Reader Giveaway: Sonia Kashuk Makeup Bag

Hello readers! It's time here for another reader giveaway as a little expression of thanks to all of you who read my blog. If you're a fan of Sonia Kashuk - as I am - you know that every year around this time she puts out a collection to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. As a breast cancer survivor, Sonia is commited to donating 15% of the purchase price of each of the items in her "Pink Collection" to support BCRF’s mission to prevent and find a cure in our lifetime. You can view her latest "Shop Pink, Do More" collection on Target.com.

This giveaway is for the small cosmetics pouch (shown) in a punchy pink floral print. It's brand new, without tags; I bought it last year along with several other of her "pink" items, but never got around to using it. To win, all you have to do is leave a comment here along with your email address by Saturday, Sept. 4th. This giveaway is limited to U.S. residents only, and the winner (picked at random) will be announced on Sunday, Sept. 5th.

No more "Pick of the Week"...

Regular readers of this blog know that almost every Sunday, my post consists of my "Pick of the Week" - one great buy from Target's Weekly Ad in the Sunday newspaper. Well, as of today I'm suspending this weekly feature, for a couple of reasons....

1) I'd like to take Sundays off ;-)

2) Target has made it impossible for me to continue a "Pick of the Week" because of the increased difficulty in accessing their online Weekly Ad. We don't get a local Sunday paper anymore, which means I have to look at the Weekly Ad on Target's web site. That's been hard enough, since half the time Target's site lags and doesn't even have the new ad up by Sunday morning. And now, Target is pushing a new thing called "My Target Weekly", which makes me think that the old format of their Weekly Ad is gone for good. My Target Weekly is positioned as "the deals you want, the way you want them". Supposedly, this customization will "help you get only the deals you care about", and you can "get notified by text or email" when your "favorite items are on sale." However, for me part of the appeal of the Weekly Ad was to browse through all the offerings Target had on sale that week.

3) On top of all that, the "My Target Weekly" feature is currently broken on Target's web site. I cannot access it from either their web site nor from my email, where I got a notification with a link to the new feature. I keep getting Error Reference #97.e67a81d8.1283092539.1fd64a2.

I'm hoping that Target will still print their Weekly Ad, so that I can at least browse at it in the store. They always post one near the store entrance, and also I believe if you ask at the Customer Service Desk they will give you a printed copy (if they have extras available).

UPDATE: It looks like Target has finally fixed the errors on their web page. I'm still not interested in a customized "My Weekly Ad", but it looks like they do still have a "Page View Version" of the full ad for those of us (like me!) who prefer to see all the pages.

Early Review: Temple St. Clair for Target

Today while browsing my local Target store I noticed they had put out a few - maybe 5-6 pieces - of the new Temple St. Clair for Target jewelry collection. The line isn't officially slated to hit stores and Target.com until tomorrow, but at my store they had just started to load the jewelry case with the goods. And I can tell you that I was drooling over each and every piece I saw, especially the ring shown here. The pieces look even better in person, and the quality and shine of the gems is fantasic. I'll definitely be heading back tomorrow to do some shopping!

Target Launches Electronics Trade-in Program

Target is joining many other electronics retailers in offering a way to trade in old electronics for store credit. The Target Electronics Trade-In will allow consumers to trade in old electronics devices and receive credit towards any Target purchase. Guests can bring their new or used iPhones, iPods, cell phones and video games into stores that feature Target Mobile Centers and receive credit good for any purchase at Target. Guests can receive amounts from a few dollars up to more than $200 per item depending on the product and its condition. The in-store program launched in Northern California on August 24, will rollout to additional stores in September, and then be available in approximately 850 stores nationwide by the end of the year.

In addition to the new in-store Target Electronics Trade-In program, guests can also trade in used electronics and DVDs at Target.com in exchange for a Target GiftCard. Target.com has partnered with NextWorth for the online gadget recyling program. You can find all the details at target.nextworth.com.

More Starbucks to open in Target stores

MSN.money is reporting that Starbucks has seized upon a new expansion idea -- one that removes any real-estate risk. Forget the responsibility from a stand-alone location. Why not just plant more mini-cafes in Target stores?

The coffee chain plans to open more "licensed stores" than company-owned stores next year, The Wall Street Journal reports. These licensed cafes are important to the company because they serve a dual purpose. In addition to selling coffee, the cafes point shoppers to the growing number of Starbucks-branded products on store aisles.

