Sep
30
Where to wear your new dress…
Filed Under Bags, Clothes, Good Cause!, Home, Jewelry, Sale, Shoes, Sip and Shop, Trunk Show | 3 Comments
Dear Shop Tart,
I have the most fabulous dress. Really, the world needs to see me in this dress. I don’t want to show off by wearing it out to a casual dinner, but I need to show it off - and soon! Whatever shall I do?
Sincerely,
Ms. Fabulous
Dear Ms. Fab,
The Shop Tart loves this time of year - so many great parties, so many great outfits to plan! And she has great news for you: You can show off your new look in the name of supporting a good cause. Aren’t you sweet? If your dress is an evening dress, get your tickets to the Fur Ball, a glamorous, fun-filled benefit for Project Pet. It’s happening soon, October 11th, so get your tickets now.
If you’re looking for a more casual, but equally fabulous way to support a great cause, you’ll enjoy the Songbird Café, a benefit for SisterCare. The Shop Tart and her husband go every year and have a blast! It would be a great place to wear your skinny jeans and ladylike blouse, like this one from Mary.
Or a casual dress with these boots from Kicks (which the Shop Tart is still trying to convince someone to buy for her. Size 7 1/2, if anyone’s asking. Ahem.) The pumps shown with them are pretty darn cute, too, n’est-ce pas?
Chilly night? Want to look like a rock star? Get down to VanJean and snag this (grab one for the Shop Tart, too!)
Now, just in case you’re already planning to go to a ball and don’t have a thing to wear, allow the Shop Tart to make a few suggestions. Even if you aren’t planning to go to a ball any time soon, take the suggestions anyway. The Shop Tart advocates buying party clothes before you need them, so you’ll never have to stress about what to wear. Just like clothes, parties should be fun and stress free!
Black tie can mean long or short. It does seem like people are going long more often these days. The Shop Tart just loves the Glam Seventies Vibe Tibi is giving off this season. This dress, at VanJean, is slinky and fabulous!
The Shop Tart also adores the way Phillip Lim sprinkles on the sparkle this season. Isn’t this long dress lovely? Pair it with a colorful evening clutch from Just the Thing. The great thing about sparkly clothes is that jewelry can be kept to a minimum. Economical, hm?
If you’re a skirt and top gal, you have plenty of beautiful options. AnnaBelle at LaRoque is busy making loads of cocktail clothes, including separates, like this fun top and raw silk skirt. Shop Tart Advice: Order the skirt in black and you’ll wear it forever. The classic style looks great with almost any top.
How about this top, by Milly, from VanJean? Bonus: You could dress it down with jeans and a leather jacket.
If you like short cocktail dresses, don’t despair. There are plenty! The Shop Tart loves this pale gray, silk dress from LaRoque.
Phillip Lim does it again, this time in gold and black brocade - trés chic!
If you’re looking to wow the crowd and have a lot of fun, go nuts with this flapper-inspired dress, by Elijah, available at VanJean. Pricey, but so, so worth it!
It is getting chillier, so why not invest in one of the adorable evening capes from LaRoque? You choose the fabric, so the options are endless!
Can you tell the Shop Tart loves party clothes? Hooray for Fall!
In other news…
- Thursday through Saturday, head to the Andria Lieu trunk show at Britton’s. Go take a look at “The Perfect Top,” presented by Andria Lieu representative Jerry Thomas.
- Also Thursday, stop by Mary and Martha’s, a fab kitchen store, for an open house from 5 to 7 pm in celebration of their 2nd Anniversary. There will be refreshments (bet they’ll be yummy) and prizes!
- Thursday is a big night, ladies. Don’t miss Cocktails and Candy, a party co-hosted by LaRoque and Tullulah, from 5 to 7 pm. There will be cocktails, candy and a 20% discount on everything in both stores. Wheee!
- What is it about Thursday? Cottage and Vine is having a Susan Hauser Jewelry trunk show from noon to 7 pm and, you guessed it, wine from 5 to 7 pm. Just make sure you have a driver, m’kay?
