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 from the center of the Weekly Ad, and is one of the featured “Online Only” deals. Isaac Mizrahi cashmere sweaters – in v-neck, turtleneck, or scoopneck styles – are on sale this week for just $39.99 (down from $49.99). They’re available in a wide variety of colors and sizes, and from experience I can tell you that the quality of Isaac’s cashmere is pretty darn good for the price. And best of all, for a limited time Target is offering free shipping on these sweaters (as well as a slew of other items on their site) so you won’t even have to pay to have them delivered right to your front door.

John Derian for Target Christmas Collection

I certainly let this one get by me... it seems as if John Derian has produced another capsule collection for Target, just in time for Christmas. This holiday-themed collection of tree ornaments, gift bags, and home decorations is heavy on traditional images like cherubs, reindeer, and holly berries. Unfortunately, some of the prettiest items - like this poinsettia tray - are already sold out online, so find them in-store (if you can).

Black Friday madness...

Here's a shot of shoppers lining up at dawn today for deals at a Target store in South San Francisco. Despite the world financial crisis and tighter shopping budgets, retailers are crossing their fingers that deep discounting will lead to a Black Friday surprise. While I am not normally a Black Friday shopper, I did brave the crowds to visit my local Target today shortly after 7am (around an hour after they opened) and yes, it was a madhouse. So much so that I promptly left after picking up some Christmas cards (which weren't even on sale) and this lovely John Derian photo album (which although is full price on Target.com, for some reason was marked down to $4 at the store).

Happy Thanksgiving!

No matter whether you're already digesting your holiday feast or still anticipating it (here on the West Coast we still have a couple of hours until "to Grandmother's house we go") let us pause to give thanks for all of our blessings, our family, and friends. 2008 hasn't been the best of years for this nation, but we still have a lot to be thankful for, and grateful for, as well as hope for the future.

Boots Makeovers at Select Target Stores

Lucky holiday shoppers at select Target stores will have the opportunity to receive a complimentary holiday makeover, courtesy of Boots cosmetics. And as an added bonus, if you sign up and join the Boots Club, you'll receive exclusive offers and savings for members only. There's even some Boots deals you can score in-store right now:

10% off Select No7 color cosmetics (like the gloss shown here)
15% off No7 Protect & Perfect Beauty Serum
15% off No7 Protect & Perfect Body Serum

(Discounts in-store from November 18th to December 16th)

Target's Two-day Sale

Sign up on Target’s web site for advance notification of their Two-day sale, starting at 6am on Friday. Email subscribers will receive a sneak-peek Wednesday at all the deals Target has to offer during their post-Thanksgiving sale. I'm sure they'll also have a special printed version in Thursday’s newspaper, but with the email version you can hit the ground running and plan your Target shopping excusion for Black Friday.

Alexander McQueen for Target

More details on the upcoming Alexander McQueen collection for Target have emerged via this story published by WWD. The most revealing bit is that when it was first suggested to McQueen that he work with Target, the designer said he was initially ambivalent. “I’ve never understood Target,” he said. But the idea of spreading his name appealed to the designer. “Apart from the East and West Coasts, my company doesn’t have any visibility in the U.S.,” he said. “I always liked the idea of people in the Midwest wearing my clothes. The idea of this upstart from London going where people haven’t heard of me, I think that was interesting to me. I think it’s quite adventurous of Target.”

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. Now today's pick is purely selfish, because it's something I was planning on buying today anyhow as a present for my teenage niece. Yesterday I was with her in Target - which, keep in mind, was a TREAT for her since she doesn't have a Target near where she lives - and she fell in love with these comfy suede fleece-lined slippers. And, she made it very clear to Auntie that she'd love a pair for Christmas (along with about a dozen things we saw in-store.....)

Women's Genuine Suede fleece-lined Slippers: on sale this week at Target for $15.99.

Miss Trish of Capri for Target

Target has announced that footwear designer Trish Carroll will create a limited edition shoe collection called Miss Trish of Capri for Target. The line will be available at select Target stores nationwide and on target.com this upcoming Spring from April 5 through June 14, 2009.

Trish Carroll has designed for several major fashion houses including Celine, Ralph Lauren, Missoni and Oscar de la Renta. Her design philosophy is to create fashion that appeals to jetsetters at international resorts across the globe.