Encouraged by the success of its Via instant coffee (which I blogged about back in October) Starbucks wants to ramp up the number of products it sells at supermarkets and other stores. Via sales have topped $100 million in the U.S., according to the Journal.

Taylor Swift hearts Target

Check out this adorable picture that Taylor Swift posted on Twitter! Taylor and other A-list starts like John Legend, Keith Urban, and Enrique Iglesias added some star power to Target's annual national company meeting yesterday. It was there that Taylor schmoozed with Bullseye, the company's miniature bull terrier mascot. Decked out in Target's signature colors of red and white, Taylor gave Bullseye a kiss and Tweeted to her fans, "Performing at the Target National Meeting in Minneapolis has it's perks. :)"

Double-Take: Banana Republic vs. Merona

It’s time for another double-take, and this time we take on a key Fall trend: animal prints. They’re not for everyone, but in small doses – like a classic ballet flat – they can add instant style to an otherwise ho-hum outfit.

Now one of the leopard ballet flats shown here is by Banana Republic, and will set you back almost $100. The other is by Merona, and at just $19.99 is 1/5 the cost of the BR ones. Can you guess which is which? The answer is below in the comments section.

Costume Couture by Simon Doonan

Simon Doonan, creative director of Barneys New York, is taking his sartorial sense of humor to Target this Halloween and launching a line of costumes for grown-ups and pets inspired by reality TV characters. Meaning: fist-pumping "Jersey Shore" meathead types and not-so-real-housewife diva witches.

"I drew my inspiration from pop culture -- both high and low," Doonan, who just happens to celebrate his birthday on Halloween eve, tells StyleList. "I think Halloween is a playful time, perfect for celebrating with the kids or getting in touch with your inner rebel. It's also a great time to step up your fashion game and take a few outlandish risks."

Doonan adds that he was inspired to do the collection because he wanted to help people let loose. "I have always encouraged people to dress in an eccentric or innovative way," he says. "Halloween gives everyone carte blanche to show off and have a little look-at-me-runway moment."

Reality TV shows such as the "Jersey Shore" and its self-professed guidos inspired him because "they get to be exhibitionists," Doonan told WWD. And because it's a signature collection, Doonan got to exhibit a few tricks of his own, leaving messages such as "Chic or Treat?" and "Trick or Trend?" on each of the costumes.

The collection - dubbed "Costume Couture" - will be available at Target stores beginning Sept. 12, and some styles are already available online. Costume Couture starts at $10 for pup frocks to about $30 for adult looks such as Glamour Ghost (shown here), Candace Corn, DJ from the Crypt, and Vegas Vampire.

Hilary Swank hearts Target

Award-winning actress Hilary Swank is on the cover of this month's InStyle Magazine, and guess what she raves about? The Mossimo draped-pocket t-shirts from Target ($15 each) shown on page 527 under the section "Hilary's Essentials". She proclaims "I like that these Mossimo shirts are thick. That makes them really nice." Echoing that theme, she goes on to state that “No wonder my closet is a hodgepodge. I have everything from Louboutins to Payless, from Gap to designer stuff. You don’t have to have a brand name on to be stylish."

Now I wish I could show you these cute t-shirts, but unfortunately, they're nowhere to be found on Target's web site (at least not that I could find, anyhow). Boo! Guess I'll just have to keep an eye out for them in the store.

MSNBC rejects anti-Target TV ad

A 30-second anti-Target ad, urging consumers to boycott the discounter, has been rejected by MSNBC because it violates a network policy banning "a direct attack on an individual business," the liberal group MoveOn.org said today.

Alana Russo, senior communications director for MSNBC, confirmed in an e-mail that the ad "does not comply with our Controversial Issue Advertising policy as it is a direct attack on an individual business."

The MoveOn.org ad accuses Target of "trying to buy our elections," a charge stemming from a controversial $150,000 political donation Target Corp. made earlier this summer, which was used to benefit a conservative Republican running for Minnesota governor.

MoveOn was irked at the rejection by MSNBC. "According to MSNBC and (parent company) GE it is alright for corporations, like Target, to attack candidates and buy elections, but it is not OK for citizen organizations, like MoveOn, to fight back," charged Justin Ruben, the group's executive director.

A Target official had no comment. Gregg Steinhafel, its chief executive, has already apologized in a letter to employees for the ill will generated by the donation that aided Republican Tom Emmer, but the company has shelved plans for an off-setting contribution or banning such political contributions altogether.

PS: I haven't included the link to the anti-Target ad here, but if you're interested in seeing it, you can do a search on YouTube.

