Coat-stalking

I hate buying coats. First of all, I can't stand wool - it's just too scratchy. Secondly, it's really hadto find a style that's warm, but doesn't swallow me whole. Slightly cropped/shrunken styles look good, but they're not that warm.

Enter this coat:
First, let me say that I loathe the sleeves and would have them altered to be a normal full-length or three-quarter sleeve.

I love everything else: the 100% cotton construction, color, subtle asymmetry and nipped-in waist are all major turn-ons.

However, it's out of stock at Revolve. I asked them about it, and they said there are no plans to ever have it in stock. Boo! (why is it on the website, then? To taunt people like me?)

I Googled around like a madwoman without turning up a thing. Then I figured I'd go into super-rabid-shopper mode and put in a request for a special order from the manufacturer. What the hell, right?

In the meantime, I stalked other coats.

Oh hey. What's this at Anthropologie?

It's the exact same coat, but in black - and only black.

If it was any color but black, I'd buy it in a second.

This gives me hope that the manufacturer can fill my special order. Come on! My chilly little self is counting on you!

Fug or fab: Ash 'Toyka' slingbacks

These slingbacks taunt me. One one hand, I can appreciate the candy colors of the pair on the left, and the superhero vibe of the ones on the right. And I kinda dig the aggressive silhouette and mix of leather and satin.

But, on the other hand, they may be totally fug - the kind of shoe that makes people cock their head and say, "ohh, those are interesting."

Thoughts in the comments!

[ Ash Toyka Slingbacks, $138 at Shopbop ]

This just in:

Celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe speaks directly in my ear as I browse footwear.

Here's what she had to say about these pumps:

"Ooh, this Betsey pump is cute! I just love the red and navy pair. What a great pop of color. I can definitely see it with a fun little 50s dress. Adorable."

Laying it on a little thick there, eh Rachel? And apparently you're on a first-name basis with Betsey Johnson. How wonderful for you.

Piperlime has long had this "Rachel Zoe's picks" thing going on, which is actually kind of cool because Rachel (can I call you Rachel?) has pretty good taste.

But now they've taken it a step further with her exact words (surely fabricated by an intern) included on product pages.

Piperlime, I challenge you to take it a step further and add audio files of Rachel fawning over shoes and damning others with faint praise. I always said that shoe shopping needs to be enhanced with a little bitchiness.

[ Betsey Johnson pumps, $165 at Piperlime ]

New jewelry designs!

Here's a preview of some new jewelry designs that will start selling in my Etsy shop on Nov. 15. For more, visit my Flickr stream. (By the way - readers of this blog will get a special discount, so stay tuned!)

Ah, fall colors...gotta love them. These teardrop-shaped petro tourmaline drops are really special; paired with dark blue iolite button beads, they makes for a really lush look.

Also, I'm starting to think that my signature is the use of blue in every. single. design. What can I say...it's my favorite color.

I named these earrings "candy shop explosion" because, well, they're a smorgasboard of yummy pastel colors that remind me of French macaroons or salt water taffy. I really love how pink amethyst looks with aquamarine and medium-blue iolite...I bet I'll revisit this color scheme many times in the future.

Anyway, as I said, there are more new designs in my Flickr stream.

Fug or fab: Bloch frill flat

Bloch, maker of pointe shoes, has ingeniously branched out to civilian footwear. What do you think of these shiny-teal flats with a posh little frill? I love teal, and I love little frills, but the overall look is a bit circus.

[ Bloch flats, $158 ]

Personal color palettes

Photos from the Sartorialist

I'm intrigued by the idea of a personal color palette. I like the idea of really sticking to what looks fabulous on you, color-wise, and making it your signature. Of course, the flip side is wearing the same colors over and over - but we all do that anyway, don't we?

Given the economic downturn, I think people will really focus on investing in classic, quality basics in the colors they love. Over the long turn I think America will see a shift toward the more European style of dressing: a small, well-edited wardrobe where every single piece does its job.

I see my wardrobe converging toward a certain color palette, and I like it because it makes mixing-and-matching all that much easier. I'm moving away from black a bit in favor of ink blue (sounds so much better than "navy," doesn't it?) and gray (which is a hot color this season, or so the Nordstrom lady told me). I'm embracing purple (especially eggplant) with enthusiasm.

In short, I'm wearing a lot of ink blue, gray and deep purple lately, and my recent purchases stick to this palette pretty closely. Maybe it's not the most exciting color palette, but it's a flattering and sophisticated one.

For the sake of contrast, I'm looking to inject a bit more cream into my wardrobe - I love this coat, though I would have it altered to be a 3/4 sleeve rather than that crazy bell sleeve.

If pressed, I think I could be happy dressing exclusively in ink blue, purple, gray and cream (though I would miss wearing teal sometimes). What about you?

Fug or fab: Matiko 'Bailey' pump

Pros: gray color, classic Mary Jane silhouette, comfy-looking elastic strap.
Cons: patent leather, and a strap that looks like a seatbelt for your feet.

Are these a cool modern twist on the classic Mary Jane, or are they fug? I'm torn, honestly.

[ $139 at Zappos ]

Lace-up madness

The riding boot is going to be big this winter, but they still haven't solved the problem of the whole stumpy-leg thing. Personally I'm more excited about boots with a medium heel and really special details, like these from DSW:


This is a terrible picture of the boots. They look divine in this little banner on the DSW website:

Oh, that toffee/caramel color! Swoon.

Of course, it's so warm in San Diego, boots really aren't necessary. I'm in the market for flats in a fun color - they have eluded me for months now.

From the "can't wait for it to go on sale" files

Scrollwork blouse, $88

The last time I was at Anthro I spotted this from across the room and wouldn't let myself try it on because I knew I would take it home. Gotta bide my time until it goes on sale.

By the way, Anthro's proven to be a great source for basic, everyday skirts. I've bought two from there so far (both full price, oh well) but I wear them all the time. They'e both the Holy Grail of skirts: sharp enough for work, comfy and easy enough for play. And they flatter my petite body and butt/thighs. Heaven.

Also, I treated myself to these rings, which are lots of fun. At 9 for $48, they weren't too pricey.

New York or Chicago?

Meeting with former professors is the trippiest thing ever. Rather than seeing them as I used to - i.e. as people who Must Be Respected, lest they give me a poor grade - I can now see them as people.

And then I can charm the pants off them so they will write me a strong letter of recommendation.

Well, not quite. But I will say: I am so, so thankful these profs are here to give me moral support when all I want to do is crawl into bed and give up on this whole PhD thing.

Also, it's fun to hear female professors talk about their kids. It really is possible to succeed in academia while having a family!

Anyway, I met with one of my former writing profs yesterday and after hearing my sob story, her message was pretty much along the lines of: go forth and kick ass! You're young and single and might as well move to a fabulous city and take some classes at whatever top university is lucky to be graced with your presence!

Which is a message I can't really argue with.

Some backstory: I may still apply to PhD programs this year, but I'm also entertaining the idea of taking some master's level classes (at a top program, of course) without actually enrolling in a degree program. Apparently, this is totally possible, and the barriers to entry are quite low (the major downside, of course, is tuition fees). The goal would be to make lots of great contacts outside of class, so I'm much stronger when appplying to PhD programs.

As it happens, the top programs I have my eye on are in Chicago and New York. I can keep my job and work remotely, so what's keeping me from moving tomorrow and seeing how the academics shake out? Not much, really.

So...if you were young and single and a nut for books, good food and sociology, which city would you choose?