Dessert and Wine Pairings to Impress Your Valentine

Between the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day, the first two weeks of February are jam-packed with good eats…and, of course, quality time with loved ones. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’ve turned our focus away from seven-layer dip and hot wings to dessert and wine. If you’re preparing a nice dinner for your significant other, best friends or family, use this dessert and wine-pairing guide to impress your loved ones. After all, we believe in the sentiment that the way to anyone’s heart is through his or her stomach!

Wine toast

Dessert: Tiramisu
Wine pairing: Zardetto Zeta Prosecco, $22.99 at Wine.com
A sparkling wine with high residual sugar will complement the sweetness of a classic tiramisu. Zardetto Zeta Prosecco is a good pairing choice for this dessert, given its rich and creamy notes. If you prefer a lower alcohol content, you may want to try pairing tiramisu with Moscato D’Asti, which usually contains 5.5% alcohol by volume.

Dessert: Figs with blue cheese and honey
Wine pairing: Chateau Guiraud Sauternes, $75.00 at Wine.com
Sauternes pair wonderfully with sweet and savory flavors, and a simple dessert of fresh figs and blue cheese drizzled with a bit of honey fits that flavor combination. Pair it with the 2005 Chateau Guiraud Sauternes, which is layered and complex, boasting aromas of honey, juicy fruits and almonds. Originally $75.00, it’s on sale for $49.99 at Wine.com, so take advantage of the deal before it sells out!

Dessert: Molten chocolate cake
Wine pairing: Young’s Double Chocolate Stout, price varies at World Market
The only better than chocolate is, well, more chocolate! Hints of bitter chocolate, roasted coffee and caramel in Young’s Double Chocolate Stout make it a perfect partner for a decadent molten chocolate cake.

Dessert: Old-fashioned apple pie
Wine pairing: Graham’s 20 Year Old Tawny Port, $34.99 at Wine.com
Ah, the comfort of a warm slice of apple pie. Complement the cinnamon, nutmeg and butter in apple pie with a full-bodied port. The dark berry flavors and spice in Graham’s 20 Year Old Tawny Port do a lovely job of highlighting the warm spices and richness of apple pie.

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Shopilly!

Cyber Monday Deal Round-Up

Now that you’ve had a few days to digest all of the turkey, stuffing and pie, it’s time to move on to the next order of business: taking advantage of all of the great Cyber Monday deals! There are few things we at Shopilly love more than a good sale, so we’ve rounded up some of the hottest deals from our favorite brands for you. Check them out below, and happy shopping!

Cyber Monday 2013

Aeropostale
Casual apparel brand Aeropostale is offering up to 70% off everything, plus free shipping on orders $75 and over. For the ladies, we love the delicate lace work on this peasant top, now $22.25. For the fellas, this donegal cardigan provides a lot of class for just $29.75.

Fab
“Everyday Design” retailer Fab is a great place to find inventive, quirky stocking stuffers, and right now it’s offering 30% off sitewide (note: a few brands are excluded from this promotion; see website for details). How fun are these fingerless heart gloves and triceratops cufflinks? And if you pick out $200 worth of stocking stuffers, you’ll get $30 of Fab credit to use by December 16.

REI
For the outdoor recreation buffs, REI is wishing everyone “Happy Holi-Deals!” with an extra 30% off one item at its online outlet store. Visit REI-outlet.com by 11:59 pm PST tonight to take advantage of this deal.

TUMI
If holiday travel has wreaked havoc on your luggage, fear not! TUMI is offering 30% off full price T-Tech products like this lightweight large trip packing case, originally $545 but now $381.50 with discount. You’ll also receive free shipping.

Wine.com
‘Tis the season to be merry- especially since you can save 10% on your purchase of 6 or more wines on wine.com. Mix and match your favorites and enter the promo code MAKEMERRY at checkout. If you’ve already stocked up on wine but need accessories like wine glasses or decanters, use the promo code BESANTA to save 20% on your purchase. Cheers!

Unique Valentine’s Gift Ideas for Your Special Guy

The countdown to one of the most polarizing holidays continues – we’re a mere 3 weeks away from the simultaneously beloved and reviled Valentine’s Day. Whether you love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day can be a stressful holiday due to the number of romantic expectations it brings, so we’re here to dispel a bit of your stress. Allow us to make some Valentine’s Day gift suggestions for the special male in your life!

