Treat Yourself To One Nice Thing

I don't wear costume jewelry. I'd much rather own a few good pieces of the real thing — even if it's just inexpensive sterling silver, or a simple gold chain — over having a dresser drawer full of designer, sometimes more costly costume jewelry.

And I hope everybody has the experience of receiving classic jewelry like 14k gold earrings for a 21st birthday, or a bracelet with precious stones to celebrate a graduation, given to you by someone who matters in your life. That's why it's the worst feeling in the world to lose a piece of jewelry. Often there's a story and sentimental value behind that neckless, so it can't easily be replaced.

Once in a while I'm even good to myself. I notice that with jewelry I'm a more modest spender and not quite as generous with myself, as I am when buying for another person. But it all works out, because that's how special people in my life are with me also.

I have a pair of cultured pearl earrings that I bought on sale at Macy's department store for $80. They may not be flawless Akoya pearls, but they are nice. They are classic ... real ... and a thing of beauty. They dress up any outfit -- and with care, they will last for decades.

So here's a pearl of wisdom. Every so often when you reach a milestone, or overcome a hardship, let yourself have one nice thing. Reward yourself for meeting a challenge with a strength and resilience you didn't know you had. It doesn't have to be a top of the line purchase, necessarily; just factor into your budget a little something you are hankering to buy. Make sure it's something that brings you happiness ... and enjoy it, because the reality is, it doesn't take long to live a life.

Vivienne Westwood Three Row Pearl Bas Relief Choker

The Vivienne Westword Three Row Pearl Bas Relief Choker which first appeared in 1990 has made a HUGE comeback. Inspired by royalty and selling for $610 on the designer's website, it's what every fashionista wanted for Christmas this year ... unless she already had one!

For sure, it's a beautiful piece of costume jewelry with silver-tone or gold-tone plating over brass with 3 rows of hand-knotted Swarovski synthetic pearls that come together at a beaded clasp in the back.

As longtime readers know well, I don't think costume jewelry is where you want to spend $610, but if you apply yourself, you'll find the coveted necklace for much less by searching the internet. Due to buyer regret, I see the real thing listed for $66, $129, and $143 on various resale websites ... and a quality Esty dupe for $45 here. I'm not linking the pre-loved offerings since by the time you read this blog the necklaces will likely be gone. Just do a Google search to see what's currently available

This is a lovely chocker selling for too much money. You can get fine jewelry with real 14k gold and freshwater pearls for the price of this costume piece. But a 2nd-hand, dupe, or inspired chocker is easy to find for much less! IMHO $45 + tax isn't cheap either for costume jewelry -- but it is less money. Yep, sometimes designer costume jewelry makes no logical sense, and many of us have been there fancying a look.

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QBracelet With iPhone Charger

Photo: Bloomingdales

In the coming weeks, THE SAVVY SHOPPER will again feature a few holiday gift ideas in case you're stumped. Here's one that comes at different price points.

Look at this genius and stylish QBracelet. It's really an iPhone charger made of stainless steel, available in 3 colors: rose, white and yellow gold. 

Open the bangle at the hinge to get to a lightning connector that can boost your battery life by 50%. There are 2 sizes: small (to fit most women) and medium (to fit most men). The built-in lightning connector charges Apple iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, 6, 6 Plus, 7 and 7 Plus. A thoughtful gift for tech-savvy fashionistas who like their bling. Cost: $149. 

Here are several more budget-friendly bracelet chargers (some will also sync your smartphone) for folks who wish to leave their cables and cords at home too. The same idea for under $10.

Beaded ones come in white, naval, black and a rainbow of other colors. The black hue looks elegant and rich, yet bright colors are playful. Paying less, you can splurge on more than one hue to match your outfits.

Here is a lovely pearl charger bracelet to show the variety of styles. Make sure you read all the Amazon customer reviews to ensure your choice works with your device and generation, or else you risk buying a mere piece of custom jewelry. Around $15.

Perhaps a man will want something plainer as we don't see many of them wear bangle bracelets. Below, the Three Legs Flat Bracelets are sleek, colorful bands suitable for both men and women. About $10.

These iPhone charges make fun, affordable and unique stocking stuffers. Stay tuned for more gift ideas!

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New at The Body Shop.

The number one rule for selecting gifts is always give people things they can use.

I live in a small Manhattan apartment. One Christmas I recived a fake fireplace with a fake log from relatives who live in a big beautiful house in the suburbs. There was nothing special about it, nor do I recall ever wanting one. And, since it didn't function, out in the trash it went a short time later.

