Calypso For Target is Here!

I've been counting down until today. 

It's May 1st: the Calypso St. Barth for Target line launches!

Maybe it's the Palm Beach girl in me (ok, I technically don't live ON the Island, but certainly close enough), however I think it's the affordable accessibility to this line that I've loved for years that has me swooning. 

Have you seen any previews?

I might have been remiss about not posting about this before but it seemed all over the fashion and news sites so I didn't want to be redundant. The bright dresses and home furnishings also have been popping off the pages of so many 'zines I've been reading lately.

There's plenty of casual, fun, beachy looks to make your summer wardrobe sizzle.

And those shoes? Get 'em! I have similar ones from Nine West that I live in each summer.

White platform wedge? Yes, please.

Prices range from $1.99 to $79.99, and include dresses, swim, pillows and other home goods.

I already have my eye on a few dresses and items for my digs that for

less than $50 can give my space a totally colorful, fun feel. Love the pops of color!

Check out the collection here... and don't say I didn't warn you!

(TAGG tip: online usually has a much better selection than your store. Remember that you get free shipping on most orders over $50 at Target so you can always return to the store if you don't like!)

Target Sales Calling My Name

Giveaway update: I'm eager to announce the winner of the gorgeous wristlet by Elise Francesca. Hope you checked them out; perfect for summer! Using random.org, it's entry #4: Sara! Congrats!

You know what The Average Girl's Guide is??

It's your in-the-know best friend, baby!

And, here's a sales now at the gal-fave Tarjay that I'm telling all my friends about:

Those fierce Dolce Vita by Target wedges, the ones I've been gabbing about the past few months? Yeah, they're just $19.99 this week, $10 off! Just $20 for hot wedges that are the summer's "it" trend?

Yes, please. In black and brown. Order now, or head to your closest store. I demand it.

And, during my little trip to Tarjay today, I stumbled across this dress.

While the normal Alyson might think this is slightly too frilly I tried it on and LOVE.

TAGG honesty tip: looks way, way cuter on in person.

Adore both the ivory and the red/pink, though there's a handful of color options.

It's a steal, on sale for just $17.99 from $24.99 for this week.

And, I bought this dress for work that also transitions nicely to cocktails.

Love the bright summery color and the great detailing near the face. 

Another find at just $17.99 right now (reg. $27.99).

TAGG tip: it runs a little large, so go down a size if you're in between.

I actually love about the entire women's department right now, if we're being honest.

There's cropped jeans with zippers on the side, fantastically casual striped tees, adorable dresses, cardigans I'm desperately trying to put out of my mind... and that's just the beginning.

Giveaway Winner & Target Celebrates Five Years of Designer Collabs

GIVEAWAY UPDATE: Congrats to our winner of the Stella & Dot earrings from the fabulous stylist, Angelica Wyke. Ready? It's.... Grace from the blog, Stripes & Sequins! Thanks to all who entered; 54 entries and #9 was the winner according to random.org. Hope you saw some gorgeous looks by Stella & Dot during the giveaway. If you're going to shop with them, talk to Angelica! 

And, now... the post!

Wow, has it been five years already?! Target this weekend re-released 34 dresses from 17 designers from its GO International designer collaboration program. There's some hits and misses, but if you regretted not buying one or want a designer look-for-less, here's your chance! Most frocks range from $34-$49.

I'm adoring the looks by Thakoon, Rodarte, Tracy Feith, Proenza Schouler and Tucker. Funny that even ones a few years old totally hit this year's must-have trends. And, loving how so many looks are paired with my Dolce Vita for Target wedges. Have I clarified my everlasting obsession? (ps: if you are interested in them, Target has this week a special on shoes & handbags: buy one get one half off! Check it out here!)

Check out a few of the looks below. A few are available online (shop quickly; it's a mad dash!), and most stores have received a few. Check out the Huffington Post's slideshow to peruse all the looks.

