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!

few things make me happier than falling in love with a jewelry line i can actually afford.  these gorgeous new designs from kevia have my head spinning for all the right reasons.  the stacking rings are just divine, and i love her ability to make even formal rose-cut stones look casual by grouping them in a haphazard trio on an oversized chain.  

but the piece i’m most likely adding to my jewelry box is that stunning emerald & gold vermeil ring.  yes, actual emeralds, and actual gold - for a frighteningly reasonably $150.  in fact, nothing in the line is over $170…so, for once, there’s no need to covet from afar.

plus, today through 10/29, we have an exclusive 15% sitewide discount at layla grace.  use code CARDIO at checkout to pick up your favorite piece (or any number of other lovely goodies) for a song!

my prayers have been answered - even the mighty shopbop has finally ponied up a 20% code.  use code TREATS2008 to save 20% on all full-priced merchandise, today only!

how to treat yourself?  sky’s the limit.  those fingerless glove/mitten thingies i showed you a while ago are a no-brainer.  i’ve been dying to pick up a new coat this season, and this might be just the excuse i’ve been looking for to splurge on something truly fabulous from diane von furstenberg.  or these crazy cool blue suede boots from marc jacobs.  or i might take this opportunity to pick up this gorgeous silk top from t-bags that i would otherwise have been far too cheap to buy - the print and ruffle details will be amazing under any number of blazers and cardigans, and i can pair it with anything from trousers to a pencil skirt to jeans.

so, what will you be splurging on?

happy weekend, everyone - the friends & family event at saks has been cooking online since earlier this week, but it hits stores this weekend, and is good through sunday.  use code SAKSFF2 if you’re shopping online, but if you’re heading to the store, email me and i’ll send you the coupon to print for in-store use.

this is an amazing opportunity to pick up a classic at a sale price…don’t pass it up!  you could, for example, use it as a lovely excuse to splurge on these chloe booties…which are, literally, the first booties i’ve seen that i not only tolerate, but actually quite adore.  a high bar indeed!

only good through sunday, so get shopping!

once again, gotta love this recession.  get 30% off most of minkoff’s fall collection (go here to see exactly which bags are eligible), plus free shipping with code ‘habit‘.  oh yeah, and shipping’s free too. 

i considered saving this until tomorrow, but the deal’s only good through friday…and if i know minkoff’s fans (and i think i do), the best styles will be gone by noon today.

a little confession:  i’m loving this economic slump, if only because we’re getting great deals from stores that are generally notoriously stingy with their discounts.  now through sunday, take 20% off any and all jackets and sweaters at shopbop with code SHOPBOPSECRET.  since i’ve been lusting after some new outerwear since i first saw the fall runway pictures, i’m viewing this as a sign from above that it’s time to invest.

i hardly know where to begin.  i love the structured, military styling on this overcoat by alice + olivia, and that flash of fuschia on the belt and buttons is a perfect touch of color for drab days.  but i’ve been after those amazing exaggerated collars since day one, so i’m pretty sure this amazing black felt trench from dolce vita is going to win this time (especially since it’s only about $250 with the code!).  shopbop has the best coat selection i’ve seen this fall, hands down - and a really broad price range, which is a nice feature in this category. 

the sweater options are a little more challenging for me - unlike a coat, there’s no way i can tell myself i only need one.  i look forward to fall all year long - you can take your sun and surf, i’m a sweater girl at heart.  this slouchy v-neck is the ultimate weekend sweater, and one i know would spend very little time in my closet.  for the week, there’s one 80s trend i’ve been embracing with gusto:  the sweater dress.  simple, chic, and perfect for fall, my closet will be filled to the brim with these by january.  i’m starting with this charcoal wrap dress from DVF, which is classic enough to survive the trend, and cozy enough to remind me of my favorite cardigan.

whatever you’re after for fall, now’s the time to max those credit cards - code SHOPBOPSECRET is only good until sunday!