Happy Holidays!

I want to wish everyone a very, merry Christmas and a happy Hanukkah. And, of course a wonderful, healthy and prosperous New Year. See you in 2009.

Galeire Librairie Artcurial in Paris' creative and fashionable take on the Christmas tree. Photo courtesy Paris Tourism Office/Catherine Balet.

If Santa Were a Fashionista...

Then he'd understand why these would be the ultimate Christmas gifts...

Chanel Suit from Spring 2009 Read-to-Wear Collection (price unknown, but I'm pretty sure it's very, very, very expensive.)


Christian Louboutin Trotte Avec Moi Black Buckle Boots (These suckers are hard to find, especially in black... I could only find them in brown @ net-a-porter.com for $1,445)

But, since Santa and his elves are on a budget this year, as is the rest of the country, I will settle for the just as glamorous and easier-on-the-wallet looks inspired by the real thing...

Evening's Promise Dress, Anthropologie, $158; Cala Lily Cafe Sweater Dress, Mod Cloth, $74.99



BR Monogram Bow-Tie Pleated Blouse, Banana Republic, $99.99; Sash-Tied Blouse, Newport News, $39



Metropolis Bolero in Black, Mod Cloth, $74.99; White Mt. Women's Celebration Boot, Endless.com, $69.90

An Existential Fashion Dilemma

To be, or not to be fashionable. That is the question. Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the lace and baubles of outrageous fashions, or to bare arms (or legs) against a see of colors and by opposing, end them... to die of fashion melt-down; to sleep in a fashion rut, yet to dream of cashmere and ruffles. Ah, there's the rub!

Ah, yes, there is the rub indeed! Just like Hamlet's famous soliloquy, I, too, had a moment of indecisive self-reflection. The other morning I stood in my closet with a profound annoyance that I could not figure out what to wear. For the next half-hour, I sifted through tops and pants, trying on varying combinations of both. Like the woman in the bluefly.com commercials, who seemingly has nothing to wear and thus decides to go commando, I had a similar moment of wanting to shuffle off my mortal coil. I finally acquiesced to an outfit, but with a quiet (okay, who am I kidding, a slightly loud and garish) proclamation that I must update my wardrobe!

Because it is Christmas time, and much thought is given to buying for others, I find it hard to purchase things for myself. But, since sales are plentiful, I figured what better time than now to seek out some great finds. Perusing the Web has left me feeling more hopeful towards a slightly less pathetic and no more naked-inducing closet.

First, is a bit of an inspirational outfit from Banana Republic. Some of the elements can be worn for work and some for weekends, and most certainly any other occasion. Together, the outfit can be a bit pricey (about $540), but the top is the essential piece that is affordable, and the rest can either be found in your closet or bought at more reasonably priced retail stores like Gap, Old Navy or Target. The rest of the items are tops that evoke the spirit of the inspiration piece -- quirky, bold looks that have a splash of class... kind of what Bargain Chic is all about!

Silk Button Tunic, Banana Republic, $34.99

Other Pocket-Inspiring Tops

Herringbone Fiona Jacket, J.Crew, $69.99


Striped lace-trimmed boatneck sweater, Gap, $48


Holland 3Q Argyle Sweater, Forever21, $19.80


Scottish Fringe Jacket, Free People Clothing, $69.95