PERSONAL ADVANTAGE.. Friends and Family are taking over the mall this weekend - but relax, we mean the discount kind. This starts at Bebe, where they're offering an extra 25 percent off all purchases through Sunday the 15th. Their sexed-up soiree dress collection might not be "just the thing" for your office holiday party, but remember, New Year's is just around the corner.
WORKS FOR BATH AND BODY... L'Occitane, with locations in Danbury, South Windsor, Greenwich and Westport, is also celebrating their social/shopping circle with a 25 percent coupon. We'll be stocking up on our Very Precious Eye Serum and Almond Apple Toning Cider, and perhaps even picking up some gifts to share... maybe.
SHOPPING FOR A CAUSE... You might have missed Friends and Family with the Gap/Banana Republic/Old Navy clan a few weeks back, but no worries, they're offering another four-day discount (through Sunday) for 30 percent off purchases. One perk - 5 percent of the amount you spend this weekend will go towards Donors Choose, a local classroom charity. Another perk - the discount is valid at the outlets too, so head to Clinton and Westbrook for the stores' off-price counterparts.
FAKE IT UNTIL YOU MAKE IT... Ever dreamed of being a fashion designer? We have but the closest we've ever gotten has been the time we draped our Barbie dolls in toilet paper (and we thought it was tres chic - very eco-friendly, very Stella McCartney.) Style Shake has taken the guesswork (and the coursework) out of fashion design, allowing you to build your own dress, skirt, or top with an online interactive template with simple alterations and fabrics. Designs ship from the UK, so you might not be able to take advantage of their promise, "wear it in 10 days," but we think custom garments (and bragging rights) are well worth the wait.
SPELLING ERROR... For the most part, we've kissed our summer espadrilles goodbye, but some shoes are good enough to survive season after season. We dig TOMS do-good mission but don't always feel as much love for the shoes themselves. However, their shiny silver Broges shoe caught our eyes this fall. Much like their spelling bee star cousin, the Brogue, they display a more chic side of menswear with lace-less fronts and square toes. Find at Clad in Mystic or online for $79.
