Skin is In!

Music Skins, that is.  (What?  You clicked, didn’t you?)  When I was at SxSW (thanks to my friends at Tiny Prints), my friends Tara, Christine, and Lori introduced me to the owners of Music Skins – and I discovered what a cool product these guys had!  Music Skins come in all kinds of cool designs, and they are made of the highest quality 3M vinyl.  Basically it means you can stick and restick and restick and restick and restick your skin without it ever being any less…urm…sticky.  I witnessed it first hand – no yuck residue, no fighting to peel it off.

I put this funky little design on the back of my iPhone, and I love it.  It’s just spunky enough, it’s PINK, and it’s a bit edgy.  A good fit for me, no doubt!  Oh, and guess what?  I managed to get the inside scoop while I was there, and soon you will be able to design your very own Music Skins with your photos, designs, logos, etc.  I am definitely going to be desigining a Chic Shopper Chick skin for my iPhone.  What will you design?

My latest obsession…

Today I was playing procrastinating working when I started thinking that I really do need a new laptop bag.  I want a stylish one, not just any ole bag off from any ole place, because I’m picky and prissy like that.  So I was hanging around on Twitter, shootin’ the breeze with my tweeples, when it occurred to me that I should check out my friends Hayden Harnett (who I follow on Twitter) to see if they made any kinda of laptop bag.  I knew that if they did it would rawk.

And then angels started singing.  This Avion bag in Petits Points Nuit caught my eye — ok more like it gave me whiplash and eye strain trying to get a better look.  The description says it “holds magazines, laptop, pens, a pair of flats, and a sweater, with room to spare for souvenirs.”  When I read that I wanted to get up, wave my arms around and cry, “Yes, that’s me!  That’s exactly what I need!”  My wallet immediately suspected that something was amiss, and when I went to look for it, it was gone.

Ahh, but a girl can drool dream, right? 

Beach Bum

Sigh.  I don’t know what it is — maybe that we are having an unusual cold snap here in southern Louisiana — but today I am longing for sun, springtime, warm weather, and sun-kissed skin.  All I can think about is laying on a pristine white sand beach, awesome music playing on my ipod, and lazily glancing up at the blue-green water every now and then as the waves break onto the shore.  Naturally, I’d be just as content laying poolside in a cushy lounge chair at a swanky hotel or resort while being waited on hand and foot.  So, for those reasons I started looking at bathing suits today, which helped to cure my springtime fever but also served to remind me that I need to do some sit ups.

So yes, I know it’s early, but here is my 2009 Spring/Summer swimsuit preview.  Many of these suits won’t ship until mid-March, though you can pre-order most of them.

Juicy Couture Beach Ruffle Bikini

I love this uber sexy and feminine suit by Juicy Couture because it is modern and fun but still has decent coverage.  The ruffled bottom will help to hide problem areas and the top leaves just enough to the imagination.  Definitely one of my favorites.

Ralph Lauren Blue Label “Big Pony” Bikini

I love the simple and classic look of Ralph Lauren Swimwear.  This is an updated take on the triangle-top bikini that can give you a bit more (or less, if you want!) coverage by adjusting the top.  I love side-tie bikinis just because they can adjust to the shape of the woman wearing them and still look fantastic.  The grommets in the bottom for the ties add an awesome detail that really polishes this look for me.

Juicy Couture Smocked Tankini

I love the French Provencial look of this swimsuit.  The smocked top makes it flattering on any sized bustline and the empire waistline has a gorgeous tie detailing that helps to make the transition from fitted top to flowy tankini.  This is a great suit to hide any tummy imperfections and show off great shoulders and arms.

Shape fx Triangle Bikini

I love this one because it has lots of character, it actually might be my favorite of them all.  I think that the criss-cross underneath the top gives it a really fun and different feel and the ruched bottom will be great for hiding any trouble spots.  Naturally I’m drawn to the deep pink color, and I think this might be a really good choice for me.

La Blanca by Rod Beattie Eyelet Cover-Up

Oh, and I know this isn’t a swimsuit but I just loved it so much that I couldn’t resist!  What a great cover-up – perfect for walking to/from the beach/pool in style.  Because really, what fun is a fabulous swimsuit if you throw on an old t-shirt and pair of sweatpants over it?

