Easter Parade

Target has a new line of Easter candy, decorations and partyware (cups, plates, napkins, etc.) called “Chiyo” that is simply too cute for words! Many of the items are only available in stores (like this plush chick, pictured) so run, don’t walk, to your local Target to check it out. And remember, Easter comes early this year! (March 23rd to be exact).

Another Target Celebrity Sighting

Kirsten Dunst stepped out of Cirque Lodge in Utah a couple weeks ago to hit up the local Target store with some friends. Hopefully this means things are going well with her treatment, and that she’ll be back on track soon to making movies. Let’s just keep our fingers crossed that Cirque “sticks” for her more than it did for Lindsey Lohan (who reportedly has fallen off the rehab wagon after her stint last year at the same treatment facility).

Not Too Posh for Target

Victoria Beckham isn’t too posh for bargain hunting.

The Spice Girl and her son Romeo went on a shopping spree in Los Angeles the other night - and it wasn’t on Rodeo Drive. Instead, Posh Spice was caught walking the aisles of a local ‘Target’ store. Said an onlooker: “She would have looked like just your average mom had it not been for the security team pushing her cart behind her. And she didn’t look much pleased when the photographers saw her - she’s more used to being pictured leaving Hermes or Chanel - so the shades quickly went on.”

Posh - back in Los Angeles following the early end of the Spice Girls reunion tour - is already making plans for her next move in Tinsel Town. Tonight, Posh will appear as a guest judge with supermodel Heidi Klum on the season finale of the reality TV show Project Runway.

Tuesday’s Rant: Target Home Collection Towels

Each Tuesday I take the opportunity to rant about something I do NOT like about Target…..because although I love them to death, they ain’t perfect. Today’s rant is about their Home Collection towels. These towels used to be WONDERFUL. I bought a set for our master bathroom 5 years ago, and they lasted through 4 full years of wear and tear from hubby, myself, and our two boys. Last year when it finally seemed time to replace them, I again bought a set from Target Home…..and was thoroughly disappointed. The new set barely lasted through a month of washing before starting to unravel and show wear. So I “field tested” some other styles of Target Home towels (meaning I just bought one of kind each rather than committing to a whole set) and got the same poor results. Needless to say, I won’t be buying these again.

Jovovich-Hawk: Mixed Reviews

Although the new Jovovich-Hawk Go International line didn’t officially hit stores until yesterday, I got to preview the line Friday at my local Target. And I have to be honest: after all the hype and anticipation, it was quite a letdown. While I knew that the line was supposed to “bring a fresh point of view to classic vintage style”, the collection of granny dresses, paisley prints, and peasant tops are reminiscent of the whole Boho craze from a few summers ago and not exactly what I’d call “current”. Especially since this Spring is supposed to be all about structure, with a return to ladylike looks and an emphasis on the waist (vs. the no-waist empire look which is now OUT).

But then again, to each their own. I overheard some teenage girls raving about the offerings, excitedly pouring over the racks and exclaiming “this is the best designer stuff Target’s ever had!”. So go figure. Maybe this line is just aimed at the very young, and at (cough, cough!) my age I’m just too long in the tooth for this stuff to appeal to me.

Pick of the Week

It’s pick of the week time: every Sunday I pick one great buy from Target's Weekly Ad (in Sunday's newspaper) and highlight it here.

This week’s pick might seem a bit odd if you’ve never seen one of these things. It’s a Bosu Balance Ball – and yes, it’s basically a fitness ball cut in half with a no-skid base on the bottom. Looks peculiar, but let me tell you, does it give you a great workout! I was skeptical myself until I tried it in the gym, and then I just had to buy one. The Bosu Balance Trainer builds core strength, coordination, and endurance, as well as improves balance. And this set from Target also comes with a workout DVD and a handy foot pump.

Bosu Balance Trainer set: $99.99

First Kmart, now Wal-Mart

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about how Kmart was obviously trying to copy Target with their “Piper Blue” fashion line (imitating Target’s uber-popular Go International line of designer wear). Now it appears that Wal-Mart is getting into the fray by hiring a REAL designer (vs. a made up one like Piper Blue) to create a line of affordable fashions. Norma Kamali, best known for her cotton jersey knitwear, will “create an exclusive collection that will include women’s wear, children’s clothing, accessories, footwear and home items” (this according to Women’s Wear Daily).

Hmmm…..interesting. While I give kudos for to Wal-Mart for hiring a known entity, I wonder if anyone will care? Norma Kamali is a name mainly known from the 70’s/80’s, and unlike other designers of that era (like Diane von Furstenberg) she hasn’t experienced a resurgence in the past decade. Sure, she has name recognition, but will it translate into sales?