If shopping is your raison d'etre (hell-o!), check out Shopping, the Musical at the Shelton Theater. Sort of a Beach Blanket Babylon for shoppers of every kind -- online, department, grocery and hardware -- this musical definitely hits home and will elicit knowing smiles and a few serious guffaws.

Broadway it's not, but this indie revue stars four talented performers who enthusiastically sing and act their hearts--and shopping bags out--during the more than 25 whimsical numbers that comprise the 120-minute production.

Don't you think it's time for a shopping fix?

The Shelton Theater is located at 533 Sutter Street (between Powell and Mason Streets).

Looking for a calming-kumbaya-bird's-a-chirping spa treatment? Then skip the Jungle Love at Tru Spa.

But if you want glowing and soft-as-butta skin, and a unique adrenaline-inducing body treatment, book your appointment pronto! The spa's signature wet treatment takes place in the Tropical Rainforest Room, a mini suite of sorts. The first course in the 60-minute process is to get scrubbed all over, front and back, with a freshly made exfoliant of coconut and kukui nut.

After a quick rinse comes another yummy creamy concoction of tropical fruits (like papaya and mango) and enzymes. Your hair is smothered in a conditioning pack and then the room is filled with steam, activating the goop on your body. After about 10 minutes of steam, the rain pounds out from the ceiling, drenching you and rinsing away the mask (this is the adrenaline-rush part).

Finally, you're off to the next room for a waterfall shower, final moisturize, and sigh of ahh!

Tru Spa is located at 750 Kearny Street (between Clay and Washington); 415-399-9700.

Ever heard of a guy named Zac Posen?

He's just one of many talented designers who got his start at a Gen Art event. Indeed, the non-profit organization is known for its uncanny ability to spot emerging talent. So come get your fashion fix at Gen Art's Fresh Faces in Fashion, San Francisco, featuring a rousing runway show and haute after party. The catwalk gets grooving on August 22 at 8pm at the Regency Center.

This year's crop of local fashion designers includes Amy Sarabi, distilled, Janezic, PODOLL and Sara Shepherd. Accessories designers: amytorello, bryna nicole and NolaBella Jewelry.

Fans of edgy fashions and smooth cocktails, don't miss it.

For ticket information, go to Gen Art's website. The Regency Center is located at 1300 Van Ness @ Sutter Street.

When it comes to fragrance, I am of ambivalent nose. Call me crazy but I despise strong scents, scents that precede the person wearing them by 50 feet. If my many perfume-induced headaches on MUNI are any indication, there are many gals (and guys) who are gung-ho for these super bold and cloying fragrances. As for moi, I am a lover of soft subtle notes, a woman who likes to smell good, mostly for myself and for those who get close enough to snuggle.

So I am happy to report I have found a whole new line of fragrances that make me and my schnoz happy: Lily Lambert, known for her collection of many delicious ethereal and unpredictable scents, rather than one signature. Check out her S.P.E.C.T.R.U.M. line (a different scent for every letter) and her Master Number series to find a fragrance that speaks to you. My current crushes include "T" ( a blend of coconut, sandalwood and powder) and No. 77 (a mouthwatering mix of pomegranate and honeydew with hints of strawberry and baby pink roses). Now if only I could get everyone on the bus to become a fan.

I'm all for designer handbags, luxe hobos, rich satchels, and sophisticated totes. But I'm also down with good cheeky fun and fresh designs from new labels. Hence, my desire to share my new find: Star 50 Handbags. It serves up a broad range of wild styles in various materials with a whole lotta wit. Star 50 makes limited-edition designs, from clutches to shoppers, for every state in the union.

Each bag, made in the U.S., is inspired by fun facts/quirks/geography from each particular state. Par example, there's the Alaskan Trapper (love the bright orange hue), a roomy fabric hobo-sling bag that's big and roomy and "worth reeling in." It can be used as a work bag or to haul fishing gear.

As a Garden State girl, I couldn't wait to see what Star 50 had created for Jersey. Alas, I'll have to wait a little longer, as the NJ design hasn't rolled out yet. I'll be happy as long as it has nothing to do with the turnpike. Springsteen is A-OK.

