i’m off to celebrate with family, and i suspect you all are as well.  so, i’m taking this week off, but we’ll resume our retail orgy next week.  don’t miss it…i’ll have a fantastic giveaway for you (the first of many for december…it is the holidays after all!), and so many ideas for spending your holiday gifting budget, it’ll make your head spin.

happy turkey day, everyone!

this F&F is such a perfect opportunity to stock up on skin care, whether you’re already a REN addict or have just been dying to try their goods.  even better, they have some amazing gift sets for the upcoming holidays, so in theory, you could have your christmas shopping done before your thanksgiving turkey ever hits the oven.

i also love the idea of taking a gift set like this out as a hostess gift during the holidays.  it’s so much more thoughtful than the usual bottle of wine, and much lower maintenance than a bouquet of flowers.  plus, any die-hard hostess will love a set of these amazing lotions and soaps for her guest bath.

my faves are their body gift set ($26.50), which is full of some great starter-size goodies.  or, just go straight for my favorite scent with their grapefruit duo ($45) – i’m in just for the neroli & grapefruit zest body wash, which is utterly fabulous.  and of course, make sure you grab something for yourself too – ’tis the season, after all.  maybe a lovely ginger body scrub…i know i’ll need some serious R&R after all the family togetherness coming up this week.

whatever you choose, choose it fast – this friends & family discount expires thursday.  use code FRIEND at checkout…hey, we’re friends, aren’t we?

if i thought it would actually arrive in time for thanksgiving, i’d order this slouchy brown sweater from b.chyll in a heartbeat.  i love the casual styling, and the earthy tone, and i just know this cozy cashmere would be the ultimate piece to relax in when i’ve completely OD’d on turkey and stuffing…and pie.

plus, if you order a b.chyll sweater from ron herman this weekend, they’ll add on a gorgeous tie dye cashmere scarf gratis (you can see the scarf here).  i do so love freebies!

i’ve been thinking about the economy.  (stay with me here, i’m thinking in fashion terms.)  

there are two economic theories that deal with hemlines:  in the first theory, the winner is the mini. the story goes that skirts get shorter when the economy gets tighter (in other words, less fabric = less money).  the other theory is the exact opposite:  dropping hemlines mean a falling economy.  historically, the short flapper styles of the ’20s and minis from the ’60s supported this theory, as the economy was strong.

today, while we’re being bombarded every day with news on the markets rising and falling like mad, hemlines are all over the charts.  so, what do you all think?  in poor economic times (or as the trends swing), do you go with the mini, the maxi or somewhere in between?  or do you just ignore the trends altogether and wear what you like?

personally, i choose my hems based on the event, not the economy.  here are my three picks, with three different hemlines, all for under $200.

for a night out with my hubbie, i might choose a sexy mini, like the fast mojo by french connection.  at a black tie charity ball, nothing could come between me and my one shoulder jersey calvin klein dress, in this beauty I would feel glamorous all night.  finally, my go-to length is this flirty tiered mesh dress by maggie london - it would take me anywhere from the office christmas party to the family new year’s eve gathering.  but whatever you wear to your holiday gatherings, the best look is a great smile, worn by the girl who isn’t letting the economy cramp her style!

~ J

hurray, reader mail!  i’ll admit that this one has taken me a while to answer…extensive research was required.  but here we are, at last:

I was wondering if you could recommend some brands or styles of boots that are good for those with really small calves.  All the articles I read mention the problem of boots for people with large ones, but I am really tiny and like boots that hug my legs (hate that swimming feeling and look).  Also looking for fashionable rain boots that are good for small calves.  Any suggestions would be great…  ~ j.v.

excellent question.  not one that personally affects me, but i have plenty of friends that have this issue.  a few rules of thumb:  steer clear of pull-on boots, as they’ll be roomier at the top than one that zips.  and, some sort of buckle closure at the top or anything else designed to cinch the boot is probably a perfect option for you.

the truth is that you have to have a lot of hands-on experience with various brands to come up with really good options in this department.  so, i decided to call in the expert:  morgan wendelborn, style director at shopbop.  here are her words of wisdom:

As far as rainboots go, I actually buy mine a half size up, because they look best when they are a little clunky (plus you can wear a thicker sock!). As long as the rest of your silhouette is fitted or slim:  pair with leggings or skinnies (don’t wear a baggy pant tucked into your boots unless you are making a late night ice cream run!) and a fitted jacket.

If you have slim calves, you should definitely take advantage of the over-the-knee boot! It is really fitted all the way up to the knee and looks great with skinnies and leggings, AND keeps your legs toasty!

i tend to agree with morgan’s take on rain boots – i think a fitted option just wouldn’t look quite right.  but if you must, ugg makes a new waterproof boot with a zip closure ($180) that should stay about as fitted as any rain boot can.  this engineer rain boot from jeffrey campbell ($72) is another great option – i think this will be as close as you’ll get to a snug fit, particularly since it doesn’t go all the way up the calf.

as for the over-the-knee boots, if you’re not sure you can rock the style, keep in mind that most of these boots can be cuffed to allow them to work as standard tall boots as well – and that will keep the top much more snug against your leg.

a few of my favorite picks for you:

• pour la victoire over-the-knee boot ($465):  i think this is a perfect option for you, as the zipper closure and toggles at the top will keep this one snug whether you wear it over the knee or cuff it.  if you’re really narrow, you should even be able to close the toggles when it’s cuffed, keeping the top snug.
• twelfth st. by cynthia vincent flat riding boot ($276.50):  that buckle detail should keep this one looking perfect no matter your calf size.  
• one last little tip:  european brands tend to run more narrow, so look for styles from designers like l’autre chose and coclico for particularly trim cuts.  i love this obama heeled boot (i swear, i picked it before i even saw the name!) – it’s on sale for $378, and should fit you like a glove.

