Target.com's issues continue...

Well Target.com seems to be back up & running, but that doesn't mean that things are running smoothly. Check out the NEW error message I just got (pictured) when I tried to pick a size and put something in my cart. I've never seen anything like this before, have you? An "online line" to order something? Man their website sucks!

Target.com goes down on Cyber Monday...

Well shoppers, I don't know about you, but I just got the following error message (as shown) when trying to access Target.com. Pretty frustrating, considering the fact that Target has had so many web issues in the past and have had years to figure things out (especially something like "high traffic"). From what I can gather online, it looks like their site has been down since 10am EST.

The Look for Less: Target vs. Paper Source

While at my local Paper Source store yesterday, I noticed that some of their holiday products look awfully similar to items I've found recently at Target. Case in point: the wall calendar on the left - with a different watercolor hue for each month and script in gold foil - is just $3 in Target's Dollar Aisle. Compare it to the wall calendar on the right - dubbed the "Foil Watercolor Calendar" - for $29.99 (on sale right now for $23.96) at Paper Source. Now to be fair, the Paper Source version has a few more months (starting in August 2015, which is kind of a moot point now) and is also larger at 12.5 x 19.25" (whereas the Target one is about 9 x 12"). But if you can live with that, I think the Target one is just as pretty, especially considering it's more than 20-bucks less.

I also noticed that some of the Paper Source holiday cards - especially these with a "Chalkboard" motif at 10 cards for $12.50 - look a lot like Target's Dollar Aisle ones which are just $3 for a box of 16.

Sale Alert: Orla Kiely Luggage is 50% Off

Attention Orla fans! All Orla Kiely for Target luggage is on sale this week at Target.com for 50% off! That means the 21" roller bag (as shown) is just $70, and the overnighter bags are only $25 each! At this price, I think I'll finally splurge on a set for myself.

Target's online sales breaks Thanksgiving record...

Business Insider reports that Target had its biggest online shopping day ever on Thanksgiving. "Demand outpaced 2014's record Thanksgiving performance, making it Target's biggest day for online sales yet," the retailer said in a release.

The record-breaking sales online were driven by three items: the Apple iPad, the Apple Watch, and the Wii U gaming console, the company said. Target sold nearly all of its Black Friday doorbusters online beginning Thanksgiving morning.

Consumer Alert: Fake Target Coupon on Facebook

Buyers, beware: this fake Target coupon for 50% off a "storewide purchase" has been confirmed a fake. Apparently this is making the rounds on Facebook, with folks sharing a link from a site called grab-coupons.com showing this supposed coupon offering half off your Target purchase through 12/31/15.

And if it sounds too good to be true, it is. A rep for Target headquarters has confirmed to Consumerist that there is no such coupon and that this is a fake. You can read all the details here on Consumerist.

Target.com's "1 Day Early" Black Friday Deals...

Target is running a promo on their website - for today only - called "1 Day Early" Black Friday Deals. Am I the only person confused by this? "1 Day" before Black Friday should be Thanksgiving, yet today is Wednesday. So is Target just assuming that everyone knows that their Black Friday Sale starts on Thursday instead of Friday? Sigh....

Anyhow, it looks like they do have some good deals on select toys, Fitbits, Apple products and electronics, so check out the selection here if you're interested.

Sale Alert: Faribault for Target Throws & Pillows

Fans of the Faribault Woolen Mill brand, a heads-up: all Faribault for Target throws and pillows are on sale for 30% off online. Meaning: this Camel striped wool throw is now just $56 (regularly $79.99), and pillows are now $35 (down from $49.99).

Sale Alert: All Sleepwear 40% off (Today Only)

Day #3 of Target's "10 Days of Deals" features all sleepwear (for the entire family) at 40% off - both online (with the promo code SLEEP) and in-stores. While this is indeed a great deal, I do have a little warning about one sleepwear brand I've raved about in the past, Nite Nite Munki Munki. The other day in the store I checked out the latest offerings from this brand, and the quality has gone way downhill, at least on their sleep sets. They're not made of the same super-soft, stretchy fabric; the new fabrication is stiff and thin, so buyer beware.

