New at Target: Who What Wear Spring Collection

One year ago, the Who What Wear line debuted at Target. When it first came out, I will admit - I wasn't impressed. But WWW has grown on me, and I've started to incorporate more of their pieces into my wardrobe.

Now their Spring Collection is hitting stores and Target.com, with pretty details like eyelet fabric, bell sleeves, frayed hems and ruffle trim. You can check out the full gallery here on A Bullseye View. In the pic shown here, I've only seen the middle outfit (striped shirt and frayed jeans) online and in stores, so I don't think all the pieces are out yet. In the meantime, most of the WWW winter collection has gone on sale, like this long cozy cardigan (marked down to $33.98 online, but I found it for just $19.99 in stores). While it doesn't look like much on the hanger, it fits and drapes well, so I nabbed it in both colors.

New at Target: 2econd Life Candles

The other day at Target I noticed a new candle brand called 2econd Life by Chesapeake Bay. As stated on their label, their mission is to make "re-usable products that enhance your home and renew your soul. We blend nature-inspired essential oils and soy wax to embrace a sustainable lifestyle. Please re-use this container to give it a 2econd life."

Plus, 2econd Life candles are housed in reclaimed glass (as shown) or recycled concrete jars, and come in yummy scents like Island Breeze, Rainforest Eucalyptus and Basil Mint. Look for them on display in the Home Decor department as well as the regular candle aisle.

Method Deal: Free $5 Giftcard with Purchase

Target is running a deal this week in stores where you get a free $5 giftcard with the purchase of any 5 Method products. This includes their new "limited edition" scents, like Camomile Lavender, Ginger Tea, Ocean Waves and White Rose.

Unfortunately, it looks as if Method's association with Rebecca Atwood has come to an end, so if you're looking for her latest Method bottles (which came out in July) look for them on clearance in stores. They're also still available at full price on Target.com, but once something goes on clearance in stores it's a sure sign that it won't be around much longer online.

Target Aims to Remove Potentially Harmful Chemicals From Products...

Consumerist reports that the ingredient lists on the aisles of Target will soon get a makeover, one aimed not only at making the lists easier to read, but reducing the amount and types of chemicals used.

Yesterday Target  unveiled new guidelines for manufacturers that will require them to remove certain chemicals from products and list all ingredients on products over the next five years. With the policy change, Target aims to provide customers with more transparency when rummaging through the aisles for all types of products, including children’s clothing, table furnishings, and cleaning products.

Under the plan, by 2020, Target will ensure that beauty, baby care, personal care, and household cleaning products do not contain chemicals including phthalates, propyl-parabens, butyl-parabens, formaldehyde, or NPE’s. The ingredient lists for affected products must also contain more detailed information than what’s currently allowed. For example, a vague term like “fragrance” would likely need more explanation. 

And further down the road, Target will require manufacturers to remove perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) from children’s clothing and table wear by 2022. During that same timeframe, the company will work to ensure the makers of products like sleeping bags, rugs, and clothing do not contain flame retardant chemicals that can possibly be harmful to customers’ health. In a bid to help manufacturers abide by its new policies, Target says it will invest up to $5 million in green chemistry innovation to find replacements for the chemicals it will no longer allow.

Coming Soon to Target: SUGARFIX

Target is teaming up with fashion jewelry brand BaubleBar on a new collab - SUGARFIX by BaubleBar - featuring original designs and pieces inspired by the brand's most popular styles.

SUGARFIX by BaubleBar will include more than 180 styles of eye-catching necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings—all for less than $30. Featuring key trends like luxe chokers, bold beads, tassel earrings and bright color combinations, SUGARFIX will be available on Target.com and in about 900 Target stores beginning January 31st. 

Fab Find: Tassel Balloons

In Target's Dollar Aisle the other day I found these adorable balloons with long colorful tassels. I saw them in blue (as shown) as well as pink, and at just $3 each I think they'd be perfect for a baby shower or a child's birthday party.

New at Target: Nate Berkus Global Modern Collection

The new Nate Berkus Global Modern Collection hit Target stores a few weeks ago, but I haven't had the chance until today to check it out in detail online. Dubbed a fusion of "classic and modern styles," these "global accents and of-the-moment decor are perfectly balanced to complete a room," with "many pieces are woven or paint by hand for one-of-a-kind style."

