Retail Therapy

I admit to some recent retail therapy. My summer wardrobe has taken a leap forward over the past week and I'm really excited about that. Frankly, in a world where torture, financial ruin and Craig's list killers dominate the media...buying something pretty that makes me feel good seems like a pretty easy remedy.

So, here I share some of my finds. And an admonishment to go out for a refreshing manicure/pedicure like I did on Friday. I'm wearing sandals today for the first time this season and love the feel of my cute little pink toes peeking out from my pants. Even though I work in the middle of the Isle of Road Construction, Dust and Gridlock, there's no reason to not feel like I'm on the Isle of Capri!

I broke down and got the hot sandal of the season..a gladiator. For those of you who think Frey only does cowboy boots - check them out. They have a very modern, leather-y look with a variety of shoe styles that is very now and very comfortable. I had tried on some Tory Burch sandals that I was obsessed over and quite frankly - they hurt my feel like crazy. Good way to end said obsession. And on top of it - I think the Frye sandals have a more modern edge than the Tory Burch did. I LOVE Tory Burch shoes and have lived in her Reva ballet flats for a couple of years. But sometimes a middle-aged woman needs something besides the shoe that every other middle-aged woman is wearing.

These were at the same shoe store as Tory (Pumpz in the Galleria - a shout out to the best shoe store in Minneapolis!) and I tried them on and immediately fell in love. Seriously - fell in LOVE! And you shoe queens out there can attest to how real that is. For $150, I'll live in them this summer. Note - I bought them a half a size larger that what I usually wear. Good girlfriend David (GGD) noticed I was coming off the back and will be delighted I'm mentioning this here as it was a point a great discussion! If you haven't, check out the Calvin Klein label in women's sizes. In the Twin Cities, Bloomingdale's at the MOA has what I think is the best collection. Calvin Klein has a new owner and they are doing a very up to date line that is not only colorful and cut very nicely, but is priced to sell. There are a series of incredible dresses that are running in the $120-$150 range and I want them all. What I've settled on is this sleeveless black a-line dress with some stretch and (fun) pockets! (Note - wouldn't it be nice to be able to see the same dress on-line on a larger model for a more realistic view of how it may look on? I have the same dress but it's cut is a little longer than what is shown..partially because I'm shorter and partially because my guess is that it's cut differently in a plus size.) Regardless, it will be great with sandals for work or a dressier heel for evening. I also took home a white linen skirt with very large box pleats. It has more of an a-line shape and felt really great on. I will wear it with a belted cardigan and sandals for a crisp but comfortable look (very Michelle Obama).

I went on-line to B&Lu where I ordered the Alma dress I noted in an earlier post, which will be a great night out dress for this summer. I got the last turquoise they had in stock so I feel very lucky!! I also ordered the Agatha dress pictured here. For the price ($41!) it looks to have some fun retro-style and wear ability. I am REALLY into dresses these days and feel both very put together but also kind of sexy and sassy when I'm wearing them. A little cleavage never hurt anyone.

So I'm loving the new items and feel so great when I'm in something I adore and that I know looks great on me. I shopped, lunched and spa'ed Friday with GGD which was a great time on many levels. He's a really great stylist for me to have along as he has me trying things on that I normally wouldn't. Of note, he had me purchase a beautiful silk and linen Eileen Fisher scarf ("think of it like a necklace") and a silk tunic by Jones New York. I feel like a new woman for a new season!

Happy shopping everyone.