Copycat Candle from the Dollar Aisle...

I just realized that two of my favorite holiday scents from Target are virtually the same, so I wanted to share this tidbit with you all. Method's Foaming Hand Wash in the limited-edition fragrance of "Peppermint Vanilla" is almost an exact dupe for the silver mercury-glass "Fresh Snow" candle, available for just $3 in Target's Dollar Aisle.

The Look for Less: Merona vs. Kate Spade

Looks like Michael Kors isn't the only designer Target is copying this holiday season. Yesterday I spied this Merona bow wristlet (shown at left) which imitates the Kate Spade bow design from a few seasons back. The Kate Spade version is no longer available in stores, but probably retailed for about $68; the one shown at right is currently on eBay for $79.99. But the Merona version - which comes in a variety of colors - costs only $9.99 each.

Fab Find: Dollar Aisle Holiday Gift Bags

The other day in the Dollar Aisle at Target I found these terrific holiday gift bags in a variety of sizes - all for just a buck each! In addition to wine-bottle size and 10x13" (as shown with the glittery tree) they come in the "jumbo" 13x17" size (as shown in red plaid) that's perfect for larger gifts. I also saw packs of 2 smaller (5x7") bags for $1. Besides plaid and glitter, these bags - which are made of nice thick paper stock - come in a variety of fun patterns and designs. Considering that most of Target's other gift bags start at $2 and go up from there, these are a real steal.

Nifty Gift: Shades of Glass Scented Soy Candles

I first raved about these elegant scented soy candles way back in February. Problem was that Target was having issues keeping them in stock at the time. Now I've noticed them back on store shelves - plus also available online - just in time for holiday gift-giving.

What I love about these candles (besides the unique scents, like the ones shown here) are the fact that after you've used up the candle, you can re-use the glass jar as a votive holder, a vase, or a caddy for small items. These remind me a lot of Glassybaby candles (which retail for $44 each) but Target's version costs a fraction of that (at just $11.99 each).

Fab Find: Mossimo Flared Ponte Dress

While perusing the clearance rack at Target today, I found this adorable a-line ponte dress by Mossimo. In addition to basic Black, it also comes in Burgundy (as shown) which was the color I bought. In addition to fun faux-leather sleeves and trim, it also has an on-trend exposed back zipper. Best of all, it's now on clearance in stores for just $14.98 (regularly $29.99).

Nifty Gift: Merona Leather Pouch

This holiday season Target is carrying these luxe leather pouch purses in the accessories aisle. Besides metallic Gold (as shown), Silver and Ivory, the pouch also comes in solid Navy and Black. This would make a great gift for your BFF, sister, or teenage daughter... and best of all, right now they're on sale online (as part of Target's BOGO deal on clothing, shoes and accessories) so you can get two for under $60!

New at Target: The Deluxe Edition of Adele's "25"

Attention Adele fans! Target’s deluxe edition of Adele’s “25,” out Nov. 20 and available for pre-order now, brings fans three exclusive bonus tracks—“Can’t Let Go,” “Lay Me Down” and “Why Do You Love Me.” Head on over to Target.com/adele to watch 7 exclusive videos from Adele’s much-anticipated new album + pick up the Target Exclusive CD with 3 extra songs.

The Look for Less: Merona vs. Michael Kors

The minute I saw these fun faux-fur pompom Merona key fobs at Target (far left) I knew they were a dupe of the popular Michael Kors version (shown at right). To be fair, the Merona ones are synthetic, whereas the Kors ones are made of rabbit fur. But the Merona ones - which come in Black, Navy, Burgundy and Teal - are only $9.99 each, whereas the Kors ones (that come in similar colors) will set you back $38 each.

