Moving is stressful. With our recent move mostly behind us, I am feeling a bit better. But the last few weeks? Tough. How did I deal with it? Booze? Screaming at man-go-round in psychotic PMS rages? staying up all night watching bad tv? Well, maybe. But also…


don’t judge me…

Rumba watch: $9.98 at Borders!

Canvas sandals: $9.98 at Target, Wedges $24.99 at Target. Black strappy sandals with bows- Material Girl (Madonnas daughter…) at Macy’s. Gift Card!

Sunglasses- F21 $1.50 and $4.50 Because I don’t have any sunglasses already…

and then…

Pretty, right? And it’s okay, because the earrings weren’t a part of the crazed self-indulgent shopping spree. They were a gift from my incredible mother. Thank you Mommy- look how pretty they are!


Instead of beating myself up for the spend-a-thon, however (I haven’t shown you the rest of the haul from Target…), I thought I’d do the opposite and compose a little ode to my favorite retail chains! We all love mom and pop shops, yes… but sometimes a girl just needs a big soul-less haven of consumerism. When that day comes, enter…


Meri’s Mall Mania
1. H & M– I have to admit I’m talking the juniors section. I have purchased 3 jackets (two winter, one spring) that all have stood the test of time and were crazy cheap. Their shirts fit right (long), and they have every accessory you could ever want.


2. Michael’s- A craft nerd at heart, I’d happily choose fancy paper or wood glue over clothes any day. And dollar bins? Tear me away.


3. Target-The holy grail. Clothes (by talented, legit designers!), tights, food, bed, bath, beyond… Dollar section! I’m feeling a bit delirious just thinking about it. Maybe I’m not well.


4. American Eagle- Can’t stand most of their crap, but they still make the only jeans I like for a price I’m willing to pay (Artist jeans in extra dark, thank you.)


5. Border’s– Now this one is a wild card as I hate owning books. I do, however, like Paperchase. And I do like browsing all of the books to see what to request from the library. And I do have a huge collection of crossword puzzle books purchased with Border’s Bucks. 


***Runners Up: Zara/Mango (remind me of Madrid), Amazon, The Gap, Barnes and Noble, American Apparel (I hate them but for one lovely pair of purple yoga pants I’ve been wearing for YEARS on end, and a simple shift dress I’ve worn to approximately 29 weddings so far. What on earth is it with me and purple pants?) World Market (where did they go?)




And who does Meri Loatheth? Wellllll, since you didn’t ask…


–(sub)Urban Outfitters– I’m over them. I do have some beloved items purchased there, like my purple striped linen pants I bought in high school and wore for about 6 years… but I just find their clothes to look like expensive sacks lately. I’m also a bit sated by all of the hipster coffee table books and overpriced tights. Meh.


– J. Crew– take your overpriced ill-fitting corduroys with butterflies embroidered all over them and shove them. Into Nantucket. And the catalog? Buttwipes. Forever and anon.


–Express– Two words: size inflation.  What’s wrong with that? Well, I bought the size I believe myself to be, only to get it home and realize it was gigantic. Thanks for the extra trip to the mall Express. 


Where do you guys like to shop? Which places make you cringe at the thought of the way you used to love them? (ahem, Abercrombie and Fitch)? Do you shop online or at hideous malls? And most importantly, what do you think of my wedges???


-Meri