You could say I have some experience shopping at Target. You could also say that I'm a Target Style addict. Don't believe me? I have the RedCard statements to prove it! Ah, how Target has evolved over the decades. Long gone are the days when we would be teased by our classmates for buying our school clothes at Target. This was the '80s, after all. Not so long gone are memories of my cringe-worthy sartorial choices from the '80s. Fortunately, there aren't social media photos to prove it.
Fast forward to today. I actually feel old when I think of how long I've been shopping at Target. No wonder it's one of my favorite places to shop. I practically grew up there. Over the years, I've walked hundreds of miles patrolling the aisles at Target for everything from pretty pink lip gloss to perfectly faded boyfriend jeans and almost everything in between. While their fresh grocery department also takes up a significant amount of my shopping time, I derive much more enjoyment from their apparel and accessories departments. Ever since they began their designer capsule collections circa 2005, I've viewed Target as an industry leader and an enjoyable, dare I say cool place to shop. I've learned from experience how to spot the most stylish Target Style arrivals, when to shop at Target, and what to buy for a chic wardrobe. Keep reading for my eight shopping tips.
1. Know where to shop. Not all Target stores are created equal. I have several stores in which I shop regularly, and one in particular is messy (ahem, shoe department!) and poorly managed. This store tends to be understaffed, disorganized, and harder to shop than other ones in my area. I avoid this one on weekends and holidays. My advice is to find the best stores by shopping at them and comparing the service, inventory levels, and cleanliness.
2. It's Totally About Timing. I've noticed that new arrivals tend to hit the Women's apparel department on Sundays and Mondays. Not only is the store less crowded first thing in the morning (unless Lilly or Missoni madness are taking place), but the store is cleaner and more organized at this time. Interestingly, capsule collections launch on Sundays, and I've had good luck over the years if I shop bright and early when the store opens at 8 am. Shopping early in the week (and often throughout the month) yields the best results. If you're not a morning person or can't get to Target in the morning, then between 8 pm and closing is another time frame when I prefer to shop (there tend to be fewer young children and less post-work traffic).
3. Do a Different Department. I've been known to roam into the Girls', Boys', and Men's departments in search of printed tees, floral jumpsuits, and sporty pullovers. Don't be afraid to venture into these areas, especially if you are petite like me and can fit into Girls' sizes (just steer clear of sparkles, hot pink, and juvenile graphics). My all-time favorite floral peplum blouse is actually a Girl's size L (10-12). I'll never stick it in the dryer, though.
4. Look for Labels that Work for You. I like Xhilaration in the Juniors' department for printed blouses, embellished rompers, and floral shift dresses, while Mossimo Supply Co. is good for casual basics tees and leggings. For activewear, C9 by Champion makes durable sports bras with fun details and matching moisture wicking leggings. In the Women's department, Mossimo is my go-to for casual pieces like skinny jeans with a nod towards trends. Merona tends to be more classic and preppy, while the new Who What Wear collection (see my review) is my top pick for polished, professional clothing. Ava + Viv (Target's plus label), features bold, colorful prints. Knox Rose is on my radar for their flowy peasant tops and diaphanous blouses. The new dv by Dolce Vita footwear collection is a stylish option for embellished sandals, while Sam & Libby's bow ballet flats are everything. If you're more of an online shopper, Target has a much wider selection of apparel brands and merchandise online than in stores.
5. Scan to Save. I regularly shop the sale department to see what's been marked down. The Xhilaration line seems to get marked down the fastest (within a few weeks) because there's a high turnover in the Juniors' ready-to-wear department. Another thing I've learned? While a certain item may be full price at one Target store, it could be on sale at another. Or it could be 30% off at one store and 50% off at another. This is why it's best to regularly shop at more than one store if you can. Also, don't forget to use Target's Cartwheel app and coupons for additional promotions and discounts. I never leave Target checkout without using Cartwheel.
6. Find the Fitting Room. While Target has a generous return policy, I almost always regret not trying on certain things like skinny jeans, rompers, and shorts. You don't know how it's going to fit and feel until you try it on. It may take more time, but it could save you time in the long run if you have to return or exchange it in the future.
7. Realize the RedCard's Benefits. I don't want to be in debt or pay high interest rates, so I'm not a fan of credit cards, with the exception of Target's RedCard. With their RedCard credit card, you get free shipping, a 5% discount, and an extra 30 days to return merchandise. This can be smart if you're paying your balance each month. Or you can opt for the same benefits and no bills with their RedCard debit card.
8. Shop Strategically. Due to the large size of Target stores and the sheer volume of merchandise, it's hard to get in and out in a flash. I tend to hit the apparel, accessories, and shoes first, since they are the most interesting and enjoyable for me. The I'll go to the office supplies, electronics, beauty, household goods, etc. If I know I'll be buying produce and groceries on that trip, I'll shop that area last so my items stay cold. (I'll also bring extra reusable bags so I can keep my food and fashion items separate).
