Black Friday Loot

I was not planning on shopping on Black Friday. I had friends in town, so I figured we would hang out, see some sights, maybe do some ice skating. But then we decided to go check out the store windows on Fifth Avenue, and we kept passing stores, and before I knew it I had a haul of cute things, bought on sale.

First, we started outside of Bloomingdale's, so I had to hop across the street and get myself some more Clodhoppers from Dylan's Candy Bar. While we were there, we saw David Beckham! He's rather petite in person, surprisingly, but was pretty good natured about having his photo taken by a bunch of scary paparazzi.

The next place we stopped was H&M, and unsurprisingly, I was unable to stop myself from purchasing a few accessories with $5 price tags. I got a scarf with a cool geometric light green and brown print, which matches my boots but nothing else I wear (excuse the amateur photography). I'm going to have to wait until it gets warmer to wear it, since it definitely doesn't match any of my coats. I also bought a white wool beret, which my friends assured me makes me adorable and Parisian and not ridiculous and pretentious. It's a bit itchy on my forehead, but I'm hoping to get used to it.

The girls I was with couldn't resist the sparkly allure of the Juicy Couture store, but it was one of the boys who bought something. My friend who goes to a super preppy Ivy League school got this 1964 argyle sweater, $126 (but I believe it was more on sale in the store). He looked so cute in this maroon and red cashmere sweater, and it actually made him look more intelligent--quite an achievement for someone who hasn't read a book for fun since high school English class.



If you have friends who enjoy shopping and designer names but are sort of cheap, definitely take them to the Marc by Marc Jacobs accessory store in the West Village. There was a line out the door on Friday, and it's a tiny, claustrophobic space, but it is SO worth the hassle. It's basically a candy store: all sorts of goodies for not a lot of money. Three of my friends bought the faux-leather hobo bag on sale for $10, and stocked up on some presents for their friends and family. I got this cute heart compact, $5 in store but $7.99 on Ebay. It would be the perfect stocking stuffer for the girly girl in your life.

But my favorite thing that I bought was this Quilted Satin Evening Bag Coco Clutch, $35 in stores and $59.99 on Ebay. It is pure loveliness: a subtle gold color (apparently my late 2008 obsessions are gold and plaid) with a quilting reminiscent of Chanel, plenty of pockets and slips inside to put your ID and money, and a heavy silver chain that's detachable. I have a feeling that this is going to become my go-to clutch for special occasions, because it makes me feel effortlessly stylish. It's of-the-moment yet classic, and I am patting myself on the back for deciding to buy it. Hopefully it won't become as popular as the last thing I bought from the Marc store: the navy canvas tote bag with "Jacobs by Marc Jacobs for Marc in collaboration with Marc Jacobs", etc. written all over that. I got mine about two years ago, and was in love with its cheeky style and utilitarian shape (I could fit my humongous Riverside Complete Works of Shakespeare textbook in it, along with a notebook and whatever book I was reading for fun!). But then I started seeing it on the arm of every other girl, and more than a few boys, and then I brought it to Poland and my passport fell out of the top when I was visiting Auschwitz, and I had to retire it. I still grab it to take to the gym or grocery store, but it's just too trendy for everyday use. I do look forward to bringing it back in five to ten years, though!

Across from the Marc store is Olive + Bette's, a cute boutique with brands like Splendid and Seven. In the window was this Cashmere Argyle Rhinestone Cardigan, $297, by Autumn Cashmere. I instantly fell in love, but the price tag... sigh, too much to even bother trying on. But I adore the cropped sleeves and shorter cut--it would look fantastic over a simple navy or white dress. The rhinestones, which comprise the diamond outlines, add a bit of fanciness and fun to the argyle, which can be a bit staid if not done right. O+B had a bunch more cute sweaters from Autumn Cashmere, so imagine my joy when I got home and saw them included in Daily Candy's sample sale email! I plan to check it out this week; if you're interested too, here's the write-up from New York Magazine:

12/2–12/5 and 12/8–12/12 Oversize cashmere ruffle wraps are $150 (originally $330), striped crewnecks are $89 (originally $245), and cashmere toggle coats are $185 (originally $540) at Autumn Cashmere's sample sale, where all other men's and women's fall merchandise is 75 percent off. 231 W. 39th St., nr. Seventh Ave., Ste. 924 (212-398-2244); 12/2–12/5 (9–7), 12/8–12/12 (9:30–6).



I wrapped up Black Friday with a little online shopping (oh, and side note, how crazy is it about the Wal-Mart worker trampled to death in Long Island and the two killed in a shoot-out in a California Toys R' Us? Bad shoppers!) at ModCloth. I got this Old Time Pocket Watch Necklace, $12.99, which I've been eyeing for freaking forever. I've posted about it twice before, I believe, so when I saw that it was on sale (from $24.99), I knew it was time to take the plunge. I'm still planning on asking for a real watch for Christmas, but this'll keep me going until then.

I also bought the Cleopatra flats, $13.00. I have a pair of gold flats from Target that are falling apart because I wear them constantly, so these are a nice upgrade. First, gold flats are the perfect way to finish off an otherwise boring black office outfit. Second, the polka dots (eyelets?) add more depth to the shimmery gold, and the knot over the top is a fun touch. I also like the mini-heel, because completely flat shoes are not good for your arches. Hopefully they'll fit when they arrive!


So that's what I bought for myself. I guess it's time to start thinking about presents for others...