It’s better to give than to receive – sage advice we should all be following, especially during the holiday season. This nugget is doubly important to bear in mind when shopping for your next Yankee Swap soiree.

I know I can’t be the only one who suffers from severe shopping anxiety when it comes to finding the perfect communal gift. Your purchase is bound to change hands multiple times throughout the night, so it needs appeal to everyone.

Whether you’re shopping for family or friends, men or women, or a mixed bag of the aforementioned, show up with any of the following and your gift will be the envy of the evening.

Wine. You really can’t go wrong when it comes to gifting a bottle of vino. Stick to classics like Malbec, Merlot, Zinfandel, and Riesling to accommodate even the most discerning of taste buds. Dress it up by pairing your bottle of choice with a set of new wine glasses or wine charms to adorn the neck. Voilà! Instagift.

Gift cards. You’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone at a party who won’t appreciate saving a few bucks on their everyday staples. Coffee, music, and book purchases all fall under this umbrella, but feel free to get creative – try filling a decorative coffee mug with eye-catching tissue paper and resting the gift cards on top.

Think cozy. Pair winter-friendly items together to create an irresistibly comfy gift set. A fleece throw and a lightly scented candle will make the weather outside seem not-so-frightful.

Gourmet touches. The holiday shelves are stocked with plenty of tasty, pre-packaged gift packs. From hot cocoa to pastry mixes, there are more than enough appetizing options out there for aspiring chefs (or anyone with a sweet tooth). Find a unique bowl or platter to jazz up your presentation.

By Lauryn Paiva, Staff Writer

What are you bringing to your next Yankee Swap? Share in the comments below or tweet us at @ruelala.

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So here are our can’t-miss Boutiques, sure to get that list all checked off early – and of course, easily. (Who couldn’t use a little more easy?)

8AM ET:

This one should already be on your radar. At 8AM, we’re starting our Today’s Fix: Special Holiday Edition Boutique. 24 (incredible) Today’s Fixes in 24 hours? Enough said.

11AM ET:

We’re kicking off our favorite hour with a bang – and a luxurious one, at that. Vintage Rolex and Cartier watches, SOREL winter shoes (for the whole family), Barbara Bixby jewelry, and Yves Saint Laurent – classically luxe clothes, shoes, and accessories for both men and women. Plus, we’ve put together a few of our very own Gift Boutiques, practically overflowing with hand-picked gifts for men, women, and children. There’s something for everyone – and trust us, these gifts will be fondly remembered for years to come.

But we’re not done yet. Not by a long shot.

3PM ET:

To fully pack the entire day with incredible finds, we’re launching three more gift-friendly Boutiques at 3PM. French cookware from Le Creuset, made-in-Maine indulgences from Stonewall Kitchen, and elegant serveware from Arte Italica fill out the afternoon. For all those aspiring chefs and foodies, these Boutiques are not to be missed.

And if you are (somehow) still in search of something for that that has-everything person on your list? Don’t forget about our Get Gifty Boutique – always open, and always getting refreshed with brand-new items.

So go ahead and set your reminders (if you even need them). Cyber Monday is getting closer by the minute.

Our Cyber Monday Boutiques open Monday, November 26, at 8AM ET, 11AM ET, and 3PM ET.

Black Friday:

• Scour Black Friday ads after stuffing yourself with turkey on Thanksgiving. Chances are you won’t nab everything on your list, so you’ll want to target the items that are at the top.
• Heading out to the stores at midnight? Be sure to make a big mug of coffee around 10PM. That way, you’re sure to stay wide awake while standing in those long lines with your finds.
• When waiting in said lines, double your shopping by checking out all the Boutiques Rue has at 11AM and 3PM from your iPhone® (you have our app, right?) or mobile device.

Cyber Monday:

• Go big. Appliances and electronics usually have deep discounts on Cyber Monday – and it’s easier to put that 40″ LED TV in a virtual cart, rather than having to lug it through an actual store.
• Get your fix – as in Today’s Fix – all day. Rue will have 24 must-have gifts for everyone on your list. It’ll also be a good time to start finding gifts for yourself, too (’tis the season)!
• Take advantage of shipping deals like our Rue 30 to maximize convenience and savings (that’s the time to throw those fuzzy slippers into your cart).

