Happy Halloween from The Shopaholic!  While Halloween means very little to me, personally, now that I’m a mother – it means SO MUCH MORE to see my little girl get dressed up and excited about the holiday.  I am well aware that it has become an overly spendy commercial holiday, but I buy into it (shocker).  The cost can get ridiculous between the costumes, candy bag (no pillow case will do for my little one), and the candy for all the strangers – the holiday can cost a pretty penny (or benjamin, whatever).

All in all though, it was worth every cent.  We had TONS of trick-or-treaters, which means there aren’t THAT many leftovers for me to eat in the weeks to come.  My little one LOVED everything about today.  Her costume was the best one yet, an ice cream cone.  The weather was frigid, which seems to make sense – can’t have the ice cream melting outside!  She maintained her freezing temp and came home rosy cheeked and frosty.  Even more than trick-or-treating with daddy, though, was seeing the other kids coming to our house.  She was obsessed.  So well worth the money – bring it commercially driven holidays!

Yesterday we made a last minute trip to Pier 1 where all Halloween decorations were 50% off.  I love Pier 1 stuff and save it year to year…so I got a couple things to spruce up our house for today, and they will last for years to come.  Love getting deals like that!  They will be keeping stuff out for probably another week, go buy and pack it right up!  You’ll be so excited when you pull out decorations next year.

Halloween 2010 was a success….

Won’t you agree?

(Costume and goodie bag from Pottery Barn Kids)

shops love!

ps…I will be back to shopping soon, I am easily holiday-distracted.

So I think we are all on the same page that I’m a Shopaholic – I embrace it.  BUT, I bet you didn’t know that I am obsessed with selling anything and everything on ebay/craigslist when I’m finished with something (well, many of you do know that).  In the month of November, I’m determined to clean out our entire storage room: all baby gear, baby clothes, and maternity clothes (see a pattern?).  So, in order to shop, I like to sell – seems fair to me!  My dining room is normally my “unpacking” zone…remnants of online orders, folded up boxes, etc.  Now, it’s my ebay room!  Neat piles of each “lot” posted on ebay, with piles of what needs to be shipped.

I understand it would be much more generous of me to just donate these things.  But I’ve been selling things that some people would just throw in the garbage!  For instance, my daughters crib soother – $30 on ebay.  Don’t mind if I do!

So moral of the story: You have to make it to buy it…it being money, room in your home, etc.  So start selling!  You don’t want to turn into a hoarder do you?  Those people are scary.  And I, my friends, am not scary.  Just a little crazy.  There’s a difference.

shops love!

I taught my daughter to say “She get it from her momma” when she was only like 18 months old.  It was pretty hilarious and a few people can vouch for it.  BUT, it’s very true.  She looks like me (and her daddy) and she is learning how to shop like me (unfortunately for her daddy).  But I learned everything that I know from MY MOMMA.  I haven’t posted in nearly a week because we went to visit my family in Maryland.  I should know better than to over-pack when visiting my parents because my mom always has a bag of goodies waiting for me

This time, she had just come back from the Keys where she does her favorite shopping.  I just love the sight of the bag from Blue with everything wrapped neatly in tissue (not like the boxes from everything I order online).  The ladies at Blue are wonderful and if you ever happen to be shopping in Ft. Lauderdale, Islamorada, or Key West – I encourage a visit to the store!  They carry tons of Michael Stars, James Perse, Ella Moss, Weston Wear and much, much more!  So for me, not only do I get my *looks* from my momma, but many of my clothes are gifts from her too.  That saying just works way too well in my family!

From this trip, I must say that the Michael Stars Belted Tunic stole the show.  I wore it to lunch with my friends with a long-sleeve white tee underneath and paired with black leggings and black boots.  It was casual and cool and I foresee it becoming a regular in my closet.  It’s available in a variety of colors and some are on sale for just $27.20.  I am going to buy a few more colors – she bought me the olive green!!!

Maybe one of these days my mom will make a guest appearance and teach us where SHE learned to shop…although I’m fairly certain “She got it from her momma.”  Thanks mom, love you!

Glad to be home and writing again…shops love!

Molly, the newlywed from Nashville, has asked for some help finding the perfect bag to carry to work.  Here’s what she needs to fit inside: laptop, iPhone, iPad, kindle, files, books, and lunch – wow that is a lot (loving the fun gadgets though)!  While her Vera Bradley Miller Tote has treated her well since college, she wants a grown up version that is more classic and less *colorful* to take along to meetings.  Well Molly – I’ve got my work cut out for me, but I hope something here fits your demands!

If any designer knows class, it’s Tory Burch.  The Ella tote ($195) should hold all of your belongings while subtly screaming sophistication.  The nylon is durable and the patent leather trim is beautiful…too bad I don’t carry more stuff to work!  The Jaden Tote ($250) has a base with metal feet that makes it even more durable than Ella.  Just as beautiful and similar in size (the picture shown has a pattern, but they make one with solid black nylon too).