Got any tips you'd like to share? Tweet me @thekeytochic and keep up with my shopping adventures on Snapchat @thekeytochic.
Shop Who What Wear:
Shop Target Style:
Fast forward to today. I actually feel old when I think of how long I've been shopping at Target. No wonder it's one of my favorite places to shop. I practically grew up there. Over the years, I've walked hundreds of miles patrolling the aisles at Target for everything from pretty pink lip gloss to perfectly faded boyfriend jeans and almost everything in between. While their fresh grocery department also takes up a significant amount of my shopping time, I derive much more enjoyment from their apparel and accessories departments. Ever since they began their designer capsule collections circa 2005, I've viewed Target as an industry leader and an enjoyable, dare I say cool place to shop. I've learned from experience how to spot the most stylish Target Style arrivals, when to shop at Target, and what to buy for a chic wardrobe. Keep reading for my eight shopping tips.
1. Know where to shop. Not all Target stores are created equal. I have several stores in which I shop regularly, and one in particular is messy (ahem, shoe department!) and poorly managed. This store tends to be understaffed, disorganized, and harder to shop than other ones in my area. I avoid this one on weekends and holidays. My advice is to find the best stores by shopping at them and comparing the service, inventory levels, and cleanliness.
2. It's Totally About Timing. I've noticed that new arrivals tend to hit the Women's apparel department on Sundays and Mondays. Not only is the store less crowded first thing in the morning (unless Lilly or Missoni madness are taking place), but the store is cleaner and more organized at this time. Interestingly, capsule collections launch on Sundays, and I've had good luck over the years if I shop bright and early when the store opens at 8 am. Shopping early in the week (and often throughout the month) yields the best results. If you're not a morning person or can't get to Target in the morning, then between 8 pm and closing is another time frame when I prefer to shop (there tend to be fewer young children and less post-work traffic).
3. Do a Different Department. I've been known to roam into the Girls', Boys', and Men's departments in search of printed tees, floral jumpsuits, and sporty pullovers. Don't be afraid to venture into these areas, especially if you are petite like me and can fit into Girls' sizes (just steer clear of sparkles, hot pink, and juvenile graphics). My all-time favorite floral peplum blouse is actually a Girl's size L (10-12). I'll never stick it in the dryer, though.
4. Look for Labels that Work for You. I like Xhilaration in the Juniors' department for printed blouses, embellished rompers, and floral shift dresses, while Mossimo Supply Co. is good for casual basics tees and leggings. For activewear, C9 by Champion makes durable sports bras with fun details and matching moisture wicking leggings. In the Women's department, Mossimo is my go-to for casual pieces like skinny jeans with a nod towards trends. Merona tends to be more classic and preppy, while the new Who What Wear collection (see my review) is my top pick for polished, professional clothing. Ava + Viv (Target's plus label), features bold, colorful prints. Knox Rose is on my radar for their flowy peasant tops and diaphanous blouses. The new dv by Dolce Vita footwear collection is a stylish option for embellished sandals, while Sam & Libby's bow ballet flats are everything. If you're more of an online shopper, Target has a much wider selection of apparel brands and merchandise online than in stores.
5. Scan to Save. I regularly shop the sale department to see what's been marked down. The Xhilaration line seems to get marked down the fastest (within a few weeks) because there's a high turnover in the Juniors' ready-to-wear department. Another thing I've learned? While a certain item may be full price at one Target store, it could be on sale at another. Or it could be 30% off at one store and 50% off at another. This is why it's best to regularly shop at more than one store if you can. Also, don't forget to use Target's Cartwheel app and coupons for additional promotions and discounts. I never leave Target checkout without using Cartwheel.
6. Find the Fitting Room. While Target has a generous return policy, I almost always regret not trying on certain things like skinny jeans, rompers, and shorts. You don't know how it's going to fit and feel until you try it on. It may take more time, but it could save you time in the long run if you have to return or exchange it in the future.
7. Realize the RedCard's Benefits. I don't want to be in debt or pay high interest rates, so I'm not a fan of credit cards, with the exception of Target's RedCard. With their RedCard credit card, you get free shipping, a 5% discount, and an extra 30 days to return merchandise. This can be smart if you're paying your balance each month. Or you can opt for the same benefits and no bills with their RedCard debit card.
8. Shop Strategically. Due to the large size of Target stores and the sheer volume of merchandise, it's hard to get in and out in a flash. I tend to hit the apparel, accessories, and shoes first, since they are the most interesting and enjoyable for me. The I'll go to the office supplies, electronics, beauty, household goods, etc. If I know I'll be buying produce and groceries on that trip, I'll shop that area last so my items stay cold. (I'll also bring extra reusable bags so I can keep my food and fashion items separate).
Got any tips you'd like to share? Tweet me @thekeytochic and keep up with my shopping adventures on Snapchat @thekeytochic.
Shop Who What Wear:
Shop Target Style:
