Target Addict: Mark your calendars

Target's new designer collaboration, as was evident in this feature story in the USA Today, debuts this Sunday, May 6th!! As if the Bullseye wasn't fabulous enough, it has teamed up with trendy shops from across the country to create affordable limited-edition goods for The Shops at Target.

The concept:  A savvy retail marketing approach much like more upscale retailers like Saks, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus and Fred Segal, Target will now offer various boutique stores within their store selling specialty goods.  The five collections total nearly 400 exclusive products both in-stores and online.

"The idea came from the fact that we have a lot of people who are out shopping the world all the time, looking for great new ideas, designers, trends," says Target's Home Division senior vice president Stacia Andersen. "As every single group would come back, they would keep saying, 'When you go to Miami, you have to go to The Webster!' or 'Have you been to Connecticut? You have to see Privet House!' It just kept coming back to these shops that we visited and how well-curated they were and how visionary the shop owners were."

In addition to The Webster (Home of Miami's passion for chic fashion) and Privet House (Vintage treasures with a bohemian-chic feel from Connecticut), the other shops include Cos Bar (Cutting edge beauty palace from Aspen) , Polka Dog Bakery (Biscuits and bones to drool over from Boston), and The Candy Store (Rare and wonderful sugary treats in glass jars from San Francisco).

Will you be stopping by to take a peak??

Shown here is one of Target's offerings from high-end Miami boutique,
The Webster: a wallet-friendly shift dress for just $40. 

Spring's JEWELRY trends

Does your jewelry box need a refresh for Spring? Want to add some fun pieces to your collection? Accessories are an inexpensive way to stay current and add life to some old staples in your closet.

Aside from my wedding ring, I rarely get compliments on jewelry unless it's the $8.99 pair of earrings from Brass Plum (Young Miss section at Nordstrom) or Target. Go figure. In fact, places like Kohls and Old Navy have a great selection of fashion jewelry that are cute and affordable enough to buy for that one shirt or dress.

Below are the three key spring trends and a small collection of what Target has to offer. Where else right?!?!

I personally am diggin' the Geometric collection.

1) Colorful Stones: Color is in season! So whether you’re looking to brighten up your jewelry box or add punch to a neutral outfit, turn on the shine with these eye-popping stones. Nature, meet color.

1. Gold Wired Green Agate Earrings 2. Sequin Gold Two Strand Green Necklace 3. 5-pc. Stack Colored Bangles 4. Textured Layered Stretch Wide Band Ring – Coral 5. Color Stone Rings – Multi 6. In Store Only 7. In Store Only 8. Yellow Gold Citrine Earrings 9. Global Girlfriend Green Good Harmony Glass Strand Necklace 10. Gold Over Silver Hammered Carnelian Ring 11. 5 Row Bezel Satin Bracelet – Gun Metal 12. Gold Over Silver Amethyst Necklace 13. Target Peridot 2 Row Crystal Bezel Stretch Ring 14. Target Abalone Silver Plated Earrings 15. Gold Cuff with Wird Agate 16. Sterling Silver Round Red Jasper Earrings 17. Sterling Silver Dome New Ring – Jade

 2) Minimalistic Muse: Sometimes subtle is stunning. It was Coco Chanel who said to “always take one thing off before leaving the house.” But if you won’t part with your baubles, then keep it simple. From a single gold chain to a brushed silver ring, these classic trinkets can strike a perfect balance.

1. Silver Tapered Ring 2. Gold Over Silver Ball Stud Earring 3. 10k Yellow Gold Box Necklace 4. Sequin Gold 3 Row Necklace 5. Wood Ring 6. 14k Yellow Gold Black Onyx Stud Earrings 7. 10k White Gold Stud Earrings 8. Akoya Pearl Stud Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold Setting 9. In Store Only

3) Geometric Gems: Feast your eyes on these architectural gems. From zig-zag earrings to a beaded link necklace, add a distinct edge to your overall look.

1. Color Stone Rings – Silver 2. Long Wood Circle Necklace 3. Geometric Metal Hoop Earrings – Gold 4. Cubic Zirconia Pave Link Bracelet – Gold 5. Glass Beads Link Necklace – Burgundy 6. In Store Only 7. 14k Gold Over Silver Hammered Disc Earrings 8. Natural Horn and Brushed Bracelet 9. Target Gold Open Work Cuff Bracelet 10. In Store Only 11. Gold Over Silver Dangle Earring 12. Wood and Shell Stretch Bracelet

JUST SPOTTED: Nip + Fab

On Sunday Target launched celebrity favorite and British sensation Nip+Fab, a body-care line, that I'm pretty freakin' stoked about it. Their price point is spot on with everything under $20 and I'm head over heels for their simplistically trendy marketing. Oh c'mon now, you can't deny that you too are swayed by pretty packaging.