So tell me, what do you think?  Which ones do you like – do you have tips/advice for me? Do you buy a new swimsuit each year?  What style or styles do you prefer?

In Search Of: The Perfect Pair Of Blue Jeans

For some reason, most women find it incredibly difficult to find the perfect pair of blue jeans.  Hey, I’ll admit I’m one of them – and I am the queen of denim (fancy way of saying I love me some blue jeans!).  If you click over to my “About” page, you will discover that I’ve even listed a “great fitting pair of blue jeans” as one of my interests.  So why is finding them so difficult?!

In a former life (read: college) I worked at the GAP.  After spending lots of time re-folding shirts and cleaning out dressing rooms, my manager noticed my knack for outfitting even the most desperate woman with a pair of GAP blue jeans that would make her grin like she had just won the lottery.  I was quickly given some additional training, the cutesy title of “Denim Specialist”, and permanently stationed by the denim wall (that would be the place where there are blue jeans as far as the eye can see) with a headset.  I knew the details of every fit, the fancy names for each wash (color) like “Sandstone”, but more importantly, I had a natural eye for figuring out what jeans would look best on a woman based on how she was built.  This made the GAP happy because they made sales, and it made me happy to have a woman hug me on her way out and gush that she has “never owned a pair of jeans that she was comfortable in” before.

I rocked.  I mean, duh.  Can’t you see the headset?

Fast forward 8 years with me.  (Wow, writing that almost hurt – it feels like yesterday.)  I’m married, a mom, a professional, and I still love my denim, but WOW.  The choices have really expanded now – designer denim is mainstream and oh-so-worth-it if you can afford to spend your precious economy-conscious dollars on it.  Or, if you choose to.  I mean, really, the days of spending in the single digits for a pair of jeans are well over, and and even the most thrifty have come to realize that it’s true.  After all, a great pair of jeans really can speak volumes about your personality, not to mention what they’re saying about your body.  And hey – if my jeans are speaking for me, I sure hope they’re calling me hot!

This fashionista is ready to move into the world of designer denim – but when I started shopping I quickly became overwhelmed.  Where do I start?  What fits are best for my curvy, longer-legged shape? The options are endless -  7 for All Mankind, True Religion, Citizens of Humanity, Rock and Republic, Hudson, Paige, I mean wow – the list just goes on.  I want a pair of jeans (or 3 or 4 if I can afford it!) that make me feel fantastic.  Where do I start?

So, I decided to turn to you for advice!  This “Denim Specialist” needs to grab her title back, and fast!  What jeans do you love?  What fits you best?  Have you tried any of these brands above?  Why or why not?  What jeans or brand of jeans can’t you live without – which ones will you never buy again?  Share with me in the comments box – I want to hear your denim stories and learn so I can end up feeling great in a pair of blue jeans again!

So that’s it, you’ve witnessed it first hand.  I’m on a quest to find the perfect pair of blue jeans for every occasion, and to learn about them all along the way.  I want the perfect pair of skinny jeans, the perfect dark wash jeans, the perfect pair to wear at night, and the perfect pair to wear all day.  Yes, it may be greedy, but I want to find them all.  And don’t worry – I’ll let you know what I come up with.  Maybe I’ll even vlog it. 

Eco-Chic with Skeeda (Giveaway CLOSED)

I’m sure that by now you’ve heard all about the value and importance of bringing your own reusable bags for groceries and other purchases to the store with you.  Apart from all of the environmental benefits to bringing your own bags, there is always that one other little thing that never seems to elude me – fashion.  Yes, bringing your own bags to the store is a fun way of self-expression, and is also a way to showcase your inner fashionista.  I personally have an interesting collection of reusable bags – no two are alike, and they are all very “me”.  Pretty patterns, humorous sayings in French (Les Fruits sont nos amis!  Bah, oui, mais on ne mange pas nos amis…), and fun colors make up my collection (and make me smile after standing in long lines with a very impatient toddler).

