Jan
30
Oh, happy day!
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Every now and then, stalking pays. The Shop Tart fell in love at first sight with these boots from Kicks.
But, they were out of her price range. Remember? She has children. Every dollar you spend is one less for their college accounts. As much as the Shop Tart would like to believe it, she doesn’t think a well-dressed mother is enough to get the kids scholarships. Oh, if she ran the world… Anyhow, the boots. She’s been watching them like a hawk, her heart in her throat each time another pair walked out the door. She even stalked them online, where she found plenty in black, brown and olive, but very few in her beloved nude color. A month ago, she saw them on EBay, a half-size larger than she wanted but at an excellent price. Interestingly, the pair on EBay had been purchased from Kicks, right here in town, by a mother for her daughter, who needed a slightly larger size. The Shop Tart waited, having succombed in the past to the temptation to buy the wrong size shoes at a great price. Clothes can be altered, shoes cannot. So she waited patiently.
Kicks of Lexington had a preview party yesterday for their Super Bowl Sale. Although she thought her size was gone, she checked online one more time, only to discover her boots, in a size 8, a mere half-size more than what she preferred. A half-size bigger we can handle (Word to the Wise: A half-size smaller? Not so much.) She didn’t dare hope in vain, so she called the shop to make sure the listing wasn’t in error. Her The boots were in Lexington, where the Shop Tart was headed. Though she could hardly stand the suspense, she insisted no one needed to call her back to let her know if they had been marked down more than 50%. When she arrived at the Lexington shop, her hand shook as she wrote a check to Hands of Hospice, the price of admission to the preview sale at Lola, Lola G and Kicks. Drum roll…they were 60% off! Not as much as the Shop Tart would have liked, but she’s learned from past mistakes that if you love something enough, you need to suck it up and whip out the checkbook. Just be ready to go light on groceries for a while, like these folks*.
She enjoyed the rest of the sale with a song in her heart. In fact, she was feeling so loving, she scored several pieces for her niece at Lola G, including an Ella Moss dress, Splendid hoodie and one other dress. If you are a pre-teen, teen or mother of either, you really need to head to Lola G, today or tomorrow if you can. Like grown-up Lola, they are having a huge sale, with loads of items (including some denim!) at 60 to 75% off. And they have 10-, 20- and 30-dollar bins, organized by size. Mad deals, ladies, mad deals.
Boots in bag, the Shop Tart headed back to town for LaRoque’s bash, where she downed two glasses of Champagne and enjoyed herself immensely before heading to her oldest child’s future middle school for an information meeting. Don’t the ladies look pretty in their LaRoque? Wonder who won the gift card…
You may recognize the black and white skirt; AnnaBelle and the Shop Tart share custody. Looks like they may have to share it with a third party! The food at the party was delightful and filling, which was a good thing given the Shop Tart needed something to cushion that Champagne before meeting her child’s future teachers.
Enfin, she had to leave for the meeting, but she so enjoyed chatting with Tom of Bohemian Home, Margaret from MC Interiors Forty-One, Justin from Paul D. Sloane Interiors and Indira, one of the ladies who sews for AnnaBelle (You may know her if you ever were a ballet dancer or parented one, as she has done extensive work costuming.) Look for Justin, a verrah sharp-dressed man, as a Look of the Week soon.
After the meeting, Mr. and Mrs. Shop Tart went to Baan Sawan for dinner at the bar. Oddly, Mr. Shop Tart wasn’t all that interested in hearing about the Shop Tart’s new boots, although he admitted they were mad cool. Dinner was excellent, washed down with bubbly of course! And, now, the Shop Tart is off to figure out how to debut her new boots. Mwah!
In other news…
- Lola, Lola G and Kicks of Lexington are rocking a huge sale today and tomorrow. Seriously, huge.
- Simply Savory’s free wine tasting is happening this afternoon from 4:30 to 6:30 pm, with Mayor Bob Coble to attend for a ribbon-cutting at the Deli and Dip at 5 pm. Sounds like a plan!
- Need some reading for the weekend? Don’t forget the book exchange at Sid and Nancy. Bring a book, take a book. No charge!
- Pout’s theme of the day is “Touch.” Help them celebrate on this final day of their birthday week with discounts and goodies galore!
- Have you made reservations for Valentine’s Day? They’re filling up fast. Or you could prepare a lovely dinner at home. Gourmet Shop is already taking orders for mouth-watering chocolate-dipped strawberries! Also, Le Creuset is back in the shop. The Shop Tart always reaches for her Le Creuset pieces first when cooking and wishes she had more!
- House Brand is having a clearance sale, offering 20% off almost everything (some artwork excluded.)
- In Greenville or Charleston for the weekend? Hampden Clothing is offering 75% off all remaining Fall merchandise.
- Today is the last day to get an extra 10% off clearance at M Boutique. Wouldn’t you like something cute to wear out tonight?
