New at Target: Scandale's "Dream" Collection

Halle Berry's lingerie line Scandale - which first hit Target stores last Fall - has a new "Dream" collection out for Spring. You may have seen her promoting it yesterday on The Ellen Show. While I find Scandale pretty, I don't find it practical - at least not for everyday. This is more "special occasion" lingerie IMO. What about you, readers? Have you checked out Scandale, and if so, are you a fan?

What's the deal with Converse One Star?

A few of you have emailed me asking "what's the deal with Converse One Star?" and unfortunately I don't know the answer. It has virtually disappeared from store shelves at Target, and over on Target.com the only items left are a couple of women's tops and a smattering of men's and children's shoes. I've tried to search for information about this online, with no luck so far. It makes me wonder whether Target isn't planning to carry this brand anymore, which would be a shame.

The Lilly Pulitzer for Target Look Book

With less than a month until launch, Target has finally posted the Lilly Pulitzer for Target look book. Incorporating 15 vibrant patterns and spanning clothing, housewares, shoes, bags and patio accessories, this collection has a little something for everyone.

Ranging from $2 to $250, the collection will be available in stores and online on April 19. As Lilly once said, “Anything is possible with sunshine and a little pink.” You can view the entire look book here on A Bullseye View.

Target Raises Minimum Wage

Fortune reports that Target will raise the starting pay of its employees to $9 an hour starting next month. Both Walmart and T.J.Maxx already announced last month that minimum wage for their employees would bump up to $9 an hour. "Our goal is to always be competitive with the marketplace," a Target spokeswoman told the Wall St. Journal.

Coming Soon to Target: Of a Kind

This just in from Racked.com: e-commerce shop Of a Kind has hooked up with Target for a collection of home decor products by American-based brands, including wall art by Dealtry, animal bookends by Wolfum, and coasters, soap dishes, toothbrushes, and pillows by Izola.

All three brands are well-known to Of a Kind shoppers, but Target's national platform will allow the designers to tap into a much larger customer base. The collection is rolling out in 350 Target stores, but there are no plans to stock it online.

For close-up pics of the goods, check out the gallery here on Racked.com.

The Look for Less: Mossimo vs. Manolo Blahnik

I keep seeing this ad for Amazon (far left) both online and in print, including a full page spread in Sunday's NY Times. What strikes me (in addition to all the pretty Spring dresses!) are the minimalist sandals worn by each model, in a perfect nude-hue that goes with everything.

You COULD splurge and buy the Manolo Blahnik "Chaos" sandal (shown far right) for $725 at Barney's New York. Or you could save a LOT of hard-earned cash and buy the similar Mossimo version at Target (middle pic) for just $29.99.

Double-Take: Horchow vs. Target

It's time for another double-take, where we take one item from Tar-shay and match it up against a pricier designer piece. Today we're looking at two pretty, silver-stacked sea urchin lamps. They look pretty similar, but one is from Horchow and retails for $245 (on sale right now for $184) whereas the other one is from Target and only costs $79.99. Which one is which? The answer appears in the comments section below.

New at Target: Kardashian Beauty

I almost didn't share this story, as I'm not a fan of the K-clan. But starting this month, Kardashian Beauty will debut in Target’s beauty aisle.

The Kardashian Beauty professional-quality hair tools include the 3-in-1 Curl, Wave & Smooth Iron, the 1” Flat Iron and a Hair Dryer ($89.99 each). All are equipped to add shine and tame frizz, whether you’re going for straight & sleek look or a cascade of waves. “The design and functionality of Kardashian Beauty is the result of years of working with the world’s most talented hairstylists,” said Khloé Kardashian.

For insider tips on the best ways to use these hair tools, read this interview with Khloé on A Bullseye View.

New at Target: Method Scented Soy Candles

Attention Method fans! The beloved brand has just debuted a new line of scented soy candles, available exclusively at Target. The collection includes the following fragrances: French Lavender, Wild Poppy, Beach Sage, Apple Slice and Vanilla Bean.

Each candle retails for just $6.99, with a burn time of up to 24 hours. And each one comes in a pretty glass jar (which I'm hoping has the label just "stuck" on vs. printed directly to the surface, because then you can peel it off and reuse it for a votive holder or small vase).

Target Announces New Return Policy

According to CNN Money, Target has a new, more liberal return policy that will allow customers to return certain store-branded items up to one year after the date of purchase. Previously, the limit to receive a full refund was 90 days.

The policy covers brands owned exclusively by Target, including clothing lines Cherokee, Merona, Mossimo and C9 by Champion, as well as packaged foods by Archer Farms, kitchen goods by Chefmate and baby products by Circo. It also applies to brands designed or distributed by Target, such as the maternity line by Liz Lange and cosmetic products by Sonia Kashuk.

