Where to Shop: Christmas Eve in NYC

#1: Grand Central Holiday Fair

Be sure to check out the Erwin Pearl booth. They have an exclusive line of licensed fashion jewelry commemorating the 100th anniversary of Grand Central Terminal. Imagine gorgeous bangles highlighting the celestial ceiling, necklaces featuring its noble eagle statuettes, elegant cufflinks that adorn the terminal's famous insignia, and of course...locomotives! This limited edition collection has something for everyone - true collectibles. Preview it online HERE.

Location: Grand Central Terminal (42nd St & Lexington)

Hours: 10am - 6pm

#2: Goldstar (Discounted Tickets)

The possibilities are endless: see the Rockettes this weekend, catch a Broadway show (Elf, The Heiress, Spiderman, & more!) or a comedy show, visit the Botanic Garden's Holiday Train Show, have dinner & watch a cover band perform, go to a Nets or Mets game, watch the New York City Ballet, and SO much more! All the tickets are sold through Goldstar at exclusive discounted prices and will bring a huge smile to their recipient on Christmas morning!

Location: http://www.goldstar.com/new-york/events

Hours: 24/7!

#3: The Bar at BaubleBar

Window shop online HERE beforehand and pick out what you'd like. Then, check out the gorgeous jewels IN PERSON at prices that won't break the bank!

Location: 230 Fifth Avenue, Suite 610

Hours: 10am - 5pm

#4: Alice + Olivia Sample Sale

The sample sale has been extended! Snag up to 70% off w/ further markdowns on designer apparel through the 26th. Details HERE.

Location: 260 Fifth Avenue (28th / 29th Streets)

It's Not Too Late! FREE Shipping for Xmas!

A bit of a slacker? A busy year? No worries. We've got you covered. There are still many sites that are offering FREE guaranteed shipping by Christmas or Christmas Eve! 

Here's a list of a few of your best bets:

-- ENDING *TOMORROW* --

Kate Spade

FREE CHRISTMAS EVE DELIVERY

Ends Thursday, December 20th at 4pm ET

Macy's

FREE CHRISTMAS DELIVERY ON ORDERS $99+
Ends Thursday, December 20th at 11:59pm ET
Macy's will issue you a gift card of up to $100 value if your gift arrives late for any reason.

Bloomingdale's
FREE DELIVERY
Ends Thursday, December 20th
Unclear if guaranteed delivery by Christmas.

-- ENDING *FRIDAY* --

Lord & Taylor

FREE CHRISTMAS EVE DELIVERY ON ORDERS $99+

Ends Friday, December 21st at 2pm ET
Extra 20% OFF all regular & sale items w/ code "HURRY".

Nordstrom
FREE CHRISTMAS EVE DELIVERY
Ends Friday, December 21st at 3pm ET
Don't like it? Free returns too!

-- ENDING *SATURDAY* --

Saks Fifth Avenue
FREE CHRISTMAS DELIVERY
Ends Saturday, December 22nd at 4pm ET
Enter code "HOLIDAY" at checkout.
Free gift box & bow AND free returns!

Events: Alice + Olivia Sample Sale Starts 12/18!

Alice + Olivia Sample Sale

Up to 70% OFF!

260 Sample Sales

260 Fifth Avenue between 28th + 29th Streets

Tuesday, December 18th - Saturday, December 22nd

All sales are final.

Tuesday: 9am-7pm | Wednesday & Thursday: 10am-8pm

Friday: 10am-7pm | Saturday: 10am-4pm

Last Minute Online Xmas Sales! Today Only!

Today is an excellent day to grab those last-minute Christmas gifts! For many retailers, today is THE LAST DAY for guaranteed Christmas delivery. Many of them are also offering FREE SHIPPING + some fantastic DISCOUNTS. Check out a few of the offers I've collected for you below:

Birchbox: 30% OFF select gift sets (view the list HERE) w/ code "giftsets30". Order by Noon ET on 12/19 + FREE Shipping on orders $25+.

