So in case you’ve been hiding in a cave or live where there is not a Nordstrom (GASP!) it is time for my most favorite store’s Half Yearly Sale. It started last week and I’ve already been three times. I’ve also already suffered heartbreak because I found a pair of ankle boots 40% off but told myself to think about it for a day, went back the next day and they were gone. My fault for being patient but I took it as a sign that they were not meant to be mine and would probably hurt my feet anyway. There are tons of stellar deals on fab labels like Free People, BCBG, Marc Jacobs and more. And of course lots of discounts on Nordstrom brands as well. I’m loving these strappy suede sandals from Kenneth Cole and this corduroy jacket from Michael Kors. Take a look at their site for great discounts or make your way down to the store to fight the crowds! Happy Shopping!

You know how I was talking about wanting to be less selfish? The very next minute I spot something that I want so bad but when I think about it, it is completely ridiculous! Do I really need another set of steak knives? No. Do I really want to spend $98 on a set of steak knives? No. Do I really need colorful, made in France, stamped with Napoleon’s bee crest steak knives?? YES, I have to have them!! Good thing Anthropologie is a good 40 minute drive from my house or I would have a lot of problems controlling myself with that store. They have an amazing holiday guide right now, I’m sure I’ll write more about it later. (And Jina, this extra post is for you!) Seriously though, I need help.

One of my daily goals (and struggles) is to become less selfish and more focused on the needs of others. An amazing young man from West Africa became a part of my family last year through a series of events that could only be described as miraculous and my life has never been the same. He taught me so much about the world that I cannot see or experience in my protected box of America. I am so thankful for the lessons, laughter and brother that I will always have in my heart.  Because of this experience, I am looking for ways to apply this awareness that I feel within me both big and small.  I found out about a website called Nest that I think is a beautiful example of the good that can be done through the internet. Nest is a nonprofit organization that helps women in developing nations create sustainable businesses through interest-free loans for the purchase of supplies and materials necessary to complete their art or craft.  To generate funds, Nest sells unique fashion, jewelry and home accessories made by up and coming designers as well as the women around the world receiving funds from Nest. The site says it best, “When you buy from Nest, you have not only have purchased a unique and beautiful item for yourself or your home, you have participated in a proven effort to better the lives of women all across the globe. Through our work, and your participation, women all over the world are able to plant their roots in a refuge filled with warmth, solace, comfort and joy.” My favorites so far are the Lotus Journal, Miss Owl Shirt, and the Lemon Teardrop Earrings. Check them out!

I don’t even care that it’s still about 80 degrees here anymore. Screw the weather, I’m starting to wear sweaters- make that turtleneck sweaters! If nature doesn’t want to cooperate and send some chilly breezes my way, then I am happy to take matters into my own hands and create the vibe myself. So today I am wearing a black knit turtleneck from Ann Taylor, some jeans and black velvet moccasins. Yes, I could wear a t-shirt and flip flops and not be freezing my buns off but that is beside the point! Tonight you will find me sitting in my backyard on my patio set, wearing my turtleneck, cozied up to a log burning in my outdoor fireplace and drinking mulled cider from Williams Sonoma. In your face Mother Nature!!  Then tomorrow, I am going to take it one step further and head down to Banana Republic to indulge in their cashmere jersey wrap. The wrap can be worn as a scarf and comes in 7 colors with detailed loop fringe ends. I could go spend over $250 at Burberry for a cashmere scarf but this one is only $98! Saves some money so I can add in the cashmere jersey gloves to match. So if you see me walking around Phoenix in my sweater, scarf and gloves, don’t laugh! I’m just living in my make believe winter wonderland…and enjoying it!

With only 42 shopping days left, it’s time to start brainstorming gift ideas for the people (and pets!) in your life.  Every week until the Holidays, I am going to highlight some gift options that can suit a variety of budgets and tastes. Hopefully it will help you to find something special for your loved ones! This week is focused on presents for the girl who has everything. We all know her- she already has plenty of clothes, handbags, jewelry, beauty products and her home is completely and stylishly decorated. What do you get for the friend who is not only hard to shop for but has seen it all?  It’s best to stick with things that are unique and play to her interests. If your friend is a makeup junkie, get her a gorgeous cosmetic bag from Stephanie Johnson.  This site is loaded with every shape of cosmetic storage imaginable and also has beautiful and fun fabrics to choose from. My pick from her collection is the San Sebastian Cargo Case. If your friend is a clean freak, get her the new Dirt Devil KONE. At only $40, it is a functional yet attractive hand vacuum that can go from table to cleaning duty in no time. They also come in many colors to match her decor and are so practical but make tidying up a little more fun! For the pal who is a little less domestic diva, check out the Take Out Menu Organizer.  You could go one step ahead and fill it with menus from local restaurants and even a gift card to her fav dining spot. For your fashionista friend, get a designer Ipod case from Coach, they are affordable and will also fulfill her love for labels! If she’s more into accessories, try a fabulous necklace from Kenneth Jay Lane, my favorite for the winter is the Acorn Necklace in Amber. As for your foodie friend, a good idea is a high quality slate board for cheeses, and a set of specialty cheese knives. Throw in a bottle of wine to complete the gift! Well, I hope these tips give you some solutions to your shopping needs. If you need more ideas for a specific situation, feel free to email me on the contact form link!

