happy cyber monday, everyone!  i hope you had a fabulous holiday, and got plenty of r&r.  you’ll need it to comb through today’s list of cyber monday specials!

there’s really no particular order here, sorry…this just isn’t a science.  i’m being a little bit discerning with what i share, but i’m erring on the side of more information.  after all, just because we’re hip and stylish doesn’t mean our families are!

i’ll update this today as more steals cross my path – you’ll know the new deals because i’ll put them at the top of the list, in a new “recently added” category.  fair enough?  and, of course, if you know of any great deals, leave them in the comments! the more, the merrier, especially when it comes to steals and deals.

RECENTLY ADDED:

le train bleu:  just got word that the entire store is 30% off with code CYBERMONDAY (good through wed).  ltb is one of my favorite sources for unique accessories…loving their scarves and necklaces this season!

inhabit ny:  how could i forget?!  up to 80% off at my all-time favorite cashmere purveyor, today only.  oh, and did i mention free shipping *and* free gift wrap?  yeah…hop to it, people.

cole haan:  take 40% off a single (full-price) item with code HAPPY40.  also, code CHSAVE30 will get you an extra 30% off sale styles.

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gap, banana republic, old navy and piperlime:  this one might just be my favorite deal of the day.  save 20% off at each and every one of these shops, plus free shipping, with code MONDAY.

goldyn:  30% off sitewide and 50% off sale items with code MONDAY (but all sales are final!).  you’ll find deals on some of my fave designers, including loeffler randall, charlotte ronson and all manner of designer denim.

basic boutique:  40% off sitewide with code THANKS40 – i’ve been eyeing a treesje handbag there for a month, and this might just be the sign i’ve been looking for.

tobi:  you’ll get 25% off sitewide at tobi with code CHEERFUL25 – snap up shoes by sigerson morrison, tees from alternative apparel, and all sorts of menswear for the guys on your list.

henri bendel:  for those of you in manhattan, sorry – this deal’s only good online, but it’s a steal to be sure! save 30% sitewide, plus free shipping, with code CYBER MONDAY.  this is definitely one of my fave gifting spots:  grab bangles, sweets, travel accessories, and all other manner of goodies!

rebecca minkoff:  there are some amazing deals going on at rebecca minkoff’s site.  the sale’s been on since friday, but there are still plenty of goodies to choose from, many as much as 50% off.

one king’s lane:  a fabulous sample sale site for home decor, one king’s lane has a pretty fun offer going for the next couple of days.  if you haven’t signed up for a free membership, do it by 12/1 and you’ll get a $10 credit to use on goodies from the likes of jonathan adler and seda france.

blue bee:  this is a fabulous spot for designer denim, jewels, hot shoes…everything, more or less.  save a modest 10% sitewide with code CM1009.

steven alan:  not a cyber monday deal in the truest sense, but they have a pretty wonderful sale cooking right now.  up to 60% off on some of my favorite picks from the season, as well as some great gifts for the guys.

hlaska:  this is one of my favorite spots for streamlined, un-frilly leather goods, especially for men’s gifts. grab gorgeous wallets, travel bags and laptop cases for 20% off with code HOL20 (good through 12/15).

ideeli:  free shipping all day today at this sample sale site.  today’s sales include free people, la rok, and hobo international – none of which are bad gifting solutions.

bobbi brown: for the beauty maven on your list, take 20% off all bobbi brown goods through 12/2.  this is technically a friends & family event, and the discount is automatically applied at checkout (as is free shipping if your order tops $65).

kiehls:  the lovely folks at kiehls passed along the details on their friends and family event to me and, naturally, i’m sharing! get 20% off all purchases, and free shipping on orders over $30 with code FAMILY (through 12/1). time to stock up on creme de corps!

simply soles:  save 20% storewide at simply soles today, plus free shipping on orders over $75.  it’s a great spot to score frye or tory burch shoes on sale!

shopbop:  don’t forget the spend/save event at shopbop, which ends tonight.  use code GIFT4U and take $50 off your $300 purchase, $100 off $500, and so on up the ladder.

gold & citrus:  i have to say, i’m quite enjoying this jewelry designer’s modern take on gems.  this is a cyber monday deal i’m keeping for myself.  save 20% with code GOLDEN20 on some pretty fabulous statement necklaces.

christine mighion:  this is that gorgeous eco-friendly fine jewelry designer i introduced to you recently, and now it’s 30% off with code holiday09.

