Gem & I
June 10 | Favorite Things

Statement jewelry has never been my aesthetic but I just might change my tune this summer, especially since there are so many interesting pieces on sale… yes, I’m still babbling about all these sales.

Vivienne Westwood Red Label Sea Monster Necklace

Love this bold look!  The green Swarovski crystal sea monster motif looks tough but somehow also manages to look graphic.  Jewelry is not well represented in my wardrobe and it’s a shame because it can punch up a basic outfit or add some personality without trying too hard.  I say bring on the shiny!

Going with Flo
May 16 | Favorite Things

I don’t know about you, but the vast improvement in weather in my neck of the woods has me feeling so cheerful.  It also makes me want to put on light, feel-good clothes including – gasp! – florals.

It seems like designers, editors and retailers are all conspiring against the floral-phobic in me.  Flower motifs are everywhere.  I've always been a little dubious.  Small prints can be prissy while large flower prints come off as muumuu-esque.  But now I’m feeling the flo.  Maybe it’s all the real flowers that I’m surrounded by lately.  Maybe I’m getting soft.  Whatever it is, I’ve turned around to this wearable garden party.  Here’s one of my faves:

3.1 Phillip Lim open back dress

The silhouette is casual but the open back gives it a bit more sex appeal.  The best part for me is that the floral print is a bit more graphic than girly.  How sweet it is.

Hopelessly Devoted
May 2 | Favorite Things

I was recently shopping with my husband and baby in tow – he was sweet enough to wheel the little one around in the stroller while I trolled the downtown Nordstrom here in Portland for handbags.  The selection is fantastic at this location, with many of the requisite luxury brands: Yves Saint Laurent, Chloé, Marc Jacobs.  It was fun to look but I was having a hard time even finding anything that really caught my eye.  At the prices handbags are going for these days, the bags better make me look taller, hotter and infinitely more stylish than everyone else around.
 
Then I noticed the Chanel boutique within the Nordstrom over in the corner.  The lure was too strong.  I had to check out the goods.  Here’s where I got a little lightheaded.  First of all, it is about ten times brighter in that part of the store so it felt like handbag heaven.  The sales woman who helped me was so incredibly attentive and helpful that I wanted to say “I’ll take everything!” in the throws of my bag high.  Of course I had to snap out of it, but not before my lust for luxury was permanently cemented in the shape of this bag:

Chanel Perforated Metallic Calfskin Flap Bag

This picture from the Chanel website makes the bag look flashier than it actually looks in person.  But Perforated Metallic bag has attitude while being classic enough to steal the show from the prim little quilted bags.  The gold metal accents contrast nicely with the silver leather and the inside is lined with the most beautiful silvery-blue satin.  I am officially in love.  But with a $2,195 price tag it will have to be a long-distance courtship.  But don’t think I’m not scheming of ways to be with my true handbag love.

Why Dye?
March 30 | Favorite Things

I used to make fun of my husband for listening to the Grateful Dead because for me, the whole scene conjured up images of dirty hair and bad tie-dye.  Whether thatʼs a fair assessment or not, it doesnʼt matter.  I have now official gone over to the dark side and know plenty of Grateful Dead songs by heart (from years of being a captive audience on road trips) and have even caught myself singing a tune to the baby.  *Sigh*

While I wonʼt be sporting a tie-dye t-shirt any time soon, I have seen some nice tie-dye looks that doesnʼt look too, um, crunchy.  Here a look I really like:

C&C California St. Tropez silk tank

It almost looks like an ethnic print, which is a big trend this season.  I say a little tie-dye goes a long way and this light, airy look is perfect for spring.

YSL Majorelle
March 25 | Favorite Things

At first I wasnʼt that into this bag.  It seemed too old lady-ish for me.  But after further review, Iʼve changed my mind.

Yves Saint Laurent Majorelle bag

How else can you pull off purple patent leather but as a bright bit of arm candy?  It also helps punch up a rather staid design.  Iʼm all for classic looks but accessories are a great way to think outside the box.

Speaking of Yves Saint Laurent, I read The Beautiful Fallduring my vacation and now have a new appreciation for the designer and the brand.  That goes for Karl Lagerfeld too, who is the other main subject of the book.  I learned more than I ever needed to know about Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeldʼs personal and professional lives, and their titanic rivalry.  For fashion addicts, this book is a must since the all-encompassing scope of the book and the juicy tidbits make you feel like an insider.  And yes, Karl Lagerfeld had a signature look before the famous fan.  I'm glad he moved on.

