May
30
Books and Best Lunch!
Filed Under Eat and Drink, Great deal, Paper | Leave a Comment
The Shop Tart needed a book yesterday. She wanted a copy of “The Man Who Ate Everything,” by Jeffrey Steingarten, but they didn’t have it, so she ordered that and a copy of his other book, “It Must’ve Been Something I Ate.” You see, in one of her other lives, the Shop Tart is an occasional food writer and she idolizes Jeffrey, in fact has idolized him since she first read his work in Vogue when she was an impressionable young teenager. She’s owned copies of his books before, but she keeps giving them away…
The Happy Bookseller is the best place in town to go book shopping. The staff is great, the atmosphere relaxing and suitably literary and, as a total bonus, the café is amazing! The Shop Tart called several friends to join her and sixty percent of the group ordered the Chicken BBQ Salad, a delectable treat only available on Thursdays and Fridays. The salad, pictured below, consists of a fresh green salad, topped with the café’s own dill cole slaw and chicken barbeque, and sprinkled with sunflower seeds. The dill dressing that comes with the salad is so good that whatever you don’t use on the salad must be scooped up with crackers or your companion’s potato chips.
As you can see, the Shop Tart bought another book to occupy her until the other ones arrive. As you can imagine, the Shop Tart is also a fan of Sophie Kinsella, author of the famous (in her little world!) Shopaholic books. Of course, she’s a member of the Happy Bookseller Reader Club, which gets her a nice little discount on any book she buys (and a big one of it happens to be a best seller!) When you go, be sure to take a look at the display wall behind the cash register to see what the best book clubs in town are reading. Those book club ladies really know how to pick them!
After lunch, the Shop Tart and her friends had miniature lemon cream cupcakes, prepared by Anne Reynolds, daughter of Sue Hodges, the lady in charge at the fabulous Happy Café. They were absolutely delicious and made the Shop Tart sincerely regret her choice to stay up until almost midnight the night before making cupcakes for her ten year old to take to school, when she could have just ordered them from a real chef! They only need a couple days notice and have very reasonable prices, probably less than what it cost the Shop Tart in actual cash, plus pain and suffering, to do it herself.
The Shop Tart really needed to unwind after her exhausting day, so she and her husband had dinner at one of their absolute favorite places in town, the upscale Thai bistro Baan Sawan. The Shop Tart and her sister-in-law had the Red Curry Sea Bass, which was absolutely divine. Although she says this every time, it must be said again (and again and again), “This was quite possibly the best meal Chef Alex has ever made!”
Mr. Shop Tart had the Larb Salad with Chicken, as always, and his brother had something involving beef that must have been delicious, because he didn’t offer to share. Owner, sommelier and bartender Sam suggested a divine wine, like he always does. Perfection!
In other news:
- A lot of boutiques exclude denim when they’re having a sale, probably because it’s as basic and seasonless as underwear. But Fortay is offering 20% off all denim, including Hudson, Chip and Pepper and William Rast! It’s rare to see that kind of sale on jeans, so get in there while they still have your size! Fortay is also expecting a shipment of new Vineyard Vines bowties, boxers, neckties and bathing suits, just in time for Father’s Day.
- Handpicked is celebrating its 20th Birthday! Today and Saturday, get 20% off original jewelry. And be sure to stop by for daily specials and a gift with purchase…
- The Gourmet Shop is having a sale on Vietri, up to 50% off. Vietri has the most gorgeous planters…and serving dishes…and regular dishes… The Shop Tart is a little bit too excited about that sale and worried that she might go overboard at the wine tasting they’re hosting on Saturday. Danielle with Grassroots will be in the store to taste several wines from 2-5 pm. The tasting is only $1, but you may ended up spending a lot more on Vietri!
- Have you heard? SEX AND THE CITY OPENS TODAY!!! Ahem. Exciting, isn’t it? Apparently, Emily at M Boutique is as excited as the Shop Tart, because she’s having a movie premiere sale and offering 15% off your purchase all day, from 11 am until 5 pm. Don’t you need a new outfit for the premiere and Cosmos afterward at Gervais and Vine? If you’re seeing the movie at Sandhills Cinema, why not stop by nearby Solstice for appetizers and…Cosmos!
