Back from Las Vegas...the rehearsal dinner and wedding were gorgeous, and it was great to visit with old friends. Saw the Beatles 'Love' Cirque d' Soleil show and 'Jersey Boys.' Highly recommend both!! Before I comment on LV shopping, I have a public service alert for sure, so you too don't have to live your worst nightmare.

Girlfriend to girlfriend, I feel it my duty to warn you about THE dress. Shutter pleats are the latest thing, so feminine, and surprisingly slimming. This is a great new look, and not terribly expensive, so you might be tempted to buy one.

The nightmare is that they are in every department store: Tadashi makes it, as well Adriana Papelle and various other designers. We saw it in Bloomingdales, Macy's, Dillards, etc etc. It came in moss green, light green, gold, khaki, eggplant, a shimmery gun metal grey, black and raspberry.

How would you feel if someone had on your same dress at a nice wedding? Then think about how you would feel if there were FOUR of them! Yes, there were...not two, not three, but FOUR ladies wearing it at the Las Vegas wedding I attended this weekend. The fourth lady would not get in my picture!! She was so horrified, she avoided each of her twins, which was hard to do when there are four on one dance floor!!

The rest of the weekend, at the hotels throughout Las Vegas, we saw 'the dress' over and over, even in a long length for bridesmaids.

So, be warned, if you don't want to see yourself coming and going, avoid this dress at all costs!!!

I suspect you might be able to buy a gently worn one (one of the three in the picture) for a good price on eBay soon!!

I once wore the same dress as a coworker/friend to another coworker/friend's wedding. I lived through it....it's awkward though, no? Has this ever happened to you?

Do tell.....

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It's been a long time coming. You've seen the ads, now you've got the stores.

Kohl's has been bombarding the airwaves with its tempting TV advertisements long before they opened the first SoFla store in Boynton Beach earlier this year. (The reason? Stores often make regional media buys and the coverage area may overlap where there are no stores.)

On Oct. 1, the chain is opening six more stores in our circulation area -- Coconut Creek, Hialeah, Hollywood, Homestead, Kendall and MIramar. For locations. see www.kohls.com/southflorida. Check out the earlybird specials 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 1.

You can try to win the $1,000 Kohl's gift card by visiting any Kohl's from Oct. 1-Oct.11.

Also, Kohl's is selling a wide variety of KitchenAid Cook for the Cure products in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. For example, if you buy this Stand Mixer ($359.99), KitchenAid will donate $50 to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. For oither products, KitchenAid will donate 10 percent from the purchase of this product to the foundation.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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Go to your closet. Do you have clothing that you haven't worn in a year? Give away all those things that don't fit or no longer ring your chimes and feel really good about it. Not only can you help someone else, you can also help your wardrobe.

Stein Mart is sponsoring a "Give & Receive" program with The Salvation Army Oct. 2-4. All you have to do is bring a "gently used" item to any Stein Mart and get a 20 percent coupon to use on any one item you buy at the store. The limit is four coupons per person. And tax receipts are available.

Sounds like a great deal I'm going to clean out my closet right now. How about you? Go to www.steinmart.com to find a store near you.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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None of us wear northern-style raincoats in South Florida, but we still need to keep dry in what often seems like a monsoon.

This cute kids' slicker in waterproof fabric that was featured on the Today Show is just the ticket.

It has vented arms to provide air movement and an adjustable hood. But more than that, it's great nostalgia for grandma and grandpa who lived through the hippie movement. Tie dye, anyone? It's $38 at www.landsend.com. And there's even cute boots to match for $29.50.

Makes you want to have a child or at least borrow one.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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We know who you are. You follow Martha Stewart wherever she goes -- Kmart, Macy's, KB Homes. And now you can sleep with Martha.

The design diva has introduced a new mattress line -- Martha Stewart The Good Bed. The collection includes 12 mattresses in firm, medium-firm and plush in twin, full, queen, king and California king.

Unlike many mattresses that look like they require a step stool to get into bed, these feature a more comortable profile (12-17 inches deep). And practical Martha has made sure that they are made with a curved edge at the mattress base so that linens fit securely. Keeping linens from slippng is enough reason to check them out.

