Love the Shoes

Your holiday work mixer is coming up and you’ve found a black cocktail dress embellished with black satin but you’re having a difficult time finding the appropriate shoes. Every store seems to be filled with boots in every shape and size imaginable but those pumps you’ve envisioned to match with your dress are nowhere to be found. Worry no longer, I’ve managed to find a pair of pumps that will suit just about any holiday cocktail attire!

These satin slingbacks from Arden B will add major sex appeal to any outfit and are currently on sale for $49, down from $98 and are in perfect time for the holiday season. Because of the gold detail, some gold earrings and a bracelet will go wonderfully with your outfit!

The Messenger Bag

Hollywood’s hottest stars have been spotted wearing messenger bags and I think it’s safe to say this trend is worth keeping around for a while. Cameron Diaz, Mischa Barton and Reese Witherspoon have been walking around with Todd, Miu Miu and Gucci messenger bags that fit all essentials. The only set back: these bags retail anywhere from $800-$5,790! Shocking, I know. However; all is good (as the expression goes). I’ve found messenger bags that look like they’re designer but aren’t nearly as expensive as those Hollywood is toting around.

This Perforated Messenger Bag (pictured in black) is a great daytime or nighttime bag and is roomy enough to fit all your necessary items. The price is $462, down from $660 and can be purchased at shopbop.com.

This Mandchourie Nylon Messenger Bag (pictured in pink) from shopbop.com is another designer look-a-like bag that’s only $193 and comes in pink, red, gray and black. It’s sporty and dressy all at the same time.

Cutest Gift

If you haven’t noticed already, the cutest store ever has opened up in the University Center across from FAU. It’s called Swoozies and no, it’s not typically a store that I would blog about, as it doesn’t sell clothes, shoes or accessories. Swoozies sells knickknacks and other very memorable collectibles.

Because it’s close to the holiday’s and we all have friends or relatives who are impossible to shop for, I’ve decided to help out those of you who are at a loss as to what to buy those who have everything. Swoozies carries this line called Krinkles which makes these charming reindeer figures that are sure to make any woman in your life smile! They’re such adorable additions to any Christmas display and I, for one, will be keeping my eye out for any markdowns. They’re $45 per reindeer statue and $30 per ornament. I’ve already purchased two of these reindeer statues and will definitely buy the ornaments as gifts for friends and relatives. I’ve posted a few reindeer, they also come in other outfits—aren’t they the cutest?

Good Old Navy

I don’t usually make time for Old Navy when I’m at Town Center Mall, or any other mall for that matter. However, due to limited parking, I was forced to park in front of Sears. When you enter the mall from Sears, the first store on the left happens to be Old Navy. While walking by, I spotted some adorable knit sweaters and vests and couldn’t help but step inside and take a look. To my surprise, everything was marked down at least 30 percent.

I found this lovely, plaid pea coat—originally $88 but on sale for $44! This coat also comes in solid navy blue, green and light gray ($39). These pea coats are not too heavy and not too light, and are great for those mildly-chilly winter Florida nights. Another item to check out at Old Navy is this Toggle Shawl-Collar Pullover, pictured in red. This item is marked down to $17.70 and comes in navy blue, red, cream and gray.

Fit for New Years Eve

With a new year on the horizon, it only seems necessary to keep an extra eye out for a New Years Eve outfit, while holiday shopping. I don’t know about you but I always seem to choose something sparkly or metallic. For some reason, pieces like these keep me feeling festive and pair perfectly (at the end of a long night) with a plastic Happy New Year tiara and noise maker.

This year, I’ve decided to stick with silver metallic and have purchased this INC Metallic Cutaway Halter Top. This flashy top looks great with a pair of black skinny pants and pumps and the best thing about it is… there’s no need for a necklace! And because the cutaway halter type shirt may not flatter all body types, INC has other cute tops to choose from—all bejeweled and suitable for whichever New Years Party you may find yourself attending.

Original Price: $79

Sale Price: $59.25