Why spend money on items with no purpose? How disappointing to unwrap! Better to give nothing at all. I don't know, perhaps my relations were regifting? ... or just made a mistake. Judging by their possessions, they seem to have the means and good tastes to select a nice gift. (By the way, they don't read the blog, but maybe they should. :)

A thoughtful holiday gift isn't always expensive; however it should be something you'd be happy to get. Here are ten ideas to consider:

1. The Body Shop Color Crush Nail Polish for her - Enriched with Community Free Trade marula oil and safe ingredients. Long lasting, bright nail color in over 24 shades. Plus, The Body Shop has attractive holiday skin care and grooming kits for men, women and the entire family.

2. Razor Kick Scooter - Perfect for kids of all ages. A sleek design and sturdy construction. I see at least one adult rider on the city streets each week, and it sure looks like a fun way to get around.

3. The Art of Shaving: The 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave - A unique blend of 100% essential oils for him. Great for sensitive skin. The kit includes pre-shave oil, shaving cream, after shave and a shaving brush. Travel and full sizes are available.

4. A BasTexWireless Case for a smart phone - The above Hard Knuckles Bumper model in metallic silver for an iPhone 5 sells for $4.99. There is a design and color to fit most every personality and cell phone.

5. A Craft Beer Brewing Kit - Everything a person needs to begin making beer at home. It's rewarding to learn a new hobby. A chance for the giftee to impress friends with delicious homemade beer. Who knows? You, the giver, might get invited to a beer tasting.

6. French Girl Organic - Lip Tints - A nourishing lip balm containing organic oils, butters and wax to keep lips moist and chap-free, in subtle earth tone tints. 

7. Pearl jewelry - From earrings, rings, bracelets or necklaces, there's a price point for every budget. A forever keepsake. You can't go wrong with pearls and silver or gold. Freshwater pearls are lovely just like their flawless siblings. Do your research before choosing. Macy's, a department store with knowledgeable buyers and a wide selection, is a good place to start.

8. Shea Moisture Soap - This whole product line of skin, body and hair care is the best kept secret in the beauty industry. Fabulously budget-friendly and available at Target, Walgreen and Bed, Bath And Beyond. Made with certified organic ingredients. The huge-sized soaps are excellent for pampering dry and sensitive skin. None better!

9. English Toffee - Chocolate, nuts and butter toffee, not to mention a mouthwatering crunch! Lots of sizes and brands are packaged in holiday boxes and tins. Makes a festive presentation.

10. A gift certificate - To a favorite store is always a thougthful present, in my opinion. 

Normally, adults get fewer gifts, so make yours count! What are your gift ideas?

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Macy's Black Friday Specials: 10 Awesome Gifts For $10 or Less

Bell de Mar Button Pearls

If you're a high earner it's fantastic to buy loved ones expensive gifts. How lovely for people who have the means to give generously to others. It's equally vital to remember that Christmas was once not the over-the-top commercial holiday it's become. At one time people were content to exchange inexpensive treats like fruit, chocolates, or homemade gifts. So if you're on a tight budget this year don't fret, it really is the thought based on what you can afford that counts. 

Since I promised to create gift guides this year from Macy's Early Access Black Friday Specials I'll select 10 Awesome Gifts for $10 or Less:

1) Bell de Mar Cultured Freshwater Button Pearl Earrings - A very decent size 8-9mm with sterling silver (a precious metal) posts and backs. However according to many reviewers, the backs are flimsy and loose, so plan to use alternate posts you already have in your jewelry box or enclose a few rubber backs in your gift box for your giftee, so when worn an earring won't fall out. Despite their ill-fitting backs, I still think the earrings are an amazing buy and I'd be lying if I say I don't want a pair of pink pearls for myself! I only own white pearls! The button-shaped pearls are available in ivory, pink, grey, and black. Sale price: $8.12.

2) Art+Sound True Wireless Earbuds - The earbuds have a "crystal clear" sound, a comfortable fit, and many positive reviews. Fabulous time to buy them! Sale price: $9.99

3) Art & Cook 2-Speed Immersion Blender - Often I wish I had an immersion blender so I could insert it into a pot on the stovetop instead of pouring soup into a blender to cream it. Less cleanup! At $9.99.

4) Thermal Shirts - for men or women - For layering. Winter is coming! Nice to have warmth without bulk! Sale price: $9.99

5) First Aid Ultra Repair Cream - 2 ounces - A stellar skincare brand in limited edition holiday scents with serious moisture to treat dry skin. Hand/body creams make fabulous emergency gifts if you need a hostess gift or for an extra visitor at your gathering. Sale price: $9 {In the past I've also fallen back on quality scented room candles as an emergency gift which Macy's is offering for $10. A Christmas ornament can be a winning hostess gift.}

 6) Thirstystone Printed Coaster Set - Every home dweller needs stylish coasters to protect their furniture from drips and rings from drinks. There is an assortment of brands, designs, and colors. The sale price for a set of 4: is $7.99.

