Express Dresses

My sister commented the other day that I tend not to feature Express much on this blog, which is true. I used to shop (at least going in there to check out the accessories when I was already at the mall, if not to buy anything) at Express, when I was in late middle school and early high school. I think that I thought Express would had the sort of clothing I would be wearing as an adult, which has turned out to be totally untrue. I'm not sure the quality of design usually justifies the price, and the pieces seem to be way more difficult to wear than your average top or dress from the Gap. Also, I'm totally unable to distinguish Express from the Limited.

But that doesn't mean that I'm categorically opposed to Express, so when two people commented on Express's cute party dresses, I knew I had to check it out. And I'm pretty impressed with what I've found! I might even have to go into stores next weekend to check the merchandise out myself. Also, all these dresses are buy one get one half off, which is not a bad deal.

The Strappy Tiered Lace Dress, $128, is perfect for those holiday parties that you're going to single but don't want to leave alone. In other words, it's a bit slutty, but way hot. The sweetheart neckline and empire waist will make your décolletage look incredible, and the very bare back adds extra drama. And yet, there's something sweetly girly about the metallic floral lace and layers of ruffles-- sort of like you're the present at a young goth girl's birthday party (I know, I'm reaching). Also, this dress reminds me of some commercial (for deodorant? A gym?) where a woman with a Jada Pinkett-Smith look goes to her high school reunion and is so fabulous looking that her former high school sweetheart does a double-take. Actually, I think it's Mastercard-- something like, "Manicure: $20. Strappy heels: $150. The look on his face? Priceless." Anyway, this looks like the dress she wears in that commercial.


The Silk Chiffon Rose Dress, $128, is a more abstract take on ruffles. Available in electric blue or basic black, this fluttery dress would make it more fun to both dance and walk over subway grates. The assymmetrical rose-type gathering on the bust reminds me of something Anthropologie would do, and you'd definitely have to bring you rconfidence to pull off this dress (I suspect, due to the tiers, that a small or boyish frame would also help). It's a romantic dress that's both soft and fashion-forward; I can imagine wearing it under a cardigan or blazer for work, and then shedding the top layer when the office holiday party begins.


There's is no better time to wear something covered in sequins than holiday time. You wear something like this high-waist sequin skirt, $98, in April, and you're a total fashion victim. You wear this in December, and you are by far the most fabulous person in the land (after Santa, of course). I love how they updated the classic pencil skirt shape by dousing it in sparkles-- it'll make you look even shapelier and legger than a normal pencil skirt, because no one will be able to look away from your banging hourglass figure. The con would be that this dress is so memorable that you'd only be able to wear it once or twice a season; but I think it would hold up for multiple years. Also, you could probably put together a great Studio 54 Halloween costume with this skirt.

I can decide which styling of the Long V-Neck Sweater, $49.50, I like better: with the skinny metallic belt, $29.50 or long shimmer scarf, $22.50. This basic sweater dress (is it long enough to be a dress? I hope so, because I forbid everyone from wearing it with leggings, but as Blair Waldorf so eloquently stated, "tights are pants!") comes in eight gorgeous colors and a sexy V-neck shape (and pockets!). There are countless ways to accessorize this sweater dress, and I want to wear it all winter.

And finally, this is why I usually don't shop at Express: They sell cougar clothes.

Printed Satin Cami, $29.99

Birthday List

It's my birthday on Sunday, which means that I'm in full-on greedy, selfish, bratty Birthday Girl mode. It's all prezzies, all the time. Here's what I want but have no expectation of receiving:

Alice +Olivia Ombre Dress, $368
Olice + Olivia always has the cutest party frocks-- fun, a bit frivolous, and always super stylish. I adore the bright flame colors on this skirt, and the ombre is like a classy spin on tie-dye. The empire waist and full skirt is a nice counter to the deep V neck and super sexy cross-strap back.

1928 Gold Pen Necklace, $20
My obsession with Mad Men is well documented, so I feel ashamed that it took me this long to track down a replica of Joan's fabulous pen necklace. 1928 claims that Joan's necklace, a vintage find in an LA flea market, is one of their early designs, and this is the most authentic thing available. They also have gem encrusted version, but I like the classic gold. And such a good price!

Anthropologie Honey Slip, $38
It's getting colder, which means it's slip (under dresses, of course) weather! My very favorite one, from Urban Outfitters, is getting sort of ratty. This Anthro slip would be a total upgrade: it has the essential lace trim, a slit up the side, and quality slinky fabric. I also like this vibrant turquoise color, although I'd probably buy it in black or cream for versatility.

