it’s no secret that gorjana is one of my favorite jewelry lines. every season, they never fail to debut pieces that are gorgeous, unique, and completely wearable. i get endless compliments on every piece of gorjana i own, and they’re unfailingly the styles that are in heaviest rotation from my jewelry box.

their holiday collection is no exception, and with pennies being pinched by all of us, i love the idea of picking up a stunning new piece of jewelry to help you update a holiday look that’s already in your closet. their olive leaf necklace, for example, is a perfect statement piece - it’s gorgeous alone or paired with a strand of longer beads (i love it with my dean harris quartz necklace).  

but the piece that has barely left my neck since arriving is that lovely silver sand coin necklace above.  at 40″ long, this piece is just amazingly wearable.  i’ve worn it as a single strand, i’ve doubled it over, and i’ve even shortened it by fastening the clasp behind one of the coins, so that part of the necklace dangles down the back.  for dressier occasions, try doubling it and layering with a classic pearl strand, or leave it long for a simple, classic statement with all black.  however you wear it, it’s amazing.

to put a little icing on the proverbial cake, i thought i’d ask gorjana, the owner and designer of the line, to share some tips on accessorizing for holiday affairs. her advice:

Making sure not to over-accessorize is key when it comes to jewelry, especially for more formal events such as holiday parties. The combinations I usually stick to are a great pair of statement earrings with a stack of varying bangles, or a great necklace with a simple earrings and a cocktail style ring.

Don’t be afraid to mix metals. The holidays are all about sparkle and shine, so I love to stack up my gold and silver bangles for a more dramatic look.

It’s simple to update your jewelry ensemble with a new piece that you can layer with all your favorites. I love our Olive Necklace because it easily compliments my shorter, personal necklaces that I wear every day, and also my wraps that I throw on for an evening out.

as a little extra treat, gorjana is kindly giving shoppingsmycardio readers 25% off the entire site through wed 12/17.  just use code SHOPPINGSMYCARDIO at checkout!

editor’s note:  apparently you dear readers cleaned out the store!  so, no more bracelets until the new year.  but they do still have necklaces.  so, new pic below…and otherwise, hold your breath and order the bracelets in january!

what a fun and easy gift!  i’m tempted to put one of these inside a card for each of my girlfriends and call their holiday shopping done!  these chic (and green, i might add) plastic bracelets (er, necklaces) by batucada come in five designs (my favorites are the petal and the hawai designs), and are just plain fun.  

at $24 each, this fits my friend gifting budget perfectly…if only i hadn’t just shared my brilliance with everyone who would be on the list to receive these.  so much for the element of surprise!  oh well…hopefully some of you will benefit from the idea, at least.

i’m fortunate enough to work in an environment that allows me to wear denim almost every day.  and, while i’m profoundly grateful for this, the reality is that i get a little sick of sporting my favorite jeans day in and day out (not to mention how sick my co-workers must be of seeing them!).  but i just couldn’t let go of the comfort factor…or the fact that buying trousers that fit me properly is the stuff of nightmares.

thank goodness i was recently introduced to designer kate mchale.  she’s taken everything i love about denim and translated those traits to a trouser that’s chic, stylish and professional.  as with denim, styles are available in a range of rises and cuts (i’d recommend staying conservative if these are headed for the office).  and instead of different washes, you can choose from a variety of colors and/or patterns.  but they still fit like your favorite jeans - it’s a very contoured, comfortable fit, and the fabric is not unlike a spandex-infused denim.  and, as with denim, i’m going to urge you to steer clear of any colors that are too creative - stick to neutrals, please (or that fantastic retro plaid above!).

my favorites are the patricia, with its mod flared leg and cuff, and the sara, which looks like a very classic straight leg that will be gorgeous with heels (and note that office-friendly rise).  or go with the winfield for a classic boot cut fit.  whichever you choose, you’ll be strolling around your office looking like your usual fashion-plate self, only so much more comfy!

