The Shop Tart must admit she isn’t a huge fan of Halloween. Maybe it’s because people often think she’s wearing a costume…when she’s just in her normal clothes. Hmph! One year, she went as Psychedelic Jackie O, wearing a vintage suit that was actually in her everyday rotation. Wonder where that suit is? It might just be back in style! One year, she went as a brunette. No one recognized her in her wig and false eyelashes. Come to think of it, that costume might be useful for every day…

Yesterday, the Shop Tart and her husband had a perfect-as-usual lunch at El Burrito. She had the chipotle chicken salad and he had two tacos. She skipped the Diet Coke as she is trying to save her skin by cutting down on caffeine and using food as a face mask. That little stretch of Harden Street was hopping. There was a fashion shoot going on at F-Stop Camera Shop for Stir Magazine. Editor Mark Pointer was spotted bustling down the street with a bag from Coplon’s. Hipwazee was packed with Halloween shoppers. They stock everything you need for Halloween, so skip the trek out to the overpriced, picked over big box costume store, m’kay? Want to be a political figure? They’ve got your mask, from Nixon to McCain.

If, like the Shop Tart, you are a fan of the wig, Hipwazee has plenty.

Even if you want a really wacky one.

If you are a fan of dressing sexy in your everyday life, Halloween is the perfect time to go all out, you wild thing. The Shop Tart, a bit too old to rock a sexy look, loves the tongue in cheek version of the sexy costume, Sponge Babe Square Pants!

If you want something more sexy and less weird, never fear, you’ll find plenty of options at Hipwazee. Mr. Shop Tart practically begged his wife to buy the Princess Leia costume. The bikini of course, not the long robe. If you are not a sexy dresser, you’ll also find plenty of fun, funky and fabulous options. Maybe you’d like to be the Big Bad Wolf dressed as Granny.

You can buy or rent and they have sizes from toddler to adult. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll be sure to score something amazing at Hipwazee - they still had plenty of fun Halloween finds!

In other news…

• Celebrate Halloween with 20% off all in stock merchandise at Tullulah and LaRoque through today!
• Today is also the last day to get 20% off upholstered furniture at Strobler. This sale includes in stock items and special orders.
• The Spa at H2 has some amazing specials this month. One hour massages, one hour facials, personal training sessions and haircuts (with selected stylists) are ONLY $39! The Shop Tart is in!
• Head to Simply Savory at 4:30 for a Vampire Wine Tasting. Stay tuned for information about next week’s chocolate and wine tasting. Yum!
• M Boutique wants you to have a happy Halloween weekend, too. Enjoy 10% off everything but denim, today and tomorrow.
• Stay warm with outerwear from Revente, 20% off until Tuesday, which happens to be election day. Don’t forget to vote!
• Looking for something fun to do tonight? There are plenty of options around town. Free Times has a great list. If the Shop Tart wasn’t going to be home having fun with her little costumed crew, she would go to TomBOO Grille at 7:30 to hear Lorrie Rivers. She would have a lovely dinner and stick around long enough to observe the costume contest at 8:30. Later, she’d head over to Cellar on Greene, which will be dressed as the Star Wars Cantina. It’s gonna’ be so cool!
• Speaking of the Free Times. Voting is still open for the Best of Columbia. If you are so inclined, please take a moment to vote for the Shop Tart as Best Local Website or Blog. Mwah!

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

The Shop Tart is not perfect. But, if you are a regular reader, this information isn’t new, is it? Some people are perfect, like the Shop Tart’s two lovely friends who sent her a gift basket from Simply Savory when her father-in-law died recently. It was packed with delicious treats that were easy to prepare, like biscuit mix and pumpkin butter. And chocolate. And wine! Wine is the easiest thing to prepare in a crisis and the Shop Tart always appreciates it.

Home cooked meals are always a welcome gift, too. And the Shop Tart would really love to be the sort of person who prepares delicious meals and delivers them to friends’ doorsteps. Alas, she is not. In fact, she often resorts to feeding her own family an assortment of appetizers for dinner. So…her intentions were good when she signed up to bring a meal to one of her friends who had just had a baby. But she forgot. Terrible! The guilt was mounting, but she promised to make up for the mistake by bringing a basket of easy to grab goodies. Which she also forgot. Oops!

