The Shop Tart needed a book yesterday. She wanted a copy of  “The Man Who Ate Everything,” by Jeffrey Steingarten, but they didn’t have it, so she ordered that and a copy of his other book, “It Must’ve Been Something I Ate.” You see, in one of her other lives, the Shop Tart is an occasional food writer and she idolizes Jeffrey, in fact has idolized him since she first read his work in Vogue when she was an impressionable young teenager. She’s owned copies of his books before, but she keeps giving them away…

The Happy Bookseller is the best place in town to go book shopping. The staff is great, the atmosphere relaxing and suitably literary and, as a total bonus, the café is amazing! The Shop Tart called several friends to join her and sixty percent of the group ordered the Chicken BBQ Salad, a delectable treat only available on Thursdays and Fridays. The salad, pictured below, consists of a fresh green salad, topped with the café’s own dill cole slaw and chicken barbeque, and sprinkled with sunflower seeds. The dill dressing that comes with the salad is so good that whatever you don’t use on the salad must be scooped up with crackers or your companion’s potato chips.

As you can see, the Shop Tart bought another book to occupy her until the other ones arrive. As you can imagine, the Shop Tart is also a fan of Sophie Kinsella, author of the famous (in her little world!) Shopaholic books. Of course, she’s a member of the Happy Bookseller Reader Club, which gets her a nice little discount on any book she buys (and a big one of it happens to be a best seller!) When you go, be sure to take a look at the display wall behind the cash register to see what the best book clubs in town are reading. Those book club ladies really know how to pick them!

After lunch, the Shop Tart and her friends had miniature lemon cream cupcakes, prepared by Anne Reynolds, daughter of Sue Hodges, the lady in charge at the fabulous Happy Café. They were absolutely delicious and made the Shop Tart sincerely regret her choice to stay up until almost midnight the night before making cupcakes for her ten year old to take to school, when she could have just ordered them from a real chef! They only need a couple days notice and have very reasonable prices, probably less than what it cost the Shop Tart in actual cash, plus pain and suffering, to do it herself.

The Shop Tart really needed to unwind after her exhausting day, so she and her husband had dinner at one of their absolute favorite places in town, the upscale Thai bistro Baan Sawan. The Shop Tart and her sister-in-law had the Red Curry Sea Bass, which was absolutely divine. Although she says this every time, it must be said again (and again and again), “This was quite possibly the best meal Chef Alex has ever made!”

Mr. Shop Tart had the Larb Salad with Chicken, as always, and his brother had something involving beef that must have been delicious, because he didn’t offer to share. Owner, sommelier and bartender Sam suggested a divine wine, like he always does. Perfection!

In other news:

• A lot of boutiques exclude denim when they’re having a sale, probably because it’s as basic and seasonless as underwear. But Fortay is offering 20% off all denim, including Hudson, Chip and Pepper and William Rast! It’s rare to see that kind of sale on jeans, so get in there while they still have your size! Fortay is also expecting a shipment of new Vineyard Vines bowties, boxers, neckties and bathing suits, just in time for Father’s Day.
• Handpicked is celebrating its 20th Birthday! Today and Saturday, get 20% off original jewelry. And be sure to stop by for daily specials and a gift with purchase…
• The Gourmet Shop is having a sale on Vietri, up to 50% off. Vietri has the most gorgeous planters…and serving dishes…and regular dishes… The Shop Tart is a little bit too excited about that sale and worried that she might go overboard at the wine tasting they’re hosting on Saturday. Danielle with Grassroots will be in the store to taste several wines from 2-5 pm. The tasting is only $1, but you may ended up spending a lot more on Vietri!
• Have you heard? SEX AND THE CITY OPENS TODAY!!! Ahem. Exciting, isn’t it? Apparently, Emily at M Boutique is as excited as the Shop Tart, because she’s having a movie premiere sale and offering 15% off your purchase all day, from 11 am until 5 pm. Don’t you need a new outfit for the premiere and Cosmos afterward at Gervais and Vine? If you’re seeing the movie at Sandhills Cinema, why not stop by nearby Solstice for appetizers and…Cosmos!
• To get in the mood for the movie, stop by Simply Savory for their Friday wine tasting, from 4:30 until 6:30 pm. They’ll be sampling two rosés, a syrah and another red. See you there!

