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!

Style: Meet Rebecca Minkoff + Sample Sale

Girls' Night Out at

Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale

Thursday, November 15th

5-8pm

Enjoy champagne, wine, and sweet treats.

Meet the designer (Rebecca Minkoff) from 5:30-6pm

260 Fifth Avenue

between 28th and 29th Streets

Events: Holiday Shopping Event at L'Occitane

L'Occitane Holiday Shopping Event

All Day, Thursday, November 15th, 2012

NYC locations. Call your local shop to RSVP.

What: personalized service, exclusive gift wrapping, hors d'oeuvres & drinks from the South of France, bag of treats, contest to win a $150 gift basket

Locations: 86th St & Lex, Madison @ 80th St, Third Ave @ 69th St, Third Ave @ 65th St, Broadway @ 83rd St, Columbus @ 69th St, Time Warner @ Columbus Circle, 5th Ave @ Flatiron, Times Square @ Broadway, Rockefeller Center, Grand Central @ Lexington Passage, Soho @ Spring St, Meatpacking @ 14th St, Bleecker St

Foodie: FREE Holiday Drinks at Starbucks

Starbucks

Rekindle Sharing Event

Buy one holiday drink, get one for free.*

* Of equal or lesser value.

Thurs., November 15th - Sun., November 18th

2-5pm ONLY

Enjoy holiday favorites like Caramel Brulee Lattes, Peppermint Mochas, and Gingerbread Lattes!

Lilly Pulitzer Holiday-Resort Warehouse Sale

It's that special time of year again!

Twice per year, Lilly Pulitzer hosts a warehouse / sample sale near their headquarters in King of Prussia, PA. These are the biggest discounts on Lilly Pulitzer items I have ever seen! Items include: Women's Apparel, Jewelry, Accessories, Shoes, Stationery, Children's Apparel, and all of those goodies that were offered as Gifts with Purchase throughout the year. Savings are up to 70% OFF and the size selection is excellent. To read more about my experience at the last Lilly Pulitzer Warehouse Sale and to see what I bought (including prices & photos), click HERE.

SAVE THE DATE:

Lilly Pulitzer Holiday-Resort Warehouse Sale

Friday, November 30th from 7am to 8pm

Saturday, December 1st from 8am to 4pm

Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

100 Station Avenue, Oaks, PA 19456

All sales are final.

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, & checks accepted.

www.lillypulitzer.com/warehousesale

Sale of the Day: 25% OFF Vineyard Vines

Vineyard Vines

25% OFF Everything

Men's, Women's, & Kids' Styles

Online & In-Store

Use the code: "pinkwhale"

Ends Monday 11:59pm PT

Here are a few of my favorite Vineyard Vines items:

Vineyard Vines Sale by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

Holiday Gift Guide 1: BBW Candles

Bath & Body Works scented candles come in three different sizes: Mini, Small, and 3-Wick. The Small and 3-Wick size candles come with luxurious gold tone and silver tone metal lids.

The mini sizes are particularly great for trying out a new scent yourself. The small sizes are great for seasonal scents (like Pumpkin Cupcake) which you'd like to keep around for the holidays and store for the rest of the year but might not want to burn all year round. The 3-wick sizes make the perfect gifts. At the 2 for $20 price, they look like a lot more than $10 and scream quality and luxury.

In case you missed it, here's my Influenster Beauty Blogger VoxBox video in which I discuss all of the Bath & Body Works mini and 3-wick candles I received & purchased (5 in total):



My Fave Scents: Leaves, Peppermint Mocha, Hot Apple Toddy, Cider Lane, Pumpkin Cupcake, & Moonlight Path
Individual Prices: Mini Candles ($3.50), Small Candles ($10), 3-Wick Candles ($20)
Deals: 2 Mini Candles for $5 (normally $3.50 each, shop the sale HERE), 2 Three-Wick Candles for $20 (normally $20 each, shop the sale HERE)

BBW Candles by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

* I received a Pumpkin Cupcake scented Mini Candle for free from Influenster for testing purposes.

Sale of the Day: 25% OFF Sale Items at Kate Spade

Kate Spade

25% OFF All Sale Items Online

Use code "NOV12SALE" at checkout.

Ends Monday, November 5th at 11:59 PT.

FREE Ground Shipping.

Shop the sale HERE.

Sale of the Day: Buying $10 BaubleBar Earrings = $10 to Hurricane Sandy Relief

Giving is always in style!

For every $10 Buried Bauble that is purchased today, BaubleBar will donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts for Hurricane Sandy. 

Today's Buried Baubles are the "Sparkle Sun Studs" normally $26, now $10. They are available in: gold, silver, black, and hematite. Shipping is FREE for all BaubleBar purchases.

Have a look at all of them below & click to purchase:

Bauble Bar for Hurricane Relief by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

Events: FREE Weekend at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden has just re-opened after Hurricane Sandy! To celebrate, they are offering FREE Admission and special programming today (Friday) through Sunday. 

The Botanic Garden closes at 4:30pm every day and can be reached by taking the 2/3/B/Q/4/5. Check the MTA's website for updates on these subway lines.