I hope that everyone had an amazing holiday – whatever your holiday may be!  The Shopaholic has been busy – not shopping (surprisingly) but traveling, gifting, and relaxing.  The New Year will begin in just a few short days and what better way than to start fresh.  For me, that means donating all of the clothes that I no longer wear in order to make room for my new stuff!  I hate when my closet is so crammed that I can’t see what I have…so I’d prefer to brighten someone less fortunates day and donate away!  My hubby joined in my efforts yesterday and he even dropped everything off at Salvation Army.  I would encourage you to do the same – clothes, shoes, toys – whatever you no longer use!  I am excited to start the New Year…I can’t wait to tell you about all my new goodies!!  Let’s just say that some of my *fave* posts are finally MINE!  Tory, Sam, and Marc have never looked so good

Have fun prepping for New Years!  I will pretend that my fantastic new LBD is for New Years Eve…instead I’ll be home ringing in the new year with the loves of my life…pj style.

Shops Love!!!!

Merry Christmas Eve!  Tomorrow is the day this countdown is all about – Christmas.  A time of sharing, giving, family, friends, and love.  Ideally your shopping is complete (unless you’re one of those crazies who saved ALL of your shopping for today, in which case I cannot relate).  If it’s not, my best suggestion is to buy your loved one a gift card and call it a day.   If you’ve struggled to think of the perfect gift, it probably means there isn’t one.  I realize a gift card is not totally personal, but NO ONE will complain about receiving one.  I mean is this logical, “i’m so mad, i was given a gift card and now i have the option to buy anything i want.  so lame.”  NO, people don’t say that!  Take a moment to think of the persons hobbies, favorites stores, and get that.  The best part?  Rite Aid, CVS, or whatever your local drug store probably has a *gift card central* with gift cards in all denominations to all the best stores.  As you can imagine, I would gladly accept a gift card to any number of stores!!!

Stop stressing, finish your shopping, and bake some cookies for Santa.

Happy Holidays and Shops Love!!!!!

There are only THREE days until Christmas – so today The Shopaholic is counting down her favorite three coats for over your holiday outfit.  If you live somewhere with colder weather, you need to cover that cute, little holiday attire to get from point a to point b.  Let’s be stylish from head to toe, inside out!  Here goes…starting with three.

3. Victoria’s Secret Classic Wool Coat – It’s called a classic for a reason.  Tailored, great colors, good length, and perfect price ($79.99).  I have in two colors and could always go for a third!

2. Anthropologie Cassonade Coat – This works especially well if you’re wearing a turleneck or a nice scarf to compliment the deep V neckline.  The detailing is ultra-feminine which is a nice touch at the holidays.  $198

1.  My absolute favorite dress coat on the market – Betsey Johnson Embroidered Sequin Coat ($199).  It has shape, sparkle, and a pricetag that doesn’t make me cringe.  Such a holiday coat, but dress up jeans too!

Stay Warm and Shops Love!!!

Sooo….four days until Christmas and I know what you’re thinking.  What am I going to wear on Christmas morning with my adorable new pj’s?  Well how about checking out my top four slipper choices for our Christmas countdown?!?  I am definitely not a sock girl…slipper girl all the way.  So on Christmas morning, I want to pop on some fresh, new stylish slippers.  Why should my feet be any less stylish than the rest of my morning ensemble?  So….here goes:

4.  Ann Taylor Loft Grace PomPom Slipper – They had me at pompom, but the ballet slipper style would have sold me as well.  For $24.50, they are a great buy and adorable to boot!

Slippers by LOFT

3. Love Ugg slippers – especially the slip-on style like these cozy knits.  Like all Ugg products, they are a little pricey ($100) but they will last you the entire year.  Mine always do (not very pretty by Christmas Eve the next year…but if you wear them ALL year, you deserve new ones and got your moneys worth).

2.  J. Crew Knit Bow Ballet Slipper – These are a must for those of you who consider yourself oh-so-chic.  Super soft lambswool and suede bottom which means comfy and well made.  $45

Slippers by J.Crew

1.  Ugg Rylan  – So clearly I’m jaded when it comes to slipper brands, but my feet suffer in heels and boots all day long…I want to come home to comfort.  And does anyone do comfort better than Ugg?  Please tell me if so, my feet want the best!  These have the greatest reviews and are really cute.

