Shoe Leather: Behind the seams of Shoestring Magazine

Procrastinator's Guide to Last-Minute Holiday Presents

As an adult, I've tended to be a little manic when it comes to Christmas shopping—I'm either done buying gifts by Halloween or I'm just starting to chip away at my list on December 22nd, I'm either insanely organized or a complete procrastinator.

The latter actually used to be a time-honored tradition: in my teens and early twenties, my best friend Jessica and I would meet every Christmas Eve morning at the mall closest to our parents' houses and bang out all our gift buying in one go. We were always the only two chicks in the entire mall, not counting the Macy's makeup counter staff and the food court workers, and we loved it. There were no crowds, no lines in the dressing room (not that we were buying for ourselves...) and best of all, there were bargains EVERYWHERE.

If this sounds all too familiar, but you're stressed out about actually making it to a brick and mortar store in time, fear not. It's totally possible to save heaps of cash this holiday season AND buy your presents online at the last-minute, thanks to Brad Wilson, founder of top coupon site Brad's Deals, today's Steal of the Day resource.

"[It's] easy and cheap to procrastinate," Brad said. "There will be hundreds of stores that let you order through the 22nd or 23rd  (some as late as 11:59pm EST 12/23) and most will be offering free upgraded or overnight shipping either automatically or via a coupon code. I have not even STARTED shopping yet but I'm not sweating it! Blue Nile and Zappos, both the top online stores in their space, will be doing free overnight shipping for 12/24 delivery through 6pm and 4pm EST, respectively.  Other big names with confirmed late deadlines include Gap, Nordstrom and Sports Authority."

So, you heard it direct from the expert: don't sweat it, take your time, and you can still sock away the savings this season.

Check out his Holiday Shipping Deadlines directory at Brad's Deals now to see just how long you can wait to still work out purchases from your favorite retailers. Sort deadline dates and times by store name or by type of shipping (with standard, 2-day, or overnight options). Brad conveniently also created links to all available coupons from each retailer's listing, allowing you to find free shipping offers and other last-minute discounts. Enjoy—I know I am.

Birds of a Feather: Peacock & Hen Fashion Under $25

Today's Steal of the Day is brought to you by the pesky peacocks of suburban L.A., whose beautiful plumage is about the only thing keeping them from being taken out by a firing squad of frustrated neighbors. My, what breathtaking beauty will do to sway the hand of the bothered...

Feathers, whether trimming Rihanna's vests and jackets on stage or tucked simply into a classic updo for a red carpet ingenue, are very much back in vogue. Recalling the early decades of the last century and everything Art Nouveau and Art Deco, peacock and hen feathers have long been one of my favorite (and pretty frugal) accessories. They've been trickling into mainstream fashion over the past few years, ever since Miuccia Prada re-introduced peacock feathers with her Spring 2005 ready-to-wear collection on the Milan runways, and then of course there were Sarah Jessica Parker's peacock and feather headpieces, both promoting and featured in the Sex and the City movie. When something goes mainstream, it also becomes easier to find on a dime. Given their storied past, from Puritan to prohibition, it's always been pretty simple to find peacock or hen feather accessories at consignment, vintage, and secondhand stores—maybe even your  grandmother's boudoir—rather than cough up haute couture sums.

Here are some of my current favorites:

FOR HER

Painted peacock feather bangle bracelet from ZAD, $12 (Lulus.com)
I picked up a similar bangle bracelet in clear resin last July while on a business trip to San Francisco, and wore it religiously until winter hit. (Bangles and winter coat cuffs just don't mix. Wah.) LULU's Fashion Lounge not only carries this fabulous (and cheaper) version, they also have matching painted plastic earrings for $12 or the real thing: peacock feather and bead necklaces ($9) or earrings ($7). While the bangle bracelet is on back-order, I say shop now and soak up the style savings all spring and summer long.

Peacock Feather Wallpaper for iPhone, $0
Since my newest and flashiest accessory is my iPhone, I had to include this one (thanks, Ginger.) The plume photo comes auto-loaded as a default wallpaper from iPhone, and is a super easy way to display the current trend without spending a dime. Don't have an iPhone? Check the settings and manual for your own cell phone, PDA, or smartphone. If it accepts photos by upload or by camera phone, find a free peacock or hen feather on Google Images or Flickr by searching for "iphone peacock wallpaper" and then either save or snap an image. (Copyright free, of course...)

