Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her

Posted on January 14, 2013 by Xenia

While some of you may still be in the process of taking down holiday decorations or sweeping away the remaining New Years confetti, the chocolate, roses and hearts have already come out in full force. That’s right, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner – in fact, it’s exactly one month away! Are you shopping for a special someone this year? We’ve compiled a guide of Valentine’s Day gift ideas to help you out. This week, we’re showcasing our picks for the special female in your life. Check back next week for gift ideas for the fellows.

Paloma Picasso Love & Kisses Mini Bracelet

While jewelry may not be the most original gift idea, there’s a reason it’s a Valentine’s Day standard. However, picking jewelry out for someone can be a tricky task since taste in jewelry can vary so much from person to person. Unless the woman in your life has dropped some not-so-subtle hints in the past few months or you’ve pinpointed her style, we suggest picking out a simple, classic piece rather than a trendy or extravagant (and therefore risky) piece. Here are some of our favorites:

Songbird Short Necklace from Kate Spade, $58
Paloma Picasso Love & Kisses Mini Bracelet from Tiffany & Co., $155
Mikimoto White Cultured Pearl & 18K White Gold Stud Earrings from Saks Fifth Avenue, $350

What would Valentine’s Day be without sweets? While candy necklaces and conversation hearts might not cut it anymore, these gourmet treats will surely be a hit:

Ghiradelli Sweet Inspiration Valentine Gift from World Market, $39.95
Assorted Parisian Macaroons from Sur la Table, $49.95
Taylor Fladgate 20 Year-old Tawny (port) from Wine.com, $51.99
Dom Perignon & Godiva Truffles from Wine.com, $199.99

Now that we’ve covered the Valentine’s Day standards, let’s think outside of the box – experiences! Psychology research suggests that receiving experiences as gifts makes us happier than receiving material gifts. These Shopilly brands consistently offer great deals on experiences like upscale meals, getaways and hotel bookings:

Cheers,
The Shopilly Team

Photo credits: tiffany.com, surlatable.com, bloomspot.com

IT’S HERE: JASON WU FOR NORDSTROM!

Posted on January 10, 2013 by BIRDY GREY

We’re huge (HUGE) fans of fashion designer Jason Wu, who has dressed everyone from actress Michelle Williams to First Lady Michelle Obama in his luxe, ultra feminine designs. So you can imagine our delight when his latest collection, Miss Wu—a darling 40-piece capsule of wallet-friendly dresses, separates and outerwear available exclusively at Nordstrom—hit the web earlier this week!

For the collection, Wu says that he was inspired by French New Wave and hip 60’s icons such as Marianne Faithfull and Penelope Tree, putting a cool, downtown spin on his signature sophisticated designs. “The look is gamine and mischievous in the spirit of those girls, but with a dressed up twist,” he told Instyle.com.

While price-points aren’t as low as the Target collection he did last spring (which sold out in hours), you can still snag a printed chiffon skirt for a reasonable $275 or a well turned out trench for under $600.

Take a look at the Miss Wu Lookbook below for the full collection, currently available for pre-order at Nordstrom.com, and tell us your favorites. (This spotted black and white shift makes our hearts skip a beat!)

Photos from Nordstrom.com.

Say Cheese!

Posted on January 7, 2013 by Xenia

The holidays may be over, but that doesn’t mean the celebrations have to be as well. In the spirit of continuous celebrations, today we’re talking cheese. That’s right, a full-blown investigation into how to create the perfect cheese plate for your next get-together:

Portion
As a general rule of thumb, plan to have an ounce or two of each type of cheese per person. Three to five different types of cheese should make an ample plate that allows each person to sample a nice variety. You may want to invest in some specialized cheese knives to make cutting and serving easy – the Dubost Cheese Knife Set provides a classic trio of cheese servers for a reasonable price.

Variety
Variety is the spice of life – especially when it comes to cheese! Here are a few cheese combinations you can try:

Cheeses made from different milk types: cow, goat and sheep. Check out food writer Janet Fletcher’s CheeseLibrary for examples of each.
Cheeses from different countries, such as France, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain.
Cheeses that represent various regions of the U.S., for example Wisconsin Cheddar, Point Reyes Blue Cheese and Humboldt Fog.
Cheeses of different textures: soft and creamy cheeses like Brie and Camemert, or hard and dry cheeses like Manchego and Pecorino Romano.

Presentation
A well-planned cheese plate speaks for itself, so beyond selecting your cheeses and placing them on a simple cheese board, you don’t have to do much more in the way of presentation.

