Los Angeles-based swimwear designer Ashley Paige has designed a line of swimsuits for Target called Bikini Love. So far, there are 8 bikini styles to choose from at Target.com, some of which feature Paige's signature crochet style and seventies-inspired prints. Reader Janna, who tipped me off to this latest Target collaboration, saw the swimsuits in person and says they have a "St. Bart's inspired look." Sounds dreamy, although I can't say I'm in the market for a bikini at the moment. Do you have love for Bikini Love?

Related Deal:
Spend $50 in Womens, Get Free Shipping on Select Items at Target.com

A little while back, I outlined my Spring Essentials Checklist for 2009, and ever since, I've been busy tracking down each item, on a budget. Starting today, I'll be presenting my finds, beginning with the ever-essential denim jacket. Wear one with white pants and a tee, a patterned skirt and tank, a tunic and black leggings, or over your favorite dress. Here are 11 of the most versatile yet on-trend jean jackets that I've found, priced from just $19.99 to $89.99. For details, just click any image in the widget below. Enjoy!

Recently I checked out the new-ish I Heart Ronson by Charlotte Ronson collection at JCPenney, and I thought it was really cute! Everything was 30% off at the time, with sale prices ranging from $9.99 to $29.99. Very affordable. The quality is on par with Target or Old Navy, perhaps a smidgen better, and the designs have a lot of potential. I think this collection has pieces that would be suitable for women of all ages, but if I had a teenage daughter, I'd want her to wear this stuff rather than Fabulosity or Abbey Dawn. Make sense? For more prices and details on what's available online, check out the widget below.

Yesterday I went to Target to buy new blinds for our office, but instead came home with a couple new goodies for my closet. So check it out: This Xhilaration flutter sleeve top was on clearance for $4.98! I'm guessing the frilly cap sleeves were a little over the top for most, but I think they look fab. Here, I've paired my top with Chip & Pepper boot cut jeans from Gilt and a Tags-n-Stones initial pendant necklace. If you're interested, the Xhilaration flutter sleeve top is available online in either black or coral for a mere $8.99.






I also picked up this Mossimo boucle jacket on sale for $14.98, down from $29.99. The quality is really quite nice in person. This jacket is very typical of something I used to wear to the office, paired with dark boot-cut jeans and classic pumps. For a more professional look, one could also layer it over a pretty blouse and wear it with nice slacks or black pencil skirt. The boucle jackets are available online in either burmese red or teal, and while they're not on sale yet at Target.com, $29.99 is still very reasonable.






Finally, the purse I'm holding is also a Target bargain - it's a Limited Edition perforated metallic handbag that I scored for $6.24 down from $24.99 - but I couldn't find it online. I swore I wouldn't cave in to the metallic bag trend but at that price I figured why not. It can also be carried as a clutch - too cute.

Got any Target deals lately?

UPDATE: Use code BUDGETBABE for 15% off any full price merchandise

Akira is a Chicago fashion phenom, and it's one of the stores I miss most now that I'm living away from home (but I always visit when I'm in town). This trend-driven boutique features a mix of high and low-end clothing, accessories, shoes, handbags and jewelry. You can find designer shades and a cheap jersey top, a LaRok mini and a Free People tee, all under one roof (well, actually I think they have 6 locations now!). Their main North avenue store is a must-visit if you're ever in Chicago, but their online store is almost as impressive. It's still relatively new and they've got some work to do, but I think that if Akira plays their cards right, they could become the next Shopbop. Here are the spoils of my online hunt at Shop Akira Chicago (http://shop.akirachicago.com/):