Plumage Headbands in Peacock or Hen Feather, $24 at ShopFlick
We can't stop thinking about the letter B for bombshells and bitchiness (read: Kenley Collins from the most recent season of Project Runway) when we see these gorgeous headbands from Katrina's Store on ShopFlick.com. They're simple and radiant, not overly burlesque or costumey, making them the perfect accent for a jewel-toned cocktail dress or LBD this holiday party season. Style tip: peacock feathers would probably look best on brunettes and redheads, while hen feathers would look nice on a blonde.

Hen Feather Printed Faux Leather Clutch, $13 at Charlotte Russe
What's not to love about Charlotte Russe? As always, this competitor to Forever 21 features the hottest trends for going-out clothes at the lowest prices. The hen feather clutch is reminiscent of a pricey version SJP recently carried on the red carpet, only much friendlier to the wallet. Also check out the bargain-priced hen feather earrings ($4) and the feather-fringed little black dress, just over budget at $29. Do us a favor, though: don't wear them all together or you'll risk looking like you belong on the buffet table, not the best-dressed list.

FOR HOME

30" Peacock Printed Rug, $14 at Urban Outfitters
What's that, you say? You need instant floor coverings because your relatives are coming to celebrate the holidays at your house? Never fear. Costing less than a cocktail, this petite peacock throw rug from Urban's is just the thing to tie the room together, be it the bathroom, the kitchen, or an overly large living room with bare corners. Also great for the bachelor or starving college student on your holiday gift list. (Pick one up for yourself while you're at it.)

Peacock Feather Butterfly Napkin Rings, $24 for 4 at Z Gallerie
There is nothing quite like napkin rings to bring a dinner table from drab to perfectly decorated in an instant. These bargain-priced beauties will steal the spotlight from a boring tablecloth or mismatched dinnerware, making your guests feel special and making decorating for the holidays both simple and friendly to your Shoestring budget. They also make the perfect gift for moms, aunts, and other consummate happy hostesses on your holiday shopping list.

Steal of the Day: Anya Hindmarch Handbags

OK, so this isn't really "news", as British fashion designer Anya Hindmarch introduced her line for Target  over a month ago, but considering the number of compliments I get on my handbag (shown above in Target's ad) and how little I paid for it (relatively speaking), I felt it was worth a mention as today's Steal of the Day.

Anya Hindmarch has pretty much flown under the radar in the US for the past two years—but no more. She is probably best known for her contribution to the design of such awareness-raising products as the "I'm Not a Plastic Bag" canvas tote ($29, shown at right), all 20,000 of which sold out at Saintsbury's grocery store in London in under an hour after they were introduced in April 2007. Anya's designs are rooted in classic style but with a powerful purpose.

It was really difficult this fall to read any women's magazines or watch any style or trend reports without seeing one of Anya's duo-tone python creations for Target featured. (Which is why the most style-forward version, the blue and black large shoulder tote, sold out immediately and can now only be found on eBay at a 200% markup.)

If you're still searching for the perfect gift for the fashionista in your life, run, don't walk, to Target and pick up one of these fabulously expensive-looking yet budget-friendly handbags before they're removed from retail stores on December 26th. The large black python shoulder bag, featured at left, is just $35, and the larger version (my personal favorite) comes in at just under $50.

Don't have a Target store near you? Find all of the Anya Hindmarch for Target bags at Amazon.com, along with replicas of the "I'm Not a Plastic Bag" tote for just $29.

Steal(s) of the Day: Sock Monkeys, Gifts from $5 to $50

In honor of this week's feature story about nesting and gifts that comfort, and in honor of unveiling the new logo for our upcoming weekly picks website, Bargainista.com (launching this spring), Meghan and I thought we'd dedicate our first-ever Shoestring Steal of the Day to that "icon of American thrift and inventiveness": the sock monkey. We were so inspired by sock monkeys for our logo that we went a little overboard, and we wouldn't be the slightest bit surprised if you did, too.