- Last Thursday event. Swear. MIRCI is hosting a fundraiser, their annual shrimp boil. They also offer a drive-through service. Might be a great place to pick up dinner since you’ll have been ejoying happy hour at the other events and won’t want to cook!
- On Saturday, don’t miss Viva La Vista, from 2 to 7 pm. There will be food and fun for the whole family. Look for cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, a beer garden, family-friendly activities and more!
Happy shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
Sep
29
Follow the Shop Tart!
Filed Under Babies and Children, Beauty, Eat and Drink, Jewelry, Men, New Shop Opening, Trunk Show | Leave a Comment
Did you make it to the Stila event at Pout on Friday? The Shop Tart did, of course! Over the last few years, the Shop Tart has been ridding her makeup arsenal of anything that she had to go all the way to the mall to buy. One by one, she’s eliminated product by product. On Friday at Pout, she was planning to leave after her final appointment as a guinea pig - oh wait - didn’t she tell you about that? Last week, Pout was trying out one of those fancy knew machines you’ve read about. People are raving about it, calling it a miracle, and the Shop Tart agrees. Known by some as “Laser Lipo,” it’s supposed to dissolve fat. The Shop Tart was skeptical (she did, after all, go to and graduate from college!) , but here’s the thing: it appears to have worked. After three treatments, her mummy tummy is noticeable firmer. This is the best thing that’s happened to her all year. No word on whether or not Pout will order the machine and start offering treatments, but we can hope!
But we were talking about the Stila event. The Shop Tart recently ran out of her department store pressed powder. As luck would have it, Stila had a great one and it even comes in a pretty case, so it’s fun to whip out in the ladies’ room for a quick nose powder. Is the Shop Tart the only person who really does go in there to “powder her nose”? Isn’t the compact pretty? And it’s refillable!
And…this is why you should go to these events…they were giving away a free gift. The Shop Tart got to choose a lipliner and a small, sheer moisturizing lipstick. Hooray! Unfortunately, she fell in love with the lipstick, which also has SPF, and it’s only available in Asia. Anyone planning a trip?
In other news…
- The Shop Tart learned on Columbi-yeah! that BeBeep is having a 20% off everything sale until tomorrow. Great time to get holiday gifts for the kids. Make sure you find a good hiding place! Columbi-yeah! is a great resource for local parents, too.
- Ross Holmes will be at Dianne’s on Devine Wednesday night. Stop by for delicious bar bites (or a full meal!) and a cocktail. The Shop Tart has been watching “Mad Men”
and is trying to be more glamorous and swingy. Dianne’s is the perfect place to do it! Dianne’s is also celebrating Octoberfest this month with German-inspired lunch specials. Fun!
- Weathers is offering clothes made to measure through October 4th. They’re introducing Hart Schaffner and Marx. Through the 4th, you can order a custom suit at off the rack prices.
- Just the Thing is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Peace Sign. Go in and take a look at funky and fabulous Peace jewelry and vintage style t-shirts.
- The fabled Cellar on Greene is opening soon. The Shop Tart will keep you posted!
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
Sep
26
What are we doing today?
Filed Under Beauty, Clothes, Eat and Drink, Exclusive savings, Great deal, Men, Sale, Trunk Show | Leave a Comment
Well…starting the weekend at lunch, of course. Grab a friend and eat somewhere fun. If the weather’s nice, get to the Gourmet Shop by 11:30 so you can snag a table outside. If it’s gloomy - and it’s supposed to be, although the weather report is no guarantee! - get there by 11:45 to get an inside table. By noon, you’ll have missed your chance. If 11:30 is too early for lunch, have a cup of their amazing coffee to start. It’s Parents’ Weekend at USC, so you might need to get there at 11 am. The Shop Tart will be having the seasonal green salad with a side of smoked salmon. She can already taste their delicious vinaigrette…
Speaking of Parents’ Weekend, did you pick up your Devine Street Discount Brochure yet? If you did, do a little shopping after lunch. M Boutique just got a huge shipment of Fall and Winter merchandise - with the Doors of Devine coupon, you’ll get 20% off your entire purchase at M, all weekend long! If you go early today, you’ll get your pick of the new merchandise.
