Become A Fan of Spoiled Pretty on Facebook

I just started a Fan Page for Spoiled Pretty on Facebook, and it's pretty awesome. I especially enjoy how easy it is to chat with readers. Why don't you join us? All the cool kids are doing it.

Rachel Roy Styles Her Hair with Nivea Hand Cream!

Designer Rachel Roy is unbelievably gorgeous with superhuman shine to her hair. I recently tweeted her up, asking how she manages to keep her hair so glossy glossy. Rachel responded, "I don't put much in my hair, but whenever I do an updo I use a little Nivea hand cream."

Isn't it so unfair? I could sprinkle fairy dust in my hair and it would still look a hot mess.

Makeup Mondays With Mario: 5 Tips to Being a Successful Makeup Artist

Celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic is answering your burning beauty questions!!! Every Monday, he will answer a beauty/skin care question as part of a weekly column on Spoiled Pretty, Makeup Mondays with Mario.


Hi Mario,

You are a makeup icon to me. What are your five tips to being a successful make up artist?
-Cassandra


Thank you, Cassandra...I am very humbled! To become a successful makeup artist entails a whole lot and I could think of a million things to say here. Here are five tips to help:* Be passionate about what you do because it shows in your work.

* Figure out what area of work you like best (fashion, celeb, editorial, etc) and try to focus on that.

* Study and research art and fashion - both past and present. It's important to know and be able to execute period looks, etc.

* Go with a great agent that you like and that believes in you and your work.

* Always stay positive and have a good attitude while working.

Thanks again Cassandra!

xo,
Mario
Got a question for Mario? Email your makeup and skin care queries to spoiledprettyquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario's expert advice!

Cyber Monday Beauty Deals!!!

It took me light years to comb the Internet for these Cyber Monday beauty deals, so please take advantage. Happy shopping. Let me know in the comments what you end up buying!

Aldo: Take 10% off your online purchase. Enter CYBERMONDAY09 at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Ann Taylor: Take 40% off your purchase online and IN STORE! Plus get free shipping on orders of $100 or more. Enter code MONDAY at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Aveda: Choose 4 free samples with all online orders, plus get free shipping with orders over $25. Use promo code PIVK4 at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Avon: Pick up a bunch of your Avon favorites on the cheap.

Beauty.com: Get an Erickson Beamon designer bag filled with deluxe samples (valued at over $150) with any $100 purchase. Samples include: Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Body Exfoliating Cream, Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil (Tanzania or Kalahari), Talika Eye Decompress, Nick Chavez Beverly Hills Plump 'N Thick Thickening Hairspray with Collagen, Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer, Rene Furterer Paris Myrrhea Anti-Frizz silkening mask, Diana B. Candle (Black Fig or Maple Sugar Lychee Nut), Smashbox Lash DNA Mascara, StriVectin Neck Cream, DDF Daily Protective Moisturizer SPF 15, Phyto Phytolisse Finishing Serum, Intelligent Nutrients Lip Delivery Nutrition, and Urban Decay Sin Primer Potion. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Banana Republic: Take 20% off all online purchases, plus free shipping. Enter MONDAY at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Beauty.com: Get $10 off your purchase of $60 or more, plus free shipping. Your special discount will show at checkout. Promotion ends on December 31, 2009.

Benefit Cosmetics: Free shipping with any purchase. Enter CYBERMON at checkout. Plus, get two free samples with every order (no promo code needed). Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Bliss: Check out these great deals at Bliss!

Bluemercury.com: Complimentary Fekkai Technician Color Care Trio (shampoo, conditioner and anti-fade top coat) with any online purchase of $40 or more. Enter FEKKAI09 at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Bobbi Brown: Take 20% off your online purchase.

Clarisonic: Save up to 20% on Clarisonic duos.

Clinique: Get a festive holiday tote with any purchase of $49.50 or more. Enter promo code TOTE at checkout. And don't forget to pick up a free sample. Choose from: Age Defense for Eyes, Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, High Impact Mascara or All About Eyes. Plus, enjoy complimentary gift wrap with any purchase!

DERMAdoctor: Take 10% off all purchases. Use coupon code CYBER at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Drugstore.com: Check out these amazing deals and gifts with purchase!

