it’s official - the much-anticipated bargain lines from anya hindmarch and sigerson morrison have finally hit target.com, and should make it into stores by monday.  and not a moment too soon…i think we could all use a cheap thrill this week, don’t you agree?

it’s no secret these are two of my favorite designers - both have the unique ability to make styles that are youthful but still sophisticated.  and both have done a fantastic job for target.  the hindmarch line is my absolute favorite - possibly my favorite target designer collaboration yet.  i can’t wait to see these in person, and am crossing my fingers they work as well in real life as they do in pictures. 

the sigerson morrison collection has a lot more misses mixed in with the hits, but i still think it has potential, and i’m anxious to check out these wares.  i’ll definitely be splurging on those silver flats (this color is available online only, god knows why), as i can never seem to keep metallic flats looking new for very long, so i’m happy to scrimp in that department.  and if you’re just aching to rock the bootie trend this fall, despite my advice to the contrary, at least you can do it for under $50 here…just please, steer clear of the bedazzled versions.  if you simply can’t resist the sparkle, i suppose these gold peeptoe pumps could work for a holiday look, or add a heavy dose of ’80s irony to a casual ensemble.

so, tell me - what piece(s) will you be picking up from these new collections?

if you’re looking for a few pieces to up the ante on your fall wardrobe, the answer is simple:  head to brooklyn.  i honestly can’t remember where i first came across brooklyn industries, but lately, it’s become my favorite stop for hip, trendy digs that don’t break the bank - nearly every piece is under $100.

this fab peacoat jacket ($88) is actually a fleece - and comes with a detachable hood.  trust me - this is a piece that’s going to be in constant rotation in my closet this fall.  they also make a wool version, but i actually prefer the way this one drapes, and it’s $90 cheaper, so this one is an easy choice. 

speaking of easy, this gorgeous printed silk swing top ($98) is an ideal transition piece for those of you that aren’t ready to give up those figure-hiding styles just yet.  it’s a bit more tailored than a babydoll, and the silk fabric and mod graphics make it a very on-trend take on a style my tummy is having a hard time bidding farewell.

i’m also loving this berry-hued tailored blazer, which is a perfect go-to piece for fall’s trends.  the contrast trim makes this piece look much more expensive than its $128 pricetag, and the styling will be perfect for everything from work to weekend.

unlike my esteemed colleague, jessie, i’m not entirely sure about the plaid trend this fall.  however, i think i’m going to buy into it just enough to pick up this fun buffalo check scarf ($48). with that bright violet hue and trendy checkerboard styling, it will be the perfect perk-me-up for fall.

and lately, i never miss if i head to brooklyn for my basics.  they add seriously thoughtful details, like ruching at the neckline, and a just-right v-neck, to their basic tees - and they’re marked down to $10 (or the long-sleeved version, marked down to $29).  and even at full price, the sailor-inspired denim trousers are a perfect choice that’s still half the price of your fave designer denim.  they have a great, laid-back chic that i just love.

if you’re ready for a shopping detour to brooklyn, consider signing up for their e-newsletter.  discount codes roll in pretty frequently (including $5 off your first order for signing up), and you’ll get first dibs on sale items.  as with all of my favorite bargain sources, markdown season at brooklyn industries is a beautiful thing.

i think the loeffler randall love is pretty well undisputed here at shoppingsmycardio.  so when i spied these darling purple flats that have all of the stylish chic of a loeffler classic without the pricetag, i had to share(check out one of many loeffer randall ruffles here). 

leave it to topshop to come up with a version that isn’t a copy, but definitely gives you the look for less.  they’re a fantastic pop of color for any ensemble (though also available in basic black, if you’re feeling a distinct lack of creativity).

pick them up at topshop for roughly $50, depending on the conversion rate.  use them to dress up shorts now, and for the perfect pop of color beneath jeans or black tights this fall.  at that price, grab them in both colors, and make all of your friends think you have cash to burn.

now there’s a title i never thought i’d write.  true, at $247, it’s not exactly a deal in the truest sense of the word…but this oh-so-classic calfskin slingback from manolo blahnik is marked down 50%, and available in all sorts of sizes (and two colors)…and that’s just something you don’t see every day.  so, i’m calling it a deal-slash-worthy investment…i think it’s the best of both worlds.

you may have to call the store to order, but nab it now…before everyone else discovers all of the fab finds over at footcandy’s pre-fall sale.

first things first, don’t forget to enter this week’s fabulous giveaway, sponsored by your conscience!  seriously, people…free stuff!  when do we not love free stuff??  plus, it’s a good opportunity to introduce youself…internet anonymity is so last season!

the latest designer collection arrived at target.com this morning, and you’re in luck…it’s not terrible!  the new line from botkier actually appears to have some hits…naturally, mixed in with the predictably bad misses.  this collection is actually the closest any have come to echoing the deisgner’s full-priced wares, in my opinion…with gryson’s target collection running a close second.