New at Target: Sonia Kashuk Holiday 2015 Brushes

Just in time for the holiday season, the the new Sonia Kashuk Holiday 2015 Brush Collection is hitting Target stores and Target.com. Add some golden vibes to your vanity with the Star Struck four-piece brush set (shown here for $29.99) featuring a large powder brush, a synthetic foundation brush, angled brush and a contouring brush perfect for achieving various makeup looks. If you crave even more brush options, there's also a ten-piece brush set for $39.99.  And you can complete the look by adding the Rising Star Brush Cup – the perfect caddy for storing your gorgeous brushes – for just $12.99.

Clearance Alert: Adam Lippes [Online]

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that the Adam Lippes for Target collab had gone on clearance, but that the sale was mainly confined to stores only. But now the collection is on clearance for 50% or more off online, with many items - like this adorable Pet Treat Canister - on sale for crazy-low prices. This canister is only $7.50, and the matching Pet Dish is just $3.75. While certain items are available in-stores only, there are many fun items still in stock online - just in time for Holiday gifting, like throw blankets, pillows, and bar sets.

One note: the fine print on Target.com states that returns for this collab are due within 14 days of the ship date, so if you buy any Lippes items as Christmas presents you should assume they are not returnable.

The Look for Less: Anthropologie vs. Nate Berkus

Faux fur is popping up as a key home decor trend this Fall/Winter season. And what better way to incorporate a furry touch to your home than a cozy pillow?

You could choose  Anthropologie's version on the left in a deep smoke gray for $78. Or you could head on over to Target, where their version (by Nate Berkus, shown at right) is only $29.99. And at that wallet-friendly price, you can get two for less than the cost of one of the Anthropologie pillows!

Fab Find: Sweater Mug

After more Dollar Spot diving I found this adorable white mug adorned with a cable knit "sweater" for just $3. Besides navy, I also saw it in gray and maroon. Filled with a couple of biscotti (like these individually-wrapped ones) + a Starbucks gift card, this would make a great gift for a teacher, co-worker, or just about anyone on your list.

Fab Find: Felt Letters

Another fab find from the Dollar Aisle: fun felt letters - approx. 4" high by 2-3" wide (depending on the letter) - for only $1 each. These could be used as gift tags, on Christmas stockings, or in a variety of craft projects. But get them while you can, as the alphabet selection was already pretty picked over at my local Target store, and as with all seasonal merchandise, they're unlikely to restock these once they're gone.

Coming Soon: BaubleBar for Target

Target is teaming up with BaubleBar, the go-to jewelry destination for on-trend jewelry styles at affordable prices, to bring a bit of glam to our gadgets.

This holiday season, BaubleBar and Target are debuting an exclusive line of decked-out tech accessories like selfie sticks and phone cases—a new canvas for self-expression and glitzy fun, says BaubleBar co-founder Amy Jain, who started the company with Daniella Yacobovsky back in 2011.

To read more about Amy's inspiration for this new line, read the full article on A Bullseye View. The BaubleBar for Target collection launches on November 29th in all Target stores and at Target.com, with pieces ranging in price from $19.99 to $49.99.

Fab Find: Wooden Holiday Gift Tags

Recently in the Dollar Aisle (sorry - I refuse to call it "Bullseye's Playground")  I found these adorable wooden gift tags with holiday phrases like "naughty", "nice" and "be merry." At only $1 for a pack of 6, they're quite a deal, although of course I could only find this ONE pack. That's the problem with the Dollar Aisle these days: it's pretty picked over, so if you see something you like, you'd better nab it immediately.

Target Under Fire for "OCD" Sweater...

Uh oh.... looks like Target's in hot water again over another controversial slogan on their clothing (similar to this t-shirt snafu I told you about back in July). This time it's over a holiday sweater that reads: “OCD: Obsessive Christmas Disorder.”

According to BusinessInsider, the story was first spotted on Adweek, which points out that Target isn’t the only retailer selling goods with the slogan this season. However, given the size of Target, it appears to be the company that has drawn the most ire by stocking the item.

Target says it has no plans to de-list the item, although Twitter users have been complaining about the sweater and have asked Target remove the product from its stores and online. The retailer has responded on Twitter to some of the criticism, telling users it is sharing their comments with its merchandise team and adding that it is never the company’s intention to offend.