The Good Bed uses 100 percent cotton fabrics inspired by Martha's personal collection of vintage tickings. It has dual-directional coil innerspring support and a soft comfort edge. Prices start at $1,000.

For more information and dealers. see www.thegoodbed.com.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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It's hard to keep 10 nice long unsplit nails, all at the same time, isn't it? And who has time to keep up with acrylics? Those fussy days are but a memory. Lately, I keep my nails short and for special occasions I love a nice clean fresh looking French manicure (I am lucky when it lasts 3-4 days.)

I can't get used to a French pedicure. For some reason, it looks to me like my feet are 'wannabe' hands. I like them okay on other people, but not on me! Anyone else feel that way? I don't mind if the hands and feet don't match...I love to play with fun colors on my toes. The hot new colors for fall are dark, dark, dark. Do you all follow the season trends living in south Florida?

A friend, Noreen, had a bright frosted hot pink pedicure the other day. I have no shame, I HAD to know the color. Essie Jam N Jelly. She said she had to order it from her salon in NJ and have it mailed down, because she's new to the area, and her local salon didn't sell products.

I didn't waste one minute shopping for it, I jumped online and ordered a bottle for myself. Had it in 2 days, no gas or time wasted. Since then, I've heard the Essie brand is sold in lots of beauty supply stores locally, Angela's Beauty Stuff in the South Harbor Shops off 17th Street Causeway for one.


Give it try and let us know how you like it.

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Retailers are no doubt anxious to get holiday shopping going. There's already evidence of it: Crate & Barrel. Crate & Barrel sent out an e-mail with corporate gift suggestions for under $20.

Nice stuff, too, such as a wine decanter ($19.99) and holiday plate (at right for only $8.95). Never mind the corporate gifts -- good for family and friends in what is likely to be a budget-conscious shopping season.

Retailers take notice: We want bargains this year! ('Cause that's all we can afford to buy.) Anyone agree? -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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I bet you're wondering why a shopping blog has a photo of Longleaf Pines? No, we haven't lost it. At least, not yet. Check in tomorrow.

Anyhow, this is a great way to shop and help the environment at the same time. The Plow & Hearth catalog and the National Forest Foundation are working together in a "Campaign to Re-Forest America."

Every time you buy something from Plow & Hearth, the company will dontate a seedling to the National Forest Foundation. You can even pick the forest, including our own Ocala National Forest, where more than 30 plant and animal species are threatend or endangered because of the pine forest's decline. They will plant a seedling that will eventually grow into one of these towering Longleaf Pines.

Now, the fun part. What do they have in the catalog? If you are nostalgic for northern Fall, you'll love this "Autumn Leaf Wreath," which is made with berries, jumbo acorns, tiny twigs and maple leaves in fall colors. Unlike the real thing, these realistic leaves and seapods won't crumble. It's $49.95 and for indoor use only. See plowandhearth.com.

XOXO-- Shopper Girl

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My hair stylist, Francesca Guerrera at Echo, lives in my condo complex. She's a glamorous Italian gal I often pass in the parking lot when I'm coming home from work tired and bedraggled. She's usually headed out, looking like a million: great dress, hair and makeup perfect, accessorized to the max.

My big Las Vegas wedding is this weekend, so I went in to get a last minute haircut. I was whining about my recurrent problem...my hatred of shopping for cocktail dresses, especially for weddings. If you read this blog, you already know about my problem. Once again, I'm out of time, and no new dress!!

You'll never believe...she let me in on a little secret of hers. "Take a plain simple dress and load up on jewelry from Forever 21 at the Boca Town Center. It's so cheap, even if it discolors in a few months, who cares? It'll look good at the wedding. Wear lots pearls and chains, all shapes and lengths, you'll look fabulous, and no one will ever know."

Forever21

I thought Forever 21 was for kids. Anyone else shop there? Have you been holding out on us?