Ped Egg Pedicure Foot File, $8.53
I had this running joke with my roommates that for my birthday I only want things you can buy on infomercials, like Bowflex and a shammy towel and that little plastic triangle that helps you caulk your bathtub. But I'm dead serious about wanting this, because I am sort of obsessed with exfoliating my feet. I have a regular foot file that sort of looks like a cheese grater, but this one is so much better. It catches the dead skin flakes, so not only do you not get gross callus snow all over your bathroom floor, but you can gross out your friends by showing them all the dead skin you've sloughed off!

Crosley Kettle Classic Desk Phone, $59.95
Another Mad Men pick: I may not have a land line in my apartment, but I would get one just to answer this phone with, "Don Draper's Desk?" Of course, the chrome blue isn't very period accurate, but it is damn cute.
Fearless, by Taylor Swift, $9.99
I'm not kidding, when I found out that Taylor Swift's new CD was coming out on November 11th, I said, "Oh, shit, I'm more excited for her CD than I am for my birthday!" And that's just barely an exaggeration, because I LOVE Taylor Swift. I can't even pinpoint what it is about her music that I adore so much: I know she's not the best songwriter, or the best singer. But her songs are like crack for my ears! I spent all of summer 2007 blaring her first CD in my car as I drove to work, and then I spent all of last August listening to "Change" (I mean, it's about the Olympics, of course I'm going to be obsessed with it), all of September listening to "Love Story," and most of October listening to "White Horse" and "Fearless." So this is the one item on this list that I will definitely, no doubt about it buy for myself on Tuesday.
Words in Air: The Complete Correspondence between Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Lowell, $29.70
Here's someone less embarassing that I love: Elizabeth Bishop. We read some of her poems for my Representations of Women class last week, but when I found out that our incompetent, evil TA was giving the lecture I skipped, because it just wasn't worth having her ruin Elizabeth Bishop for me. But after class she sent an email to everyone of the NYT review of this book, an article that made me love Bishop even more and vow to read this book (the title should make it pretty obvious about what it's about).
Gilmore Girls: The Complete Seventh Season, $22.99
I think I'm the only person who found the final season of GG as good, and maybe even better, than previous seasons, but I do. I bought the first six seasons when Target was selling them for $14.99, and just recently I've ripped off the plastic wrap and watched a bunch of episodes. I watched all of the sixth season, am about a third of the way through the fifth, and craving the seventh (even with the very unfortunate Chris business).
More From Magnolia, Recipes from the World Famous Bakery, $17.92
I mentioned going to Anthropologie on the day before Halloween, but I didn't add that before trying on all those great dresses, I stood in the store for about ten minutes flipping through this dessert cookbook. A new outpost of Magnolia Bakery just opened across the street from where I intern, and I've been so good about not going for lunch everyday... but this yummy looking book isn't helping. This is my sort of cookbook, because there's a delicious photo for each recipe, so I can get inspired while I bake.

Demeter Cinnamon Bun Fragrance, $20
Demeter is famous for its strangely realistic fragrances, like "Grass" and "Sex on the Beach" (the drink... I think). Some of them are definitely strange, but a Cinnamon Bun perfume would make my life complete. The smell of cinnamon is definitely my very favorite-- everytime I bake, if cinnamon's on the recipe I'll generally triple the amount it calls for, and then sprinkle some on top. And what's better than just cinnamon? Cinnamon with frosting! And there's a recipe on the bottle that sounds a lot easier than Alton Brown's 18 hour overnight recipe. And according to the website blurb, "Dr. Hirsch determined that men became sexually stimulated when they smelled the aroma of cinnamon rolls. "

Pumps, Booties, and Platforms

I feel like I haven't bought a pair of shoes in forever. Here are some that I wish I could afford.

These J.Crew Carmen patterned peep-toes in golden yellow, $275, would totally not work for New York in November. The shiny metallic fabric should never be besmirched by city grit or slush. It should only be worn on plush carpets that have been professionally cleaned by indentured servants, so not even the bottom of these shoes get dirty. I love the knotted fabric over the toe, too-- very nice twist.


