Topman Fair Isle Jumper

Try to ignore the fact that Topman is now using 13 year-old boys as models and concentrate on the craziness that is this sweater... or "jumper" as the Brits call 'em. Not quite sure if I love it or hate it. I'd probably wear it once and have an overwhelming need to race home and change clothes at lunch time.

Topman Fair Isle Jumper, $140

topman.com

Tommy Hilfiger 'Little Rock' Jeans

I agree in theory with the idea that if you want a vintage look, you should wear vintage. But when was the last time you walked into the Salvation Army and found a pair of jeans as cool as these? The denim has vintaged fading and whiskering, but the cut is totally updated with a lower waist and a slimmer leg. Part of the Tommy Hilfiger 'Icon' collection, I'm choosing to ignore the obvious hubris and enjoy the pieces.

Tommy Hilfiger 'Little Rock' jeans, $148

usa.tommy.com

Ernest Alexander Waxed Tartan Tote

This is the perfect tote for city living and working. Its not big enough to be sloppy and not small enough to be mistaken for a purse. The waxed cotton makes it water-resistant and the leather straps make it practically indestructible. And it's plaid, so I love it even more. Check out the full line of ties and small leather goods, too.

Ernest Alexander Waxed Tartan Tote, $165

ernestalexander.com

Urban Outfitters X J. Press

Good luck finding this stuff on the Urban Outfitters website, where a search yields no results but a Google search finds it all. Anywho, this bizarre collaboration has yielded some good preppy basics-- I like the scarves, the plaid jacket and the back buckle pants, but I have everything else shown. Really, doesn't any good preppy? This is a collection for the fashion victim who's moved on to prep after going to a Vampire Weekend concert.

This Is a Knock-Off

Vera: The Art and Life of an Icon

Chances are, if you grew up in the 70's, the work of Vera Neumann was a part of your daily life—on placemats, napkins, kitchen curtains and bedsheets. This amazing new book details the work and influence of Neumann (who never considered herself an artist) and is accompanied by color images of her eye-popping and clever prints.

Vera: The Art and Life of an Icon by Susan Seid, $23.10

amazon.com

Chanel Metallic Wingtips

BEFORE & AFTER Since Herr Karl can't find the time to make a men's Chanel collection himself, I'll have to make my own.

The first step is a pair of classic men's shoes. Whenever I find vintage Florsheim wingtips in my size, I buy them-- they're built like tanks and comfortable. The second step is a decoration. In this case, I saw a display of women's shoe clips that I remembered the Chanel-esque clip-on earrings I had squirreled away. Lastly, my crafty mind darted to the bronze spray paint I just bought on clearance and the whole thing came together. My partner says that the Chanel is "too much," which means they're perfect.

Now if I only had a place to wear them besides Home Depot.