shopping

this week in boston has been bipolar- the first half: gorgeous, warm, sunny; the second half: cold, spitting rain, dark and dreary. the weekend? rain. and more rain. and clouds. no sun in this 10-day forecast. i don't mind, even though we want to take the kayaks out again soon. instead, i think i'll be spending a bit of time in the local mall. julie's wedding is in two weeks and i need some sort of "sweater" to go with my adorable polka-dotted dress. even though the wedding is inside, i'll need a little something to keep warm at the inn on the ocean in Gloucester.

my favorite stores, top five list:
1. gap. they have some amazing things in there lately. i'm attributing it to the new designer Patrick Robinson. i heard lots of people got fired there. maybe they just needed some new blood? i think every brand does, every so often.
2. madewell. all my favorite stores are stores that sell fabulous basics, with feminine detailing and solid colors. madewell lives up to this, and more. i love their drapey tees and boyfriend sweaters. i love my heavenly-soft, deep v-neck tees. i love their knee-high socks (in fun stripes!) and killer leather bags. oh, and the monthly calendar you get when you shop there? Genius! i'm going to try to start something similar at NB.
3. martin and osa. more basics, a little bit more expensive, but the stores have really great sales. and their email advertising campaign! persistent! their basic tees and tanks come in SO many seasonal colors, i have trouble choosing. great blouses and nice cardigans and sweaters.
4. anthropologie. need i give an explanation? i get lost in daydreams when thumbing thru their catalog. i use their website for design inspriration at work. i practically get a boner when actually IN their stores, between the huge, amazing, magical, every-day object "pieces of art" that hang from the walls and ceilings and nooks and crannies. the bedrooms? the in-store skylights? the selection of books?? to die for. every time i'm in a new city, i search for this store to see what the local store display designer has come up with.
5. marshalls. i still have to credit this store for about 1/3 of my current wardrobe. i feel like lately i haven't been finding too much spectacular stuff there. or maybe, it's when i don't have the extra money i see stuff i want, but when i'm shopping with the intent to SPEND i don't find anything. ah, c'est la vie.

c'est fin.