Banana Republic's Black Velvet Dress: All I Want For The Third Night Of Chanukkah

$98, Banana Republic
(Gifted by Banana Republic)

Something's happening. Something's different. I feel like Tony in "West Side Story" when he first meets Maria, only hopefully with a far less tragic ending. Basically, I've fallen in love with VELVET. My most hated, feared and loathed fabric, the one my parents warned me against. Banana Republic's black velvet sheath dress, from their excellent holiday collection, is the ONLY velvet dress I've ever loved. It may look kinda "meh"-ish on the hanger, but this thing comes ALIVE on the female form. It fits ABSOLUTELY perfectly -- forgiving in the places that need forgiveness, and snug enough in the places that call for snuggling. It's so versatile that I've worn it at least three times already this month, to a holiday party with black tights and my Charlotte Russe Miu Miu-"inspired" glitter heels, an evening event with burnt sienna tights and turquoise booties (MUCH cuter than it sounds) and a TV taping with Wolford Hero bondage tights, which were a generous gift from Tightsplease and belong on a wall because they're a work of fucking art.) You can also do that kinda '90s grunge-girl thing, but in a cleaner way. (Like, no slouchy knit hat, por favor!)

CYBER MONDAY SALES BE CRAY-CRAY!

Guys. Put down the pepper spray and check out these SICK Cyber Monday deals. Put some cash back into our weeping economy.

Check out this list of Cyber Monday (heh) promo codes and sales at some of my favorite shops and brands.

+ Mario Badescu
10% off + free shipping AND a free gift for orders over $50.
Code: cmonday

+ Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy
30% off
Code: hugecyber (LOL!!)

+ Lands End Canvas 
30% off + free shipping
Code: drumstick PIN: 1211

+ Solestruck
50% off sale shoes!
Code: finalsale50

+ Sephora
Free shipping over $50
Code: shipnow

+ Alex & Chloe
30% off select items

+ Urban Outfitters
Free shipping

+ Joe's Jeans
30% off your purchase + free shipping
Code: Cyber30
(sale not applicable to fifty five colors jeans)

Banana Republic's Mad Men Collection Is IN STORES (Almost!)

In THINGS THAT MAKE PERFECT AND OBVIOUS SENSE NEWS, Banana Republic's limited-edition Mad Men collection, created by Simon Kneen and "Mad Men" costume designer Janie Bryant, will hit stores Thursday, August 11. BUT, you can get exclusive access to the pre-sale TOMORROW, Wednesday August 10 at Facebook.com/BananaRepublic. What are you waiting for? THE NEW SEASON TO START OR SOMETHING (!?!?!?!?!??!!?) And don't worry. This isn't straight-up Mad Men cosplay or anything. The Banana Republic collection, which includes 65 pieces, including (obviously) menswear and accessories (and even a MONEY CLIP) is "Mad Men" inspired, hence the PERFECT grey cigarette pants, leopard-print cardi and Joan/Peggy-esque pussybow silk top.

Off to fluff my beehive, join the ladies in the Steno pool, and not have equal rights or respect in the workplace or at home!

Relatedly: A PHOTO FROM THE FIRST EPISODE OF "MAD MEN" SEASON 5.

GAP Coupon Code!

YAY! It's FALL, y'all Do some fall/winter shopping with this GAP coupon code for 30% off. It's "savebig." It also works for Banana Republic and Old Navy.

I just bought these two shoulder zip pullover sweatshirts, since I realize I own almost no tops that aren't t-shirts, and most of those I hate or have a cat on them, which is fine for sometimes but not all the time. So I'm trying to diversify with some basic tops.

($39.50, Gap)

Usually I wait for everything and anything Gap to go on sale, but I saved $23 with that coupon code. HOLLA for a DOLLA!

($29.50, Gap)

Also, this nylon puffer bag is extremely cute. But I will definitely wait for this to go on sale.

Get 30% Off Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic & Piperlime!

** SERIOUSLA UPDATE: EPIC FAIL POST! So right -- that was a one-time use code. Wah. I sorry! BUT, that Hayden-Harnett bag IS back!!!!!!!!!!!! **

Use promo code LZMP9NFVPGTD online at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and/or Piperlime (Piperlime being most appealing to meeee), between November 13 - November 16, 2008 for 30% off! Yay!

And, for every purchase you make, they give 5% of the amount you spend to World Wildlife Fund. Nice, right? I like seals and pandas and puppies!

But I also like this Hayden-Harnett "Jinhee" patent tote, which is already "just" $317 (originally $425) for "just" $222!... UPDATE: OMFG THIS SOLD OUT AS I WAS POSTING THIS!!!! ANGER!!!!!!! WTF!!!1!


... Or this grey patent bag by The Sak (a name that always makes me laugh, because I'm 12) -- was $189, currently $89, now just $63 with your discount! Wee! And baby owls don't die! Or die less!