7) Holiday Lane Shine Bright Collection - Ornaments start at $2.99. In the USA it's protocol for a boss to give employees holiday gifts, but employees aren't expected to reciprocate because bosses make higher salaries. It can be awkward giving a boss a gift, but you can play it safe with either a lovely ornament or homemade Christmas cookies and a festive card. This eliminates dilemmas like wondering how much to spend; is the gift too personal, or appropriate? {I once brought homemade Christmas cookies in a tin to the office that my managing editor at Time ate during Christmas week, until he said, "Oh, please don't bring any more cookies in, I can't gain more weight!" I've published my cookie recipes throughout the blog.}

8) A set of peppermint, cinnamon, and vanilla-flavored lip balm. $8.93.

9) Art & Cook Coffee and Spice Grinder - For the serious home cook or serious coffee drinker who likes to grind her/his own spices or beans. $9.99

10) R.H. Macy & Co. Chocolate Rum Cake - A premium blend of cocoa and dark rum with the flavor of butter syrup tossed in. Cheaper than a cup of coffee and a slice of gourmet cake at a cafe! 1 lb weight. Sale price: $9.99

Nobody should max out their credit cards for the holidays. Instead, give friends and family your time! With a little thought and the help of a Macy's Black Friday sale, you can find perfect gifts that are thoughtful and budget-friendly.🎄

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10 Wardrobe Pieces Every Woman Should Own

Nowadays I shop with a less is more mentality.  It's liberating, but you have to develop a smart antenna.  I look for classic pieces that are easy to care for, yet hold up well over time.  With few exceptions, my clothing can do double duty -- be mixed and matched with other articles to stretch my wardrobe, plus go from casual to dress up.  My values are to scale back, but I still want to put my best foot forward and look pretty.  Here are my picks for basics that are eternal, the gold standards, in any woman's wardrobe:

Coco Chanel

1) Dark blue denim jeans – They are dressier and more versatile than lighter washes.

2) Leather jacket – It's positively fetching and will outlast/outlive you.

3) Long black leggings – They are casual chic and make legs look endless.

4) Pearl or diamond stud earrings – Buy the one you can afford.  You can't go wrong either way.

5) A little black dress – First created by Coco Chanel -- I saw the original in a museum.  If you put that first dress on today, you'd still look ultra modern and like a knowout.

6) Ballet flats – I love patent leather flats.  They dress up everything from the little black dress to blue jeans.

7) Pumps – A two-inch heel is a classic.

8) A scarf – Either cotton or silk in a beautiful, complimentary color to make your outfits pop.

9) Cardigan sweaters – One black and another in a light shade that flatters your skin.  I buy cashmere for winter and cotton to wear in the summer months.  They last for years.

10) T-shirts – 100% cotton, or made with a little lycra to hold their shape.  I wear t-shirts to layer under a dress, or pair with pants under a blazer.  You can buy t-shirts in so many styles and wear them in place of a cotton blouse.  They are so easy to wash-and-wear and stay winkle-free, so they're perfect for traveling.

That's my list of ten essentials.  What would you add?

Perhaps you'd like to try a new look by using the virtual tools on these fun, cyber, fashion sites, as featured on NBC's “The Today Show”:

1. Zeekiteekit

2. Go Try It On

3. Chictopia

Now go out in style, and enjoy!  (See the 10 peices every man should wear.)

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Macy's Last Act Goodies Rock

Unwritten - Heart & Crescent Moon Pendant Necklace in Sterling Silver & Rose Gold-Plate - $17 here

Hands down, Macy's is my favorite department store in New York City. Not only do I love roaming around inside its iconic Herald Square flagship store, the many in-store and online sales help me find stellar quality goods for less. Nobody has the selection at every price point like the sponsor of the world's yearly Thanksgiving Day's parade. Macy's hits a bulls-eye for a value shopper! And whether I truly need something (my mattress, living room carpet and cooking tools), or wish to splurge (clothes, makeup and jewelry), I always find something at Macy's within budget.

Unwritten - Freshwater Pearl and Sterling Silver Nnecklace here - $14.96

Macy's brick and mortar store, as well as, its website has a rack (category online) you'll adore, called Last Act, for marked down items. I still wear a "Last Act" soft cashmere blazer I got years ago for $14! I couldn't buy the cashmere fabric and make the blazer myself for that bargain price! What's more, the same deals continue now.

Today let's say we are shopping for a lovely gift, or splurge and have fun selecting some darling "Last Act" jewelry at unbeatable prices.

