I never thought the books were well-written, but I did find the story engaging. The movie, on the other hand, was done very well. And Robert Pattinson? Mmm.

Not surprising, then, to show you what I’ve just ordered: the two-disc special edition of Twilight- which means more Edward and Bella around here. And just look at what’s included:

Audio commentary by Catherine Hardwicke, Kristen Stewart, and Robert Pattinson (!)
Muse music video: “Super Massive Black Hole”
Paramore music video: “Decode”
Linkin Park music video: “Leave Out All the Rest”
Five extended scenes with director introductions
Five deleted scenes with director introductions
Seven-part documentary: “The Adventure Begins: The Journey from Page to Screen”
Comic-Con “fandom” piece
Comic-Con NY sizzle reel
Three trailers
Penelope trailer

The two-disc Twilight Special Edition DVD is $22.99 from Amazon »

P.S. While you’re at it, go ahead and order the Twilight Soundtrack- an awesome collection of tunes, and one of my favorite soundtracks ever.

With the world economy being what it is, however, I have to admit that I was a little wary of the new film based on the first book of the series. Would the subject matter be in poor taste, in these days when even Vogue is publishing lists of “gifts below $10″?

Turns out, I had nothing to worry about: the film - like the book- is fun, smartly done, and most importantly, entertaining. As I sat through the movie, watching the adorable Isla Fisher being adorable, I forgot about my own- er- shopaholicness. Some things were over the top, yes, but the book prepared me for that. I’m looking forward to the sequel(s) now.

Did you see Confessions of a Shopaholic? What did you think?

Happy New Year, all- hope you had lovely, stylish Holidays!

- It might rain, so take an umbrella. Bring a raincoat. Wear waterproof shoes if you have them. Dress warm. Bring an extra sweater, and socks.

- If you have one of those cane/seat doohickies, or some other type of easily portable folding chair, now’s the time to whip her out. Sitting on the wet ground doesn’t sound like my idea of a party, but hey, if you like it, I love it.

Whatever you do, DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT VOTING. The minute you even consider it, remember that people in this country made great sacrifices, including their own lives, so that they and others might have the right to vote, and that people in many other countries around the world would do anything for that ability. Don’t disrespect that by leaving because you’re bored or tired or cold or wet.

Go read more of his tips »

But the truth is that however unstylishly you vote today, please vote. If you need help, check out CNN’s Elections 101 »

It should come as no surprise, then, that I’ve chosen to write about Ancient Assets, an online store that sells ancient coin jewelry. That I love jewelry is obvious- I sometimes feel like every other post on this site features jewelry. Naturally, jewelry that contains a bit of history in every piece is so me.

I love, too, that the Ancient Assets site features write-ups on the history of the coins, giving us a glimpse into the history of each. The Alexander the Great coin pictured here- which features not Alexander’s head but Hercules’- for example:

…”were minted during Alexander’s life, and continued to be minted in the twenty years following his death by Macedonian generals who divided his kingdom, and for another two centuries by independent cities as international coinage.”

Each piece of jewelry also comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, signed by Ancient Assets’ “senior numismatist” (or coin scholar). Included in the certificate are details on the coin, its historical importance, and approximate date and location of origin… so yes, you really do feel like you’re buying a historic artifact and a beautifully made piece of jewelry.

At around a thousand dollars for each piece, all of this doesn’t exactly come cheap- but isn’t the chance to literally own a piece of history- as the site states, these coins may very well have “passed through the hands of Socrates, Caesar, or one of the first Christians thousands of years ago”- priceless?

Right now at oldnavy.com: from Oct 20-22 only, if you spend $75 or more get 15% off; spend $100 or more and get 20% off. Just use the promo code “GETMORE” at checkout.

$11.99 at Amazon »

Need to chill? Get it for $6.50 at CoffeeForLess »

Indiana Jones Costume
No other “hot costume” this year is as dashing, in my opinion, as Indiana Jones. This “deluxe” edition includes a brown explorer jacket with attached shirt, tan pants- and, of course, the signature Indy character hat. From $33.99 at Amazon »


Baby Lobster Costume
If you’re dressing up your baby for Halloween this year, there is nothing cuter than this baby lobster costume. I mean, seriously- how cute is that? $23 at Amazon »


Candy Clown Costume
What’s wonderful about costumes like this, the precious Candy Clown for Toddlers, is how classic they are. Your toddler will look absolutely precious in it, too. $21.95 at Amazon »


Jack Sparrow Costume
And no, I haven’t forgotten the adults. For the guys, I like this Captain Jack Sparrow Outfit (which is officially licensed by Disney). It comes with a shirt and vest, fabric sash, 2 belts, pants, boot covers, hat and bandanna with beaded braids! All that for $64.99 through Amazon »


Princess Fiona
And finally for the ladies, I thought I’d keep it simple but fun with the Princess Fiona Wig with Tiara and Ears. I’m a huge Shrek fan, and I like how this wig celebrates a strong female character, and not a Halloween hussy, like so many adult female costumes available. Just $11.72 at Amazon »