Bloomingdales: 25-50% OFF select merchandise + FREE Shipping 

Gap: 35% OFF everything w/ code "GAPGIVE" end today + FREE Shipping until 12/19. Order by 12/19.

Garnet Hill: 30% off EVERYTHING (including Lilly Pulitzer bedding & home) + FREE Shipping

GiGi New York: FREE Shipping + 10% OFF everything w/ code "FREESHIPPING"+ For every $100 you spend, you get a gift of your choice (see included gifts HERE)

Jack Rogers: 50% OFF Rogers Slim Ballet Flat in 4 colors (now $99) + FREE Shipping

Last Call by Neiman Marcus: Extra 20-50% OFF everything + FREE 2-Day Shipping on orders $75+ w/ code "LCSEND"

LOFT Ann Taylor: 40% OFF everything w/ code "COLOR" + FREE Shipping on $125+. Order by 12/19.

Macy's: Extra 20% OFF nearly everything ends tonight + FREE Shipping on $99+ w/ code "GIFT". Order by 12/20. 

Old Navy: 20% OFF + FREE Shipping on $50+ w/ code "ONHURRY" ends 12/19. Order by 12/19.

Scoop NYC: 25% OFF everything + FREE Shipping w/ code "FRIEND25"

Also, FREE SHIPPING at:

ASOS - Free Express Shipping today only w/ code "USEXPRESS4XMAS" | Bath & Body Works - On orders $25+ w/ code "FREE25SHIP" | Barneys New York - Order by tomorrow for Free 2-day Shipping | Bauble Bar - Order by TODAY at 11:59 ET | Century21 - On orders $75+ | Cuddledown - Order by TODAY Midnight ET w/ code "FSCD12" | Dormify - On orders $25+ | DVF Diane von Furstenberg - Order by TODAY | Erwin Pearl - Free Ground Shipping or $8 OFF 2-3 Day Shipping w/ code "Eightoff" | Hunter Boot - Order by 12/18 at 2pm ET | Fab - On Orders $75+ | JCP JC Penney - Order by TODAY for free shipping. No minimum. Xmas delivery until 12/19 | J.McLaughlin - Order by TODAY for Xmas delivery. Offer until 12/24 | L'Occitane - On Orders $50+ | Piperlime - No minimum order. Ends 12/19 | Tommy Hilfiger - Order by TODAY 11:59 ET | Tory Burch - Order by TODAY at 11:59pm PT | Ulta - On orders $25. Order by TODAY w/ code "Holiday2012" | Walmart - Order by TODAY

Christmas Gifts for Girls on ANY Budget!

For many online retailers, Monday (December 17th) is the last day to place an order for guaranteed shipping by Christmas Eve. Hurry - there's still time to snag those last minute gifts! 

Here are my must-haves that meet all different budgets: Under $25, Under $50, and Under $80. Which items will YOU be placing under the tree?

Gifts Under $25

Gifts Under $25 for Girls by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

Gifts Under $50

Gifts Under $50 for Girls by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

Gifts Under $80

Gifts Under $80 for Girls by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

Christmas Gifts: Blogger Style for the Fashionista

Here's a personal peek into my life to see what a fashion blogger actually wants / gets for the holidays. 

Perhaps you'll get some holiday gift ideas for the fashionista in YOUR life - nearly everything under $100!

Key staples include:

- A novelty sweater

- A trendy iPhone 5 case (designer or graphic prints)

- Unique baubles (bright, bejeweled, or clunky!)

- TV box sets on Blu-ray (loving Downton Abbey!)

- Embellished smoking flats (<3 Jon Josef shoes!)

- The Neiman Marcus x Target Collection

- Metallic and/or brocade pants

- Tops & sweaters with embellished collars

- Whimsical designer totes

Which item from my list below is 

YOUR must-have for the holidays?

