Shopping Tips Online

They were in, they were out, then they were way out. You probably deny ever having had a pair. But pull them out of the back of the closet – UGGs are back, baby. The sheepskin boots out of Australia are selling like hotcakes again, according to this article on Newsday.com.

So, I hopped on over to the company’s official website and checked out some of their new styles. Of course, the old favorites are still extremely popular, but they do have some fresh looks that aren’t so, well, UGGish. Like these boots with decorative buckles ($400), and some cute driving mocs that come in several colors ($90). And guys, don’t feel left out, they have some boots just for you, like these Arapahoes that retail for $185.

So, go for the classics, or something new, but if you want to be back in the IN crowd, get yourself (another) pair of UGGs.

UGG, Australia, Sheepskin, Boots

I scoured the Internet to find 10 unusual stocking stuffers for around 10 bucks. There is still time with most online vendors to order and receive by Christmas without additional shipping costs. So, get out there and get those stockings stuffed with something fun on the cheap!

1. Printed Nalgene water bottle from L.L.Bean.

2. Medium tortoiseshell claw clip from J.Crew. (Sale: 25% off 3 or more.)

3. Mini Multi Tool from Cabela’s. (Sale: buy one get one free.)

4. Rudolph Lip Balm Set from Fred Flare. (Okay, who wouldn’t love these?)

5. Dog “Manikin” from Blick Art Materials ($9.95).

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It was a Christmas crisis. A handbag headache. A purse problem. A delivery dilemma! Here’s the story:

Unlike most guys, my friend Greg (not his real name) had ordered a handbag for his girlfriend weeks ago. He was feeling pretty good about himself, too, I might add.

He chose a very cute Fossil Sedona II Shopper, which retails for $138. But today, the unthinkable happened. He got an email that said that they weren’t able to fill his order because of inventory problems. So, he emailed me, and we were on the hunt. The original bag was 12�? x 8�? x 5�?, so he wanted to stay close to that size, but he was willing to go up in price if he had to. It was all about getting his girlfriend something nice, after all. (Sorry ladies, he’s taken.)

So, I found some that were similar.

From Coach, the Hamptons Pebbled Leather Book Tote. Simple, classic lines, with a bit more detailing than his original choice. Retail price $378.

My second find was from Kate Spade – the Wellesley Quinn, in boarskin, for $365. This bag was almost too simple for me, but seemed similar in feel to Greg’s original choice.

In the meantime, Greg emailed a bag he saw on Macy’s site, this The Sak Modern Classics Leather Shopper, retail $99. He agreed with my assessment: it’s a nice bag, but it doesn’t have the youthful feel of the Fossil he chose originally. Nice bag, just a bit too “mature” looking. So, we kept going.

My next find was also from Macy’s, this Tignanello “Santa Cruz” Multicompartment Tote, which had a sale price of $104.99. He liked it, but ultimately, he chose

the Tignanello “Newport” Small Tote, for an unbelievable sale price of $55.99. This bag is smaller overall than the Fossil, but it has adorable detailing, and a much richer look than many bags in that price range.

If you’re looking for a black tote for your girlfriend, or anyone on your list, check these out. In a range of prices and personalities, you’ll find something that will work.

So, crisis averted. The perfect present was procured. Greg comes out smelling like a rose, and saves money at the same time!

Fossil, Coach, Kate Spade, Macy’s, Dillards, Tignanello, Handbags

There are two kinds of people in the world. Keepers. And returners.

I am a keeper. I don’t care how much I hate the carved wood kitty cat ring holder Aunt Edna gave me, I will never, ever return it. I will try to make it work in several rooms, on my dressing table, and even next to the kitchen sink. But eventually, those beady little eyes will get to me and the thing will go in a box in the garage to either be regifted (unlikely), sold in a garage sale (doubtful) or to be moved from one residence to the next until someone, years from now, will have to deal with it after my ultimate demise. Maybe by then it will be in style.

I know returners. There are days I WISH I were one of you! To return with no guilt, no remorse. That must be a very freeing feeling. If a gift receipt isn’t included in the package, these returners make an educated guess and take the item to the most likely store in an attempt to return or exchange. Mostly they are successful.

