Aerosoles http://www.aerosoles.com/default.asp is now shipping via UPS. To celebrate, the company is offering a $1 shipping fee until July 6. Use promotion code UP3SXl during checkout.
This is from the website :
"$1 shipping offer valid on Aerosoles catalog or aerosoles.com orders shipped via standard ground service within the continental United States. Please note that for certain rural locations, your order will be delivered by UPS to your local Post Office and then to your home by a Postal Carrier. Please see UPS.com for additional service information. Sorry this offer cannot be combined with any other offer and is not valid on previous purchases of for the purchase of gift certificates."

There's a summer sale with up to 65 percent off on some items so do your feet a favor and start shopping.

Heather.

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Looking for that perfect gift for a friend of Cuban heritage?

A new Cuban apparel store called Colba opens 9 a.m. July 1 at Dadeland Mall. The store is named after the name Cuba was originally given by Christopher Columbus.

The store will sell T-shirts with famous Cuban phrases, polo shirts featuring an engraving of the island of Cuba, Jackie Sarracino Gem Collection cigars, Cuban art, and Cuban-themed accessories.

The store is a division of Maxoly Miami FLA, which was founded by Maximo Sarracino. The company's first Cuban apparel store is still located on Little Havana's Calle Ocho. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Don't you just hate the economy right now? My demand for shopping is so pent up that I could burst. How about you?

Well, I'll continue my quest to find you cool decor and great clothes at less than you expect to pay.

In this case, it take a little imagination. If your bedroom looks like some of those on the HGTV "before" scenes because you don't have a headboard, I have an inexpensive answer.

Check out this Mid-Century Gothic headboard made out of stenils that were designed by the Savannah College of Art interns. Price? Only $60. See www.whatisblik.com.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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Pottery Barn always has some cool things to revamp your home, especially accessories.

Now, when many of us don't have the extra bucks to totally redecorate our homes, it's time to take advantage of deals like Pottery Barn's summer sale. Take note that those items ending in .99 are final sale and cannot be returned,

Here are two great items that I found at www.potterybarn.com:

I love the Crown Pillar Candles that are painted white and distressed to make them look like they belonged to your grandma. They are handcarved and have a metal disc to catch the drips. They were $39 and are now $29.

My next fave, the Ceramic Sealife Vase, is a great buy, The pieces are very sculptural with ceramic shells and seaweed applied by hand, THey were $59-$149 and are on sale for $39-$99.

Happy shopping....Treat yourself and see the others at www.potterybarn.com.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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I'm a fan of InStyle magazine http://www.instyle.com/instyle/
I'm a much bigger fan of any help that gets me to that state of fabulosity (Kimora, thank's for coining that word). So when I heard that the magazine's editors created Instant Style, I had to buy.

Although I know what looks good I don't always do justice while shopping or getting dressed (there have been a few fashion faux paux). If your fashion impairment has to do with putting an outfit together, then start turning these pages.

The book's useful layout is full of pictures and explainations on what works for different body types. There are tips on wardrobe pieces that are a must.

These suggestions won't be soon outdated because as every fashionista knows, classic pieces of clothing, shoes and accessories are timeless. Not that your wardrobe doesn't need the occasional update, but if you invest wisely, purchases go a long way.

The book retails for $29.95 at major book stores like Barnes & Nobles http://www.barnesandnoble.com/index.asp but there is currently an online offer for $23.96 and members pay $21.56. Check Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/ for prices ranging from $19.77 or less for used copies.

Wishing you a stylish life,
Heather.

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The last time I was in Talbots was to buy a gift certificate for a friend's brithday. She lives in Philadelphia and could be in a Talbots' advertisement. Don't you just hate people like that?

Anyhow, yesterday the store sent me a postcard announcing the "Summer Sale: Save up to 50 percent off original prices." It said supply is limited and "when they're gone, they're gone." So hurry, girlfriend.

For those of you who are mall-o-phobic, you can also get the deals on the Website (www.talbots.com). My closest Talbots is at Town Center in Boca Raton. Check the Web site for more locations.

To let you know what the deals are like, here are two good buys with Talbots' simple chic that I found on the Web site.

Scoop neck cabled sweater --- was $38 and is now $18.99.

Two-piece linen dress -- was $158 and is now $78.99.