Have a great weekend!

Dear Shop Tart,
I’m 34 years old and just had my fourth child. My bitchy darling, 22 year old sister is getting married in July. I should be happy for her, but she’s having her wedding on the beach and all attendants, including my mature self and a bunch of 22 year olds, are expected to wear bathing suits! I don’t understand why she would do this to me. I was a pretty decent older sister. What do I do?  -Desperate Mom of Four in Aiken

Dear Shop Tart,
My boyfriend recently asked me to travel to his home in the Bahamas to meet his family, including his sisters who happen to be beach bunny surfer types…and recently retired Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. I’m petite and curvy. My boyfriend loves the way I’m shaped, but I don’t have enough confidence to rock a bathing suit all day around his leggy sisters. Apparently, his family spends the day in their suits, including meal time. I’m a city girl. Would it be rude for me to insist on wearing my going-out-to-eat pants at meals?  -Curvy and Stylish in Columbia

Dear Shop Tart,
I’m about to attend an all-day pool party celebrating my 15th High School Reunion in Garden City. I plan to have like twelve beers and some Tequila a few drinks at the party and don’t want to risk any wardrobe malfunctions. Also, I would like to appear successful and glamorous. It is a high school reunion, after all! All of my exes will be there! -Beach Girl, Class of ‘93

Dear Shop Tart,
I’m a twenty-three year old, vivacious fourth wife of a distinguished gentleman who is eighty-seven years young. What should I wear around the pool at his fancy club? I’m ready to get rid of my cut-off jeans and tube tops. Also, I think a makeover might encourage the other ladies at the club to include me in their Bridge game. I love Bridge. Help!  -Trophy Wife on the Coast

Piece of cake, ladies! In her quest for the perfect bathing suit, the Shop Tart ran across quite a few of what she calls “Special Occasion Cover-Ups.” These are statement making cover-ups, with bags and shoes to match! The statement is something along the lines of, “Look at me! I’m gorgeous, comfortable, glamorous and mad stylish!”

This look, from VanJean, is guaranteed to make you feel glamorous. The Milly top would work well over any bathing suit, with or without pants. Underneath is a green Milly bikini. The white linen pants are by Elijah and can be worn dressed up or down. The Shop Tart has been watching a lot of “Love Boat” re-runs these days and driving her husband crazy as she squeals over the glamorous resort clothes, which are so now! The outfit below would be perfect for having a drink at Isaac’s poolside bar…

How about this ensemble from Pink Sorbet? The fabric is gorgeous, a re-introduced vintage Lilly Pulitzer feather pattern. This top is thin enough to be worn in hot weather and it can keep some of the sun off your delicate shoulders. It could be worn alone or belted with white pants for a dressier look. And check out this caftan in the same fabric, très “Gilligan’s Island”, in a good way!

And how about these two, in terry from Mary! The one on the left could go to the pool or a night club. The one on the right could go, well, just about anywhere! Both are made of the ultimate beach fabric, terry cloth.

The look below was a Shop Tart favorite, by Milly from VanJean. Milly has a whole line of resort wear. The bikini is in the same print as the tunic. How cute! The navy print beach bag and gold charm bracelet are the perfect accents!

For an easy evening look, try the stretchy dress by Tibi, shown at left with a navy blue Milly bikini and straw bag, all from VanJean. Add a stack of thin gold bangles for extra glamor! The maxi dress on the right is by Lilly Pulitzer, shown in the window of Pink Sorbet, perfect to throw on for cocktails by the pool*!

The tunic below was another Shop Tart favorite, from Pink Sorbet. The colors are gorgeous and the fabric is a light and cool silk. And those wedges (see them closeup here) would look great with so many summer outfits!

