BRRRR! IT’S COLD IN HERE!

18Dec09

It is freezing in New York. And I can’t say enough bad things about it.

There have been lots of holiday parties going on, but due to the inclement weather, I find myself wanting to dress in 2 pairs of sweatpants, 3 layers sweaters/hoodies, Uggs (which are definitely not cool anymore), and a giant Northface. Ok, but enough complainin. I got through the week didn’t I? Let’s check out some ladies who did it right for the winter weather.

Johanna

Love the hat. I personally need more ear coverage in the winter, but it’s cute with her entire look.

Ella S.

I totally have the same red coat. And people make fun of me all the time when I wear it. (Burberry anyone?)

Daniela S.

p.s. This is how I feel the entire winter season.

Click on the image to take you to each gal’s Lookbook! Happy holidays! Or, as I saw on a cute card, “Festive wishes!!!”

Filed under: Lookbook, accessories, outfits, winter 2009   |  Leave a Comment
Tags: Burberry, Lookbook, Northface, Uggs

High Five

17Dec09

Among the typical wintertime necessities, gloves would be my “nice to have” as opposed to my “must have.” My hands are usually pretty warm as long as I keep them in my coat pocket or something. To be honest, just thinking about wearing gloves makes my hands itch. Now, of course I’ll wear them when I go skiing, or when I engage in a friendly  snowball fight here and there. I’m still human, geez.

The only sad part about my body physically rejecting gloves is precisely the fact that I can’t wear them, at least not for longer than minutes at a time. The most glamorous my hands will ever get is with an at-home manicure from my extensive Wet-n-Wild collection. Fancy, I know.

Still, that doesn’t mean a girl can’t look.

Father Panik Brooklyn Pop-Top Mittens, catbird, $36.00
Mod Goldenrod Glovelettes, ModCloth, $49.99
Leather Stud Scoop Gloves, TopShop, $36.00
Pearl Trim Gloves, TopShop, $36.00
Fairisle Mittens, American Eagle, $24.50
Cable Knit Mitt, North Face, $35.00

Filed under: accessories, winter 2009   |  Leave a Comment
Tags: American Eagle, catbird, ModCloth, TopShop

To Infinity And Beyond

16Dec09

Over the years, I’ve accumulated a lot of scarves. Some are from friends who’ve tired of a particular print or style. Some are from friends who’ve moved to warmer regions. Some were left in my care and never reclaimed. The rest I purchased either from the street vendors in New York City or the wholesale vendors in China. No two are the same in size, shape, or design, but they all do have one thing in common — they’re linear. And now — per usual of wanting what I don’t have — I’m really intrigued by the circular.

Sure, linear may be more versatile, but sometimes you just don’t want the two ends flapping about. Sometimes, you just want to know your scarf is going to stay in place (i.e., around your neck) despite the unforgiving winds. Sometimes, you want sometimes to be an eternity.

Zebra Eternity Scarf, Wet Seal, $10.50
Twilight Spacedye Cowl, Urban Outfitters, $34.00
Eternity Scarf, Urban Outfitters, $34.00
Ciara Eternity Scarf, Delia’s, $24.50
XL Knit Eternity Scarf, Urban Outfitters, $28.00
Sparkly Striped Circular Scarf, American Eagle, $24.50
Crochet Circular Scarf, American Eagle, $34.50

Filed under: Brooklyn, accessories, scarf, winter 2009   |  1 Comment

Menswear Je <3

15Dec09

I’ve really been getting into menswear these days. I think men who dress well might actually be more impressive than women who dress well. (Does that sound vaguely sexist?)

I hit up my new favorite store Need Supply Co. In case you forgot, I found the store only recently, and became obsessed with their shoe collection immediately. Seriously studly.

But you know what else would be studly? My bf dressed head-to-toe in Need Supply clothing. (But unlikely.)

To be honest, I’m not a fan of skinny boy bodies. J loves the hipster slim boys but they gross me out a bit. I like muscle on my men. (See what I did there? J loves boys, I love MEN.) Masculinity does it for me. (Has anyone seen Australia? Love Hugh Jackman in that movie!)