While Target has a few beauty lines, this is by far the most appealing. All 18 products target most every body part we're looking to hit. Frown lines. Yes please. Cellulite. Hell yes. Tummy Fix. Seriously. Stop. The products are crammed with breakthrough natural and technologically advanced skin smoothing, boosting and firming ingredients. Nip+Fab is the answer to achieve results quickly with minimum fuss and expense.

Since several of you readers have asked about dark circles and puffiness under the eye, I think you'll want to get your hands on a bottle of the "Eye Fix." This is a 2-in-1 eye cream and concealer that hydrates and de-puffs the under-eye area. It also contains light-reflecting particles to conceal dark circles. For $9.95, I'll call that fab. Another one to check out is the Dark Circle Fix, a triple action eye cream. Alittle more expensive at $15.95 but a must-have to incorporate into your nightly routine.

Curious what the heck the "Bust Fix Plumping Treatment" is? If you've lost elasticity over the years, this screams your name. Ok this screams ALL our names especially those mamas that have done any form of breastfeeding. For $17.95, you can can get visibly plump, smooth and firm skin around the bust and decollete with this high performance bust serum. It contains CellActive, a plant-based complex of active ingredients which support the natural process of lipid deposition, lending fullness to the bust, it will reshape the contours of the cleavage area to optimally accentuate. I call this mega-fab!

DEAL ALERT: Bumble & Bumble

Thanks to post-pregnancy hormones, my hair is a hot mess. It's falling out in clumps and is so limp and lifeless. In desperation I reached out to my sister-in-law, Leigh Dawson, a fantastic hairdresser at Gene Juarez in downtown Seattle (plug - go see her!) and she recommended I try Bumble and Bumble's "Surf Spray" to add some volume. During my frantic quest to track down a salon that carried Bumble and Bumble before my trips, I spotted - to my surprise - that Target is now selling Bumble and Bumble products. I know this isn’t exactly hot off the press news but after talking to some girlfriends this was news to them.

While I didn't find the Surf Spray in stores (yes, it's sold online), I did spot a BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE deal on Bumble and Bumble's Seaweed Shampoo and Conditioner, Creme de Coco Shampoo and Conditioner and their popular, go-to Styling Creme. Unfortunately I could only find these 2-packs in stores but it's not like you won't be there this week right!?!? Just make sure you check the expiration date before filling your cart.

Bumble and Bumble makes a great product. Your hair can thank me later. :)

FANCY FRIDAY

I love thousands of things but I only need about thirty. Thirty staples. Yes, I know people might say I'm not adhering to "staple" in the strict bread-and-water sense of the word, but whatever you guys. Be serious.

On the top of my staples list is the Gilligan & O'Malley thong. Not the thong you put on your foot, the thong you put on your rear. And yes, I am being serious. :) My apologises if this picture of a woman's pelvic is offending you. I kind of feel weird posting it. I don't want it to seem pervy but I am passionate about you knowing about the best underwear in the world. From Target. Yep.

These thongs are the most comfortable, invisible, awesome underwear I have ever owned. Forget any of those fancy brands promising "no lines and no seams," which invariably give you elastic pooch or wedgies. This underwear is cut just right and the wide fabric hugs your sides in the perfect spot. They are smooth and soft (93% Cotton/7% Lycra Spandex) and don't pinch or dig. Say goodbye to the underwear provoked bulging fat rolls forever.

I just picked up a new supply - 5 pairs for $20. I personally love the all lace ones but the cotton are comfy too. These are available online or your local Target store. If this style isn't for you, Gilligan & O'Malley have other styles (and bras too!).

And those my friend's tickle my fancy!

Target Addict: MOBILE COUPONS

Have you signed up to receive Mobile Coupons from Target yet? If not, what are you waiting for? Thanks to OC Deal Mama I just learned about this convenient new feature. Although I'm all about saving a buck, I'm not a "coupon-cutter" so this is right up my alley.

These are Target Store coupons (that can be stacked with a manufacturer coupon on the same item for even greater savings) sent directly to your cell phone, via text message. If you would like to receive Target mobile coupons, text OFFERS to 827438 (Target), or sign up online. These are so easy to use. Simply pull the offer up on your phone at checkout, and have the cashier scan the bar code. That’s it! Request yours today!

Target Addict: Should you say Yes to Carrots??

I overheard a women telling her friend that she loves the new 'YES TO CARROTS' line recently added to the shelves at Target. Having never heard of the line, I spent some time dissecting the packaging and ingredients.