For a more budget-friendly alternative, LeSportsac could be your brand.  I really like the Deluxe Everygirl Tote ($92).  Plenty of room inside with inside pockets for a much more modest price. 

For an all leather version, the cost is definitely going to go up.  Cole Haan’s Camden Devin ($398) is a bee-u-tee-ful bag that is a little trendy too.  I love that is has the option to be a cross-body as well as on the shoulder.  The picture below shows the sides clipped inward, but they open up to provide much more interior space.

You could always look at the Longchamp totes as well…timeless, but I’d look into the all leather versions to avoid tearing at the bottom corners.  So, Molly (or anyone else in the market for a large work tote) – I hope you see something that will work for you…or at least helped you narrow the search!

If it were me, I’d go for a Tory Burch tote and call it a day.  I’ve never regretted a Tory purchase!!!!

shops love from the state of Maryland

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The Shopaholic is always talking about layering.  Whether it’s because my sweater’s itchy, too short, or just because – I almost always have a long tank or tee underneath whatever I’m wearing.  By putting a thin long-sleeve tee underneath your top, you are actually able to stretch your wardrobe.  I have some sweaters that are not quite 3/4 length sleeves, but with a long-sleeve tee underneath I can wear them on even the coldest winter days.  Personally, I like the look of my tee extended beyond the length of my sweater.  Now the key is wearing a *thin* tee because no one wants to add MORE bulk on top of a sweater.

Not to talk about Ideeli all of the time, but when they had a Rebecca Beeson sale, they were offering a 3-pack (no, definitely not like hanes) of long-sleeve tees in a variety of color combos.  My pack had hot pink, camo green, and white – all for $40.  This is a steal so if you see her sale on any of the sample sites, scoop them up!  I can’t say enough positive things about this line – everything is just so soft and wearable.

Theory makes undeniably fabulous clothing – comfortable and always chic, you most certainly get what you pay for.  Their long sleeve tees are the best!  I have *one* and I’ve been wearing (and washing) for the past year…it still looks great.  Theory Carmine-Encase sells for $105. (white)

Gap’s favorite long-sleeve tee is on sale for $12.50.  (charcoal, black, white, brown, navy)

Three dots has a new, crewneck layering tee available in a wide variety of colors for only $44. (black, blue, berry, white, dark green)

Banana Republic Long-sleeve timeless tee.  $29.50 (white, grey, purple, black)

Mossimo (Target) Long Sleeve Tee. For $10, you better stock up!!!! (white)

Longsleeve Tops by Banana Republic
Clothing by Gap

shops love!

Lots and lots of lounging this weekend, you know what that means?  Lots and lots of leggings.  My absolute favorite leggings are made by Rebecca Beeson.  They are thick, soft, and soo comfortable.  I bought mine on Ideeli for 60% off and I can’t seem to find them elsewhere.  Keep your eyes open for them though because they are the *perfect legging*.  Sorry to get you excited about something when I can’t even point you to it, but I’m actually here to talk about what to pair WITH the leggings.  Tunics and leggings have the perfect marriage – down to earth yet classy, chic yet casual, comfortable yet polished.  A tunic is long enough to cover your derriere, which is actually a must when I’m wearing leggings.  I want to showcase some of my fave tunics – I don’t own all of these, but I’m lusting a few.

Shortsleeve Tops by Juicy Couture
Crewnecks & Scoopnecks by Ella Moss

Clockwise (from left):

Juicy Couture Striped Ruffle Tunic ($103 sale) is more springtime than fall, but worth holding on to.  Gives your leggings a sophisticated look and business casual a whole new meaning.

Anthropologie Mirah Tunic ($98) is exactly what I’m looking for in a tunic following the three C’s: cotton, casual, and comfortable.  It’s long length and front pocket make it so wearable!  Online exclusive, so no point checking your local store (if you’re lucky enough to have one nearby).

Ella Moss Brooklyn Tunic ($218) is obviously one of my lusts (due to pricetag).  Cashmere blend, front pockets and low neckline = love the combination.  Please appear in my closet tomorrow.  thanks.

American Vintage Tunic ($92)…pants optional?  Well I would pair with leggings, but either way it’s a favorite.  The tie at the waist gives it a little special something.  Don’t you think?

Free People Prism Flounce Tunic ($48) is so flirty and feminine.  The details set it apart from other tops – I just love the sparkle, flouncy hem, and angled neckline.

t-t-t-tunic time!

shops love!

