress shape that appealed most to me and will likely other non-size 2 ladies was the A-line shift dress that took various incarnations in the collection with different fabrics, colorblocking, and fullness in the skirt. Length was good for me as a petite, so for taller girls the dresses may run a little short. The Colorblock Dress in Dresden Blue was extremely flattering and felt more luxe with the use of shiny colorblock panels (as lux as polyester can be, I'll say). Bustier girls will probably have fit issues, as I just about hit maximum room in the chest (I'm full C-D). I also opted for the "Floral Crush" print dress. This dress is the ultimate party dress with the full, double layered skirt. The final dress I picked is the colorblocked "Meet the Parents" print dress, which has the same cut of the Dresden Blue dress.

In regard to construction, the zippers used are of questionable quality. I can already tell that one fateful too hard yank on the zipper may spell the end for one of the dresses. The zipper quality on the polyester dresses was much better and less nerve-wracking. In the end, with my most expensive dress coming in at less than $50, it's all worth the price. The value of the clothes in their cut, print and style dramatically overweighs any shortcomings in construction and quality to bring this line to Target with really low price points.

The real surprise and delight for me in this collection are the separates. I expected to focus mainly on dresses and shoes, but fell in LOVE with assorted tops, cardigans, and skirts. My big OMG piece is the peplum top. I am a girl that loves me some peplum, but just on other girls. I honestly thought that as I curvy girl I could never pull it off, but I was delighted to find just a little bit of spandex in the top and the peplum fell at just the right point on me. I can't wait to pair it with the colorbock blue and yellow pencil skirt or a pair of cute skinny jeans. Another stunning top is the sleeveless tee with the sheer black paneling above the bust line. It even looked super sexy with my black bra straps showing through the top; this piece is definitely a cute date look.

I also ended up with both long sleeve tees in the "Nolita" and "Floral Crush" prints. At $19.99, they are such an inexpensive way to introduce a statement print into your everyday wardrobe. Rounding out my selections were the deep-V, colorblocked cardigan and a polyester pleated "Nolita" skirt that has a flutter of black lace at the bottom. As for quality and construction on the separates, I think Target really nailed it. These pieces felt a little more luxurious than the dresses.

In the end, I think that this will be a very successful collaboration, although not as much as Missoni. I think that Missoni appeals a little more to the mass fashionistas, as Prabal Gurung really speaks to the girl that is all about colorful whimsy with a sexy edge. Despite the ever-present feel of snow and winter, I can't wait to embrace the colors of spring with these new pieces." — Sara Seepo
· Let's Recap Prabal Gurung for Target Leftovers in Watertown [Racked Boston]
· 5 Best Locations to Shop Prabal Gurung for Target on Sunday [Racked Boston]
· Prabal Gurung for Target [Official Site]