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
* The Shop Tart must clarify: What they are doing is way cooler than what the Shop Tart did. Donating your saved grocery money to a charity providing food for the needy is, obvi, way better than buying boots. But she donates to Harvest Hope and other charities, too, so can you forgive her? And read that blog. She loves their attitude!
Jan
29
Big style, little(r) price.
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The Shop Tart used to love outlet shopping. With a little effort, she could find that dress from two seasons ago she wished she had bought, at a fraction of the price. Occasionally, she scored big discounts on out of reach items, like a pair of Yves St. Laurent evening shoes. Nowadays, all the big chain stores have outlets, but they don’t carry the same things you find in those stores; they stock lower-end lines with tags that read “Such-and-Such Outlet.” Hmph. Where’s the fun in that?
Several stores in Five Points are bringing the fun back. Mary recently opened a branch in Sophie Shoes. In the back of the shop, now affectionately known as “The Boutique Basement,” you’ll find clothes from past seasons at 60% off. On a recent visit, the Shop Tart found loads of bright colors for spring and plenty of basics, like knits by Michael Stars and Velvet.
Although denim designers put out new styles every season, most of us wear our high-end jeans from past seasons with pride. The Shop Tart still rocks a pair of Paper Denim and Cloth that were a gift she bought for herself to celebrate the return of her normal a**, when her almost-eight-year-old was not yet one. Even denim was 60% off, all styles and colors, including some fab white ones not pictured below.
The Shop Tart, apparently, has strange taste. Or an open mind. Sometimes she loves things like no one else does. Last year, she purchased this dress at an early 20% off sale, so afraid it would be snapped up before reaching the clearance rack.
She admits the Plenty by Tracy Reese dress looks somewhat goofy on the rack, but believe her when she says it looks lovely on a human. And believe her again when she promises it is more versatile than you think - you could wear it to a cocktail party, church, a garden party, even a wedding. You, dear reader, can snap it up at a fraction of the cost. Just call the Shop Tart before you wear it, because you would look silly in matching dresses. Ready, set, go…comb the racks, just like outlets in the old days!
Check out the sale at Mary going on right now, too. All items from fall and winter that were originally over $200 are 60% off and there’s a $20 rack, just for you! New items are coming in daily for spring, in all price ranges.
Revente is another place to score squeal-worthy deals. This year, they’re sharing the love by pricing things to sell in this tough economy. On a recent trip, the Shop Tart had to read the price tags on some Milly items several times before she believed her eyes. She went in to consign some spring items, including an adorable pair of Sigerson Morrison slides she bought at an irresistible discount and has never been able to slide her big foot into. She should have worn blinders to get out of the store without making a purchase, but there it was. A fab skirt by Etro, begging for a spot in her closet. She hoped it might be too small. It was exactly her size. She knew it would be too expensive, even in a consignment shop. Etro is Etro, after all. Au contraire. It was less than $50, less than $40 after her birthday month discount (a great reason to put your little self on the mailing list at Revente!) Hooray! And here’s a little secret: Some big-name boutiques consign at Revente when the season is over. Look for still tagged, never worn items from your fave shops.
2G’s, next door to Adriana’s, is another spot for deals and it can get interesting. Right now, they’re offering 50% off the lowest marked price on most things. If fur is your thing, you won’t believe the deal on this rabbit capelet, perfect to throw over your cocktail dress, evening gown or jumpsuit in our mild climate. After the discount, it’s less than $70.
She also spotted this Coach messenger bag, for $149.90. Wouldn’t it be perfect to take to job interviews?
Another great way to save is by paying attention to your favorite shop’s party schedule - or let the Shop Tart do it for you. Champagne and hors d’oeuvres? Is there a better way to shop? Today is a busy, busy day, but with a little careful planning, you won’t miss a thing. You might have to leave work a few minutes early, but it’s for a good cause.
- The Super Bowl Sale at Kicks of Lexington, Lola and Lola G is happening on Friday and Saturday, but there is a preview sale (snacks and sippers included, bien sûr!) today from 4 to 7 pm with a $10 cover charge to benefit Hands of Hospice. The sale will feature 10-, 20- and 30-dollar bins, as well as 50 to 75% off all Fall and Winter shoes. See you there!
- Stay at Lola for a while and head to LaRoque, any time between 5 and 8 pm. Pretty clothes, hors d’œuvre, champers and chocolate…what’s not to love? And the Shop Tart was so excited to hear about a fabulous prize one lucky customer will win: Wear your LaRoque original to the party to be entered in a drawing for a $100 gift card. That would go a long way towards paying for your Carolina Cup dress. If you can’t make it to the party, you can still get 20% off any purchase you make that day. AnnaBelle can’t wait to entertain in her newly renovated space!
- After LaRoque, head to Kicks on Devine Street, any time between 5:30 to 8 pm for a Lia Sophia jewelry show. They are still having a huge sale on fall shoes, 50% off. Enjoy 15% off tonight only on spring shoes! As for the jewelry, buy one item at full price and get up to two items at half price. Sounds like a plan! (Hint on Kicks’ Facebook page: The Sidewalk Sale is February 7th, but stop by the week before for the same great prices…)
- Pout is celebrating her fifth birthday with a big party today. The shop will be open late, until 7 pm. Come and enjoy door prizes, goodie bags, big discounts, hors d’œuvre and more champers, dah-ling!
