Cyber Monday

is such a dumb term but I do prefer it to the whole Black Friday thing (which I don't do... as promised, I stayed in my PJs most of the day and took my crew for a walk in the woods instead). There are some great deals to be had online this weekend and tomorrow, so here's a nice little list compiled by Angie at Youlookfab.com. I'm currently trying NOT to take advantage of the 30% off boots deal at Endless. Must...resist...must... resist.

When Black Friday Comes...

... I'll be eating pie for breakfast and going NOWHERE near the shops. If you're like me and want to get a jump on holiday shopping but avoid the black Friday madness, check out this weekend's sale at the Marika Charles Factory Store in Schenectady. Beautiful merino and cashmere scarves and wraps for under $50 (the merino ones are); artfully dyed, supersoft t-shirts and the latest addition to their collection: incredible cashmere tunics. One for you, one for me, one for me.... Friday 11/19 through Sunday 11/21. Click here for hours and directions.

If you prefer to get your online shop on, one of my favorite sites for funky gifts is uncommon goods. Filled with things you will not find anywhere else and super-easy to navigate, they've got tabs for stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, Hanukkah gifts, you name it. Something for everyone on your list, could it be any easier than this?

Shine on You Crazy... er... Sequin

Sparkle by upstateandpersonal featuring sequined tops

Haute Hippie Silk sequined top
$445 - net-a-porter.com
Silk tops »

Gabriella Rocha - Felisha Sequin Top (Dark Grey) - Apparel
$95 - zappos.com
Sequined tops »

Sequin Cap Sleeve Top
$26 - forever21.com
Sequined tops »

Allover Sequin Top
$68 - anntaylor.com
Sequined tops »

MICHAEL Michael Kors Sequin Top
$80 - nordstrom.com
Sequined tops »

Sequin Stripe Top - DKNY
$49 - dkny.donnakaran.com
Sequined tops »

As promised, here's the 411 and glowing tribute to one of my favorite fashion trends / embellishments of all time - the sequin. With the holidays approaching and many of us wondering WTF do I wear? The answer is always: a little bit of bling. Oh, and that "F" stands for Fudge, people. And by little, I really mean little.

Last year my holiday staple was a $24.99 sequined tank from Forever 21. This year, I've gone upmarket with a past-season jeweled top from Rebecca Taylor. The high... the low... and everything in between. Even if you just throw on a simple $10 embellished scarf, you're all set. Here are a few standouts:

Real Simple's "Everyday Sequins" (pay particular attention to the $30 tank from Forever 21)
The low-ley sequined pocket cardigan, love it!
You could wear this shell a thousand different ways and still have more to go

Oh, and I have to brag for one tiny second - when living in NY, I once made into the holy grail of all newspaper columns: Bill Cunningham's party page in the NYT Sunday styles section. I was at a summer soiree for my beloved Prospect Park and wearing --you guessed it --sequins. A simple sequined skirt and a rather ratty David Bowie t-shrit. Point being, you can wear sequins with ANYTHING, and still make the styles section.

Let the Madness Begin

I swear I'm not trying to push the season but since I no longer have the luxury of letting things to until the 11th hour, I'm starting my holiday prep now. I'll still be scrambling at the end but maybe a bit less so.

Each week from now until the end of the year I'm going to try to do one post with a favorite online and local resource for holiday (and other) gift-giving goodness. Starting now.

Etsy - who doesn't love Etsy? I'm obsessed, and lately its been my go-to resource for kiddie birthday presents, especially for the under 6 set. Two favorites are custom superhero capes and fabulous felt birthday / dress up crowns. Both around $20 or under. Sarahdesigns makes the best crowns and is so lovely to work with. Two Little Bluebirds is another favorite for more embellished, flowery crowns. For the capes, I love Crafty Mama , she offers a ton of designs and has very fast shipping. All three will customize their creations to your specs. It doesn't get much better than that.

For local goodness, its the Open Door Bookstore in downtown Schenectady. This is where the holidays start for me. Holiday ornaments and decorations? Check. Toys (that aren't plastic)? Check. Jewelry and bags? Check check. Oh, and books? Yeah, they've got those too. So worth a visit from anywhere in the area... there's a reason that they've been alive and kicking in downtown Schenectady for well over 30 years.

Coming up next... sparkly holiday party wear. Hooray!!!!