Target's return policy states that most unopened items in new condition will receive a refund or exchange. The retailer has also extended the amount of time customers have to return items purchased as part of its gift registry program to one-year from 90 days. Target offers gift registries for new babies, weddings and graduations.

The goal is to offer a shopping experience that's "inspiring and rooted in ease," said Target's chief merchandizing officer Kathee Tesija. "Our enhanced return policy offers our guests convenience we think they'll appreciate," said Tesija.

Beach House Chic

Target's latest Threshold collection of home decor definitely has a "beachy" vibe to it. From pillows with starfish and seashell motifs in cool ocean hues, to sea urchin urns and whitewashed wicker stools, this selection definitely screams 'summer'.

And if you're looking for a brighter color palette, in stores I've noticed that Target is featuring a nautical collection in magenta pink and denim blue, like this kitchy striped lobster pillow.

Target remodels with "lifestyle settings"...

Remember the "vignette" style of displays I told you about back in December?  Well it looks like they tested well, and Target is now rolling them out to stores nationwide. My local store (shown here) is going through the remodel, and I have to say they've done a good job with it. Besides the home furnishings/decor department, my store also has these displays in kitchen/housewares and bed and bath. The idea is to showcase Target products in a "lifestyle setting" to allow customers to imagine now the products might look together in their own home.

How about you, readers? Has your local store been remodeled yet, and if so, do you welcome the change?

New at Target: Target Collective

Today Target introduces Target Collective, the retailer’s first curated design-focused collection tailored to men. According to A Bullseye View, this limited-edition assortment – a mix of the brands’ existing products and items co-created in partnership with Target’s internal design team – provides access to impeccably-crafted, U.S.A.-made goods including hand-tooled leather belts, durable canvas bags, graphic tees and irreverent stationery from partners Billykirk, Owen & Fred, Taylor Stitch, Duluth Pack, Locally Grown and Terrapin Stationers.

All of the Target Collective brands have compelling “About Us” tales to tell, from Duluth Pack’s 19th-century heritage to Terrapin’s triumph over the digital age. And Billykirk was founded by two brothers with a passion for built-to-last leather goods that get better with age. Priced from $10 to $270, Target Collective will be available on Target.com starting March 15.

My take, after viewing the products online, is as follows:

Billykirk seems to have some nice handcrafted leathergoods, which is reflected in their price points.  

Owen & Fred has some fun, kitchy men's accessories, a few of which (like the luggage tag and laundry bag) can be unisex. 

Taylor Stitch may be well made and durable, but at $45 for a plain t-shirt and $98 for a pair of chinos, I don't think this stuff is going to fly off of shelves. 

Duluth Pack has even higher price points than Billykirk, mostly $100 and up. It may be "handcrafted since 1882", but I'm not sure it fits Target's demographic. 

Locally Grown is a selection of t-shirts and trucker hats, reasonable priced. 

And Terrapin Stationers has some cute offerings, but they cost at least double what Target's in-house stationery costs (and Target's brands have some quirky, fun motifs of their own).

Overall, I think this is a collection aimed at gifts for dads & grads, and a niche few who may want something handcrafted and original. But if that's the case, then why not just order directly from these retailers vs. Target?

Coming Soon to Target: Tori Praver Seafoam

Swimwear designer Tori Praver will soon debut a new line available exclusively on Target.com. Called Tori Praver Seafoam, the 30-piece collection of mix-and-match bikini separates and swimsuits features soft, sun-warmed colors, exotic prints and Tori’s signature ruching technique.

Tori (who grew up in Maui) launched her eponymous label in 2009, and became an instant favorite with the fashion press and discerning resortwear retailers. The Seafoam collection for Target will embrace everything the designer is known for: durable fabrics, alluring, vintage pin-up girl details and refined, feminine silhouettes.

For a short Q&A on her upcoming Target collab, check out this article on A Bullseye View. The Tori Praver Seafoam collection - priced from $24.99 – $54.99 - will debut on Target.com starting mid-April.

Double-Take: Birkenstock vs. Mossimo

It's time for another double-take, where we take one item from Tar-shay and match it against it a pricier designer piece. The Birkenstock (or comfort footbed sandal) trend isn't going away anytime soon, so today we're looking at two very similar options. Only one of them are actual Birkenstocks (available at Nordstrom) and will set you back $134.95, whereas the other is Mossimo's version (at Target) and costs just $24.99. That's over $100 less! Which one is which? The answer appears in the comments section below.

Target's Transformation...

Target's new CEO Brian Cornell is planning a transformation for The Bullseye. He is the retailer's first CEO to be recruited from outside the company, and faces the huge task of revitalizing a brand that's recently seen such setbacks as a retreat from the Canadian market and a major hacking incident. A lengthy profile in Fortune provides details on Cornell's background, and Racked.com has posted some of the highlights:

* Improving Target's apparel, home decor and beauty offerings are priorities for Cornell. "The categories we’re going to stand for, the ones I call our signature categories—they’re the ones that can differentiate the brand going forward. So you’ll see us elevate our focus around our style categories, apparel, home, beauty—critically important categories for our guest—and we think we can differentiate in that space," he said. 