My (Actual) Holiday Shopping Bag by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

Events: Diane von Furstenberg Sample Sale

Diane von Furstenberg (DVF) Sample Sale

Up to 70% OFF

Starts TOMORROW Tuesday, December 11th!

at 260 Sample Sales

260 Fifth Avenue @ E 27th / 28th Streets

12/11 - 12/14

Tuesday: 9am-6:30pm

Wednesday: 10am-8pm

Thursday: 10am-7pm

Friday: 9am-3pm

I've found some great deals at 260 Sample Sale's DVF Sales in the past so be sure to stop by if you'd love some classic wrap dresses & more for the holidays!

My Holiday Gift Guide is featured on HavetoHave.com + Contest to Win $500!

Check out my Holiday Gift Guide, which is featured on social shopping site Have to Have's homepage today! 

Competition: When you view the full list (27 items!), please click on the hearts in the upper left hand corner of each photo to vote for/save your fave items. You can also do this by hitting "Save" while viewing any individual item. If one of the items you save turns out to be the most saved from my list during their holiday campaign, you could win $500 courtesy of Have to Have!

Here's a sneak peek:

Small Gifts, Big Smiles: $10 & Under Budget

It's the little things in life that really count - and given that, we know you'll have lots of occasions to give small gifts this season! It can be pretty tricky to figure out what gifts to stretch out over 8 nights of Hanukkah, what to give your co-workers or secret santa, what bring to the white elephant gift exchange, or how to stuff those giant stockings on the fireplace.

Here are a few of my fave finds for guys and girls. You won't believe that everything is just $10 or less! Amaze your friends and family and watch your money stretch farther than you imagined :)

For Girls:

Small Gifts, Big Smiles - Everything $10 or Less! by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

Click through the carousel above to view 

all 66 items for girls!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For Guys:

Small Gifts, Big Smiles - Everything $10 or Less FOR GUYS! by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

Click through the carousel above to view 

all 23 items for guys!

Events: C.Wonder & People StyleWatch Party

A Holiday Shopping Party Hosted by:

C. Wonder & People StyleWatch

Thursday, December 6th: 7-9pm

C.Wonder, The Shops at Columbus Circle, Level 2

Meet People StyleWatch editors Susan Kaufman & Kate Dimmock, enjoy 20% off your purchase at C.Wonder, get free monogramming on purchases, and enjoy festive holiday treats!

RSVP: TimeWarnerEvents@CWonder.com

Events: Shoshanna Sample Sale Today & Tomorrow

Shoshanna Sample Sale

Wednesday, Dec. 5th: 10am-6:30pm

Thursday, Dec. 6th: 10am-6pm

231 West 39th Street, Suite 422

Up to 75% off dresses, swimwear, and separates.

Cash and Credit Cards accepted.

Please leave a comment below if you've visited the sale. 

I'd love to hear some updates about it!

12 Days of Holidays: What 2 Wear 2 the Party

'Tis the season of office parties, 8 nights of Hanukkah, tree trimmings, & so much more. You'll need to get your wardrobe stocked with versatile party attire for this season's social calendar! 

Which outfit are YOU dying to wear?
Cast your vote in the 
comments section: #1-12!

12 Days of Holidays: What to Wear to the Party! by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

Reader Poll: What do YOU Have to Have for the Holidays? Cast your vote!

Cast your vote below for what  YOU have to have for the holidays!
To check out my ultimate holiday gift guides  for guys and girls, click HERE.

Style: Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collab

The Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection will be hitting both stores at 8am today (Saturday, Dec. 1st) and at some point this morning on their respective websites. Update [2am EST 12/1/12]: The full collection is now available for purchase online at Target.com.

The collection includes gifts designed by 24 famous names (hence, #Holiday24) with most items priced at under $60. A few of the designers include: Diane von Furstenberg, Tory Burch, Prabal Gurung, Lela Rose, Oscar de la Renta, Alice & Olivia, Robert Rodriguez, and Rag & Bone.

Here are a few of my fave holiday gift ideas 

from the upcoming collection:

Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

St. Andrew's Day: Mad About Plaid

Happy St. Andrew's Day (that's the day celebrating the patron saint of Scotland for those of us on this side of the pond)! In honor of James Bond, Sean Connery, Andy Murray, & William Wallace (aka Braveheart)'s homeland, I've gathered together some of my fave plaid items of the season. 

