I am so absolutely excited about RODARTE for TARGET!  This affordable line was inspired by three films: Harold & Maude, Bonnie & Clyde and Rosemary’s Baby.

First I want to back up share some brief info about how sisters Kate & Laura Mulleavy aka Rodarte (pronounced Row-dar-tey) , got their clothes through New York’s fashion door in 2005.  Yes, just a short 4 years ago…

• It was blizzard weather and the non-fashion schooled CA natives braved NY Fashion Week with their first collection of one of a kind pieces in a trunk willing to show anyone who would look
• They used handmade paper dolls showing their collections to pass on to editors of magazines (BRILLIANT!!)
• Just days after arriving, Womens Wear Daily used an outfit for their cover (JACKPOT!!)
• Vogue’s Anna Wintour took notice and the rest is history
• Rodarte is their mother’s maiden name   (My mom is my HERO!)

So here is how my personal RODARTE adventure went down….

I was thrilled to possibly own anything with their name in it.  I think they are awesome and truely unique to the abyss of fashion.

I keep myself on a fashion budget and could not afford the bad ass real deal Rodarte, but Rodarte for Target sounded doable!  It is not as rough as a lot of their high end line, but really, who cares!

I had Sunday, Dec 20th-the line’s launch-  marked BOLDLY on my calendar for about 2 months.  I already previewed some pictures of “the goods” on the internet and was determined to get a first in person look aka “buy” at opening (8a.m.) at the Simi Valley Target of course!  So with sock monkey slippers and Rodarte on the brain, I thought I’d best call Saturday night and confirm the launch the following a.m.  Much to my upset, I was told that they put it out 2 days early and they only had a couple items left.  What!!!??!! My Simi Valley Target failed me! I went straight to TARGET to find great stuff left only in tiny sizes.  BUMMER!!  The denim jacket I was most thrilled about hadn’t been through the store yet.  Patience, I hate you.  I bought the blue dress.  Amazing.

Quick as I could I ventured out of Simi Valley & braved the Sherman Oaks Target.  Rodarte HEAVEN!  Every single piece of the line, including lingerie like bikinis & a skeleton dress filling 7 racks.  I decided to try on anything I thought was fabulous….. 10 items in the fitting room and the workout session began.  My clothes off, dress on, dress off, skirt & cami on….. 15 minutes later I decided I must have the grey t-shirt (pocket-less  thanks!), yes, before you call me out about it…I admit I only bought it because the tag says Rodarte.  Truth be told I already own 5 grey t-shirts, but I plan to Brig this one out and make it an original BVO for Rodarte for TARGET.

**Note to self- Call Andrea and tell her about Skeleton dress.  I remember she always had a thing for skeletons, or maybe her parents hit the costume store too late.  See below….

The light peach slip dress also found its way home with me.  It is delicate, yet raw & all around perfection.  The denim jacket?  Well, the medium was too small & the XL was too big.  Large was nowhere to be found so I decided to move on from it.  I also own the fushia, with lace cami.

I can’t say enough great things about this Go International Collection.  It is well made, great fabrics, wearable cool shit in sweet colors.  The only negative is apparently they think only size XS-XL exist.  Size 15 & 17 + XXL should have been added.  Curvier girls need love too.  I speak from the experience of living as a size 14 for many years.

I don’t expect the line to last longer than a couple of weeks. A couple items are already on E-bay for A TON more than suggested retail.  I think that is dumb, but greed is everywhere.

Great job Rodarte!  4.5 stars out of 5.( .5 pt deduction for lack of larger sizes)  I will be proud to ROCK out my TARGET bought Rodarte.

I might even replace my Alexander McQueen for TARGET bikini with one of your naughty ones.  Hallelujah!

Go International has redeemed itself from a rather dry run.  Only problem now?  How the hell do you plan to top Rodarte, TARGET?

Another recommendation: Check out Style Rookie’s 13 year old genius blogger Tavi’s video about Rodarte.(Also see her on the current cover of the international POP magazine)

I want to be Tavi when I grow up.

Expect more do it yourself tips and style on a budget.

I am never one to run out and wreck my paycheck on a bag (unless it is Diesel, clearance of course).  I promise to keep it “thrift” & fantastic!  :) brig

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