Ah yes. The First Day Of Fall.

That’s what today is. Officially.

Someone figured it out a long time ago, just like they figured out the strange tradition of daylight savings (which, okay, had to do with crops a long time ago, but really just annoys the hell out of everyone now). While a lot of us are probably clawing at the windows in fear of the impending winter, fall remains my favorite time of the year. You can walk for miles and not get sweaty, apples and pumpkins are all around, and those cute neck scarves we’ve all been trying to wear all summer are finally appropriate.

If you heart fall as much as I do, you’ll probably agree with these Top 5 Reasons Fall is Fantastic.

5) No. More. Sweating: Remember when it was 80 degrees and you tried to walk down the sidewalk or across campus and by the time you got to where you needed to go, your hair was sticking to the back of your neck and your face was all red and your armpits were soaking through that BTS shirt? Well, fear the heat no longer, because now that fall has arrived you can jaunt across campus in a cute scarf, hat, or light coat and get to class feeling fresh-faced and sweat-free (unless you’re late and have to book it). Your feet will no longer slide around in mushy sandals — you can break out those boots and sneakers and not feel like your feet are suffocating. I hate sweating. I really, really hate it. So the idea of walking to work in a light jacket and not having to pack extra deodorant makes me smile from ear to ear. Read More »

If you’re anything like me, you have a brother (or two, or…god help you, three), and every year it’s pretty impossible to figure out what to get them for Hanukkah or Christmas. You slide subtle hints into IM conversations, use your parents for help, even flat out ask them “what the hell do you need??!”, but sometimes to The Bro is so illusive, you just want to slam some money down in front of him and shout get your own present!!

Coming in at a close second in the gift-giving challenge is the BF. Sure, you love him. Sure, he knows you better than most people. But finding a gift he’ll like because it’s cool, and not just because you’re his girlfriend? Tough.

In case you haven’t reached your breaking point yet (I know Hanukkah is almost over, but there’s still time!), I’m compiled a list of presents the Bro and the Beau might like. It’s always hard to tell with these strange specimens, but hey, even if they scrunch their face up again this year…at least you tried. Besides, they’re been giving you shit from The Body Shop for years. Teach them through example about branching out.

• Charles & Marie Dosh Wallet ($60) – compact, manly, and oh-so-full of special pockets, this wallet is a lot better than that ratty, duct-taped thing he’s been carrying around for years. It’s a little expensive, but just think of it as payback for that time you stuck gum in your Bro’s hair or ‘accidentally’ told your friends about the Beau’s bedroom ‘issues’.

• Dakine Plaid Backpack ($59.50) – it’s really hard to hate on a backpack, especially one that’s so nondescript and cool. Plus, he can carry his laptop and snowboard / skateboard around wherever he goes. Read More »

I cannot stand being cold.

As soon as the temperature gets any lower than 60 degrees I start piling on the layers and planning ways to keep my core temperature up. When it comes to bundling up to go outside, I have no shame.

I’ll wear scarves that don’t match my coat. I’ll wear a hat that flattens my hair. I’ll wear ski gloves with a peacoat. I don’t care.

I’d rather sweat than shiver.

But now, I don’t have to be ugly to be comfortable, because long sleeved gloves are back!

This isn’t to say I’m blindly following trends here, but the resurgence means retailers will be carrying these beauties! Whether they be wool, cotton, rayon or synthetic…doesn’t matter. Itchiness doesn’t matter when it’s negative 4000 degrees outside.

And? Now my wardrobe can go farther!

Have a short sleeved or 3/4 length jacket that’s perfect for the season? Wear it! Your gloves will have your back (and arms).

Ah, I love when trends multi-task.