Wednesday's Rave: this Mossimo tunic

Way back in March, I raved about a Liz Lange tank top that had some amazing zipper detailing in front. Now it seems that Mossimo has followed suit, and has produced this fab tunic tank in a similar design. I saw this hanging in the store the other day, and can tell you that the "zippered-ruffle" detail seems very well-made, and the rayon jersey drapes nicely.

I've posted a picture of the top here in Heather Grey so you can see the zipper embellishments in detail, but it also comes in a gorgeous Teal and deep Red, as well as basic Black. And at only $16,99 each, I just may treat myself to more than one color!

More Preview Pics for Temple St. Clair

As I first reported back in April, jewelry designer Temple St. Clair will bring her classy & timeless designs to Target this month – Aug. 29th, to be exact. Fabsugar has just posted some additional preview pics, and I’ve got to say that I’m loving almost every piece I see! Click here to see the complete set of pictures.

And to the reader who asked me back in July "Clearly the [Temple St. Clair for Target] jewelry is not made of gold and gemstones. Any idea what materials are being used?", my friend The Recessionista has the answer. According to her sources, Temple St. Clair for Target uses gold-plated brass for the settings and colored cubic zirconium for the semi-precious stones.

PS: for more on the designer herself, check out Target.com/temple.

Target's Trippy Light Show/Fashion Show

Target and uber-hip NY hotel The Standard are teaming up for a one-of-a-kind light and fashion show. Dubbed “The Target Kaleidoscopic Fashion Spectacular,” the show is scheduled for tomorrow night, Wednesday August 18th at 9pm EST. The event will showcase Target’s men’s and women’s Fall 2010 collections from house brands like Mossimo, Merona, Converse One Star, Xhilaration, Pure Energy and Liz Lange for Target.

Described as “Part fashion show, part light show," the event will bring the southern façade of The Standard alive. In 155 rooms, 66 dancers dressed in the latest styles will perform dazzling choreography synchronized with fast-paced lighting patterns set to an original music score. A simultaneous presentation will take place at the street level where models wearing 25 of the hottest looks from the fall Target lineup will appear in a nine-room replica stage that mirrors the windows of the hotel. Shown here (from Target's web site) is an artist's rendering of the upcoming event.

Immediately after the show guests will be able to log on to Target.com to pre-order select fall fashions. The event is free and open to the public and guests are invited to experience the show live at viewing parties in the surrounding neighborhood on Little W 12th Street (between Washington Street and 10th Ave). And, for those not able to be in NYC to experience the event in person, you can watch the live-streaming broadcast on Target’s Facebook page at Target.com/spectacular.

Fashion Gone Too Far: Infant Skinny Jeans

Ok, now I've seen everything! Via Stylist and the Wall St. Journal, I've discovered that a growing fashion trend for infants and toddlers is SKINNY JEANS. Really?? I was dubious, but apparantly Gap told the WSJ that "skinny jean styles" account for 40 percent of their infant and toddler girls denim offerings. Besides Gap and Old Navy, the tight-fitting jeans are also being sold in kiddie sizes at Levi's, J.Crew, and even Target.

"People love trend take-downs," Marc Breitbard, executive vice-president of GapKids and babyGap explained to the WSJ. "Fashion-right clothes are really adorable the smaller they get."

Although not necessarily comfortable. Gap's jeans for infants and toddlers reportedly feature a roomier "top block" to accommodate bulky diapers, and care is taken to ensure that kids can move in the constricting pants. "We sent our teams out to playgrounds, not in a stalking way, but just to kind of watch the consumer," Michelle DeMartini, an Old Navy senior vice-president, told the paper, explaining that "Adults might want to forgo comfort for fashion, but children will not."

All I have to say is that if you're planning to jump on this crazy trend, at least do yourself a favor and don't spend a lot of money on it. In other words: skip the $30 GapKids version and go for the $9 OshKosh ones (shown here) at Target instead.

Target Partners with Gilt Group

Mark your calendars, readers! Beginning Friday, August 20, Target is partnering with Gilt Groupe for an exclusive 36-hour preview-shopping event of select pieces from Target’s newest designer collaborations with John Derian, Tucker and Mulberry.

All you need to do is make sure you are a registered member of Gilt Groupe, the fabulous online boutique featuring luxury designers and fashion brands at prices up to 70% off the retail. In fact, you can register on Target's StyleBoutique page for free.... and Gilt is even throwing in a $10 credit to get you started!

