Decorating for the Holidays

Posted on December 17, 2012 by Xenia

Although winter brings cold weather and drastically shorter days, it also brings one of my favorite morning rituals: starting my day with a run and seeing all of the holiday lights and decorations in the early morning calm. Some of the houses in my neighborhood go all out with decorations – lights synchronized with Christmas music; roofs topped with all of Santa’s reindeer; yards full of candy canes, waving Santas and inflatable snow globes. Then there are the less invested folk – me included – whose holiday “decorations” consist of store-made wreaths and pumpkin pie-scented candles (and, let’s be honest, those are actually leftovers from Thanksgiving).

Whether you fall into the former or latter group of holiday decorators, it’s not too late to spread a little holiday cheer. We’ve highlighted some of our favorite decorations below, so if you need some inspiration to decorate your place, ditch the Scrooge attitude and take a look at our picks!

Crate and Barrel has quite the selection of holiday ornaments and indoor decorations, many of which are on sale right now. An ornament tree is a great low-maintenance alternative to a real Christmas tree, while an ornament-photo chandelier would lend a festive, personal touch to any room in the house. Horchow is another good source for holiday décor. From traditional nutcracker figures to more contemporary pieces like the “Alpine” Twig Centerpiece, you should be able to find just the piece to spruce up any room.
If your holiday décor isn’t complete without a tree, check out Lowes, where you can purchase a nine foot artificial Christmas tree and all the trimmings to go with it. The Home Depot also has artificial trees of various heights – some of them even come pre-decorated with lights. If you’re decorating the tree on your own, take advantage of Pottery Barn’s 20% off all ornaments promotion. And although Hanukah ended yesterday, you can still purchase décor in anticipation of next year’s celebration. Horchow’s Golden Menorah features a gorgeous twig design, and Pottery Barn’s Mercury Glass Menorah is now on sale.
Are you jonesing for the distinction of “best decorated house” in your neighborhood? If so, consider investing in an inflatable holiday decoration like this 16 foot inflatable giant lighted sleigh or four foot airblown outdoor Frosty the Snowman. While you’re at it, add some animated grazing deer to your yard, or maybe an animated Santa in sleigh – though we should warn you that this will set you back a pretty penny.

Photo credits: horchow.com, homedepot.com, potterybarn.com

Festive Frocks For Under $100!

Posted on December 13, 2012 by BIRDY GREY

In the spirit of the season, we’ve been bringing you fun, festive ideas on how to elevate your look for the holidays, be it at the office party or new beauty tricks to try. Now that we’re in the thick of soiree season—this weekend alone, we have a holiday housewarming brunch, coworker cocktails and a white elephant exchange—we’re taking the stress out of holiday dressing with a roundup of our favorite frocks, all for under $100!

MM COUTURE, $89

Sparkle all night in MM Couture’s dazzling skirt dress ($89 from Piperlime, get an extra 20% with code HOLIDAY), featuring a sequined gold skirt and blousy jade top. Pair with nude pumps for an extra leg-lengthening effect.

TOPSHOP, $84

Topshop’s cherry red skater dress ($84, score free shipping!) makes our spirits bright, thanks to a festive red hue and full-skirted silhouette. Try cinching it with an ornate belt to add extra sparkle and accentuate your silhouette.

ALI RO, $35

Put the Midas touch on your holiday look with Ali Ro’s golden Grecian dress (on sale for $34.62 from $285 at Neiman Marcus Last Call, use code LCDEC75 for free shipping on orders over $75), spun of gleaming taffeta and dressed up with bow-topped shoulder and pleated sweetheart neckline.

VICTORIA’S SECRET, $70

Steal kisses under the mistletoe in a seductive silhouette, like Victoria Secret’s Multi Way dress ($69.50, free shipping with code SHIPANY). Crafted of flattering matte jersey, it comes in 4 colors and can be worn a whopping 10 different ways (halter, strapless, V-neck, one-shoulder and so on…) to carry you through the season. If the vibe of the party is on the conservative side, top with a shrunken tuxedo jacket to balance proportions.

