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Sep
2
Fashion break!
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Every now and then, the Shop Tart needs to relax with a fashion break. She wants to immerse herself for a while and think of nothing more than what she might like to wear. Yesterday afternoon, she popped in VanJean to do just that. Now that the sale things are gone, the shop is packed with new and fabulous things for fall!
The Shop Tart has been seeing camel colored jackets in all the magazines this year and she thinks that’s a good thing. How can you go wrong with a classic? Sure, it’s on trend at the moment, but you could invest in a camel coat or jacket and know you’d wear it for years to come. As you may know, the Shop Tart is obsessed with all things tan and camel falls into that category, so hooray! She isn’t sure where her obsession started, but it might be from the tan Chevy Caprice Classic her father had when she was little. She was in kindergarten and remembers believing it was very sophisticated. It was similar in color to these Loeffler Randall flats at VanJean. She actually owns a pair of tan patent Loeffler flats from years ago and wears them all the time, so you might want to get these…
Not the tan shoe for you? How about these? Also at VanJean, also by Loeffler.
Speaking of sophisticated, the Shop Tart has a friend who totally is. Her friend lives in New York and is always dressed perfectly, in a way that makes you ask,
“Oh! Why didn’t I think of that?”
At another friend’s wedding in Italy, this friend was wearing an oatmeal colored sweater with white jeans. And totally rocking it. Oatmeal also falls into the tan category and VanJean had oatmeal sweaters in every size and fabric. This White + Warren cashmere v-neck was a favorite.
They had a version from Ports 1961 that could be worn short with a cozy shawl…
…or long for more drama…
Just a few more…
They also had this mad chic coat by Tory Burch. Love!
Need the accessories? Mais oui!
Love, love, love the fingerless gloves!
What to wear under all that oatmeal? May the Shop Tart suggest this fab lavender draped top from 3.1 Phillip Lim? She’s obsessed.
And if you’re looking for more color, this blouse from Tucker would be great under sweaters. The light silk wouldn’t add bulk.
Speaking of Tucker, the Shop Tart has been waiting for it and was thrilled to see a few pieces. If you haven’t ever seen it before, go look and try it on. This dress is a favorite and could probably be worn year-round.
This top would be the one you reached for every time it came back from the cleaners. (And - not to be gross - it wouldn’t have to be cleaned after every wearing, because it hangs away from the body.)
Good news! Animal prints are still in for fall! This Rebecca Taylor jacket was recently featured in SELF magazine, with VanJean’s number for anyone who wanted it. Like it? Better go get it, because once something is listed in a magazine with a phone number, it goes fast. And this jacket is the bomb.
Speaking of jackets, who watches Rachel Zoe? The Shop Tart does. Surprised? She was tickled to see the latest episode, because Brad had “a total man cape moment.” Hours before watching that episode, the Shop Tart had experienced another man cape moment - in VanJean with Marquis Bias in Phillip Lim.
And can she have one more animal print moment? This snake print dress by LinQ is lovely and it won’t break the bank.
And how about one more print moment? This blouse from Leifsdottir is fab…and the Shop Tart isn’t even a cat person. (Actually, they are ocelots. What’s an ocelot?)
And a gray moment…which was also a boot moment.
There were lots of bag moments, but this was the biggest one. Who doesn’t love a minaudière? Merci, Tory Burch!
From purses and clutches to totes and cross bodies, there were bag moments for everyone.
Don’t you just love a fashion break? Speaking of fashion, what are you wearing to the game tonight? The Shop Tart has been seeing garnet and black all over town. Pick your favorite boutique and head on in - they’re sure to have the perfect thing!
P.S. Looking for some happiness in your day? It’s LaRoque’s third anniversary! Stop by the shop today for cupcakes and check out the game day looks!
P.P.S. Looking for some happiness on September 16th? Come have cocktails for a cause with New York Times bestselling author Jane Green at Green is the New Pink! The Shop Tart will be there, won’t you? Get tickets today!
Sep
1
Spreading sunshine.