DSW: 25% off entire online purchase. Enter SAVE25 at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

DSW: DSW Rewards Members get free standard shipping on orders of $35 or more. Enter SNOWMAN at checkout. Promotion ends January 4, 2009.

DuWop: Take 20% off any purchase. Enter THANKFUL at checkout. Promotion ends November 30, 2009.

e.l.f.: Get 70% off products from the e.l.f. Minerals line. Enter coupon code CM70MIN at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

eDressMe.com: Now through December 25, 2009, pick up stocking stuffers are discounted 25%. Everything is under $25.

Forever21: Free Shipping, no minimum. Enter code CYBERMONDAY at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Fragrancenet.com: Get $10 off all purchases over $70. Enter code LSDEC9 at checkout. Promotion ends on December 3, 2009.

Fragrancenet.com: Free U.S. standard shipping. Enter code BLFDY9 at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Gap: Take 20% off all online purchases, plus free shipping. Enter MONDAY at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Giorgio Armani Beauty: Get 20% off your cosmetics and skincare order (plus free shipping) with code FAMILY. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

HSN.com: Take 15% off Carol's Daughter products. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Kate Somerville: Save 30% off your online order. Enter KATE2009 at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Kiehl's: Score 20% off orders as part of the Kiehl's Friends & Family sale. The offer also includes free shipping on orders of $30 or more. Enter FAMILY at checkout. Promotion ends on December 1, 2009.

Korres: It's a party at korres.com on Cyber Monday. Shop irresistibly low prices on must-haves in every category and get 20% off everything site wide, free shipping on purchases over $30 and blockbuster free gifts. Promotion ends December 2, 2009.

L'Occitane: Save up to 30% on these holiday gifts. Plus get free shipping on orders of $25 or more (no code needed). Sale ends on November 30, 2009.

Lab Series: Take 25% off your entire order and enjoy free standard shipping. Promotion ends December 4, 2009.

Lancome: Take 20% off your online purchase. Enter HolidayJoy2 at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Linea Pelle: Take 20% off handbags, belts and fashion accessories. Enter coupon code CYBERMONDAY at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Macy's: Enjoy free shipping with your online purchase of $75 or more. Use promo code CYBER at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

MD Skincare: Spend $100 and get 20% off. Enter CYBER at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Molton Brown: Take 15% off your online purchases over $65, plus get free shipping. Enter MONDAY at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Nine West: Check out these Cyber Monday Doorbusters. These 4 pairs of hot boots are 50% off! Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Old Navy: Take 20% off all online purchases, plus free shipping. Enter MONDAY at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Origins: Take $10 off any $25 order. Can you even believe? Definitely use this promotion to pick up the Peace of Mind stocking stuffer I told you about. Enter coupon code TenOff09 at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Philosophy: Receive free shipping with any purchase. With any $75 purchase, receive a free gift valued at over $100. Gift includes a Philosophy messenger bag with embroidered logo plus these deluxe samples: Hope in a tube (0.25 oz), microdelivery wash (2 oz), purity made simple (2 oz), unconditional love lotion (1 oz), eye hope (0.2 oz), hope in a jar (0.4 oz), and one other product that will be confirmed at a later time. Enter code magicandhope at checkout. Promotion ends December 1, 2009.

Piperlime: Take 20% off all online purchases, plus free shipping. Enter MONDAY at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Prescriptives: Receive a free 4-piece gift of travel size skincare bestsellers (All Clean Fresh Foaming Cleanser, Instant Gratification Skin Renewal Peel, Super Line Preventor Xtreme, Super Line Preventor Xtreme Lifting Concentrate) with any $50 order, plus enjoy free standard shipping. Enter CYBER9 at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Saks Fifth Avenue: Free shipping on all orders. Enter HOLIDAY9 at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Sephora: Get free shipping on all orders. Enter SHIP4FREE at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Sephora: Take 20% off Bare Escentuals Get Started Kits, plus free shipping. Enter GETSTARTED at checkout. Promotion ends December 1, 2009.

Shu Uemura: Get 20% off purchases of $50 or more, plus enjoy free shipping. Enter WISH09 at checkout. Promotion ends on December 1, 2009.

