deal of the day: saks contemporary sale

okay, so i don't have a ton of time to blog this one, but wouldn't feel right leaving you all in the dark. saks just started their women's contemporary sale, and they've made some pretty fabulous markdowns.

remember that nanette lepore cardigan i recommended a while back? it's down to $111 - from $300.

and i just grabbed this very yummy grey cable knit sweater coat by ya-ya...for $110, down from over $400. (it's the one pictured at right - darling, isn't it?)

probably just as well i didn't see this until after i clicked 'ship it', but this darling boatneck marc by marc sweater is down to $68 from $260.

i could keep going, but really, you should be looking for yourself before everything's gone. oh, and use code HOLIDAY7 for free shipping!

what i want today: gold earrings, part two

i'm taking a little hiatus from all of the gifting today to be selfish. still on that gold earring hunt, so i thought i'd share a couple of gorgeous options i've come across recently.


gold studs always feel sort of blah to me, but i love the edginess of these pyramid studs by fallon. they have just enough of that punk vibe to keep them from being too boring, but they're subtle enough that you could easily pull them off at work. plus, scoring jewelry from barneys for $125 is pretty exciting all by itself.


these drop leaf earrings by wasabi - they'd be perfect to add a little something to a holiday outfit, without going all out into chandelier territory. plus, they're an incredibly reasonable $40, which is awfully tough to argue with.

deal of the day: 25% off sitewide at tobi

honestly, the holiday sales are supposed to be after christmas! these pre-holiday discounts are slowly killing me. but, since i have no willpower whatsoever, and i assume my readers are just as challenged as i am in that respect, i'm going to go ahead and let you all know that tobi, one of my very favorite fashion sites, is offering 25% off all full-priced merchandise on its site, through the end of the year.

but okay, for those that are still holiday shopping, let's see if we can put this discount to good use. tobi is such a fabulous site that i think perhaps we can knock off your entire holiday list at once. watch me work...

for the hubs, i'd love to snag him a fabulous leather jacket, and no one does it better than mike & chris. right now, i'm leaning toward the super cool, but casual temple street style, which i know would become an instant favorite in his closet.

for mom, i always love red flower candles...they look gorgeous, they're topped with those fabulous dried flower petals that make for a gorgeous display, they smell divine, and they burn forever. pick up one or two in her favorite scents (i love the blood orange and french lavender). or, if she's more into fashion than fragrance, i think really lush cardigans are always a safe bet for mom. i love this one from eden, which is a great wardrobe staple. if she lives in a colder climate, or is just perpetually freezing (like my mom is), this cardigan coat by lily mcneal would be just perfect.

for a little sister, i think it's tough to go wrong with a funky graphic tee. if she's a rock star wannabe, she'll love the new tees by andy warhol for levis - my pick is this pink moto design. but if her style's more girly, i love this mod peacock tee by topless california, which is a great tunic length and perfect for layering.

for dad, you can up his 'cool factor' with this merino wool sweater by theory. or if he's still using that ancient bottle of old spice aftershave, try giving him this gift set from sharps barber shop to bring his morning routine into the 21st century.

brothers are a tough group to buy for, but i'm thinking i'll pick up a pair of these funky skull socks and a fabulously cool new wallet for my little bro, like maybe this black-and-green "loungemaster" by j.fold - even the name is perfect for him.

and....as long as i'm shopping for others, i think i probably deserve a little gift for myself, don't you? so, there's a very decent chance i'll be sneaking some paige denim, this gorgeous swing coat from (who else) lily mcneal, and maybe one of these beautiful italian linen scarves by love quotes. hmm, maybe i'll pick one up for mom too, while i'm at it...

if i can manage to rack up $250 in purchases (which shouldn't be tough), my whole order gets gift-wrapped for free, in tobi's gorgeous signature wrapping. that should leave me plenty of extra time for even more shopping! um...for others, of course.

shoppingsmycardio gifts: eco-savvy

gift-guide mania continues here at shoppingsmycardio. it seems like everyone's doing the green/eco-chic thing this year. and even though i'm about the least environmentally-friendly person ever (i actually traded in my hybrid for an SUV), i realize that i'm probably in the minority at this point. so, for those friends who are hopelessly devoted to yoga, mass transit, and composting, here are a few gifting ideas that are sure to make them swoon.

if you love the idea of getting a gift that gives back, but those "i made a donation in your name" cards feel a little anti-climactic, pick up one of the fabulously fashionable tees from the lovely folks over at conscience tees. for $30, you can grab a darling gift for her, and $5 of the purchase price goes to the earth-friendly organization of your choice. so, she can wear this darling polar bear with pride, knowing she gave a chunk of change to the world wildlife fund to help save the world.