- To get in the mood for the movie, stop by Simply Savory for their Friday wine tasting, from 4:30 until 6:30 pm. They’ll be sampling two rosés, a syrah and another red. See you there!
Have a great weekend!
May
29
Dear Shop Tart…
Filed Under Bags, Clothes, Shoes | Leave a Comment
Dear Shop Tart,
I’m 34 years old and just had my fourth child. My bitchy darling, 22 year old sister is getting married in July. I should be happy for her, but she’s having her wedding on the beach and all attendants, including my mature self and a bunch of 22 year olds, are expected to wear bathing suits! I don’t understand why she would do this to me. I was a pretty decent older sister. What do I do? -Desperate Mom of Four in Aiken
Dear Shop Tart,
My boyfriend recently asked me to travel to his home in the Bahamas to meet his family, including his sisters who happen to be beach bunny surfer types…and recently retired Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. I’m petite and curvy. My boyfriend loves the way I’m shaped, but I don’t have enough confidence to rock a bathing suit all day around his leggy sisters. Apparently, his family spends the day in their suits, including meal time. I’m a city girl. Would it be rude for me to insist on wearing my going-out-to-eat pants at meals? -Curvy and Stylish in Columbia
Dear Shop Tart,
I’m about to attend an all-day pool party celebrating my 15th High School Reunion in Garden City. I plan to have like twelve beers and some Tequila a few drinks at the party and don’t want to risk any wardrobe malfunctions. Also, I would like to appear successful and glamorous. It is a high school reunion, after all! All of my exes will be there! -Beach Girl, Class of ‘93
Dear Shop Tart,
I’m a twenty-three year old, vivacious fourth wife of a distinguished gentleman who is eighty-seven years young. What should I wear around the pool at his fancy club? I’m ready to get rid of my cut-off jeans and tube tops. Also, I think a makeover might encourage the other ladies at the club to include me in their Bridge game. I love Bridge. Help! -Trophy Wife on the Coast
Piece of cake, ladies! In her quest for the perfect bathing suit, the Shop Tart ran across quite a few of what she calls “Special Occasion Cover-Ups.” These are statement making cover-ups, with bags and shoes to match! The statement is something along the lines of, “Look at me! I’m gorgeous, comfortable, glamorous and mad stylish!”
This look, from VanJean, is guaranteed to make you feel glamorous. The Milly top would work well over any bathing suit, with or without pants. Underneath is a green Milly bikini. The white linen pants are by Elijah and can be worn dressed up or down. The Shop Tart has been watching a lot of “Love Boat” re-runs these days and driving her husband crazy as she squeals over the glamorous resort clothes, which are so now! The outfit below would be perfect for having a drink at Isaac’s poolside bar…
How about this ensemble from Pink Sorbet? The fabric is gorgeous, a re-introduced vintage Lilly Pulitzer feather pattern. This top is thin enough to be worn in hot weather and it can keep some of the sun off your delicate shoulders. It could be worn alone or belted with white pants for a dressier look. And check out this caftan in the same fabric, très “Gilligan’s Island”, in a good way!
And how about these two, in terry from Mary! The one on the left could go to the pool or a night club. The one on the right could go, well, just about anywhere! Both are made of the ultimate beach fabric, terry cloth.
The look below was a Shop Tart favorite, by Milly from VanJean. Milly has a whole line of resort wear. The bikini is in the same print as the tunic. How cute! The navy print beach bag and gold charm bracelet are the perfect accents!
For an easy evening look, try the stretchy dress by Tibi, shown at left with a navy blue Milly bikini and straw bag, all from VanJean. Add a stack of thin gold bangles for extra glamor! The maxi dress on the right is by Lilly Pulitzer, shown in the window of Pink Sorbet, perfect to throw on for cocktails by the pool*!
The tunic below was another Shop Tart favorite, from Pink Sorbet. The colors are gorgeous and the fabric is a light and cool silk. And those wedges (see them closeup here) would look great with so many summer outfits!
Pink Sorbet had more sandals than the Shop Tart could count, most of them jeweled. There was a pair to match every piece of clothing in the store! Owner Beth Baxley also had a great collection of beach bags, casual and more dressy, like the one shown above. VanJean had bigger beach bags by Milly, just perfect for a full day at the pool or beach!
Kicks had an enormous selection of slides and flip-flops with a high glamor factor. The picture below shows just one of a few tables they had fully stocked. How much do you love the rhinestone slides in the middle?
