Recently in holiday shopping Category

Trendsetters are scouring retail stores for the latest accessories to dress up their wardrobes.

Accessorizing your overall look this fall with fashionable eyewear can help you stand out and will also provide you with the benefit of eye health and wellness. According to New York stylist and optician Matthew Sakolsky of famed Morgenthal-Frederics in Manhattan, eyewear has replaced the handbag as the stylish accessory that makes the most personal statement of self expression.

Runway models and celebrities are gracing the pages of the hottest fashion magazines sporting eyewear that makes bold statements about their personalities. Sakolsky adds "Eyewear is much more than a fashion statement; it's the ultimate functional accessory."

 Proper lenses can also protect your eyes against harmful, year-round ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. "Eyewear should be seasonal, practical and functional, and should offer protection from UV rays to help prevent long-term damage to the eyes," he added. Clear indoors and at night, Transitions lenses automatically become sunglass-dark outdoors to block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays and help to reduce painful glare. According to Sakolsky, prescription eyeglass wearers who choose photochromic lenses have the best of both worlds -- convenience and comfort, while avoiding having to switch between everyday and sun lenses. Fashionistas, celebrities and New Yorkers of all types have come to rely on Sakolsky's advice. He offers the following tips for selecting this holiday season's hottest accessory:

-- Take risks with shapes; don't limit your choices. As long as you feel comfortable when wearing your frames, you have selected the perfect frames for you.
-- Notable shapes for this holiday season include the "nerd" and 1950's retro style
-- The "nerd" look is especially grate for men, while the oversized retro style will work for virtually every woman who wants to make a bold statement
-- Select bold colors. Frames come in so many fabulous colors. If you wear glasses everyday, consider investing in a second pair with a more distinctive color to change your look.
-- Colorful eyewear is great for women as it can make you appear as though you're wearing make-up when you are not
-- Gold and shades of green are all the rage this season
-- Think fashion and function; make your eyewear work harder for you today and tomorrow.
-- Picking the perfect frame is important, but it's equally important to ensure that your eyewear offers proper protection
-- The eyes and the sensitive skin around them that is so prone to premature aging and long-term damage can be protected; select UV blocking lenses, like Transitions lenses that provide convenient automatic protection from the sun's damaging rays and help ensure lifelong healthy sight

While researchers keep on telling us online shopping is the lone relatively bright spot in a dismal market for retailers, a survey by iStorez.com actually shows consumers are dissatisfied with that option!

Nearly 70% want improvements in their online shopping experience, just 55% find online shopping more convenient than shopping in stores, only 36% find greater financial rewards, and a mere 35% find more variety--a major surprise given that no store or mall, no matter how big, can match the number of choices available online.

And, here's a perfect snapshot of the American economy today: Only one in 10 Americans goes shopping just for the fun of it! By contrast, 42% only go when they "need something."

Still, spending big on attire apparently pays off: Election results notwithstanding, former VP candidate Sarah Palin, who famously received $150,000 in designer clothing, edged out (though just barely) incoming First Lady Michelle Obama, Cindy McCain and Hillary Clinton for having the most admired fashion sense. Those are just a few of the surprising, sobering and just plain strange findings of the study.

Among other findings in the survey:
* 32% describe themselves as "bargain hunters" who will do everything they can to get the best deal, like clip coupons or look for sales
* Only 21% say the Internet offers more personalization than the real world
* Half the male community shops for clothes only on an as-needed basis, while 35 percent of women do. On the flip side, women are much more likely (38% vs. 26%) to be "bargain hunters"
* 17% percent would love to be a "perpetual weekender" and always wear clothing from labels like Dockers or Birkenstock. Far fewer would be happy as a "metro sophisticate" (8%) or "urban fashionista" (8%) in high-end designer duds like Armani or DKNY, at least for the long term
* 40% of 18-34-year-olds approve of Michelle Obama's style, vs. 29 percent of the over-35 crowd. The survey also offers an unfiltered look at what shoppers like about going online (and what they might like more): 55% say it's the convenience, while the number plummets to 21% for personalization. In fact, a better connection between online and offline shopping--as well as sites that streamline and simplify the process--top the list of desired improvements.

Have you heard the big news?

LUSH, a favorite among those of us who are crazy for well-scented organic handmade soaps is giving it away this year - literally!

They are about being fresh, so they are making room for the New Year by giving away a free  product or any soap (of equal or lesser value) when one is purchased from now until January 18 at all LUSH stores nationwide.

 *Please remember this offer is while supplies last - so get out there early to stock up on your favorite LUSH goodies. This offer excludes bulk hair care and cleansers - only body soap applies.

