Love them or hate them … the ‘for Target’ lines certainly keep things interesting for anyone on a budget.

Today’s question regards your image of the perfect summer sandal. Do you love a neutral, classic design that will support a flirty summer outfit without being the focus of attention? If so, the hot-selling Miss Trish of Capri for Target are probably not for you.

On the other hand, if you love a loud, seasonal sandal that shouts out “Here I am!”, this guest-designer line at Target may be just the thing for a more adventurous shoe personality.

Understand, at the Target price-point, these are not all-leather shoes; and they tend to be on the aggressive and shiny side. Having given that warning, they are also better looking in real life than the official online stock photos would suggest. And, after finding only 6 lonely boxes left at my local Target this weekend, they are apparently finding an appreciative shopping audience and are selling out fast.

Available styles are:

Rope Wedge Sandals ($34.99):

This is, color aside, about as conservative as this line comes.  Not for the shy, these designs.

Turtle Wedge Sandals ($34.99):

… yes those are pink rhinestone turtles, thank you very much; I did say, ‘Not for the Shy’, didn’t I?

Turtle Flat Sandals ($29.99):

… these are almost conservative compared to the hot-pink wedges we just saw.

Starfish Sandals ($29.99):

… these are just screaming for a jaunt to the beach.

Gold Lion Sandals ($29.99):

… I’m not even sure what to say about these; for some reason Charles Dickens immediately springs to mind.

Bee Toe-ring Sandals ($29.99):

… I’m actually kind of digging the whole queen-bee over the top vibe on this; kitschy and corny, but fun.

Flower Toe-ring Sandals ($29.99):

… And I must admit, these cuties are also making me smile.

So, what do you think? Are these too glam-tastic for your taste? Or, are they just that crazy touch of fun needed to push you into that full-fledged summer vay-cay mood?  Target certainly got the memo that color is king this year.

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This morning’s shoe crush is brought to you courtesy of Gothic Beauty and Target.com.

Anyway, while at the family’s weekly pilgrimage to our local Borders book store,  my husband was lucky enough to trip across the only copy (likely our whole city) of the latest Gothic Beauty Magazine (Issue #27) - strangely hidden away in the automotive section of the magazine rack.

So, for those unfamiliar with this magazine, it is a fashion resource for those ‘alternatively inclined’ in their fashion sense - and, incidentally, has some amazing models and photography within it’s pages.

Among this issue’s photo articles is the ‘Dark Carnivale’; and the shoes I am loving are worn by model ‘Betty Valentine’ (in yellow corset).

Photo Courtesy of Model Mayhem website & shot by Winterwolf Studios.

Shoe Detail from alternate photos here:

I have started to see variations of this shoe here and there…and I love it. Unfortunately, since this was a model-supplied pair, there is no magazine credit for the shoe listed.

But, I have been lusting over the following shoe over at Target which is pretty darned close - and was also surprisingly comfortable when I tried on a pair locally about a month ago.

The Merona Asymmetrical Double-strap Maryjane ‘Tatiana’ in Black or Blush. (Originally $34.99, now on clearance for $24.99) 

This is one classic and sexy shoe; the blush color is a great variation on a classic neutral. I will, however, be taking mine sans fishnet - that ship, for me at least, has long sailed.

Incidentally, per article credits, the barely-glimpsed oxfords on the other models are courtesy of Pleaser USA.

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While I continue to gape and awe at the latest trendy designer shoes and bags, I’m realistic. The current economy and job market doesn’t make it very prudent to splurge on expensive accessories. Yet, I am a girl with desires. The need to shop is almost as strong as my need for air and water to live.

That’s why Target is my fashion heroine right now. Target just came to this economic-savvy shopaholic’s rescue with the Sigerson Morrison for Target limited edition footwear collection AND the Anya Hindmarch for Target handbag line. Designer chic but for cheap? What a great combo!

Both designer collections are available online NOW through December 26th (if the stock even lasts that long) and I’m quite impressed with both collections as they have a fun style to fit every girl’s tastes, especially the Sigerson Morrison shoes! Santa just dropped off a few early Christmas presents for me!

The Sigerson Morrison for Target® shoe line ranges from $29.99-39.99

I’ve seen Anya Hindmarch clutches and hobos go for upwards of $1,000. Anya Hindmarch for Target handbags start at $19.99 and go up to $49.99. At those prices, you can pick one up for the office, a second purse for the casual weekend, and a third for cocktail hour.

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This year, Converse celebrates its storied 100th anniversary. While Converse is well known for their basketball shoes, they actually didn’t start off in the basketball business.

In 1908, Converse began its origins as a shoe manufacturer making rubber soled footwear. It was only in 1917 that the world’s first performance basketball shoe, the Converse All Star, was developed. By 1921, basketball player Charles “Chuck” Taylor was hired by Converse to promote the All Star shoes. In 1923, in honor of his work, Chuck’s signature was added to the All Star patch.

Other memorable dates include:

• 1936: Basketball became an official Olympic sport. The U.S. team won the first Olympics basketball gold medal wearing Converse All Stars.
• 1939: The first NCAA championship basketball tournament was held. At the games, both team wore which shoes? Yup, that would be Converse All Stars.
• 1940s: As the US entered WWII, Converse started producing not only footwear but apparel, suits, and parkas for the troops.

Fast forwarding a few decades, 1975 marked the year that Converse added “One Star” to its lineup. The One Star shoe was a low-cut performance shoe that was originally for basketball but was soon adopted by skaters seeking a different look.

Starting this year, Target has an ongoing designer collaboration with Converse to bring Converse One Star apparel and footwear to Target.

Let’s have a look shall we? For the women:

And the men:

The footwear collection just launched with prices in the $29.99-$34.99 range. Some super cute styles like the Converse Glitter Flats ($29.99) and Converse pink flowered oxfords ($34.99) are already online at Target. As for the vintage and street apparel, fans will need to wait until Feb 3rd.

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