Carrie "mama philly" E.'s Profile

There is a small, still voice that lives inside of me that really likes a lot of the clothing at South Moon Under. It's the voice of the Rittenhouse, perhaps, or maybe a sign of impending MILF-hood. Who knows. But this boutique has some seriously cute stuff, like the Splendid tees I want to live in and the sexy but not trashy dresses that would be perfect for a night out.

SMU has sweet accessories, too, and there's even something for the boys. I  just wish their customer service was better - every time I've stepped foot in the store (including a recent event I went to) I feel like I'm getting the stink eye from the girls who work there. Everyone looks so damn serious! I have an overwhelming urge to just walk up to them and tickle them, just to see if they laugh. In the famous words of Santino from Project Runway: "Lighten up, it's just fashion!"

I'll go back, just like I go back to so many places in our fair city. But will I spend any of my hard-earned money? Guess you'll just have to stay tuned to find out...

Live blogging my Cafe Ole experience:

So here I sit, a non-fat latte in my belly and a cup of hot, freshly-made lentil soup on the table before me. My friend is tappity-tapping on her computer to my right thanks to the free wi-fi and I am doing the same at this great seat by the window (even though every time the door opens it feels like an arctic blast).

It is packed. PACKED, I tell you. And noisy, except that no matter what the decibel level seems to be I can still hear what sounds like Israeli Enya meets techno blaring from the speakers. And I'm not really digging that. But people are lined up for the fresh sandwiches, salads and what looks to be fresh iced tea. Yum.

However, from my perch I just noticed that they have a sticker on their front door that says "People Love Us on Yelp." And it's true. There is a lot of love here for these guys.

Not exactly the place I want to find myself working out of every day, but today it's doing the trick. And my belly thanks them for the lentil soup. Finally, I'm eating something healthy.

Sugarcube is basically the closet away from home of my BFF, and she always looks amazing. But she is 6 feet tall, model slim and incredibly striking. I am, on the other hand, 5'5, a size 6 and (aside from the whole black/blue hair & multiple tattoo thing), constantly get told that I look just like someone's sister / cousin / ex-girlfriend. That said, both me and my bestest pal share a love of Sugarcube, and the two of us always find things that make us look terrific even though we couldn't be more physically different.

But alas, I am not made of money, nor do I have a sugardaddy who throws dolla dolla bills my way in the pursuit of dressing me like the awesome chick that I am. If that were the case, though, I would shop here every single day of my whole entire life. Elisa (the owner) just gets what brilliant fashion is about, and she's the kind of person who not only makes you feel comfortable from the second you walk into the store (it's a gorgeous, open space, btw) but she has an crazy ability to find what looks great on you but won't go out of style five minutes from now (ahh, the old "timeless fashion" thing is cliche but true).

So even if you're on the budget plan, go. Look around and get ideas. Drool over the artistry and simplicity of the clothing and accessories (but not actually ON the merchandise - that's gross). And then get a second job so you can come back here and shop to your heart's content. Sugarcube is totally worth it.