Truth be told, this year, Girlawhirl's not really that into over-the-top gifts. With plenty of friends searching for jobs or ridiculously underemployed, it feels a little un-American to put together a list of items that she expects to find under the tree. But as always, her family is already asking just what it is that she wants. So to kick off the holiday shopping season, here's her list of holiday wishes…

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Girlawhirl's in love – with a cardigan. She knows it's ridiculous, but if she thought that her co-workers wouldn't notice, she'd wear her new beauty – J.Crew's Marled Wool Cardigan – to the office every day…

Saved by hivers. Last saved by girlawhirl 2 days ago

There are certain staples in Girlawhirl's work wardrobe; cashmere from J.Crew, Elie Tahari pants, DKNY dresses, and below them all, comfortable shoes. Sometimes that could mean Donald Pliner or Stuart Weitzman, but more often than not, it's a pair of Cole Haan shoes or boots enhanced with parent company Nike's Air technology. While the high heels aren't quite as comfy as wearing a pair of sneakers, the flats really do come close. So when there's a sale on Cole Haan shoes and boots, Girlawhirl pays attention…

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With Thanksgiving around the corner, Girlawhirl's got a few stops to make next weekend, and she's gathering her favorite holiday hostess gifts before time runs out. Of course any hostess is happy to see a guest arrive at her door with a bouquet of flowers or a box of delicious chocolates, and Girlawhirl often stops for cupcakes or other goodies if she's on the way to a Super Pal's house, but for more formal holiday open houses or parties, she plans to have a few of these gifts on hand and ready to go at a moment's notice…

Saved by hivers. Last saved by girlawhirl 8 days ago

In Girlawhirl's office there's a copy of a recent magazine article taped above the coffee station. It touts the benefits of using a ceramic coffee mug versus one that's thrown out after using, and the benefits are many. Compared to those white styrofoam-like cups or even cardboard ones, a ceramic mug is far better for the environment. Yes, water must be used to wash it, but that was considered in the analysis. It was estimated that a mug is used almost 3,000 times and creates 30 times less solid waste than paper cups – and 60 times less pollution!

Saved by hivers. Last saved by girlawhirl 9 days ago

For the Thanksgiving holiday, Girlawhirl looks for something pretty and distinctive – but with a big dinner and plenty of dessert options, she'd never wear anything skin tight. With this colorful blouse she found at anthropolgie.com, she's all set for holiday parties, and holiday meals…

Saved by hivers. Last saved by girlawhirl 9 days ago

When rushing from the office to meet friends, Girlawhirl's not usually too fussy about how she looks. Of course, she'll make sure she has on some lipstick and that she looks presentable, but generally she's just happy to get out of the office and into the company of her friends where she knows she'll be able to laugh and enjoy her evening. But holiday parties are truly a different situation – especially those that are work and client related. She'll be meeting new people and interacting in a more social way with those that she often sees across the conference room table…

Saved by hivers. Last saved by girlawhirl 16 days ago

Since she's fully incorporated First Lady Michelle Obama's belt-over-the-cardigan look into her own wardrobe, Girlawhirl's been on the lookout for cute and colorful belts that she can add to her growing collection. And this patent leather beauty from bodenusa.com is one that she's already purchased in a couple of color combos…

Saved by hivers. Last saved by girlawhirl 16 days ago

Girlawhirl knows that a few late nights, too many sweets or carb-laden party snacks and the fast pace of the holidays can take its toll on not just how she feels but how she looks as well. And with party invites already coming in, she's taking a few steps to make sure she keeps her happy glow all season long…

Saved by hivers. Last saved by girlawhirl 18 days ago

The chefs on TV make it look so easy – rolling dough, sprinkling flour on their granite or marble countertops and producing perfectly prepared crackers, shortbread rounds, pie crusts and even puff pastry creations. Girlawhirl likes to think that she could do all those things too, but the reality of her life doesn't allow much time for making dough from scratch…

Saved by hivers. Last saved by girlawhirl 22 days ago