The Biggest Shopping Day of the Year!

Still being in my turkey-induced tryptophan coma, I have zero interest in getting up at the crack of dawn for "Black Friday" specials, fighting off the crazies that have been lined up spending their holiday outside of the store. However, not being one to pass up all of the deals to be had today, here are some that you I plan on taking advantage of today. (All of which you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home.) Happy shopping! -g.

Free Shipping at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Piperlime (on purchases of $50 or more) through December 15. (Just select free shipping at checkout). Old Navy has some great "doorbusters" that you can also get online Thursday, Friday and Saturday only, but at the time of writing this blog entry, it looked like their website was down. (Major problem on the biggest shopping weekend of the year.) My Old Navy favorites are oxford shirts for work, pajama pants and the cute dog collars and treats that they have for the various seasons. Banana Republic has outerwear and sweaters for women and men (in case you want to shop for someone other than yourself...) at 30% off for 4 days only, and this is available only online.

Express has several deals from their holiday savings booklet. If you shop in-store or online today before noon, you will get 30% off your purchase (online promo code 1081002754944801; in-store code 4755). Shop after noon to get 25% off (online promo code 1081002754944805; in-store code 4766). Outerwear is already marked down 20%, so combined with these offers, you can save big on what could otherwise be a large chunk of change for a new coat. (We just picked up a new pea coat for my husband and saved $100 off of the original price.)


Steve Madden is offering free shipping online (use code SMFREESHIP) and running their Scratch & Shop promotion (only in-store). Visit a Steve Madden store before December 7 and you will receive a scratch off card (almost like a lottery ticket, but you're guaranteed to win something--even if it is just a discount on shoes) revealing how much you will save on your purchase. Upon reading the fine print, it's only valid on purchases of $59.95 or more and some exclusions apply. I like the variety of colors they offer in their platform pump (especially the gray suede and the blush leather).

Smashbox is hosting their Friends and Family sale, offering 20% off through December 1 (use code SBFF9 at checkout). If you've never tried them before, their Best of Smashbox Sampler would be a fantastic introduction to their line. At $35 (plus an additional 20% off and free shipping), it's a steal. You might even pick one up as a gift.

Speaking of gifts, Bath and Body Works is a gift mecca. Honestly, do any one of you not receive something from this store as a gift during the holidays? The candles are my favorite, as well as their hand soaps, ScentPortables and Tahiti Sweetie body lotion that I have previously raved about. They always have great coupons, too. They are offering $10 off your $30 purchase (just ask one of the employees nicely and I bet they will give you the coupon if you don't already have it) or use this one for a free item of your choice (up to $13) with any $10 purchase, good through December 24.

20% off at South Moon Under (Okay, so it looks like you actually have to go to the store for this one, but giving them a call to see if they would honor it on a phone order can't hurt, right? I'm out of town!)















I am loving the jewelry options here right now. Here are some of my favorites:


Yochi Small Key Pendant Necklace

Looks like the one I've had my eye on at Tiffany, but for a (very small) fraction of the price. (hint, hint!)















Amrita Singh Cabochon Facet Pearl Bib Necklace

This would look amazing with a gold dress (i.e. Michelle Obama's dress for the White House State Dinner this week). More practically speaking, it would make a simple strapless black dress look new for a holiday party. Add some gold stilettos and no one would ever suspect you had on the same dress you wore under your cardigan at the office all day.







Amrita Singh Shelter Island Cabachon Necklace

I love the versatility of this one. It comes with an extender, so you can vary the length. Shorter, it would be a nice length to have peeking out of a crisp white blouse. Worn longer, it would dress up a casual gray t-shirt.




That's just a small sampling. I also like the charm necklaces (these would be great gifts for friends) and though I'm not completely sold on the ribbon "collar necklaces" that have been all over the place this season, there are a few cute ones that are reasonably priced (and for trendy pieces like those, I wouldn't spend more than $20 or $30 per piece).



Finally, there aren't many shoes to choose from, but these are super-cute, on-trend with the addition of the stones and with the super high heels, platform and red-soled bottoms, they might just be mistaken for Loubies.