The Sweetest Thing
February 22 | Favorite Things

I donʼt know if itʼs the fact that a cupcake is involved or just that the top is adorable but I am loving this bright little number from Boden.

Hotchpotch Gypsy Top

I recently got a Boden womenʼs catalogue, not really knowing much about the brand.  I lingered over every page.  Thereʼs a sense of fun and whimsy to the designs, which lean toward the comfortable yet on trend.  This top in particular speaks to my craving for color and the picture most definitely speaks to my craving for sweets.  The pull is hard to resist.

 

Give a Girl a Handbag
February 13 | Favorite Things

Earlier today my brother called me for advice on a Valentine’s Day gift for his wife.  I like hearing about last minute scrambles to find gifts.  It makes me feel less like a loser when I do the same thing.   He thought a new handbag was the way to go – good choice – and wanted some suggestions at the right price point.

That got me thinking… I always have room in my heart and closet for a new bag and this would make the perfect addition!

Be & D Kan Kan Portfolio

I’ll try not to gush in admiration.  Normally ruffles aren’t my thing, but the ultra girly detail is offset with the metal hardware and chain strap, which is removable for when you prefer a clutch.  Love it! 

Undercover and Underexposed
February 1 | Favorite Things

While the cold, rain and occasional snow still batters Portland, I refuse to let the weather get me down.  I’ve got a Bahamas vacation coming up dammit!  Gotta keep my eyes on the prize.

Part of the prize, besides the obvious improvement in the weather, is I’ll actually have a reason to shave my legs.  Right now it’s like remembering to floss… I do it because I should.  My husband is the only one who sees my bare legs and sometimes has the misfortune of rubbing up against a slightly hairy shin while we’re in bed.  Poor guy.  My laziness with the razor is even less fun for him.

Soon, I’ll happily shave my legs because they will be free of jeans, tights and long pajama bottoms!  And I’ve found the perfect little dress to celebrate the liberation.

C&C California Abbey dress

C&C is the originator of the soft, lived-in looking t-shirt.  I like that their t-shirts look a bit more refined and come in an incredible range of colors.  I wish the Abbey came in more colors reminiscent of spring, but for now I’d be happy with white.  All the better to show off my tanned and stubble free legs.

Body Conscious
Favorite Things | January 13

Does anyone like to shop for swimwear?  Maybe a Brazilian swimsuit model, but the rest of us mere mortals would rather not face our bikini-clad backsides in a three way mirror.

Continuing on with the vacation theme (I’m counting down the days in case you couldn’t guess) I need a new swimsuit but I’m not really looking forward to shopping for one.  I’m tempted to just order something online and hope for the best but that’s about as wise as ordering a fish sandwich at a roadside bar in Reno.

While I’ll have to cut myself some slack and add an extra set of crunches every day, there’s no doubt the suit I spend money on will be the one that makes me feel good.  Whether it’s a flattering color or cut - or extra powerful Lycra - it’s all about the extra confidence that comes from keeping the jiggle under control.  An all important factor when ordering another pina colada or snacking on something deep fried.  This is a beach vacation after all.

Here’s a picture of a simple but simply gorgeous Eres swimsuit.  Guess I’ll go start those crunches now.

Flare Thee Well
January 6 | Favorite Things

I’m not into resolutions but the one thing I wanted to improve on this year was not always relying on jeans to get me through an outfit crisis.  While I’ve added a few new dresses to my repertoire but I keep going back to dark denim for most of my outings.  It doesn’t help that now I am totally obsessed with wide leg jeans.  I’m constantly looking for another pair.

With a warm weather vacation looming – to save me from the rain God help me – I’m looking forward to packing light.  Light in weight and color that is.  So when I saw these jeans in the latest Anthropologie catalogue, I was instantly smitten.

Joe’s Lola wide leg chambray jeans

Not only will these work for dinners and night walks on the beach topped with a tank and lightweight sweater, they will also protect my legs from mosquitoes!  And these jeans would be perfect for the flight back when covering up is a must on those cold flights.  Give me a cashmere hoodie and I’m golden.  So what was that about not always wearing jeans?  

 

 

All that Glitters
Favorite Things | December 13

With my attraction to all things glittery even more pronounced these days (must be all the holiday cheer), I went digging around for a sequined top I bought a few years back but thought I put away because it had run its course in my wardrobe.  Well, it seems I gave it away because I can’t find it anywhere.   Darn.  When will I learn?  Sometimes I’m too hasty about giving things away. 