emily elizabeth jewelry:  another personal favorite of mine, these designs are just hip, fun and easy (not to mention perfectly priced for gifting!).  especially when you take another 25% off the marked price with code SAVE25.

tory burch:  really only a steal if you’re already in the market for something pricey.  but if you are, you can take 30% off orders over $300 with code TURKEY30.

levenger:  possibly the perfect store for gifting to bibliophiles, or just hyper-organized people like myself.  score 20% off through 12/2 with code MON92.

red envelope:  not my favorite for gifting, but it’s a good spot when you just don’t know what to get someone.  save 15% on a bevy of only moderately generic gift ideas with code 15FORYOU (through 12/3).

blurb:  if you’re feeling extra creative this season, a photo book from blurb is a great handmade gift that would take minimal effort on your part.  take 20% off an order made by 12/1 with code BLURBJOY (only on orders $39.95 and higher).

well, dear readers, i’m leaving on a jet plane…off to quarrel with family, eat too much stuffing, and most likely have a nervous breakdown when i see the crowds at whole foods. ah, the holidays…

i’ll be taking the rest of this week off, and that means you’re on your own for black friday. something tells me the 600 emails you’ll get from your favorite retailers will tide you over, but just in case, this is a pretty excellent roundup of what’s planned for the big day. also, shopbop is having a spend/save event running friday through monday – the deal starts at $50 off $300, and goes up from there. use code GIFT4U to score the deal.

i’ll be back for “cyber monday,” which should be awesome this year, if my sources are correct. naturally, i’ll keep you posted.

for now, i’ll leave you with a few things i’ve been meaning to share, in the form of my mandatory packing list for this week:

i am oh-so-excited to brave the frozen tundra of my homeland this week, knowing i get to cozy up in the inhabit cardigan of my dreams. my love for the brand is well-documented, but this piece might get the coveted ‘favorite of all time’ title. you knew i was after a camel cardigan this fall, and this one is the winner. the color is really more caramel than camel, and has some amazing details – including two-tone detailing at the hem, rolled pockets, oversize cuffs, and just a generally toasty warm coziness i can’t get enough of. most definitely a worthy splurge in my book ($495 – yes, i know…), though i’d keep an eye on their site for cyber monday (hint, hint!).

i’ve been sorely in need of new basic tanks for the longest time, and haven’t been able to find something that was exactly what i wanted: a scoop neck that’s more alluring than athletic, high arm holes to ensure no unnecessary exposure, and a length long enough to work for layering under sweaters. tall order, i know. so, when i found the pure body tank at the gap the other day, i bought every color in the store. the fabric is fabulous – close-fitting and soft, without being overly clingy. and the price is definitely right: $10 each if you buy two or more. which, trust me, you should.

my skin always misbehaves when i head home. it’s so cold and dry there, i end up with scaly patches that are, well, unsightly at best. but my secret weapon this time around is foolproof. i’ve been besting clarins’ new multi-active day moisturizers, and i am so very pleased! the day cream is actually thicker than my night cream, which does an amazing job of guarding against winter winds. plus, it’s built for skin about my age (ahem), when wrinkle-reducing needs are just starting, but radiance is key. once i get home, i’ll switch to the lighter version that contains spf, but while i’m gone, i’ll rely on the heavy-duty version (adding my spf a la carte, of course – that’s a must!) to get me through the week unscathed.

and, last but definitely not least, i need a completely engrossing book to let me escape from everyone when i just can’t take another second of family time. i happen to have already finished this one, but philippa gregory’s latest, the white queen, definitely fits the bill. gregory’s books are my harry potter: guilty pleasures i thoroughly enjoy, and can’t wait to buy when a new one hits the stands. the white queen is back up to her earlier standards (after a couple of recent disappointments), and it looks to be the start to a new series about the war of the roses. it’s fantastic, and utterly guaranteed to whisk you away from even the loudest family fights.

and, with all of that, i’m packed and on my way – i’ll see you monday. happy, happy thanksgiving, everyone…and may your pants still fit on friday!

i had big plans to be lazy today and not post.  but then, this deal arrived in my inbox, and i couldn’t not tell you about it.  a flat $20 off anything your heart desires at gorjana, today only with code SPOILME20.