Think twice before you stuff that unneeded gift into the back of your closet this holiday season: It could translate into cash, or become the perfect present for someone else!

With financial concerns weighing on Americans' minds this holiday season, consumers are becoming more resourceful than ever. To cope, they are learning how to manage unwanted gifts. Over half (54%) of U.S. adults who have resold gifts online plan to do so this year, a 10 percent increase from last year (45%) according to new research recently released by eBay conducted on its behalf by Harris Interactive.

Of U.S. adults who receive gifts during the holidays, more than four in five (83%) receive unwanted items and almost half (46%) of those adults resell or re-gift, that is, give the unwanted gift to someone else as a gift. Additionally, nearly two-thirds (64%) of adults feel that re-gifting or reselling gifts is more socially acceptable now than it was several years ago.

"We're seeing the trend in re-gifting and reselling unwanted presents becoming more commonplace in this economic climate," said Marsha Collier, author of "Santa Shops on eBay" and "eBay for Dummies." "For those seeking to make the best of an unwanted gift and maybe even start a small business, eBay is a great place to sell items and make some extra money; it's also a destination for amazing deals for everyone on your holiday list."

According to the survey, the most popular items adults would re-gift include wine, champagne or spirits (21%); trinkets or collectibles (21%); beauty or bath products (21%); DVDs, CDs or books (16%); electronics/appliances (14%); and the infamous fruitcake (14%). The most popular items adults resell online include personal electronics (12%); DVDs, CDs or books (11%); home technology (10%); event tickets (10%); trinkets or collectibles (8%); and sporting or fitness equipment (6%).

Trends in Re-gifting and Reselling:

• Re-gifting in the Air: three in five adults said they have received an item that they believe someone re-gifted.
• Green is Good: nearly three in four (73%) adults view re-gifting or reselling as a form of recycling, up from 69 percent last year.
• The End Justifies the Means: more than one-third (37%) of adults who have resold gifts would feel less guilty about reselling a gift if a portion of the profit benefited a charity.
• Know Your Recipient: Adults who have re-gifted listed these as the top reasons for doing so:
  • 68 percent said the item was a better match for someone else
  • 66 percent said they didn't think they would use the item
  • 61 percent said it wasn't their taste
• Re-entrepreneurs Emerge: 30 percent of adults said they would rather receive a gift that they could re-gift or resell than not receive a gift at all.

By all accounts, retail sales of specialty apparel are down during the holiday buying season. With consumers feeling the pinch of the country's economic woes, many who search for bargains are being forced to leave behind their love of high-fashion, big-name designer labels.

Others, however, are learning that they can find many of those same designer fashions for bargain prices at online auction sites like PropertyRoom.com.

"Times are tough, but that doesn't mean people should stop buying and wearing the fashionable clothing they love," explains PJ Bellomo, chief executive officer for PropertyRoom.com. "Consumers just need to focus their attention on finding items by their favorite designers at a reduced rate."

PropertyRoom.com, which works with over 1,300 law enforcement agencies across the country, has become popular because of the good deals that consumers get on a variety of merchandise. The online auction site allows consumers to purchase merchandise that was previously stolen and could not be returned to the rightful owner. Most auctioned items on the site start at just $1, with most ending at less than half of what the product would cost if purchased at new retail prices.

Those seeking good deals on fashion merchandise can find:

* Women's apparel - with brand names like Bebe, Arden, Ann Taylor, Phat Farm, and Banana Republic.
* Men's apparel - featuring such brands as Prada, Valentino, Ralph Lauren, Armani Exchange, and Dolce & Gabbana.
* Handbags - from a variety of designers, including Juicy Couture, Coach, Gucci, Liz Claiborne, and Prada.
* Sunglasses - including such name brands as Christian Dior, Versace, Gucci, Chanel, and Oscar de la Renta.

"This season, people can choose to spend $1,000 on the new Prada handbags that were just released, or they can spend a third of that, buying one being auctioned," adds Bellomo.

 "Buying high-fashion bargains at cut-rate prices through auction sites means that consumers can either purchase more products for their money or they can afford a nice handbag and still have money left over to put in it."

Hate the smell of your new fragrance Aunt Joyce gave you? That skincare gift set Santa dropped in the fireplace falling flat?

Here's a fun idea: If you live in the NYC area, swap up your unwanted, unused beauty gift at Carol's Daughter for the holiday present you really wanted.

While you enjoy beauty by nature, your donated goods are wrapped and sent to a charitable cause benefiting women across the nation.

You not only get a gift that suits you, but also help others by contributing to a good cause!