tote bags are definitely the item du jour for the green girls this year. blame it all on anya hindmarch, though the truth is there are loads of cuter options out there. rather than making the tote the gift, i love the idea of stocking it with a few magazines your friend loves, maybe a new yoga mat, or just a book you read this year that you think everyone should read too. as for which tote to choose, the options are a little overwhelming, but here are a few of my favorites:

* this lunch tote ($24) over at three potato four is so adorable that it makes even me, the queen of eating out, want to brown-bag it.
* this je t'aime brooklyn tote ($12) is darling and cheeky, and the long handles mean it will actually fit over her shoulder.
* the totes over at alena hennessy's site are so gorgeous, it's pretty much impossible for me to choose. but i think i love the milla birds and the mirabel apricot (each, $64) best.

if she's zen at heart, but still perfectly accessorized, this meditation necklace is a gorgeous option. it's a vintage photo, reproduced and cast in resin - and just looking at it makes me peaceful. it'll be a conversation starter anywhere she goes.

or, if your friend is hopelessly devoted to feathering her oh-so-sustainable nest, she's sure to love this yummy flannel throw from unison. anything flannel makes me swoon when the weather's chilly, i'll admit. but throw in that fabulous (not to mention guy-friendly) pattern, and the fact that the cotton's all organic, and this is a gift that's sure to please, whether she bikes to work or secretly dreams of owning a humvee.

shoppingsmycardio gifts: on the road again...

i love having friends that travel...i think that travel-friendly gifts are some of the easiest and best finds out there. here's a list of a few that are sure to make the top of anyone's 'best gift' list this year.

for that person you know who's always jetting off to some new, exotic locale, i love picking up a box of luxe travel guides. these fabulously chic, pocket-size guides put fodor's to shame - they'll give her the very best tips for the top restaurants, spas, shopping, and oh so much more...without boring her with all of the mundane basics she undoubtedly already knows. for a real jetsetter, i love the world grand tour box, which comes with guides for 12 major cities (london, paris, rome...), along with free online updates. it arrives in a gorgeous, black and white box, and you can pick it up for $99. or, for a more personal touch, you can customize a bespoke box of five (for $50) or twelve (for $110) guides for spots you know she'll be visiting in 2008. she'll thank you every time her plane touches down in a new destination.

i absolutely adore all of red flower's products, and this travel set is a perfect way to check out some of their best. it comes with travel sizes of their famous gingergrass bamboo scrub, wild lime silk oil, yuzu mimosa algae wash (are you salivating yet?), and tons more, and they all arrive in this gorgeous roll that will be perfect for her jewelry. best of all, it's regularly $60, but coco's shoppe is having an amazing 40% off sitewide sale until sunday only, so use code lastchance to knock the price on this perfect gift down to a very wallet-friendly $36.

tocca is another line i just can't get enough of - their scents are just amazing. their laundry delicates travel set is a fantastic way to pamper her, while letting her try out all of the amazing fragrances at tocca. the set comes with four bottles of their amazing delicates wash (one in each of their four signature fragrances), and includes a gorgeous lace lingerie bag to keep everything safe and sound. wrap it up at bluemercury for $48.

last but not least, the truth is that as glamorous as a travel-filled life might sound to those of us who don't do it, living out of a suitcase gets old...fast. give her a little extra comfort with a set of accessories that lets her feel like she's in the lap of luxury, even if her boss stuck her in a horrible best western in suburban tampa. i love this set at acacia ($40), which is made of a bamboo/microfiber blend, so it's sure to be silky soft. the blanket actually has a pocket for her feet, so she won't have to worry about keeing her toes warm on an overseas flight.

and, at the other end of the spectrum is this gorgeous cashmere version by white + warren ($495), which makes some seriously decadent cashmere goods. the set includes a yummy cashmere throw, eye mask, and cashmere slippers that are sure to make her feel at home anywhere in the world.

shoppingsmycardio gifts: so many men, so little time...

i have no idea why, but men are just impossible for me to choose gifts for. every year, i spend at least twice as much time picking out gifts for the men in my life as i do the women. i'm not sure if they're really that tough, or if it's just that venus/mars thing, but i get a little sick of buying the standard cologne, tie or golf paraphernalia. so this year, i'm getting out of the rut.