Today is huge at Pout! They’re officially introducing their newest line, Stila. The Shop Tart* wrote an article for October’s Jolie Magazine about how to achieve a gorgeous and glamorous Smoky Eye. Of course you should read and save the article. In fact, you may want to cut it out and tape it to the inside of your bathroom mirror as a reference. Ahem. Or you could just pick up the Stila Smoky Eye Palette at Pout. It comes with audio instructions. How cute is that? It’s not quite the same as having the Shop Tart there to talk you through it and hold your hand, but it’s pretty nifty! The kit comes in three different color palettes - original, emeralds and bronzes. And, if you picked up your coupon book, you can save 10% off one item at Pout!
If you’ve dragged your boyfriend, husband or non-specific male companion along on your Friday jaunt, take him to Weathers. Bill Jordan, Southeastern representative for Nat Nast, will be in the store from 10 am until 6 pm showing the Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 collections.
Do some more shopping (there’s plenty to be done!) and head to Simply Savory at 4:30 for a free wine tasting. While you’re there, use your 15% off coupon to buy a bunch of snacks for tailgating tomorrow. Go Cocks!
As for dinner this evening, remember that it’s Parents’ Weekend, so make a reservation or get to your favorite restaurant early. Or pick up dinner and a bottle of wine (or two!) at DiPrato’s and relax at home.
Have a great weekend - and don’t forget about the All Local Farmers’ Market tomorrow in the parking lot of Rosewood Market. If you haven’t been yet, you really, really need to. Everyone who’s anyone goes - it’s the trés chic way to be green! The Shop Tart and her family never miss it. You might even catch them there tomorrow. They’ll be the ones with three little boys in soccer uniforms. Fun times!
Happy shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
* Also known as Anne Postic
Sep
25
Groucho’s for a Grouchy Little Shop Tart.
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It dawned on the Shop Tart the other day that Groucho’s name might have come from the fact that certain types of grouchy people (Read: The type that might have had an extra cocktail the night before) see it as a cure-all. The big, meaty sandwiches, the crispy little chips, the cold sodas lovingly poured over the best ice in town… Last night, the Shop Tart attended what she is going to call the first official party of the season - a birthday cocktail party for a fabulous friend, held at the art museum. the Shop Tart wore a cocktail dress she snagged in the VanJean Spring and Summer sale. It was off-white, which she is now calling Cream or Winter White, so she can keep wearing it!
It was a great party - the birthday lady’s art was displayed around the gallery and there were plenty of interesting people to talk to - new friends and old. The Shop Tart loves going to parties and meeting a few new people! She ran into Lara, owner of In the Loop, which reminded her that she really does need to take up knitting. Lara says there’s a group who meets in the shop Thursday evenings for a “Stitch and Bitch.” Wonder if the Shop Tart could avoid the former and participate heavily in the latter?
Mr. and Mrs. Shop Tart stayed far later than they should have, so it’s looking like a Groucho’s day! The classic choice at Groucho’s is the STP Dipper, a delightful combination of bread, turkey, roast beef and bacon bits, topped with melted cheese and dipped in the beloved “45 Sauce.” On a recent trip, the Shop Tart learned that Blue Cheese dip is also an option. It’s right there on the menu and it was ordered by her brother in law, who is from Maine and has some strange ways. Although everyone at the table expressed shock, he ordered it anyway. By the end of the meal, he had to admit the 45 Sauce was better because his table mates teased him mercilessly and forced him to. Here is a picture of his sandwich, with the inappropriate Blue Cheese Sauce and potato chips cascading gently onto the plate to join their dear friend, Mr. STP Dipper.
The Shop Tart’s father is nearly incapable of ordering anything but a turkey sandwich. Lucky for him, Groucho’s makes an excellent turkey sandwich.
One of the most important reasons to go to Groucho’s is their amazing crushed ice. Pregnant women the world over extol its virtues. The Shop Tart, while not pregnant*, absolutely adores that ice. A soda poured over it is instantly transformed into The Best Soda Ever. This photo doesn’t begin to capture the perfection.
