Designer Diapers by Cynthia Rowley

From PR Newswire comes the news that Pampers has collaborated with renowned fashion designer Cynthia Rowley to create a diaper that excels not only in form and function but also external design. Pampers by Cynthia Rowley will be available in 11 colorful styles – for boys and girls – beginning in mid-July exclusively at Target.

The diaper collection, which will be available in pastel designs including madras, stripes and printed ruffles suited specifically to babies and toddlers, delivers the perfect blend of utility and aesthetics. "As a mom, I wanted other moms and dads to have more options in every part of their lives -- even diapers," said Rowley. "It's the first piece of clothing your baby will ever wear, and it should be special."

"Of course parents want the very best for their little ones," said Jodi Allen, Procter & Gamble's vice president of North America Baby Care. "We also know that sometimes it's the little things – like how a baby is clothed – that can bring added joy to Mom and Dad. While performance always comes first, we know that design is also important to parents. We're pleased to introduce the first diaper line that brings together the best of these two worlds."

Subway Train Wrapped in Giant Target Ad

From The Huffington Post comes news that New York City commuters now have one more ad to look at on the way to work. The entire exterior of a 10-car subway train was wrapped with ads for a new Target location set to open on July 25th.

A Metropolitan Transportation Authority spokesman said the advertisement was the first to run on one of the city's regular subway lines. Advertisements have been wrapped along smaller shuttle subways from Grand Central to Times Square.

The spokesman said the MTA was trying to increase advertising revenue. The agency has an $800 million budget shortfall and made massive service cuts this weekend to its buses and subways. Spokesmen for both New York City Transit and Target would not say how much the ad costs, but it will run for 6 weeks.

Double-Take: Mossimo vs. DVF

Today's double-take focuses on footwear - gladiator sandals, to be exact. One of these sandals is from Diane von Furstenburg (DVF) and is on sale at Zappo's for $136 (regularly $239). And the other is from Mossimo (at Target) and is on sale for just $10 this week. Both come in a cool ocean blue shade - perfect for summer - with metal disc embellishments. Can you guess which is which? The answer is below in the comments section.

My FIRST reader giveaway!

To celebrate getting my 100th follower on this blog, I am holding my FIRST ever reader giveaway! The prize is small, yet lovely: it's this Liberty of London for Target small "padfolio" with the green Isis Peacock/Paisley Print on the outside and 50 sheets of ruled paper on the inside. I'm giving away one that's completely new - still wrapped in plastic, in fact - and all you need to do is to leave a comment on this post if you'd like to win. If you enter, please remember to include an email address so I'll know how to contact you if you win. One lucky winner will be picked at random from comments received one week from today - on the 4th of July! Good luck, and thank you for reading my blog!

PS - I forgot to mention that this giveaway is limited to US residents only. Apologies to my international readers, but I do still appreciate you following my blog!

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 just the other day I told you about the two new Ben & Jerry's flavors that are exclusive to Target and were created to promote volunteerism. And this week - if as by magic! - these two flavors, Berry Voluntary and Brownie Chew Gooder, are on sale at Target. In fact, all Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavors are on sale this week for only $2.50 a pint (regularly $3.50).

Double-Take: Target vs. Tiffany's

It's time for another double-take (this time courtesy of The BudgetBabe) and today we head over to the jewelry department. One of these pretty pendants is by Tiffany & Co. and boasts genuine 18k rose gold with lavender amethysts and a round brilliant diamond. It also costs $850. The other one is Target's sterling silver vermeil amethyst and diamond necklace... and while it looks almost identical, only costs just $19.99. Can you guess which is which? The answer appears in the comments section below.

Target promotes volunteerism with new Ben & Jerry's flavors

Target announced this week that they will debut two exclusive Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavors at all stores nationwide. The super-premium ice cream flavors, Berry Voluntary and Brownie Chew Gooder, will be available throughout 2010 in mini cups and pints.

Berry Voluntary is raspberry cheesecake flavored ice cream laced with white chocolate chunks and raspberry swirls. Brownie Chew Gooder is vanilla caramel ice cream with fudge brownie pieces, finished with a caramel swirl. Mini cups will be available for approx. $1.25 and pints will be priced at $3.50.

“By partnering with the iconic and beloved Ben & Jerry’s, Target is offering our guests even more exclusive, high-quality food options,” said Greg Duppler, SVP merchandising, Target. “Target guests who purchase these new ice cream products will not only enjoy two delicious flavors at an exceptional price, but will also have the satisfaction of supporting two great brands, aligned in their strong heritage of philanthropy and volunteerism.”

