Nov 19, 2008

This concept is entirely appealing and smart, especially during a recession-embedded holiday season: to alleviate that pesky voice that says “don’t buy it now, it’ll go on sale in two weeks,” there are websites that will actually e-mail you when specific items you’ve chosen goes on sale.

The sites, SavvyCircle.com and ShopStyle.com, make it easy for you to save on holiday party ensembles or gifts you just know would be perfect for your sister/girlfriend/mom/dog walker.

I, for example, would like to know when this Shoshanna dress goes on sale, both because I aspire to be Blair Waldorf and because 40% off retail just isn’t enough for me. To make it happen, simply search for the dress at ShopStyle.com, then mouse over the image and click “sale alert.” Enter your e-mail and voila, you’ll know the moment you can afford it.

SavvyCircle's model is slightly different – you sign up then choose items from their partner sites – but trust us, there are plenty of options.

Happy [smart] shopping!

Always at the forefront of the beauty industry, Bobbi Brown is known for her approachable color palettes and ingenious skincare. And now, not only has Bobbi provided the makeup and tools to look your best, but she's come out with a brand new book chock full of tips from her 25 years in the business. The Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual contains insider info on every topic from hunting down the right foundation to how to care for your hands and feet. Want in on the secrets? SheFinds is giving away copies of the book to 5 lucky readers!

Just share with us your favorite Bobbi Brown makeup or skincare product in the comments section below. And check out some of Bobbi's insider tips:

The holidays are a chance to have some fun with your makeup. Whether your personal style is natural or a bit more dramatic, there’s an easy way to put a festive spin on your makeup (and still look like you). Here’s how:

Go Metallic. High-shimmer shades are the quickest way to put on the glitz. Accent your eyes with metallic jewel-toned shadows and pair with a coat of shimmery gloss.

Add highlight. Fake a candlelit glow by choosing neutral metallics like gold, bronze, and copper. Used sparingly, these colors add just enough warmth and luster to the skin.    

Think classic. Red lips are shorthand for glamour, so if you’re feeling bold, go for it. Just be sure to balance a big statement lip with a more neutral eye. (I like dusting luminescent silver eye shadow over lids.) If you’re intimidated by red, try mixing a red you like with your favorite neutral or brown lipstick. You’ll likely feel more comfortable in your own custom shade.

If you’re at work and don’t have time for a complete makeup overhaul before your holiday party, you can still transform your daytime look to evening in just five minutes flat. Here are the products you need and how to use them.

• Flat or shimmer white eye shadow: Dust it over your browbone.

• Jet black eyeliner: Smudge it as close to the base of your lashes as possible.

• Shimmery blush: Layer it over the blush you’re already wearing.
  

In order to enter the giveaway, write to us in the comments section and let us know your favorite Bobbi Brown product. The contest ends a week from today, so act fast. 

If you can't wait to win, pick of a copy of The Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual at amazon.com.  

Question is, if you’re not a size zero, how do you make this trend your own? Well, you can wear them like tights under a longer sweater, with a dress or skirt, or pair them with a long jacket. The idea is to keep tops simple and longer to elongate the line. Keep the color of the leggings complementary to your top half to create a streamlined effect.

For those of you who wouldn't dare try the actual liquid look (we hear you - anything that reflects light off your thighs should be approached with great caution), you can try a muted version of the trend with these Shiny Knit Leggings ($39.50) from Express. For something even more matte, we suggest these Silence & Noise Leggings ($38). And if you just want a pair with more pizazz than your average cotton ones, pick up Lindsay Lohan's 6126 Zipper Leggings ($123).

 
I can't count the number of times I've donned a new shirt and walked out the door feeling fierce, only to get a sudden stab in the side courtesy of one of those itchy "Remove Before Washing or Wearing" tags. So what are we to do? Cut away and risk snipping a hole, loosing a pivotal thread, and losing the care instructions? Or suffer silently while itchy tags wage pointy-edged war with our necks and sides?

Fortunately, now you can keep the tags, but quell the itching by tacking a swatch of Dritz iron-on, no-sew hemming tape on the tags' backs. At only $2 a roll, the lifesaver that is hemming tape helps keep our clothing in tact and our itching at bay. And while layering with tagless tees (like the entire tee line from Old Navy ) is an option in the winter, hemming tape is a nice little insurance policy that no one will ever have to tell you to tuck your tags.

Bonus: You can use this tape to press down annoying tags that stick out on your winter scarves. 

Get yours: Amazon.com

Our annual Sold Out Guide hit inboxes yesterday, and already early holiday shoppers are snatching up featured gems like these Chinese Laundry Turbo Boots ($98) from Gossip Girl. We urge you to scour the guide and educate yourself on what gadgets, accessories, clothing, and beauty products will surely be hard to come by in the weeks ahead.

We've listed the retailers who offer hot items like the Wii Fit, Current/Elliott Boyfriend Jean, or UGG Metallic Boots, but be warned - they'll soon run out of the goods if you don't act fast. 

Get an early start and shop our Sold Out Guide today.

And sign up for the SheFinds newsletter to ensure you are the first to hear about the latest trends, deals, and novel gift ideas. 

Ralph Lauren knows how to make classic oxfords – and now that they're less expensive than usual, it's a great time to try one out.

This sriped broadcloath shirt ($64, was $125) looks great with dark denim and brown leather, as shown here.

If you’re in the market for a classic white shirt, check out this poplin version ($79, was $145) with just a bit of stretch.

Equally sharp under a vest, suit jacket or just a scarf, the Leigh Striped Shirt ($89, was $145) will become a go-to for daytime.

More sales and deals on the web:

Up to 60% off AK Anne Klein footwear at 6pm.

30% to 70% off at shopbop, plus free ground shipping.

Save an extra 40% on already reduced merchandise at Ann Taylor LOFT.

The sample sale scoop – shop these sales today for big discounts:

Cosabella and White + Warren at Rue La La

Be&D, C&C California and Elle Macpherson Intimates at Hautelook

Christian Lacroix at Editors’ Closet

Joya Candles, Hollywould, John Hardy and Iisli at Gilt Groupe