Dresses and more from American Eagle

I feel a little bad about ragging on American Eagle, because the clothes are made for teenagers. It's not one of those stores like Gap or H&M or even Forever 21, where both 13 year olds and 31 year olds can shop (with the right discretion). No, once you become old enough to drink, you can't go into an AE store without feeling like a dinosaur, and what does a dinosaur need a graphic hoodie for?

And yet... I used to be a huge AE fan when I was in high school, and I still get their emails with ridiculous coupon codes (judging by how desperate they seem to give their clothes away, I'm a bit worried about AE's business future). I couldn't help checking out their online store a few days ago, and I was happily shocked to find some adorable pieces. I might just have to put my hair in pigtail braids and sneak into the store to try them on.

First, their dresses are all the best, prettiest parts of spring distilled into a piece of cotton. I think I'm especially appreciative of AE dresses because Gap has apparently given up trying to design any dresses I'd want to wear. Such epic fail in the cute dresses category, Gap. Sigh. Anyway, this Flirty Striped Dress, $44.50, has that nautical look I never get sick of. A white/blue stripe is one of those classic prints that always look fresh, and the button-up bustier top is sexy in a really unself-conscious way. I like how there's a bit of a menswear vibe in this dress, but it's also completely girly. I want to be wearing this dress everyday from April to September. It also comes in a great checked white, although I worry about the see-through factor (you can tell it's getting warmer when I have to start thinking about clothes being see-through).


When it's 80 degrees and you can't stand the thought of getting dressed in actual jeans, this Knit Party Dress, $34.50, will be your savior. Few things are as easy to wear as a jersey tank dress, and the fun color and print gives it enough style for a night out. I have an AE dress with these shoulder ties, and I honestly find it sort of annoying. I'm always feeling them on my shoulder and thinking something's crawling on my skin, and they look pretty awkward under cardigans. One of these days I'm going to get my mom to just sew the straps together.


This One-Shoulder Ruffle Dress, $34.50, reminds me of something Alice + Olivia would sell. It maybe not have their impeccable fit or quality fabric, but it's also 120% cheaper and just as adorable. I can't decide whether I like the berry or the pearl grey version better: my head tells me the berry is way more fun and vibrant, but my heart is drawn to the sophistication of the grey. Who knew AE could be so chic? The drawback to this dress is that the sexy single strap and the rather low back leaves no hope for wearing a bra. Sigh.


I'm a bit in love with the Floral Vines Halter Cami, $24.50-- it's so artful and lovely. The cut is a nice deviation from a plain tank or an overly revealing halter, and I like the subtle keyhole opening in the back. And the print! It was so smart to have the florals hanging down into the white bottom, since having a whole shirt in that print would be headache-inducing. Instead, it's a nice compromise and a great look. Makes me want to throw a garden party, even though I don't have a garden.

I've had a few pieces of AE jewelry that I bought in high school and wore for years, until they fell apart. I could see this Gold Pendant Necklace. $15.50, being a semi-permanent addition to my jewelry box, especially when I want to dress up solid-colored dresses or black tops. The long chain and embellished pendant gives off a Kate Moss, bohemian sort of vibe-- I'd maybe wear it with cut-off jean shorts and some suede boots.


Or, maybe I'd wear that necklace with these Sunrise Sandals, $29.50. The leather cut-out sun pattern is a nice alternative to last summer's played-out gladiator trend, and it's an obvious upgrade from Old Navy's 2 for $5 rubber flip flops (which are awesome and essential, but don't do justice to your cute summer dresses).

Cute clutch alert! The Envelope Clutch is on sale for $9.99, which is perfect for some faux-leather and an oversized gold AE logo (luckily, you can't really make out what it says unless it's right in front of your face). At 9"x5", it's roomy enough to hold all your essentials, but still small enough to tuck under your arm and dance. It also comes in black and tan, but I think the gun metal grey is the more versatile color-- I could use it right now, and it goes with everything.

Winter into Spring Pieces, Under $50

It occurred to me today that I may have been featuring too many pricey items lately, due to the fact that I'm on an unofficial spending sabbatical. When I'm not actually buying anything, I feel freer to post about $600 dresses and $1200 purses. So, in order to make amends, I would like to present some of my favorite pieces that'll take you from winter into spring, all for under $50.

From C&C California, the Wool Jersey Off the Shoulder dress is on clearance for $49, originally $148. Is there anything more cozily sexy than a chunky knit that exposes your shoulders? It makes me wish I lived someplace where it was always cold. However, this dress would be perfect for those early spring nights where it's too warm for a coat when you go out to dinner at 7, but is a bit nippy when you're coming home at midnight. I also like how this sort of dress is all about the hourglass figure-- I could see Joan Holloway rocking this dress with some pumps and her gold pen necklace.


I recently saw a photo of Michelle Obama in which she wore a cardigan over another cardigan, and I was both shocked and delighted. Layering cardigans! I didn't know you could do that! I believe she also wore a belt around her waist, to counteract any bunching--very smart. I'd like to wear this J.Crew short-sleeve cardigan, $29.99, under a thicker navy cardigan in the winter, and then throw it on over a flouncy dress when it warms up. It also comes in a bunch of warm, tropical colors, but I'm a fan of this crisp winter white.


Actually, that white cardigan might look sort of amazing over this Fred Flare Blue Check Drawstring Top, $38. Especially if you pull out the drawstring and retied it over the sweater, and also maybe found some way to tuck the cardigan sleeves into the cuffs off the button-down. I love how the subtle pin-tucking in the front gives it a casual tuxedo-shirt effect, and makes it serious enough for a relaxed office.