For the daring (and those who really want to call attention to a perfect pedicure!), Kicks also had this pair of metallic sandals, with clear wedge heels. Gorgeous!
The Shop Tart has probably rambled on long enough, but for a few more great looks, go here. Or just pop into the shops mentioned and see for yourself! These looks are only samples of all they have available… Don’t forget the self-tanner!
By the way, the Shop Tart is happy to answer any and all questions about shopping, eating and fashion in Columbia, South Carolina. Just drop her an email if you think she could help. Your letter might get printed here, but do be assured that you will remain anonymous! The Shop Tart is nothing if not discreet. Mwah!
Happy Shopping!
* Ten points and a Bellini to the first reader who can spot the Shop Tart in the picture on the right!
May
28
Look of the Week!
Filed Under Babies and Children, Eat and Drink, Look of the Week, Sale | 1 Comment
Yesterday was a very exciting day. The Shop Tart finally made a decision about a swimsuit (a Marysia Charleston two-piece, for the curious). She was in VanJean buying the suit when she spotted the cutest shopper. Always subtle, the Shop Tart chased her into the parking lot and asked if she could snap a quick picture for the Look of the Week. Kristi Till, who happens to be the owner of Kicks of Aiken, was such a good sport! She’s wearing an adorable top by Milly, navy blue bootcut pants and a great pair of red patent leather heels by Claudia Ciuti. The thing that sent the Shop Tart into the parking lot, though, was that fabulous yellow bag by Francesco Biasia.
So, here’s the shocker. Kristy had a question.
"Are you sure you want my picture? With me being pregnant?"
Those fabulous navy pants? Maternity! The Shop Tart thought surely Kristy had just learned she was pregnant. In fact, she’s six months along. The Shop Tart looked like a house at six months, a cute bungalow maybe, but a house nonetheless. Kristy is just gorgeous, isn’t she? Maybe when the baby comes, she’ll need a diaper bag and won’t want that beautiful bag she’s carrying. Maybe she’ll give it to the Shop Tart. Then again, maybe not! Next time she’s in town, Kristy should take a look at the Petunia Picklebottom Diaper Bags at Tickled Pink, or order something custom made by owner and seamstress Caroline Glenn!
In other news:
- Riverbanks Zoo is hosting Rhythm and Blooms Thursday evening, from 6-9 pm. Enjoy live music, food, a wine sampling and local artists (including Sally Peek, creator of Nana Bags) in the zoo’s beautiful botanical
gardens. There will be a cash bar and gourmet picnic dinners available for
purchase. This will be a great way to enjoy the outdoors before it gets too hot! - Exotica is on the verge of closing for good, so stop by to see what’s left if you’re out in that direction.
- The Gourmet Shop is hosting Matt Licklider, winemaker at Lioco, today from 5 to 6:45 pm. Come in to learn from an expert and sample some wine. Pick up some smoked salmon and pasta salad for a light dinner to take home!
- After 96 great years, Lourie’s is closing. Everything is marked down at least 40%. Go take a look and let the Shop Tart know if they have any Lacoste left…
- Go to Tiny Treasures until June 4th, sign up for their email list, mention coupon #05282008 and get 50% off one item. Great way to get a deal on a baby present!
Happy Shopping!
May
27
Where to get waxed!
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It’s that time of year. You know, the time of year when waxing becomes a priority! Hooray! The Shop Tart happens to be from a generation of Southern children who spent summers at the pool, eye level with their mothers’ lack of attention to waxing. Thus, we’re a diligent (some might say obsessive) crowd when it comes to hair removal. Don’t make the same mistake the Shop Tart made last week when she tried to wax herself, at home, with a toddler clinging to her leg. Where’s the romance in that? Lucky for you, she has since done her research so she can avoid last minute self-inflicted hair removal.
Looking for a place to relax? And you didn’t think it was possible when faced with such pain. Thing is, waxing just isn’t that painful, with all those fancy techniques the pros use! But glamorous surroundings never hurt, do they? Urban Nirvana is a dreamy place to spend an afternoon!
- Basic bikini wax $32.
- Thong wax $52.
- Brazilian $60.
- Mankini (The Shop Tart doesn’t like to think too much about this one!) $60.
- Half Leg $35-40. Full leg $55.