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The Shop Tart has a well documented love for 256-TOGO. (Just search for it on this very blog if you care for details.) It’s the perfect solution for nights in when the babysitter cancels at the last minute or you just don’t feel like putting on mascara. It’s also a great way to make the children happy when the babysitter doesn’t cancel and you are going somewhere they wish they could go. Raining out? No food in the house? 256-TOGO. You live in Virginia but your child is a student at USC who doesn’t know a thing about what to eat? 256-TOGO will deliver the meal of your choice - including vegetables - right to their dorm door. Have an older relative who might enjoy a hot meal? 256-TOGO. Started drinking in the afternoon and realize you have nothing for dinner and you’re huuuuuungry? You know the answer. Delivery is just a few dollars, all the menus are online and you can even order from more than one restaurant (each additional restaurant delivery fee is discounted by $3). 256-TOGO rocks.
Yesterday, the Shop Tart discovered a new use for her favorite food delivery service. Office lunch! She had a lunch meeting scheduled and very little time to spare. She tried to choose a restaurant in between the places she had to be before and after, nixing each one for various reasons. Some had parking issues. Other were friendly, but slow. She didn’t want to rush her guest and she didn’t want to rush her own meal, the one bit of downtime in her full day. She inquired after the availability of the office conference table and got online to order. 256-TOGO to the rescue!
Happily, DiPrato’s was one of the available restaurants. She was even able to order at 10 am, before anything opened, and schedule the delivery just in time for her lunch. And the Shop Tart is a picky eater. She always has some annoying detail about her meal that must be changed. Entering her request on their website was easier than explaining it to a waiter. And she even got to garner a little good karma by asking around the office if anyone else wanted to order. She decided on Asian garden salad with mandarin orange slices, red onions, sprouts, water chestnuts, almonds, crispy strips and a side of ginger vinaigrette. She checked the “add almond encrusted duck tenders” option with a song in her heart. Yum!
And she was able to spend her lunch being productive instead of worrying about getting more tea. Tonight is Mr. Shop Tart’s tennis night. And the children have choir. And one of them has piano. It’s feeling like a 256-TOGO night. The children would love Pasta Fresca, n’est-ce pas? Oh. The Shop Tart hesitates to tell you this. She wants to give you the whole story, but there are some things you shouldn’t know. Here it goes…J’s Concessions is on the list. So you can get elephant ears without even leaving the house. (Pssst…love that crispy fried dough? Don’t forget to enter the latest Shop Tart giveaway!)
Speaking of convenience, the Shop Tart lurrrves her some Ed Robinson Cleaners. Her children like to hand her things. She crams the things in her pockets and forgets about them. In fact, her pockets resemble those of a nine year old boy, because that’s who fills them. She sent a pair of pants to the cleaners recently, shoving them in that lovely blue bag that disappears from her porch - as if by magic - and is replaced three days later with clean clothes on hangers. Someone would have cried if this friendship bracelet, a gift from Ecuador, had been lost permanently. Someone at Ed Robinson thoughtfully placed it in a baggie and pinned it to the bag. Hooray!
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
P.S. Revente’s Last Call is opening today! They are located at 3015 Millwood Avenue, between Sims and Butler. The shop will be stocked with items from Revente that are past their expiration date. (Many consignors request that Revente donate items that don’t sell. They used to give them to various charities. Now they will be sold at a big discount at Last Call. And proceeds will benefit the Women’s Shelter.) Stop by and say hello on the first day!
Aug
31
This was one of the most fun segments the Shop Tart has taped. Bakari Lebby and Will Flourance of Sweet Vans reminded the Shop Tart of her own friends in college. Hanging out with them also felt like a window into the future. In just a few short years, her oldest son and his friends will be just like these guys. Sadly, you can’t hear any of the banter - which she found hilarious - because some of it was inappropriate for television and some of it made no sense out of context. She knew they were cool when she looked at Janet Parker - who was taping the segment - and said,
“Hopefully we will fix this in editing?”
One of the guys responded,
“That bird can TAWAHK!”
The Shop Tart laughed her old lady head off. Wait. You don’t get it? Enjoy!
Anyhow, the Shop Tart had a great time and the guys look great! You can see the video on WACH Fox’s site by clicking here. Full disclosure: Sadly, they did not get to keep the clothes, as the video implies. That’s tv magic, y’all. The Shop Tart only wishes she had the power to get free clothes… Speaking of Shop Tart Tuesday, do you like it? If you are so inclined, please leave comments on the videos on WACH Fox’s site. The more comments they get, the more likely they are to let her keep doing it! You can even say you hate her outfit, because she doesn’t take that sort of thing personally. Well, not very.
