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Ask The Product Princess

Real Answers from Katie-Britt Greenway
Shopper Extraordinaire!

December

All I want for Christmas is…. YOU!

Well, Okay… and a shopping spree at Neiman Marcus… without the credit card statement at the end of the month! Hey, I promise to get all of my Christmas, Hanukkah and even Kwanza gifts within the spree! Deal? Hmm…

Well, the spree is looking doubtful, but the holidays will still be here in no time, so looks like we all have to start shopping ASAP! So, I'm stuck sitting here trying to figure out what to fill my stockings up with, and what to place under the 12 foot tree in my foyer.

I've created a list with everyone in mind… no matter if you've been Naughty or Nice… of darling items that would suit just about anyone! Merry “Holiday” to you and yours…

wine Got a Wino in the family?

Visit: http://www.winesofsubstance.com/
“Substance” is the coolest educational website all about WINE! If you were a Science buff or thought the periodic table was cool, this is for you… once you're on the website, click on any type of wine and learn where it originated, the flavors & aromatics, the “tasting notes” and much more! (p.s. - yes, you can even ORDER wine from $14.00-18.00) But the Labels are the selling feature!

Perfect 4 the Fashionista or Creative Soul!!

Visit: http://littlefactory.com/scarf/
This is an amazing item to own! Just imagine how many compliments you will get wearing this! I still cannot believe how somebody came up with this… How creative!! A scarf in little letters or numbers… laser-cut; microfiber suede scarf in colors of black, white or grey… So Many praises for this scarf, I'm sure once you're an owner, you will sing its praises too!! $58.00

scarfs

Jewelry Wishes?

Visit: http://www.dogeared.com/category/make-a-wish-jewelry
No matter if you need a necklace for the following: accomplish magnificent things, new beginnings, big 21!, make a wish, kick some a$$, BFF, breast cancer: find a cure, love note, follow your dreams, graduation, 3 wishes, keep the faith, queen for a day or just the queen bee... www.dogeared.com has you covered! This is the PERFECT GIFT FOR ANYONE, OF ANY AGE or ANY OCCASION. I have just scratched the surface with some of the things and "reminders" they cover! The tiny precious gems and jewels come on a card-stock with an endearing message about the appropriate topic YOU pick! Silver, Bushed Dipped Gold, Turquoise and even Pearls!
Seen in: CosmoGirl, Self Magazine, Instyle, Seventeen, Sports Illustrated, on Rachael Ray's Show, on The Today Show, and in Redbook just to name a few!!

jewelery
***Was #1 on New York Post's Hot List!!***

Pampered Princess, anyone?

Visit: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2993996?search=true&searchtype=keywordsearch
All that needs to be said is… Rhinestones, Ruffles, Juicy Couture, and one large Crown! If you need more than that… then this is definitely not the gift for you! LOL. A posh terry cloth robe in White, Baby Pink, Soft Rose (Red), and Navy Blue, packaged in a large striped box with matching ribbon for gift giving… so your wrapping is already done thanks to Juicy Couture. It does run a little small, so order one size up; Pretty much adorable. $110.00

Gadget Gizmo…

Visit: http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/
So if your “present receiver” already has an ipod, UPDATE it with the new ipod Touch! The 3.5-inch widescreen display is perfect for watching movies and playing games, with up to 36 hours of music play and 6 hours of movie play when fully charged! The new ipod touch comes in 3 versions: 8GB (1,750 songs & 10 hours of video @ $229.00); 16 GB (3,500 & 20 hours of video @ $299.00); and 32GB (7,000 songs & 40 hours of video @ $399.00) - all include earphones, USB 2.0 cable, Dock adapter, Polishing cloth, and a Quick Start guide. This is an outstanding gift for guy or girl!

Now, if you decide to buy an ipod touch this holiday season, try adding a little perk to the gift… get your digital present off to a successful start… add an iTunes Gift Card! ($15-$100.00 in holiday card selections)

Coffee-holic?

