The January Hangover: 31 Days of Giveaways

December is like a Friday night in college. You have waaaay too much to drink and end up with a killer hangover, and a resolve not to do it again next week.

January is like that hangover.

And the 15th?

Well that's the part where you puke everywhere.

Especially when you open your credit card bill.

Are you with me so far?

Then wipe your bloodshot eyes, rinse out your mouth and for Goodness' sake, woman, take a shower!!


Because, throughout the month of January, I will be giving away one super cool item to a lucky reader every single day!! I'm talking jeans, watches, shoes, jewelry, makeup, teeth whitening, coffee.

Even a bed!!!

But you'll have to check in every day to enter. So send your friends a link to the blog. Set the site to your bookmarks. Or subscribe to the daily emails.

Then sit back, relax, and enjoy the Bloody Mary that is The Possessionista.

I'm here to take the edge off, and make you completely forget about what you did in December.

At least until next year.

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE GIVEAWAYS

Thanks to Jessica M., Lisa W. and Jaime S., KOB, Jill C. and Brooke P, for helping me to spread the word. (if you want to see your name here, just send a link to all your friends, or post the blog address as your status on Facebook. - Then just let me know.)

READ THIS - All these items were donated by the company featured in the item, so, no, it's not completely objective. Look, I'm just a girl who likes to shop, I'm not CNN.  But, no, since you are wondering, I didn't accept anything from any of these companies in exchange for the item. Oh, and it didn't cost them anything to participate. They'll send the stuff directly to you if you win. If you like the prize and you don't win, don't send me hate mail. I'll just delete it. Or post it. Probably post it. These prizes aren't refundable or returnable. They are regiftable, but that's kinda tacky. By entering to win, you are willingly giving these companies your email address for future marketing. 

Hey, nothing's free in this world. 

You may be a Possessionista if:

How to know if you are a Possessionista.

You classify jeans into three categories: day.  going-out. fat.

You consider discount shopping an art, not a misfortune

You shop for your body. Not for the trend. Okay, not entirely for the trend

You are not a brand snob

You believe quantity is just as important as quality

You have a lot of shoes

You have ever Googled ShopBop + Coupon Code

You belong to one (or more) online sample sales

You fall in love with something and, if it's too expensive, buy two (or more) inexpensive alternatives - usually resulting in spending the same (if not more) than the original item in question

You think Forever21 isn't that bad

You have ever emailed the CW network to ask where a character got her shirt/dress/necklace

You don't want to poke your eyes out during the Rachel Zoe show

You Google items you've seen on your favorite celebrity. Obsessively

You bought something because Jillian Harris wore it on the Bachelorette

You think Target kicks ass

You think free, overnight shipping on all shoes is an inalienable right

You have at least four pair of boots (black flat, brown flat, black heel, brown heel)

You actually switch handbags to match your outfit

You morally and ethically object to those stupid yoga pants with the giant flowers and patchwork designs on them (JESSICA: I AM TALKING TO YOU. THROW THAT SHIT AWAY I DO NOT CARE HOW EXPENSIVE THEY WERE.)

You love clothes. Shoes. Accessories. And yourself.

What makes YOU a Possessionista. E-mail me, and help me to grow the definition.

Possessionista Last Minute Sales in 2009

One of my readers asked for a rundown of some of the best last minute shopping deals out there. So here's a quick cheat sheet:

Banana Republic - 40% off plus 15% off already reduced items. Use code BRExtra15

Gap - 20% off all sale items. Use code GAPEXTRA20

Steve Madden - 35% off all shoes with code Countdown

Singer22 - 20% off all sale merchandise. Use code Extra20 (there's really good stuff)

The Hip Chick - 30% off everything. Use code NewYears30

Black Label Boutique - 30% off everything. Use code Holidays30

7 for all Mankind - Up to 50% off

Max and Chloe - Spend and Save up to $100

80's Purple - 20% off everything. Use code ThankYou

ShopBop - Tons of markdowns

ShoeBuy - 20% off everything. Use code SALE.

Couture Candy - 20% off everything. Use code SHOP20

Possessionista Gift Guide: Music to my ears

Kyra Kyles could rival me for the title of queen of pop culture. But where I excel in starlet meltdowns and reality TV, Kyra is a virtual encyclopedia for musical talent (and lack thereof.)