Finally, she realized that she had to correct her egregious error. The pressure was now too high to attempt cooking, so she headed to the Gourmet Shop for ready made goodies. The Gourmet Shop has lovely baskets, but the Shop Tart had the perfect (now empty!) basket from Simply Savory, so… She headed to the Gourmet Shop, basket in hand, to pick up the sort of meal she serves her family. A bottle of wine (adults only, please), pimento cheese, pasta salad, a stick of sausage, mustard and a baguette. When she went to pay, she realized she had forgotten sweets and grabbed a handful of caramels. Here we have the finished product:

A casserole might have been nicer, but the Shop Tart hopes this meal will do the trick. She didn’t include a wedge of cheese, because new mothers need hands free options. Cheese must be sliced, whereas a container of pimento cheese and a box of crackers can be eaten with one hand while you hold the baby with the other. The Gourmet Shop has an amazing cheese selection, the best in town. And they are now hosting cheese tastings on Thursday afternoon, from 4 to 6 pm. What a great appetizer before you head home for dinner!

Now, for all you ladies who want to look hostessy as you unpack appetizers you’ve purchased from the store, a pretty apron is a necessity. In fact, you should buy several, in different colors, to go with all your party outfits. The Gourmet Shop has quite a few right now, in lots of different patterns.

If you prefer a full size apron, they have plenty of those, too - with matching oven mitts. Hooray!

They have plenty of yummy chocolate bars and packaged candy, but if you want fancy sweets, the Shop Tart recommends these. Maybe you should buy her some.

In other news…

• Simply Savory’s Halloween Beer Tasting is happening this afternoon from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Sounds like a fun way to pick out some beverages for any Halloween themed parties you’re attending or hosting! Tomorrow afternoon, they’re sticking with the spooky theme and hosting a Vampire Wine Tasting from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.
• Halloween starts in Five Points today. Bring the kids for trick or treating with Five Points merchants at 5 pm. The Pumpkin Carving contest begins at the fountain at 6 and live music (Twilight Armada) starts at 6:30. At 8 pm, Tootie and the Jones starts playing and the adult costume contest starts at 8:30. At 9 pm, Tootie and the Jones is giving a special performance of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. Rock it out, y’all!
• There are several good sales going on. Check yesterday’s post for the list.
• Granger Owings is offering 25% off select fall sportswear by Polo until November 1st. They are also offering 25% off their famous suit packages. This is a great way to overhaul your professional wardrobe.
• Sophie Shoes are all 30% off. Maybe you need a new pair for trick or treating.

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

When the Shop Tart was in college, she had the most awesome coat. It was vintage faux leopard and it looked real. It had a shawl collar, three quarter length bell sleeves and was verrah, verrah swingy. And, ooooh, it was lined with caramel colored silk. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite survive all the wear and tear of bar hopping and moshing. Which is a shame, because animal prints are back, on everything from handbags to sofas.

On a visit to Tullulah and LaRoque yesterday, the Shop Tart met Mims Creed Goza, director of the Palmetto Health Foundation’s Children’s Miracle Network. She was busy collecting donations for the Festival of Trees. The Shop Tart will get around to telling you more about that in a moment, because first she wants to talk about Mims’ adorable coat. She’s wearing animal print in just the right way, with plenty of neutral color so it it stands out. She found her coat at the Clothes Tree in Camden. And the Shop Tart loves her patent leather wedges…

If you aren’t quite brave enough yet and you need to work up to rocking the animal prints, why not start with lingerie? Kristy has plenty of animal prints in stock, from cheetah to leopard!

Now, on to the Festival of Trees! Mims sent the following information:

The holidays will kick off with Palmetto Health Foundation’s 20th Annual Festival of Trees November 21-23 at the new freestanding Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital located at 7 Medical Park, Palmetto Health Richland, in Columbia. The weekend long event showcases decorated trees, wreaths, tabletop trees, centerpieces and garlands that are all available for bid. Cookies for Santa platters painted by current and former patients of Children’s Hospital will also be featured silent auction items.

Auction items can be previewed at the gala on Friday, November 21, 6:30-10 p.m. and secured at the special gala take home price that evening. Tickets are $125. Festival of Trees will open to the public Saturday, November 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, November 23, noon-4 p.m. at no charge.