Visit: http://www.dcigift.com/product.cfm?productIDv3&catID

I am NOT a Paper Cup. The end. This is exactly what it says it is. A porcelain cup with silicone lid - Completely Eco-Friendly & Totally Coffee Friendly. Are you the person at Starbucks that HAS to put a sleeve on their coffee, afraid you'll burn your hand? If that's you, then join the club with me… At only 20 bucks you'll save your hands and the Earth all at once..

Children Whimsy…

Visit: http://www.uncommongoods.com/item/item.jsp?sourceily&itemId583
“Chalk-A-Doodle-Doo!” Who doesn't like to doodle? Come on… This is a perfect gift for children of all ages, simply because its 1. Adorable, 2. Practical, 3. Easy to use. - The shape of the chalk is easy to hold for kids of all ages - Able to use on sidewalks, or chalkboards. Comes in a mess free, easy to transport “carton” of 6 eggs in multiple colors. Only $18.00

You're on the BAD list!!! NAUGHTY….

Visit: http://www.uncommongoods.com/item/item.jsp?sourceily&itemId157
Yup, you get Coal… gum. Hahaha in your stocking! This is a great gag gift for a kid, friend, family member or anyone you feel stuck their big toe over the line this past year and deserved a lump, minus the mess. $5.00

coal gum

Questions, galore! questions galore

Visit: http://www.tabletopics.com/
If you're throwing a Holiday Party or just inviting friends over for Holiday dinner, don't forget to have your “table topics”. This is a great gift for all. Table Topics comes in all varieties… Family Topics, New Years Topics, Kid Topics, Teen Topics, Girls Night Out Topics, Pet Topics, Couple Topics, Book Club Topics, Golf Topics, Travel Topics, Wine Topics, Gourmet Topics, Dating Topics and of course the Right or Wrong Edition… $9.00-$25.00

glasses Party you say? Drinks, Appetizer or Dessert?

Visit: http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c2&f9
Are you a Bond “Shaken, not stirred” martini drinker? No? Well, NO problem! Fill this fantastic 7..5 oz futuristic glass with a dessert treat or even shrimp cocktail!! There are so many ideas, with the Clio glass, one will never NOT impress a guest with the two piece hand blown charm that Crate and Barrel produces at $10.95 - free shipping on certain online orders.

Makeup Art-tist… Why, Yes… I am!

Visit: http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P223604&categoryId10
First of all… this is a $494.00 value for ONLY $52.00... Tarte has paired up with Sephora to produce a Limited Edition Vanity Palette packed with your beauty essentials. This set features all products that are loaded with skinvigorating™ ingredients… The kit includes:

16 brand-new eyeshadows
16 brand-new lipglosses
Deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara
Deluxe Mineral Powder Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess
Deluxe luminizer
Four powder blushes
Deluxe eyeshadow
Eyelining brushes

PLUS MUCH MORE!!! Received 4.7 stars out of 5. Shall I say anymore for the Girl that loves to play with color and lashes?

Sweet Smells of You…

cologne Visit: http://www.shopaccakappa.com/StoreBox/fragrance/f3282.htm
First finding this fragrance in a Boutique in Philly, Acca Kappa now has an entire line for Ladies and Gentleman in multiple delectable and desirable scents. I recommend “White Moss”, the exclusive fragrance as a personal favorite... It's a mixture of Lavender and Juniper yet, evokes a “sweet, warm and sensual note of Wood, Amber and Moss”. If you're more of a Spa person, try the shampoo, body wash, candles or even shaving mousse. Acca Kappa is an Italian Legend of Luxury, so embrace your love one this season with a fine fragrance at only $56.00 for the White Moss perfume.

Movie Nights, Personal Blockbuster!

