MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you all are having a fabulous day with your families. My two sisters, two brothers, parents, nannie, pops, four aunts and uncles, and eight cousins just finished two hours of present-opening. Though presents are probably the least important part of this magical season, a fashionista can't help but look forward to them. Whether you got those designer boots you pined over all year, or went home greatly thankful but slightly disappointed- I have good news! Christmas isn't over yet- tomorrow will be BLACK FRIDAY #2 for all us bargainistas out there. The stores are opening early, the online sales will be out of control, and you'll be able to get twice the gifts from the returns you're sure to make.

Macy's, the leader in Christmas season deals and long hours, is opening at 6am and promises outstanding clearances and sales-at-checkout. Here is one little label-loving gem I found, that I may have to put a little Christmas $$ towards...

Armani Exchange White Python-Stamped Leather Watch

$140.00

macys.com

Merry Christmas Eve!

Merry Christmas Eve! I hope you all are staying happy, healthy and warm today! Here is a great find for the oh-so-sophisticated stylista. Enjoy!

Lark & Wolff by Steven Alan
Bow Party Dress - $98.00
urbanoutfitters.com

Consider It Bought...

This dress says "Hello, my name is Fabulous" from the front and "Let me show you just how Fabulous" from the back- Love it.  

Organza Halter Dress - $62.00

tmn-boutique.com

Online Shopping at its Best

Okay, I am beyond excited. I have just added yet another budget-friendly, killer shopping site to my ever-growing list of go-to's.

TMN-Boutique.com offers great finds from outerwear to footwear, demure dresses to flirty frocks. Though the site does require a keen eye to pick through the good from the bad, the fashion conscious from the fashion victim, it does deliver enough to keep me going back for more.

Here are my personal favorites...

Black Venus Peep Toe Boots - $68.00

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Eyelet Lace Short Sleeve Blouse - $16.00

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Mini Sequins Skirt - $58.00

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High Roller Dancing Queen Heels - $62.00

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"Pink is My Favorite Color" Headband - $16.00

So Clutch...

Through my hours of online shopping, I found this chic little piece and thought it noteworthy to all you fashion hungry bargainistas out there. Fringe is in this season and next, and you can't be more on trend with a clutch in hand. Mesh the two styles together and you've got this fab find from The Limited.

Controlled Fringe Clutch
$39.50
thelimited.com

Pardon the slow posting last week- most/all of my free time was spent trudging, scraping and shoveling through the snow and ice. Maybe I should consider writing a post on the latest and greatest all-weather tires I will soon be buying to get me through the season (too bad those don't ever come cheap)? Or possibly one on deciphering the perfect travel-sized, low-budget shovel that won't leave you helpless and stranded on your way to work (as I was on Friday)? I think I may just keep busy delivering heavy coats, warm tights, waterproof boots, hooded scarves, full-length gloves, etc etc etc that all you Chicago fashionistas need to get through what already feels like our worst winter ever. Much more to come...

Keep warm and happy holidays!

Statement Pieces

InStyle's Pick...

Ginnifer Goodwin at the Opening of the

D&G boutique on Robertson Blvd.
...Not so keen on the pumps, but that

statement necklace really makes the ensemble special

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My Pick...
Chevron Beaded Necklace
$200
shopsheboutique.com
...I'm pretty much obsessed with this one

and here's an early Christmas gift for you-
SAVE 50% on EVERY ITEM for the REST OF THE YEAR!
Use offer code SHEDEC08 at Checkout!

Team Aniston

Being a fan of Friends for almost a decade, I can say without reservation that I am a Jennifer Aniston fan. Despite the bad break-ups, the John Mayer dramz, the quickly ticking baby clock- I will always be on Team Aniston. Mad props to her latest GQ cover- has she ever looked better?

Looking just as Sexy but much more Classy...

InStyle's Look of the Day for December 15, 2008
Aniston at the Premier of Marley & Me

Valentino Tiered Lace Minidress

$$$$ valentino.com

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Similarly Chic but Wearable for Everyday

MM Couture Black Layered Satin & Chiffon Skirt by Miss Me

$83.00 at missme.com

Stunner!

I am a total sucker for cocktail rings. They just make me happy. I am literally in a better mood as I sit here typing along, when I notice that extra bit of fashion-forward glitz around my finger. Today I am wearing a vintage-looking piece: red, triangular in shape, and speckled with flecks of black, white, baby blue, and gold. Though today's is ever the casual cocktail ring, I often opt for something I bit more glam like this one from Fossil...

