welcome back everyone - i hope your turkeys were perfectly cooked, and your family drama was kept to a minimum!  we’re changing things up a little this month in honor of the holidays, and you’ll be seeing more “what i’m giving today” posts…most of which i’d be happy to receive as well.  hey, ’tis the season to be selfish!  i’ll also be posting deals as they’re passed my way (including some huge discounts exclusively for SMC readers!) and some fun holiday giveaways (the first one starts tomorrow).  so, stay tuned for the fun…starting with the cyber monday deals below!

it seems like agates are the latest find in the jewelry world - i’m seeing them everywhere lately.  but i haven’t seen any i love so well as these gorgeous versions from isharya.  for a friend that wears jewelry you only dream of owning, i can’t imagine a better gift than these hoops accented with rough purple agate ($156 with code lucky5).  

or, for someone you’d like to ease into the chunky jewelry trend (maybe even a hip mom!), i am pretty obsessed with this rosewood cuff bracelet accented with that same lovely purple agate ($237).  even with a simple jeans-and-tee ensemble, this cuff would elevate you to effortless chic.  i’d be thrilled to find this stunner in my stocking.

whichever you like best, for giving or for keeping, you’ll be the best gift-giver in town.

wow, the deals abound…i’ll update this post regularly as they roll in (look for codes updated with “NEW”), but for starters:

• there’s a simply amazing online sample sale going on at inhabit ny - also known as my #1 source for flawless cashmere.  and when i say sample sale, i’m talking $400 classic cashmere cardigans for $80.  i ordered one of almost everything on this amazing sale - hey, i figure i can give whatever i don’t love as a gift!  run, don’t walk.
• le train bleu is offering an amazing 40% off sitewide on monday with code cybermonday.  if ever there were a one-stop shopping opportunity for all of your girlfriends, this is it.  just a cursory glance led me to the perfect gift for my boss, my mom, and a dear friend.  personally, i’ll be doing my best to justify this gorgeous sky blue coat by heidi merrick.
• another 40% discount (plus free shipping!) going on at simply soles - the home of those lovely lilybee shoes we chatted about recently.  this is a fantastic opportunity to score a pair, and maybe tack on a little something extra to use up all that money you’re saving!  i’m cursing the fact that they’re out of these gorgeous frye boots in my size - if they have yours, this is an amazing deal on a brand that rarely goes on sale.  no code needed, as far as i know.
• tobi, an online favorite of mine, is offering 30% off sitewide, including sale items.  use code WEGOBBLE at checkout to score deals on paige denim, DVF dresses, and luxe mike & chris leather jackets.  tobi’s a great spot to find gifts for the stylin’ guy on your list as well - their selection of hip menswear is among the best around.
• 20% off sitewide at piperlime with code MONDAY - it’s rare to get a deal this good on a site this broad-based, so take advantage while you can!
• and another 20% off at restoration hardware with code RTGP118 - since this store is my ultimate hook-up for even the impossible-to-buy-for on my list, i’ll be taking full advantage of this baby!
• NEW!  the fall/winter stock at NY legend kirna zabete is down to a whopping 50% off…if you didn’t check it out when it was at 40%, this should be enough to tip you over the edge.
• NEW!  30% off sitewide at cole haan with code HOLIDAYSALE - these long leather gloves in stunning moroccan blue would be a fabulously luxe gift, or you could score a chic laptop case for the workaholic in your life.  grab some retro-chic loafers for yourself while you’re at it!
• NEW!  wow…a big 40% off regular price and 30% off sale items at SMC favorite basic boutique.  use code SHOPTHESALE to take full advantage!

all are good today only (well, except the inhabit sale, but that one will be pretty well picked over by day’s end in any event) - so get ready, get set…spend!

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?

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.

it’s getting to be that very special time of year:  friends & family season!  while i normally save sale roundups until the end of the week, some of the best deals are expiring, and all are too good to miss.  so!

