Oh, how I love OOB on a warm summer night - my favorite Maine spot to people watch.

At times it's fashion taken to extremes - wedges so high they defy gravity, tight white sweatpants dripping with rhinestones, bags that boldly display the Playboy bunny.

You won't see these looks in Vogue or Bazaar - maybe not even on the streets of Portland. But somehow, bathed in flashing lights of carnival rides, OOB's spirited style parade seems just right.

Hoops that are hard to miss

People at the Pier revel in watching and being watched. Point a camera and even strangers strike a pose. Accessories? Pick your glamour: Feathered boas, leis, glittering top hats ...

If your style doesn't make a statement, your tee can do the talking. My favorite on one young man: "Tell your mom to stop calling me." Hmmm....

In the end, isn't that what fashion is all about anyway? No matter what you wear, your clothes broadcast who you are, how you perceive yourself.

That's freedom of expression, flourishing in OOB for everyone to see.

Pretty in pink, with a dash of metallic.

Match point

Hats off to OOB!

Glitter gals

Opposites attract

Short talk

I may be a fashion victim, but this time it was fun. I finally gave in and bought long shorts - the kind, we're told, we allegedly can wear to work.

I opted for dark blue denim Earl Jean shorts with a slim leg. Although I'm usually a shorts with flip-flops fan, I threw on tan platform sandals, a slim top and long anorak - perfect for an oceanside night on the town and my legs felt about a mile long. I'm sold.

Not so sure about the office, though. Has anyone out there tried city shorts for casual Friday? I'll pair mine with wedges, a floaty top and hip-length jacket and let you know how they work.

Tell me what you think of city shorts!

Pedicure update

My friend M. came to work today with the most luscious toes! (We've been trading color ideas ever since the pedicure blog.) Anyway, it's a deep pinkish red by OPI called "Nice color, eh?" (Part of the Canadian Collection.) She also directed me to the OPI site online, where you can try on virtual colors.

Trunk show

Me&Ro Foundry Lane on Commercial Street will hold a summer 2007 Me&Ro trunk show Saturday, July 14, 10-6, and Sunday, July 15, 11-4. If you don't know Me&Ro, you've likely seen it on a Hollywood star. Designed by SoHo-based Robin Renzi and Michele Quan since 1991, it's inspired to "reflect values of strength, love, faith and balance of beauty and form." The jewelry pieces are both larger and delicate, in sterling or gold and some stones. I hear it's a big hit with the yoga crowd.

Coming soon...New stores in town and going short.

E-mail this entry to a friend