December 18, 2007 | Everyday Wisdom, Questions Answered

This is the time of year when most of us like to express appreciation to those folks in our lives who’ve made our lives a little easier. It’s a kind and altruistic motivation that quickly turns into a big ball of stress because it can be really difficult to pick out things that say “thank you” and will be truly appreciated by the recipient and don’t cost too much. This is made all the more complicated by the fact that often we’re giving to people we don’t know that well outside of school/work/daycare.

Do not panic! I promise we can get you through it. In fact, I’ll just be lazy and refer you back to the post I wrote last year on this very topic.

But I also got an email on this topic, so let’s talk about it some more; I know Danielle can’t be the only one who’s struggling with this or a similar issue. (more…)

December 13, 2007 | Everyday Wisdom, Questions Answered

Call me sexist if you must, but I think that quite often, men are really difficult to buy presents for. Women tend to be pickier, but the men I know are much quicker to spend money on themselves, leaving the rest of us stumped when a birthday or holiday rolls around.

Heidi knows all about this; she writes:

I’ve been married for 13 years, love my husband, but NEVER know what to buy him. If he wants something he buys it. I usually do the stand by gift like a shirt or slippers. Any suggestions?

It’s the “if he wants something he buys it” bit that gets many of us. There are only two ways around it: Either you have to buy something he wanted but didn’t think was affordable (and that means finding a killer deal), or you have to buy something he didn’t know he wanted. (more…)

December 12, 2007 | Questions Answered, For the kids, Product Talk

The lovely Susan writes:

Mir,
I love your site because I hate shopping and you basically do it for me!

I’ve got a problem I need help with. My 4-year-old daughter has nothing to wear on Christmas day. I cannot find a simple, holiday dress for her. I know - I’m waiting until the last minute. Still, what is the deal? We don’t like frilly, tulle-y, satiny things around here. We like plain and simple, but pretty. Her dress last year came from Land’s End and it was just a plain, red, velvety dress - tank-like at the top, to the shins with a princess waist. They’ve let me down this year, though, as they have nothing we like. I have found one or two possibles, but they’re way expensive - especially for a one- or two-time wear.

Can you help???

(I just realized while typing this that I’ve landed my dream job—I shop for other people. It’s always fun to come to work, if you’re me!) Anyway, yes! Yes, Susan, I think I can help. (more…)

December 10, 2007 | Questions Answered, Product Talk

The lovely Ann writes:

O Pretty Mir!

I am so hoping that you can dazzle me with your wisdom about comforters vs. duvet covers vs. bedspreads, as I need some direction. I have seen sage advice from you on sheets and thread counts, but now I need some advice about what goes on top!

I am looking to purchase a new comforter for my queen sized bed, but have been disappointed in the past with comforters that just don’t last. My current one has not stood up well at all, with the top fading terribly from the children sitting or laying on it (our bedroom often functions more as a family room than the family room!), plus the filling inside has practically disintegrated and is all bunched up at the bottom! I only had it about a year, and it wasn’t inexpensive.

I’m willing to pay for quality, but I just don’t know where to turn. I have been intrigued with duvets, but am not sure I would be happy with one. The sales staff at Macy’s tell me that they stay in place inside the cover and hold up well, but I’m not sure I believe that.

Do you have an opinion? Can you tell me how to research this? Who carries quality brands?

So many questions! Thank you for any help you can provide.

(I especially like how Ann asks if I have an opinion. Because I’m so shy and retiring, and hesitant to share my views.)

Anyway. Let’s get to it, shall we? Don’t despair, Ann! Help is on the way! (more…)

December 3, 2007 | Everyday Wisdom, Questions Answered, For the kids

The very pretty Jean writes:

I looooooooooove your idea of having a gift stash. My question is, how do you decide what to put in there? I want to give gifts that kids will love, but how to figure out what that is? Any suggestions? My son is 3.5 and is already starting to get invited to a ton of bday parties. Thank you your pretty-ness

In addition to being a world-class suck-up (thank you, Jean—you’re looking quite beautiful today, yourself!), Jean asks a pertinent question for those who are new to the idea of a gift closet: How do you know what to buy?

