A Spring-Ready Jacket

Dear H,

After a couple of false starts, in which promises of warmer weather coaxed me out of my home in a spring jacket, only to contract the early stages of frostbite, I have resigned myself to wearing my long, heavy winter coat until the beginning of May. I prefer, though, now to continue wearing the dark cocoon that has surrounded me since November. 

I think that I might have considerably better spirits if my coat reminded me less of the ongoing winter and more of the (hopefully) coming spring time.  Since my usual spring jacket will probably not provide sufficient warmth until June, I need a real spring coat.  At the risk of being too picky, my requirements: warmth--my good spirits depend upon the temperature of my torso; color--less like the dying leaves of my fall coat; style--something more fashionable that a pink fleece please! 

Reinvent my cold weather fashion!  Help me to emerge from the chrysalus as a beautiful butterfly!

Thanks,

Brrrrr

 

Brrrr,

I wish that there was a more accurate way than Punxsutawney Phil to predict the coming spring, but it looks like we may have to endure some chilly weather for a bit longer.

Luckily, there are some good options for mid-weight spring coats that should fit the bill, without ringing up a huge bill:

 

1.)    Trench Coat

Classic trench coats never go out of style, and a trench a more stylish option to fight off April showers than a slicker.  This season, they are coming in a lot of fun colors to help brighten up your wardrobe.

They tend to be light though, so layer with a sweater and scarf while the weather is colder, but a nice cotton trench will help you transition easily when the days start to get warmer.  Try this option from Banana Republic, on sale for $70:

Banana Republic Cotton Trench Jacket, $69.99

 

2.)    Leather Bomber Jacket

You need a signature style to really pull off a leather jacket and not look like you just walked off the set of Top Gun.  A lot of designers have recently done interesting things with leather jackets to reinvent them, such as the Sgt. Pepper/military-type silhouette that names like Tory Burch have adapted.

I know what you are thinking:  leather? Designer?  Not cheap.  You’re right, it is not easily to find an affordable, quality leather jacket, so this option will set you back a bit more. However, if you do spring for one, you’ll forever have great leather staple that will quickly become cool and “vintage.”

While you are contemplating the leather splurge, check out this steal I found on Nordstrom's Web site:  a red leather William Rast coat on sale for $209 (down from $529):

William Rast Leather Jacket, Nordstrom, $209

 

3.)    Quilted Coat

The quilted coat has remained a preppy staple, but it’s a great way to don a lightweight jacket with some warmth behind it (the functional purpose of the quilting).  Those known for their quilted outerwear include Burberry and Ralph Lauren, but there are some  cheaper options out there that are just as stylish.

I normally only go to L.L. Bean for their tote bags and footwear (Wicked Good Slippers, anyone?), but they’ve got a quilted jacket that’s almost a dead-ringer for the Burberry version (minus the trademark plaid), for only $99:

L.L. Bean Quilted Riding Jacket, $99

Note:  As brands like L.L. Bean tend to have a more “classic fit,” order a smaller size to get a more form-fitting shape. 

I hope this advice was helpful…but, I hope more that it proves unnecessary and the weather warms up soon!

Can’t wait to work on my tan,

H*

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Bracket-Busting Style

Dear H,

March Madness is really driving me mad! I'm going to NCAA basketball tournament parties and I want to dress to impress. How do I dress in support for my team but still look trendy? I want to do more than just wear my teams colors; I want to stand out! Please help!

Signed,

March Mad Man

M,

This is an excellent question, and I admire you for looking beyond the typical fan uniform of t-shirts, jerseys, or backwards hats. However, March Madness is one time where I’m willing to forgive a bit of style for fanhood. Though luckily for H, my throwback Ray Allen UCONN jersey looks great as a makeshift shiftdress! (Go Huskies!)

But, if you are looking for ways to really stand out, here are a couple of options that will also have you looking trendier than the rest:

1.) Go vintage.

You’ll notice in many of my posts that I recommend opting for vintage whenever possible, but it works especially well for college gear. You’ll definitely stand out with team apparel that you didn’t pick up at the school bookstore.

Most consignment and thrift stores have well-stocked t-shirt and sweatshirt sections, though if you are looking for a particular school, it may be a long search. eBay is always a great option: a search for “vintage college sweatshirt” came up with many items; try a search for your specific school.

If all else fails, there are few lines that make college gear that is made to look vintage, like Chip and Pepper and Original Retro Brand.

2.) Get a suiting item in your school’s color.