I recently happened upon these great reusable bags from skeeda, and I am hooked!  These bags are stylish, roomy, and sturdy — I fit two half-gallons of organic milk, a box of cereal, and a few other things all in my skeeda bag on a quick trip into the store yesterday.  I told the lady at the checkout that I had my own bag, and pulled out my bag in Eggshell print (I love blues and browns together!), and she immediately oohed and ahhed over what a “pretty” bag it was!  Take that, paper and plastic!

Skeeda bags come in a variety of patterns and colors, and will normally run you $15 a pop, though if you use the code “chicshopper” you will save $5 off every order!  Skeeda claims to be the bag for the hip, eco-chic shopper – and seeing as how i’m a “Chic Shopper” I’m inclined to agree!

Win it! Win a Skeeda bag in the pattern or print of your choosing.  To enter, visit Skeeda and come back here and tell me what your favorite pattern is (official names please!).  As usual, extra entries are available for stumbling Chic Shopper Chick (leave your stumble name), subscribing to my site, following me on Twitter, and blogging about this giveaway with a link back here and to Skeeda.

US entries only, winner will be chosen via random.org at the end of the contest. Winners are posted here, please leave a valid email address or blog address if you’d like to be contacted should you win. Winner has 72 hours to claim their prize. This contest ends at 11:59 pm CST on January 23rd, 2009.

This Christmas, be a Hip Hostess! (A Giveaway!)

Any Chic Chick out there knows that the key to the hosting the perfect Holiday party is to be an excellent hostess.  Gracious and welcoming, the perfect hostess welcomes guests to her sparkling clean home, wearing a perfect outfit, looking rested and perfectly groomed.  Unless you’re me, that is.  I’m usually running around until the last minute, mascara wand in one hand, vacuum cleaner in the other.  I might look put together when I open the door, but really, I’m a complete wreck! 

No matter your entertaining style (calm, or crazy) you can look fabulous when you’re wearing an apron from The Hip Hostess.  Check out their new adorable Christmas patterns!

Aren’t they sweet?  And Little AG would look adorable if she and mommy were wearing matching Christmas aprons when we do our baking on Christmas Eve!  Not a Christmas “baker”?  There are lots of other awesome, and very stylish aprons at The Hip Hostess!  Check out their gorgeous Demi Style Aprons in tons of great patterns:

And in case you like the full length apron (a necessity if I am going to take on any task in the kitchen!) you’ll love the sweete Sheath Style Aprons!

Would you like one of these amazing aprons from The Hip Hostess?  Use promo code CHIC (important that it’s all caps) for 15% off of your order!

Win it!  You can win the apron of your choice from the Hip Hostess!  To enter, follow the easy peasy rules below!

• Visit the Hip Hostess and tell me which style and pattern you would choose if you were to win!
  
• Earn extra credit! You may do these for extra entries.
• • Blog about this giveaway and link back here and to The Hip Hostess. Tell me about it in a separate comment.
  • Follow me on Twitter.  Tell me about it in a separate comment.
  • Subscribe to my RSS feed via email or in a reader and tell me about it in a separate comment.
  • Stumble my main webpage (www.chicshopperchick.com) and leave me your Stumble Upon name in a separate comment.

That’s it! Good luck! Oh, and the official rules and legal jargon are below.

US entries only, winner will be chosen via random.org at the end of the contest. Winners are posted here and on Prizey Fetch, please leave a valid email address or blog address if you’d like to be contacted should you win. Winner has 72 hours to claim their prize. This contest ends at 11:59 pm CST on December 26th, 2008.

Suri’s Little Ladybug Shoes on Oprah today!

If you get a chance, check out the episode of Oprah that is going to air today — it will be featuring a very special pair of ladybug shoes worn by Suri Cruise, and Tom mentions that she really “likes the Ladybugs”.  I just happen to know the story behind those adorable ladybug shoes, and I’d like to share it with you here, as well as a chance to win a pair!

