The Countdown to Christmas

Christmas is here! Christmas is here! Christmas is here! Now that Thanksgiving is over, I'm ready to drive right into the holidays - the lights, trees, decorations . . . and of course SHOPPING.


To help you decorate, here is an adorable advent calendar. (Sadly, my favorite Hat and Mittens Calendar is sold out.) Who cares if advent calendars are for kids. I've always been a fan of countdown chains, and this is perfect for the back of a door. The Countdown to Christmas Advent Calendar contains 25 hidden ornaments - like a snowflake, warm mittens, an ice skate – on gift pockets under numbered flaps. We always put candy in the pockets, which would mysteriously disappear from the later days in December.

Check out all the holiday decorations at Garnet Hill.

Keep checking back for more of my holiday gift favorites. I'll have my own 12 days of Holiday countdown.

Hip, Funky, Feminine – Tulle

Every morning I – and I’m sure so many of you – stare at my closet and try to decide what I’m going to wear. I’m not sure it my problem is I have too many options or not enough :) I just discovered the perfect wardrobe solution that you must check out – Tulle.

Outerwear, sweaters, tops, pants, and skirts, Tulle has adorable pieces at affordable prices. The designs are fun and playful. I’m in love with their fantastic colors! This gorgeous mustard yellow 3/4 Sleeve Wool Jacket ($85) will keep the spring in your step throughout the winter.

Here are two more of my favorites:



You’ll find some of their pieces in boutiques, but they also have an extensive online shop. And note, their clothes are in junior sizes, so go up at least one size.

The Perfect Walking Shoe - Alice

I walk a lot, and because of this I go through shoes so quickly. A pair of flats have holes in the soles and my heels need to be re-heeled within three months. It’s ridiculous. The plus side is I get to buy shoes all the time. The downside is I have to buy shoes all the time! I refuse to wear tennis shoes to and from work. I don’t care if it’s practical; it’s just plain ugly. I just discovered the perfect solution. Crocs.

Yes, I can’t believe I said it either. I’ve always thought the classic Croc should only be worn for boating, gardening, etc. or on kids. They just aren’t cute. But now they are! The “Alice” style is a slim, sleek mary jane style. Everyone has commented on how cute these shoes are, and everyone is always shocked when I tell them they are Crocs. The rubber sole makes these perfect walking shoes for all weather and terrain. They are so comfortable that I sometimes forget to take them off when I get to the office. No more ugly walking shoes or ruining cute shoes from walking too much!

The Alice is available in black, chocolate, grape, peacock (blue) and ruby red for $34.99. Make sure to check the Croc sizing chart - I went a whole size down.

The Alice is also available with a suede outer texture for a nicer look for $39.99.

Hable Construction Pillows

Now that the weather has changed, I’m spending a lot more time inside – more specifically, on my couch. All of this time in my living room makes me want to redecorate. One of my favorite quick room changes is adding color with fun pillows. A fantastic company you will instantly fall in love with is Hable Construction.

Named after their great-grandfather’s road construction business formed in the early twentieth century, sisters Susan and Katharine Hable founded Hable Construction in 1998. They make many different textile products, from stationery to pillows, tote bags and felt wool Christmas stockings.

I am in love with these two pillows. From start to finish, the pillows are handmade. First the fabrics are printed by hand in an old New England factory, then they are hand cut and sewn in New York. The color, texture and designs are just fantastic, and will liven up any room – especially during the gloomy winter.

The Scarlet Flower Wheat Linen Pillow, 16” x 16”, is $95.


The Moss Reeds and Berries Wool Felt Appliqué Pillow, 20” x 20”, is $175.


And just because this Cupcake Wool Felt Appliqué Pillow is just so dang cute, I had to throw it in.


Check out all of their products at Hableconstruction.com. You’ll fall in love.

Jessica Elliot Jewelry

The right jewelry can not only be an accessory, but can make the outfit. I am always looking for great pieces to add to my collection, and I recently discovered Jessica Elliot. Her collection is stunning - interesting chains, mixing gold and silver, bold shapes.

I love this Double Tiered mixed Leaf Necklace on a gold chain. There are vermeil and sterling leaves on a double tiered chain – you can layer it or wear it long. It’s beautiful. I received more comments on this necklace in two hours than I have received on any other piece of jewelry. There are so many ways to wear it, and it looks great with everything!

Available at boutiques across the county or online at www.jessicaelliot.com for $146.00.

ONE LUCKY READER WILL WIN!


We are giving away a Jessica Elliot necklace to one lucky Lust List reader. The Vermeli Iron Clover Lariat – it’s a beautiful pendant, based on vintage wrought iron designs, with small clovers in a lace-like pattern. The chain is adjustable in the front so you can clip it higher or lower depending on your look. It retails for $90.

To enter email thelustlist@gmail.com, with "Jessica Elliot Necklace" in the subject line, by Wednesday, November 21 at 11:59 p.m. EST. One lucky reader will be randomly selected.

Good luck!

Cozy Slippers

The weather has changed, and it's time to snuggle up on the couch and stay warm. I am slightly obsessed with this new find. I was hesitant to try these on, because, well, either you like the look or you don't, but once you put them on YOU WILL NOT TAKE THEM OFF. Trust me. These are the newest addition to the UGG Australia Women's Slipper Collection - the Zoe. They are a soft suede fully lined with plush sheepskin fleece. The sole is rubber so you can wear them for quick trips out of the house too - since, like I said, you won't want to take them off. The bow detail adds a cute feminine finish. The Zoe is available in Chestnut (shown) and Pink Mist for $100. For more details and to purchase visit www.uggaustralia.com.

Convert to Skirt

I'm a runner. I take that back, I'm a jogger. And I love it. But since I'm not running by at the speed of light people have a chance to not only see what I'm wearing, but notice that it's me wearing it. I can't pull the "Oh, I'll never see them again in my life" excuse because I see the same people in the park every morning. However, as much as I want to be attractive while running I also need to be practical because going 6 miles every other day of the week can bring some serious discomfort if you aren't wearing the proper apparel. It all comes down to what I value more: style or comfort? But, in a world where we can text, surf the web, email, talk and listen to music with one small device, couldn't I find something to run in that is both comfortable and attractive. My solution to this quandary? The GymGirl skirt from SkirtSports.

It's the greatest. Seriously. The first time I tried it on I didn't want to take it off; in fact, I don't think I did for the next three or four hours! The built-in mesh shorties not only prevent chafing, but bear two hidden pockets (and yes they're really hidden, no bulging under the skirt even when I had my keys and iPod in them!). What woman doesn't love pockets? The silky top and side slits allow for an almost graceful freedom of movement. This is a flattering skirt; I look GOOD in it (even if I do say so myself). It's pretty much a given that you're going to be checked out while running, but with this skirt, guys do a double-take. And that's something no pair of shorts out there can promise.

I'm converted (bordering on a not-so-slight obsession). You'd better hurry and get yours before I buy out the entire stock!

There are lots of different styles including the two below - GymGirl for $58 and the new ToughGirl for $85. Buy them here.