Argyle solves my academic woes

Despite plenty of evidence to the contrary, not to mention common sense, I'm choosing to believe that the one thing I need to write three papers in a week is this "Straight A in Gray Sweater," $25:

It's so preppy! So collegiate! So "I'm smart and can just churn out 15 pages on Flannery O'Connor without breaking a sweat!"

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...

Grown-Up Hoodies

I decided a few years ago that I was going to stop buying sweatshirts, particularly comfy hoodies. First, because I already own a bunch (just counting the hoodies I bought at the camp I went to as a kid and teen, I have five--three almost identical blue ones, a red one, and a grey one), and second, because they're just not the sort of thing a young woman, trying to find her adult style and build a wardrobe for the future, should be wearing. When you're wearing a hoodie, you're saying to the world, "I'm not trying, and I don't care."

I know, I'm being harsh. Don't get me wrong-- when I get home after a really long day, one of the first things I do is change into pajamas and throw on a hoodie. Wearing a hoodie is like getting hugged all day long! And I will admit to wearing a hoodie to class twice this semester: once was to my film class (which I thought was held in some sort of freezer until I realized I was just always choosing seats underneath the air vents), and another was the morning after celebrating my roommate's 21st birthday at a place that gave you unlimited pitchers of beer with your all you can eat buffalo wings and rib tips, when I had to wake up at 7 to write a short paper before going to a 3 hour seminar at 9:30. I probably would not have made it through that day if I wasn't able to hide inside that warm, fuzzy hoodie.

Anyway, I have a point to this: when you're on the cusp of adulthood, trying to spend your money wisely, you have to walk a careful line with what comfort clothes you want to buy. Introducing the adult hoodie! Luxurious fabrics (no fleece!), more tailored fit, saturated colors and no team logos-- perfect for this fall, and next fall, and the next 7 falls (you'll have to reevaluate when you're thirty).

I'm obsessed with this cotton argyle hoodie, $49.99, from J.Crew. Argyle never really goes out of style-- it's a preppy classic, and preppies never change. The bigger diamonds in the center, changing to outlines on the side, and then solid black sleeves: it's a simplified, understated approach to argyle. And I really like that the exact same pattern runs down the back, so people walking behind you can also enjoy your awesome style. Also, three-quarter sleeves are always a cute way to show a bit of skin.


What I really want, though, is a cashmere hoodie. Cashmere is the ultimate cold weather fabric: even if you're sequestered in a classroom or office, you can rub your sleeve and feel like you're spending the weekend snuggling in front of a fire at your rustic cabin in the Colorado mountains. I love how J.Crew styled this zip-up cashmere hoodie, $188, to look a bit more dressed up than you'd expect. I mean, what a great outfit-- you could wear this to work, a date, a party, dinner with friends, shopping... the luxe but simple hoodie makes the silk cami, tweed mini, and satin clutch seem so much more versatile than they would without it. Even on its own, this zip-up hoodie is fabulous: I especially love the longer length and the side pockets. Also, J.Crew is offering it in over 20 colors, which means that by Christmas this hoodie is going to be so deeply discounted that J.Crew will practically be paying you to buy it. Oh, how I love J.Crew holiday sales.

But if you don't want to wait, Martin + Osa has a cheaper option. The cotton-cashmere hoodie is on sale right now for $59.99. It's only 5% cashmere, so it won't be as soft or as warm as the real thing, but I'm sure it'll be plenty cozy. I like the tunic length, and I absolutely love the double zippers. So fun to play with! Oh, sorry, I forgot I was trying to shop like an adult-- I meant to say, Yes, it's machine washable!

Has anyone ever shopped from Martin + Osa? They're the adult spinoff of American Eagle, which I was really into as a high schooler, but now feel too old for. Martin + Osa seems like it would be a good fit for me, but their stuff seems too boring, and I don't know if the quality justifies the higher-than-I-like prices. Also, they have such small collections, although maybe I'm just used to browsing gap.com and seeing 55 different sweaters. So to any readers that have bought something from Martin + Osa, do you recommend them?

I have to be honest and say that I don't know how much I would wear this Old Navy Shawl Collar Pullover Hoodie, $29.50, in the future, but I totally want it now. Faux-fur hoods are amazing-- pop that hood up and you feel like an adorable, snuggly Eskimo! The open shawl collar makes it a bit more sophisticated, although part of the reason I wear regular sweatshirt hoodies is because they completely cover whatever shirt you're wearing underneath, which is nice when I'm too lazy to change out of the ragged old tank top I slept in the night before.

This hoodie looks like the most comfy, toasty, cozy thing to wear on a weekend night when you just want to hang out in your apartment and watch a movie. From Splendid, this 100% cashmere hoodie is $299, which could be a month's rent if you live someplace reasonable, aka not Manhattan. It has the kangaroo pouch in front, cute drawstring on the front hem, and since it's Splendid you know it's softer than a puppy and a baby combined. And almost as cute! I love the sporty thick stripes and the deep V-- I never thought a hoodie could be sexy, but this one just about does it.

