Fab Find: Tropical Drink Floatie

In the Dollar Aisle at Target this past weekend I found this fun inflatable drink floatie in a pineapple motif. At just $3 each, these would make a fun addition to a pool party. I also saw them in a pink flamingo shape.

Target Tries "Cart Stoppers"...

Remember Kmart's "Blue Light Specials"? They were surprise moments when a store worker would light up a mobile police light and offer a discount in a specific department of the store, while announcing the discounted special over the store's public address system. Well Target is now trying a tamer version of this sales tactic called "Cart Stoppers". As shown here, I've started to see these signs show up in store, especially on larger items like patio sets. What struck me about this sign, though, is that it isn't very helpful, as it doesn't say what the regular price of the item is, so you can't tell what sort of "deal" you're getting.

Double-Take: Jack Rogers vs. Sam & Libby

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. Thanks to The Budget Babe for first spying this dupe. One of these gold boho thong sandals is by Jack Rogers (at Nordstrom) and will set you back $117.95. The other is by Sam & Libby (at Target) and costs just $24.99. Which one is which? The answer appears in the comments section below.

Target's Car Seat Trade-in Event...

This week, all of Target's car seats are on sale. Plus, you can get an extra 20% off your new car seat purchase when you bring in an old car seat in to be recycled. Look for the big recycling bin near the customer service desk at your local Target store.

Fab Find: Gilded Birthday Candles

In the Dollar Aisle at Target the other day I found these lovely gilded birthday candles. Dipped in gold and more than double the length of regular birthday candles, they'd add the perfect touch to your favorite cake. Best of all, they're just $3 for a pack of 12.

Coming Soon to Target: Pacifica Suncare

Pacifica - the cruelty-free skincare & beauty line Target started carrying a few years ago - has expanded the brand’s offerings to include sun protection. Pacifica Suncare is a Target-exclusive assortment that marries UVA and UVB protection with the elevated and potent powers of caffeine and probiotics in its sunscreens, face shades, bronzers and balms.

Each of the Pacifica Suncare products feature all-mineral SPF formulas, including the first mineral SPF 50 spray to hit the market. The products are water -resistant for up to 80 minutes, include no chemical UV absorbers and stay true to Pacifica’s mission of being vegan and cruelty-free. Plus, unlike some mineral sunscreens that leave your skin looking dry and chalky, the Pacifica team concocted a mineral sunscreen formula that not only works but makes your skin look fresh and radiant. Pacifica Suncare will be exclusively available at Target and on Target.com on May 14 for prices ranging from $3.99 - $15.99.

Fab Find: Mari Mi California Collection

The other day on an endcap in the Stationery section at Target I spied a whole collection of Mari Mi merchandise with a "California" theme. It included mugs, wall art, greeting cards, and my favorite of the bunch: this state-shaped cutting board (shown here). At just $14.99 each, this would make a fun hostess or housewarming gift.

Victoria Beckham X Target: My Take

I did not plan to shop the Victoria Beckham for Target collab in person on launch day, but my BFF texted me early yesterday morning and convinced me to meet her at her local Target store. I'm glad I did, as I was able to get the elusive bee print scarf, which was one of the first items to sell out online. [Side note: there are currently over 120 of these scarves on eBay at highly inflated prices].

I also got a couple of other things, but I'm afraid they'll be going back due to sizing issues. This dress (shown) was a popular item, but unfortunately it looked like a flour sack on me. On the flipside, the dress I showed in yesterday's post seems to run small, so I'm glad I purchased a larger size online. The tops also seemed to run large - at least on me - which surprised me as usually the sizing in these designer collabs run small.

I will say that I was impressed with both the price points of this line (which seemed to run a bit lower than past collabs) and with the quality/construction. I didn't see loose strings, uneven stitching or other telltale signs of shoddy workmanship as I've noticed in past designer collabs. And the kids & baby clothes are absolutely adorable - those are the items that I'm sure will go fast.

All that said, I don't think this line will be a sellout. When we arrived at the store yesterday, there were already about 12 people in line. Once inside, we were part of at least two dozen women "swarming" the racks, and from the comments I overheard, most people were avoiding the "Wednesday Adams Dresses"  and almost the entire English Lace collection (in Blush and Mint Green).  An exception was the fun navy/white sweatshirt, but overall shoppers didn't seem to gravitate towards the ultra pale pastels.

Victoria Beckham X Target: What Did You Buy?

Whether or not the Victoria Beckham for Target collab will be a sellout remains to be seen, but I can report that I had NO PROBLEM ordering everything I wanted at about 6:15 Pacific Time this morning. In addition to this dress (shown) I also bought 3 tops.

While the Target.com site didn't seem to have any issues this time around, reports from the Mirror indicate that UK fans had heaps of trouble ordering from VictoriaBeckham.com. Online shoppers reported the site kept crashing and the checkout function kept failing.

How about you, readers? Did you order online, and if so, were you successful? Or did you brave the store to see the collab in person today?