Macy's Amazonite and Sterling Silver Bead Bracelet here - $21.93- Tiffany sells Amazonite  bead bracelets costing $400 here. The name of the stone is taken from the Amazon River.

In my research for today's blog, this value shopper just discovered a new jewelry designer she loves! The brand, Unwritten, "Last Act" pieces are adorable and made of sterling silver, a precious metal, which I prefer to steel or some other non-precious metal for jewelry. Why settle for fakes just because you luck upon a sale? With the Unwritten pieces here, you get good design, real pearls and sterling silver ... all for only a few bucks! 

Unwritten - Cowboy Boot Necklace here - $14.96

Macy's Last Act inventory is always changing. Since the economy has taken a deep dive, I'm picking winning inexpensive pieces; nonetheless, all price points end up as "Last Acts," so be sure to check back as often as you wish!

Here's another tip: Sign up for emails to get notified of Macy's one day Flash Sales for equally good savings.

Super cute finds with budget-friendly tags for Savvy Shoppers!


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How Much Should You Spend To Store Your Stuff?

Call me parsimonious, because I ask myself this question every time I think about buying storage of any kind, whether it's a file cabinet, armoire, or Tupperware. I realize a few containers or cabinets are necessary for organization. It's easy to keep your home tidy if everything has its place. But oh man, do I deliberate whenever I consider bringing another storage receptacle home.

Usually I don't really want to give up the space it will occupy. So if the need for additional storage is greater than the hit, i.e. the loss of the space, I will bite the bullet. Although I'm sure before acting, I spend the next week looking at the new unit and asking myself if I made the right decision ... before I settle into actually liking the new piece.

Another issue I wrestle with is how much to pay for storage. It involves how much I value the things I plan to keep. Should I spend hundreds of dollars to keep them? Or ... should I get rid of the stuff I rarely use? Do I bring a cabinet into my apartment so I can hang onto certain things (clothes, papers, books, pillows), or would it be cheaper to give stuff away and buy it again, if a need arises?

After grappling with such thoughts for a while and deciding to take the plunge, I inevitably find I don't want to spend big bucks for storage. So I assess my needs thoroughly and look for deals.

Recently I decided to take the plunge by buying a file cabinet. File cabinets are expensive! 

Luckily, I found one (manufactured by Hirst Industries) at Target (which is also sold at Amazon, Staples and Overstock). It has 3 drawers and a lock -- 2 drawers for letter-size files and a top drawer for "junk." 

Since I don't need to worry about theft like office workers might, I accepted a few limitations in lieu of paying serious money for a heavy duty file cabinet. Basically, I just need to keep my papers and office supplies organized and occasionally away from prying eyes. The lock is good enough for that. Only the top 2 drawers lock. With a powerful jerk, the lock could be brokened open. Although legal-sized drawers are more versatile, letter-size drawers are idea for a small space. Constructed of steel, the cabinet won't fall apart, and the handles look expensive. It holds lots of files, making it perfect for a home office. I bought the pretty pearl white. Very nice for the price! $39 - $89, depending on where you buy it. 

I bought this caddy for it.

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Which Office Party Dress Will You Wear?

In December many companies host a holiday office party for their employees normally outside of the office at a nearby restaurant. The trouble is usually workers must come to the office in the morning for a full day of work before leaving to attend the holiday party, and, if you are like me, you try to find something somewhat festive to wear that day for the after-work holiday party.

I come to work a little dressier ... spiffing up a tad more than a regular workday but short of simmering in a full-length ball gown. Although colleagues get why I'm overdressed that day (as they're in the same jubilee boat), I try to wear attire that doesn't look too out of place at 10 am, and yet has a party dress vibe for the evening.

So do any of these 7 dresses fit the occasion? If so, choose your office party dress, one you will need to wear the entire day and evening:

1) SL Fashions - (Left top image) Ruched Sequin Sheath Dress - Black.

2) SL Fashions - (Right top image) Sequined 3/4 Sleeve Sheath Dress. - Red. Would you wear a little black dress or a holiday red dress?

3) Karl Lagerfeld Paris (Left image) - Pearl Knit Sweater Dress -Black

4) Marina - Beaded Sleeve Dress - (Middle image) - Black

5) Marina - (Right image) Cowl neck sheath dress - Navy

6) Eliza J - Women's Sequined Velvet 3/4-Sleeve Sheath Dress - Black slate

7) SL Fashions - Sequined Chiffon-Cape Dress - Black/Gold

Shorter party dresses can be called cocktail dresses. Which dress is your favorite and why? BTW: Unless it's 80+ degrees F outdoors, I'm wearing black opaque tights and closed-toe shoes!🎄

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