J.CREW, $99

Look pretty in pink with J.Crew’s bright Sinclaire dress ($99, take and extra 30% off + free shipping with code WISHLIST). The vibrant color makes it a perfect choice for the holidays, though the whisper-weight fabric works well for all of spring’s social events.

ADRIANNA PAPELL, $65

With crisp tiers and graphic neckline, we think this jazzy little number by Adrianna Papell ($64.35 at Bluefly, take $40 off your order of $200 with code FLY40) is black, white and delightful allover. Channel a modern Holly Golightly by pulling hair back into a French twist and show off a pair of sparkly earrings.

ZARA, $70

Whether the invite calls for creative cocktail or black tie optional, we can always count on Zara to find the perfect LBD for every occasion. Case in point: this coquettish dress ($69.90) trimmed with lace and chic ruffles.

ELISE RYAN, $39

Make the rounds in this party-perfect dress by Elise Ryan ($38.70 at Asos), spun of floral lace with a sweetheart neck and scalloped hemline for an extra dose of demure. (While at Asos, send fun holiday e-cards to friends!)

Dressing for an Office Holiday Party, Part II

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Xenia

The holiday season is in full swing, so today we return to the topic of office holiday party attire, but with a focus on the fellows. Jeans or slacks? Tie or no tie? Vest and jacket, or just a button-down? Read on for our attire suggestions for a spectrum of dress codes:

Casual: If your office environment is casual and the holiday party invitation indicates that the dress code is “festive” – or another ambiguous adjective – feel free to dress as you would for work. Leave the polo and flip-flops at home, though – it’s a party, after all! Dark denim and a nice sweater are always a safe bet. Banana Republic’s Vintage Straight jean is universally flattering and available in 11 washes. Pair it with a classic Marled Wool V-Neck Sweater or this Slim-Fit Dress Shirt by Kenneth Cole (on sale now for 2 for $60), and you’re good to go.
Semi-formal: Sometimes semi-formal is also written as “informal” on event invitations, but don’t be fooled – both require a suit and tie. Armani Exchange is offering 30% off blazers and shirts, so if you’ve been meaning to invest in a basic piece like the Tuxedo Style Blazer or Herringbone Jacquard Shirt, now’s the time to do so. If you want to purchase a full suit, take a look at the selection from Hugo Boss. It offers five fits – classic, modern, slim, extra slim, and big and tall, so you’re sure to find something for your body type. Hugo Boss also has an impressive selection of neckwear, so don’t forget to pick up a tie or bow-tie to round out your outfit.
Formal: For a formal or black tie event, it’s time to break out the penguin-wear. Nordstrom is a good place to look for designer tuxedos – think Zegna and Dolce & Gabbana. J. Crew offers some more affordable options, as does Perry Ellis. Many of the pieces in the Perry Ellis “Dapper Dressing” category are now on sale, including the Brushed Twill Slim Fit Tux Jacket, so head on over if you’re looking for a good deal.

Happy holidays from the Shopilly team!

Photo credits: bananarepublic.gap.com, armaniexchange.com, perryellis.com

BEAUTY FAB FIVE: HOLIDAY EDITION

Posted on December 7, 2012 by BIRDY GREY

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Dressing for an Office Holiday Party

Posted on December 3, 2012 by Xenia

With Thanksgiving behind us, it’s time to focus on the year-end holiday parties coming this month. Between the family traditions and celebrations with friends, you may hardly have time to get your holiday shopping done. But don’t let that get in the way of your wardrobe selections – especially when it comes to your office holiday party. If you’re having a hard time choosing a festive but appropriate outfit for your that event, take a look at these options, and then kick back with your co-workers and indulge in the holiday spirit!

