Last Monday Alison at Get Your Pretty On! did a post called “Oprah’s Favorite Things– For the Rest of Us.” I thought it was a fabulous idea. Oprah has some great taste, but I’m pretty sure us normal girls can’t exactly afford most of her favorites–and if we could they might not be the first things we spend our new-found fortune on.

I decided to take Alison’s cue and bring you my version of Oprah’s favorite things. I went through her list and picked out seven of my favorites. Then I looked around to see if I could find options that were both comparable and affordable. Here’s what I came up with:

Bougainvillea Boutique bangle, $39 / H&M 30-pack set, $5.95

I love the bohemian vibe of Oprah’s favorite bangle, but if you’re on a serious budget you can get more of an arm party for your buck by heading on over to places like H&M or Forever21. I’m especially loving the texture on this particular set.

Josh Groban, Noel / Holidays Rule

Sorry kids, but Josh Groban’s not really my scene. While he has a lovely head of hair, his kind of classical crooning just doesn’t do it for me. But The Head and the Heart, The Shins and Fun? Count me in.

Rowallan jewelry trunk, $525 (21×11.25×10.5) / Diamante White 6-Drawer Jewelry Armoire, $169.99 (40×13.63×10.25)

When I first saw this I couldn’t really believe there was such a thing as a $525 jewelry box. I figured, OK O. You probably have a nice stack of jewels at the mansion. I don’t have as many, so I don’t need a box as big as yours. But you know what? I found a bigger box that’s totally prettier for less money. The quality may not be the same, but it will definitely do.

Lafco Chamomile Lavender soap $17, 8.5 oz / Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Original shampoo and wash, $14.99, 21 oz

While fancy soaps with fancier sounding scents are nice and all, sometimes you just can’t beat a classic. I am madly in love with Burt’s Bees Baby Bees shampoo and wash. Not only does it smell amazing, but it leaves your skin softer than a baby’s butt. For serious. I’ve conducted scientific studies on this subject.

P.jamas, $160 / Xhilaration pajama set, $24.99

Alright, Oprah. I’m sorry, but I’m not dropping $160 on something I’m just going to roll around my bed in (and possibly drool on a little). Soft and flannel with cute polka dots is good enough for me!

Michael Kors Metallic Glam Studded High-Top, $195 / TOMS gilded herringbone classics, $54

I love metallics. I love sparkle. I love Michael Kors. But gold studded high tops? Not so much. I’d much rather take a comfy pair of gold herringbone TOMS and know that a pair of shoes went to a child in need–although the zipper detail on the high tops is pretty awesome.

Ralph Lauren sweater, $198 / Old Navy chunky cable knit sweater, $29.94

I don’t have $200 to drop on a sweater. If you do, more power to you. But I’d rather save some money and take my girls on vacation than spend so much on a sweater (and I definitely don’t have the money to do both). Old Navy is a perfectly acceptable substitute. It may not last as long, but when you don’t have the money it works!

What do you think? Did I do good? Did I do terribly? Would you substitute one of my picks for something else? Would you stick with Oprah on any of these? Do tell!

Any time someone asks me what I want to find under the Christmas tree I get all flustered. I have a hard enough time trying to keep tabs on what everyone else wants without stopping to consider what I might like to rip open.

I decided to put together a little list of things on my favorites lists to refer to the next time this question is thrown my way. So if you know any ladies like me (writing geeks with a love of comfort, I guess?), this is the holiday gift guide you’ve been waiting for. 😉

Choke Shirt Company Brella raglan pullover (on sale right now on Fab!). Fun print + coziness = win, right?

This Is How You Lose Her by Junot Diaz. I loved The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao and Diaz’s latest book has gotten similarly fabulous reviews.

This journal from Denik (designed by Roo from Nice Girl Notes) makes me giggle every time I see it. Added bonus? $1 from each sale goes toward building a school in Mali.