Perhaps you should take a nap at lunch to get ready? Mwah!
In other news…
- Today and tomorrow, take an extra 10% off already drastically reduced sale items at M Boutique. Buy some things you can wear right now!
- Belladea is having a sale today and tomorrow - 25% off everything. Time to plan your spring look…
- Britton’s Yansi Fugel trunk show begins today and lasts until Saturday. Enjoy 10% off special orders and 20% off in-store purchases during the show.
- The Shop Tart was heartbroken to hear the March issue will be Domino Magazine’s last. She adores that magazine for its mix of budget-friendly and mad lovely decorating tips. *Sigh* Wonder if we could clap and bring it back to life, like Tinkerbell…
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
Jan
28
Look of the Week!
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If you want to see great-looking, well-dressed ladies, why not head to one of the most stylish restaurants in town? As the Shop Tart was leaving M Vista with Mr. Shop Tart, Lena Pinkston, image consultant and owner of Lavish Hair Studio, was arriving. The Shop Tart knew she had to get up her nerve quickly if she wanted to ask for a photo - Lena was so friendly, it was easy! Given her own chic style and manner, Lena must be a fab image consultant.
Let’s start with the boots. Boots add sophistication to any ensemble and this is a classic pair by Nine West. Boots are always a good investment (Lena bought these in 2007), because they rarely go out of style. The Shop Tart has a pair from before most of you were born that never fail to elicit a compliment or three. Lena’s skirt is also a classic, feminine piece - love how the buttons keep it interesting. Wrap sweaters always flatter and layering is key in a place like South Carolina, where the temperature is as unpredictable as the Shop Tart’s taste. The emerald green shirt underneath adds a touch of color, complementing that fab mustard yellow bag. Lena found the bag at Ann’s Fashion Boutique on St. Andrews Road, which the Shop Tart plans to visit soon. Would it be creepy of her to buy the same bag? Wonder if they still have it. Ladies like Lena know how to create a look, including just the right accessories and touches of color. Trés jolie, n’est-ce pas? Gorgeous and smart, Lena earned a master’s degree in retailing from USC in 2007. In addition to being a business owner, Lena is the fashion editor for Hair Etc, a Charleston-based magazine. Whew!
In other news…
- The winter sale at KD’s Treehouse continues - all long pants and long-sleeved shirts are buy one, get one half off and you can take an additional 30% off anything on the clearance rack. The soft knits at KD’s are perfect for toddler layering. Even the Shop Tart’s picky toddler will oblige.
- Just in at Lola: New Amber and Ava styles from Citizens of Humanity, new denim from People’s Liberation, cute tops and dresses from Weston Wear and more great things from Fashionista.
- Coplon’s is hosting an Akris trunk show this Friday.
- M Boutique is getting dressed for spring - go take a look at all the fab new brights!
- 20!20 Vision in Five Points has loads of brand new sunglasses for spring… Raybans, Guess, Ellen Tracy, Coach and Gucci and more. Sunglasses are essential to protecting your eyes and preventing crow’s feet and they’re mad stylish to boot!
- Need a wedding present or something to add a little color to your own kitchen? Finleaf has new fabulously whimsical items by Batton Clayworks.
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
Jan
27
Mmmmmm…Vista!
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The Shop Tart has been a fan of Michelle Wang’s since the original Miyo’s on Main, across from the Nickelodeon Theater. All of Michelle’s restaurants have a bustling, big city feel, right here in Columbia. Her newest venture, M Vista on Lady Street, manages to top all the others.
As always, impeccable service complements fab food and sophisticated atmosphere. Rumor has it servers are required to maintain a certain grade point average to keep their jobs. This wouldn’t surprise the Shop Tart in the least.
But on to more interesting things…
On a recent visit, Mr. Shop Tart chose a seat facing the television in the bar, so he could watch replays of Mike Holmes’ now famous pass, hoping to catch a glimpse of the basketball star’s mouthed instruction to teammate Zam Frederick, “Go long.” Holmes might be the cure for what ails the Gamecock’s football program*, n’est-ce pas? He also chose the delicious chicken curry, with a side of chili paste of course.
Out of the kindness of your heart, please forgive the Shop Tart for her new PhotoShop experiment: floating items of food. She has no patience for reading directions and must learn through trial and error. Ahem.
With a full afternoon ahead, she chose the sashimi lunch plate, a meal that never fails to energize her for the rest of the day.
M Vista is also a perfect destination for dinner in the evening. The Shop Tart had an absolute blast with a huge group of girlfriends there last summer. They were seated in a small private room in the center of the restaurant and had their very own waitress, devoted to their happiness - so much fun!