The famous Ladybug shoes are Monkey-Toes Little Ladies Mary Janes, created by Jenny Ford, the owner of Monkey Toes.  She is a work at home mom who developed her “great idea” into a successful business.  Her story should serve as an inspiring example that with hard work and believing in yourself incredible things are possible, especially for other mompreneurs out there!  The other inspiring story from this moment on Oprah is the story of the person who gifted Suri Cruise with her Ladybug Shoes, Katja Presnal.  Presnal is a PR consultant and also a mompreneur in her own right who, with her incredible marketing instincts, managed to land those Ladybug shoes on Oprah in the first place and have them endorsed by Tom Cruise.

Last time this Oprah segment aired Google was exausted with searches for Suri’s Ladybug Shoes.  Presnal became an overnight marketing sensation, and people everywhere were reaching out to her, asking her how she got those adorable ladybug shoes on Oprah in the first place!  She in turn has done her part to “pay it forward” – focusing on helping mommy bloggers and others with great ideas and great products to move their projects forward and fufilling their potential.

Check out Katja Presnal’s online store – Skimbaco – where you can get these adorable Ladybug shoes on sale for $29.  You should also check out her sale section, where children’s designer clothes are on sale for as much as 75% off!

Win it! You can win a pair of these adorable Little Ladybug Shoes from Skimbaco and Monkey Toes!  To enter, follow the easy-peasy rules below.

• Check out the Ladybug Shoes and let me know what your other favorite item from her store is.
  
• Earn extra credit! You may do these for extra entries.
• • Blog about this giveaway and link back here and to Skimbaco Lifestyle (Katja’s blog). Tell me about it in a separate comment.
  • Follow me on Twitter and Follow Katja on Twitter.  Tell me about it in a separate comment.
  • Subscribe to my RSS feed via email or in a reader and tell me about it in a separate comment.
  • Stumble my main webpage (www.chicshopperchick.com) and leave me your Stumble Upon name in a separate comment.

That’s it! Good luck! Oh, and the official rules and legal jargon are below.

US entries only, winner will be chosen via random.org at the end of the contest. Winners are posted here and on Prizey Fetch, please leave a valid email address or blog address if you’d like to be contacted should you win. Winner has 72 hours to claim their prize. This contest ends at 11:59 pm CST on December 18th, 2008.

Lunchbags that will make any Fashionista jealous! (A giveaway!)

I am a handbag snob. Plain and simple. I tend to have a ton of handbags, each one more fabulous than the next. I will admit that the only time I ever brought my own lunch to work with me, it was in a cutesey bag. I don’t do the brown paper thing. I also don’t do the icky bulky lunch tote thing. So, when my friend Lori from A Cowboys Wife and My Wooden Spoon introduced me to these fabulous lunchbags by Elle, I was oh-so-very-excited. I mean c’mon. Who would have ever thought you’d hear “lunchbag” and “Elle” in the same sentence?

I have the ELLE Holly Lunch Bag in Houndstooth and I love it.  The outside is uber fashionista-friendly, with the inside being insulated and lined – perfect for keeping lunches cool.  It even has two outside pockets that are also lined and insulated — I’m thinking cheese, veggies, or utensils can go there!  Seriously, though, would you ever guess that this is a lunchbag?  Exactly!  You know, I used to be a French teacher at an all-girls school, and I think if I had been seen on campus with this awesome bag and the girls had found out it was actually a lunch bag — well, lets just say I see the potential for a major trend to start!

There are lots of other great styles of lunchbags from Elle — just check out the widget above to see some of the amazing choices.  They are really reasonably priced, too at around $30 each — not to mention they are a much better choice when it comes to being environmentially responsible!

Win it!  I have three (yes, three!!) of these awesome bags to giveaway!  The first one is the ELLE Kate Lunch Bag in Red, seen here:

The second one is the ELLE Holly Lunch Bag – Houndstooth (like the one I own!!) and the third is the ELLE Jenn Lunch Bag in Black, pictured below!

To win, follow the rules below!

• Leave a comment here telling me which one you’d like to win and why.  A little effort please, no “Enter me” or “I wanna win” type of entries will be accepted.
  
• Earn extra credit! You may do these for extra entries.
  