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Looking for something fun to do with the kids this weekend? To kick off the official launch of FAO Schwartz within Macy's locations there's a big grand opening celebration at Macy's Dadeland this weekend.

Celebrated author and mother, Jenny McCarthy, will be there on Saturday September 27th at 2:00 p.m.

Children and families are invited to join the fun and activities. There will be balloon making, face painting, and other family festivities.

Children will be invited to create their own version of the FAO Schwartz Toy Soldier hat for a chance to win $1000 shopping spree. Contest held on site and all decorating materials will be provided.

Heck, I want to win $1000 shopping spree!! Can adults play too?? What would you buy if you won a $1,000 and HAD to spend it?

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I'm ashamed to admit I was watching the 60th anniversary Emmys' red carpet last night. What a waste of an evening just to see "who" celebrities are wearing. Let's chalk it up to guilty pleasure.

I was not impressed by most dresses. What I did notice is that nearly all of them, young and old, had luminescent skin -- it just glowed. This was especially true on Sex and the City's Cynthia Nixon and others who wore strapless or off-the-shoulder gowns.

No doubt they spent all day at a spa -- in fact celebrity admitted it in a TV interview.

So what are we non-celebrities to do for such skin? An occasional spa visit helps.

"Spa Chic" treatments for $99 are available until Sept. 30 at Fort Lauderdale area spas. Some of the ritziest spas are included such as the Contour Spa at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood.

Check it out at Spa Chic. It's a promotional event through the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. Maybe you can look like a celebrity, too -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Want to have the bug-eyed sunglasses look that all the celebs like Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie and Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester, love? Can't afford them? They don't have to cost in the triple digits.

I have been wearing these large sunglasses, which I prefer to think of as Jackie O style, for years before the young celebs picked them up. And I thought I had a great source -- The Festival Flea Market in Pompano Beach. And they cost only $10.

But even a better sources for cheap but cool shades is forever21.com. They have fashionable, oversized plastic frames, like these on the right, for only $5.80.

Now you can look like a star for a pittance.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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Meet my shop-a-holic friend, Indy, a UF friend (she now lives in LA) who I’ve been shopping with more than half a lifetime and all over the world. Indy’s idea of bargain hunting is buying her Louis Vuitton suitcase in Hawaii because the sales tax is lower than in LA. But she can spot and grab the best dress on the rack while I’m still fumbling for my glasses!

Here we are in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. We were supposed to be chaperoning her daughter's spring break trip....a scary thought. If you haven't chaperoned a gaggle of gorgeous college girls on spring break in Mexico, you haven't lived! After a hard day in ‘las tiendas,’ we cured our aching feet with a margarita (or two or three) at Cabo Wabo.

Next weekend, a mutual UF friend’s son is marrying the daughter of a UNLV coach in Las Vegas. We are staying a couple of days after the wedding festivities to explore the sights and hit the stores. I'll be shopping vicariously through Indy, most likely.

I’ve never been to Las Vegas, have you? Anyone have any first hand tips about where to go? Other than the hotel stores? I’ve heard there’s a huge outlet mall, but it’s a long drive and not worth the effort. Suggestions, please.

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Want to dress like Fergie, Demi Moore or Hillary Duff? How about getting "something every female celebrity carries in her purse in case of a slipup?" Sound good to you? It did to me, too. I just love mystery, don't you?

We are giving you plenty of time. Just heard about this cool shopping experience from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept 24 at Jungle Island's Treetop Ballroom, 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami. Forget the animals and make it a Girls Night Out!

If you order tickets in advance, you'll get that mysterious "something every female celebrity carries" plus other items and free services in a goodie bag. There will be food and an open wine bar. Shopping and wine? Can't wait. You and your gal pals can also get makeovers and compete in a raffle.

Vendors will be selling all the things we love -- jewelry, accessories, shoes, clothing, and home accents. Who are some of them? Bobbi Brown cosmetics. Elezar handbags (Demi Morre, Fergie, Hillary Duff and Natalie Portman are fans.) And Lee Dahlberg of RockBands (Jessica Simpson, Britney Spears and Johnny Depp are fans.)

