Where's the "FEROCH"?: Christian Siriano, Fall 2010

It was hard not to be smitten with Mr. Siriano the first moment that he, and his fabulous hair, sauntered his way into Project Runway, Season 4. During Fashion Night Out in Fall 2009, I waited in line for my chance to see who I had been told was going to be Christian Siriano. 45 minutes later, to my total dismay, I learned it had been a hoax; a different Christian S-something would be making an appearance that evening. Finally, however, I got to see the real-deal Siriano from the white folding chairs on the sideline of his Bryant Park runway show.

As can be expected of Mr. Siriano, his fabric choice was impeccable, displaying soft, silky satins in rich saturated hues in combination with flowing, yet structured organza, and innovative metallic wool (with the exception of the dowdy wool that tainted his first outfits of the show). But while the divo trademarked to catchy adjective “fierce,” his Fall 2010 collection lacked the wildness that the word is generally connotative of. If fierce is a cheetah, Siriano’s newest collection is an ocelot--just tame enough to be domesticated. His line was grounded with feminine ruffles and looping gathers that were carried between separates, cocktail dresses, and the voluminous evening gowns that closed his show.

Looks from RTW Fall 2010
credit: Aisling Hunt, BC '13

The superb tailoring and graceful femininity of Siriano’s collection should not be over looked, however. Overall, the Project Runway winner had a couple of noteworthy pieces, but he certainly played it very safe; "wow"-factor of his past creations was nonexistent. Hopefully the daring divo will release his wild side once again for the Spring 2011. But don’t worry, Christian, you’re the still fiercest biatch on the runway.

P.S. - Don't forget to check out Christian Siriano for Payless to pick up affordable, yet fabulous versions of your favorite runway shoes!

Bubble-Gum Tough Girls: Alexa Chung for MadeWell

"I feel like I should be in the 1940’s, driving, on my way to the beach, with the top down," said fellow Hootette, Gabriella, about the new Alexa Chung for Madewell Collection. And I could not have put it in better words myself.

cheese

Needless to say, I was enamored by Chung’s sultry-sweet line for the denim company. The cozy suite at the Bowrey Hotel was transformed for the evening into an inviting departure to a more innocent decade in American fashion. The collection embodied a perfect balance between conservatism and sex appeal. The models were clad in daring hemlines but bore no outrageous cleavage or exposed skin elsewhere. The sugary-sweet velvet baby-doll dresses and overalls (along with soundtrack of The Angels “My Boyfriends Back” playing in the background) evoked a guilty Lolita sensuality that not even Nabokov himself could achieve. Finally, pops of bright red accessories amongst the muted pallet were the cherry on top of Chung’s fall collection.

credit: Aisling Hunt, BC '13

Just like her clothing, Alexa Chung was quite a sweetheart. It had been rumored that Chung was not going to be in attendance at her own party, but within 15 minutes of it’s start Alexa came out, clad in her Madewell line, to enjoy the night with her guests. After a night of fancy with Alexa Chung, you can bet I will be first in line to get my hands on the line when it debuts in stores this fall.

Mourning McQueen: The Loss of a Genius

RTW Fall 2006, Fall 2009, Spring 2010

credit: style.com

Today the fashion world and people of the streets alike, mourn the astonishing loss of the paramount designer, Alexander McQueen. Known for his brilliant works of wearable art, McQueen set the bar for ready to wear and Haute Couture presentations internationally. McQueen first onto the fashion scene as the head designer of Givenchy until 2001 when he began to create looks under his own name.

McQueen never played it safe. Staying true to his own aesthetic, McQueen sent revolutionary artistic masterpieces down the runway each season from his debut, to his final show. He dazzled his audiences with embryonic flower suits, topped with stocking caps that turned what could have been a Jar-Jar Binks disaster, into a sleek and mysterious statement (Spring 2001). He stayed loyal to his London roots- always promising a show filled with outrageous volume, ornate headpieces, perfect layering, and fantastic colors. His Fall 2006 line pays homage to his homeland in smart tweeds paired with Elizabethan colors and opulent brocade that would have put the monarchy to shame.