- Massage to make you feel better $85.
The Spa at H2 is another great spot for waxing. The Shop Tart highly recommends this one, too, because they have free child care! She knows from experience that waxing and children do not mix, so H2 is perfect for the busy mother who needs some hair removal. And they have Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares and coffee while you wait…
- Bikini from $25.
- Brazilian from $45.
- Full leg and bikini $75 (Brazilian and leg $100).
- Half leg $35. Full leg $55.
- Relaxing pedicure to keep you away from the kids a little bit longer (includes exfoliation and massage) $50.
Open since 1987, Eva Skin Care has a long history of taking great care of skin. One of the Shop Tart’s dear friends once dropped a mutual friend off at Eva for emergency face waxing. She returned 30 minutes later to find the friend red faced, having had her entire face waxed. When the redness calmed, rather quickly, the mutual friend looked like a million bucks. Both friends shall remain nameless, the one for having a hairy face, the other for telling people about it. The point is, they do a fabulous job!
- Bikini from $40.
- Brazilian from $60.
- Half leg from $45.
- Full leg from $80.
- Facial to make your face glow as much as your newly waxed legs $80-100.
Like the Spa at H2, Tonic Day Spa also offers free child care, which makes it another great choice for mothers who need to escape. The Shop Tart loves the hip, modern atmosphere at Tonic!
- Bikini from $25.
- Brazilian from $45.
- Full leg and bikini $75 (Brazilian and leg $100).
- Half leg $35. Full leg $55.
- Half and Half (30 Minute Express Tonic Facial and 30 minute Pure Relaxation Massage) so you leave feeling good and pampered $80.
So go take care of yourself, ladies. Do it for the children! But don’t forget to have fun and relax while you’re at it!
May
26
Follow the Shop Tart!
Filed Under Clothes, Exclusive savings, Great deal, Sale, Shoes | Leave a Comment
The Shop Tart hopes you’re enjoying a lovely holiday weekend! A lot of shops are closed for Memorial Day, so you might want to give them a call before you go.
- Revente is open today and having a sale! They sent a 20% off coupon through e-mail, but owner Debbie McDaniel tells the Shop Tart that just mentioning the coupon will work if you didn’t get it. Revente is still accepting summer consignments, so do some spring cleaning and make an appointment. Out with the old (so someone else can enjoy it) and in with the new!
- Starting tomorrow, Kicks is offering 20% off all shoes (with just a few exceptions). When the Shop Tart was there recently, they had oodles of gorgeous sandals…and wedges…and pumps… She only bought two pair, so there should be plenty left for you!
- Don’t forget the exclusive deal for Shop Tart readers from 20!20 Vision in Five Points. Look young and refreshed just in time for all those beach parties!
- Pink Sorbet has an entire room of things on sale for women, children and men, including things for all seasons. There are some great deals!
- Sophie Shoes is offering 50% off all shoes! As far as the Shop Tart knows, they are the only place in town carrying cute casual slides and flip-flops by Puma and Lacoste. In her experience, it’s rare to see those half off, so don’t miss the sale!
- Belladea, VanJean, Mary, the Bohemian, Fortay and M Boutique still have a lot of
lovely Spring things on sale. And a lot of those pieces could be
worn through Summer, so take advantage of the savings! - Weathers is offering 25% off Nat Nast knit shirts, slacks, shorts and sport shirts just in time for Father’s Day!
- Until the end of May, AnnaBelle at LaRoque
is offering 20% off all clothing, exclusively for Shop Tart readers!
You only have six more days to take advantage of this offer, so go
see her today. Don’t forget to mention the Shop Tart to get your
discount! The Shop Tart adored the LaRoque skirt she wore to the Black
and White Ball…
Happy Shopping!
May
23
Fun, fun, fun!
Filed Under Clothes, Eat and Drink, Sale, Shoes, Sip and Shop | Leave a Comment
The weekend started Wednesday night, at Tulullah’s third birthday. The Sangria was delish (Ask Kristy for her secret recipe), the music pumping (Whoever thought Cat Stevens could blend so well with Amy Winehouse and Cake?), and the company divine! Or should we say “Devine,” since there were so many familiar faces from Devine Street, including Alison from Pout, Susan (and her sweet puppy!) from VanJean, Emily from M Boutique and, rumor has it, Krysta from Kicks. And, of course, Kristy and Stephanie from Tulullah and AnnaBelle from LaRoque. And the Shop Tart, who doesn’t actually work on Devine Street, but spends more than her fair share of time there. Kristy had everyone in stitches with a great story about a fashion faux pas she made in her youth when she once decided to dress in orange, from head to toe. Even the most stylish of ladies have their moments! Wednesday night, Kristy was having a great fashion moment. In the picture below, you can see that fabulous Sangria and the skirt of her cute black and white maxi dress.
