Holiday Hangover

Like many of you, I am suffering from a holiday hangover.. well my bank account that is.  After shelling out tons of money all season long for parties, family and friends gifts and obviously glam holiday attire to wear at all of those holiday parties, you may be thinking you might have to hibernate all winter long to recoup the lost funds.  Well if you happen to receive gift cards to stores or resturants that you could really live without, why not trade them in for cash for the things you really want!  Use websites like plasticjungle.com or giftcards.com to either trade for new cards or sell at a discount for cash.  The more popular the store, the more cash you will get for the card.  Also, something to think about for future gift giving.  If you know you will likely need to buy gift cards for upcoming holidays over the next yea,r why not keep your eye out for gift cards at a discount for future gifts!

Stila Steal!

Great deal this week on Hautelook.com for Stila Cosmetics!  Up to 50% on some of their most popular products.  Could be a great holiday gift for your favorite glam girl! My favorite item featured is the Prime Color Set which are neutral, flattering shades that can be used as eye shadow, highlight, lip color, cheek color or bronzer!  Look like a bronzed beuty for only 10 bucks!    This deal goes through Friday!

http://www.hautelook.com/events#all

To use this site you will have to sign up for an account, which is free and much like many of the online luxury flash sale sites.  You will receive daily emails alerting you to future sales.  I personally have an email that I send all of these types of emails to, so that if I don't feel like sifting through all the junk email I don't have to.

If you're looking for something a little more upscale this site is also currently featuring Diane Von Furstenberg with clothes, purses, sunglasses and shoes ranging from 40 to 300 dollars. 

The Pantyhose Predictament

Just because the temps are dropping as we approach winter, doesn’t mean you still can’t sizzle.  One of the major issues with winter wear here in the New England is sometimes it’s a little too chilly to sport those adorable minis.  In comes nylons and tights.  It seems to me that “pantyhose” are making a comeback.  Kate Middleton rarely shows a bare leg, so I guess if they are good enough for a Duchess, they are good enough for me.  Nylons specifically are definitely a splurge item.  You don’t want to cheap out and get the drug store versions.  They are cheap for a reason, they run and tear like crazy, they are rough to the touch, have inconsistent texture and they really don’t much for your figure (not to mention those awful elastic bands almost seem like an ab workout!)  If you are planning on buying some new nylons for the season, I would definitely recommend upgrading to a designer brand.  Yes they are ridiculously overpriced in department stores, but they are so soft, flattering and give the illusion that you may have recently spent a holiday in the Tropics.   My recommendation brands are DKNY and Calvin Klein.  I recently bought a pair of CK sheers at Filenes Basement for 4 bucks!  Definitely dig around TJMaxx, Marshalls and whatever is remaining in Filenes Basement since it’s liquidation sale started.    It’s not worth spending 30 bucks a pop for nylons, but if you continuously have your eyes peeled for a new pair you can stock up as your encounter them.

As for opaque and textured tights, you don’t need to spend a fortune.  You can get Hue tights (a popular brand known for decent quality, great style and fit) at Filenes Basement and Marshalls.  Also, many retail chains sell opaque tights pretty cheap for around 15 dollars, but I recently bought a pair for 8 dollars, 40% off at Ann Taylor Loft.

If you really need a pair in jiff, why not go bare legged and wear leggings for your commute and strip down when you arrive!