So start dreaming about John Derian’s handmade decoupage home decor, the perfect silhouettes of Tucker’s ready-to-wear apparel, and the stylish Mulberry handbags, all available at Gilt before they hit Target stores. The sale will only last 36 hours, and quantities are limited; register now to ensure fast access when the sale starts for best selection.

Target Tries to Make Ammends

A report published Tuesday by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal said that Target is working to calm down gay rights activists incensed over a $150,000 political donation to a group supporting a conservative Republican gubernatorial candidate in Minnesota.

Target is said to be in negotiations with the Human Rights Campaign, according to Politico.com, which cited sources close to the talks. The company is being urged to donate $150,000 to pro-gay-rights candidates and groups in Minnesota.

Last Thursday, Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel apologized to the retailer’s employees for the donation to MN Forward, a new business-advocacy group that is supporting state Rep. Tom Emmer, a GOP gubernatorial candidate who opposes gay marriage.

New John Derian for Target Collection

Remember what a stir the John Derian for Target collection caused when it hit stores two years ago? Well, you're about to feel the rush again, because a new John Derian collection will debut at Target on Sept. 5th.

Available only for a limited time, the latest John Derian for Target collection follows the success his first two Target collaborations with a wider range of merchandise. "John has created a collection of beautifully designed products at prices our guests will love," said Stacia Andersen, Target's senior vice president of merchandising. "We are excited to bring him and his unique style back to Target."

The focus of the collection blends Derian's love of nature and appreciation of classic, vintage style with well-designed, purposeful products. The assortment features nearly 100 products all priced under $25. Home décor items include decorative trays, wall art and coasters, as well as stationery items such as mini journal sets and paper organizers. The collection also features fabric-covered storage bins, and tabletop items including ceramic mugs and melamine dinnerware.

"I am so excited to once again partner with Target and introduce a charming new collection," Derian said. "I've worked hard to translate my unique vision into a larger assortment of products that are beautiful, affordable and truly feel one-of-a-kind."

Shown above are floral and apple motif salad plates from the collection, at just $2.49 each.

Double-Take: Steve Madden vs. Mossimo

Time for another double-take, and this time we focus on footwear. Now tall, flat boots seem to be all the rage for the upcoming Fall season, and there's two ways you could go here: one could be with the stylish "Roady" from Steve Madden for just under $200 at Nordstrom. And the other is the "Kaden" from Mossimo for just $34.99 at Target. To be fair, the Steve Madden ones are made of real leather, while the Mossimo pair is "faux". But if you don't mind pleather - and love the look - then you could potentially buy the Mossimo's in all 3 colors and still have almost $100 left over for the price the Steve Madden's will set you back.

Can you tell the Maddens from the Mossimos? The answer appears in the comments section.

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 that our boys are both in high school, we no longer have to worry about school uniforms. But back when they were in elementary school, they had to wear them, and it was such a relief to discover that Target sells them at great prices. Does anyone else remember when you had to go to a special store to buy school uniforms? Or am I dating myself? Because that's where we had to go to buy them back when I was a kid (many, MANY years ago!).

So for those of you who have kids that need school uniforms, this week's pick is for you. Boys' khaki pants and girls' navy scooter skirts by Cherokee are just $10 on sale this week. And coordinating uniform polo shirts (also by Cherokee) are on sale for just $6 this week.

Sneak Peek: Tucker for Target

The Budget Babe has posted a couple of preview pics from the upcoming Tucker for Target by Gaby Basora collection (which I first told you about back in January) and I can't say I'm impressed. The look on the left is way too 70's-hippy/boho for my tastes. And the one on the right - the fleece jumpsuit - looks like a grey Snuggie styled with a belt. If the entire Tucker collection is this weird, then I won't be buying it.

Double-Take: Mossimo vs. J Brand

Hello readers! It's time here for another double-take. Now skinny cargo pants seem to be all the rage right now, but do you really want to spend a lot of your hard-earned cash on a fleeting trend? I thought not. That's why I'm featuring one pair of olive green skinny cargos here from Mossimo that are only $21.99 next to a pair of J Brand ones (at Saks Fifth Avenue) that will set you back a whopping $230. Ouch! Can you guess which one is which? The answer appears in the comments section.

Target Apologizes for Tom Emmer Donation

This week, Target apologized for donating money to Republican Tom Emmer (pictured) a conservative candidate for Minnesota governor who loudly opposes gay rights. The Target controversy has been brewing for a while now, but now the Bullseye is finally acknowledging that it's time for some damage control.