i’m surprisingly very tempted to pick up the fuschia hobo above - i’m thinking it will be the perfect pop of color during the rainy weather ahead this winter (because, face it - these babies aren’t leather).  it reminds me strikingly of the isis hobo from botkier’s spring line that i came dangerously close to buying several times…but if i buy this one, i won’t feel bad about tiring of the color in 3 months.

that grey python satchel above is one i’m optimistic about, but would have to see in person.  the styling is right in like with botkier’s classic bianca satchel, with a little bit of their nomad collection thrown in for good measure.  i actually love the styling, and do like that they’ve gone for simulated exotics, rather than the predictable patent everyone heads for when using faux leather.  the exotic embossing could be a great trick to disguise the vinyl.  i just worry it’s going to look a little too urban outfitters for my taste.  but seeing is believing.

i’m a little more skeptical of the less-structured bags.  for one thing, botkier just isn’t as familiar with the style - they’re known for structure.  and for another, the thing that saves non-structured bags is the way the leather drapes and puddles…and these just aren’t going to have that quality.  but i like the distressed color of the silver, and again, i think it was an interesting way to disguize vinyl.  so, i’ll be really interested to see if that silver hobo above is fug or fab, but i have much higher hopes for it than for the gold hobo, which i think is just a little too gold, and the bronze tote, which just looks all wrong somehow - like a cheap diaper bag gone awry.  but i do think the white clutch above (also available in that fantastic fuschia color) is a safe bet - the stud detailing just screams botkier, and this one is much more in line with the designer’s signature styles.  i just wish more of the target designers would stop trying to get overly creative with these collections…there’s a reason it’s a signature design, people!

as you all trickle in to target over the next few days, i’d love to hear some more reviews!

we’re long overdue for a cheap thrill, don’t you think?

quick fashion confession: i hate shorts. sure, i have a couple of pairs lying around. but i just never love the way they fit. so, in the summer, it’s skirts and dresses all the time. if nothing else, it’s a good reminder to be more ladylike…nothing reminds you to cross your ankles and bend at the knees

i find myself checking out the selection at skirt spot periodically, and wanting them to get just a bit more fashion-forward, because the style options are endless and the prices are fantastic. looks like they’ve finally granted my wish! i absolutely love this two-tone pleated skirt, and it’s definitely a cheap thrill at $44.

alone, i realize it’s as preppy as it gets, but bear with me. throw on a colored tank and a contrasting menswear vest, add a cute little sandal, and you’ve got a darling summer-friendly look.

just remember: this is one of those ensembles that gets its chic by mixing things up - keep it anything but matchy-matchy, and you’re set!

i am having oh so much fun with the “new and improved” old navy. these lovely t-strap sandals bear a striking resemblance to a pair i’ve been coveting for at least two years now, but at literally 1/20 the price. not bad for a day’s browsing…

i nabbed the white, in the vain hope that my pasty pale skin will be a little bit more tan in months to come. but i’m sort of in love with this fabulous bright green color too. at $19 each, i probably should have just bought both, but i decided to tack these on instead (in yellow…divine!). again, not as cute as the original, but for $14, i’ll take it.

ooh, and use code STUFFSAVE for 20% off your old navy purchase through 4/24.

why am i always disqualified from winning the very best giveaways?? okay, so normally you might think i’m a little biased, but seriously, the loot to be scored via the daily obsession’s giveaway in honor of their two-year anniversary is pretty freaking amazing. i counted 89 products, including everything from beauty and fragrance, to handbags, clothes and underpinnings. total value is right around $3,200. happy birthday indeed!

to enter, just leave a comment about how fabulous this giveaway is, which shouldn’t be hard. you can see all of the details here. good luck!!

wow, lots of bags this week - it’s just that time of year, when self-control becomes a major problem.

but i did want to share that the first piece of gryson’s collection for target is finally available online. i love this handheld satchel with an optional messenger strap - gryson has done a lovely job of making this piece look much more elegant than many of the other designer collections target has managed. and i love that they’ve bothered to incorporate their signature woven style in this bag, so that it actually does remind us of the designer.

only the black satchel is available right now, but if you love it, i’d grab it now. otherwise, preview the full line here, and keep your eye on target’s website, as they generally release designer collections online a few days before they hit stores.

how exciting! it’s been so long since old navy had something i was really happy to see, but these canvas lovelies more than make up for it. i’m buying them now & hoarding them until spring, when i’ll wear them with khaki shorts, jeans, skirts…all sorts of great options. they’re a great way to add a little fun to a neutral outfit, without going all-out crazy with color. and they’re only $19! several patterns to choose from, but the one above is by far my fave (though i also love the pink and blue batik-inspired print).

snag them quick - old navy’s always a risky gamble between waiting until they go on sale, or watching them sell out before your very eyes.