Sequins are everywhere right now.  Whether you want a little bit of sparkle or the full bedazzled effect, it’s totally wearable and so much fun.  Right now I am loving this little number.

Alice + Olivia sequin dress

I like the idea of taking a sporty racerback dress and kicking up the pretty with sequins.  I love pairing it with opaque tights or skinny trousers and you can always throw on a blouse or a light turtleneck underneath for a ladylike look.  Nice no?

Presents of Mind
December 2 | Favorite Things

This is the time a nagging worry starts to grow exponentially with each day that passes in December.  I’m talking about Christmas shopping.  And every year my list of people to buy for grows longer and my patience for this task diminishes.  Don’t get me wrong, I love giving gifts.  Seriously, I do.  Especially when I know I’ve picked out something that will truly surprise and delight.  The problem is feeling the pressure to surprise and delight every person on my Christmas list.

We’re always reminded that the holidays are not about presents but who are we fooling here?  It may not be about them but gifts certainly are an important factor.  This is the time when we acknowledge loved ones, colleagues, hair dressers, sanitation workers, etc. with some token of our appreciation but it can’t be too much of a token right?

When I was a teenager, I used to cut out magazine ads and tape them on my bookshelf or drop unsubtle hints to let my parents know what I wanted.  Too bad this is unacceptable behavior as adults.  Screw surprise, I want answers and I want them before it’s too late to ship presents at jacked up rates! 

If I’m shopping at a store, I’ll wander aimlessly for what feels like hours unable to make a decision.  Is a scarf too impersonal?  Are pajamas too personal?  Are gift cards a cop out? 

If I’m shopping online, I’ll realize I’ve spent an hour or two browsing site after site, putting things in my shopping cart and ultimately, not buying anything because I’m just not convinced I’ve found the right items.   Or worse, I’ll find presents for me and actually buy them.  Shameful but true.  (I’m going to try very hard not to do that this year.)

I don’t really have a solution… just felt like unloading.  I will probably cave and buy somebody gloves or gift card.  And I’m sure I’ll be scrambling to send a package on time – the first year my husband and I were dating, I spent almost $80 dollars to make sure his present made it on time.

And to give you a reward for even reading this, here are a few cool sites to make your gift buying a little easier.

For clothes you won’t find anywhere else – I could spend hours looking on the enoki world website.  You have to check often because things sell quickly but it’s worth it to find a unique gift for the fashionista in your life.  Yes, you can even buy a Christmas gift for yourself.

For books – I know as a Portlander I am biased but you can’t beat Powell’s Books, the country’s largest independent bookstore.  I recently found a book that was out of print and that made me really happy.

For toys – Oopma Toys has a fantastic selection of creative and high quality toys, many of them European makers. 

For dads and other dudes in your life who pretty much have everything– Canoe is like the MOMA store with even wackier selections, like a humidity proof salt and pepper shaker or a tree growing kit.

For moms and other women in your life who pretty much have everything – I know this isn’t a unique recommendation but with all the sales going on right now, it would be impossible not to find a good gift at the major department stores.  Retailers like Macy’s and Nordstrom want you to spend this Christmas so take advantage of those bargains.

Handsome Knit
November 12 | Favorite Things

When I was a teenager, I went through a phase where I’d borrow things from my dad’s wardrobe.  It was like Annie Hall except not nearly as chic… just very shapeless and slouchy.  One of my favorite things to borrow was a burgundy cardigan with dark brown horn-like buttons.  It had two pockets in the front that I liked to jam my hands into while attempting to look cool.  Who knows if I succeeded, but I do know that I love, love, loved that sweater.  Now this one by Stella McCartney is just about as perfect.

Oversized Stella McCartney cardigan at net-a-porter

Look effortlessly elegant and cozy?  Sign me up.

Hold the Milk
November 7 | Favorite Things

I read somewhere that Kate Moss carried an Hermès Birkin as a diaper bag.  How appropriately fabulous.  No doubt she never worried about leaking bottles or errant diaper wipes ruining the inside.  She probably just grabbed another Birkin from her very deep closet.

For those of us who aren’t in the Birkin club, there are, thankfully, fashionable designs that do not scream diaper bag.  I have the Storksak Emily shoulder bag that’s served me well.  It’s lightweight, roomy and has tons of pocket space to keep all the little things within easy reach.

