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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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