Launched in June of 2002, Miss Trish of Capri is Trish Carroll's Signature line of Capri Sandals. It all began with a flagship "cabana" store in the Hamptons. Trish's retail locations have included a "cabana" on the terrace of Frederick Fekkai's famed Beverly Hills salon on Rodeo Drive and an upscale salon on Via Encantada off Worth Ave. in Palm Beach. Current global expansion plans include new resort locations in St. Barths and St. Tropez. The Miss Trish of Capri collection references back to the jetset heyday of the 60's when Brigitte Bardot and Roger Vadim along with Jackie O were jetting from St. Tropez to Capri. As such, this footwear shares little in common with your average flip-flop.

The Miss Trish line usually retails for upwards of $200, so it'll be interesting to see how Trish Carroll translates her fanciful designs for the masses at a budget price-point.

Loomstate for Target

Fabsugar is reporting that Target is planning another eco-friendly clothing line on the heels of their success with the Rogan Gregory line this past summer. This time, Target is again partnering with Gregory as well as designer Scott Mackinlay Hahn to launch the Loomstate for Target collection. All of the cotton used in this eco-friendly line is 100% certified organic, as are the other sustainable fibers used including linen and silk. The collection features both men’s and women’s apparel and will launch on Target.com and at select Target stores nationwide on April 19, 2009 (which is perfectly timed to hit right before Earth Day on April 22). The budget-priced eco collection will be available at Target through May 16, 2009.

Wednesday's Rave: this Mossimo cashmere scarf

As mentioned a couple of weeks ago, small (yet luxe) gift items are sure to go fast this season at Target. Here’s another one to nab while you can: this Cashmere Argyle Scarf by Mossimo.

First off, there’s nothing much more luxurious than cashmere. And at just $24.99, it's easy to fit into your budget and simple to work into your wardrobe. Pair it with a simple white shirt and jeans when there's just a little chill in the air, or wear it beneath a peacoat when the temperature drops a bit farther. And while technically this scarf is from the Women’s department, the color and pattern is gender neutral…. so I can also picture my guy wearing it at a football game.

Isabelle de Borchgrave for Target

Earlier this year I raved about designer Isabelle de Borchgrave’s paper collection for Target. Now Isabelle has a brand new holiday collection of paper plates, tablecloths, napkins, centerpieces and placecards. The collection – in a rich collection of deep reds, glimmering golds, and lush greens – is sure to add a special touch to your holiday gatherings. I especially love this paper bread bowl (shown) that’s available for just $3.99. The one caveat to Isabelle’s line, however, is that the majority of items are only available in stores. Look for the collection displayed prominently on an endcap in the card and stationary aisle.

More Hayden-Harnett pics

RackedNY is showing more press pictures of the new Hayden-Hartnett line for Target (which I blogged about last week). The collection of of clutch bags, purses, totes and umbrellas will debut at Target stores on December 28th. Interestingly enough, some of the bags will be Target.com exclusives and only available for purchase from their website. I’m digging this "Flight Bag" tote in basic black (for just under 50-bucks) because frankly, some of the prints are a bit too wild for my tastes.

First Look: Isaac for Liz Claiborne

As I lamented way back in February, my beloved Isaac Mizrahi will be leaving Target at the end of this year to design for the Liz Claiborne company. WWD has posted an early look at Isaac's first collection for Liz, and it has some cute pieces. Shown is a trench coat with flowered lining and a day outfit that features some funky 60's inspired flowered leggings (I'm not too crazy about those!) with a short skirt and casual tank. Also featured are safari looks, pantsuits and bright colors. The collection will debut in January, but keep in mind that everything will be more expensive than the Target versions, with T-shirts starting at $30 and coats retailing for $250.

Now the Target store near where I work started cutting back on Isaac's merchandise a couple of months ago, and then today I noticed that my local Target has pulled down all the "Isaac" signage and what's left of his line is reduced to one small rack (save what's already hit the clearance aisles). This makes me sad, but all good things must come to an end. Target.com still has a wide selection of his merchandise, including a great offering of clearance items. Better get it while it lasts, though; technically, the Isaac line is supposed to only available through Dec. 31st of this year.