But I am longing for my favorite bag shape, the satchel.  Then I saw this and thought it would make the perfect covert diaper bag.

Tod’s nylon Pashmy Bauletto handbag

The patent trim is a classic contrast to the techy nylon fabric. The zippered pockets are functional without being too distracting. This is definitely a stylistic winner. I wonder how it would handle spilled milk?

 

Cream of the Crop
November 6 | Favorite Things

Getting cozy never looked so cool.  I’m completely bowled over by this brilliant look from Mike & Chris.

Caption: Cropped leather jacket at Barneys

Flattering fit, funky metallic sheen, removable scarf – this is not your mother’s leather jacket.  Unless your mother actually owns this jacket.  Then my apologies to your rockin’ mom.  

The Tide is High
Favorite Things | October 4

In the past I tried to ignore the fact that waistlines are rising higher and higher and pant legs are getting wider and wider.  I’m not tall and I’m short waisted so it seemed this style was better left to the tall and leggy.  However, on a recent shopping excursion I decided to try the wide legged look and now I’ve discovered high waist wide leg jeans are my friend!

First of all this style keeps me from having to suck it in all the time.  I’ve got a layer of baby fat still hanging around my middle.  Before it was bothersome to have the waist sit just below or right at my bellybutton.  Now it’s like wearing a control garment without… well, wearing a control garment.  So while I work off the last six pounds (all concentrated in my lower gut) I’m loving the higher waist.  With the right tops, you can even out your proportions so being short waisted isn’t an issue.    

As for the wider leg, I wasn’t sure I could pull it off, especially without heels.  I’m 5’4” and don’t think I’m not a tiny bit bitter about that.  If you aren’t a tall girl, go for leg openings that aren’t too wide so your legs won’t look stumpy.  Who needs that?  Oh, and don’t forget to check out how your booty looks in the three way mirror.  You want to look as good from behind as you do from the front.

Here are my top three denim looks:

7 for All Mankind Dojo jeans	AG Club jeans	Joe’s Muse jeans

It was a close call but I ended up buying the Dojo jeans in a nice dark wash.  They work with heels and flats, very important double duty.  Next time, I’ll spring for something in a lighter, softer wash.  Now that I’ve discovered the joys of going high and wide, I’m embracing it!

Nature Calls
July 5 | Favorite Things

Hard as it is for me to believe, I’ve become a bird watcher over the past couple of years. In the past, my dealings with birds were pretty much limited to sparrows and pigeons, which were never welcome companions while dining al fresco. I’d hate when they got really close.

Now my experience has expanded dramatically. After traveling to Central America and the Caribbean, and taking many hikes in the Pacific Northwest, I’ve seen too many beautiful birds to discriminate, even against the lowly sparrows and pigeons. Watching Winged Migration helped too. My husband is a champion bird-spotter and learning more about our avian friends makes being outdoors that much more of a pleasure.

If you like birds but are not much of an outdoor person, you can still show your appreciation with a bird motif.

Bird print dress by Zimmerman at net-a-porter
Chloe t-shirt also at net-a-porter
Topshop chicken t-shirt
Silver & enamel ring from shopbop

Slave to a Good Sale?
June 13 | Favorite Things

You’ll need quite a few pennies if you want to get your hands on a luxury handbag. However now is the time to splurge, if you can, because there are sales galore in stores and online. Last week I took a quick trip to check out Nordstrom’s Half Yearly sale. It was a practical trip (needed bras) with the perfect opportunity to buy something on the cheap.

I thought I was being smart by showing up early (10am), but bargain-loving suburban housewives were already out in droves. The sale started at 8am and I thought, “Who goes shopping at that hour?” Well, I certainly found out. Apparently these are women on a mission because the store was packed from cosmetics to infant clothes. When I arrived some shoppers already leaving, arms loaded with bags.

I didn’t bother to go into the shoe department because I was afraid I might not come out alive. It was bumper to bumper in between the shoe racks with traffic moving at a crawl. But I couldn’t resist going on a quick recon mission of the handbag section. If I felt I could throw caution to the wind, I would have picked up a Chloe or Marc Jacobs bag for up to four hundred dollars less than what they normally go for. It’s a good thing being pregnant has made me much more practical – for the most part.

It’s still fun to look and my favorite place to do that is in the comfort of my home, in front of the computer. I can check out some fantastic sale items online without fighting the crowds.