Alexander McQueen was a true artist and designer, whose pieces can seamlessly transition from a museum display to the body. His designs required full-bodied confidence to dawn, but they also inspired every fashionista, closet couturist, and frazzled soccer mom to break out of her shell, to try something unexpected.

Alexander McQueen was, and most certainly still is, my Idol. He was my breath of fresh air in the fashion world’s unfortunate drift toward creative homogeneity. An artist and designer myself, his attention to detail and construction never ceased to amaze me. I got lost in each piece, my line of sight focused only on the seemingly infinite number of hand sewn tucks and pleats, the mysterious darting that structured the perfect fit, the architecture of each jacket, dress, ornament, as everything else faded away. I look to McQueen each time I thrown on a sequined vest or a daring cut and look in the mirror with doubt, but I am able walk out the door knowing that he may send me his blessings.

Although you may be gone from this world, you will never been forgotten by the fashion industry, your loyal fans, those whose lives you made brighter, or by me, who will idolize you for the rest of my life.

Thank you, Lee, for sharing your light, your art, and your life with us. For such, we will be forever grateful. Rest in Peace Alexander Lee McQueen, and my deepest condolences to his family. May only the best wishes find you on this day.

So is blood the new black?

credit: coutorture.com

Jean Paul Gaultier seems to think so. Exhibitionist? Sadist? Genius? Any three could describe fashion's biggest rebel. In his fall 2010 menswear collection Gaultier took sportswear to the extreme, even going as far as to send battered and bloodied male models in full couture boxing uniform (complete with gloves and knee-high lace ups) down the runway. Menswear isn't necessarily the safest environment to take styling risks, but Gaultier really seemed to out do himself with this one. The titan of 80's couture, who is known for the cone-shaped bra that defined a generation, and made Madonna famous is know stranger to outlandish design in women's wear, but he really came out of the comfort zone to showcase this... interesting... men's collection.

credit:style.com

Part of me thinks, "Wearing couture to the gym? Where do I sign up" but the vast majority is just slightly disturbed and laregly terrified. Courageous? Artistic? Or just over the top? I mean, trust me, I live for avant-garde-- but seriously, fake blood and gaping wounds? How much is too much? What do you think?

credit: nymag.com

Above: The designer takes his bow and bleeds profusely.

UNIQLO: The New Gap + American Apparel?

When shopping for basics, we invariably have our own go-to stores that always provide the bits and pieces we're looking for, and now in the dead of winter many of you might be looking for some simple and affordable basics to layer up with in the freezing weather. A good store for basics needs to have a wide selection of easy-to-layer, lightweight clothes, in a variety of colors. Basics, like a typical white tank top or a black cardigan, are important because they can make or break an outfit: What if you have a really crazy patterned skirt but nothing simple to tone it down with? Or a dress that plunges uncomfortably low, but nothing to layer under it? At the same time, basics aren't meant to stand out, but to integrate with your wardrobe, so they shouldn't be too expensive - you want to save your money for the exciting stuff, and basics are used a lot so they wear out quickly!

Over the past years, my stand-bys have been along the lines of Gap, Banana Republic, BDG of Urban Outfitters,and American Apparel - but recently I discovered the versatility of Japanese-based UNIQLO. It took me a bit to catch on to the utility of UNIQLO. When I first visited the intimidating two-level store in SoHo last year, I wasn't impressed by the prices or the cuts of the clothes - it just seemed like a boring version of American Apparel with all its colorful stacks. But this year its seems that they've added a lot more variety and the prices have gone down considerably, not to mention they have frequent sales. Pants, jackets, lamb-wool and cashmere blend cardigans, scarves, pajamas - you name it! All in an unending spectrum of brilliant colors and warm-weather materials. A wonderful way to brighten up a winter closet! They have great choices for inner wear meant as padding under your coat, such as fleece jackets in every color for $20 or cashmere blend sweaters for $40. I've found that UNIQLO is relatively easy on your wallet without skimping on materials or wearability.