Admission is $35. Visit www.splurgeevents.net. Or call 305-466-5590. One caveat: You must be at least 21.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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We all know the saying "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned." Any of us who have been through a nasty breakup have experienced the aftermath -- the horrible ache in the pit of our stomachs, the urge to scream and the constant talking it over with BFFs.

Angie Schmidt feels our pain, according to a story in the National Inquirer. (Yes, it's a guilty pleasure. No lectures, please.)

Angie learned her hubby Christopher was having an affair with their next door neighbor and she had a T-shirt made with the message: Ask Katie Where My Husband Is. (Don't we all have at least on Christopher in our past or present? Grrrr. I can still feel the betrayal, can you?)

But Angie, 33, didn't wallow. She got smart and rich. With $30,000 from her divorce settlement, she turned her anger into a Web site full of products for women who are going through breakups.

The site, smashingkatie.com, has cool stuff like this 7-ounce stainless steel flash ($24.95), a Voodoo doll kit ($21.95), the Call Her a Slut mug ($11.95) and the Ex Knife Block Set ($99.95). Check it out. It can at least make you laugh.

You go girl, we're supporting you!

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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I've never been much for yard signs and bumper stickers at election time. But this is the most passionate election I can remember. The buzz in the newsroom gets so loud on occasion, I'm considering noise-reducing headphones so I can get some work done.

I try to keep my opinions about politics and religion to myself. But if you are one with the yard signs and the bumper stickers, and you're still not satisfied, you are in luck.

You can support your candidate with these Swarowski crystal embellished sunglasses decorated with your candidates name.

These and other candidate supporting items can be seen at Ann Hand

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Last I checked it's still September, but Halloween already is on sale at Target stores. Bulk up on candy, for either the trick-or-treaters or you, for only $5 a 30.2-oz bag. They have all the favs: Snickers, M&Ms, Milky Way and combos.

Why bother carving a pumpkin? You can buy a fine large plastic pumpkin already "carved" and pre-lit for $9.99 -- a super big one for $29.99.

Target also has every Halloween party decoration you can imagine. Decorate even the guest bathroom with a rug, handtowels and "glow-in-the-dark" soap dispenser in ghost, monster, witch, pumpkin or skeleton designs. Don't stop there, buy a skeleton shower curtain for $14.99.

You'll also find an assortment of trick-or-treat bags, safety equipment for the youngsters, and, of course, costumes. Think I'll go as Sarah Palin this year. Awwww....Everybody will be doing that. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Secrets usually backfire and get us into trouble. Like the fact you hooked up with the ex of your BFF. Like the test you cheated on in Trig class. Like the weight you put on your driver's license.

But this time a Secret can be a really good thing. If you find a faus diamond inside Secret Flawless Deodorant, you can win a flawless $15,000 one-carat diamond. (They are giving away 10 of them.) If you don't see the fake bling, enter the code form the package at secretdiamondgiveaway.com to see if you won one of the other prizes -- shopping sprees, cards, movie tickets, and upscale dinners,

Cool, huh? Who says you have to wait for a man to buy you an expensive diamond?

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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Do you love EVERYTHING in Z Gallerie? I went there the other night with a friend, we were like kids in a toy store. "Look at this." "No, don't you love this." "Wow, check this out."

If you haven't been to Z Gallerie, treat yourself. We went to the one in Mizner Park, in the same location as the old Liberties Book Store. Don't you miss Liberties? And the Liberties on Las Olas...that was my hangout. Sunday mornings I'd get the NY Times (bring my SunSentinel from home, of course) get a coffee and spend a few hours at the cafe tables out front....

I'm getting off track, missing Liberties, but it's a good thing I like the store in it's place! Last year I wanted the Borghese Buffet, a Hollywood glam antique mirrored piece that would add pizzazz to my place. At $999, not cheap, but compared to prices at the other chains, like Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma, not a bad price. I debated too long because it's gone up to $1099 now.

This year there's a new mirrored line, fresh and clean looking. Have a look at the Concerto Dresser on the right. A totally different look, but so fresh and crisp. There is a whole bedroom line in this design. Oh, if I could only redecorate every six months.