Marni leather slouch bag on sale at net-a-porter
Tod’s shoulder bag on sale at Saks Fifth Avenue
Hogan leather hobo on sale at Neiman Marcus

I know retailers are still making a pretty penny even when they slash prices, but it still feels good to save a little bit on something you can use for years. I am justifying blatant consumerism even when I haven’t even bought anything! It’s a good thing most of my shopping consists of baby items these days. And let’s not go into how parents can go over the top on that stuff. That’s a topic for another day.

Shady Days
May 9 | Favorite Things

I was shopping for a Mother’s Day gift today and I decided to take a slight detour by once again checking out the Dior sunglasses I’ve been eyeing at Nordstrom. When my mom was in Portland for a visit a few weeks ago, she actually spotted them first and encouraged me to try them on. It was instant infatuation on my part. What I wasn’t so in love with was the $320 price tag.

The Dior sunglasses I covet

I’ve never spent that much on sunglasses. The most I’ve spent is about a hundred bucks for faux tortoise frame DKNY sunglasses (as a college graduation gift to me) which I wore way beyond its shelf life. Right now I’m going back and forth between cheap aviators from Urban Outfitters and oversized Michael Kors plastic frames that I got on sale for around 60 bucks. Should I be ashamed by my lack of flair for eyewear?

When I left Nordstrom, again without the sunglasses, I walked directly in the path of a tight shirt wearing, fake tanning, gym cruising man in Dior sunglasses. Not the same ones, but still. Do I share the same taste as someone who looks like a disco addict from Ibiza?

To me sunglasses are a practical purchase. I want to avoid wrinkles around my eyes from squinting, and I definitely don’t want to get cataracts when I’m older. Perhaps I should think of them as another way to up the style factor. I’m willing to pay for good shoes, handbags and premium denim so why not sunglasses? My cheap aviators are scratched up and the oversized frames never fit quite right. So it’s probably worth it to spend the money on rock star quality sunglasses. But something about shelling out $320 for sunglasses brings out the latent cheapskate in me. Maybe flashy sunglasses aren’t really me. I’ll give it a few more weeks and see if I still adore Dior.

Short, But Not Too Sweet
April 25 | Favorite Things

I’m usually not much into floral patterns. Not to say I never like it (loved the yellow floral dress in Phillip Lim’s spring collection), but in general, floral reminds me of Laura Ashley sheet sets. Who wants to look like she’s wearing bedding?

Now I’m beginning to change my mind about florals.

Nieves Lavi mini dress from blaec.com

The bold graphic print takes away the precious factor and totally works with the sexy short length. The duo behind Nieves Lavi creates perfect dresses that that are a bit boho chic, but still wearable for those of us who aren’t completely into that vibe. Now this is flower power I can definitely get behind.

The Right White
April 6 | Favorite Things

One of my all time favorite movies is Pretty in Pink.  I’ve probably seen it dozens of times.  And even though the ending was a little weak and so was the object of our heroine’s affection, it’s still one of the best teen angst films from the 80’s.  One of my favorite scenes is when Blane- the object of affection- walks into the record store where Andie- the heroine- works, picks up a Steve Lawrence album and asks her if it’s any good.  Her response?  “It’s hot.  White hot.”  Ha ha ha…okay, give me a break.  I was in junior high when I first saw this movie and some of those lines still strike me as funny.

So why am I waxing nostalgic?  I’m talking about white here.  I’ve noticed some fabulous choices in white handbags.        

Valextra

Yves Saint Laurent

Balenciaga

Bottega Veneta

Luxurious and classic for years of wear

Ann Taylor

Anthropologie

Via Spiga

Fun options that won’t max out your credit card

Sure white can look cheap or dated- not the look most fashionable chicks are going for- but the right white bag can perk up whatever you’re wearing.

Informal Affairs
March 30 | Favorite Things

The weekend is here so I’m going to give you something pretty to look at.

Alberta Ferretti Spring 2007 – you can claim it for your closet here

Every look in Ferretti’s spring collection is undeniably feminine and you can find inspiration for similar looks that would make less of a dent on your wallet.  Because really, what’s the point of paying attention to the collections if you can’t put your own spin on it all?

And don’t worry if there isn’t a garden wedding or afternoon tea on your calendar.  There are no rules that say you can’t look fabulous for less formal pursuits.  I’d wear this to a backyard bar-b-que.  Seriously, I would.