one thing i know for sure is that the way to a man's heart is undoubtedly through his stomach. enter the custom chip & dip kit from route 11. for just $33, you can choose four bags of chips and two dips, and they'll arrive at his door fresh and ready for devouring in front of the televion during all of those christmas day football games. plus, you can choose crazy, boy-friendly flavors like habanero and dill pickle, or cheesy bacon dip (my hubs is totally drooling right now if he's reading this).

another surefire success is alcohol - i don't think there's a guy in the world that would turn down a six-pack. i love the idea of picking up his favorite spirit, and tying this keychain flask to the bottle...especially since the flask is only $20, leaving you plenty of room to splurge on that 21-year-old glenlivet.

the man bag is a tricky business - you want something functional, and probably semi-professional looking, but it has to be unquestionably masculine. this version by serious sporting goods designer filson is rugged but tailored, incredibly well-designed (think solid brass hardware, double layers of waterproof canvas on the bottom, and leather trim made from the same stuff they use for horse bridles), and will be a great lightweight option, since it's primarily canvas. and, since it's coming from a company that designs hunting and fishing gear, no worries about the "it's too metro" argument.

i love using gift-giving holidays as an excuse to equip the men in my life with things i think they should have. some might call it selfish, but i love it when people buy me things i'd never be able to justify buying myself. this 'bottoms up' hoodie by loomstate is a classic example. loomstate uses the most amazingly soft organic cotton, and this is a piece that will be a weekend staple for him for years to come - but i don't know any guy that would spend $170 on a hoodie, no matter how much time i spend giving them the 'cost per wear' argument. plus, really: wouldn't you rather borrow this than that threadbare fleece pullover he's had since 1983?

or, if he's past the hoodie stage of life, consider a classic cashmere sweater - i can't say enough good things about the cashmere from vince, and this v-neck style is classic enough to work for just about any guy.

watches always feel like a great gift idea, until you get to the counter at the department store, where you're promptly overwhelmed by the options. the truth is, i've tried a few times, and i've never been right yet. but if you have a guy on your list that's on the hip side of square, i think this teak watch by nixon is about as cool as it gets. plus, it's available from our friends at active endeavors, who give shoppingsmycardio readers that lovely 20% discount with code 'cardio', making this watch come in comfortably under $200.

if you're buying for a guy that's more geek than chic, the new ipod nano with video is probably the most obvious choice. i have to admit - they're pretty dang cool. i like the product RED version, but i'm guessing most true blue geeks are going to go for the plain silver model. but if you're looking for something a little more off the beaten path, i love these star wars USB flash drives from urban outfitters. they come packed with wallpaper, film trailers and clips from the movies - and he'll be the coolest guy in the computer lab when he's saving things to a storm trooper.

and if none of this fits the bill, aren't the boys always telling us that the godfather is the greatest movie of all time? even if they're dead wrong, this brand new annotated script is the ultimate guide to the ultimate guy movie. with stills, trivia, behind-the-scenes details plus a full script, he'll be doing his best brando impression well after new year's. pair it with the DVD box set, and this is one gift guaranteed to make you little miss popularity.

what i want today: canary eelskin clutch

in support of my ongoing fasination with clutches, i had to share this gorgeous eel skin version by lorelei. the sunny yellow color is really fabulous...not as glitzy as gold, but i think that actually adds to the versatility. you can still wear it with any neutral, but the yellow makes it casual enough to wear with jeans, while the exotic skin dresses it up just enough for cocktails. this beauty would make me smile every time i pulled it out of the closet. the size (13"x5") is perfect for use as a day clutch, and the price ($238) is tough to argue with.

but even better, the darling folks over at pink caviar have generously extended a 20% sitewide discount exclusively to shoppingsmycardio readers. just use code cardio20 at checkout, making this gorgeous clutch a steal at $190.

pick it up at pink caviar boutique, rush the shipping, and tote it to all of your holiday parties!

shoppingsmycardio gifts: on the cheap

much as we all love to ooh and aah over the fabulously expensive and extravagant gift options out there, the sad truth is that i'm pretty well broke by the middle of december. so, for those of you who are still struggling to come up with the perfect gift with your less-than-perfect budget, here's a list of ideas that won't set you back more than $30. don't say i never gave you anything good.

for your fashion forward friend, i love this gorgeous scarf by alena hennessy. made of super-soft knit jersey, it's thin enough to layer, but still sure to keep her warm all winter and into the spring. pick it up for $28 from hennessy's website.