Credit: UNIQLO.com

My favorite innovation of UNIQLO is their new HeatTech line. This includes lightweight shirts and leggings that are made of a special fiber designed to use natural body moisture to insulate against the cold, just the way wool would. Now that the weather is bad, I throw one on every day no matter what I'm wearing. Unlike typical long underwear designs, HeatTech is wearable, including simple but flattering scoop-neck shirts and turtlenecks. Definitely sure to cure those winter blues this season!

Below are examples of HeatTech pieces incorporated into outfits:

Credit: UNIQLO.com

Have you ever shopped there?

From Dainty To Daring

Credit: 3.bp.blogspot.com

As I was sorting through the stacks of papers that have accumulated on my desk over winter break, I came across a NY Times Style Section article that caught my eye. The author’s main point was that “the damsel is in distress," not in the fairy-tale way, but how women are styling themselves today. It points to the fact that recently women are stepping out in tougher looks that rely more on studs, leather, and menswear silhouettes than the frills and florals of years past.

Credit: www.toungechic.com

What struck me about this was not the observation itself, but how much it resonates with my own fashion decisions lately. Although I’ve always been a self-proclaimed 'girly girl' with a steadfast loyalty to pink, I too find myself gravitating towards edgier pieces and have realized that incorporating a little more daring into every day looks can really change things up.

There’s something bold and yet still sexy about the way that these pieces can help to reinvent images, or simply bring out a side that you haven’t known how to express before. This trend is great because you don’t have to go all out rocker-chic but can achieve the same look with my favorite fashion items of all: accessories! A simple studded leather belt or cuff, and even a classic shoe, boot, or bag with extra hardware can instantly transform your favorite outfit into your favorite outfit plus some extra special pizazz.

Women of 2010 are complex: feminine and strong, beautiful and brave, and most of all unique, so go for it girls! Accessorize yourselves and don’t be afraid to show off some of that inner toughness! It’s ok to have multi-faceted style, after all it’s the sum of your qualities that makes your personality, so why shouldn’t your look express it?

$tyle Radar

Credit: fashion-train

Ke$ha (pronounced Kesh-a) is an American recording artist who has skyrocketed to fame with her highly infectious party jam TiK ToK. Although her crazy lyrics and stellar swag have made her a hot topic all around, her brazen fashion sense, which she describes as "garbage chic", has caused quite the stir. This artist takes effortless fashion to a new level, using lace tights as pants and combining shirts from German dumpsters with bold fur jackets and ankle boots. Her messy hair gives the impression that it hasn't been washed in days and yet flows perfectly onto her often glitter splattered face. Although some may compare her style to that of the oh-so-famous grunge style coined by the Olsen twins, there is something about the way she puts pieces together that brings an element of pure rock-and-roll personality to the table.

Perhaps the most compelling thing about her rambunctiousness is that it is not your typical "I have money and I'm going to show it" type of fashion but something that is young, hip, and most importantly cheap! Although I wouldn't necessarily recommend you go to your next lecture dressed as the sassy blonde, I would advise you to look to her for possible inspiration for bold tips on how to spice up your wardrobe.

What to Wear On (and Off) the Slopes

So you've finally finished finals and are enjoying a well deserved winter break. That means sleeping, eating a decent meal (no more John Jay!), catching up on your favorite shows, spending time with friends and family, and maybe even going on vacation. For many of you, this means going skiing or snowboarding.

As for myself, I will be going on the Columbia ski team training trip. Although my first priority will be keeping warm (I'm a total baby when it comes to the cold), I still want to look stylish on the slopes. After all, I don't want to be upstaged by my new Burton board!

Credit: burton.com

Leave the black for Manhattan, and try a ski jacket in a fun color will complement your board and help you stand out against the snow. Make a statement with bold graphics to ensure that you're the most stylish skier (or rider) out there. An athletic look is a fun chance to try some brighter, more extreme styles that just weren't appropriate for your 9am Lit Hum class. These options from Ride are sure to keep you warm, while proving that you're not afraid to make bold fashion choices - even if you're not quite so daring in the terrain park!