I can almost guarantee that at some point growing up your mother yelled at you to "eat your carrots" because they were supposedly good for you. Guess what? She was right. Go figure. It's no secret that orange fruits and vegetables contains beta-carotene that serves as a good agent for anti-oxidants and anti-aging. It helps to reduce damage caused by sun and air pollutants. Yes to Carrots also has Dead Sea Mud which contains 26 different minerals. With the combination of these minerals and beta-carotene, the product line is extremely beneficial to allow the body soak up nutrients, hence, revitalizing and rejuvenating it.

Where I have some beef with this line is that their website claims their products "combine fresh, unadulterated goodness of organic fruits and vegetables." Come on, does everything have to include the buzz word of the century - aka "organic" - to get bought these days?? While it’s true that their formulas contain lots of natural goodies, they don’t bother to mention that the functional ingredients in their products are the same tried and true chemicals used in other mass market beauty products. For example, their shower gel is based on sodium coceth sulfate (a cleanser) and cocamide DEA (a foam booster/thickener). While I have no problem with brands that like to convey a certain look, feel, and scent by using natural ingredients, I don’t like being mislead to by companies that claim to use the “unadulterated goodness of organic fruits and vegetables” but don’t tell you they include chemicals like propanediol and benzyl alcohol in their formulations.

Would I buy? Probably not. Its prices are somewhat expensive and in my opinion, just another brand trying to capitalize on the naturals/organics trend by hiding standard cosmetics ingredients behind an over-hyped soup of fruit and vegetable extracts.

If you feel so inclined to try, I do appreciate that they smell great, are not tested on animals, and it has an extensive line of face, body and hair products. The products are good for both men and women which is a positive for a minimalist like myself that hates excess products lying around. They also include a baby line to keep it all in the family.

Target Addict: JUST SPOTTED

**You don't have to be a mom to appreciate this post. These make for a fabulous gift if you aren't yet tapped into the world of children.**

Target has done it again. And I'm in heaven. Splendid Littles, the brand known for comfy chic clothes for babies and toddlers has hopped on the Target train. Yahoooo!! In the past, Splendid has only been featured in high end stores such as Neiman Marcus, Barneys, Anthropologie, Saks Fifth Avenue. This brand is no joke. Now your little cutie can sport a designer look with the best of them at a fraction of the cost. Splendid teamed up exclusively with Target to bring you a limited line starting at $6.99!!!! Can't beat that.

On December 26th, the Splendid Littles Limited edition collection arrived in Target stores and on Target.com. Selection may vary at each store. Their cotton/polyester/modal fabrics have a super soft, splendid feel that will have mom's and tots instantly in love. Their line features sporty striped hoodies, slouchy cargo pants and layered polo shirts in trendy shades like tomato red, heather gray, and lime green.

The line will also feature bibs, baby blankets, dresses, cardigans, leggings and onesies in sizes newborn to 5T. The best part? Besides the affordable price point, you'll now have the option between two adorable lines - Splendid AND Dwell Studio! That deserves another Yahoooo!!

Things you should and shouldn't buy at TARGET

Pigging-backing on last week's savvy shopper posts, I am going to continue for a few more days with the hope that I can save you a few more bucks here and there this holiday season. Today's and tomorrow's post will highlight two of my favorite, 'I can't live without' stores; Target & Costco.

I remember when Target started out - it was borderline K-Mart'esk (kinda dirty, products seemed cheap, selection was hideous) and personally it didn't do much for me. Ask me now how I feel about Target. Hands down, a life changer. Ok maybe I won't go to that extreme but I would be lost without it. Target, in the last 5 years, has cultivated an image as a great place to buy “cheap chic” clothes and housewares designed by the likes of Zac Posen, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Michael Graves. It has grown to be the nation’s second-largest discount chain which offers everything from the mundane staples to fresh groceries. And if you aren't buying your groceries there now, START. It's fabulous. While Target will seldom beat Walmart on price alone, its prices are still competitive; and starting this fall, holders of its store credit card will get a 5% discount on all purchases.

According to CBS Money Watch, here are four categories - other than clothes - where it makes particular sense to shop at the store whose fans use a French accent to emphasize their affection for “Tar-zhay." (Read on to find out the 4 items that you should not purchase at Target.)

Things you SHOULD buy:

1. The Kindle: If you’re tempted to buy the popular e-book reader from Amazon, but want to try it out first and perhaps compare it to Barnes & Noble’s 'Nook,' Target is the place to go. It’s the only national brick-and-mortar retailer to carry it. The brand new Kindle 3, which is smaller and lighter than previous models, will sell for $189 at Target, the same price as at Amazon.com. Find someone up in the store who knows how to work the device, so you can get a feel for it. I've heard that if you've never seen someone use it, it can be a little bit tricky to figure out on your own.

