I spent most of the day today at the Colony Plaza (West 8th Street) at a fashion shoot for our next issue of Her Times (Dec. 17) and it totally opened my eyes to a whole new way of shopping.

Whenever I go clothes shopping, I always head for the mall and the big department stores, but now I may start heading for points west -- particularly AJs and the Chameleon in the Colony Plaza.

I am ashamed to admit that I always thought they were stores for older ladies -- the kind that sold elastic-waist pants and elaborately-adorned sweaters. But, after having spent several hours at both, I can tell you that both of these stores are nothing like that.

They actually have some really incredible clothes at some really great prices. And, the women who work there are soooo helpful. Seriously, if you've never set foot in either one of these stores, you owe it to yourself to stop by. You'll be amazed at the selection of quality merchandise at decent prices (not bargain basement, but not overpriced either) sold by knowledgable, courteous staff (as opposed to the gum-snappin', belly-barin' teens at many of the mall stores).

Don't believe me? Check out the outfits we put together in the next issue of Her Times magazine where we'll be talking about the newest in belt fashion and showing you how to wear them. We'll also be talking New Year's Eve and giving you great clothing options whether you're going to a bar or a ballroom.

And, yes, of course I bought something. Hey..I was there fingering beautiful clothes all day, you know I was going to have to take something home. I scored a great new brown skirt. Almost makes me wish I were working tomorrow so that I could wear it.

Almost, but not quite.

P.S. There's a $10 coupon for AJs in the paper today and a $20 coupon in the last (Oct. 29) Her Times Magazine.