Have fun...Remember most stores are finished with summer clothing by mid-July. Then they stock winter clothes that we can't wear unless we travel up north. I never did understand that marketing. You'd think more SoFla stores could stock summer stuff yearround.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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It was only a matter of time before there was a "National Flip-Flop Day." See it for yourself, being touted by the state of Florida's travel planning site: Florida Travel

Remember when the championship Northwestern University women's lacrosse team wore them to the White House? Flip-Flops at White House

My friend C. wears flip flops every day to work. "I love 'em because they're easy on, easy off, and dress up to dress down," she says. She has plaid flip flops, a glitter pair and is looking for cherry red if anybody's seen them out there.

Flip-flops have gone upscale: Nordstrom's has them for $22 (see at right) to $45. Even some brides wear them. You can buy high-heeled flip flops, but then that defeats the comfort factor.

What are your fav flip flops? E-mail a photo of them to me at mpounds@sun-sentinel.com and I'll post it on this blog.-- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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You aren't sick of Sex and the City yet, are you? I'm not.

Vogue's Web site has a link to show Sarah Jessica Parker and Chris Noth on their tour of New York and behind the scenes of the photo shoot. See Vogue video

So why is this a shopping post? The clothes, of course, and a shot of the cool chest from Kindel that are reproductions of the iconic black-and-gold Dorothy Draper chests. I remember them as a chest I loved from my childhood.

The Espana Bunching Chests are sold locally at Robert Allen/Beacon Hill showroom at the Design Center of the America, 1855 Griffin Road, Suite B-124, Dania Beach, 954-920-2244. Suggested retail is $5,585 and it can be made in any size or any color, according to Leslie, the showroom manager.

Love these. Maybe I'm channeling Draper.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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Urbanus Miami is known for using finer metals with wood. And right now they have a great final inventory clearance sale through Sunday, June 22. Believe it. You can get cool stuff for $100!

The savings, up to 90 percent off, include "buys" such as the Alan coffee table that was $599 and is now $100, The Alan console that was $699 and is now $100. The Francisco coffee was $555 and is now $150, and the side table was $425 and is $100. (Both Francisco tables are featured in photo.) Other discounts are on samples and first quality merchandise. All have bronze tops.

Sale hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.

Urbanus Miami is located at the Southwest corner of Biscayne Boulevard and NE 34th Street. For more details, call: 305-576-9510 x7000.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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How do you know when this recession is really bad? When shops on Worth Avenue and the nearby vias in Palm Beach close.

Jack Fhillips, a Palm Beach designer with taste to make his clients look like their money was inherited not made yesterday, is closing his shop. Jack told me that a recent rent raise teamed with declining sales forced the decision. (Here's is Jack in his shop a few years ago.)

Everything in the shop is 50 percent off. Some of the best deals are on the furniture such as a Charles Stewart Sofa that was $4,250 and is now $2,125., Other items include a gorgeous Asian-motif chest that was $695 and is now $347.50; a needlepont dog pillow that was $210 and is now $105.

Sales are final. They are sold "as is." No shipping in available. They will deliver free locally, but expect to pay a fee if you live outside the West Palm\Palm Beach area.

My house is chockoblock full, but I did manage to find a beautiful jar with lid and coat of arms thst looks like I inherited it from great grandma. It was $35 on sale for $17.50.

The shop is located at 7 Via Parigi, which is last via on Worth Avenue across from the Everglades Club. Call 561-659-4452. The shop will close June 20.

How bad is it on Worth Avenue? I was shocked this weekend when I counted seven shops empty. Gone are two of my faves: Brighton Pavillion and Devonshire. I wasn't able to confirm, but word on the street is they will reopen in warehouses in West Palm.

How bad is this when the wealthy folks are no longer shopping?

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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The new Kohl's in Boynton Beach was a near ghost town this Saturday -- what a stark contrast to its opening days. I'm sure the dour economy is to blame. Growing unemployment (see my story today, Could you live on $275 a week? and rising gas and food prices are not helping us shopoholics!

Conservative buying is my motto. But I did allow myself some Simply Vera sunglasses on sale for $18 ($21 online, oddly enough). They also have other brands for 50 percent off, around $15. Good sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection are a necessity in South Florida -- not something to deny yourself. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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It's no surprise that I would choose one of my favorite stores for my first entry. With at least ten South Florida locations for your shopping delight, White House I Black Market http://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/home.jsp
is a must for classic clothes and accessories that fit so well it's like the pieces are custom made.

What's even more attractive to me is the store's sale rack, I'm talking up to 50% off . The website has a constant supply of sale items.
If you sign up to become Black Book member, you get an extra 5% off all purchases plus free shipping. Then there's the extra 5% off you get for your birthday.