All asides aside, I am probably going to start nudging the bf towards these looks. Shh, don’t tell him. I need to make him think it’s his idea…

Spiewak Martin Jacket, $140
Apolis Activism Merino Military Henley, $175
Sebago Lighthouse Boot, $145
Life After Denim Heritage Stripe Sweater, $72
Sebago Lighthouse Boot, $145
Zuriick Caldwell Leather, $75
Life After Denim Lasalle Cardigan, $49.99
Commune Townsend, $99.99
Property of… Alfie Book Bag, $245
Commune Pompei, $52

Filed under: accessories, collage, deals, jackets, outfits, shoes, sweaters, winter 2009   |  Leave a Comment
Tags: Need Supply Co.

Blow, blow, thou winter wind

14Dec09

Me: Hi, I’m moving to a colder region and I’m doing a little research on what type of winter coat I should get. [Please note: This was an unnecessary lie. It was the first thing that came out of my mouth.]
Rep: Ski jacket. They’re fleece lined, waterproof, and windproof.
Me: Oh, okay. What about a pea coat? Or something with cashmere?
Rep: They’re not warm.
Me: Oh, so, when I see people wear them…are they just wearing a lot of layers underneath?
Rep: Yea. They’re not warm. They just look nice.
Me: What about something like a parka?
Rep: They’re not warm.
Me: So what’s the most popular jacket now?
Rep: Ski jacket?
Me: Yea.
Rep: Columbia.
Me: What’s the best selling now?
Rep: We sell more urban coats.
Me: What does that mean?
Rep: Name brand coats. They’re not warm.
Me: Like what?
Rep: Rocawear. They’re high priced because they’re  name brand.
Me: Ok, thanks.

So that was my phone conversation with a sales rep from a Milwaukee-based Burlington Coat Factory. I figured, if anybody, they would understand cold weather, right? But apparently they’re more of a function-over-form kinda city.

It’s going to be cold in Ireland…and rainy…and probably windy. With the exception of one person, most of us have lived or are living in cold-weather regions and are pretty well equipped. This post is for you, D.

Wool is a highly resilient fiber and the best part is that it keeps you warm even when it’s wet. The fabric absorbs water vapor and maintains a dry insulating air next to your body.  Also, natural materials tend to breath better than so when you’re running from place to place and happen to work up a sweat, it’ll give you the room your body needs to allow the moisture to evaporate so you’re not freezing once your body slows down.

.

Synthetic (e.g., polyester/nylon) materials are what you’d find on the typical ski jacket. You can find stuff that’s waterproof, but the best part about synthetic materials over natural materials is that it’s a better wind breaker. Cold air I can handle — it’s always the wind that gets me.

Down is amazing not only because it’s comfortable but because it’s extremely insulating. It’s critical to wear layers in the cold because warm air radiating from your body gets trapped, with each layer acting as another form of insulation. Down works similarly in that the feathers trap air to retain heat and keep you warm. It’s also super lightweight and compressible. True story: I climbed Mount Fuji one summer a couple years ago and it became so cold as we got to the top — um, about 12,000 feet up, thank you very much. All I had on was a t-shirt and sweatshirt, but my friend busted out a giant Nautica jacket from her backpack and it basically saved my life — that and the crazy expensive ramen noodles I had at one of the resting stations.

Cotton may a good for layering but because it’s highly absorbent, it’s not typically advised when it comes to providing warmth. Once wet, it takes longer to dry, which isn’t good in terms of outerwear. As an undershirt, it tends to hold the moisture against your body, which may actually make you more cold (especially if you’re like me and sweat a lot).

Filed under: Buying tips, jackets, winter 2009   |  3 Comments
Tags: Burlington Coat Factory, wool, cotton, synthetic, Columbia, Rocawear

Banana Republic: Gifts for Guys

11Dec09

This week we did wish lists for ourselves. So now all the boys in our life know what to buy us. But… what do we buy THEM? I don’t know about you, but I always struggle with buying gifts for the male species. I dread it because I don’t know what they want. I end up getting them lame gifts, like 5 pairs of reindeer print boxers. But this year, I think I’m going to get them nicer, more thoughtful gifts. Things they can actually use, and things *fingers crossed* they actually like. (I know what you’re thinking – who doesn’t like reindeer boxers?!?!)