Target customers can enjoy the new flavors and do good at the same time. Customers who register for a volunteer activity at www.VolunteerMatch.org/scoopitforward and forward the opportunity to five friends, will receive a coupon for a free pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream redeemable at Target stores (while supplies last). After that time, guests will still be able to participate in the “Scoop It Forward” promotion, and will receive a $1 off coupon in recognition of their volunteer efforts.

Wednesday's Rave: this Converse One Star top

I have been looking for a pure white, cool cotton “girly” top for quite a while. I did find this one at Banana Republic, but it’s a bit pricey (even on sale at $59.99) and I wasn’t digging it’s boxy shape. I also found this one from Merona, but ended up taking it back because for some reason, it didn’t fit right (even though it does have a more-defined waist).

And then finally, I found a top that was just right: Converse One Star’s Carmen Lace Top in True White, at just $24.99. The lace trim and sleeve ties add just the right amount of girlish charm, and the gathered tie waist doesn’t leave me swimming in white cotton. Ahhhhh.... perfection!

Product Review: Archer Farm’s Pomodoro Pasta Sauce

Back in January, I raved about Archer Farm’s Arrabbiata Sauce, as well as their Imported Italian Pasta. Well unfortunately, I recently had the exact opposite experience with another of their flavors: the Pomodoro Sauce. I was at Target last week planning to make my mama’s chicken cacciatore recipe for dinner, and thought I’d pick up a jar of the Arrabiata. Unfortunately, they was out of it… which prompted me to try the Pomodoro instead. I knew that the Pomodoro wouldn’t be nearly as flavorful and spicy as the Arrabiata, and that’s fine. But what I didn’t anticipate was how bland and flavorless the Pomodoro would be! Seriously, this is probably the worst sauce I’ve ever had! Totally tasteless, and even devoid of tomato flavor! I was able to “save” the dish with the liberal addition of spices, red pepper, and even some wine, but I will NOT be buying this sauce again.

Consumer Alert: Target Recalls Children's Belts

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the recall of Target children's belts due to the belt buckles containing excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

This recall involves two types of belts: Cherokee boys' belts and Circo girls' belts. The Cherokee belts are black and brown reversible belts with heavy stitching in sizes M-XL. The belts came in a pack of two with the numbers 202/08/0018, 202/08/0019 or 202/08/0020 embossed on the belt. The girls' Circo belts are pink and white with heart buckles in sizes XS-L. They were sold in a 2-pack with the numbers 202/05/0071, 202/05/0072, 202/05/0073 or 202/05/0074 listed on the product label attached to the inside of the belt.

The belts were sold in Target stores and Target.com nationwide from December 2008 through December 2009 for $7 to $9. Consumers should immediately stop using the belts and return them to any Target store for a full refund, or call Target at 800-440-0680.

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's pick is something that I personally A) use everyday, and B) need more of, so I'll definitely be heading to Target this week to get some of these Thomas O'Brien Vintage Modern bath towels. This week, they're on sale for just $8 each (regularly $9.99) which is the lowest price of the season.

All other Thomas O'Brien coordinating hand towels, washcloths, and rugs are on sale this week, too. I love these towels because they're super soft and plush, wear well wash after wash, and hold their color. And I'm not the only fan; check out some of the customer comments on Target.com. These towels really get some rave reviews!

Double-Take: Bebe vs. Mossimo

It's time for another double-take. This time, we tackle the basic t-shirt dress in go-with-everything gray. One of these dresses is by Bebe, and in my opinion, is WAY overpriced at just under $100. And the other is by Mossimo, and can be yours for the low-low price of $15. Can you guess which is which? The answer appears in the comments section below.

Wednesday's Rave: this Sonia Kashuk lip gloss

Looking for the perfect summer lip gloss? Then try this one from Sonia Kashuk, actually called a "lip balm" because it's not only moisturizing but also offers sun protection. The Sonia Kashuk Hydrating Lip Balm in Dainty (shown) comes in a punchy coral-pink and has an SPF of 14. Slick it on at the beach or poolside (or anywhere!) for a fresh & glowing - yet not overdone - look.

Tuesday's Rant: Target flubs Franco flag

Blame it on merchandising fever, but someone at Target didn't do their history homework. A boys' T-shirt bearing the word "SPAIN" and a small Spanish flag for sale at target.com and some Target stores has been pulled because the flag pictured is not currently flown in Spain. That flag, which depicts an eagle over an emblem (as shown) hasn't been displayed in Spain since 1978, because it represents the era of General Francisco Franco, whose regime was notorious for human-rights abuses.

