An interview with Sonia Kashuk...

Check out the Q & A session that The Recessionista has posted with makeup artist Sonia Kashuk. While I knew that Sonia had been with Target for quite some time (11 years) I had no idea that it was she that initiated the first contact with Target and suggested the partnership (vs. the other way around). She also states that the one essential product that she recommends for women is foundation... which is ironic, because I have fallen in love with her new Perfecting Luminous Foundation and will be "raving" about it later this week.

Another revelation is that Sonia keeps a blog, which you can check out here. It's full of makeup tips & tricks, and insights into working behind the scenes at fashion shows and events.

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. First, a little background on this week's pick... the other day we were at a BBQ at a friend's house. A very WELL OFF friend, who lives in like a 10,000 sq. foot mansion with a huge sprawling backyard. This friend recently updated their patio furniture, and it looked like this. Literally, because the set was from Restoration Hardware, and they bought the entire collection (down to the throw pillows, lanterns - all the accessories).

So inspired by their outdoor living space - but not having my friend's unlimited budget - I headed to Target to check out this collection (shown) which was featured in this week's ad. And I have to say, I was impressed; the Siesta Wicker collection looks good and feels comfortable to sit on. The chairs feel sturdy and supportive, and the cushions are very plush. And after studying the rust & weatherproofed wicker material up-close, it doesn't look "cheap" or plastic-y.

And best of all, the entire Siesta collection is on sale this week at Target at a huge discount. The chairs are normally $239 each, and now are $100 off! Since our patio space isn't anywhere near the same size our friend's, we'll probably only be getting a set of chairs (just $278 this week for both) and the accent table to go with them for $69.

Double-Take: Banana Republic vs. Xhilaration

It’s time for another double-take, folks. Now these two ruffled tanks look pretty darn similar, don't they? The difference is that one is from Banana Republic, is made of pure silk, and comes with a hefty $69.50 price tag. The other is from Xhilaration at Target and is made of rayon; hence the more wallet-friendly price of just $17.99. Can you guess which one is which? The answer appears in the comments section.

Sneak Peek: Pure Energy at Target

Did you know Target has an amazing plus-sized line called Pure Energy? For Fall 2010, the brand focused on key trends -- ranging from military-inspired garb to edgy ballerina pieces, Army jackets, faux-fur vests, camo-print leggings, and denim -- all designed to "compliment curvy bodies".

Check out pics of America's Next Top Model alum Whitney Thompson along with another beauties showing off the brand's array of flirty knit tops, skinny jeans, and dresses here on Fabsugar's web site. The new Pure Energy Fall collection will debut in stores and online on July 1.

Wednesday's Rave: this Mossimo cardigan

Sorry folks... I'm a bit behind in my posts this week, which is why my "rave" is a day late. As mentioned yesterday, Summer has yet to hit my part of the country. But even in warm weather, you often need a light layer to ward off the cool evenings (or the over air-conditioned chill of the office).

Enter this perfect Mossimo cocoon cardigan. Made of a soft cotton/acrylic blend, it hugs the body closely to add a light layer of warmth without any added bulk. Besides Charcoal Gray (shown) it also comes in Basic Black, Coral, Cream and Pure White (which is the one I bought). I'd love to get it in other colors, but it seems I've waited too long as this sweater is no longer available on Target's web site. The good news is that if you can find it in store, it's now on clearance for $12.98 (regularly $19.99).

Target's sunscreen gets top rating from Consumer Reports

Alas, it is still unseasonably cool & rainy here in Northern California, so at the present time we have no need for sunscreen. But for those of you in parts of the country that do need sun protection, some good news: Consumer Reports just rated Target's in-house brand of Up & Up Suncreen as a "Best Buy".

In rigorous testing, Consumer Reports found that Sport Continuous SPF 30 by Up & Up (at Target) provided very good UVA protection and excellent UVB protection and met their SPF claim even after treated skin was soaked in water for 80 minutes.

In addition to testing the sunscreens' overall performance, Consumer Reports also assessed the smell, feel and absorption of the products, because if you think your sun protection stinks or feels greasy, you're less apt to use it.

Lost-themed Target commercials

If you were among of the millions of Lost fans who watched the series finale last night (as I was) you probably caught one of the three tribute commercials by Target. This one spoofed the hatch alarm by pitching computer keyboards. I thought the commercials were awesome, and it was brilliant of Target to tie popular themes of the show (the hatch, the wild boar, and the smoke monster) to their ad spots during the final episode.