I’m talking blazers, ties, slacks, etc. “Dressing up” in your alma mater’s colors are a sure way to stand out, especially if your school has a crazy color like Carolina Blue or Tennessee Orange. In fact, Tennessee men’s coach Bruce Pearl is a prime example of how to pull this off:

Tennessee Men's Head Coach Bruce Pearl

March Madness is a great way to show off your college affinities with your clothes. One last tip: you may also want to think of a cover-up option to save yourself any embarrassment if your team loses…

Nothing but net,

H*

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Cooking Up Some Love

Editor's Note:  Readers, I took a bit of a spring break, but I'm back to business.  Send in your questions!  ask.h.blog@gmail.com  ~H*

Hi H,

I'm cooking dinner for the first time for the girl I've been dating and I want to impress her with my cooking skills, but I also need something that's easy and I can make in my tiny kitchen.  Any ideas?  

Thanks!

Kitchen Conundrum

K,

What a lucky girl, to have a man cook her dinner!! I hope you'll be doing the dishes too. :)

I think the key here is to impress her with "manly" cooking, of which the manliest is...

steak. 

(Note:  you should probably check to make sure she isn't a vegetarian or on the latest apple diet before you invest in an expensive cut).  I appreciate a man that can cook a good steak, especially one who can grill.*  It sounds like, in your tiny kitchen, grilling may not be an option, but you can come close:  buy a stovetop grill pan if you don't have one. 

The key here, other than not messing up the steak, is to put some thought into the side dishes and condiments.  A tangy blue cheese sauce or a nice red wine mushroom reduction would be a great topping for the steak itself. As far as sides, I would skip the "meat and potatoes" toward which most guys tend to gravitate, and lighten up the fixings for your woman.  Most girls will love a well-prepared salad, especially to go with a rich steak.  A warm, crusty baguette should suffice for a starch, and serve with roasted garlic rather than butter for spreading. 

Dessert shouldn't be skipped, but keep it light:  a nice parfait with vanilla gelato and fresh fruit would be a great finishing touch. 

*Disclaimer:  I've known some girls that are very good at grilling too, I'm just not one of them!!

Bon Appetit!

H*

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Longing for Leggings

Dear H,

I've been wanting to buy a good pair of leggings that I can wear with short tunic-style dresses and I feel like there has to be something better out there than the gold lamé ones at American Apparel.  I need them to be opaque, not have a waistband that digs into my hips, and last through lots of washing. I feel like I shouldn't have to break the bank for such a wardrobe staple, but the places I usually shop all seem to be charging $50-$60.  Any ideas?

G

 

Dear G,

Ahh, yes—the leggings challenge.  While I generally think that finding the perfect pair takes some trial-and-error on every woman’s part (I’m still looking for my perfect pair), I do have some tips that have helped me along the way.

1.)  You don’t have to go high budget…

However, this is really where the trial-and-error comes in.  It may take you a few discount store and/or mall haunts to find your perfect pair, but as these options generally won’t set you back that much (no more than $15 a pair), it shouldn’t be too hard on your wallet.  Plus, they are cheap enough that once you do find your perfect pair, you can get them in all the colors you need.

My favorite pair of this bunch?  The capri or ankle tights at Express.  They are opaque when worn and durable in the wash (even on non-delicate cycles), and have a pretty comfortable waistband.  Express does have leggings, but I prefer the tights for the stretch and the smoothing that tights give you in the hips.  

2.) …but you probably should.

There are some things that are worth spending money on because the make and material is worth the price—a good-fitting pair of jeans, boots, cashmere sweaters—and I think leggings are one of those things.  It seems a bit much to pay $50 for, when it comes down to it, a pair of stockings, but the material will be softer, the stretch will be more forgiving, and you will be less likely to get runs.

A savvy bargain shopper knows there are ways to procure designer leggings for discount prices, especially online.  I would start at designer discounter bluefly.com, and also check the sale racks of shopbop.com.  Try perusing the sale pages of department store websites also, such as Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, for high-end leggings at lower prices.

Hope that helps, and happy shopping!

 

And there is always the gold lamé option,

H*

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Tracking Dates and Deadlines

Dear H*!

I am a second-semester senior who's starting to plan for a life out of college, while still juggling the assignments and deadlines that go with being in school. Needless to say, I have a lot of dates on my mind and I'm having a terrible time keeping track of them all! Any ideas for an efficient (and trendy?) organizer? Help!

Sincerely,

Overwhelmed in Boston

 

Overwhelmed,

You’re right; after college comes many more obligations—rent is due today, bills are due tomorrow—and a bustling social life—happy hour Thursday, housewarming party Friday, date on Saturday—and it can be hard to keep track of it all!

Now the really busy and important people have another person to do their organizing, or a Blackberry.  Even if you have one of these two, I would suggest the best organization comes from an old-fashioned leather-bound day planner.   There are some really great options these days (so stay away from the the bland black ones from the office supply store).  Here are a couple of options I love:

Orvis Personalized Daily Date Book, $69

This datebook may not come in fun colors, but the tan is really classy, and the monogram is my favorite detail.  You can stick with initials, or go with your full name (24 letter maximum).  Either way, it’s a must-have for guy and gal grads alike.

