Double-Take: Mossimo vs. Steve Madden

It's double-take time again, where we try to guess which item is from an expensive designer brand, and which one is from Tar-jay. Nude pumps have been in vogue for a couple of years now due to their leg-lengthening magic. And the addition of a platform sole can make your legs seem to go on for miles. But would you pay Steve Madden almost $90 for the look, or would you rather fork out just $29.99 for the Mossimo version at Target? Which one is which? The answer appears below in the comments section.

Sonia Kashuk's New Spring Limited Edition Collection

Each Spring, Sonia Kashuk debuts a new collection of limited edition brush sets and makeup palettes at Target. Her newest collection (shown here) is just hitting stores and is already available online, including (from left):
The "Small Treasure" Purse Brush Set (at $14.99)
The "Spring Awakenings" Face Palette (at $19.99)
The "Gold Mine" Brush Set (at $24.99)
and the "Blink of an Eye" Eye Pencil Set (at $12.99)

Although I don't need any more makeup brushes, I'm crushing on the woven clutch that the "Gold Mine" set comes in, and wonder if it could double as a clutch bag - ?

Double-Take: Enzo Angiolini vs. Mossimo

It’s time for another double-take, where we try to guess which item is from an expensive designer brand, and which one is from the Bullseye. Flat gladiator sandals are still on-trend for this Spring & Summer, and these two styles look pretty darn similar. Except when it comes to price, because one is from Enzo Angiolini (at Piperlime) for $89, whereas the other is from Mossimo (at Target) for just under $25. Which is which? The answer appears in the comments section.

Introducing CityTarget

You've heard of Target, and SuperTarget. And now, there's CityTarget.

Target Corp. unveiled the new name and logo Tuesday for its budding fleet of smaller urban stores. Last fall, Target announced its goal of building 10 small-format urban stores around the country, including Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Target also has plans for a fourth CityTarget store, slated to open in Chicago in 2012. These smaller stores are tailored to crowded urban centers, carrying a slimmed-down assortment of goods, including groceries.

Brooklyn Decker hearts Target

Brooklyn Decker - the Sports Illustrated swimsuit model and star of the new comedy Just Go With It - is the latest celebrity to sing Target's praises. In the February issue of Self Magazine, she offers the following fashion and style advice: to "look hot", just "go cheap." Brooklyn says "I love Target! You can get trendy, fantastic pieces there." She further advises to "invest big money only on the classics, like a trench coat, great jeans, or black heels."

Sneak Peek: Target's Go International Retrospective Look Book

As I blogged about back in October, Target is re-issuing a collection of dresses from their previous Go International designer lines. Target has just released images of those dresses (that you can view here) which will be available in selected Target stores and on Target.com on March 13th.

The collection features dresses from Luella Bartley, Tara Jarmon, Paul & Joe, Behnaz Sarafpour, Proenza Schouler, Libertine, Alice Temperley, Erin Fetherston, Jovovich-Hawk, Rogan, Richard Chai, Jonathan Saunders, Thakoon, Tracy Feith, Rodarte, Zac Posen and Tucker.

With the Jovovich-Hawk label (headed by actress Milla Jovovich) now defunct - and with fashion riding a definite 70's slant right now - I'm predicting their dresses will be an instant sellout by collectors and trend-setters. Likewise, the Rodarte dresses should be popular since the Mulleavy sisters behind that line created all the costumes for the movie Black Swan and their designs are very much in demand at the moment.

Some of the other offerings I'm not so sure about. Zac Posen's dresses didn't sell that well, so I'm surprised his designs are in the mix. And Tucker's offereings were just in stores so recently, I wonder if fashionistas really want to revisit her shirt dresses so soon? As for me, I will be planning to check out the Jonathan Saunders Colorblock Dress with Belt in Dot Print (shown here) which I missed the first time it was released.

Target features retro cereal boxes from General Mills

Just as they did last year around this time, General Mills is rolling out cereal boxes featuring retro package designs and cartoons for a limited time exclusively at Target.

The five boxes that will be featured now through March are Cheerios, 1956 (shown); Trix, 1968; Honey Nut Cheerios, 1984; Cinnamon Toast Crunch, 1984; and Lucky Charms, 1989.

“Retro is so in right now—whether it’s clothing, cars, games or packaging,” said Lindsay Backer, General Mills associate marketing manager, in a statement. “We've seen great success with this promotion the last few years and continue to build on that with the packaging and promotions offering families fun and memorable breakfast experiences that evoke childhood memories.”