Pick of the Week

It's pick of the week time: each Sunday I pick one great buy from Target's Weekly ad (in the Sunday newspaper) and highlight it here on my blog. Now I've previously sung the praises of Riedel Vivant glassware - available exclusively at Target - and this week several Riedel Vivant items are on sale. Founded in 1756 in Austria, Riedel's family glassworks was the first to create wineglasses shaped to complement specific wine varietals. Vivant is the more budget-friendly line of stemware and crystal from Riedel for Target, and believe me, you cannot tell the difference between Riedel’s original collection and Vivant. Both have the same quality and elegant lines. And with the price difference – $25 for a set of two Vivant Bordeaux glasses at Target vs. $48 for the Riedel Bordeaux set at Williams-Sonoma – you can practically walk away with 4 glasses at Target for the same cost as 2 from the pricier line.

Selected* Riedel® Vivant glassware: on sale this week at Target for $25 each.
*2-pk. burgundy or bordeaux glasses, balloon-style decanter, or crystal vase in styles shown.

Playing up the "Pay Less" Part

Target is starting a new ad campaign to emphasize the second half of its well-known tag line, “Expect More. Pay Less.”

While they don’t plan to abandon their promotion of design, style and service, they do intend to “be much more explicit about our pay less proposition because the economic pain that our guests are feeling is real,” said Michael Francis, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, during a recent meeting with Wall Street analysts.

Target has already introduced the phrase “For less” in its weekly newspaper ads, and in stores Target is using more large signs to emphasize prices and bargains, such as “Under $5” or “Under 15.”

All Wrapped Up

Target is sponsoring a new seasonal blog called Christmas Wrapped, filled with tips and tricks on how to simplify the holidays and save money at the same time. Check it out!

Hayden-Harnett Update

As I first reported way back in July, designers Hayden-Harnett have been tapped to create a budget handbag and accessory line exclusively for Target. At the time, the Hayden-Harnett line was rumored to hit stores in Spring 2009. But now comes word that the collection (priced at a wallet-friendly $19.99 - $49.99) is slated to hit stores on December 28th. According to the official Target press release, the collection is described as such:

"Style and practicality is the mantra for this collection. Silhouettes range from oversized envelope clutches to convertible hobos and flight totes. Finishes include distressed brown or black faux-leather and a multi-color fig-leaf printed canvas. Hardware such as studs, chains and grommets coupled with convertible and interchangeable straps double both as functional and decorative. Unique to this collection is a sleek and feminine umbrella, which stands out in the signature fig-leaf print."

Target saves the day (again)

My hubby wanted to go to the mall the other day (yes, really, the mall!) to try and find a new pair of sunglasses. His beloved Oakleys – which, to his credit, he’d had for over 5 years and got more than his money’s worth out of – had finally broke (for good this time). We visited Sunglass Hut with Oakleys in mind… but frankly, given this economy, hubby just couldn’t wrap his head around the $200 price tag. We also tried Macy’s, but it was the same story (and prices) there. So when he lamented “geez, you’d think someone would knock off these things or copy them” I said “if that’s what you want, then we need to go to Target”. So we did, and sure enough: Champion makes some cool blue sporty shades that are quite similar to these Oakleys (pictured) only at a fraction of the cost (around $19.99).

Wednesday's Rave: this Mossimo sweater dress

Sweater dresses are all the rage this season; just check out the racks at Banana Republic or Express and you’ll see what I mean. The trick with sweater dresses, though, is to make sure they’re not too bulky (or else you end up looking like you're wearing a bathrobe) or “dated” (to avoid the risk of looking like you’ve stepped out of Seventeen Magazine circa 1981).

This Mossimo sweater dress is neither bulky nor dated-looking; its A-line shape is figure-friendly, and the sassy ruffled sleeves add just the right amount of style. Besides the yummy plum color shown here, it also comes in Slate Gray and Ebony (black). And this week, it’s on sale for just $24.88 at Target.

Xtina's Greatest Hits

As mentioned last week, Christina Aguilera has produced her first greatest hits CD – Keeps Getting Better – available exclusively at Target. And the CD drops today (on Target's “Tune-in Tuesday”) in stores for just $9.98.

Great buys in store

Not sure about your neck of the woods, but my local Target stores have some GREAT deals going on right now. In the post-Halloween aisle, not only are there some incredible discounts on leftover Halloween decorations, costumes, and candy, but there also seem to be a lot of harvest-themed home décor items thrown in there. I saw many straw pumpkins, cornucopias, and Fall-colored candles and sconces – all perfect for the Thanksgiving season – at a full 75% off!