Photoessay Blouse

$68.00, $34.95 on sale

Anthropologie      

Pearl and crystal necklace, Rina Moon for Illuminata

$60.00, $30.00 on sale

Fragments

Spoonful of Sugar Fragrance Set by Fresh

$35.00

Sephora

Rococo Wall Clock

$38.00, $28.00 on sale

Chiasso 

Trattoria Italiano Gift

$50.00

Dean & DeLuca

I know T-shirts are nothing new and pretty basic but they are an everyday necessity that warrants some thought. There is a huge difference between a low quality tee that frays at the hems after one wash and stretches to double its size and a well made tee with a great fit and soft fabric.  Tees are also one of the most versatile pieces in a wardrobe, they can go from the gym, to layered under a blazer for work, to paired with a beautiful necklace and cute skirt for a night out.  I buy tees at many different stores but my favorite purchases are from American Apparel.  AA has an enormous variety of tees styles and a huge assortment of colors as well. They also fit perfectly and have quality stitching and hems.  One of the best things about AA is the price is affordable, they are a very forward thinking company that has consolidated production to keep costs low while also paying some of the highest wages in the garment industry.  Unlike many clothing manufacturers that treat employees as seasonal or (even worse) sweatshop workers, AA is focused on social responsibility and that’s something that makes me like them even more!  My favorite AA tees are the 1/2 Sleeve Baby Rib U-neck and the Sheer Jersey Long Sleeve V-neck.  What are some of your fashion staples that you can’t live without?

So I’m having kind of a down day and I’m not in a very creative mood. I don’t have much to say today as far as shopping, beauty or fashion news except I went to Pier 1 Imports and bought a bunch of candles and holders for super cheap because they are having a big sale through this Sunday. The golden clover scent smells sooo good that I bought 2 of them! And I am eating up all the Britney and K-Fed updates, I am one of those rare people that has a soft spot for Miss Brit and I hope this change brings some positive things for her. Plus, I just read K-Fed filed for sole custody and spousal support, is he crazy??  And if you’re blah like me and need some entertainment, awhile back I got a forward with this crazy slogan generator. You type in your first name and receive a phrase for your personal marketing campaign:) Mine is the title of this post. Put a comment below with your unique name slogan (use the first one it gives you!) and give me something to laugh at! Until Friday!

I must admit that even though the summer is long gone, I am still using bronzer. I am a natural, fair-skinned blondie and I don’t tan easily, so you could say I could verge on pastey. That means any color you see on me is fake. I use self tanner because I’m scared of burning in the sun and it’s better for you to avoid anyway, right? And it’s not the easiest thing to do in Arizona since it only rains like 10 days a year! So now it is the season when I should be more natural, although I did wear short sleeves today since it was 87 degrees,  but I am reluctant to embrace my paleness.  Plus my husband is Latino and has gorgeous tan skin and I’m just a little jealous! My bronzer of choice is Stila Sun. I love Stila’s products so much and their bronzer is one of the best selling around. A dusting on my cheeks, forehead and nose gives me a subtle glow that I think makes a big difference! I am low on bronzer and need to get more when I noticed Stila has a huge holiday gift set in a train case. It is overflowing with 4 eye shadows, 1 eye smudge pot, 1 eye liner, 3 lip glazes, 3 lip glosses, 2 lip liners, 2 cheek colors, a mascara, two makeup brushes and even my fav bronzer Stila Sun! If I could only have one makeup gift this Christmas, this would be it, I am crossing all the others off my list. Yes it is $160, but look at all it comes with! That much makeup is such a bargain and it’s all in a cute brown suede train case! Okay, I’m waking up my hubby from his nap on the couch to tell him about this right now… 

I have finally awaken from my carpet nightmare! After almost 2 months of lost orders, mis-orders and disorder, my master bedroom has recovered from its injury. In August we had a little flood in our master bath that seeped into the bedroom and even better down the floor into our kitchen below. Worst day ever to come home and find that, but that’s all behind us now! Our new shag carpet with its premium pad is amazing! It’s so cushy and gorgeous. After walking around on scraped up base boards (the emergency crew pulled up our old carpet) this is like walking on clouds and I have to run upstairs and feel it under my feet every now and then just to make sure it’s really there! Anyway, since my bedroom has a new lease on life and looks prettier than it ever has, I sauntered into my master bath this morning and felt a little disappointed that it looked the same! Basically, this is just my excuse to do a little sprucing up in there! My decor style is a little eclectic, a little contemporary and heavy on the world import vibe. So I’m thinking these graphic paisley towels from Cost Plus in espresso as well as antique bronze accessories and fixtures. I have some extra carpet from the install and since it’s shaggy and plush, I plan on making a long runner to lay on the tile beneath the vanity. And I might even paint my walls a deep red to spice it up a little bit! What do you all think? Any suggestions?