Have a lovely day!
P.S. Do you have your game face on? Pout is offering $10 brow shaping for game week. Go, Cocks! Call 254-5051 for an appointment!
Aug
31
Four restaurants a day.
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No, the Shop Tart does not recommend four restaurants a day, as this is most surely bad for one’s physical and financial health. But sometimes it happens.
11:30 Miyo’s on Forest Drive
A friend’s birthday. The Shop Tart was the worst guest. She arrived late, rushed everyone’s order and whined when hers wasn’t exactly as she ordered it. The staff at Miyo’s was beyond nice and accommodating about what was a very minor mistake. (It must have been minor, because the Shop Tart ate everything on her plate. And liked it.) She promises to behave better next time and the black dragon roll is every bit as delicious as its red counterpart. Maybe even better!
2:00 pm Thirsty Fellow
A meeting with Nickelodeon’s Heather Spires and Larry Hembree, who had declared, “What do you say we go to Thirsty Fellow? I will have had lunch but a Hogarden would be good by then.” The Shop Tart is no beer drinker, but she wanted to be social, so she enjoyed a Grey Goose l’Orange and lime juice, but not at first. At first, she was accidentally served the drink’s yummier cousin, a Grey Goose gimlet, which is served with sweetened Rose’s lime.
It was only right that she order a second after finishing the first, just to compare and contrast. Yes, the drink is very good with straight up fresh lime juice. But she must admit the sweetened version is lovely. This one goes down slower, which is a good thing. (In fact, for the record, she only finished half of the second one. OK, Mom?)
6:30 pm Tombo Grille
Dinner with mom and one of the Shop Tart’s sisters. (The other one wasn’t N.F.I. or anything, but she lives in Washington, which was too much of a drive for a Monday night.) La mère Shop Tart wanted to use her Tombo coupon and last night was her last chance. Le père Shop Tart was not available, so she asked her daughters. (Yay!) After one glass of wine, the Shop Tart decided her sister was driving home. Though she couldn’t feel the effect of the gimlet and a half from hours before, the Shop Tart suspected there might be a cumulative effect. (And the wine was really yummy and she wanted a second glass.) So, you can’t use the entree coupon at Tombo any more, but they do still offer a number of $15 bottles of wine on Mondays. This is a great deal, because those are pretty close to grocery store prices. Enjoy a glass or two there, re-cork it and take it home for Tuesday evening.
The Shop Tart thinks the first three items on Tombo’s entree menu are excellent. There are other great dishes, but she’s trying to make it easy. Her sister had the salmon, her mother the scallops and she had the grilled tuna with fried plantain, avocado and tomato salad, grilled asparagus and ginger rum reduction. (So that’s what that was. Man, was it good.)
8:00 pm MoMo’s Bistro
Drinks with a friend the Shop Tart doesn’t see nearly often enough. Bob Fulton was there autographing his book and getting everyone fired up about football. GO, COCKS! Ahem. The Shop Tart ordered a Ketel One Oranje and lime juice. Out of curiosity, do all those vodka people really have to spell “orange” a different way? It gets confusing. Especially after the third. Ryan shook that thing ’til it begged for mercy and was flecked with ice like a Diet Cheerwine from the cooler at a country store. Yum!
The Shop Tart was in the mood for dessert, so she ordered fries. Do you even know how good these fries are? Very good. Astoundingly good, really.
Spicy ranch was the perfect dip for the hot sticks of starchy goodness.
The Shop Tart and her friend were sitting at the end of the bar, by the kitchen. You may think this is the worse seat in the house. You are ever so wrong. Let’s say something gets made in the kitchen by accident. Everyone is working, so they don’t have time to eat it. The two happy ladies at the end of the bar, right by the door to the kitchen, were the lucky recipients of this order of beef short ribs with slaw. That meat was like butter. It fell apart as soon as the fork touched it. Ahhhhhh…
You know what else happens at the bar? Random drinks. The ladies were presented with strawberry shortcake-tasting shots. Shot or not, the Shop Tart sipped hers, because it was so good she wanted to make it last. One of the ingredients was…wait for it, ’cause y’all are gonna’ D.I.E….drum roll…Pinnacle whipped cream vodka. As you can imagine, this was a huge hit.
