Target merchandise at Goodwill

I have been hearing for years that when Target pulls their clearance merchandise from the sales floor, it is donated to Goodwill Industries, who then re-sells it at their local stores. But to be honest, I had never actually seen proof of this at any of my local Goodwills until yesterday, when I visited a store "off the beaten path" from my usual haunts.

Now this store must definitely be one of "the ones" that Target donates its castoffs to, because not only did I see an entire rack (at least 8-10) of these hideous Tracy Feith maxi dresses (shown) but I also saw a whole shelf of brand new Circo baby socks (which - opposite of the Feith dress - were really cute!). I also saw various Merona, Xhilaration and Mossimo pieces here and there (NWT) but nothing in bulk.

One caveat to shopping Target at Goodwill: in some cases the lowest Target price is less than what Goodwill sells it for. Not always, but sometimes. Case in point: I know I saw these Feith maxi dresses marked as low as $9.99 on clearance at Target, yet Goodwill was selling them for $12 each. Which is fine by me, seeing that the $$ goes to Goodwill. You just shouldn't be expecting THE lowest possible price once the item hits Goodwill's racks.

Pick of the Week

It's Pick of the Week time: each week I pick one great buy from Target's Weekly Ad (in the Sunday newspaper) and highlight it here on my blog. This week - because it's a holiday weekend and I'm lazy - I'm going to pass on "the pick" and instead just alert you that it's Baby Week starting today at Target. That means that all things for your bouncing little bundle of joy is on sale. You also can get free shipping on online orders over $50 of select baby items. Plus, you can save 15% on 2 and 20% on 3 or more select picks of diapers, baby wipes, formula and Pampers. Go to Target.com for details.

Target turns Billboards into Bags

Target is planning to turn its Times Square billboards into Anna Sui-designed tote bags once the displays come down. From Labor Day through the end of October, Target will feature commissioned art on its Times Square NYC billboards. The giant graphics are by emerging artists including Michael Anderson, Laurie Rosenwald, Charles Wilkin and Josh Goldstein.

But here's the cool catch: when the art exhibit is over, the vinyl from the billboards will be used to create 1,600 limited edition, recycled bags, using an Anna Sui tote bag design (shown).

Each bag will be made from 90% recycled flex bulletin vinyl with Sui’s rock 'n' roll details like black enamel studs. And since each bag will be fashioned from the actual billboard materials, each one will be unique and a lasting memento of NYC.

The bags will retail for $29.99 for pre-order at Target.com/billboardbag starting Sept. 4 (today) until they're gone. Why pre-order, you ask? Well, buyers actually get to select which artist's work they want to have made into their bag, which will then ship in early January.

My review of Anna Sheffield for Target

Yesterday I was able to check out the Anna Sheffield for Target collection up close and in person. First off, contrary to what I wrote a couple of days ago, the actual pieces are bright, shiny, and look to be of very good quality… so I’m not so sure what’s up with some of the grainy pictures on Target’s web site.

Secondly, I have to give Target props for the unique packaging: the necklaces displayed on the counter where you can touch them (vs. the ones behind the case) are dangling from little clothes-hangers with Anna’s name on them! How fun is that? I thought this was a very cute and whimsical touch. Some of the pieces are quite delicate and seem made to be layered (as shown in this recent Target ad that appeared in Vanity Fair). This reminds me of how the Dominique Cohen for Target line was advertised and merchandised two years ago.

Now for the goods: overall, I liked everything I saw, although not everything was to my taste. I will probably end up getting these Ornate Drop Earrings in gold that were featured in this month’s InStyle Magazine under “Deals & Steals”. And I still want to get the Charm Necklace I mentioned in Monday’s post. But other than that, there’s nothing I HAVE to have. I do appreciate some of her clever designs with Victorian influences, such as this Cukoo Clock Ring or Scissor Locket, and although they are lovely, they just “aren’t me”.

Wednesday’s Rave: this Mossimo maxi dress

I’ve been pretty resistant to the whole maxi dress craze due to 2 reasons:
1) I think I tend to look like a cow in them, and 2) being short, then are usually too long on me. But this Mossimo tiered dress changed all that, and I have to rave about it. It fits like a dream (in fact, I went down a size in it) and hits me mid-ankle. And in addition to being cool and comfortable, it’s slimming as well, despite all the cascading ruffles.

The only problem? Like the Merona halter top I blogged about a couple of weeks ago, I found it on the clearance rack. Which is great and all; I got this dress in black for the bargain basement price of just $7.48 (marked down 75% from $29.99). But I would love to also get the brown one (shown) and unfortunately all they have left on Target.com is size L. Oh well…c’est la vie!

People Magazine previews Anna Sui for Target

People Magazine recently did a feature on selected pieces from the upcoming Anna Sui for Target line. I have to say that when featured on their own – and not on the Gossip Girl-inspired models – the pieces look pretty good. I especially like the cotton & tulle cardigan ($29.99) and metallic jacquard dress (at $59.99).

Sale Alert: Shaun White 4 Target

The new Shaun White 4 Target collection – which I blogged about last week - is on sale for 20% off, just in time for back to school. That means boys’ hoodies are just $13.59, graphic tees are $6.39, and polo shirts are $9.59 (all shown at left).

Note: for some reason, only the boys' collection - and not the mens' - is on sale this week.