Now, as you know, the Shop Tart usually chooses a salad, because she’s afraid her trainer will see her because she likes to eat healthy. Groucho’s salads don’t disappoint, but the pull of the STP Dipper is too great to resist. Live a little!
In other news:
- Kicks of Lexington (located in Lola) is celebrating their One Year Anniversary with a party. There will be cocktails, appetizers and…drumroll…a chance to win a Kicks shopping spree! The Shop Tart’s feet are tingling just thinking about the possibilities. The party starts at 4 pm. Sounds like a great excuse to leave work a little early, n’est-ce pas?
- From 5:30 to 8 pm, be at Frame of Mind to enjoy wine, cheese and new artwork by Patrick Mahoney.
- If you can make it until 7 pm (You can do it!), enjoy a fab wine tasting at the Gourmet Shop - a Tour of Spain with Clint Harris. Reservations are recommended. Find more information here.
- It’s Alison Raffaele day at Pout - stop in to see how beautiful your skin can look with just a few swipes of foundation and concealer and a puff or two of her translucent powder - perfection!
- Don’t forget to stop by Tranquil Moments for your coupon book!
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read about it on the Shop Tart!
* Nor planning to be!
Sep
24
Look of the Week
Filed Under Beauty, Clothes, Eat and Drink, Exclusive savings, Great deal, Jewelry, Look of the Week, Men, Sale, Shoes, Sip and Shop, Trunk Show | Leave a Comment
Yesterday, the Shop Tart stopped by Pout for the Tarte event. Lo and behold, they had received a new shipment of the Four Day Stay Lash Stain. Hooray! The Shop Tart just bought one, resisting the temptation to buy them all, so other people could have some, too. It won’t last long, so you better hurry.
Jaclyn Herbert, the Southeast Trainer for Tarte, was there and she told the Shop Tart about Rejuvelash - a declumping lash exhilarator. Of course she snapped one up and thinks her lashes look fuller already. After all, we all know how important conditioner is for the hair on our heads. Why neglect the lashes? Here is a photo of Alison Anderson of Pout and VanJean, Jaclyn and Shannon Dangerfield, Pout’s new esthetician.
Doesn’t Jaclyn have the most beautiful hair? And don’t you love the dark lipstick? The Shop Tart was so taken with Alison’s outfit, she snapped another picture for the Look of the Week. Alison is rockin’ it local from head to toe. Her dress is by Tibi, available at VanJean. The shoes are black Kate Spade wedges, available at Kicks. They also come in chocolate brown - lovely! She was wearing two necklaces. The longer one is by Theodosia, designed by Columbia native Jenny Thompson*. The shorter one is by Shop Tart favorite Diana Warner, available at Mary in Five Points. Alison’s Diana Warner has an “M” on it, for her dog Miles and husband, Michael. And no wonder Alison is so glowing - she and Michael were celebrating their Two Year Anniversary - here’s to many more!
While the Shop Tart was there, she let Shannon talk her into being a guinea pig (It took about three quarters of a second. The Shop Tart is very brave for science.) She hooked her up to a cool machine they’re borrowing to magically melt some fat. The Shop Tart has a party to go to tonight, so why not? Shannon measured her before and after treatment and she lost a little more than half an inch. It didn’t hurt a bit - all she had to do was lie on the table with these little warm things around her waist and read magazines**. Cool, huh? Wonder how long it’ll last…
In other news…
- Today is Nars Day at Pout - they were unpacking a new shipment yesterday, so go take a look!
- From 5:30 to 6:30 tonight, stop by Mr. Friendly’s for their $5 wine tasting - always interesting.
- Have you seen the new magazine in town, Stir? It’s about fashion, food and culture in Columbia. Keep an eye out for it around town. The Shop Tart did a retail event listing for them.
- Today is the last day of Granger Owing’s Starter Set sale. The set includes three suits by RNG, three Overton stock shirts and a pair of Johnston and Murphy shoes. Normally $1600, it’s going for $1400 - today only!
- AnnaBelle at LaRoque is working hard on lots of new things - the Shop Tart loves her little capes, particularly the black velvet one lined in hot pink for evening…and the orange tweed with gold buttons…
- Don’t forget to stop by Tranquil Moments for your coupon book!
