Lusting for this bag...

I just had to share with you a purse with which I am absolutely head-over-heels in LOVE!  It's unique, elegant, refined, chic...everything you would want in a purse.  Look at the stripes, the ruby red snakeskin and the silver chain strap!  This purse is a true stunner, made by Misela and only sold in three stores in the United States.  It is currently half-off at gilt.com (and it is still expensive, but then again, it LOOKS expensive!).   Oh, to dream!

Comfy Gap top -- too cute!

I saw this top at the Gap the other day and had to try it out.  I am a sucker for a cowl neck top!  Okay, at $24.50, this top is a STEAL!  It is comfortable, washes well, and comes in an array of colors.  If your waist is one of your thinner parts of your body, this top is for you!  It drapes beautifully.  Did I mention it is $24.50???

At Gap online, the cowl neck only comes in charcoal and oatmeal heather, but at the stores it comes in black, navy, dark green and a heather red.  This is one pleasure you don't have to feel guilty about!

Navy cords -- the new thing in pants!

Hello ladies!  Navy cords are very "en vogue" at present, and I have found a great fitting pair at a great price!  Kut from the Kloth matchstick cords in midnight fit like your favorite skinny jeans, but are a bit dressier and look beautiful with boots.  Pair them with a beautiful sweater, and you are set for work!  I like them so much, that I am going to get them in espresso and charcoal.  $59.50 at Nordstrom or nordstrom.com.

Bejeweled holiday purse

This clutch is just adorable and adds the perfect amount of sparkle to any holiday outfit!  It is classy, chic and looks expensive...a bit of sparkle done right!  It comes in red, midnight blue and black online at bananarepublic.com. for $98.  In stores, they also have a beautiful taupe color.  I think red would be an amazing compliment to your little black dress!

A perfect stocking stuffer for boys

Occasionally you stumble upon that perfect toy for a child...it's educational, creative and fun.  It happens but rarely!  I was at the Denver Art Museum this weekend, and discovered a line of toys called Piperoid paper robots.  My son is 11 and loves to build legos...well think of this toy as paper legos!  Takashi Tsunoda is the artist who created the Piperoid line and his motto is "teaching value through handcrafts".

Your kids will love building these, and displaying these mini works of art in their rooms.  They range from $12.95 - $15.95 and would be perfect in a Christmas stocking!  Available at the Denver Art Museum.

Christmas idea #6 -- the gift of glam

Well, I was perusing JCrew online and found some great things for Christmas, even if they are gifts to yourself!

The pin is adorable and glamorous, and comes in white with blue accents or a beautiful purple with black accents.  I can see this pin on a button down shirt, coat or sweater.  It really is special and is only $22.50.  The Crystal Bloom cocktail ring is a showstopper at $50.  Picture it with the perfect little black dress!  Love the subtle pop of yellow.  I'd also wear it with a black cashmere cardigan & jeans.  The Dulphine sequin v-neck sweater is only available online.  I love the gray sweater with unexpected blue sequins.  Dress it up, or dress it down at $138.

Christmas idea #5 -- the gift of Uggs!

Okay, this post is really for you to forward to your husbands and boyfriends, because I think it would make a fantastic gift for you gals (hint, hint guys...pay up!).  The Skylair Ugg boot is a terrific winter staple that is SO COMFORTABLE and so insanely cute.  The back lace-up detail and cozy "sweater topper" makes this boot unique and stylish.  It is great with jeans tucked in, and because it has a side zipper, you can tug your jeans down for that perfect streamlined look!  I am in love with these boots.  $229.95 at Nordstrom

Christmas idea #4 -- the gift of beauty

Yves St. Laurent #35 Metallic
Pink Holiday collection $30

You all probably know from past posts that I am a beauty junkie.  I just LOVE beauty products, and here are some of my favorite beauty gifts for the holidays.  Any woman would do flips over these gifts!  They are all available at Nordstrom.com.

Bobbi Brown Modern Classic Palette $75

Dior Pink Golds Minaudiere $80

Bare Escentuals Mini Brush set $25

Jo Malone Bath Oil set $85

Chanel Nail Color set $66

Christmas idea #3 -- sequins!

The upcoming holidays mean that inevitably you will be invited to holiday parties, and you don't want to be caught with nothing to wear!  This sparkly sequin tank top from JCrew is adorable, dressed up or dressed down.  I am partial to the white ash color, but all the colors are fantastic and would add the appropriate amount of festivity needed for the holidays!  Wear it with black skinny pants and a cardigan, or with a short(ish) skirt.  This top would also make a fabulous gift for your fashionista friend or family member.  $69.50

Christmas idea #2 -- tabletop delights

I like simple decor.  I usually fill my shelves with books and pictures, but sometimes there are objects that really catch my eye.  These items from cb2.com (Crate and Barrel's sister store) are no exception.

        

This is a really fun take on Russian Nesting dolls.  I love the colors and the super modern design.  Wouldn't your "design-minded" friend just love these!?!  $49.95.

The birch storage boxes are as functional as they are beautiful.  They seem to be made for storing treasures.  The zen simplicity of these boxes really speak to me.  In an office or a bedroom...they'd be perfect!  $29.95

Christmas idea #1 -- bird motifs

Hello friends!  Christmas is really just around the corner, and so now is the time I start buying Christmas gifts.  If you start now, you run less of a risk of an item selling out before you can scoop it up!  I will be doing a series of blog posts on great gift ideas.  I hope you like them as much as I do!

I am crazy about birds...bird watching and items with bird motifs alike! I found this birdie plate set at West Elm and thought it would be an amazing Christmas gift for a naturalist. The plates are simple yet elegant and would be perfect for appetizers. $29 at westelm.com

The chickadee snow globe from the Sundance store (sundancejewelry.com) just puts a smile on my face. The engraving says "Joys are our wings". How true! What a charming gift this would be. $35