Jo's Candies Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Caramel Corn

Who says chocolates and other sweet gifts are just for the ladies? From gourmet popcorn to a decadent vintage port, these treats are sure to be a welcome addition to any kitchen:

HDMI Pocket Projector

If gadgets are the apple of his eye, here are some innovative electronics that will help him multitask, aerate or entertain:

Jetsetter

A la our Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her post last week, we’d like to cap off this post with some gift experiences. Gifting an experience might take more planning and research than a more conventional material gift, but we think these are well worth it:

  • Winter sport adventure with REI Adventures
  • Gourmet meal deal, relaxed wine tasting or getaway package via Bloomspot (note: deals are updated daily, so if you don’t find anything you like one day, check back the next)
  • Luxurious weekend away via Jetsetter (note: Jetsetter sales are offered on a first come, first served basis)

Cheers,
The Shopilly Team

Photo credits: surlatable.com, brookstone.com, jetsetter.com

Holiday Rush: Last-Minute Gifts Under $100!

Say hello to the holiday rush: With only 5 days left to finish your shopping, retailers are making spirits extra bright with special deals, last-minute sales and free upgraded shipping to deliver by Christmas. So if you still have a long list to go, avoid the crowds and check out our roundup of the web’s best last-minute presents for under $100. We’ve combed all our favorite gift guides to bring you deals and steals on items that are a delight to give as they are to receive. Happy shopping!

FOR THE ONE WHO LOVES TO BAKE: Tea Time Measuring Cups, $15

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We can always count on Anthropologie to bring out our inner hostess, thanks to their darling, vintage-inspired kitchen accessories. These bright ceramic measuring cups (on sale for $15, order by tomorrow for Christmas delivery) are sure to spark a smile every time she whips up a batch of buttercream cupcakes.

FOR THE POLISHED PRINCESS: Bow Leather Driving Gloves, $30

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Ann Taylor puts a bright blue twist on leather driving gloves with this sweet bow-topped pair ($60, plus an extra 50% off all cold weather accessories & full-priced items with code GIFTANN), which we think would be perfect for your sophisticate friend.

FOR THE SNEAKER PURIST: Superga Classic Sneakers, from $65

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Superga’s canvas kicks have been around for over 100 years but are making a comeback in a big way this season, thanks to a rainbow of new colors that promise to keep feet happy all year long. (from $65 at Bloomingdales, order by tonight for free Christmas shipping.)

FOR THE MAN WHO HAS EVERYTHING: Coach IPhone case, $78 each

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Equal parts masculine and refined, Coach’s classic IPhone case ($78, order by Saturday to receive by Christmas + free shipping over $150) is crafted of soft, supple leather that will keep his phone in tip-top condition.

FOR THE DREAMER: J.Crew vintage pajama set, $85

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She’ll get her beauty sleep in style, thanks to J.Crew’s cozy vintage pajama set ($85, enjoy an extra 30% off with code CELEBRATE), spun of crisp men’s shirting cotton and designed to inspire sweet dreams.

FOR THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS: Studded trays, $79

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She’ll host a swanky soiree for the opening of an envelope and always keeps hors d’oeuvres on the ready in case there’s unexpected company. Give the seasoned hostess a chic cocktail tray, such as S2’s studded leather trays ($79 for 2 at One King’s Lane) to add a pop of panache to her next get-together.

FOR THE SPA GIRL

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Kiss dry winter skin goodbye with Bliss Spa’s luxurious, best-selling body butter in fresh scents like blood orange, lemon + sage and creamy vanilla. (Today only, score 4 tubes for $29 with code TODAY12!)

FOR THE CITY SLICKER: Knowlita Typography Print

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We think Kowlita’s bold typography prints ($21 on Fab.com; hurry, sale ends in 2 days!) is the perfect present for anyone who hearts NYC. Our favorite is the Nolita print, reminiscent of the days when we lived on the Bowery (sigh).

FOR THE WILD CHILD

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The perfect accessory to add bite to drab winter outfits yet light enough to keep her cozy through spring, we’re wild for Banana Republic’s Lara zebra scarf ($50 + extra 30% off with code BRWINTER till Friday).

FOR THE FUNNYGUY: Jack Spade Cheddar wallet, $62

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He’ll be charmed with this cheeky wallet by Jack Spade (on sale for $62), crafted of fine-grain calfskin and designed to keep the modern bankroller’s cheddar (bones, clams, whatever) neatly tucked away.