"We certainly apologize for any discomfort or offense this shirt may have caused," said Target spokesman Joshua Thomas. The shirt is not a Target brand, he said, but it is exclusive to the store. It arrived in late May and was available at about 700 out of 1,740 Target stores nationwide as well as on their website. Any shirts already purchased may be returned for a full refund, but they're probably already well on their way to becoming collector's items.

Target taps "Punky Brewster" for new organic baby line

Soleil Moon Frye - aka TV's "Punky Brewster - has apparently struck gold by partnering with Target for the release of a new collection of organic baby clothing.

While the partnership is news, the fact that Frye is behind it isn’t very surprising. Ever since she opened up her organic baby store, The Little Seed, in Los Angeles some years ago, the 33-year-old mother has been a force in the green baby scene. Last July, with business partner Paige Goldberg, she hosted a star-studded grand opening for the launch of her own eco-friendly baby clothing.

“Both our kids had allergies, and we wanted to create an eco-alternative that they could wear that would be incredible, it would be colorful,” says Frye, pictured here in 2006 with her then 6-month old daughter, Poet Sienna Rose. “We wanted to kind of spin the concept of organic upside down and really create something that was vibrant and beautiful and colorful and filled with life, and happy and cheerful. From beginning to end it’s been the most amazing process.”

Turns out Target was paying attention, and will launch the new organic kid’s collection under “The Little Seed” brand this July.

More info on Mulberry for Target...

As reported last week, Mulberry will be doing a handbag line for Target this Fall. Here's more inside scoop from Racked.com:

"The limited edition bags—available at most Target stores and at Target.com from October 10 through December 24 of this year—will be 'inspired' by the British firm’s aesthetic. So while there will probably be versions of popular styles like the Alexa (shown) and Roxanne, they won’t be exact replicas. And at least a few of the bags in the eight-piece line will be made of materials other than faux-leather."

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. Obviously, with Father's Day coming up, this week's ad is filled with gifts for Dad. And I honed right in on this one: graphic t-shirts by Easy Life (shown) on sale this week for just $8 each. These shirts are knock-offs of the ones offered by Tommy Bahama (which my husband loves) but at a MUCH friendlier price. At this price I can get him 4 for the price of what just one Tommy Bahama shirt costs!

New at Target: Miss Jessie's Haircare Products

Curly-haired girls know that finding a product that works is like searching for the holy grail. It was this frustrating search that led half Japanese/half African-American sisters Miko and Titi Branch (pictured) to create their own haircare line, based on recipes their own grandmother brewed in the kitchen to treat the girls' style-resistant and unruly hair. Hence, Miss Jessie's Original was born (and thereby named after granny).

"We would have to go to stores, buy up a bunch of different products, and make up our own cocktails, using them in ways that they weren't intended to be used in order to get an end product that would work. We finally realized that we wouldn't get that perfect solution unless we created it ourselves," says Titi.

After years of a successful Brooklyn-based salon business where they sold their mixtures, the sisters have gone national and expanded their product line to select Target stores. Titi revealed to StyleList the secret behind beautiful her curls:

"Women want to capture the look of their curls when hair is wet -- it's the shrinkage during the drying process that changes that. After you wash your hair, squeeze out all the excess water, and then apply a product like Curly Pudding. Then let your hair dry without touching it," advises Titi.

The best-selling "pudding" contains aloe vera gel and a blend of secret oils that claims to maintain the look of curls in their plump, hydrated state. Curly Pudding is available on Target.com, along with other Miss Jessie's products.

Target to Open Health Clinics

Target plans to open walk-in health clinics aimed at capturing the influx of newly insured Americans as healthcare reform is rolled out. Walmart already has more than 70 clinics around the country, and Target recently said it will open five clinics in the Chicago area in September. More Target clinics are planned for Maryland and Minnesota stores.

Target's concept isn't new. There are already about 1,200 retail health-clinics in existence nationwide, but they have yet to prove they can be profitable. And, it poses a basic trust issue. Sure, you’ll buy a 30-pack of soda Target... but will shoppers trust them to diagnose their flu? Also, do we want sniffling sick people wandering the aisles after their clinic visit? At first glance, this seems like an awkward pairing.

Mulberry for Target

Hot on the heels of the successful Zac Posen and Liberty of London lines, Target has just announced that they'll be collaborating with Mulberry on a budget handbag collection for Fall 2010. Here's hoping that the line will include a knockoff of the uber popular - and current "it" bag - the Alexa (named after Alexa Chung, shown here with her namesake handbag). Mulberry for Target will be available in stores and on Target.com from October 10 to December 24.