In a statement, Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel writes:

"The intent of our political contribution to MN Forward was to support economic growth and job creation. While I firmly believe that a business climate conducive to growth is critical to our future, I realize our decision affected many of you in a way I did not anticipate, and for that I am genuinely sorry."

He goes on to say that Target respects diversity, that it will review its "decision-making process for financial contributions in the public policy arena," and that later this fall it will convene talks with other organizations about GLBT rights alongside other issues.

Despite the apology, the organization MoveOn is still calling for a boycott of Target stores, as are numerous Facebook pages.

Update: Corey Lynn Calter dress for Target

A couple of weeks ago I told you that Corey Lynn Calter was the latest designer to jump on the "limited-edition bandwagon" for Target, and would be creating an exclusive dress for the Bullseye. Well, the Corey Lynn Calter dress is now available on Target's Red Hot Shop. This richly-hued floral frock in silk georgette includes standout details like a blouson waist and flutter sleeves with delicate ties on each shoulder. At $79.99, it's expensive for a Target dress, but a bargain for a designer piece. And Target is running a "free shipping for orders over $50" promotion, however, so at least you can avoid any shipping costs.

Shaun White 4 Target 2010 Collection

The latest Shaun White 4 Target collection is now available online and in stores. The line boasts Shaun's usual offering of skater-inspired graphic tees, hoodies, polos, shorts & jeans for boys and young men. And in addition, this time around Shaun's collection also includes shoes. Now to be honest: I saw the shoes in person several weeks ago (as my local Target put them out early) and I hate to say that the materials seemed extremely cheap and flimsy. Quite a letdown from the quality and styling of his clothing, which we've purchased for our teenage boys in the past and have been very happy with. For same amount of money at Target, you're much better off buying the skate shoes from Converse One Star, which are better-constructed and hold up well.

Wednesday's Rave: this Poketo laptop sleeve

On Sunday, I told you about a new line - Poketo - coming to Target. Well today I was able to check out the Poketo collection up close & personal in the store, and I just have to rave about this adorable laptop sleeve. Believe me, the picture here doesn't do it justice; for another shot of it, check out this one on Unplgged. Now mind you, I don't really NEED a laptop sleeve per se. But I just couldn't resist these beautiful birds on the tranquil blue background. Plus the sleeve is adjustable (via the velcro closures) making it able to fit both my IBM ThinkPad (for work) and my Apple MacBook Air (at home). And at just $19.99, this arty laptop sleeve is a real steal, considering the fact that most "basic black" ones start at around $25.

New at Target: D-Signed by Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato seems to be following in the footsteps of fellow Disney stars Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez in more ways than one. The ‘Sonny With A Chance’ star and singer will soon be showing off a new clothing & accessories line at Target. Her line, D-Signed, will differ from Cyrus’ and Gomez’s in that it will reflect her Disney character as if the pieces are straight out of Sonny Munroe’s closet, with lots of graphic tees, fluttery skirts and comfy hoodies (like the ones shown here).

The line will reportedly include all the basics for girls ages 8 to 12, as well as jewelry and bags. D-Signed hits Target stores this week, and I have to admit that I’ve already seen a couple of cute necklaces from the line that I wouldn’t mind owning myself (despite the fact that I’m decades above the ‘tween set it’s aimed for).

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 blends form and function into one appealing package and price-point. It's this stylish storage trunk, which certainly offers storage space but also doubles as a coffee or end table. It's made of sleek faux-croc leather - meaning it's easy to clean and maintain - and this week it's on sale for just $49 at Target (regularly $59.99). And while Target is promoting it as dorm or first apartment decor, I can see this versatile piece fitting in to just about any living space.

Poketo for Target

Thank you to reader Rhonda who clued me in to the fact that the arty label Poketo is launching a limited-edition line of wallets, tote bags, and umbrellas for Target.

Poketo – based in L.A. – designs limited edition art products, accessories, apparel, and decor. Founded by Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung, Poketo promotes the work of top international artists by showcasing original artwork through their fun and accessible wares. Poketo products are available internationally in fine boutiques, museums, and at Poketo.com, where you can see a few more preview pics for the Target line. I personally like the bird packpack (fourth photo down) shown on Rhonda’s blog post.

Although the Poketo for Target line isn’t officially supposed to hit stores until Aug. 10th, Rhonda found it early at her local store (in Northern California) and I found this picture on the web of the North Hollywood store where many of the items were already sold out.