Shu Uemura: Get 7 deluxe samples on orders of $125 or more, plus free shipping - and 20% off! Deluxe samples include mesh bag, mini-gloss, brightening cream, red:juvenus intense vitalizing concentrate, pleasure of Japanese bath - hinoki, cleansing beauty oil premium A/O, depsea water mist in chamomile, powder foundation. Use code WISHDELUXE09 at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Skinstore.com: Take 20% off sitewide. Enter HOL20 at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Smashbox: The Smashbox Friends & Family Sale has started! Take care of all your holiday shopping and save 20% on your entire order. Enter code SBFF9 at checkout. Oh, and choose from 3 deluxe-sized samples and get a bonus sample with every order. Promotion ends on December 1, 2009.

Spanx: Free shipping on all orders. Use promo code GOBBLE2010 at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Steve Madden: Take 25% off your online purchase, plus get free shipping. Enter MADDEN25 at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Stila: Free shipping, no minimum. Enter THANKS at checkout. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Tarte: Get 40% off your online purchase. Orders of $25 or more get complimentary shipping and a free lip gloss. Use code CYBERMON9 at checkout.

The Body Shop: Take 20% off all online purchases. Plus, choose a free product with any purchase. Choose from: Super Volume Mascara in Black, Vit E Eye Cream, Maca Root Travel Shave Cream, Coconut Scrub or Wild Cherry Mini Body Butter. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

The Limited: 20% off everything, plus free shipping. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Three Custom Color: Receive 25% off sitewide with coupon code CYBER. Promotion ends on December 1, 2009.

Too Faced: 30% off and free shipping on orders of $50 or more with code LUCKYBREAKS. Promotion ends January 2, 2009.

Tory Burch: Tory has some fantastic Cyber Monday deals going on. Score a free Cheetah Print Tote with orders of $100 or more. Get 30% off purchases of $300 or more with coupon code TURKEY30. Gift wrap is complimentary, and shipping is free on orders of $150 or more.

Ulta: Receive 12 free samples in an airline approved Ulta bag with any $35 online purchase. This is a $55 value. Promotion ends on November 30, 2009.

Victoria's Secret: Get 30% off a single item. Enter coupon code ITEM30 at checkout. Promotion ends on December 2, 2009.

Walgreens: Take $15 off purchases of $75 or more, plus get free shipping. Enter SAVENOW at checkout. Promotion ends on December 5, 2009.

I TEMPTU. Do You?

I recently received the TEMPTU Airbrush Makeup System to test and review for Spoiled Pretty, and I'm really dreading having to give it back. That's how amazing it is. Watch the video to find out why I'm awarding TEMPTU with 'holy grail' status.


TEMPTU is a great holiday beauty gift (the recipient would love you forever). The TEMPTU Airbrush Makeup System is available at Sephora and costs $225. A duo of foundation pods (there are 12 shades) costs $55. Blush pods (4 shades) are $30 and highlighter pods (4 shades) are $35 each.

For more expert gift picks, check out Spoiled Pretty's 2009 Holiday Beauty Gift Guide!

Winners of The Bake Shoppe Giveaway!

Congrats to Nicky Balandiat, Terri Bruney, Paula Caudill, Lynn Harasym, Audrey Morgan, and Michelle St. James - winners of The Bake Shoppe Giveaway, generously sponsored by Philosophy.

These ladies will win this decadent bath and body set, inspired by sweet treats.

The Bake Shoppe includes ($30): 4.0 oz Pink Frosted Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath; 4.0 oz Raspberry Mousse Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath; 0.5 oz Raspberry Mousse Flavored Lip Shine; and 2.0 oz Sweet Creamy Frosting Body Lotion.

The Bake Shoppe is available at Sephora and philosophy.com.

Nordstrom Private Beauty Event: Get On This!!!

Right now, Nordstrom is having a private beauty sale. It's not advertised on the main page of their website - but if you click this secret link, it will transport you to where the magic happens.

Enjoy incredible gifts with purchase and special offers from Anastasia, Armani, Bare Minerals, Bobbi Brown, Clarisonic, DDF, Dior, Essie, Guerlain, Jo Malone, Kate Somerville, Kiehl's, La Mer, Laura Mercier, NARS, Prada, Shu Uemura, Smashbox, YSL and many more!

I'm usually pretty good at keeping things on the DL...but when it comes to beauty deals like this, you can bet your bottom dollar that I'm gonna sing like a canary.

*If you spend $100 or more, don't forget to enter promo code HOLIDAY09 for free shipping!

