J.Crew

Extended 30% off all sale items...in-store only. Check out the West Towne Mall location (I'd advise getting online, finding a sale item you think you need and then calling the store before braving the mall).

www.jcrew.com

Anthropologie and Accessories

It's no secret, I love Anthropologie; it's my happy place.  We all have one, and mine happens to be in the  sweet smelling, "enchanted forest" of clothing, accessories and housewares.  If you think I'm kidding, I'm not.  I am happy, giddy, and light on my feet as I flounce around, taking in all that is pretty.   OK, I don't actually "flounce", but that's what comes to mind when I think of myself shopping at Anthro.  
Although I usually focus on clothing, Anthro's accessories are not to be missed.  I am a big fan of not over-accessorizing, so when I do wear a piece of jewelry, I want it to make a statement...not one strand of pearls but ten, and then I usually leave the earrings and bracelets for another day.   
I tend to gravitate to necklaces because, well, I do.  I like em' big and chunky, and over-the-top (I was going to say like me, but I refuse to use "big and chunky" as self descriptors).   Right now, over-the-top necklaces are all the rage, but unfortunately, so are the prices.  At Anthro, you can most certainly spend hundreds on one necklace, but they also have pieces that are more than reasonably priced and super unique.   
Have a peek at the jewelry below.  If you are stressing about gift ideas, a beautiful necklace from Anthropologie would make a fantastic present ...or a purse, or a belt, or a blouse, or a skirt...

Love Me, Love Me Not Necklace, Retail $48

New Growth Bib Necklace, Retail $58

Beaded Swag Bib Necklace, Retail $68






www.anthropologie.com

Context Ultimate Coat

It's cold today!  And by cold, I mean .07 degrees.  I think a coat is in order.  When you live in a cold climate, investing in a good coat isn't just a luxury, it's a necessity.  

When storms hit, you need to be prepared, especially those commuting back and forth to work.  It's not unheard of to be trapped on the highway or skid off of the road, and well, let's face it, we don't want to find your frozen body a few days later and say, "Man.  I wish he would have had a better coat." 


Check out the winter-fest going on at Context...we're talking Mt. Everest warm (hence its name).


Nigel Cabourn Mt. Everest Parka

http://www.contextclothing.com/item.php?id=1772

Give!

Giving is never out of season, but during these cold months, it's especially appreciated.  Think of donating your gently used coats to charity centers to be distributed at no cost to people in need, or purchase a new coat and give it as a gift to someone in your own community who may be struggling this year.  Think about leaving a basket of food or a gift certificate to a grocer on a neighbor's doorstep as a "Kris Kringle" gift (oftentimes people are too proud to ask for help).


If you're short on time and find yourself out and about gathering holiday gifts, stop into the West Towne Mall, Madison and pull a name off of the "giving tree".  You can pick up the "wish list" while you're gathering your other gift items with no extra travel time involved.   

Think of charities like, "Coats for Kids" where you can get online at www.coats-for-kids.org and make a donation from the comfort of your home.

I am fortunate enough to have closets and drawers full of warm (and not-so-warm) garments.  I am blessed beyond words.  But I also know there are many who are not.  If you think buying yourself a new sweater or jacket feels good, try buying a garment for a person in need...giving feels amazing!

Ann Taylor

FREE shipping on everything.  Believe me, the shipping adds up, my friends.  

ALSO:  buy ONE full priced item and get the SECOND 50% off!  That's one for you, and one for me!!!  I love the holidays!


www.anntaylor.com

Macys

Just returned from Macys, Hilldale Mall.  They are having a "friends and family" 25% off sale.  I found quite a few nice things for a client, and I think it would be work braving a bit of snow.  Also, the store was EMPTY!!!

Winterize with Style

If you're like me, you hate looking like a walking marshmallow.  So unfortunately, I spend a good chunk of my time here in Wisconsin freezing my [bleep] off.  I have "puffy" coats, and I do wear them...to the grocers, to run errands, to stand at the bus stop.  However, I really don't want to wear this unflattering outerwear when I am all dressed up and about to head into the night for an evening of cocktails...ya feel me??  Nothing looks more "high school" than seeing a woman in stockings, heels, and a hint of a dress peaking out from under a waist-length ski coat with the ski lift tag still attached...ugh.  But I digress. 


This isn't about me, it's about finding a way to stay warm while still retaining a sense of style.  One thing is key:  a woman needs a mid-thigh or knee-length coat for a dressy occasion.  Here in Madison, it's currently 14 degrees, so it may be hard to avoid a little "puffiness", but the length will minimize the "snowball effect".  Here are some ideas:

The North Face "Caroline Coat"  (I really like the cinched waist)

The North Face "Triple C Down"

http://www.thenorthface.com/    (Or visit The North Face store at Hilldale Mall, Madison WI, off of University Avenue)

Patagonia "Downtown Loft Parka"

http://www.patagonia.com/us/shop/womens?k=1E

Teva and Stilletto in the same sentence?

This was sent to me by my sweet brother-in-law Brian...always an eye for fashion, that one!  For real.


http://www.signature9.com/shoes/teva-stilettos-if-everyone-jumped

Jazzman

Jazzman, State Street, Madison is owned by two of the nicest guys you'll ever meet.  Laid back atmosphere, helpful service, and reasonably priced men's clothing.  I recently pulled some denim for a photo shoot, and I feel compelled to say how much I liked the Penguin jeans (didn't hurt that my model looked amazing in them, either).  The denim has a glossy sheen and a lighter weight to it, and with the slim cut, the fit is ultra flattering.  The entire Penguin line of clothing is fantastic.  The cut in both shirts and trousers is slim, but if that's not your thing, you can size up.  


If you haven't checked out Jazzman in awhile, stop in and say "hi".  Right now they have a huge sale rack with buys on jeans.  The store it literally packed with merchandise, so if you know you need an update, pop in and browse around.

http://jazzmanclothing.com/