Black Friday Deals From Not Your Average Ashley Affiliates

The holiday shopping season is upon us.

Several of the stores/companies that I'm affiliated with are offering special savings for Black Friday.

Here's a rundown of what's available. Please note that all of these deals contain affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you click on them and make a purchase.

Happy shopping!

ModCloth is offering 50 percent off hundreds of new arrivals for their Beyond Black Friday Sale through Sunday, Nov. 30 at 10 a.m., PT. Additionally, you can get gift ideas using their Holiday Gift Guide, which is where I found the cute Betsey Johnson Photographic Charm Bag in the photo above.

Shutterly is offering a free 12-month calendar on Friday, Nov. 28 with code FREECAL, as well as 10 free cards through Sunday, Nov. 30 with code BLACKFRIDAY (conditions apply).

Tiny Prints is offering 30 percent off any order, plus an extra 10 percent off through Sunday, Nov. 30 with code 1128DEAL. They're also offering 10 percent off all orders through Wednesday, Dec. 31 with code 2014TP10 at checkout.

Choies is offering 90 percent off the entire site, plus free shipping during their Black Friday Grand Sale, which runs through Friday, Dec. 5. No code required.

Kohls is offering free shipping on orders of $25 or more from Saturday, Nov. 29-Wednesday, Dec. 3. No code required.

SheInside is offering 30 percent off Vintage Dresses for the holidays from Friday, Nov. 28-Monday, Dec. 1 with code 30XMASDRESS at checkout.

Payless is offering up to 50 percent off women's boots through Sunday, Nov. 30. No code required.

Strike a Pose: Betsey Johnson Camera Bag

I've been into photography for as long as I can remember.

When I was a kid, someone gifted me a small camera with Mickey Mouse on it just like this one before a big trip to Disney World.

It was the kind of camera that took 110 film and flash cubes. Ah, memories.

At first, I ended up with a lot of blurry shots and pictures of my pointer finger. But after a while, I got pretty good at taking photos.

My interest led to a minor in photography, and now I shoot photos for the newspapers/websites I work for.

So, I was immediately drawn to this adorable Betsey Johnson purse shaped like a camera from ModCloth. I had originally planned to tell my mother-in-law about it and ModCloth's handy 2014 Gift Guide. The bag would be the perfect Christmas present.

But when a shipping snafu caused ModCloth to offer me 15 percent off my next order, it was the perfect opportunity to go ahead and get the purse as an early birthday present for myself.

It's so cute, and I especially love the little details, like the jeweled flash and "3 2 1" words and phrases around the lens.

Are you into photography? How did you get started? Tell me in the comments.

Outfit details:
Coach Tour Dress in Houndstooth from ModCloth
T-Shirt from Old Navy
Tights from Target
Moccasins from Minnetonka (I've had these for at least 10 years, and they're still going strong.)
Betsey Johnson Photographic Charm Bag from ModCloth
Ring from Etsy shop I Am So Not Cool
Locket from Old Navy (old)
Hat handmade by my grandmother

This post contains ModCloth and Betsey Johnson affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you click on them and make a purchase.

Forever 21 Floral and a Floppy Hat for Fall

Alliteration much?

Sorry, I just couldn't help it.

Fall in Florida continues, and the weather is flip-flopping from warm to chilly and back again. I want to dress for autumn, but I have to do it strategically to stay cool in the heat.

I wore this outfit to a local gardening event and community showcase on Sunday. I thought the floral print on the dress was appropriate, and the hat covered my messy hair.

That's the great thing about hats, isn't it? They're fashionable and functional. ;)

Outfit details
Dress from Forever 21 (in stores only)
Maddie Ghillie Wedge from Payless
Purse from Payless (old)
Hat from Icing
Leaf Charm on Short Necklace from Art Beads
Long Leaf Necklace from Anthropologie (old)
Earrings from Charming Charlie
Ring from local craft fair (one-of-a-kind)

This post contains Forever 21 and Payless affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you click on them and make a purchase.

Tights That Change Colors?

What color do these tights look like to you?

When I found them in the store, I was sure they were dark green. I didn't have any green tights, so I bought them and put them away while I waited for a chilly day to wear them.

Well, that day finally came this week, and when I pulled my new green tights out of my drawer, I was a little confused.

The green tights that I had bought somehow looked navy. But when I put them on and looked at them in the mirror, they looked green again. Then I put my shoes on, and what do you know--the tights changed back to navy.

All this flip-flopping from dark green to navy reminded me of peacock feathers, which inspired my accessories.

I like the outfit I put together regardless of the color of the tights.

But I still haven't figured out which hue I'm wearing. Is it green? Or is it navy?

Outfit details
Dress from Anthropologie (old; similar from H&M, similar from Target)
Tights from Target (in assorted colors, including dark green and navy ::wink::)
Shoes from Go Fish Clothing (old)
Purse, vintage, thrifted
Headband from Icing (old, similar)
Temporary Tattoo from Etsy shop Pepper Ink

Holiday Gifting Ideas from ModCloth

This post contains ModCloth affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you click on them and make a purchase.

When it comes to Christmas, my mother-in-law's motto is go big or go home.

She hosts all the relatives on Christmas Eve and immediate family on Christmas Day, cooks a spread of delicious food, and puts Santa to shame with her gift giving skills.

I'm not the easiest person to shop for, so The Legend (a well-deserved nickname that was recently bestowed upon her) always asks me to create a wish list so she knows what I'd like to unwrap on Christmas Day.

The list usually ends up full of items from ModCloth, who just so happens to be making gifting pretty easy this year with their 2014 Holiday Gift Guide. You can shop using their handy categories, or check out presents inspired by trendsetting bloggers.

Here are three items from the guide that I'm including on my list this year:

• Betsey Johnson Photographic Charm Bag

• Frame of Radiance Jewelry Holder
• I Want to Warm Your Hands Mug

What's on your holiday wish list? Tell me in the comments.