"The American, by nature, is optimistic. He is experimental, an inventor and a builder who builds best when called upon to build greatly."

-- John F. Kennedy

Christmas wishes.

'Tis the season to be generous, but that doesn't mean I can't fill my own stocking too. Below are some all-American (and British and Swiss) treats that would look just as spiffy on me as they will under the tree.

Clockwise from top left:

Classic trench by Burberry
1960s vintage gold de Ville by Omega
Baroque broach bracelet by J. Crew
Tuxedo shirt by Thomas Mason for J. Crew
Elsbeth oxford by J. Crew
Estate link bracelet by J. Crew
Tortoise shell Wayfarer by Ray Ban
Tuxedo scout chino by J. Crew

Pop Up get-up.

My battle gear for the Flea was of utmost importance. I nixed a vintage prairie-inspired maternity dress (cinched with a belt, of course) and vetoed all black (because I wanted to stand out) before finally settling on this khaki ensemble, a safari-inspired look that was just perfect for sartorial stealth reporting. Summery, yes, but a brown scarf kept me warm.

The ubiquitous boyfriend fatigue jacket by J. Crew.

Lace blouse (which turned into a dress around midnight at the Boom Boom Room) by French Connection.

Matchstick jean by J. Crew.

The ubiquitous peep-toe brogues by Nine West.

Tiered brass and wood bead necklace by the Dandelion.

Don't forget to read my recaps at All Plaid Out. View my snaps on Flickr.

A trip to the Pop Up Flea.

If shopping was considered a competitive sport (and to many women, it is), then the Pop Up Flea was my Boston Marathon. Venerated and long-awaited, it dominated this weekend: determined my wardrobe, governed my time, filled my Canon memory card, and laid siege to my imagination. In sum, it was a perfect success of proportion as epic as the American frontier.

Santa, take note! I wanted everything!

I would like this velvet bow tie, designed and handmade in New York City by Mister Mort.

I absolutely need one of these terrific Pendleton for Epaulet flannels to keep me warm (and that bag on the left to sling over my shoulder) while I skate around town.

I'll put these Iron Ranger boots by Red Wing for J. Crew under the tree for a deserving gentleman.

My closet is starving for a custom-designed Rogues Gallery tee, screenprinted before my very eyes.

This Jack Spade cold weather wear was made for me. I'll wrap up that book for my L.A. friends.

I could live forever in these Gitman Brothers button-downs (stolen, perhaps, from that Red Wing-clad fellow).

My home office needs a makeover. Let's keep it simple with antique staplers collected by JP Williams of Amass.

I'll keep my holiday toes merry and bright in these Solmate Socks, handmade in Vermont and sold by the Hill-Side.

***

On Friday and Saturday I dispatched wrap-ups for All Plaid Out. They include short interviews with a select group of purveyors, favorite photos, and (hopefully by now) a reader's comment or two. You can read my reports here.

What I couldn't buy I took home in pictures. Explore my photographs of the Flea.

Bows and curtsies go to Max Wastler, PUF proprietors Randy Goldberg and Michael Williams, and the kind folks at Gitman Brothers, for making this all possible for me. It was a very satisfying, very fun, very American weekend, and I am so proud and thankful to have had the opportunity to experience it not only as a fan of quality American-made goods, but as a writer, a roving reporter, a brand new pro.

Broad stripes & bright stars.

Wandering around New York City I always encounter a lot of the following: cops, tourists, halal carts, and star-spangled banners.

The first three I could live without, but the flags I simply adore. (Okay, maybe I'll keep the falafel, too.)

I'm busy this weekend casing the Pop Up Flea for All Plaid Out (and crafting the world's longest Dear Santa), so here are some Old Glories to tide you over until my post-PUF wrap-up.

I found this one keeping watch over a sick collection of antique locks at the Brooklyn Flea this past October.

This beaut was my most recent find on a film crew's trailer at Chelsea Piers.

My favorite flag adorns a Chelsea hardware store's wall, somewhere in the twenties.

(If you find it, take a snap and let me know!)