• • Tweet about this giveaway- you can copy and paste: I entered to win one of three fabulous #lunchbags from @chicshoppachick and you can too!  http://poprl.com/7Pt
    
  • Blog about this giveaway and link back here. Tell me about it in a separate comment.
  • Visit my friends Kristin at An Ordinary Life and Christine at From Dates to Diapers and leave them each a comment.  Come back here and leave two comments to let me know you did so.
  • Follow me on Twitter.  Tell me about it in a separate comment.
  • Subscribe to my RSS feed via email or in a reader and tell me about it in a separate comment.
  • Stumble my main webpage (www.chicshopperchick.com) and leave me your Stumble Upon name in a separate comment.

That’s it! Good luck! Oh, and the official rules and legal jargon are below.

US entries only, winner will be chosen via random.org at the end of the contest. Winners are posted here and on Prizey Fetch, please leave a valid email address or blog address if you’d like to be contacted should you win. Winner has 72 hours to claim their prize. This contest ends at 11:59 pm CST on December 14th, 2008.

Lovin’ the Lucid! {Giveaway CLOSED}

A while back I “met” this awesome girl on twitter — Anna Sabino.  Not long after that I got the opportunity to meet her in Las Vegas at Blog World Expo, and she was quite possibly one of the sweetest people I have ever met in my life!  I’m so glad to call her a “real life” friend now as well!  In addition to being a very cool person, Anna is quite talented and has her own line of handmade jewelry, called Lucid New York.  Her pieces are amazing — check out a few of my favorites!

I love this purple cocktail ring, recently featured in the Marie Claire Holiday Gift Guide!  Purple is THE color this season, and I want to order one of these for myself as soon as I can!

This is the signature piece of Lucid New York and one that I own (and wear) all the time!  I get compliments on it wherever I go!  I usually wear it doubled because it’s really long, but I love it!

I also really, really love this gorgeous Topaz Charm necklace, it is so feminine and delicate!   Lucky for you, you have a chance to win one for yourself!

I am fascinated and inspired by Anna and the work that she has done.  She told me that she got her start by blowing glass, and then she eventually started working with metals 5 years ago.  She said “I create always having my client in mind making sure the pieces are wearable and comfortable.  So thin, elegant and lucid, they’re great for layering.”  I can attest to the fact that they really are all of those things and more — her line, her taste for style, it’s all quite classy.

Different things drive us all, and artists are always inspired by different things.  I asked Anna what inspired her, what drove her to create the pieces that she has.  She said, “I get inspired by clothes, as I treat a piece of jewelry as a part of the whole, love the idea of simplicity.  Living in Soho in Manhattan and being surrounded by everything urban and trendy boosts my creativity.”

Lastly, I asked Anna for some of her personal favorite pieces, or pieces that are dear to her heart.  She told me that she “loves the signature necklace because if it’s elegant simplicity.  I love heart with wings charm necklace for its playful, urban look.  My bestselling charm necklace is wishbone – everyone needs some luck.” and lastly, “The hottest item this season is the purple flower cocktail ring!”

Win it! One lucky CSC reader will be sporting the Topaz Crystal Charm necklace on a 14K gold filled chain, thanks to Anna who has generously offered it to us to giveaway!  To enter, follow the easy-peasy rules below!

• Visit Lucid New York and browse around.  Come back here and tell me which of the pieces not already mentioned here is your favorite.
  
• Earn extra credit! You may do these for extra entries.
  
• • Blog about this giveaway and link back here and to Lucid New York. Tell me about it in a separate comment.
  • Follow me on Twitter and Follow Anna on Twitter.  Tell me about it in a separate comment.
  • Subscribe to my RSS feed via email or in a reader and tell me about it in a separate comment.
  • Stumble my main webpage (www.chicshopperchick.com) and leave me your Stumble Upon name in a separate comment.
  • Stumble Lucid New York (http://shop.lucidnewyork.com) and leave me your Stumble Upon name in a separate comment.

That’s it! Good luck! Oh, and the official rules and legal jargon are below.

US entries only, winner will be chosen via random.org at the end of the contest. Winners are posted here and on Prizey Fetch, please leave a valid email address or blog address if you’d like to be contacted should you win. Winner has 72 hours to claim their prize. This contest ends at 11:59 pm CST on December 13th, 2008.

Flip and Tumble for Flip and Tumble! (Review and Giveaway!)