If you like either of these pieces, you can see more at Z Gallerie

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I met famed shoe designer Stuart Weitzman once. I was a young mother who wasn't too concerned about fashion at the time. I'm embarrassed to say I didn't know who he was.

Now, a bit more fashion savvy, I yearn to own even one pair of his magnificant shoes.

Weitzman does his part to find a cure for ovarian cancer with his annual "Celebrity Shoe Auction" each September. He entices movie and TV stars including Brooke Shields (Lipstick Jungle) and Blake Lively (Gossip Girls) to design shoes for the cause.

Most are pretty wild featuring shells and studs while others such as Serena Williams and Jessica Simpson who have design companies, a bit more wearable. Check it out yourself at Stuart Weitzman Celebrity Auction

The shoes are crazy, but the cause -- women's cancer research -- well worth the price. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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I'm one of those people who can't wear cheap shoes. It's like falling in love with a dangerous man. You know from the first he's not good for you, but you take a chance that this time it will be different. And so it is with shoes.

When I find a comfortable pair that looks good, I want to share it with all my friends. A few months ago I bought a pair of metallic snake Elite sandals from Walking Cradles. They have been the love affair that lasted. They are so comfortable that I went back to Brandy's in Pompano Beach this past weekend to buy another pair. This time I bought them in black. They were $94.99, but worth every penny.

A few of the reasons they are comfortable is because they have a 2 3/4-inch flexible cork heel and inside is a tiny pillow insole. No wonder they call them Amore!

Brandy's is located at 1290 North Federal Hwy, Pompano Beach 33062, Call 954-943-9667,

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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On my way in to work this morning, I decided to top off the gas tank, since word was out that Hurricane Ike was going to wreak havoc on the price of gas.

Lines were forming at stations as I drove east on Sample Road near I-95. I spied the Hess station, no lines, wonder why?? Check the price, sign says $3.75, that's fine, no time to wait for the $3.69 I'd heard about...don't want to be late for work.

As I'm filling the tank, I notice the small price in in the window of the pump says $3.81. I look behind me, sure enough, the sign on the road says $3.75. Too late, the tank's already full.

I had heard some stations were giving a discount for cash payments, but if it's a discount for cash, shouldn't the posted sign reflect the actual price? How can they advertise $3.75, but really charge $3.81? Doesn't that mean you are charging a person to use a credit card? Isn't that illegal?

As I drove away I had that nagging feeling that I'd been ripped off.

Have you had a similar experience? What do you think?

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I've never been one for political bumper stickers and yard signs, I try to keep personal opinions, like politics and religion, to myself. But there are lots of folks out there who like to advertise their preferences. I don't remember an election that got folks as riled up as this one!! I'm considering noise-reducing headphones so I can get my work done in the newsroom.

If you already have your bumper stickers and yard signs, and you're still not satisfied, you are in luck. You can show support for your candidate by wearing Obama or McCain sunglasses decorated with Swarowski crystals.

AnnHand

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We didn't intend it, but this blog is becoming awfully political.

But, if you love shoes, don't you want to know about those sexy red pumps that Sarah Palin was wearing when she was announced as John McCain's running mate?

Unlike the clothing of McCain's wife, these are affordable. Palin's shoes are Red Naughty Monkey Women's Double Dare Pumps. They are $89.95 at endless.com. Don't like red? They come in three other colors.

Check out comments on the blog where we found them -- shoeaholicsanonymous.com.

So what shoes do the male candidates wear? And why don't we care? Hmmmm...What's next boxers or briefs?

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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If you haven't made it to Etikette yet in Wilton Manors, time is running out. Hurry, hurry.

The store is losing its doors on Saturday, Sept. 13. All merchandise is up to 75 percent off.
The cool shop sells everything from custom upholstered furniture to Italian lighting and funky accessories..

Prices range from $15 to a few thousand dollars. You'll find furnishings like this one-of-a-kind chair. It was originally $1,200 and is on sale for $599.