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
* Check out the right side of this page for her website and other South Carolina designers.
* Lucky had a great spread on boots, which served to remind the Shop Tart how very much she wants those Loeffler Randalls from Kicks!
Sep
23
Free stuff, y’all! But you have to be quick!
Filed Under Bags, Beauty, Clothes, Eat and Drink, Exclusive savings, Great deal, Home, Jewelry, Men, Paper, Sale, Shoes, Trunk Show | 2 Comments
The Shop Tart would like to welcome a new advertiser, the Devine Street Association. Check out their banner at the top of the page - The Doors of Devine. And they’re offering you, dear Shop Tart reader, the chance to save, save, save! The Merchants of Devine Street have created a brochure full of great discounts for Parents’ Weekend at U.S.C. Not a parent of a college student yet? Not even a parent? Never fear - no rush!
The first 25 Shop Tart readers to show up at Tranquil Moments Day Spa and Salon can get one of the coupon booklets - absolutely free!
These are just a few of the discounts you’ll find inside:
- 20% off an eye exam and a complete set of glasses at Devine Eyes. If you wear glasses, that discount alone is worth the trip to Tranquil Moments!
- 10% off one item at VanJean and Pout. Pout’s Week of Beauty is going on right now, so you’ll get lots of useful advice!
- 20% off your total purchase at Tullulah. You could get this. For the Shop Tart. Or yourself. (Parents’ Weekend only)
- 20% off your total purchase at M Boutique. Time to grab a jacket for Fall…or a pair of jeans…or a cute top…or all of them! (Parents’ Weekend only)
- 10% off your entire purchase at Britton’s. Time for a new suit, some Bill’s Khakis or fab costume jewelry (Saturday only).
- 20% off one regularly priced item at Just the Thing. Wonder if they still have these…
- 15% off at Bohemian (Friday and Saturday)
- 15% off entire in-store purchase at LaRoque. Pick up a Game Day dress for yourself and a bow tie for your beau. The Shop Tart has seen lots of LaRoques at Williams-Brice - all originals!
- 15% off your entire purchase at Simply Savory. Why not grab a case of wine at their free wine tasting on Friday? They’ll help you pick it out. Pick up a few yummy snacks - like their delicious Gouda pimento cheese - and keep the party going chez vous*.
- $10 off any one hour service and 15% off all products at Tranquil Moments. Wouldn’t it be lovely to get a massage after a tough day of shopping? (Good until October 31st)
- And more…enjoy discounts from Pup Cakes, Manya, Pink Sorbet, Gibson’s, Handpicked and Birds on a Wire.
So…hurry on down to Tranquil Moments (715 Queen Street, just off of Devine Street) to score your booklet and get shopping! Parents’ Weekend begins on Friday and stores will be packed, so shop early to beat the crowds.
In other news…
- Sophie Shoes just received a brand new shipment of boots. It’s time to start wearing them, so head in soon to have your pick of the new stock!
- Just the Thing is packed with new bags and jewelry. Time to spruce up your accessories wardrobe. The Shop Tart loves their evening clutches - and they’re inexpensive enough so you can justify buying a few!
- Pout’s Week of Beauty continues. Tarte is featured today. Take a look at their new products for Fall! The Shop Tart adores Tarte’s cheek stain and Four Day Stay Lash Stain.
- Granger Owing’s Starter Set is on sale, but just until Wednesday. It includes three suits by RNG, three Overton stock shirts and a pair of Johnston and Murphy shoes. Normally $1600, it’s going for $1400 - but only through Wednesday!
- Exotica is having a Lafayette Trunk Show until September 27th.
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
* That means “at y’all’s house” in French, y’all!
Sep
22
Follow the Shop Tart!
