Monday, November 30, 2009

yes, Yes, YES! Zac Posen for Target! FINALLY!!


This just in! Zac Posen is next on board to become a guest designer for Target. Whoo hoo!!! According to People.com, Posen will bring "his high-fashion styles to most Target stores nationwide and online at Target.com from April 25 through May 30. And while Target has not disclosed the prices for Zac’s collection, previous limited-edition designer Go collections have ranged from $15-$150 — which is a steal compared to Posen’s star-loved collection that ranges from $900 to $12,000, with custom pieces starting at $20,000! Zac Posen isn’t a stranger to lower priced collections or designing for Target. The designer created a collection of red-carpet gowns, short dresses and tailored pants for Australian Target stores for Fall 2008."

Devoted readers to this blog may recall that I already posted an entry about Zac's collection for Target OZ back in the Spring of last year. And during that time I also ranted about him not designing for Target US. So I can hardly wait to see what he brings to the American Bullseye.

PS: shown is one of Zac's sassy evening dresses for Target OZ... which I have been scoping out for purchase on eBay ever since it launched.

Cyber Monday deals on Target.com


I'll make this post fast because my darn internet connection keeps going out. That probably means no "Cyber Monday" shopping for me, but if you folks out there are looking to score some online deals, check out the offerings on Target.com - many at their lowest price of the season.

This caught my eye: it's the Star Wars "The Force" Trainer Set. I think I actually heard about this thing on The Today Show recently as one of the "hot new toys" for this holiday season. Anyway, you supposedly "use the power of your mind to move objects" with "15 levels of training and brainwave-reading technology" to allow you to "advance from Padawan to Jedi Knight to Jedi Master."

Hmmmm....call me skeptical, but it sounds kinda gimicky to me. And the reviews on Target.com were certainly mixed, from "great fun to play with a group!" to "what a rip off". I guess if you were to take a chance on this toy, now's the time to do it, because Target.com has it on sale for 40% off - at $59.99 (down from $99.99).

Sunday, November 29, 2009

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. And this week, I need to improvise a bit, because none of the links on Target's site for their Weekly Ad seem to be working. Sigh...

Ok, well there's ONE link that I seem to be able to click-thru, called "Shopping Directory : Sale on Select Online Only Items featured from the 11.29 Weekly Ad". And from that selection, I pick these adorable Paul Frank Pajamas, featuring his iconic Julius the Monkey character. These cozy microfleece PJs even come wrapped up with a Paul Frank bow, ready for gift-giving. And best of all, they're on sale for 25% off - just $14.99 - this week at Target.com.

In addition to this Red Julius set (which also comes in Sky Blue and Black) other Paul Frank PJs are also on sale, including this goth skull & crossbone pattern. And men's Paul Frank sleep separates are also on sale this week, from 23-33% off.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Boots Bonus


Boots, the UK's #1 beauty brand - available exclusively at Target on this side of the Pond - is offering a variety of discounts and great gift-with-purchase deals, including a free set of 4-in-1 Quick Thinking Wipes with any purchase of Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum, and 10% off all Boots Time Dimensions products (like their Nourishing Eye Cream, shown here).

First, the bad news...


Confession time, dear readers: I let this Target freebie slip by me, and neglected to blog about it in time. Apparantly, on Black Friday (yesterday) the first 500 Target shoppers at all Target 17,000 stores across the country were to receive a special free gift. The big box chain gave away limited-edition, reusable shopping bags designed by their designer du jour, Marcel Wanders.

So that's the bad news: that we missed out on this giveaway. But the good news is that - meh, this bag (pictured here) isn't anything to write home about, so we really didn't miss out on anything. Like the rest of Wanders line, it's pretty disappointing.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Target’s New Cart Design


At the brand-spankin’ new Target store I visited earlier this week, I got to check out Target’s new all-plastic carts. Target has taken their love and appreciation of design to a new level with these carts; they’re easy to handle and designed with fewer sharp edges than their metal predecesssors. And not only are they a work of retail art, they've even won a design award already: the International Plastics Design Competition.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!


