congratulations to entry #5, stephanie c!  i guess the early bird really does get the worm (er, the adorable clutch…you know).  stephanie said “ooh, these are adorable! i would love one!” - and i couldn’t agree more.  stephanie, email me (editor at shoppingsmycardio dot com) over the weekend to claim your prize….if i don’t hear from you by monday, we’ll re-draw :) 

and now, a consolation prize:  brooke, the owner of beegee bags, says she never wins a contest.  so, for those who are in her boat, she’s offering 20% off any beegee bag for SMC readers.  just go through the regular checkout process, but note in the comments that you’re one of my readers…and she’ll promptly refund the discount!

speaking of deals, i thought i’d share the latest and greatest of the holiday markdown madness that is making its way to my inbox this week.

• the lovely laura of prismera designs is offering all of us 25% off through the end of the year on her stunning jewelry.  i have a feeling this will take care of a good chunk of my holiday shopping list.  use code FRIENDS25 at checkout.
• starting today, brooklyn industries is offering 30% off sitewide, including sale items!  use code FFAM08 to score some deals for yourself, or your trendy younger siblings.
• i don’t normally bother with the sample sale mentions, as i realize it’s just torture for those of us who don’t live in the area.  but if you’re lucky enough to live in LA, this one’s well worth a venture.  laROK and elizabeth & james are teaming up for a sample sale dec 11-13 that promises to be pretty freaking fantastic.  think 75% off some of the hottest designs out there this season.  5175 s. soto street in vernon, ca.
• jcrew is giving 20% off orders over $150 with code GIFTS, through monday (12/8).  i’ve been waiting for a deal like this to justify some new boots.  i know, totally in the spirit of giving, right?
• 30% off all sale goodies at cole haan with code DECSALE30 (and free shipping!). this is a great chance to nab some gifts for him.  i love these shearling gloves or slippers for him…and will likely use my savings to justify these lovely silver peep toes.  hey, spring has to show up sometime!
• it’s your last day for 20% off at iomoi with code lastchance.  good only on orders over $150, but this is a great one-stop-shopping opportunity.  their paperweights are divine for a workaholic, their serving trays are stunning for a hostess, and their custom stationery…well, that’s just plain cute!  iomoi definitely falls under that ultimate gifting category of “luxuries people won’t buy for themselves”.

if any fab deals have come across your path, feel free to share them in the comments…i’m sure your fellow readers would love it!

every year, i swear i’m going to send out holiday cards.  and every year, i flake.  but so help me, the options are so freaking cute this year, i’ll at least get as far as buying the cards!  but instead of buying a stack of identical cards to send, i think i’ll pick up a few different sets so that i can mix it up a bit!  and well, it’s also a great excuse to buy each and every one of these cards i’m loving this year.

some of my faves:

linda & harriett has so many gorgeous options, i can’t even begin to show you all of them (but throughout this month, i’ll be giving it my best shot!).  but my hands-down favorite are the kissing pigs.  seriously, what says “merry christmas” better than a pair of kissing pigs?  not much, i think.

jenn ski has to be one of my favorite graphic artists.  modern graphics can be a little severe for me, but i just love her casual take on modern styles.  this penguin card ($7 for 4) has stolen my heart - honestly, how cute are they?!  added bonus:  it’s a great card for those of you who get nervous about being politically correct this time of year.

and just about everything at luxe paperie is making me smile right now…but as for favorites, it’s a toss-up between the gang of gnomes, the gorgeous gumdrops and those cozy cups of hot cocoa (with marshmallows, of course) - they’re all so fun and festive, i just can’t choose.

don’t these cuties just make you want to get your act together and send out a slew of holiday cheer?

editor’s note:  just a friendly reminder that today is your last chance to enter our fantastic beegee bags giveaway!  we’ll announce a winner tomorrow morning.

i love giving monogrammed or initialed goodies for holidays - it makes the gift feel extra special for the recipient (even if you bought in bulk).  this is definitely a present that’s perfect for a gaggle of girlfriends…no two will be alike, and how can you not love something that looks like it was made for you?

