I just had a closet melt-down.

I got home from a weekend trip to New York City, took one look at my closet, and started slinging clothes over my shoulder in a frenzy. Blame it on all the much more fashionable people I shared air with. Blame it on the weather warming up. Blame it on exhaustion. But I suddenly hated 70 percent of what I owned. Truth be told, I was overdue for a purge. But now that everything I own is at Goodwill, I'm ready to shop -- probably not the best timing, considering the aforementioned (and pricey) NYC trip.

Oh well.

As if all that wasn't enough of a reason to hit the mall, our friends over in the Times business section are now telling us that International Plaza is getting ready to welcome three new clothing chains -- the hippie-loving Free People, Victoria Secret's cheeky PINK line, and Forever 21-ish Love Culture.

I'm partial to Free People. The clothier shares my unabashed love for slouchy denim, maxi dresses and general flower-child tendencies. From the same family as Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie, the line's a bit pricier than its cousins. I'd be more likely to splurge on one favorite piece here, rather than fully unleashing my pent-up urge to spree.

This chambray top will do the trick.

Next stop, PINK, the little sister of lingerie madam VS. Here's where I'll harken back to my over-sleeping college days. Where you'd roll out of bed at 10 a.m. like a boss, pull on some sporty sweat pants, grab a bagel at the campus Einstein's then grab a seat in Math for Liberal Arts Majors (What up journalists!?).

The blatant PINK label with the inexplicable "86" is all I'll need to show people that I'm wearing actual clothes -- and not my boyfriend's baggy warm-ups.

Or, since now I don't spend the majority of my days lounging, maybe I'll just stock up on some new skivvies.

I could get this bra in sensible navy, or, you know, leopard. 

Alright, Love Culture, let's see what you got.

I wasn't familiar with this store before hearing the IP news, but upon a quick perusal of its web site, it seems the Forever 21 comparison rings true.  I see lots of designer knock-offs, colorful pants you'll probably wear, like, twice, and midriff-skimming shirts that scream things like LOVE or have a blown-up picture of a cartoon owl. But, if it's anything like the the ol' 21, that undeniable mistress, you'll be drawn in for quick-hit staples and cheap, fun splurges.

For instance, this striped sailor dress. Only $14.

Who's ready to shop?

Deal Diva Kim