I don't know about you, but I much prefer Target's recent offerings by Nate Berkus and Threshold (profiled here by The Budget Babe) over the new Dwell Studio Collection (which is too reminiscent of Ikea for my tastes).

Fab Find: Merona Cowl Tunic

A year ago I blogged about the great deal I got on these Merona Leisure Tunic Tops, and this year, I was able to find them again on sale. After a full season of wear, last year's versions were ready to be replaced, so I was able to find this ribbed ottoman one on the clearance racks for just $8.98. I've also found other versions (now called the "Textured Brunch Tunic") on sale for the same low price.

Fab Find: Dollar Aisle Birthday Cards

Another great item from Target's Dollar Aisle: these brightly-colored birthday cards. The back of the cards state they are "handmade" in Indonesia, and perhaps the glitter and trim are hand-glued, but regardless they're a steal at just $1 each.

Fab Find: Dollar Aisle Glass Candles

The other day at Target I noticed these pretty shiny-glass jar candles at in the Dollar Aisle. Part of the Valentine's Day themed merchandise, they come in bright pink, pale pink as well as silver. and are just $3 each.  Their shape immediately reminded me of the votive holders by Glassybaby, and you can definitely re-use the jars to hold tea lights or as a small vase once the candle is used up.

Double-Take: Kate Spade vs. Threshold

It's time for another double-take, where we take one item from Tar-shay and match it up against a lookalike - yet pricier - designer piece. Today we're looking at two almost identical trinket trays with gold trim - the main difference being the catchphrase on each, but even those are in similar script. There's a big delta in price, however, as one is by Kate Spade and will set you back $40, whereas the other is by Threshold (at Target) and costs just $5.99. Which one is which? The answer appears in the comments section below.

New at Target: Oh Joy! Spring Collection

Want to add some color to your home? Then check out the new vibrant new Spring Oh Joy! for Target home collection.

“Inspired by the whimsy of rainbows and the elegance of clouds, the Oh Joy! for Target spring collection mixes plenty of things that spring surely brings,” says Joy. “From vases and mini plates to embroidered pillows and table lamps, this collection brings the perfect pop of springtime to any room in your home.”

The Oh Joy! for Target spring home collection is now available in select stores and on Target.com, with prices ranging from $6.99 to $99.99.

Now at Target: Shade & Shore

Last month I told you about Target's upcoming swim line, Shade & Shore. Well now the line has hit stores & Target.com, although with winter in full swing new swimwear might be the LAST thing you want to think about right now! But if you're game, Target is giving away a $5 coupon for trying any suit on (valid on any women's swimwear) and on Target.com you can use the code SWIM for $5 off your swimwear purchase.

Consumer Alert: Honest Company Baby Powder Recalled

Multiple news outlets (including Fortune and People Magazine) have reported that Jessica Alba‘s The Honest Company is conducting a voluntary recall of their organic baby powder after concerns that the product caused eye and skin infections.

The recall comes after testing revealed possible microorganism contaminations during production that may cause infections. “With the full knowledge and under the guidance of the FDA, we’ve decided to voluntarily recall this product out of an abundance of caution,” Christopher Gavigan, the company’s co-founder along with Alba, said in a video posted on the company’s website.

News sites keep stating that "the baby powder has been in stores since April 14", but they don't say which stores. Target carries many of The Honest Company products, but I'm not sure whether this particular item was sold there. And if it was on Target.com, it's already been pulled as I cannot find it there.

Target Portrait Studios to close...

Consumerist reports that Target has announced to employees that all Target Portrait Studios will close at the end of this month.

There aren’t many of the studios left across the whole Target chain; after a handful of studios closed in July, only 138 remained, and two more have closed since then. Compare that to more than 1,800 Target stores across the country.

The studios are operated by LifeTouch, a company out of Minnesota that has its own portrait studios as well as a business taking pictures for church directories, yearbooks, school pictures, and sports teams.

Target began offering the service in 1996 as department store photo studios faded. But Americans’ photo habits have changed, and that change apparently doesn’t include as many professional portraits as it used to. Other Target stores that have closed their studios have re-purposed the space in ways that are more useful to customers and to the store, like an expanded customer service area for online order pickups, or a licensed Starbucks store.

