BREAKING | Target Leaving Canada

This morning's news is hard to believe. I mean, we knew we were having problems. But, was it really that bad? Couldn't we have worked it out?

Target sent shockwaves through Canada this morning with its decision to shutter all 133 of its Canadian stores due to poor sales. After launching here in March 2013, the company lost almost $1 Billion in its first year, and while losses have decreased since then, the chain continues to lose money daily. "After a thorough review of our Canadian performance and careful consideration of the implications of all options, we were unable to find a realistic scenario that would get Target Canada to profitability until at least 2021," the U.S. parent company's CEO Brian Cornell said in a release today. The company's 17,600 Canadian employees will receive 16 weeks of compensation during the shutdown period.I get it. They had to go. It was a failed project from the start. That bullseye's looking pretty prophetic now, isn't it?

But anyone else feel like they were just starting to fall in love with Target Canada? I loved using my Red card. I adored so many of the designer collaborations. Those little Starbucks cupholders that attached to the shopping carts were a stroke of genius. The Hallowe'en/Christmas/Easter section was the best. And does this mean we won't be able to get our hands on the Lily Pullitzer for Target collection this spring? Ack! 

Even though we could sort of see this coming, the speed of the retreat is shocking, isn't it? Goodbye Target. I, for one, am sad to see you go. 

SUNSHINE STATE | Take a Sneak Peek at the Lilly Pulitzer for Target Collection

Photos via Target 

Lilly Pulitzer prints have always been a fav in my family. But while you probably recognize her prints, you might not know the history of the brand. As it turns out, Lilly Pulitzer's foray into fashion was almost accidental. The Palm Beach socialite's husband, Peter Pulitzer, owned several citrus groves, so Lilly turned the oranges into juice which she sold at a juice stand off posh Worth Ave. Not content to look anything but fabulous, Lilly created printed shift dresses to wear while working at the stand, since the pretty prints hid juice stains beautifully. The dresses quickly caught the attention of passersby, including one Jackie Kennedy, she started selling her dresses at the stand, and American resort wear was born. While Lilly passed away in 2013, her legacy continues with her signature beach-perfect prints.  

While some hilariously mad-as-hell Lilly snobs took to Twitter to express their outrage yesterday, the rest of us can rejoice. Lilly Pullitzer is coming to us non-Palm-Beachers at Target this spring! The limited-edition 250-piece collection features 15 exclusive prints (read: works of art) and includes apparel, accessories and shoes for women and girls, plus home accents, outdoor entertaining accessories, beach gear, beauty and travel accessories. 

The late Lilly Pulitzer is famous for having said, “style isn't just about what you wear, it's about how you live.” We're prepared to fully embrace this sentiment when the collection hits stores April 19th. And if the sneak peek pics below are any indication, it looks like we'll be living the good life (and throwing a lot more parties) this spring. Those dresses! The bikinis! The starfish sandals! The patio-perf placemats and cocktail glasses! Can you even?! Follow this blog and @TargetCanada | #LillyForTarget on Twitter are all Lilly-related updates. Eek! 

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Alex from Target

The pic that started it all...

You've heard of Alex from Target, right? Girl snaps a pic of a hottie cashier at Target over the weekend, posts it to Twitter, and suddenly 'Alex from Target' is everywhere. Girls collectively freak. Confused moms across the US get dragged to their closest Target just in case Alex happens to be working. Marriage proposals flood the Twitterverse. Alex from Target goes from checkout boy to being checked out by millions.

Yup, Alex from Target is everywhere. Sigh...swept up into fame so young. Just hope he stays grounded.

Just thinking aloud here but Alex from Target could singlehandedly turn things around for Target Canada. If they can get him here...

It's clearly Monday.

Some funny 'Alex from Target' memes on Twitter right now. The fan fiction is my fav...

 

JEANIOUS: My DENIZEN Ambassador Gig

We all know about Levi's, of course, the cool-since-1873 denim brand. But have you heard of the brand's newest off-shoot, DENIZEN yet?  The line just launched in Canada at Target last year so like me, you may not have tried them on quite yet.

When DENIZEN asked me to be their brand ambassador recently, I finally had a chance to check them out in earnest.  They sent me several pairs of jeans in different fits and washes to test drive - modern skinnies, modern straights, pull-on skinnies and super soft leggings. The two things that impressed me the most? The modern styling and, most importantly (especially when it comes to denim), the fit. And unlike most affordable jean brands, the quality's there, too, with reinforced side seams, metal rivets at the corners and Levi's premium quality denim, ensuring jeans that will last.

I've been in desperate need of great black skinnies and happened to be at Target grabbing Hallowe'en gear yesterday so picked up a pair of DENIZEN's hi-rise skinnies to try (on sale for $25 - most styles sell for around $30 at regular price. So seriously, how could I not?) You know how a lot of black jeans can look faded and worn out from the start? Well, DENIZEN's black is perfect - a true, saturated black that I'll wear anytime I want the look of leggings with the flattering structure of jeans. 

Stay tuned for more how-I-wore-them posts from DENIZEN and a video series we have in the works for the holidays. So exciting!

Happy Hallowe'en my sweets! When faced with the option of trick or treat tonight, might I suggest the treat :)

CHEAP THRILLS: See the Sexy New Joseph Altuzarra for Target Collection

Photos courtesy Target.

Originally posted in The LOOK.

With the upcoming 50 Shades of Grey flick on the horizon (you've seen the steamy trailer, right?), I've noticed a return to unapologetically sexy dressing. With stretched schedules and everyday stresses putting constant pressure on us all,  a little bit of lace here and a sexy stiletto there can work miracles at making you feel like a natural woman (woma-a-an). 

Target's newest designer collab with Parisian label Altuzarra takes seductive dressing to the next level with a limited-edition collection of women’s apparel, accessories and shoes for fall. At only 31, Joseph Altuzarra has quickly become one of fashion's youngest, most respected designers, winning a slew of international prizes including the 2014 CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year Award.

“One of the guiding principles of Altuzarra is that fashion can be transformative, changing not just the way you look, but also the way you feel," says Altuzarra.

So, apparently this collection is designed to transform you into a vixen with its tailored suits (your 9-to-5 will never be the same), flowy dresses and sexy heels for the modern, feminine, confident woman. As for this modern woman? I've got my bedroom eyes trained on the Romanian swiss-dot black maxi, the cropped faux fur jacket (insane!), the tailored blazers, and those crazy sexy over-the-knee boots. Va-va-voom, non? To add to the temptation, the collection ranges from only $18.99 to $89.99, making this one of the most affordable Target designer collabs to date. Yes, yes, yes!

Mark your calendars, ladies: Joseph Altuzarra for Target launches September 14^th at mostTarget stores across Canada with a select assortment also available on NET-A-PORTER.com.  

Take a peek at the entire Joseph Altuzarra for Target collection below. I know, I'm such a tease...

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