All in all, it was a lovely and exhausting day. The Shop Tart doesn’t recommend four restaurants on one day, but you do what you have to do. Mwah!
Earlier in the day, the Shop Tart went for her monthly Laser Genesis treatment at Illumination MedSpa. Touching her cheek like Marsha Brady after the Davy Jones kiss, the Shop Tart marveled at the smooth texture. And she spotted this sign:
The Shop Tart loves Neocutis; she’s especially fond of the Hyalis hyaluronic acid serum and the Lumière Bio-Restorative Eye Cream. Illumination is offering a deal: Buy any two Neocutis products and get the third for 50 percent off. Stock up!
In other news, the Shop Tart finally has bumper stickers! Printhouse45 rocks; they deliver right to her home or office door and their prices are competitive. And they’re quick. The Shop Tart is big on random whims, so quick is good. Want a bumper sticker? Stop by the office at 701 Whaley, Suite 209, today before 1:15 and buy a ticket to Friday’s Pink Party ($10) and the Shop Tart will give you a sticker!
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
Aug
30
A yummy breakfast and two cheap treats.
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La famille Shop Tart almost always stops for lunch on the way out of town when they’re leaving the beach. A playground is helpful, which is why they favor High Hammock and Blue Crab. yesterday’s choice was High Hammock, as the Shop Tart was craving an excellent brunch. She loves it when she gets exactly what she wants. Heaven! The salmon croquettes with grits and eggs were so flipping good. The eggs were supposed to have been scrambled, but the Shop Tart asked for her favorite, over easy. Those are some pretty egg yolks, n’est-ce pas? This dish was so good she could eat it again right this second.
On to the cheap treats! How do you feel about eyeliner? Because if you have tiny, disappearing eyes like the Shop Tart, you might want to indulge. Those pencils are nice for a pretty, smudgy look, but if you want long-lasting liner that really pops, the Shop Tart recommends liquid or gel liner. If you have a steady hand, she recommends eyeliner in a little pot, applied with a flat brush. Maybelline’s Lasting Drama by EyeStudio Gel Eyeliner in charcoal
If you aren’t quite ready for a brush, try CoverGirl Line Exact Liquid Liner Pen in smoke
Need a lesson? Need advice? Need more color to pop? You know where you should go - straight to Pout, of course. Nars’ Eyeliner Stylo is also a pen, so fairly easy to use, and it comes in black, brown and…wait for it…electric blue! Electric blue is easier to wear than you think. Go all out for evening or use it close to the base of the lashes for day, adding a little gray or brown powder liner to tone it down. (Don’t know how to use powder as a liner? Ask at Pout or grab the Shop Tart if you see her out and about. Their way is probably classier. Her way involves licking the brush.)
Chantecaille Le Stylo is another liquid pen and it goes on nice and thin, for a subtle and precise look. It comes in black, but it also comes in Shop Tart favorite indigo, an inky purplish blue. Purple shades make any eye color pop and this one is nice and sneaky (i.e., it doesn’t scream, “Hey, y’all! Y’ALL! I’m wearin’ purple EYELINER, y’all!”) Full disclosure: Pout is out of the indigo at the moment, but it is on order. If you want it, ask nicely and they should be able to call you when it arrives.
If you, like the Shop Tart, would like to wear eyeliner all the time, but fall just short of wanting to go the permanent/tattoo route, Tarte’s Indelible Wink is for you. The mad cute package has liquid liner on one side, matching powder on the other to smudge and set the liner. It comes in plum (yay!), black, brown and gray. The Shop Tart loves gray for daytime wear, as it is a little more gentle than black in certain light.
Want to rock eyeliner all the time? Even in the shower? Stila’s All Day Waterproof Liner is your new best friend! It only comes in black, but you’re a rock star, right?
And, don’t forget, you can always tone black liner down by layering a lighter colored powder over it. The Shop Tart once read in a magazine - no idea which one, of course - that black liner with shimmery taupe powder is an always appropriate, super sophisticated look. She recommends Stila’s Kitten shadow, which works with any skin tone. Stila, Chantecaille, Nars and Tarte are all available at Pout, so you can experiment and pick the perfect one for you!
Speaking of new looks, if you are looking to step up your fitness routine, change it up a little or start a new one entirely, check out the Shop Tart’s latest and greatest contest. It’s huge!
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
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