Keep your toes toasty and shops love!

So there are 5 days until Christmas (I’m sure I’m not the first to remind you) – are you all ready?  I had Christmas #1 with my hubby’s family on Sunday – it was fabulous and the perfect start to Christmas week!  I am all ready for the real deal too – shopping finished, cards mailed, gifts wrapped, and toys assembled.  Phew!  Why does Santa get all the credit when Mrs. Claus does all of the real work?  Oh well…some things never change.

So in honor of the fast approaching countdown, each day I’ll name my top “however-many” *somethings* to go with that day.  For instance, today is my top 5 (five days until Christmas) ways to look super cute on Christmas morning.  Our family has a tradition  – on Christmas Eve you get a new pair of pajamas and slippers.  We come downstairs (yes, even as adults) on Christmas morning and wear our new pj’s.  I’m talking g-rated jammies, so don’t expect anything skanky.  Like my tradition or not, every girl needs some cute (appropriate) jammies.

5. Victoria’s Secret Thee-Piece Pajama Set – this is perfect for my situation because it has a cami with a coordinating cardi to go over.  Hardly look like you’re wearing pajamas, but so comfortable you must be!  Sale $39.50; numerous color combos.

4. J. Crew Flannel Sleep Set – This is making my list because it is so holiday festive and absolutely the warmest.  I just want to snuzzle on the couch with a cup of cocoa.  That is if you can afford the cocoa after shelling out $85 on pjs.

3.Gap Plaid Flannel Set – The price-point is better than j. crews version and the black/white is super chic. I”m a big fan of gapbody.

2. Victoria’s Secret Redskins L/S Boxer Set – So maybe you’re not a skins fan…get them in your own team.  I’m a legitimate fan though, so sleeping in nfl paraphernalia is hardly a stretch.  I love these…end of story.  $49.50.

1.Make + Model Striped Henley Pajamas – love love love.  If it weren’t for the solid pink, I’d wear them in public – you think I’m kidding.  Available at Nordies for $44.

Enjoy and Happy Countdown!
shops love!

So first I must apologize for my lack of writing lately – I was hit with a very unfortunate food poisoning incident.  Enough said.  BUT, my day wasn’t entirely glum yesterday – Fedex came with a box from my mom with goodies from her fave island boutique, Blue.  Much to my excitement, there was a long-sleeve open cardi from one of my top brands, Testament.  I never find the brand in stores where I live and rarely think to look them up online.  You can find them at Nordstrom, Piperlime, and other online shops though.  Mom knows my style so well and found the perfect one for me!  I can’t wait to wear it – nice green color that I’m thinking will work perfectly for a holiday occasion.  Testament clothing is always trendy, has a comfortable fit, and just generally consists of fun-spirited designs.  Here are some Testament pieces that I think are worth a look…enjoy the brand!

Shortsleeve Tops by Testament
Tops by Testament

shops love!

ps…I’m sad to say that Blue doesn’t have an online store, but if you’re ever in Islamorada, Key West or Ft. Lauderdale please check them out!

So I’m not a Cali girl in the least, but I do love the carefree, laid-back style of Cali girls. C&C California was started by two young women who grew up in SoCal in the 70s.  The entire line embodies the essence of California – cool, casual, comfortable, and cotton.  Right now, everything online is 40% off (even sale items)!  This is unbeatable for the quality and style of the products.  Here are my top pieces available online now.

Keyhole Studded Top $78 regular price ($46.80 with code)

Sea Camo L/S Pocket Henley $79.90 Sale Price ($47.94 with code)

Cowl Neck Top $88 ($52.80 with code)

Full Length Legging $48 ($28.80 with code)

Check out their website for 100s of more pieces…you cannot beat these prices! Take 40% Off Your Next Order! Enter Code CCDEC9X40 At Checkout + Free Shipping!
shops love!

