Subscribe to RSS

Archive for November, 2009

As Seen On: Great Gifts to Give from "NC8 News"

Monday, November 30th, 2009

Here are some great gifts that also offer great values, as featured in this segment from NewsChannel 8 in Washington, DC.

VALUE TIPS:

• Beauty brands tend to offer amazing deals in the forms of gift sets that come with extra goodies and amazing gifts with purchase that don’t cost a penny and can be re-gifted because they look like a million bucks.

• Look to off-price retailers this year more than ever because they are getting tons of in-season merchandise because other retailers have reduced their inventories drastically. So you can gift the must-have items that the people on your list are seeing in departments stores and boutiques- and they never have to know that you saved big time.

• A big trend in gifts this holiday season- which is a direct result of the lifestyle trend in spending more time at home/nesting- are things geared around staying in- including cozy loungewear, home pampering presents and home décor items. The great thing about all three of these categories is that they correspond with well-priced offerings- you don’t need to spend a lot to get a super comfy sweater, a decadent spa kit or a fun trinket for the home.

FOR HER:

Limited Edition Michael Kors Very Hollywood Gem Set- $90.00 at Macy’s

A true value- this is perfect for the beauty loving fashionista because not only does she get the best-selling new fragrance- but she gets a decadent body lotion and- the most exciting little extra- a giant cocktail ring filled with a solid version of the perfume.

Lands’ End FeelGood Cardigan- $69.50 at www.landsend.com

Soft as cashmere – but offers the durability of cotton- these are cozy and comfy. Also- for every piece sold, Lands’ End will donate FeelGood yarn to One Heart Foundation’s Warming Families, a nationwide knitting charity. Lands’ End has donated thousands of pounds of yarn to the charity where volunteers plan to knit up to 25,000 hats and other items to warm the homeless.

FOR HIM:

Aramis Classic Executive Collection- $62.00 at Macy’s

Aramis is the quintessential guys grooming and fragrance brand- and this gift set is the perfect way to pamper the manliest of men.

Old Navy Slippers- $19.50 and up at www.oldnavy.com

A super comfy take on the classic men’s essential- these are lined with shearling and have a very on-trend Mad Men feel to them.

FOR KIDS:

MiniBoden Applique Shirts- $28 at www.bodenusa.com

One of the best things about this charming British online clothing retailer is that you can find special items that not every kid will be wearing- their clothing tends to sell out like crazy, so think of this as a limited edition essential!

philosophy have a cherry christmas- $16 at www.philosophy.com

This is one of those products that actually will make kids excited about bath time- and it also works as a shampoo and shower gel so a true multi-tasker. Gentle on the skin, it foams up into a fun and sweet smelling bubble bath.

FOR HOSTESS:

Crystal Deco Candle Stick Holders- $14.99 each at TJ Maxx stores

These are modern, sleek and literally go with any décor- which is crucial when bringing someone a gift for their home. They look like something from a fine boutique- just put them in a fancy gift bag- you can use a wine bag which will fit them perfectly- and you are pretty much guaranteed an invite back next year.

Molton Brown Marrakech Dreaming set- $58 at www.moltonbrown.com

Three things every hostess can always use- elegant hand soap and lotion for the powder room- and a fragrant candle to set the ambience. Filled with Rose Granati favorites, this lasts much longer than an actual bouquet!

STOCKING STUFFERS:

L’Occitane Sweet Cherry and Shea Vanilla Hugs & Kisses – $18 at www.loccitane.com and L’Occitane stores.

Two of the brands best-selling products in new flavors and limited edition bundles, these are perfect to stuff in stocking- you can even break the set up to share the love!

Beauty.com Exclusive Gift with $100 Purchase- FREE at www.beauty.com

If you are planning to purchase multiple gifts online, then head over to beauty.com to snag some extra swag. You can keep the limited edition Erikson Beamon bag for yourself if you want- and then fill stockings with the over $150 worth of samples that are stuffed inside.





As Seen On: Favorite Gifts Under $50 from "11Alive News Atlanta"

Sunday, November 29th, 2009

You don’t have to spend a lot to give a gift that looks like a million bucks. Here are some of my favorites, all ringing in at under $50 a pop.

Wet N Wild’s Festive Flirt Nail Enamel – $1.99 at mass retailers and drugstores
These mini polishes have high performance, seasonal color. Cute names like Ho-ho-ho, Holly and Blitzen will be a big hit when stuffed inside any stocking.

Old Navy Ruffled Faux-Leather Wristlet Clutch – $14.50 at OldNavy.com
Ravishing ruffles lend this chic faux-leather clutch stand-out style. Features a wristlet strap and foil floral-print woven lining.

philosophy the gingerbread man gel- $16 at www.philosophy.com
he’s back and ready to draw you a relaxing bath. the gingerbread man foaming bubble bath and shower gel pampers you with an ultra-rich, moisturizing lather that leaves your skin feeling clean and soft.