Check out all the goodies at Banana Republic and p.s. free shipping on orders of $50 or more!:

Banana Republic Ivan sunglasses, $78
Banana Republic Cashmere plaid scarf, $98
Banana Republic Monogram bow tie, $49.50
Banana Republic Classic leather glove, $69.50
Banana Republic Wool plaid fedora, $49.50
Banana Republic Reversible plaque belt, $65

psst! Perfect weekend to go shopping! I think next weekend is when it starts to get crazy.

Filed under: Leather, accessories, collage, deals, gifts, hats, scarf, winter 2009   |  Leave a Comment
Tags: Banana Republic, Confessions of a Shopaholic

Need Supply Co. SHOES

10Dec09

Have you heard of Need Supply Co.? Seems like an awesome store! Their site has a clean and user-friendly feel. And the items they choose are so unique and beautiful yet wearable. HOW? How do they do it???

Seriously drool-worthy winter shoes:

I love studs! Recently I’ve been wanting to take all my jackets and self-apply studs to them. I am not too good for a hot glue gun. Is that wise? Probably not, but it’s the dream!

Dolce Vita Brylee, $110
Where Maxine Studded Wedge, $153

The boots on the left remind me of Empire Records. Just the feel of them are so 90’s right? Love the beads on the low wedgie boot. When I dance, I’ll shine!

Seychelles Meteor Boot, $150
Industry Low Wedgie Boot, $143

If you spend $100+ on their site, you get free shipping! And this deal isn’t just for the holidays. It’s all the time! And for you fancy expats and international fans, they ship to you free when your order is $250+. But common, I could spend $250 on their site with my eyes closed. Their main store is in Virginia. Road trip anyone?…

Store info:

Need Supply Co.
3010 West Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23221
804.767.1825

Store Hours
Mon – Sat 11:00 – 7:00
Sunday – 11:00 – 6:00

Filed under: Buying tips, Leather, shoes, winter 2009   |  1 Comment
Tags: Need Supply Co.

J’s Holiday Wish List

09Dec09

Now, I don’t expect to actually receive any of these, because we all know wishes rarely ever come true. But if you’d like to warm my cold, cold heart with a present or two…well, that’s up to you.

Vintage 70's (Circa 1970) Regina Mechanical Digital Jump Hour, $375.00

I tried taking my dad’s old watch and he told me to stop wearing mens’ stuff. I returned it to him, not bothering with a rebuff. Little does he know it’s all about androgyny and I can’t get enough.

Urban Decay Dress, MINKPINK, $81.00

This dress reminded me of a photo I took while flying over New York City. That, and the cut, well now, tell me it isn’t bomb diggity.

Sidewinder, Schoner, $86

Hey, hey! Come closer. I can’t see you from way over there. Ah, that’s better — Tortoise? Meet Eyewear.

Bubble Umbrella, Uncle Sam's Umbrella Shop @ MoMA

The weatherman says it’s going to rain — and maybe even snow. All I know? I’m going to be nice and dry — and maybe even catch a rainbow.

Oversized Cozy Scarf, Urban Outfitters, $48

Losing not one, but two scarves in the last three weeks seems hard to believe. They were good ones, I certainly did grieve. Perhaps someone will mend my heart on one Christmas Eve.

Filed under: Jewelry, accessories, dresses, gifts, scarf, vintage, winter 2009   |  2 Comments
Tags: Mink Pink, Museum of Modern Art, Regina, Shuron, Urban Outfitters

T’s Holiday Wish List!

08Dec09

It’s time! I’m makin’ my list and checkin’ it twice! Except my list is not about who’s been naughty or nice… My list is my PRESENTS WISH LIST!

AE Tuxedo Jacket, $69.50

Cute right? I’m surprised I overlooked this amazing jacket on their site. This item is American Eagle’s Deal of the Week and you get free shipping with it! It is so perfect for New Year’s Eve! Alerting all friends and family… This is top of my list!