And since the holidays are nothing without music, I asked KK to hit me with her favorite musically influenced gift and she introduced me to Wale, a DC based artist whose infectious go-go beats are only trumped by his clever lyricism, including a Seinfeldian themed "Mixtape about Nothing."

And for KK herself? She's hoping someone will buy her 50th Law, by 50 Cent. Mostly because, while intrigued, her personal abhorrence of "Fiddy" prevents her from buying the book herself.

Which may explain why The Spice Girls: The Uncensored Story Behind Pop's Biggest Phenomenon is currently out of print.

Love Kyra's picks? Follow her blog.

Elisabeth Hasselbeck on The View Double Buckle Belt

Hi Dana,

I love love LOVE your blog and wanted to reach out to you for my latest find.  I found myself admiring this belt from Elisabeth Hasselbeck on The View (I know, The View) in yesterday's episode and havent been able to find it anywhere.  I thought you might be the person to come to my rescue!Here's a screen shot!

Keep up the awesome job!

I can't think of anyone, save for Sarah Palin, who is more polarizing than Elisabeth Hasselbeck.

Either you hate her

Or you're an idiot.

I kid.

But even those of us who find Elisabeth Hasselbeck completely without merit must acknowledge that her wardrobe is pretty incredible. Including this double buckle chestnut belt.

And while we may love it, those of us without a seat on The View can get the look for less than $30.

Roughly the same as Elisabeth's IQ.

Mindy Double Buckle Belt

$28.50

Delia's

Further evidencing how polarizing Elisabeth Hasselbeck is? The numerous unprintable comments - ranging from calling me ugly to an f*ing idiot - in response to this post. Look it up folks. Calling someone "polarizing" is not namecalling.

Turns out Elisabeth and I have two things in common:  great clothes and a polarizing effect on people. 

Possessionista Gift Guide: Kiss and Makeup

Long before she was a beauty editor, Alyssa Hertzig was my best friend from high school. We used to pore over fashion magazines, and stroll lovingly through the beauty aisle as CVS, testing the turquoise Wet & Wild eyeliner and frosted pink Bonne Belles.

A lot has changed in 15 years. Alyssa now writes about trendsetting beauty products (which shockingly still include turquoise eyeliners) and treatments that can erase the last 15 years and return us to our high school selves.

So when I asked her what she'd give for the gift guide, Alyssa suggested the Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Collector set, a collection of 25 eyeliners in every color imaginable - like the entire Wet and Wild endcap in your makeup bag.

And, for herself?

The Sephora Lash Stache Deluxe Sampler to suit her fickle mascara taste.

Too bad I already got her a gift to erase the last 15 years:

Bumpits and Aquanet.

Love Alyssa's picks? Check out the beauty blog that she contributes to.

Possessionista Gift Guide: A Gift for A Cause

I am not proud of this. But I have to fess up: I am shallow.

Like really shallow.

Like Perez Hilton is my primary source of current events.

Like I said, I'm not proud of this.

But at least I'm honest.

And this honesty has enabled me to bond with a certain political blogger named Mean Rachel.

Well,  that and our obsession over Jillian Harris' wardrobe.

So when I asked Mean Rachel (who, as an aside is not mean. At all.) to make a gift guide suggestion, I knew she'd offer a gift that would not only make me fall in love, but also make me think.

Like these gunmetal whistle necklaces from "Falling Whistles," an Austin-based organization that donates the proceeds from its gunmetal whistles to rehabilitate war-affected children in Congo.

She suggests picking up one for the guy in your life, and one for yourself.

And while you're at it, check out the site, and if the story moves you - as it did me - then forward it on to someone you love.

I promise they'll appreciate it more than that story that Perez is running about Tiger's Mistress #16.

Love Rachel's suggestions? Check out what else Rachel thinks.

Melrose Place Fashion - Melissa's sequin backless dress - Cahuenga

Photo Courtesy of the CW and Seenon.com

Insomnia is a funny thing.

It can inspire you. Encourage you. Frustrate you. It can make you take a deeper look at your life. At yourself.

Ooh, are those sequins?

After three plus hours of tossing and turning, I gave up. And as I surfed my favorite haunts, my pals over at Seenon reminded me of this sequin, backless dress which I thought would be perfect for New Years.