* Cornell is the first Target CEO to attend New York Fashion Week. 

* Cornell made the call to shutter all of Target's Canada stores after he took a solo trip to visit Targets in Montreal the Saturday before Christmas and found them painfully empty. 

* In some Target stores, Cornell is testing out replacing those $1 bins with a "first impressions" area that highlights certain items. 

* He's giving himself three years to deliver on the improvements he wants to make at Target. He tells Fortune, "there’s nothing we’re talking about where someone’s going to say, ‘Wow, I’ve never seen that before...they will add up to a very bold change for the brand and the business … If we execute the plan over the next few years, you will say, ‘Boy, Target made a huge transformation.’

New at Target: Sonia Kashuk's Spring 2015 Collection

Today  is supposed to be the launch of Sonia Kashuk's new Spring 2015 line, but so far the products aren't available yet on Target.com nor Sonia's site. According to Target's official press release, the collection will include a new scent in her Bath & Body line called "White Etheriana", described as "a fresh, light scent with top notes of Sicilian lemon, Brazilian acai and tulip accord. The sweet mid notes of provence mimosa, bamboo and dewy violet combine with patchouli, tree moss, peach skin and musk to sensually round out the scent.".

The collection will also offer new beauty tools including the Brush Couture Five-Piece Brush Set, a Synthetic Concealer Brush, a Contour Brush, a Precision Pencil Brush and Full Allure False Eyelashes. There will also be new Spring shade additions to SK's current lip color and nail polish lines, and the introduction of a limited-edition "Sahara Sunset" collection (shown here).

UPDATE: Sonia's new Spring line is now available on Target.com, and on A Bullseye View you can read more about her Art of Beauty line – a collaboration with her longtime friend and legendary artist Linda Mason .

Target To Focus On Millennials...

Target is seeking to enliven its grocery business by focusing on seven food groups - such as Greek yogurt, granola and craft beer - to try stand out to younger shoppers.

The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, reported that boosting the Minneapolis-based chain's grocery business has become a new focus for CEO Brian Cornell. He also wants to hire a new grocery chief, someone with outside experience in the area.

According to the Journal, Target will focus on seven categories: yogurt and granola; coffee and tea; candy; snacks; beer and wine; and fresh meat. Target isn't abandoning other foods, but those seven will get more attention in marketing and displays.

The company also is offering a broader lineup of organic and gluten-free options. These changes are focused on targeting millennial buyers, whose tastes run decidedly different than earlier generations.

New at Target: Sami & Dani

Another new-ish brand I've recently discovered at Target is the fashion line Sami & Dani. Offering mostly dresses - with a smattering of tops, skirts, and jumpsuits - this line is only offered online and is not available in Target stores. From the online comments, the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, and it looks like this brand debuted about 3-4 months ago.

I ordered this dress (shown) and found it to be true to size and well made. In fact, I thought the construction was superior to other Target in-house brands (like Merona and Mossimo) with better fabrics and more substantial zippers and fasteners. This particular dress I returned only because the "lace" overlay is crocheted and I was afraid I'd snag it too easily. I did keep the denim dress I ordered, and also have a couple more styles on the way. My one complaint, though, is that it seems like many sizes are sold out, and it doesn't look like Target will be restocking them.

Fab Find: Threshold Monogram Pillow Covers

Yesterday in Target I spied these neat cotton monogram pillow covers by Threshold. The backside is done up in a pretty coordinating lattice print, and besides letters they also had an "&" (ampersand) symbol. Best of all, they run just $16.99, which is a much better price-point than Pottery Barn's version (which you order to be monogrammed and will set you back $39.50 each).

Now for the bad news: they don't carry every letter in the alphabet, and these seem to only be available in stores (and not for purchase online). Furthermore, each color (Blue, Gray, Tan and Yellow) only comes in 3-4 letters... so if you're looking for a blue "B" you're out of luck, as B only comes in yellow.

New at Target: OUI by French Bull

This brand may not be that new to Target, but it's new to me. Over the weekend I noticed this colorful endcap in the bedding aisle by the brand OUI by French Bull.  With their fun patterns and bright pops of color, this line couldn't help but make me smile (as the pillow instructed me to!). I could not find any information on Target.com about the brand, and curiously enough, none of the bedding I saw is sold online - only Home/Kitchen/Electronic Accessories. But from the packaging, I gleaned this:

"French Bull was founded by designer and pop culture enthusiast Jackie Shapiro. We began our company with melamine tabletop and entertainment products for the home. The brand is dedicated to individualism, excitement and pop. We make the ordinary extraordinary.

OUI by French Bull captures the essence of French Bull for all to love. Our passions have become as limitless as the spectrum of color from which French Bull draws its distinct look."