for $50, linda & harriett’s new holiday gift set includes their fabulous letterpress calendar, a notepad, and a box of letterpress cards, all tucked into their ridiculously cute moose gift bag.  plus (how cool is this?!), the letterpressed images on the calendar actually detach into mailable postcards, so you can send them out once the month is over.  after spending the last several years hoarding calendars that were too pretty to toss, this makes me a very happy girl.

(can’t resist showing you the cuteness of the calendar too…love!!)

personally, i plan to have several of these on hand this holiday, as they may be the perfect last-minute gift.  they’d be perfect for a party hostess, a mom…anyone, really.  but the selfish being in me says this gift is tailor-made for your assistant or co-worker.  you’ll have a pretty calendar to look at whenever you walk past her desk, and her notes to you will now arrive on chic zigzag or cheeky alligator-festooned sheets.  so much better than those tired yellow post-its, right?

oh!  and, just got word that you can score 15% off your order through 12/15 with code JOLLY at checkout, which means i’ll be adding some adorable “get jolly” moose cards and a set of ski sweater gift tags to my order.

cuff watches are all the rage right now (i have several michael kors versions on my own wish list this year), but i love that this version from dean accessories still has a slim-enough profile to keep it girl-friendly.  the snap closures give this just a bit of edge, but the red adds so much polish and chic that they balance each other perfectly.  if she’s a more subtle type of sister, the aqua would be perfect…but really, it’s the red that’s stolen my heart.

grab it for $100 at cog & pearl, and give yourself an excellent argument for borrowing this beauty from her all year long.

when i first spotted the tank robot clock ($45), i thought it would be perfect for my gadget/tech-crazed hubs.  but his response was less than inspiring (”so, all he does is tell the time?”).  okay…glad i didn’t order it for you, honey.

so, i now think this robot is better-suited for the guy who dabbles in gadgets, not the guy who’s entirely, obsessively, all-consumed with them (ahem.).  or for a guy with a sense of humor who needs a cool desk clock (perhaps even an especially hip boss).  but personally, i’m calling this one a perfect dad gift.  it feels fun and modern, but has a touch of nostalgia too – like a robot toy he would have played with as a kid.  and it has nothing to do with golf…always a plus with dad gifts in my book.

this might also make a good brother gift – it’s a nice nod to all those years you spent breaking his toys (or was it the other way around?), but a solid step up from replacing his demolished he-man action figure.

(by the way, little tip…the entire perpetual kid website is a fab spot for boy gifts.  give it a browse!)

if you’re not familiar, nigella is sort of the anti-martha stewart.  she’s all about shortcuts, simplification, and generally making it fun and easy to entertain.  while i’m always a fan, this book is possibly my favorite of hers.  sure, the recipes are amazing (try the pomegranate cabbage), but this book is so much more than that.

in the first third of the book, she gives readers a series of easy holiday entertaining dinners, complete with make-ahead side dishes and at least 20 different cocktails, then moves ahead to a special section on a christmas feast.  she includes recipes for a few showstopping main courses, loads of sides, and her tips and tricks for hosting a fabulous, low-stress holiday (my favorite:  invite strangers to ensure your family stays on its best behavior!).  best of all, she’s compiled a flawless timeline/checklist to allow you to be perfectly organized and pulled together without a single hair out of place.

and then there’s the last third of the book, which is totally dedicated to desserts.  as it’s a holiday cookbook, i wouldn’t have it any other way.

grab a copy (or two) and have it on hand as a hostess gift, or as a gift for that girl in your office that never fails to bring homemade christmas cookies to work every year.  also great for someone who’s finally decided to bite the bullet and host their first holiday, and is utterly terrified (not that i’m naming names…).  wrap it up with a wooden spoon tied into the bow (cooks can always use another), and you’re set!

i’ve always been one of those weird font freaks, someone who has oddly strong opinions on serif versus san serif texts in a given situation.  i also happen to love letterpress…well, really, all things printing.  so, for me, this is inordinately cool.

just tell erica the letters you want her to use, and she’ll pick out different (complementary) vintage letterpress letters from her stash, plate them in 14K gold, and send them off on a pretty gold chain.  i love that it’s a decidedly un-cheesy version of the now-ubiquitous initial necklace, and it would be absolutely perfect for the friend you can’t pull out of the stationery store, or the girl you always go to when your resumé needs to be restyled.

pick one out at erica’s website for $75 – a little pricey for a friend gift, perhaps, but we’re all about wishlists here, right?

first up, since gift guides give me panic attacks – there’s just so much pressure, and what if i find something even better later on? – i’ve decided to have a gift month.  instead of featuring things that i want to own, i’m planning to spend the next 25-ish days giving you ideas on gifting to your nearest and dearest.  they’ll be in no particular order, but i’ll be sure to tell you who they’d be perfect for (at least, in my mind).  don’t worry too much – i’m a selfish beast at heart, so i’m sure there will be plenty of “this would be a perfect gift for…someone exactly like me”.  i promise you’ll still have plenty of hint-worthy links to send off to family and friends for your own wish list.

