Some days aren’t meant for work. Due to inclement weather, they aren’t so great for play, either. The Shop Tart recommends a little Happy Hour, grown-up style. That would be as opposed to just-out-of-college-and-broke style, which involved slurping up as many vodka tonics as possible before Goatfeathers’ happy hour ended and drinks were rendered unaffordable. Grown-ups have more fun, they really do. Once upon a time, on a warm and dreary day, the Shop Tart had childcare and nothing to do. She also had a cell phone, with plenty of fun people in the contact list. Her first text -  “having bad day. glass of wine at gourmet?” - was answered with a cheerful phone call and happy hour was ON.

Lucky for the ladies, the outdoor tables at Gourmet Shop had cleared by 3:30 or so when they arrived. Yes, that’s a bit early for a glass of wine, but it was kind of close to a weekend. As they perused the wine list, they were cheered to see splits of bubbly were available. Or so they thought. As it turns out, the low prices were for full-sized bottles. The lovely people at the café realized the futility of trying to mark up prices for drinking in when someone could just run inside the shop, grab a bottle and uncork it themselves. So, this lovely bottle of Pol Clément set them back just $9.99.

As mentioned before: Early Wine + No Food = Unseemly Behavior. The Shop Tart recommends the cheese and pâté plate. She and her friend took the waiter’s suggestion on cheese and pâté and were not disappointed. Not one little bit.

Also available on the menu:Two cheeses and two pâtés, One cheese and two pâtés…or the deluxe Three cheeses and two pâtés. Or you can go pâté-only. Or cheese extravaganza. Or prosciutto and parrano. Or melty Brie with baguette. Are you hungry? Shop Tart Tip: You can always recork a bottle and take it with you, so there is no need to guzzle. You can also leave a glass or two for the waiter. Did you know that “pourboire” means “tip” in French? And that it translates literally to “for drinking?” But do not consider the dregs of your wine to be an actual tip. Leave a real one, as your waiter is probably the last guy to go home, because of those irritants still out on the sidewalk. And do offer to close out your tab as soon as you are finished ordering so he can tally his sales. That is a nice thing to do.

Yesterday was a rainy day but a bottle of bubbly was not at all what the Shop Tart wanted. To cheer herself up and entertain her middle child and his friend, who had both given stellar performances in the school play that day, she accompanied them to Simply Savory for ice cream cones. Delish! There was a group of ladies in the wine room who appeared to be enjoying a birthday luncheon; this looked like a great deal of fun and the Shop Tart thinks she would like to entertain a group of ladies there herself one of these days. After that, she made a quick trip to Kicks, where spring shoes are 30% off. How could she resist? She’s patiently waiting to see if those multi-colored Nanette Lepore sandals can be located in her size. These perfect-for-the-rest-of-your-life Jill Stuarts are on sale:

And, yes, the Shop Tart knows you were eying that fab pair in the background. Gorgeous! They are by L.A.M.B. and are also on sale.

Now, are you looking for a real deal? A deal so good, you’ll feel giddy? How about these super-comfortable, classic ballet flats by Restricted? They were only $54 full-price, so at 30% off they are more or less free. As you may know, the Shop Tart gets emotional about her passion for tan patent leather shoes of any style. Navy patent is mad sophisticated. And fuschia? Yes! You could score all three for the price of just two.

These are also on sale and practically free.

Out of your size? Never fear. There were plenty of new things in all price ranges (Psssst…mostly on the lower end. We love summer!) The Shop Tart predicts the Jeffrey Campbell gold ruffled sandals will sell out by the end of the week and the shell and lizard pair next to them won’t be far behind.

Lurrrve these Nanette Lepores (you can see the green soles reflected on the table!) and the metallic Andrea Carranos next to them. All three could be worn through summer and into fall (and winter…and next spring…)

There were more new kicks by Enigma and Restricted (always great prices!), Nanette Lepore and others.

And these were just out of the box, not even on the floor yet.

After Kicks, the Shop Tart stopped by Non(e)such for a wedding gift - Annieglass with a gold rim to complement the bride’s china pattern - which they wrapped and mailed for her. She spent a few minutes chatting with the ladies at VanJean before heading home to make eggplant pizza. What a lovely way to fill a rainy day with sunshine!

In other news…

• If you have a child or just like to shop for them, do stop by KD’s Treehouse and join their club for occasional emails and special discounts!
• Today and tomorrow, get 20% off spring and summer merchandise and 10% off denim at M Boutique.
• Bohemian has new shipments from Free People, Dogeared (gold necklaces, irish linen bracelets and other jewelry) and Ragdoll (super comfortable layering tanks and bandeaus in charcoal and a beautiful range of purples.)
• Spring merchandise at Max and Prissy is at least 30% off.
• Tonight from 5 to 7 pm, head to Cellar on Greene for a $7 wine tasting with one of the Shop Tart’s favorite wine reps, Michael Cramer. Pinot noir and chardonnay. Yum.
• Friday evening, Sprummer is the place to be. Great time, great cause. The Shop Tart and her husband had a ball last year and can’t wait to go back. Edwin McCain and the Blue Dogs are playing, the food will be fabulous and so will the company (ahem.) Get your tickets now.
• Everything is on sale at Weathers, y’all. S’crazy!
• Solstice is teaming up with Three Dog Bakery for another Doggie Wine Dinner on June 18th. Call the restaurant for details and reservations.

Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!

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