New at Target: Gifts to Go

While perusing the stationery section at Target today, I noticed something new: an aisle dubbed "Gifts to Go", with all kinds of wonderful, small gifts under $20.  Unfortunately, I didn't have my phone with me, so I couldn't snap a picture.  But shown here is one of the more unique offerings: a ceramic vase in the shape of a soda can.  At just $11.99, this would make both a whimsical and practical gift.

Other items that caught my eye were cloth-covered eyeglass cases in vivid graphic prints, a variety of scented candles, rustic wooden picture frames, cute coffee mugs, and pretty-patterned pens, tote bags and desk accessories from the brand Mara Mi (which I've blogged about before, but is only available in stores and not on Target.com).  I'll definitely keep this section in mind when I need to pick up a small hostess gift or last-minute birthday present.

Prabal Gurung still full-price on Target.com...

While the Prabal Gurung for Target collection has now been marked down to 50% in stores, it still remains full price on Target.com.  It also seems that about half the items are no longer available online, and state they're for sale "in stores only".  Perhaps Target has been trying to move the remaining merchandise to stores to sell it there vs. online?  I'm not sure, but I don't see what's left at my local stores really moving.  My prediction is that this line will end up at 70% off (or more) soon in order to make way for the Kate Young for Target collection, which debuts on April 14th.

Giada's Asparagus, Tomato and Fontina Frittata

Easter brunch is the perfect time to serve up an egg bake, quiche, or frittata. Giada De Laurentiis' take on the popular dish includes fresh asparagus (now in season) and creamy fontina cheese. Her recipe also calls for 1 regular tomato (seeded and diced), but since they aren't in season right now I may substitute grape or cherry tomatoes, as they are sweeter.  You can check out the full recipe here on A Bullseye View, as well as a short instructional video with step-by-step instructions.

New at Target: Threshold's Urban Farm Collection

Target is certainly pushing it's Threshold line this Spring, with loads of television spots as well as a glossy direct mail catalog (which curiously enough, I didn't get, but my mom did).  A quick check of Target's web site shows their latest collection of home decor, dubbed "Urban Farm".  I adore the rustic look of this wheeled accent table, and if I had a place to put it, I'd probably buy it. And at just $79.99, it seems to be a popular item, as it's currently backordered on Target.com.

Beauty Trend: Red/Orange Lips

Sonia Kashuk is touting the trend of the "Red/Orange lip" on her blog, calling it "the must-have color of the season". She explains that while "the Red lip is a beauty classic that exudes timeless elegance, the Red/Orange lip expands from that with added modernity and an audacious chicness",  claiming that like Red, Red/Orange looks good on any complexion.

To try Sonia's version of this hot hue, pick up her Satin Luxe Lipcolor in Red Orange, available at Target. For me, this color seems a bit too bright, but what do you think, readers?  Is this a trend you'll try?

BOGO on Women's Shoes at Target

This week Target has a "buy one/get one half off" offer on all women's shoes, both in store and online. From summer wedges to ballet flats to gladiator sandals to work-worthy heels, they're all on sale this week. The sandal shown here reminds me of my "Tally" wedge from Ivanka Trump, so I'm glad to see this look is still in style this season.

Sale Alert: Method Soap and Cleaning Products

All Method soap and cleaning products are on sale this week at Target for 3 for $8, including the Orla Kiely designed bottles (like the one shown here).  Method brand laundry detergent (the 50 load size) is also on sale this week for just $11.99.

As an aside: I still haven't found any Method body wash at any of my local stores since my rant about it a month ago. At this point I'm going to have to follow one reader's advice and try to find it at Bed, Bath and Beyond.

The FLOTUS still hearts Target...