Plaid is the PERFECT choice for a family holiday gathering and is often used to decorate the warmest winter clothes. Which pick from my edit is YOUR favorite?

Mad About Plaid by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guides for Girls & Guys on Have to Have!

If you haven't checked out social shopping website Have to Have this holiday season, you should! It's the most user-friendly way to create online shopping lists, wish lists, and to shop & share the "registry-style" wish lists of friends and family. Just add the bookmarklet tool to your web browser, click on it on ANY retailer's website, and add the item to a list. You can then share the items and/or lists via e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, and more. It's THAT easy.

It's also great for viewing other members' lists. For this reason, I've edited for you a carefully curated list of all the best little holiday gifts out there this season. I also know that, as a woman, it can be especially difficult to find great gifts for the men in your life - fathers, brothers, boyfriends, etc. So, I've created a list for these lovely gentlemen too. Just click below to check out the full lists (about 18 items each!) & click on any individual item to make a purchase or add it to YOUR wish list on Have to Have.

Style: BEST Cyber Monday Sales

Amrita Singh - 50% off site-wide with code "BLACK12FS" + FREE SHIPPING
ASOS - 30% off site-wide w/ code "CYBERMONDAYSPECIAL" + FREE SHIPPING
Bath & Body Works - 25% off site-wide with code "CYBER2012"
BaubleBar - FREE gift of your choice with every purchase over $40
e.l.f - 50% off site-wide on orders of $25+ with code "50WIDE"
Fornash - 50% off the entire Modern Monogram Collection with code "MOD12"
Furbish Studio - 20% off site-wide with code "CYBER20"
Humble Chic - 20% off site-wide with code "CYBER-CHIC" + FREE TOTE BAG
Jack Rogers - $82.50 for all college & sorority colored sandals + FREE SHIPPING
Jayes Studio - 40% off site-wide with "CYBER2012"
Karen Millen - 20% off site-wide with code "MONDAY20"
Kate Spade - Up to 75% off select merchandise
Lord & Taylor - 25% off nearly everything online with code "CYBER" (includes sale)
Mango - 30% off site-wide with code "5CYBERMNG"
Old Navy - 30% off with code "CYBER" (offer good for GAP & Banana Republic too!)
Salmon Cove - 25% off with code "cybermonday" + FREE SHIPPING
Tibi - 20% off site-wide with code "CYBER2012" (includes sale)
Tommy Hilfiger - 40% off site-wide with code "THCYBERMON40"
Ulta - Holiday sale on select merchandise + FREE SHIPPING on orders $25+ w/ code "HOLIDAY2012" + FREE beauty bag w/ 15 samples of your choice on orders $35+

Hey Crawley ladies! OpOpOpa Downton Style!

To the delight of many fans, Downton Abbey will be returning to PBS for Season 3 on January 6, 2013. For those of you who can't wait to get your Crawley fix, what better fashion inspiration than this utterly stylish noble family?

There is definitely a huge wave of 1910's-1920's inspired clothing and accessories that would also make Rose Dawson and Jay Gatsby jump for joy. Get your inner flapper girl on with these fantastic finds and let's grab some mint juleps and dance the jitterbug!

I'm loving the bead embellished clutches and dresses, tapestry and velvet shoes, art-deco inspired jewelry, lacy high-collar tops, and chandelier earrings.

Which Crawley sister's style inspires YOU?

Downton Abbey Style by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

Style: A Knack for Orange & Black!

Orange and black are NOT just for Halloween! They are a fierce combo that can brighten up any dreary fall/winter wardrobe. I've edited a list of several stylish items that will help create gorgeous outfits all season long. 

Which one is YOUR must-have?

A Knack for Orange & Black! by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

Holiday Gift Guide 3: Novelty Sweaters

Novelty sweaters are THE hottest trend of A/W 2012, as made popular by hot brands like J.Crew, C.Wonder, Mulberry, and Joie! They really cute and look great on everyone. Hurry - I've noticed many styles are selling out!