Avon Gift Tag Nail Files: Holiday Beauty Gift Guide

Whoever came up with these is a genius. These holiday gift tags double as nail files. They're $1.99 each and available at avon.com!

For more expert gift picks, check out Spoiled Pretty's 2009 Holiday Beauty Gift Guide!

Rebecca Minkoff Black Friday Weekend Online Sale!

Rebecca Minkoff’s Stud Devote handbag (above) is my handbag soulmate. I am OBSESSED with this bag, and you can see why. If I could design the perfect purse, this would be it. I love its modern sophistication with rock and roll edge.

The Stud Devote is a conversation piece. Every time I wear it, strangers stop me on the street. In fact, earlier this week when I swung by my local Starbucks to pick up a Caramel Brulee Latte (soy, no whip), a woman stopped me to ask who made the bag and where she could buy her own. At $550+, depending on where you purchase, this bag packs quite a pricey punch. But with a handbag this gorgeous, it'll be the only one you care to carry.

Now through Monday, November 30th, Rebecca Minkoff is hosting a Black Friday sale; she's slashing prices on her collection. The Stud Devote (in Almond, Papaya, Plum and Steel) is $400 - down from $695. Hit up the sale now...quantities are limited.

Also, this entire weekend, Rebecca Minkoff is raffling off three bags a day! So don't miss out on some seriously chic arm candy.

Me with my beloved Stud Devote handbag

If you love the look of the Rebecca Minkoff tote, but your purse strings are a little tight, this one by Deux Lux is a budget friendly alternative.

Origins Peace of Mind: Holiday Beauty Gift Guide

Here's one of my holiday pet peeves: you're involved in a gift swap and the max amount you can spend is $10. Don't cha just hate that? What inevitably ends up happening is you wind up buying some throwaway gift and you think to yourself, "I should have just put an Alexander Hamilton in an envelope and been done with it."

Well, this year when you find yourself in that situation, I have the perfect gift pick: Origins Peace of Mind.

Peace of Mind is Origins' original stress-buster. When the world closes in on you and your head feels a size too small, apply just two dabs and you'll feel a tingling sensation as pressure, tension and tightness begin to melt away.

Any time I've got a lot on my mind and have trouble relaxing before bedtime, I dot this stuff on my temples, between my brows and on the nape of my neck. It's like a creamy, liquid lullaby. So next time you have to buy a present and penny-pinch, give the gift every one wants and needs: a good night sleep.

Origins Peace of Mind is available at Macy's and origins.com.

For more expert gift picks, check out Spoiled Pretty's 2009 Holiday Beauty Gift Guide!

MAC Warm & Cozy

A fireside fantasy far from the maddening crowd is undeniably appealing.

Seek refuge in the warmth, the glow of skin rosy with Refined Golden Mineralize Skinfinish, Shadesticks in Cuddle, Nurture and Snuggle shades, cozy as a mug of cocoa on a bearskin rug. Curl up with the cashmere kiss of Warm Me Up Lipstick or Light That Fire! Lipglass; the woodsy, rustic chic of Mulled Cider Eye Shadow and Dim the Lights Nail Lacquer. Like being in a majestic lodge surrounded by all of life’s real comforts. Natural beauty, the way MAC makes it modern.

Warm & Cozy Face, with Care Blends Essential Oils in Sweet Orange + Lavender, or Grapefruit + Chamomile feels soothing and sultry when elements are harsh and extreme…add MAC signature innovation with Mineralize All-Over Moisture Lotion, and see new radiance, revivified lustre, optimum health. Like going on retreat and communing with nature, it’s an earthly way to bring back what the city takes away, and a sensual solution to make life simple, but luxurious. Winter beauty begins here.

Lipstick, $14
Spiced Tea: Warm bronzed brown (Glaze)
Warm Me Up: Creamy mid-tone neutral pink (Amplified)
Siss: Muted golden beige (Satin)



Lipglass, $14
2N: Creamy neutral yellow pink (Cream)
Feeling Dreamy: Pale neutral pink with pink pearl (Frost)
Light That Fire!: Mid-tone burnt coral with pearl (Frost)
3N: Neutral brown with gold and pink pearl (Frost)



Shadestick, $16.50
Cuddle: Frosted light golden yellow
Nurture: Frosted pale neutral peach beige
Warm & Cozy: Frosted burnt amber with red and gold pearl
Relaxed: Frosted dark chocolate brown



