Cheap S%$T Pick of the Week: C. Wonder

I literally can't believe that Thanksgiving is two days away.  Maybe it's the whole "being out of college" thing or maybe it was the whole "Frankenstorm" thing, but it feels like Halloween hasn't come around yet, and there's NO WAY that Christmas and Hanukkah are a month away.  I really need to stop shopping for myself.

For those of you out there who struggle buying Christmas or Hanukkah presents every year (and let's be real here, it's all of us) STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING IMMEDIATELY.  Just stop it.  Right now.

I came across this website yesterday and haven't X-ed out of it since.  I've bookmarked about a hundred pages and have planned to be very very broke for the holidays.  Oh yeah.  It's THAT good.

This company's website describes themselves as "a shopping destination that transports women into a world of luxury and surprises," and that's the damned truth.  C. Wonder has the most fabulous selection of clothing, home decor, accessories, jewelry, and gift guides that I've seen in a loooong time.  From tea cup sets to iPhone covers to sweaters to key fobs, each product gets a little bit cuter and a little bit more colorful.  And - you know I wouldn't be writing about it if I didn't agree at least a little bit with the prices - C. Wonder is very reasonable for the quality of its products.  The holidays gods have spoken, and we've all agreed - this is the place to do your holiday shopping this season.

Also, when you sign up for their emails, you receive free ground shipping on your first order.  I, for one, am a huge fan of free shipping.

My favorite part about the C. Wonder website is the gift guide section, where you can choose to look at gifts under the $25, $50, and $100 price ranges.  There's also gift categories like "Stocking Stuffers" for smaller items, "Personalized" for the monogram-obsessed, and "C. Wonder Classics" for, duh, classic items like cashmere gloves, driving mocs, wallets, and throw blankets.

Not only is this amazing store online, there's two New York City locations - one in SoHo at Spring Street and Crosby Street and one in the Time Warner building.  (For the other locations around the US, click here.)  As I haven't been to the stores yet, I'm not sure if the selection is the same as online, but I'll be checking the store out within the next few weeks as I begin my holiday shopping.

I hope you all have a safe and happy Thanksgiving, and as always, comment away!

Do It Yourself: Chain Tote

First things first, a video of a labrador puppy named Tugger playing with a doorstop.  Enjoy amongst yourselves.

So apparently it was a "thing" to go through many different stages growing up.  I, however cool I may seem to all my fans out there, was no exception.  (I also feel like I've written about this before, and may have mentioned my radically cool-at-the-time NIKKI name plate belt - what I look back at now as a very poor purchase decision.)  I went through this punk rock stage circa 2003 (ish) and I LOVED IT.  Hot Topic was the coolest store ever, Linkin Park was the coolest band ever, and boys in skinny jeans and studded belts were the cutest boys ever.

I'm pretty SUPER happy that the "punk rock" trend (i.e. studs and chains and ish) has made its comeback.  I'm absolutely loving the "everything studs" look on leather jackets, flats, and intense shoulder pads on sweaters.  This Zara sweater with leather sleeves is EVERYTHING.  I've also been noticing more and more purses and scarves with chains incorporated into them, and I realized just how easy it would be to make myself.

I present: my chain tote.

Things you need:

1. Tote bag with outside pockets
2. Different shape/length/color chains
3. Hot glue gun
4. Needle and thread (for reinforcement)

I pretty much only used my hot glue gun, but some of the larger and heavier chains didn't hold as well, so I reinforced with some thread.  All in all, 15 minutes later and my bag was finito.

Because I'm oh so helpful (and because this particular army green bag was purchased around 2004 from H&M before the store was cool), I've found some cheap Target bags that would be perfect for this DIY project here.

Besides these Target pieces, I didn't find many other totes with outside pockets, so it may be useful to check out thrift stores and second-hand stores as well.  As far as chains go, Michaels has inexpensive smaller chains, and for my NYC recessionistas, check out the trimming stores in the Garment District for heavy-duty unique chains.  (My favorite store is Pacific Trimmings on 38th between 7th and 8th Aves, where I bought feathers for my Halloween costume this year and sew-on gems for this R29 sweatshirt DIY project.)

What do you think?  Are you a fan of the studs and chains trend?  Thinking about taking on this DIY project?  Comment away!

Situation: #winterjacketproblems

What a week, eh?  Firstly, major major major props to all Hurricane Sandy volunteers - firefighters, policemen, ConEd workers, etc. - helping to clean, rebuild, and bring power back to those towns and cities in New Jersey and New York affected by the storm.  If you're a fellow New Jersian and looking for a cool way to donate (and get something in return!), check out these sweet Restore the Shore tees and sweatshirts here, where all profits go directly to the American Red Cross' Hurricane Sandy Relief Foundation.  I ordered my tee last night!  And for those concerned, my poor little Point Pleasant beach shack made it through, safe and sound.  A little damage to the outside, sand on the porch, no power, but still standing, and for that I'm incredibly fortunate.  Other houses along the boardwalk weren't so lucky.

Really?  November 1st?

Secondly, it's that time of the year, people.  Says who?  Says Starbucks.  Holiday cups are out, temps are dropping to the low 40s, and I'm touching every fur vest I see.  Totally normal.  It's also that time of the year to start stocking up on brand new peacoats, winter jackets, and whatever kind of trendy wintery accessory you're particularly interested in (i.e. head wraps, fur scarves, leather gloves, riding boots, etc.).  However, these are usually pricey items.  Luckily, you have this cheap recessionista over here to show you the ropes on staying warm AND staying affordable all at the same time.

Is that grande nonfat no-whip Peppermint Mocha really keeping you warm?  Maybe.  BUT, these seven jackets under $100 definitely will:

For the Ivory color lover:  Jack BB Dakota Connell Coat in Ivory (Karmaloop, $54)

For the anti-scarf wearer:  Vero Moda Padded Shawl Collar Belted Coat in Fig (or Formula 1, Black, Mocca) (ASOS, $61.57)

For the trendsetter:  Emily Mod Coat by Rhyme & Echo (Piperlime, $89)

For the sweater layer-er:  Olive Star Studded Cargo Jacket (Pixie Market, $69)

For the indie shearling wearer:  Shearling Drape Jacket in Camel (Nasty Gal, $68)

For the attention to detail-er:  River Island Quilted Jacket with Pu Trim (ASOS, $87.95)

For the non-leather bomber lover:  Bomber Jacket by THML Clothing (Piperlime, $89)

All from the convenience of your living room couch.  Who doesn't love being wrapped in a blanket and drinking hot cocoa while online shopping simultaneously?

Thoughts on winter jacket shopping?  Comment away!