All things rad for fall

When most have halted shopping excursions due to the onset of an economic crisis, I did the opposite. Lately I've shopped more than I ever have in the past. Yes, I may be broke, but I will not contribute to a crashing market and my consumerism will only become more obscene.  

My top ten rad things for fall:

1. Sweatshirt dresses.  They are all the rage. I recently bought a $40 purple sweatshirt mini dress from American Apparel and its by far one of the wisest investments I've ever made. It's one of those outfits that you can't wear consecutive days because people will notice immediately. Personally I like to pair it with item no. 2. 

2. High-tops. Hello 80s. Available in a variety of colors and patterns, these comfy comebacks make any outfit appear trendy. 

3. Cardigans. Boys, girls, grandpas and grandmas put on your button-up sweaters it's time for fall! Check out any scenester, he/she has a cardi. 

4. SNL. With impeccable impersonations, this show can't get any better. 

5. Which Wich, the new addition to Iowa City allows my multiple personalities to come out on the paper ordering bags. 

6. PLAID. It is everywhere. 

7. Girl Talk. In the spare time I do have, I listen to this as much as possible. Between the absurd profanity and clever integration of songs, it cheers me up on my darkest of days. 

8. Pumpkin patches that aren't flooded out.  A few weekends ago, I attempted to go on an annual pumpkin picking excursion. However after 3 hours and multiple 411 calls, I left Iowa City's own Wilson's Orchard and Pumpkin Patch empty-handed. Apparently the flood knocked out more than the arts campus, faculty homes and the work of local artists. It devoured all the pumpkins, too. Apparently the pumpkins in Swisher, IA are doing just fine. 

9. Mint tea. The changing weather kindly gave me a sore throat. I have combatted this ailment with mint everything. Although disgusting and slightly difficult, gargling mint mouthwash three times a day helped clear the oncoming illness. But, back to mint tea. When over-steeped, it clears out all your passages. It smells nice, doesn't stain your teeth, provides a caffeine boost, and warms your body. 

10. Voting. Frankly, I don't care what who you vote for. I just think its sweet. (I do not approve of blindly voting for a candidate when you don't know qualifications, experience or stances on issues). Many struggled to gain suffrage; it is a privilege. Political apathy is one thing that gets under my skin. If you care about health care, women's rights, international relations, the economy, or finding a job after college you should vote. Actually I'm sounding a little too much like that You Tube video, so I'll just link it. 

- Elizabeth Timmins