Target replied to Business Insider with the following statement: “We never want to disappoint our guests and we apologize for any discomfort. We currently do not have plans to remove this sweater.”

Target's Black Friday Strategy...

Target is introducing a new “10 Days of Deals” promotion for this year's Black Friday sales, offering deep daily discounts on electronics, kitchenware, toys and more from Nov. 22 through Dec. 1. And as part of these “10 Days of Deals,” guests will have access to a Black Friday presale on Wednesday, Nov. 25.

As outlined on A Bullseye View, guests looking to create their shopping lists now can view the "Black Friday Preview" today at Target.com/WeeklyAd.  And beginning early Thanksgiving morning, guests can shop all of Target’s Black Friday deals at Target.com. New for this year, guests who spend $75 or more on Friday, Nov. 27, will receive a 20 percent discount to use toward a future purchase on any day between Dec. 4 and Dec. 13.

Target stores will open at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day to mark the beginning of the holiday shopping season, and will remain open until 11 p.m. or midnight on Friday evening.

Early Black Friday Deals - TODAY ONLY on Target.com!

Sorry for the late notification on this, readers, but I just found out that Target.com is having a few early Black Friday deals that are supposedly good for "today only". Will they be better than the actual deals on the day after Thanksgiving? Who knows, but I thought I'd pass them along anyhow - click here for details. Among the deals are 40% off of STEM toys, 25% off Beats by Dre headphones, and - randomly - select James Bond DVDs (including classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger, plus the newer Daniel Craig versions) for just $6 (regularly $11-$17).

The Look for Less: West Elm vs. Target

Remember a couple of weeks ago when I told you that Target had a new Holiday 2015 collection of Faribault woolen products?  Well it seems that West Elm also has a collab with Faribault... and you could shop their selection of plaid and stripe throws  (shown far left) for $129 each (on sale right now for $103). Or you could save some dough and head on over to Target.com where their Faribault artisan throws (shown on the right) are just $79.99.

Fab Find: thinkThin Protein & Fiber Hot Oatmeal

I used to only be able to find thinkThin® Protein & Fiber Hot Oatmeal at my local organic grocery store, so I'm overjoyed to discover that Target is now carrying them as well. Each delicious bowl has 10 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber and whole grains to start your day. And each boasts 200 calories or less and contains non-GMO ingredients, so you can feel great about every single bite.

The thinkThin® oatmeal individual serving oatmeal bowls come in 3 great flavors: Farmer's Market Berry Crumble, Madagascar Vanilla with Almonds & Pecans, and - my personal favorite - Honey Peanut Butter. And this week, they're on sale at Target for $1.50 each (reg. $1.99).

New at Target: Gingerbread OREOs

It's that time of year again for the holiday edition of everyone's favorite cookie, the OREO. And this holiday season, the iconic cookie brand is taking on one of the classic Christmastime flavors: Gingerbread. Available exclusively at Target, the OREO Cookie with Gingerbread flavor crème is a "smooth layer of gingerbread flavor crème sandwiched between two crunchy golden wafers". Get them while you can, as they'll be available for a limited time only.

New at Target: Beekman 1802 Farm Pantry

Fresh food advocates and farmers Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge - better known as the Cooking Channel’s “The Fabulous Beekman Boys” - are teaming up with Target to bring to you 48 exclusive Beekman 1802 Farm Pantry products, just in time for the holiday season.

According to A Bullseye View, it all starts with what’s harvested on the farms. From heirloom tomato pasta sauces and goat cheese salad dressing to hand-rolled granola, each product features recipes developed by Josh and Brent plus locally grown ingredients. Better yet, with every Beekman 1802 Farm Pantry purchase, a percentage of profits go back to small farms.

“Having Target as part of this project was really critical to its success,” said Brent. “We had been making small-scale artisanal food products from our farms and from neighboring farms for almost five years. But it wasn’t until we started working with Target that we got the opportunity to source more farm fresh ingredients, reach more people and begin to make an even bigger difference.”

