This is a shopping blog, so I hope you weren’t thinking of anything dirty!  I am normally finished with my holiday shopping by the 1st of December – and then I remember the stockings.  Stocking stuffers often cause the most stress because you have limited space and don’t want to spend too much money.  I thought I’d give you some ideas in case you’re looking to stuff your mans stocking this Christmas.  If you have any additional creative ideas, please leave them as a comment below!  Happy stuffing!

*I always start with gifts cards to his fave places – I’m talking like $5 to Starbucks, $12 haircut at the barber, $10 iTunes and so on.  Only a few because they can add up.

*Got a hunter or outdoorsman?  Can’t go wrong with hand/feet warmers!  Get some tackle or lures for the fisherman too.  Swiss Army Knife too!

*Golfer? 3 pack of balls or tees.

*Poker player, card shark?  Order custom cards from kodak gallery!

*I love scratch offs and men do too!  Pick up a few from your state and maybe he’ll win big!

*Mini airplane bottles of booze are fun.  Personalize a shot glass or get one from his fave place.

*Guys grooming products – try lip balm, razors, hair products, toenail clippers, etc.

*Small tools for the handyman.

*I like to add a little candy – normally gum and mints.

*Sports fan?  Any paraphernalia from his team.

*Does he prefer a specific pen/pencil for work?  Get him a pack!

*How about a magazine subscription?  Buy the first one and tuck it in the stocking.

*And if you really want to make it special – throw in some homemade coupons!  Be creative

I hope this gets you started and adds some new ideas!

shops love!

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been cyber shopping all weekend (to put it mildly).  The deals that hit the online shops today are no better than the ones that started on Friday, but let’s take advantage of one more day of the uber-great sales.  My best guess is that the stores will continue to rock the discounts well into the New Year, so if you don’t see a deal for what you’re looking for today, hold out a little longer and it may come!

Today, I’d like to mention that J. Crew is having a sweater sale – all 25% off!  They also have free shipping on orders of at least $150 through 12/20 which sweetens the deal a bit.  Here are my fave sale sweaters at J. Crew right now (available online and in stores)!  Check it out -  back to full price in 3 days!

J. Crew’s Merino Wool Turtleneck is a staple that you will wear year in and year out! Why settle on just one color?! $49.99 sale price!

Dream Open Shawl Cardigan is perfect for the weekends, but could be dressed up as well! For $88, I really love this sweater.

Sailor Stripe Sweater looks awesome with jeans or black pants. Sale price of just $52.13.

Check out the styles for yourself and get sweaters you can wear now while saving now too!

shops love!

Most sales seem to be lasting through the Thanksgiving weekend, which is great for us online shoppers who want to look around before pulling the trigger.  One store that I’m really loving these days is Ann Taylor Loft.  I go through phases where I forget about the store, but lately it’s at the top of my radar.  To be honest, it’s one of the only stores I like at our local mall, Shoppingtown Mall.  Two main reasons I shop there: such a wide range of sizes that they cater to ALL women and cute styles for a reasonable price.  Right now they are offering 40% off, you cannot beat that!  I mostly wear Loft clothes to work, but they have some great items for weekends and evenings out as well!!!  I’m showcasing some of my favorite pieces that I bought in the sale…enjoy!

They are definitely worth checking out for yourself or gifts – especially this holiday season with plenty of occasions needing to be styled!  Use the code ENJOY to receive 40% off.  And for all you teachers out there, Loft gives 15% off (in stores) year round!

shops love and more stores to be showcased soon!

Twas the night before Thanksgiving and you’re ready to go out. You’ve traveled back home and it’s time to get dressed. You thought you knew what to wear, but now you’re in doubt! You want to look casual, but definitely your best!  The Shopaholic is here for you – she’s been there too! So check out my thoughts and you’ll wonder why you were ever so distraught!  Have fun, drink a beer, and enjoy the best party night of the year.

Leggings by J Brand
Distressed Denim at shopbop.com

Gap’s Lurex Sweater ($54.40) is super casual while the sequin stripes add the perfect, festive flair.  Pair the sweater with Les Halles Denim Jeans ($96) for the ultimate look!  Knock ‘em dead with your killer, carefree style.