Keepers fear returners are returning their gifts. Keepers put a lot of thought into each gift, trying to reduce the chance of its being returned. Returners don’t care a whole lot. After all, “if she doesn’t like it she can always exchange it,” they say.

Keepers are in the majority, but barely. According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, 37.6% of consumers will return some part of their gifts after the holidays. Doing the math here, that means that one of every three people I will give gifts to will make a return. Sigh. Oh bother.

Check out the article for some helpful tips on returns and exchanges after Christmas. Probably the most useful one is to ask for a gift receipt. Most retailers provide them, and they’re easy enough to tuck into the package with the gift.

(By the way, if the ring holder appeals to you, it can be found at colorfulcritters.com and retails for $9.99. I’m not kidding.)

So, are you a keeper or a returner?

Returning Gifts, Christmas Gifts, Return Policies, Gift Receipts, Cat Ring Holder

My recent run in with a pair of pantyhose reminded me why it is the advice of most fashion editors like Alison Deyette at Style Bakery to SKIP these torture devices. Fresh out of the package the extra-sheer black pantyhose seemed to have little picks in them. “It will be dark in there,” I thought, and kept pulling. There was a black line running all the way around my leg just above the knee. “The skirt will cover it up,” I thought, and kept pulling. Adjusting the top of the pantyhose required more pulling, because they were bunching and twisting around my thighs. “Almost there,” I thought and then RIP! A huge run down the front of the leg to the shin. The brand new pair of pantyhose went into the wastebasket, and I said a few choice words.

This is why I hate pantyhose. But, I am apparently not the only one. An article today in The Arizona Republic (free quick registration required) reports that sales of hosiery has been on the decline for over 10 years. According to the report, Hanesbrands reported a 68% drop in sales from 1995 to 2006 – from $895 million to just $290 million.

So, here is my list of the five things pantyhose are really good for.

1. Halloween – bank robber costume
2. Homemaking – mothball holder
3. Bug collecting – bug house roof
4. Crafts – stuffing for toys
5. Cleaning – buff away scuffs on your shoes

Believe it or not, there are a lot of online resources that will show you other exciting (?) things you can do with old or new pantyhose. Because Lord knows we don’t want to actually wear them!

(Shown above are Hanes: Silk Reflections Transparent Sheer To Waist Pantyhose $8.95 at barenecessities.com.)

Pantyhose, Hanes, Hanesbrands, Uses for Pantyhose

Are you feeling the pressure yet? There are only 14 days until Christmas! The National Retail Federation did a poll of 76 online retailers regarding deadlines for shipping orders guaranteed to be received by Christmas day. Here’s the breakdown:

December 14 or earlier – 23%
December 15 - 17 – 32%
December 18 or 19 – 39%
December 20 or later – 6%

So, your best bet will be to get your orders placed within the next 7 days!

Online Ordering, Guaranteed Delivery by Christmas, National Retail Federation

Sigh. For a woman, it’s wonderful. For a guy, it’s probably just the most confusing thing ever. You have entered the phase where a gift is expected. Guys, I’m here to help you out. To make it easy, let’s limit the shopping to one online retailer, J.Crew.

Stage 1 – We’re in L…L…Like?

You are not ready for jewelry or lingere, right? And you need a gift that puts you in a positive light. Go for something that says you’re not a tightwad, you have good taste, and you care about keeping her adorable little ears warm. Cashmere hat, scarf and/or gloves. All three will set you back $148. If you want to spend a little less, at least get the scarf for $68.

Stage 2 – She’s My Girlfriend and I Don’t Care Who Knows It
By now you know a lot about this woman, so this gift needs to be about HER. You expect to drop some cash, so brace yourself. A gorgeous leather bag, suited to her work/style/personality might be the ticket. This one is particularly nice and will fit everything she needs. It’s $325. But, you will score major points for a gift like this.

Stage 3 – I May Occasionally Call Her My Old Lady
You’ve made it to the “serious” stage, which varies from couple to couple. Essentially you are “in love.” Yeah you! You’ve probably made it through a lot of gift giving opportunities already, so at this point you’re just looking for ideas. If you have the money and the wherewithal, I recommend this gorgeous shawl collar cashmere sweater. At $498 it’s extravagent, yes. But isn’t she worth it?