2. Green Cleaning Products: When it comes to the burgeoning category of environmentally friendly cleaning and washing products, Target is tough to beat. Target was the first national retailer to carry the 'Method' line of cleaners, which have built a cult following for their cutesie packaging and all-natural ingredients, and it currently stocks more 'Method' products (about 70) than any other big-box store. In addition, if you like niche brands of natural cleaning products such as J.R. Watkins Apothecary, Mrs. Meyer’s, and Seventh Generation, you can get them at Target too — as well as hard-to-find, green versions of mainstream products such as Tide Coldwater Free, which works with high-efficiency washing machines and is made without dyes and perfumes.

3. Groceries: Yep, knew it. As part of its effort to bounce back from the recession, Target is rolling out an expanded grocery section, going head to head with Walmart and Kmart, which have already beefed up their fresh-food sections. Target’s new PFresh section, which sells a decent assortment of perishables such as meat, fruit, fresh produce, and baked goods, finally makes it possible to pick up the fixings for a complete meal while you are at Target shopping for other things. Let me say - LIFESAVER. “It has about 70% of the things you would find in a full grocery store, and prices are going to be 10-20% less than at a typical grocery,” says Colin McGranahan, an analyst with Bernstein Research. In addition, kids’ snacks such as granola bars and juices can be significantly cheaper at Target than at other big retailers and drugstores, and you can often save more money by registering on Target’s site to have coupons delivered to your smart phone, according to Stephanie Nelson, founder of CouponMom.com.

4. Cosmetics: Target’s selection of cosmetics and bath and body products has traditionally lagged behind CVS and Walgreen but recently the retailer has extended its cheap chic strategy to carry more designer cosmetics with quality and selections comparable to more expensive department store brands. Recent offerings include lines from Napoleon Perdis, Petra Strand, and Jemma Kidd. Names that don't mean much to me but might strike a cord with you. Target is also a good source for hard-to-find makeup brands, such as the U.K.’s 'Boots' beauty products and Iman Cosmetics.

Although Target offers many good products at competitive prices, it also sells products you should avoid, either because you’ll get a better selection or price at another store, or because there are more environmentally sound options.

Things you SHOULD NOT buy:

1. Furniture: Target’s design edge in categories like clothing and housewares, where Target has exclusive deals with fashion stars such as Zac Posen, clearly doesn’t extend to home furniture. “You can get comparable quality and cheaper stuff from Ikea, and Ikea’s merchandise is a bit more stylish,” says Kathryn Finney of The Budget Fashionista. Finney says that, in particular, Ikea’s bookshelves, chairs, and kitchen tables tend to offer better value than those at Target.

2. Movies and Music: According to James McQuivey, a media technology analyst at Forrester Research, Target can’t really beat Amazon or Walmart when it comes to prices on movies, music, and books. Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream CD, for example, sells for $13.99 at Target, vs. $9.99 at Amazon and $9.00 at Walmart, while the Blu-ray version of Date Night costs $29.99 at Target, vs. $24.96 at Walmart and $28.99 at Amazon.com.

3. Exercise Equipment: Target’s clothes may be fashionable, but if you want to look great in them, buy your exercise equipment somewhere else. Target’s offerings in this category tend toward the $199 “As Seen on TV” Ab Circle Pro and the $100 Tony Little “Gazelle Edge” fitness system. Lame. You’re generally better off going to a place like The Sports Authority for higher-end exercise equipment. Or join a gym.

4. Shower Curtains, Some Toys, and Other Products with PVC: Following a national campaign by the Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ) and other environmental groups, Target agreed in 2007 to reduce the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic in its products and packaging. PVC often contains lead and pthalates, which have been linked to reproductive problems in humans and release carcinogens when incinerated. At the time, Target lagged behind Walmart and Sears in removing products containing PVC, says Mike Schade, CHEJ’s PVC campaign coordinator. Although Target is now doing just as well as these rivals in removing PVC -containing products, it hasn’t gotten rid of all of them, according to Schade. Of particular concern are toys not sold under Target’s private-label brand; Schade says it can be a challenge for retailers to control the materials that its suppliers use. (Toys sold under Target’s brand should generally be PVC-free, according to Schade.) And read the labels on plastic shower curtains too. Target has removed most, but not all, that contain PVC from its shelves. (Products that contain the recycling symbol with the number ‘3’ in the middle mean they contain PVC.)
For its part, Target says it has eliminated or switched to safer forms of PVC in product categories covered by child safety legislation.

So there you have it. Stay tuned tomorrow for what you should and shouldn't buy at Costco. I apologize in advance if the anticipation keeps you up all night. ;)