Remember the one from Cahuenga, where Melissa, the PR gal tries to recruit Ella to her competing firm by sticking her tongue down Ella's throat?

Emma Trask tells me the dress is Jay Ahr, and will run you a cool grand. But before you resort to sweatpants and Ben & Jerry's, what about this similar (albeit pinker) version which is 40% off at Bloomingdales.

Which means it can still be the perfect New Year's frock.

And that you, too, may end up with someone's tongue down your throat at midnight.

Aqua Short Draped Sequin Dress

$198.00 less 40%

Bloomingdales

Possessionista Gift Guide: Cool Stuff for Young Parents

It's not easy to buy stuff for your parent-type friends. Especially if your parent-type friends happen to be Pete and Ashlee.

Yes. That Pete and Ashlee.

Luckily, for Stephen Westman - Managing Partner for Angels & Kings, Chicago, Barcelona and owner of the 44th Ward Dinner Party - finding cool stuff has never been a problem.

Take for example these uber cool baby wipe containers from Made by Angie.  Leave it to Stephen to make wiping a baby's butt chic.

And for himself? These equally dope North Face e-tip gloves, so he can pick up the phone without taking his gloves off when Pete and Ashlee call to thank him for the wipes.

Yes, that Pete and Ashlee.

Love Stephen's picks? Tell him yourself at the New Year's Eve shindig at the 44th Ward Dinner Party.

WHAT I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS: Chan Luu glam crystal wrap leather bracelet

Chan Luu Glam Bam Thank You Mam

$176.00

Zappos

For those of you whose significant other waits until the last minute (and know me) I hate to spoil the surprise, but this is what you are getting for Christmas.

Because I am so over-the-top obsessed with it that, yes, I told everyone who emailed me this year about last minute gifts to buy this for you this year.

And, if your SO is not familiar with me (yet) fear not. Just bookmark this page and leave the window open. I already titled it so s/he'll get the hint.

No last minute gift givers in your life? Guess you'll be getting it for yourself.

Surprise!

Possessionista Gift Guide: Party Girl Gifts and Gets

In my past life, I wore a suit to work every day.

And I sat next to a girl named Noelle, who also wore a suit to work every day. And though we (pretty much) did our jobs with a smile on our faces, we had an unspoken agreement that we were both dying to rock hot jeans and big earrings (both of which were frowned upon by company standards.)

So, after I left to pursue a life of Internet shopping and minivan driving, Noelle started Poor Little Rich Girls, an online guide to living rich without going poor. Like these super chic martini glasses, perfect for the party girl in your life.

And while she's at it, Noelle's going to pick up a Flip Mino camera for herself.

If only to document her cute outfit. Which doesn't include a suit.

Love Noelle's picks? Check out Poor Little Rich Girls.

Project New Years - Alice + Olivia Embellished Dress

Alice + Olivia Embellished Dress

$346.50

ShopBop

Hi Dana,

Love your blog!

Here is my dress request for NYE 2009. This is a dress by Alice + Olivia and I can't find it anywhere, so any suggestions would be much appreciated! When the dress was available in stores, I only saw it on the shopbop website and it was going for $495... eeek! As gorgeous as it is, that price tag is quite high. What I like about it is that the embellishments are not over the top and I also really like the diagonal panels which are made of different fabrics. I've tried to find a similar dress myself but haven't had any luck so far and I thought I reach out to an fashion and shopping expert like yourself 

Thanks!! -Anna

Warehouse Zip About Dress

$84.99

ASOS USA

Zipper Lace Trim Dress

$23.00

Go Jane

Possessionista Gift Guide: K Amato Jewelry

You know those girls?

The ones whose lipstick stays and her jeans don't sag in the butt by the end of the day? Her bangs don't curl. Her mascara doesn't run.

Oh, and she loses all her baby weight in the first month post partum?

Kiran is one of those girls. And while you may be inclined to hate her, you can't. Because not only is she an exceptional friend - she'd buy her best friend this K Amato Webster necklace.

But she has exceptional taste - she'd buy this K Amato Grace bracelet for herself.

So maybe the key is to buy yourself this bracelet.

And the sag-free jeans and shiny hair will follow.