Even after Cyber Monday, online holiday deals are plentiful, but here’s a few things to keep in mind:

• Shipping time frames. Most sites will give you an idea of when an item will be shipped out (on Rue, the “Ships in” information is below the “Add to Bag” button). This will be essential for the party dress you need before the big night. Look for upgraded shipping options when you need to. All Rue Boutiques will have the “Guaranteed for Christmas” treatment on applicable items.
• Return policies. Generally, e-tailers and retailers give you a little leeway in case Nana thinks you still like sweatshirts with kittens on them. Always take a peek before ordering – sometimes items like lingerie are final sale and can’t be returned. (Rue lets you return non-final-sale items until January 15, 2013.)
• Gift messaging. Sometimes it’s available, sometimes it’s not. Be sure to note which gifts you may need to send a corresponding card with. Making sure that the perfect gift is finished off with a “thank you!” is what holiday shopping is all about. You can write notes to your lucky recipients on Rue by clicking “Yes” on the checkout screen – right under your payment information.

By Amy Bootier, Corporate Concierge

What are your Black Friday and Cyber Monday tips? Share them in the comments below or tweet us @ruelala.

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

Dream closet, is that you? Enter to win a $2,000 shopping credit at Rue La La and that fantasy wardrobe just might call. (We’d answer if we were you.) Choose from anything on the site – from clothing and accessories to furniture, kitchenware, and more. This is one spree that can restock your party-dress closet (and knock everything off those wish lists) just in time for the holidays.

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

The Rue La La $2,000 Credit Sweepstakes
Official Rules
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.

Please read these rules before entering the Sweepstakes. By entering and participating in the Sweepstakes, you agree to be bound by these Official Rules and represent that you satisfy all of the eligibility requirements set forth below. 

Sweepstakes may only be entered in or from the 50 United States and the District of Columbia and entries originating from any other jurisdiction are not eligible for entry.  This Sweepstakes is governed exclusively by the laws of the United States.  You are not authorized to participate in the Sweepstakes if you are not located within the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.

1. Eligibility. Participation in the Rue La La $2000 Credit Sweepstakes (“Sweepstakes”) is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States & DC who are aged 18 or older. Sweepstakes is void elsewhere and where prohibited, taxed or restricted by law. Employees, officers and directors of Retail Convergence.com, LP (“Sponsor”) and Bloomspot, Inc. and each of their respective parent and related companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, partners, advertising, and promotion agencies, and any manufacturers or distributors of Sweepstakes materials (collectively, all of the foregoing, the “Released Parties”), and their immediate family members (parents, children, siblings, spouse) or members of the same household (whether related or not) of such employees/officers/directors are not eligible to enter. You are not authorized to participate in the Sweepstakes if you are not located within the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.  All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply.

2. How to Enter.  To enter the Sweepstakes, you must log into the registration page via the applicable link provided, complete the online entry information, read and agree to the Official Rules, and click the “Sign Up” button.

All entrants must have a valid email address. Limit one (1) entry per person/email address during the Sweepstakes Period. No automated entry devices and/or programs permitted.  All entries become the sole and exclusive property of Sponsor and receipt of entries will not be acknowledged or returned. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, illegible, stolen, incomplete, invalid, unintelligible, misdirected, technically corrupted, or garbled entries, which will be disqualified, or for problems of any kind whether mechanical, human, or electronic.  Only fully completed entries are eligible.  Proof of submission will not be deemed to be proof of receipt by Sponsor.

3. Start/End Dates. Sweepstakes begins at 12:00:01 am Eastern Time (“ET”) on November 19, 2012 and ends at 11:59:59 pm ET on November 28, 2012 (“Sweepstakes Period”).

4. Random Drawing/Odds. One (1) winner will be selected in a random drawing from all eligible entries received on or about November 29, 2012.  Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received for the drawing. All random drawings will be conducted by Sponsor. By entering the Sweepstakes, entrants fully and unconditionally agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which will be final and binding in all matters relating to the Sweepstakes.

5. Prizes:  One winner will receive a $2,000 Rue La La account credit (the “Account Credit”).  The Account Credit is not redeemable for cash. Sponsor will credit the winner’s Rue La La account in the amount of the Account Credit.  Account Credits are not valid for prior purchases or balances.  Account Credits must be used within one hundred twenty (120) calendar days after the Account Credits are deposited into the winner’s Rue La La account (the “Account Credit Period”).  Upon expiration of the Account Credit Period, any unused Account Credits will automatically expire.  Account Credits are subject to the Terms of Use of RueLaLa.com located at www.ruelala.com/common/terms.  ARV of all prizes combined: $2,000.00 USD.    Prizes are non-transferable.  No substitutions or cash redemptions. If in the case of unavailability of any prize, Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value.  All taxes and unspecified expenses are the sole responsibility of the winner(s). 

Winner(s) acknowledge that the Sponsor, the Released Parties and all other businesses affiliated with this Sweepstakes and their agents do not make, nor are in any manner responsible for any warranty, representations, expressed or implied, in fact or in law, relative to the quality, conditions, fitness, or merchantability of any aspect of the prize(s) being offered.

AN ENTRANT is not a winner of any prize, even if the sweepstakes SHOULD so indicate, unless and until entrant’s eligibility, and sweepstakes winner have been verified and entrant has been notified that verification is complete.  Sponsor will not accept screen shots or other evidence of winning in lieu of its validation process.

6. Notification. Winner(s) will be notified by email and may be required to sign and return, where legal, an Affidavit of Eligibility and Release within seven (7) days of prize notification.  If winner(s) cannot be contacted within five (5) calendar days of first notification attempt, if any prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, if winner rejects his/her prize, or in the event of noncompliance with these Official Rules, the prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner(s) will be selected, time permitting. Upon prize forfeiture, no compensation will be given.  Limit one prize per person or household.

7. License/Usage. By entering the Sweepstakes, entrants fully and unconditionally agree to be bound by these Official Rules, which will be final and binding in all matters relating to the Sweepstakes. By entering, entrants agree to the use of their names, addresses (city and state), photograph, picture, portrait, voice, likenesses, biographical information, and/or statements for purposes of advertising, trade, or promotion in any media (now known or hereafter known) throughout the world in perpetuity, without further compensation, notification, or permission, unless prohibited by law. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to obligate Sponsor to make use of any of the rights granted herein and winner(s) waives any right to inspect or approve any such use of any and every nature and kind. If any winner is deemed a minor, then such prize will be awarded to winner’s parent or legal guardian.

8. Release. By participating, entrants and winner(s) and any travel guests agree to release and hold harmless Sponsor and the Released Parties from any and all liability, for loss, harm, damage, injury, cost or expense whatsoever including without limitation, property damage, personal injury and/or death which may occur in connection with, preparation for, travel to, or participation in Sweepstakes, or possession, acceptance and/or use or misuse of prize or participation in any Sweepstakes-related activity and claims based on publicity rights, defamation, or invasion of privacy, and merchandise delivery. Neither Sponsor nor any Released Parties are responsible for any damages, taxes, or expenses that winner(s) might incur as a result of this Sweepstakes or receipt of prize.  Entrants who do not comply with these Official Rules, or attempt to interfere with this Sweepstakes in any way, may be disqualified.

9. Additional Terms. In case of dispute as to identity of entrant, Entry will be declared made by the authorized account holder of the email address submitted at time of entry. “Authorized Account Holder” is defined as the natural person who is assigned an email address by an Internet access provider, online service provider, or other organization (e.g., business, educational, institution, etc.) responsible for assigning email addresses or the domain associated with the submitted email address. Any attempted form of entry other than as set forth above is prohibited; no automatic, programmed, robotic, or similar means of entry are permitted. Neither Sponsor or Released Parties are responsible for technical, hardware, software, telephone or other communications malfunctions, errors or failures of any kind, lost or unavailable network connections, web site, Internet, or ISP availability, unauthorized human intervention, traffic congestion, incomplete, or inaccurate capture of entry information (regardless of cause) or failed, incomplete, garbled, jumbled, or delayed computer transmissions which may limit one’s ability to enter the Sweepstakes, including any injury or damage to participant’s or any other person’s computer relating to or resulting from participating in this Sweepstakes or downloading any materials in this Sweepstakes.  Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify, extend ,or suspend this Sweepstakes should (in its sole discretion) virus, bugs, non-authorized human intervention, fraud or other causes beyond its control corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness or proper conduct of the Sweepstakes. In case of termination, Sponsor will select the winner(s) from all eligible entries received prior to and/or after (if appropriate) the action taken by Sponsor. Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual it finds, in its sole discretion, to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes or web site.  Sponsor may prohibit an entrant from participating in the Sweepstakes or winning a prize if, in its sole discretion, it determines that said entrant is attempting to undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes by cheating, hacking, deception, or other unfair playing practices (including the use of automated quick entry programs) or intending to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other entrants or Sponsor representatives. There is no purchase or sales presentation required to participate.  A purchase does not increase odds of winning.  Sponsor is not responsible if Sweepstakes cannot take place or if any prize cannot be awarded due to travel cancellations, delays or interruptions due to acts of God, acts of war, natural disasters, weather or acts of terrorism. No more than the stated number of prizes will be awarded.

CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN ENTRANT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEB SITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE SWEEPSTAKES MAY BE A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, THE SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

10.  Limitation of Liability; Disclaimer of Warranties.  IN NO EVENT WILL THE RELEASED PARTIES BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR LOSSES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF YOUR ACCESS TO AND USE OF THE SERVICE AND/OR THE SWEEPSTAKES, DOWNLOADING FROM AND/OR PRINTING MATERIAL DOWNLOADED FROM ANY WEBSITES ASSOCIATES WITH THE SWEEPSTAKES. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE RELEASED PARTIES’ TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL DAMAGES, LOSSES, OR CAUSES OF ACTION EXCEED $100. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, THIS SWEEPSTAKES AND ALL PRIZES ARE PROVIDED “AS IS”  WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. SOME JURISDICTIONS MAY NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES SO SOME OF THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. CHECK YOUR LOCAL LAWS FOR ANY RESTRICTIONS OR LIMITATIONS REGARDING THESE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS.

11. Disputes; Governing Law.  The parties waive all rights to trial in any action or proceeding instituted in connection with these Official Rules, including, without limitation, the Sweepstakes. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to these Official Rules and/or the Sweepstakes shall be settled by binding arbitration in accordance with the commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association. Any such controversy or claim shall be arbitrated on an individual basis, and shall not be consolidated in any arbitration with any claim or controversy of any other party. The arbitration shall be conducted in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, City of Boston.

THESE OFFICIAL RULES AND THE INTERPRETATION OF ITS TERMS SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS CONFLICTS OF LAWS RULES. For any matters which are not subject to arbitration as set forth in these Official Rules and/or in connection with the entering of any judgment on an arbitration award in connection with these Official Rules and/or the Sweepstakes, the parties irrevocably submit and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in or closest to the County of Suffolk in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The parties agree not to raise the defense of forum non conveniens.

12.  Use of Data.  Sponsor will be collecting personal data about entrants online, in accordance with its privacy policy.  Please review the Sponsor’s privacy policy at http://www.ruelala.com/common/privacy.  By participating in the Sweepstakes, entrants hereby agree to Sponsor’s collection and usage of their personal information and acknowledge that they have read and accepted Sponsor’s privacy policy.

13. List of Winners. To obtain a list of winner(s), send a self-addressed, stamped envelope by February 28, 2013 to: Retail Convergence.com, LP, 20 Channel Center, Boston, MA 02210, Attn: Marketing Department: Winner Confirmation Request – The Rue La La $2000 Credit Sweepstakes.

14. Sponsor. Retail Convergence.com, LP, 20 Channel Center, Boston, MA 02210

Get ready for the ultimate shop crawl. We’re talking all-night shopping in Boston, an A-plus roster of our favorite designers, exclusive discounts, and a great cause – what could be better than that? (The answer is nothing.) Join us this Thursday, October 18, from 5PM–9PM ET in our home city for Shop The Night Away, a swoon-worthy shopping event produced by OO.com featuring discounts at some of the most stylish retailers in the industry (think Michael Kors, kate spade, DVF, and more).

Need another reason to shop? Add yourself to the RSVP list to become a member of OO.com, a funding platform that provides educational opportunities to students all over the country. It’s a fashion no-brainer.

Now, all you have to do is click the link below, check off the stores you want to visit, and well, shop the night away.

Stay ahead of all the Shop The Night Away action on October 18 by following us @ruelala. Don’t forget to add yourself to the list (RSVP is required).

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

Fresh off the workweek with the whole weekend in front of you – what’s not to love about Saturday? Now that the weather is getting even cooler, I’m happily passing up that shopping trip in favor of a little cyber spree. For everything from dresses and fur-trimmed coats to heels and boots, our Seize the Day: The Saturday Spree Boutique is the one-stop shop for everything I could possibly want – without tripping over mall walkers along the way. If I had to choose? These three items would be the ones I’d scoop up.

1. BCBGeneration Black Shoulder Pleated Mini Dress

2. Matthew Williamson Cream Knitted Fox Fur Shrug

3. BELLE by Sigerson Morrison Suede Tall Shaft Boot

Our Seize the Day: The Saturday Spree Boutique opens Saturday, October 13, at 11AM ET.

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

Here’s how to emerge victorious.

Before the doors open:
1. Make sure your account information is up to date. You don’t want to realize you don’t have a credit card listed – or that the one you have is expired – right in the heat of shopping. Having updated information entered will also enable you to use Quick! Buy It. (More on that below.)

2. Make a list of your favorite Rue La La designers, and check your closet to see what size you are. Also, if you have a dress or skirt length you like, take a measurement.

Once inside:
1. When you get inside the Boutique, scan the list of designers and go quickly to the one you love most. You can also sort by category to get started.

2. Hit the “view all” option so you get a bird’s-eye view of all the offerings in your category.

3. Move fast. Really. We can’t stress this enough. The prices are phenomenal. Leisurely browsing is not your friend.

4. Once you find your must-have item, check out right away with Quick! Buy It. And, thanks to The Rue 30, once you place your first order of the day, standard shipping is free for all orders 30 days after that! It’s better to check out multiple times than lose a treasure.

5. Repeat, starting with 1.

When you’re done:
1. Sit back.
2. Call a friend.
3. Gloat shamelessly.

Above all, have fun.

Our The Final Sale: Women’s Act 1, The Final Sale: Men’s, and The Final Sale: Kids’ Boutiques open Tuesday, September 11, at 11AM ET.

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

Aries
That empty feeling you’ve been harboring? Don’t over-think it. It’s probably just your inner need for an array of arm candy. Experiment with mixing metals and textures – we’re talking woven rose gold, meets shiny silver, meets striking pops of neon. Not helping? Consult the candy aisle.

Taurus
Go ahead, plow through those tasks you’ve been avoiding like the plague — like finally pulling the trigger on that fringe handbag. The payoff is so much more rewarding than the unease of an unfinished project (or void in your closet).

Gemini
Mile-a-minute? It’s just your style. So keep yourself in check with a new statement watch, a day on an empty beach, or a much-deserved hot fudge sundae. Little indulgences will keep you relaxed during even the busiest of weeks.

Cancer
Don’t let recent setbacks get you down in the dumps. Learn from disappointing experiences: missed out on those to-die-for Free People floral pants? Next time, snag two pairs and leave those rookie shoppers to learn from their own mistakes.

Leo
So, you’re a fan of instant gratification (so are we). When it comes to life, don’t give in to disappointment when something doesn’t work out right away. Some of the best things are worth the wait (hello, savings account dedicated to the Hermes bag fund). But when it comes to shopping? Buy. Everything. Immediately.

Virgo
Goals, the finish line, anything with chocolate – these are things always on your mind. Sadly, sometimes our plans don’t work out the way we hoped. The best attack? Take everything in stride, and focus on that silver lining. If that doesn’t work, stick to sterling silver, instead.

Libra
If there’s one thing you’re good at, it’s keeping the peace. And the best way to put your superhero talent to work is to rock a little bit of everything. We’re thinking law-defying leather pants, some sweet-and-innocent floral prints, and an oh-so-hobo satchel.

Scorpio
No one likes to talk about the uncomfortable stuff – but it’s time to man (err, woman) up. Have that conversation you’ve been avoiding. If you need a little confidence boost, wear that pair of shoes that makes you five inches bolder, those perfect-fitting jeans that are more comforting than your old teddy bear, heck, wear your lucky jersey – just do it already.

Sagittarius
In lieu of holding onto grudges, we suggest working through the little things with presents. That’s right. Butting heads with a co-worker? Get on their good side with an apologetic coffee, gift certificate, bracelet – anything. In the wrong or not – your relationship is about to get a whole lot easier.

Capricorn
Planning is kind of your thing (every episode of Real Housewives is DVR’d; you always remember birthdays, etc). Put those forward-thinking skills to work for you by leaving cookies or a thoughtful thank you note for the UPS man (trust us, he will forever treat your black and white packages with care).

Aquarius
It’s funny how they never specify whether the proverbial “road less traveled” is the short or long way around. But in your case? It’s the latter. Don’t worry so much about getting there – just pack everything you own (yes, you will need the oversized tote and the box clutch) and hope for the best.

Pisces
This might come as a shock, but you need to relax. Whether it’s an hour-long facial (honestly, you’re probably due for some pampering), or a shopping spree that fills your closet with everything you do (and don’t) need – we say, indulge. Just grab your (new) floppy hat, sip a glass of lemonade, and breathe.

Now how exactly does it work? Say there’s an item you love, but it sells out. With Still Want It, you’ll be able to tell us just what you’re looking for, and if we can get it for you, we’ll charge your credit card and send it.

Being able to give our Members more of what they want is always first on our list. So look for our new feature on most of our product pages. And don’t forget to take advantage of all the other ways we’ve made getting what you want even easier:

Quick! Buy It.
First, make sure you have a preferred credit card and shipping and billing addresses saved in My Account. Then all you have to do is select Quick! Buy It. on the product page to get your must-haves with fewer clicks (which ensures you don’t lose the finds you love).

Reminders
See an upcoming Boutique you really like? Sign up for the Reminder — just click the “Send Me a Reminder” button on the Boutique page next to that brand, and you’ll have an email (or text message, whichever you prefer) the morning the Boutique opens. All Members get an 11AM ET mailing letting them know a Boutique is open, but Reminders allow you extra notice so you’ll never miss out on a favorite Boutique again.

Returns Your Way
Buy worry-free. As long as it’s not marked Final Sale, you can choose to receive either a merchandise credit and free return shipping, or a refund to your original form of payment minus return shipping costs (just visit My Returns and follow the steps for Returns Your Way).

Our Members inspire our best ideas. So be sure and tell us how we can make your Rue La La experience even better. And let me know how you like Still Want It!

Meet Maria Gangemi, Director of Brand Management of Accessories and Footwear at Rue La La. A seasoned buyer whose taste level is through the roof, Maria speaks softly and carries a big sense of style. She can spy multi-ply cashmere from 100 yards. She knows every trend before it’s even a trend. She can pack in five minutes to go anywhere in the world and find the hottest thing out there with two hands tied behind her back.

Rue La La: When you go to say, Milan, what are you looking for?
Gangemi: Usually in Milan we’re looking at handbags and shoes. You look for freshness. Who looks good. What’s new, something we don’t have. You look at creativity. Shapes. Ornamentation. Things that look handcrafted. Materials that are special and unique.

Rue La La: When you’ve discovered something major do you know right away?
Gangemi: It’s instantaneous. I know the second I walk in. On my last trip it was these exotics … in these metallic washes. It was the coloration, the treatment. Taking something done and making it fresh.

Rue La La: You’re quite the jetsetter. How often do you travel? And what’s your packing secret?
Gangemi: I go to Europe four to five times a year. The key is to do one color story. I layer blacks or greys. You layer for warmth. Nothing too heavy or hot. You’ll end up carrying it around. And stay away from light colors because you’re getting in and out of taxis, cars, and planes. Two pairs of shoes – one comfy and one for night.

Rue La La: Do you check your bags?
Gangemi: I did it once long ago and learned my lesson. We’re on a tight schedule and have to hit the ground running. I take one roller bag and one tote with a handbag inside. European airlines are very strict. British Air, Alitalia – it has to fit inside their guidelines – so check before you go.

Rue La La: What’s a great investment right now?
Gangemi: Something you’ll love forever. A great handbag that fits a computer. Because it’s too hard to run if you’re carrying both!