-
Shop Tart on Facebook
Search
Jun
30
Follow the Shop Tart!
Filed Under Shop, Sports | Leave a Comment
Om…om…om… Please forgive the Shop Tart. She spent her weekend doing Yoga. There was a two day workshop in Charlotte, during which she stretched, chanted and sweat perspired glowed her way towards enlightenment. She only did the tiniest bit of shopping. And she simply must tell you about the cutest pair of Yoga shorts she found at City Yoga in Columbia recently. Enlightened or not, she is the Shop Tart, after all! The shorts, by Be Present, are knee length and have a loose tie belt to match. They come in a variety of colors, including purple, which is what she bought. So comfortable and so cute they don’t look like exercise clothes!
This week, call before you head out to eat or go shopping. A lot of restaurants and businesses close for a few days or the whole week to give their employees a vacation. The week of the Fourth of July is probably the slowest all year for retailers, so it’s a good time for a break. Unless the business or restaurant is at the beach. Then it’s their busiest week! If you’re in town, you can feel good about yourself for shopping. You’ll be doing your part to support retailers in their week of need! Aren’t you sweet?
And there are plenty of sales…
- Today is the last day of Strobler’s current sale: 20% off all regular priced merchandise, including custom orders!
- Just the Thing is still having a big summer sale. Go pick out all the fabulous accessories you need to complete your Fourth of July beach, pool or lake party look.
- Fortay will close at 4 pm on July 2nd and reopen on July 7th. They’re offering big discounts right now, 50%-75% off. They also just returned from market with loads of new accessories and jewelry.
- VanJean and Pout are closed and will reopen July 7th.
- Annabelle at LaRoque is offering 30% off everything in the store until July 4th!
- So that everyone has a chance, the One Hour Massage promotion at H2 and Tonic Day Spa
has been extended until July 5. You have just six more days to get a one hour
massage for only $39! The Shop Tart had one at H2, by Jenna, and it was
divine… - Most shoes at Kicks are 20% or 30% off…or more!
- All shoes at Sophie Shoes are 50% off.
Happy shopping!
Jun
27
Dear Shop Tart…
Filed Under Maintain, Shop | Leave a Comment
Dear Shop Tart,
Where is the best place to buy fabulous, non-prescription sunglasses? I’m in the market…and its sunny outside!
Dear Smart Reader,
Isn’t it fun when something so good for you is so fabulous? Sunglasses protect the eyes and the delicate skin around them from sun damage. The Shop Tart predicts that the ongoing trend of big sunglasses will reduce crow’s feet by at least 37.2%. Hooray! There are plenty of options around town, whether you want to spend $20, $200, $2000 or anywhere in between.
For the Resort Girl, there are fabulous embellished shades by Lilly Pulitzer, available at Pink Sorbet, of course! The Shop Tart is crazy for the tortoise shell pair with jeweled butterflies.
Looking for something a little more European Spy style? Try Frame of Mind, where you’ll find styles by Blinde and ic! berlin. These are by Blinde and are a favorite of Mr. Shop Tart’s.
Here are some styles by the super chic ic! berlin:
Like many women, the Shop Tart feels sort of cranky when her sunglasses rest on her cheeks, leaving unsightly marks. Kate Spade glasses, also at Frame of Mind, do not rest on the cheeks. Hooray!
Frame of Mind carries other brands too, including Gucci, Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent.
Folline Vision Center carries oodles of shades, including Prada, Dolce and Gabbana, Versace, Cartier and the Shop Tart’s favorite, Oliver Peoples. Pictured below are just a few of the Oliver Peoples available at Folline.
And if the Oliver Peoples aren’t pricey enough for you, Folline also carries a lot of styles by Cartier, some of which edge into the four digit price range. Ooh la la! They are gorgeous. Some of them have wooden stems and alligator leather accents. These are a divine luxury!
These Prada Aviators, newly arrived at Folline, were a Shop Tart favorite!
So, luxury is always good. Many of these sunglasses are investments. You’ll wear them for years and they’ll pull any outfit together. But maybe you’re the sort of girl who wants a pair to go with every sundress, bathing suit and outfit. If so, Just the Thing is the place for you. They have tons of sunglasses, fun, funky and fabulous, and each pair is only $15! Wheee!
In addition to the shops above, try these:
- For you sporty or surfer types, Salty’s and Halfmoon Outfitters have some great choices.
- Devine Eyes carries Costa Del Mar, Gucci, Valentino, Nautica, Paul Frank and others.
- 20!20 Vision carries sunglasses by Gucci, Coach and others.
In other news…
- Lourie’s is closing tomorrow for good. Last chance to get some really good deals. Everything is 55-85% off.