After lunch, the Shop Tart popped into the J Thomas Salon to do a little research for an article she was writing for Jolie. She’s meant to stop by ever since Freya arrived with Smashbox Cosmetics and she wasn’t disappointed. the colors are amazing and the packaging is fun and flirty. Determined to use everything in her already overflowing makeup suit case arsenal kit, the Shop Tart is taking a self-imposed break from buying anything new. She can’t wait to run out of a few things to create space…
In other news…
- AnnaBelle finally spilled some details about her party on Thursday. Pretty clothes, hors d’œuvre, champers and chocolate…what’s not to love? And the Shop Tart was so excited to hear about a fabulous prize one lucky customer will win: Wear your LaRoque original to the party to be entered in a drawing for a $100 gift card. That would go a long way towards paying for your Carolina Cup dress. If you can’t make it to the party, you can still get 20% off any purchase you make that day. AnnaBelle can’t wait to entertain in her newly renovated space!
- On Friday, be there or be square:
- This is your last week to take advantage of Dianne’s special promotion. Print it out and have a lovely time!
- The theme of the day at Pout is “Smell.” Stop by for fab deals on perfume, candles and more!
- Mary in Five Points just unpacked a shipment of dresses and tops by Velvet. They’re raising the bar for budget-conscious style mavens - by lowering prices. Check out the new “Under $20″ rack.
- Fall and Winter shoes are 50% off at Sophie and they have an entire area devoted to deeply discounted past season clothes from Mary. Exciting!
- Rumor has it Wish might open another shop in Tickled Pink’s recently vacated space next to Pout. The Shop Tart will keep you posted!
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
* The Shop Tart cannot take credit for this thought, which is far beyond her sports reach. Her father said something to that effect when he stopped by after the game.
Jan
26
Follow the Shop Tart!
Filed Under Babies and Children, Bags, Beauty, Clothes, Eat and Drink, Good Cause!, Great deal, Home, Jewelry, Sale, Shoes, Sip and Shop, Trunk Show, Wine | Leave a Comment
The Shop Tart had a lovely weekend - thank you for asking - with Frogmore Stew for fourteen of her dearest friends at her kitchen table. And copious amounts of Champagne and birthday cake, bien sûr! Because it was her birthday, she asked her lady friends to arrive an hour and a half before the gentlemen. She offered aprons and Champagne as soon as they walked in the door and the ladies chopped, chatted and chugged until the guys arrived for dinner. Is it obnoxious of the Shop Tart to say the picture doesn’t do the meal justice? Oh, well. She is what she is, n’est-ce pas?
She turned 28. Again. Her birthday comes at an ideal time, when everything is on sale!
She has a busy week after her birthday…
- AnnaBelle of LaRoque is throwing a party on Thursday to celebrate (and show off!) her fab new space. Stay tuned for details.
- The Super Bowl Sale at Kicks of Lexington, Lola and Lola G is happening on Friday and Saturday, with a preview sale (snacks and sippers included, bien sûr!) on Thursday with a $10 cover charge to benefit Hands of Hospice. The sale will feature 10-, 20- and 30-dollar bins, as well as 50 to 75% off all Fall and Winter shoes. See you there!
- Head to Kicks on Devine Street Thursday evening from 5:30 to 8 pm for a Lia Sophia jewelry show. They are still having a huge sale on fall shoes, 50% off. Look for special mark downs that night only on spring shoes! As for the jewelry, buy one item at full price and get up to two items at half price. Sounds like a plan!
- Sid and Nancy is having a book exchange - Bring a book to the shop and take one home. January is the perfect month to stay in, curled up with a good book.
- Simply Savory’s free wine tasting is happening Friday afternoon from 4:30 to 6:30. This Friday, they’ll host a Grand Opening party for the Deli and Dip. Mayor Bob will attend for ribbon-cutting duties.
- Have you combed your closet for potential spring consignments to take to Revente? The Shop Tart has and is hoping for a few bucks to spend on new looks!
- Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Britton’s is hosting a Yansi Fugel trunk show, with a special appearance by Maggie Silvestri, account executive for Yansi Fugel. Enjoy 10% off special orders and 20% off in-store purchases during the show.
- Mark your calenders: The Devine Street Sidewalk Sale is February 14th. Happy Valentine’s Day to you, lovely!
- Pout is celebrating a fifth birthday, with five days of senses. Today is “Sight,” so select eye products and eye services from esthetician Shannon will be 25% off. Tuesday is “Smell,” with discounts on candles, fragrances and other delightfully smelly things. Wednesday’s theme is “Sound” and you can look for discounts on Stila’s talking pallettes, select glosses (hear the sound of kisses being blown!) and Art of Shaving power razors. Thursday will focus on “Taste,” so head to Pout for a birthday bash with door prizes, goodie bags, discounts galore, tasty snacks and Champagne from 10 am until 7 pm. “Touch” is the theme on Friday. See you there!
- Just the Thing’s winter clearance sale is still on, up to 75% off.
- Both H2 and Tonic Day Spa are offering free microdermabrasion with any one-hour facial through the end of the month. Slough it off, baby, slough it off.