Lady Gaga available for pre-order on Target.com

For those Lady Gaga fans out there, Target has announced that you can pre-order her new album Born this Way (which doesn't actually release until May 23rd) and download the title track for free. Click here for more details. Personally, I've heard the track, and think that "Born this Way" is a TOTAL ripoff of the 1985 Madonna song "Express Yourself" (and many others share this opinion as well).

Product Review: Caldrea Essentials Hand Balm

The other day I picked up this Olive Oil Hand Balm from Caldrea Essentials at Target for just $2.78 on clearance. I'm not sure why it was on sale, as Caldrea doesn't seem to be phasing out this fragrance; perhaps my local Target store was just putting the remaining stock on sale in anticipation for a new shipment.

Now I've found the Caldrea Essentials collection to be hit or miss; some fragrances are pleasant, while others I find too overpowering. So I was delighted to find the Olive Oil scent - with essential oils of Coriander and Cedarleaf - to be refreshing, light, and a bit citrusy. The packaging says "This green, uplifting fragrance adds an herbal twist to the heady scent of fresh-pressed olives. A fresh touch of coriander is complemented by base notes of cedar, amber and musk." Caldrea's hand balm also contains shea butter, sweet almond oil and chamomile extract to help care for hands and keep them soft. And I'm happy to report that it moisturizes without any of that "greasy" residue that some hand lotions often leave behind.

Is Target phasing out Giada's food products?

At not one - or two - but at three of my local Target stores I've noticed that all of the food items in the Giada De Laurentis line have been put on the clearance racks. Personally, I wasn't a fan of Giada's sauces and pasta, with the exception of her Orzo. However, this has me wondering whether they've decided to phase out her food line to instead just concentrate on her bakeware/cookware, appliances and cutlery (which are still prominently featured on Target.com and seem to still be selling well in-store).

Another Boots Beauty Bonus at Target

A couple of weeks ago I told you about the $3-off Boots coupon (redeemable at Target) that you could nab on Facebook. And now, it looks like the offer has been extended.

Boots recently became the first brand to win Good Housekeeping's Anti-Aging Award—in four categories, no less. This means that of all the bazillions of things the Good Housekeeping labs test every year, the Boots No7 products are among the most effective treatments tested to help achieve younger-looking skin. The award-winning products are as follows: Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum (for Best Anti-Aging Serum); the Intensive Line Filler (for Best Instant Wrinkle Smoother); Advanced Renewal Anti-Aging Glycolic Peel Kit (for Best At-Home Peel Kit); and Boots No7's Protect & Perfect Hand Cream with SPF 15 (honorable mention for Best Hand Cream with SPF 15+).

So to celebrate their four new Good Housekeeping awards, Boots is offering a digital coupon to save $3 off any one product in the No7 Protect & Perfect range. All you have to do to save three bucks is "Like" Boots Beauty USA on Facebook and click on the "Offers" tab to get the printable coupon. The coupon is valid til February 17th.

New from Caldrea Essentials: Hibiscus-Yuzu

About a month ago I blogged that Caldrea Essentials (at Target) had put their holiday scents on sale. And now the brand seems to be ushering in some new varieties. One I noticed on shelf the other day was the coral-colored Hibiscus-Yuzu. I smelled the candle (shown here) in the store, and it's a decidedly fruity-floral scent, combining Hibiscus flower with the Asian citrus fruit Yuzu (which is a symbol of the Winter Solstice). I do like this aroma better than the two holiday offerings, but it's still a bit strong for my tastes.

And if you're a Caldrea fan, here's a little tip: the retail line (not the budget line at Target) is having a clearance sale on their web site. For a limited time, you can save 60% on their holiday and discontinuted fragrances. Which means items like their Sweet Pea Surface Cleanser (regularly $10) is now just $3.60. But hurry, because this sale ends on Feb. 9th (Wednesday).

Lighten up the Winter Blues

Want to start your day off with a positive, natural experience instead of a jarring alarm? Then try the new Philips Wake-up Light HF3470 – an alarm clock that wakes you up with light. An official light therapy product of the National Sleep Foundation, the Wake-up Light’s replaceable halogen bulb gradually increases in intensity 30 minutes before your wake-up time, simulating a natural sunrise and giving you an easy and energetic wake-up. Meaning you'll reduce the time you need to get out of bed, plus feel more well-rested.

