Justin Timberlake for Target

No, this is not a joke. People.com is reporting that Justin Timberlake and co-founder Trace Ayala (shown) will launch a limited edition William Rast for Target collection to debut in stores this December. The budget-friendly line is sure to boast the brand’s signature mix of rocker attitude and laid-back appeal, which has already made fans of starlets like Jessica Simpson and JT’s girlfriend Jessica Biel. No word yet on the price points for the Target collection, but they're sure to be significantly less than the regular William Rast label, which ranges from $165 to $229 for jeans to $595 for leather jackets.

Target's Fall Look Book

Fabsugar reports that Target has just released their Fall Trend look book for women's accessories and shoes. There's a lot of looks to choose from, including animal print scarves, faux-suede clogs, jewel-toned satchels and big'n bold costume jewelry. Best of all, nothing is priced over $50! More pictures and product details are posted on Fabsugar's site.

Dolce Vita now available on Target.com

So much for the "late August" launch date I reported on Saturday. According to Racked, the full line of Dolce Vita for Target shoes are already available to order online. In addition to the rather man-ish styles I showed you in my previous post, there is also a ballet-flat (shown) in several colors.

And the winner is...

The winner of my latest blog giveaway is... NotoriousALG! Congrats, Notorious! [and cute screen name, BTW]. The Liberty of London gardening gloves will be mailed to you this week. And thank you to everyone who entered. Keep checking back because I plan to have another giveaway soon!

Product Review: Sonia Kashuk's Purple Haze Eyeshadow

As regular readers of this blog probably know, I'm a big fan of Sonia Kashuk's makeup. I adore her foundation, and I own several of her makeup kits (like this one) and have been very happy with them. So when I spied the "Purple Haze" Eye Shadow Quad in the store, I had to try it, even though I was a bit concerned by the "glitter factor". The colors looked divine, but I was afraid they might have too much sparkle. Unfortunately, my assumption was correct.

The Purple Haze palette is made up of two shades of contrasting purple: one true purple and one lilac, plus a pale grey and a darker charcoal shade. I will say that the shades are true to their colors and have a nice color pay off with all that sparkle (if you're into that sort of thing). But that's where the compliments end. Besides having too much shimmer (for my tastes, anyhow!) the texture is awful to work with and is best applied with sponge applicators (vs. a brush) to avoid major fall out and flaking. Meaning: a big purple mess of flakes on your cheeks as well as in your eyes (which for contact wearers like me is a total nightmare).

Curiously, this particular eye shadow quad is no longer available on Target.com, although I have still seen it in stores. Perhaps they received similar complaints to mine, and are re-formulating the product? One can only hope.

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 looked too cute not to blog about: it's this wall decal (shown) that looks like a fancy chandelier. Just peel off, stick on the wall, and voila! - instant decor. Now while this particular decal is temporarily out of stock on target.com, it is available in stores. And this week, it's on sale for just $12. Other whimsical wall decals are also on sale this week for 10% off, including this fancy Josephine art-deco picture frame and this fun chalkboard applique that you can actually write on!

Grand Opening: Target Manhattan

Today marks the grand opening of Target’s first Manhattan store (in East Harlem, to be exact). You can check out pictures of the new store and its merchandise – some by local Harlem designers and exclusive to just this location – on Racked. And for pics of celebrities, designers and models who attended the event – including Michelle Trachtenberg, Tracy Reese, Bethany Frankel and Kelly Rowland – check out UpTownFlavor.

Nina Garcia named Target's Fashion Director

WWD is reporting that Nina Garcia - fashion director of Marie Claire magazine, “Project Runway” judge, and style author - has signed on to be Target’s new resident fashion expert. She’s already been appearing on Target's StyleBoutique section of their web site since October of last year. But now her role is expanding to sharing style news about Target fashion collections, including Mossimo, Merona and Xhilaration, offering “tricks of the trade” advice and styling tips to the retailer’s customers, and creating online videos (in addition to her continued work on the StyleBoutique).

New at Target: Dolce Vita

Racked is reporting that Dolce Vita is collaborating on a shoe line for Target. They got a "sneak peek" of the collection when they were allowed to preview the new Manhattan/East Harlem store earlier this week. And now they can confirm: Dolce Vita has worked with Target on a shoe collection to launch exclusively at the Manhattan store when it opens this Sunday (tomorrow) followed by a rollout to more stores in late August. But check your local store for sure, because The Budget Babe reports that she already found a few pairs at her local Target (and you can read her review here).

Racked says that the two obvious differences between the regular Dolce Vita shoes and these for Target are the price and materials. Typical Dolce Vitas would be at least triple the Target price, so they're more than a steal. But reflective of the lower price, the Target shoes are made of faux leather, and the hardware is probably of lesser quality.