Look for the new Beekman 1802 Farm Pantry collection to hit Target.com and 900 stores nationwide this week, with 300 more stores to be added in January.

Target to Close 13 Stores...

Uh oh! News broke today that Target is closing 13 stores nationwide. According to The Huffington Post, these particular stores are being shuttered due to poor performance. And before you panic: the 13 affected stores will remain open through the holiday season and not close until January 30, 2016.

Here are the names of all 13 locations:

Austin North East (Austin, Texas)
Suncoast Pasco County (Odessa, Florida)
Casa Grande, Arizona
Victorville, California
East Flint (Flint, Michigan)
Columbus Southwest (Columbus, Ohio)
Northridge (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Superior, Wisconsin
Springfield, Ohio
New Ulm, Minnesota
Ottumwa, Iowa
Anderson, Indiana
Dixie Highway (Louisville, Kentucky)

The Minneapolis-based retailer said in a statement today that the decision was based on the poor financial performance of the specific stores and "not about the broader company in any way."

New at Target: Sugar Paper Holiday Collection

Sugar Paper Los Angeles has just unveiled a new holiday collection of wrapping paper, gift bags/boxes/tags, bows and more exclusively for Target. This is the third collection Sugar Paper has created for Target, and like their previous offerings, this range provides luxe design & styling at mass mass market prices. Best of all, nothing is over $12.99 — a great deal considering Sugar Paper’s lavish greeting cards in its own full-priced retail line start at $5.50 each.

This collab also includes an array of 2016 planners, calendars and journals in several color schemes to choose from: kraft paper, gold and white; black/white/gold, and pale blush pink. With patterns including oversized numerals, bold stripes and dots, these items remind me of something you'd find at Kate Spade.

Target's Dollar Aisle Gets a Makeover...

Once it used to be called "The Dollar Spot", then it morphed into "The One Spot". Now, Target has re-branded the wallet-friendly bins near the front of each store into "Bullseye's Playground", named after the retailer's mascot dog.

According to A Bullseye View, "the fan-favorite section will transform into the newly minted 'Bullseye’s Playground' to feature a family-friendly selection of curated seasonal products.....We’re going above and beyond not just with product, but with the larger-than-life in-store display. You’ll know you’ve made it to the playground when you see our beloved mascot, Bullseye, at the top of each display. Always eager to sniff out great deals, Bullseye can be seen diving into gift boxes, checking out what’s inside and literally wagging her tail with excitement!"

They also state that "Every item in Bullseye’s Playground is still super affordable, with most items in the $1 to $5 range." I thought that everything in "The One Spot" had been between $1-3, so it also sounds like the prices are going up in this section as well.

Nifty Gift: Target Dollar Spot Dog Sweaters & Coats

Attention pet lovers! Target's Dollar Spot is stocked with a variety of doggie sweaters (like the one shown here), fleece jackets (in fun chevron patterns) and puffer coats. These would make a great gift for dog owners or stocking stuffers for your pooch. And best of all, they're only $3 each! The Dollar Spot also has cute fleece pet blankets and pet collars in assorted patterns (in sizes S/M/L) - again, all for just $3.

The Look for Less: Jonathan Adler vs. Nate Berkus

How cute are these whimsical bird candle holders? Now you could splurge on the Jonathan Adler brass ostrich option (shown at far left) for $118. Or you could save yourself a lot of dough and pick up  the Nate Berkus for Target version - available in a dove motif (middle) or a quail (at right) - for only $14.99 each.

The Look for Less: Markus Lupfer vs. Target Dollar Spot

Hipster winter beanie hats - complete with "ears" - seemed to be everywhere last Winter, and this season they're back for another round. If you're flush with cash, you could spring for the Markus Lupfer Fox Face Beanie (shown on the left) for a whopping $265 on Shopbop. Or you could head on over to Target's Dollar Spot and get their version (shown on the right) for just $3. And IMO, the Target version is way cuter!