"Let them wear cake," Marie Antoinette would have said had she been lucky enough to try Cake Beauty's menu of scrumptious beauty products. My latest fave is an all-purpose balm called Satin Sugar. First of all, like most Cake goodies, it smells so yummy -- kinda vanilla-y, lemon-y bakery fresh. It's made with shea butter and beeswax, and is perfect for using to smooth flyaway hair and ends, as well as a salve for dry skin. I've taken a shine to using it on my elbows and knees, and then rubbing into my hands. Plus, the cool plastic lightweight package makes it extremely portable. This Cake rocks--and it's calorie free!

Forget about bad luck, black cats and all that: this Friday the 13th is all about fashion, fun and, what else?, cocktails. Lucky 13 Katwalk and Trunk Show, sponsored by Bad Kitty Productions and SF Station, will be held on Friday from 4pm to 9pm at 111 Minna Gallery (between New Montgomery and Second). More then 30 independent designers (Shawna Hofmann Designs, Gypsies and Lords, Milkbomb, Lady Noir and Regine Pfanz, Crafty Bitch and Alba Nikka, among others) will be selling their wares, and a "lucky 13" will be featured in a fashion runway show at 7pm. Appetizers from local top chef Erik Hopfinger, rockin' DJ tunes, and a flowing cash bar will keep the party hopping.

The other day, as I strolled Union savoring my yummy fro-yo treat from the new Yogurt Bar, I stumbled upon the just opened Wildlife Works store. The locally based company has been around for 10 years, but this is its first dedicated retail space. I know the soft-as-butta tees with cool wildlife graphics from Anthropologie, REI and other boutiques where they're sold. (FYI, all of the unisex and kids' apparel is made from organic cotton and hemp, and other enviro-friendly fabrics.) Other quality goodies sprinkled around the shop include accessories and footwear, stuffed animals, notebooks and housewares, etc. But the greatest thing about Wildlife Works is its raison d'etre: wildlife conservation. We're talking the real deal here, as proceeds of products save endangered and threatened wildlife around the planet. Currently, focusing its efforts in Kenya, Africa, the company has created an 80,000-acre Rukinga Wildlife Sanctuary, where cheetahs and elephants and other animals can roam freely. It's also helping local humans by providing jobs at its eco-factory, located adjacent to the sanctuary. So, go wild at Wildlife Works and consume to your heart's content (guilt-free). Save a giraffe today!

I have heard so much about Pinkberry for so long and have been dying to find out what all the fuss is about. Plus, of course, I pride myself on being in the know about things, and being out of the fashionable fro-yo loop hasn't been a comfortable place for me. I was planning to try some PB on my upcoming trip to New York--and still will. But in the meantime, I just had a yummy frozen-yogurt treat from the brand-new Yogurt Bar, on Octavia at Union.

I imagine it's very similar to Pinkberry. The Yogurt Bar also has two main yogurt flavors (Green Tea and Original Plain) with a couple of rotating flavors every month. For July, Blueberry and Strawberry are on the menu in the teensy shop. A yummy selection of toppings, from fresh fruits and cereals to Oreos, nuts and healthy supplements (soy protein powder and Ginkgo Biloba), are also available. Definitely need something to give the frozen treat some zing!

The yogurt was kinda tart and kinda sweet at the same time. And I was perfectly happy with my selection of Original Plain with Captain Crunch topping, which added just the right amount of crunch. I ordered the smallest size (about 5 ounces), which suited me perfectly. The whole thing was about 200 calories. I'll definitely be visiting Yogurt Bar again soon.

Once I try Pinkberry, I'll be sure to share my thoughts. Cool?

Yogurt Bar is located at 2760 Octavia; 415-441-2585.

The Summer of Love is turning the big 4-0! It's only right that I (and you) should purchase a couple of hippie-chic pieces to honor all that peace, free love and tie-dye that took hold in the Haight all those decades ago.

Here's my fashion ode to the summer of 1967...



Flower Power lives on in this fresh Touch-Up Pullover by Guinevere. It was love at first sight when I spied the sweater during a routine shop at Anthropologie. The wallpaper florals and trompe l'oeil lace in muted colors are very '70s Anna Sui-ish.