Reader Giveaway: Liberty of London Gardening Gloves

I had so much fun with my first-ever reader giveaway a couple of weeks ago that I'm having another one to express ‘thank you’ to all of you who read my blog.

Like to putter in the garden? Then this giveaway is for you. The prize is a pair of Liberty of London women’s gardening gloves (which sold out quickly at $6.99/pair) to one lucky reader. These are brand new in the package and are “one size fits most”. The top of the gloves are done up in one of the Liberty of London signature prints, and the rest are 100% leather/suede. To win, all you have to do is leave a comment here along with your email address by Sunday, July 25th. This giveaway is limited to U.S. residents only, and the winner will be announced on July 27th.

Tuesday’s Rant: The Plus-size Selection at Target

Most Tuesdays I take the opportunity to rant about something I do not like about Target… because although I love ‘em to death, they ain’t perfect. Today’s rant was suggested by reader “SRB” who wrote in to ask me to rant about plus sizes – or the lack thereof – at Target. She wrote “I want to buy so many of the Merona dresses but they don't make most of them above a straight 18, and I'm a 18W/20W. There are some Merona plus-size pieces, but they tend to be made of jersey and very frumpy looking.”

First off, it’s a struggle to even FIND the plus-sized clothing in the store. They often don’t have the section marked, so you have to hunt ‘n peck for the larger sizes within the regular ones. Usually, I’ve found the plus-sized section tucked off to the side next to the maternity wear. Further complicating things, the maternity and plus-sized clearance racks are often mixed together into one big mess.

And on the sizing, SRB is right: in checking Target’s sizing chart, it doesn’t look like they go above a size 18, or XXL. To add to the confusion, a quick perusal of Target’s site seems to indicate that they’re on the “new” (or alternate plus-sizing scale, which is 1/2/3/4.

Regarding the style selection, here’s some options I can offer you:

• As I blogged about back in May, Target’s Pure Energy line is a junior-focused line that carries more “trendy” plus-sized pieces.
• For fans of the Converse One Star brand, Target is now making it available in plus-sizes.
• Buy online (vs. in store) for a wider section of plus-sized options. As an incentive, Target is offering 15% off plus-sized purchases on Target.com (and plus-size style mobile alerts) when you text “PLUS” to Target. Click here for complete details.

And for those who are wondering: yes, that is a “plus-sized” model – according to Target’s standards – that I grabbed from their web site.

Corey Lynn Calter Limited Edition Dress for Target

What's with Target and all these limited-edition dresses lately? First came Alison Lewis, and then Geren Ford. Now WWD is reporting that LA-based designer Corey Lynn Calter will be the next person tapped to design an exclusive dress for Target. The dress will debut on Target.com in August. And although I don't have a picture of it yet, this design from Calter's pre-Fall collection (on her website) can give you an idea of her type of style, which she describes as "a postmodern mix of elegant and offbeat attire".

Target's Black Friday

No, not THAT Black Friday, which falls the day after Thanksgiving. From Racked.com comes news that THIS Friday, something BIG is going down at Target. The word on the web is that they're asking customers to bookmark this site NOW, and check back on the 23rd for their Back to Black Friday Sale. Looks like Target's planning some serious savings on electronics, toys, home goods, and women's stuff like clothing, beauty products, tools, and shoes. So, bookmark away, and let me know what you scored!

New at Target: Baby Buggy

Baby Buggy (founded by Jessica Seinfeld) began by donating baby necessities to NYC families in homeless shelters, court child centers, and to victims of domestic violence. To date, Baby Buggy has donated over 4 million essential items to those in need. Now, millions more will go to families in need around the country with the help of Target, Avent, Boppy and Kimberly-Clark.

Through Baby Buggy, an exciting lineup of designers will be available at Target, offering affordable, signature items during this year-long partnership. And every time you purchase one of these exclusive items, 10% of the purchase price will go to help support Baby Buggy and its efforts.

From July – October, you can purchase Maira Kalman baby clothes and Petunia Pickle Bottom baby bags in exclusive prints. Together, they’ve creative a signature design for Target & Baby Buggy.

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”.

Sneak Peek: Temple St. Clair for Target

A couple of months ago I reported that Target would be collaborating with upscale jewelry designer Temple St. Clair for a line to debut in August. Now Lucky Magazine has posted some preview pics (shown) and I have to say that I really like what I see, especially the heart ring.

Both the ring and earrings will retail for $30, and nothing in the line is over $50... which is great, but it does beg the question of quality. As one of my readers wrote in: "To keep the price so low clearly the [Temple St. Clair] jewelry is not made of gold and gemstones. Any idea what materials are being used?" I don't have any clue as to what they're using, but hopefully it won't the kind of "metal" that rubs off or tarnishes easily. I've been disappointed in the past by Banana Republic's costume jewelry - which costs a lot more than Target's - with rings and bracelets that got discolored after only a handful of wearings.

