Shopping and the Gym

"Shopping is my cardio." - Carrie Bradshaw

An article in the UK's Guardian from yesterday talks about how shopping is becoming a form of exercise. So for all you shopoholics out there - there's good news!

Back up the train. I know I'm walking when I’m shopping (and I frequently do this), but I think the least exciting part is checking out the bank account after I've made my fabulous purchases. And that requires movement of my arm, of my eyeballs, and of my mouth when I gasp in horror at the big bill I've just created…

Says the article:

"'Mallercise' - power walking while window shopping - is a craze sweeping the US and catching on here. It's free, safe and, because the weather's not a problem, you can wear what you want."

I'm not exactly sure when said "craze" became popular in the good old U S of A. I mean I've always loved to shop and all, but if this were the case, why would I need the gym I detest to get up for at 6am?! Additionally, I see it says free and safe. Although these mallercisers are getting up and entering the mall before the shops actually open, I'd see something totally cute in a window and just return later on that day to buy it. Or better yet I'd wait around in the mall, probably grab something to eat, and then make my lovely purchase - Costly and Dangerous! So really, they're not doing me any favors.

Nowadays I don't go to the mall every day, despite being the obsessive shopping freak that I am. But is Britain (where one American dollar equals maybe two English pounds) trying to convince me that I should take a little daily trip and do a couple of laps before my workday? I think I'll stick to online shopping and early morning drives to my gym membership. At least there I can get my CNN fix for the day.

Little Black Shoe

You'd think a girl as obsessed with shoes as me would be able to come up with the perfect little black shoe. But I'm actually finding it impossible to find a standard black, leather heel that can withstand the toll my shoes often take, as well as the occasional rainy day. What's a girl to do?

I've come up with many-a-cute shoe. The beautiful cognac Steve Madden ruched leather boot, the red patent Enzo Angiolini wooden-heeled peep-toe, and the brown suede Studio 9 rounded toe that actually makes me a twin on some days with a co-worker. I've got black Steven flats, fabulous brown Coach flats, a pair of green Juicy flats, and even the silver Jessica Simpson. But I cannot for the life of me find the perfect black heel.

I recently bought a pair of Michael Kors shoes that were black. The heel was possibly the smallest heel I've ever worn and would definitely not make me that much taller than my shorter best friends - fantastic! But when putting them on with certain outfits, they just don't seem to work. I need the classic black pump back in my life that will work no matter what I put on; a shoe that I can call good old faithful and count on in a bind. It seems that the characteristics of my sought-after little black shoe are what I'd say I need in a best friend.

I also just bought a pair of black patent Steven pumps that are oh-so-cute (yes, I realize this shoe fetish and constant purchasing is a disease - Hi, I'm Amanda and I'm a shopoholic), but they aren't the perfect black, leather pump. Where can I find this necessary part of my everyday wardrobe? He must be out there somewhere…

Photo: Christian Louboutin Black Leather Pumps

Oh Bubbles...

I love fashion. It's my absolute favorite thing. New shoes, new bag, new anything really. I like to match, but only to an extent. We can't be too matchy matchy now. But sometimes it's hard to find certain items because of my shape. My Puerto Rican figure has a way of interrupting my dreams of the perfect pair of Citizens or Sevens. Regardless, I love to dive into the latest fashion and take some risks (though my Banana Republic and J. Crew conservative part of my closet might disagree).

This brings me to the bubble dress. Though it is something that's been around for a while and seems to be prevalent in most hemlines I come across for skirts and dresses, I can't really say I like it.

I first experienced the bubble hemline when I was in Spain two years ago. I was in Zara (my second favorite store to get some cute stuff - the first has to go to Salvador Bachiller). When my friend came to visit we both tried this skirt on and though she was in love with it, I could not say the same for me. I felt like a cupcake. It was like something was just scooping me up.

I've since tried on many-a-dress like this. I have a few weddings to go to this season and was recently in Macy's, trying on this cute champagne Calvin Klein. I was in love with the color and the look - it was strapless with a sweetheart neckline. How cute! But then I put it on and the bubble hemline really just ruined it for me. I looked absolutely ridiculous, which was definitely confirmed by my mother's incessant laughter.

For now (and the past two year) the bubble dress isn't for me. However, maybe one day I'll like it. It's happened before, specifically with UGGs (which I actually like more for the warmth and comfort than the look). But by that time, who knows what will be popular? The fact is that I feel pretty comfortable in my taste and style and that's what's simply fabulous.