Cynthia Vincent.... at a steep markup

Sad that you missed out on these amazing Cynthia Vincent platform wedge sandals at Target? Or - like me - regretting that you didn't buy them in more colors? Then head over to eBay where you can find them... at a price. A steep price. I believe these retailed for $29.99, but over on eBay, they start at $6 (with many days left to bid) and go on up to $129.99 if you use "Buy It Now".

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. Do you have pets? I have two cats, and now that the temperatures are inching up, they're both shedding like crazy. The Pet Zoom brush (good for both cats and dogs) that I got at Target a few months ago does a great job of catching hair, but for the "extras" that get left behind, I use other various pet hair removers keep my furniture fur-free. And this week, the Evercare Pet Hair Roller and Handheld Sweeper (shown here) are on sale for just $5 each. The roller is like your traditional lint (sticky) roller, and the sweeper magically "sweeps" away hair; I've tried it before and it's great!

Clearance Alert: Zac Posen for Target

Although the Zac Posen for Target collection is still full-price online, I've seen it hit the clearance racks (at 30% off) at a couple of stores in my area. There seems to be lots of these t-shirts leftover, and I was tempted - briefly - by a lone red leather jacket (shown) that just happened to be in my size. But while the jacket is killer, 30% only knocks $60 off the hefty $200 price tag. I'll probably kick myself later for not nabbing it, but it just didn't seem like an offer I couldn't refuse.

Double-Take: Fergie vs. Mossimo sandals

Happy Friday, everyone! It's time for another "Double-Take", where I compare a Target product to a higher-priced designer lookalike. Today's installment focuses on a huge summer trend: the gladiator platform sandal. One of these is the "Empower" sandal by Fergie (available on Piperlime) and will set you back $99. And the other is the "Petrova" from Mossimo (at Target) at a much more wallet-friendly $20.98 (on sale from $29.99). Can you guess which is which? The answer appears in the comments section.

Target's Ice Cream Gets Top Honors from Consumer Reports

A special thanks to my hubby who called me this morning on his way to work to alert me to this story (which he heard on the radio). Consumer Reports just ranked the best chocolate and vanilla flavored ice creams, and out of the seven brands rated “Excellent”, the first six were by Häagen-Dazs or Ben & Jerry’s and the seventh was Archer Farms Belgian Chocolate (from Target).

From Consumer Reports: “All are dense and creamy, with strong, high-quality flavors. The Excellent vanillas have a big dairy and real vanilla taste. Among the Excellent chocolates, Archer Farms has an intense, complex chocolate flavor enhanced by bits of dark chocolate; both Häagen-Dazs chocolates have a big dairy flavor; and Ben & Jerry's has a strong chocolate flavor but is a touch icy.”

I haven’t priced out the Archer Farms brand ice cream, but you can bet that it’s cheaper than either Häagen-Dazs or Ben & Jerry’s. I’ll definitely be putting this on my Target shopping list to taste-test myself!

Wednesday's Rave: Sonia Kashuk's Perfecting Luminous Foundation

A while ago I was on the hunt for a new foundation. My old favorite - Jane Iredale's Liquid Foundation - must have changed formulas, because suddenly it became "unpredictable" and would turn colors on my skin. Either that, or I ended up buying two bad batches in a row.

Since it had been ages since I had tried other brands, I headed to the beauty section of my local Target to see what was out there. I tested out several, including the latest formulas from the "big names" like L'oreal, Revlon, Maybelline and CoverGirl. But out of all of them, I fell in love with Sonia Kashuk's new Perfecting Luminous Foundation.

Now I realize that foundation is a very personal thing - and everyone's skin is different - but for me, this foundation is almost perfect. It provides excellent coverage, and gives me a beautiful, natural finish, to the extent that in the past few weeks I've actually gotten compliments on my skin! (which believe me, never happens). And even though Sonia's foundation is thicker than the Jane Iredale formula I used to use, I still feel like my skin can "breathe".

I was also lucky enough to find a color that matched my skin exactly (#03 Cream). As Sonia herself says on her blog: "The most important trick with foundations is to be sure you get the right color. If you are between shades go with the slightly warmer shade. Once you apply you should not see the color, it should blend right in."

Which leads to one teeny-weeny complaint I have with the product: it only comes in six shades, which is a pretty slim offering. That said, it's too bad Sonia didn't offer a wider array of shades to acomodate a broader range of skin tones.