Victoria Beckham X Target: All The Fine Print

The Victoria Beckham for Target collab drops in stores and on Target.com tomorrow, and a few of you have written me for all the nitty gritty details about availability, buying limits, etc. To that end, here are some tips from Fashionista:

• The collection will be available to U.S. shoppers at all Target stores and on Target.com April 9 - April 30, or while supplies last. 
• The selection and number of items will vary per store. All stores will be open at their regular posted time.
• In addition, select pieces will be available for global customers internationally via VictoriaBeckham.com.
• On Target.com, the collection will be available to shop in the early morning hours of April 9.
• Some items will be available online only.
• There are no purchase limits in Target stores. However, there is a limit of 5 per SKU per transaction on Target.com.
• Items must be returned within 14 days of the original purchase date to receive a refund or exchange. 
• Items purchased with a Target RedCard must be returned within 30 days of the original purchase date for a refund or exchange. 
• For the first time ever with a Target design collab, Women's Plus sizes will be available in select stores.

Victoria Beckham X Target: Did you get a "Golden Ticket?"

My friend and fellow blogger The Recessionista is reporting that 500 lucky Target Redcard customers have received a "VIP invite" to shop the Victoria Beckham for Target collection this weekend. The "Golden Ticket" invitations enable them and a friend to attend pre-launch events on Saturday night at five stores around the country: West Hollywood Target in Los Angeles, the Nicollet Mall store in Minneapolis, TriBeCa in New York City, the Miami, Florida Target and Target in Houston, Texas. You can find more details here in her post.

Sadly, I did not receive such an invitation, despite being a loyal RedCard holder since 1999! But then again, it wouldn't have mattered as I don't live anywhere near any of the 5 stores participating in this promotion. Meanwhile, my BFF reports that she picked up this Victoria "lifestyle magazine" at her local store yesterday (as shown here). She said there were stacks out on counters in store - for free - but I've already seen them being sold on eBay for $10.

New at Target: Thimblepress

Target has teamed up with the paper-goods brand Thimblepress on a new collab which just hit stores and Target.com. Thimblepress - known for their fanciful party goods, journals, planners, and greeting cards - brings their design aesthetic to Target with a special Mother's Day collection. I'm especially loving the little blue and green gold dot vases (shown here) which are just $12.99 for a set of two.

Target cashier questions race of girl’s doll…

This is Sophia. And this is the doll that she picked out for herself at Target. Her mom posted about the interesting comments they got from the cashier when they purchased it, including: "But the doll doesn't look like you."

The news went viral, and Brandi Banner (the girl's mother) shared her story with SFGate:

Nick and I told Sophia that after 1 whole month of going poop on the potty, she could pick out a special prize at Target. She, of course, picked a new doll. While we were checking out, the cashier asked Sophia if she was going to a birthday party.

We both gave her a blank stare.
She then pointed to the doll and asked Sophia if she picked it out for a friend.

Sophia continued to stare blankly and I let the cashier know that she was a prize for Sophia being fully potty trained.

The woman gave me a puzzled look and turned to Sophia and asked, "Are you sure this is the doll you want, honey?"

Sophia finally found her voice and said, "Yes, please!"

The cashier replied, "But she doesn't look like you.
We have lots of other dolls that look more like you."
I immediately became angry, but before I could say anything, Sophia responded with, "Yes, she does. She's a doctor like I'm a doctor. And I'm a pretty girl and she's a pretty girl. See her pretty hair? And see her stethoscope?"

Thankfully the cashier decided to drop the issue and just answer, "Oh, that's nice."
This experience just confirmed my belief that we aren't born with the idea that color matters.

You can read more here on SFGate. I personally am appalled by this. I have no idea what Target store this happened at - I'm assuming it's in the SF Bay Area, as local reporter Frank Somerville picked up on it - but IMO this cashier should be reprimanded. Not fired, per se, but definitely talked to and "educated" on proper etiquette with customers.

Clearance Alert: Oh Joy! Baby Clothing

The current Oh Joy! Baby Clothing Collection is on sale on Target.com for 50% off. There's some great deals, like this adorable 4-piece "Flamingo" set for just $12.48. Check out the full collection on clearance here on Target.com, and get set for her newest baby offerings on April 9th (more details here on A Bullseye View).

New at Target: Brit + Co

Looking to get your craft groove on? Then check out the new DIY kits from Brit + Co at Target. As described on Target's website, "Start a new hobby or indulge your creativity with our Brit + Co DIY kits. No prior skills necessary, our kits are great for beginners and experienced DIY'ers alike. Make something that is uniquely you."

Ranging in cost from $19.99 - 24.99, the kits offer a variety of weaving, stamping, and knitting projects. Check out the full collection here on Target.com.

New at Target: Nate Berkus' Modern Neutral Collection

Those of you itching for Nate Berkus' latest offerings at Target need to wait no longer, as his new "Modern Neutral" collection has arrived. You can check out the full selection here on Target.com. I'm especially loving this sleek console table and metal tassel mirror. 

Victoria Beckham for Target already hits eBay...

And so it begins, dear readers: over 25 items from the upcoming Victoria Beckham for Target line are already up on eBay for resale at highly inflated prices.

So how can this happen even PRIOR to the line hitting Target stores? Well, as my friend The Recessionista explains, the launch party for this collab happened over the weekend in Los Angeles, and party attendees were able to preview and buy select items. For a full rundown of the event, check out her post here. 

Target REALLY wants you to buy the Victoria Beckham collection...

The press ramp up for the upcoming Victoria Beckham for Target collab is hitting high gear. Not only did InStyle Magazine do a special feature on the upcoming line in their April issue, but The Today Show also had an exclusive interview with Victoria along with a sneak preview of the line. Now in stores I've noticed these signs (shown) placed at the entrances (when you first walk in) reminding customers that this collab drops on April 9th. Might there be worry by The Bullseye that this won't be a sellout?