BEAUTY FAB FIVE: HOLIDAY EDITION

Tis the season for festive get-togethers (cookie swaps, tree-trimming parties) and swanky soirees (martinis & mistletoe, anyone?). As the end-of-year invites pour in, there’s no better time to shake up your beauty routine and try something new to hit the holiday party circuit. Here are five festive, easy trends, from a picture-perfect ballerina bun, to bright lips inspired by a few of our favorite celebrities, that we can’t wait to try. The best part? Everything’s under 20 bucks!

BALLERINA BUN

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Channel your inner prima ballerina (while showing off a pair of sparkly earrings) with an ultra-chic topknot, a la Reese Witherspoon. Get the look at home with the Conair Bun Maker ($5 at Ulta, snag $10 off when you spend $60 with code 80531), a spongy, donut-shaped ring that you simply roll through your ponytail. Secure it in place with bobby pins and elastic and—voila—instant updo! We recently wore ours to a wedding and our hair remained polished-to-perfection way after the bouquet toss.

GOLD NAIL POLISH

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Put the Midas touch on your manicure with rich gold lacquer. We love how it adds an extra dose of richness to Jessica Alba’s shimmering outfit. To DIY, start with clean buffed nails. Prime your canvas with a thin layer of base coat, (we’ve been using Seche Vite’s for years because it fills ridges for smoother application), then top with two coats of luxe gold polish, such as Deborah Lippmann’s in Swagga Like Us ($18 at Neiman Marcus, enjoy free shipping on all orders). Wait a solid 15 minutes to dry, and then finish with a fast-drying top coat.

BRIGHT RED LIPS

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The quickest way to brighten up for the holidays? A bold red pout. Make Up For Ever’s Rouge Artist Natural lipstick in Red ($19 at Sephora, enter their Beauty Insider program for sweet freebies) is enriched with nourishing properties and mother-of-pearl pigments for deep color and extra shine. The trick to pulling it off is to keep the rest of your makeup clean and minimal—think peachy cheeks and lightly lined eyes, like Olivia Palermo.

SMOKY EYES

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If you’re in the mood for something sultry, try smoky eyes like Kate Mara. Victoria’s Secret makes it foolproof, thanks to their user-friendly Smoky Eyes kit ($15, snag free shipping with code SHIPFREE) which comes with 6 different shadows to use on your crease, lids and brow bone, along with a step-by-step guide to achieve the perfectly smoldering look.

DRESSY HAIRBAND

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Consider it jewelry for your hair: Headbands are making a major comeback (as evidenced by this photo of Michelle Williams), especially those embellished with gems and bits of sparkle, such as this darling piece by Forever 21 ($7, while there, snag boots for 30% off!). It’s a subtle way to dress up your look while lending extra polish, keeping bangs and flyways at bay.

STOCKING STUFFERS

Decked out office halls, ubiquitous red Starbucks cups and this week’s lighting of the Rock Center tree means one thing: the holidays are in full swing! We know that the holiday rush can be overwhelming. If you haven’t started your Christmas shopping yet, ease into the spirit of things with our favorite bite-sized stocking stuffers. All are under 50 bucks and are as delightful to give as they are to receive!

FOR YOUR FASHIONABLE BEST FRIEND

Izak Mini Lip Gloss Set

Sephora Izak mini lip gloss set, $14

Hanky Panky lace thong

Hanky Panky lace thong, $20

Baublebar earrings

Baublebar earrings, $26

Fill her stocking with colorful treats, such as Sephora’s Izak Mini Lip Gloss Set ($14, free gift with code UNDERWRAPS)–5 glossy minis in wear-everywhere shades like Fiery Red and Tea Rose. Or, pretty panties by Hanky Panky ($20, score free shipping), packaged in a cute star-shaped box. We also think she’ll love Baublebar’s chic violet earrings ($26, play their 20 Days of Buried Bauble game and score jewels for under 20 bucks) because let’s face it, sometimes a girl needs sparkle.