Visit: http://www.bestbuy.com/
I know I always have movies on my list, so here are some great releases in time for the Holiday Season… and some that were just released…

Mrs. Pettigrew Lives For a Day
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
Mamma Mia
The Dark Knight
Horton Hears a Who
Wanted
Sex and the City
Kung Fu Panda

Gourmet Chocolates…

Visit: http://juliabakerconfections.com
So you're not going to see that friend or family member this season, but you don't want them to think you forgot them? Send a box of Chocolates that aren't just pleasing to the tummy with flavors of Passion Fruit, Milk & Dark Ganache, Irish Crème, Raspberry, Hazelnut, French Caramel, and Coconut, but to the eye as well… with artistic hand-drawn and hand cut patterns. Wouldn't you love to receive a box of handmade chocolates all tied-up with a ribbon? Priced from $25.00 for 6 pieces all the way to 3 tiers of 48 pieces for $195.00

precision spoon Chef or Kitchen Gadget Freak?

Visit: http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/kitchen/a7b1/
I cannot say I'm the best behind the stove, however… this little tool could improve my skills 100%! With baking and cooking in general, precision is absolutely essential… I mean when they call for a _ of a Cup, they mean a _ of a cup… lol - This nifty little spoon, is actually a scale. With a built in LCD display screen in the handle, It can weigh as little as one one-tenth of a gram all the way to 300 grams! Fine-tune your recipes with one Scoop! $24.99

Bows & Bags!!

Visit: http://www.katespade.com/product/index.jsp?productId266777&cp55207
Last But Not least… This is one of my Personal Favorites!! Pair it with a black dress for a cocktail party or jeans with a Tee. The red ultimate feminine Bow clutch by Kate Spade, is a MUST have. Its leather is crushable soft and magnetic fastener, makes it easily accessible … which is why it's a perfect gift for any lady! Able to hold your cell, wallet, keys, and makeup… you wont leave home without jeopardizing style or necessity. 14-karat light gold plated hardware, Kate Spade brings quality to all of her purses. (I still have my 1st Kate Spade purse, over 9 years old) $245.00

bag

Now you have gift ideas, but Ladies do you have a dress for all of the holiday parties that I'm sure you be attending? Here are some of my picks for Holiday attire:

Dress # 1: Express; $128.00 - Black Metallic floral lace, 4 tiers & sweetheart neckline.

Dress # 2: Burberry; $895.00 - Satin Check Dress with Wide Patent Belt

Double Take on Dress #2: Find a similar look for MUCH less at Forever 21; $36.00 - Black Belted Shift Dress

Dress # 3: J.Crew; $248.00 - 100% Pure Italian cashmere. Very ladylike with a silk-taffeta bow snitching the waistline.

Dress # 4: Maggy London; $148.00 - An illusion back and short sleeved dress; horizontal pleats with square-neck give this dress an effortless chic-ness that is becoming to any age. (free shipping on online orders over $100.00)

red dress Dress # 5: Cache; $208.00 - Strapless taffeta dress has a ruffled hemline with a red flower! Be completely couture and the lady in red - all in one!

5 Party Dresses, Multiple gifts for Him, Her, the little one… and even YOU!! Now, all you have left to do is, grab your camera and snap away the many memories you will create in the last month of 2 thousand and… 8!

Ringing in the holiday season with big smiles and big style!

November

Shoes? Where?

What lady doesn’t hear the word shoe and immediately think “I wonder if they have my size…”

shoes Men laugh and wonder why we teeter around on the pads and tiptoes of our feet, uncomfortably, for the sake of the new 4-inch, black Mary Jane that Christian Louboutin came out with… it’s the same principal for a lot of things we do… we don’t even know. We just do it! Simply because it makes us smile, and feel better – which creates endorphins, which makes us happier and therefore if we’re happier… we make your life as men happier :) SO, Husbands, boyfriends, and future special somebody’s… don’t fret about the price tag on the Manolo Blahnik’s, Jimmy Choo’s or even the new taupe Chloé wedges, just remember that box of Italian leather strappy-sandals you just paid for, is a “key” to YOUR and HER happiness! haha

Now, the second thing Men always wonder is, “why do you have so MANY shoes?” All I can say is, we need variety! But in this moment, Men (cough cough) do have a point (cough cough) – We do get a little carried a way with a good buy on a shoe that we would wear to a theme party, but NEVER to the office or even across the street to just grab coffee. You know which pair I’m talking about – the pair that’s thrown in the back of your closet with the pink cheetah print fur and rhinestone heel! While you get rid of those, make sure you have the rest of these to complete your shoe wardrobe for the ‘08-‘09 season!