if she's more into jewels than jersey, i just can't get enough of this darling little hedgehog necklace from the curiosity shoppe - he's $20, and is sure to make any girl smile.

if she's a paper freak like i am, she'll love this gorgeous set of stationery by british designer cath kidson.
kidson is known for her over-the-top designs that manage somehow to make country into chic. the set includes 30 sheets of paper, mix-and-match envelopes, and a gorgeous gift box...all for $15.

or, if your paper freak friend likes things a little more refined, this letterpress calendar by decoy lab is one of the prettiest i've seen. buy it for $28 at their website, which is definitely worth checking over.

for the right-brained artist in your life, i just adore this little notebook by little otsu. it's divided into three sections: the first is designed for to-do lists, but each has an origami pattern printed on the back, so she has incentive to check off those errands. the second section is made of blank pages waiting for her random sketches...but each page is pre-printed with a frame, so her impromptu artwork has a proper setting. and the third section has a mix of all sorts of different note-taking pages, so she'll never get bored with the same old straight lines. nab it for $14, and shipping's free!

if she's a tea drinker, she'll love this tea-for-one mug from urban outfitters - the two pieces match up to make a gorgeous peacock, and you can nab it for $24. or, if she's more of an afternoon "coffee and snacks" person, i love this cafemug by shinzi katoh. it that comes with a little mini dish that's perfect for packing with your afternoon ration of m&ms. there are a few different designs, but i love the birdcage best - how can you resist something with the word "gazouillement" (chirping, in french) printed on the side? grab it for $18 at three potato four.

good things come in small packages. i think just about every girl out there can use another mini purse to organize her life - i know i could. my favorites these days are vintage-style frame purses, and the best i've found are over at etsy. for well under that $30 mark, you can pick up some really gorgeous options from sellers like oktak, absoluut (who makes hers using vintage fabrics - so cool!), and takae. throw in an accessory, like a cute lip gloss (i love these cocktail lip glosses by not soap, radio) or a mirror, and you have a gift you know will keep on giving all year long. just remember, these are all handmade, one-of-a-kind items...so shop early, and allow a little extra time for shipping from these crafters.

and if none of these ideas work for you, shopbop has a lovely "under $100" list up right now. sure, it's not as good as "under $30," but we can't all be rock stars.

ooh, and please, feel free to comment with any other ideas...i know this time of year i'm always scrambling for fabulous gift options, so share and share alike! after all, it's better to give than to receive. (wait...that's so not the motto we live by here at shoppingsmycardio...)

shoppingsmycardio interviews: violet.com's genius gift-givers

from the first time i stumbled onto violet, it has become my number one go-to for unique gift ideas. so, when founders bonnie cohen and amy barnett offered to chat with us about their best gifting tips and tricks, i jumped at the chance! with the calendar counting down to the 25th a little too quickly for my taste this year, i think you'll find the ideas from these fabulous ladies inspiring, and maybe even a little bit life-saving.

shoppingsmycardio: I adore violet – it’s genius! How did the idea come together? And how did the two of you come together?

Bonnie & Amy: We’ve known each other for many years. When we first met, we discovered that we owned a lot of identical stuff. So right off the bat, we admired each other’s style!

Bonnie has a background in Merchandising and Visual Design and Amy is an Electrical Engineer, so for us, the Web is a natural venue.

SMC: You have such a knack for finding gift ideas that really are off the beaten path. How do you come up with the items on your site? Are you sent ideas, or do you spend your days out shopping for great additions to the site? (and if so, how do I sign up for that gig!?)

Bonnie: I am constantly on the lookout for merchandise, and I source product everywhere I go! There’s lots of amazing stuff out there, but for Violet, I focus on the question, “What makes a great gift?”. Then I try to find things that are really fresh or totally timeless.

SMC: What is your absolute favorite item on the site right now?

Bonnie: I have a 3-way tie for favorite product: the American Honey Flight, the Retread Purse, and the Aviary Desk Set. The American Honey Flight has a gorgeous presentation, and producing it is a Labor of Love. The Retread Purse is “Eco-Couture” - constructed from tire inner tubes, it could be right at home in the front row during Fashion Week. The Aviary Desk Set harkens back to a time when manners and etiquette were revered. I’m a little nostalgic for that era; in this electronic era, I try to "reach out and touch" my friends with paper as much as I can.

SMC: Okay, I’m going to put you guys on the spot now – would you be willing to answer a few “what should I give this person” questions? Around the holidays, I’m always looking for a classic “works for everyone” gift – something to take to cocktail parties, give to clients, etc. It has to be classy and unique, but not too pricey...and I hate giving the standard bottle of wine. What ideas would you have for that?