FOR YOUR SOPHISTICATE SISTER

Jo Malone Grapefruit travel candle, $35

Jo Malone grapefruit travel candle, $35

Kate Spade New York USB drive, $50

Kate Spade New York USB drive, $50

C. Wonder monogram coasters, $10

C. Wonder monogram coasters, $10

Fresh and classic (just like your sis), Jo Malone’s grapefruit travel candle ($35 at Saks, get free shipping and gift wrap with code HOLIDAY) is an instant mood-booster on-the-go. She’ll also adore Kate Spade New York’s darling USB drive ($50 at Bloomingdales, enjoy free shipping) shaped like a cocktail ring and equipped with an ample 4GB. Or, consider C. Wonder’s monogram coasters ($10) to put a preppy twist on her next cocktail party.

FOR THE BEST MOM EVER

Tocca mini hand cream trio, $18

Tocca mini hand cream trio, $18

N. Peal cashmere gloves, on sale for $32

N. Peal cashmere gloves, on sale for $32

Herban Essentials lemon towelettes, $16 for 20

Herban Essentials lemon towelettes, $16 for 20

She’s always made sure you were in good hands—treat hers to a little luxury with Tocca’s mini hand cream set ($18 at Spack NK Apothecary, ships free!), a trio of their most popular scents made with shea butter and coconut oil. She can also keep them toasty in N. Peal’s chic, ultra soft cashmere gloves (on sale for $32 at the Outnet, refer a friend and earn $30). If she’s the kind of supermom who always has sanitizer at her fingertips, she’ll appreciate Herban Essentials Lemon antibacterial towelettes ($16 for pack of 20 at Beautybar.com, free shipping on your first order) made with all-natural essential oils in a fresh citrus scent.

FOR THE MEN IN YOUR LIFE

Areaware bottle opener, $14

Areaware bottle opener, $14

Corgi striped socks, $30

Corgi striped socks, $30

On The Rocks glass and ice mold set, $25

On The Rocks glass and ice mold set, $25

Skip the go-to necktie and give him something with more mileage, such as Areaware’s super cool bottle opener ($14 at West Elm, score free shipping), made of sustainably harvested beech wood with a hidden magnet to catch caps. He’ll also get a kick out of cozy cotton socks—just be sure to pick ones with personality, such as Corgi’s striped pair ($30 at Mr. Porter). Lastly, we don’t know a single guy who doesn’t love On The Rocks ice ball mold ($25 on Open Sky, get free shipping over $100), which produces jumbo slow-melting spheres so not to dilute his favorite whiskey.

FOR THE SMALL FRY

Rowdy Sprouts Nirvana onesie, $38

Rowdy Sprouts Nirvana onesie, $38

Old Navy critter hat, $11

Old Navy critter hat, $11

Giggle finger puppets, $15

Giggle finger puppets, $15

Your tiny tot will look too cool for nursery school dressed in Rowdy Sprout’s vintage Nirvana onesie ($38 at Kitson, receive free shipping over $75). Keep baby’s head nice and cozy with Old Navy’s too-cute monkey critter hat (on sale for $11, get 20% off with code ONHOLIDAY). Or, put on a show with these adorable Jungle Finger Puppets ($15 at Giggle, free shipping over $75 with FABFREE12), made of soft, 100% certified organic cotton.

2012 Holiday Gift Guide

If you were one of the brave souls who headed out in the wee hours of Black Friday (or even shortly after Thanksgiving dinner) to take advantage of the sales, our hats are off to you. If you chose to sleep in or just prefer shopping from the comfort of your couch, it’s not too late to catch up now – it’s Cyber Monday, after all!

As you navigate all of the great deals for your holiday gift shopping, take a look at this gift guide we’ve compiled for the special people in your life:

The Clothing Maven
Open anyone’s closet, and you’ll encounter a world of colors, patterns, fabrics and fashions. Rather than taking a (risky) stab at pinpointing a person’s style preferences, give him or her some peace of mind in the form of closet organization. The Container Store offers a plethora of closet organizers – the Milano 6-Compartment Hanging Sweater Bag keeps those pesky shoulder bumps caused by hangers away. Target sells a convenient Tie and Belt Hanger that keeps accessories organized, and for the jetsetters in your life, a GarmenTote Garment Bag (available via Bed Bath & Beyond) keeps dresses and suits wrinkle-free.