The Shop Tart managed to steal way for lunch with her husband on the porch at Motor Supply on Thursday. As always, the food was fab and the restaurant filled with people to watch! She had Thai Cauliflower Soup, followed by Blackened Salmon over Arugula Salad.
Yum. The Shop Tart’s husband decided to slum and order a roast beef sandwich. However, it’s impossible to slum at Motor. The sandwich was out of this world! The roast beef was cooked to perfection, the tomatoes and lettuce as crispy as they could be. Even the bread was perfect. And the Shop Tart’s husband, with his European background, is somewhat of a bread snob. And he raved about the artichoke pasta salad that accompanied the sandwich.
Motor Supply is always fun, because you never know who you’ll run into and you can always pop in Carol Saunders afterwards to browse while your husband talks to a bunch of other lawyers. They’re in the middle of a re-model, but had all of their regular things, including jewelry that the Shop Tart absolutely adores! Don’t leave the area without stopping into Cloud Nine Market next door for a cookie. The Shop Tart had a just-out-of-the-oven toffee cookie and her husband had lemon coconut. Mmm…
Thursday night, the party raged on, with art, wine and cheese at Frame of Mind. The art was by Jamie Blackburn and, though the Shop Tart would like to post a picture of her favorite, her camera phone didn’t do it justice, so you’ll just have to go see for yourself. Here’s one picture, of the artist. And maybe a couple more of the art, but really? The Shop Tart is a bit depressed about the low quality of the photos. Please forgive!
Although he was distracted by Jamie’s gorgeous paintings, Mr. Shop Tart managed to pick out a great pair of sunglasses by Blinde. The Shop Tart can’t wait for Mark at Frame of Mind to put the prescription lenses in, because the new glasses make her husband look like a French spy. Ooh là là!
And the party can’t stop now! From 4:30 until 6:30 pm today, Simply Savory is hosting a free wine tasting, with special guests the “Gourmet Redneck Reps” of Good Ol’ Boys Barbeque Sauce, created right here in Columbia. Wine expert Gary Bell of Simply Savory has chosen some Argentinean wine to complement the sauces. Won’t that make a great start to a Friday evening out on town? Or you could stop by, sample some wine and pick up some barbeque sauce and a few cooking tips to make dinner at home. Leave work a little bit early and stop by Simply Savory. You deserve it*.
Saturday morning, bright and early, stop by Rosewood Market for the All Local Farmers’ Market. There will be plenty of fresh, local produce, meat and even seafood, but don’t leave without a bouquet of fresh picked flowers from Donna of Floral and Hardy Farms in Lexington. The Shop Tart never ceases to be amazed at how long her flowers last, usually two ro three weeks. Must be because they’re so fresh! You can also have a great breakfast of (all local!) grits, eggs, bacon or sausage and coffee for only four dollars. Delish! The market starts at 8 am and ends at noon.
Now go home and have a little nap, because from 2 to 5 pm, the Gourmet Shop is hosting their weekly wine tasting. It’s not free, but it might as well be, because it’s only a dollar! Come early and have lunch or come late and pick up a few things to take home for a light dinner.
While you’re in Five Points, go to Sophie Shoes, where all shoes are 50% off! Go get your favorites before their gone. As far as the Shop Tart knows, they’re the only ones in town carrying those cute Lacoste slip-ons (and flip flops and sneakers). Why not get two or three pair?
Have a great weekend!
* Or maybe you don’t deserve it, but neither does the Shop Tart and she’ll be there!
May
22
Appetizers for the Busy Lady
Filed Under Eat and Drink, Sip and Shop | Leave a Comment
Although the Shop Tart loves to cook, there are times when she’s just too busy with more important things like Pilates class, coffee with friends or shopping. Those are usually the times when she has to bring a dish somewhere. Yesterday was one of those times. The occasion was her sons’ piano recital. Normally, she would whip up a bowl of tarragon mayonnaise*, grab some South Carolina grown asparagus at Rosewood Market, blanch the asparagus and serve. Yesterday was too busy even for that.