Filed Under Beauty, Clothes, Eat and Drink, Great deal, Home, Jewelry, Sale, Shoes, Sip and Shop | Leave a Comment
What a weekend…Friday started with a birthday party for the Shop Tart’s dad and ended with delicious bubbly at Baan Sawan. Saturday was Game Day, followed by a late night drink at Dianne’s. The Shop Tart and her husband were joined there by Kristy (of Tullulah) and the dashing Mr. Tullulah. They had just come from a wedding and looked beyond fabulous. Call the Shop Tart silly, but there’s something so glamorous about stopping for one last drink after a wedding or a football game or whatever - and Dianne’s is the perfect place to do it - it’s a classic. Count yourself lucky if you get to chat with Dianne at the bar - always a pleasure! Sunday was the last day of the Greek Festival and the Shop Tart and her family made a quick trip to enjoy great music and what might go down in history as the Best Cheeseburger Ever. It was a relaxing end to a busy weekend and good thing, because the Shop Tart has a busy week ahead. Here’s where she’ll be:
- Pout is hosting an entire Week of Beauty. Every day this week, a different makeup line will be featured. There will be makeup artists on hand to answer all your questions and teach you the techniques you need to look amazing. Monday is devoted to Chantecaille - the Shop Tart adores their foundation - light as air. Tuesday is Tarte - check out the stunning new colors for fall and, while you’re there, put your name on the waiting list for Tarte’s Four Day Stay Mascara, which the Shop Tart also loves. Wednesday is Nars. The colors available in that line are beyond compare. Thursday, learn more about Alison Raffaele’s line. She started with a desire to make the perfect concealer (and succeeded) and went on to create an entire line of fabulous, skin-loving makeup. On Friday, Pout will introduce its newest line - Stila! The Shop Tart is most definitely a fan and thrilled that Stila is now available in Columbia. On Saturday, come in to pretty up your pucker with Wallett Cosmetics. The Shop Tart met Alison Raffaele and Victoria, the woman behind Wallett, in May when they came to Pout. Victoria made the Shop Tart’s lips look like Angelina Jolie’s…but better.If you haven’t already, make sure you meet Shannon, Pout’s new esthetician. She’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about Pout’s new skin care services. The Shop Tart tried the Ultimate Skin Facial on Saturday and was amazed. She instantly looked five years younger and like she had actually gotten a decent night’s sleep, which she had not, thanks to the aforementioned late night Champagne at Baan Sawan. The Ultimate Facial is the way to go if you need to look good right away! And skin services are 20% off through the end of September.
- Thursday, head out to Kicks of Lexington (located in Lola). They’re having a One Year Anniversary Party. There will be cocktails, appetizers and…drumroll…a chance to win a Kicks shopping spree! The Shop Tart’s feet are tingling just thinking about the possibilities. The party starts at 4 pm. Sounds like a great excuse to leave work a little early, n’est-ce pas?
- Belladea has a lot of new merchandise for Fall, including Seven Jeans, a Zebra trench coat and new pieces from Trina Turk. The temperature’s finally going down and the Shop Tart is ready for Fall clothes!
- Thursday evening, from 5:30 to 8 pm, be at Frame of Mind to enjoy wine, cheese and new artwork by Patrick Mahoney.
By the way, did you catch the Emmys? Perrey Reeves of Entourage was wearing a big gold cuff bracelet and gold hoop earrings by South Carolina designer Jane Pope. Rumor has it Perrey mentioned Jane and our lovely state.
Happy shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
Sep
19
Ladies Night at H2…everything a girl could want…
Filed Under Babies and Children, Beauty, Clothes, Eat and Drink, Home, Jewelry, Sale, Shoes, Sip and Shop, Trunk Show | Leave a Comment
There were pretty clothes, there was food and really yummy wine - The Shop Tart must remember to stop by Simply Savory today and ask what that was. Might be a good time to take advantage of their case discount! There were free mini manicures and pedicures, door prizes, makeup applications and eyebrow grooming. There was even a fashion show, featuring clothes from Lola and shoes from Kicks. The best models were the ones modeling clothes from brand new Lola G - the fashion hot spot for the younger set.
Jane Kulbersh was there with her stunning collection of jewelry (and a security guard, of course!) Here she is with one of last night’s guests.
Jane’s husband, Dr. Kulbersh was there, just back from L.A. where he learned all about a new procedure…the Shop Tart is a little too coy to talk about what it is, but let’s just say it’s something quite a few mommies might be interested in. Ahem. The Shop Tart, while not interested in having the procedure, was fascinated and asked lots of questions!