I have every intention to be a do-good, eco-chic, recycling, re-useable grocery bagging girl, but the hardest part about it is, without fail, remembering to bring the darn bags WITH me to the store.  I can’t tell you how many times I have been so excited to remember to bring my reusable bags, but then I forget them in the car, at home, on the floor, etc.  So what good does it do if I forget to bring the bag in the first place?

Flip and Tumble has solved that problem!  Their bags roll up or scrunch up nice and small so that they can just live in your purse or car, and they don’t take up too much room, but they are there when you need them!  This way, it solves the problem of “remembering” to bring the bags with you!

Flip and Tumble offers two different styles of bags, the original 24/7 bag and their new Loopt Bag.  Each one folds or scrunches up in about 5 seconds flat, making them a hit in my book!  Plus, when you do unroll them, they are unbelieveably roomy — I fit 2 to 3 times the amount of groceries in one of them as I do in a regular plastic grocery bag!

Win it! You can win your very own Loopt or 24/7 bag from Flip and Tumble!  To enter, follow the easy-peasy rules below!

• Visit Flip and Tumble, then come back here and tell me which bag you would chose, and in which color combo (official colors only please!)
  
• Earn extra credit! You may do these for extra entries.
  • Blog about this giveaway and link back here and to Flip and Tumble. Tell me about it in a separate comment.
  • Subscribe to my RSS feed via email or in a reader and tell me about it in a separate comment.
  • Stumble my main webpage (www.chicshopperchick.com) and leave me your Stumble Upon name in a separate comment.
  • Add me to your blog roll. Not just my button in your sidebar, I’d love to be on your blog roll! Let me know about it in a separate comment!

That’s it! Good luck! Oh, and the official rules and legal jargon are below.  Oh, and don’t forget to check out my other great stocking stuffer ideas on day 3 of the Christmas Gift Guide here on Chic Shopper Chick!

US entries only, winner will be chosen via random.org at the end of the contest. Winners are posted here and on Prizey Fetch, please leave a valid email address or blog address if you’d like to be contacted should you win. Winner has 72 hours to claim their prize. This contests ends at 11:59 pm CST on November 22nd, 2008.

Chic Buds make listening look good!

I am completely smitten with Chic Buds, because they are so, well, CHIC!  Yes, Chic is who I am, it’s what I do.  I embody chicness, and I’m not afraid to say it!  Ok, now that I’ve gotten that declaration out of the way, let me tell you about this completely delicious find!  Called Chic Buds, these unassuming ear buds have gone wild!  Studded with real Swarovski Crystals, these babies will make you the envy of every girl around.

To all you peeps who ride the subway or train in the mornings, wouldn’t you look good sporting these as you nonchalantly listened to your iPod and read a book?  You don’t have to say a word, your Chic Buds will do all the talking!  You can use these while you’re walking to class, on an airplane, working out at the gym,

or in a coffee shop — no matter where you are I’m sure these will draw some ooohs and aaahs.

A few factoids about the oh-so-fabulous chicBuds:

• chicBuds have a built-in retractor so that the cords won’t end up a mess!
• Each set of chicBuds has nearly 100 Swarovski crystal pieces.
• chicBuds have a fastening clip so the cord doesn’t bounce around (also quite handy for clipping it on the side of your purse so you don’t lose them!)

You can purchase chicBuds at Dillards or Fred Meyer, and if you do, you get a FREE couture candy-link tin that holds your iPod and your chicBuds!  If you don’t live close to one of those, you can also buy them at the chicBuds online store!  They retail for $49.99 and I even have a pair to giveaway!  To enter, follow the easy-peasy rules below!

• Visit the chicBuds online store and tell me what style you would choose if you won!
  
• Earn extra credit! You may do these for extra entries.
  • Visit An Ordinary Life and leave a comment on one of her posts or giveaways!  Come back here and let me know you did it!
  • Blog about this giveaway and link back here and to ChicBuds.com. Tell me about it in a separate comment.
  • Subscribe to my RSS feed via email or in a reader and tell me about it in a separate comment.
  • Follow ChicBlvd (maker of Chic Buds) on twitter http://www.twitter.com/chicblvd
  • Add me to your blog roll. Not just my button in your sidebar, I’d love to be on your blog roll! Let me know about it in a separate comment!