Love Kiran's picks? Check out the entire K Amato line.

Project New Years - Lauren Yung's Alexander Wang Black and Cream Dress

Photo Courtesy of the CW (and someone else pieced this together. Not sure who, but email me so I can give you the credit)

Hi Dana,

I loved this Alexander Wang dress that Lauren Yung wore in Melrose Place. Anywhere you might be able to find a cheaper version for me?

Your devoted fan,

Victoria

When Lauren Yung needed to make a little extra money to pay for med school and Alexander Wang couture, she decided a sound business decision would be to prostitute herself.


For those of you with a slightly stricter standard, here are two options to get Lauren's dress, without her questionable morals.

Aryn K Take me to Dinner Dress

89.99 Use Code Affiliate 10 for 10% off

Modcloth

Mesh Bandeau Body Con Dress

$64.59

ASOS USA

BCBGeneration Geometric Dress

$118.00

Dillards

Possessionista Gift Guide: Boy Stuff

Inevitably, you're going to have to buy something for your boyfriend/brother/dad. When it comes down to it, I contact my friend Laura Knepper over at LKCStyle. She's been dressing boys in clever printed tees and flannels long before Dan Humphries and Will Scheuster caught my eye.

This year, Laura suggests the Topman grey 5cm tie to make your guy presentable at holiday dinner, or a Saturday night out on the town.

Feeling tomboyish yourself? Laura says every girl should pick up Urban Outfitters BDG hoodies.

There's a lot of football still to be played. You might as well look cute watching it.

BDG Hoodie

$38.00

Urban Outfitters

Love Laura's picks? Check out her blog for ways to spruce up the guy in your life.

Project New Years - Hermione's gold Burberry frock

Hey Dana!

Technically this is a dress worn in 2009 for (I think) burberry's spring 2010 stuff- but its perfect for new years! Also I'm told I look like emma watson so basically we're soul mates and I just have to have this dress- in a more wallet friendly price.

Oh Hermione,

You are perfection. Your hair. Your dress. Your Burberry contract.

To even try to replicate this dress wouldn't do it justice, so here's a dress I'm equally in love with. Same color scheme. Different silhouette.

But with it's much more manageable price tag, you'll be able to dress it up with some killer stems and kick ass earrings.

That'll make you almost totally forgetimus about the Burberry frock you were lusting after like it was Ron Weasley.

Longing for Yellow Dress

$158.00

Anthropologie

These are a few of my Favorite Things...

Thanks to Jen at The Look 4 Less for including The Possessionista's favorite things:

Favorite Things - The Posessionista Dana from The Posessionista, is both fashionable and funny - and I never tire of reading her blog. She's an expert at spotting items worn on tv, so if there's ever an item you just have to have - she's your girl! Thanks so much for participating Dana, all of your favorites are great (Jeans and Glee are two things I love as well!).

1. Jeans - skinny, bootcut, bell, legging? I could not live without denim. Am currently obsessed with the Current Elliot pull on jean - sweatpants meet jeans






2. Glee - Next to Prozac, it's the greatest mood enhancer


3. Cuff boots - I am obsessed with cuff boots. It's like permission to wear legwarmers. Almost.





4. The iPhone - How are you people existing in this world without one?



5. Aritzia's boyfriend shirts. I have them in EVERY color. Oversized, they wash awesome and are long enough to wear with leggings. The blue sheen is my fave. ($70.00 -aritzia.ca)

6. Hooded leather jackets. J'adore the one by Mike and Chris but the faux one at F21 is perfect for this one season item. 






7. Platform Shoes - sky high heels that don't kill to walk in? Yes please.






8. Sequin Blazers. These rock! I pair them with a hanes T shirt and distressed jeans. I got mine at Akira for $40. (Note: Akira no longer has the one Dana purchased, but they do have one for $69, as pictured below).


9. Fake diamond earrings. I always wear fake, ginormo studs (I get these at Nordstrom Rack for $11 though because I am always losing them)





10. Goody pony tail ties (I always have at least two on my wrist at any time.)

Possessionista Gift Guide: Jammies and Cocoa

Up until now, we've had some pretty splurgeworthy suggestions.

Hellooooo recession anyone?

When I need a fashionable alternative to my latest compulsion I turn to Jen over at The Look For Less, as she can literally find anything.