Eye Shadow, $14.50
Chamomile: Creamy pale yellow (Satin)
Modelette: Mid-tone warm camel (Satin)
Mulled Cider: Dark warm brown (Satin)
Embark: Intense reddish brown (Matte)



Mineralize Skinfinish, $27
By Candlelight: Golden pink
Comfort: Golden bronze



Lip Conditioner (tube), $13.50
Lip Conditioner (stick), $13.50



Nail Lacquer, $12
Blissed Out: Creamy light nude
Dim the Lights: Creamy warm dark chocolate



Tinted Lip Conditioner, $14.50
Close for Comfort: Pinkish brown
Feelin' Good: Light neutral beige



Mineralize All-Over Lotion, $29.50
Gentle, non-sensitizing, and rich, this face & body moisturizing lotion is free of fragrance and color so it can be paired with pigments and oils to achieve a myriad of effects. It utilizes MAC Charged Water to boost the delivery of moisturizing ingredients using the "vibration" of the gemstone, Diamond.



Care Blends Essential Oils, $19.50
Infused with natural properties derived from plants, Care Blends Ess ential Oils are gentle
and healing on the skin. They leave the skin feeling energized and moisturized with a healthy
glow. These unique oils can be used alone, under makeup, mixed into skin treatment or mixed into makeup to increase emolliency and comfort, sheer down or increase playtime of a product
as desired.
Sweet Orange + Lavender
Grapefruit + Chamomile

Available in North America on December 26, 2009 at all MAC locations and maccosmetics.com. Available internationally in January 2010.

MAC Love Lace

Every couturier has forever had a fascination with the mysterious and alluring qualities of Lace.

From Evita to Marlene Dietrich to some of the best-dressed of our red-carpet modern screen stars, it’s a long love affair.

This salon-intimate collection is all about a dramatic, intense, smoky eye, with shadows that flash frosty grey to deep blue.

Kohl Power is brought back for a limited time in favorite shades plus a new blackened marine blue. And naturally, 44 Lash adds the depth and desire. Lips stay pleasingly pale and Nail Lacquer in Light Affair adds a hint of danger.

If ever there was a moment to do away with the winter doldrums and add some instant intrigue, this is it.

Lipstick, $14
Pretty Please: Pale pink pearl (Lustre)
Intricate: Frosted cool icy taupe (Frost)


Lipglass, $14
Icescape: Sheer pale pink with pink pearl (Frost)
Utterly Discrete: Sheer frosted cool icy mauve (Frost)



Eye Shadow, $14.50
Pincurl Dusty: White (Frost)
Hypnotizing: Frosted greyed mauve (Frost)
Love Lace: Frosted mid-tone grey-ish blue (Veluxe Pearl)
Suave Intentions: Light frosted silver blue (Veluxe Pearl)


Kohl Power, $14.50
Sense of Style: Blackened deep marine blue
Raven: Intense red with black pearl
Feline: Rich black (I've heard that this is THE black eyeliner and a must-have)

Eye Kohl, $14.50
Fascinating: Intense matte white


Zoom Lash Mascara, $13
Zoomblack: Rich black


Eyebrow Pencil, $15
Stud: Deep Rich blackened brown


Lash, $13
44 Lash: Unique combination of separate bundles at inner corners and dramatic winged out corner


Nail Lacquer, $12
Night Affair: Creamy pale grey taupe

Available in North America on December 26, 2009 at all MAC locations and maccosmetics.com. Available internationally in January 2010.

Lancome Friends & Family: 20% Off!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I hope that you all have a beautiful day with friends, family and loved ones. I'd like to take this opportunity to tell each and every one of you how appreciative I am that you visit Spoiled Pretty and converse with me. This blog brings me more joy than I can articulate - and you are the reason I keep doing what I do.

So, from the bottom of my heart...thank you. Now go pig out!

Follow Spoiled Pretty on Twitter!

Happy almost Thanksgiving, y'all. I have the day off - so I've been furiously posting to bring you the best Black Friday beauty deals. And I'm also working on some new additions to my Holiday Beauty Gift Guide (stay tuned).

But I just wanted to make sure you're all following me on Twitter. If not, you should...because I'm working on some fantabulous beauty giveaways - some of which you'll only be able to enter via Twitter. So get your tweet on and follow Spoiled Pretty!