now, for the extremely less interesting part.  as of today, the federal trade commission says i have to tell you if i review anything that i received a sample of (feel free to let your eyes glaze over now).  in case you didn’t know, sometimes i get samples of things.  in fact, when it comes to my reviews of beauty products, i always get samples – i won’t review a product i haven’t tried (really, can you imagine my recommending a face cream i’d never tested? what if it turned your skin green? i could never live with myself.).  that said, the number of samples i receive versus the number i write about?  math isn’t my strong suit, so i won’t even attempt a percentage, but let’s just say sending me a tube of lipstick in no way, shape or form guarantees you a spot on this blog.  i’m insanely picky about what i choose to share with you all (much to the dismay of PR firms everywhere) and that doesn’t change just because i got a free anything.

regardless, the feds scare me, so from now on, if a sample was involved, i’ll just put a little *sample provided* disclaimer on the post.  fair enough?  and of course, if you have any questions about any of this, feel free to drop me a line.

that’s it for housekeeping matters…now, back to your regularly scheduled retail therapy.

there’s really no particular order here, sorry…this just isn’t a science.  i’m being a little bit discerning with what i share, but i’m erring on the side of more information.  after all, just because we’re hip and stylish doesn’t mean our families are!

i’ll update this today as more steals cross my path – you’ll know the new deals because i’ll put them at the top of the list, in a new “recently added” category.  fair enough?  and, of course, if you know of any great deals, leave them in the comments! the more, the merrier, especially when it comes to steals and deals.

RECENTLY ADDED:

le train bleu:  just got word that the entire store is 30% off with code CYBERMONDAY (good through wed).  ltb is one of my favorite sources for unique accessories…loving their scarves and necklaces this season!

inhabit ny:  how could i forget?!  up to 80% off at my all-time favorite cashmere purveyor, today only.  oh, and did i mention free shipping *and* free gift wrap?  yeah…hop to it, people.

cole haan:  take 40% off a single (full-price) item with code HAPPY40.  also, code CHSAVE30 will get you an extra 30% off sale styles.

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gap, banana republic, old navy and piperlime:  this one might just be my favorite deal of the day.  save 20% off at each and every one of these shops, plus free shipping, with code MONDAY.

goldyn:  30% off sitewide and 50% off sale items with code MONDAY (but all sales are final!).  you’ll find deals on some of my fave designers, including loeffler randall, charlotte ronson and all manner of designer denim.

basic boutique:  40% off sitewide with code THANKS40 – i’ve been eyeing a treesje handbag there for a month, and this might just be the sign i’ve been looking for.

tobi:  you’ll get 25% off sitewide at tobi with code CHEERFUL25 – snap up shoes by sigerson morrison, tees from alternative apparel, and all sorts of menswear for the guys on your list.

henri bendel:  for those of you in manhattan, sorry – this deal’s only good online, but it’s a steal to be sure! save 30% sitewide, plus free shipping, with code CYBER MONDAY.  this is definitely one of my fave gifting spots:  grab bangles, sweets, travel accessories, and all other manner of goodies!

rebecca minkoff:  there are some amazing deals going on at rebecca minkoff’s site.  the sale’s been on since friday, but there are still plenty of goodies to choose from, many as much as 50% off.

one king’s lane:  a fabulous sample sale site for home decor, one king’s lane has a pretty fun offer going for the next couple of days.  if you haven’t signed up for a free membership, do it by 12/1 and you’ll get a $10 credit to use on goodies from the likes of jonathan adler and seda france.

blue bee:  this is a fabulous spot for designer denim, jewels, hot shoes…everything, more or less.  save a modest 10% sitewide with code CM1009.

steven alan:  not a cyber monday deal in the truest sense, but they have a pretty wonderful sale cooking right now.  up to 60% off on some of my favorite picks from the season, as well as some great gifts for the guys.

hlaska:  this is one of my favorite spots for streamlined, un-frilly leather goods, especially for men’s gifts. grab gorgeous wallets, travel bags and laptop cases for 20% off with code HOL20 (good through 12/15).

ideeli:  free shipping all day today at this sample sale site.  today’s sales include free people, la rok, and hobo international – none of which are bad gifting solutions.

bobbi brown: for the beauty maven on your list, take 20% off all bobbi brown goods through 12/2.  this is technically a friends & family event, and the discount is automatically applied at checkout (as is free shipping if your order tops $65).

kiehls:  the lovely folks at kiehls passed along the details on their friends and family event to me and, naturally, i’m sharing! get 20% off all purchases, and free shipping on orders over $30 with code FAMILY (through 12/1). time to stock up on creme de corps!

simply soles:  save 20% storewide at simply soles today, plus free shipping on orders over $75.  it’s a great spot to score frye or tory burch shoes on sale!

shopbop:  don’t forget the spend/save event at shopbop, which ends tonight.  use code GIFT4U and take $50 off your $300 purchase, $100 off $500, and so on up the ladder.

