Weekend Update

1. Has it been super cold where you are? It’s been way colder than usual here in the Bay Area lately (or at least it feels like to me)…we’ve even had to turn on the heater almost every day, normally considered a grave sin in an Asian household. Anyway, I’ve been stocking up on more sweaters, and found this great slouchy one from Free People.

I have a Saint Laurent sweater very similar to this, but it cost multiples higher and I got tired of trying to dart out of the way every time baby Feather came at me with sticky hands (it didn’t work anyway). I saw this Free People one was on sale, and loved the shape, then was pleasantly surprised to find that it was made out of natural fibers (50% cotton, 50% angora). Usually at these price points you get acrylic. I ordered one, and worth a try if you’re looking for decently priced knits!

2. A really interesting article, via The WSJ, about how Friends and Family sales are having more and more restrictions, and some of the fall out. I thought the bit about DVF no longer being stocked at Bloomingdales was interesting…sounds like a huge account to lose! Of course I’m sure you all have known about the F&F problems for some time….it seems these days more brands are excluded than included! If there’s a paywall, for some reason NASDAQ has the entire article as well.

3. A fascinating article from The NY Times about a particularly acrimonious divorce: How To Hide $400 Million. Finance nerds will like this one.

4. Another article, again from the Times, about the largest handbag hall set to open. Do you still believe in the “IT” bag? I don’t necessarily focus on that one bag anymore…but I do still love them!

5. This week I read Black Water, by Joyce Carol Oates. This was the first work I’d ever read by Oates and I really enjoyed it…I’ll definitely be reading more!

Black Water is a fictional re-telling of the Chappaquiddick incident, involving Ted Kennedy at the time. By the way – I had no idea about this incident before reading the book. Afterwards I looked it up and was shocked. There’s so much about the Kennedys I never knew. Oh man. Recommended for anyone looking for a more literary read, fans of Oates, and anyone who doesn’t need to have a happy ending all the time.