- Annabelle at LaRoque is offering 30% off everything in the store right now. She has a lot in stock right now, but it won’t last long!
- Kick off your weekend today with a wine tasting at Simply Savory, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Don’t forget to tell Rachael and Dave “Congratulations” on the birth of their baby!
Have a great weekend and happy shopping!
Jun
26
Fashion Exhibit and Lunch
Filed Under Eat and Drink, Lunch | Leave a Comment
McKissick Museum, on campus, is hosting an exhibit honoring the memory of Helen Hill. When she died, Helen was working on a film about the life and work of Florestine Kinchen, a dress maker from New Orleans. Both Helen’s and Florestine’s stories are incredibly moving and the exhibit is definitely worth a look. The dresses remind the Shop Tart of Marc Jacobs during the grunge era, a time near and dear to her heart (Oh, the college years!)
After visiting the museum, the Shop Tart and her companions (her mother, her mother’s friend, her mother’s friend’s daughter and her mother’s friend’s daughter’s daughter. Ladies who lunch!) went to the divine Devine Foods, one of the Shop Tart’s absolute favorites. As usual, she couldn’t quite order off the menu. Keith, her favorite waiter, doesn’t make her feel bad about it though, because he shares her preference: Greek Salad with Lamb Gyro meat on top. Delish! Two of her companions chose the Lamb Gyro, pictured below, and the other had the seafood special. Yum, yum and yum!
Although Keith is her favorite, the Shop Tart is open minded and would like to present a new waiter who you may notice is not exactly unattractive.
Dear Single Ladies, the Shop Tart was too discreet to ask, but she didn’t see a wedding ring. And he has a sense of humor, too. When asked if he was interested in having his picture taken without a shirt, he pointed out the Devine Foods logo on his t-shirt essential to promoting the restaurant. Oh well, she tried!
When you go to Devine Foods, don’t skip the dessert. The Shop Tart pretends she doesn’t eat carbs, but she does and they are delicious. The cookies are crispy and chewy all at once and she can’t resist! There’s always a case full of cakes, too. The Carrot Cake is famous (and worthy).
Devine Foods is always bustling, but you can usually get a table. Inside, the walls are exposed brick and you can dine to the sounds of the open kitchen. In fact, if you need to use the restroom, you’ll have to go through the kitchen to get to it. The Shop Tart has tried to peek at the action and pick up some cooking tips, but there’s so much going on back there!
Outside on the semi-enclosed (read, air conditioned!) porch, you’ll enjoy watching people come and go while you eat. Lunch is all about people watching, n’est-ce pas? And the mural is lovely!
When you’re finished eating, pop into Tullulah and LaRoque, right next door. The Shop Tart did, and picked up the cutest pair of pink, ruffly…ahem. Kristy, Stephanie and Annabelle regularly have Devine Foods for lunch, too.
In other news…
- Until Monday, June 30th, Strobler is offering 20% off all regularly priced merchandise, including custom orders. Now’s the time to redecorate!
- Frame of Mind is putting up a new artist’s work this evening and hosting a little wine and cheese thing from 5:30 to 8 pm. Donna Rozier will be there. Why not stop by after work?
Happy Shopping!
Jun
25
Look of the Week!
Filed Under Look of the Week, Sip and Shop | Leave a Comment
This week’s Look comes from Finleaf Gallery. Legare Tucker, mother of an absolutely adorable one year old girl, works with owner Peg Averyt. The Shop Tart stopped by the gallery today to find out more about FInleaf’s Dock Walk. Legare looked great in a bright, splashy top and crisp white pants, an absolute summer staple (VanJean still has a few different styles, by the way, and Belladea has white jeans by Paige - fab!) Her dressed up flip flops, leather with cork soles, were exactly what was needed to complete the summer look.
As usual, the Shop Tart had trouble pulling herself away from Finleaf, always full of gorgeous and interesting things. Today she was most distracted by the wide brimmed straw hats, perfect to protect her skin at the beach…or by the pool…or out shopping…
Finleaf’s Dock Walk, by the way, is something you shouldn’t miss! Owner Peg Averyt has issued an open invitation: All artists are invited to show their work and anyone who loves art can come take a look. These are the rules for artists:
- Any medium goes, paint, sculpture, textiles, whatever you choose.
- All work must be priced before you arrive.
- You get to keep any payment you receive for your work. That’s not a misprint. Peg is opening her lovely gallery and asking nothing in return. The Shop Tart loves a generous patron of local artists!
- Your work must be related to the ocean, boating or the sea shore.