Lace boots socks from Catherine Cole Studio. Um, yes please. I saw a picture of a pair that Amanda from Parenting by Dummies put up on Instagram and I had to check them out.

Amethyst Stalactite Druzy Necklace by Freidasophie. I love this pretty, raw stone!

Josie Maran Moroccan Bazaar Shimmer & Glow Argan Essentials set. I’ve been wanting to try out different argan oil products and this is the perfect way to do it: travel-size products in a pretty bag that was handmade in Morocco.

Kate Spade composition book phone case. Need I say more? This is satisfying for both my inner writing nerd and my inner fashion geek.

TOMS plaid wool classics. Have I mentioned that I like TOMS? Maybe once or twice? Well my pair is so well loved that my big toe recently broke through the top. I’d love this replacement pair. The cozy wool is perfect for winter and the plaid satisfies my current obsession.

What’s on your wishlist this holiday season?

When it comes to buying new things versatility is key in my book. If I’m going to drop money on something, you better believe there are a variety of different ways I can wear it and unlimited places where I can prance around in it. I’d much rather get rid of my debt or buy things for my girls than dump money on something with a limited shelf life.

That said, I decided to start a new series on versatile pieces that can work for just about anywhere. I’ve enlisted the help of my super-talented sister, Michele Frechette, to sketch out the looks for me.

Today, we’re talking motorcycle jackets.

Let me start by saying that I’m all for the faux stuff here. It’s less expensive, kinder to other living things (hey, cows!), and there are plenty of high quality options out there.

I’m more than a little obsessed with the styles that have wide lapels and zipper details. While it might sound surprising, you can absolutely wear this style of jacket just about anywhere.

Feminine with an edge

Going on a much-needed date night with the hubs and getting all dressed up in a lacy, feminine dress? Give it a little bit of edge by putting a motorcycle jacket on top and pair it up with some spiked heels and a sparkly clutch. It adds a little kick of style without detracting from your dressiness.

If you’re afraid the jacket won’t go over well with your company (ie set-in-her-ways grandma at your cousin’s wedding), you can always remove the jacket when you go inside. At least you’ll know you looked fierce on your way in!

Shop Feminine with an edge

 Weekend casual

Heading out for a cup of coffee on your day off? A motorcycle jacket is a no brainer if you want to feel like you put in a smidge of effort. It’s totally on trend and totally easy. All you need is your favorite jeans and a t-shirt with a pair of your comfiest flats. Bonus points for an animal print infinity scarf and a messy top knot (a couple of my other obsessions).

Very little thought, very little effort, but lots of style.

Shop Weekend casual

Business friendly

Don’t think you can pull off a motorcycle jacket at work? While it might not fly in all areas of business, there are plenty of places where you could easily wear one in place of a blazer. The key here is keeping the rest of your look very professional. A button-down shirt, tailored pants, and maybe a fun pair of oxfords would be perfection.

I almost (almost) wish I had an in-house job again so I could try it out. But then I remember how much I like setting my own hours and mid-day cuddle sessions with my babies and I realize I’d rather leave it to other ladies to try.

Shop Business friendly

What do you think? Do you agree with me on the motorcycle jacket’s versatility or do you think I’ve lost it?

OK, guys. I learned something pretty disturbing about myself today. I was doing what I always do when I’m trying to avoid doing work: window shopping via the internet. While checking out some fall fashion, I realized that what I thought was a really cute tunic-y sweater was, in fact, a little girl’s sweater dress.

This is not the first time this has happened to me. In fact, there have been plenty of times when I’m cruising the J. Crew website (during sale time, obvi) and get all excited about something before realizing that I’m about 100 pounds too heavy and a foot too tall to even dream about squeezing my left thigh into it.

What exactly does this say about me? That I have the fashion sense of a six year old? That I need to get out more? And why do I keep crawling so deeply into my psyche over clothes? In short: WTF man?