Of course these are broad, sweeping generalizations. Only you know where you are in your relationship. Maybe you are in the “Single Malt Scotch” phase, or maybe you are in the “Airplane DVD” phase.

Whatever stage you’re in don’t sweat it. If you need suggestions, talk to a good woman friend, or leave me a comment and I’ll make a suggestion. Don’t worry, women never run out of ideas for gifts we’d like to get!

Gift Giving, Guys, Relationships, J.Crew, Cashmere, Leather Bags, Hats, Scarves, Gloves, Sweaters

The letter usually started like this:

Dear Santa. I have been a very, very good girl this year.

Then came the list. Some years long, some years short. Always specific. (Sidebar: Why, if Santa knew when I was sleeping and knew when I was awake, did he NOT know what I wanted for Christmas? Discuss.) Of course I eventually realized that the list was being intercepted by mom, who processed the order.

Are lists still necessary? In an informal survey among my friends and co-workers, there was no definite answer. Some say yes. Some say no. What are the pros and cons of making a list?

Pro-List
• A list guarantees that you will get things you need and want
• A list reduces the odds of having to return or exchange a gift
• A list helps the gift giver, saving them time and frustration

Anti-List
• A list means that the giver isn’t familiar with the recipient’s hobbies or interests
• A list limits the giver’s creativity
• No list means you’ll be surprised (for better or worse)

Online wish lists are gaining in popularity. (more…)

My niece is a princess, which makes her one tough little customer, just like her Aunt Polly. So, when she says she wants an alarm clock for Christmas, she doesn’t mean just any old alarm clock. She means a PRINCESS alarm clock, and PINK.

After quite a bit of research online, I located THE Disney®Princess Clock Radio for Miss Thing, at Best Buy.

I clicked, I bought. There was plenty of time, so I specified regular ground shipping, which they say is 4-8 business days. I received an email confirmation of my order, which was placed at 8:45 a.m. on December 4th. The clock arrived on my desk before 10 a.m. on December 5th! With NO additional shipping charges!

I don’t know what makes me so special, except that I have a princess for a niece. All I know is that Best Buy won my online business, and I get the Best Aunt Ever award. All with one easy click!

Best Buy, Disney Princess, Shipping, Online Shopping

Tiffany & Co. announced today that they will partner with Luxottica Group to design, manufacture and distribute ophthalmic and sun eyewear under the Tiffany name. Luxottica has co-branded eyewear for Donna Karan, Prada, Versace and Polo Ralph Lauren among others. Set for release in ‘08, is will be the first time Tiffany has marketed luxury eyewear.

Tiffany & Co., Luxottica, eyewear, glasses, sunglasses

I try to stay in touch with what’s new, hip and happening, but sometimes my life gets in the way. Of course, this wonderful thing we call The Internet can keep us informed, but there is a lot of dodgy advice out there.

The two gold standards in finding what’s hot in books and music have been around forever – New York Times Best Seller List and The Billboard Hot 100.

So, I’ll be checking out the #1 book in Paperback Advice 2, 4, 6, 8, by Rachael Ray for my sister-in-law (although I would LOVE to get this myself!), and the #1 book in Hardcover Fiction, CROSS, by James Patterson, looks like something The Bob would enjoy.

When it comes to music, #1 this week is Akon Featuring Snoop Dogg – I Wanna Love You. Huh. I guess I need to crawl out from under my rock and start listening to music, since this has been on the list for 9 weeks running.

Want to look smart and in-the-know? Check out the best best seller’s lists!

New York Times Best Seller List, Billboard Hot 100, Books, Music

Since 1962, Havaianas (pronounced ah-vai-YAH-nas) have been the coolest flip flops going. They are made from a special rubber formula that makes them feel terrific on your feet. Now they can make you feel good in another way. Style West, the exclusive U.S. distributor of Havaianas Sandals will donate $1 for every pair purchased from this site to the Autism Research Institute. With styles for men, women and kids, I think these would make an awesome stocking stuffer! Not only that, you’d be helping the 1 in 166 kids who are affected by autism. Flip on over there and check them out!