Neiman Marcus Leather-Bound Desk Accessories, $44-115

If fun colors are what you are looking for, Neiman Marcus has them in a variety of colors and sizes, and also with options for personalization.

Paper Source Perpetual Calendar, $28

If you want a budget-friendly option that lets you take one week at a time (hey, no one wants to grow up too fast!), Paper Source has an adorable weekly calendar with room for 60 weeks of plans.

 

Good luck getting organized!

H*

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Mid-Atlantic Getaways

Dear H*, 

I am a recent grad living in DC who loves the city but is really starting to miss escaping for spring break. As March approaches I am getting a bit of a travel itch but don't want to break the bank or take much time off.  I was wondering if you have any suggestions for an easy and relatively wallet friendly weekend getaway, perhaps something driving distance from DC?  I would love to avoid other cities as well and go for more of an outdoors adventure. Any suggestions of places to visit/stay?

Signed,

Anxious to Escape

 

Anxious,

I definitely understand where you are coming from—as much as I love this beautiful city, sometimes you just have to get away.  I’ve got two overnight options for you—one in Virginia and one in Maryland.

 

Virginia:  Charlottesville and Shenandoah Valley

This makes for a great overnighter.  On Day 1, head out of the city toward Charlottesville.  Once there, visit Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s residence, a great way to spend the day outside.  After that, stop at Jefferson Vineyards for a taste of wine grown on Jefferson’s original vineyard land.

In the late afternoon and evening, check out all there is to offer in town, including Charlottesville’s walkable Main Street mall.  You can grab a bit to eat at one of Main Street’s cafes, such as Enoteca, where you can continue sampling wines.  There are a variety of inns and B&B’s to stay at in the area, and you can even go camping.

On Day 2, head home via Shenandoah National Park.  The best route is to take Skyline Drive right up through the middle of the park.  If you are looking for a place to stop and explore, definitely be sure to check out Luray Caverns.

Feel free to improvise from there, but that provides a good loop that’s doable in two days in a car, and provides lots of scenic opportunities.

 

Maryland:  Visit Annapolis and Baltimore

I know you wanted to get away from the cities, but Virginia does the countryside so well, it would be hard to compare. But you’ll forget your urban aversion in these two towns, which have so much charm that it’s even Baltimore’s nickname:  Charm City.

Annapolis, home of the Naval Academy, and surrounding Anne Arundel County, make for a great getaway full of historic homes, great shops, and some of the things Maryland is best known for, such as crab.  Check out this Website for more visitor information.

Stay overnight if you wish, but this could also make a great day trip.  On the way back to the city, stop in Baltimore and check out some of its attractions, especially the Inner Harbor, which features the Baltimore aquarium and other attractions.

While both of these trips are definitely worthwhile, I would save the Maryland trip for the warmer months.  Annapolis is one of the mid-Atlantic’s top waterfront towns, and lends itself to warmer weather (especially when the midshipmen are in their summer whites!), and Baltimore’s Inner Harbor can only be further improved upon by an Orioles game at Camden Yards, one of baseball’s nicest parks.

Wherever you go, have a great time, and let me know how it turns out!

Road trippin’,

H*

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A Potluck Quickfire Challenge

Dear H, 

I'm going to yet another potluck dinner this weekend, and I'm running out of ideas of what to cook.  My cooking skills are up to par if I do say so myself, but I’m no Top Chef.  I'll be running home from work, so I need something quick, easy, and most importantly delicious.  Any suggestions?

Thanks!

J

 

J, 

One recipe that immediately comes to mind is one dish in Real Simple magazine called "Last-Minute Lasagna."  I recently made it for the Super Bowl and it was a big hit.  It's also super easy to throw together, and even though it says "last-minute", its a great make-ahead dish also. Then you can just pop it in the oven when you get to the potluck.

Last-Minute Lasagna, Real Simple Magazine 

The recipe is great because it uses ravioli, not lasagna noodles, so you already have your cheese and pasta covered in one package!

One suggestion though:  the recipe doesn’t seem to call for enough sauce or liquid.  When I made it, I had to scramble to find some extra sauce to throw in.  Also, just adding sauce makes the dish a bit heavy; my suggestion would be to add a can of crushed tomatoes to add some liquid while lightening it up.  

(This is one of their most popular recipes, but Real Simple has some other great dishes on their site that usually only require a few ingredients and are really easy to throw together, if you want to find an alternative to this one.)

Let me know how it goes!

 

You won’t be packing your knives after this one,

H*

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