Rejuventaions Medical Spa was there - there were quite a few ladies walking around looking a little bit more refreshed than when they came. The Shop Tart, at her advanced age, has been a fan of certain “rejuvenation” techniques for a couple of years and is glad to see people are getting on the band wagon.
The Shop Tart even got a body fat composition test from the (very discreet!) Lauren Donahue, a trainer at H2. Lauren somehow managed to weigh people, get their information - including age - and use a fancy machine to calculate body fat - all without anyone hearing, and the room was packed! They’ve come a long way since those horrible calipers from P.E. class, by the way. All the Shop Tart had to do was hold on to a little machine that magically knew exactly how many french fries she had eaten.
All in all, it was a fabulous evening. Here are a few parting shots of ladies having a good time.
If you didn’t make it to this one, don’t miss the next. The Shop Tart hasn’t had that much fun for free in a while. There were even prizes! And, as always, there was free Ghirardelli Chocolate which, by the Shop Tart’s estimation, makes H2 the best gym in town.
In other news…
- Fortay’s final closing sale starts today and continues through October 7th. Everything must go, from the smaller sized denim they just located in a cabinet to the fixtures. They’re also hosting an Et Cetera trunk show starting Saturday. Call for an appointment.
- Looking for something to do tonight? The T-Mobile Boulevard concert is not to be missed. And it’s free!
- Simply Savory’s wine tasting is a great way to kick off your weekend. It starts at 4:30 pm, lasts until 5:30 …and it’s free!
- Dianne’s on Devine is hosting Denim Night - one of the Shop Tart’s favorite places to kick back and relax after a busy week (Or day. Or afternoon.) There will be denim themed bar specials and delicious bar bites. Come show off your jeans and have a great time!
- Debbie McDaniel of Revente has exciting news about fall consignments. She writes, “Prada, Missoni & all the other big boys have come to roost!”
- Weathers is having a Cole Haan trunk show today.
- Sunday night from 7 to 10 pm, head to Motor Supply Co. for Light Paintings, a new stained glass installation by artist Peter Nein.
Happy shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
Sep
18
Lunch at Congaree Grill and Loads of Things Going on Today
Filed Under Bags, Beauty, Clothes, Eat and Drink, Good Cause!, Home, Jewelry, Sale, Shoes, Sip and Shop | Leave a Comment
Congaree Grill is the perfect place to eat when you want to have an actual conversation. As much as the Shop Tart loves being out and about for lunch and seeing everyone she knows, it’s a nice change of pace to eat in a place where you can cozy up in a booth and talk to the people you came with. Mr. Shop Tart, his wife and their mutual brother in law met there the other day. The first thing on the table was a basket of fluffy, herby cheesy little biscuits. Once again, the Shop Tart lost her battle against carbs - well worth it, too - the biscuits were delicious! There was one extra and she and her companions all pretended not to eat it as they broke off bite after bite, until it was gone, in under thirty seconds. In an effort to redeem herself after the biscuit(s), the Shop Tart ordered the Southwestern Chicken Salad. Wonder if those tasty little tortilla strips had carbs? Hm.
The Brother In Law had one of the specials, some sort of yummy, meaty sandwich with melted cheese and one of the Shop Tart’s favorite foods, sweet potato fries. Do you like his shirt? He’s an avid supporter of his wife’s former athletic career. Go, Blue Devils!
Mr. Shop Tart was unable to resist the call of the Club Sandwich. Never fear, he was tucking in his tie as this photo was taken.
The Congaree Grill is also a great spot for after work drinks and dinner or Sunday brunch. The menus is full of delicious southern food. And the privacy at Congaree Grill is nice, but don’t worry if you’re feeling more social. The bar is a great option, as are the front tables and the patio when the weather is nice - which it still is this time of year, so enjoy!
