While the past few collections from Target’s GO International/Designer Collective have been hit or miss (Proenza Schouler and Alexander McQueen were fab, Libertine and Thakoon were underwhelming.), the latest team-up with luxury brand Calypso St. Barth has Target gaining some serious redeemable points.

Calypso St. Barth is a high-end French resort brand whose approach to bohemian-chic style can be seen in everything from clothing to fragrances. In the official press release, Stefanie DiRienzo Smith, the President of the lifestyle brand explains: “Partnering with Target has been an incredible experience built on collaboration and an appreciation for great design. We’re excited to bring the collection to Target’s guests, offering a wider audience the opportunity to experience the Calypso St. Barth lifestyle.”

Elissa Miller, the company’s VP of Design, utilizes a heavy Indian color palate of saturated colors and patterns that make Calypso St. Barth unique. This translates well to the exclusive Target line with crisp linen and beaded silk shift and maxi dresses, crocheted bikinis, rompers and housewares.

Some of my favorite pieces include the Dip-Dyed Tiered Maxi Skirt ($34.99) that easily doubles as a dress. Paired with the Linen Espadrilles ($29.99), also from the collection, and you have a chic, versatile outfit you can wear on a day to the beach or a brunch with your friends. Accessorize with the Long Necklace with Elephant Pendant (19.99) and one of the Jute or Straw Totes, and you’ve got a full outfit for under $120! I noticed that there are plus, petite and girl sizes for this collection, too, so everyone has an opportunity to express the joie de vivre that the Calypso St. Barth brand emulates.

The Calypso Home collection really caught my eye, offering full dinner plate sets, three-wick candles and votive holders and tumblers. Oranges, blues, greens and pinks are prominent and very classic. The Tumbler Set ($29.99) is beautiful, as are the turquoise salad bowl, serving plate and greenish-blue high and low ball glasses – perfect for entertaining guests and as daily cups because they are very sturdy. A really cute thing to use for your morning tea or coffee is the glazed stoneware elephant teapot. At $12.99, not only is it affordable but it doubles as a sweet decoration in the kitchen.  

What I like best about this collection is the wide range Calypso St. Barth covers. Unlike the GO International brands – which focus mainly on clothing – this collection offers a little bit of everything, even intimates and sleepwear and baby clothing.

The lookbook has been making its way around the fashion blogs since April, and already has a lot of fashionistas patiently waiting for the release. The line debuted at Target May 1 and will be in stores until Aug. 15. I was online at midnight May 1 to purchase a few key items, including an adorable weekender travel bag with wooden handles ($29.99). By the time 11 a.m. rolled around on Sunday morning, a lot of things were out of stock!

One thing about these collaborations: Some things are better seen in person before purchase. I am eyeing a pink romper with delicate lace scoopneck detail ($22.99) that looks beautiful online, but I need to make sure the lightweight fabric construction does not translate to “sheer”/wear with a camisole type deal. To me that would not be worth it, if I have to layer my sleepwear.  

Thanks to technology, Target offers the Find at a Store option so you can see what your local and surrounding store has in stock. I will be visiting my local Target later this week to investigate.

So if you’re looking for another reason to shop but not break the bank, go and check out the collection. Most, if not all, of the products are really strongly made and will be classics in your closet, kitchen and dorm rooms.



For more information, visit target.com.