Credit: ridesnowboards.com

I haven't forgotten about the guys out there! Here are some cool options for men:

Credit: ridesnowboards.com

After a long, tiring day on the slopes, all you want to do is cuddle up with a book and hot chocolate while wearing pajamas. However, keeping comfy doesn't mean you need to skimp on style! Silky tanks, knit leggings, and cashmere cardigans look stylish, but feel as comfortable as your favorite pair of old sweats! To top it all off, why not try one of Yokoo's cool scarves or cowls? Bonus: they can double as a pillow or blanket if you're feeling the winter chill!

Credit: etsy.com/shop/Yokoo

What do you wear when you're out in the snow?

h00t - A Tribute to the '00's

It's easy to recall memorable fashion shifts in the past decade, moments that have defined the era as one of extreme change, progression and daring statements. The '00's brought us bold looks influenced from music, art, and even politics, not unlike that of previous decades. I aim to remind you of highlights from these years. Looking back , we can reminisce, cringe, laugh and rejoice in the fashion choices of the first decade of the new millennium.

'0Trend #1: Low waisted jeans

Credit: sasthamcotta.wordpress.com

This trend, brought upon by the rise in pop music in the early part of this decade (Think : Britney, Christina ), was quite a change from the higher-waisted styles of the nineties. While parents everywhere were shocked, fashionistas dared to challenge previous conventions of denim.

'0Trend #2 : Hip-Hop influence

Credit: bflashn.com

Also during this time, it was clear to see that Hip-Hop was having an impact on women's fashion with the rise of 'hip-hop chic'. Designer tracksuits, like the one above, could be seen on everyone from the soccer mom next door to Paris Hilton.

'0Trend #3: Leggings

Credit: chicandfabulous.today.com

This trend reflects the new appreciation for more sophisticated artistic interest. Leggings, sharing a ballet-themed limelight with ballet flats, become extremely popular. Stylish, comfortable and functional, this garment can be easily identified as one of the hottest trends of the decade.

'0Trend #4 : The kids are leading the pack

Credit: itstiffaniemarie.files.wordpress.com

The nineties gave rise to the supermodel, a woman who inspired what everyone else wore, who defined the decade as a household name. Tyra, Naomi, Kate, and Heidi dominated fashion mags and runways, having complete control over the fashion masses. The '00's, however, brought us a whole new slew of trendsetters : the young elite. Thanks to the internet, socialites, musicians' children, fashion bloggers and more have stepped into the forefront as our fashion queens - most under the age of 25! Cory Kennedy and Peaches Geldof among others have shown us that you don't have to be legal to make a fashion statement.

'0Trend #5: Geek Chic

Credit: i.dailymail.co.uk

Credit: fashion.elle.com

We all remember when Kanye cleaned up and started wearing those huge glasses and grandfather sweaters. He even rocked the argyle socks. What we remember even more? How well received his trend was by the public. Looking "distinguished" become extremely fashionable towards the end of the decade. The Obama craze during this time went further to cement the intellectual into the fashion world.

All I can say is that the '00's is a decade that I will never forget. The falling, and then rising of waists, the widening and slimming of pant legs and the brightening of colors all come together to define this amazing time period for fashion. Looking back can inspire us to look forward to and anticipate trends to come and where fashion will be going in the next few years. Let's just hope that teeth jewelry don't come back.

The Return of the Drawstring Bucket Bag

The drawstring bag is historically considered to be one of the first handbags, and now it seems to be making a comeback in yet another incarnation. The trend has been attributed to the now infamous Alexander Wang Bucket Bag, the unique shape inspiring endless creations from the likes of Marc by Marc Jacobs and Dior.