And then in women’s clothing I counted – not joking here – ten full racks of clothes (shoved near the back of the department) at 75% off! I overheard another shopper ask a Target employee “what’s with all the clearance merchandise?” to which she replied “our store ordered too much stock for this past month, so now we need to clear it out.” To give you an idea of the crazy deals: I got this adorable Mossimo sweater dress (and believe me, it’s much cuter on than it looks on the hanger) marked down to $4.61!! [vs. the regular price – still shown on their web site – of $27.99].

Of course, the deals (and selection) vary by store. For instance, the Target near my work was heavy on the holiday/decoration clearance stuff, whereas the one near my house was laden with the women’s clothing clearance.

Christmas in July (in reverse)

One might expect a sweater and jacket-laden collection from Thakoon Panichgul, given that his Go International clothing line for Target is scheduled to hit stores on Christmas Day. However, as shown via preview photos posted on Nylon, Thakoon has instead produced what looks to be a resort–themed line full of fun prints, tiny bikinis, beach cover-ups and strappy dresses. The calendar might state winter, but this collection screams “summer” to me.

Sale alert! Merona Hats/Scarves/Gloves

Brrrr! It’s getting cold outside! That’s why I’m glad that Target has all their Merona brand knit hats, gloves and scarves on sale this week for just $10.99 each. Cold-weather accessories like these are an easy way to update an outfit - plus help you stay cozy - at the same time.

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. There was a lot packed into this week’s ad, but I honed in on one thing out of necessity. During the holidays, we entertain a lot. And somehow, some way, despite ALL the varied dinnerware we have, I still come up one dish short. And I hate to admit it, but I also don’t own a gravy boat. When I got married and registered for china, I thought “why the heck would I need a gravy boat”? Yeah, well, I’ve always regretted that decision. Anyhow, now I can make up for it since Target has their plain white (read: goes with everything) dinnerware accessories on sale for just $8 each. Which means I can afford to pick up an extra platter (or two) as well as that much-needed gravy boat in time for Thanksgiving dinner.

Target dinnerware serving platter, plate or gravy boat: $8 each
Available only in stores (not online)

Target’s Limited Edition Holiday Collection

Believe it or not, the holidays are almost here. And with Halloween and Election Day now behind us, and Thanksgiving and Christmas on the way, it’s time to plan for holiday parties and gatherings....and more specifically, what to WEAR to those occasions.

This year, Target can help you expand your collection (without breaking the bank) with their Limited Edition Holiday Collection. The selection, ranging in price from $22 to $40, includes funky LBDs (Little Black Dresses, like the one shown here) as well as festive party tops and textured jackets These pieces also feature stunning jewel tones, gemstone studs, and luxurious fabrics like satin and brocade – all the chic details that make holiday dressing fun.

The Target Limited Edition Holiday Collection will be in stores Nov. 11th through Jan 4th.

More on McQueen

More details have surfaced on the Alexander McQueen limited edition collection for Target (which I blogged about yesterday) --

"McQ Alexander McQueen for Target will feature lightweight sweaters, skinny jeans, bubble dresses, slim skirts and cuffed shorts. Signature pieces include a coated cotton poplin black trench, a rock ’n’ roll gray denim cropped studded jacket, a men’s wear-inspired tuxedo blazer and a color-blocked one-shoulder dress with bubble hem. The line will also include swimwear and cotton voile print scarves. The collection has a muted color palette of black, white, gray and tan with accents of cobalt blue and bright pink. Studs and mesh give items an edge. Graphic prints and silk-screen photographs give tunics, dresses and T-shirts visual interest."

Hmmmm.....maybe the clothes will look better in person, because the 80's punk vibe I'm getting from these pics aren't doing it for me.

Erickson Beamon update

As I blogged about the other day, the designer team of Erickson Beamon has been tapped to create a line of jewelry for Target, to debut this upcoming Spring. Now Racked.com has posted a sneak-preview pic of one of the Erickson Beamon pieces for Target . They report from the blog Nitrolicious:

"I went to check out the Plenty by Tracy Reese Spring 2009 Collection...I saw one of the PRs wearing a super fab necklace. I asked her what it was and she told me it was from the Erickson Beamon for Target collection!"

The necklace - described as "light and really expensive-looking" - will retail for around $40.

Target or Saks? You decide.

