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Check out This City Girl's Style File Series. I am the Guest Blogger today.

Holler.

Lusting After L.A.M.B.

There is No Doubt, I've always been a fan of Gwen Stefani. Not only is she the lead singer in a band that defined my junior high years, she is also the proud owner fashion line, L.A.M.B. And, while her clothing line is as out there as she is, Gwen has come out with some classics. These shoes are a must buy this season. Khaki in color and right on trend. I can't take my eyes off them!

L.A.M.B. Charon These shoes make me go "BAAAAA!"

Fat Kid Friday

Those of you who know me well, know that I celebrate Fat Kid Friday every Friday. Here's how it works: I eat healthy Monday - Thursday, and on Friday, I indulge. It's only fair. Today, I started with a French Vanilla Cappuccino from 711. Not only is deliciously sugary, but it also resembles liquid speed. I swear I get my work done in half the time.

I'm also deeply involved in a love affair with cupcakes, and Fat Kid Friday wouldn't be complete without one. I even brought a cupcake for lunch. It's from Southport Grocery, and it's by the best cupcake in the city. For those who want to participate in Fat Kid Friday, and eat cupcakes, here are some great places to try. They promise to make your Friday more delightful:

Southport Grocery and Cafe

On the corner of Southport and Addison

This vanilla cupcake is the Mona Lisa of cupcakes. The cake is moist and dense. The butter cream frosting will melt in your mouth. Made with Italian butter and Nielsen Massey pure vanilla extract, these cupcakes may just blow your mind.

Molly's Cupcakes

On Clark between Wrightwood and Fullerton

These cupcakes are genius. Injected with a center filling, they always offer a delightful surprise. I recommend the Cookee Monster Cupcake. It features vanilla chocolate chip cake, a raw cookie dough center, vanilla butter cream frosting with chocolate chips and a small cookie on top. It's almost enough to put me over the edge. Almost.

Sweet Mandy B's

On Webster between Magnolia and Racine

Sweet Mandy B's is known for it's old fashioned desserts, and their cupcakes are classics. I can't recommend a flavor, because you can't go wrong. The cake and frosting combination is delectable. They also offer mini cupcakes, a great solution for those who lack decision making skills.

Luxury Garage Sale

When I was younger, I loved garage sales. I lived by the motto "one person's junk is another person's treasure." My mom disagreed, junk is junk (her house is spotless and clutter free). As I grew up, I grew out of used and into new. The older I got, the more expensive my new purchases became. I moved from Sally Hansen to OPI, Silvers to Sevens, Columbia to Patagonia, Keds to Cole Haan...you get the picture. These new habits are not cheap, but I've fully developed into a brand whore and I'm not afraid to admit it.

This past weekend, my dear friend Katie invited me to a Luxury Garage Sale. At first, I had back flashes from my garage sale days, walking down West 56th Street, parading my purchases of used stuffed animals that needed a new home (mine). I'd come so far...did I really want to return to my roots? But, Katie sold me on the idea by listing the brands that promised to be there - Chanel, Gucci, Marc Jacobs and Jimmy Choo to name a few.

Turns out, the Luxury Garage Sale was amazing, and I scored some major deals. A pair of black pumps and a gorgeous sweater were among my purchases. But the best deal I found was a vintage Movado watch. This purchase was priceless. Yes, I know it wasn't technically priceless when I bought it, and I wont tell you how much I paid, but it's a classic and I promise to have forever. I fully intend to strut down West 56th Street sporting my used watch on it's new home (my wrist).

L-O-V-E

I need these pillows. And, at $98.00/pc, I also need to borrow $400.00. Please? Anyone? Pretty Please? With a cherry? (Pillows and more can be purchased on Jonathan Adler's website: http://www.jonathanadler.com/)

Love at First Bite

I like Valentine's Day. Actually, I love Valentine's Day. I've never been one of those girls to dress in all black and boycott the holiday. I even painted my nails red in preparation for the big day. My affection for February 14th stems from my love flowers and chocolate hearts. On any given Valentine's Day, I would expect to be wined and dined. But this year has already gotten expensive, and with Valentine's Day falling on a Monday, Aaron and I decided to play it cool and just go out for pizza. Best. Decision. Ever. We went Lou Malnati's, Chicago's infamous pizza parlor. I indulged in cesar salad, pizza, and cabernet. And guess what! The pizza was HEART shaped. It was love at first bite.