If you are not yet the proud owner of a cheese board, check out the Wüsthof Gourmet Wine and Cheese Set from Sur La Table. The set includes a bamboo board, cheese plane to create perfectly thin slices of cheese, cheese knife for slicing, and corkscrew for the all-important wine pairing. Williams Sonoma also sells a Slate Cheese Serving Board, complete with a soapstone pencil, which allows you to label each cheese for inquisitive guests. If you’re looking for a “higher-end” cheese board, take a look at the handsome Vintage French Cheese Board.

In terms of cheese placement, Joanna Goddard recommends placing your cheeses “in ‘clock order’—12 o’clock being the mildest and 11 o’clock being the strongest.’

Pairings
The obvious pairing is wine, but beer has become an increasingly popular pairing beverage as well. Check out these American Cheese Society guides to pairing cheese and wine and pairing cheese and beer.

To accompany (but not overwhelm) the cheese, serve some light crackers or plain bread like a French baguette on the side. More flavorful breads, like sourdough or focaccia, are generally not recommended since they may interfere with the flavor of cheese, but there are some exceptions. For example, walnut bread pairs nicely with chèvre.

Some people also like to serve simple accompaniments like fresh or dried fruits, honey and nuts with their cheese plates.

Cheers,
The Shopilly Team

P.S. Need a gift for a cheese lover? Consider a delicious three-month American Cheese delivery service or DIY Cheese-Making Kit from Williams Sonoma.

Photo credits: surlatable.com, williams-sonoma.com

New Year, New Resolutions

Posted on January 4, 2013 by BIRDY GREY

Now that the ball has dropped, bottles of bubbly popped and we’ve entered into the new year, it’s time to put our 2013 resolutions into action. And it’s easier (and more fun) than ever to keep them, thanks to the cool gadgets, gear and other goodies we’ve found—from stylish workout clothes to veggies delivered to your door. Happy 2013!

RESOLUTION: FIND TIME FOR FITNESS

Lululemon Pace Setter Running Skirt, $58

The best motivation to get your butt to the gym? Investing in workout gear, such as Lululemon’s Pace Setter Running Skirt ($58, enjoy free shipping!) spun of light, moisture-wicking fabric with built-in shorts and an elastic hem so they stay put while jogging on the treadmill.

Gaiam Cardio Burn Yoga DVD, $11.95

On the days you can’t get to the yoga studio, pop in Gaiam’s Cardio Burn Yoga DVD ($11.98, use code 13NEWYEAR for an extra 20% off) with certified instructor Patricia Moreno to get your vinyasa on at home.

Nike+ Fuel Band, $149

Track your workouts with the Nike+ FuelBand ($149 from Nike), which measures everything from the number of steps you take to amount of calories burned. Download the mobile app and wirelessly share your progress with friends, too. (Bonus: it doubles as a cool-looking watch!)

RESOLUTION: LOOK MORE POLISHED

Clarisonic Mia, $119

Just a few small tweaks in your daily routine can make you look (and feel) more pulled-together. Get dewy, fresh-from-a-facial looking skin everyday with the Clarisonic Mia ($119 at Sephora, score free shipping) which helps minimize pores and cleanses so thoroughly, moisturizers and serums absorb more effectively. (We got one from Santa and our skin has never looked better!).

Deborah Lippmann Get Nailed Manicure Set, $48

Deborah Lippmann Get Nailed Manicure Set, $49

Clean, perfectly polished nails go a very long way. Treat yourself to a weekly mani-pedi at home with Deborah Lippmann’s Get Nailed manicure set ($49 at Nordstrom, get free shipping) complete with base coat, top, polish remover and two glossy lacquers.

Kenneth Jay Lane earrings, $56

Always keep a pair of glittery earrings in your purse to add an instant dose of glamour on the go. Jeweled button styles, such as this pair by Kenneth Jay Lane ($56 with 30% off at Last Call by Neiman Marcus) lend just-right sparkle to everything from desk-to-dinner getups to your weekend uniform of skinnies and a tee.

RESOLUTION: EAT MORE VEGGIES

Chef’s Garden Seasonal Vegetable & Herb Box, $89.95

No time to hit the farmer’s market? Get a bounty of farm-fresh veggies delivered to your doorstep with Chef’s Garden Seasonal Vegetable and Herb box ($89.95 per order, available at Gilt Taste), packed with peak-of-season produce, such as squash blossoms and baby cauliflower.

Breville Juice Fountain Plus, $149.95

Save yourself $10 a day on green juice with Breville’s Juice Fountain Plus (on sale for $149.95 at Williams-Sonoma), considered the Bentley of at-home juicers for its powerful, 850-watt motor and easy-to-clean micromesh filter.