But if I was really going to drop that much cash on a hoodie, it would be something from Mike & Chris. This designing duo is Mindy Kaling approved, which is something I look for whenever I make a shopping decision. She wrote, "They are the most flattering, comfortable clothes, but they make you look like this insanely cool badass girl who lives on Rivington Street or in Echo Park or something with her gorgeous, aloof boyfriend (but you secretly live in Midtown or by the Grove or something, like me)." What more could you want in a hoodie? I really like their Sutton Hoodie, $202, even though it's sort of cheating due to the fact the hood is detachable. But the covered zipper, exposed seams, and asymmetrical storm flap (confession: I don't know what that last one means, but ShopBop includes it in their product description and it sounds cool, so I'm including it in my list of pluses) add up to a tough little jacket-- I think I'd feel fearless wearing it.

But it is a tad boring, so here's a Mike & Chris hoodie that I definitely couldn't pull off, but I think would be perfect for my favorite fashion maverick, Danielle. The Floyd Hoodie, $211, has this crazy scarf/bow thing attached to the neck, something I definitely wouldn't be able to pull off. Danielle, on the other hand, could rock it. I do like the oversized buttons on the pockets and lapel, though.




But you know what? I'm not a full, mature adult yet, so I absolutely plan on buying this overpriced, horribly unflattering, not at all stylish monstrosity before I graduate. Isn't it totally creepy how they posed it to look like it's being worn by a ghost? From the NYU bookstore, this Hooded Sweatshirt is $59.95 (like I haven't spent enough on tuition).

Pre-Christmas Wish List

Is it too early to form my Christmas list? Probably. And it's very likely that everything here will either sell out or fall off my radar by December, but here's a list of things I wish someone would buy me nevertheless:

Despite my post about my search for a new school bag, I'm still using my beat-up old tote I got a year ago in Poland. But I want this Saddlery Buckle Bag, $58 from Urban Outfitters, to break me out of my purse rut. It's a good size, so I'd be able to fit all my folders and books inside, but it's not so big that I look like I'm running away from home. Also, as a former horseback rider, I'm a sucker for equestrian details. The rich brown color is also a big plus, especially since I think it'll nicely match my boots.

Also from Urban Outfitters is the Kimchi Blue Knit Lace Shoulder Dress, $58. I love how efficiently it sexes up the classic, girly baby doll shape by adding the sheer lace shoulders. However, I hate the back, because it's all, "Sorry ladies, no bras allowed!" I'm as big a fan as anyone of flashes of skin, but this is just unnecessary. Why couldn't they make the lace part end a little higher in the back so we would have the option to wear a strapless bra? Then everyone would win!






Fall is all about argyle for me, and usually it's J.Crew that allows me to gorge myself on those kicky triangles. But Victoria's Secret has these unbelievably cute argyle round-toe pumps, $59. These are perfectly sexy librarian, and the high wooden heel adds major attitude. I think I'd go with the black inside of the brown, because it's a little more subtle and thus more of a fun surprise when people take a closer look at your styling feet.







There's a moment in pretty much every Anthropologie when I flip the page and gasp out loud at the beauty of a dress. This month, it was the dress on the left in this photo. The Elding Slip Dress, $198, is a vintage dream. The details are so feminine and old-fashioned: sweetheart neckline, modest little straps, lace overlay, pleated empire waist. All of it perfectly compliments the particularly lovely color created by the gold filmy layer over the light blue twill. This dress wins "Most Likely to make it to my Christmas list," and maybe I'll be lucky and it'll go on sale by December.






On a totally different note, I need new running shoes stat and I'm partial to Asics. I used to be a Nike girl through and through, but those Asic-sponsored ads for the NYC marathon convinced me that if I'm going to be serious about running, I need Asics. What can I say, they're good ads! I love my current pair, but after a year and a half and countless miles, they've started giving me evil, painful blisters on the arches of my feet. I kind of like the GEL-Foundation 8, because the color scheme is, according to Asics, lightning/burgundy/rose! Yeah, you can tell that I'm not actually that serious about running since I still pick my shoes by their color. But I always say that the cuter the shoe, the more excited you are to put them on, and the more you wear them so the more you run.

It's getting colder by the day, but I'm very reluctant to post out my puffer jacket with the faux-fur hood, because once I do that it's full steam ahead into winter. I think I'd be more enthusiastic about the colder weather if I had this J.Crew Double-serge Tuesday trench, $199. I love cropped wool coats, because they keep you good and toasty but don't make you feel like you're bundled up at a Christmas caroling level. Also, the fantastic red color and classy waist belt make this so look so fun to wear with both casual and dressy outfits.

I really prefer not to patronize American Apparel, but I have to admit that this dress is cute. The Le Sac dress, $38, is another of their convertible dresses that can be worn any number of ways, from "pretty cute" to "dear god, that's both hideous and ridiculously slutty." The way of wearing the yellow version? Lovely! (Also, I think I'm predisposed to like it because the model looks like Rebecca from Greek.) The way of wearing the teal version, however? You're going to get people saying, "By the way, I can see your nipples," all night long. Plus, it makes the model look sort of dumpy. Who wants that?