Target Takes Manhattan

Target is set to open a new store in Manhattan on July 25th. The giant store will be located in the East River Plaza in East Harlem, and to celebrate its Harlem debut, the retailer has tapped three local talents to create a limited-edition series called the Harlem Designer Collections.

Those tapped include Isabel and Ruben Toledo (Isabel designed Michelle Obama's lemongrass-yellow sheath dress and matching overcoat for Inauguration Day), designer Stephen Burrows, and acclaimed chef Marcus Samuelsson.

"Target wanted Harlem people involved," Burrows told StyleList. "I operated my studio in Harlem for six years. I live here and have since I was a kid."

The Stephen Burrows for Target collection is a capsule collection of knit shirts, skirts, and dresses - including the keyhole sundress dress shown here - that range in price from $19.99 to $34.99.

Isabel and Ruben Toledo for Target is a collection of swim pieces, including suits and towels, that range from $17.99 to $34.99. And Marcus Samuelsson for Target offers a range of aprons, place mats, kitchen towels, potholders, and napkins, as well as a collection of T-shirts that will be available exclusively at the East Harlem Target.

Product Review: Sonia Kashuk Nail Colour

As I reported back in April, Sonia Kashuk has added nail colour to her range of beauty products for Target. And now thanks to The Budget Babe, we have the following product review:

"Summer time is the best opportunity for trying out new fun colors on your tips and toes! Next time you're picking up your essentials at Target, head over to the makeup section and snag a couple of Sonia Kashuk for Target nail polishes. Her polishes come in great summer-appropriate colors. My personal favorites are Ocean Breeze, a fun tropical blue (shown) and Tutti Frutti, a vibrant pink/orange.

On top of the colors being super fun, the polish is also great quality. I wore Ocean Breeze for a week and my manicure still looked amazing, I just switched it so I could try another of the amazing colors! Works great both with and without the base and top coats. I will definitely be frequenting these polishes and keeping an eye out for new colors!"

Tuesday’s Rant: Rushing the Seasons

I really hate the fact that my local Target is already phasing out swimsuits in favor of wooly wraps. And this started a week ago, when the calendar was still at June. This is a familiar rant of mine, which I write about at least once a year; go back here, here, and here if you’d like to read my past rants. And the other day, I found someone who shares my point of view. The following article is from Stylist (with photo courtesy of Getty Images):

Swimsuits are on sale and it's only the beginning of July. Retailers like Old Navy and Gap will be fully merchandised for fall in the next two weeks, and department stores will be stocked by the end of the month. Then, back-to-school garb will be marked down before you even send the kids off to camp.

We know retailers jump the gun on the seasons, but it seems to be getting worse. You'd think technology would allow for retailers and manufacturers to work closer to the season, not further away.

"Once upon a time, designers and apparel brands delivered four collections per year (fall, winter, spring, summer) and most stores were successful and happy with that delivery schedule," retail trend expert Tom Julian tells StyleList. "Then came 10 collections per year in which designers and brands added resort, pre-fall, holiday and more, which helped to bring in inventory and more transitional goods."

It's the fast-fashion retailers like H&M and Zara that are making things move more quickly these days, because they can. And if one does it, they all follow suit. However, there have been some concessions made to this insanity. Designers do show things like shorts and swimsuits for some early fall (aka summer) deliveries, and leather pieces always seem to find their way into early spring selections.

"In the apparel world, designers and brands are always working about two years ahead, committing to fabrics and themes," Julian continues. "The only way to stay competitive is to embrace this model and give retailers what they ask for -- even if the shopper is not asking for it."

In other words, you can buy a swimsuit on sale while you get a head start on your fall wardrobe.

A Hot Mess of Zac Posen on Clearance

This photo (from Racked.com) clearly shows that the Queens NY Target cannot seem to rid themselves of the Zac Posen for Target line. Check out this hot mess of red prom dresses; it looks like they're eating the clothes rack!

Either Zac Posen's convertible red pouffy dress was not that popular, or this store just got WAY too many of them. Either way, they're now on clearance for $19.98 (down from $79.99) and still not moving.

And the winner is...

The winner of my first ever blog giveaway is... Sarah M! Congrats, Sarah! The Liberty of London padfolio (in the "Peacock Print", shown here) will be mailed to you this week. And thank you to everyone who entered and who continue to read my blog; I really appreciate it!

Bella's Bedding now back in stock at Target

Attention Twihards! Eagle-eyed fans of the Twilight films noticed that this Target bedding set was used in Bella Swan's bedroom in the movies. The comforter set immediately sold out and some were even sold for major markups on eBay.

For fans who missed the bed-set the first time around, you'll be glad to know that - as of today - Bella Swan's bedding is back in stock at Target... so get 'em while they're still in stock. Because with Eclipse out this week, there's sure to be another run on this set soon.