Once a year, the Shop Tart and her little family go to the mountains with her parents. Although they stay in cabins, the Shop Tart and her husband consider anything less than a Westin Hotel to be pretty rustic. If you have to drive more than five minutes to buy a wedge of Brie, you might as well be camping, which the Shop Tart does not do. As they’re driving down the mountain towards home, the Shop Tart and her husband like to call everyone they know to announce their arrival back to civilization. They have a party to celebrate that night, even though they’ve been out of town for week. How is this possible on such short notice? Well…the housekeeper usually comes while they’re gone, so the house is clean and they live downtown, so they can put together a whole spread that looks homemade, without stirring or chopping a single thing. Voilà! Instant party!
Here are some things the Shop Tart recommends during those crunch times:
- The Gourmet Shop has a deli full of delicious goodies. Shop Tart favorites include chicken salad, the best smoked salmon in town, deviled eggs, loads of pâtés and cheeses, and cookies for dessert. They also carry plenty of fancy crackers, but the Shop Tart recommends their crostini or baguette, which her French mother-in-law says is the best in town.
- Cloud Nine Market has the most wonderful chocolates. Your guests will be thrilled with an assortment. They also have a frozen selection that includes spanakopita, which you could totally pretend to have made yourself. Not that the Shop Tart would do that. Ahem. They have lots of interesting things in jars, too, like the carrot jam, which is excellent served with cream cheese and ginger snaps. Don’t forget flowers. They do gorgeous marriage-saving bouquets!
- DiPrato’s also has a fabulous deli case. Shop Tart favorites include the crab and artichoke dip, fried artichokes stuffed with Gorgonzola, peppers stuffed with asiago and prosciutto, and DiPrato’s secret weapon, fried pita crisps. They make the crisps fresh while you wait. Be sure to put them in the back of your car, so you can’t reach them while driving home. Or just get two bags and keep one beside you on the front seat for a snack.
- Rosewood Market has a Grab and Go case by the deli. You can grab a wrap sandwich to eat pre-party and some of their chipotle mayo, which makes a delicious dip for boiled shrimp or veggies. They also have excellent hummus. While you’re there, pick up lemons and limes for the bar and celery for any low-carbers at your party who don’t want chips or crackers. Don’t forget a bag of yummy curried cashews to put in a silver bowl on the bar!
- Simply Savory has several delicious options made in-house, including three different kinds of pimento cheese (regular, smoked Gouda and Sharp Cheddar). They have plenty of gourmet crackers, cheese straws and pickles, including one of Mister Shop Tart’s favorites, pickled okra. According to him, a piece of pickled okra takes a Bloody Mary to a whole new level. Simply Savory carries lots of local products and the Shop Tart loves to “put her state on her plate.” And here we have the Gouda Pimento Cheese, accompanied by celery and fancy crackers (and a sprig of parsley from the Shop Tart’s yard):
Simply Savory, Cloud Nine, DiPrato’s and the Gourmet Shop all sell wine and have people who can tell you what’s best. The Shop Tart loves to drink wine, but doesn’t know much about it and she really appreciates advice from the experts. The Gourmet Shop usually hosts wine tastings on Saturday from 2 to 5 pm. You pay just one dollar and sample several wines, which could help you make a decision and relax for your party that night. Morganelli’s is another great place for wine advice. They also carry liquor and mixers, in case you’re having that sort of party, which the Shop Tart often does!
Speaking of wine and appetizers, don’t forget to stop by Frame of Mind tonight between 5:30 and 8 pm to see new artwork by Jamie Blackburn!
Party on, y’all!
* Not actually that difficult: Stir in lots of chopped fresh tarragon with a big scoop of mayonnaise and serve. Add fresh lemon juice for extra credit!
May
21
Look of the Week!