Pink Sorbet had more sandals than the Shop Tart could count, most of them jeweled. There was a pair to match every piece of clothing in the store! Owner Beth Baxley also had a great collection of beach bags, casual and more dressy, like the one shown above. VanJean had bigger beach bags by Milly, just perfect for a full day at the pool or beach!

Kicks had an enormous selection of slides and flip-flops with a high glamor factor. The picture below shows just one of a few tables they had fully stocked. How much do you love the rhinestone slides in the middle?

For the daring (and those who really want to call attention to a perfect pedicure!), Kicks also had this pair of metallic sandals, with clear wedge heels. Gorgeous!

The Shop Tart has probably rambled on long enough, but for a few more great looks, go here. Or just pop into the shops mentioned and see for yourself! These looks are only samples of all they have available… Don’t forget the self-tanner!

By the way, the Shop Tart is happy to answer any and all questions about shopping, eating and fashion in Columbia, South Carolina. Just drop her an email if you think she could help. Your letter might get printed here, but do be assured that you will remain anonymous! The Shop Tart is nothing if not discreet. Mwah!

Happy Shopping!

* Ten points and a Bellini to the first reader who can spot the Shop Tart in the picture on the right!

Yesterday was a very exciting day. The Shop Tart finally made a decision about a swimsuit (a Marysia Charleston two-piece, for the curious). She was in VanJean buying the suit when she spotted the cutest shopper. Always subtle, the Shop Tart chased her into the parking lot and asked if she could snap a quick picture for the Look of the Week. Kristi Till, who happens to be the owner of Kicks of Aiken, was such a good sport! She’s wearing an adorable top by Milly, navy blue bootcut pants and a great pair of red patent leather heels by Claudia Ciuti. The thing that sent the Shop Tart into the parking lot, though, was that fabulous yellow bag by Francesco Biasia.

So, here’s the shocker. Kristy had a question.

"Are you sure you want my picture? With me being pregnant?"

Those fabulous navy pants? Maternity! The Shop Tart thought surely Kristy had just learned she was pregnant. In fact, she’s six months along. The Shop Tart looked like a house at six months, a cute bungalow maybe, but a house nonetheless. Kristy is just gorgeous, isn’t she? Maybe when the baby comes, she’ll need a diaper bag and won’t want that beautiful bag she’s carrying. Maybe she’ll give it to the Shop Tart. Then again, maybe not! Next time she’s in town, Kristy should take a look at the Petunia Picklebottom Diaper Bags at Tickled Pink, or order something custom made by owner and seamstress Caroline Glenn!

In other news:

• Riverbanks Zoo is hosting Rhythm and Blooms Thursday evening, from 6-9 pm. Enjoy live music, food, a wine sampling and local artists (including Sally Peek, creator of Nana Bags) in the zoo’s beautiful botanical
  gardens. There will be a cash bar and gourmet picnic dinners available for
  purchase. This will be a great way to enjoy the outdoors before it gets too hot!
• Exotica is on the verge of closing for good, so stop by to see what’s left if you’re out in that direction.
• The Gourmet Shop is hosting Matt Licklider, winemaker at Lioco, today from 5 to 6:45 pm. Come in to learn from an expert and sample some wine. Pick up some smoked salmon and pasta salad for a light dinner to take home!
• After 96 great years, Lourie’s is closing. Everything is marked down at least 40%. Go take a look and let the Shop Tart know if they have any Lacoste left…
• Go to Tiny Treasures until June 4th, sign up for their email list, mention coupon #05282008 and get 50% off one item. Great way to get a deal on a baby present!

Happy Shopping!

It’s that time of year. You know, the time of year when waxing becomes a priority! Hooray! The Shop Tart happens to be from a generation of Southern children who spent summers at the pool, eye level with their mothers’ lack of attention to waxing. Thus, we’re a diligent (some might say obsessive) crowd when it comes to hair removal. Don’t make the same mistake the Shop Tart made last week when she tried to wax herself, at home, with a toddler clinging to her leg. Where’s the romance in that? Lucky for you, she has since done her research so she can avoid last minute self-inflicted hair removal.