Limited-Edition DKNY Rollerball/Lipgloss Duo- $20.00 at department stores nationwide
DKNY Be Delicious EDP, in a portable rollerball form, is conveniently paired with a scented pearlescent pink lip gloss that is sheer and lightweight and adds sparkling dimension and glossy shine to lips.

Lands’ End Kids Down Vest- $25.50 at www.landsend.com
Comes in tons of colors and works for kids in any climate- it is light enough to be comfy and versatile but substantial enough to keep you warm.

Crystal Cuff- $29.99 at TJ Maxx
Truly a timeless style- this is something you would find in stores now but can scoop up at TJ Maxx for half the price!

Lilly Pulitzer Cocktail Shaker- $39.95 at www.lillypulitzer.com
A fun gift for the preppy that likes to party- a limited edition offering that serves up a fun twist on the classic shaker.

L’Occitane Sweet Cherry Temptation and Shea VanillaCaress Gift Boxes - $46 ($54 Value) at www.loccitane.com
Gift sets offer the best values- and this one comes wrapped ready to give in an exquisite keepsake box.


As Seen On: Holiday Shopping Do's and Don'ts from "Great Day Houston"

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

Here is my handy cheat sheet of go-to fool-proof options to inspire good gifting:

SIGNATURE GIFTS- Personalize as needed.

Nuddle-$68 at www.nuddleblanket.com

L’Occitane Hand Cream Bouquet - $45 at www.loccitane.com

SCENTED PRESENTS WITH OPTIONS- since everyone’s nose is different.

philosophy the bake shoppe - $30 at www.philosophy.com

Molton Brown Atlantic Trail gift set- $55 at www.moltonbrown.com

CURRENT SEASON DESIGNER DEALS- Don’t think current has to cost.

TJMaxx/Marshalls- Designer merchandise for half the price of department stores

DON’T FORGET THE FREEBIES- Extras can become gifts worth giving.

Beauty.com Exclusive Gift- Free with $100 purchase at www.beauty.com

Limited Edition Michael Kors Very Hollywood Gem Set- $90 at www.MichaelKors.com

TIMELESS CLASSICS FOR TREND MAVENS- Basics are best.

Lands’ End FeelGood Cardigan- $69.50 at www.landsend.com

Spiegel Cashmere Blend Blazer – $129 at www.spiegel.com

UPGRADES ON THE EVERYDAY- Luxury twists on necessities are always nice.

Matrix Gifted Elegance Collection – $20-$25 at Scissor Hands in Houston or www.matrix.com

Hanky Panky Bonbons- $18 at www.shopbop.com


As Seen On: Style Savers from KTLA

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

As the holidays approach, life seems to get more and more hectic, and the last thing you want to have to stress over is your style. Here are some of my favorite finds for maximizing style while minimizing spend. Tried and tested by yours truly- I can vouch that these breakthroughs are the real deal.

To stay posted on my favorite finds, follow me on Twitter- www.twitter.com/jennfalik

Bluff NY- www.bluffny.com
I love all the statement shoes this season, but I am hesitant to invest in a pricey pair of edgy booties or studded stilettos. This “shoelery” collection features feathers, chains, studs and more that you can temporarily affix to your footwear, taking a plain pump from basic to bling in seconds.

2Bandits Boot Jewelry- www.the2bandits.com
With the rock and roll fashion trends for fall/winter- my basic black boots need a style upgrade. But who wants to invest in a new pair when next season, it could very well be all about classic simplicity again? Strap these around your ankle and voila- your boots are boosted.

TheRackTrap- $8 at www.theracktrap.com
It seems like the more chic the clutch, the less you can fit inside, right? So stick this in your bra and you have created a little extra storage space with no style sacrifice!

YummieTummie Tanks- www.yummietummie.com
Shoulder pads are back in a big way- and snug blazers with puffy sleeves necessitate a nipped in waist. These tanks are a MUST- they completely contour your core and never create the dreaded muffin-top effect. You are completely sucked in and sleek.

Stila MakeupPlayer- $69.90 www.stilacosmetics.com
Part makeup artist-style train case, part media player docking station with speaker system, this portable vanity gives me the tricks and tools to create even the most daunting looks. Just download tutorials from the StilaBeautyTube onto the mobile device of your choice, and press play.

InstaButton- $15 for 2 www.instantbuttonforjeans.com
Fresh out of the dryer jeans may look good, but often they don’t feel so good. I like to keep these handy in case I want a little extra breathing room- this faux-button looks just like the real deal, but can be strategically placed as needed.






Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Featured Video