Coming soon to Target: Justice League merchandise

Target and Warner Bros.  - in partnership with DC Entertainment - have teamed up to introduce an extensive summer collection of exclusive Justice League-themed merchandise. The summer collection was inspired by “DC Comics – The New 52” comic book character designs. Featuring the full lineup of DC Comics’ iconic Justice League Super Heroes – Aquaman, Batman, Cyborg, The Flash, Green Lantern, Superman and Wonder Woman – the summer collection will launch at all U.S. Target stores and on Target.com beginning May 19.

The summer collection was co-created by the Target and Warner Bros. Consumer Products design teams and features contemporary and nostalgic, vintage-inspired graphics and designs. With more than 50 summer products available exclusively at Target, guests will see the collection come to life in home, stationery, sporting goods, and lawn and garden. Some of the more unexpected items include melamine dinnerware that features a purple and pink-clad Wonder Woman; an apron that transforms the cook into Batman; sand toys that will help beach-goers create Gotham City; and children’s Batman, Wonder Woman and The Flash beach towels that double as capes.

In addition to the exclusive summer collection, Target will also be part of a broader partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products that will offer more traditional Justice League licensed products. The broader partnership will span more than 20 categories including home, stationery, toys, apparel and accessories. All Justice League licensed products will range from $1 for Justice League temporary tattoos to $59.99 for a Justice League Rocker Chair. Target will also offer Justice League Halloween costumes for kids later this year.

Double-Take: Xhilaration vs. Zara

This edition of 'double-take' was inspired by blogger Emily's post today at Cupcakes &  Cashmere.  She paired perfectly-nude strappy sandals with her lovely watercolor dress - showcasing the print of the dress and allowing the shoes to simply blend into the background. Her pair - and one of these shown here - are by Zara, and will set you back almost $80.  The other pair is by Xhilaration (at Target) and costs less than half of that, at just $30. Which one is which?  The answer appears in the comments section below.

Double-Take: Horchow vs. Threshold

It's time for another double-take, where we take one item from Tar-shay and match it up against a lookalike - yet more expensive - designer piece.  Today we have two stylish lattice-pattern mirrors.  The only difference - besides the fact that one is dark navy and has and extra little doo-dad at the top, while the other is black and does not - is about $500.  Because one is by Horchow and will set you back $525, whereas the other is by Threshold (at Target) and will cost you just under $30.  Which one is which?  The answer appears in the comments section below.

Clearance Alert: Kate Young for Target

As a few of you have previously told me, it seems that the Kate Young for Target collection is already on clearance at 30% off (although only in stores, and not online yet).  Here is a sad little display I snapped a picture of in the accessories aisle. While the jewelry, bags and shoes seem to be moving, the clothing does not, as the racks I saw were pretty full.

What do you think, readers?  Will putting Kate Young on sale inspire you to buy it?

Last-minute gift ideas for mom...

Looking for last-minute gift ideas for Mother's Day? Here's a few suggestions - from left to right - all available at Target:

For the traditional mom, why not get her flowers plus a nice vase to put them? This white honeycomb one by Threshold comes in both medium and large sizes.

For the glam mom, try Sonia Kashuk's "Native Beauty" Brush Set, with a cute bag that can double as a clutch purse.

For the gadget-gal mom, this Olioclip Lens for iPhone 5 will allow her to to capture creative shots by adding a wide-angle, macro or fish-eye effect to photos.

And for the active mom, the Fitbit One can track the exercise she‘s accomplished each day and help her to make healthy choices that add a few extra steps or burn a few extra calories.

Target's Next Collab: Phillip Lim

Target wasn't supposed to release this news until tomorrow, but I guess the cat is out of the bag.  Target's next designer collab will be with industry darling Phillip Lim!

Just in time for Fall, 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target will be a limited-edition collection of apparel and accessories, including an assortment of bags, shoes and travel accessories for both men and women.

From the official Target press release: "Since an early age, I’ve been intrigued by the idea of design evolution,” said Phillip Lim. “One of the reasons I wanted to collaborate with Target is because I felt that together we could create a collection that would inspire – one that is cool and chic, but still very accessible.”

Debuting Sept. 15th at most Target stores and online at Target.com, the collection will include more than 100 items, ranging in price from $19.99-$299.99, with most items clocking in under $49.99. To get a sneak peek of the collection, check out this video on A Bullseye View.

Product Review: Sam & Libby for Target

Yesterday I was able to check out the Sam & Libby for Target collection in person in-store, and I have to say I was underwhelmed.  The materials and construction seemed cheap, especially considering that they have a slightly higher price-point than comparable Mossimo styles. These definitely seem like "seasonal shoes" in that they probably won't last past one season of wear.

In particular, the flat gladiator and thong sandal styles were nothing to write home about, especially in comparison to superior collections like the Miss Trish for Target collab from a few years ago. This is one collection I'll definitely take a pass on.