J. Crew’s Chevron Tank ($59.50) in the burnt orange just screams autumn and thanksgiving.  It looks sophisticated and sexy, especially when paired with black skinnys like the ones above by J. Brand.

Anthropologie is the place for feminine clothing, but this Ella Moss Free-Spirited top is just too cute – and since it’s cotton it’s so wearable too!  I love the idea of pairing with grey jeggings- these are True Religion ($137 at Zappos).

Shops love and Happy Thanksgiving Eve!!!

So this week begins the official holiday shopping kickoff, although my shopping has been underway for quite some time now (not to brag or anything). I usually avoid all stores on Black Friday and wait for the internet deals to hit on Cyber Monday. I think this year even the stores would agree with my philosophy because some stores are offering PRE-Black Friday sales to try to limit the in-store traffic later in the week (Target’s sale began Sunday and lasts until Thanksgiving day). Start looking for sales this week and remember that the savings will not stop if you decide to sleep past 4am on Friday – it’s only the beginning!

For those of you shopping online – do not hit *order* unless you’re getting at least 10% off or free shipping. Some stores will stagger their deals, so hold off a couple days and you will get the savings! I just love this time of year, don’t you?!

shops love!

ps…Keep reading “The Sales” section on the right as I will continue to update my coupon codes! Some are one day only, so check back daily

Tales and Sales was mentioned on Bridge Street, a Syracuse talk show affiliated with News Channel 9. See what our giveaway winner, Kaylea, has to say (and wear)!!  This is very exciting for Tales and Sales!!!!  Please check it out!

It’s mid-November and I’m actually surprised that the weather isn’t colder.  I haven’t worn my gloves yet this season and I can count with one hand the number of times I’ve worn a scarf.  That probably means that December is going to play payback, so I want to be fully prepared!  Since scarves, gloves, and hats are a necessary evil – it’s important to find cute ones that will add to your look in a positive way.  Here are my top two fave from each category.  Stay warm and Tis the Season!

Scarves

Love Banana Republic’s Cozy Cable Scarf ($69.50).  It’s design is so subtle, the color matches nearly everything, and it’s soft too.  With BR’s get more save more sale, you can get at least 15% off if you spend $75!

Nordstrom’s Cashmere Muffler is on sale for $59.90 – you cannot beat that for solid cashmere!  Don’t worry about itching with this luxurious scarf available in over 10 colors!  Buy 2 and you won’t need anything else.

Gloves
Love these J. Crew leather zip gloves. $98, but they will last for seasons to come! The zipper makes them feel special and adds some dimension to an otherwise simple glove.

Old Navy’s Fleece gloves are only $7.50 (check them out in black rather than the striped pattern featured below – nothing would match those!).  Everyone should own a pair because you won’t care if you lose them and they keep you hands warm!  Buy a few colors and leave them in your pockets – you’ll be so happy when a cold day sneaks up on you and you’re actually prepared!

Hats
This J. Crew cable knit hat is so perfect for the season. The ivory color will match any coat and complement your rosy cheeks. $45

Gap’s Sparkly Beret makes keeping warm look chic in a French sort of way.  I like the beret because it keeps you warm without adding all of the static that a tight knit hat would add.

And last is my wildcard addition for any cold weather accessory wardrobe: Burberry Earmuffs. I have a pair and love them especially when I don’t want to put my hair under a hat. Keep your ears toasty while looking super chic! $175

stay warm & shops love!

Well the holiday countdown is on with just two weeks until Thanksgiving and under 45 shopping days until Christmas.  Besides the obvious shopping component of the holiday season (maybe it’s not obvious, I meant gifting) – there is also an abundance of holiday parties, events, and reasons to need new things for yourself!  For me, the biggest thing is to wear something that looks special, but but will be worn again (before next holiday season).  There are fabulous dresses out there, but the only one I would buy must be described with these three words *little black dress*.  Here are some of my favorite finds for this holiday season…versatile, budget-friendly, and beautiful!