But the drawstring bag had humble beginnings, used by merchants as coin pouches to be strategically attached to the belt. In the fifteenth century, women began to favor these little bags, which were now ornate, embellished with beading and embroidery. And though little drawstring evening bags do exist today to some extent, it's the previous money pouch that's had many incarnations, from Marc by Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, and Cleobella.

Credit: Shopbop

The Alexander Wang Diego Bucket bag arguably began the whole trend, bringing to mind a desert landscape with its sandy color and combination of smooth suede, lightly pebbled eater accents, and tough silver bolted hardware. True to style, the Diego features the signature Wang studded bottom, first popularized in the Coco Bucket bag.

Credit: Shopbop

The Marc by Marc Jacobs New Q Pixie Drawstring Bag is rawer, closer to it's ancestor than the Alexander Wang, but the bag is also much more casual and fun, rather than the edgy sophistication of the studded Wang version. This one incorporates pleats and big plastic baubles to juxtapose the distressed leather against the shine of the plastic and the clean metal label placed squarely at the front. The fabric handle, wide and casual, makes sure that the shoulder will be as comfortable as the wearer is stylish.

Credit: The Purse Forum

And let's not forget what the original money pouch would look like. With the Bourse, Goyard brings back tradition as it always does by looking to the past and incorporating it in designs. With its signature Goyard hand-painted design and bright leather, this pouch is sure to be as at home in a bag as it could be on a belt. After all, it's quite logical that the roots of your drawstring bucket bag be a medieval money pouch- ours are just larger and considerably more chic.

Christmas Wishlist: Snood!

Credit: Zara.com

Snood? Isn't that the computer game with winking colored shapes that you were addicted to in 8th grade? No! It's winter's latest fashion accessory! (Or at least the revival of it!)

Winter always presents fashion dilemmas for someone like me who is very sensitive to the cold. While some girls seem perfectly comfortable wearing tights and cute light jackets into the bitter cold, I usually have to be bundled up head to toe to brave the wind. Luckily, flipping through some magazines at the gym last week I stumbled upon the snood.

So what is a snood exactly? Well, traditionally it is a type of hairnet that holds the hair in place, but the evolved snood is made of knitwear or jersey and can be worn draped around the back of the neck as a type of cozy scarf, or pulled up over the head to cover sensitive ears when one has to step out into a windy or snowy day. It's a hat, scarf, earmuffs, and hood all in one - but more versatile! Unlike a hat it won't smash down your hair and give you static-y frizz, and you can pair it with any outfit, giving one the opportunity to warm up lighter ensembles in case the weather changes unexpectedly. So add a snood to your winter wardrobe, it's also a great way to mix layers! It seems that many British magazines, such as InStyleUK, ElleUK, and VogueUK are promoting them this season and I think it's time to try out the trend in the States!
VogueUK recommends to buy them in neutral tones to avoid overpowering your wardrobe, and to pair them with anything from jackets to evening dresses

Some people might be skeptical about snoods, but I say for the girl who is going to wear a hat or a hood anyway, a snood is a must-have creative alternative!

Credit: Missoni snood from Vogue.co.UK

Now let's just hope Santa reads this before Christmas...

Little Boots

Walking around looking at the ground (I trip a lot and use this maneuver to avoid falling on my face), I notice an important element of people's outfits as they pass me on the street-the shoes. It never occurred to me that this hilarious, yet dangerous, trait of mine could be so fortunate. I've noticed something in particular about the footwear of the general public. The big black work boot is on the job again.

Credit: apparelsearch.com

You see, it doesn't matter how un-workbootish the rest of your outfit may be (a flowery dress, a prim sweater or a club outfit), a pair of Doc Martens often tends to pull it all together. P.S. the scruffier the better!

Credit: sallyjanevintage.blogspot.com

There is something so chic about the contrast between the hardcore lace-ups and a dainty shift dress. May be we love the definitive quality of stomping about, making our presence known to the rest of the world. Perhaps it's just a slightly cheeky way of backlashing against the status quo of the "cute little shoe" we normally see in fashion culture. Either way, it's plain to see that these boots are exactly what the Doc prescribed. They come in awesome colors too!