B&A: the Who’s Wine-ing System. Solves the “Which glass is mine?” problem. Six color-coded tags slip onto glass stems; you can even write names on the tags (they wipe clean with a damp cloth). The tags are stored in a clever cube that fits on the neck of a wine bottle. For $14, it’s a great way to present a bottle of wine.

SMC: I think dads (and men in general) are the toughest to buy for. Either you buy for a hobby (hello, personalized golf tees), or you buy those super-boring traditional boy gifts: ties, cologne, or gadgets. What’s your best no-fail gift idea for men?

B&A: Men are definitely tough. These are our "field goals":
1) The Astronaut Pen. Invented for the Apollo 7 Space mission (engineering requirement: must defy gravity). It is a design classic. Sleek and techie.
2) The Dinobite Bottle Opener. This is equal parts beast and sculpture -- and it opens beer bottles. Genius.
3) The Fantasy Post-it System. Tear Post-It’s to fit any size thought. Also looks handsome and impressive on the desk.

SMC: What are your favorite websites/designers to check out for fabulous new ideas (other than your own, of course!)?

B&A: This is our hot list:
* Mahar Drygoods: Specialty kids merchandise, mainly vintage and artist-crafted.
* Rose and Radish: Unique, well-edited, themed collections. Lots of European designers.
* Charles and Marie: An interesting selection of off-the-grid, high-design products.
* Composition: Modern merchandise (and site design!).
* Papa Stour: Mostly hand crafted, contemporary products from Scotland. Beautiful things, and the photography is so evocative and dreamy.
And -- we Etsy-hunt like crazy! So many cool finds from independent designers all over the globe!

SMC: What is the worst gift you’ve ever received?

Amy: Art. Terrible gift. 99% chance it’s not your “thing”. Your friend expects it to be prominently displayed; you have to manage storing it until they visit.

SMC: And the best?

Bonnie: Probably my very fabulous Best of Flair book that Amy bought me for my birthday one year.

Amy: Thanks, Bonnie!

SMC: What one gift-buying secret do you wish you could teach everyone out there?

B&A: When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with something that’s consumable!

a huge, huge thanks to the ladies over at violet - i know they've given me loads of ideas for gifting to others, not to mention myself (that "best of flair" book is my next must-buy item!).

what i'm giving today: toasty toes

i know, i know - slippers are such obvious gifts. i would normally totally shy away from something so cliche. but the truth is that i really do love a good pair of cozy slippers...i abhor socks, so when the weather turns chilly, i pretty well live in slippers. they're my winter version of flipflops. plus, let's be honest - raise your hand if you'd die happy just finding a wonderful gift for your friend X right about now...obvious or not. i thought so.

anyway, if you're going to go traditional, i thought i'd share a few pair that i'm coveting this winter.

if the girl on your list is a little more tailored in her tastes, these gorgeous cashmere ballet slippers from banana republic will keep her toes toasty in style. we know i loooove shoes that come in cute little bags, and these do. my favorite is the grey, but the black is subtle enough she might even be able to keep these at her desk for those "i'm going to amputate my foot if i can't take these 4-inch heels off stat" days.

these hot pink shearling slippers from j.crew are making me really happy right now - i love the bright color, which will bring you out of even the worst winter blah. and the shearling is sure to keep your toes toasty. plus, the rubber soles will give you enough traction to make it down the driveway to grab the morning paper without killing yourself...a slipper feature i've overlooked to my own downfall (no pun intended) more than once. at $60 this is a completely do-able gift option for any girl on your list.

oh, and if you can find other gift options to pick up while you're there (i love their enamel bangles this fall, and the gorgeous shearling gloves that would be a perfect match for those slippers), j.crew is offering 20% off purchases of $175 or more, but only through thursday, 12/6 - use code SHHH to cash in.


if you're looking for something really exceptional in the slipper department, this burberry version is a no-brainer. sure, they're $150, but again, they have that cute little pouch! plus, they're going to go with darn near anything, and they'll be cute year-round.

what i want today: moss mills creations

i can't even remember how i tracked these down, but ever since i first saw them, i've been completely obsessed with everything over at moss mills' fabulous website.

moss designs the most amazing pieces that really straddle the line between cutesy and edgy - a major blessing for those of us who love the cutesy but are feeling maybe a wee bit too old to sport the giant bird necklace i'm seeing on every 18-year-old on the street. it's darling, don't get me wrong...i just know i'm past being able to pull it off.

