I don’t know about you, but my belly is full of all of the turkey and potatoes and stuffing and desserts I shoved in my face yesterday. I don’t think I can eat for a week.

I’m full and I want to burrow into a nice cocoon—not maneuver though stores filled with lunatics who will claw my eyes out if it means they can grab the last Rainbow Loom before I do. No thank you.

Instead, I’ll sit back, relax in the noisiness of my own home (or my in-laws’ home if you want to get specific), and plot my moves for Cyber Monday. That’s when I do most of my holiday shopping. And because I love you so much, I thought I’d write you a nice little post on how I save money shopping online, at home, in my pajamas, with only my own crazies clawing at me.

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!

I have a real soft spot for plaid and tartan fashion. Call it being stuck in my 90s grunge rock obsessed youth. Call it a product of current trends. Whatever you want to call it, I am obsessed.

I usually start getting plaid crazed in September. The fall automatically turns my brain towards plaid (I guess it’s the whole back to school thing, even though I was never forced to wear a nicely pressed skirt/button down shirt uniform combo). But this year, my little obsession has really dug in and seems to be intent on riding out the winter.

I’ve been finding myself drawn to tartan holiday pieces more and more. At first it was just “Oh that’s cute. Ooooh that too!” until I suddenly realized that any tartan piece I saw was getting that reaction. I just love the pop of pattern and the color combos. It’s so perfect for the season, don’t you think?

Since I love a good deal (read: I’m seriously cheap) I went on a hunt for lower priced options for a bunch of high-end tartan pieces–because for some reason tartan seems to equal high price.

Dolce & Gabbana pants, $725 / Topshop pants, $76
Alexander McQueen tartan jacket, $799 / Merona blazer, $34.99
Oscar de la Renta, $325 / Chaps dress, $62
Cut25 dress, $460 / Tommy Hilfiger dress, $149.50
Drakes London scarf, $300 / Gap scarf, $29.95

Obviously there are times when the investment is totally worth it. If there’s a piece you can see yourself wearing regularly for a long time, go for it.

But something like a child’s holiday dress? Yeah, I’d rather just set the $300 on fire. It’s a much easier way to get to the same ends. Because if I put this child in an expensive dress, you better believe she would destroy it before I managed to get a non-blurry picture of her in it.

What are your thoughts on this trend? Are you feeling it as much as I am?

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?

I realized this week that I’ve been seriously lacking in the jewelry department. While this is no tragedy, it’s kind of strange for someone who used to make jewelry. Lately, I’ve been wearing my Anjolee studs and adding the occasional arm party, but that’s pretty much where it has stopped.

I’m thinking this should change. And immediately.