Credit: collegefashion.net

Black Friday Bonanza

At Hoot, we love getting good deals -- and luckily, Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer us these opportunities after we've fattened up on turkey and stuffing. Here are a few recaps of our shopping excursions after Thanksgiving:

Michele Levbarg-Klein (CC'12)

Credit: pursevillage.com

Online offers are nothing new, but I've never been much of an online shopper because I love going into the stores and (best if it's a good day) walking out toting a fabulous shopping bag with a cherished new present (even if its a present to myself)! But Shopbop.com's offer was just too good to resist. I'd been lusting over Alexander Wang's Coco Studded Duffle since it debuted back in Spring but I worried that as an uber girly-girl, I wouldn't be able to pull off the tough image. Then this season when it came down the runway with silver studs instead of gold (much subtler I think), I just couldn't take it anymore: I had to have it!

Allison Malecha (CC'13)

Credit: saksfifthavenue.com

Seeing as I was in Canada for (American) Thanksgiving and therefore eclipsed from Black Friday sales, I turned to the newer form of Thanksgiving steals – Cyber Monday. I admit that I am not an experienced cyber shopper. So, to avoid being easily overwhelmed, I set a goal: find boots. Specifically, black, leather boots. The first website I pulled up, Saks online, had just the thing: black Candela ‘Robin’ boots with gold stud accent. And 30% off only through Cyber Monday. Perfect. Great. As I was about to click add to shopping cart though, it occurred to me that a whole cyber world of black, leather boots was still out there to be discovered. I had to further investigate: Shopbop, Diesel online, Bloomingdale’s. No luck. Then I checked Bluefly, and what do you know? There was the same pair of Candela boots. Only these ones were $186 compared to Saks’ $210 – and that’s Bluefly’s regular price. This time, I do press add to shopping cart. Lessons learned? 1) Trust first instincts. 2) Online shop more. 3) Cyber Monday deals aren’t necessarily the best ones out there.

Martin Hamery (CC'13)

Credit: urbanoutfitters.com

It was my first Black Friday and I wanted to do it properly. So I got up to meet my habitual shopping partner at the ungodly hour of 6:30 AM at the Apple store on Fifth Avenue. There, I got a $101 discount off the 13-inch MacBook Pro and bought it for $1098. However, as a Columbia student, the regular educational discount is of $100 anyway, so by buying it then, I only saved $1. With it, I was able to get Office 2008 for Mac the special Black Friday price of $98.After, we hit our first and one of my favorite clothing stores: H&M. Although there were decent sales (of course, more in the women’s section than the men’s), as usual, I ended up browsing the new collection. I found myself on original, dinner party style maroon bow tie for $7.95, so not too expensive. Also, a black and white cloud patterned gossamer scarf. My best find was a black sequined vest, the exact same one I had seen back in June in an H&M in Paris. I was dismayed at not finding one my size in Paris, but finally finding it Friday gave me the satisfaction of an archeologist—having personally dug through the racks of many H&Ms in different cities since then. At the register, it turned out that until 10 AM, you could have 25% off one of any article you bought. Therefore, I somewhat did get to partake in the H&M Black Friday sales. At Urban Outfitters in West Village, there was a rack of jeans right outside the front door with pants all for $19.99. I bought a pair of Silence & Noise Black Ripped Twig Jean. I'm thinking they were originally for women, as you can see in the picture, but after all, who are they kidding? Skinny jeans are mostly unisex.

