NEW YORK (AP) — The season for giving is upon us, and what do many of us ask the most of? Our clothes.

Yes, with each serving of pecan pie, butter cookies and egg nog, we are making a deal with our wardrobe to stretch with our indulgences.

An easy solution could be an expandable silhouette — even, gasp, elastic waistbands. This season, you’re in luck: The tastemaker crowd has embraced soft, slouchy, cozy styles as irreverant and cool, says Susan Cernek, senior fashion editor of Glamour.com. Read the full story

NEW YORK (AP) — The list of gifts can be short this year: Fair Isle knits, plaid anything, pea coats, flannel shirts, maybe some skinny-leg cargo pants or something in red.

That should cover everyone from grandpa to the kids. It’s the rare occurrence this holiday season that some of the biggest fashion trends transcend demographics.

“Now that communication is so much faster, trends are quicker and everyone has access to them,” explains Nina Garcia, fashion director at Marie Claire. “All these trends get adapted quickly to men’s, women’s, children’s, and the trends from the celebrities and runways are generalized so quickly for the broader market.”

It helps that many of this year’s “trends” are largely adaptations of classic, iconic holiday looks, adds Nicole Fischelis, vice president of ready-to-wear at Macy’s. Yet there is a feeling of newness because there feels like more of a high-fashion influence over it all, she says. Read the full story

Stores across the country are trying to lure holiday shoppers earlier, some on Thanksgiving morning. And they’re planning plenty of deals over the next several days, especially Friday, one of the busiest shopping days of the year known as “Black Friday.”

Here’s a look at who is opening when and selected deals they’re offering. Store hours can vary; call your local store to confirm opening times. Read the full story

Our Last-Minute Panic Guide To Navigating The Malls:

Christmas is when?! (Duh, Dec. 25.)
And today is what?! (Hello, it’s Dec. 21!) And your presents are where?! (Still at the store? Yikes!)

You don’t have much time to waste — so save a little by planning your shopping trips with our primer of holiday hours — and a few last-minute events. (Now dash away, dash away, dash away, all!) Read the full story

As the holiday party invites pile up, the last thing a budget-conscious shopper should do is try to assemble a different outfit for every occasion.

“The least expensive way to update your holiday wardrobe is to stay focused,” says Palm Beach Gardens’ Amy Gordon, founder of ArtfulWears.com .

Invest in a single dress to transform with accessories, Gordon says. “Solid colors are best — but don’t think it has to be black. A beautiful blue, purple, red or teal can all be striking and still work with a variety of shoes, etc.” Read the full story

It’s time to pick toys for Christmas. Undoubtedly you are wondering two things: What are the hot new toys? Which ones can I afford?
Here’s some help:

Ages: 0-2 Years
1. Elmo Tickle Hands
Fisher-Price, $29.99
The Elmo phenomenon continues. Kids put on these Elmo-like fuzzy red gloves. When they touch something, the gloves make sounds and talk.

2. MEGA Bloks Build ‘N Go Table
MEGA Brands, $39.99
An all-in-one blocks kit: Unfold the portable table and it becomes a base for creating a mini-world with blocks, stickers, a little person and even a car.

3. My Pal Scout & My Pal Violet
LeapFrog, $19.99
These little plush doggies sing, talk and interact with your preschooler.

4. Tonka Chuck My Talking Truck
Tonka, $29.99
If your kid calls to him, this little interactive truck rolls toward your child, ready to play. Touch his bumper or lift the bed, and he’ll talk and make fun noises.
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To add events to the Fashion Calendar: Special Holiday Shopping Edition, e-mail Staci Sturrock at ssturrock@pbpost.com

Department store events

Tiffany & Co. in Palm Beach:
• Blue Book Collection — Jewelry presentation, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday.

Bloomingdale’s Palm Beach Gardens:
• Me Jewelry Trunk Show — Mother-daughter design team’s handmade jewelry, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday-Saturday .
• David Yurman Dazzle Event — New collection and complimentary cleaning of Yurman pieces, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday .
• Lilly Pulitzer Gift — Spend $350 on Lilly Pulitzer Resort, get free sarong, Thursday.
• Cupere Jewelry Trunk Show — Semiprecious gemstones, shells, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday.
• Basler Event — Consultation from Basler rep, noon-3 p.m. Friday.
• Gay Harrison Jewelry Trunk Show and Appearance — 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 5 and noon-6 p.m. Sunday.
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Do you have a gift card on your holiday wish list? So do many people. The National Retail Federation says that it still tops the list of presents that gift recipients are asking for this holiday season.

But just because you want a gift card to your favorite clothing store or restaurant doesn’t mean you will get it.

According to a survey by the NRF, shoppers are expected to again pull back on buying gift cards this year in favor of getting more for their buck with discounted merchandise.
Read the full story

Our guide to 25 made-in-Florida gifts, from perfume to surfboards!

There’s no place like home for holiday shopping. Save on shipping! Support the little guy! Show your Sunshine State pride!

For gift givers looking to buy local — and by “local,” we mean “Florida” — here are 25 suggestions, ranging from Chalet Suzanne soup to Stephen Bonanno sandals.

Little Miss Perfect apron and chef hat, $30, available in a variety of prints, fits children ages 2 to 6. Handmade by West Palm Beach resident Kristina Yang. Search for Key2Life’s shop on etsy.com


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MALLS

Gardens Mall (Palm Beach Gardens)
Events: $50 gift card for purchases over $500 for PGA National Spa while supplies last

Mall hours: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

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