- “Desserts and Designers” is happening at Creative Tile’s Northeast Showroom tomorrow at 5 pm. Chat with designers while you browse tile selections and fantasize about your new kitchen. Solstice will be there with dessert and Max and Prissy will be showing clothing from the shop. Stop by for a glass of wine.
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
Jan
23
People have such strange priorities.
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One of the Shop Tart’s Facebook friends didn’t care for Aretha Franklin’s hat at the inauguration. The Shop Tart liked it, which is beside the point. Or is it? She always cares about fashion choices. Whether they make a fab individual statement or help the wearer feel comfortable in any given situation, clothes fascinate her endlessly. She suspects a certain lady lost in the primary to President Obama because no one ever took her aside to talk about the length of her pants. Fashion matters, like it or not. The Shop Tart’s hat-judging friend went on to say this about the offending headgear:
“Really. It was almost as bad as all the inane commentary about what people were wearing. Who gives a s**t?”*
Well, a lot of people do. One of our new president’s first achievements in office was to boost the economy by raising J. Crew’s share price more than 10 percent. Wonder if he would sport a Shop Tart t-shirt on his next jog? The Shop Tart watched the inauguration with friends, who enjoyed an excuse to drink Champagne in the middle of the day discussing any number of things, including politics, poetry, what they were making for dinner…and what our new leaders and their families were wearing. Her friend Angela squealed as the Bidens approached the podium,
“Oooh! Aren’t those your gloves?”
In vain, the Shop Tart tried to catch another glimpse of Miss Ashley Blazer Biden’s hands to confirm she was sporting the same pair of beloved Phillip Lim gloves.
Later in the day, she Googled, encore in vain. As a last resort, she contacted Ms. Biden directly, sure she wouldn’t respond. Au contraire, ma chére.
“Would it be possible to find out if Ms. Biden was wearing Phillip Lim gloves at the inauguration today? The fashion-curious want to know and only caught a quick glimpse.”
Less than a day later, she received this response:
“I was. Philip Lim all the way! I love my gloves…”
Charming! The Shop Tart did a little more digging and learned Ms. Biden also wore Phillip Lim to an Inaugural ball, the gown pictured below.
The Shop Tart tried it on at VanJean and is now kicking herself for not buying it - stunning on the model and equally stunning on Ms. Biden. The Shop Tart has a busy weekend ahead; she’ll probably spend a great deal of time rehashing the week with her new best friend Ashley. Well, maybe not, but the young Ms. Biden is the Shop Tart’s favorite political figure. Why? Because loving Phillip Lim like the Shop Tart loves him is a sure sign of intelligence, sophistication and excellent personal style. Mwah!
In other news…
- Of the utmost importance: Tomorrow is the Shop Tart’s birthday.
- Kick off the Shop Tart’s birthday weekend with a free wine tasting at Simply Savory today from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Pick up some of their delicious pimento cheese and some crackers for dinner at home, snuggled up with your favorite co-canoodler.
- The Shop Tart enjoyed a visit to Lola, Lola G and Kicks of Lexington yesterday. They were unpacking oodles of fab things for spring but had plenty of fall and winter items left on sale. Make the trip for classic blouses by Fashionista, more black pants and skirts than the Shop Tart could count and loads of other things you can wear right this minute. The shop is filled to bursting!
- Speaking of Kicks, they received more rain boots by Jeffrey Campbell, this time in navy. Love! Priced at only $65, they will go fast, so don’t wait for a sale. This is the black boot, which the Shop Tart wears rain or shine:
- Rosewood Market hosts the All-Local Farmers’ Market tomorrow morning. What a perfect place to buy flowers for the Shop Tart’s birthday!
- VanJean’s fall and winter merchandise is 75% off and they’re putting more out for spring every day. Spend at least $300 and receive a Tibi candle absolutely free!
- Belladea has new Ella Moss for spring.
- Burlap Fine Papers and Gifts is offering 40% off lots of items such as Paddywax candles, Vera Wang stationery, Mud Pie wine bags and wine stoppers, clutch purses and much, much more.
- In the Loop celebrates her second birthday with a two-day sale, at least 20% off all yarns.
- Through tomorrow, get 25% off all regularly-priced merchandise, in-stock and custom order, at Strobler.
- Just the Thing’s sale got even better this morning, 50 to 75% off fall and winter merchandise. So go get it!
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
* Someone doth protest too much. He brought up fashion first, n’est-ce pas? Not that the Shop Tart minds.
Jan
22
Get your healthy glow for less (and another Cheap Treat!)
Filed Under Beauty, Clothes, Eat and Drink, Great deal, Home, Sale, Sip and Shop, Wine, cheap treat | Leave a Comment
Good Morning, dahling. How are you doing with your New Year’s resolution? Not so good? Well, change it. Easier resolutions are best and the Shop Tart has one for you: You hereby resolve to go to Rosewood Market with a dollar (just a dollar!) and buy a key tag which will entitle you to a 5% discount on absolutely everything in the store. Everything, as in fresh produce, vegetarian options galore, healthy deli foods, skin-loving beauty products, vitamins and magazines. And everything else. The Rosewood key tag dangles from all the chicest key fobs in town.