Etikette is located at 2341 Wilton Drive, 954-636-6427. Hours are 11a.m.-6 p.m.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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Well, I mentioned Cindy McCain and her gazillion dollar wardrobe, gotta keep things equal here, in an effort to remain unbiased.

This beat is shopping, not politics!!

At Urban Outfitters you can get a Barack Obama action figure, "complete with a very hopeful pointed finger and 8 points of articulation for unlimited Presidential posing."

Don't think I'm implying anything about his celebrity status, I'm not comparing him to Britney Spears!! Nope, DO NOT go there! Maybe I should, that might at least encourage some comments from you all.

Is anybody going to buy one?

urbanoutfitters.com

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We South Floridians have a fashion advantage: When everyone else is scurrying to keep up with fall fashions, we can buy summer fashions on sale -- as long as they're not too summery-looking.

I bumped into a sale of Evan-Picone dresses -- both casual and formal -- at Jones New York's stand-alone store in Hollywood, Fla. It's in the shopping plaza off I-95. You can take either the Hollywood or Sheridan exit to get there.

After trying on several no-sleeve and cap-sleeved print dresses, I chose two for $100 total: a blue and green geometric print and a black and brown print. Both lightweight dresses just below the knee.

The Jones New York store also has a great choice of short black dresses -- but not too short. Most are a longer length -- some too long for my height. And I'm no shrimp at 5-foot 6-inches tall (unless you compare me to my considerably taller sisters).

Dresses are $79.99 to $99.99 with another 40 percent off. We don't have fall weather but there are plenty of dress-up events in the fall and winter here. Time to stock up! -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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If you don't know about dailycandy.com, check it out. You can sign up for local shopping info, national or both.

Here's a great tip of an event this week: toffmiami Sale 7-10 p.m. today (Sept. 11) at 4434 N. Bay Road, Miami Beach. It's more than just shopping for 20 percent off designer duds from Anna Sui, Jill Stuart and Krelwar. There will be cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.

To show you what toffmiami sells, I checked out toffmiami.com and found this sexy Geren Ford dress in a cotton/linen blend.. The regular price is $246 and it's on sale for $73.80. That's even a better bargain than the 20 percent off sale.

Make it a girl's night out! Have a drink for me.

XOXO Shopper Girl

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The brouhaha raging about Cindy McCain's expensive outfit at the convention caught this shoppers attention. If you didn't see the Vanity Fair breakdown (I don't know how you missed it) this is their speculation on the cost of her RNC look:

Oscar de la Renta dress: $3,000
Chanel J12 White Ceramic Watch: $4,500
Three-carat diamond earrings: $280,000 (!!!!)
Four-strand pearl necklace: $11,000-$25,000
Shoes, designer unknown: $600
Total: Between $299,100 and $313,100

I don't know about you, but this gal finds it really hard these days to find the right dress for a special occasion, which in my case is usually just a wedding or a special dinner. I have painful memories of dragging around the malls until my feet hurt, looking for THE dress for my daughter's wedding. When the feet start bleeding, I just settle for the one I hate the least. Can you even imagine....picking a dress for the RNC!!

Half my battle is usually due to my Champagne taste and beer budget. Obviously, Cindy does not have the same constraints!! I say "Go for it Cindy, you looked great!" What do you think?

Bloomberg Photo

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I heard actress Carrie Fisher (Star Wars, The Blues Brothers) being interviewed by Diane Rehm on NPR today. Ream described Fisher's sparkly eye makeup as "dramatic." Fisher apparently is still trying to shed her image as "Princess Leia."

If you want to capture a dramatic or other intriguing eye look, Sephora's new Barely Escentuals' "Tutorial" makeup kits that teach you how to look like a "rocker," create a "smoky eye" look, and other special effects.

The lessons are a little pricey at $38, but I did find other bargains at Sephora. Plumping lip gloss for $10, portable nail clippers for $3 and "no-break" hair bands for $3.50. In this heat or when I'm exercising, I like putting my hair back but I don't like breaking it. Maybe this product will work; I'll let you know.