Here is my BEST EVER Top 10 Shoes every woman should have in her closet:

Open-Toe Sandal Wedge (your flavor and color choice! Awesome with jeans or skirts for daytime activities)
Red Heels (3 or 4 inch – which ever you’re more comfortable with)
Light Tan Flat Loafer (perfect for running around, errands, dinner, etc)
Boots with Heel (going out; can be casual or dressy)
Black dressy flip flop (able to go from mani & pedi to dinner date)
Nude (something that blends with your skin) Heel (perfect for anytime of year!)
Riding Boots or Flat Boots (great with dresses)
Driving Shoe (in place of a sneaker – do not wear sneakers unless you are at the gym and required)
Black Heel of your choice (3 or 4 inch – any style, but has to be dressy)
Metallic Color Shoe (gold, pewter, silver, bronze, rose, platinum etc… either Ballet Flat, Loafer, or Heel – great with denim, black, white; dresses, evening gowns, and even trousers – for any season!)

I’m a believer in throwing down some change on shoes now and then – but every once in a while, you just cant… here are some shoes that fall under my “top 10 list” but at FANTASTIC prices compared to the “Splurge” price… nobody will ever know the designer duds from the look-a-like!

Splurge: Christian Louboutin’s “Madeline” Satin Platform Mules: $850.00 USD
Look-A-Like: Pin Up Girl Clothing FOR ONLY: $39.00, a savings of um… $811.00 only…

Splurge: Yves Saint Laurent’s “Tribute” Platform Sandal: $760.00 (I adore this shoe in all the colors – black, nude and drk. brown)
Look-A-Like: Bakers Shoes FOR ONLY: 59.99, a savings of 700.00!!!

Splurge: Christian Louboutin 'Lapono' half zip booties: $500.00
Look-A-Like DESIGNER BRAND: Saks Off 5th Avenue FOR ONLY: $120.00 – Identical!!!!! – Not online, Store only. Call, they will point you in the right direction! I tried them on. Squish and comfy in the inside.
AND….
LOOK-A-LIKE take 2: certain Forever 21 stores carry this shoe that will definitely make you look twice! Less than $30.00!!

Splurge: Christian Louboutin "fringe peep toe" Pump: $1,020.00
Look-A-Like DESIGNER BRAND: Victoria Secret FOR ONLY: $235.00, a HUGE savings of $785.00!!!

Splurge: Marc Jacob Grey suede with Black trim classic pump: $440.00
Look-A-Like DESIGNER BRAND: Nordstroms FOR ONLY: $128.00 (Nordstrom’s “in” store carries the grey suede selection)

Splurge: Chloé Brown Leather Loafer Moccasins: $320.00
Look-A-Like: Steve Madden FOR ONLY: 69.95 – they come in black and brown too (can you say options! – another loafer I love and have of Steve Madden’s is the “Nanccy” Loafer – it’s similar to the Chloé too)

So, variety? Yes, as everyone can see, we need shoe variety – maybe not 31 flavors like a Baskin Robins parlor, however, we need at least 10 solid options that supply us with wiggle room for days that require our “fat pants” and not the 4 inch red ankle strap heel. Shoes always fit, even if the skinny pants don’t. So if you’re not feeling great today, take a bite of chocolate, throw on an old sweatshirt and put on your finest heels just for yourself – strut around the house like the woman you are in your torn up clothes and be proud! However… if you’re a red heel diva today, pretend you’re Carrie Bradshaw, throw on a little black dress, the red heels and start marching down the street searching for the perfect cocktail, jumping the cracks on the sidewalk all the way there!