• from 11/13 to 11/16, take 30% off sitewide at old navy, gap and banana republic for their annual friends & family event - plus, they’ll donate an additional 5% of your purchase price to charity.  use code B6BQLJDLGF8W at checkout.  i’ll admit there’s not a lot i’m after right now, but i am loving the jewelry at banana republic right now, and i think this is my green light to buy a few pieces.  (thanks to J for sharing this one!)
• shopbop is also offering 30% off sitewide (well, except for sale, jewelry and accessories) - it started this morning and is good through thursday at midnight.  use code EARLYGIFT at checkout.
• not nearly as exciting by comparison, but as long as we’re sharing, you can save 20% on all sweaters at jcrew through thursday at midnight.  use code SWEATERS at checkout.  i’ve been bummed to see the quality of j.crew’s cashmere decline of late, but this cozy academy cardigan looks like it might be the exception.
• sephora’s friends & family is going on through 11/22 as well…20% off sitewide with code FF2008.
• more friends & family goodness at restoration hardware:  20% off from 11/13 - 11/16 with code FFR2008.
• and, one more - zoe is offering 40% off all coats, jackets and sweaters through 11/18 with code 8331064.  i’m sorely, sorely tempted to stock up on some lovely inhabit cashmere…if i can stop myself from picking up a cozy moncler down coat.

i think we all owe it to the economy to take advantage of a few of these…don’t you agree?

when i first saw this stylish clutch, i had a really difficult time coming to terms with the source.  i expect basics from banana republic:  cardigans, classic pants, maybe the occasional lovely piece of costume jewelry (they do an amazing job in this department, i admit).  i don’t expect something with a vintage, high fashion edge to come out of a store like banana republic.

and yet, the drake clutch is all that and more.  i love the bright, orange red hue, and the texture of the quilted suede is absolutely perfect.  this looks like something your very chic mother or grandmother might have begrudgingly parted with when you admired it for the umpteenth time.  it’s a little pricier than i’d like at $140, but use code CELEBRATE to get 20% off (good on any purchase over $125 through 11/13).

the days of yore may actually have returned at jcrew!  30% off what were already pretty decent sale prices, and no final sale nonsense to put you off.

use code EXTRA30 at checkout to score whatever strikes your fancy.  my picks:  

• with the gorgeous violet hue of the greta coat (down to $220), i won’t mind winter’s grey skies one bit.
• i am so in love with these metallic two-tone mary janes, i can hardly stand it - if you’re a girl that likes your high heels, these are a fantastic shoe - especially at $89.
• and this italian silk deco-print dress (down to $140) is so fantastic, no one will believe it came from jcrew.  what an amazing statement piece to add to your wardrobe!

happy hunting!

here’s what a genius i am:  i posted a banner yesterday advertising the 25% off promo at tobi going on through tonight, and didn’t even realize what it was until today!

what it is:  completely fabulous.  use code DLSAVINGS at checkout to save 25% on everything, even sale items!  and no exclusions on the best brands, like you see sometimes.  so, have fun…just remember, it’s only good through tonight!!

so, first, i just wanted to thank you all for putting up with the site over the last couple of weeks.  there has been technical drama, which is not my forte (to say the very least).  fortunately, we have a fantastic web guru on “staff” (and by “staff,” i mean indentured servitude), who is legally obligated to help me when things go to hell.  and, while things might be a bit spotty for a few more days, have faith - it’s going to be all better very, very soon.

to make up for it, i have presents!!  on monday, we’ll be starting a majorly fun giveaway of some lovely gossip girl-esque accessories.  you’ll love it!

and, as a more immediate reward, i thought i’d help you all out with some weekend shopping incentives.  so, behold:  a well-edited list of the most fabulous steals and deals i know about online this weekend.

• kate boutique:  20% off sitewide with code october08 (i’m guessing this one’s good through the end of the month).
• tory burch:  25% off sitewide through monday for their annual friends & family event.  a particular bonus since most of their fall goods went on a 30-40% markdown last week.  use code TBFF08 (also good for free shipping on a $150+ order).
• brooklyn industries:  while their PR staff has me grouchy, their wares are still fantastic and cheap…especially now.  score 15% off sitewide through sunday with code AUTUMN08.
• victoria’s secret:  just because i’m desperately needing some foundation updates, i’ll share this one:  25% off any one bra through sunday with code 25BRA.
• revolve clothing:  just because i know i won’t be using it, be my guest:  use code COVGPPKGGSPY (it’ll only work once, so let me know if you snag it and i’ll pull it off the list!) to save $75 on a $250 order through saturday.

does anyone have any deals to share with the class?  feel free to leave them in the comments…maybe we can get a fantastic little list going!

and seriously, guys…thanks for hanging in.  i know how annoying it can be when websites are broken.  i promise to do all the nagging i possibly can to make sure it’s cured.  i am nothing if not an expert nagger.

back monday with that fab giveaway…have a great weekend, all!