Yesterday, my friend asked if I had any Hue jeggings – I thought she might be asking for an opinion.  Crazy enough, I do own a pair…my sister bought them for me.  When I told her that I did have a pair, she said she loved hers (black and blue) and that I should mention it to all of you!  So…thank you Kara for the wonderful idea!  I used to know Hue for their tights and socks, but they are now in the business of leggings.  I’m glad they are too because they make pretty fantastic colors and for a super wallet-friendly price ($25-40).  You really can’t beat it!

Hue makes different styles: corduroy (which I think is a fab idea in this cold weather), sparkles (add some instant glam to a dress for the holidays), jeanz (otherwise known as jeggings), and good old-fashioned cotton ones (for all the time wear).  I would say buy a variety of styles and colors because you never know when you might need them.  The legging trend is perfect for the winter because there is no worrying what to do when you wear your boots!  I’m very happy for the reminder and might pick me up another pair (or three).  Here are some examples:

shops love!

I’ve been busy wrapping this weekend and there’s something extra special about a gift when it’s topped with a bow.  Well given that theory, why not wrap ourselves with a bow to feel extra special too?  During this holiday season, when you’re busy attending work parties and sipping cocktails with friends and family, consider these pieces – all topped with a festive bow.  Consider yourself *all wrapped up* and ready to go!

Longsleeve Tops by Patterson J. Kincaid
Earrings by Anthropologie

Shown from top left (clockwise)

*Patterson J. Kincaid Darcy bow top – I have been looking at this top for months and now I’ve decided to pull the trigger.  Pair it with jeans or dress it up, either way it’s sweet and sophisticated.  $88.

*Okay I just love this French Connection Sydney Dress.  From the front, it’s simply striped sweater dress but turn around and see the bows lined down the back.  Absolutely perfect for this time of year!  $118 at Nordstrom.

*I’m not normally into big bracelets, but I just can’t get over how cute the Madewell Gatsy Cuff looks!  On sale for $19.99 and inspired by the roaring twenties.

*If you’re confident enough to wear it, check out Sparkle & Fade (UO) knit bow back dress for only $48.  Not something you’d wear everyday, but def worth pulling out this time of year for the right party!  From the front, it’s necessarily classy.

*Check out The Loft’s Natasha Pump…$89.50 (get it 30% off right now) for a classy, suede shoe with a perfect satin bow.  I want this shoe to dress up everything!

*J Crew’s silk taffeta bow monde dress (on sale for $99) is the perfect dress for holiday gatherings!  Simple lines with dramatic flair…love it at the sale price!

*Anthropologie’s Drapey Bow Earrings would pair perfectly with a simple black number.  You’ll want to pull your hair back to show off these and hardly putting a dent in your wallet – $30!

*Gap pleated bow skirt would look great with a simple top tucked in and dark black tights.  Great option for $34.99!

*Free People’s bow headband ($34) is so subtle, but just the touch your holiday look needs.

*So this is kind of a joke, but who wouldn’t want to wear this fantastically festive Kate Spade Ela coat?!  I mean it’s $675, but it’s wrapped with a bow!

So enjoy the holidays all wrapped up in a bow!

shops love!

Over the holidays my sis-in-law told me she was looking for warm, waterproof, and fashionable winter boots – seemed like a challenge but I told her I would see what I could find.  I didn’t look too long before I found my dream boot…the shoe I never knew I needed…until now.  Thanks, a lot…now I’m either going to be out $225 or just be jealous of the six reviewers on Zappos who are sooo happy with their new boots.  So what are these boots that I’m speaking of?  Ugg (of course) Belcloud boot.  Comes in either black or cognac leather.  The sole reminds me of a duck boot so it’s waterproof, ties up on the calf and the inside is shearling – exactly what Ugg does best.  See for yourself (in both colors):

So maybe you’re crazy and not going gaga over these boots like me…here are some other options for you.  They don’t get the same introduction as the Belcloud, sorry.

*Rockport Lorraine Boots are reviewed to be extremely comfortable, waterproof and chic with a little wedge!  $123.95

*If you need really warm boots and not for anything dressy, Sorel makes great boots.  These ones are $110 and are the classic cold weather boot.

*While Sorel does warm boots best, here they’ve tried to incorporate a more upscale style with the same warmth.  Cute and $126 – colors are limited for the Hoonah style.

I hope you found something that will keep your tootsies toasty, dry, and looking fly!

shops love!