Category Archives: Holidays

Strategy in Stilettos’ Holiday Gift Guide

Posted in Beauty, Fashion, Holidays, Jewelry by

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1. Rag & Bone shot glasses (set of 4): $19.99

2. Band of Outsiders “Best Friends” hats: $29.99

3. Jessica Simpson infinity scarf: $40

4. BaubleBar + Essie (customized set of 1 nail polish + 3 bracelets): $50

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1. Lindt Expressions Gift Box: $22

2. Harry & David Happy Creek Gift Box: $39.95

3. Joseph Altuzarra Cocktail Shaker: $50

4. The Original by Koostik iPhone Speakers: $95

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1. Omega Shaving Kit: $24

2. Brooklyn Brew Shop Beer Making Kit: $50

3. Ernest Alexander Dean Chocolate Wax Flask Set: $50

4. Beats by Dre Tour Earphones: $149.95

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1. Chalkboard Spice Jar: $10-12

2. Spotted Pavé Ball Stud Earrings: $18

3. Agloves Touch Screen Gloves: $19.99

4. Instawatch (Customized Instagram Watch): $44

What’s on your holiday wish list?

Holiday 24: Shopper’s Paradise with Neiman Marcus, Target, & the CFDA

Posted in Fashion, Holidays by

This summer while I was interning for the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), I learned, along with the rest of fashionable America, about an upcoming epic partnership. This partnership between Target, Neiman Marcus, and the CFDA was to consist of 50 holiday gifts, ranging from $8-$500, by 24 top CFDA designers. Back in July, December 1st seemed so far away.

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And now…it’s here! Tomorrow morning you can find me at Neiman Marcus, shopping the collection. And in preparation, I’ve put together my personal Holiday 24 wish list, organized by price tier. To view the entire collection, click here.

Tier 1: Under $50

Tier 2: $50-$100

 

Tier 3: Under Over $100

 

All photos via.

What gifts from the Holiday 24 collaboration are you eyeing?

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Update: The in-store experience at Neiman Marcus this morning was fantastic. Gold wristbands, free coffee and a hot chocolate bar, a red carpet, and excellent customer service. I ended up buying the Tory Burch lunchbox, Prabal Gurung cape, and Proenza Schouler sweatshirt – but everything was twice as nice in person, and it was such a tough decision! I definitely also recommend the Rag & Bone men’s sweater (totally not just for men), the Robert Rodriguez ruffle top (a hard one to leave behind!), and if you’re in the market for a new bike, the Alice + Olivia bike. And, you know, EVERYTHING ELSE.

Cabernet + Sequins

Posted in Fashion, Holidays, Personal Style by

Last night was my friend from high school’s 21st birthday, and since we’re all home for Thanksgiving, we got together for a Thanksgiving leftovers party and then headed out to a bar. As the only 20-year-old in the group, I got to be the designated driver. Which was cool. Really.

For the evening, I decided to rock some of my new favorite trends of the moment, which also happened to be some of my best Black Friday purchases.

Necklace: BaubleBar, Cardigan: BCBG MAXAZRIA, Corduroy Pants: Black Hearts, Boots: Steve Madden

For the makeup, I went with a little cream-colored shimmer on the eyes and liquid black liner, and a deep red lip.

Lately I’ve been very excited about two trends: sequins, and cabernet-colored anything. I’ve been looking around for the perfect pieces, and I think I’ve found them, though I’m always on the hunt for more.

What trends are you loving this fall?

A Little Pre-Holiday Shopping

Posted in Beauty, Fashion, Holidays, Jewelry by

One reason I love living on the east coast is because the seasons change, which allows me to choose a new favorite time of year each time the weather shifts. Summer is great because I see my high school friends and get to spend time in the greatest city in the world, NYC, of course. Fall is boots and scarves and crunchy leaves weather – enough said. But as much as I love all those experiences, in my mind there’s no happier time of year than the holiday season.

I won’t let me myself start listening to holiday music until after Thanksgiving, though. And while the three weeks between Halloween and Thanksgiving feel as if they drag on forever, I get through them the best way I know how: shopping.

It may seem crazy to shop for holiday gifts so early, but when you have so much time to choose the perfect gift, it allows you to stumble across gifts that are perfectly matched to your friends and family, rather than forcing it! I’ve already purchased gifts for 5 of my best friends because I came across things I knew they would love.

After Thanksgiving, I’ll post a holiday gift guide. But if you’re curious what’s going on my wish list this year, I’ve already found the first thing: BaubleBar + Essie Collaboration!

This might be my favorite BaubleBar collab to date, and that’s saying a lot. Basically, you start off by choosing one of 6 Essie nail polish shades + a coordinated bangle. Then you choose 2 additional bangles to add to the set. So 1 nail polish + 3 bangles = $50!

Here are a few combo sets I wouldn’t mind adding to my collection:

But my favorite combo? This one:

What nail polish + bracelet combo would you choose? Do you think it’s too early to start your holiday shopping? Let me know in the comments or by tweeting @staceyalevine!

How To: Dress Up As Carrie Bradshaw for Halloween

Posted in Beauty, Fashion, Holidays, How To, Look For Less, Steal That Style by

I love Halloween. Picking pumpkins, decorating pumpkins, baking recipes with pumpkins, toasting pumpkin seeds…and decorating the apartment. And dressing up.

But for some reason, despite my serious love for Halloween, I always find myself lacking creativity when it comes to a costume. And year after year after year, I struggle last minute to throw together a costume (part of the problem: I hate spending money on something I’ll only wear once, and you can’t repeat Halloween costumes! [Lizzie McGuire, you are an outfit repeater!])

This year, I decided to get started early. (Well, not early enough in terms of 7-20 day ground shipping on some websites – what is this nonsense?! But a few weeks early).

I came up with a costume that combines three of my loves: being girly, fashion, and Sex and The City. You got it – Carrie Bradshaw and her iconic tulle tutu skirt outfit!

Not so surprisingly, there are TONS of sites – namely, Etsy – which sell the iconic Carrie Bradshaw skirt. And in true Carrie Bradshaw fashion, they all cost over $100. I’m not spending that on a tutu skirt! Sarah Jessica Parker only spent $5 on the actual skirt from the show – she bought it out of a thrift store bin!

So here’s how I’m putting together my SATC Halloween costume for under $20:

- Tutu skirt, Amazon.com: $17 (including shipping)

- Pink tank top: borrowed

- Strappy sandals: own

- White ribbon belt, craft store: $2

And as for makeup…fresh face, brown eye palette, rosy cheeks, pink lips! And hair will be teased, teased, teased.

Check back after Halloween for pics of me (hopefully!) pulling it off!

What are you dressing up as for Halloween? Let me know in the comments, or tweet @staceyalevine!