j.v., i hope this helps out – let us know what you end up buying!

my love affair with target is longstanding and well-documented.  but i all-too-frequently neglect their beauty section in favor of cheap fashion finds.  considering their impressive resume of beauty collaborations - boots, sonia kashuk, napoleon perdis are just a few – i should really change my outlook.  so when i recently got wind of a few fun new target goodies, i thought it was a perfect opportunity to show off their “other half”.

i’ve been testing a couple of hair brushes from target’s collaboration with umberto beverly hills, and i have to admit, it’s love.  the round brush (made of a mix of nylon bristles for lift and boar bristles for shine) is amazingly light, and lets me style my hair so much faster than my old boar bristle version.  and the flat banana brush – one i wasn’t even sure i’d use – does a flawless job of smoothing and shining.  i’ve been using it constantly since it arrived, and find myself barely reaching for my usual myriad shine products.  best of all, they’re about $10 each…a deal so good, i may just have to buy a few of those banana brushes to hand out to friends!

and, for those of you who – like me – are perpetually in search of the ultimate red nail polish (or who are just serious target devotees), look no further than l’oreal’s new limited edition shade, “target red”.  designed to match the classic bullseye logo, it is the truest shade of red i’ve come across, and it’s absolutely perfect for holiday pedicures – especially at just $4.  available in store only, sadly…but then, i’m always looking for an excuse for a target run!

so, what’s your favorite beauty buy at target?

i feel like i’m neglecting the fashion coverage in favor of all of these sale posts lately.  but really, what kind of friend would i be if i didn’t share all of this lovely knowledge?

• one of my favorite stationery and gifts stores, iomoi, is offering a rare 20% sitewide discount on orders over $150 through 11/21.  use code STOCKUP.
• basic boutique has a lovely 35% discount sitewide, also through 11/21.  use code KICKOFF to save on loeffler randall, treesje, rebecca minkoff, and much much more.
• revolve clothing just released a 30% discount code that’s only good through 11/19.  use code GIVEGOODGIFT to save on everything sitewide – it’s a great opportunity to stock up on some autumn cashmere, or treat yourself to a lovely new holiday frock.
• emporio armani has a festive 40% discount sitewide with code EXCLUSIVE.  oh, and free shipping too!
• last but not least, if you aren’t a frequenter of decor8, i highly, highly suggest checking in throughout this month – she has scored some amazing discounts from several very chic home decor & accessories shops (usually 20-25%), many of whom never ever hand out discounts.  head over and see what she has going on – you’ll get some amazing deals, and some pretty fab gift ideas while you’re there.

i’ll keep you posted on any other great deals that come my way

i literally had this post ready to share this morning with no knowledge of the following:  shopbop is letting you take a huge 40% off their entire designer boutique section all this week with code DB40.  be still my heart!

this gorgeous travel wallet from anya hindmarch is rubbing me all the right ways.  i love the fabulously glam metallic exterior, and i love the patent coating that will keep it from getting all scratched up and ruined in my mess of a purse.  i love the very thoughtful notes embossed inside, telling me where to put everything – i’m so OCD that i’m sure to follow the instructions exactly, and therefore never lose anything again.  i love all wallets with a zipper – they’re all i use now, as they just make so much sense.  plus, that tassel zipper pull is freaking adorable.  and i love this beauty’s potential to serve as a clutch in just about any situation.

at 40% off…well, i’m in serious trouble.

i’ve been a fan of the 3191 project since i discovered it last year.  two friends, living 3191 miles apart, decided to stay close by taking a photo of their mornings every day for a year, and sending them to each other.  the project evolved into an incredibly popular website…and now, a book.  

the results are really fantastic, not just for their artistic clout, but for the occasional random symmetry between the two photos.  it really shows the connection these two friends have…and it’s just plain interesting. 

it’s still a little early to be talking holiday gifts, but i can tell you this will be heading to several of my friends that are far away from me.  it seems like the perfect reminder that distance on a map doesn’t have to keep you apart.

whether you pick it up to keep or to give, there’s something oddly comforting in these photos that makes this a book you’ll pick up again and again.  and, while you’re waiting for it to arrive, check out their newest, equally wonderful, project:  a year of evenings.

at least once during the holiday season, i have a wardrobe crisis.  the year i was wearing a beautiful ivory cashmere sweater that i spilled a diet coke on while getting ready, or the red sequined skirt that i put my heel through when i foolishly put shoes on first.  so with the holidays getting close, i need an emergency holiday outfit (e.h.o.) in my closet. 

this satin top from old navy is a perfect choice – at $20, if the only place i wear it is the local wine bar, i can live with that.   the colors are perfect for the season – in this lovely shade of wine, it guarantees no one will notice my tendency to spill my cabernet.  but it’s also a standout in deep blue, and a classic in black.  a few other things i love?  straps wide enough to wear a regular bra, and cinching below the bust line to slim my waist.  one word of advice:  the top runs big, so order accordingly. 

oh, and with the friends & family discount going on this weekend at old navy, that $20 top is actually only $14…at that price, you can afford to buy this one in all three shades!  have fun at those parties and remember when that wardrobe crisis hits, don’t panic –  just have an e.h.o. at the ready, and you’re set!

~ j