Shopping Tips Online

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

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

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

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

Finding the perfect gift for someone on your list can be a challenge. You have to get to know them pretty well, learn their interests and activities, and watch for subtle hints. Now we know exactly what to get Danny Devito for Christmas – Limoncello.

There are several brands of this lemon liqueur available, including Limoncello di Capri. Here’s the company’s official site. You can drink Limoncello straight or with ice, but it can also be used in mixed drinks like a “Quisi Night” which is made with equal parts Limoncello di Capri, espresso and cream and served with a grated lemon garnish. It is also used in baking and cooking, and can even be used as a topping for ice cream.

A bottle of liqueur makes a great hostess gift. I would pop a bottle in a cute gift bag along with a couple of fresh lemons and perhaps a zester. If Danny’s on your list, don’t bother with all that – just bring the shot glasses.

Danny Devito, Limoncello, Drunk on the View, Gift Ideas, Liqueur

When I am skiing, I am concerned about a few things – getting off the lift without causing a pileup and not killing myself on the moguls. At those moments, fashion is the furthest thing from my mind. However, it’s not far from my mind before we leave for the ski trip. Like most people, I spend a little time putting together my ski “outfit.” That usually consists of trying to look like I know what I am doing, while looking fetching in the ski lodge, where I am when The Bob decides to goes to ski the blacks.

Designers know we care about our look on the slopes (and in the lodge), so three high-profile companies are outfitting the pros, and us amateurs, with some new ski wear that blends function and fashion.

Prada has outfitted the pros at St. Moritz, Switzerland in what appears to be a pretty conservative look – basic blue with a red chest stripe. Leather and faux fur detailing give it a lift. They will roll out the consumer version of this in 07-08. The word on the slopes is that their moon boots with an all-sheepskin lining are the hot accessory to jump for.

In Aspen/Snowmass, the ski pros wear
RLX Ralph Lauren. (more…)

Do you have an avid chef on your Christmas list? Or are you thinking of creating a themed Christmas tree? Here are two ornament sets at very reasonable prices that would be perfect.

Take a look at these adorable vintage-inspired utensil ornaments from
Home Traditions. They are $15 for a set of nine ornaments.

Add to that some cute holiday baking ornaments from Current®, which retail for $9.99 for the set.

Delish!

Ornaments, Kitchen Ornaments, Themed Christmas Trees

Madonna appeared on Home Shopping Network (HSN) to promote her children’s book, sales of which have apparently tanked.

In any case, a whopping 5% of the proceeds of sales of her kids’ books on HSN will go to Madonna’s favorite charity: the Raising Malawi Foundation. If you are interested in Madonna’s inspiration, thoughts on motherhood, or her home life, check out the video clips on HSN.

The 48 year old mega star says she never would have thought about writing a children’s book until she had children. Makes you wonder what inspired her more famous title: Sex. Don’t answer that.

Madonna, Children’s Book, HSN, Raising Malawi Foundation, Madonna Sex Book

The WOW Factor Finder, a totally new interactive online shopping tool from Best Buy will launch on Wednesday, November 30th at AskABlueShirt.com. The easy-to-use tool will allow you to submit the hobbies and activities of your friend or family member, along with their consumer electronics collection and preferencees. You will then receive a list of gifts that match your recipient’s interests. The list also comes with the professional advice of Best Buy’s team of Blue Shirt Advisors.

Shopping for electronics can be confusing. This new tool should reduce your risks, and help you get those WOWs on Christmas morning!

Best Buy, Blue Shirt Advisors, Wow Factor Finder, Gift Giving Tool

Plasma or LCD? Three megapixels or ten? iPod or Zune? Shopping for electronics can be a tricky proposition, particularly if it’s a gift for a friend or family member. To help you get the “wow,” Best Buy gives you several ways find answers to your electronics shopping questions – in the store, over the phone or even online.

Best Buy Blue Shirt Advisors will host a live chat online at askablueshirt.com on Cyber Monday starting at 1pm EST. Just log on and fire away. They will have a second chat on December 15th at 1 pm EST.

Finally. A company that understands that we’re busy, and gives us a lot of ways to find what we need. Wow.

Best Buy, Electronics, Gifts, Blue Shirt Advisors, Live Chat

A framed art print can make a great gift, especially when it reflects the person’s interests, or coordinates with his or her decor. Or maybe you need to create your own gallery at home. There are a lot of art sites out there, but the prices can be a little scary. Here’s an idea.

iStockphoto.com is a great web site for royalty-free images and artwork, submitted by professional and amateur photographers and designers. This is an excellent resource for advertising agencies, commercial designers and artists. But it’s not limited to the pros. There are thousands and thousands of very nice artistic photos to choose from that would be great framed art prints. iStockphoto.com offers a variety of search options, and member-created “lightboxes” where you can save your favorite images to sort, select and download.

The best part is the price. You become a member (free), then purchase “credits” (minimum $10). Then you can download digital files directly to your computer for as little as $1, depending on the final size of your intended output.

They also offer a FREE download every week, like the one shown here – which would look excellent with a white or cream museum style matt and a black wooden frame. (more…)