Do You Love Your Tacky Christmas Sweater? I Do!
So I have completely outed myself as a member of the tacky Christmas sweater set. My kids don't feel the holiday cheer until they see Mom in a reindeer sweater. Do you have a tacky Christmas sweater that you love to wear? If so, share your story and pics.
Designers Hate Real Women. There, I Said It.
Page Six reports Italian designer Miuccia Prada (of Prada and Miu Miu) was commissioned to design costumes for NY Metropolitan Opera's upcoming production of "Attila." But when the designer saw the curvy figures of the extras, she reportedly said she couldn't dress them and demanded models instead.
It's no secret that fashion designers prefer to design for the stick-thin figures of 6-foot models: they use the argument that clothes hang better on the mannequinlike figures. Whatever. I guess I would be more forgiving of these out-of-touch designers if they themselves looked like the scrawny models they design for. But has Miuccia Prada taken a look in the mirror lately? She's about as "real woman" as a you get. (Photo Credit: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)
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Everyone Loves a Sweater
It takes a blast of cold air to get me in the mood for sweater shopping, but once the temps drop I'm a diehard sweater fan. My favorites (of course) are yummy cashmere because they are so soft and warm. This year I'm on the lookout for longer tunic-type sweaters to wear with my leggings (the ultimate in cozy chic). I also love giving sweaters as gifts, because there are so many great styles to choose from and something for every woman's body and lifestyle. (Photo Credit: Pricegrabber.com)
Worst Trends of the Decade
From bimbo style icons (like Paris Hilton, pictured) to middle-aged women dressing like teenagers, the '00s were filled with fashion trends gone bad. I have to admit, I bought into some of these now-bad trends at first, especially "It bags" because I had sort of a Marc Jacobs obsession. The designer bag craze started out harmless enough; it was a way to spice up otherwise boring clothes and show your status all at the same time. Then it spun out of control with an influx of crazy-expensive must-have bags that were so pricey regular girls had to rent them instead of buy them. (Photo Credit: Cynthia Nellis)
Video: Add Western Style to Your Wardrobe
Sure, there are oodles of fashion experts, but how many can catch a gun and ride a horse? I'll show you how to do both, plus add Western style to your wardrobe in my new video. You don't have to live on a ranch to appreciate jeans and boots: they are perfect to wear on rustic getaways, to rodeos and horse events or whenever you want to get in touch with your inner cowgirl. (Photo Credit: Angela M. Patterson)
Holiday Shopping, EZ Style
I've bought more than my share of clothes that required getting the right size, but over the years I've developed an easier shopping system: one-size-fits-all gifting. 
Now, understand that my picks go beyond no-brainers like scarves and mittens. This year, for instance, I've got my eye on some adorable crystal ear buds (that's what you listen to your MP3 player with) in panda and cat shapes; a fabulous fake fur hat for just $28 has also made my list. (Photo Credit: Left, Atomic9.com; Right, Pricegrabber.com)
How to Survive the Holidays in Style
Type A girls beware: the holidays can push those of us who try to do it all -- bake, entertain, shop, decorate, parent, work -- to the limit. Just this week, I found myself already taking my own advice (about not making it a DIY holiday) by catering Thanksgiving for my 12 last-minute guests.
Black Friday Fashion Deals
I've got family members that love certain brands (Dad loves Ralph Lauren) so I've been watching for Black Friday deals that feature these brands. Here are some of the best sales online and in stores:
- Ralph Lauren - Friends and Family Sale - 25% off - November 24 - Dec. 7
- Emily Elizabeth Jewelry Get 25% off + free shipping the entire site with code SAVE25 until 11/30
- Bare Necessities (Buy Direct) - Save big on sleepwear and underwear -- lots of buy 1 get one free deals bras and lingerie November 25-30.
- Old Navy Gobblepalooza - Open Thanksgiving Day! 3-Day Event features 50% off outerwear and $15 sweaters for the family in stores.
- Macy's (Buy Direct) Thanksgiving Sale November 26-28. Get savings on over 25,000 items + free shipping on $99+ purchases. Promo code: THANKS.
- Bloomingdales - 25% off cashmere.
- Forzieri (Buy Direct) - Designer goods. Save $25 off any order above $198 Valid Dates: November 25 to December 1. Enter Coupon Code: 943257
- Lane Bryant (Buy Direct) Plus-size women's clothing . 40% off everything through November 30.
Hit or Miss? Nicole Kidman and Kate Hudson at AMAs
I used to be a diehard Nicole-on-the-red-carpet fan, but her choices lately leave me baffled. Taupe ruffles and pink for a music awards show? Not so sure. And Kate's chest-baring look caused lots of gossip tongues to say she practically had a wardrobe malfunction. The important thing here is that I don't care what anybody but you has to say. Were these fashion risks hits or misses? (Photo Credit: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
How to Shop in a Hurry
I'm strangely fascinated by women who enjoy strolling casually through the stores and seem like they have nothing better to do than shop. I am not one of those women, even though my job requires me to spend a ridiculous amount of time shopping. I like to get in a store, and get out. Shopping fast = shopping smart in my book. For example, I never shop during peak shopping hours (sorry, Black Friday retailers, but you'll never see me.)