Sandals, Charity, Autisim Research Institute, Havaianas

All you need is a gallon of milk and a head of lettuce, but you DREAD the grocery. The parking is a mess, everyone is in a hurry and it’s just like facing a firing squad.

This time of year, any shopping trip is more and more of a struggle. It’s as if everyone has been turned loose and it’s a free-for-all. I try to stay away from the places I know will just be upsetting, but the reality is that we still have our usual shopping that must be done, so there’s no way around it. I have some ideas for how to deal with the crush this time of year.

1. Don’t try to rush. Everything takes longer now, so just accept it. Trying to rush will only make everything seem like it’s moving in slow motion.
2. Don’t try to find the closest parking spot. You will probably actually save time parking further away than waiting for a spot closer to the door.
3. Multi task. If you can do your banking, your grocery shopping and pick up your prescriptions all in one trip, go for it. Take advantage of what your grocery has to offer in terms of other services, too, like dry cleaning drop-off or mailing centers.
4. Make a list. This shows up on every shopping tips list for a reason. It works. Floundering through the store trying to remember what you need is frustrating enough – wait until you get home and realize you forgot the one thing you went for in the first place, a gallon of milk.
5. Smile at people. Studies have shown that smiling actually improves your health and your mood. Smile at the clerk at the grocery. Smile at the person in line at the drug store. According to Daniel H. Johnston, Ph.D., Macon, Georgia, “Forcing yourself to smile may work almost as well as laughing, at least, for changing your mood. Putting a big smile on your face sends a message to your brain that things are – okay. If you are smiling, your brain thinks, ‘I must be happy.’ You can fool yourself into feeling good by smiling.” Even if you don’t feel like smiling, try it.

Holiday Shopping, Stress, Grocery Shopping, Smiling

Seriously what were our parents thinking? Wrapping up socks and putting them under the tree, as IF they were a real gift from Santa? Oh, comeon now!

Is there a way to make the uncool gift cool? The answer is yes.

Socks. Check out Amazing Socks. No, really, there is an online retailer that specializes in “amazing socks.”

Let’s say your sister-in-law is a serious runner. How about some Injinji Tetrasok Running Quarter Toe Socks with Coolmax? These are some pretty advanced socks that are anatomically molded and designed specifically for runners.

Younger brother? He’s always been a little abrasive, but you could soften him up with some very cushy cashmere dress socks.

Patterned socks or toe socks for your niece, and slipper socks for your mom. Socks can be a great addition to a gift, too. Cute printed pajamas and coordinating socks are all about comfort. Socks with some great lotion or cream, like this Hemp Foot Protector from the Body Shop pamper her feet.

Socks can be cool. Just not when they’re “from Santa” and not when you’re 7.

Socks, Gifts, Gift Giving, Running Socks

I am not a psychologist or a doctor of any kind. I’m not a guru, yogi or guide. If you want advice about beating holiday stress from any of those types, there are articles out the snow globe all over the Internet. Have at them. Here are three I found in a matter of seconds. Take the stress out of holiday shopping. Tips offered for holiday shopping stress. 10 tips for stress-free online holiday shopping. There you go.

That being said, I have 10 very unscientific ways to deal with holiday stress. (The standard disclaimers apply.)

1. Shorten the gift list. This is not a joke. This year, buy only for the people closest to you. Give cards and a hug to the rest. You will feel like a thousand pound weight has been lifted. Don’t feel guilty.

2. Admit you’re human. There are only so many days, and only so many hours. If you’re not ready to admit that, check out the dark circles under your eyes and the vein popping out on your forehead. It will be okay.

3. Play A Charlie Brown Christmas – The Vince Guaraldi Trio every chance you get. It’s like a sedative.

4. Have an eggnog, hot buttered rum, hot cocoa with peppermint schnapps, or the holiday drink of your choice. A little glow from the drink and a glow from the Christmas lights and all will be right with the world. (Drink in moderation.)

5. Avoid the situations you know will make you mad. I can’t drive into the parking lot at the mall after Thanksgiving without feeling like I have a severe case of Tourette’s syndrome. So I don’t do it. There is always somewhere else I can go to get what I need. Saving a buck isn’t worth feeling like the top of my head is going to come off. (more…)