It’s Official!

Economists confirmed today what we all ready knew, the US is in recession and has been for a year.

How have you been saving money or how will you start now?

An Idiot Girl’s Christmas

The holidays can be a stressful time.  Money is tight, the weather is crappy, the malls are crowded and family is driving you insane.  Just be glad you don’t have Christmas stories like Laurie Notaro in An Idiot Girl’s Christmas.  Notaro is one of the funniest authors of today and is not afraid to let it all hang out to tell her story.  Her tales of family dinners, holiday shopping and generally just trying to survive December will make you realize that it could always be worse.

Buy An Idiot Girl’s Christmas: True Tales From the Naughty List at Amazon.com.

Best Beauty Gifts!

For the beauty buff on your list, here are some picks for the best beauty gifts from the greats.

Benefit Peace Love and Glossiness:  Six of Benefits best shades will make sure your makeup addict will always be prepared.

Best of Benefit:  Sexy Stash:  This canister includes That Gal Brightening Face Primer, BadGal Mascara and Thrrrob face powder.

Sephora Brand Ultimate Blockbuster Collector’s Edition:  She’ll have it all if you get her this case full of Sephora’s best makeup.  This kit includes 71 eyeshadows, 13 cream eyeshadows, 5 blushes, 1 compact powder, 60 lip glosses, 1 lip liner, 1 eyeliner, 4 brushes and 3 sponge tip applicators packed into a sleek black case.

What holiday is complete without a little Dior?  This stylish leather case comes with the D insignia and is filled with four conditioning glosses and a brush.

Benefit Peace Love and Glossiness – $26 at BenefitCosmetics.com.

Best of Benefit:  Sexy Stash – $58 at BenefitCosmetics.com.

Sephora Brand Ultimate Blockbuster – $48 at Sephora.com.

Dior Holiday Lip Palette – $40 at Sephora.com.

Holiday dresses for lesses…

As much as I love the aforementioned Rebecca Taylor dress (and it’s on SALE!), money is always a little tight around the holidays.  Charlotte Russe has a wide selection of party dresses.  I adore the rich emerald color in these two dresses.  One for work parties and one for play, buying both of these won’t break the bank.

Charlotte Russe Satin Bow Tie Dress – $34.99 at Charlotte Russe.com

Charlotte Russe Bustier Dress – $28.99 at CharlotteRusse.com.

Excuse me, you have a sweater on your foot.

Uggs have long been a subject for debate in the fashion community. Personally, if I’m running to the grocery store in a Michigan January through two feet of snow, I’d like my feet to be warm. However, I’m not quite sure about the sweater boot.

I could go either way. They look comfortable but for me, I think I’d prefer a nice warm slipper since I would probably never venture out of the house in them. If you’d like to try a more affordable version, try Alloy’s Riley Boot.

What do you think of the sweater boot?

UGG Australia Cardy Boot – $139.95 at Nordstrom.com.

UnionBay Riley Boot – $46.50 at Alloy.com.

Also at Alloy – 20% off of orders using code THANK20 (through December 4) or free shipping on orders over $25 using code AHRAFF (through December 18).

Holiday party dress pick

I LOVE this Rebecca Taylor Knot Front Cami Dress paired with the Burberry Ruched Sandal.

Rebecca Taylor Knot Front Cami Dress – $88.50 (Final Sale) at shopbop.com and Burberry Ruched Sandal – $550 at Nordstrom.com.

20% off at Fashion Chateau!

Get 20% off your order at Fashion Chateau by using code Chateau20 at checkout!

Save the world one outfit at a time!

Going green is the new pink.  More and more companies are doing their part to help save the environment and now ShopBop has even devoted an entire category to Earth Friendly wear.  My pick from their collection? The Only Hearts cami and boy short set. 

Only Hearts Organic Cotton Camisole – $52 and Hipster – $36 at shopbop.com.

American Idol premiere announced!

American Idol’s eighth season will premiere on Fox January 13th and 14th at 8/7 c.  It’s always fun to see how the contestants style changes once a stylist gets ahold of them!

Luxxie Tip

When doing your holiday shopping, bring along an envelope and keep it in your purse.  Put all of your receipts in it to keep them organized.  This eliminates pulling out a wad of receipts while checking out and you won’t accidentally throw it away with the bag.  When you get home, date the envelope and file it away.  If you need to return something, you’ll know exactly where the receipt is!