in keeping with the laziness, yes, this is the exact email gorjana sent me.  that studded leather wrap bracelet is pretty awesome, i have to admit – and the price, especially with the discount, is unreal.  and i’ve been completely in love with their gold stacking eternity rings (di-vine!!!) for ages…i wonder if this is a sign.  whatever you’re after, nab it today…the sale’s over at midnight!

happy weekend, all!

it is almost frightening how reliable i am when it comes to falling for sweaters by vince.  i pick them out of a lineup as my constant favorite just as easily as i immediately locate the most expensive item in any store i visit.

once again, i honed in on a piece in an email i received from tobi, and once again, it’s fabulous cashmere loveliness from vince.  which, sadly, translates to being way out of my budget ($245, in this case).  but wouldn’t this be the perfect understated holiday piece?  the burgundy is festive without being obvious, and the draping gives you the drama you’d normally look for from sequins or ruffles.

i’d pair this with a black pencil skirt or a tuxedo pant for a party, and feel absolutely confident in my chic alternative to the christmas sweater…but it’s also going to be killer with jeans and my tan suede boots in january.  hmm, if i’m lucky, maybe it will go on sale.

can you believe i’ve been so busy shopping today, i completely forgot to blog? i know, the irony! but i got the word that my mom-in-law is ready to start her holiday buying, and hanukkah starts especially early this year (12/11). translation: time to update those amazon wish lists, stat.

high on my list is a pair of simple, classic silver earrings in a shape other than round. i have a few options in gold, which is usually my metal of choice. but i definitely need a silver style in my accessory arsenal. i thought i’d share a couple of my favorite finds of late, all incredibly budget-friendly (you know, just in case the hubs is watching…).

my top choice are these pyramid stud earrings from giles and brother ($65). aren’t they darling? i first fell for these early in the fall, in gold. but now that i’ve seen them in silver, i’m head over heels. i love the way they’ve oxidized these just perfectly, so that you can see the detail enough to tell they’re actual pyramids, not just punk-style studs.

these hammered bar stud earrings are as classic as it gets, and the $70 pricetag is might tempting as well. they come in both a shiny and oxidized silver, which is a nice benefit (personally, i like the shiny version). these are so much more interesting than a classic round stud, and give you a bit of shine without being at all obvious.

not technically a stud, but i love these oat leaf earrings by annette ferdinandsen ($80) just the same. once again, i like that these are small without being precious, and the gold wires are a beautiful touch, and make these look considerably more luxe than their pricetag suggests. these would be a great addition to a casual ensemble (the style in which i spend the vast majority of my time), and provide just enough interest, without overwhelming a thing.

those are my top three for the moment…what do you all think?

i’m spending today recovering from a surprise root canal.  fun, fun!  but, even through my vicodin haze, i couldn’t keep this from you.  through tomorrow (wednesday 11/18), score 20% off on your purchase of $150 or more at j.crew with code INSIDER.  this is their best deal of the season, and the timing couldn’t be better for my wants (or worse for my wallet) - i was just going through their most recent catalog last week, and found all sorts of goodies.  a few of my favorite picks:

i know the sequin trend is nothing new, but this microsequin cardigan ($198) is the first version i’ve seen that i really loved.  definitely in the graphite…pink could get a little matronly, i think.  i love it styled with a blazer over the top, or casual with a slub tee and distressed jeans. the key is to offset the glitter with a lot of slouch and ease.

i get more compliments on my striped autumn cashmere sweater from two years ago than almost anything i own…so much so that i’ve completely conquered my fear of stripes (well, almost completely…).  this merino version ($98), with the bateau neck and those fabulous buttoned cuffs is destined for my closet as a backup option.  since i already have a navy/grey combo, i’m thinking the black/pink might be in order.

normally, i’m the world’s loudest objector when it comes to textured or patterned tights.  stick to dark, solid colors, unless you’re looking to make your legs look extra wide – which most of us aren’t.  but for some reason, these herringbone tights ($22.50) is working for me – the texture miraculously doesn’t add bulk, and they’re a little bit dressier and more interesting than your basic brown or black.

lastly, ’tis the season, after all, and i have to admit that j.crew’s gift guide is one of my favorites of the season so far.  well worth a look if you’re already feeling stumped by the holiday giving ahead.

okay, i’ll be staggering back to bed now.  but i’d love to shop vicariously through all of you.  what are your j.crew must-haves this season?

