Fall in love

The first week of class is in full swing and students are spending more on textbooks than they spend on their monthly rent, enjoying the academic hush before the real schoolwork storm begins and most importantly, they're showing off fall's best denim.

Denim and fall go hand in hand, but I've grown tired of the most predictable form of denim, or as you can guess, jeans. This is why I instantly wanted this when I saw it in American Eagle:


Wearing this Western wonder would be too cowgirl if worn with jeans of the same color, so it's best to pair it with black leggings (which I know every lady on campus owns) in order to bring it home to the East Coast. Past seasons' colored jeans also sweeten up the look.

I admit I haven't done my annual fall shopping spree, but I think getting these from Steve Madden at least buys me a little time:


In this transition season, it's great finding pieces that adapt to whatever weather lies ahead. Not only are these black beauties adorable with summer's dresses and fall's denim, they'll be perfect with winter's tights and knits. Plus, they're extra-comfy because of the well-supported heel.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves quite yet. It's the first week of school, after all.

Nice ride

Good-looking, well-fashioned men on bicycles? I like this. Although I doubt anyone's hair can look so flawlessly while cruising on his two-wheeled wonder. Sweet bow tie, though.

Happiness

is getting this (amazingly cheap) Hayden-Harnett for Target bag.

I'm a little late considering it was released Dec. 28, but I've been in Florida for the past week. Don't hate.

Thakoon for Target is out too. Good way to brighten up the rainy day.

Way to break my heart

Rag & Bone is good for the economy

"Nonetheless, I was happy with my clothes. I loved most everything, and if I happened to be, say, a treasury secretary, I would buy the entire collection with my freshly obtained funds and cackle to myself while America burned."
— Mike Albo, in The New York Times

It's okay, I hate Crocs too

"Tip to fellow journalists: Forget the presidential election. Never mind Iraq. The death penalty? Gun control? Feh. If you want to inflame the passions of the American people, write about rubber clogs."
— Steve Tuttle, in Newsweek

Let's get down to business (casual)

Throughout my life, I've had a total of nine jobs — and that's not including babysitting. They've ranged from the completely random (like posing — fully clothed! — for an art class) to the very common (like a server at a seafood restaurant). For all of these part-time occupations, I've either happily worn what I wear on a daily basis or unhappily put on a given uniform. There's never been confusion over what can and can't be worn.

Until now.

I began a new job the other day in a (very cool) office and read that the dress code is "business casual". The phrase itself is an oxymoron, so I read on for some clarification. To my disappointment, it only listed what not to wear, like denim and flip-flops, which I think are obvious.

For men, it's simple. A collared shirt, slacks, nice shoes and no tie. For women, there are more choices, which is both a curse and blessing. Should I wear heels? A button-down shirt? Pantyhose? A neat knit top? Skirt? So far I've been playing it safe, by deciding to dress more up than down and observing what others are wearing and going with that. And although dressing up is fun, I find it hard to be creative.

What are your thoughts? And what's your own definition of business casual? How much is business and how much is casual? Do you think it varies by company or is the same everywhere?

At least I can smile at the fact that I don't have to wear a terribly ill-fitting Dunkin Donuts visor or red apron from Michael's Arts and Crafts.

Spotted in SoHo

This will be the highlight of my fall.

What I heart right now...

I don't know why I don't own this yet.

Or maybe I should just make one myself?

I would never date a guy who wears...

The other day, my cousin and I got to talking about "jorts," the cleverly coined word for male jean shorts. A friend of mine is dating a guy who is a victim of the baggy and generally unattractive (at least to me) denim bottoms. So my cousin and I were hating on this guy, not because he isn't good enough for my friend (which is true), but because he wears jorts.

Does this mean I'm cold-hearted and materialistic? Maybe, but I can't help it. The first thing I notice about the opposite sex isn't their eyes or smile, but their style. A guy could be lacking in looks, but if he's rocking a cool cardigan and high-tops, then I'm down. And vice versa. There could be a ridiculously gorgeous guy, but if he has Hollister on, I say no thanks. I even bought my ex-boyfriend most of his clothes while we were dating, just because it's that important to me (and I'm such a nice girlfriend).

How big a role does fashion play in the dating game? I feel like people often seek a significant other who dresses the same in terms of style. But then again, they say opposites attract.

Are you like me and have fashion deal breakers? Or could you care less, even about jorts?