The Modern Vegetarian by Maria Ella, $15

Dust off your pots and pans and get cooking with Maria Ella’s delicious new cookbook, The Modern Vegetarian ($15.30 on Amazon.com), packed with 120 mouthwatering meatless recipes, such as watermelon panzanella and lemongrass & sweet corn soup.

RESOLUTION: GET ORGANIZED!

Kate Spade New York 2013 Desk Agenda, $38

Stay on top of meetings, dinner dates and social soirees with Kate Spade New York’s 2013 daily agenda notebook ($38, take an extra 25% off sale items with code 25SALE). It also comes with extra sheets for jotting birthdays, restaurants and important addresses.

Container Store Shoe Boxes, $1.89 each

If your bathroom cabinets overflow with a messy mix of toiletries, here’s how to get organized: dump everything onto the floor and divide into categories (nail polishes, travel sizes, eye makeup, etc). Stow in the Container Store’s stackable plastic shoe boxes ($1.89 each), tuck away underneath the sink or linen closet and—voila!

Palm Beach Chic’s Elle Jewelry Box, $79

Avoid making a jumbled mess of your jewelry using Palm Beach Chic’s Elle lacquer jewelry box ($79 at One King’s Lane), complete with special compartments to keep necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings in pristine condition.

Shopilly: a (short) retrospective

Posted on December 31, 2012 by Xenia

It’s hard to believe it, but a new year is upon us. Before we close the door on 2012 and leap into 2013, we want to take a moment to look back and reflect on what we’ve accomplished at Shopilly in the past few months.

Shopilly officially launched in October to good press reviews from NBC News, San Francisco Chronicle and Fast Company. NBC singled us out as “the most-promising and spiffiest” of online services designed for the brand communications experience. Netted by the Webbys captured our essence well with its headline “Outside the Inbox – Turn Marketing Emails into an E-Boutique with Shopilly.”

That was great since Founder and CEO Anirban Datta has focused on visuals and design to create a better shopping experience for consumers. But his vision goes far beyond a better type of email to allow people to create their own personalized brand network for discovering and accessing the latest offers, promotions and new arrivals in a beautifully designed interface.

He also takes inspiration from the way we all create and share personalized music and TV show playlists:

“Like music and TV shows, there is something innately personal about shopping, and there is also a lot to discover out there based on our interests, social influences and editorial curations,” he said.

And so – Shopilly brings these capabilities to the world of shopping.

Shopilly is still developing and improving, but we’re pretty excited about the features we’ve released so far:

Visual inbox: View promotional emails from the retailers you’ve given your email address to in an organized visual inbox. Promotional emails never looked so beautiful.
Window shopping: That’s right, we took window shopping virtual. Shopilly allows you to browse deals and offers from retailers in a variety of categories, including Shoes & Bags, Sports & Outdoors and Home & Décor.
Follow: Not the leader, but your favorite brands. Shopilly collects and saves the latest offers, promotions and new arrivals of your favorite brands on Brand Pages so that you don’t have to do the hunting yourself. That means that you can streamline your shopping by checking a specific Brand Page before you shop online or visit its store.
Editorial Picks: Every day, the Shopilly editors are hard at work hand-selecting deals for you. Keep up with their editorial picks in the Home tab of your Shopilly account.

But that’s not all! We’re working on mobile apps that allow you to access your favorite Shopilly features – the latest brand offers, promotions and your shopping receipts – on the go.

We welcome any and all feedback from you as you test out our service. Building Shopilly is all about providing you with the best possible shopping experience – offline and on, so please let us know how we are doing.

As 2013 rolls in, we look forward to another great year with you!

-The Shopilly Team

All That Glitters

Posted on December 27, 2012 by BIRDY GREY

It’s almost time to ring in the new year! Whether you’re celebrating the countdown at a glamorous soiree or hosting an intimate party at home, put the Midas touch on your New Year’s Eve look with splashes of gold sparkle, inspired by the Spring 2013 runways. Add just a touch (such as a row of rings, a la Balenciaga) or go all out (hello Oscar de la Renta!) with our roundup of the web’s best and brightest 24-karat pieces.

SPRING 2013 RUNWAY

S2013RTW-BALENCIA
From left: Vera Wang, Balenciaga, Oscar de la Renta

ALL DRESSED UP

Stand out and shine all evening in a shimmering mini. We found a trio on sale at The Outnet (Net-A-Porter’s digital outlet–a goldmine for designer steals!) such as this sweet scalloped strapless by Rachel Gilbert (marked down to $478 from $1,365), seductive bodycon by Herve Leger ($770) and sizzling one-shoulder dress by Opulence England ($160).