after suggesting such a serious splurge, i thought it only fair to show off my latest cheap thrill find…you know, to balance the scales.  these sweet, girly gloves are making my winter wardrobe so much more stylish, and they’re a steal to boot:

i’m something of a glove connoisseur (or, at least, i’m highly picky about them), and i can tell you that these ruffled gloves from echo might just be the ultimate knit glove. the wool/cashmere blend keeps these from being at all itchy, the knit is so tight that these actually keep your fingers toasty warm, and they come in eight bright, cheery colors, so you’ll never be bored.  the tight knit keeps these looking infinitely more polished than a typical knit glove when you wear them, particularly with that sweet little ruffle at the wrist.  and when i inevitably drop one in a puddle and leave it in the parking lot of my grocery store?  well, they’re $28, so i’ll just order a second pair and count my blessings that my italian lambskin gloves are safe at home.

oh, and by the way….awesome, awesome gift idea.  order the medium and, since the knit stretches just a touch, you’ll be safe with nearly anyone.

i will be the first to admit that i squirmed a little before deciding to recommend a belt to you all that can range in price from $250 to $350.  i mean, i loved the look, and they were definitely the hippest belts i’d found, but $250? for a belt?

then i tried one in person, and it all made sense.  beryll really does make a divine, splurge-worthy accessory.  each of their belts is retooled from an incredibly thick, rich vintage leather belt (usually military-issue, so we’re not talking soft here…we’re talking indestructible).  they refinish them, enhance the natural distressing, add some highly cool details, and send them off with the phrase “worn by good people” tooled on the back.  and every last bit of that detailing is done by hand.

i’ve always been sort of an anti-belt person, as the hubs would undoubtedly attest.  but it turns out that i’d just never really loved a belt before.  the truth is that a chic belt really can make your look…and your figure.  even in jeans, it just sort of creates a silhouette where there wasn’t one.  lately, i’ve taken to wearing my loose, summery dresses with a belt, covered by a long cashmere cardi.  add tights and boots, and it’s winterwear perfection.  i’ve styled my beryll a million different ways, and it always manages to feel perfectly unfussy, and works just as well to dress up jeans or dress down a jersey frock.

so, all of this to say: if you’re a belt newbie, try a cheaper model first, of course.  but if you’re a long-time devotee of the belt, a really cool, versatile version that you absolutely love is definitely a worthy splurge, and a must in your closet.

if there’s a down side to beryll (besides the pricing), it’s that these are nearly impossible to track down online.  personally, i love the vintage silver ($335), but i have scoured the net high and low, and simply cannot find one for you to buy (but their showroom people are absolutely lovely to chat with, and will happily send anything you want).  for versatility, though, i do love the brown, and it’s on the lower end of the pricing scale for beryll ($256).  whichever you choose, you might consider sizing up so that you can choose between a hip-slung look or a more fitted at-the-waist look.  these have plenty of holes to work for both.

ps…while you’re looking, don’t miss those amazing studded leather cuffs, which are just crazy cool!

…not owning this beautiful bag is causing me actual, physical pain.

the shape, the beautifully-exaggerated texture, the fact that i know that leather is soft as a baby’s butt…gah!

anyone have a spare $1095 i can borrow?

(the design’s by sigerson morrison – of course.  the photo is from la garconne, who is charging an extra $100 for the bag, which annoys me.  plus, it’s available in seven gorgeous shades if you order direct from sigerson.)

well, would you look at the pretties that arrived in my inbox this morning?

gorgeous, aren’t they?  and not horribly expensive, by fine jewelry standards – prices top out around $650, but there’s quite a bit in the $300-400 range.  i’d never, in a million years, have guessed they’re also eco-friendly.  but i’m told it’s true: the designer uses only conflict-free gems and recycled 14k gold.  as you all know, i take my eco with a grain of salt, but with pieces this gorgeous, i get to be socially responsible and chic…my favorite!

plus, i happen to adore her use of rough-cut gems, which i often prefer to the polished variety.  personally, i’m jonesing for that gorgeous rough diamond pendant ($600) – i just can’t stop staring at it.  and those gold and garnet earrings ($285) would be the perfect everyday accent (ooh, as would these chocolate diamonds…yum!).  but i’ve been most in the market for a set of stacking rings, and hers are divine – though if santa’s asking, i’d build a custom set including that lovely teardrop ruby.

you can check out all of the beautiful baubles by this designer at her website.  if nothing else, she’s proof positive that green is indeed one of the prettiest shades you can wear.  don’t you agree?