Getting Hooded

I'm technically getting a doctorate-level degree, but I don't know if there's a hooding ceremony involved like Ph.D.'s do. When I was sitting through my undergrad departmental ceremony, there were many awkward moments--the long dissertation titles (my family got a real kick out of them; for one dissertation, the announcer actually told people to look in the program for the rest of the title), the random "We love you!" cheers from the audience, and the moments when the graduate advisor couldn't get the hood to go around the candidate's head, resulting in an embarrassing tangle. Hence, I wouldn't mind if I don't have to wear one of those chunky things on my back.

Speaking of hoods, let's turn to the more common type. I definitely appreciate it when I can buy hooded jackets with detachable hoods. The hoods themselves look really cool, but if I were to layer, say, a vest, it's impractical to have a hood get in the way. That's part of the reason why I love Mike and Chris hoodies. Hooded blazers are cool, but sometimes I feel it's more professional to do without the hood.

Yesterday I had to stock up on jewelry supplies. Since I was just a few blocks from the Mike and Chris sample sale, I decided to pop by. Based on past prices, I didn't think I'd be able to get much, let alone 3 things, but that's what I walked away with. There were many hoodies from past seasons for $10, and in perfectly good shape! I love bright colors, but when it comes to big ticket items, I tend to be rather conservative because I want them to last. Sample sales like this give me an opportunity to go with the more daring choices.

This is what I wore today:

I love this shrug! I remembered that I liked it at the first Mike and Chris sample sale I went to, but the price tag made me like it less. At $10, it's definitely worth it. I've been really into shrugs lately because it is very practical for the day-and-night fluctuations of California weather. I love the cute ruffled lapels.

Here's the daring color I was talking about:

I tried green, but it just didn't look right. Orange is just right. At $10, it's another great piece. It actually keeps me warmer than some long-sleeved hoodies.

This one looked questionable on the rack, but I decided it wouldn't hurt to try it on. I'm so glad I did:

Initially, I thought cropped pullovers like this would look horrible. Not only can it make someone look stumpy, but the bottom portion tends to be loose and just doesn't look right. This one fits really well--snug but doesn't cut off the circulation (there's a zipper on one side and an elastic band on another). Also, it's the perfect piece to carry along when I'm out all day. I usually dread carrying bulky sweaters, but this one is small and it keeps me very warm. I love it! This might seem like a novelty sweater, but it's definitely functional. Well worth my $15.

The sale goes on until tomorrow. I was tempted to go back and get another shrug, since it's something my cousin likes, but I just don't have the time.