PRETTY LITTLE PIECES

Or, ease into the trend one piece at a time. Tuck this sequined tank ($20 from Target) into a flouncy skirt or pair Diane Von Furstenberg’s metallic twill shorts (on sale for $150 at Net-A-Porter) with a billowy blouse and black microfiber tights for a look that’s as good as, well, gold. Watch how Rag & Bone’s luxurious bronze blazer ($895 at Net-A-Porter) instantly dresses up your plain LBD.

FINISHING TOUCHES

Dance till dawn in Christian Louboutin’s jaw-dropping peep-toes (a whopping $3,995, available exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman in honor of their 111^th anniversary) adorned with millions of crystals & studs. Tuck lip gloss, cash and compact essentials in Diane Von Furstenberg’s lustrous clutch ($295 at Nordstrom), which has a crossbody strap to keep hands free for a glass of bubbly. Or, jazz up a strapless neckline with Kate Spade New York’s heavy-duty gold & pearl necklace ($155, take an extra 25% off with code 25SALE)—the perfect accessory for making a gleaming statement.

GET GLOWING

And finally, switch up your beauty routine with a dose of shimmer. Dust eyes with Bobbi Brown’s Long Wear Cream Shadow in Goldstone ($24 at Sephora, take an extra 20% off sale items with code EXTRA20) for solid gold sparkle that won’t smudge. Or, turn up the heat with Gucci Guilty ($61 at Macy’s, enjoy an additional 15% off with code JOY) —a sleek, sexy fragrance infused with violet and amber. Lastly, look polished to perfection with Essie’s Golden Nuggets nail lacquer ($8 at Essie.com) at your fingertips.

Cheers, Prost, Saúde!

Posted on December 24, 2012 by Xenia

Ah, the holidays. Never is there a time of year with more to toast to: family, friends, gifts, never-ending holiday treats and the promise of a fresh start with the coming of a new year.

As you gear up to celebrate Christmas tomorrow and the New Year in just another week, we’ve compiled a mini guide on “toasting etiquette.” Read on to learn how to properly cheer in the holidays:

Use Proper Stemware

While we think (and we’re betting most people will agree) that sparkling wine is tasty whether served in a glass, mug or jar, the proper way to serve it is in a slender, flute-shaped glass. Schott Zwiesel Pure Champagne Flutes will do the job; for a less traditional look, the flared Zwiesel 1872 Enoteca Champagne Toasting Glass is a fun choice. Both are available at Sur La Table.

White wine should be served in a U-shaped wine glass like the Riedel Vinum Chardonnay Glass. An alternative is the DuraClear Osteria Stemless White Wineglass, which is great for butterfingers – it won’t crack, shatter, break, cloud or discolor. Both are available at Williams-Sonoma.

Red wine has more complex aromas and flavors than white wine, so it should be served in a glass with a larger surface area so that the wine can come into contact with more air. If you’re toasting with red wine, serve it in a round wine glass that has a large opening – try Anthropologie’s Frosted Panes Red Wine Glass or Frosted Panes Tumbler, both of which feature beautiful etched patterns.

Serve Wine at the Correct Temperature
Most people know better than to put ice in their white wine (at least in public), but how much do you actually know about the temperatures at which different types of wine should be served?

Sparkling wine should be served well chilled. Put a bottle in the fridge 3 hours prior to serving, or a minimum of 30 minutes in ice water, if you’re running short on time.

White wines should also be served chilled, but not to the degree of sparkling wines. As a rule of thumb, refreshing white wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio should be chilled to 35 or 40 degrees before serving, while richer white wines like Chardonnay should be chilled slightly less, to about 55 degrees, before serving.

Lastly, red wines should be served at a cool 65 degrees. If you keep your reds in a cool, dry environment like a cellar or basement, you may be able to serve them immediately. If not, you can chill them in the fridge for about 20 minutes before serving.

Don’t Overfill Glasses
…at least not during the first round. This will help prevent spillage as everyone clinks glasses and, as a bonus, you’ll look like a true wine expert. Joanna Goddard, who blogs over at A Cup of Jo, wrote a great wine etiquette post (complete with illustrations!) to help clarify the do’s and don’ts of drinking wine. She writes that red wine glasses should be filled 1/3 full, white wine glasses ½ full, and sparkling wine glasses ¾ full.

Now that we’ve filled your mind with wine knowledge, we’re going to give you one last piece of contradictory advice – if all else fails, throw all etiquette out the window and just enjoy toasting with your loved ones this holiday. We promise we won’t judge.

Happy Holidays,
The Shopilly Team

Photo credits: surlatable.com, williams-sonoma.com, anthropologie.com

Holiday Rush: Last-Minute Gifts Under $100!

Posted on December 20, 2012 by BIRDY GREY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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