I've never been a big fan of booties; I think they cut off your legs at a weird place and are one of those trends that we'll look back on in five years and think, "Why the hell did we wear those?" But I was flipping through the new issue of Lucky today, saw these Nine West Santani booties, $150, and decided that all booties might not be bad news. I've always been a big fan of purple suede, and I think the understated shape of these ankle boots is very versatile. Ok, well, things that are purple suede are not terribly versatile, but these would look so chic with a pair of dark skinny jeans. Not leggings, though-- nothing looks good with leggings.

I'm not sure if these Victoria's Secret Satin Criss-Cross pumps, $68, are actually that cute. But I'm intrigued enough to include them here. I definitely like the deep jewel tones, the ginourmous heel and platform. I just don't know if I think the crossed straps are tacky or fun. I'm leaning towards fun. I am positive, though, that the straps would make these way easier to walk in. My heels are always slipping out of the back of regular pumps, which is one reason I'm really into mary-janes. Straps like this would make sure my feet stay perfectly in place.


Here's a much classier version of the platform shoe: from Twelfth by Cynthia Vincent, the Didi Plaid Platform Pump, $246, is an understated take on the patterned shoe. The plaid is so elegant-- not at all lumberjack or grunge-- and the pleading on the front makes that much classier. I want these shoes really, really bad, you guys.


These Sigerson Morrison for Target Roxanne Jeweled Pumps, $36.99, remind me of the blue Manolos that play such a big role in the Sex and the City movie, except without that tacky-ass buckle but also without that exceptional Italian design. I hope that the jewel accents on the toe look a little less tacky in person, and that the sapphire color is just as fabulous as in this photo.

Soothing my Shopping Soul with Anthropologie Dresses

Last Thursday I had a really bad shopping day. I was determined to find a pink frilly dress so I could be Princess Peach for Halloween, and of course I waited until the last minute. The first thrift store I went into had a great dress that was actually cute enough to wear again, but the top part was too small. In the fourth thrift store, I found a hilariously eighties dress that would be perfect, but it was $110. Discouraged, I decided to go into Anthropologie to lift my spirits. I told myself I would just browse, soak up the nicely scented, well-designed ambiance. But then I saw the Annie & Jane dress, knew I had to try it on, and in a matter of minutes I was in a dressing room with five dresses and a top. And they all fit! And they looked great! And they were all too expensive to buy! So I ended up heading back into the cold, cruel world even sadder. But I'm going to relive it again, just for you guys.

This is the Annie & Jane dress, $89.95, that convinced me it would be worth it to get a dressing room. The eggplant-colored plaid skirt is a mix of preppy and old-fashioned (very Peggy), while the high waist and gathered sweetheart neckline accentuate your curves (very Joan). It's an extremely cute dress that would work for both the office and a date. I heavily debated splurging a little, but I stopped because the tailoring on the pockets was a bit off. Located right on the hips, the pockets bulged out a little bit, marring the perfect hourglass silhouette it should have had. So I put it back on the rack, but if it goes deeper on sale, then I might have to reconsider it.



The Ile Royalle dress, $89.95, is a fabulously flirty strapless dress, with a deep purple sash and floral embroidery that take the sunny yellow color perfectly fitting for fall. I love the pleating down the front, which streamlines the look. Paired with a cardigan in dark grey or a similar shade of purple and some kitten heels, and you'd have a lovely and ladylike outfit.


I tried on two more dresses, but one definitely isn't online and the other keeps disappearing and reappearing on the website. If it turns up again, I'll edit this and add it.


Oh, and if you're wondering, I never did find a pink dress. I considered combining a pink skirt with a pink tank and a pink cardigan, but then I just looked like a five year old whose mother let her dress herself for a day. So I combined blue tights, white shorts, red tank, and blue sweatshirt, and was an Olympic gymnast! I made some medals out of blank CDs and tinfoil, and then pulled my hair back in that unflattering way they all do (with the very front section twisted and pinned back), although I forgot to get a scrunchie, and some blue eye shadow worthy of a twelve year old. What I really wanted to be was an underage Chinese gymnast: red leotard, even tackier glitter makeup, about fifteen sparkly hair clips, and a passport with "Born in 1998" crossed out and "1990" written underneath. I was also tempted to black out one of my teeth (since all the adult ones haven't grown in yet). Anyway, needless to say, I lacked both the foresight and cultural insensitivity to pull that costume off, and I was sticking the landing like Shawn Johnson all night instead.

Socks and Tights

It rained today, and instead of being smart and wearing my clunky rainboots to class, I was dumb and wore my stylish but not-quite-waterproof leather boots. I got them so wet in the morning that I spent the rest of the day with damp soaks and cold toes, so the second I got home I took off my shoes and put on these socks from heaven.