For information on more makeup and related products, go to Sephora.com -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Sarah Palin, no matter what you think of her, apparently has energized the race for prez of the U.S. Indeed some folks I have talked to are mezmerized by this Alaskian who is anti-abortion, a member of the NRA, for drilling in Alaska and against saving the polar bears. Go figure.

Anyhow, the race is tight. And the important thing, besides really studying the pros and cons of each candidate without emotion, is getting out the vote. And here's a great way to spread the message -- wearing a "I Love My Nation" vote T-shirt like Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester, who plays Blair Waldorf.

The T-shirts are $35 are $35 at www.nationltd.com.

And here's a cool Interactive idea: Send in a photo of you or you and your friends wearing the tees and they'll put it up on the site.

XOXO-- Shopper Girl

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The headline on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens said "Get Organized!" Got my attention.

I am planning a remodeling job inside my condo, so I've been clipping idea pictures from magazines. There were some on my kitchen counter, some on the coffee table, and some actually pretty organized in a loose leaf notebook

I found a great Martha Stewart basket at K-Mart that fit perfectly in my armoire. In it went the loose leaf notebook, and all the loose clippings. Also the files from the estimates I've gotten for the new hurricane windows and the construction. Wow, I feel so liberated!! (From the piles.)

Do you ever pack things neatly away in an attempt to get organized, then you wind up hiding them from yourself? And then spend hours looking for them? One idea from BH&G that I thought was cute and useful: Labels for your baskets. Make your own on card stock and tie with colorful ribbon or order from Sesame Letterpress for $1 each.

buyolympia.com

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Do you want a new sofa as much as I do? I'm afraid to have anyone over 40 sit it in because they'll need a crane to get up. Down pillows are great until they get old....

Or maybe your sofa is it ripped or torn. Or did the upholstery cleaners declare it unsalvagable?

If you don’t have the excess cash right now to buy another, check out the sofa sweepstakes at BassettFurniture.com. Starting today, in celebration of its 106th anniversary, Bassett will give away one custom sofa every day through Dec. 18. That's one for each anniversary year!

You can build your own sofa on line, like this one, if you win. The price limit is $3,000 for fabric only. Leather, sectionals or motion furniture are excluded.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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Are you a crafter or a sewer? Maybe now that we are all staying home more, I'll get back into it. If you've got the time, they have the stuff.

Two new Jo-Ann Fabrics and Craft stores are opening Sept. 4 in Pembroke Pines and Margate. The Pembroke Pines super store is 27,215-square feet and is located at 11251 Pines Blvd. M’Liss Rae Hawley, author and quilt designer, will sign her books after the 10 a.m. ribbon cutting Sept. 4. In Margate, the 21,663-square-foot superstore is located at 3340 Northwest 62nd Ave. in the Margate Shopping Center. Hawley will sing her books after the 2 p.m. ribbon cutting Sept. 4.

Both stores will offer also free Jo-Ann creative demonstrations and free craft projects for kids, giveaways to the first 100 guests and $10 Chili's gift card to those who spend $30 or more beginning at noon each day (while supplies last). There will also be special sales.

Special activities run from Sept. 4 through Sept. 6. Doors open at 9 a.m.

Also check out projects like this tablescape at www.joann.com.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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One thing worth checking out every month at www.target.com is the "Red Hot Shop." Click on the left rail and you'll find affordable, trend-setting products.

My faves include:

The Grobal self-watering pot by the avant garde product designer Karim Rashid. The pot is stylish and practical. It draws water and nutrients from the reservoir into the top chamber. The 7-inch high pot, including soil disk and three food hydropacks, sells for $24.99.

The next item is pefect to keep in your desk at work so you can look perfecto all day, The JK Jemma Kidd Fix-It Kit includes travel bag, skin complexion enhancer, blush concentrate and volumnizing mascara. Don't know who Jemma is? I didn't either. She is a model, stylist and markeup artist who opened her own makeup schol in 2003. Who knew? It sells for $28.99.

Stay fresh!

XOXO -- Gossip Girl

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