The Bright, Bulky and Beautiful

$25.20 down from $36.00 - Sale Ends Today!

dillards.com

Fuzzy Little Things

Looking and feeling fabulous is all in the details! If any of you Chicagoans have been outside yet today, you'd know that our most important detail is in our outerwear. Here are a few special finds from Urban Outfitters (urbanoutfitters.com) that will keep you classy and cozy...

For a Frozen Day in the Life of Blair Waldorf

Sweater Floral Earwarmer - $24.00

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Super Sweet and Oh-So-Chic

Knit Crochet Fingerless Gloves - $16.00

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Hello Glamorous!

Vintage Fur Collar - $38.00

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As Fashionable as they are Functional

Cable Knit Armwarmers - $18.00

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Channel your Inner Elizabeth Taylor

Faux Fur Hand Muffler - $28.00

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If your House is as Cold as Mine this Time of Year...

Cushy Bow Slipper Socks - $10.00

Sweet and Subtle

One of my most favorite things: Special, incredibly inexpensive items that look like they cost much more than they're worth. Love, love, love.

Twelve by Twelve Pearl Trim Top in Pink and Black
$34.00 at forever21.com/twelve

This Season- All about the Skirt!

Sorry for the slow posting this week- work is out of control with the holidays so quickly approaching! Speaking of work, the hottest trend for the work week this winter? Skirts, skirts, skirts. Pair with tights (as always during Chicago winters- one of my biggest fashion rules is dressing appropriately for the weather) and flats, heels or boots and you'll look fashionable and feel powerful. Find some fabulous options from the bargainista's fashion dream- Forever 21...

A Great Transition Piece from Work Day to Date Night!

Puffed Satin Skirt - $19.80 - forever21.com

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Hello Sophistication!

Fab Bow Front Skirt - $12.50 - forever21.com

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Every Office deserves a Little Holiday Glam

Pleated Metallic Brocade Skirt - $22.80 - forever21.com

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Fantastic and Fun for the Fashionable Office

Short Satin Skirt - $13.80 - forever21.com

Simply Vera, Simply Stunning

All over the globe high-end designers are translating their unique style into highly fashionable, but low-priced pieces. H&M and Target are the most well-known for providing these goods to mass consumers. Kohl's was lucky enough, however, to recruit one of the most elegant, charming, wholly celebrated American designers of our time. Here are some fantastic items from the oh-so-fabulous Vera Wang.

Simply Vera Vera Wang Ruffle Crop Jacket

$49.00 on Sale from $98.00

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Simply Vera Vera Wang Embellished Tee

$31.20 on Sale from $48.00

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Simply Vera Vera Wang Floral Shirred Top

$37.70 on Sale from $58.00

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Simply Vera Vera Wang Colorblock Scarf

$17.50 on Sale from $35.00

One of My Favorite Things...

I love, love, love coffee table books- especially those about style icons, cultural dress and fashion history. They offer great inspiration for your wardrobe and personal style philosophy. My personal collection includes That Extra Half an Inch by Victoria Beckham, Style: A to Zoe by Rachel Zoe, Confessions of a Window Dresser by Simon Doonan, The Fairchild Dictionary of Fashion, and the list goes on. Here are a few that caught my eye and landed on my ever-growing wish-list...

FRUiTS Japanese Street Fashion

$31.99

modcloth.com

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Vintage Shoes

$39.95

urbanoutfitters.com

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The Book of 70s Fashion

$13.99

modcloth.com

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Chanel: Collections & Creations
$27.95
amazon.com

An Accessory Discovery

Learning how to accessorize is key to being fashion-forward while cutting shopping costs. Being on trend doesn't always mean having the newest jackets, tops, dresses and pants. If you buy great classic pieces that can carry from trend to trend and season to season, you can then concentrate on purchasing trendy, less expensive accessories to fit in with the latest styles. Thanks to Perez Hilton, I just found this amazing site- ModCloth.com- that concentrates on the unique and vintage-inspired. Here are a few finds that I felt were incredibly special and especially affordable...

Anchored Finances Wallet - $31.99
Perfect for the Bargainista!
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The Blair Feather Headband - $13.99

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Mae West Gloves - $15.99

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Black Tie Affair Belt - $25.99

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Golden Boughs Pendant - 14.99

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Autumn Thistle Clutch $49.99

My New Obsession...

