A Complete Guide to Crushing Peter Pilotto x Target

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Lest you forget, the Peter Pilotto for Target collection is scheduled to hit stores on Sunday, February 9—smack-dab in the middle of New York Fashion Week. In anticipation, the retailer has rolled out a microsite full of teasers including a video of the designers, photos from the ad campaign and of course, many looks at the clothes and accessories. Here, now, a complete guide to shopping the collection successfully.

1. Figure out what you want: Here's the full collection. Are you a person who loves colors and prints? Dive right in. If you're a little more understated, maybe just sit this one out. It's not for you, and that's okay. Don't let the hype convince you otherwise.

2. Save your info online: Now this one is a little scary, given that whole Target data breach and all, but as any serious online shopper knows, saving your billing and shipping address as well as credit card information expedites the checkout process. Plus, a Target spokesman recently told Racked, "What I can tell you is that Target has worked quickly with the appropriate authorities on the investigation and have resolved the issue. Guests should feel confident shopping at Target today, for the Peter Pilotto for Target collection, and beyond."

Remember that you can also take your data to Net-A-Porter. They will not have the full collection, but most likely will have the pieces you want such as the dresses and jackets. At the press preview for the event, a Net-A-Porter rep said that they had "bought deep" into the collection so as to not run out. But, recall that you will be competing with the rest of the world as Net-A-Porter ships globally.

3. Sign up for alerts from Target: If you give Target your email, they will send you updates as to what is going on with Pilotto. Of course, they will also send you updates about things you just don't care care for, such as coupon circulars. You can also text STYLE to TARGET (827438) for updates on your phone and text STOP to 827438 to cancel after the collab launches.

4. Prepare for a long night: Target doesn't like to tell people exactly when on a Sunday morning its collaborations will drop, most likely because it doesn't want the website to crash. In the past, collabs have tended to land online between midnight and 3am, obviously well before Target's doors open around 8am. Diehards will be waiting by about 3am.

5. Decide how much you want to spend: That strapless dress is $80, the blazer is $50 and the sweatshirt is $30. The lookbook has all the pricing; figure out a budget and prioritize accordingly.

6. Research the return situation: Say you get caught up in the frenzy and come home with one (or five) too many items. Make sure you know about any special return policies that may apply to collaboration pieces. Target's general rule for returns is 90 days with tags and receipt, either directly at a store or online. But they've been known to change things up during designer collaborations—though customer service is saying that they'll honor Target's general return policy. If there is a specific-to-the-collab return policy, it can be found under the item on your receipt or packing slip and in the "Item details, shipping" tab if purchased on Target.com. Look for the words "return by" date or "return within" day range.

7. Check back: Speaking of returns, they happen. If you don't get what you want immediately, take a look again over the following couple of weeks. And if you're really on the fence, wait a few weeks. The stuff that's left usually goes on sale.

8. Make sure your store is carrying it: If you decide to forgo buying online to shop in-store, call your local Target beforehand to double-check that they'll be stocking the collection. Per the official press release, it will be at "most" Targets in the US and Canada. Update: Here's the full list of stores that will carry the collection.
· Peter Pilotto for Target [Target]
· It's Here! The Full Peter Pilotto for Target Lookbook Is Here! [Racked]
· Spot the First Peter Pilotto for Target Ad Starring Jessica Stam [Racked]