Here are a few of my favorites from the website's sale items.
This Watersberry Bustier is 100% silk and only $39.99.

Or how cute is this Grand Scales Bracelet, priced at $19.99

Let me know what favorites you find for yourself.

Heather.

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How cool it is to see a collection of nature and sea-inspired pillows that aren't trite or kitschy.

And I found a great selection of performance pillows made out of durable cusions and fabrics. They resist fading and mild rain. (But I recommend not leaving them outside unless they are on a covered porch.)

Here a few of my faves deisgned by Elaine Smith, a Palm Beach Garden based designer and president of Elaine Smith pillows:

Banana Tree theme(right): Love the subtle motif. Prices range from $65 for a 17-by-17 pillow to $145 for a 22-by-22 pillow.

Bahama theme(left): These look islandy without being kitschy. Prices range from $65 for a 17-by17-inch pillow to $130 for a 22-by-22 pillow.

Check them out at homeinfatuation.com..

XOXO --- Shopper Girl

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Wow! Charlyne (Shopper Girl) is right about the hype over SATC. There's nothing like a nice fresh look to get us inspired to freshen our own homes. I wanted a new kitchen so badly after seeing the movie 'Something's Gotta Give,' remember Diane Keaton's fabulous beach house in the Hamptons?

You can have the Manolo Blahniks and lingerie, give me those beautiful wood floors in Carrie's apartment!

There was a wall hanging in Carrie's living room that sparked a lot of interest. It's called 'Love too' and can be found at therugcompany.info Type Love in the search bar.

And another great site to see the set design analyzed is at Design for Mankind

Design for Mankind

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Does your Dad love great wine? Maybe what he needs is an upscale bottle opener and corkscrew.

The Abalone Bar Set is from Oscar de la Renta Home for Lunt. It retails for $110 at saks.com. Now, that's great taste!

If you order before 1 p.m., you can get it delivered the next day.

XOXO-- Shopper Girl.
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Aren’t we all just gaga over Sex and the City? Sure, I know the clothes are cool. The shoes. Miranda’s bathing suit. Carrie’s lingerie. But how about the decor?

We’ve got the buzz from some of the in-the-know Web sites and Traditional Home magazine. Everyone is talking about the blue walls in Carrie’s redecorated Upper East Side apartment. They’re asking: “How can we get that color?”

The bright blue is certainly a change from Carrie’s old digs that were stuck in neutral. She now seems to have a more uptown vibe. Production designer Jeremy Conway told Casasugar.com he custom mixes all the paint colors, but he said Benjamin Moore’s Electric Blue (No. 2061-40, $45 a gallon) is as close as it comes to his mix.

I missed the wonderful patterned rug in the movie.Did you? Maybe it’s because I was looking at the fab mirrored dressing table. The rug is Overleaf’s Marni, a 100 percent Tibetan wool rug from The Rug Company in New York City. For more from Conway, see casasugar.com/1675967. The fan blog posts make this site even more of a must-read.

Another Web site that has a ton of photos and suggestions on where to find similar furnishings is elementstyle.blogspot.com.

Die-hard fans also will want to pick up the June-July issue of Traditional Home magazine, which features a four page article and eight photos on the set design by Conway and set decorator Lydia Marks (The Devil Wears Prada). Here are a few teasers from the article:

Dorothy Draper, the style icon who reigned as the grand dame of design from 1925-1960, was the inspiration for the Vogue office, where Carrie works with editor in chief Enid Frick (Candice Bergen). Draper fans will recognize the iconic black lacquered chests with gold accents. Charlotte’s elegant Park Avenue apartment is still clean and neutral. Her adopted daughter Lily’s bedroom features a toile bed and toys and furniture from Vitra (See vitra.com.)

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

P.S. Photo courtesy Craig Blankenhorn/New Line Cinema
©2008 New Line Cinema

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Macy's - $10 off $25 sale or clearance purchase coupon

Shop Macy's in-stores on Wednesday June 11th before 1pm, to save $10 on any sale or clearance purchase of $25 or more.

Some items are excluded, be sure to read the fine print. You can print the coupon by clicking here:

Click here for coupon

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If you love the Gossip Girl cast and Jennifer Hudson, you will crave this lamp autographed on the base by Blake Lively (Serena), Leighten Meister (Blair) and Hudson. The lamp, which sells for $1,600 on www.deeplymadlyliving.com, has a starting bid of $800.