Every holiday season, the Gap sells these soft sherpa socks, $9.50. Other places make similar slipper socks, but I'm loyal to the Gap for their fun Christmas-y colors and quality fabric. These socks will make your winter so much more pleasant-- I should buy like a dozen and put them in a basket by the door, so I can immediately change out of my regular socks as soon as I come inside. Last night, I couldn't fall asleep because my feet were too cold, so I got out of bed, put on these socks, and then slept like a baby. I have them in boring black, and I definitely plan on buying at least one more pair this winter, preferably a pair that makes my feet look like candy canes.

But I do need some socks to wear outside, and while this pair isn't exactly practical, it's damn cute. From Safe, these Ring Knee Highs, $15, are a sexy spin on a schoolgirl classic. You could wear them in a faux-sporty way, or in a super feminine way, like in the photo. I'm also digging the monochromatic thing, even if those platform shoes are way too much for me.

I already own a pair of argyle tights, but I bought some a size too small so I don't wear them too often. That's why I need another pair, like Simone's Argyle Tights, $25. The pair I own just has two lines of diamonds running down the inside and outside of my legs, but this all-over argyle pattern is very smart as well, and probably would be easier to match. It'll go perfectly with the "brainy but fun co-ed" thing I'm trying to rock as much as possible before graduation.

For the many (hopefully) holiday parties that are coming up, I'm tempted to splurge on Wolford's Fiesta Tights, $55. These metallic pinstripes are hot, and they'd be fun enough for a Crunksgiving party but serious enough for Christmas Eve dinner with the family. Plus, Wolford is what the Gossip Girls wear, so I'd know I really couldn't go wrong.

Some Fabulous Links for you!

Hey ladies (and gents)! I don't have time to do a full post right now, but to hold you off--and share a few goodies--here are a few of my favorite fashion/beauty blogs and websites. Have fun and click away!

Fashion under $100 -- For some reason this website won't open for me in IE, but works fine in Firefox. Ever wondered how to put together a celebrity outfit for under $100? This girl is pretty much amazing at finding deals and steals for you--and you can even make requests!

Galadarling.com -- I just found this site a few weeks ago, and I'm pretty much obsessed. With tips on how to be more charming, how to develop your own style and how to dress like a Parisian woman, I'm all over this site every day. Gala has a wonderful attitude toward life, and I find her really inspiring.

FabSugar, BellaSugar and ShopStyle -- All three are part of the same network (which includes sites on celebrity gossip, health and money). It's a huge time-suck because they constantly deliver really interesting takes on their subjects. I'm a huge fan of BellaSugar especially for teaching me the neat trick of using gold sparkles over black nail polish. Sooooo cute!

Rue la la -- I was sent an invite to this community and it is amazing!!! They have little boutique sales every week with brands like Miu Miu and Theory. They describe themselves as "Rue La La is... an exclusive, invitation-only online destination where Members discover premier-brand, private sale Boutiques, each open for just a brief window of time." If you'd like an invitation to the community, go ahead and leave your email in the comment section.

That's it from me! I'll be back soon with some delightful and pretty things soon, I promise!

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).

Plaid Madness

So I know that it's pretty tacky to claim Lauren Conrad as a fashion inspiration-- her "designs" are boring and overpriced and she's certainly not breaking any new ground in her personal style. And yet, I have to admit, more often than now I see a candid photo of her and think to myself, "She looks pretty cute-- I sort of wish I was wearing her outfit right now." Lately she's been rocking these plaid/flannel shirts that I'm coveting, and she's doing it without looking like a lumberjack. Impressive!

I particularly love this Elizabeth and James Schoolboy top, which is unfortunately sold out on ShopBop but was like $250 or something ridiculous, so it's not like I was going to actually buy it. Check out the back, too: the darts keep it from being too baggy and add a fun, fashion-y twist to a staple. Also, I am lusting over her Chanel purse like a kid who was at fat camp for six weeks before escaping and finding himself outside a Chipotle on free burrito day (October 31st! I'm so excited!). The quilted black leather, the gold chain straps, the small interlocking C's-- classic perfection.

Here are a few more pics of LC rocking the plaid, first in a vibrant blue and then a more girly white and pink.

































Surprisingly, Victoria's Secret has a really great selection of plaid shirts. This Classic Plaid shirt, $48, is a very Western take on plaid. I like the pearly button snaps, and I think the diagonal thick stripes are nicely slimming.