Remember how Michelle Obama sneaked in a trip to Target back in 2011?  Well it sounds like the FLOTUS still has fantasies about shopping at the Bullseye.  Check out this quote she gave to Robin Roberts in an interview on Good Morning America recently:

"Going to Target for me is like a dream, you know? That one time I went, you noticed it created a stir. I'm gonna do it again, doggone it. Next four years, I'm going out. I'm breaking out. I'm gonna disguise Bo. I'm gonna put on a coat. I'm gonna take a walk, and my agents won't know a thing. Don't tell 'em."

New at Target: Three Hands

Recently at Target I've noticed some pretty home decor items from a brand called "Three Hands".  Despite being new to Target, it looks like this brand has been around for awhile, because here's what I found on their website:

Three Hands Corporation has been in business for more than 30 years. We design and import fashion forward lifestyles which includes modern to traditional furniture, wall décor, lighting, home accessories and garden. Our design team travels the world developing unique designs out of diverse materials with intriguing details. We are committed to offer quality products at affordable prices that deliver to your bottom line.

Shown here are just a few items from their Target line; you can view more here on Target.com.

Target sign baffles shoppers...

From the San Jose Mercury News comes this humorous Target tale:

An alert reader snapped a picture that perplexes us here. Next to the corral for carts, the Target sign says this: "Are you reusable bag ready?" Those are the precise words and punctuation.

We couldn't get a comment from Target about the meaning of this query. So we've had to fill in the spaces. One possibility is that the writer meant to say, "Are your reusable bags ready?" If so, it's evidence of a tragic deprivation of basic grammar.

We think the author of the sign probably left out quotation marks around the third and fourth words. The warning should have said, "Are you 'reusable bag' ready?'' Naturally, this is a small tragedy by itself. It is like saying, "Are you 'drink-beer' thirsty?"

Instead of using the words at the bottom to explain that Target can no longer give out plastic bags, maybe the sign should just go for the brutal truth: "Because of a city ordinance, this Target can no longer speak English."

FYI: my county passed a similar law, but our signs are clearer.  They say "Get Ready for Less Plastic", with the information about the city ordinance underneath.

More details on Target's FEED USA collab...

Target has released a few more details on it's upcoming FEED USA collab.  Check out this video with an interview with FEED founder Lauren Bush Lauren. Although they didn't give many close-up views of the offerings (outside of the bike and the bracelet, which we've already seen pictures of) it looks like the line will include gingham and paisley motifs, primarily in patriotic hues of red, white and blue.  The timing is perfect for Independence Day, as this line launches June 30th.

Target table in Redbook...

April's issue of Redbook Magazine features this funky wire side table from Target (shown here at far left, and also in this slideshow) for just $59.99.  Unfortunately, the link on Redbook.com just leads to Target's main page and I couldn't find the exact table shown. Perhaps it's one of those Threshold items that's only available in stores - ?

And FYI: Redbook Magazine has gone through a complete makeover on both their print and online editions. Very much improved - this is not your mother's Redbook! - and worth a look, IMO.

Fab Find: Nate Berkus Nepal Comforter Set

I've been looking for new bedding for a while, since the last comforter set I got at Target has seen better days.  It was by Springmaid, and is no longer available... and in retrospect I discovered it had gotten fairly poor reviews on Target.com for not holding up well in the washer/dryer.  Like other customers, I had issues with the comforter filling "bunching up" after drying, no matter whether I machine or air dried it. 

Hopefully I won't have similar issues with this Nate Berkus "Nepal" Chevron Comforter Set I found on clearance at one of my local Target stores at 30% off.  This time I checked the reviews ahead of time, and the main gripe was the fabric, which others saw as "too stiff" or "too polyester".  But IMO, the fabric is just fine.  I also think this comforter has more filling or "loft" to it, as my husband immediately commented he thought it was warmer than our last one.  And the pattern is beautiful; I got the King size, and some prints look too busy or clunky on a larger size bed, but this one is just right.

