I love San Francisco.

Back to school...

I know I'm not alone when I say that one of the best things about being a youngster was being taken back to school shopping at the end of summer. I used to count down the days to where my mother would tell me to start looking at my Delia*s catalog for ideas of what I needed(wanted) to wear for the new school year. It's probably safe to say that we always went a wee bit overboard(understatement of the century). Remember the year that Clueless hit theaters? Well, I was the girl decked out in the knee high socks, plaid skirt, and a clear mini-backpack. Yes. My mother shaped me to be the shopaholic that I am today. Thanks mom.

Since everyone needs a little joy in their life, I have decided to treat myself to my own "back to school" shopping spree. I figure, hey...if it makes me happy and stimulates the economy during these bad times, I might as well. Who am I kidding, I just want some new clothes so I can be voted "Best Dressed" at work.

Here are some items that I have my eye on...donations are welcome. :]

Theory Creative "Casey" Plaid Shirt Dress-$335

theory.com

BCBG Multistrand Bow Pendant Necklace-$78

bcbg.com

Rock Revival-Patti Dark Pant Splatter Bootcut-$149

metroparkusa.com

Nanette Lepore "Colette" Wool Plaid Jacket-$498

nanettelepore.com

Steven by Steve Madden "Bevan" Pump-$168

stevemadden.com

Nanette Lepore "Alexandria" Striped Linen Jacket-$395

nanettelepore.com

Silence of the L.A.M.B.

I am surprised to find out that most "normal folk" only know Gwen Stefani (aka "that girl in that band"), from her years carrying the pop/ska band know asNo Doubt. I am more surprised that they are completely unaware of her 2 extremely deliciously dancey solo albums. And no--dancey is not a word--but it fits here. So, shush.

Her solo singing style has inspired many other artists, who are in the process of biting off her sensuous signature vibrato whine, but I won't mention any names(click me), but it might be a little harder to capture the same funkiness that her L.A.M.B. line encompasses. With a kickin' collection of clothing, handbags, shoes, accessories, and fragrances, Gwen Stefani has definitely won the hearts of the aspiring stylistas world 'round. Some of her designs are a little out there, but that's why I LOVE her. She pushes the limits with what is traditionally accepted in the westward fashion world by incorporating Japanese influences she picked up while recording her debut album, appropriately titled, Love. Angel. Music. Baby. Some of Gwen's items may be a little out of the everyday girl's price range, so Gwen has also released a more affordable, highly sought after line, Harajuku Girls. Gotta love me some Gwen Stefani. *sigh* So much Gwen...and so little time.

celeBRITy

Come on now. We HAVE to start learning to give celebrities a little more credit. They take risks...on their career choices, wardrobes, and marriages, while MOST of us tend to "play it safe". It's certainly easy for us to act "holy than thou" when our little starlettes don't match up to what we had hoped them to be. I have one particular celebrity in mind as I write this post... Miss Britney Spears. I can feel the eyes rolling--and those of you who know me personally saw it coming, but seriously...give the girl a break. She may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but her music will get the stuffiest of club-hoppers to leave their VIP lounge and drop it like it's hot on the dance floor. So here's to you, Brit. Marry me?