Bobbi Brown Chrome Palette, $75

I am obsessed with Bobbi Brown makeup. For a while I only used Bobbi Brown products on my face. And then the recession hit and now I buy Target brand copycat St. Ives exfoliator… It’s a bit unfair to post this chrome palette because it’s sold out on their site. (But maybe your faithful friends will check the stores for you…?) I pondered too long whether or not to get it, and when I finally clicked the “Buy” button, it was all sold out! Boo! Some sly and wily people have the palette listed on ebay, but beware! People are paying upwards of $100 for it! Aren’t they the perfect colors for the season? Anyway, free shipping on all Bobbi Brown orders right now!

Doc Martens 460 8 Eye Boot Navy Smooth, $110

I used to really hate Doc Martens boots. I thought they were ugly! But I used to also hate Chucks so really, don’t mind me. I saw someone wearing these navy ones on the subway this morning and I was the creepy person staring at someone else’s shoes for the entire ride. Common, you’ve been that person before. Anyway, I wanted to ask her where she got them but I chickened out. So… dear friends and family, would YOU find out for me and put them under my tree this year? I’m a size 7. Thanks!!!

Cole Haan Marabelle Slim Wallet, $98

I saw this Cole Haan wallet and wasn’t sure if I wanted it or not. So what did I do but convince the bf to get it for his sister! I ordered the black one and when it arrived, I fell in love with it.

(The lining is purple by the way! That really sealed the deal for me.) I called the bf and went on and on about how cute it is, until finally he said, “Do you want me to just buy it for you and I’ll get my sister something else?” I said “no” 3 times before I said “Ok thanks! Oh, but you’re still giving me the other present you got me, right?… Good, then yes, I want it.” And then I hung up the phone so he wouldn’t be able to change his mind.

And that is the story of how I am 1/4 this Very Merry Christmas!

Filed under: Buying tips, accessories, deals, jackets, makeup, shoes, winter 2009   |  4 Comments
Tags: American Eagle, Bobbi Brown, Cole Haan, Doc Martens

Free Shipping Day

07Dec09

Worried you missed out on all the post-Thanksgiving deals? Fear not! Retailers are still clamoring for your dollars and more than 450 retailers are participating in FreeShipping.org’s 2nd annual Free Shipping Day on December 17th (the goal is to hit at least 500 by this time). Currently, there are 98 clothing retailers in the mix, from Seven For All Mankind to Macy’s to Ralph Lauren’s Rugby. The best part? All orders made on this day are guaranteed to arrive by December 24th.

Another e-commerce company Istobe gives you a list of almost 600 retailers and tells you whether or not they offer free shipping, and if they do, whether it’s on all orders or if there’s a minimum purchase required — sweet deal.

Also the New York Times just posted a story about how sample sales are moving online:

The business model is simple: the sites buy mostly overstocked clothing and accessories from brand-name designers, then discount them deeply. Adrenaline-pumped shoppers rush to get the deals because the items are often gone in a few hours.

The sites try to recreate the rush of a warehouse sample sale, minus the trampling and shoving, but they borrow as much from the Home Shopping Network as they do from Saks Fifth Avenue. After shoppers add an item to their cart at Gilt, for example, they get a 10-minute countdown before they lose the item.

Psssh, civility is overrated. Without crazy, cutthroat people, where would our entertainment industry find its material?

When I first moved to New York I was completely enamored by sample sales. I once bought 9 French Connection dresses, once $200+ each, for just $40 each — to be fair, half of them were for a friend. Other than the pain of having to go through thousands of pieces of clothing, it was generally pretty fun once you got in. No overeager customer service people to bother you and the rules are less strict — you can try on a shirt in the middle of the floor; or, if you’re feeling awk, go to the back corner behind a haphazardly hung sheet where the rest of the girls are trying on mounds of clothing they’ve plopped onto the floor.

Not being able to try on the pieces is the only thing I’m reluctant about — even if it’s cheap, I still want it to fit (Incidentally, this logic was not applied when I recently bought a $10 dress from Armani Exchange. Oh, the dress is a size 14, and I’m a size 4. I’ll just belt it! was the consolation). Then again, there’s always eBay.

Filed under: deals   |  Leave a Comment
Tags: New York Times, FCUK, FreeShipping.org, Confessions of a Shopaholic, eBay, Free Shipping Day, Istobe, Home Shopping Network, Saks Fifth Avenue, Armani Exchange