You’ve got someone special on your list. You can’t go way overboard, but you want to get something a little uncommon, a bit sophisticated, maybe a tad eccentric - and less than $100. We can help.

She’s a techie? We’re all over this Kate Spade Jane Street portable media case ($95, left), a classy black calfskin cover for her iPod or Blackberry. She can flip it open in the street and look totally au courant.

For a creative soul, you want to check out these whimsical striped rain boots ($45, above left), which wrap a rainbow of melon, strawberry, kiwi and khaki around her calves and signal to the world that she most likely will be dancing in the rain. At the Gap.

(more…)

We are thankful that we were not up at 4 a.m. today in order to stand in line at one store in order to get out of that store by 4:45 a.m. in order get to store No. 2 by 5 a.m., and so on until we dropped. We suppose Starbucks could step in and save us somewhere in the black hole between 6 and 7, but honestly, we’d rather be in bed.

If you are one of the amazing souls that hit the stores this morning, we salute you. You are probably taking a nap right about now, happy in the knowledge that you have filled your Christmas list with things that said “40% off before 9 a.m.” But if, like us, you are a bit of a slacker, you can still accomplish amazing things online. Most of the major stores have online specials today, and some sweeten the deal with free shipping.

Here’s a guide to black-Friday shopping without alarm clocks, traffic or crowds:

(more…)

We’ve got Santa’s bag out, and none too soon; Thanksgiving came a little late this year, so we’re a tad behind on our shopping. Here are some cool, creative gifts we’ve found for under $100 each:

Is there a cook on your list? How about a college student? Either would appreciate this Breville Ikon panini press from Williams-Sonoma ($99, left), which sears breads to a crusty finish without smashing the sandwich’s filling. It also does duty as a quesadilla or cheesesteak maker. Yum.

We’re dying for Uncommon Goods’ puzzle piece ottoman, but we have one problem - we want to buy about a dozen, and link them all together. Plus, they might be a little difficult to wrap. But we can’t resist ($80 each, above).

(more…)

Let’s save some money. Let’s find cute things for less cash, and let’s dream a little on the way about the possibilities. Where are we going? The Clearance Rack, of course.

We’re beginning with a power suit. No one will dare turn down your budget request when you’re wearing Ann Taylor’s red Havilland short jacket ($130, was $218, left) and Havilland straight skirt. The jewel neckline and three-quarter sleeves are all business, in the smartest possible way ($80, was $108).

(more…)

Why are we so devoted to the clearance racks, the sale tables, the discount bins? Not just because they save us money, though that’s huge. It’s also the treasure hunt - the possibility that, with a little more time and a bit more digging, you can score something you’ll love. Allow us to carry the shopping bag!        

We know. You’re going to say That’s way too expensive for fake flowers. But we’re going to say that this hydrangea bouquet costs about as much as four or five arrangements, it’s gorgeous, and it’ll last for years. You’ll thank yourself every day. At Silk Flowers ($159, was $179, above left).

(more…)

The election is over, taking all its campaign commercials and talking heads with it, and not a nanosecond too soon. But there’s still a promised land out there, full of opportunity and economic rebound - the clearance rack!

Could we be more charmed? We could not. We adore this little two-button cardigan, with its pretty V-neck and three-quarter sleeves. We feel ourselves slipping it on over just about everything. At Macy’s ($41, was $69, above).

A perfect transition: This multi-color patchwork leather bag from Fendi is fall’s hottest shape: the oversized clutch that can double as a shoulder bag. At Net-a-Porter ($1,659, was $2,370, left).

(more…)

This is so very exciting. We’ve had a big secret, but we just couldn’t bring ourselves to tell you because you couldn’t join in the fun.

Now you can.

There are a handful of high-quality “members-only” style/fashion Web sites where regularly scheduled sales offer members incredible, gorgeous designer goodies for stunningly low prices. We’ve seen Carolina Herrera sunglasses, Elizabeth and James dresses, Lanvin bags, Gucci totes, Michael Kors jackets, high-end jewelry, beautiful kid’s clothes, men’s designer clothes, amazing home décor and linens and on and on.

But you have to be invited to join by a member. Sigh.

(more…)