Okay, seriously- could you get much hotter than this? Look sassy, sophisticated and sexy in these backseam, high-style tights. For work or for play, these will have you looking hot and feeling powerful whether you're in the boardroom or in the bedroom...

UO Sheer Backseam Tights

$14.00

urbanoutfitters.com

Pretty, Pretty Party Dresses

Anytime is a good time to shop for party dresses! They are fun, they are beautiful, they make you feel fabulous. With New Year's Eve just around the corner, it is especially important to at least be keeping an eye on the possibilites. Check out the budget-friendly finds below for all your party-girl personalities...

For the "Life of the Party" Party-Girl
The most important part of your evening- having FUN. This fantastic frock will have you looking and feeling great with as little effort as possible. Who needs to worry about their wardrobe when the booze is flowing and the ball is dropping? Grab your party hat, throw down a shot, and enjoy ringing in the new year in style!

MinkPink Ra Ra Superstar Dress
$77.00
revolveclothing.com

For the "Classic" Party-Girl
There aren't many occasions when you can rock a dress like this one- the ultimate, classic, you'd-make-Audrey-Hepburn-proud, party dress. Pair with a massive black statement necklace, black tights and pumps to really dress this look up. For New Year's Eve anything goes- take advantage of it and have one of those priceless, scene-stealing, party girl moments.

Isaac Mizrahi for Target Party Dress
$31.49
target.com

For the "Kiss Me at Midnight" Party-Girl
Whether you're taking a date, or planning on finding one on location, this dress is all about the romance. Get your perfect, big-screen, New Year's Eve kiss with this gorgeous jacquard mini gown. Simple and elegant- just like you. Soon after you catch Prince Charming's eye you'll have your hands on his lapel. Pull him in tight and know you're the envy of all those around you- hot kiss, hot guy, hot dress- lucky girl.

Kimchi Blue Brocade Dress
$88.00
urbanoutfitters.com

For the "Fashionista" Party-Girl
Red is always, always a great color for New Year's Eve. Unfortunately, there are so many "eh" red dresses out there- Macy's and the "red is the new black" (never, in my book) trend we've been seeing for what feels like a decade, has left the color lacking the luster it so rightfully deserves. However, a true fashionista can rock a dress like this and really bring the show-stopping hue back to life. Turn heads or even break necks in this sweet but seductive little number. Just make sure to wear killer, 4.5 inch heels to pull the whole look off!

Pleated Satin Tube Dress
$24.80
forever21.com

SATC Stocking Stuffer!

I am big on ornaments, and this one is just too much! A little Sex and the City stiletto? Adorable! I'll take three for the Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha in my life. Absofu*kinglutely!

$14.99

hbo.com/store

Holiday Shopping Survival Guide

Shopping for gifts is difficult, especially when you are on a budget. It is so easy to go from chic to cheap when giving a rather inexpensive gift. Follow these tips to find the perfect, low-priced present:

1. If it looks cheap in the store, it will look cheap when pulled out of a gift-wrapped box. Find great pieces for great prices rather than settling for something less-than-special.


2. Avoid brand names. Most of the people on your gift list will not associate the label with the high price you paid for it. Instead, opt for shopping spots that sell more obscure, one-of-a-kind type items that are low in price but high in value. Exceptional does not always mean expensive.


3. Shop online! The steals are amazing right now and you'd be crazy to pay for shipping. Scour the web and save big- just don't forget to have it shipped in time!


4. If you have been given a wish list, don't be scared to stick to it. It may take a few extra stops to find the best price out there, but it will be well worth the steal- many thanks to our ever-awful economy.


5. Stear clear of the GWP (gift with purchase) and BOGO (buy one get one). These gifts are beyond obvious. If you are considering giving someone a gift like this, maybe you should reconsider giving them a gift at all.

Enjoy the Season- It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Warm in Winter White

Victoria Beckham has done it again. Have you ever seen winter white look so impeccable? Her style goes beyond chic, and this coat could keep you warm just by looking at it. I couldn't help myself but find something similar on my teeny budget. Last month's paychecks were spent on gifts- this month's I think I'll spend on myself...

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A Piece from My other Favorite Vicky-

Be Sure Watch the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on CBS this Week-

So Sexy, So Stylish, So Excited!

VIA Wool Wrap Coat
$169 on Sale from $188
victoriassecret.com