Closely Cropped
March 15 | Favorite Things

Now that spring is rearing its sleepy little head here in Portland, it’s time to put the winter gear to rest and break out lighter weight jackets with some personality. By this I mean the latest crop of short jackets.

Generra cropped leather jacket

Cape trench by Mackage – love this line, love this jacket.

Paige Premium Denim Mandeville jacket

Forever 21 striped trapeze jacket

Having trouble deciding whether to go loose and swingy or fitted and sexy? Get one of each and be prepared for anything.

Hello Yellow
February 26 | Favorite Things

Did a little bit of shopping last night as a little treat for being 5 ½ months pregnant and feeling a bit lumpy.  It was mostly window shopping, although I did pick up an empire waist tunic on sale (non-maternity –I’m still hoping to just size up as much as possible).  I so glad swingy looks are in for spring.  I also noticed that yellow really is every where.

I’ve always loved yellow, even if I’ve never been big on wearing it.  It’s a tricky color for most of us I think.  But it’s impossible not to find something that fits your needs or complements your skin tone now that everything from headbands to shoes come in shades ranging from soft lemon to bright canary.  Here’s my hit list:

Get noticed in Rebecca Taylor’s cropped jacket.

This Corto Moltedo clutch won’t hold much but who cares?  It would be a going-out staple.

I’d wear this J. Crew mini with a soft white t-shirt, flip-flops and a cropped sweater.

A cheerful Phillip Lim dress from Barney’s.

I’m already prepared for this trend.  I have yellow ballet flats from three years ago that are still in great shape.  I also got a yellow leather Marc by Marc Jacobs bag for Christmas from my husband that I’ve already been wearing all the time.  I don’t want to be a fashion victim but with the weather still dreary, I need something to keep me on the sunny side of life!

Dress Resolution
January 2 | Favorite Things

I have never been big on making resolutions.   It seems like we should be a work in progress all year long, so why make a laundry list every January?  Besides, I get resentful with too many rules. 

However if I got close to making any resolutions this new year, it would be to wear more dresses.  With all of the posts I’ve written about dresses on this site, you’d think I actually wore a dress once in a while, but I am firmly a jeans kind of gal.  It’s practical, functional and comfortable.  Yikes, right?  My preference for denim has me stuck in a style rut.  So this year I will make the effort to set my legs free in jersey, silk, cotton and whatever else strikes my fancy.

I’m off to a good start since I did receive two dresses over the holidays.  Now here are a few pretty dresses to inspire me, and hopefully you, in 2007.

Dresses by Anna Sui, Tracy Reese and Development available at Anthropologie

Here Comes the Bridesmaid
November 27 | Favorite Things

I know I’ve been MIA for the past two weeks and I apologize for the lack of posts.  It’s been a busy month and December will be even busier.  I’ve got a destination wedding to attend and family obligations.  So your patience is appreciated, dear readers!

While I’ve been away, I spent a weekend in San Francisco with my best friend (the bride).  We shopped- a lot- and found the most important thing on my list: the perfect bridesmaid’s dress.  We both wanted something that would work well for an evening beach wedding that wasn’t too formal.  And it was important for her that I would be able to wear the dress again.  I’ve been in my share of weddings, but this will definitely be the first time I can say for sure that I’ll wear the dress again.

I love the deep color and chiffon ribbon detail of this Ella Moss dress.

While I can’t say I’ll fill out the bust as nicely as this model (Sixteen Candles flashback anyone?) it’s a pretty look that’s perfect for a barefoot-in-the-sand ceremony.  I’ve decided to wear my hair up and go for pinky-peach makeup- and definitely waterproof mascara.  Despite my best efforts, I’m going to cry like a little girl.

Hood-ease
November 13 | Favorite Things

Now why haven’t I thought if this myself?  The hoodie-scarf is my new favorite foul weather find (that’s it for the alliteration, I promise).

Carolina K knit hoodie-scarf from Ravinstyle

So practical and stylish.  I’ve got a couple of knitting projects going at once, but I’m tempted to start another one to recreate this look.  I love this cotton version of the hoodie-scarf even more.

Kasil cotton Scoodie available in several colors at Vibe the Boutique

Kasil makes fantastic jeans so I’m glad the brand is branching out.  At 40 bucks each, you stock up without feeling too guilty.  This is an easy layering option without added bulk.  I could definitely use the hoodie-scarf to keep my hair from frizzing out in damp weather.  Well, maybe it would work better at hiding my frizzed out hair.  In any case, this brilliant accessory is topping my Christmas wish list.