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Becky Bloomwood is back. The high-spending, high-society heroine of Sophie Kinsella's "Shopaholic" series now has a mini-me kicking up her mini high-heels in ... "Mini Shopaholic."

But now, after appearing in best-selling books and on the big screen (where Isla Fisher played the beguiling Becky), our fair heroine is feeling, shall we say, the pinch of a down economy.

London's burning -- at least its banks' holdings are -- and Becky's husband Luke is at the white-hot center of the meltdown. So, she's learning to economize, but savings at the expense of style has never been her strong suit.

Lemondrop sat down with Becky's equally famous creator, Sophie Kinsella, to find out where she starts and her heroine leaves off, and how Becky's managing to look hot on a budget, not to mention the five items every woman should own.

Keep reading because you could win a copy of Mini Shopaholic -- or score a free $500 shopping spree -- and who couldn't use some new fall clothes?

Lemondrop: How much of "Mini Shopaholic" is inspired by your real life? Can you tell us ways that you and Becky are alike and wildly divergent?
Sophie Kinsella: There is a lot of "Mini Shopaholic" that is autobiographical, although I must add that Minnie isn't based on any of my children! But several elements come from my own life. For example, I moved back in with my parents with my family for seven months while my house was being renovated, and my husband and I have both thrown surprise parties for each other. Becky and I think very alike when it comes to shopping. We're both clutter queens, both impulsive, and my relationship with my husband is quite similar to that of her and Luke. But she acts in extreme ways, where I would just think extreme thoughts. And all my children are boys, so that part is totally different.

"Mini Shopaholic" features a major meltdown of London's financial industry. Can you tell us how the recent economic climate influenced your plot line?
It was a huge influence. The economy has been center stage for a while now, and has focused our minds anew on debt. So, of course I wanted to reflect that in the book. I also liked the idea of Becky being a bit grounded in this book. She's living with her parents, she's making trips to the pound shop, she's even trying to barter goods. OK, so her recession-fighting sometimes goes awry, but she has good intentions.

Even in a down economy, Becky's very focused on luxury, often to the point of being critiqued by friends and family members. Do you think there's a part of her you see mirrored in real women?
I don't think anyone has given up hankering after luxury, even in a down economy. We can't all indulge our wishes -- but then nor does Becky. Much as she'd love to be buying new Jimmy Choos every week, in this book she isn't, and she's making a big effort to cut back. So, I think readers will really relate to her and her efforts to economize. At the same time, she is Becky Bloomwood, so of course those efforts don't always go according to plan.

Fashion for children is getting tricky these days. What do you think of Suri Cruise in high heels -- and where should a mom draw the line?
Fashion for kids is amazing! I've just had a new baby, and he has so many cute clothes in different styles. One day he'll look all preppy, the next he'll be in tiny camouflage pants. As for high heels, I think every little girl likes to dress up for fun -- I certainly did myself -- but personally I would always go for something practical with kids so they can run around.

What's the message you want readers to take away from "Mini Shopaholic," about fashion, the economy -- or, say, throwing a fab Russian-Japanese fusion christening?
The main message is that Russian-Japanese fusion is the theme of the year. Seriously, I hope people take away the feeling that you can still laugh in hard times.

Lemondrop's readers love to score bargains. What are your shopping secrets?
The best bargains are in your friends' closets. Swapping clothes is like shopping but guilt-free, and I do it with my sisters all the time. Just this week, I've just swapped a pair of boots and a DVF dress (mine) for a pair of gold Jimmy Choo sandals (my sister's). I also have a great second-hand designer dress shop near me and recently bought a Marni skirt there for a fraction of the original price. I then went shopping in a chi-chi boutique and when the assistant said admiringly, "Is that Marni?" I just said, "Yes it is," without adding, "and it was secondhand!" Then there is always the Anthropologie sale rack, where I lose all track of time!

What five timeless items should every woman have in her closet, and what are you most coveting this fall?
Every woman should have a black turtleneck, a great pair of jeans, a pair of knee-high boots, a fabulous coat and one spectacular piece of costume jewelry. This fall I am really coveting the Burberry shearling jacket and all the lace pieces around, especially Alexander McQueen's lace-covered pumps.

WIN A COPY OF "MINI SHOPAHOLIC" -- OR A FREE $500 SHOPPING SPREE FROM REVOLVECLOTHING.COM! Enter here.


Or, meet more famous authors on Lemondrop:
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