Great Gifts for Moms!

In most cases, our mother is the most special woman in our lives. She’s been there for us through thick and thin. That’s why there’s no monetary limit when shopping for her holiday gifts. Well, ok maybe I’m pushing it, but the love I have for my mom is unlimited! Make your mom’s holiday wishes come true with gifts that she’ll enjoy; but I’m sure she’d be just as thrilled with a hug and a kiss!

Check out some of these marvelous motherly gifts all under $150!

What are you buying your mother this year?


I know that I suggested perfume samplers on the other gift guides, but this fragrance is universally scent-sational! Vera Wang’s Look Eau De Parfum available at www.nordstrom.com for $70


Victoria’s Secret Slippers available at www.victoriassecret.com for $25 (they always make great stocking stuffers!)


Clinique Instant Pretty Makeup & Treatment Set available at www.bloomingdales.com for $36


Flip Mino Camcorder available at retailers nationwide for $149


Origins Protect & Preserve Gift Set available at www.origins.com for $62.50


Most moms love to read, why not get her a gift card from a bookstore like Borders or Barnes & Noble!


Sweater Robes available at www.victoriassecret.com for $58


Platinum over Sterling Silver Drop Pearl Necklace available at www.kohls.com for $52.49 (orig. $150)

Great Gifts for Guys!

Every BG has a special guy in her life, whether it’s her father, husband, brother, nephew or boyfriend. This year get him something that he’ll appreciate. For me, shopping for men is very difficult because they tend to enjoy more expensive things like electronic gadgets and gizmos, which don’t always fit into my budget – especially this year! So with tight finances and picky guys, I’m going to have to do some savvy shopping to keep them smiling.

Check out some of these gifts all under $60!


Men’s Stainless Steel Bracelet with 18K Gold www.ice.com for $50 (orig. $100)


Claus Porto Bath Soap Gift Set available at www.martinandosa.com for $30.50


Kenneth Cole New York Wallet and Keychain available at www.kennethcole.com for $55


Sephora Scent Sampler available at www.sephora.com for $50


You can never go wrong with a gift card from Best Buy!


Neo Striped Tie with Gift Box available at www.forever21.com for $9.90


Kenneth Cole New York Eagle Eye Cufflink available at www.kennethcole.com for $49.98 (orig. $65)


Remington Microflex Rechargeable Shaver available at www.bestbuy.com for $47.49

**The winners of the Mandee $20 gift cards are:

Kittyvodka
Lymariposa
Jay
Antithesis
Kwana

Congratulations and please email me your mailing address info!

Best Gifts for Your BFF or Sis!

Since Christmas is only a few weeks away, it’s time to get gifts for the wonderful people in your life. Today, it’s all about buying the best gifts for your sister or best bud. They’re the ones who you confide in, laugh with and share lifelong memories. This year, give her something that she’ll love, but won’t break your bank. From warm gloves to stylish stationery, you’re sure to find an affordable gift that suits her style!

Check out some of these great gifts all under $60:


Victoria’s Secret Leather Cashmere-Lined Gloves available at www.victoriassecret.com for $60


Sephora Brand Scent Sampler (includes Vera Wang Princess, Gwen Stefani, L.A.M.B, Marc Jacobs Daisy, etc.) available at www.sephora.com for $50


Melissa Joy Manning Off-Center Crescent Earrings available at www.shopbop.com for $37.50


10 Whimsicard Blank Notecards with matching white envelopes available at www.partystuffforus.com for $16 **Note, this week they’re having a 20% off sale (ends Friday)!


Sephora Ultimate Blockbuster Collector’s Edition a value of $320 for only $48 available at www.sephora.com


Best of Bliss Gift Set (includes, lotion, scrubs, hand cream and mask) available at www.blissworld.com for $58


Sex & the City handbag hangers (choose from the Miranda, Samantha, Charlotte or Carrie) available at www.localhardwear.com for $17.95


Botkier Metallic Card Case available at www.shopbop.com for $47.50


Striped Slipper Boots available at www.oldnavy.com for $15

**Please note, the winners of the $20 Mandee gift cards will be announced tomorrow!

‘Tis the Season for Sales!

For those of you who are planning on purchasing gifts this holiday season, BGG has been notified of a few outstanding promotions and sales! Although we are living in definitely scary economic times, some people are steadfast in their tradition of shopping for friends & family. So if you’re going to shop, it’s my duty to at least share some of the best deals available!

Macy’s – Click here for a 20% Friends & Family discount valid from Dec. 10-15th.

Miss Jessie’s
– Click here for a Buy One Get One Free offer valid now until Dec. 21st.

Someonespoilme.com
– Click here and enter STYLEWATCH for 20% off all merchandise.

Nine West – Click here to take an additional 30% off all sale merchandise.

Mandee clothing store is having a Style Star contest where you can be eligible to win $200 worth of clothes. Click here for more details. Plus, 5 lucky BGG readers will receive a $20 Mandee’s gift card.

Also, when shopping online, don’t forget to Google your store of choice with keywords such as, “coupons,” “discounts,” and “promotions” to get the absolute best savings on your merchandise. Stay tuned for the BGG financially-friendly gift guide!

