Merry Christmas Everyone!

December 19, 2009

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays -- I love baking cookies, wrapping presents, spending time with family and, of course, decorating. My place is relatively small, but I always love adding new decorations to my growing collection of holiday ornaments and tchotchkes. Decorating always gets my in the spirit of the holidays, and I wanted to share some of the spirit with you.

Here are some photos of my Christmas decorations. Being a Phoenix girl, we don't really get that wintry Christmas feel (i.e.: cold temps & snow), so my little inside "winter-wonderland" look has helped me get that cozy and festive feeling.





And here are some classic Christmas decor items I found on the Web. I'd say most of them are fairly affordable, but of course after the holidays, they'll be really affordable!


12 Days of Christmas Ornaments, Crate & Barrel, $39.95; Golden Star Christmas Tree, Gump's, $45


Pre-Lit Poinsettias, Brylane Home, $24.99; Elegant Reindeer, Pier 1 Imports, $35 ea.

"Designer" Gifts For Less

December 3, 2009

I recently had the opportunity to guest blog on Shop It To Me's blog about inexpensive gift ideas for those who love designer items. The blog post is below. And, if you're interested in signing-up for Shop It To Me e-mails click here -- it is a great way to keep up-to-date on the latest apparel sales on the Web. (Shop It To Me sends customized e-mails of clothing sales by brand or retailer you've pre-selected.)

We all know at least one person who emphatically declares like Rachel Zoe, they “die“ for designer items. They covet designer logos, expensive fabrics and haute couture looks like a girl on a diet craves chocolate. And trying to please them is not always easy on a recession-thin wallet. But this year, in particular, with stores trying to reeve up their revenues, you can find plenty of designer-like items out there that ooze the sophistication and luxury of those pricey brands. Here are just a few chic gift items that can satisfy any of your designer-obsessed friends or family members this holiday season:

For that girlfriend smitten by the luxe look of designer handbags, check out Urban Outfitters’ Deux Lux Studded Hobo. It’s stylish, PETA-friendly (its faux leather if you can believe it!) and only costs $68.



Or, for your Sex in the City obsessed sister, pick up a pair of these Carrie-inspired Poetic Licensed pumps from Lori’s Shoes for a mere $88.



How about spicing up your mom’s play-it-safe wardrobe with a biker-inspired leather jacket, like this one from Frenchi for $168.



And, don’t forget about your stylish aunt, who loves one-of-a-kind items like this fancy and oh-so-chic From O’Keeffe Necklace from Anthropologie for $48.




Finally, we mustn’t forget about the men in our lives. Although most of them could care less about designer items, there may be a few fashion-forward fellows who dig those lavish looks. So, to please them, how about a bit of classy cashmere in the form of a scarf or sweater from J.Crew ( $68 and $62 respectively.)



So, the next time your Louboutin-loving friend or Chanel-salivating relative mentions a “too-die-for” extravagance, just know that with a little bit of searching, you can get them that designer-inspired item without that designer price-tag -- and, they’ll love it just the same!
 

Search This Blog

Words to Inspire

"One cannot consent to creep when one has an impulse to soar." ~Helen Keller