A secret worth driving for!

When you've had a totally shitty week and have some money to burn (please see Alice's credit card blog first), jump in the car and head to Hattiesburg! The two best places in the state of Mississippi can be found there. First, you will proceed to UAL on Hardy Street. In case you aren't from the area, ask someone else for directions, but it's across from the zoo. That's enough info to get there, I promise.

Inside, behold the clothing and accessories!!! A mecca! This place is the Hudson's for upscale retailers like Saks and Neiman's. You'll find Rock and Republic, J & Co., Versace, Gucci, Jimmy Choo and others for a song. Who wouldn't wear William Rast jeans if they didn't cost more than Levi's? The building is a D-U-M-P and the sales staff is bitchy, but helpful in a tough love kind of way, so in the end it's totally worth it! Plan on spending a few hours trying things- I promise you won't be disappointed! The best thing about this place, is that you WILL NOT see anyone else around the area in any of the pieces that you buy. The usually have only a very few of each item, so whatever you select is "one of a kind" (well, good as)!

They also have limited selections of Men's and Children's things. It's fun to watch your daughter in her first Dior orange pants with leather trim! And, you may find the shirts to far out for your husband, but your gay best friend will DIE over the hot pink Versace jacket! Another selling point, fantastic bags and jewelry! You HAVE to go! Grab some friends and have fun! And don't forget to sign up for their e-mail listings that will let you know about sales in the Hattiesburg store and in the flagship New Orleans location (also amazing). There's also a great bar next door, too, for when you need a pick me up!

After all the shopping, make sure you still have twenty dollars and go to La Cocina Mexicana (The Mexican Kitchen). It's off of Highway 49 on Classic Drive- their sign is a giant cactus, you CAN NOT miss it! This is not Fernando's or Margaritas- it's real Mexican food. Some people are a little surprised by the "chips" and "sauce", but try it! It's addictive! I often buy extra "sauce" to bring home which I wind up licking off a spoon later on that night! Here's what you're having: one order of Nachos with peppers (or two) and beef enchiladas. Don't bother with anything else- trust me! It's not for the faint of heart or those who can't take spicy. All you babies go to Olive Garden or Barnhills or something!

Again, the staff can be assholes and they're all one big family, so don't bother complaining! However, if you can get past that and possibly the worst case of heartburn you've ever had, you'll be thanking me later. I think that you will also see the logic of eating at this place AFTER the clothes shopping- you'll gain 5 pounds at least and no one needs to feel fatter in a dressing room.

So, on a boring Saturday, or during the week, plan a trip SOON! You'll look like Vogue on an Old Navy budget with a stomach full of cheap, greasy, utterly fantastic Mexican food. Truvie's idea of Heaven!