Pierre Hardy

In between Fashion Week festivities, I checked out Aloha Rag's new store in Greenwich Village. The clothes were amazing, and I couldn't help myself from noticing the beautiful sales people. I wonder if they came from Hawaii, too?

On that note, I scoped out their online store hoping to score a deal. Mission accomplished. These Pierre Hardy Patent High Heels ($268, originally $670) are perfection. Check out their sale section for high-end labels from the likes of Phillip Lim and Chloe marked up to 70 percent off.

I recently heard of a girl who complained she could no longer use her large chain-handle Chanel bag because her doctor said it's bad for her back. What a shame. You pay thousands of dollars for the purse of your dreams, and and it turns out to be a pain in the back. That's not OK. If you're in the same predicament, let's get you out of it!

• You shouldn't carry around any more than 10 percent of your body weight. So if you're 130 pounds, your bag should be no heavier than 13 pounds. Stay away from handbags that are heavy even without anything inside.
• Avoid long-strapped bags and chain handles. The former swings around as you walk, while the chain handle digs into your skin.
• When wearing shoulder bags, make sure the longest your bag sits is around your waist or bellybutton area. Satchels with short handles are preferable.

To learn more and to see a widget of back-friendly styles, read more

Naturally, we are seeing shoes of the Blanc de Blanc persuasion, what with the weather warming and all. This includes both white and off white options. While I'm a puritan who says go white or go home, sometimes white is too stark, too bright, too cheesy. Christina Ricci made it just right by balancing her moody Bill Blass floral dress with a pair of light ivory Manolos. As well, white might have been too bold against the red carpet — things only the keenest of stylists thinks of. Take a cue, or two, from this Blanc de Blanc beauty.

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The eccentrics are the Björks of footwear — they never want to blend in, they are true individuals. No matter where they go, they, to their disdain, are the center of attention. You can never pin them to one particular style because they do it all and they do it loud. If you dare step into an eccentric shoe, be ready for the untamed consequences . . .

If you're looking for an affordable collection with some serious fashion pedigree — bulls eye.

Designed with the help of Marie-Amelie Sauve, muse to Balenciaga designer Nicolas Ghesquiere and fashion director of Vogue Paris, the newly in-stores Spring collection is full of nonchalantly chic tunic tops, shirtdresses, and baggy denim shorts.

Best of all, prices run $20-$70, with the exception of a cropped leather jacket ($358), so definitely check it out. After looking at this, I can't wait until Gap's other forthcoming European collaboration — shoes crafted by French designer Pierre Hardy — comes through the pipes.

To see more from the Spring Gap European Collection, read more

Boxing Week, a shopping period between December 26 and New Year's Eve, is observed in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and United Kingdom. Just because we Americans can't physically participate in the chaos doesn't mean we shouldn't reap the benefits. Mona Moore is offering 50 percent off Fall/Winter items in honor of Boxing Week.

White shoes, like these Pierre Hardy Classic White Pumps ($150, originally $685), are a funky addition to every closet so consider them. Happy Boxing Week and share your stories if you participated this year!