Coming Soon to Target: Kristin Ess Hair

Known for her “perfectly-imperfect” hair creations and working with the likes of Lauren Conrad, Jenna Dewan-Tatum and Lucy Hale, celebrity stylist Kristin Ess is turning her 20 years of expertise to her new Kristin Ess Hair line, available exclusively at Target.

Featuring 15 products, including cleansers, conditioners, dry and wet stylers and masks, Kristin Ess Hair is designed so that each formula can be used alone or with other items in the collection, and included her own tips and tricks on the packaging to make it easy for guests to create Instagram-worthy locks at home. All of the products also contains a first-of-its-kind Zip-Up™ complex, which combines Kerabead microcapsules and conditioning ingredients like chia seeds, pea protein and marine algae to help strengthen hair and protect it from damage.

Kristin Ess Hair will be available on Target.com starting Jan. 15, and at Target stores staring Jan. 22. The 15-piece collection ranges in price from $10 to $14. You can read more about Kristin Ess here on A Bullseye View.

Fab Find: Pillowfort Throw Pillows

At Target yesterday I noticed this inspirational pillow from Pillowfort inscribed with "never stop exploring".  At just $16.99 each, Pillowfort's pillows are affordable and don't necessarily need to be confined to kids' rooms. You can check out the full selection here on Target.com.

Now Available: Target's January Beauty Box

Target has a brand-new beauty box out for January. This box includes products from Chapstick, L'Oreal, Nexxus, Revlon, and Burt's Bees (just to name a few). The $10 box is still in stock online, but it looks like they also had a $5 version that's already sold out.

New Smith & Hawken branding hits Target...

The other day at Target I noticed that their Smith & Hawken line has received a facelift. The branding/packaging is different (as shown here) with a more minimalist approach. I also think their prices went up a bit, as this stoneware planter (which isn't that large) is $29.99, which seems a bit pricey for the brand.

New at Target: Ann Kaiser for C9 Champion

Target has partnered with celebrity trainer Anna Kaiser on a new activewear collection designed for her innovative dance-cardio workouts. You can check out the limited-edition collection for C9 Champion here on Target.com. You can also sign up for free "happy hour" workouts today in NYC, LA, Atlanta and Houston, or check out Anna's free, on-demand workouts here on her website.

Coming Soon to Target: Nate Berkus Baby

Inspired by being a new dad and his personal philosophy that a nursery should grow with your baby, the Nate Berkus for Target Layette and Nursery Collection—available exclusively at Target—combines the designer’s signature aesthetic, including geometric patterns, metallics and muted colors.

The nearly 40-piece collection includes everything from mix-and-match romper sets and crib sheets, to wall décor and nightlights, so new parents can pick up everything they need all in one place. This new collection will be available in select stores and online at Target.com starting Jan. 8, at prices ranging from $11.99 to $49.99. Get a sneak peek here on A Bullseye View.

New at Target: Dollar Aisle Valentine's Merch

Starting  the day after Christmas, Target started putting Valentine's merchandise out in their Dollar Aisles. There's also a selection of items to help  you get organized for 2017, including desk calendars, planners, file folders and notepads.

And for you real bargain-hunters, Target has now marked down their holiday dollar aisle items to 90% off. While most of it is Christmas-themed, I also spied a selection of knit pom-pom hats, infinity scarves and pet sweaters  - all marked down to just 50-cents each!

Modern by Dwell Magazine hits stores...

A few weeks ago I shared the preview pics for the new Modern by Dwell Magazine furniture and home decor line at Target. Well now the line has hit stores, and my first reaction is a big "meh - what's all the fuss about"?  From what I can tell, it looks an awful lot like the stuff  you'd see at Ikea. And in stores, it's not styled as well as Ikea's stuff, and in some cases seems to be more expensive. My advice would be to wait until this stuff goes on sale, unless you see something you've just GOT to have and fear it will sell out.

Fab Find: Budget Wedding Planner

I found this gem in the Dollar Aisle at Target this past weekend: this cute Wedding Planner book. It'd make a perfect gift for anyone planning their upcoming nuptials, and best of all, it only costs 5-bucks!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, readers! I don't know about you, but I'm excited to usher in a brand new year. If you're still in a celebrating mood, you might want to pick up this clever shot glass set I spied at Target yesterday, marked "pop, fizz, click" and "drink". And in case you were wondering: yes, Target stores nationwide are open today.