Happy Thanksgiving, dear readers! Here's hoping you're having a wonderful holiday with family, friends, football, and all the trimmings :-)

Just a little reminder that all Target stores are closed on Thanksgiving Day. But if you really need to get your shop-on, Target.com is running a "Thanksgiving Day Only" sale online, with deals that are good for today only.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Wednesday’s Rave: these Mossimo flats


I recently have embraced flats. Part of this is due to a little accident I had a few weeks ago in which I sprained my right foot, and was confined to sneakers for a couple of weeks. And the other part is due to comfort, because frankly, my aging feet just can’t handle 8 hours a day in 3+ inch heels!

These Verla Peep-toe Ballet Flats by Mossimo have made the transition pretty easy. They are extra-comfortable due to the cushioned insole, and super-stylish with black-patent ruffled trim at the toe to accent the rest of the smooth (faux) leather upper. And best of all, they’ll only set you back $24.99 a pair. Which means the bronze ones are probably going to end up on my X-mas wish list.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

No need to wait until Black Friday...


...because Target has announced that they're holding their first ever Thanksgiving Day Online-Only Sale.

According to Target's Press Release: "Thanksgiving Day has become an increasingly popular day for our guests to search the Web for Black Friday deals and check out our 2-Day Sale circular. This year, not only will guests be able to prepare for our in-store 2-Day Sale, they can get a jump start on their holiday shopping with exclusive Web-only deals during our first-ever Thanksgiving Day Online-Only Sale. Guests will find incredible prices on more than 1,000 items across key gift-giving areas like electronics, toys, housewares, health and beauty and more. "

Also, this just in: a link to Target's Black Friday 2-Day Sale ad.

Target's Gift-card Giving Spree


As part of its holiday promotions, Target is offering customers who spend $100 or more in store on Nov. 27 (Black Friday) a $10 gift card.

Plus, during "Cyber Week" (Nov. 29 to Dec. 5) customers can enter the Target Give and Get Sweepstakes on Target.com for a chance to experience the gift of generosity: one grand-prize winner will receive $10,000, and an additional $10,000 will go to the school of his or her choice.

Countdown to Black Friday


You may have seen the Crazy Target Lady (at left) in Target’s recent TV commercials. Now she’s in a new video on Target.com. Target's site also has links to her quirky TV ads, a contest entry, and starting tomorrow (Wednesday) you can preview Target’s 2-day Black Friday Sale.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Clearance Alert: Anna Sheffield for Target


The Anna Sheffield Collection for Target has just gone on sale.
Almost everything (save a couple of pieces) is now 30% off. The sale seems to be part of a “temporary price cut” on jewelry from now until Christmas. At these reduced prices, I can probably justify this pretty yet punk "Belt Ring” (pictured) for my teenage niece, now that it’s marked down to just $13.99.

I’ve died and gone to Target heaven…

Last week one of the gals at work told me some VERY exciting news: the Target two towns over – which has been closed for at least a year due to “remodeling” – had finally re-opened. But the REALLY exciting part was that this newly re-vamped Target was supposedly a SUPER TARGET, with a full-scale supermarket in it.

So yesterday morning I cajoled the hubby into going over there with me (a rare occurrence, believe me!) and we were both suitably impressed. First off, the store is HUGE; it spans about ¼ of the top floor of a newly developed shopping center. At left is an artist's rendering of the store before it was completed. When you walk in, you immediately go upstairs - either via stairs, the escalator or super-size elevators (made to accommodate at least 4 shoppers with carts at a time). While we were heading up, I noticed that one side of the building is entirely made of windows, allowing natural light to flood that side of the store.

The next thing I noticed is that the entire space is laid out like a classy department store. Meaning: the aisles are wide, there is plenty of room to navigate between racks in the clothing departments, and the merchandise is attractively displayed much like it would be in Macy’s. Case in point: as soon as we walked in we came upon a Hollywood Intuition display of merchandise that was spread out on low, oak shelving with special signage (vs. just on regular wire racks in the accessories department like I’ve seen it at every other Target). When spread out this way, the merchandise just begs to be touched and considered. Case in point: in the Men’s Department, there were more low oak shelves with shirt, tie and sweater combinations displayed that frankly I probably would have walked right by had they been on a regular rack. Even my husband got into the act, picking up both a candle holder (in the Home Department) that we totally didn’t need, but was so wonderfully displayed that we were tempted to.

