Banana Republic vs.The Bullseye

I just love it when I find something at Target that looks like it’s from Banana Republic vs. the Bullseye. Case in point: this gathered scoop-neck Mossimo tee, on sale for just $10 this week at Target. Doesn’t it look awfully similar to this shirred-scoop neck top at Banana Republic? The only difference is that BR’s is offering theirs for $39… which means you can pretty much get 4 of the Mossimo ones for the price of one of BR’s tops.

Pick of the Week

It's Pick of the Week time: each week I pick one great buy from Target's Weekly ad (in the Sunday newspaper) and highlight it here on my blog. Easter is upon us (one week from today!) so I can’t focus on just one pick this week. This week is everything Easter, and Target has it all on sale... from my son’s favorite Peeps ($1.49 a pack) to 10-oz. bags of popular candy (Hershey Kisses, Snickers, Reese’s, etc. - $1.99 each) to Easter “grass” (25-cents a bag) and plastic Easter eggs (65-cents for 12) to the actual baskets to put them all in (75-cents each).

And speaking of eggs: Target also has the everyday edible kind – Grade A large to be exact – on sale for just 99-cents a dozen. At my local supermarket eggs are at least $2.50, so this is a huge savings.

Ooh La La Lingerie!

Recently I've been impressed that Target has stepped up their selection of lingerie. I don't mean your run-of-the-mill, cotton-blend, daily-wear Hanes offerings. I'm talking about REAL lingerie; the special occasion lacy pieces that you usually only find at places like Victoria’s Secret and Agent Provocateur. Like this delectable Gilligan & O'Malley bra shown at left: a delicate wisp of sheer ebony eyelet with peach-hued satin straps. In addition to offering a matching bikini and thong, there’s also a coordinating garter belt to pair (if you dare!) with thigh-high stockings. Seriously, I had to do a double-take when I saw these on the rack because they looked like they belonged in the aforementioned high-end lingerie stores and not at a mass retailer like Target. The only difference is that you can get this bra AND the bikini PLUS the garter belt all for about the price of one bra at VS.

Rat Infestation Forces Target Store to Close

File this one under "ewwwwwwww!" According to The Consumerist, a Target store in Pikesville, Maryland "has been closed until further notice because of a rodent problem," reports WBAL Baltimore. Target officials wouldn't tell customers why they were closed; one was told it for maintenance, and another was told it was a "water main problem." Target's corporate office, however, confirmed there's a big mouse problem. You can read the full account here, and The Consumerist's web site now reports that the store has since reopened.

Allie models for Target

Designer Tracy Feith – known for his "beachy" aesthetic – is using model Allie from TV’s The City in some of his ads for his upcoming collection for Target. Now I have no idea who “Allie” is… and have never seen The City… but her look has a 60’s vibe which partners well with some of Feith’s mod-inspired shift dresses and rompers. The best part is that everything in Feith’s line is priced under $50 (unlike’s McQ’s overpriced offerings) and will hit stores soon (May 17th to be exact).

Sonia Kashuk's 10th Anniversary Collection

To celebrate makeup artist Sonia Kashuk’s 10th anniversary with Target, the Bullseye has released a special, limited edition of makeup bags and tools. Pictured at left is the coral-themed bag with some of the brushes, with handles that also echo the coral theme. Now for some odd reason, I have seen this collection available in stores (it’s already been on shelves for a few weeks now) but it’s not available on Target’s web site yet.

Among the highlights of the collection:

• The Treasure Chest Bag, Sonia’s newest cosmetic case in a whimsical coral print in a bold, vibrant color ($12.99).

• The Hidden Treasure Brush Set, a pack of six elegant travel-sized brushes with faux-silver, coral-shaped handles, all housed in a chic, coral-print case with luxe silver lining that can double as a stylish clutch ($21.99).

• Pink Sands Highlighting Powder, a pale-pink highlighting powder that delivers a subtle shimmer to make your skin look luminous, housed in a luxurious silver - and ergonomically correct - compact ($12.99).

Clearance Alert: McQ for Target

A big 'thank you' to The Recessionista who informs us that the McQ Alexander McQueen collection for Target is now on clearance for 30%-off. Now I personally wasn't a fan of this line, but if you liked McQ, get it while you still can... because I notice that that some items I've seen in stores (like the 3/4 sleeved trench coat and the leather vest) are already sold-out online. So if this cute 50's-inspired strapless/swingy party dress is your style (shown at left) now's the time to snap it up for just $55.99.