Two signed versions of this cool lamp, which has a shade made of 40 pairs of aviators, are available

When its turned off, it looks like a silver sculpture. When on, the lenses turn transparent and it casts oval shadows on the wall.

The auction benefits Hudson's charity, Vday (anti-female violence), and Gossip Girl's choice, The Children's Defense League. It ends June 16.

Ever since I first heard about it last week, I have been trying to find a link to make it easy for you guys to bid. The PR person finally came through. Click here for it.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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I've bought the usual for my Dad for Father's Day: books, CDs, movies, electronics.
This year, I've decided to go completely different. I'm buying him shower gel.

Yes, I can see his eyebrows raise and his face scrunch as he opened it. But, oh, when he gets in the shower, he'll enjoy it.

I sampled the L'Occitaine shower gel this weekend and it smells great. Then I spotted a package for men for $44 with free shipping from L'Occitaine En Provence, one of my favorite lines. Since my Dad lives in Illinois, the free shipping is especially attractive.

My Mom will probably appreciate my gift as well! -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Guys do it: Fantasy baseball. Fantasy football. Just fantasy.

So why not fantasy shopping?

My friend D. and I hit Lincoln Road Mall this weekend to try it out. She found a beautiful orange leather handbag, only $250. I fantasized about a pair of Valentino sunglasses, on sale for $119. (Still too much; I would lose them in a week.)

We tried hand lotions and makeup; we tried on shoes; we did some great people watching (how does that woman walk in those heels?).

Then there was the black dress with a ruffled top at Steve Madden -- unexpected at a shoe store and only $89. Ah, well, but we were fantasy shopping.

Three hours later and no money spent, we were fulfilled even if we weren't carry shopping bags.
Try fantasy shopping: It won't do much for the economy, but it lifts the spirit. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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It's only a savings if you are going to buy it anyway, right? If you have paid $9.50-10.50 for B&BW; Signature Collection scents, then you need to get yourself over there before June 15th, while they are $4, or 6 for $20.

I'm not a big fan of their fragrances, I prefer a lighter scent, but my daughter loves them, so I'll stock up now for her upcoming birthday.

You can shop online, but there's a shipping fee. I surfed around for a free shipping coupon code, sorry, couldn't find one. Let me know, I'll add the information if anyone finds a free shipping coupon. Otherwise you can avoid the shipping charge by stopping at one of the many stores in the area. Check out:

Bath & Body Works

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Have your eye on furniture at Crate & Barrel, but cringing at the price in these tough times?

I got a postcard in the mail announcing the "Summer Sale," which cuts prices up to 50 percent on a selection of indoor and outdoor furniture. Included in the sale are upholstered and leather sofas, sleepers, chairs, ottomans, sectionals and benches.

Can't afford the big stuff? The small things -- like accent tables and accessories --- are also on sale.

South Florida stores are located at the Terrace at Town Center in Boca Raton and the Aventura Mall. See crateandbarrel.com.

Let me know what you find and if it's worth it.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

P.S. I called the store and they said the sale will last about a month or until all the floor samples are gone.

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Anyone who has ever struggled changing a bed with fitted sheets will get a hoot out of this funny video.

GiGi Stetler has introduced two new sheet designs that take the chore out of bed making. Stetler knows what she is talking about because she owns an RV dealership in Fort Lauderdale. And apparently changing sheets on an RV bed is the ultimate challenge.

But you don't have to own an RV to use her new sheets. She claims they create a quick-and-easy “perfect fit” on mattresses of all sizes, including non-standard sizes. They reduce the time it takes to create a bed with smooth, wrinkle-free sheets that will stay that way all night.

The sheets are available in two styles. “The Perfect Elastic Fit” design features elastic bands at each corner that keep the sheets smooth and tightly secured to the mattress. “The Perfect Envelope Fit” is an all-in-one design in which the top and bottom sheets are attached at the bottom. The mattress slides into a zippered opening at the bottom. They come in single, double, queen and king. Or the company will customize them. Prices range from $219 for a 400 thread count queen set to $299 for a 600 thread count green set.

For more information see www.ridinggigistyle.com.

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If your dad always has to be on the cutting edge, the black Cosmo X Factor limited edition watch may be just the ticket to his heart.

Only 500 of these watches, which are numbered on the back, were made to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Timex. It has a 2-inch diamter black mirror face and black leather strap.

