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. Now today's pick is purely selfish, because it's something I was planning on buying today anyhow as a present for my teenage niece. Yesterday I was with her in Target - which, keep in mind, was a TREAT for her since she doesn't have a Target near where she lives - and she fell in love with these comfy suede fleece-lined slippers. And, she made it very clear to Auntie that she'd love a pair for Christmas (along with about a dozen things we saw in-store.....)

Women's Genuine Suede fleece-lined Slippers: on sale this week at Target for $15.99.

Miss Trish of Capri for Target

Target has announced that footwear designer Trish Carroll will create a limited edition shoe collection called Miss Trish of Capri for Target. The line will be available at select Target stores nationwide and on target.com this upcoming Spring from April 5 through June 14, 2009.

Trish Carroll has designed for several major fashion houses including Celine, Ralph Lauren, Missoni and Oscar de la Renta. Her design philosophy is to create fashion that appeals to jetsetters at international resorts across the globe.

Launched in June of 2002, Miss Trish of Capri is Trish Carroll's Signature line of Capri Sandals. It all began with a flagship "cabana" store in the Hamptons. Trish's retail locations have included a "cabana" on the terrace of Frederick Fekkai's famed Beverly Hills salon on Rodeo Drive and an upscale salon on Via Encantada off Worth Ave. in Palm Beach. Current global expansion plans include new resort locations in St. Barths and St. Tropez. The Miss Trish of Capri collection references back to the jetset heyday of the 60's when Brigitte Bardot and Roger Vadim along with Jackie O were jetting from St. Tropez to Capri. As such, this footwear shares little in common with your average flip-flop.

The Miss Trish line usually retails for upwards of $200, so it'll be interesting to see how Trish Carroll translates her fanciful designs for the masses at a budget price-point.

Loomstate for Target

Fabsugar is reporting that Target is planning another eco-friendly clothing line on the heels of their success with the Rogan Gregory line this past summer. This time, Target is again partnering with Gregory as well as designer Scott Mackinlay Hahn to launch the Loomstate for Target collection. All of the cotton used in this eco-friendly line is 100% certified organic, as are the other sustainable fibers used including linen and silk. The collection features both men’s and women’s apparel and will launch on Target.com and at select Target stores nationwide on April 19, 2009 (which is perfectly timed to hit right before Earth Day on April 22). The budget-priced eco collection will be available at Target through May 16, 2009.

Wednesday's Rave: this Mossimo cashmere scarf

As mentioned a couple of weeks ago, small (yet luxe) gift items are sure to go fast this season at Target. Here’s another one to nab while you can: this Cashmere Argyle Scarf by Mossimo.

First off, there’s nothing much more luxurious than cashmere. And at just $24.99, it's easy to fit into your budget and simple to work into your wardrobe. Pair it with a simple white shirt and jeans when there's just a little chill in the air, or wear it beneath a peacoat when the temperature drops a bit farther. And while technically this scarf is from the Women’s department, the color and pattern is gender neutral…. so I can also picture my guy wearing it at a football game.

Isabelle de Borchgrave for Target

Earlier this year I raved about designer Isabelle de Borchgrave’s paper collection for Target. Now Isabelle has a brand new holiday collection of paper plates, tablecloths, napkins, centerpieces and placecards. The collection – in a rich collection of deep reds, glimmering golds, and lush greens – is sure to add a special touch to your holiday gatherings. I especially love this paper bread bowl (shown) that’s available for just $3.99. The one caveat to Isabelle’s line, however, is that the majority of items are only available in stores. Look for the collection displayed prominently on an endcap in the card and stationary aisle.

More Hayden-Harnett pics

RackedNY is showing more press pictures of the new Hayden-Hartnett line for Target (which I blogged about last week). The collection of of clutch bags, purses, totes and umbrellas will debut at Target stores on December 28th. Interestingly enough, some of the bags will be Target.com exclusives and only available for purchase from their website. I’m digging this "Flight Bag" tote in basic black (for just under 50-bucks) because frankly, some of the prints are a bit too wild for my tastes.

First Look: Isaac for Liz Claiborne

As I lamented way back in February, my beloved Isaac Mizrahi will be leaving Target at the end of this year to design for the Liz Claiborne company. WWD has posted an early look at Isaac's first collection for Liz, and it has some cute pieces. Shown is a trench coat with flowered lining and a day outfit that features some funky 60's inspired flowered leggings (I'm not too crazy about those!) with a short skirt and casual tank. Also featured are safari looks, pantsuits and bright colors. The collection will debut in January, but keep in mind that everything will be more expensive than the Target versions, with T-shirts starting at $30 and coats retailing for $250.

Now the Target store near where I work started cutting back on Isaac's merchandise a couple of months ago, and then today I noticed that my local Target has pulled down all the "Isaac" signage and what's left of his line is reduced to one small rack (save what's already hit the clearance aisles). This makes me sad, but all good things must come to an end. Target.com still has a wide selection of his merchandise, including a great offering of clearance items. Better get it while it lasts, though; technically, the Isaac line is supposed to only available through Dec. 31st of this year.