Jina Lim (CC'13)
Credit: strawberrynet.com

I have never gone Black Friday shopping before. (Surprising, I know). Despite my love of sales, shopping and good deals, every year, I would wake up at two o'clock in the afternoon to discover the stack of clothing and silverware my mom brought back from competitive shopping. However, this year I decided to break the tradition of being knocked out by turducken until late afternoon; after all, I was staying in New York City for the break and I didn't have any turkey on Thanksgiving. Woken up at 8 in the morning by a zealous friend who has already decided exactly what she was buying and where she was going, I told myself that I could only buy a nice christmas present for my dad. (I was broke, am broke and will always be broke from unplanned shopping). After getting squished by old ladies at the biggest Macy's looking for gift items, I gave up on Black Friday shopping. While my friend was buying boots at JCPenny for $35 a pair, I decided to take a break at the rather moderately-crowded stores. At Zara, I accidentally ran into, and purchased a super-oversized blouse that comes down to my mid-thigh. It is so comfortable, layer-able, covers my newly-gained "freshmen fifteen" pounds and can be used for dressing up AND down. Back at Columbia, I gave in to StrawberryNet's specials and bought Hermes' 24 Faubourg Coffret, a 4-piece set of my favorite perfume that I left at home in California with a 40% discount. It's classified as a chypre, a family of perfumes with a warm and woody feeling coming from the oak moss and amber. Unlike most perfumes, the warm aura of 24 Faubourg always stays with me for a long, long time. With just one spray of this life-completing eau de parfum, my day is warm and relaxed, no matter where I go and what I wear- hopefully even in NYC's cold weather. Although I didn't find anything for my dad, I'm glad my first Black Friday shopping was an interesting one with New York City's sale-thirsty shoppers--something that you never experience in a tiny beach town of Southern California.

Noel Duan (CC'13)

Credit: aliceritter.com

I totally didn't plan on going Black Friday shopping this year -- I was finally home in California and I wanted to stay in my bed as long as possible. However, that wasn't going to stop me from online shopping. I found the Alice Ritter June Velvet Trim Wool Coat in black on Gilt Groupe for $178 (originally $450) -- which totaled to only $57.69 for me, since I had some many account credits. I have a dashing white winter coat, but it easily gets dirty and needs to be dry cleaned frequently. Black is more mess-proof. After I showered and ate breakfast, my dear mother convinced me to go shopping with her -- at 10:00 a.m., when I was convinced that all the good deals would be gone from the stores. However, in a quick (and successful) one-hour jaunt around Nordstrom Rack (where I exercise my rummaging skills), I purchased a Nanette Lepore 'Good Time' Jacket, two pairs of lacy Betsey Johnson tights, an off-white cashmere-blend Juicy Couture sweater, and a pink Nike yoga mat (since my mother decided to keep my blue one!).

What did you buy for Black Friday or Cyber Monday? Any good deals?

It's Christmas Time in the City...

Credit: Allison Malecha, CC '13

The twinkling little lights, the old guys in faux-fur trimmed red hats, the Christmas ditties sounding from every store front...I admit, I'm a sucker for all things holiday. 'Tis the season and what better place to be than NYC? There are, of course, the classic New York holiday tour stops: the towering tree at Rockefeller Center, moonlit ice skating at Central Park, and a night with the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. Lesser known attractions, though, are the city's grand menagerie of holiday markets. These pop-up shopping meccas can fulfill all your holiday shopping needs.

Take a ride on the 1 and hop off at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market.Winter accessory boutiques and holiday ornament vendors abound, as do mini jewelry boutiques. At Kanari Designs, you'll find statement rings with artsy gold and stone details for $50-55. Or explore the one-of-a-kind metal-dipped leaf pendants ($25-40) at Friction Jewelry.

Credit: Allison Malecha, CC '13

For the friend with a sense of humor, go for a handmade animal hat - ear flaps and all. The $30 may seem a bit over-the-top, but at least the money goes to a good cause - supporting the poor in Nepal.

Credit: Allison Malecha, CC '13

With all this holiday gift hunting, your stomach will be surely be rumbling. Stop off at Josephine's Feast for a piece of Absinthe Cake ($12/cake) or the big brown house of "Homemade Gingerbread Boys and Girls" for a gingersnap glittering with sugar ($3). You'll return to campus with a full belly and an arm full of shopping bags. An afternoon well spent.