You can use it to buy the Shop Tart’s latest and greatest seasoning, Garlic Red Pepper Miso. Her charming friend Tracie turned her on to it and she’s been adding a scoop to various dishes ever since. Bonus: Miso is really, really good for you!
Don’t forget to stock up on fresh produce, a no-brainer when it comes to eating right.
The Shop Tart can’t guarantee the health benefits of this cereal, but how could she resist the name? Sounds like a good time!
With the 5% discount, you can shop more often at Rosewood, where everything is good for you (but not in an “Eat your vegetables or no dessert for you, young lady” kind of way). The Shop Tart will step gingerly onto her soapbox for a moment… So many of us battle our weight when we should be worried about our health. If you take the bull by the horns (or the, um, gourd if you are vegetarian) and change your eating habits for the better, your happy weight will find you. Really. Eat foods as close to nature as possible, don’t suffer unnecessarily and find some sort of exercise you love. In her capacity as a Pilates teacher, the Shop Tart is often asked what kind of exercise people should do. Her answer? Whatever kind you will do. Don’t like getting your hair wet? Skip swimming. Don’t like short skirts and cute instructors? Tennis is not for you. Don’t like former ballet dancers? Forgo Pilates. Whatever you choose, make sure you stretch a little, strengthen a little and sweat a little. Focus on health, not weight. You’ve heard it before, but it’s true, true, true! Incidentally, the Shop Tart finds Self Magazine inspires without hurting her feelings. She gleans an encouraging health tidbit or three from every issue. And she picks up her skirt and steps delicately off the soapbox.
Since we’re improving ourselves, how about a Cheap Treat? Do you get patchy bits of dry skin in the winter? No worries, you don’t have to admit it. Most of us do, whether on the face, elbows or any other location that misses summer humidity. If you want skin as soft as a baby’s bottom, why not use a product meant for a baby’s bottom? Don’t use it on your face in the day time, unless you’re into the greasy look, but A+D Original Ointment banishes dry patches like nothing else. Getting ready to go out? Dab it on while you’re fixing your hair and wipe it off, along with those dry flakes, before applying make-up. For really dry skin, apply heavily before bedtime.
Need another reason to banish junk food? The Shop Tart recently spotted this sign. She feels scared.
Now, go be lovely!
In other news…
- Simply Savory’s free wine tasting is happening tomorrow afternoon, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. This week, they’re serving Foxbrook Chardonnay, Foxbrook Merlot, Trapiche Malbec and Trapiche Pinot Noir. Yum!
- Mark your calender: AnnaBelle of LaRoque wants you to see the new shop and she’s having a party next Thursday evening. Details coming soon! Stop by this week for a 75% off winter and fall sale rack and new styles for spring.
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
Jan
21
Snow Day!
Filed Under Babies and Children, Clothes, Eat and Drink, Great deal, Home, Jewelry, Sale, cheap treat | Leave a Comment
Kindly spare the Shop Tart your lecture about how it was so much colder up north and you had to put chains on the tires and people down here are so silly because everything closes when it’s cold and rainy. She knows all about these things. She went to college. In Canada, even. Snow days happen. All your plans canceled in one fell swoop, when you learn that school is closed and your little darlings will be home. No shopping for you, dear. No relaxing lunch downtown. No child-free, Champagne-heavy Inauguration Day party at your sister-in-law’s. Hmph.
But you know what you can do? Redecorate the top of your dresser. The Shop Tart has trouble with big projects; the top of one piece of furniture isn’t so daunting. Her dresser, which also serves as her bedside table, mocks the rest of her bedroom with its slovenliness. Scatterbrain that she is, the Shop Tart must have several magazines and at least two books going at the same time, so she can choose based on her many, many moods. And she must have at least one receptacle for change; it never overflows because she regularly swipes coins for parking. She must have at least one other receptacle for sunglasses and keys. As you can see, there are at least two pair of sunglasses strewn on her messy “before” dresser. And a piggy bank, camera lens, coffee cup and a tie. And some other stuff that won’t fit in the overflowing drawers below.
In fact, a few magazines escaped the top of the dresser and migrated to the floor. She would like some credit for making her bed (and she should probably admit she did it just for the picture, although it might have been more dramatic to have left it unmade.) What’s a girl to do?
Without further ado…please admire the Shop Tart’s solutions. Apologies if she is a little too proud of herself.
- In order to keep all those magazines and books neat, she propped a bamboo box on its side to serve as a small bookshelf. She promises not to let it fill to overflowing. The old camera lens and her dad’s old camera that goes with it act as a bookend.
- Two open bamboo boxes rest on top of the box, one for change and a larger one for sunglasses and keys. They are easy to remove and replace. Ease is the key to staying organized.