Here are a few gift ideas to meet every budget:

Novelty Sweaters by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

Holiday Gift Guide 2: InstaWATCH

I just heard about InstaWATCH on one of my fave blogs, I Heart Heels, and had to check it out for myself! InstaWATCH by May 28th allows you to design your own personalized wristwatch from any of your Instagram photos. (You can also upload other photos to use.) After you've selected and adjusted your fave photo, you then have a selection of 14 different watch band colors. All of the watches retail for $44. Buy it HERE.

They'd make a really fantastic personalized gift for everyone you know, friends or family. I had a lot of fun playing around with different designs using my Instagram pics of food, cartoons, painted murals, and department store displays. The possibilities are truly endless! 

Which one of my designs would YOU wear?

[Click image to enlarge]

Boots No.7 Beautiful Skin USA Beauty Products

I recently received samples of the Boots No.7 Beautiful Skin products (available at Target among other places). My skin is naturally very dry so I was sent the Dry / Very Dry formula. After just one evening of using the Cleansing Balm + Night Cream, I noticed a huge difference. My skin felt significantly more hydrated. The Cleansing Balm also did a great job of removing all of my makeup, even thick black gel eyeliner! I just HAD to write up my very positive review of these products because they are without a doubt some of the best beauty products I have ever used. If you have dry skin like me, definitely try these out!

In case you missed it, here's my Influenster Beauty Blogger VoxBox video in which I discuss the Boots No.7 products I received:

 

* I received a sample sized Boots No. 7  Beautiful Skin Cleansing Balm & Night Cream for free from Influenster for testing purposes.

Style: Mustaches for Movember

As you may know, November is Prostate and Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. To spread awareness and raise money for the cause, many men across the USA and the world participate in "Movember". Throughout the month of November participants grow out there facial hair compete against one another for the best groomed mustache.

In honor of these festivities and this very worthy cause, I've pulled together some of the best mustache motifs in fashion for your shopping pleasure - everything from velvet smoking slippers to pillow cases. It's a great way for ladies to show their support and sense of humor! Enjoy!

Moustaches for Movember by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

Style: Tibi Sample Sale Ends Tomorrow

Tibi Sample Sale

Up to 70% OFF

Wednesday, November 14th, 12pm-8pm

Thursday, November 15th, 10am-8pm

Friday, November 16th, 9am-3pm

348 W. 36th Street (Between 8th & 9th Ave)

212-290-5306

Additional discounts on days 2 & 3.

#tibisamplesale 

I went to the Tibi Sample Sale today (Thursday) and really enjoyed what I found. The collection was quite limited but the prices were good. Pants had been marked down further to $65 but I did not see any additional mark-downs from the prices listed below:

Sample Tops $50, Sample Pants $50, Sample Skirts $40, Sample Day Dresses $100, Sample Knits $50, Sample Jackets $75, Sample Coats $150, Sample Cocktail Dresses $125, Damaged Samples $25, Sample Long Dresses $150, Stock Long Dresses $200, Stock Coats $200, Stock Cocktail Dresses $175, Stock Day Dresses $125, Stock Jackets $150, Stock Tops $75, Stock Knits / Sweaters $75, Stock Pants $65, Stock Skirts $65, Fall Shoes $25 (Boots were $50?)

I was looking for a short party dress for a wedding and while they had a few (very limited), there was nothing that fit particularly nicely. You'll have much better luck if you're looking for pants or skirts. There was also a very limited supply of long dresses, shorts, shoes, coats, and knitwear. Some good deals could be found by rummaging through the sample bins. However, most of what I tried on from the bins was a sample for a reason - it grabbed in strange places / was not flattering.

There is one large communal dressing room with several mirrors. The sale accepts credit cards and all sales are FINAL. You get a free tote bag with any purchase of $250+. They will also give you a 20% OFF coupon to use tomorrow if you shop today. The sales ladies said that they might be getting some more items in tomorrow; however, it wouldn't be much (and as I said, it was a pretty limited supply).

My suggestion: Go as soon as you can AND mainly if you are looking for printed silk pants or skirts. I snagged one of each for just $105!