Kinsella's not like 'Shopaholic' alterego

NEW YORK, March 1 (UPI) -- Author Sophie Kinsella pulled a "Shopaholic" stunt on a recent New York jaunt, buying Marie-Chantal kiddie bags because no one's too young for accessories.

Kinsella, 37, should know all about being a shopaholic. After all, she wrote the book on the subject -- or five books to be exact, featuring spendthrift Becky Bloomwood in the "Shopaholic" series, USA Today said.

With 6.3 million copies of the "Shopaholic" books in print in the United States alone, the British author probably could buy any store she chooses. But unlike her alter ego Becky, Kinsella does have limits.

"I've never gotten into trouble the way Becky does," says Kinsella, whose husband teaches Latin at a British boys' school.

Susan Kamil, Kinsella's U.S. editor, said the appeal of the "Shopaholic" books is: "They're a hell of a lot of fun."

Kinsella puts it another say.

"Becky is such an optimist," said the author. "The core of her is loving and warm. She knows what matters in life -- even if she gets distracted occasionally."