All products are part of the Boxing Day celebration and will be donated to local chapters of the Lupus Foundation of America.

The first 100 guests to bring their unused drugstore beauty and personal care gifts (up to a $40.00 value) to any of the seven Carol's Daughter stand-alone stores on Friday December 26th can swap their unwanted gift and go home with a brand new like Carol's Daughter present!

* Customers that bring in a gift set with a value of under $25 can swap for a Bath Bomb, Lip Butter, or Candy Paint. Customers who come in with a gift set over $25 can swap for a Bath Bomb, Bar Soap, or Shea Soufflé
* Customers who bring in a Hair item can swap for any 4 oz. Hair Milk, Healthy Hair Butter or Lisa's Hair Elixer
* Customers who bring in a Fragrance can swap for any EDT or Atomizer
* Customers who bring in a Body Care item can swap for any Bar Soaps, 4 oz. Shea Soufflés or any Body Scrub.
* Customers who bring in a facial skincare item can swap for any available Toner or Candy Paint (excluding Purple Reign)

When: Friday December 26, 2008 from 10am - 2pm
Where: Carol's Daughter Stores
+ Flagship Store - Harlem, NY
+ Roosevelt Field Mall - Garden City, NY
+ Heritage Store - Brooklyn, NY
+ Brooklyn Atlantic Terminal - Brooklyn, NY
+ Newport Centre Mall - Jersey City, NJ

Just in time for our favorite holiday tradition - that would be returning, not egg nog - a new British website for people who wish to sell their unwanted Christmas presents has been launched!

The site, www.recycleagift.com, is offering to sell unwanted entertainment presents free of charge from Boxing day until the end of January. This site seems very easy to use, and the first 10 sales are free of any fees or charges.

Head of PlayTrade Luke Taylor commented, "Unwanted Christmas presents can be difficult to return without the embarrassing 'do you still have the receipt?' questions. This site makes life easy."

So, I must ask  - in the spirit of the season - what was the most difficult holiday return you've ever attempted?

This season, the economic woes have more than a few concerned about beauty-obsessed fashionista in their lives.

Coming to the rescue is Dr. Amy Wechsler who provides these best beauty bets (all for under $25.00):

· Kissable Lips - With the winter winds giving chapped lips to everyone roaming the streets, an ideal gift is something to make that pucker perfectly soft. I love The Lip Scrub by Sara Happ ($22). The exfoliating scrub is a delicious holiday mixture of peppermint and sugar and when massaged into the lips provides a smooth and flawless finish. To ensure all moisture is locked in, I then apply Smith's Rosebud Salve ($7), the go-to lip balm for the fashionable. Top it off with a swipe of your favorite lip stain and you're ready to take the town.

· Body Basics - I find my time in the shower to be an almost zen-like experience but know that for most of my friends and patients that I treat, the shower is something that they rush through in the morning on their way to work. I believe that the right products can change all of that, for example L'Occitane Shea Butter Extra Gentle Soap ($10) provide a high quality scrub down and provide an intoxicating scent that lingers all day long. For fans of bodywash, I recommend the Daily Moisturizing Body Wash from Aveeno($10). Its formula combines natural colloidal oatmeal with a unique blend of oils and emollients to lock in moisture making your skin irresistibly smooth.

· Catch Some Zzzz's - We all know that lack of sleep ages us so why not head it off at the pass. The Cris Notti Sleep Mask ($15) will help even the most restless relax. Silk backings, cotton inner padding and elastic lace-like strap ensure that your hair isn't rumpled and your face isn't creased come morning. · Gals On The Go - Women lead hectic lives, and between running to meetings, appointments, dinners and parties developing a little shine is inevitable. I'm a big fan of the Boscia Lavender Blotting Linens($10 for a pack of 100). Their smell is soothing and the linen will remove any oil and shine without mussing make-up.

· Home Spa - Finally for those who want a truly luxurious experience in the comfort of their home, I recommend Alpha Hydrox Anti-Wrinkle Facial Masks ($14.99). The six individually packaged face masks will help smooth and tighten skin leaving a younger, refreshed and pre-recession looking you. So despite the economic woes, even the most fickle beauty star will be a fan of these fabulous holiday gifts. Happy shopping!

Scrambling to find a last minute gift? Tired of your dated accessories? Or just in need of some guilt-free retail therapy? Despite it being the eleventh hour, try not to fret--there's still tons of places out there to find great deals on totally cute products.

One site I'm checking out today is DiamondShark.com - it features one item a day of the most fashionable and affordable fine jewelry. By stocking up and offering one specific piece of jewelry each day, this site is able to provide you with an astonishing 30%-85% off of chic, fine jewelry pieces and watches.