The Fresh Grocery Section was impressive by the breadth of offerings made available in relatively a small space. There was a limited variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, an array of meats and poultry, and even a deli/salad case. I thought that this section was going to be larger; it’s definitely not a big as a regular supermarket, but the selection was wide enough that I could probably do all my shopping there (unless I was looking for something really specific). The regular Grocery Section was another story; aisles and aisles of pantry staples. Plus, come to think of it, a pretty hefty refrigerated/freezer section. So I guess on a whole, the “Grocery Store” within the store probably took up 1/6 of the entire store space.

As I told my hubby, this brand new spankin’ store has ruined all other Targets for me. It’s gonna be hard to shop at the Target near my home or the one near my work now, because they just pale in comparison. I’m already plotting how to fit a visit in on my way home from work today; if I take an alternate route, it’s on my way home. ;-)

Sunday, November 22, 2009

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. This week my pick is an annual favorite of mine: Smith & Hawken bulb kits, on sale this week for just $8 each. They usually offer Amaryllis and Hyacinth, as well as the traditional Paperwhites. I love picking these up during the holidays to use as hostess gifts, because they're already packaged for gift-giving; all you need to do is stick a bow on the top and you're set. Of course, I always manage to buy a couple for myself, too, because I love setting them on my window sill and watching them grow and bloom.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Target announces two new designer collaborations


Target has just announced they will be working with two more stylish, under-the-radar designers for new collections launching this Spring: Cynthia Vincent and Eugenia Kim.

First up, Cynthia Vincent will be designing a line of footwear, the fifth footwear collaboration for Target. Vincent has become an insider favorite for her chunky-heeled boots (like the ones shown here) as well as platforms and colorful flats. Since her boots often run in the $400 range, it will be interesting to see the Bullseye translate her designs into more wallet-friendly prices.

Next is Eugenia Kim, whose hats have been a New York fixture for some time, bringing her quirky/retro headware into the mainstream. Similarly, Kim's hats - from slouchy knits to brimmed herringbone styles - usually run a little rich for one's blood (from $100-$200) so getting her hats for less will be a real thrill.

The Cynthia Vincent and Eugenia Kim for Target collections will be available in stores and online on April 18, 2010.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Also flying off Target shelves...


Earlier this week I blogged about Zsu Zsu Pets, the latest fad toy that is flying off Target shelves. Also sold out is this questionable scarf (at left) which mimics crime scene "Do Not Cross" tape. FabSugar ponders whether this is in good taste or not, but I actually think the scarf is rather funny, and would make a clever X-mas gift for the teenager on your list. Problem is, since this item is "temporarily unavailable" you probably can't get it in time for the Holidays, but you can sign up to be notified by email once it's back in stock.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Wednesday's Rave: this Merona trench


I've been wanting a new winter trench coat, but have hesitated; what color to buy? While I've fallen in love with a few in punchy colors like red and purple, I keep coming back to black because it's so versatile and will go with everything. So I was delighted to find this Military Trench by Merona at Target... and on the clearance rack, no less! [It's regularly $39.99, but I scored it for just $19.99]. Yes, it IS black... but it also has a white/gray windowpane pattern that sets apart from the standard black trench. I also love the fabrication: a mid-weight cotton/poly twill (fully lined) that's substantial enough to keep off the chill and rain.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Tuesday's Rant: longer return process at Target


Most Tuesdays I take the opportunity to rant about something I don't like about Target… because although I love ‘em to death, they ain’t perfect. Today’s rant is about the new - and longer - return process at Target, due to the fact that the Customer Service Associates are taking more time to double and even triple check that the item you're returning matches up to the receipt. And regardless of whether you even have a receipt, the Target Associates seem to be checking to make sure that the tag on the item matches up to item itself... for example, ensuring that the size 8 Mossimo skirt you're returning is indeed a size 8, and that the tags haven't been switched with a different size or brand.