But best of all, Jake Rusty - our cat - approves!  The proof's in the picture. I was about to get a longer shot of our entire bedroom, but while I was adjusting the camera, Jake jumped into the shot, so I zoomed in on him instead ;-)

Sonia Kashuk's Green Giveaway

In Honor of St Patrick’s Day, Sonia Kashuk is having a "green giveaway" on her blog.  She's awarding one green floral cosmetics bag (from her current Target collection) and one couture kabuki brush to 7 lucky winners. Here's how to enter to win:

-Like SK on Facebook: Sonia Kashuk Beauty or follow SK on Twitter
-Share which Sonia Kashuk product is your favorite and why as a comment on her blog, post on Facebook or through Twitter
-For extra entries, follow SK on instagram and upload (or twitpic @soniakashuk) a picture of  your favorite Sonia Kashuk product
-Hashtag your instagram or twitter entry with #skgreengiveaway

The winners will be chosen after 11:59 on Sunday 3/17, and you must live within the United States & Canada to enter. May the luck of the Irish be with you!

Clearance Alert: Threshold's "Modern Cottage" collection

While at Target yesterday, I noticed that Threshold's latest home decor collection - dubbed "Modern Cottage" - is now on clearance at 30% off.  The price cut doesn't seem to extend to Target.com, but then again the Threshold line seems to offer many items in store that aren't available online.  I was tempted to buy several things - like this adorable parrot figurine - but I refrained myself.  I also noticed that the silver stool from my double-take post earlier this month was also on clearance.

Clearance Alert: Prabal Gurung for Target

Reader Shopping Celle mentioned last week that the Prabal Gurung for Target shoes were already marked down at her local Target store. And now Racked.com is reporting that as of this week the entire collection is on clearance at the Serramonte Center store in Daly City, CA.  Shown here is their picture of the packed racks, full of the floral dresses, color-blocked cardigans, ruffled tops, Nolita-print skirts and black lace blouses.

I actually haven't made it to Target for over a week, so I have no idea whether the line is marked down at my local stores yet.  How about you out there, readers?  Is the Prabal Gurung for Target collection marked down in your neck of the woods?  And if so, will the new markdowns encourage you to buy it?

Target adds two kitchen brands to their plate

Target announced an agreement yesterday to buy both  Chef's Catalog and assets of Cooking.com in two separate transactions. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Chef's Catalog, founded in 1979, is an online site that sells cookware, bake ware, kitchen tools and other accessories under such brands as Cuisinart, Le Creuset and KitchenAid. Cooking.com, founded in 1998, offers more than 30,000 products for the kitchen and operates different online stores under such names as Calphalon, Rachael Ray, and Food Network.

"We know consumers are increasingly looking online for cooking solutions to make their lives easier - from utensil and cookware, to recipes," said Casey Carl, senior vice president of enterprise strategy at Target, in a statement. "These strategic transactions provide us a great way to address this growing opportunity and will offer expanded online options for our guests."

The Kate Young for Target Lookbook is here...

Target has has posted the Kate Young for Target lookbook on their Facebook page, which you can view here.  Unlike the preview sketches that were revealed back in January, it looks like this line extends beyond just "eveningwear" and actually has some quite wearable day-dresses and separates. Kate's line also includes bags, shoes and jewelry, with an "arrow" being the repeating motif on the accessory offerings. And here's a helpful tip: Facebook seems to be taking their time loading the pictures, but if you click on any of the "blank" boxes you'll get a full view of each item.

Double-Take: Chloe vs. Mossimo

It's time for another double-take, where we take one item from The Bullseye and match it up against a lookalike (and much spendier) designer piece.  This edition is courtesy of The Budget Babe, who found two very similar summer sandals with very different price points.  Now one of these wedge sandals is from Chloe, and is available on Bluefly.com on sale for $428.79 (down from a whopping $795!).  And the other is from Mossimo (at Target) at a much more wallet-friendly $29.99.  Which one is which? The answer appears in the comments section below.

FEED + Target preview pics...

