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. Today's pick is this nifty mini-fridge by Emerson, which features a dry-erase board on the door. So you can scribble your grocery list right on the front, or a friendly warning to "keep your hands off my sodas!"

This cute 2.8 cu-ft. fridge comes in either hot pink or black - with dry marker and eraser included - and is on sale this week at Target for just $89. Note: this item is available both online and in stores, but quantities are limited, and there are no rain-checks.

Target Debuts Style App. on Facebook

Looking to put together the perfect look, without having to spend hours in the dressing room trying on different combinations to create your ideal outfit? Then try out Target's "Merona. my look maker," an interactive app. on Facebook, which gives users a free, personal-stylist right at their fingertips.

Featuring the Merona Collection, Target's line of smart basics and fashionable options, "Merona. my look maker" allows users to build a flawless ensemble from head-to-toe. Choosing from a wide variety of dresses, tops, sweaters and bottoms, you can then complete your look with accessories like shoes, bags, hats, scarves and sunglasses.

Once you've completed your masterpiece, you can submit it to the gallery for others to see. You can even "shop your look," where the site connects you to Target.com and allows you to view the prices of your items and buy the whole outfit instantly.

If you don't classify yourself as a fashionista, you can browse through the creations of others users, or turn to "Merona. my look maker's" recommended looks that will either "play," "impress" or "wow." Find "Merona. my look maker" at: facebook.com/. Search key word "Target" for Target's fan page, and then hit "Merona" on the 5th tab over.

Geren Ford Limited Edition Dress for Target

Last week I told you about Alison Lewis' limited-edition dress for Target. And this week, I bring you another one, this time by Geren Ford. After a 12-year career in advertising, Geren Lockhart decided to launch her life's dream - a line of clothing - and the result was the Geren Ford label. Her GF Geren Ford dress for Target is raspberry on top, cool khaki on bottom, and cut from wispy silk crepe de chine. With a smocked, open-pleat waistband and wide boat neck, this two-tone frock is effortlessly chic. And like the Alison Lewis frock, it's available exclusively on Target.com.

Wednesday's Rave: this Merona eyelet dress

I just love it when I find something fabulous on the sale rack at Target. And even more so when it's 50% off! Like this super-summery white eyelet sundress by Merona. Not only was it a steal at just $12.98, but it fits like a dream, making it look a lot more expensive than it's regular price of $24.99. It has darling details like eyelet trim at the waist and hem, plus an elastic-back waistline to nip in your waist. And unlike some white dresses, this one is fully lined (in cool, comfy cotton) making it see-thru proof.

The one downside? This beauty is already sold out on Target.com. I'm not the only fan, as this dress has 4 rave reviews on Target's site, begging them to make it in other colors. Are you listening, Target? Bring back this dress in white, basic black and other hot-weather hues!

Tuesday's Rant: Target's Up & Up sandwich bags

Today's rant is about Up & Up Double Zipper Sandwich Bags. A couple of weeks ago, I bought a box of these at Target. At about a buck cheaper than the brand-name competition, I figured I’d give ‘em a try. The box is colored orange and white, contains 100 bags, and they have blue and green colored zippered "teeth" along the top portion of the bag. Some other brands have their bags designed to change colors when the bags are secured closed, but these do not; the colors remain the same whether the bag is locked closed or still open.

So the box says they are great for snacks and lunches, and you simply "press to close". Only problem is, they don’t. The strip of “teeth” along the top are far thinner than my favorite brand (Ziploc) and what I think is happening is that the strip is so narrow that the teeth simply aren’t “catching”. The bags are really hard to get closed, even after repeated attempts to do so. I thought this might just be “me”….until my husband asked me to please not buy these bags anymore. And then I happened to mention this to my mom, who told me she had the very same problem. So we obviously aren’t the problem; the design of the bag is the problem. This is an epic fail on Target’s part, and I don’t care if I have to pay more – I want a bag that works.

Target to phase out Garden Centers

One of my earliest rants (over two years ago) was about Target's "vanishing Garden Centers". At the time, I lamented the fact that two of the three Target stores in my area had eliminated their Garden Centers, and only one I knew of still carried fresh plants, flowers, herbs, potting supplies, and garden accessories year-round. Well unfortunately, that's about to change with breaking news that Target intends to phase out all of its garden sections nationwide.

The move is part of a plan to increase the company's focus on its grocery offerings. The garden section is being planned for elimination by September.

"After careful review and consideration, Target has decided to close our Garden Centers," according to a statement from a Target spokeswoman. "This is no longer a profitable business for us and does not provide significant value to our guests. The effective close date for our Garden Centers will be late September. In the meantime, we will operate our business as usual throughout the spring and summer season."

This news makes me so sad, and I couldn't disagree more with this Target spokesperson about the Garden Center not 'providing value to Target guests'. What I loved about Target's Garden Center is that they often stocked unique plants that I wouldn't normally have found in the sea of offerings at other big box stores like Home Depot or OSH. Yes, Target's Garden Center was small and compact, but that's what I liked about it; the plants and accessories were always attractively displayed and not just stacked in rows like a traditional plant nursery. Plus, having the Garden Center at Target saved me a trip to another store when I needed to pick up some more potting soil or a gift plant like an Easter Lily or Orchid. I guess if the endeavor wasn't profitable for Target, I can understand that... but I still don't have to like the decision.

Alison Lewis' Limited Edition Dress for Target

Missing Liberty of London’s punchy prints at Target? Then check out the playful umbrella pattern on this silk chiffon dress designed by Alison Lewis especially for Target.

The iconic '60s flick Umbrellas of Cherbourg (starring Catherine Denueve) was the inspiration behind Lewis' exclusive dress for Target, which is available on Target.com. The short and swingy shape is a summer dress perennial, but the demure bow neck and retro umbrella print screams “vintage French chic”.