Y'all know from my prior post that I'm loving the Target Liberty of London line. I like it so much, that I've actually found myself interested in the opinion of others about the line -- so much so that I've been reading the blogs and frankly, I'm a little confused about the expectations. It seems that lot of folks think that a Liberty of London collaboration with Target was supposed to translated into investments pieces (translation: Liberty's cotton lawn) at Target prices. Ain't gonna happen folks. Most of the complaining is about the use of polyester in the women's clothing. I guess I'm just a nerd, but folks, I did my research prior to running out to purchase from this line so I knew what to expect and I knew how it came to be.
So, for those who haven't ventured out, I say this: This is not a Liberty of London line per se. Liberty leased the prints to Target (around 25); Target, in turn, picked out fabrics and manufactured the clothing. The collaboration makes sense for both companies. For Liberty -- it gets their name out to a broader customer base. The company is struggling financially and they want to save the company. And, let’s face it…most of us working Joes can't afford true Liberty of London dresses. I don't know about you, but I do not have $1,000 to spend on a dress. Just can't do it. So, why would you expect to find that same quality dress at Target? Doesn't make sense. So, yeah, there's a lot of bitching and moaning about the fact that they didn't use Liberty's cotton lawn, but the use of that fabric would have priced these garments at prices your wouldn't expect to see at Target and Target, my friends, knows their customer base.
I guess I'm just flabbergasted that people actually expected to find investment pieces at Target. Hello!!!! It's Target. They sell trendy items for low prices. I know I don't see them as an investment, I see them as fun. A way to enjoy bold prints and fun colors at low prices. Period. End of story. Yes, they used poly chiffon for a lot of the dresses. They chose it because those particular designs are meant to be drapey. Sure, I would have preferred silk chiffon, but silk chiffon is more costly than polyester and would have lead to a much more expensive price point.
Now y'all know that I think cotton is king. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Cotton is king. Linen rocks. Especially in Florida, in summer, when it's hot as hell. That being said, I went for the polyester summer dresses. Why? Because I liked them and believe that I'll be reasonably cool in them (no sleeves). I also like the fact that these dresses can be washed, dried and hung in the closet. Like I said before, I prefer cotton and linen, but cotton and linen have to be ironed and I have learned that I need to be realistic about the amount of time I have available to me.
Now, I realize that this just turned into a rant, but I just don't understand the expectations of some people. It’s that something for nothing mentality that drives me to drink. You like it? Fine. Buy it. You don't? Then don't. You want Liberty's cotton lawn fabric -- they have website and you can purchase a dress directly from the company. Better yet, check out Ebay for Liberty of London garments (you'll have to weed through all of the LoL Target listings and don't let me get started on those folks. Posting the items for 2-3 times the retail price! It's disgusting.) Or you can do what I did -- go to Target with your perspective firmly in place and remember where you are shopping. Target! Not Barney's -- Target. Once you have this thought firmly in place, enjoy yourself. The collection is meant to be fun with an inexpensive price point. You aren't making an investment in a fine piece of fashion, you're buying mass produced clothes from a discount retailer. No more. No less.
Rant over.
7 comments:
Hmm. I have to say, I won't be buying anything. Much of the charm for me is lost when cotton is taken out of the equation.
I do see what you're saying about making the clothes affordable for the Target consumer, but do they really need to be as expensive as they are in the first place? Yes, the fabric is mundo pricey, but what exactly are you paying for?
Good post! I had to slap myself, though, after reading your last post this morning. I was in Target last night. Probably the very same one you were in. And did I even think to look at the Liberty stuff? No. I was there for cards and wrapping paper for my now (gasp!) 21-yo son, while with my 17-yo son and somehow with him in tow, shopping for pretties didn't even make a blip on the radar.
It's kind of sad (in a humorous way) ... how I've now trained myself after all these years to not even try to shop girlie with the menfolk around.
I'm with you- There's a reason the dresses are $20 at Target! I can't do poly, and I'm bummed about that, but I got some ADORABLE dresses for my daughters (those are all cotton, if anyone's in the market for kid stuff!) and a super cute wallet for myself.
Hooray for Target and other affordable stores!!!
Well, I went to look at the items in question. There ARE cotton pieces in the clothing line, and the scarves are cotton. Also, the girls' sundress with the smocked top would probably work as a skirt for a smaller adult.
They could be an investment if you draft a pattern of them.
Hi. I just found your blog and look forward to looking through your posts. I have to say, though, I disagree with you about Target's Liberty line. I understand your point, but Target absolutely could have made the dresses out of cotton. They make cotton dresses all the time. My closet is full of them. Would it have been the same quality cotton Liberty produces? No, but I don't think people really expected the same quality. They could have used a lesser grade fabric in the Liberty prints. Just like they did with the children's garments. Just like they do with Merona or other lines they produce.
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