Lost & Found: The Story of a Little Black Dress

A few years ago I bought a dress. It was a black, Victorian-esque collared, button front mini-dress with half sleeves and a sash. Its cotton voile was of my favorite, stiff, almost-linen (without the wrinkle of linen) and it had a glorious dual ruffle effect from collar to hem. It was my favorite dress for several months, and I wore it from Indian Summer (bare legs, Ferragamo flats) through one tough winter (thick Wolford tights, long wool cardigan, Frye boots with wool socks underneath), and into that following spring (bare legs again, Ferragamo flats again). It was chic, it was seasonless, and it was $39. At Target.

Then something bad happened. I won't name names, but someone in my life misplaced the dress, accidentally giving it (and some other fab items) away in a bag of clothes intended for dry cleaning--that instead went to charity. Now, I am all for giving away glorious clothing. But your very favorite, adaptable little dress? That was available for a mere four weeks and is completely un-findable at this point? That you still wear lovingly all the time? Sad. Very, very sad. And a little pissed, to be honest.

I had long since gotten over the loss of this dress. It was, after all, merely an article of clothing. But every once in a while there would be a moment, or an entire morning, spent wishing I had it to wear for the ocassion at hand. And then, a small miracle occurred. A commercial came on that stopped me in my tracks. Aren't we all really attracted to Target commercials? They use great music, images of happy babies, sexy couples, attactive older people, and delicious little kids romping around using super-cute products and wearing great clothes. You always know it's a Target commercial from the first second because you actually want to watch it, not mute it and leave the room to grab a soda.

Anyway, this particular one brought some news so thrilling, so unexpected, that I nearly dropped my soda on the floor. Target GO International bringing back former items? Every dress you've loved from the limited edition high-end designer collaborations available once more? No need to drive 45 minutes to Jersey or Long Island to find said pieces--because it's all up on the website?

I jumped, I clicked, and I scrolled... and I found my little dress. Alice Temperley for Target. Original glory available in my size and at the same price I paid for it a few years ago. This happy camper suggests that, even though the looks are out for only a brief time, you scope them. While they don't have a ton of stuff left, I just checked again online this morning and they have pieces from 17 different designers left, and a good run of sizes. Have fun ladies! My only question is, will they ever bring back those killer Cynthia Vincent for Target shoes from last spring?

Here is my delicious dress. Don't be jealous, get your own!