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Target Inner Circle at Target Media Day

I’ve mentioned a few times that I’m a part of the new Target Inner Circle program, a small team of social influencers who get to bring you (my readers) the inside scoop and exclusive access to Target! Our first experience with the program was a trip to New York City to take part in Target’s Media Day — a celebration of their 50th anniversary and an opportunity for Target to share their exciting holiday initiatives.

It was really fascinating to be part of this event because I got to hear from (and even meet some) top executives at Target as well as Neiman Marcus, and I was also rubbing shoulders with journalists from publications such as Redbook, New York Times and USA Today. I was definitely wondering at times what on EARTH I was doing there! But it was super fun.

Target Media Day

There was a lot of big news being shared yesterday — the most relevant to you is probably their new Holiday Price Match policy and Extended Return Policy. I was thrilled to hear about this because I’m such a huge procrastinator, and so many times I wait too long to return something, only to find out it is too late, and I’m stuck with it. And of course, there is nothing more frustrating than finding out that you bought something and it is available somewhere else for much cheaper, so the Holiday Price Match policy is really smart.

 

Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection

The other super cool thing we learned about yesterday is Target’s designer collaboration with Neiman Marcus for a holiday collection that is supposed to be unparalleled in the retail space. At first I thought Target and Neimans made somewhat strange bedfellows, but I suppose if you consider that Neiman Marcus is the premier department store shopping experience and Target is the premier big box store shopping experience, it sort of makes sense.

24 designers such as Alice + Olivia, Brian Atwood, Oscar de la Renta, Diane von Fursternberg, Lela Rose, Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch and Robert Rodriguez created products for the holiday collection that will be available in Target and Neiman Marcus stores starting December 1st. There will be limited quantities available, and only 5 of any one item will be allowed per purchase, so keep that in mind!

We got to see all 200 products in this holiday collection, and I have to say that some are super fabulous and some had me scratching my head, wondering who on earth would buy such a thing. But all in all, I think this collection is going to be HUGE this season.

I tried to take photos of my favorite items, but the lighting wasn’t great, and I only brought my iPhone so these are the best I could do. This is the one I snapped when they drew back the curtains for the big reveal.

Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection Unveiled

I love this holiday dress by Robert Rodriguez.

Robert Rodriguez for Target Holiday Dress

What I like even more is that when I tweeted it, he replied and said thanks!

I thought these little girls’ holiday dresses by Marchesa were super sweet, but at $99.99 and $79.99, they are pretty pricey for Target.

Marchesa for Target + Neiman Marcus Girls' Dresses

These dessert plates by Tracy Reese are probably my favorite part of the entire collection. I think they are so fun, and they’d make a fabulous gift for… just about any lady in your life! The set of 4 retails for $39.99.

Tracy Reese for Target + Neiman Marcus Dessert Plates

I don’t know exactly who would buy this bike by Alice + Olivia, but I couldn’t resist taking a photo of it. It’s just so whimsical and fun. And the luggage is to die for.

Alice + Olivia for Target + Neiman Marcus Luggage and Bike

There is so much more, but these were some of my faves.

After that, we crossed the street to a huge 50th birthday party for Target, where there were tons of VIP guests and more press and more everything.

Target at 50 Media Party

I found the media line by the back door, where they were waiting for the VIP guests to enter and observed in fascination.

As the VIPs started to enter, I realized how totally out of it I really am. I didn’t even know who these people were, but evidently the press did, as they were snapping photos with reckless abandon. I joked on Twitter that if I were cooler, I’d know who these dudes are.

Turns out, the one on the far left was Shawn White, and I’m not sure who else was with him. I do remember him from the Olympics a couple of years ago, and later on some of the ladies in our Target Inner Circle group had a chance to chat with him and snap some photos. He was really sweet.

We also saw Liz Lange and Nate Berkus, and evidently Naomi Watts was there too. I didn’t feel like navigating the crowds to get my photo taken with them, but they were very approachable and nice to those who did.

Later on we were treated to a hilarious skit to the tune of Be Our Guest, and I had a front row spot for my photo taking pleasure. It is hard to capture the hilarity of the show, but here’s my best shot.

And after that, Alicia Keys appeared to sing Happy Birthday to Target. I was hoping to hear more of her; she was fantastic.

Alicia Keys sings Happy Birthday to Target

And the night was finally complete when I got to pose with the Target dog — Bullseye! He is live indeed!

And right before we left, Amy and I grabbed a quick photo. Amy is the one of the only two Target Inner Circle bloggers I knew before this trip. It was really fun to share it with her.

Now it’s back to life… back to reality for this suburban housewife! As I said, I attended these events as a part of the Target Inner Circle social influencer program. They provided travel expenses so that I could attend this event, but all experiences and opinions expressed in this post are very much my own!!

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19 Responses

  1. Fun! And you know, I’d totally buy that bike… (depending on cost, of course. But it’s so FUN looking!)

  2. You lucky- lucky lady! This sounds fabulous!! I have been so impressed with Target lately, in fact have dedicated 2 posts to wearing only their clothing! Thanks for sharing your experience with us- it sounds fabulous!!

  3. Very fun to read your post! P.S. The photo of 7 people on the red carpet includes the Target athletes: Shaun White, Simon Dumont, Torin Yater-Wallace, Paul Rodriguez, Kevin Robinson, Ryan Dungey and Carissa Moore. [Note: I work at Target.]

  4. So exciting!
    Was just curious how the Marchesa girls’ dresses sizing were? Do you think a petite gal (5’0″) can fit into a Large? 🙂
    Thanks so much!

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