- A small ceramic skateboard made by one of her children and the pictures, one of her husband and one of her with her first baby, remained, as did the bag behind them. The bag is from Cartier, modified by the Shop Tart’s husband with a picture of himself a a teenager, and contained a watch given to the Shop tart on her tenth anniversary by said husband. Not ready to part with it just yet…
- The piggy bank, coffee cup and tie were banished.
Ooh! She did one more thing: replaced all the plain metal knobs with amethyst balls wrapped in brass wire. Hard to see in the photo below, but the Shop Tart is tickled pink by them*.
Funny thing about organizing…it usually leads to more organizing. The Shop Tart didn’t stop with the surface of her dresser, but moved on to the four small drawers at the top. One contained tights and slips, one contained lingerie, bathing suits and cards from her children, one was reserved for socks and the fourth had a bunch of belts and random spillover from the top of the dresser. After pruning and tidying those, she couldn’t help but move to the larger drawer below, and the one below that and the one below that. Lo and behold, she moved to the closet and tackled the small dresser containing pajamas and underthings. What a rush! Several bags were filled for Goodwill; several more were filled for the garbage. Finally, she tidied the top drawer in her bathroom; it was very scary and she’s glad to have it behind her. Up next? The hanging clothes, bags and shoes. The Shop Tart hopes to find a few things for consignment at Revente, a great way to get paid for all her effort, n’est-ce pas?
Why are people so enamored of Spring Cleaning? When the cold leaves town, the Shop Tart wants to go out and about, enjoying the sunshine. Cold, rainy days are perfect for cleaning. If we have just a few about a million just a billion more, she can achieve perfect organization!
So joyous over her newly organized dresser, the Shop Tart found time to make Inauguration Day cupcakes for her children, who were excited to be home from the school to watch our newest president take office. The Shop Tart took pride in her children’s civic-mindedness, but was was relieved they understood the importance of cupcakes to commemorate any important occasion. Lemon with vanilla icing. Delish!
Now that you can leave the house…
- VanJean’s sale is still marvelous, plenty of fall and winter left, and new things for spring are rolling in by the truckload.
- Mary has new shipments of Diana Warner jewelry and dresses by Shoshanna and Milly. They also carry plenty of merchandise for under $100, a trend the Shop Tart loves.
- Speaking of Under $100, check M Boutique for the latest trends at prices you can get your wallet around. They pioneered the “Under $100″ trend! Well, not really, but they were on the bandwagon pretty early.
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart.
* She found them on sale at a certain national chain, whose warehouse happens to be right here in South Carolina, which means they ship really quickly. Almost instant gratification.
Jan
20
Art Shack! Baby, Art Shack!
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Let’s sing…all together now…
If you see a faded sign at the side of the road that says 15 feet to the…
Art Shack! Art Shack (yeah, yeah)…
I’m headed down Rosewood Avenue, lookin’ for some coffee and hot food.
Heading for the art getaway.
I got me an SUV, it’s as big as a whale and we’re headin’ on down
to the Art Shack!
I got me a Toyota, it seats about 20,
so hurry up and bring your breakfast money!
Well the Art Shack is a little old place
where we can get together!
Art Shack baby, Art Shack bay-bee.
Art Shack, baby Art Shack!
Art Shack, baby Art Shack!
Art Shack, baby Art Shack!
Art baby, that’s where it’s at,
Art Shack, baby Art Shack!
Oooh art baby, that’s where it’s at!*
Have you heard? Today is a snow day. In dear Columbia, South Carolina, that means a really cold, wet day when the kids are out of school. Fun. The Shop Tart likes to make it special** and is wondering if the Art Shack is open. Wouldn’t it be lovely to get all bundled up, brave the treacherous road conditions and push open the door of the Art Shack, bursting into a warm room filled with the smell of coffee, baked goods and hot breakfast treats?
The Shop Tart enjoyed immensely her coffee with cream and satisfying breakfast bowl (Eggs and bacon, topped with melted cheese. What’s not to love?)
The Shop Tart would die without copious amounts of hot coffee every morning. She’s trying to stop drinking it after she leaves her house, but until she manages to do that (which will probably be…like…never), Cashua Coffee roasted right here in South Carolina is a treat!
The inside of the shop, studio, gallery and cafe is eclectic, funky, cute and all those other adjectives one uses to describe such a place. You can purchase work by local artists or pay for studio time to create your own. Check the Art Shack website for rates, they vary depending on whether you use their supplies or your own. Grab a girlfriend and go be all arty and stuff!
In other news…
- Pout is celebrating her fifth birthday! Starting Monday, January 26th, shoppers can stop by for special promotions and deep discounts on all merchandise. On Thursday, January 29th, come by between 4 and 7 pm for a birthday party.
- Granger Owings is having a semi-annual 3-for-1 sale on select items. you’ll need the e-mailed coupon, so email the Shop Tart and she’ll forward it to you.
- Need a makeover? Seek out Freya at the J Thomas Salon and learn all about the newest cosmetic line in Columbia, Smashbox!
- Wish’s Winter Clearance Sale just got better. Until Wednesday, take an additional 20% off items already marked down 50%. Coats excluded.
