I know it’s annoying to see Christmas come so soon seemingly everywhere, especially this year when Thanksgiving comes early, but since that brings Black Friday sooner too, we need to think about gift shopping. I know many of us like to wait at least a week after the weekend of doom (while hopefully not waiting close to the big Eve), but there are some reasons to shop now, especially in some stores / on some online shops.

Why shop now? First of all, if it’s online and a store that’s small in any way, and has a possibility of being overloaded with requests, you need to worry about shipping delays. Think eBay as #1 for that.

Secondly, especially if online, sometimes you need to worry about stock running out (and even in brick and mortar stores!). And when items are one of a kind, or unique in any way to that store (like a regular person [read: non-store, for example] reselling a personally-used bag on eBay), there’s always a chance of missing out on that item if you wait, but during the holidays, other people are more likely to bid or buy. For auctions, expect more and higher bids, and do not rely on relisting.

So that brings me to the main reasons to shop some places early, and what are the popular shops that concern me? Here’s the list: Entry continued, read more »

The African Well Fund, a small non-profit raising money to build wells in Africa (you’ll never know all the needs around the world, huh?) has an auction going for celebrity-type shwag. They’re offering on eBay an audience gift bag from Stacy London’s new show, Fashionably Late.

The auction text gives the best rundown of the goodie contents:

Gift bag and assorted items from taping of the first episode of Stacy London’s new show - Fashionably Late with Stacy London The show was taped Oct. 15th in NYC and it will air on Nov. 23 on TLC All audience members received the gift bag after the taping. All items with the gift bag are new and unopened. Items: Gal Pal - Garment Deodorant Remover, Hollywood Fashion tape - the stars’ secret apparel and body tape, Strap Tamers - bra strap concealers, YogaToes - flexible treat for fabulous feet, Ice Rocks - Spring Water Ice Cubes, Alexis Bittar - 18k Gold-plated moonstone ring (retail value $80), Alexis Bittar - 18k Gold-plated amethyst ring (retail value $80), Shubi 1 piece fully-lined drawstring shoe bag 100% of proceeds benefiting clean water and sanitation projects in Africa!

100% of the proceeds will go to the charity, and I’ve not added an affiliate link to this post.

Again, Fashionably Late, Stacy London’s new talk show (which was only previously previewed [oy the alliteration], and not canceled after one episode as was considered by fans, will air (BLACK) Friday November 23rd at 10 p.m. on TLC.

What a great holiday gift idea for a best gal pal or relative; these are great products and your gift will keep on giving to others in her name! Not only are these products some of the best and most necessary for modern woman and fabulistas, but it goes to a charitable cause for those who need so much less than hiding bra straps and removing deodorant marks from tops! The auction ends on Nov. 18th. Oh and you’re bidding against moi, so good luck to all!

If, like I, you find yourself panicking oh-so late as it is into the season, because of these nasty snowstorms, realizing you need better winter boots, but can’t find any and have also realized you need Uggs (fashion pundits be damned) - only to find those are all out in your size, style, colour or all of the above - look no further on eBay.

Sorry, but Ugg brand products are faked. These are designer-quality, expensive and still really popular shoes, so of course they’re counterfeited. I’d love to trust my eyes, intuition and the tools available and purchase - but there are no resources nor any intelligence on the web on telling real Uggs from illegal replicas. Some say there really is no difference to be told.

If you’re just looking for a bargain, remember you might just get what you pay for (and in this modern world of illegal copies, less than what you pay for).

I’m sure you can find a suitable brand with ugg styled boots or Fugg (copycat ugg boots) boots to tide you over in these short weeks ’til Punxsutawney Phil predicted winter’s end. The weathermen even hint it’ll be milder already. Just remember, by next November snatch up your perfect boots before this raw, messy weather barrels down upon us as it is bound to. Duh to us stupid people, especially those also like I who had fugg boots and gave them away when those fashionista pundits declared uggs long over. Face it, the appeals of the toasty cushiness on frigid nights beats back the arguments on style, especially with the pretty cute Sunburst version, pictured, doing the talking and walking!