- It’s best to arrive a few minutes before 6 pm, to give the staff time to place your work. All work will be displayed on Finleaf’s lovely front porch.
Call Finleaf (254-8327) if you have any questions. The Dock Walk is a great place to discover local artists. Wouldn’t you love a piece to remind you of summer when it gets colder? Stop by after work or on your way out to dinner and take a look!
In other news…
- The One Hour Massage promotion at H2 and Tonic Day Spa has been extended until July 5. You have 11 more days to get a one hour massage for only $39. The Shop Tart had one at H2, by Jenna, and it was divine…
- Hosting a drinks party for the Fourth? All Stirrings Products are 15% off through the end of the month at the Gourmet Shop! Stirrings products will instantly turn you into an expert bartender. Your friends will be amazed!
Happy Shopping!
Jun
24
Dear Mother of the Bride or Groom…
Filed Under Manners, Shop | Leave a Comment
Yours is often a difficult fashion choice to make. It can be hard to focus on your dress when there are so many other things happening. Maybe you’re paying for a party over which you have less and less control. You might be getting orders from your dear child’s future in-laws about everything from what color to wear to the height of your shoes. Maybe everything leading up to the wedding has made you question the wisdom of your dear child’s choice in future spouse. Maybe you’re a shocked bystander to the family drama. Or maybe you’re the instigator. The Shop Tart has no way of knowing. She’ll spare you her mini-lectures on loving your children no matter what, letting the kids make their own choices and not worrying too much about the wedding because the marriage will last far longer than one day…blah, blah, blah. You’ve heard it all, haven’t you*?
The Shop Tart is the loving mother of three boys. They are wonderful boys. But because they are boys, she will likely never get to plan a wedding, have total access to any grandchildren resulting from that union or have to pay for a wedding. That third thing is the only bonus. She’s planning ahead, though. The Shop Tart plans to host the most elaborate rehearsal dinners in the history of South Carolina. She also has a small amount of money automatically withdrawn and added to an account at A.G. Edwards every month. That money will be used, quite simply, to bribe her daughters-in-law into letting her keep the grandchildren.
“Hello, dear!” The Shop Tart will trill, when she shows up on the doorstep, unannounced. “I’m here to visit with the little ones! Yoohoo! Where are you, sweethearts?”
Her wise daughter-in-law, concerned for the well-being of her offspring and irritated by her presumptuous mother-in-law, will hesitate, smiling through gritted teeth. And this is where the Shop Tart proves her genius.
“Here you are, dear! A thousand dollars! Why don’t you go shopping? You have such wonderful taste. I know you’ll find something lovely. Or why not just spend a day at the spa? I’ll keep the kids.”
When the Shop Tart hands over the fistful of cash, her daughter-in-law’s jaw will relax and she’ll barely kiss the children goodbye before she peals out of the driveway, calling her best friend on her cell phone to brag about what a great mother-in-law she has. The Shop Tart is sure this is a good plan and only hopes her mutual funds will do well so she’ll have a lot of cash.
The Shop Tart also plans to be very sweet and docile throughout the wedding planning, in hopes that she’ll be allowed to choose her own dress. Although her children are too young to be married just yet, she would be thrilled if one of you lucky mothers of the bride or groom out there would snag one of these two dresses she adores. The first, from VanJean, is 3.1 by Phillip Lim and is featured in Lucky Magazine this month.
The dress is made of light weight silk and drapes beautifully, perfect for dancing the night away and hiding any little figure flaws developed during the wedding planning progress (from trying the cake, testing out dishes from the caterer and attending all those luncheons and parties in the couple’s honor!) And it could be worn with heels or flats, in case the couple has chosen to get married on the beach or somewhere else nature-y.
The second dress, also at VanJean, is by James Coviello and…drum roll…it’s 40% off right now! Also very forgiving, but beautifully cut so you don’t look like you’re wearing a mumu, this dress has a stunning jeweled border around the neckline. The low cut hasn’t escaped the Shop Tart’s notice, by the way. For the wedding, you might add a sheer black camisole underneath.
Whatever you wear, the Shop Tart wishes the happy couple well. And she knows you do, too (but if you want to have lunch and complain about that horrible woman/man/dog/child, she’ll be happy to join you and listen!)
In other news…
- Pink Sorbet is having a beach-tastic sale! 20% off all swim wear, cover-ups, flip-flops and beach bags.
- Just the Thing has…just the thing to complete any outfit, and lots of things on sale. The Shop Tart adores the thin gold bangles!
Happy Shopping!
* If you haven’t, please contact the Shop Tart. She’ll be happy to call you personally and deliver any lecture you need, chock full of advice. It’ll be fun!
-
The Shop Tart Loves...