This plaid shirt, $58, has a totally boring name. Victoria's Secret isn't very good at naming their clothes-- has anyone else noticed that? Also, I get really annoyed when they have a piece in different colors, but only show you a little swatch of the other prints. Anyway, I bet the cotton flannel material of this shirt is totally cozy.




This Ruffle-Front Shirt in Plaid, $48, is a little more classy, and I love how they styled it with the high-waisted skirt. I'm a fan of the puffed sleeve with button cuff, and the small ruffles that avoid being overly prissy.





I was just informed that plaid shirts are very popular among Brooklyn hipsters-- probably too popular. I had no idea, but I should have known by the many plaid shirts on sale at Urban Outfitters. And this outfit is hipster-ness at its very worst: a shirt tucked into high-waisted shorts, over TIGHTS? I'm just glad the photo isn't full body, because this bitch is probably wearing a headband around her forehead and booties. But on its own, the BDG Flannel Button Down, $48, is a great basic plaid shirt.



This Cowboy Lovin' Flannel Shirt, $49, is very girly and sweet. I want to add that my ideal plaid shirt will definitely include snap buttons, so I can rip it open at dramatic moments (wearing a tank top underneath, of course). Like when Sex and the City went to LA and Miranda rode the mechanical bull in order to get in touch with her sexuality!




I love the tailoring on this Kimchi Blue Pintuck Plaid shirt, $58, especially the flattering empire waist. The subtle ruffles on the Victorian collar and the pintucking on the top also add some old-fashioned charm.



Just in case you're overloading on checks and stripes, I'll end with a plaid shirt/henley hybrid. From Free People, the We the Free Studded Henley, $118. It's perfect for people who like the look of layering, but are too lazy to buy things separately. I'm a fan.

Clodhoppers from Dylan's Candy Bar

I have some amazing news, you guys: Mindy Kaling has returned to blogging! She has a new web address and layout (which I'm disappointed in, because we picked the layout of this blog not only because it's clean and classic, but because it's exactly the same as TIBTIL), but it's the same hilarious shopping-related prose as ever. Check out the new Things I've Bought That I Love and then go buy something totally fucking dope.

In one of the last entries about sour candies on the old blog, Mindy mentioned the amazing Dylan's Candy Bar. This New York institution is perfectly located across the street from Bloomingdale's and down the block from Serendipity, and is basically the FAO Schwartz of sugar. My sister visited me this weekend, so we braved the screaming hordes of children to get some awesome candy. There were all the basics: chocolate covered raisins, all sorts of gummy worms, caramels and licorice and whatnot. And then there were clodhoppers. I've never heard of clodhoppers until this weekend, but they're now my craving of choice.

Clodhoppers are basically graham cracker clusters covered with your fudge of choice (I loved dark chocolate, my sister preferred vanilla, and I'm dying to try cookies n' cream). Sounds simple, but the combination of the two tastes and textures are practically magic. You can buy this lame painter's can of clodhoppers online for $14, but I'm dying to go back to the Upper East Side and just grabbing the big container off the wall and then eating nothing but clodhoppers for the rest of my life.

Mod Cloth gifts

I thought I had covered everything on Mod Cloth, but shortly after posting that last entry I realized that I totally skipped Mod Cloth's awesome gifts section!

I bought this "Books to Check Out" Journal, $10.99, years ago at a Borders, and it's been one of my most prized possessions ever since. I adore the old-fashioned library check-out card front, and at the beginning of each section (there's Books to Read, Favorite Books/Passages, and Books Borrowed/Lent) there are witty quotes about reading, like Groucho Marx's, "Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. And inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." Since 2006, I've used this journal to keep a list of every book I've read, and I also copy down passages I particularly like or titles of books I want to read in the future. I'm sort of obsessed with my book journal, and I think it'd be a perfect gift for any lover of the printed word with an obsessive list-making streak.

The home decor section also has some fun stuff. At first I was totally creeped out by this Cardboard Mounted Deer, $25.99. But now I find it sort of cute and charming! They call it "cruelty-free kitsch," and I think it would be a great conversation piece. You can also paint or collage it to give it even more personality.

I also think I would really enjoy these Eggcellent Spatulas, $14.99, since my breakfast of choice is eggs over easy on toast. When I first started making it, I kept breaking the yoke in the process of flipping, but now I've good enough to make my eggs as perfectly intact as the ones on the spatula.