Thakoon

Tracy Feith

Tucker

Rodarte

Proenza Schouler

Shoe love: Dolce Vita for Target

I've received a lot of love regarding the sandals I wore on my recent TV appearance. Rightfully so! Have to say these Dolce Vita for Target sandals rock my wold, and they should rock yours for Spring, too. They give great height, are comfy and are super "in" for Spring. The wedge and stacked heels are totally 70s yet modern at the same time. Best of all, they have a zipper on the back (so fun!) and look like they should cost at least three times more than they do. Love when upscale brands do it up for Tarjay! DV sandals are usually $120 and up.

Check these out, and remember, if you spend more than $50 on qualified purchases (almost everything is) on Target.com, shipping is FREE! Easy enough to find accessories, beauty/make-up, etc., a few layering tanks or even household supplies. Might as well! Enjoy these... you're going to live in them!

Dolce Vita for Target Rope Wedge Sandals, $29.99

Also available in Black, Nude, Cognac

Two other Dolce Vita for Target looks worth checking out...

Cork Wedge Sandals in Pewter, $29.99

Also available in Black, Brown, Gold and White

Silver Wedge Sandals, $24.99

Also available in gold and pewter.



Savvy Shopping: Hot Black Heels

Black heels are a serious wardrobe staple. In fact, this average gal has at least a dozen types that as I tell the hubs, are totally, 100 percent necessary. Open v. closed toes, different heel heights, gladiator, mary janes, lacey detailing, you name it. I need them all... and am hungry for more!

Enter my Fall inspiration: Michael Kors suede pumps. 

How fabulous are these? Can the back detailing with the zipper be any more glorious? Plus, the wedge is way more comfortable than a heel of this height. You'll wear this with everything, all season long... and be the hottest ticket in town. Also love these in the other shades: purple, grey and tan. ($150).


For those looking for a less expensive alternative, here's a few options:

Adore these Merona suede wedges from Target for a teeny-tiny fraction of the price ($30). Granted, there's no zipper, but that will make these last a few more seasons since they're less trendy. These also come in plum, taupe, bordeaux, brown and grey. Totally wearing these with everything, from work skirts to jeans and my new green cargo pants. Nothing is off-limits here.
TAGG TIP: Target's shoes are BOGO 1/2 off through Oct. 2. Yes, GREAT DEAL. Tempted to buy these in black and plum (or, maybe mix and match with a pair of camel brown ankle booties, or grey boots, or...)!

Can't resist the zipper?

Check out these options. First, we have a black peep-toe, zipper-detail in the front and back, cut-out platform heel with slight gladiator feel from Madden Girl from Steve Madden that's totally hot without looking totally uncomfortable. Score! And, less than $60 to boot. Adore.

Next, we go full-on bootie with this hot number from Urban Outfitters that can be added to absolutely anything: skirts, skinny jeans, a dress with belted cardigan, you name it. Instant style for just $58.

And, check out these obsession-worthy heels from Forever21. Platform, peep-toe, crazy-high heels with a back-detail zipper and contrast colors that's to-do for. And, just $27.80? Might not be the most comfortable shoes in your closet, but they'll certainly be among the hottest! I can only work so many miracles...

This is just the beginning!

The options are limitless when it comes to fashionable heels. Find a rockin' pair and live in them all year long. Look forward to seeing you out on the town! xo



Fab Find: Pre-sale on Designers for Target

Who doesn’t go crazy – sometimes counting down the days – until Target unveils the latest line from an awe-inspiring designer? Less than $40 for a Zac Posen dress? Yes, please. Well, before Target puts the latest designer duds on sale this October you have a chance to get them months in advance. Score! Gilt Groupe, an online sample sale site I mentioned in last week’s post about savvy shopping, will have a 36-hour sale starting this Friday, Aug. 20 before three major labels hit Target stores. Look for Tucker by Gaby Basora, John Derian, and Mulberry. Here's the site.

Designer lines for Target are awesome; the styles are true to their brands, are up-to-the-minute stylish (yet can last through quite a few seasons) and super affordable. I still adore my Loeffler Randal rose-colored clutch with oversized flower; Temperley by London black flowered dress and more recently, Cynthia Vincent gold studded, white leather sandals (see pic).

To register for gilt, visit gilt.com.