Birthday/Holiday Loot

I was a very lucky girl this year. I was very loved by everyone (except my rascal of a husband who has yet to purchase my birthday present) and I must say I made out quite well for myself. Here's a sampling of some of the items others got me, as well as some I got myself because clearly I had to buy myself gifts too.

1. Guitar Hero - Band Bundle

Okay, so technically my husband received this gift, but as you know, I'm a sucker for my wii. Now if only I could figure out those darn drums....

Guitar Hero

2. kate spade lenox hill noel alix

Yes, that name is a bit of a mouthful, but I guess you need that many names to sum up a very exciting, and very large new workbag. This is a little something I picked up for myself yesterday. I've had many issues finding a cute workbag that will fit both a large file and a pair of shoes. After many misses I had learned my lesson and tested this one in the store, asking the store clerk for a large binder and a pair of shoes to stick in the purse. And this bag passed the test with flying colors. I just wish you could see the adorable purple lining. And thanks to the recession sales, I got mine 30% off.

Kate Spade, $375

3. Ugly puffer coat (being sent back today)

After Chicago was below zero for the third day in a row, I thought I might actually have to invest in something warmer than my wool military coat. I abhor, repeat ABHOR puffer coats. But the subzero temperatures weakened my hatred and I found myself shopping for the vile puffer coat. After much perusal, I thought this one wouldn't be as bad as it had the cinched waist. Well, I was wrong. It's just as terrible. My husband and I took one look at it, gagged, and stuffed it back in the box it came from. I don't think I'll ever be cold enough to wear one of those. Maybe if I moved to Alaska...

Kenneth Cole, $159.99

4. My beloved pazzi dress
I've said several times how much I love my Calypso Pazzi dress, and it seems my dear friends were listening as I was surprised by a delightful Pazzi in the mail for my birthday. Thanks, dears!

Calypso

5. Eucerin

This wasn't an actual gift, but just a stocking stuffer, but that doesn't mean I love it any less. I am a big opponent to scented frilly lotions. First of all, they don't really do the job they're supposed to do - moisturize you. And second, if I needed a little scent pick me up, I'd throw on my Issey (fave perfume ever, I highly recommend). So when it comes to this time of year where the cold dries up your skin and leaves you crackly, what you need is the good stuff, and by the good stuff I mean doctor-recommended Eucerin. I swear by it.

Eucerin, $11.79

6. Cashmere gloves

The lovely Ro got me these gloves off my advent calendar, and my mo-in-law got me a gorgeous cashmere gloves/hat/scarf set. I will be swaddled in cashmere this winter and looking fabulous.

Portolano

7. Speaking of cashmere...

I indulged myself yesterday in a couple cashmere sweater dresses from Calypso. It's the softest you've ever touched, the style of the dress was adorable, and they were on major sale. Who has ever heard of a nice cashmere dress for $25? I haven't, that's for sure.

Calypso, Sale $49

(50% off all sale items when you buy 2 or more)

8. A Kate Spade be-bowed wristlet

Couldn't find a pic online, but you know what a sucker I am for a big bow, and this one also has adorable vertical stripes.

9. A BR blouse

Making sure not to lump my bday and christmas together, my too generous mother-in-law in addition to a thousand other items, got me this BR top. Love the color, and it fits perfectly (though she did follow my gift guide and included a gift receipt just in case).

Banana Republic

10. be curly

As a curly-haired girl, I've tried many many products to keep my curls together and looking natural. The far and away best product for curly hair is Aveda's be curly line. I swear by the curl enhancer, and I was also lucky enough to get the shampoo and conditioner too.

Aveda

Hope all your holidays were filled with all my favorite f's - family, friends, food, fun, and f-naps.