No self-respecting hippie would have been caught without a cool pair of bell-bottoms back in the day. As more of a petite lass, I was a tad concerned that the full legs would overwhelm me. But as I slipped into J Brand's Joplin (seriously) palazzo jean in a dark indigo wash, I was longer and leaner than ever. (Of course, that doesn't mean I don't have to get them hemmed.)



The last thing I needed to put the exclamation point on this cool new outfit? A killer pair of wedge sandals. These Belinda Quarter sandals (in luggage) by MICHAEL, Michael Kors are the perfect update to those way-popular-back-then buffalo sandals. The cool cutout in the wedge, and stud and buckle detail make these a throwback and thoroughly modern.

Now, it's time for me to test drive the outfit--and hopefully, I'll create my own Summer of Love. P-E-A-C-E!

Get your bought-em-at Loehmann's-True-Religion-clad derriere to Nordstrom's pronto. The Women's Half-Yearly Sale kicked off on Wednesday at 7am and goes through Sunday at 8pm. As any serious shopper knows, you gotta get there early to get the pick of the name-brand worms. This bird couldn't make it downtown until about 6pm on opening day but lots o' merch was still ripe. I scored an adorable DVF ladybug-print dress for $91 (originally $325) and a cool, enviro-friendly cami by Edun for, ya ready?, $35. Originally $125.

I'm so happy with my purchases, I wanna scream it from Neiman's Rotunda (but they probably wouldn't go for that). I restrained myself from buying everything in sight ("because it's on sale") but there were lots of great designer goodies at sick prices. So you better hightail it over there--only two days left to go. Then it's the guys' turn, when the Men's Half-Yearly Sale begins on June 15. Whatevs.

On the cheap: Sweetriot chocolate-covered cacao nibs in adorable tins that come in three yummy flavors and are less than 200 calories for the whole damn thing. Hallelujah!

On the radar: Could preggers Ugly Betty producer and Latina lovely Salma Hayek get any bigger? This babe's belly looks like it's gonna blow any second. Somehow, though, her hair and makeup are still flawless. Hate her.

On the small screen: "On the Lot." The reality show du jour for prospective Francis Ford Coppolas and George Lucases recently premiered. It's interesting to watch some of the filmmakers' work, but the host is really annoying. And what did judge Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) do to her face? Scary.

On the wish list: Attraction Bracelet. Which also happens to be a necklace. Love that whole two-items-in-one thing, don't you? They're simple, handmade in Spain, and I want it in all three colors.

On the must-surf list: SustainLane.com, a green website that's the largest community-fueled directory of eco-friendly products and businesses. Bookmarked.

On the Netflix queue: Pan's Labryinth. It won three Oscars for a reason. This Spanish gem is part fairytale, part drama, part war movie. It's visually breathtaking.

On the arm: Cheap and chic really makes me happy. Enter Gap's Straw Cable Shoulder Bag in black. The brown wooden o-rings and subtle grommet detail it a classic that's gonna get lots o' use.

On the kisser: Oxymoron. This new hybrid lip color, by Lipstick Queen Poppy King, goes on smooth and gloss-like but without a shiny finish. Honest Politician (pinky brown) and Minor Crisis (rosy pink) do my pout proud. Mwah!

On the big screen: 'Away From Her': This tender drama, starring a still magnificent Julie Christie playing a woman with Alzheimer's, is at its core a love story, a realistic, touching and beautifully restrained one at that. Kudos to director Sarah Polley.

On the small screen: 'Last Days of Left Eye' on VH1. This Rock Doc about TLC's troubled and talented Lisa Lopes is heart-wrenching and surprising. Much of the footage was shot by Left Eye, who was filming her spiritual retreat in Honduras when she was killed in a car crash in 2002.

On the tootsies: Peep-Toe Slingback Wedges. These fun linen babies, with cool chevron stripes, are just the right height-and just the right price: $19.50.

On the Netflix queue: 'Me and You and Everyone We Know'. This award-winning indie romantic dramedy is delightful, and stars writer and director Miranda July.

On the bookshelf: In keeping with the Miranda July theme, read 'No one Belongs Here More Than You' Ms. July's short fiction collection is every bit as entertaining, funny (and sad) as her film.