Sounds like fun!

In other news…

• Max and Prissy is having a sidewalk sale. Stop by the store for some super scary prices! The entire store is 20% off through Saturday. They are also offering jeans buy one get one 1/2 off, t-shirts buy one get one free, and an incredible sale rack with $5, $10, and $20 items. So get on out there and snap up some great deals.
• Today is the last day to Trick or Treat at Kicks - draw a slip of paper out of the pumpkin to see how much of a discount you’ll get on your purchase. Discounts range from 10 to 40%.  Don’t forget to eat some candy while you’re there, so the ladies of Kicks don’t have to eat it all. The Shop Tart’s Loeffler Randall boots are still available, so you can buy them for her! Seriously! JUST DO IT! The sale is at both locations, downtown and Lexington.
• Today is the last day to head to Pout to experience Chantecaille’s new fall palettes with National Make-Up artist, Daniel Montanaro. Space is limited so make your appointment. The colors are just so darn pretty! The Shop Tart adores Chantecaille foundation.
• Simply Savory is having a Halloween Beer Tasting tomorrow afternoon, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Friday afternoon will be wine as usual!
• Strobler is offering 20% off all upholstery, in stock and special order, just until Friday.
• Belladea’s celebrating Halloween by offering 15% off everything in the store, today and tomorrow only. They have new shipments of Ella Moss and Seven.
• Today and tomorrow, get 25% off all Lilly Pulitzer at Pink Sorbet. The Shop Tart loves their vintage looking cocktail wear!
• Paulie’s Pizza is now offering delivery to Forest Acres. If you live over there, this strikes the Shop Tart as a great reason to stay in for a night. Today only, if you order and mention the email they sent about the new delivery service, you’ll get a free order of cannoli. Yum.

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

The Shop Tart’s husband has been itching to try 300 Senate, the new place to go for lunch in the Vista. It’s located beside the river, just past the former Sterling Garden Center. Speaking of, the Shop Tart went to a wedding at the former garden center and it was absolutely lovely - the inside felt like outside, without all the inconvenience of dirt and rain - perfect!

Last week, Mr. and Mrs. Shop Tart finally had a chance to try the new place. The interior is gorgeous, lots of exposed brick and beams. There’s a great deck, too, with a view of the river and EdVenture Children’s Museum. The Shop Tart loves the old industrial feel of the Vista. It’s great to be reminded of history in a modern setting - with cool, modern stuff, like pimento burgers and wi-fi. 300 Senate is a “Wi-Fi Hotspot,” according to the menu. The Shop Tart didn’t test it, but she plans to very soon, because she’s always looking for places to work and her laptop is her office*.

Opening the menu, the Shop Tart realized she was having one of those days…the kind of day where a salad just won’t do**. She ordered the pimento burger and was exceedingly happy to learn she could have sweet potato fries with it. Sweet potato fries are far more colorful than regular fries, which must mean they are very, very healthy. Do you like the Shop Tart’s logic? She was also happy that the burger wasn’t overwhelmingly large. As much as she loves a good burger, she does not love dragging through the rest of the day, craving a nap.

Her husband ordered the tuna salad sandwich, which was delicious. Luckily, it was not too messy because, as you can see from the picture below, he forgot to tuck in his tie, which happens to be one of the Shop Tart’s favorites.

The inside of the restaurant is beautiful. The Shop Tart enjoyed perusing the wine list and thinks 300 Senate would be a fun place for a ladies’ lunch with a bottle of wine…

They also have private dining rooms and banquet space for parties. Although the days are getting chillier, manager Eddy Johnston is looking forward to having outdoor seating. The deck is gorgeous and tables and chairs have been ordered. Maybe there will be a few more warm days before spring.