So, to instill or revive a nostalgic love affair with these plucky homemade pals, check out our selection of holiday gifts for kids (and kids at heart) of all ages, from handmade to hilarious, all under $50:

FOR KIDS:

Sock Monkey Jack in the Box, $25 (Amazon.com)
Who needs scary clowns when you've got a friendly sock monkey! We saw this fantastic update on the classic kids' toy at the Museum of Modern Art store (MoMAStore.org), and were sad (but not surprised) to find that they'd already sold out. For just a few more dollars, you can find it at Amazon (where you can also buy it together with an original Schylling sock monkey for around $40, plus free shipping in time for the holidays). Just try not to have Pop Goes the Weasel stuck in your head all day. (We certainly weren't able to pull that off.)

Sock Monkey Costume for toddlers, $20 (BuyCostumes.com)
We couldn't resist the idea of being "that aunt" a la Ralphie's bunny suit in A Christmas Story when we saw this sock monkey Halloween costume. If you have a little one in your life (whose parents also happen to have a sense of humor), stock up now at serious savings and give the gift that gives back next October. We promise the pictures will be priceless—just hope and pray for the little one's sake that those same parents show restraint and don't make the poor kid try it on next to the tree.

Fleece-lined Wool Hat with Tassels, $35 at PolkadotPatch.com
We fell in love with these hats from Animal Designs when purusing our local independent bookstore earlier this fall, and have scoured the interwebs to hunt them down. Imagine our joy when we found the Polkadot Patch Boutique, carrying not just our favorite hats but an entire "must-see" shop dedicated to Sock Monkey Animals & Gifts, including the "Cheeky Monkey" line of cotton tees, tank dresses, and onesies from Morfs (from $32 to $39). We heart this store for punky parents everywhere, even though the prices better lend themselves to aunts, uncles, and grandparents who love to spoil children.

Punky Monkeys by artist Clarity Miller, $30 each (Elsewares.com)
What child of the 80s could resist this Clash-inspired pair of sock monkeys? Plaid, grommets, homemade anarchy tees and all, these two are a must for any hard-partying breeders in your life (and their spawn). Beware, however, that true to tradition, this duo is all kitted out in safety pins, so they're probably not the best thing to have around small children. You don't want a mutiny or mosh pit to rise up in the crib, anyway. Not punk enough for Punky Monkeys? Check out the Socktopus, which is—you got it—a sock monkey octopus.

FOR FRIENDS WITH NEW KIDS:

Newborn wool hat and long john set, $35 (True2Ewe on Etsy.com)
Yes, you caught us, we've had a few new additions to the Bargainista Media friends and family crew this year, which has switched our minds permanently over to brainstorming the very best (and cutest) baby shower bargains on the planet. We scored big time with this handmade wool set from knitter True2Ewe on Etsy. Wouldn't you just die if you saw a little freshie sporting them at the coffee shop? Yeah, we thought so, too. Check out this knitter's other cabled sets for kids, including a custom little girl's hat with flower for just $20.

New Baby Sock Monkey Ornaments, $10 each (SpiritMama on Etsy.com)
As precious as could be, these darling ornaments are the perfect present to don the tree of those new parents in your life. Handcrafted by artist Waxela Sananda, these mini monkeys are made of polymer clay with yarn hair and are strung with coordinating ribbon (pink for girls, blue for boys). They even suck on tiny monkey pacifiers! We melted. Also, check out the seven additional styles of sock monkey ornaments from the designer's shop, ranging in price from $14 to $55.

Unisex Sock Monkey Onesie & Bootie Set, $36 (PolkadotPatch.com)
The ornaments above aside, we're not really keen on the idea of assigning classic color schemes to kids' sexes, which is why we absolutely love this gender-neutral set from Three Little Monkey's. Not only is it adorable, but it's practical, too, since it's easily transferable as a hand-me-down between siblings. Plus, it's available in sizes from 3 to 6 months all the way up to 12 to 18 months, so you can buy a size or two up for your newly parental friends, who'll love having backups on hand when the sprout inevitably sprouts up faster than they anticipated.