Looking for a place to relax? And you didn’t think it was possible when faced with such pain. Thing is, waxing just isn’t that painful, with all those fancy techniques the pros use!  But glamorous surroundings never hurt, do they? Urban Nirvana is a dreamy place to spend an afternoon!

• Basic bikini wax $32.
• Thong wax $52.
• Brazilian $60.
• Mankini (The Shop Tart doesn’t like to think too much about this one!) $60.
• Half Leg $35-40. Full leg $55.
• Massage to make you feel better $85.

The Spa at H2 is another great spot for waxing. The Shop Tart highly recommends this one, too, because they have free child care! She knows from experience that waxing and children do not mix, so H2 is perfect for the busy mother who needs some hair removal. And they have Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares and coffee while you wait…

• Bikini from $25.
• Brazilian from $45.
• Full leg and bikini $75 (Brazilian and leg $100).
• Half leg $35. Full leg $55.
• Relaxing pedicure to keep you away from the kids a little bit longer (includes exfoliation and massage) $50.

Open since 1987, Eva Skin Care has a long history of taking great care of skin. One of the Shop Tart’s dear friends once dropped a mutual friend off at Eva for emergency face waxing. She returned 30 minutes later to find the friend red faced, having had her entire face waxed. When the redness calmed, rather quickly, the mutual friend looked like a million bucks. Both friends shall remain nameless, the one for having a hairy face, the other for telling people about it. The point is, they do a fabulous job!

• Bikini from $40.
• Brazilian from $60.
• Half leg from $45.
• Full leg from $80.
• Facial to make your face glow as much as your newly waxed legs $80-100.

Like the Spa at H2, Tonic Day Spa also offers free child care, which makes it another great choice for mothers who need to escape. The Shop Tart loves the hip, modern atmosphere at Tonic!

• Bikini from $25.
• Brazilian from $45.
• Full leg and bikini $75 (Brazilian and leg $100).
• Half leg $35. Full leg $55.
• Half and Half (30 Minute Express Tonic Facial and 30 minute Pure Relaxation Massage) so you leave feeling good and pampered $80.

So go take care of yourself, ladies. Do it for the children! But don’t forget to have fun and relax while you’re at it!

The Shop Tart hopes you’re enjoying a lovely holiday weekend! A lot of shops are closed for Memorial Day, so you might want to give them a call before you go.

• Revente is open today and having a sale! They sent a 20% off coupon through e-mail, but owner Debbie McDaniel tells the Shop Tart that just mentioning the coupon will work if you didn’t get it. Revente is still accepting summer consignments, so do some spring cleaning and make an appointment. Out with the old (so someone else can enjoy it) and in with the new!
• Starting tomorrow, Kicks is offering 20% off all shoes (with just a few exceptions). When the Shop Tart was there recently, they had oodles of gorgeous sandals…and wedges…and pumps… She only bought two pair, so there should be plenty left for you!
• Don’t forget the exclusive deal for Shop Tart readers from 20!20 Vision in Five Points. Look young and refreshed just in time for all those beach parties!

• Pink Sorbet has an entire room of things on sale for women, children and men, including things for all seasons. There are some great deals!
• Sophie Shoes is offering 50% off all shoes! As far as the Shop Tart knows, they are the only place in town carrying cute casual slides and flip-flops by Puma and Lacoste. In her experience, it’s rare to see those half off, so don’t miss the sale!
• Belladea, VanJean, Mary, the Bohemian, Fortay and M Boutique still have a lot of
  lovely Spring things on sale. And a lot of those pieces could be
  worn through Summer, so take advantage of the savings!
• Weathers is offering 25% off Nat Nast knit shirts, slacks, shorts and sport shirts just in time for Father’s Day!
• Until the end of May, AnnaBelle at LaRoque
  is offering 20% off all clothing, exclusively for Shop Tart readers!
  You only have six more days to take advantage of this offer, so go
  see her today. Don’t forget to mention the Shop Tart to get your
  discount! The Shop Tart adored the LaRoque skirt she wore to the Black
  and White Ball…

Happy Shopping!

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