If you have tips on spotting fake Ugg boots, I ask that you please post on this forum thread: Ugg Boots Authenticity Guides.

I’m clearly for spending money and the whole moving the economy thing, but sometimes people get a little crazy over certain products. The IT bag thing is nuts, but apparently nothing compared to tech toys.

So you’ve probably heard something about Playstation 3 and the powerful mania it has people in, if you’ve seen the news or read any website (but there’s a chance you might have not, if like I, you don’t really care for the video game thing). And now a young Massachusetts man has been shot during a robbery, at a Connecticut Wal-Mart, for lined-up customers-saved-and-readied PS3 cash.

The man refused to give his money to the thugs (perhaps partially because some of it was his grandma’s, aww), so the two thieves shot him.

He underwent surgery and was in stable condition this afternoon. At the hospital, the victim was asking for his mom to get back in line for the game console. Hopefully, he and his grandma can still keep their money, and Sony will give him a free Playstation (3, of course, oh natch).

So now video game accessories need to be exclusive, too? with only $400,000 being made and only a certain percentage of that for sale in the US. Many auctions on eBay are going for several, several thousand dollars, one even sold for …

wait for it …

$99,999,999.00!!!!!

It sold, guys and girls!

When supply does not meet demand, is it on purpose? Is it the evil workings of capitalism and big business? This is nuts! What do you think?

*Update* All of the bids for that auction over $5,000 are from users no longer registered. Wow.

Twice now I’ve received the wrong colored item from power sellers on eBay when I clearly cared about what color I got. It was always a shipping mistake in the hurry. Things were taken care of both times (and this time, I loved my pebbled leather satchel so much, I made a deal to buy both, hee hee). But there was one time I ordered a Pink iPod Mini and the seller had run out of the pinks. Sometimes eBay sellers put up listings faster than they can get shipments in. (I got my payment refunded and had to continue my hunt.)

There are many things to take away from this. First is that it can’t be avoided by the buyer, but you should be generously kind with your seller. Do double check every word in the listings, too. We should respect the hectic business of working full time on eBay. Then again, we should worry about laymen going professional in such a way. Have you ever received the wrong item from Cole Haan, say? Of course, any very busy service makes mistakes. I’ve probably had troubles with Zappos.com.

Here’s a little lesson, if you don’t have the money, don’t get too attached to your wrong item. If you do, try to get a little deal! And if you really love your intended color, don’t give up and keep the wrong item without getting your replacement. Stick to your guns, use the listing as proof, and be polite.

Lastly, don’t keep both without paying! Ha ha, obviously. But not even for a little while. Ship as quickly as you’d expect in return. Hey, I know how hard it can be to get to the post office, etc. I suppose you should consider the ability to ship back quickly … with any online shopping. I know what a large pile of “returns” looks like. Not pretty.

They have your Paddington for ransom, this is not a joke (well, sort of).

They have the lock, the key; but no Chloé. Beware.

I’m not an eBay shoe shopper, but it’s a great place to look for Manolo Blahniks. Every so often, at least once a month (you can request what you’d like), I’ll post a selection here, with one shoe per size, and different heel heights!

- Cool Stripe Flats 7
- Shiny, Chocolate & White Leather “Studious” Pumps. 3″ heel. 7.5
- Pink Floral D’Orsay Heels 3 1/2″ heel. 8
- Tan Rhinestone Floral Sandals 3″ heel. 9.5
- Bronze Ankle-Tie Sandals 3 3/4″ heel. 10.5 (returnable if they don’t fit)

It turns out that they have much more in the larger sizes. In my size, they have nothing with the proper criteria. What you need to look for is

A) Pictures, first of all, and pictures of the actual item you will receive.
B) New in box or a lower price.
C) I would want a good return policy, unless you know already how Manolos fit (lucky you). I hear Blahniks aren’t exactly comfort shoes.
D) PayPal (for most eBay shoppers)