Saving Money at Target

There are several easy ways to save money at Target. First and foremost, get a Target Red Debit Card . It links to your bank account and operates just like your bank debit card. You get 5% off of every transaction. It's like getting a senior citizen discount everyday! There is nothing more pleasing than swiping your red card at the end of the transaction and watching your total drop. You also get free shipping and 5% off everything Target online.

***You can also link your Red Card to a local school and the school, in turn gets a percentage of what you spend through Target's Take Charge of Education program. ***

Next, download the Cartwheel App onto your smartphone.

 This app has tons of Target coupons and discounts only available on the app.  I recommend checking what is discounted before you go in the store as inside the Target wifi seems to block adding savings categories inside. I have left my cart before and gone outside when found something I wanted and needed to load the discount. You can select up to 10 discount offers on the app at a time. These discounts are on top of your 5% Red Card savings. 

When checking out, they scan the app's bar code on your phone to get your additional savings.

If you are willing to do some homework, Target will price match any current and local competitors price on a product you find cheaper at another store. This can be worth the effort if you are shopping for big ticket items.

Check out the Clearance items on end caps, the apparel department, and electronics. If someone brings back electronics that the store does not stock, they automatically get marked down and put on clearance. I have picked up all sorts of gems in the electronic clearance section like iPad stands and speakers.

It took me while to figure out the clearance labels, but this picture is pretty handy:

I'm not a serious "couponer" but I love a good deal. Happy Targeting!

Arm Candy

Lily and Laura Bracelets

Have you shopped in a college town recently? If you have, at the check out, you have surely seen a large glass bowl brimming with bead bracelets. I love the bracelets and the concept. The price is even more fun: usually 1 bracelet for $11., or 3 for $30..

These handmade glass bead bracelets are made in Nepal by local women. Some of the proceeds go back into the community there.  I think I would have bought them anyway but it feels good to give back!

The best way to wear the bracelets is to stack them with other bracelets from your collection. That way you avoid a matchy/matchy look. They add a little punch and depth to finer pieces as well. 

Initially I gravitated towards classic jewelry tones: gold, rose gold, and silver.  This is a safe bet but the colors are gorgeous. If you are wondering how often you will wear them... ALL THE TIME. I even swim in mine with the kids. 

What a fun trend!

My Lazy Beauty Routine

It's a NO NO!!

Let's face it, after a big night out, or really any day of the week, it's easy to get lazy.  Sometimes I think it's a feat to have made it into my pajamas. But we all know that we should not go to bed with make-up on our faces.  Ideally, dermatologists recommend washing and moisturizing every night.  So here are my favorite budget-friendly products that save time on my bed-time routine:

When I had my first child I discovered a true love of baby wipes.  They are a delightful multitasker! I swear, I will never be without them in my life.  I use for everything from cleaning cars, children's faces, and wiping down baseboards.  But, I digress.  I have found the best wipes for faces.  No need for a wash cloth, soap, or running water!  It's all built right in there.  I have tried so many kinds.  Both of these brands  are hypo-allergenic, and have the perfect amount of moisture without leaving any residue. 

Boots No. 7

Quick Thinking Wipes

Target, $6.50

These are my everyday go-to item.  

Yes To Tomatoes

Blemish Clearing Towelettes

$5.99

These handy wipes have salicytic acid.  They are great for adults with break-outs and wrinkles. Add these to your pre-teen's toiletry items.  It cannot hurt!

Sonia Kashuk REMOVE

$10., Target

This eye make-up remover is so useful and moisturizes as it goes on.  It feels the same and works as well as Clinique's Take the Day Off Make-Up Remover ($18.). 

Milly for Banana Republic

Designer collections for budget friendly stores are always a fabulous opportunity to get the look for less. Over the past few years some designer collaborations have been disappointing- but I think this one delivers. Banana Republic says the Milly collection by designer Michelle Smith, "blends effortless modernity with chic prints inspired by summertime."  I agree.  Milly is best known for classic looks with fantastic detail and fun prints.  The collaboration with Banana Republic features pretty prints as well as beading and colorful accessories.  Plus the price point is well below half of the price of original boutique Milly clothes. Let's check out some of the women's line highlights:

Striped Fit and Flare dress

$140.

If you buy nothing else, splurge on a bracelet.  You will feel so special the next time you go out.  With accessories, the colors do not need to perfectly match your outfit, just complement it. Two-tone stretch bracelet, $35..

This is a personal favorite.  Mostly, because of the accessibility of the price. Shorts and a tee are perfect for any summer day!

Beaded Necklace top, $45.

Shorts, $49.50 

Love the mix of prints here! Medallion Print Roll-Sleeve Top

$89.50

 Colorblock Pleated Patio Dress
$160.

Market Tote, $130.. 

 Eden Rock Printed Dress
$130.

  

The Bootie

I'm talking about shoes, people!!

A good friend of mine just returned from market in New York.  Of course I grilled her about the noticeable street trends.  She reported that short boots were everywhere.  They are definitely on my list of upcoming purchases.  I just need to find the right price!

Wow! Pretty but painful.

That's better.

Brrrr! Our weather still calls for bundling up.  So, sadly these shots are still fabulous and relevant.

But as we transition to warm weather, the bootie is a great choice with dresses and skinny jeans for Spring and summer.  The look reads a bit bohemian.   However, what can take your outfit to the next level is the way you pair them.  It's cowgirl meets cocktails. Romance and rock-n'-roll. Booties can lend an edge to something more preppy and sedate.

How can you do this look on a budget? The bootie is a fun way to mix up your wardrobe.  Pair it with basics as well as items from past seasons for a fresh look.  

My Budget Pick:

Tom's Wedge Bootie

$89.

*They come in linen and chambray this spring as well.*

images from Pinterest

Spring Transition

Hello Spring!

The warm, sunny weather today has me thinking about transitional clothes (i.e. outfits or pieces that can take you from one season to another).  Here is a fun outfit that I put together with pieces from Target plus a couple of budget-friendly accessories.  Later when it is warmer the faux-wrap dress could be worn on it's own and belted.  It would also be cute with flats. The chambray blazer is a steal and would work as a more elegant alternative to the classic jean jacket.  The wedge sandals would be fun with shorts or capris as well as jeans. Both the tortoise bangle and feather pendant necklace would be stylish additions to your spring/summer looks.

Have you found any cute transitional deals? Keep me posted!

Outfit:

Dress, Mossimo for Target, $30.

Blazer, Merona for Target, $35.

Wedge Sandal, Mossimo for Target, $30.

Tortoise Bangle, BAUBLEBAR, $38.
Feather Pendant Necklace, Free People, $38.