On the one hand, I can understand this new policy. Target, like many other stores during the recession, has suffered more shrinkage (an industry term for "shoplifting") than ever before. I even heard two Target employees talking openly about the problem in the store the other day. But for honest customers (myself included) it can be a bit insulting to have the item you're bringing back scrutinized so carefully, as well as frustrating by the extra time it takes. I realized we're only talking an extra 1-2 minutes per person here, but when there's 6 people ahead of you in line, it all adds up.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Flying off Target shelves...


You can file this post in the "I just don't get it!" department. Zhu Zhu Pets (shown) are proving to be one of the hottest toys this holiday season, so much so that Target and other big retailers can't keep them in stock. Target, in fact, is limiting them to four per customer, and some parents are resorting to Amazon.com, where the critters sell for at least twice the $8-to-$10 price.

Zhu Zhu Pets are dubbed "the world’s first innovative, realistic, interactive, plush, and artificially intelligent hamsters that talk and move around in their own playsets." Zhu Zhu Pets include two play modes: nurturing mode where the hamsters coo and purr, and adventure mode where the hamsters explore their habitat with intelligent audio and mechanical responses to various habitat stimuli. Of course, there's also over a dozen add-ons for sale to build an ever-evolving hamsterworld for your Zhu Zhu to explore.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

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. This week I honed in on this fun (yet practical) faux-fur throw, just $20 this week at Target (on sale for 20% off, regularly $25). Patterns include "Jaguar", "Cheetah", and the ambiguous "Brown" and "Tipped Brown", and all come in a generous 50x60" size. Seeing that my family was half-jokingly telling me last night that they want Snuggies for Christmas, I think that these furry throws might just be a more attractive alternative.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Holiday party dresses on a budget


Oprah.com says they're "blown away by the styles in Target's Limited-Edition Holiday Dress collection", and highlight 4 dresses under $40 on their site. Pictured is one of the 4 they rave about: the fun-and-flirty Vicky Feather-trim dress, for just $39.99. You can check out the full selection of Target's Limited Edition Holiday Dresses - over 50 dresses in all - on their web site.

UPDATE: I saw two of the 4 dresses featured on Oprah.com this past weekend in my local Target. The gold-circle dress is classy & chic (and reminds me of something Nicole Miller might design) but you can pass on the one-shoulder red number due to its cheap-looking fabric and construction.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Target goes CRAZY with the Black Friday discounts!


Whoa! Target is going to EXTREME measures to try and lure Black Friday shoppers this holiday season. According to this CNN Money article, you'll be able to buy a Chefmate coffee maker, toaster, or sandwich maker for just $3. That's right: three dollars. This is NOT a typo!! Other deals include a Westinghouse 32-inch LCD HDTV for just $246 (the lowest price ever seen on that flat screen TV) and a Tom Tom GPS for only $97 (which usually starts at around $120).

The special Target sale circular will hit newspapers the week of Nov. 22, and reportedly some of the sales are valid only on Black Friday whereas others are good through the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Wednesday's Rave: this Umbra wall mirror


Today’s rave was an unexpected find. I wasn’t even looking for a mirror, but I was walking past the wall décor section in Target when this beauty (securely packaged in a large box with the image at left on the front) caught my eye. This Umbra Trapeze Mirror hangs - almost by magic - from a single silver “wand”. What an amazing design! It combines both modern and antique styles, and could blend into almost any décor. And at just $39.99, it looks a lot more expensive than it really is.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

More Rodarte preview pics...


With December just around the corner, more preview pictures of the Rodarte for Target collection keep leaking out. Case in point: magazines are starting to showcase the collection, like Marie Claire, which features a few shots (like these shown) in their December issue. Nitrolicious posted the magazine's spread, reporting that Rodarte's Kate and Laura Mulleavy drew inspiration for the line from their favorite movies, including Bonnie & Clyde, Rosemary's Baby, and Harold & Maude.

Monday, November 9, 2009

The Returns Department...


