This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Express for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Beach season is upon us, a fact that might fill you with mixed feelings of joy and dread - the joy that comes from sun, sand and surf, the dread that comes from shopping for a bathing suit! Luckily, Express takes the fear out of swimsuit shopping with their amazing selection of women's swimwear - new for spring!



I'm loving their fun prints, bright colors and glam embellishments. I'm partial to swimsuits that don't take themselves too seriously - something that will make me smile and accentuate my best features - like this neon ruffled bandeau top or this graphic string bikini top and bottom (shown above).



Another tip I use to get psyched for swim season? Think accessories! Sandals, tote bags, sunglasses, hats and sexy sarongs all make going to the beach a fashion adventure you'll want to dive into, and naturally, Express has you covered with all the essentials at totally affordable prices.

What's more: Sign up for Express e-mail for a chance to win one of ten $200 Express gift cards! The sweepstakes ends 4/21/10 at 11:59pm, EST. Read the official sweepstakes rules.

This budget babe is now a beach babe! xoBB

I've been invited to a casual Spring wedding, and need a cute new dress with accessories to wear. Any suggestions? —Katie

Casual or not, a wedding is still a primo opportunity to get dolled up. May I suggest something from the newly launched Matthew Williamson for IMPULSE collection, exclusively at Macy's?

This day dress is casual yet the color is so striking ($69). Pair it with some platform sandals, as they've done for the catalog, and some striking jewelry like drop-stone earrings or a chunky bangle:

More Matthew Williamson...

More options:

Matthew Williamson Macys Dress

J. Crew's polka-dot "Drew" swimsuit is $80 at Net-A-Porter. A reasonable price for an adorable swimsuit with a chic retro vibe.

More J.Crew...

Need another option? This polka-dot print bandeau (with removable straps) by Merona is just $34.99 at Target.



Another fabulous option is Boden's polka-dot swimsuit, which comes in 4 colors for $68. I love the '50s pinup feel of this suit, sweet and sexy at the same time. Click any image for more details.

The Wedding Shop is back by popular demand TODAY on Gilt.com! Shop for dresses, shoes, accessories, jewelry and gifts from HUGE brands like Vera Wang, Alberta Ferretti, Dolce & Gabbana and Reem Acra, plus Judith Leiber bags and fine jewelry by brands like Tara Pearls. There's even stuff for the gents, with brands like Versace and Calvin Klein.

In addition, Gilt will be running a sweepstakes during the event from April 13th-20th promoting a chance to win a Marchesa bridal dress together with a custom fitting at their NYC location! You know I'm there.

WHEN:
The Wedding Shop will launch at 12pm ET on April 14th, 2011 through 4/17 at 11:59pm ET.

WHERE:
Where else but Gilt.com

If you loved yesterday's look at the Calypso St. Barth for Target women's collection, you're going to swoon over the assortment of home furnishings, too! The affordable home collection includes toss pillows, serving pieces, dinnerware and glassware in beach-inspired shades and patterns.

My biggest dilemma will be choosing between the gold and silver poufs as I plan on buying two for my living room. J'adore! I may not vacation in the French West Indies, but dammit, I'll be there in spirit with my Calypso St. Barth for Tar-jay.

Ranging in price from $1.99 - $79.99, the Calypso St. Barth for Target collection is available May 1 through April 11 at all Target stores. Select items, including dresses in petite and plus sizes, will be available at Target.com through August 15.

What's everyone getting?