The Pretty Pear

Turkey Day coupon for Kiyonna!

Get 30% off your purchase at Kiyonna with the code TURKEY08 through Monday, December 1st. There's no minimum purchase. Plus, they're shipping orders over $200 for free.

$15 sweaters at Avenue

I'm pretty sure this includes every sweater they carry. The $15 sweater sale runs through November 30th. You can also save $20 on your order of $100 or more, check here for details. Boots are up to 30% off and they're offering free shipping on orders over $75. Avenue has a lot of great deals right now!

Start your engines

The next few weeks are going to be all about sales, special coupons, holiday shopping, etc. etc. I actually really enjoy seeing what retailers will come up with and who will have the best sales.

Here's one to wet your whistle: 50% off already reduced sale items with the code 50BLACK at kiyonna.com. This code ends on December 2nd.

Stay tuned for lots more!

Want: London Car Coat from Kiyonna

I loooove this coat from Kiyonna. It's unique but not so super trendy that it will be out of style by next winter. You can see the ruffle detail much better if you click through to the product page. It also comes in black but I really love the plaid. It's available in sizes 10/12 through 30/32 for $250. You can save $25 by using the code WARMWINTER and orders over $100 ship free.

Speaking of coats: what type do you prefer? Do you have more than one? I have a gray pea coat but I'm thinking I might need a second, cuter coat for when it's not crazy cold outside and I can handle some style over substance. I've only ever had one coat at a time so that's a different mindset for me.

I come bearing coupons

My inbox and mailbox have been stuffed to the gills with coupons and sales fliers this week. I guess it's time to accept that this holiday shopping season is going to be even crazier than usual. This does work out very well if you need new clothes, though. Hey, coupons!

Kiyonna
$25 Off purchases of $175 or more with code WARMWINTER

Lane Bryant
15% off your online outerwear order with code 000152443 at checkout.

Avenue.com
Save $20 on your $100 order, go here for details.

Silhouettes
20% off your order of $100 or more with code AFF8PC29 at checkout.

One Stop Plus

• 30% off your highest priced item With code WW26727
• $20 off your order $60+ with code WW26719
• 20% off your order of $75+ with code WW26735

Jessica London

• $10 off $50, $20 off $80, or $30 off $100 with code JLA5022
• 15% off entire order with code JLA3025
• 40% off highest priced item with code JLA4020

Brrr!

I guess it's time to start thinking about sweaters, boots and coats. To ease us into the long winter ahead, here are some of my picks for the new season.

Maxi down coat
Sometimes you need a super warm, puffy coat that covers your butt. That's just how life works. This super warm, puffy coat is available in black from Lane Bryant in sizes 14/16 - 26/28 for $190.

Gigi Boots
Unless I can find a pair I like more, I'm going to order these and see how they fit, if they're warm and comfy, etc. I will be snipping off those fluffy things if I keep them, though. It's a cute touch but not really my style. Available from Avenue in sizes 8 - 13 wide in black or brown, on sale for $35.

Belted wool-blend coat
There was a really cute green version of this coat that I wanted to showcase but I guess it sold out. A lot of people seem to be confused about the 3/4th sleeve coat. My answer to that is: long gloves! It's definitely a look and very vintage, in a way. I think it's adorable. The down coat from the beginning of this post is definitely for "It's freezing and I'll be outside for a while." This coat is "It's cold but I'm not playing in the snow or anything." Dressier. It's available in sizes 1 - 4X from Old Navy is on sale right now for $57.

Ros Hommerson: Trot
Have you ever thought to yourself "Self, I could really use a pair of red, suede, knee high boots!" but were unable to find them? Well, here ya go. They also come in black but, I mean... red suede. The best part is that they have an 18.5" shaft and come in medium. wide, and extra wide widths. They're $176 from Zappos, which always ships for free and has excellent customer service.

Let's celebrate the good news!

I'm still giddy and ecstatic from the election of our new president, Barack Obama. I was in Grant Park that night (Kate posted a couple of pics here) and I have to tell you, I've never witnessed anything like it. I may never be able to find the right words to describe how awed, proud and humbled I am. I feel so lucky that I was able to vote in this election and, in a very small way, be a part of history.