Welcome to my semi-regular feature here on this blog called The Returns Department. As I feared, the Falchi bag that was an "impulse" buy several days ago has ended up being returned to my local Target store. While I loved the vibrant lining, the oh-so-handy inner key holder, and the fact that this bag was light-as-a-feather (and therefore easy on my shoulder) the PVC material just screamed "cheap" to me. Especially when I have at least 3-4 other black bags already sitting in my closet.

It did inspire me to do a little research, however, and I found that both the full-priced Carlos Falchi line and his moderate line (called "Chi") have the features above that I love. To that end: if I find that I really do want a Falchi, I'll be saving up for the REAL thing.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

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. This week, I couldn't resist picking these classic plush Elmo and Cookie Monster toys (shown) seeing that it's the 40th anniversary of Sesame Street. I grew up on the show, as did our boys, and the Sesame Street characters give me nothing but warm, fuzzy, nostaligic feelings. This week, Sesame Street plush toys are on sale for just $14.99 each (stores only) along with other selected Sesame Street merchandise.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Target joins the DVD price-wars


Last week I reported that Target had entered the fray of the book price-wars with Walmart and Amazon.com. Now they're jumping on the DVD bandwagon. Target.com announced today they're offering pre-orders of this season’s most anticipated DVDs for $10, matching Walmart.com's recent price cuts. In addition, the discounted pre-order DVDs will qualify for free site-to-home shipping.

The $10 price applies to pre-orders on Target.com of these 10 select titles:

“Star Trek XI”
“Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian”
“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”
“Angels & Demons”
“Four Christmases”
“G-Force”
“My Sister’s Keeper”
“Santa Buddies”
“Terminator Salvation”
“Julie & Julia”

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Watered-down Wanders...


Apparantly, I'm not the only one disappointed by Marcel Wanders new collection for Target. Right on the heels of my post the other day, Fast Company published an article echoing the same sentiments. To quote: "Wanders played it safe. Too safe. Safer-than-Pottery Barn safe."

The article also has pictures of - as well as a direct link to - Wanders look-book for the proposed Target collection. Alas, his most fun and fanciful creations seem to have never made it past the concepting stage. Like this adorable origami deer (shown) that could have taken shape as a Christmas card, placecard holder, or even a tree-topper. What a shame that Target watered down Wanders!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Wednesday's Rave: this Converse scarf


I'm allergic to wool (cashmere, too!) so I'm forever on the hunt for plush, cozy scarfs that are made of anything but wooly fibers. And this scarf by Converse One Star fits the bill: it's made of super-soft acrylic that's warm yet lightweight on my neck. Plus, the bright pink adds a punch to my wardrobe, and the ombre shading (fading to black at each end) coordinates perfectly with all my dark neutrals. I bought this pink one the other day after already nabbing the electric blue one several weeks ago. I only wish it came in more colors!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Marcel misses the mark...


A few weeks ago I blogged about the upcoming Marcel Wanders for Target houseware collection, and yesterday I saw an endcap in store featuring his merchandise. And all I can say is one big "meh....". Like the Falchi bags, Marcel's collection misses the mark and fails to impress. And in fact, for an artist who is supposedly so inventive and witty, I was really surprised at how boring and pedestrian his collection for Target turned out to be. Target only has a partial selection of his wares up on their website, but believe me, the only halfway interesting item is this set of dinner-bell placecard holders (which I could swear I saw in-store offered individually for $3 each vs. as a set of 4).

Sunday, November 1, 2009

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 all about shoes, because this week Target has a wide array of flats (shown), heels and wedges on sale for just $20. The selection includes styles by Merona and Mossimo, many in real suede and leather. I'm going to try on this Mossimo Valma pump when I'm at Target later today.

PS: a little warning about Target's pricing policies... online, they always state that "Prices, promotions, styles and availability may vary by store and online." The Valma pump mentioned above is part of the online Weekly Ad and is supposed to be on sale, but if you do a search on "Mossimo Valma" it shows up at the regular price ($29.99) and stays that price if you put it in your shopping cart. I'm not sure why this is; perhaps there's a glitch in Target's web site. But it does pay to double-check prices once you get to the checkout phase.