In other news…
- Tonight is Ladies Night at H2, from 4 to 8 pm. There will be all kinds of freebies, from beauty treatments to chocolate. Enjoy a fashion show by Kicks and Lola, snacks from Congaree Grill and wine and cheese from Simply Savory. Staff from Rejuvenations Medical Spa will be there if you need beauty treatments with a little extra kick (You will need a reservation for Botox, fillers or permanent makeup. Call 782-1554. They’re filling up fast!) If you join the gym tonight, there will be no enrollment fee. Come on in to see the gym, get pretty and hang with some fun ladies. The Shop Tart will be there for sure!
- Today is the first day of the Greek Festival - not to be missed! The food, the performances, the food, the friendly faces - did the Shop Tart mention the food? Stop by for lunch and get there early, so you can score some spanakopeta and baklava to keep in your freezer for holiday company. The festival starts at 10 am today and lasts until Saturday.
- Also tonight, attend the Jen Phelps encore party at Frame of Mind. Enjoy wine, cheese, cool glasses and fab art from 5:30 to 8 pm. Jen’s work will only be there for one more week, so stop by if you haven’t seen it yet!
- Are you looking to help out and have fun? This afternoon, attend a 4 pm meeting at Columbia Museum of Art to learn more about volunteering opportunities. The art museum is a great place to help out - because they have the best parties! Call 343-2186 for more information.
- Cottage and Vine has a new location, on Forest Drive near Hair Doodles. They’re celebrating with a party tonight, from 5 to 8 pm. There will be refreshments and live music. If you’re on their email list, you received a coupon for 20% off one item this month - if you’re not on their list, you might want to get on it!
- Today is the last day of the 20% off sale at Mary and Sophie Shoes - tomorrow prices go right back to normal - get it while you can!
- Revente is so full of new consignments for fall, they need a bigger store! The Shop Tart hears there are some great finds…
Happy shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
Sep
17
Look of the Week!
Filed Under Bags, Clothes, Great deal, Home, Jewelry, Look of the Week, Sale, Shoes, Trunk Show | 1 Comment
Where better to find a Look of the Week than a big sale at a fab store? Mary and Sophie Shoes are having their Fall Party, which means they’re offering 20% off everything in the store. Hooray! In totally unsurprising news, the Shop Tart hit the sale as soon as it started yesterday. Mary is filled with great things for Fall and savvy shoppers were out in droves. One of them, local attorney* Kylie Keesley, graciously agreed to let the Shop Tart snap a picture. Love, love, love her classic-with-a-twist look! Her gray knit dress would look great dressed up even more for an evening out, but it’s also perfect for work. And red is such a great way to add punch to a neutral outfit - her bag is by L.A.M.B. The necklace, which is hard to see, is a long string of sheer ribbon and crystal beads. And the shoes. Oh, my goodness, the shoes! Are those great or what? The Shop Tart would wear them with everything, from jeans to party dresses.
Kylie was also wearing what seems to be on everyone’s finger these days - a gorgeous antique cocktail ring. If your grandmother isn’t ready to part with any of hers yet and your mother won’t let you near her jewelry box, don’t despair! Mary has plenty of fab costume versions.
So…with everything 20% off, now is the time to score a bigger item. The Shop Tart loved this dress (Ali and Ro 198.50), worn by store manager Bergen.
These two dresses, by Ali and Ro ($238.50) and Cynthia Vincent ($228.50) are equally awesome, n’est-ce pas?
The Shop Tart also fell in love with these two tops, by Liquid ($158.50) and Trina Turk ($198.50).
And don’t forget the details. Why not pull your look together with this great bag, by Big Buddha ($98.50)? It also comes in blue, carramel and black.
Sales like this are a great opportunity to snap up something big, like this gorgeous Juicy Couture coat ($428.50).
All the prices listed are the regular prices - remember to subtract 20% - and remember that you only get to do that until tomorrow!
In other news…
- Shop Tart reader Shirra Culp sent in this tip: “Dillard’s in Columbia Mall is closing. Almost everything in the store is 40%. Some things are up to 75%. The store at Columbiana Mall will remain open.” Sounds like it’s worth a look - thank you, Shirra!
- Granger Owings is having a trunk show today, featuring clothing by Corneliani and Hickey Freeman for your sharp dressed man.
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
* Yup, gorgeous and smart. Don’t be jealous, though - she was really nice!
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