Filed Under Beauty, Clothes, Look of the Week, Sale, Sip and Shop | Leave a Comment
The Shop Tart had such a good time with Anne at Fortay! She’s a rising Sophomore at College of Charleston, majoring in media studies. Anne’s been working for Taylor at Fortay since her Senior year in high school. Anne is so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about fashion that the Shop Tart wouldn’t be surprised to see her open her own shop one day. She has great style and the Shop Tart loved this outfit, a Julie Haus top and white Alice + Olivia pants. The headband, in crisp navy and blue silk, was a perfect accessory. In fact, it was available in at least one other fabric and the Shop Tart thinks it would add instant polish to any outfit. Fortay also carries the pants in black. The Shop Tart wants both!
And how about that brown and white dress on the mannequin next to Anne? It’s also by Alice + Olivia, a Shop Tart favorite. In fact, she tried it on a week or two ago and found it to be incredibly flattering. There were so many other great things in the store and the summer sale is still going strong. A lot of racks were marked 30% off and a well stocked clearance rack was marked down even more.
The Shop Tart had to snap just a couple more shots, including this one, which proves Taylor has
fabulous taste. Do you see those nesting tables? They’re absolutely gorgeous! Yes, the Shop Tart understands Fortay is a clothing store, not a home store, but if Taylor ever wants to get rid of those tables, they would look perfect with the pale blue velvet couch in the Shop Tart’s living room. And the Nanette Lepore jacket is lovely, too. Wouldn’t it be great with those white pants?
And how about the top shown below, by Julie Haus? The colors couldn’t be better. There’s a dress in the same pattern hanging behind it. The white dress with beaded trim is also by Alice + Olivia. Gorgeous!
Be sure to stop by Fortay during the sale and stock up on party clothes for the summer!
In other news…
- Tulullah’s third birthday party is tonight! The celebration starts when the doors open in the morning. All day, bras will be half off* and everything else in the store will be 20% off. Restock your lingerie drawer and stay for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and door prizes from 5 until 9 pm. With bras half off, that should be quite a party**!
- While you’re in Tulullah, check out LaRoque and take advantage of AnnaBelle’s 20% off offer, just for Shop Tart readers. Make sure to mention the Shop Tart to get your discount!
- On Thursday, Pout’s makeup artists will visit Kicks in Lexington, located inside Lola. Call 957-8892 to make an appointment to look fabulous!
- While you’re out in that direction, stop at Exotica and check out their retirement sale. The store is closing forever at the end of this month.
Happy Shopping!
* Once again, the Shop Tart is far too classy to make any jokes about ladies’ bras being half off. She will, however, laugh politely if you make those jokes. So go right ahead.
** Surely it’s okay for the Shop Tart to make just one small joke about bras being half off…
May
20
Summer Solution and Exciting News…
Filed Under Clothes, Eat and Drink, Exclusive savings, Great deal, Sale | Leave a Comment
The Shop Tart often finds the day gets away from her when she’s at the pool or the beach. Tout d’un coup*, she finds herself at the end of the day without a scrap of food to put on the table. Which means she must stop by the store on the way home, which means she must have something to wear, because she is past the age where it might be remotely cute to go anywhere but the pool or beach in a bathing suit**. The Shop Tart is on the look out for a cute and inexpensive coverup that looks like a dress…or is a dress. It must be inexpensive, because she needs more than one since the above scenario occurs at least three times a week in the summer. Here is what she found:
- First stop: Goga (after a quick detour to Cloud Nine Market for a skim milk latté and a pastry). There are oodles of relaxed summer sundresses at Goga, most for under a hundred dollars. They also had some lovely jewelry at the counter, very delicate silver with pretty pale stones. Very beachy!
- Next, the Shop Tart headed to Five Points for a look at Wish. As usual, Wish was packed with plenty of cotton sun dresses and tunics, many for less than twenty dollars. The Shop Tart tried, but couldn’t find anything that cost triple digits. Below, from left to right: one of the sale racks, two Shop Tart favorites in the window, a basket of Flip Flops (only $4.95 each!)
- Then the Shop Tart popped into Mary and was thrilled to find more things than she could count priced at less than $100. Pictured below are just a few. The Shop Tart particularly loved the Michael Stars striped knit dress on the far right. Michael Stars knits are perfect for throwing on in the summer when you need to look cute and put together immediately. The Shop Tart is a huge fan. Mary also had a ton of things on sale, up to 75% off, including a sleeveless cotton print dress that was 75% off of something like $68. By the Shop Tart’s calculations, that makes the dress practically free!