The Tech Lover
Thank your go-to tech expert for all of the times he or she saved your computer/phone/life with a cool accessory for his or her latest gadget. Amazon carries Speck’s line of eye-catching, protective and budget-friendly iPhone cases. A pair of Klipsch Noise-Cancelling Headphones from Brookstone is sure to make any audiophile’s ears happy, and Nike’s Jordan Gadget Gloves make it easy for your tech lover to fiddle with a touchscreen without risking frozen fingers.

The Foodie
‘Tis the season for good food, and lots of it. Treat your beloved gourmand to some seasonal delicacies. Williams-Sonoma makes a fantastic Peppermint Bark, and its Italian Food Lovers Gift Set makes throwing together a good pasta dinner easy as 1-2-3.  Cheese enthusiasts will appreciate one of Sur La Table’s many cheese samplers, and Wine.com makes it easy to ship a good bottle or two to any holiday table.

The Athlete
Nothing gets in the way of this person’s fitness goals – neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor overconsumption of holiday treats. Guarantee that your athlete doesn’t get caught in the elements unprepared. A proper baselayer is key for retaining body heat, and Patagonia has a good selection of baselayers for women and men. For those below-zero days when leaving the house seems like a workout in and of itself, your athlete can still get a good workout in with a video like Jillian Michaels: Ripped in 30 DVD, available from Gaiam. Lastly, the REI Outdoor School offers a wide selection of programs and classes for budding and experienced climbers, cyclers, kayakers and more.

The Artist
When displaying your artist’s work on the refrigerator just doesn’t cut it any more, show your appreciation with the gift of framing. Art.com’s Photos [to] Art program allows you to upload a photo and customize it into a work of art, such as a poster calendar, canvas print or mounted photograph. For the crafty, Papyrus does custom printing, so your artist can design and print his or her own stationary and cards. Lastly, Z Gallerie has a wide selection of art, and if you purchase a piece and enter the promo code GIVE20 today, you’ll receive 20% off your purchase.

Happy Shopping!

P.S. Is holiday shopping already causing your wallet grief? Here’s your chance to win $700 from Shopilly – invite your friends to join Shopilly by December 11th, and you’ll receive 5 entries into the holiday giveaway per invitee! Details here.

Photo credits: target.com, brookstone.com, surlatable.com, patagonia.com, art.com

Halloween for Procrastinators

Halloween is right around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve waited until the very last moment to scrounge up a costume. Luckily, all it takes is a little creativity and a good deal or two to whip up an affordable, Halloween party-worthy costume. Whatever your reason for procrastinating on your costume hunt, Shopilly has a solution for you:

  1. I don’t want to pay a lot for a flimsy costume I’ll only wear once. This is where the beauty of DIY comes in. You can pull together a great costume at minimal cost by assembling the pieces yourself, which also allows you to strategically purchase pieces that you’ll continue wearing and using after the festivities are over. You may even already have pieces in your closet that you can integrate into your costume. Let’s take Little Red Riding Hood as an example. Start by layering a Fleece Cape by American Apparel over Forever 21‘s Flared Chambray Shirtdress.
             Complete your look with a wicker basket (psst — Linens ‘n Things is offering 20% off selected items until 10/23 with the coupon code Halloween20). Your costume will be instantly recognizable, and after Halloween is over, you’ll have a trendy cape to keep you warm throughout the winter, a versatile shirtdress to add to your closet, and a wicker basket to use for decoration or organizational purposes.
  2. I can’t come up with an original/funny/witty costume idea. Stop being so hard on yourself! Halloween is all about having fun, so don’t stress out about having the wittiest costume at the party. Amazon.com is a reliable source for a variety of costumes, available in a wide range of prices to fit your budget. If you’re lusting after the “most original costume” award, search for “Halloween costumes” on Amazon.com and sort the search results by “New and Bestselling” to get an idea of the most popular costumes. Then avoid purchasing these costumes — or just laugh about it when you bump into another Flo the Progressive Insurance Girl at the party.
  3. I hate dressing up. Who says you have to go all-out on Halloween? Even a little creative face paint can be transformational. A quick web search for “Halloween makeup tutorials” returns a bevy of tutorial videos — one of my favorites is this zombie makeup tutorial. Once you’ve picked out a look, head over to Sephora to purchase the makeup you need to achieve the look. And just in time for Halloween, Sephora is giving you the opportunity to win a discount with its Spin To Win Friends & Family Sale!

Happy Halloween from Shopilly!

Photo credits: store.americanapparel.net, forever21.com, sephora.com