Online shopping with Girlawhirl: the straight black trouser

In a just-shopped-Europe and jet-lagged fury, Girlawhirl, adjusting back to her local time, found herself, in the middle of the night, wide awake. Having seen what the European stores were showing for fall and combining it with what she had seen on the runways last February, her mind raced with fashion possibilities and new silhouettes, as she figured out ways to incorporate them into her own wardrobe…

Girlawhirl had tried several mint flavored waters before, but even with their promise of refreshment and a minty tingle, they always seemed to taste like she was just drinking watered down mouthwash…

girlawhirl discovers that peanut butter can be even peanut Better

Girlawhirl has never outgrown her love for peanut butter. Ever since she was a little girl and requested the Mr. Peanut hand-cranked peanut butter making machine as a birthday present, she’s been hooked. And these days, there’s even more to love about peanut butter…

At summertime cookouts and barbecues, Girlawhirl is always amused by how the grill has become the male domain. Men, who for the whole rest of the year, would never consider handling the dinner chores, know the ins and outs of marinades, rubs, heat zones and cook times…

High waisted stretch ankle pants

With waistlines creeping up and refined, lady-like looks taking center stage this fall, Girlawhirl finds herself wondering if she’ll be able to pull off the look. She has become quite used to low-rise pants and denims that make it through the work day and has mastered the tightrope between slouchy and professional, creating a set of looks for work that keep her at the forefront of what’s been considered fashionable for the past few seasons...

Girlawhirl’s been given the go ahead to add a couple of entry-level assistants to her team. Perfect timing, because she can see that those who report to her are already stretched to the limit, and their busiest season of the year—the Fall—is just around the corner. And so, she’s been spending some time every day reviewing resumes…

Online shopping with Girlawhirl: beautiful fall boots

At the fall collections, Girlawhirl fell in love with the boots at the Anna Sui show. Patterned, colorful, embroidered, embellished: they were the most gorgeous that she had seen. They stole the show at Bryant Park, and she left the show dreaming about them being the showpiece of her fall wardrobe. But keeping in mind her plan to have a spectacular fall wardrobe and a savings account, Girlawhirl has been sussing out boots that pack the same punch as those she saw on the runway, but at more wallet friendly prices…

Portofino, Italy shopping

There’s nothing that screams ‘holiday’ louder to Girlawhirl than a stroll through Portofino. This jewel of the Italian Riviera is tiny when judged by San Tropezian standards, but Portofino packs a punch when it comes to water, sunshine, food, shopping and even has it’s own see and be seen factor..

Stolen kidneys, purse snatchings, pinch-and-runs: Girlawhirl’s heard lots of stories from fellow travelers. Some, like the stolen kidney story that was circulating a few years ago, are clearly travel myths, but others, like a friend-of-a-friend who tripped in the dark of an unfamiliar hotel room and broke both wrists, are not only true, but provide a cautionary element that any traveler can understand…