Zoya GREEN Friday: Get 6 FREE Nail Polishes!

Spend $20 or more at zoya.com and receive six of Zoya's favorite green nail polishes...for FREE!

Zoya Tangy: unexpected metallic yellow/green
Zoya Envy: gleaming jade green with subtle shimmer
Zoya Midori: medium green shimmer
Zoya Irene: sparkling mossy green metallic with subtle sparkle finish
Zoya Suvi: rich emerald city metallic
Zoya Veruschka: matte gunmetal evergreen with shimmer

Code will activate on Thanksgiving (11/26/09) at 5 p.m. EST. So you will have plenty of time to gobble your turkey and then gobble up Zoya's great greens too (who needs football anyway). Code will expire on Friday (11/27/09) at 5 p.m. EST. Use promo code GREENFRIDAY at checkout.

*Promo code valid online at zoya.com only. Offer valid in continental US only. Consumer orders only. Offer not valid in conjunction with other promotions, discounts or offers. One code per order. Allow 2 weeks for order processing.

Holiday Deal From LORAC: Free Lipsticks!

LORAC is offering an amazing gift opportunity this holiday weekend. Starting today, spend more than $50 at loraccosmetics.com and you'll receive free shipping along with two full-size Multiple Rush Lip/Cheek Sticks in Love Rush (pink shimmer) and Crush Rush (rose)...plus a mini Couture Shine Liquid Lipstick.

This promotion lasts through Tuesday, December 1 (or while supplies last).

Bobbi Brown Friends & Family

From November 30 to December 2, take advantage of Bobbi Brown's Friends & Family promotion. Shop bobbibrown.com and receive 20% off your order!

No code necessary; discount is automatically applied at checkout.

Free at Sephora: Kat Von D Tote Bag

This reusable tote, designed by tattoo artist Kat Von D, is yours for FREE with any $25+ Sephora purchase...but you must be a Sephora Beauty Insider. Print out the image above to redeem in stores. To bag this bag at sephora.com, enter TOTE09 at checkout. Promotion starts Friday, November 27.

If The Boot Fits: Tall Boots For Big Calves

You know the song "Poor Unfortunate Souls" from the movie The Little Mermaid (don't pretend you didn't sing every one of Ariel's songs in grade/high school)? Well, I've decided it's the theme song for the plight of thick calved girls searching for tall boots.

For months, I've had a serious case of tall boot envy every time I see a chick on the street rocking a knee high boot. I, myself, am short with extra girthy Gastrocnemius muscles. So the thickest part of my lower leg falls in the spot that is usually the thinnest part of the boot.

Since September, I've been trolling shoe stores to find my Cinderella boot that will effortlessly slip over my monstrous calves - only to be dejected and embarrassed when even the roomiest boot won't work its way past my ankle. I even contemplated buying from online retailers like widewiths.com and aylaboots.com. But I'm the kind of girl who can't purchase clothes and shoes from the web; I'm hard to fit and need to try before buying.

So I lucked out two weeks ago during a last ditch mission to Nordstrom's shoe department. I found these Steve Madden Intyce boots on sale ($129 down from $199) and they managed to slip on without the need for elbow grease.

Problem is that the only thing that would fit between my leg and the leather would be a pair of tights or leggings...certainly not a pair of pants or skinny jeans. So I took my new boots to Villa's Shoe Repair (266 S 19th Street in Philadelphia), a fab shoe repair shop a few blocks from my office. They stretched the boots and waterproofed them for less than $30. Plus, the helpful owner punched extra holes in the buckle - free of charge - to further accommodate my zaftig calves.

Thanks to Steve Madden and Villa's Shoe Repair, I can finally stop sipping the tall boot haterade.

Kate Somerville Friends & Family: Take 30% Off!

For four days only (November 27-30), take 30% off your purchase at katesomerville.com. Use promo code KATE2009 at checkout.

H&M Black Friday Sale

On Friday, November 27 from store opening until 10:00 a.m., H&M is giving shoppers 25% off any item of their choice! Planning to hit the snooze button a few (dozen) times? H&M has sleepyheads covered too. There will be fab fashion finds starting at $5 and select outerwear styles at 50% percent off.

Most H&M stores will open at 6am; some will open as early as 5am. Use the store locator here to find the H&M closest to you!