gold & citrus:  i have to say, i’m quite enjoying this jewelry designer’s modern take on gems.  this is a cyber monday deal i’m keeping for myself.  save 20% with code GOLDEN20 on some pretty fabulous statement necklaces.

christine mighion:  this is that gorgeous eco-friendly fine jewelry designer i introduced to you recently, and now it’s 30% off with code holiday09.

emily elizabeth jewelry:  another personal favorite of mine, these designs are just hip, fun and easy (not to mention perfectly priced for gifting!).  especially when you take another 25% off the marked price with code SAVE25.

tory burch:  really only a steal if you’re already in the market for something pricey.  but if you are, you can take 30% off orders over $300 with code TURKEY30.

levenger:  possibly the perfect store for gifting to bibliophiles, or just hyper-organized people like myself.  score 20% off through 12/2 with code MON92.

red envelope:  not my favorite for gifting, but it’s a good spot when you just don’t know what to get someone.  save 15% on a bevy of only moderately generic gift ideas with code 15FORYOU (through 12/3).

blurb:  if you’re feeling extra creative this season, a photo book from blurb is a great handmade gift that would take minimal effort on your part.  take 20% off an order made by 12/1 with code BLURBJOY (only on orders $39.95 and higher).

i’ll be taking the rest of this week off, and that means you’re on your own for black friday. something tells me the 600 emails you’ll get from your favorite retailers will tide you over, but just in case, this is a pretty excellent roundup of what’s planned for the big day. also, shopbop is having a spend/save event running friday through monday – the deal starts at $50 off $300, and goes up from there. use code GIFT4U to score the deal.

i’ll be back for “cyber monday,” which should be awesome this year, if my sources are correct. naturally, i’ll keep you posted.

for now, i’ll leave you with a few things i’ve been meaning to share, in the form of my mandatory packing list for this week:

i am oh-so-excited to brave the frozen tundra of my homeland this week, knowing i get to cozy up in the inhabit cardigan of my dreams. my love for the brand is well-documented, but this piece might get the coveted ‘favorite of all time’ title. you knew i was after a camel cardigan this fall, and this one is the winner. the color is really more caramel than camel, and has some amazing details – including two-tone detailing at the hem, rolled pockets, oversize cuffs, and just a generally toasty warm coziness i can’t get enough of. most definitely a worthy splurge in my book ($495 – yes, i know…), though i’d keep an eye on their site for cyber monday (hint, hint!).

i’ve been sorely in need of new basic tanks for the longest time, and haven’t been able to find something that was exactly what i wanted: a scoop neck that’s more alluring than athletic, high arm holes to ensure no unnecessary exposure, and a length long enough to work for layering under sweaters. tall order, i know. so, when i found the pure body tank at the gap the other day, i bought every color in the store. the fabric is fabulous – close-fitting and soft, without being overly clingy. and the price is definitely right: $10 each if you buy two or more. which, trust me, you should.

my skin always misbehaves when i head home. it’s so cold and dry there, i end up with scaly patches that are, well, unsightly at best. but my secret weapon this time around is foolproof. i’ve been besting clarins’ new multi-active day moisturizers, and i am so very pleased! the day cream is actually thicker than my night cream, which does an amazing job of guarding against winter winds. plus, it’s built for skin about my age (ahem), when wrinkle-reducing needs are just starting, but radiance is key. once i get home, i’ll switch to the lighter version that contains spf, but while i’m gone, i’ll rely on the heavy-duty version (adding my spf a la carte, of course – that’s a must!) to get me through the week unscathed.

and, last but definitely not least, i need a completely engrossing book to let me escape from everyone when i just can’t take another second of family time. i happen to have already finished this one, but philippa gregory’s latest, the white queen, definitely fits the bill. gregory’s books are my harry potter: guilty pleasures i thoroughly enjoy, and can’t wait to buy when a new one hits the stands. the white queen is back up to her earlier standards (after a couple of recent disappointments), and it looks to be the start to a new series about the war of the roses. it’s fantastic, and utterly guaranteed to whisk you away from even the loudest family fights.

and, with all of that, i’m packed and on my way – i’ll see you monday. happy, happy thanksgiving, everyone…and may your pants still fit on friday!

in keeping with the laziness, yes, this is the exact email gorjana sent me.  that studded leather wrap bracelet is pretty awesome, i have to admit – and the price, especially with the discount, is unreal.  and i’ve been completely in love with their gold stacking eternity rings (di-vine!!!) for ages…i wonder if this is a sign.  whatever you’re after, nab it today…the sale’s over at midnight!

happy weekend, all!

once again, i honed in on a piece in an email i received from tobi, and once again, it’s fabulous cashmere loveliness from vince.  which, sadly, translates to being way out of my budget ($245, in this case).  but wouldn’t this be the perfect understated holiday piece?  the burgundy is festive without being obvious, and the draping gives you the drama you’d normally look for from sequins or ruffles.

i’d pair this with a black pencil skirt or a tuxedo pant for a party, and feel absolutely confident in my chic alternative to the christmas sweater…but it’s also going to be killer with jeans and my tan suede boots in january.  hmm, if i’m lucky, maybe it will go on sale.