In addition to the clothing you wear, you can instantly glamorize your look by swapping your normal purse for an oversized clutch, add some sparkly jewels, and gold or silver shoes!

Tanks by J.Crew
Flats by Tory Burch

Rather than explaining each item, you can click and see exactly where it’s sold and for how much.  The point is that you can buy just one festive piece (I prefer silver or gold rather than red or green) and pair it with things that you probably have in your wardrobe!  I know that I’m loving the J. Crew Sequin tank paired with the paperbag Gap skirt, or even the j. brand black skinnys in my closet!  I’ll be all dressed up with nowhere to go…better to be prepared!

Think of this as my holiday kickoff post – there are many sales to be discussed beginning now (well tomorrow).  Lastly, congratulations to Kaylea of Syracuse for winning The Shopaholic’s 4 Month Blogiversary Giveaway!!!!  Thank you to everyone for participating and referring your friends and family to this site!

shops love!

I definitely used to say that in high school – to describe something that was awesome and cool.  Anyways, I’m really into over-sized clutches right now.  I had seen some in magazines and wanted to buy one, but rarely have the need for a small handbag.  That would *normally* rule out the clutch.  Give the clutch of yesteryear some steroids and now we’re talking!  My friend had a Madison Purse party…a direct sales vendor specializing in custom made handbags.  It was fun, but somewhat overwhelming.  I’ve determined that I wouldn’t make the best purse designer.  70 fabrics + 14 different style handbags = Shopaholic anxiety.  BUT, I finally found my chance to buy an over-sized clutch ($58)!  Mine will be a matte black fabric with a black/champagne/ivory paisley interior.  I can’t wait until it arrives in 3 weeks!  So since you most likely won’t be attending a Madison Purse Party anytime soon, I’m showcasing my favorite ones available in stores now.  With the holidays and New Years right around the corner, I think it would get quite a bit of use!

Clutches by BCBG MAX AZRIA
Clutches by Marc by Marc Jacobs

Shown from left:

*This BCBG Sequin Clutch is all glam.  Go with the black or gold to match all of your NYE possibilities!  On sale at Zappos for $102!  The best part?  It’s more two-faced than you (wink wink), just swipe the sequins and you’ll have a totally new color!

*Betsey Johnson was not playing around with this clutch.  It’s SO fun – the confetti colored sequin, the giant bow, and the foldover top make it a party purse with a ton of interior space!  $128.

*J. Crew maintained the versatility in this clutch by adding a tuck-away chain strap.  I love the large envelope design and the metallic leather – $138.

*Banana Republic incorporated some studs to their Minna bag – an over-sized leather clutch with a wrist strap to help you hold on!  Our one option for under $100

*I wouldn’t be The Shopaholic if I didn’t showcase a bag > $300.  Here’s the Marc by Marc Jacobs totally turnlock clutch.  If you need to justify the pricetag, remember that they included a long strap to convert to a cross-body bag.  Love the idea.  This could be your everything bag (in supersoft, calfskin leather).

So clutch, right?  shops love!

I am a big fan of Lucky Magazine…I *dream* that one day they will ask me to guest blog (yes I know, I’ll keep dreaming).  My December issue came over the weekend and it was their 10 year Anniversary special – extra pages, love it!  The magazine inspires my sale-finding as well as my trend-watching.  Anyways, they dished out their top 100 edicts that the editors live by and one stood out to me:

“Buy clothes that you’ll wear on a Tuesday afternoon, not a Saturday night – few people lead Saturday-night lives.”

OMG – this really speaks to me.  I have a tendency to buy fabulous things that hang in my closet untouched because why?  Because I rarely do things worthy of *fabulous* clothes.  From this point forward, I vow to shop for Tuesday afternoons (more like Saturday and Sunday afternoons since I work on Tuesdays), but I digress.  The point is that my life is fabulous…just a Tuesday afternoon kind, so my wardrobe should reflect that.

ps…If you are the small percentage of ladies who live a Saturday-night life, good for you.  Bookmark this page and maybe one day you’ll understand

shops love!!!!

ps…6 more days of the giveaway!!!