Phillip Lim for Target: 5 Fall Pieces You Can’t Miss

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For me, a Target run usually ends up like this: I go in for, say, a printer cartridge. I sternly tell myself that’s all I’m getting – just that one thing. Totally not my fault that there was a really cute scarf on clearance, and a golden ring shaped like a tiny birdcage, and dog toys that looked like sushi rolls; those things needed a good home and I refuse to be impulse-shopping shamed.

The point is, everyone knows that the spontaneous thrill of the hunt is generally the golden rule of Target shopping. Duck in for an umbrella and you’ll probably leave with flats and a new lipstick, too -no biggie, right?

But there’s one huge exception to this rule: when a designer collaboration sweeps in, you have to plan, people! Remember when the zig-zaggy brilliance of Missoni debuted at Target in 2011? If not, let me refresh your memory: picture a plague of fashion locusts stripping scarves and skirts and cardigans, leaving nothing but rattling hangers and empty display cases in their wake. Those were dark times. (And I’m still mad that I missed out on those striped wellies, ugh).

Let us not repeat the fashion apocalypse of the past. The Phillip Lim for Target line is arriving September 15th, and this is not the time to wander in without a plan.

Lim’s couture line, 3.1 Phillip Lim, is an international powerhouse, lauded for its cleanly sophisticated but gently quirky style. I mean, Lim cited Little Edie Beale as his inspiration for his 2007 collection, thus cementing his permanent coolness. His 2013 runway collection references a sort of genteel biker/road trip style, full of leather accents, forgiving cuts, and muted colors like charcoal, camel and sage.

The 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collection is definitely covetable – polished and professional but full of personality. You should check out the entire look-book, which ranges from cocktail dresses to leather jackets AND includes a men’s line.

If you want a cheat sheet, though, I’ve curated my top five picks – figure out what you want now, and for maybe the first time ever, walk into Target with a shopping list you’ll stick to. (Or clickety-click away, because some looks are online exclusives). You don’t even have to make your bank account cry, because the most expensive item on my list, a coat, is $79.99.

First up is this Woven Shirt Dress ($39.99) in a paper floral print. The flowers on this are striking – note how the orange, pink and black bloom against the ecru background. It’s the kind of piece that translates well to all seasons: wear it now with bare legs and flats; when things get chilly, add a blazer, tights, and tall flat boots.

Next, how bad-ass is this black Dress with Faux Leather accents ($49.99)? It looks couture – an austere cut punked up by asymmetrical touches on the collar and bodice. I’d pair this with leopard print heels; alternately, take the look in the opposite direction with battered and scuffed motorcycle boots.

If a Catherine Deneuve inspired style is more your thing, then you need this blue and khaki Trench Coat ($79.99). The lines of the trench are killer on their own – clean and classic – but the powder blue accents on the belt and lapels give it a singularly fresh update. This is this kind of coat that will transform even a ratty outfit. Just throw it on, add some pink lipstick, and voila – mysterious French-beauty vibes, with minimal effort.

This next piece mixes a vintage skateboarder vibe with superhero flavor: a French Terry Sweatshirt ($29.99) emblazoned with BOOM. The bold graphics and tulip-like hem are pretty irresistible, right? I’d add dark skinnies and studded sneaks, for a comfy but quirky look.

Lastly, it was hard to pick my favorite bag, but I couldn’t resist this fresh iteration of leopard-print. This Drawstring Carry-All Bag ($49.99) plays with traditional patterns: it’s kind of a goldenrod color, accented with cobalt blue spots. Plus, look at how ginormous it is – the perfect weekend trip bag. If you want one for yourself, note that this bag is an online exclusive.

Get your shopping lists ready, okay? There’s no telling if the Lim line will balloon to Missoni-level frenzy, but I suspect it’ll go fast!

we heartsters – Can you ever get out of Target without impulse buys? And what looks are you coveting from the Lim line?

Amity writes and teaches in Central PA. Her obsessions include: Rodarte (she can’t afford any Rodarte, mind you, but a girl can dream), espresso, books, vintage/thrift fashion and fountain pens. She thinks you should dress like a weirdo once in a while, just to shake things up.