That’s it! Good luck! Oh, and the official rules and legal jargon are below.  Oh, and don’t forget to check out the other great stocking stuffer ideas here on Chic Shopper Chick!

US entries only, winner will be chosen via random.org at the end of the contest. Winners are posted here and on Prizey Fetch, please leave a valid email address or blog address if you’d like to be contacted should you win. Winner has 72 hours to claim their prize. This contests ends at 11:59 pm CST on November 21st, 2008.

Anne Taintor makes Vintage Modern! (A Giveaway!)

I could look through the products at Anne Taintor all day!  Hailed as “The Original Vintage Humor Company”, their snarky products do not disappoint!  These are the kinds of products I wish I had known about a couple of years ago, because I have friends who would have LOVED them!  I still do, and I think that they will not only make fantastic stocking stuffers, but also great girlfriend gifts — perfect for Secret Santa or gift exchanges!  I have a couple of things from there, so let me highlight some of my favorites!  Best of all, everything on the site is very affordable!

We are a family of travelers, so I chose this passport cover that says “High Maintenance doesn’t begin to cover it.”  When it arrived, hubby just grunted and said “Boy is that true.”  (Disclaimer:  He knew this before he married me!)

I also chose this ID holder that says “Of course it buys happiness!”  Oh how i love it!    My sister in law used to have a sign that said “All I’m asking for is the chance to prove that it doesn’t buy happiness” and this reminded me of that, so I immediately liked it! (I was thisclose to choosing the one that said “Domestically Disabled”)

I also really like their purse-sized emery boards — the “Stop me before I volunteer again” is SO me.  I say yes to too many things!  Plus, I love that these are small enough to keep in your purse all of the time, because you always need an emery board at the most inconvenient times!

Win it! Anne Taintor has graciously offered the chance for one lucky Chic Shopper Chick reader to win a $50 dollars worth of products from their site, to be chosen at the end of the contest!  That is more than enough to choose some items for both you and a friend! To enter, follow the easy-peasy rules below.

• Visit Anne Taintor and come back here and tell me what your favorite saying and product are!
• Earn extra credit! You may do these for extra entries.
  • Blog about this giveaway and link back here, as well as to Anne Taintor.
    
  • Visit From Dates to Diapers and leave a comment on one of her posts or enter one of her giveaways.  Come back here and tell me it’s done. (I will verify!)
    
  • Subscribe to my RSS feed via email or in a reader and tell me about it in a separate comment.
    
  • Stumble my main webpage (www.chicshopperchick.com) and leave me your Stumble Upon name in a separate comment.
  • Follow me on twitter!  http://www.twitter.com/chicshoppachick  Let me know that you did!
    
  • Add me to your blog roll. Not just my button in your sidebar, I’d love to be on your blog roll! Let me know about it in a separate comment!

That’s it! Good luck! Oh, and the official rules and legal jargon are below.  Don’t forget to check out all of the other great stocking stuffer items that I have for you here on Chic Shopper Chick!

US entries only, winner will be chosen via random.org at the end of the contest. Winners are posted here and on Prizey Fetch, please leave a valid email address or blog address if you’d like to be contacted should you win. Winner has 72 hours to claim their prize. This contest ends at 11:59 pm CST on November 21st, 2008.

Christmas Gift Guide 2008: Entertaining and Hostess Gifts

With the Holiday Season comes the P & E — Parties and Entertaining!  From office parties to parties with family and friends, you will likely have more than one occasion to show that you are the “Hostess with the Mostess” or a gracious party guest!  Of course, we wouldn’t leave you hanging for this very important part of the Holiday Season, so Chic Shopper Chick has got you covered with everything you’ll need to survive this season of Holiday Parties!