- Next up was a quick stop in Sophie Shoes. Yes, the Shop Tart is aware that they carry shoes, not dresses. But you can’t go into the grocery store barefoot, either, and Sophie is offering 25% off all shoes right now. They had the cutest Lacoste and Puma flip flops and slip ons…25% off!
- Heading up Devine Street (after a divine lunch at Devine Foods!), the Shop Tart stopped in and was rewarded, once again, with plenty of choices well under $100. Below on the left, two cotton dresses from the window are pictured. On the right is a knit dress. All three were under $100 and all three would look as perfect over a bathing suit as they would out for a casual dinner.
So there you have it. Plenty of options so you can go to the store and pick up dinner. In fact, those dresses were so cute, you could skip the store and enjoy Margaritas and a light dinner at a little outdoor café. See you there! Mwah!
And now…the exciting news you’ve all been waiting for…Until the end of May, AnnaBelle at LaRoque is offering 20% off all clothing, exclusively for Shop Tart readers! You only have twelve more days to take advantage of this offer, so go see her today. Don’t forget to mention the Shop Tart to get your discount! The Shop Tart adored the LaRoque skirt she wore to the Black and White Ball…
Happy Shopping!
* Or, as we say en anglais, suddenly. Now you can tell all your friends that reading the Shop Tart is educational!
** For those who are curious, that age is about 6 in town and 14 at the beach.
May
19
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Filed Under Clothes, Good Cause!, Great deal, Home, Meet the Designer, Sale, Shoes, Sip and Shop | Leave a Comment
What a fabulous weekend! Friday night the Shop Tart and husband had a great time at the Columbia Museum of Art’s Black and White Ball. The skirt she wore, a LaRoque original, was perfect and made her look taller and thinner. That’s one great skirt! Her husband wore a white dinner jacket and Buddy Holly style horn rims, a combination that makes the Shop Tart swoon. The food was yummy, the band was swingy and the crowd was charming, but the Shop Tart had the most fun looking at all the gorgeous clothes. Museum patrons have a lot of style!
Saturday night, brought another babysitter to the Shop Tart’s door and another fun evening. This was a benefit for Winston’s Wish, a foundation for children with Autism. The Blue Dogs played at the top of Carolina Walk. The food was out of this world and the weather was perfect for an outdoor concert. Not that you asked, but the Shop Tart wore a Vince sun dress she got at VanJean’s big sale a couple of weeks ago…
The Shop Tart went to Yoga on Sunday to recover and prepare for the week ahead. Here’s the plan:
- Frame of Mind is hosting a little do on Thursday night. Wine, cheese and a new artist, Jamie Blackburn. That’s happening from 5:30 until 8 pm. Stop in after work, have a drink and enjoy the art work. All pieces will be for sale. And stop in Monday through Wednesday to take a look at Alicia Leeke’s work before it’s gone.
- Tullulah is having a Third Birthday Party on Wednesday. Awww…isn’t she cute? Stop by from 5 pm to 9 pm to say Happy Birthday! There will be cocktails, snacks and door prizes…
- Need a wedding or shower gift? It’s that time of year! The Gourmet Shop has fabulous glass tea pots by Bonjour on sale. They’re elegant and useful.
- Mary and Martha’s has lower prices on Kershaw, Shun and Victorinox knives. Henckels knives are already 20% off. The Shop Tart treasures her Shun classic knives and thinks they would make a perfect wedding gift. She might have to pick up a couple more for herself, too!
- Sophie Shoes is still offering 25% off all shoes. Go get your summer sandals (and espadrilles…and wedges…)!
- Speaking of weddings…Bella Vista Bridal is hosting a Blue by Enzoani trunk show Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. You might need to make an appointment, so call first.
- Belladea, VanJean, the Bohemian, Fortay and M Boutique still have a lot of
lovely Spring things on sale. And a lot of those pieces could be
worn through Summer, so take advantage of the savings! - Don’t forget the exclusive deal for Shop Tart readers from 20!20 Vision in Five Points. Look young and refreshed just in time for all those beach parties!
As always, the Shop Tart is looking for suggestions for the “Look of the Week“. Is there a store you’d like to see featured? Do you own or work in a store the Shop Tart should visit? Or do you have one of those
friends who sets the trends for everyone else? Please let the Shop Tart know, because she’s always on the lookout for great style!
Happy shopping!
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