A couple of preview pics from the upcoming FEED + Target collab have surfaced, courtesy of People.com.  Shown here are two of the actual items from the line: a collapsible bike and a set of bracelets, both of which reflect the “Americana” aspect of the collection. The FEED USA + Target collection will range from $3 to $400 (I'm assuming this bike tops out with the $400 price tag) with 10% of the purchase price going to Feeding America.

Target shutters "The Shops" concept...

Target has announced plans to shut down their “Shops at Target” concept for now, according to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. The shops have featured select independent boutique retailers such as San Francisco's The Candy Store, Miami-based The Webster, and New York's mens retailer Odin. Target said that it may revive the concept at a later date, but for now, the company wants to focus on direct partnerships with designers, such as the current Prabal Gurung collection and upcoming FEED collab.

Target's Next Collab: FEED

According to Racked.com, The Bullseye's next "designer" collab will have a philanthropic slant. Target is partnering with accessories brand FEED Projects, with a new line to launch this Summer. More than 50 Americana-themed items—spanning home goods, sporting goods, stationery, apparel, and accessories—will be available at Target stores and Target.com starting June 30th. Prices will range from $3 to $400, and sales will benefit Feeding America, a not-for-profit organization focused on hunger relief in the US.

Shown here is FEED founder Lauren Bush Lauren with the FEED Function Bag from her current (non-Target) line. I just got back from a trip to Chicago, where I saw at least half a dozen travelers at the airport carrying the iconic FEED totes as carry-on bags, so I'm sure any bags from this Target collab will be one of the more popular items.

Double-Take: Michael Kors vs. Merona

It's time for another double-take, where we take one item from Target and match it up against a lookalike (and much pricier) designer piece. Now I've been on the hunt for a good (meaning comfortable!) pair of black peep-toe pumps, and believe me, there are a LOT of options our there.  But these two looked practically identical to me, both with a black-patent finish, the same heel shape, and same height. The difference is that one pair is by Michael Kors (called the "MK Flex", at Zappo's) and will set you back $98, whereas the other pair is by Merona (called "Magee", at Target) and only costs a third of that at $29.99.  Which one is which?  The answer appears in the comments section below.

New at Target: Madlove

This new brand at Target slipped by me, probably because I'm not the right demographic for it (as it seems aimed at teens). But Target is hyping the entire "Madlove" collection of shoes and filpflops on sale this week in their Weekly Ad, so I decided to check it out.  The Madlove Brand shop on Target.com can be found here, and in addition to shoes, it also includes accessories (which mainly consists of bags and backpacks). I tried to find more information about this brand online, but I can't figure out whether this is the same "Madlove" clothing line from Australia (with Target just licensing the name) or not. There was a reference (with the same logo) for Madlove on Zappos.com, but that was almost a year ago, and since then, the line seems to have disappeared from their site.  Madlove seems like a mashup between OP and Reef, with a definite surfer vibe to it.

Sonia Kashuk gets a packaging makeover...

You may have noticed a big change with the Sonia Kashuk brand lately.  They've changed their packaging from all white to just the opposite: black with white lettering, and they also have a brand new "SK" logo. This complete aesthetic revamp is slowing being rolled out to stores, so Sonia states on her blog to "Please bare with us as your local Targets begin to stock up on all of these," promising the "Same great luxurious quality, with a whole new look!"

Nate Berkus expands his organization offerings...

Nate Berkus for Target is expanding their offerings in the home organization department. This capsule collection of stationary and desk accessories is focused on making your space both organized and stylish. The line includes magazine caddies, file folders, pencil cups, push pins, printed pencils and binder clips in fun patterns and colors. The official launch date is March 17th, but some items may have already trickled into stores. Look for these items on special endcaps in the stationary department.

Double-Take: Horchow vs. Target

It's time for another double-take, where we take one item from the Bullseye and pair it up with a lookalike designer piece.  Here we have two very similar silvery stools, which could also double as end tables.  But one of them is from Horchow and will cost you $140, whereas the other one is from Target and will only set you back $90.  Can you guess which one is which?  The answer appears in the comments section below.