At first glance, this bag (pictured) might look like the Anya Hindmarch for Target satchel, at a recession -friendly $44.99.. But, um, no..... this is actually a shot of the Anya Hindmarch Handle bag that’s a whopping $1,170 from Saks Fifth Avenue!

Ok... so they’re definitely both “Anya” brand bags, but don’t they look eerily similar to one another? I mean, it’s great for Anya to bring style to the masses, but don’t you think she’d design her high-end line to look less like her budget line?

Just goes to show how much the lines between lux and less are being blurred.

Alexander McQueen for Target

It looks like the rumors are true: Alexander McQueen WILL be collaborating with Target. According to Racked.com, the line will launch in March. However, it will NOT be part of the Go International umbrella. Instead, Target is launching a new fashion initiative called “Designer Collaborations”. As reported by WWD:

"The program will bring the styles of well-established designers to the mass merchant at typical Target prices. Alexander McQueen is the first on deck and will design a version of his McQ collection called McQ Alexander McQueen for Target. The collection will have rock 'n' roll influences and edgy details such as studs and tattoo-print fabrics.”

Designer Collaborations is a separate program from Target's Go International program, which focuses on young or emerging designers. Target states that additional Designer Collaborations will be announced in the future. Alexander McQueen’s collection will be available at Target from March 1st through April 11th 2009.

And the winner is...

Well, it’s a new dawn, and a new day, and a new era in America as the Obamas head for the White House. Some pundits are already comparing the Obama administration to the Kennedy "Camelot" years, and liken Michelle Obama to Jackie O. Whatever the next 4 years bring us politically, Michelle Obama is sure to bring her sense of style to Washington.

With all that said, I actually have ANOTHER Target-Obama connection for y'all today. Check out the the Erickson Beamon brooch Ms. Obama wore front and center on her dress (seen here with daughters Sasha and Malia) back at the Democratic Convention in Denver. The brand - named for designers Karen Erickson and Vicki Beamon - has been announced as the fourth partner selected for a jewelry collaboration with Target. Erickson Beamon creations usually price out for several hundred dollars, but of course their Target collection will be offered at a much kinder price point. Look for the Erickson Beamon collection to debut at Target on Valentine’s Day 2009.

Don’t forget to vote!

Today is finally Election Day, and no matter what your political leanings are, PLEASE get out and vote today (if you haven’t already) because every vote counts.

So I thought that I’d offer a little political tie-in to Target today, by way of Michelle Obama. As I blogged about a few months ago, Thakoon Panichgul will be the next designer in Target’s Go International series. And, it just so happens that Thakoon is one of Mrs. Obama’s favorite designers. She wore his creation (pictured) on the final night of the Democratic convention in Denver. She also wore a Thakoon design to the presidential debate at the University of Mississippi back in September. Thakoon’s creations usually cost in the $1,000-range, but of course his Target creations will be much more budget-friendly. Look for Thakoon’s Go International collection starting on Christmas Day.... which as I previously blogged is a strange pick for a launch date.

and Tori hearts Target, too!

And look who else hearts Target? Tori Spelling! Check out this semi-recent pic (from a couple of months ago) of Tori exiting one of Targets SoCal stores.

Xtina hearts Target

Check out this interview last week with Christina Aguilera from Access Hollywood. It shows her filming her new commercial for Target to promote her latest album (which I blogged about weeks ago) and near the end she talks about how much she loves shopping at Target, especially the baby and toy aisles for her son Max.

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 Avington accent chair for just $129.99. Add a unique focal point to your room with this stylish armless chair. You can pick from 4 patterns and two solid colors for upholstery, with stained espresso-hardwood legs. And best of all, Target is offering free shipping on this and many other items now through Nov. 8th.

Avington Accent Chair: on sale at Target.com for $129.99
Available online only; free shipping through Nov. 8, 2008.

Target Limited Edition Handbags

I had to do a double-take the other day in Target... because at first glance, I thought that they'd added more styles of Anya Hindemarch bags to the racks. But upon further inspection, I realized that these gorgeous bags were by Target and called “Target Limited Edition”. At left is pictured is the grey and black mock-croc hobo... and dare I say that Target’s mock-crock patent material is even BETTER than the Anya bags? It’s a tough call, but at a slightly lower price point than the Anya line, these new bags might just give Anya’s offerings a run for the money.