The Philips Wake-up Light also offers the option to be woken up by two nature sounds or FM radio, and twenty brightness settings allows you to use the Wake-up Light as a bedside lamp as well. You can find the Philips Wake-up Light at Target.com and select Target stores for $99.99

Sneak Peek: Target's Spring Trend Accessories

Target has posted their Spring 2011 Trend Accessories Lookbook here on their web site, and at first glance it looks like gladiator sandals and animal prints (like those shown here) will continue to be key trends. Other hot looks include florals and classic neutrals, and embellishments like gems, chains, and metallic studs. Prices range from $4.99 to $49.99, making them easy on the wallet as well.

Sneak Peek: Merona's Spring Collection

Yesterday The Budget Babe posted her take on the new Spring collection from Merona (at Target). Pictured here is my favorite look of the bunch, which I think looks very "Michael Kors". The Merona collection seems to have a little something for everyone, from lady-like sheath dresses and tailored nautical separates to preppy madras shorts and breezy peasant blouses. Overall I'm liking what I see - and do appreciate the effort from Merona - although I'm still missing Isaac Mizrahi's influence.

You can view the entire Merona Lookbook for Spring 2011 here on Target.com.

Product Review: Giada De Laurentis Bakeware Set

Last weekend on a whim, I bought this 6-piece bakeware set from Giada De Laurentis for Target. I spied it on clearance for $35 (down from $49.99). And as luck would have it, I actually had in my purse one of those random coupons you get at the Target checkout stand for $10-off any Giada cookware or bakeware set....so at just $25 total, I knew I had to try this set out.

All the rave reviews on Target.com are spot-on: not only does this set look sharp, but it works great, too. I've never had ceramic bakeware that cleaned up so easily! Last night I made lasagne in the loaf pan, and it was a breeze to clean (unlike my traditional "non-stick" pan). It also seemed to cook more evenly than my regular steel loaf pan.

Although the web site states that these dishes are "hand-wash only", the box says they are both dishwasher and microwave-safe. In addition to the loaf pan, I know I'll get a lot of use out of the oblong pan and pie dish. I already have a set of ramekins, but it's always great to have a couple more. The large mug is a bit of a puzzle; not sure what I'd bake in it, but I can always use it for soup or tea.

Wednesday's Rave: this Converse One Star dress

I have a love/hate relationship with shirt-dresses. I love the idea of them - the ease, simplicity, and casualness - but I don't always like how they look on me. Sometimes the fabric is too stiff, which adds unneccesary bulk. And sometimes styles that button all the way down the front cause unwanted gaps.

Which is why I was delighted to find this Kaitlyn-Erin dress by Converse One Star at Target. The fit is so flattering, from the elastic waist to the gathered-ties at each elbow. And the buttons stop at the waist, leaving the the skirt to fall in an appealing a-line that stops right above the knee.

Unfortunately, the Federal Blue one (shown here) was already sold out online, so I opted for the Dark Olive one instead. I still love it, but am hoping to also find the blue one in my size in stores.

Now all I need is for warmer weather to arrive so I can wear this fun little frock. And according to Punxsutawney Phil (who didn't see his shadow this Groundhog Day) we'll be having an early Spring, so hopefully I won't have to wait too long.

Ricky Martin's "Musica Alma Sexo" now available at Target

Ricky Martin's special album version of Música + Alma + Sexo is available at Target stores nationwide and Target.com beginning today. “I am incredibly excited about the upcoming release of my new album, and with the Target exclusive version of Música + Alma + Sexo, I can offer even more of my new music to fans,” said Martin. “I am happy to partner with Target – a company that not only embraces a wide variety of music and cultures, but also has a long history of giving back to communities.”

With over 65 million records sold worldwide, Música + Alma + Sexo is Martin’s first new studio album in six years. The Target deluxe version of Martin’s new bilingual album will feature seven exclusive tracks, including two dance mixes, three unreleased songs and solo versions of Martin’s new single “Lo Mejor De Mi Vida Eres Tú” / “The Best Thing About Me Is You.” I heard Ricky perform this song on The Today Show this morning, and was impressed with its catchy, reggae-inspired vibe. The album also features collaborations with famed Puerto Rican duo Wisin y Yandel and Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte.