We invest so much time and effort in the way we look, from dresses to bags to the jewels we flaunt, so why does it all seem to fall apart at our feet?

Meet Sock Theory, whose theory is that socks and legwear should be just as pretty and clever as the rest of your look, maybe even more so.

We love legwear, so our hearts (and feet) went pitter patter when we spotted the ultra feminine and sweet styles that let us update our looks for $10 or less.

From lacy lace-up slipper socks to dainty lace ankle socks, black-and-white tights to pencil socks, cableknit leg warmers to toe socks (fascinating), there’s plenty to fall head over heels for (literally).

And, the cutesy Japan-inspired socks make the perfect little something to put in a certain someone’s Easter basket.

Where to get a leg up (and develop a foot fetish)?

Right here.

Fashion, The DailyBuss

Don’t ask us how, but Valentine’s Day is less than a month away already. We’re still feeling the effects of Christmas, so for Valentine’s Day we aim to keep things simple, lovely and low-key.

A truly sweet gift that won’t break the bank?

Custom birch pins by April Hiler Designs.

The cute little pins can be customized with your initials, which are lightly carved into the birch bark heart.

At just $5 each, you can pin one on your lapel and on your valentine’s.

Valentine’s ornaments and Love pins are also available, so you can express yourself in any sweet way you choose.

Where to fall in love?

Right here.

Fashion, The DailyBuss

Stocking stuffers? Always the icing on the (fruit)cake. In fact, I think ithey’re my favorite part of Christmas (the gifting part anyway). Here, 10 fab ideas for stuffing those stockings right. All under $30.

Emersonmade Friendship Carnation; TMI Text Photo Album; Mini Rainboot Gardens; Love Studs; Holly Golightly Sleep Mask

J.Crew Skinny Crushed-Glitter Belt; Micro Gem Headphones; Kate Spade Calendar; Jackie Heinsohn Carmen Earrings; French Toast Stamp

The Blog

Remember the days when holiday shopping was full of fun, suspense and surprises? We don’t either. We say skip the lines, the hassles and the crowds for a much more fabulous way of shopping instead (online). Our intrepid style editors have handpicked their favorite shops on the Web, presenting you with great gift ideas and sources, plus exclusive coupon codes. So, not only will your recipients be happy, your wallet will be too. Kick back, sip some cocoa and get to clicking. With all the time and money you’ll save, you might just have a fighting chance at enjoying the holiday season, after all. Click on the photos below to start shopping!

Fabulous Stationery We’re loving the new holiday designs from everyone’s favorite stationery site. From unique, personalized notes for party invitations to season’s greetings or stocking stuffers, choose from over 1500 designs and personalize any design for any occasion. Plus, this winter you’ll get a free pashmina on orders of $150 or more. With all this cheer, we say let it snow.	Supermaggie The perfect gift for every lady on your list? A gorgeous, one-of-a-kind, super-soft merino wool felt scarf by Supermaggie. The ideal gift for your favorite independent spirit, also find a line of edgy, nature-inspired tops, dresses and Ts for both girls and guys. One-stop shopping for the hippest people on our list? Sold.	Wishingfish Our fave gift site makes us smile again with clever gifts for the whole fam. From books like Geeky Dreamboats (Michael Cera, anyone?) to Smoking Mittens, Mad Men-esque aprons and iPod Retro Mini Speakers, we love that we can find something fun for everyone on our list, like this charming Eiffel Tower Grater. Even give the gift of a White Christmas with Instant Snow. Top that, Santa.
WINTER BREAK: Enjoy $5 off your order with code BUSSBUSS at checkout.	WINTER BREAK: Enjoy 10% off your entire purchase with code bussbuss09 through December 31, 2009.	WINTER BREAK: Enjoy 15% off your entire purchase with code BUSSWISH through December 31, 2009.
Zanisa Modern whimsy for all ages, we love the selection of jewelry, spa, home decor and toys. Specializing in handmade and sustainable goodies, holiday shopping instantly becomes a breeze with gift wrapping services and multiple ship-to addresses. And, be entered to win a $100 gift certificate on orders over $50 using code BUSSBUSS at checkout (winner notified by email on December 16, 2009).	SwaddleDesigns Oh, baby, baby. Best known for the Ultimate Receiving Blanket (babies and mommies and daddies love it), SwaddleDesigns debuts the zzZipMe Sack wearable blanket, featuring a clever two-way zipper to keep your cuddlebug warm, cozy and adorable all night. We love the coordinating stroller blankets, swaddling blankets, hooded towels and more.	Jackie Heinsohn Fun and fabulous, Jackie Heinsohn belts, bags, scarves, jewelry and more are the perfect treat for princesses of all ages and their best friends. Treat yourself and everyone around you (and by everyone, we mean babies and puppies too) to a special, happy holiday with handcrafted flair.
WINTER BREAK: Enjoy 25% off with code BUSSBUSS through December 15, 2009.	WINTER BREAK: Enjoy an exclusive 10% off regularly priced items with code BBHGG at checkout.	WINTER BREAK: Enjoy 20% off with code BUSSBUSS at checkout through December 31, 2009.
ModCloth Just added to our wishlist? The houndstooth plaid Shirley Holmes Trench from BB Dakota. With a darling bottom ruffle that provides the perfect feminine flounciness and the figure-loving belt giving a ladylike shape to the double-breasted, menswear-inspired coat, there’s no better way to go mod. ModCloth also has tons of cute vintage-inspired accessories and gifts, from necklaces to laptop cases to totes, tights, home decor and more.	Mark Joiner Buckle up, you’re in for a stylish ride. Austin-based designer Mark Joiner serves up fused glass with a mid-century modern kick. Treat the hard-to-impress on your list with a handmade, one-of-a-kind handmade belt, pendant necklace or platter (for the hostess with the mostest). Best of all, the belts look as great on girls as they do on guys, so treating your guy to a Mark Joiner original is stealthily a gift for yourself (don’t worry, we won’t tell).	Endless We adore Endless for the fabulous, endless selection of designer (Marc by Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade, Alexis Hudson, Botkier, Bulga) handbags and shoes (for girls and guys) and think this Mad Imports clutch makes such a stylish gift. And we really love that overnight shipping is free (and so are returns in case it just doesn’t work out). Risk-free holiday shopping? A Christmas miracle, indeed.
WINTER BREAK: Enjoy free shipping for a limited time on orders over $75 (automatic at checkout).	WINTER BREAK: Enjoy 10% off with code buss09 at checkout through December 31, 2009.	WINTER BREAK: Enjoy free overnight shipping on all orders (automatic at checkout). Procrastinators rejoice.

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