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

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).

this darling little cardigan is…get this…$13.  yes.  $13.  i knew forever 21 was good, but seriously? $13 for a cute, sporty layer that will easily become a weekend staple borders on spectacular.  i have no doubt it’ll fall apart after a few months, but how long can you mourn a $13 cardigan?  especially since you’ll be buying this one in at least two different color combos?

ever since i spied this gorgeous silk top (via splendora) last week, i honestly cannot get this stunning petrol hue out of my mind.  the color would be incredibly flattering on just about everyone - i can see this working so well on a blonde, redhead or a lovely brunette such as myself.  and the styling is a nice transition for those of you missing your babydoll/empire-waist tops from last summer.  add to that the very on-trend pleated sleeves and silk tie, and you have one very stylish wardrobe addition that will take you seamlessly from work to cocktails (and even the office holiday party) - all for less than $80.  

i ran across these stunning scarves by french designer epice in a local boutique recently, and it was love at first sight.  decadently long and warm, feather light, and incredibly cozy…not to mention absolutely gorgeous.  truly, the detail on some of these patterns is really amazing.  these really are the ultimate winter accessory…with the added bonus that they’re so light and colorful, you can easily wear them in warmer weather as well.   honestly, i could take any or all home with me right now.

these are nearly impossible to find online (and this from your very dedicated resident internet addict)…but i’ve tracked down a fabulous selection at kate boutique - where they also happen to be having a 20% off promotion right now.  use code october08 and treat yourself to one of these gorgeous pieces…mine hasn’t left my neck since it arrived.

you can also find a few styles at ron herman (here and here)…there’s no 20% off deal, but i think the key is buying the design you love, don’t you agree?

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!

nothing like a little chat about cleanser to really get you revved up, i know.  the truth is, a good cleanser is essential, but thoroughly un-fun to shop for, so i thought i’d let you all know about the new sensitive cleansing bar from suki ($10.95) that’s keeping my face squeaky clean and quite happy.

made from lemongrass and shea butter, this is basically the bar equivalent of my all-time favorite cleanser, suki’s lemongrass scrub.  truly, there’s nothing like it in a morning shower - it’s like my version of getting zest-fully clean. 

normally, i’m not a fan of bar soaps in any form…and, truth be told, i do fervently wish this was a liquid.  but ever since i interviewed kara peterson, the skin guru at clarins a few months back, and she told me that the best way to damage your skin was to use a scrub daily (oops), this bar has become my morning cleanser of choice.  i’ve cut back on my morning scrub to about twice a week.

you can pick up any of the fantastic products from suki at their website or at most whole foods stores.

i’ve been looking for a great, classic drop earring to wear every day, but as usual, i’m being overly picky.  so i was thrilled to come across diana kane’s line of jewelry, where i found so many fab options (at fantastic prices), i hardly know which to choose.

these briolettes ($78) are just the perfect shade of smoky green to make them a gorgeous neutral, and they’re a great size to wear for any occasion.

and i love the clean, organic quality of these freeform circle drop earrings ($272), which are perfect for more casual looks.

but i think at the end of the day, these sweet little petal earrings are going to win out.  available in rose or yellow gold ($144) or silver ($42), they’re delicate without being precious, and understated but still unique.

assuming i don’t just cave and buy them all…

PS…don’t forget to vote!!