A nice sweater, fitted pants and pumps make a lovely combination that you can wear straight from the office to the party. I love this sophisticated draped cowl-neck sweater by Banana Republic in festive red. Pair it with bootcut pants like the Gretchen Black Bootcut Pant or, for a dressier feel, a high waist skirt like the Midi Knit Skirt (both bottoms by Bebe). Finish the outfit off with Nine West’s Caress pumps, available in safe solid colors or in gold glitter if you’re so inclined, and you’re instantly party-ready. By the way, Nine West is offering 30% off your entire purchase until 11:59 pm EST tonight, so hop to it!
If your first priority is to stay warm, followed closely by appearing stylish, you can kill two birds with one stone by choosing a sweater dress. J. Crew’s Tee Dress is Italian cashmere, so you’ll stay cozy all night long. Another good option is French Connection’s wool-blend Milla Milano Dress. Pair either dress with tights and boots to shield your legs from the cold as well. The Martta Boot by Coach is a beautiful riding boot for those who prefer flat footwear; if you want a few extra inches, the Tres Chic Boot by Kenneth Cole is now 50% off.
A dressier venue gives you the perfect excuse to invest in a new dress, and Express has a good selection of holiday dresses that won’t break the bank. This Long Sleeve Sequin Embellished Dress is great for anyone who gets cold easily, while the Ponte Knit Sheath Dress is flattering and does double duty as a must-have basic piece for any wardrobe. Some more formal options include this show-stealing Draped Long Silk Dress by Mango, or the intricately detailed Caridad Ruffled Dress from Anthropologie.

Fellows, if you’re feeling a little left out, sit tight – we’ll have office holiday party dressing tips for you next week!

Photo credits: bananarepublic.gap.com, bebe.com, usa.frenchconnection.com, kennethcole.com, express.com, shop.mango.com

STOCKING STUFFERS

Posted on November 30, 2012 by BIRDY GREY

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

Sephora Izak mini lip gloss set, $14

Hanky Panky lace thong, $20

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

Kate Spade New York USB drive, $50

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

N. Peal cashmere gloves, on sale for $32

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

Corgi striped socks, $30

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

Old Navy critter hat, $11

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

Posted on November 26, 2012 by Xenia

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 11^th, 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

T is for Thanksgiving and Table Setting

Posted on November 19, 2012 by Xenia

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner this week, chances are by now you’ve finalized the menu and perhaps even started prepping some of the dishes. Between the turkey roasting, potato mashing and pie making, you might not have much time to dedicate to table settings. But don’t neglect the tabletop – it’ll be one of the first things your guests notice when they sit down for dinner.

If you’ve had your nose nestled too deep in recipes to think about decorating your Thanksgiving table, fear not. We’ve compiled a little list to help you assemble a beautiful table setting before the first guest hits the doorbell:

Table linens: Thanksgiving dinner means food galore – on plates, in tummies and…all over your table. Intercept the mess and add some color to the dinner table with Serena & Lily’s Marbella Tablecloth or Williams-Sonoma’s festive St. Nick Jacquard Tablecloth.
Dinnerware, silverware and glassware, oh my! Even if you don’t have time to fully decorate your table, some artful dining pieces can create a polished, festive feel. CB2 is offering a 20% entertaining sale (ending today, so don’t wait!), so you can stock up on pieces like these fun Crackle Flutes and sleek Square Platters without breaking the bank. Anthropologie’s Gold-Dipped Flatware would go beautifully with these Confetti Paper Placemats (bonus: the disposable placemats will save you precious time during post-dinner clean-up).
Centerpiece: Some people prefer to let the turkey be the star of the show, so if this is your strategy, serve the turkey on a nice platter, like this Sorrento Platter or aptly-named Beast’s Feast Platter. If you’re looking for a non-food-related centerpiece, consider something simple like nice candles or a fall-themed floral arrangement. I like these Twig Candleholders from Country Door, and this beautiful Surroyal Pitcher could easily be repurposed as an impromptu flower-holder.
Place cards: If you plan to separate certain family members from each other – or perhaps play matchmaker for some friends – assign each of your guests a seat with these White Wash Chalkboard Place Card Holders. These L’Objet Pinecone Place Card Holders would also be a lovely addition to any table.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Shopilly team!

Photo credits: cb2.com, williams-sonoma.com, anthropologie.com

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