It's part of an awesome trend in off-price retailers. Off-price retailers, such as T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, sell clothing and accessories from major-label brands at a significant discount. These companies take advantage of overruns, canceled orders, and forecasting mistakes made by their counter-parts in the full-price retail sector. This happens even more when the economy is in shambles, which leads to unbelievably huge designers appearing in the stores at liquidated prices. Meaning, suddenly, you are wearing the same products people got at boutiques and department stores, but for a fraction of the price!

Finally, something good comes out the recession!

With Christmas a few days away, Tod Marks, Consumer Reports' shopping expert and author of the Tightwad Tod blog (www.ConsumerReports.org/tightwadtod), shares some advice that can help last-minute shoppers stay focused so they don't get stressed-out and go overboard with their purchases.

"If you haven't finished -- or even begun -- to shop for the holidays, take a deep breath and relax. Unprecedented bargains are out there to be had, both online and in stores," says Mr. Marks. "And there's no reason to assume that the deep discounting, wheeling and dealing is going to stop any time soon. You have plenty of options."

1. Don't panic. There has been unprecedented price-cutting and perks like free- or reduced-price shipping, buy-one-get one free deals, and flat percentage discounts off purchases of a specific dollar amount and it's unlikely these deals will end any time soon. Many cash-strapped Americans Consumer Reports surveyed plan to wait until after Christmas to buy big-ticket items like HD television sets because they think prices will drop further. If inventories remain large, the deals might be sweeter down the road.

2. Stick to your budget. The temptation to run out to the store hours before Christmas is powerful. And that's when shoppers are most vulnerable to go way off budget to buy some bauble or extravagance without the proper thought. Step back and take a deep breath. If time is running out and there are still names to cross off the list, read on.

3. Give the gift of time. Many people have less to spend on gifts this year than in past due to tough economic times. Consumers who are cutting their spending -- and 37 percent of the people in Consumer Reports' survey said they planned to -- should consider alternative ideas. Offer to baby sit for a couple that rarely has a chance for a night out or to take over some everyday chores for someone at home -- these gestures are bound to be appreciated by the recipients.

4. Consider a creative gift. Homemade gifts can help cut down on expenses without compromising on generosity. In Consumer Reports' most recent Holiday Poll, 14 percent of those surveyed said they plan to give handmade gifts instead of store-bought ones. Cooks or bakers should consider preparing one of their specialties or putting together a customized fruit basket. Another great gift idea is a framed photo collage or calendar with pictures of the family.

5. Avoid piling up debt. Americans are still carrying $12 billion worth of credit-card debt from last year's holidays, and even more consumers are planning to put their purchases on plastic this year. Even worse, two-thirds of those surveyed said they don't expect to pay off this year's holiday bills until March or later. With charge-card interest rates at around 11 to 12 percent, those monthly payments could put a stranglehold on finances. Whenever possible, pay by cash or check. When using a debit cards, be careful not to overdraw the account and risk getting slammed by hefty overdraft fees.

6. Know when to stop. Once you've gotten something for everyone on your list, stop shopping. Avoid the temptation to keep searching for that one perfect gift. More time in the mall - or in front of the keyboard - means more spending.

7. Send it overnight. Next-day shipping can cost a bundle, but it buys you a few extra days. This year, consumers have until Dec. 23 to send a package overnight through the US Postal Service, FedEx, or UPS and have it arrive at its destination by Christmas Eve. In a recent experiment, Consumer Reports paid from $37 to $74 to mail the same 5-lb package from New York to California using the three services. All three services delivered the goods on time as promised. The Post Office proved the cheapest, in our study. When ordering directly from a merchant, shoppers typically have until noon PST on the 23rd to place their order to ensure timely delivery. Be sure to read each merchant's policy carefully because some stores have a Dec 22nd deadline.

8. Give an e-gift card. Consumer Reports has been openly critical of gift cards that come with expiration dates and service fees that can diminish a card's value whether or not it gets used However, some cards -- usually the ones sold for use at specific stores -- don't generally have any strings attached. If you're desperate, order an e-gift card from merchants on Christmas Day and it will be sent to the recipient's inbox within a few hours. Note: Some e-gift cards can only be redeemed online.

9. Consider regifting. Admittedly, it's a last resort, and you had better have a good explanation if you get caught, but plenty of people are willing to take the risk. Twelve percent of those surveyed said they plan to regift at least one present they receive this year. But don't blame the lousy economy for regifting. When Consumer Reports surveyed Americans last year -- when things were decidedly better -- 15 percent of respondents were planning to regift their unwanted presents.