A favorite pastime of mine is hunting for expensive-looking items that may or may not have a price tag to match.  I know that sometimes you get what you pay for, but I also know that there are a lot of ways to cheat the system.  As a result, I’m obsessed with Target.  I shop there at least twice a week, and I could honestly get by in every aspect of my life if all other stores closed forever (although I’d miss Ulta a lot).  Target is amazing if you know what to buy.

With that in mind, I’ll be presenting one awesome Target find per day.  I’m only going to post things that I’ve physically seen and can vouch for the quality of, because as all Poison fans know, every rose has its thorns, and even my beloved Target sells some cheap things that just look… cheap.  Because of this, I’ll also periodical point out products that look nice online/in their ads but are of poor fit or construction in real life to protect against online shopping disappointments.

First up in the AWESOME category is this metallic bubble dress.  It’s regularly only $19.99, but is on sale through 8/23 for $17.99.  Bubble dresses can fit beautifully or repulsively depending on the cut, and this one looks fantastic.  It’s rather short, but the bubbly-ness helps in that regard by A: diffusing any thigh-related issues you may have (drapery hides a multitude of sins) and B: covering your ass when you bend over.  Now you don’t have to worry about holding the back of your dress down, the elastic does it for you!

It comes in several colors, but I’d stick to the lighter ones.  the black and dark purple versions look cool online, but hopelessly chintzy in person.  The sparkle blends nicely with the taupe and silver versions, making them look pretty luxe.  It’s also 80% cotton, so you don’t have to worry about any of the scratchiness that often accompanies sparkly clothing.

Retro-cool without being too Sonny and Cher, drapey and slimming without looking trash bag-ish, this is a great party dress for late summer (so cute with flats) OR fall (just add dark tights and heels/boots).  Buy it!

I buy too many things.  I mean, I really, really like to spend money.  This is bad because I don’t have the income that I used to, and those credit card bills aren’t looking so hot these days.  I’ve adapted fairly well to this new, ghetto-fied lifestyle, but I still try to find ways to remain fabulous on a budget.

The author and bf have seen the light.

I’d imagine many of you may be in similar situations, so please enjoy the first in what will surely be a long line of posts about awesome products that I’m “testing” (and totally not just blowing the beer money on).  It’s for the public good;  I spend money on things first so you know if they’re worth it!  At least, that’s what I’ll tell my boyfriend when the power gets shut off.

Like so many of my art school ilk, I’m an American Apparel fan.  I know, a lot of their products are kind of ridiculous (think LiLo and her glitter leggings) and YES, they only sell solid-colored clothing for the most part.  Even so, the awesome qualities of their company/merchandise surely outweigh the WTF factor.  Their ads are delightfully seedy, featuring a refreshingly makeup and photoshop-free cast of cheerful, multicultural strumpets demonstrating what the clothes look like going on or coming off rather than simply being worn.  In addition, their efforts toward immigration reform and sweatshop demolition are commendable.  Whores and progress, it’s pretty much my dream come true.

The democracy doesn’t stop there, they’re also huge proponents of making versatile clothing that can be worn several different ways.  The product information pages on their website feature slideshows with examples of different uses for each item, and some even have even how-to videos on the many variations for that piece.  I once spent an entire afternoon learning how to fashion various shirts, belts, headwraps and skirts out of a $12 scarf.  Totally worth it.  The piece-de-resistance, though, is THE DRESS.

I’d wanted it for so long, the elusive all-purpose American Apparel dress.  It beckoned to me from facebook banner ads and magazine pages.  I don’t like buying dresses online, so I *finally* dragged my ass out to the store a few weeks ago to try it out after months of lusting.  I ended up buying two, and honestly, it’s the best dress I’ve ever owned.  I’m tempted to buy a third.  I’ve already worn THE DRESS on several occasions, fashioning it differently each time.  It’s sturdy and flattering, it makes your boobs look great no matter how it’s styled and it comes in tons of colors and in two forms (pencil skirt or bias cut).  I am shocked by how versatile this thing really is, and the best part is that it keeps me from spending more money because I can wear it constantly and it always looks different and new.  It was cheap, too.  The store employees even gave me a stack of free “Legalize LA” shirts with my purchase, to promote conversation about their immigration ideals.  I can look hip AND socially conscious/politically aware at the same time?  FOR FREE???  Surely there is no better company.

I’m about to hyperventilate if I think about my love for this dress any longer, so I’ll leave it at this: wear this dress, and everyone will want to fuck you.  It’s true.  Go NOW.