The Shopaholic is not very good at apologies BUT she’s great at excuses.  Life took over…Remember I have a 40 hr/week job to pay for my shopping habits…oh right, and a hubby and toddler.  I escaped the cold for a week – this winter had me in a funk that not even the highest credit limit could cure – and thankfully the sun has shone for like 15 hours total this month which is a huge improvement!!  The Shopaholic has also taken up an insane fitness challenge (check out the INSANITY workout if you’re interested) – so that takes up so much of my precious free time.  My rationality is that the working out will make shopping even more FUN!  On top of everything else, the Shopaholic has a birthday this week!!!  Actually pretty excited to see what 28 has to offer.  Okay, so I think we’re caught up on my 45 day hiatus…here’s what I’m digging right now!

STEM Drop Neck Sweatshirt – perfect for springy days and summer evenings.  I LOVE this color – I did mention that the coral colors are big this season, no?  Nordstrom, $64

J.Crew Button-Up Sundress (available in 3 colors) is the perfect way to begin summer.  Pairs perfect with any color – but I’d go with a near colorless nude wedge…nothing says summer like simplicity.  $68

I think Spring…I think flowers.  This top does it for me.  Pattern is subtle, the details are feminine, the length is perfect.  Oh the best part?  $39.  Vero Moda via ASOS

I hope we’re friends again…next time I disappear for 6 weeks, assume I’m broke and working a second job that PAYS for my shopping habits.

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!

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!

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!

Seems odd to go from a Halloween post to a coat post, but it HAILED on Halloween where I live (with sleet and a little snow).  Seem more appropriate now?  I think so.  Start thinking about your coat selection for this fall/winter season and if you’re in the market for a new one, then maybe I can help you out!  Your geographic location will determine the type of coat you need, but as an FYI, I’m already wearing my puffer!  Now would be a good time to tell you that you should never complain to The Shopaholic about cold weather – I will laugh and scowl at you at the same time.  Doesn’t sound pretty, does it?

So since it’s literally freezing here, I’m going to showcase some of my favorite WARM coats for this winter.  There are plenty of cute trenches, military style jackets, and fleeces – but they aren’t warm enough for me anymore.  So here goes (listed clockwise, from left):

Fur Coats at Piperlime
Coats by J.Crew

I love J. Crew’s Stadium-Cloth Elements Coat.  The fabric is so warm and I love the hood and gathered back (not shown above).  The look is totally casual with a touch of sophistication.  It’s regularly $325, but 25% off right now during their fall sale.  I want this coat.

So the Burberry Brit Quilted Down Jacket is my *dream on, dreamer* coat.  It just looks so warm and comfy, and the plum color is so wonderful.  Since I can’t justify paying $595…maybe you can!?

Love the Gap wool-blend Funnel Neck coat.  Such a great design and the funnel neck will keep you extra warm!  On sale for $134.40, budget friendly style.

Fur is hot this season.  No, really, fur will keep you very warm.  So this Tinley Road faux fur coat for $98 is a fashion necessity!

I love Madewell’s take on the Parka.  This coat doesn’t look too bulky, but it’s lined with shearling which makes it a great fall/winter jacket.  The olive color matches just about everything and the hood is a must for when the snow starts to fly!  $268.

stay warm and shops love!

I don’t mean little sizes like size 0, I mean *little* sizes like for my toddler.  When I was young, I was always very small for my age and always searched so hard to find cool clothes in my size – it was not an easy task!  Now, I find things for my daughter that I want made in MY grown up size.  It makes me happy to know that she won’t have the same problems as I had.  The top two companies that come to mind are BabyGap and Crewcuts (j.crew line which starts at a size 2), but now there’s a 3rd which is going to be a new fave for us!  I’m talking about 77kids which is the newest line from American Eagle.  Talk about stylish and a reasonable price! 

So my daughter’s wardrobe recently acquired this ruffled zip cardigan from Crewcuts (see below) - umm, please make me one in a big girl size – and this puffer down coat that looks identical to mine!  And check out this 77kids Moto Jacket and Cheetah Sweater – paired with leggings she can truly show her wild side!  BabyGap is our go-to denim shop, love these 1969 bootcuts which are oh-so-soft…the way baby clothes should be!

Now I don’t want my baby girl to grow up any faster than she needs to, but these clothes are stylish, trendy, and still maintain her toddler demeanor.  Priced like their “momma companies” crewcuts is the priciest (but worth the splurge), babygap is reasonable but there are so many coupons available, and 77kids is totally wallet-friendly.  Check out these great companies and your child will be a fall trend-setter in no time!!!

shops love.

ps…for the local ‘Cuse people, 77kids recently opened in Carousel Mall!

Of course everyone likes clothes that are made well, but now I also love Madewell clothing!  Madewell is the newest retail store under the J. Crew umbrella.  Madewell isn’t necessarily cheaper than J.Crew, however the style of clothing is a little *younger* and *trendier.*  Less for working, and more for happy hour!  The store is new to the web and they are having their first sale ever!  I placed my first order a few weeks ago and I wanted to wear everything before I commented on the quality and style.  I might have found a new top 5 fave store. 

First, I bought this sweatershirt jacket with 3/4 sleeves.  I’m posting a pic below so that you can see it (what you can’t see is that it’s cotton and soo comfortable) - I wore it last week and felt amazing!   Secondly, I added a staple to my wardrobe – a little black dress.  As you can see below, it has ruffles.  I don’t care how old I get, I’m not giving up ruffles – I just love the feminine detail!  So both of those pieces will transition effortlessly from summer right into fall. 

The sale has some great things too (tops, denim, accessories)…check out the adorable studded tank below!  On sale for $39.  Right now, use the code “RWA8B7″ for free shipping on $100 purchases (expires 8.6.10).  Don’t forget, if it’s Madewell, it’s going to be worth it!  Check them out and let me know what you think! 

Shops love!