normally, mchale’s designs rival your designer denim at about $200/pair.  but she’s kindly extending a whopping 30% discount to shoppingsmycardio readers through christmas.  at that price, you might even consider picking up a second pair to gift!  use code KMPANTS to score this deal, and you’ll be the envy of all your friends.

editor’s note:  all this week, we’ll be featuring exclusive discounts for shoppingsmycardio readers on gifts for everyone on your holiday list (including you!).  so stay tuned for all the deals and steals i can muster!

i recently had an opportunity to test 479 popcorn’s new line of gourmet, organic goodies…and i can tell you, it is love.  i’m not even a person that’s particularly a fan of popcorn, and i’m so addicted to this, i’m ready to set up an automatic delivery system.

handmade in small batches in san francisco, this organic popcorn is crafted with exotic ingredients like vietnamese cinnamon and smoked paprika, and shipped in incredibly mod, chic packaging that makes this a perfect gift.  plus, it’s almost disturbingly good - founder jean arnold worked on her recipes for over a year to end up at perfection.

normally, i’m a little iffy on food gifts at the holidays - they can feel a bit predictable.  but honestly, for someone you know that’s a serious foodie, i can’t think of anything better…or easier (a virtue that’s high on my list with less than three weeks to go!).  exotic flavors like madras coconut curry, ginger sesame caramel, and alderwood-smoked sea salt are unique enough to impress even the most discerning palate.  and anyone who isn’t immediately hooked on black truffle & white cheddar (di-vine) or fleur de sel caramel just can’t be trusted.  plus, for those lovers of organic goods on your list, you won’t find “high fructose corn syrup” or anything even remotely close in this stuff.  every ingredient is carefully sourced, and completely pronounceable.

gift boxes range from $35-52, plus you’ll get a 15% discount on any size order through 12/13 (the last day to ship this gift via ground) with code CARDIO.  just take my word for it, and make sure you nab a box for yourself while you’re ordering those gifts.

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.

literally the only thing i don’t love about these shoes is the fact that they aren’t available in my size (curse these massive feet of mine).

i’ve seen various incarnations of the ruffled t-strap shoe around this season, and they’re all cute…but i actually love this one more than others that are five times the price.  the styling on this one - details like a chunky wooden heel and broader ruffles - keeps it looking more vintage than trendy, so you’ll get more mileage out of it than some of its look-a-likes.  plus, i’m a sucker for a 2.5″ heel - the height that i have determined is the perfect walkable heel.

best of all, they’re $39.50 at delia’s…i have no idea what’s happening with the designers at delia’s these days, but i’m loving it!

i’ve been so excited to announce this one…what fun!!  the designer and owner of beegee bags is offering one of our readers the opportunity to custom design one of her fab clutches - free!

i’ve been lucky enough to spend some time with a beegee or two, and i have to say, they’ve become all but indispensible.  they make a perfect addition to my handbag, carrying makeup, extra keys, credit cards, etc.  but i can also load in just the necessities and turn this into a great clutch for day OR night - unlike any of my other clutches, which seem to be strictly evening-only.  and these bags are impeccably made:  the hardware is substantial, the fabrics are stunning…i can’t get enough.  i’m already mentally listing the women in my life who will be receiving these as gifts this year. 

i love the idea of designing something particularly festive for the holidays, and beegee has some fab holiday fabrics to choose from…but really, anything goes.  the lucky winner gets to choose fabric, shape, pleating - the works!  check out all of the options on their website (styles 3 and 4 are my picks, but they’re all lovely).

to enter, it’s the usual drill:  post a comment on this post.  bonus entry for sharing somewhere (facebook, your blog, the message board of your choice, whatever works), and then posting a SECOND comment letting me know where you shared.  you really do have to post that second comment, people - my math skills aren’t good enough to add in the entry for you!

i’m going to make this one a quickie…instant gratification and all that.  entries close thursday at midnight, and i’ll announce a winner on friday!  make sure to check back here…if i don’t hear from the winner by monday, i’ll have to choose another.

good luck!!

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.