Let’s face it; get this one wrong, and you could be squandering lots of money rather than saving it. Having a stash doesn’t mean “buying everything on sale,” it means “buying things you know you’ll be able to gift throughout the year.” So how do we do that? (more…)

November 27, 2007 | Everyday Wisdom, Questions Answered, What to Wear

Suzanne writes:

Dear Mir,

I was searching the web for tips on how to redo my wardrobe, and I came across the perfect site… yours! I am a 16 year old girl on a rather small income. My parents won’t let me get a job until I’m done with high school, and I have to pay for gas. I get $100 a month from them. While this sounds like more than enough for someone my age, my problem is that I would like to give my wardrobe a little make over. I’ve always been the boring T-shirt and jeans kind of girl. Recently my style taste has changed and I’d like to wear something more fashionable. I am into darker clothing, without going over into the goth/emo area. I really like the layered look too. Also, most of my friends are guys and I like imitating their styles with a feminine touch. I have a closet full of clothes, but it seems like I’m missing what I need to complete my look. Do you have any advice on some key pieces that I could use to boost my style a little (without leaving me stuck at home because I can’t afford gas)?

I’m so touched that there’s a teenager in the world who doesn’t think I’m hopelessly dorky, that I am now mentally hugging Suzanne and stroking her hair. She, on the other hand, is now questioning her decision to write to me.

Today we’re going to do something a little bit special. I shared Suzanne’s query with my buddy Susan over at Friday Style, and we’re teaming up to give a complete answer that covers both style and shopping. (more…)

November 14, 2007 | Questions Answered, Quick Tips

The very pretty Jaime writes:

Dear (beautiful) Mir,
I know most shoppers already have their Christmas shopping done, but I am not one of them. Do you have any inside word about stocking stuffers? Preferably socks and underwear, deodorant and razors for my husband? We are keeping it simple this year with a $25 max for a stocking and I have to squeeze every last dollar til it screams.
Thank you!

First off, I feel the need to point out that—contrary to Jaime’s assertion—most Americans don’t even start their holiday shopping until after Thanksgiving. So do not fret, pretty Jaime! There’s still plenty of time, and you needn’t heap more stress on yourself this way. Please repeat after me: “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, I am going to get some bargains.” There. Don’t you feel better? (more…)

October 16, 2007 | Questions Answered, What to Wear

Last week while we were talking revamping your wardrobe, Dave popped up with with this:

Any insights for men? My wardrobe is starting to get worn, and I have neither fashion sense nor a wife to dress me.

Now, I know that the majority of Want Not readers are female, but we do have our loyal little contingent of men, and I think this is a fair question. I spend a lot of time discussing fashion for the ladies; what about the guys?

There is, as far as I’m concerned, one cardinal rule of fashion that goes for everyone (male or female), and the rest of the rules follow from the first. Listen up: Your clothes should fit. (more…)

October 10, 2007 | Everyday Wisdom, Questions Answered, What to Wear

Let’s talk about clothes, baby!

Kristin writes:

Hello pretty Mir! I’ve got a bit of a dilemma I hope you might be able to help me with. I lost a pretty significant amount of weight this year. Hooray, right? Yes, mostly, except for one thing - I quite literally have nothing to wear! Winter is approaching and my wardrobe consists of two pairs of jeans, a handful sweaters, a few of pairs of slacks to wear to work and one really rockin’ dress I bought myself as a reward. I need to do some major shopping and haven’t tripped over any buckets of money lately. I can’t wait for the end of season clearances like I usually would because I will very soon have to leave the house naked. I need pretty much everything - casual weekend clothes, business casual clothes to wear to work and a few cute things for date nights and the like. I not a clothing snob, but I don’t want everything I own to come from Old Navy, either. I generally prefer to spend a little more on something that is going to last. Also, I’ve worked hard and want to show off a bit! What does one do when faced with having to replace an entire wardrobe quickly and on a budget? Help!

Have I mentioned you’re so very pretty?

Thank you!

Congratulations on your weight loss, Kristin! That’s an awesome accomplishment, and you definitely deserve a fabulous wardrobe to go with your new bod. (more…)

October 1, 2007 | Questions Answered, For the kids, Product Talk

The very pretty—erm, wait, I think maybe handsome—Nick writes:

Mir, You are very very pretty and your blog is the bomb dot com. I was wondering if you could help me out finding some deals on things for little ones, more specifically the very very little ones. My good friend and his wife just had their first baby, a little girl. I would like to get them a present, but don’t have a whole lot of coin these days. I almost ordered the little bear costume you posted the other day, but wasn’t sure if blue was appropriate for infant girls. Also, any advice on what new parents might need would be helpful, as I am only in my 20s and this is my first friend to have a little crumb snatcher. Thanks again my pretty friend.

Nick

This is a great question, because most of us reach an age where suddenly all of our friends are spawning, and the “what do we buy for a new baby?” question starts coming up a lot. Fortunately this issue a lot easier to deal with than you might think. Because it turns out that there is no shortage of stuff to buy for babies! (more…)