The Perfect Holiday Dress — Each year I go in search of the perfect dress to wear to Church on Christmas Eve, as well as to all of the various parties and events that we attend throughout the season.  This year, I am so thrilled to say that I already have my dress, well before I moved into panic mode!  This year I will be wearing a flattering and gorgeous little number from ShapeFX!  When I pulled the dress out of the box I thought, wow, this isn’t going to look on me like it does on that size 2 model.  Guess what?  It looks fantastic (You know, I mean, if I do say so myself)!  I would be proud to model it anywhere — sign me up to be the new SpokesMom for ShapeFX!  Any dress that makes hubby do a double take MUST be a keeper!  Check out the full line of products from ShapeFX, including their shapewear, pants, and special occasion line!  I have no doubt that you will love this stuff as much as I do!  To prove it to you, I plan to do a post soon with some pictures of me wearing this amazing dress!

Entertaining — When I entertain, I love to have people walk in the door and say “mmmmm” because it smells so good.  Maybe it’s because of your fantastic cooking, or it could just be from a really well-scented candle.  I love to burn candles in my house, and I really like to choose ones that smell like food, like cinnamon, or buttercream.  Yankee Candles make some really great scents, and they even have a special line for the Holidays.  I especially love this Christmas Cookie Candle by Yankee Candle.  Nom Nom Nom!

Don’t forget that you also need to send out the perfect Holiday Party Invitation.  I love the great Holiday Cards from Tiny Prints! I know that you will be able to find the perfect card or invitation for your event from their hundreds of cards.

Need a great appetizer that is easy but will make your guests go “ooooh, this is fantastic!!”?  If so, check out the recipe that I posted on my blog today for an easy baked brie.

Need to jazz up your kitchen?  Check out some of the fantastic cookware, bakeware, and tableware from Emile Henry.  Their wares are simultaneously classic and modern, and I could really do some damage to my account on their website!

Hostess Gifts — You can’t be a gracious party guest without bringing the perfect hostess gift!  You don’t have to spend a fortune, but something small is always a nice token of your appreciation.  I really like this Half Apron by Jessie Steele in a Paris Print – I think it is a really sweet and adorably retro gift that any hostess would LOVE!  If you are close friends with the hostess and you know she has a sense of humor, I think she would enjoy this reprint of the classic book Entertaining is Fun!: How to Be A Popular Hostess.  Orignially published in 1941, some of the advice is outdated, but it is still a really fun read.  Not all of the advice is outdated however, because class never goes out of style!  Want to go with something smaller?  Try giving her a set of these awesome Effervescent Holiday Bath Balls – she can soak in the tub and relax after the stress of planning and hosting a Holiday Party!  Lastly, you might opt to give your hostess something that tastes as yummy as it smells!  If so, then you definitely want to order a keepsake tin of these amazing handmade bon-bons from South n France — but good luck getting them to the party without eating them! (If you missed it, you can check out my review of South n France, but I’ll warn you, it might make you drool!)

Win it! South n France has graciously offered to give away a 20 piece tin of handmade bon bons to one lucky Chic Shopper Chick reader!  To enter, follow the easy-peasy rules below.  (And trust me, you WANT to win this delectible treat!)

• Visit South n France and tell me which Holiday Gift or flavor of bon bon is your favorite!  Leave a comment here telling me about it!
  
• Earn extra credit! You may do these for extra entries.
  • Blog about this giveaway and link back here and to South n France. Tell me about it in a separate comment.
  • Subscribe to my RSS feed via email or in a reader and tell me about it in a separate comment.
    
  • Stumble my main webpage (www.chicshopperchick.com) and leave me your Stumble Upon name in a separate comment.
  • Get a Gravatar!  I’m sick of seeing those little blue and white icons.  Gravatars are universal avatars used for lots of sites, including this one – just register it with your email address.  Let me know about it.
  • Add me to your blog roll. Not just my button in your sidebar, I’d love to be on your blog roll! Let me know about it in a separate comment!

That’s it! Good luck! Oh, and the official rules and legal jargon are below.

US entries only, winner will be chosen via random.org at the end of the contest. Winners are posted here and on Prizey Fetch, please leave a valid email address or blog address if you’d like to be contacted should you win. Winner has 72 hours to claim their prize. This contests ends at 11:59 pm CST on November 20th, 2008.

Don’t forget to check out the great hostess gifts and entertaining ideas that Christine at From Dates to Diapers and Kristin at An Ordinary Life have to offer you today!

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