The Shopaholic has been spending a lot of time at home lately – this fall weather makes you want to do that.  The weather is crisp and the tv shows are new so there’s no real reason to go anywhere.  When I’m at home, I want to be warm and cozy.  Even when I get home from work, I immediately change into leggings and a sweater.  Cozy doesn’t necessarily mean frumpy though, so it’s important to look chic even on Sundays – you never know what might come up!  So when Kaylea, from Syracuse, asked for some suggestions of cozy but cute sweaters, it made perfect sense to answer her right away!  The fact is that everywhere is stocked with sweaters right now – it’s hard to narrow it down to just five or so!  I’ve posted some of my favorites that are perfect for household errands (with leggings) or a day at the office (with black pants or denim).

Clockwise (from left): Salty Cable Trim Sweater ($128), Kenneth Cole Foldback Sweater (sale $54), Ann Taylor Cowl Neck Button Sweater ($98, buy one get one 50% all sweaters), Victoria’s Secret Boucle Bomber Sweater (sale $49), and Anthropologie Konnichiwa Sweater ($128).

shops love!

Cardigans by Kenneth Cole
Cardigans at Nordstrom

Dear Shopaholic, I need a pair of flat boots that are stylish, yet comfy.  I would like something that I could wear with skinny jeans.  Please advise!  – Kara, NYC

As always, I’ll start with a pair of boots that I, personally, own and wear.  These Steve Madden Candence boots are my easy on, go-to boot.  They are not exactly over-the-knee but have a similar look to that style boot.  For $99, you will most certainly get your money’s worth in one season!  And who cares if they get scuffed along the way?

Next on my list…I’m going super practical.  Rockport is known for *walking on a cloud* comfort and so they make sense for you city walkers!  Simple, sleek, and waterproof are the physical characteristics of the Rockport Emma High Boot costing $150!  Last month, Rockport was featured in Lucky Magazine due to their great design of women’s comfortable shoes.

If you want comfort, yet with a more rugged look – go no further than Frye Boots.  The Frye Veronica Slouch is cool, casual, and comfy.  Comes in many colors and tones (shown in the full grain black tumbled leather)…I own the brown tumbled and they are awesome!  Retail for $328.

And lastly, Ugg has some cute boots this year that go against their normal style, yet continue to include the sherling footbed and super casual style – shown here are the Highkoo II and Abilene (both $199).

All of the above boots were made with walking in mind and style on the brain.  Enjoy!

shops love!

This past weekend The Shopaholic made a trip to South Florida – there was no shopping involved in this trip, and for once that was totally okay!  Lots of pool, sun, and cocktails.  To get anywhere from Syracuse though is a pain – nearly no direct flights and they cost a small fortune.  We had a layover at JFK both ways which was pleasant enough.

Packing was pretty simple knowing my weekend’s agenda (see comment above), but dressing for a travel day is always a toughie!  I left 50 degrees and arrived in 85 degrees – not exactly the same footwear.  Not to brag but I made the best decision ever.  I wore my Ugg clogs and packed flip flops in my carry on, black Rebecca Beeson leggings, white Gap racerback with a Free People Cotton Jacket.  Everything has been featured previously with the exception of the Ugg clogs.  I was comfortable and managed to look chic in both climates!

The Ugg “Gael” black suede clog is my new favorite shoe for this time of year.  I’ve dubbed it the “flip flop for fall.” Slip on, slight wedge heel, and sherling inside = perfectly comfortable and cute enough.  Someone even approached me at JFK to comment on how cute and comfortable they looked – a small feat given the number of people passing through the airport.  At $120 they come highly recommended: for traveling, running to the store, to walk the dog or anything else you might normally do wearing flips flops in the summertime!

shops love!

The Shopaholic is happy to respond to another great question.  Kim from Maryland asked, “Where can we find great designer jeans for less?  I always buy from Nordstrom but it would be great if you know of any websites that have good discounts on denim!”

Denim deals require a bit of leg work, but very worth it in the end.  My first recommendation would be to join all of the sample sale sites: Ideeli (William Rast and Blank NYC this week), Hautelook, Ruelala, and Gilt Groupe.  They will send you an email each day informing you of their upcoming sales – I normally scan the brands to see if there’s something I’m interested in.  Personally, I’ve ordered J Brand, Citizens, and Seven jeans from these sites – normally for like $99 pair!  That’s a huge savings!

My next tip is to do your searching through ShopStyle.  They scan nearly every online retailer and bring you the results – you can then pair down the results by color, size, price, etc.  For instance, search “designer denim” or “skinny jeans” or whatever else, and it will bring you everything it finds.  I mostly use this to pick out the sales without having to check all of the individual sites (like Nordies, Lord & Taylor)…once you find an item you like, it will bring you directly to the retailers page.  Easy peasy!

Here are some cute discounted pairs to get you started!

Citizens of Humanity by Jerome Dahan ($90)

Paige Denim Skyline Skinny ($84)

shops love!