Have you started your holiday shopping? Do you do most of it online or in-store?

The Best Winter Boots for Less!

Winter may not officially start until December 21st, but in some parts of the country it has already arrived! Earlier this week while I was still in Chicago, “Old Man Winter,” was in full-effect with gusty winds and slushy snow! I guess it had been a while since I was caught in one of the Windy City’s winter storms so of course I was totally unprepared. When I return in a few weeks, I will be sure to bring along a pair of warm and comfy winter boots or galoshes!

Forgoing your fashionable boots are a must when the elements call! Do you own a pair of winter-friendly boots? If not, check out some of these boots all under $100!


Suede Sherpa Trim Boots available at www.oldnavy.com for $34.50


Lafarge Boots available at www.aldos.com for $99.98


Frowald Boots available at www.aldos.com for $59.98


C9 Champion Nanette Boots available at www.target.com for $36.99


Cougar Cutie Galoshes available at www.zappos.com for $58


Luvu Boots available at www.ninewest.com for $39.99


Nike Winter Hi-3 available at www.zappos.com for $94


Recine Boots available at www.aldos.com for $99.98


Sarkin Boots available at www.aldo.com for $54.98


Sporto Gojo Boots available at www.famousfootwear.com for $79.99

Giving Back for the Holidays

Typically, during the holiday season people only think of buying gifts for their friends and family, but with the economy in such poor shape, this year has made many of us think about what is really important – the well-being of our loved ones. So before you indulge in a bit of scaled-back holiday shopping, think about giving back to those who are really in need. BGG has gathered a few websites where you can donate directly to charities or while purchasing goods from some of your favorite stores’ websites.

Have you ever donated to charity or volunteered during the holiday season? If not, will you consider it this year?

Good Shop – In the “Who do you GoodSearch for” box, choose from one of the thousands of charities and schools already listed in their database or add your favorite cause to their list. Next, click through to their partner retailers and start shopping! A percentage of your purchase will go to your favorite charity or school.

Toys For Tots – The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

Unicef Inspired Gifts – Inspired Gifts is an innovative program that allows you to purchase real, lifesaving products–like bednets and vaccines–to be shipped directly to one of over 150 countries where UNICEF is saving children’s lives.

**For those BGs who enjoy giving back as well as buying presents for friends and family, stay tuned!

And the Winners Are…

I’m finally back in NYC after having a 3-hour delayed flight yesterday. Needless to say, I’m pretty exhausted. So I’m keeping today’s post short and sweet. As promised, the winners of the Bobbi Brown makeup book, “For Everyone from Beginner to Pro: Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual,” are:

Leslie C.
Mrs. Young Fashion
Bombshell 74
Tammy
Finale_06

Congratulations and please email me with your mailing address info by Friday, December 5th (otherwise, I will have to select other winners)! BGG will be back to normal tomorrow! 🙂

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I’m taking the rest of the week off to be with my family in Chicago. I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!! I’ll be back on Monday (if my flight isn’t delayed, otherwise, I’ll be back on Tuesday)!

Fashionable Holiday Frocks

For those of you who won’t be donning a stylish party skirt this season, BGG has rounded up some of the hottest holiday frocks for all of your upcoming fêtes! Ring in the festive season with reasonably priced dresses that will take you from a business cocktail party to a lively family soiree. Getting dolled up for the holidays is one of the reasons why it’s my favorite time of year!

Do you purchase new dresses each year for the holiday season?


Flirty Satin & Tulle Party Dress by Mori Lee available at www.edressme.com for $112


Maggy London Belted Charmeuse Party Dress available at www.nordstrom.com for $105.90


Armani Exchange Luxe Ruffle Dress available at www.armaniexchange.com for $120


Gold Two-Tone Chiffon Bubble Dress available at www.edressme.com for $94


Sequin Chiffon Key-hole Dress available at www.bebe.com for $90.30


Jessica McClintock Single Shoulder Party Dress available at www.dillards.com for $90


Max & Cleo Sleeveless Taffeta Ruffle-Hem Dress available at www.macys.com for $148


Holiday Dazzle Shirred Sexy Dress available at www.bebe.com for $83.30


Silence & Noise Ruffle Tie-Back Party Dress available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $78

Wanna Be a Makeup Pro?

Although I am a pro at applying most cosmetics, I am not a master at applying eye shadow or foundation. So when I received a copy of renowned makeup maven Bobbi Brown’s new book, “For Everyone from Beginner to Pro: Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual,” I was absolutely thrilled!

The book is packed with tips on everything from how to maintain healthy skin to applying false eyelashes. The best part is that it features a wide range of models with various skin-tones. This is definitely the perfect gift for all of your beloved beauty buffs!


Available in bookstores and at www.amazon.com on Dec. 1st for $32.

Plus, BGG is giving away 5 copies! Just leave a comment for the rest of the week and the winners will be selected randomly and announced next Monday, Dec. 1st.

Do you consider yourself a master at applying your own makeup?