The Situation: It’s date #4 with Mr.Improv, the cute, Andy Samberg-esque friend-of-friend-of-friend who you’ve recently added to your fall ’07 dating line-up. Dates 1 thru 3 had run the gamut from fun (taking in an Upright Citizen’s Brigade performance) to crazy (break dancing a la Rock Steady Crew circa ’81 at 4 a.m. at the SNL-after party) and were always, predictably enough, laughter-filled. He’d always been in high spirits, full of self-deprecating stories about the sitcom pitching process, and he’d always seemed to be “in talks with” the Farrelly brothers about “something big.” You weren’t totally sure about or impressed by this, but you turned the B.S. alarm off because he was 1) cute 2) funny 3) his smooth moon walking moves were mirrored elsewhere.

But now, with the writer’s strike showing no signs of letting up, his jobs (and paychecks) temporarily cancelled, and him having to temp at a law firm (“Where brain-cells go to die,” he said of his fluorescent-lit cubicle) you’re afraid that light-hearted act you’d been enjoying might now be at intermission. Dealing with a depressed jokester is not something you’re familiar with. (Him) hoping to drown all sorrows and (you) potentially ignite some flames, you two are hitting up the local dive bar to imbibe a few beers–preferably cheap $2 PBRs.

Gawker’s Free Paris tee

The Solution: Avoid the temptation to be witty/try to cheer him up by wearing an ironic t-shirt, even the feisty slogan tees which are now so passé that they’re almost in again. Chances are that they’ll just remind him of all the funny stuff he isn’t writing. Cozy and cuddly is the name of the game for you.

Go for an Ali McGraw in Love Story look because nothing 1) spells hard-to-resist preppy sex appeal 2) suggests fall romance and 3) says Tragedy? Who cares!?! Let’s just live in the moment! more than her iconic wardrobe. Plus her whole “Love means never having to say you’re sorry” look will show you care, without having to dwell on his bad luck. Likewise, a heart necklace shows that you’ve got a sensitive side too. Knit accessories are key and a cashmere sweater will turn you into the soft shoulder he can cry on—and if he gets over his woes early enough in the evening—and maybe more.

Burberry Sweater, Urban Outfitters beret, J.Crew Cashmere T-neck, Paul Smith Scarf, Hollywould boots, Urban Outfitters heart necklace, Stella Jeans.

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American Apparel Ballerina Dress

Halloween may be over but the appeal of costume parties never dies—especially when the dress code doesn’t ask too much of guests. For instance, this weekend I went to an American Apparel party. Contrary to what the name might imply, it was not a debaucherous office fete thrown by AA head-honcho Dov Charney.

American Apparel Hoodie

Instead, said event was an NYC house-party where guests were asked to dress in kitschy-cool head-to-toe American Apparel. As expected, guests got into the themed event (all except for one very famous British model who showed up, inexplicably enough, in a fur bomber) and sported their comfy, colorful, and–best of all–cheap AA duds in a fantastically uber-ironic way.

American Apparel Sweatband

Royal Tenenbaum-style red track suits proved to be popular, as were striped socks, sweatbands, and ‘70s shades. The hostess was congratulated for her five-star fete, and rightly so as she’d been let in on the ultimate fashion bash secret: The dress code influences the dance floor antics. The retro-feeling duds inspired guests to kick up their heels to ‘80s and ‘90s hits—something a designer frock can rarely do. Surely other style-savvy party planners will take note and follow suit.

American Apparel Vintage Shades

American Apparel Socks

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Polo’s limited edition US Open pieces 

It’s that time again; As the summer winds down, and just before the fashion week crush, comes the US Open kick-off. An inside source at the Polo headquarters (the series’ official sponsor) leaked these tips for surviving the experience in style—but neglected to add that limited-edition Polo pieces and anything in bright white hues serve as the preferred dress code. If you’re among the tony sportsfans heading to the courts, be sure to keep these tips in mind.

How to keep hydrated:

There are 32 water fountains located throughout the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. If you bring bottled water or purchase bottled water, keep the bottle, you can refill it throughout the day!

Best place to get the perfect photo:
The Upper Level of Louis Armstrong Stadium is the best place to capture that award winning photo as it provides you obstructed views of the New York City Skyline. All of the professional photographers make at least one stop at Louis Armstrong every year!

Best Place to get an autograph:
If you’re looking to get your favorite players’ signature, the best place to get an autograph is outside practice courts P 1- 4. Here you will find that in order to get back to the locker room, players have to walk through public spaces and are much more accessible for autographs than anywhere else!

How to get a better seat:
Ever wonder how to get that amazing courtside seat? Take a minute to visit the Ticket Upgrade Booth located inside the East Gate adjacent to the Box Office. All available Arthur Ashe tickets are released to the Upgrade Booth upgrade booth the day of the session and are available at an additional cost.

Best weather hideouts:
If rain has forced a stoppage in play you can check out the International Tennis Hall of Fame Gallery on the ground level of Louis Armstrong Stadium. This year’s exhibit is entitled “Breaking the Barriers” a special exhibit featuring the unheralded champions of early black tennis.

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