Including (unsurprisingly) a totally amazing and cozy gift for your mom or sis for (also unsurprisingly) less than $100.

These cozy jammies and darling monogrammed cups are perfect for sipping hot cocoa and watching a movie New Year's Day.

But don't expect Jen to join in on the lounging. She'll be treating herself to a massage.

Love Jen's budget buys? Check out her site for more affordable indulgences.

Project New Years - Serena's sequin gold dress

Hi Dana-  First of all,  I love your blog!! I read it everyday. I'm going to a nice NYE party this year and would like to find a fun dress like Serena's but for about $100. I'm having troubles finding one,  so I thought I'd turn to you.  Thanks!!!  Mary

Gold Sequin Dress by Scala

$138.00 - Use code Defindeals for 10% off

eDressMe

Possessionista Gift Guide: Designs by Lauren

Sure, they say it's about quality and not quantity, but why settle for one when you can have tons?

At least that's the philosophy shared by Lauren Rosen, owner of Designs by Lauren, and myself. Lauren's delightfully simple, beaded stretch bracelets are best in large groups - just like friends.

So, Lauren suggests grabbing the greywood and sparkle stardust stacked bracelets for your besties (about $115) and the blackwood and sparkle for yourself ($127.00)

Mention that you heard about her from the Possessionista and get 10% off and free shipping.

That is, if you can get Lauren to part with them first.

Love Lauren's choices? View the whole collection and then email Lauren

Project New Years - Carrie Underwood

Hey Dana,

I want a fantastic dress - something that sparkles, that makes me feel like turning 30, being single and not doing most anything of what I thought I would be doing doesn't matter.  Maybe something from Carrie Underwood's closet.

Love Kristin

Spirit Catcher Dress

$352.00

Zappos

Possessionista Gift Guide: Knuckle Busters and Acid Washed Jean Jackets

Kelly Ryan O'Brien stresses me out. Seriously. Her resume reads like a character from the Hills, without the reality show.

Yet.

One of the most respected young figures in fashion, KOB (as her girls refer to her) has done stints everywhere from Gen Art to Billion Dollar Babes. The chick knows fashion. So you should take her word for it when she tells you to get one of your girls this killer (literally) knuckle buster from Made her Think.

And while you might think this is pushing the envelope, KOB is investing herself in a new denim motorcycle jacket. But before you make fun of KOB, just know that in 6-18 months, you'll be wearing this very jacket, and Kelly will be making fun of you.

Trust.

Love Kelly's offbeat ideas? Check out the blog that's keeping her busy while she's on medical leave from Billion Dollar Babes.

Project New Years - Kate Winslet's Strapless Black Dress from The Reader

Hey Dana!

Love your blog! I found the perfect dress for the perfect New Year's Eve look. Hopefully you can find a budget-friendly version for us. I loved Kate Winslet's dress from one of the premieres she attended for The Reader (this one was in Germany).

The problem with New Years, as if to suggest that there were only one, is that it's one night only.

Which, my friends, is why most celebrities borrow - and not buy - their red carpet gowns. Because they will never wear them again.

The same is (probably) true about your New Year's attire.

So here's a dress in the same vein as Kate's strapless, tiered dress. Without the red carpet pricetag.

It'll make you feel pretty enough to kiss Leo at midnight.

For one night only.

Frills Frills Frills Dress

$54.99

ModCloth

Possessionista Gift Guide: Cynthia Vincent Boots and Grandpa's Sweater

One of my favorite sites belongs to Tara Sharp of Sharp In San Diego. The thing I like about it is that Tara doesn't write about trends. Or themes. She just writes about what she likes, so on any given day you can get a cool recipe or a book review, or the shoes she's lusting after or a picture of a unicorn.

Okay, I'm kidding about the unicorn.

But the point is, I had no idea what Tara would pick to give and to get, but I was sure I'd like it, no matter what. And I was right. Because Tara thinks the perfect gift for her roommate are these insanely gorgey, over-the-knee boots by Cynthia Vincent.

Especially if said roommate has the same size shoe at you.

And, for yourself, pick up an early Christmukaa sweater, like this one.

Because it'll look amazing with the boots you'll be borrowing from your roommate.



Love Tara's picks? Check out her blog.