In other news…

• KICKS IS HAVING A BIG SALE! And it’s a fun one. Go Trick or Treat at Kicks - draw a slip of paper out of the pumpkin to see how much of a discount you’ll get on your purchase. Discounts range from 10 to 40%. The sale lasts until tomorrow, so hurry! Don’t forget to eat some candy while you’re there, so the ladies of Kicks don’t have to eat it all. This is the perfect opportunity for you to buy the Shop Tart those Loeffler Randall boots she wants. Just do it! The sale is at both locations, downtown and Lexington.
• Today and tomorrow, head to Pout to experience Chantecaille’s new fall palettes with National Make-Up artist, Daniel Montanaro. Space is limited so make your appointment today. The colors are just so darn pretty. The Shop Tart adores Chantecaille foundation.
• Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands has been helping victims of sexual assault for 25 years. Come honor their excellent work at a black tie optional gala tonight at 7 pm. The Shop Tart can’t imagine a better combination: hors d’oeuvres, live auction, music, dancing and an open bar. $50 a person and it’s for a great cause. Reginald Loyd, Director of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, will be the guest speaker. STSM does amazing work and deserves to be recognized!
  

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

* Perhaps one day the Shop Tart will be flush enough to add a little office to her house. An office with a big lock, so her children couldn’t invade. Know a good contractor? What a lovely dream…

** Confession:It was one of those days following one of those nights that involved a tiny bit too much bubbly. ‘Tis (almost) the season!

First things first…did you go to the Skeleton Ball? Does anyone have pictures? The Shop Tart would love to put a few on the blog, if you want to share. She couldn’t go, because she was in Charleston with Mr. Shop Tart, eating, drinking, sleeping and generally enjoying a child-free weekend. She’s back in town and here’s what she’ll be doing this week!

• On Tuesday and Wednesday, head to Pout to experience Chantecaille’s new fall palettes with National Make-Up artist, Daniel Montanaro. Space is limited so make your appointment today. The colors are just so darn pretty. The Shop Tart adores Chantecaille foundation.
• Finleaf Gallery is having a big sale until Friday - 75% off some items - get them before they’re gone!
• Are you a Wine Goddess? This evening, from 5 to 7 pm, head to Gervais and Vine for their Fall Wine Goddess Party, an evening of food, wine, music, prizes and the crowning of the Fall Wine Goddess. This one is extra special because all proceeds will go to local breast cancer charities to help with education, screening, treatment and support in the Midlands. Tickets are $45 and all proceeds go to charity.  Like all Wine Goddess events, this is for women only and you must wear your Wine Goddess t-shirt to be eligible for any prizes. Lots of fun for a great cause!
• Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands has been helping victims of sexual assault for 25 years. Come honor their excellent work at a black tie optional gala on Tuesday, October 28th at 7 pm. The Shop Tart can’t imagine a better combination: hors d’oeuvres, live auction, music, dancing and an open bar. $50 a person and it’s for a great cause. Reginald Loyd, Director of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, will be the guest speaker.
• To get in the mood for Fall, head to the Spa at H2 for a Pumpkin Pedicure ($10 off if you mention the coupon they sent by email) or a Pumpkin Peel (Free with the purchase of any one hour facial!) While you’re there, sign up for a few sessions with their new personal trainer,  Mary Weyant. Fall is a great time to get the jump on holiday party food by working out regularly!
• Weathers is having a great sale on suits until October 31st. Purchase any two suits from their extensive inventory (or special order) with values from $595 to $1595 and receive a 100% camel hair sport coat, absolutely free ($395 value).
• You have until November 15th to participate in the Coat Drive, sponsored by VanJean and Ed Robinson Cleaner’s. If you bring a gently used coat to VanJean for donation, Ed Robinson’s will clean it for free and you’ll get 25% off a new coat from VanJean. The Shop Tart snagged a fab Phillip Lim last week…
• Best Reasoning of the Week Award goes to…Tranquil Moments Day Spa! According to their recent e-mail: Studies have shown that the higher your stress level is, the more gas you use in your vehicles. In fact, on average you will decrease your car’s fuel efficiency by a whopping 35%. In dollar and cents, if you spend $50 per week in gas, in the course of a month you would save $75.78…which is the cost of a massage. So if you are going to have to spend your hard earned money anyway, wouldn’t you rather get a relaxing massage than put gas in the car? The Shop Tart says yes!
• Need some culture? Attend the Charles Wadsworth Concert Series at the Columbia Museum of Art on Thursday evening. Find ticket information here. The music is always lovely. Afterward, we can all go to Motor Supply for dinner. Or M Vista. Or over the bridge to Terra. The Shop Tart is hungry already!

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

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