I promise to get back on topic with this little blog very soon. I just wanted to share a few words about the election.

Time to vote!

Unless you've already voted and in that case, you're extra awesome. I haven't voted yet because I have these silly romantic ideas about voting on election day. I'm sure I'll pull the stars out of my eyes when I see the line outside my polling place tomorrow morning. But no matter what, I'm voting.

Our good friend OTM has told me all about the Election Protection hotline and if you have any issues before, while, or after voting, I'd encourage you to call them at 866-OUR-VOTE and they will help you. Put that number in your cell phone before you head out for the day and CALL THEM if you see/hear/witness any shenanigans! Do not let anyone take away your voice and your right to cast your ballot. GO VOTE.

25% off everything at Kiyonna!

Take 25% off everything with the coupon code TREAT08 at Kiyonna.com through November 3rd. Kiyonna usually requires a minimum purchase with their coupons so this is a great opportunity!

What's on your fall/winter shopping list?

I'm trying to be extra conscious of what I'm buying lately. I went shopping last weekend and only bought exactly what I was looking for - a pair of black flats, a brown cotton jacket, long sleeved layering tees, and a couple of sweaters. I'd also like to find a purple hobo bag but I can't find the exact one I want so I might have to let that one go. My want for a bag like that will probably dwindle before I find one.

I was actually more satisfied with a new hair cut than any of the other stuff I spent money on. My hair was out of control so I let the hair guy chop off at least six or seven inches. It feels great and looks awesome.

I am looking for lace up, flat soled boots that I can wear in the snow without sliding all over the place. I know I'll find them!

What's on your shopping list?

Thought

Lane Bryant should hire Korto from Project Runway to design a high end collection in limited, special edition quantities. And then, if that sells well, she can design a few pieces of the regular line each season. Am I right?

20% off at IGIGI

Time for a great Friends and Family sale! You can take 20% off your purchase by using the code FANDF08 at IGIGI. The sale ends on October 22nd.

The best thing I've done for my hair

I have color treated, super thick, super curly, somewhat long and very unruly hair. I will never have smooth, sleek hair (which is just fine by me, by the way) but I do want to keep it as healthy as I can.

I have tried no/low sulfate shampoos but I just can't get used to it. It works for some people and I might try it again but right now, I use a moisturizing shampoo that also has sulfates. My hair hasn't fallen out and I'm not dead so I guess it's ok.

I ditched my cotton terrycloth towel and bought a microfiber towel and only use that for drying my hair. It's small so I even bring it with me when I travel. I don't scrub or rub my hair with it at all. I wrap it up turban style right out of the shower, let it soak up the drippy water, gently work a curl cream or leave-in conditioner through my hair, and then wrap it back up until I'm ready to scrunch with gel.

Why a microfiber towel? Regular terrycloth towels are very nubby and create friction, which roughs up and damages the hair shaft. Microfiber is also more absorbent. If you blow dry, your hair will already be drier from the start than if you used a regular towel. This cuts down on blow drying time, which reduces heat damage to your hair. Plus, my microfiber towel is smaller and lighter than a regular bath towel and it's more comfortable on my head.

I have curly hair but I think microfiber would benefit any hair type. I have the microfiber towel here. There's a larger version for long hair here. They're a little spendy but I think they're totally worth the price.

I should note that I've also cut out any hair products that contain drying alcohols, which has probably helped with the health of my hair considerably. Interestingly, the best non-alcohol hair gel I've found is the dirt cheap LA Looks super strong hold gel found at my supermarket. Go figure.

Love it or hate it?

Chiffon bubble hem dress
"Update your special occasion style with the trendy silhouette of a bubble hem dress." Available from Lane Bryant in sizes 14/16 - 26/28 for $69.50. What do you think? Is it cute and trendy or not your taste? Do you love the bubble hem or hate it? How and where would you wear it? Leave a comment and let us know what you think.

 

15% off at shoes.com

Save 15% off your entire order at Shoes.com with code OCT08 at check out. This code is valid until October 31st. If you're looking for wide width shoes, click here for a big selection. I really like these Era pumps from Franco Sarto, pictured left. They also come in gray, brown and black but I think the red would be so pretty with gray trousers.