there are a dozen options from anthropologie, but my favorites are these gorgeous initial lockets.  at $38 each, these are definitely in the friend price range, and i love that you can choose from several colors and styles.  if you’re looking for something a little less classic, these chunky cuff bracelets are a modern, chic take on an ID bracelet - just about anyone i know would look fab donning one of these.

everyone can use another tote bag, and this version from bang is a great, thoughtful option.  at just $22 each, you might even have room in your gifting budget to fill one with a favorite book you’ve read this year, or just pack them full of peppermint candies.  nearly anything will do…and if i wrap up a holiday gift or two for under $30, i’ll be one happy santa’s helper.

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!

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

i can’t resist…the shopbop designer sale started today, and there’s loads of holiday temptation to be had. here are a few things that just made it to the top of my christmas list:

this gorgeous cashmere dress by chris benz is a classic waiting to happen.

something about this amazing erickson beamon necklace (above) just screams serious glamour to me. it would have been just the thing for a holdiay dinner i’m attending tonight, but too late for that. i’ll have to save it for next year’s fetes.

this leather trench by jenni kayne is a splurge, even on sale…but what a splurge it is!

derek lam’s handbag line includes several gems, but i love this ultra-ladylike shoulder bag, which just makes me want to dress up and go for tea.

shop fast…i was after an anya hindmarch satchel that sold out before i could click “add to cart”.

well, we’re officially past every shipping deadline there is…if you haven’t ordered yet, you’re resigned to the crowds at the mall or a grungy poinsetta from your neighborhood grocery store.

unless, of course, you’re willing to get creative.

my favorite last-minute gift, and one i gave just yesterday, is a gift certificate to 20×200, a fabulous website that features limited edition art (200 of each) from semi-well-known artists for a cool $20. new pieces debut twice a week. you can purchase a “credit” gift certificate for $28.50 (you’re covering the shipping costs too), which will let your recipient go online, pick out the piece of art of their choice, and it will arrive at their door with your compliments.

another great option for avoiding the mall crunch is to check out the “shop local” section on etsy.com. you can find loads of great gift options just a starbucks meet-up away. just pick your gift, and send the artist a message asking if the item might be available for pick-up. most of the folks on etsy are so sweet they’ll probably even gift wrap it for you!

if neither of those work for you, or you’re just ready to throw your hands up, i have to admit i’m still a fan of the cheesy homemade gift, but i do so prefer when it’s thoughtful and specific to the recipient, not just the generic plate of cookies that gets passed around this time of year. have a friend that thinks your chicken enchiladas are to die for? go to the hardware store, pick up a pyrex, make her up a batch, and attach the recipe. have a serious cheese fiend in your life? head to whole foods, grab a few selections, a bottle of fig jam, and a cheese board, and you have a gift she’ll be thanking her stars for well past new year’s day.

(a big thanks to design sponge and lisa solomon for the gorgeous photo, above. if only my kitchen looked that great when i baked. and click here to check out lisa’s banana bread recipe…yum!!)

okay, i don’t know about you all, but i’m tired of gifts & ready to be selfish again!

whenever the weather turns cold, i get all excited about cozy, winter-weather attire. chunky sweaters, slippers, throw blankets…and pajamas. all of the cute, lacy stuff i want in the summer is suddenly ridiculous, and all i can think about is cuddling up in some men’s-inspired PJs.

i recently came across these amazing designs by CapriRose, and can’t seem to think of anything else! i love everything about these gorgeous designs. the colors, the contrasting collars and cuffs (so, so cute!), and the super-soft cotton they use for every pair (think about your favorite percale sheets…mmm). they’ll set you back about $125, but if they’re half as comfy as they are cute, they’re worth every penny. plus 10% of the proceeds from some of their designs go to support new orleans charities, and i’m all about the giving-while-shopping phenom.

if you don’t have a gift for a wonderful woman in your life yet, these are a can’t-miss option. but for me, these are a gift i’m dying to give myself this year!