1 Erge Designs scarf / 2 Gap dress / 3 Children’s Place dress / 4 Gap jacket
5 Old Navy cardigan / 6 Old Navy flats

So make me feel better here. Is it me or is girls fall fashion kind of awesome this year? I mean, don’t get me wrong, some of it is awful. Whenever I walk by Justice in the mall, it looks like a neon rainbow vomited glitter everywhere. I start talking really fast to try and distract Samantha from catching sight of something glittery inside while ushering her towards the big wheel she can spin for a prize nearby. But most of what I’ve seen is pretty awesome this season. It almost (almost) makes me want to run to my daughter’s closet and start trying things on.

Do I need to get out more or is girls fashion pretty spot on this fall?

To close out this week, I thought I’d share with you five things I just can’t get enough of.

Old Navy The Flirt Skinny Jeans

Everyone has been talking about Old Navy’s Rockstar jeans, but I’m kind of obsessed with my Flirt pair. I definitely want to try out the Rockstars since they come in so many fab colors, but I love the fit of my Flirt jeans. Don’t tell anyone but I’ve pretty much been wearing the same pair all week. Well, not pretty much. I have absolutely been wearing the same pair all week.

Side note: what exactly does my jean style choice say about me, by the way? I’m a flirt but not quite rockstar level? Does that mean I’m subconsciously a big fat tease who is not quite ready for dirty backstage debauchery? I guess I’d rather be a Flirt than a Diva. Should my choice in jeans style result in such hardcore soul searching?

Simple Vital Night Cream

For awhile there I was having some serious skin issues. I have rosacea, which means aside from being rosy cheeked I can also end up with what looks like an explosion of adult acne. I went unmedicated while pregnant and breastfeeding the wee one, but I finally went back to the dermatologist and got all straightened out.

Anyway, my skin is insanely sensitive. Pretty much anything I use dries it out or makes it flair up. When I saw Simple night cream in the drugstore and all the promises of being sensitive skin experts and being kind to skin, I jumped.

The package tells me that it has vitamin goodness and “no dyes, no artificial perfumes, and no harsh irritants that can upset your skin.” What I can tell you is that it’s awesome. And they’re not paying me to say so (although if they’d like to, hollerrrrrr). I’m obsessed. I slather it on my face and neck every night and I still can’t get over how soft my skin feels in the morning.

I’ve yet to force the hubs to do a blind test, but I don’t think he’d be able to tell the difference between my soft, smooth face and Ellie’s butt. And not because I smell.

Kate Spade Idiom Bangle

I got this pretty from one of my best buddies. She knows I love Kate Spade and that I’m a big old word nerd. Add in the fact that we’re both huge, emotional saps and it’s pretty perfect.

Around the outside of the bracelet it says birds of a feather, two of a kind, perfect pair, partners in crime, peas in a pod, sidekicks. It’s perfect for bridesmaids and BFFs and it’s so pretty that this week I’ve been forgoing my beloved arm party for this single bangle. Some things are good enough on their own, you know?

Veggie Straws

For this obsession I have one thing to say (OK, maybe more than one thing): Thanks a lot, Meg. I go to your house for a play date and the girls and I leave as addicts, obsessing about our next fix of Veggie Straws.

Seriously though, they’re delicious. Better yet, I can pronounce each of the ingredients on the back of the bag, which makes me feel better about shoving them in our faces. And they’re most definitely a step up from regular potato chips. We just need to learn a little about moderation and we’ll be golden!

TOMS Classic Slip Ons

My TOMS sat in the closet for a few months while I favored flip flops. Now that the weather is slightly chillier, I don’t want to take them off. That says a lot for a girl who generally would rather be barefoot (I think I’ve discussed this before but my love of bare feet grosses out my husband, who apparently has an aversion to dirty feet. Who knew?).

My navy pair is perfect because it’s neutral and goes with everything. I don’t even have to think. I just pull them on and go without worrying about blisters or sore feet. I’m thinking I need a patterned pair next. I just can’t decide which!

What are your favorite things this week?