‘Tiptoe Through the Tulips’

A while back, I wrote about some great summer finds priced under $30, and included in that group were several items by Isaac Mizrahi and Luella Bartley made for Target www.target.com, one of my favorite places to search. Leading off that list was Isaac Mizrahi’s eye catching ‘Tulip Dress’- a sleeveless back zipped knee length sheath in cotton and spandex on a dark gray background emblazoned on the front with an oversized yet real life photo copy of a tulip stem and all.

I guess one can surmise that Isaac is having a love affair with tulips as it’s part of a whimsical and fun group he did for Target which incorporates the print (other offerings are a $14.99 Photoreal Tulips vinyl see thru shower curtain; a large Flower Tablecloth ($24.99); a Pop Flower bedding collection ($9.99-109.99); and a Pop Flower duvet set ($69.00-$89.99). I immediately ordered the dress – at that great price it was a no brainer – and a hard to beat combination of simple sleek style and bold graphics which further made it irresistible. Plus, it looked like something that would pack and travel well and would come in handy when the weather turns sultry. It also proved to be the perfect thing to wear to an event (like the recent Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon in the Central Park Conservancy), whose theme just happened to be flowers and lush gardens. And not that I need proof that the amount of money one spends is completely disproportionate to the resultant effect,my outfit, which was built around that approximately $30 dress, brought nods of approval and vocal accolades even surrounded by a sea of couture and designer labels which obviously cost well into the 4 figures. How satisfying is that?

As of this morning, the dress (which alas, is now only available in a few sizes online) has been reduced to $24.99 so this is the perfect time to order one. And while you’re at it, check out Isaac’s chic and versatile trench dress (with all the traditional trench details) in a substantial yet soft cotton with a bit of spandex. It had been out of stock for quite awhile but has wisely been reordered and is once again being offered in two of the best neutrals – soft gold (light beige) and ebony (black). It is perfect almost year round (depending on where one lives), and is completely versatile since it can be worn as a coat or a dress. And at this price ($23.99) why even hesitate?

-Marilyn Kirschner