Columbus Circle Holiday Market, 59th St & Columbus, open Mon-Sat 10a.m.-8p.m., Sun 10a.m.-7p.m. until December 24th.

For a slightly more breathable atmosphere, head down to Bryant Park. Here the vendors are the dizzying candy-striped vending stands are swapped for cool green ones and the shoppers' frenzy is broken up by a great white stretch of ice. It's also the city's largest holiday market, with over 100 vendors. While many of the 100 have similar wares to the ones at Columbus Circle, there are also a few new stand outs to add to the list. Treat yourself to a silky-smooth hand scrub at Sabon, where you can find Israeli lotions and candles for all your favorite ladies. For gifts on the cheap, find the tent filled with prints - covers from Vogue & The New Yorker, celebrity shots, New York City in every light and season. Your giftee will never guess it only cost you $5. The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park, btwn 5/6th Aves & 40/42nd Sts, open Mon-Fri 11a.m.-8p.m., Sat 10a.m.-9p.m., and Sun 10a.m.-6p.m. until January 3rd.

Other Holiday Markets worth checking out:

-Gifted, 20 E 4th St & Lafayette St, open December 16-24th, the go-to market for vintage items

-Grand Central Holiday Fair, Lexington Ave & 42nd St, open Mon-Sat 10.m.-8p.m., Sun 11a.m.-7p.m. until December 24th, an indoor and perhaps more elegant experience

-Union Square Holiday Market, W 14th St, open Mon-Fri 11a.m.-8p.m., Sat 10a.m.-8p.m., Sun 11a.m.-7p.m. until December 24th, a market abounding in eco-friendly wares

Starstruck study break

Photo Credit: Dara Adeeyo

Yesterday, I was wandering around the West Village with Dara Adeeyo of Secretista (on a study break in attempt to refresh myself) when the two of us saw Cynthia Rowley greeting shoppers inside her adorable boutique!

I was terribly starstruck and immediately asked her to take a photo with me, which she so kindly obliged to! She also commented on my six-inch BCBG Mendel Wedges == "You're actually going shopping in those, my dear?!" she exclaimed.

I know, I know -- she's very cute. Her daughter, who was pulling a few dance moves here and there, was just as adorable. Must run in the family.

Haze of Greys

One of the most exciting things about living in New York City is the ability to people-watch for the sake of fashion. I mean, look around! A vast majority of New Yorkers have some sort of personal style that most would deem admirable. From just sitting on my bench and looking around me, I've gathered some new information. While pops of color and crazy patterns can be seen on everyone from the teetling toddler on the sidewalk to the middle-aged business woman on her way to the office, it is also very apparent that 'all grey' is in.

Reading this, you're probably reeling back in horror thinking, 'What!?' while picturing the monstrosity of the ever-present all-grey sweatsuit from hell:

credit: Amazon.com

Well, you can sit up straight again because I'm actually talking about a new type of grey ensemble: the grey gradient. While it remains rather iffy to wear greys of the same shade, it is perfectly acceptable and even quite chic, to wear different shades of grey in one outfit! For example, dark grey pants, and a lighter grey top paired with a beige hat and a pink-ed grey jacket could leave you radiating stylishness. You'd never worry about whether or not you match, and you could guarantee that your outfit would be embraced by the fashionable masses.

credit: catwalkqueen.tv

Additionally, you have to remember that this won't work in all cases. If you find that your muted monotone is too overwhelming either for the occasion (or in general!) try adding a patterned piece to your look. This will help break up your overall ensemble and add dimension to the final effect.

credit: iamfashion.blogspot.com

Or...you could assume the role of Victoria Beckham, break the rules, and wear the same shade of grey anyway. It's up to you.

credit: imnotobsessed.com

Clearly, this does not apply for some other monotone color palettes...Orange for instance would not create quite the same effect. In any case, monotone schemes allow the wearer to be more creative in other venues such as in makeup or hair. Grey permits us to wear the clothes rather than letting it wear us. So, the next time you decide to opt for a more muted look, go for the grey!