misosouper, a shopping blog

A few years ago, I stumbled upon Alice’s site The Carrotbox while trying to replace a beloved jade flea market ring. I scored my ring, then another in Murano glass, and another in regular glass, and another in plastic…

She’s got a lot of goodies, and I’m particularly tempted because I only wear non-metal jewels on my right hand. (Curious, I know. But I like the juxtaposition of delicate wedding band on left hand, and chunky fun ring on the right. Not that wedding rings aren’t fun. But I digress.)

Like this wooden gem: so sculptural and low profile. She’s got limited quantities, so you better beat me there.

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As I was poking around my local Anthropologie last week, I sidled up next to a girl wearing a yellow cami-grey skinny jean ensemble, finished off with a pair of impossibly chic printed flats. Because she dangled a Neiman’s bag from her finger, I assumed the shoes were too spendy for my feet, and let her go without as much as a compliment. After I got home, some internet sleuthing revealed that her shoes were from Target. So I salute you, unnamed shopping buddy with great taste: you’re not only chic but cheap, a girl after my own heart.

This weekend’s WSJ article on American Apparel produced my usual reaction to Dov Charney: I want to clap for him, then throw up.

Instead, I bought a shirt. (I believe that’s what you might call scruples.)

As far as tank tops go, this tri-blend racerback version reigns supreme: it really is as soft, non-clingy, and comfortable as advertised. You’ll also get to enjoy one of my favorite AA experiences: snickering at the product reviews that begin, “I’m a 32G but this top isn’t too tight…” or “I’m 5′4, 95 lbs, and while I was worried this would be too big…” (Because I’m also a member of the 32G-5′4″-95lb club, I’m allowed to mock, OK?)

Like I said, it’s all about the scruples.

*Woot! Misosouper is live again after a week of WordPress difficulties that have since been resolved. (Thanks, BlueHost and Derek!)

I missed you, and I hope you missed me too.

I confess that I don’t understand the logic of ninja socks, beyond the fact that they are designed to fit into ninja boots. But if they propel me through the spider walk to Ninja Warrior heaven, then I’ll rock them everyday.

*Note: also useful for wearing with flip-flops to tourist destinations.

This September, I bought the perfect cardigan: v-necked, long, and slim. Then I shrunk it beyond all recognition. Of course, J.Crew’s out of stock until next fall.

This is my replacement: cheap cheap cheap, cute cute cute. If it pills, then tough shit. At this price, I’ll buy another.

A perfect gift for Mother’s Day, so I can nestle the three of us next to my heart.

Like the girls over at Lucky, I am enamored of everything about Bop Basics Sash Pants–except for the price. At $159 per pair, I can’t necessarily justify buying them for the everyday kid splatter that inevitably collects on my clothes. So I’d like to formally thank Victoria’s Secret for co-opting the style and fit of ShopBop’s pants for a fraction (literally, you could buy four for the price of one!) of the price. I knew you were good for more than fluorescent bras and those insufferable dog sweatpants.

We just started doing the whole hanging out at the playground thing, and the most challenging part of the routine seems to be choosing an outfit.*

I’m trying to strike the balance between slutty mom (cleavage, muffin top, 3″ platforms) and beaten-down-by-the-world mom (husband’s 2004 marathon t-shirt, tapered jeans, Crocs); this little track jacket over a tank and skinny jeans puts me right where I want to be.

*Modesty, particularly in view of other mothers, isn’t my strong suit. Have you seen their eyes? Like laser beams, I tell you, boring into the nub of your pitiful, insecure soul.

Confession: I am short, and it ain’t no big thing. When fashion advice suggests high, I go low, rocking my Havaianas Slim Season and Bo’em Eve flip-flops during the summer, height be damned. Plus, who cares about 3 inches of stature when I’m teeteringly close to dropping my toddler on her head?

These Clarks might just change my mind: in addition to the fact that they’re downright sexy with shorts, the heel and insole are so stable and supportive that I can run in them, either with my daughter, or after her.

Despite the fact that this chemise is technically a nightgown, I threw it on over my swimsuit for lunch, dinner, and cocktails during my recent sunny vacation. The dress is so nice, I bought it twice, in both colors. Get it while you can, because I just might buy two more.