Proceeds go to Karim Rashid's charity -- The American Heart Association. Find it at www.Karimrashidshop.com

The price is $150. Order on line, email a photo of your dad and get a 25 percent discount.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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If you are into printing pictures from your digital camera at home, you know how expensive the paper can be. The Sun-Sentinel photo department has an Epson printer, and we use the Premium Luster paper for special projects...that one is especially expensive.

I'm not pushing Epson printers, but if you have one, you can buy a pack of photo paper and get one free online until June 10th, 2008. Don't forget to enter coupon code 8ZEJASE, or you won't get the free one!! (Just a warning, if you've ever ordered one of these deals, you DON'T get the deal unless you enter the coupon code.)
Epson

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Shopping in Manhattan is sport. You need the energy for taking long walks, visiting many stores and rifling through many racks of clothes. It's good exercise, but you also can get overwhelmed.

Here's my guide to a quick NYC shopping trip:

Wear comfortable shoes. Yes, we all want to look like Carrie in Sex and The City, but sneakers or walking sandals are best.
I went through three pairs of shoes in two days. I soon realized the seemingly comfortable Steve Madden sandals weren’t taking me more than two blocks: Too high, too much pressure. I switched to my reliable sneakers, but soon had a blister on my ankle. Finally, I found a flexible, low wedge sandal from Kenneth Cole Reaction collection, on sale at Macy's for $49. See above.

They seem to be the ticket; I still have them on!

Look for sample sales. These are clothes line samples at deep discounts. You can find them in New York magazine and just walking in the city.

Check out boutiques for fun; buy at the bargain shops around the corner. I browsed many a shop in SoHo, but did my actual buying at Exstaza at 491 Broadway. Fun casual clothes, great prices. I bought a summer dress for $29.99 and a top for $19.99.

Don't bother trying on clothes. The lines are too long. Take them back to your hotel room and return whatever doesn't fit the next day.

Remember to rest. NYC shopping can be exhilarating because there's so much. Take a coffee break and get off your feet. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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I found this cool Antigravity Lounger for a great Father's Day gift. It is on www.basspro.com, but your dad doesn't have to be a hunter or fisherman to love this. He can just relax in the backyard.

The multi-position, adjustable chair is made from polyester open-weave weather resistant fabric. It conforms to your body for comfort and erogonmic support. It comes with a matching pillow.

Colors are honey tan and chocolate mocha. It sells for $79.99.

You may just steal it for yourself.

XOXO--Shopper Girl

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Remember when I told you about ordering some stuff on line and finding great bargains?

Well, the order came and everything fit except one pair of cropped pants. The legs were huge. The waist was huge. Just not a good fit.

So last weekend I tested the Coldwater Creek policy and attempted to return the merchandise to the Boca Raton store in the Terrace at Town Center. The experience couldn't have been better. The return went easy and I found another pair of pants that I never would have ordered on line.

The reason? My salesman -- Rene. Yes, that's Rene as in a man's name. He is one of the store managers and one of the most savvy sales people I have encountered in years. He gave me a great lesson on which style pants fit different body types. I ended up with a zipper front pant that fits like a charm.

The funny thing is Rene told me that the female customers often don't want a guy to help them. This is utter sillness. He doesn't go into the dressing room with you. He just gives his expert advice. And, to tell the truth, he was better than any of the female sales people I have come across in any clothing store.

Even my husband was impressed.

"I really enoyed that something experience," he said. "It's great to meet a sales person who knows what he is talking about. That's the way it used to be when stores cared about service."

Take my advice: If you go to Coldwater Creek in Boca, ask for Rene. You won't be sorry.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

P.S. By the way, Coldwater Creek sales people work on salary, not on commission.

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Betcha that some of you would have loved to buy the Norma Kamali suit that Miranda wore in the Sex and the City movie (see below), put cringed at the triple-digit price. Me, too.

Cringe no more, fashionistas. While flipping through a Lands End catalog this weekend, I came across this "Slender Tunic" suit. It isn't exactly like the Miranda's, but it has been dipping in the same gene pool. And better yet, this one can hide body flaws -- with its shirring and draped front. It claims to make you look a size smaller. If you buy it, let me know if the claim is true or just hype for all of us bathing suit phobics.

It comes in several sizes, incuding regular torso, short torso, women's, women's petite and women's mastectomy. Colors vary by size and include blackberry, agave, rich brown, black and black/ivory lotus print.

Better yet, the price is right. Depending on size, it ranges from $82.50-$92.50. See www.landsend.com for details.

See ya at the beach.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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