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!

COACH is trying a new medium for displaying their well-known Signature logo: a knitting stitch! Their new knitted cashmere scarf and beret are knit with several difficult patterns, including a 100% original: the COACH C’s.

If you’re a big Coach collector or an avid knitter, you must put this on your holiday wish list. These accessories have my vote for holidays must buy from Coach. Of course you can pick out your own favorite(s) from www.coach.com, yourself, if you’d rather (or in addition to).

Signature Patchwork Knit Scarf: $398
Signature Patchwork Knit Beret: $148

(Kinda ouch, right? Well, you could try eBay. It’d certainly be interesting to see if this knitting pattern will be copied.)

As a fabulista, you deserve and MUST own a mini home spa suiting your personal needs. After all, most fabulistas are hardworking, either in or out of the home.

We get pain, sickness, and just plain exhaustion … and we deserve not only relief but pampering! One set of tools for just a portion of modern femme’s ailments are these two cushiony therapeutic products.

Tension & Sinus

Headaches. Don’t let them get in the way of your life anymore! For tension headaches and muscle aches, try this neck pillow from Earth Therapeutics ($14.99), which can not only be microwaved but is filled with aromatherapy beads to sooth your soul and mood. And if you suffer from the big, bad sinus headaches, one arm in your defense can be the Hot/Cold Therapy Sinus Eye-Area Pillow ($12.99). Use warm on your forehead for sinuses and tension, or cold to relieve tired and/or puffy eyes. It’s also filled with aromatherapy beads for a totally relieving effect.

Both these products and more can be found at Bed Bath and Beyond.

What happens when we’re a week away from Halloween and/or costume parties and our costume’s arrived, but when we try it on, it’s a trainwreck?

This happened to me. I wanted to be a ball of yarn. I got a red yarn wig. Check. Beautiful. And I had the “genius” idea of (somehow, still not sure how - eep lol) wrapping an inflatable pumpkin costume with red yarn to make me the skein.

Well, I’m petite, which might have caused a problem. For some reason, this adult’s costume didn’t inflate as desired. I was droopy … AND fat. It wasn’t taught enough to hold the yarn ball correctly. Going as the fat-bum pumpkin? Not an option, you hear me?

So I came up with another idea quick. But I had about 6 days to receive every little piece of it (AND embroider something on part of the outfit - eek) before the big party. (With prizes for creativity and such, natch.) Now all these different parts help give the full picture - but they may not all arrive in time. As long as one crucial piece - the bling (natch, he he) arrives, I can manage the rest with a drug store run. (I can surely know I’m saying good-bye to that years-long coveted prize, however.)

Has this happened to you? What do you do?

If anyone else is in a costume pickle … write in the comments, let’s help each other out.

My new costume, you ask? In honour of newly running my own household: A housewife. (A rich one, too.) The purchased item I need is my faux engagement ring and wedding band. (Alas alas, I’m plum out of my own.) And I ordered a plain pink sweatsuit that actually is in true danger of arriving (coming from one of those plain apparel wholesalers) - that’s the item on which to be embroidered (on the tush: “wife”) so it actually needs to come in plenty of time — especially since I’ll also need to hem the pants (petite, remember). Sigh.

Wish me luck! And I hope all your costumes rock. (Do share!)

Kate Moss is continuing her relationship with Topshop and debuted her Holiday collection at a runway show recently. Here’s my preview:

trend - yikes?

so kate

Overall, it’s a professional, in-step collection. And for the prices I hear of (Topshop is British, alas), $70 to $500, it’s not to miss! The clothes hit stores October 25th. Just a few days away!

Style.com

Wherever you live, the trench coat is so seasonal, now or soon. If you want the best in style and class, Burberry’s a no-brainer. I love their subtler Metallic Trench Coat with black on metallic black jacquard check. Something this chic doesn’t come cheap, though, at $995.

There’s some serious worse news though, because it seems all of the rich northern hemisphere has spoken on this coat. I say if you’ve got some credit, and are the lone size 10, you must make this your fall season charge.

There’s more cuteness for Autumn from Burberry, too. If the British range is out of yours, don’t worry, practically any trench is flattering, just don’t squeeze or swim in a wrong size.