FOR KIDS AT HEART:

Sock Monkeys: 200 Out of 1,863, $7 (Amazon.com)
The product of a chance meeting between a sock monkey collector and a photographer, Sock Monkeys is a beautiful coffee table book of black and white portraits, first shown at the Julie Saul Gallery in NYC, which captures the essential character, charm, and individuality of the classic sock monkey. Contributors to the book include Jonathan Safran Foer, Penn and Teller, Simon Doonan, Isaac Mizrahi and Glenn O'Brien, who have "interjected original short stories inspired by the subject of their favorite sock monkey photograph," as Svenson noted. "The stories range from the sweet to the frightening, the sublime to the bizarre." Svenson is sort of like the Diane Arbus of toys that come alive at night, or so we like to think.

Sock Monkey Slippers for Adults, $28 (UncommonGoods.com)
Who doesn't want to snuggle up with a pair of warm slippers, once winter's chill slices through to the bone? Meghan and I each have a pair of these seriously silly slippers, and have rarely been at home without them since they and their pure cotton comfort entered our lives and shopping carts. Also available in baby ($18) and kids' ($22) versions. Why not just stock up now and make it a family affair?

Sock Monkey Cameo Pin, $24 (Trollflings on Etsy.com)
We love that all things brooch have become back in style this year, so why not have some fun with fashion? The sock monkey take on the traditional cameo portrait is unexpected and eccentric, but the silver scalloped backing and subtle glitter are as festive as can be. Style with a casually slung cashmere scarf over a little black dress and you've got some seriously understated silliness at work this season. Designed and sold by artist Amber Matthies in her Etsy shop.

Sock Monkey Series Graphic Novels by Tony Millionaire, $10 (Amazon.com)
For those of you who've never heard of Boston-bred Tony Millionaire, he's an Eisner-winning comic book artist and author whose other popular syndicated cartoon strip, Maakies, was animated for Saturday Night Live and Adult Swim. Graphic novels really have made quite a comeback in popularity over the past few years, and we were psyched to find and feature this spirited series featuring Uncle Gabby, a poetic monkey with "a penchant for top hats" and friends, including Mr. Crow, a plush crow. The dark humor and intelligent, cynical dialogue are not for young kids, although Millionaire did pen and spin off a children's series by the same name, including That Darn Yarn. All the Sock Monkey books are published by indie house Dark Horse Comics, and are available on Amazon.

FOR THE HEARTFELT CRAFTERS:

Peejay the Sock Monkey Kit, $10 (Target.com)
This little dude was too adorable not to include, even though he's only available on the Target website (not in stores) and, according to the shipping notes, won't arrive in time for the holidays. True to his name, when this kit is sewn and stuffed, a new sock monkey friend comes wearing pajama cap and slippers, and holds his very own Teddy bear. If I were a mom (or had room for my sewing machine in this 450 square foot shoebox), I would snatch one up for every kid on my list. Also perfect for teaching sewing basics to pre-teens and teens of both genders, since I'm sure home economics has sadly been cut from most school programs at this point (or will be shortly...)

Original Red Heel Sock Kit for Monkey or Elephant, $14 (Overstock.com)
If you're more of a classicist, then this is the crafting kit for you. The kit consists of two pairs of original Rockford Red Heel socks in small and large ("so you can craft mom and baby sock doll sets "), plus the same instructions for making Sock Monkey and Sock Elephant toys that have been included since 1920, when the Nelson Knitting Mills in Rockford, Illinois started packaging the directions with each sale of Red Heel Socks due to the overwhelming popularity of these work socks as crafting materials for 18th century moms.

JUST FOR FUN (AND NOWHERE CLOSE TO $50)

Sock Monkey Dress and Chair, $1500 and up (SockMonkeys.com)
These works of wearable and functional art put our giddiness envelopes to the test, and were the deciding factor in choosing a sock monkey as the logo for Bargainista. So, regardless of price, we couldn't very well have a post about sock monkeys without giving Minnesota artist Rebecca Yaker a shout out. Ms. Yaker originally designed the dress as a runway piece for the Walker Un-Prom: Not Your Mama's Formal, a benefit fundraiser for the Walker Art Center Teen Arts Council in Minneapolis. We came across this exhibit photo on Flickr from her later collection at the Minnesota State Fair, and quite frankly fell in love. Who wouldn't want that chair in their bar, nursery, or living room? Rebecca, if you're out there, we're accepting samples... :)