$hopGirl: Trip to the Bakery Begets the Desire to Spend Dough

On her way to check out the new Bird Bakery (5912 Broadway) owned by actor and his wife, actor-journalist $hopGirl had to stop and shop, rightThis little strip center on Broadway in Alamo Heights not only has great bakery goods (another cupcake, please!), it has an abundance of fun finds, including clothes and shoes for 'tweens and women. There's also a Sharkey's Cuts For Kids, TCBY and even Ideal Shoes (for $hopGirl's weary feet) thrown in the mix. Let's see what the fun shops at this center are featuring.  Allie G's, 5924 Broadway, is a wonderland for 'tweens. It's a kids store that caters mostly to the 'tween girl, which encompasses sizes 7 to 16. It also has several items for the 4-to-6 size group as well as a gently used resale section for boys and girls from infants up.Girls will love the brightly colored scarves, tank tops, colored denim shorts, bathing suits and dresses. The bathing suit cover-ups are fun, and $hopGirl always loves the fluffy Freckles and Maya bags.A gift section features lots of beads, Ty stuffed animals (including Beanie Ballz), aprons, lap desks, jewelry and more. A sales rack prominently displayed in the front (and sometimes outside) often has great deals.  Le Chic Boutique, 5926 Broadway, is about happy, fun colors on clothes and accessories for women. When you step inside this sunny shop, you want to smile.Le Chic carries lots of casual, comfy dresses, tunics and jewelry with affordable prices. Even the brand-names are cool, such as and Flying Tomato. The Analili clothes are trendy and totally cute. The gorgeous scarves are fab, and $hopGirl loved the variety of wide belts from brightly colored elastic to braided and even black and leopard.Le Chic carries basic tanks in solid bright colors as well as the popular Miss Me jeans. You'll also find fun jewelry and, of course, brightly colored handbags that are perfect for summer.Look for more long dresses and a sale rack in the back past the register. This shop has all the makings of a new $hopGirl fave.  Lee Lee Shoes, 5932 Broadway has a sign quoting Cinderella: One shoe can change your life. If ever a shoe store could change your life, it is Lee Lee.Lee Lee's primary goal is to carry a variety of trendy brands that you can't find other places and that are comfortable. Yes, you read right: shoes trendy comfy. Gotta love it!The store features all the wedges, mids and flat sandals you want to see this season. Though colors are huge right now, you'll find lots of neutrals and metallics that go with everything. Brands include , , Bernardo and Kork-Ease, and Lee Lee even has clogs by Torpatoffeln. In addition, it carries a few handbags. And, you'll love the jewelry by San Antonio's .  Penny Lane, 5928 Broadway, greets you with amazing scents a mix of Antica Farmacista's fragrances.A chalkboard at the store's entrance announces what we love, and when $hopGirl visited, it was bright colors and Soludos. Penny Lane carries French designer , Mother denim and Dallas-based KOCH. You'll find brightly colored shorts, jeans, tanks, bandeau tops and more, as well as fun python bags, racks of long cool dresses, great, casual jewelry and leather flip- flops available in brown, black, metallic and textured taupe.Then there are the colorful Soludos espadrilles that just scream summer. You'll find them in a variety of colors and patterns and for the best prices $hopGirl's seen!