Bangles are so chic and timeless-- you really can't go wrong with an armful of thin, shiny bangles. From Banana Republic, these stackable bangles, $29.99, feature semi-precious stones and a mix of silver and gold. I love the look of an eye-catching bracelet worn over the sleeve of a solid, dark long-sleeved sweater-- it makes even the most basic black crewneck look glamorous. And, when it gets warmer, nothing is more fun than gesturing wildly with a bare arm, adorned only with some lightly clinking bangles.

Yes! This Gap tote finally went on sale, and is down from $39.50 to $19.99! The bodega bay print is perfectly suited for spring, and I plan to be using this as my go-to errand bag as soon as the sun comes back to New York.

You know how sometimes, when you have a really great outfit on, you take on the best characteristics of your clothes and almost start playing a role? Well, if I had this Cheap Monday (faux) Leather Caroline Skirt, $49.99, I'd be the most badass, assertive, confident girl in New York. Pencil skirts are usually synonymous with prim, demure ladies, but in black leather with exposed silver zippers, the look gets very rock and roll. I'd love to wear this with a printed silk tank, tucked in, or maybe just a white tissue-thin v-neck tee.

There really isn't any way to make this shoes winter appropriate, unless you go to Ibiza in February. From Old Navy, the Metallic Braided Sandals, $19.99, are so fresh and fun that I'd be willing to sacrifice a groundhog to make winter end sooner. I love the various shades of blue, white, and silver against each other--I'd be very tempted to paint my toenails to match.

But before it gets warm enough for strappy sandals, we must endure those weird, in-between days where your wool coat is way too heavy but you can't go out in just a sweater. The spring coat has to strike a tough balance, but I feel good about this cotton-sateen ruffle-collar jacket, $29.99, from Victoria's Secret. The fabric is lightweight but not completely insubstantial, and the zippered front allows you to cover up as much as you want. Also: ruffles! Adorable!


People think that as soon as Valentine's Day is over, us ladies have no reason to put on crazy underwears that make us look like professional burlesque dancers. I disagree! Nothing compliments a flirty spring dress like a pair of over-the-top undies, especially if you're in the habit of walking over subway grates. I am certainly not advocating showing your delicates in public, but... better to expose these adorable Honeydew Intimates 'Dot & Lace Rumba' Boyshorts, $23.99, than a stretched-out thong or boring grey bikini. The tiers of black lace, chiffon, and red w/ white polka dot satin create an old-fashioned but sexy look--very Minnie Mouse becomes a pin-up girl.

Spring Break, Woohoo!

Spring break is almost over for me, but that's not going to stop me from shopping for all the hypothetical spring breaks I might have had if I made it to one of these exotic locations (and not just my backyard).

Cancun:

1. Betsey Johnson Sequin Bandeau Top, $88 and bottom $70.
2. BCBG Max Azria Macramé Shimmer Bikini Top, $86 and bottom $68.
3. Old Navy patent slides, $14.50
4. Bebe Strapless Swim Cover Dress, $44.80
5. Becca Reversible Bikini Top, $68 and bottom $50
(I think reversible bathing suits are the world's best invention, since not only do you get double your money's worth but then there's no lining for sand to get trapped in!)

Barbados:
1. J.Crew Polynesian Burnout Tunic, $58
2. Gold Anchor String Halter, $48 and hipster bikini bottom, $46
3. Mermaid's Boutique Crochet Mini Skirt, $138
4. American Eagle Jersey Beach Dress, $39.50
5. Target Canvas Cargo Sling, $9.99

Cape Cod:
1. Old Navy Pique Tube Dress, $19.50
2. American Eagle Nantucket Rope Bracelet, $9.50
3. J.Crew Bright-stripe French Top, $42 and lowrider bikini bottom, $40
4. Isola D'Elba Terry Hooded Tunic, $59.50
5. GapBody Belted Cut-out one-piece, $50
6. AE Flower Tote, $24.95

The Yacht Your Boyfriend Built and Named "True Love"
1 and 2. Anthropologie Spindrift Top, $58 and boyshorts, $58
3. Mossimo Tote Bag, $16.99
4. GapBody Terry Halter Dress, $24.99
5. Vix Swimwear Alli Bikini, $132

Saint Tropez:

1. Lux Retro Solid One Piece, $88
2. DKNY Teal Smocked Deep-V Cover Up Dress, $76
3. J.Crew Jillian Espadrilles, $118
4. Victoria's Secret Polka Dot Bandeau top, $20 and bottom $19

San Diego:
1. J.Crew Strapless Seaside Eyelet-trim dress, $78
2. Twister beach towel, $9.99 (I want one of these so bad)
3. Lux Tartan Pin Up Halter, $42 and bottom, $48
4. Madras Balconet Top, $34 and double-string bottom, $20
5. J.Crew Jeweled Posy Capri Sandals, $118

Palm Springs:


1. J.Crew Patterned Fabric and Gosgrain flip-flops, $29.50
2. Betsey Johnson Beauty Cut-out Bandeau, $78 and skirted buttom, $98
3. AE Garden Sundress, $39.95
4. J.Crew Polka-dot Padded Underwire Glamour Top, $50 and bottom, $40
5. Lindsey Condron Party Magnet bikini, $68 for the top and $64 for the bottom


The Upper East Side:

The Harajuku Red Polka Dot Bikini are around $40 for a top and $36 for a bottom. But no price is too high to pay to be Blair Waldorf.