but moss understands. so, instead of the giant bird, he gives me this gorgeous 'audrey' necklace (above) - a heart covered with flowers, which should be way too girly, but because it's a little larger, and because i can buy it in stunning rose gold (which i'm completely in love with these days), i'm counting the minutes until i can bring it home and sport it with any number of gorgeous ensembles.

or, if you're wanting something a little less traditional, this forrest necklace is high on my list as well. the size (about 1"x1.5") is perfect - it's subtle, but still noticeable, so it'll be perfect paired with just about any weekend look. and the design is so gorgeous - i just love the detail.

and, i have to admit, there's a very big part of me that's wondering if i can still pull off an animal necklace, as sammy, pedro, and barney are all calling my name something fierce.

while you're there, don't forget to check out their gorgeous rings. the sevilla has major long-term potential (i can completely see keeping this in my jewelry box and having my favorite niece nab it in 20 years), and i'm just loving that rose gold again. but i have to admit that i'm sort of loving the overly girly nature of the georgia and the new chrys as well.

i have no doubt you'll all be finding much to covet (and much to gift) at moss mills...and they haven't even released their upcoming clothing line yet. definitely stay tuned for that!

or, if you happen to live in the LA area, moss just opened a boutique on 3rd street, which would be well worth a stop. from the pictures i've seen, it looks outstanding!

what i'm giving today: everything jonathan adler is selling

i'm literally so in love with jonathan adler right now that every single person on my list would be getting gifts from him if i could afford it. he just makes me happy. his site is completely cheerful, his designs are modern and hip, but fun and relaxed (i really hate most modern design because it's so stiff and uncomfy-looking), and i am such a sucker for using bright color in design, which is one of his mantras.

and really, there isn't a single person on your gift list who couldn't use a little jonathan adler in their life.

your favorite domestic diva? she'll go nuts for this gorgeous utopia faces platter, which will be perfect for all of her holiday fetes. or consider this fabulous muse candle, which will make her house smell fantastic and inspire endless exclamations of "where did you find that!" for months to come.

the guy you can never think of anything to buy for? if he's under 40, nab this fabulous condom caddy...and stock it chock full of some glow-in-the-dark items, just for added kitsch. (it was all my hubs could do to talk me down from buying this for my little brother. something about it being creepy for your big sis to buy you condoms...hmm, maybe he has a point.)

if the guy is over 40, my vote goes to the utopia remote box or the key keeper, both of which will put those things they need most within easy reach.

i can guarantee that several people on my list are getting this darling utopia mug. throw a bag of your favorite tea and a little bit of honey, and there isn't a person i know who wouldn't love this gift.

i don't know about you, but my BFF would fall hard for this darling disco chick - i'm dying to install her on a chair in my living room. and for your favorite friend who's been naughtier than nice, the sins pillow would be the perfect addition to their boudoir.

even grandma's taken care of - she'd flip for the darling spectacles case or the lipstick case, and she'll think of you every time she pulls those reading glasses out of her purse.

last but not least, i think just about anyone would find themselves loving adler's decorating how-to, "my prescription for anti-depressive living." the pics are gorgeous, the advice is lighthearted but oh-so-true, and the best part is that if you order it from his site, you'll get an autographed copy! sure, you can buy it at amazon for $12 less, but i think the autograph really makes the gift. this book really is fabulous - i leaf through my copy all the time, and it never fails to make me want to paint a wall orange...or maybe lime green.

and, in case you needed more incentive to wrap up your holiday shopping at the adler online extravaganza, there's a 'spend some, get some' coupon available. use code holidaylicious and get $20 off $150, $40 off $250, $60 off $350...and so on. plus, free shipping on orders over $150, so you have even more incentive to spend, spend, spend. isn't that what the holidays are all about?

what i want today: rebecca minkoff's getaway tote

i know, we've been talking about rebecca minkoff a lot lately....what can i say. she just keeps coming up with designs i can't get enough of. my newest obsession is this gorgeous getaway tote she's just released. i adore the gorgeous glazed leather, and that yummy mocha color. it's large enough for a laptop or to use as a carry-on, and has a wide, messenger-length strap for comfort. but it also folds over to become a completely perfect everyday bag. hurrah for multi-function items!

best of all, you lucky readers can pick it up with a 20% discount, courtesy of our friends over at active endeavors. just use code 'cardio' at checkout - and remember, that code's good sitewide, people!

just save me one in mocha...this beauty is front and center on my holiday wishlist.