On the arm: Deere Colhoun's Large Sienna in Banana (for style extroverts), Charcoal (for subtle chic-sters). I'm lusting after this roomy, luxe leather bag with lots o' pockets from former Goldenbleu babe (and former San Franciscan) Lindsey Colhoun.

On the bottom: Been on the hunt for some gray denim for a while. Bingo! Earnest Sewn's Keaton Bootcut Jeans make the grayde.

On the cheap: This Multi Stripe Cotton Dress is just $49, figure flattering and fun.

On the wish list: Goblin Bracelet by Bazz by Thea Grant. The chunky sterling chain and vintage buckle detail are the stuff of a true classic.

On the shoulder: FEED. Who doesn't need a cool sturdy (and reversible) tote? And who doesn't love a do-gooder? At just $60, a purchase of each caryall helps the UN World Food Programme feed one child for a full school year.

On the top: Instinct t-shirt. Made of 100 percent organic cotton, this vibrant green tee is as refreshing as, well, green tea.

On the bod: Me! Hawaiian Lei Bath Body Wash. Enriched with Vitamin C and infused with extracts of Hibiscus, Orchid and Hawaiian White Ginger, washing with this stuff is almost like waking up in Aloha land. I said almost.

On the table: Cheeky Ice-Cream Melamine Bowls that look like the yummy scoops have runneth over before you even crack open the Vanilla Swiss Almond Häagen-Dazs.

On the Netflix queue: 'Diggers' is a long way from today's Lizzie Grubman Hamptons. And infinitely more interesting. Starring Paul Rudd and 'Six Feet Under' babe Lauren Ambrose, this wonderful film, set in 1970s Long Island , tells the story of local clam diggers, their relationships and how they cope with the imminent changes coming to their shores.

On the neck: Chan Luu's Coral Rose Necklace is the embodiment of simply chic style, and works as well with white tees as it does black-tie attire.

On the wish list: Dante Beatrix Dog Carrier. Sturdy, stylin' and smilin'.

On the tootsies: Fry me up a pair of these hip Ada Peep Toe Pumps, by Frye of course. Somehow they're rough and refined at the same time. Ordering...

On the cheap: Patrick Robinson Linen Scarf in Granite from Target's new Go collection. It's soft and the color rocks. For $16.99, you can buy a whole outfit to match it.

On the scent: Crazylibellule and The Poppies solid scents. The miniature Parisian fragrances, in darling packaging, come in more than 20 scents from Vanilla Lemon Pie to Ginger & Coconut to Litchi Blossom. Magnifique.

On the top: This Retro Fabric Tie Wrap Dress is so clean, fresh and hip. You can wear it as a dress or tunic and it reminds me of Hawaii . Aloha.

On the tootsies: Some days I just want to throw on some comfy kicks with a denim mini or jeans and still feel stylin'. This retro-y sneaker from Saucony fits the bill. They'd go great with the Retro Tie Wrap Dress above. Love when that happens.

On the arm: Bewitching Brin. This classic canvas (with Honey-Brown leather trim) shopper is one beguiling bag. Not letting this one slip through my fingers.

On the radar: Tim Gunn-aholics get ready to meet the messiah in the flesh. He will be at Books Inc. in Opera Plaza on Saturday at noon, as part of his 'A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style' book tour. Omigod, what am I going to wear?

On the menu: I don't eat much meat (lots o' chicken and fish, blah, blah) but Slanted Door's Meyer Ranch shaking beef (cubed filet mignon with garlic, watercress and red onions) is so damn good it could turn a vegetarian into a carnivore before one could say moo.

On the cheap: This madras plaid Mandy dress is JCrewish but still sweetly sexy. And it's just $39.50.

On the at-last list: Those who read this blog regularly know I am slightly obsessed with Selma Blair's locks. I am happy to report she's stopped all the freakish colors and cuts and is back to her gleaming and chic brunette roots.

On the girl-crush list: Ever since her days on 'Felicity,' I've been sweet on Keri Russell. She seems so normal and unaffected. (And that hair. Those eyes.) The glowing prego actress is more beautiful than ever, and her new indie film 'Waitress' will open here any day.

On the wish list: Anna Sui Barbie Doll. This Bohemian babe is so hip, I want the entire outfit in my size.