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you red it on the Shop Tart!
* Sung to the tune of the B-52’s Love Shack, if you are so inclined.
** Although today might be special enough. Have you heard? There’s an inauguration today.
Jan
19
Follow the Shop Tart!
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Do you ever find that, in your endless quest for ultimate style, you neglect the basics? The Shop Tart finally acknowledged, much to her shame, that she doesn’t own a simple black wool coat. Make that “didn’t,” because she hit the VanJean sale with excellent results on Friday. Wearing her black ski parka, she marched into VanJean on a mission and was thrilled to find not one, not two, but several (that’s, like, four) racks of winter coats, all 75% off. She pulled out every black coat and tried each one. Several were rejected for their similarity to an evening jacket she already owns. She forced herself to choose a daytime coat, even though cocktail wear is her fave. Enfin, she made a decision (a Milly jacket with a belted waist and poet sleeves gathered at the wrist, for the curious.) Since the jackets were such a great deal, she bought just one more, a very traditional neon-yellow short jacket with an asymmetrical collar by Mint.
There was a faux-fur by Milly she wanted real bad and a cadet-blue knee length coat by Mint and a taupe wrap coat by her boyfriend Phillip Lim… Oh, the list goes on, but choices must be made, n’est-ce pas?
Are you a rock star? Were you dying for this jacket and couldn’t bear to spend so much? Now’s your chance to get the Phillip Lim bronze and black motorcycle jacket (sold out, like, everywhere) for 75% off. Squeeee!
We South Carolinians are so lucky; by the time it gets cold, all the coats and sweaters are on sale!
- Revente’s Winter Clearance Sale will be going on for one more week. This is your last chance to score a bargain (or three) you can wear right now. The Shop Tart has been cleaning out her closet and dressers, hoping to find some spring clothing for consignment.
- Mark your calenders: The Super Bowl Sale at Kicks of Lexington, Lola and Lola G is happening on January 30th and 31st (Friday and Saturday) with a preview sale (snacks and sippers included, bien sûr!) on Thursday the 29th with a $10 cover charge to benefit Hands of Hospice. The sale will feature 10-, 20- and 30-dollar bins, as well as 50 to 75% off all Fall and Winter shoes. See you there!
- Something else to put on the calender (You do have a shopping calender, don’t you? The Shop Tart can’t be the only one. Of course she is - that’s her job - and oh, what a lovely job it is!) Anyhow, Sid and Nancy is entering “The Terrible Twos,” but the Shop Tart is sure they won’t be terrible at all. Help them celebrate their second anniversary on February 7th. Rumor has it that wild two-year-old will be offering a 20% store-wide discount, giveaways, karaoke…and more!
- M Boutique is offering 50 to 75% off fall and winter merchandise - so go get it!
- Both H2 and Tonic Day Spa are offering free microdermabrasion with any one-hour facial through the end of the month. Slough it off, baby, slough it off.
- Honestly? The Shop Tart isn’t going to this one, because it’s on her birthday and she doesn’t drink beer, but the World Beer Festival on Saturday at the Convention Center promises to be a lot of fun. A lot of the Shop Tart’s fave local joints are sponsors: Morganelli’s, Village Idiot and Gervais & Vine, to name a few. If you want to go down in history as Best Girlfriend Ever, why not get a couple of tickets and take your guy*? You’ll have a blast!
- A little bird told the Shop Tart that Soak in Trenholm Plaza is the latest and greatest place for a fab mani-pedi. The kids are out of school today, which means the Shop Tart will need to relax when they go back tomorrow. Soak sound like a plan. Who wants to bring coffee and meet her there?
- Speaking of the kids being out of school… If you have a few and you’re stuck with them all day, why not do something positive and head to the food court of the Mall at Midtown - that’s Richland Mall if you’re old-school - between 10 am and 12 pm for Columbi-Yeah Cares to help The Nurturing Center? This is a great way to get your children involved in helping those who need it most. Bonus: You’ll be able to kill an hour or two of the long, cold day because your children can make Valentines for the kids at the Nurturing Center, play on the indoor playground at the mall and hang out with other kids while you chat with their mothers while sucking down skinny lattés with half a shot of sugar-free caramel your fave coffee drink. Don’t forget to take a look at Columbi-Yeah!, a great place to learn more about navigating Columbia with kids.
- If you’re in the mood for a makeover - or just a new product or two - go to J Thomas Salon between now and the end of the month. Freya is offering 10% off all Smashbox makeup until then.
- Tiny Treasures is offering 20% off new Spring merchandise and an extra 10% off already-reduced clearance. And, if you spend at least $100, you’ll get a $25 gift certificate to use on your next purchase.
- Spending a day in Charlotte? Head to Petal in Dilworth. In addition to the things they already carry, they’ve added a “$100 or Less” section. Great idea!
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
* Was that too Cosmo-ish? Whatever. Helen Gurley Brown is an icon and much-adored and admired by the Shop Tart.
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